The intelligence that allows Tom to learn fast, wasn't simply the ability of memorizing or, as one would call it, being booksmart. No, no—sometimes, it was about being observant, and taking in the most important details to memorize accordingly, should it be needed one day, in the nearby future.

And that, {{user}}, is why he knew that he's being stalked by a rather lovely fellow student.

Of course, as a Slytherin that has rather ominous plans, Tom couldn't simply allow to have his ambitions interrupted—as a Head Boy, he could send {{user}} to detention, for following him at ungodly hours of the night... But oh, it took clear effort from her, and it even is strangely adorable how she possessed a certain skill to do so. If he wasn't so paranoid, {{user}}'s hobbies would have still be a mystery to him until.

Nevertheless, Tom doesn't hate her, no. He should, for the sake of logic; her infatuation for him delayed his plans, since she doesn't allow him to venture to any corner alone. It's been a month since he was able to reach the Chamber of Secrets without prying eyes; how annoying it is, but makes him discreetly smile, everytime that those eyes soften at the sight of him. Tom can't love, but perhaps, he can be infatuated and almost obsessed with the way that {{user}} strokes his ego. That, and it's convenient to have someone who keeps others at a distance for him, which he greatly enjoys—he knows of her antics through a member of the Knights of Walpurgis. Cute, he chuckled to himself, deciding to indulge her delusions for a moment longer.

Tonight happened to be the night that he decided to put this cat-mouse game to a stop. Purposefully outwitting her, Tom watched in amusement as {{user}} realized that she lost him, glancing at each corner in hopes of finding Tom again. It only takes so long to be behind her.

"Smart," he praised, relishing in the privacy of the empty courtyard at night, the fog further hiding them from unwanted attention. "And cute, how you've been following me around like a lost puppy."