SCHOOL IS STARTING.

I JUST GOT BACK FROM A PLACE WITH NO INTERNET.

I AM SO BUSY WITH TRAINING.

I AM SORRY.

HOW ARE YOU TODAY?

Dani really pitied the poor boy who dared carry her bags. Not that her schoolbooks and supplies were really heavy, but the sheer amount of the books she had gotten would've made the bookkeeper faint in shock. The boy, Riddle, had several bags slung on each shoulder, and an armful of books. She had also held back, treating the boy as casually polite as she could. She suspected he did too, but this was only the first meeting. In every first meeting, Dani was sure to be amiable, and not… her weird self. She tried her best not to make that statement sound arrogant and all, but she really wasn't the best person to hang around with.

In exchange for the service, Dani reassured him that she will let him borrow the books. She cheerfully carried two books to the bookkeeper, who smiled at her and opened her mouth.

"That would be seven gall-"

"Er, hold on, ma'am." Riddle seemingly appeared out of thin air, lugging about forty thick tomes more or less. The bookkeeper's jaw dropped, eyes growing. She was suddenly gasping for air, and Dani barely had time to react before the girl fell to the floor, fainting in shock.

"I called it!"

LINE

Tom was becoming greatly amused in the minx's presence. She was openly chattering about anything and everything, and Tom found himself paying close attention to what the minx was saying. She didn't know it, but she was now Tom's box of ideas, sermons, stories and teachings.

"-wrote a story about a boy who traded gravity for intellect. I wrote about how he got lonely when he dangled up in the ceiling, and how he could never reach a pencil to draw again. He missed drawing so much, and he missed his friends. He can't go out without another person to ground him, so getting to school was a challenge every day. With the teacher's help, he became a straight A student, answering verbally and doing what the teachers called 'air projects', a customized lesson plan solely for him. He killed himself the night after his graduation, feeling very empty without his charcoal pencils and erasers, without his peers and without a normal life." She told Tom. Tom found this very fascinating. "So, moral of the story: you don't need anything to make a better you. You're you, and you don't need drugs, steroids or even a plastic surgeon to change you, because you're perfect the way you are. And also, think before you act, because you just might end up with the same fate as the boy suffered." She sipped on her chocolate milkshake.

"Interesting story, minx, but it is just a silly fairytale," Tom waved his hand as a show of dismissal. Although, it would be best if he remembered the lesson. It was true. Even if the Girl-Who-Lived was barmy, she sure could pass for a philosopher. A mysterious smile played on her lips.

"A fairytale is not just a silly story, you'd best not forget." She swung her short legs in her seat, her feet never grazing the ground, while Tom's feet were firmly planted on the floor.

"Yes," Tom nodded, agreeing with the girl.

"Be great, but you don't need any rituals or potions for greatness. It can destroy you." Tom absent-mindedly nodded.

"So, there's also this other story of a mother who sacrificed her eyes so her daughter can see. She went to a witch and the witch cast a spell that interchanged their eyes. And you know what her daughter did?" Tom shook his head.

"Go on," he urged impatiently, actually excited for the story.

"She used her perfect 20/20 vision to watch pornographic material, read several articles on how to get away with murder, thievery and stuff. While that was alright, the girl utilized her information and applied it. She got away with seven murders, before her mother came to her one day and said, 'Daughter, you do not know it, but I see the things you see. Every day. Why have you abandoned the path of the light?' The daughter killed her mother, and got away with it. She began to steal, having a knack for spotting shiny and expensive things. Then one day, the witch who the mother came to found out and cursed the girl with permanent blindness. The girl then was sent to prison. The mother had fallen into despair, her soul forever doomed to cry until the world ends. The daughter died and was sent to hell, never meant for the road of redemption, and the Graces found themselves pitying the mother, and erased the memories of the mother forever, and sent her to live her next life." The Minx finished, biting into her muffin and crossing her legs.

"Wow. That was a very... enlightening tale," commented Tom. "However, what is the lesson?"

"Never exploit your gifts. They are your tools, they are blessings and they are for the better." The girl said simply, drinking the last bits of her milkshake. Most of the girl's ideals were very far from Tom's, but it was very interesting, meeting a person so unlike him, yet someone he could finally consider an equal. So like each other in many different ways, so unlike each other in many other different ways. This… very definition of a contradiction, was the most interesting person Tom had ever met. A tad bit carefree, but very strong. Wise, but sharp-witted. Tom had never met anything like the walking contradiction in front of him right now.

"But they are your gifts. Can't you do anything you want with them? They are yours!" argued Tom.

"They aren't rights, Riddle. They are privileges, and we can't misuse them. There is hopefully still life after death." The minx lectured, waving her hands animatedly. "Anyway, we best part. I'll have my books owled to you once I'm finished with them. One by one."

"Thank you." He said with little sincerity, but it was still there. The girl smiled.

"I like you. You aren't gender confused like most of the wizards around us." Potter glanced at a group of wizards grouped together, laughing. "I have nothing against men who wear dresses, but…" she shook her head. "It's weird."

Tom chuckled. The girl is a complex little minx, one Tom ever doubted he would figure out. He was very shocked to discover that he didn't mind that at all.

"By the way, I'm only telling you this story crap as a fruitless attempt to entertain you. I acted weirdly today. I'm sorry. I best leave. I hate socializing."

LINE

Dani was enjoying Riddle's company. Dani loved telling the stories that she wrote when she was a little kid, and Dani sensed Riddle's uneasy mind. The lessons she knew weren't learned from some school teacher, but rather, Mr. Smith, the milkman. He had black wavy hair and stormy grey eyes, and was very tall. The meager conversations she had had with him were the only times she truly felt like she could trust adults. M- Anne was really young, unlike the very playful yet wise and older man, Mr. Smith. Although, when Anne met Mr. Smith, she nearly burst into tears. Dani was unsure why, but Mr. Smith and Anne were friends now.

Anyway.

She liked telling the taller boy stories and giving him lessons to ponder on. Dani felt like he needed it.

It wasn't until ten years later, that Dani realized how much her brief moment of compassion had changed Riddle forever.

Dani groaned. She had just realized she had probably bored the boy to death. It's just that sometimes… she just tended to be really fricking childish.

LINE

Platform nine and three-quarters.

What a load of bull.

Tom paused, his cart almost crashing into some woman. Tom tried to apologize, but the woman muttered, "Sorry," and just briskly walked past him. Huh, Tom thought, staring at the woman in pink. He once again looked at platform nine, then platform ten.

"Huh," Tom said out loud, pushing his cart and walking slowly towards the middle of the two platforms. He stupidly waved his hand in front of him, as if he almost suspected he would find something tangible, yet invisible. Nothing. "Huh." Tom repeated, looking at the platform. He checked his Hogwarts letter, and found the instructions on how to get to Platform Nine and Three-Quarters at the back.

Lean against Platform 9. Measures are taken to lock the platform for muggles, and wards are around it so muggles cannot see wizards and witches randomly disappearing and appearing.

Smart, Tom thought, heading towards Platform 9. He stared at a brick curiously, then slowly turned 180 degrees and leaned.

"Crap!" he exclaimed as he landed his right foot on the ground to balance himself. He freaking passed right through it! It didn't feel nauseating, but he felt like he was falling off a plane ten thousand feet from the ground. Was that a portal or something? Tom questioned in his mind, shaking his head. That did not feel so good.

He heard another cart. He snapped his head to see the little minx, humming to a tune and going through the barrier with ease. Tom felt very, very stupid.

Tom also felt very, very afraid of this… inhuman twerp.

"Hello, Riddle!" she cheerfully greeted, waving a pale hand enthusiastically. In a daze, Tom waved back hesitantly.

"Hello, Potter." He returned with a small, slightly insincere smile. Potter didn't care.

"Did you receive the books I gave you?" she questioned, emerald eyes glinting. Tom nodded.

"I had. They were… most enlightening," he commented carefully, studying the Potter girl's face. "You seem to be not as… er, no offence, but eccentric as usual."

The minx looked down, embarrassed, a blush adorning her cheeks. "Er… about that, Riddle, I must apologize for most probably boring you to death. It's just that I got a little too carried away, and I was acting a tad bit childish. Although, technically, we are still children."

"Don't worry, you did not 'bore me to death', as you say." reassured Tom. "You are aware that you are a walking contradiction, aren't you, Potter?"

She grinned. "That is the one of the most accurate comments about me I have ever heard in all my eleven years."

LINE

Dani knew about the whole Girl-Who-Lived business.

No, she will not bring it up.

No, she will not care.

No, she will not use it against Tom Riddle. Actually, she already suspected Riddle knew. However, Dani honestly doubted Riddle would use that card now. While she might be a good ally, it was hardly enough to compensate for her eccentric tendencies. She was impulsive, too, and would not really make a good partner in terms of financial matters... right?

So, she decided that she would be… casual with this strange boy. It was a relationship centering casual politeness. Dani doubted it would get any further than acquaintanceship. Wizards and witches will probably be as intelligent as Riddle is, quirky and even better. If this is how eleven year olds in the Wizarding World act like, then she would need to be stronger than Riddle to gain the upper hand in society.

Wait… why would she need to gain the upper hand in society again?

Oh well, it would be fun trying.

"Would you need assistance in carrying your trunk?" Riddle asked. Dani never really pegged him as a gentleman, but shrugged.

"No thanks, Riddle, I'm sure I could handle it," Dani said, wincing as her trunk's wheel collided with her ankle. Riddle raised his left eyebrow. "I can handle it," Dani stressed, heading for the train. Tom easily caught up with her, looking at her oddly.

"You might be the only girl in the world who refuses an opportunity to be relieved of a burden," Tom commented.

"Got a problem with that, Riddle?" Dani looked ahead, feeling the boy's comfortable presence beside her.

"Not at all, milady," Dani snapped her head at him, eyes narrowed.

"Wait a minute… did you finish The Olde Ways?" Dani demanded hotly.

"In fact, I did." Tom smirked, smoothly bowing and grabbing Dani's hand, kissing it. The old ways, indeed. "It was most enlightening. I believe kissing a woman's hand is a way to show appreciation, and greeting."

"Women, and homosexual men."

"Why must you always ruin the moment, minx?"

"What? I speak the truth."

LINE

In the end, Riddle had to carry Dani's trunk. He grasped the handle and pulled it in the train. Dani was already in, scowling.

"I told you I could handle it!"

"Well, as a wizard, I am obligated to help you." Riddle smirked. Dani's eye twitched, but it was just a show of annoyance. She was getting amused too, and Riddle knew it.

"When I first met you, you weren't as infuriating."

"When I first met you, you weren't as independent."

"Well, we then both know first impressions are very tricky. They are lies." Dani remarked, pulling her trunk when Riddle got his own in. Riddle grabbed the trunk of Dani's handle and gently pulled it away from her fingers. Dani made a protesting sound at the back of her throat.

"Hmm, true. However, you are still as riveting as ever." Riddle casually complimented, ducking a swipe aimed at him.

"Were you also like this before reading The Olde Ways?" Dani asked, eyes narrowed. Riddle laughed.

"To an extent. But like you said, I thought I would never see you again, so a polite exchange was necessary for our first meeting." Riddle explained.

Dani rolled her eyes. "Whatever, prat."

Dani found an empty compartment, and faced Riddle. "Guess our second exchange should end here. I'm pretty sure I see several other compartments that are empty, and if ya don't mind, I'll just be getting my trunk-"

"Don't worry about it, Potter." Riddle cut her off, smirking. "You'll be sitting with me. We have plenty to discuss, especially with all those interesting books you had so graciously let me borrow. I shall be returning them to you today. I also wish to discuss matters with you that involve you heavily. Private matters," added Riddle as he thought over an afterthought. Dani sighed exasperatedly, but nodded anyways.

"Alright, Riddle, I'll indulge you in these matters in which you speak of." Riddle smirked in triumph. "I have no obligation to stay in that compartment, however, and I will walk out without another word if something… unsavory happens."

"That won't be necessary," assured Riddle. "It will be beneficial to the both of us, and I highly doubt we both have anything to lose."

"Sometimes, Riddle," Dani sighed again. "Material things aren't the only things we can lose in life. Too bad that I grew up to be slightly on the materialistic side."

Riddle's smirk widened. "And here I thought you were an angel sent from the gods."

"Don't push it, Riddle."

LINE

"Okay, Riddle, what's the deal?" Potter asked, shoving her trunk in the shelf above, surprising Tom. He didn't expect such a… small being could have enough power to shove the thing in. Although she did have to step on the seat while Tom just tiptoed. Although, it wasn't really the girl's fault that she was puny. Her mother might have been a scrawny and small girl like her daughter. "Riddle…" the girl warned when she didn't receive an answer.

"Sorry," muttered Tom. "Anyways, I wanted to form a… partnership."

"I'm sorry?" the girl said, leaning forward, face scrunched up. "Did you just say that you, Tom Riddle, would like a partnership? Between the two of us?"

"Of sorts." confirmed Tom. "Once I had found out that you were a potential school rival, I thought of all the benefits we both could receive if we developed a… truce, of sorts."

"I'm listening…" the minx said after a moment. Tom inwardly smirked. He had her attention.

"We would help each other with homework or lessons. We will suggest good books, even fictional ones, mind you. We will be there to be witnesses to the teachers, etc. Basically, we are the other's not-friend." Tom shrugged. "There are more to that, so we act like… friends, but friends on a non-personal level."

"So like… acquaintances?" guessed Potter.

"Well, like I said, a not-friend. Maybe more than acquaintances, but not exactly friends either." filled in Tom. "The partnership could be broken anytime, so it's not exactly a commitment. No argument shall take place, so I guess it is also a very feeble truce. It is highly unlikely the other party would wish to cause a scene. Besides, arguments would get us nowhere."

"Agreed. However, how do we know the other one is really following all the rules and such?" Potter questioned.

"We don't." the girl's eyebrows shot up. "It is a feeble partnership, really. Unless you want to be in a forced relationship? I would happily look up on magically-binding contra-"

"That won't be necessary," Potter quickly nodded. "So… if I accept this partnership of sorts, do I have to hang out with you?"

"Entirely up to you." Tom answered. "Again, it is a very feeble partnership, but one in the end. Besides, this will also mean I have someone I can trust. One wrong move, the deal is off. If the other party will ever betray the other in any way, besides talking bad about and at each other, because that is bound to happen soon, the other person will have to do one last favor, then the deal is off. However, the favor should not be lethal to any other person, because that will just stir up trouble."

"Let's say I told everyone something I shouldn't have. A secret, perhaps." said Potter slowly. "Can the favor be lethal to me?"

"Of course…" the girl paled. "… not." Tom smirked.

"Gods, Riddle!" exclaimed Potter. "You know what, Riddle? I'll accept this… strange deal. On one condition."

"Yeeeees?"

The girl flushed. "If... if any of us see each other in vulnerable and/or embarrassing moments, the other shall keep it a secret, walk away and avert their eyes."

Tom slowly nodded after a moment. The girl smiled. "A'ight, the deal is on!"

Yes, Dani's character is meant to be like that. A bit contradicting, though, but Dani's character is mostly me when I was eleven in a different body. *shrugs* I dunno what that says about me, but yes, I made sure to use the words I knew when I was eleven. I'm actually trying here.

So! Just forgot to tell you, here are the two's set of skills. Also, the things they are bad at.

Dani:

Good at - dancing, writing, Ancient Runes, Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, more on practical stuff, sciences, (except geology lol) Creation, Light Arts, Quidditch (seeker), lying

Not good at - Transfiguration, Divination, Arithmancy, crocheting, maths in general, remembering, learning another language, cleaning, some aspects of Destruction

Tom:

Good at - drawing, more on theory stuff, Potions, Alchemy, Transfiguration, Destruction, Dark Arts, Arithmancy, maths, memorizing, stenography, stealing, history

Not good at - cooking.

That's it.

.

.

.

Just kidding.

Not good at - cooking, charms, some aspects of Creation, socializing when he's being his true self (he's worse than Dani, AKA me), dancing (except Ballroom, 'cuz he's pretty good at that), forgiving, knitting, crocheting

So these are the only skills I'm pretty sure they're good/not good at. Maybe some will pop out later. Adios!