Their gazes locked on each other, bodies separated only by a plush blue and green swirled circular rug that dominated the likewise coloured living room. His fists closed tightly by his side, the right one firmly holding his wand as if considering whether to strike or not. She studied his eyes, the anger and the hate was evident in them, but behind those emotions, behind those swelling pools of tumultuous fury, her trained eyes saw more. She had seen his eyes, studied his eyes for months now, she knew them well, understood them clearly, knew when he was being sincere.
It had taken her a long time to understand what his facial expressions actually gave up, opposed to what they appeared to give away.
He was a terrific actor after all.
And here he was being completely sincere with her although he himself didn't know it.
Behind the hate, behind the anger she saw what he was truly feeling. His guard was lowered, his meticulous front of deception was falling. He was frightened, he was scared, he was confused. He was at crossroads.
Everything he knew had been challenged.
In a way, this made him more dangerous than ever.
'You can do this. Don't let him destroy you!' She cried out, tears welling in her eyes, dripping and staining her flushed cheeks.
He shook his head but some of the anger drawing at his features disappeared being replaced with desperation. 'You don't understand! He's always there, I can't stop him!' His response was passionate, his voice a shaking tremor as he spoke.
'Yes you can! You're a victim in this as much as the rest of us are.' She took a step towards him, moving onto the rug, and adding in a lower voice 'you're not alone. I'm here and I'm not leaving you.'
He looked absolutely startled at her declaration, his eyes betraying him. Taking a step onto the rug, he raised his wand. Poised to attack. She swallowed the lump in her throat. This didn't look good.
A.N: Hey guys, so this is my take on the Hermione/Tom Riddle story that I have read so many of. While trying to stay true to the characters we know and love, I've also taken some artistic licence with them, especially Hermione. As the story progresses, let me know what you think of it and the characters!
I would love the receive reviews, especially constructive critique. This is also the first fanfiction I have ever written, so please be nice!