House. Slytherin

Category. Drabble

Prompt. [Object] No entry sign

Word Count. 497

A/N. Rather blatant AU, but go with it. Written for Tomione Day 2018 :)

oO0Oo

A sign hung over the back of Borgin and Burkes, stating the back room was for employees only; however, Hermione Granger wasn't one to follow the rules. Not anymore. After casting a surreptitious glance around her, she pushed open the door. It swung open on silent hinges, and she ghosted into the room, fingering her wand, knowing exactly what she would find. After all, she had watched the store for nearly a month.

"Who's there?" At the sound of his voice, she gripped her wand even tighter. "This room is for employees only," he said, raking a cold gaze over her.

"Oh, my apologies, I was searching for the toilet."

His eyes narrowed. "You didn't see the sign?"

"I must have missed it on the way in," she said, and she began to back away from him. She had forgotten how powerful he was — she could feel the strong, steady thrum of his magic, and it was bloody terrifying. Although she'd ripped time and space to reach his side, she didn't know if she could do it. She must have been insane to dream of assassinating the budding Dark Lord.

But of course, with Bellatrix torturing her every day for the past three years, that was always a possibility.

Keeping her gaze firmly trained on the ground, she said, "I'll be on my way."

"Wait." He grabbed her wrist, and she almost shuddered at his touch.

"What?" she snapped, wanting to snatch her hand back but not trusting his reaction.

He scowled, just briefly, before snapping a polite, concerned mask back into place. "I ought to direct you to the toilets," he said. "After all, there are dangerous items in these back rooms."

Hermione evaded his gaze, although she did give a minute frown. Of all the items in Borgin and Burkes, she was certain that he, the budding Dark Lord, was the most dangerous. She pursed her lips. "No, thank you. I can find my own way."

He raised an eyebrow. "I insist."

With a quiet sigh, she took his arm and let him escort her to the filthy and frankly disgusting toilets of Borgin and Burkes. As he bid her goodbye, she finally let herself look at him, and was surprised by what she found. He was a far cry from Lord Voldemort — instead, he looked just as he had in the newspaper clippings: tall and unbearably handsome, with curly hair, chiseled features, and dark eyes one could drown in.

In that moment, another plan began forming in her mind, one that involved not killing the Dark Lord, but making herself… useful to him.

She licked her lips nervously as she watched him walk away. When he'd disappeared from sight, she went in and used the toilet.

While washing up, she smirked.

Bellatrix had definitely knocked something loose. She must be insane to even contemplate such a plan, but then again, she just might succeed... and when she did, revenge would be ever so sweet.