A/N: Yet another oneshot of one of my favorite pairs.


heartbeat

Hermione clutched the invisibility cloak tightly, holding her breath. She dared not to make even the slightest of sounds. For if she did, she knew it would be detected by Tom, a coiled snake just waiting to strike at any moment. Out of nowhere, a black cat darted past her, eliciting an almost soundless squeak from her lips. Tom whirled to face her direction, head cocked and eyes narrow.

"I know you're here, Hermione," he murmured with gleaming eyes. The immaculate young man took a step towards her. Then another. The bushy-haired girl's stomach twisted in knots, and her hands became clammy. If she moved, he'd know. "You can't hide forever.

He continued stepping towards her, and little by little, Tom cornered the invisible girl to the wall until he was only centimeters away. His lips were a hair's breadth away from hers, and his dark, curious eyes seemingly bore into her own as he looked down where she was. If Hermione tiptoed just a bit, she could kiss him.

"You're here," Tom hissed, his charming features twisting in glee. He stretched out his fingers towards Hermione. Her heartbeat quickened until she swore the rapid thuds were clearly audible, and she shrank away with her back against the stone wall.

Then—

"Riddle? What are you doing over there?" A firm voice called out.

It was Hazel Potter. Tom broke away, an innocent expression plastered so convincingly on his face. "I thought I saw something strange, but it's nothing."

The Head Girl looked shrewdly at him. "Well follow me. We've got to report to Professor Dumbledore." Tom nodded.

But before he left, he sent one last burning glance at where Hermione was. Then he was gone.

Hermione let out the breath she'd been holding. A mixture of immense relief and disappointment overwhelmed her. The high from earlier had subsided, and only memories of the heated exchange remained. Although she'd never admit it aloud, Hermione knew she'd forget the burning looks he gave her.

Even now, those dark eyes made her lose her train of thought.