Hierarchy of Need [t.r]

Chapter Twenty

He'd been weary these past few days after the incident in the woods, she clearly didn't remember. But he wasn't sure if anything would trigger said memory. And Merlin knows she'd be absolutely furious with him. Maybe even to the extent where she never spoke to him again.

No, he couldn't have that. The idea in itself appalled him, if Delilah wasn't around it'd be like the world had gone of its axis. Thoughts such as these scared the living shit out of Tom, and not many things could accomplish such a reaction.

"Get some rest."

And he left her standing there.

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Raising a fist, she knocked on the door before stepping back. Delilah smoothed down the dress Lolita let her borrow with one hand and twisted Elio's necklace around with the other. Currently, she'd rather be anywhere else than be at Slughorn's party, but there she was. Standing out in the hall like an idiot.

She knew she was supposed to bring a date, and Delilah was planning on asking either Septimus or Aleksander. But with Elio attending the party as well, she felt it inappropriate.

Finally the door opened and she was met with her half drunk Potions Professor, smiling widely and holding a goblet in one hand. "Delilah, Welcome!" He gestured her in and she smiled timidly, quickly eyeing everyone who was attending.

There was a large table with mostly Slytherin students. All the boys were there, and each had a date on their arms, except for Elio. He had his eyes trained on his plate and didn't look at her, something she was slightly grateful for.

A sigh of relief passed her lips as she spotted the girls, Lolita and Aurora next to their boys, Abraxas and Cain. Olive was also there, she was sitting next to Tom. His arm was lazily draped over the back of her chair and he wasn't looking at Delilah either.

Next to Pyrrhus sat that Ravenclaw girl she made him apologize to, Cosette, and she sent them a smile. There were a few others there, two from Gryffindor, three from Ravenclaw, and one from Hufflepuff.

She sat herself down between Olive and Pyrrhus, clearing her throat awkwardly since she obviously interrupted a conversation. "Hopefully I didn't miss anything too interesting."

Aleksander sent her a smile while he shook his head, taking a tentative sip of his drink. "Professor Slughorn was just telling us about his endeavors in Hungary, it's very fascinating." Delilah found herself sharing his grin, not missing the satire behind his eyes. "Please continue, Professor."

Slughorn continued to babble for nearly an hour and a half but she zoned him out, only nodding here and there as she picked at her food. Delilah turned her head away and hid a yawn behind her hand, but her gaze caught on Tom.

He was looking at her over Olive's shoulder and gestured to the door. She raised a brow, she didn't take him for one to ditch a teachers dinner. He was the head boy, usually he kept up with pretense. Delilah shook her head and made a point to bite into a piece of broccoli.

Not being fazed, Tom gestured to the door again and she rolled her eyes. Setting down her fork, Delilah cleared her throat and everyone turned to look at her. Shifting a bit in her seat, she glanced at Tom and he just barely raised his eyebrows as he slowly took a sip of fire whiskey.

"I'm feeling a bit peaky, I thought it'd wear off by dinner but sadly it's becoming a bit much." She ignored the look Lolita was giving her and stood up once Slughorn nodded. "Of course, my dear, feel better!" He raised a glass and just as the door shut behind her, she could hear him start another story.

Delilah looked around and walked over to an awning that was next to a window, smoothing down her dress before sitting down. Rolling her neck, her gaze turned to look out at the night sky, gazing at the cosmos. The January air bit at her skin, but she didn't mind.