, the trembles that ran through the castle were palpable - one could mistake this school had a heart.

maybe it did - how would i know?

it's let me kill before - a basilisk running through its veins - so if hogwarts did have a heart, it was poisoned.

in the halls people will give me that look - the one that screams i'm so sorry - i feign mourning - i still smile.

i'm head boy - i refrain from chuckling - i have to stay strong for my peers.

if i were to break who would be left?

i'm so sorry, tom.

thank you.

tom i'm sorry for your loss.

thank you.

tom, how are you doing?

my best, thank you - and i'd bow my head in mock virtue and faux melancholy would grip my features and twist into young pain.

when the next turns their back i continue down the hall - lips tilted - you'd be amused. you would.

you always complimented my nature in lying - laughing behind your own mask at those who wouldn't see.

you observed though, you knew. you always knew. that's why i approached you all those months ago - you knew and i was curious.

the moment i said hello, the moment you said it back, i was planning your funeral.

did you know that?

part of me thinks you did.

tom my boy, how are you holding up? slughorn was grim, more so than usual - he liked you, you weren't well connected but had a knack for deadly poisons.

i water my eyes, fine sir... trying to be, at least.

he pats my shoulder and it burns and i keep walking.

perhaps you weren't expecting such a reaction from the school, diana.

when i started watching you - they did too.

when i started talking to you - they whispered.

when i started to walk with you - they followed.

everyone knew you, did you know that? you always thought you were invisible - you were - at first.

not anymore, thanks to me.

i'm sure that would annoy you, you hated when i took credit - which was always.

nonetheless, your name blew through the halls like loose leaves and everyone knew you.

tom.

professor dumbledore.

he eyed me a long moment - i hate him - but he put you in my path so perhaps i owe the old fool minor credit.

how are you?

i'm alright, sir.

he stares at me for another moment- nods - mouth opens - closes.

he suspects but won't voice it, and leaves.

the cheshire in me wants to grin, but i don't.

everyone knew you now, they stare at the fresh pile of dirt at the edge of the lake like it's an art exhibition.

you're welcome, diana.

are you expecting me to say thank you?

my veins turn to thorn invested vines - i turn - cold - very cold - i can't breathe.

i stare at you - how?

you grin - you look deadly.

hello.

i reach out to you - pure impulse - muscle memory - my fingers slip through.

my mouth is so dry it feels like gravel - i can't breathe.

when you said you wished to haunt me i didn't think you actually would.