Hierarchy of Need [t.r]

Chapter Twenty Nine

As expected, everyone broke out into cheers, even guests. Not only was he the schools golden boy, but he had made his presence known out in the world with some high names. Delilah clapped half heartedly, not feeling sure of herself for what felt like the millionth time. There she was, cheering on Lord Voldemort for graduating.

Life was strange.

There was a moment of breathlessness experienced however when Tom stood up, looking beautiful in his robes that somehow made him seem more poised. His head was held high, pride in every step as he walked up to the podium. Shaking hands with Slughorn, he turned to the audience with a charming smile that knocked the wind out of quite a few people.

Delilah herself included.

Since he was Valedictorian, he had a golden stole draped over his shoulders that gleamed in the sun. "Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen," his voice curved and bent in all the right ways as he addressed everyone, a deep and alluring baritone. Tom's eyes ran over the students collected in front of him, his gaze faltering for a second as they connected with royal blue.

Biting his cheek for only a moment, his smile returned in full force and he placed his hands on the podium, the cool material calming him slightly. "It is an honor to be standing before you all today."

Delilah restrained herself from rolling her eyes, honor her ass, Tom knew damn well he would always be top of the class.

"As young adults, there's a sense of immortality embedded into us, life feels ever lasting, events never stop."

A respectful silence fell over like fine drapery, Delilah found herself leaning forward absentmindedly, awaiting his next words with a feeling of strong curiosity.

"This is normal, and expected. We're graduating. However, the past seven years at Hogwarts have passed quicker than most of us have realized. We came in with eyes filled with wonder and a hunger. Now we're departing with a new understanding, but that crave for more is still ever present. Waiting just beyond, past the mountains."

He gestured with a hand and everyone's eyes followed. It was always fascinating to see how expertly Tom could work a crowd. Not just his diction, but the way he presented himself. He was charismatic and seductive in a way that appealed to everyone.

"Hogwarts is, and always will be, eternal. For all of us. Personally, I feel indebted to the school as it became my real sense of home and belonging."

"Memories we hold will keep this castle bound to history forever, and it will grow with each passing year. Memories that will put a lightness within us that make us feel invincible. Like witnessing the enchanted ceiling for the first time, learning your first spell, passing an impossible exam, or discovering a hidden corridor."

Tom's mind went back to when he first witnessed Hogwarts in all its beauty. The castle standing tall and glowing in the late September night, a soft breeze carrying the boats across the lake. He knew then and there, this was his home. This is where he belonged.

He never felt true happiness like that before.

"Even memories that may seem less convenient hold such great value. For example, falling into the Great Lake, not minding that it's freezing due to good company. Or even getting sent into the infirmary due to the aftermath of a challenging duel. These are the memories that validate the immortality we feel as teenagers."

Delilah was hanging onto every word, a weightlessness hitting her like a train on a track when he brought up two memories involving her. No one else. She couldn't help the deep blush flooding her cheeks, she felt warm all over. However, Delilah paled as she remembered potions and that night in the hallway only a few days prior.