If Harry had been a touch less suspicious, or knew Riddle just a little less well, he might have been lulled into a false sense of security about the relationship. He might have thought that they could grow to care for each other, and the political origins of their relationship might fade in time. He might have gotten stars in his eyes as Riddle took his arm and walked beside him, tall and handsome and proud, the envy of most of the student body.