Ivy was starting to regret her decision.

It had been two days since she agreed to fake date Tom Riddle, and she already felt like she was losing her mind. Everywhere she went, she felt the weight of countless stares and the murmurs of speculation. Gryffindors regarded her with suspicion, Slytherins with amusement. Even Pansy teased her relentlessly, though Ivy suspected she was secretly thrilled by the arrangement.

But the worst part was Tom himself. He seemed to take pleasure in making her uncomfortable, whether it was through subtle smirks or calculated touches in full view of everyone. It was as if he knew exactly how to unravel her composure.

Hermione, of course, hadn't stopped lecturing her about the dangers of getting involved with Tom. "Even if it's fake, you're still playing his game," she warned over breakfast. "And Tom Riddle doesn't lose."

"I know what I'm doing," Ivy had replied, though the truth was far less certain.

---

Later that day, Ivy found herself in the library, desperately trying to focus on her Defense Against the Dark Arts essay. The quiet hum of quills scratching parchment was usually soothing, but today it only seemed to amplify her unease.

She jumped slightly when a shadow fell across her table. Looking up, she found herself face-to-face with Mattheo Riddle and Theodore Nott.

"Well, if it isn't Tom's new girlfriend," Mattheo said with a lazy grin, pulling out a chair and sitting across from her.

"I'm not in the mood, Mattheo," Ivy said, her tone clipped.

"Relax, love. I'm just here to say hi," Mattheo replied, clearly amused by her irritation. Theodore, meanwhile, leaned against a nearby bookshelf, his arms crossed as he observed the exchange with a faint smirk.

"Does Tom know you're here bothering me?" Ivy asked, arching an eyebrow.

Mattheo laughed. "Tom doesn't bother with things like this. Besides, we're just making sure you're treating him well. You know how protective he can be."

Ivy rolled her eyes, gathering her things. "Tell Tom I don't need babysitters."

She stood to leave, but Mattheo's grin widened. "You should stick around. It's only a matter of time before Diggory shows up again. Wouldn't want your ex to catch you unguarded."

Ivy froze, her heart skipping a beat. "What do you mean?"

Theodore finally spoke, his voice low and calm. "Word is he's been looking for you again. Something about unfinished business."

Ivy swallowed hard, her stomach twisting. She didn't want to give Cedric another chance to corner her. Without another word, she stormed out of the library, ignoring Mattheo's laughter as it followed her out.

---

By the time she reached the courtyard, Ivy's frustration had reached its boiling point. She hated feeling like she was being watched, like everyone around her was waiting for her to fail.

"Going somewhere?"

She stopped in her tracks at the sound of Tom's voice. Turning, she found him leaning casually against a stone pillar, his piercing gaze fixed on her.

"What do you want, Tom?" she snapped, her irritation spilling over.

Tom raised an eyebrow, his lips curving into a faint smirk. "You seem upset. Did Mattheo say something to annoy you?"

"Mattheo always annoys me," Ivy muttered, crossing her arms. "But no, this isn't about him. It's Cedric. Apparently, he's looking for me again."

Tom's expression darkened, his smirk disappearing. He stepped closer, his presence suddenly commanding. "If he tries to bother you, you tell me."

"Why?" Ivy challenged, meeting his gaze. "So you can swoop in and save me? Don't act like you're doing this out of the kindness of your heart, Tom."

Tom's jaw tightened, but his voice remained calm. "I don't need you to like me, Ivy. But if Diggory doesn't get the message soon, I'll make sure he does."

Ivy stared at him, unsure how to respond. She hated the idea of needing his help, but there was no denying the quiet authority in his words.

Before she could say anything, Pansy appeared, her usual enthusiasm cutting through the tension. "Ivy! There you are!"

Ivy turned to her friend, grateful for the distraction. "What's up, Pansy?"

"Come with me to the greenhouses," Pansy said, linking their arms. "I need a second opinion on something."

Ivy glanced back at Tom, who was watching her with an unreadable expression. She couldn't tell if he was annoyed or amused, but either way, she wasn't sticking around to find out.

"See you later, Tom," she said over her shoulder, letting Pansy drag her away.

---

As Ivy walked through the castle later that evening, her mind was still racing. She hated the uncertainty of her situation-Cedric's looming presence, Tom's cryptic behavior, and the whispers that seemed to follow her everywhere.

But most of all, she hated how much Tom had started to occupy her thoughts. There was something about him that unsettled her, something she couldn't quite name. And no matter how much she tried to push it away, she couldn't help but wonder if this fake relationship was starting to feel a little too real.