Potter's funeral wasn't especially extravagant. The church was small and decorated with a few flower arrangements. The boy had had his fair share of friends and acquaintances, even some football admirers. No relatives besides his wailing godfather to speak of. The Weasley family took up most of the mourners, with about ten young adults who Tom didn't recognize sitting around and shaking their heads.

Tom played his part. He only knew Harry distantly but could recognize the tragedy of such a young life snuffed out. He wore a black suit and kept a melancholy expression on his face. He would have been bored if not for the feelings of victory over this enemy swelling in his chest. Potter had tried to take what was Tom's and now he was about to be put in the cold ground. The sight of the boy in his coffin, face already sinking in from decay and motionless, almost made him smile. Luckily, Tom managed to keep himself composed. There would be plenty of time to laugh in the privacy of his apartment later on.

The only thing actually upsetting Tom was Ginny. The poor girl was tucked under his arm, heaving with sobs. His suit jacket was becoming wet from her flowing tears. He kept his arm tight around her shoulders to comfort her. He held one of her dainty hands while Mrs. Wealsey held the other. The rest of the red haired brood were sniffling into tissues, except for Ron, who stood at Potter's coffin with a brunette girl by his side. Oh, dear. Such a pity for Ron to lose his best friend.

Tom wanted this to be over with already. He wanted Ginny to put Potter behind her so they could both move on and forget him. Ginny could be an emotional girl. Tom realized it would be some time before she was ready to commit herself to him.

That was fine, he thought as he dabbed tear drops off Ginny's chin. He waited years to have Ginny Weasley for his own. He could wait a bit longer.

X

Tom's experience with the legal system paid off. He left not a drop of evidence at the crime scene. No skin, no finger prints, no loose hairs.

As expected, no one remembered seeing him enter the dormitory. And if they did, why would they ever suspect such a handsome young man of any wrong doing?

Tom had gained access to Potter's case file. They suspected a man to be the culprit, as they concluded the boy had been overpowered and bludgeoned before bleeding out. But they were clueless as to the motive. Ginevra Weasley had no other lovers at the school and her male friends all had alibis. Tom, of course, insisted that he had not even arrived in town yet.

Really, Tom felt like applauding himself. Who else but him could have the skills to pull off a murder so flawlessly? He had completely gotten away with it!

Hmm, maybe Tom would be able to implicate Sirius Black in this. The man was already a convicted murderer. Would be so hard to spread rumors he killed his godson to take over the Potter family fortune? The man seemed to care greatly for the boy. It would be a good move to get him out of the way before he started snooping around.

That was a worry for a later time. Right now, Tom was busy making sure his Ginny was eating and sleeping properly.

X

Summer arrived with new opportunity.

Tom had not seen as much of Ginny as he would have liked over the past six months. Ginny continued to mourn for Potter. She only attended her classes this semester to have something as a distraction from her grief. She barely contacted Tom or answered his calls. Tom had to resist the urge to drive to her school every weekend. He couldn't stand the thought of her hurting.

Tom didn't understand what was happening. He had thought, surely, Ginny would get over the boy and move on after a month or so. Potter was dead and gone. No amount or crying or sniffling was going to bring him back. Tom was practically begging for the chance to comfort her. Why couldn't she see that?

But Tom's luck always had a way of returning. In early June, Ginny had called and asked to spend the summer at his flat. Harry had spent a lot of time at The Burrow, and being there made her think too much of him. His poor girl, driven out of her own home by the boy.

Of course, Tom agreed and quickly prepared a guest room. His own bedroom was done in silver and green, so he did hers in gold and red. It would both match and compliment her. He hoped the warm colors would help keep her cheery.

He felt an odd twisting in his gut as he prepared for her arrival. Would she like the food he bought for her? Would she enjoy his book collection? Did his television service have enough channels? Did his windows have a good enough view? Tom had long imagined Ginny coming to stay with him. He wanted everything to be perfect for her.

The day arrived quickly. Tom had freshly showered and changed into a well tailored white shirt and black slacks. There really wasn't any need to dress up in his own home, but Tom wanted her first impression to be special. He wanted to show that he cared enough to clean up, just for her.

The doorbell rang, and Tom eagerly opened it to reveal Ginny standing outside. Her face was pale and without make-up. Her brilliant hair was tied in a pony tail. She looked very tired.

Two suitcases rested by her feet. She didn't verify how long she planned to stay, but this made Tom hopeful it would be all summer.

He smiled widely. "Ginny, it's so good to see you. Do come in!"

She returned his smile. It was small but genuine, and lit up her face. "Tom!" She dragged her luggage inside and immediately turned to embrace him.

His arms curled tightly around her. Tom never wanted to let go. Ginny felt smaller than usual. Must have lost weight over the past few month. No matter. Tom would bring her whatever she wanted to eat, be it steak every night or chocolate cake for breakfast.

"Come, come, let's get you settled in."

Ginny observed his flat with an amused expression. "I'm not sure what I expected, really. Everything gilded with gold? A live python? Your enemies' heads mounted on the wall?"

"Tempting, but having those heads taxidermied would be such a process," he said. "Although, a pet snake would be nice."

"Yeah, it can be your evil minion," she laughed. "You always were a snake whisperer. Remember when you used to catch those little green ones in my mum's garden?"

She was right. Tom always did have a way with the reptiles. "I remember you used to squeal your little head off when I showed one to you."

"You kept putting them on my shoulders!"

"Only to show you that they were harmless. I do recall you saying they were cute after you calmed down."

She huffed and shoved a hand against his shoulder. "Yeah, I guess they were. Still a jerk move, though."

They had reached her room. Tom opened the door and gestured for her to go in ahead of him.

"Oh, Tom, it's lovely in here!" she cooed, to his immense pleasure. "Definitely not pink."

"Of course not." Though he had considered doing that just to see if it would spark her temper. He did so miss her passionate fits.

Ginny flopped down on the bed, sinking into the plush scarlet duvet. Tom felt the stirring in his body that he had come to know as desire. She looked so...inviting, laying there like that. Relaxed and limbs spread out.

He nudged her suitcase with a foot to distract himself. "So, do you need help unpacking?"

"Oh, no. I should be able to handle it." She grabbed a pillow and squeezed it, testing its softness. They were quite a luxury compared to what she had in The Burrow. Everything he bought her was.

Tom tried not to feel rejected. She just wanted privacy in her new room, that was all. "Very well. How about I go make us some lunch, then?"

Ginny's smile was wider now. "That would be great. I haven't eaten since yesterday."

Yesterday? Well, Tom would just have to ensure she regained a healthy eating schedule. "Oh? In that case, I'll have to prepare a whole welcoming feast for you."

"Hell yeah!"

They shared a laugh and Tom felt nearly giddy from it. He turned to the kitchen, leaving her door cracked open.

X

Tom came to truly understand the phrase "domestic bliss." There was nothing better than coming home from work to see Ginny sprawled across his couch with a book or focused on the television. Tom insisted on being the one to cook their dinner, not wanting Ginny to feel like she was obligated to do any housework besides picking up after herself. She always had a pot of tea made for them, and they would sit and talk for a while before anything else.

Tom finally had someone beside his colleagues to sit and listen to how he once again won his cases. He felt like he never truly appreciated his work until he had Ginny sitting across from him every evening. Of course, Tom knew he was appreciated, but her smile and nodding head would make him feel on top of the world.

(She didn't have to know about his frequent disagreements with Dumbledore.)

Tom hated to admit that sometimes work left him exhausted or kept him in the courtroom well into the night. He especially hated when he had to call Ginny and tell her not to wait up for him. She had no other friends in this part of London, and even if he liked having her safe in his home, he didn't want her to be lonely. Still, he was touched whenever he came home to find her still awake with leftover pizza or take out saved for him.

On weekends or slow days, Tom liked to take Ginny out for dinner and something fun. He let her pick which movie they'd see or which park they'd relax in. All his treat, naturally.

Once, when Ginny had left for the bathroom, a waiter complimented Tom on "his girl". Tom smiled and didn't bother to correct him. She would indeed be his, one day soon.

It was hard for Tom to sleep at night. The woman he loved was just down the hall from him. Tom wanted nothing more than to crawl into bed next to her, whether to hold her or just listen to her breathing. He wondered if she found him attractive. Tom did his best to be charming and polite and warm. Did she still think of him as merely a friend, or a brother? Should Tom be more forward? Should be reach for her hand and play with her hair? He was so happy to just have Ginny here, but he wanted more.

Maybe he could take a vacation from work and whisk them away somewhere lovely and private and romantic. He could vocalize his complicated feelings and she could finally forget all about Potter or any other man.

She would finally realize she was meant to be Tom's.

Tom gathered up the nerve to go to her door one night, only to hear quiet sobs. Tom was about to barge in when he heard Potter's name being whispered.

He turned and stormed away.

Months passed, and Ginny was due to start a new school term in a matter of weeks. Tom was not ready for her to leave. He had yet to declare his feelings for her. He was far too used to coming home to her every day. Yes, she should have her education, but Tom just wanted her to stay close.

His firm took on a murder case that was consuming all of their free time. Added to that, Tom let jealousy get the better of him. He couldn't stand hearing Potter's name in her mouth, especially in his own home. Why wasn't he enough for her? What was he doing wrong? It made him a bit angry toward her. He would go straight to his bedroom or grab a book and ignore her presence. She never commented on his behavior, probably thinking he was tired from work. A vindictive part of him hoped she was stung by his coldness. Let her see how empty her life truly was without him.

Tom could most definitely hold a grudge, but not against her. Not for long. He brought Ginny here to cheer her up, not make her more miserable. No, he would have to make up for this. He wanted to do something to ensure her gaze became fixated on him and never left.

So, one day while she went out shopping with Tom's credit card, he made reservations at a high class restaurant. The owner owed Tom a favor after he got her brother free on drug trafficking charges. Having a table or having the best service wouldn't be a problem.

After making a few more...riskier purchases, Tom showered and groomed himself to perfection. He dressed in a new black suit with a silver and green tie. He slicked down most of his hair, leaving one stray curl to lay parted to the left. He spritzed a cloud of expensive cologne over himself.

Ginny arrived home soon after, two plastic bags of notebooks and pens in hand. She was uncomfortable with spending too much of someone else's money.

Her brows raised at the sight of him. Tom was certain he saw admiration in her eyes. "Tom? What are you dressed up for?"

"We, Ginny dear, are going out for dinner." He grasped her hand and spun her around. "I got us a table at Salazar's."

"Salazar's? Isn't that place super fancy and expensive?" She eyed his suit again. "I didn't bring anything but jeans and t-shirts with me."

"No worries. I took the liberty of getting you something." Tom sounded as confident as he could manage. Ginny would appreciate his efforts, he was sure, but it was hard to silence that meddle the little voice that said he was about to ruin everything between them.

"Huh?"

"Follow me."

Tom lead Ginny to her room. Laid out on her bed was a strapless black evening dress with little silver beads sewn in geometric patterns all over. It was accompanied by a pair of black pumps. A matching necklace and earrings set of silver and emeralds sat in a little box next to the outfit.

Ginny gasped and ran over to feel the silky material. "Tom, this is gorgeous! Oh my God, how much did you spend on it?"

"That is of no matter. I want us to have a lovely evening." Tom reached for her hand again. "I know that you're still upset about...him. Why not just dress up and have a fun night, hmm? Forget about all your worries and let me take care of you."

Ginny's eyes watered and Tom feared he pushed her too fast. She then smiled and embraced him. "Oh, Tom! You're right. I really need to just relax. You know, it's been hard since H-Harry but, yeah, I want to have some fun." She playfully shoved him back. "Now get out so I can get ready."

"We leave in an hour." He smiled as he walked out of the room. Everything was going to plan. He sat on the couch and turned on the news while he waited. He heard none of it, far too focused of the thought of Ginny Weasley getting ready for an evening with him. Tom would always consider this their first date. Even if she didn't realize it, Tom was going out of his way to be romantic. He had to show Ginny that he was willing to spend the time and money to make her happy, always.

She joined him thirty minutes later. And, oh, she was breathtaking. The dress fit her like a glove, showing off her slender form. The jewelry set off her hair, which was tied back in a bun. Dark eye shadow and red lipstick made her best features pop.

"How do I look?" Ginny asked. Teasing girl. He could tell by her expression that she already knew the answer.

"Absolutely beautiful." He took her hand and kissed the back of it. "Shall we go?"

The drive to the restaurant was spent in silence, but they did keep glancing at each other and smiling. Tom was growing more and more sure that he had made the right decision. All Ginny needed was some space and then a little push into his arms.

They arrived and were given a more private table toward the back. Ginny eyed the white tablecloths and silver cutlery nervously. She was more used to home cooked meals and Chinese buffets. Tom would enjoy spoiling her like this more often.

"Order anything you like," he said. "Which wine should we have?"

After two glasses of Sauvignon Blanc and a plate of seafood linguine, Ginny was finally laughing and chatting like she used to. Just like before Potter came and tried to ruin everything. Tom felt that he had her full attention, like he was her favorite person in the world. He never wanted it to end.

"...and I was trying to kick the ball right in the goal, but my aim was off so I ended up hitting the goalie right in the face. I nearly broke her nose. I know it's not funny but I really hated Beauxbatons so I considered it a victory. Anyway, that goalie is dating my brother Bill now. Life's funny like that, huh?"

"Yes, very." Tom took a sip of the dry wine and took in the sight of her. Everything about her was perfect. Elegant but wild, hot and cold at once. Oh, he wished he had a camera. Truly, she should go in a museum.

"Hey, Tom? Thanks for taking me out. You're a really good friend. You always know just how to make me feel better." Her smile was soft. Her lips were red as cherries.

He almost choke don the word "friend". Did she not understand what all this was for? "Of course, Ginny. I'd do anything for you. I care very much about you."

"You've always been my been there for me, Tom. You know no one could ever replace you, right?"

The words made him feel warm all over. "I know, Ginny."

She finished her last bite of pasta. "I think I'm full. You sure you can cover the bill? You haven't bragged about winning any cases in awhile."

He pretended to be offended. "I'll have you know my winning streak is unmatched. After we get Mrs. Lestrange cleared, I think I'll be set for life." The Lestrange family were old money and were paying Tom's firm quite a bit to get their Bellatrix out of trouble. The woman was obviously guilty but Tom was had no worries. The evidence was faulty. And the woman's cousin, Sirius Black, was conveniently without an alibi for that night. The woman did have an odd fixation on him, though.

He paid for their meal and escorted Ginny out into the warm night air. "How about we go for coffee somewhere?"

She thought for a moment. "There's a little ice cream stand in a park about ten minutes away. Let's go there."

After a short drive and two milkshakes in hand later, they settled on a bench. It wasn't much of an actual park. It was a small area with grass and trees and a few benches. Thankfully, only a few other people were milling about.

Well, this seemed as good as time as any to make a move. Tom turned toward her, their knees grazing together. "Ginny, you know I mean it when I say I care for you very much?"

She swallowed a bit of her dessert before replying. "Yes, of course I do."

Damn, why was this so hard? "Well..you see, Ginevra, I -"

Ginny leaned up and kissed him.

It took Tom by surprise. Ginny could be bold but he never suspected she would be the one to initiate a kiss between them.

She pulled back when remained still. "I'm sorry, I just thought -"

Tom grasped her face and captured her lips roughly. A fire was spreading through his body now, insisting he act and not let his prized beauty get away. He'd never snogged anyone before, never wanted to, and doing it with Ginny was so intense. Tom never felt anything like it. He let out an embarrassing sound when her soft fingers roamed over his jaw and neck.

She was the first to pull away. "Oh, good. I thought I was getting the wrong message for a moment there."

He chuckled and grasped her hands, determined to hold on forever. "Never. Ginny, I've wanted to tell you for so long..."

"I never understood what you saw in me when I was a kid," she said, running a hand over his hair. "You wee Percy's school friend but you always paid me so much attention. You were always so nice and I was just an awkward tomboy who had no idea what she did to make Tom Riddle notice her."

"I've always known you were special, Ginny," he said. "I could always see how great you were and how spectacular you would become. I would have been a fool to let yo get away."

She ran a finger over the corner of his mouth. "You're mouth is covered in lipstick."

"I want more," Tom declared as he leaned back in. He didn't mind at all. It was a sign that they shared this intimacy, that they belonged to each other.

X

Two years later, Ginny was set to graduate with her bachelor's degree. The ceremony would take place at noon, and by nightfall, Ginny would be wearing the engagement ring Tom ordered months ago. It was silver, with little emeralds around the band. The colors matched her perfectly, and showed she belonged to Tom Riddle.

All of Tom's patience paid off. Ginny Weasley became his girlfriend, only leaving his side for school or to visit family and friends. Her family thought it odd that she would move on from Potter after mourning him for so long. However, they were accepting. They had grown to love and accept Tom over the years. It was only natural that his friendship with Ginny would turn into romance. Besides, Tom made Ginny happy again.

The only one who disapproved was Ron. Poor boy still missed his friend.

Finally being able to call Ginny his made Tom feel better at everything. He was more focused at work. He was less stressed about his appearance or manners. Obtaining Ginny had been the goal for so long, and he could finally relaxed now that it was accomplished.

Tom would be branching off into independent work soon. He could buy them a home and travel wherever Ginny needed to go for work. She was lined up to have a job reporting on the Holyhead Harpies new season. Tom would be able to go with her everywhere.

Tom wasn't sure how different their married life would be. Maybe not much, only that he would be able to call Ginny his wife. Mrs. Tom Riddle. It had such a nice ring to it. Tom had never thought much of children, but they would have one or a few if Ginny asked for it. They could have love and success and lively brats with their mixed features.

Tom would never regret getting rid of the Potter boy or anything he did to keep Ginny to himself. It was fate that put Tom in her path, and fate always favored Tom Riddle.