The night is silent when he first arrives, after being in limbo for so long it's strange having his feet on the ground, solid but not completely, an air of transparency still to him, he wouldn't be able to touch anything his hand would go straight through. Everything feels stiff his limbs aching as he starts to walk down the hall, there's only one beating heart on the premises, sleeping by the rhythm of it, he takes a deep unneeded breath a habit of someone once alive before continuing unsure who he is about to find.
It's not the first time he'd been released, once before he was compelled to find someone to attach to, that did not end well for anyone involved, a strange feeling comes over him when he thinks of those memories a disgust you can only feel when you aren't the person who did the despicable things, but he's a hypocrite because he did. He stops in the doorway of the bedroom of the person who's about to awake to a stranger in their house, wondering if there's a more finessed way to do this, but he doubts it.
Stepping over the threshold the wood floor creaks beneath his feet, and if said person is a light sleeper alerting them to his presence, feeling gutsy and wanting to see the said living soul he takes another step this time the floor creaks much louder.
The person in the bed, who he now sees is a young woman's eyes open clearly scared, she looks around and seems almost convinced it was nothing when her eyes land on the tall sickly pale man in her room.
"What the hell!" She says sitting up and bunching herself towards the headboard, her face not leaving his but her right hand feeling around on her nightstand for the wand he can see there, finally she gets a hold of it and raises it towards him her hands surprisingly steady. "How the fuck did you get in my house?"
"I understand my presence could be jarring." He says his voice smooth and deep, he considers raising his hands as a sign of surrender, but he is not to be pitied. "And as far as getting into your house... to put it simply I appeared in your hallway suddenly."
The young woman's eyes are full of fire as she stares him down, it would've been frightening to anyone who wasn't him. "Who are you?"
"Are there not better questions to ask such an intruder?" He asks an air of sarcasm in his tone, he motions to her wand. "That won't be of any use by the way."
"Why the hell not? I assure you I'm capable with it." She snaps. "If you don't want to answer my first question then how about why you're here?"
He smirks at her, his black eyes hinting at a little life in them. "That's a question better answered in the light."
He flicks his hand towards the lamp on her nightstand, causing it to turn on flooding half the room in yellow light. She jumps at his ability to manipulate the world around him, a magic user like herself, but becomes even more perplexed when she turns back to him. She can see the dresser and wall behind him, through his chest, his being there only making it slightly darker and a little blurry, she furrows her brow.
"You're a ghost..." She says sounding a little less on guard, she'd spent six years with a school full of ghosts after all. "Okay, that I can handle."
"Not exactly a ghost no, more like a snapshot of time, I didn't die at the age of twenty three you see." He says walking towards her stopping at her bedside and she takes note of his clothes, a black suit and cloak, nothing that would stand out in a crowd, he was good at hiding among others. "I was much older when I passed, but part of my soul was made to stay at that moment in time, I've been just a sliver of a person being blown around in the wind looking for a place since then. That's where you come in, to remain in this plane of existence I need a living tether someone who would let me borrow just a small amount of the energy they carry with them."
"Why would I do that? I don't even know your name, how I am supposed to trust you enough to let your soul attach to mine?" She asks, and despite her resistance she lowers her wand, laying it on the bed beside her. "I'm sorry but I think you have the wrong person for this."
"Wait, you're my only choice, you are the only person alive that my soul is similar enough to attach to." He says and for the first time she sees actual emotion fill his eyes a desperate plea for her help, she's silent thinking it over. "My name is Tom, by the way."
"Tom, what will happen to you if I say no?" She asks, slowly getting out of her uncomfortable position against the headboard and sitting with her legs hanging off the bed.
"I'll lose my place here and return to endless limbo." Tom says his voice taking a dark tone thinking of that terrible place, if you could even call it a place. "It's much worse than it sounds."
The girl gets up, her mint colored nightgown falling loosely around her as she looks at Tom trying to figure out his intentions. "And if I say yes?"
"Our souls will intertwine and I'll be more stable, only you will see and hear me, I'll do whatever I can to help you in anyway I can as repayment, the only way I'll leave you is if you dismiss me." Tom says returning her gaze. "I will need to know your name though, seeing as you know mine."
"I'm Hermione..." She says trailing off her eyes going to the floor as she thinks this through.
Surely there was more risk than any other part, but something tells her she needs to help this... man, whoever he is. She couldn't send him into limbo with a clear conscience, plus she can't possibly be the only one ever to have a soul attached to them, there must be someone she can speak to once it's done, right? And she's been very alienated since the war, all her friends off doing their own things and she would quite literally have someone stuck to her hip.
Her left shoulder becomes cold and she looks over to see Tom's hand resting there, she must've gotten a far off look in her eyes, she looks up at him, his face unsure. "Well?"
"I'll help you." Hermione says, nervously returning Tom's smile when he hears her answer. "Will forming the attachment hurt?"
"I don't think so, but I'll be careful." Tom reassures her, using his hand on her shoulder he starts to establish a bond between them. "You have to give permission."
"Do what you need to." Hermione says suddenly getting hit with a deep cold in her chest, she struggles to breathe as pure energy surges through her though somehow she remains on her feet but she's very unsteady her knees threatening to give out.
Moving quickly Tom grabs her pulling her against him so she can't fall, Hermione grasping at him tightly grateful for the help, he keeps her there for a couple minutes neither saying a thing until the cold feeling has subsided and although drained Hermione becomes able to stand again.
"Are you alright?" Tom asks guiding her backwards to the bed so she can sit.
"I'm fine, are you?" Hermione asks and Tom for a moment looks genuinely surprised that she would ask about his well being.
"I've never been better, but what matters right now is getting you back to normal." He says removing his hands from her back, and stepping away giving her breathing room. "You are the living one after all."
Hermione nods before realizing, he'd held her, he'd been able to touch her, he was solid maybe still is. She quickly grabs his wrist wanting to test her findings, when she comes into contact with a cold but solid being she can't silence the gasp that escapes her. "You're actually here now."
"I am." He says taking a seat beside her. "Hermione you should rest, I'll go elsewhere until tomorrow, you're going back to school right?"
"Yes, I am." Hermione says as Tom gets to his feet and walks to the door. "It's my last year, did you go to Hogwarts Tom?"
"Very long ago." Tom says his expression turning grim. "Sleep well Hermione."
Tom walks out closing her room door behind him, tiredness hitting her Hermione lays down to sleep for the night. Tom however spends most of the night walking around the house observing, sleep is useless for him and sitting still for hours without anything to do is boring. She can never know who he is or what he did in the past, she'd hate him immediately, if he can just convince her that he isn't as bad as he seemed, maybe then if she finds out she'll still keep him around.
Not saying it would mean anything if she disliked him, he would just carry on without her, but he needs her not to dismiss him, and of course he could've just not told her but it's against the sort of code you have to follow as a spirit returning to the mortal world, it's not the only rule but Tom doesn't plan on breaking any of them.
When morning comes Hermione heads downstairs her trunk trailing behind her to find Tom sleeping on the couch, he seemed to have fallen asleep while reading an open book on the coffee table beside him. Doing her best to be quiet on the creaky stairs Hermione goes about making coffee for herself leaving enough for her new roommate to have some if he would like.
"You have good taste in literature." Tom says as he walks in causing Hermione to jump. "Sorry, I'm very quiet and my feet don't make many sounds when walking."
"Don't worry about it, I'll adjust." Hermione says. "There's coffee or food in the kitchen if you'd like."
"No thanks." Tom says joining Hermione at the dining table. "Do you read often Hermione?"
"It's my one hobby." Hermione says Tom smiles, glancing out the glass doors across from them. "Tom, you tried extremely hard to get back into the mortal world, there must've been a reason, now that you're back what is it you want to do?"
"You'll think it's foolish but, I'm hoping I can research learn and correctly cast one of the most difficult spells in all of magic history. My life was taken from me, I intend to get a second chance." Tom says keeping his eyes on the yard outside, unsure how she would react to his idea.
"It makes sense anyone returning would want to be alive again, but the Non Mortui spell is extremely dangerous." Hermione says concerned.
"You've heard of it then." Tom says, and she nods.
"It could erase you from existence completely Tom." Hermione says before getting up to wash her cup and put it away.
"I'll make sure to do it correctly then." Tom says watching her, she cared about the fact he could disappear, no one's ever bothered to worry before, he isn't sure how to feel about it.
Hermione checks her watch and swears under her breath. "We have to go or we'll miss the train."
Tom nods and follows her out once she makes sure she has everything for the year, he chuckles to himself when he notes the red and gold patch on her trunk, a Gryffindor was his now literal soulmate, it did explain her want to help him though, she very much supported the just and good side of things. They don't speak as Hermione walks to King's Cross it would look strange to anyone who happened to walk by, it isn't until they're on the platform that Hermione has a thought that causes her to turn to him.
"You won't need a ticket will you?" Hermione asks quietly as to only be heard by him, it hadn't occurred to her that the train may be charmed so only those with tickets can get on.
"No I'll be able to get on fine." Tom answers as he closely follows her onto the train as to not bump anyone while walking.
Once they find an empty compartment the two go about getting ready for the ride, Hermione struggling to get her trunk on the luggage rack, Ron or Harry usually doing it as they are much taller than her, when Tom grabs it from her hands and places it easily.
"Won't someone see?" Hermione asks.
"They'll see a floating trunk, and you are a witch after all, it wouldn't look out of place." Tom says smiling only for Hermione to turn bright red with embarrassment of course it would look normal, she forgets sometimes that the strange is the usual in the wizarding world. "Don't be so flustered, I understand that living in the muggle world can sometimes make you forget parts of the wizarding world, it's not a big deal."
Hermione sits beside him, begging for the red in her face will fade quickly, he's been so calm it's refreshing after living in constant anxiety having someone beside her who's the complete opposite, when she's sure he isn't looking she watches his face, since he'd attached to her color had returned to his face, still pale but not as white as a sheet. His hair is wavy but he must dislike it because he keeps it pretty short except on the top which frames his face, he's classically handsome, Hermione's sure many hearts must've pined for his affection.
Her thoughts are interrupted by the compartment door opening, a tall blonde boy standing in it, Draco Malfoy. He looks very different then how he did when they originally went to school together, he's grown into his height no longer appearing sort of lanky, and he no longer looks sick and malnourished or beaten he must live on his own now.
"Granger?" Draco asks, his snarky tone he once used when saying her name replaced with what seemed to be genuine surprise.
"Hi Draco." Hermione says being friendly because after all their school rivalry is long dead. "Please, join me."
Draco takes the invitation, placing his trunk in the rack and sitting on the seat across from Hermione, she's changed too, her hair which stayed pretty long in her teen years now sits on her shoulders, though she hasn't grown much, she may also look different because for once she has a warm welcoming expression instead of the scowl his presence usually caused her to have.
"I expected you to be with Harry and your boyfriend." Draco says and Tom seems to sit at attention when he mentions a boyfriend. "Where are they?"
"Ron isn't my boyfriend, and truthfully I haven't heard from them since a few days after the end of the war." Hermione says sadness filling her when she thinks of her best friends. "I sent so many letters, begging them to just tell me they're okay but... neither of them ever responded."
Draco looks disappointed but doesn't dwell on it to Hermione's relief. "You could've written me, I was left pretty much alone as well."
"Honestly, I thought you hated me, but I did worry about you." Hermione admits. "I should've written you just to make sure."
"We'll just have to look after each other now, since no one I knew really decided to come back except maybe two people." Draco says with a sheepish but friendly smile, Hermione returns it.
"Draco Malfoy did you just ask me to be your friend?" Hermione asks feigning overly dramatic shock.
"Absolutely not, you're reading way too far into it." Draco says sarcastically opening the book he'd carried in and continuing to read it.
"Boyfriend?" Tom whispers curiously to her, his hand stopping her from jumping.
Hermione can't answer so she reaches into the purse she'd brought and pulls out a pocket notebook and pen before quickly writing down her answer.
No one of my best friends, I thought I loved him and I also thought we were all going to die, we decided to just be friends afterwards. Why are you interested?
Hermione raises her eyebrow at him, he rolls his eyes.
"Please, I just don't feel like having to follow you around on dates." Tom says, watching Hermione as she writes again.
Don't worry yourself Tom, I don't have anyone to go on a date with.
"You just aren't looking very well, he fancies you." Tom says gesturing to Draco, Hermione looks up at Draco only to look puzzled and slightly shake her head. "Trust me on this Hermione, I was him at one point in my life, he does."
I have things other than boys to focus on, I have to graduate!
"You and I both know you could pass those courses with your eyes closed, but if you don't want to date him I'll leave it be." Tom says raising his hands in surrender.
Thank you.
The rest of the ride is uneventful no one joins their compartment and Tom busies himself watching people come and go, getting up a couple of times to walk around when the halls were empty. Draco reads, and Hermione sits with her back to the window her legs pulled up towards her, lost in her own mind.
Tom watches her, she's a mystery to him, things most people would one hundred percent be against or not understand she does, but why? What makes her so accepting of the dark parts of the wizarding world most would never touch? He stays silent, since he's only known her for maybe eighteen hours it's possible Hermione could be much darker behind closed doors than she is to the public, much like himself.
Once inside, the three of them make their way through the entrance hall and to the feast, or try to at least Hermione hadn't realized that being back in the place would cause all the memories of the atrocities she'd witnessed to rear it's head. She stops and Draco not noticing her sudden lack of movement continues forward, she shuts her eyes tight hoping that would make them stop replaying in her mind, but it only makes them more vivid.
Tom notices this and scolds himself for not being right at her side while rushing towards her, dodging people as he goes. "Hermione, are you okay?"
"I'm sorry..." Hermione whispers fighting back the tears welling up in her eyes. "I, it's a lot harder than I thought it would be that's all."
"You have nothing to apologize for." Tom says, unsure how to help her. "Just breathe, I won't leave your side until you feel alright again."
"I need to get out of here." Hermione whispers, starting to calm down.
"Okay where do you want to go?" Tom asks, before realizing that his hands were on either of her shoulder protectively, correcting himself he removes them and takes a step back, before noticing another ghost Nearly Headless Nick to be specific watching them, Nick swoops towards them. "Oh shit."
Hermione follows Tom's eyes turning to see what it is. "He can see you?"
"He can see me, and he's not happy about it." Tom says, Hermione nods in agreement she's never seen him mad before, but he is.
"Miss Granger, can I speak to you?" Nick asks, his face becoming much friendlier when addressing her, she nods. "Are you aware of the spirit following you?"
"Yes sir, it may seem strange, but I know of him and he's welcome." Hermione says, when she finishes speaking Nick looks at Tom, narrowing his eyes before turning back to her.
"Alright Miss Granger, it's just my duty to tell people if they have someone attached to them, but if this is something you agreed to then all is well." Nick says, before going off.
Tom and Hermione sit beside the black lake, both just taking in the scenery, Hermione sitting against a tree and Tom lying in the grass, he wants to ask her so many things but can't decide how to bring it up, biting his lip he tries to think of a simple way to start the conversation but doesn't have to when Hermione speaks.
"Tom, can I assist you?" She says sounding a little scared to ask.
"With what?" Tom asks, propping himself up on his elbows so he can see her.
"The ritual to bring you back, I know it's dark and dangerous but, wouldn't it be easier with two minds instead of one?" Hermione asks choosing her words carefully.
"I don't know Hermione, this is some heavy dark magic, split your soul kind of magic, it wouldn't be right to get you involved." Tom says sitting up completely so he and Hermione can speak face to face. "It may erase me but it could kill you just as easily."
"I'm not scared of darkness Tom, I can help, let me, and you may not like it but I'm already involved." Hermione says her voice serious. "We're stuck with each other, and I understand your hesitance but... no matter what happens you'll always be a part of me, I don't want to see you destroyed not if I could help you succeed."
"You realize this is like selling your soul." Tom says, taking her very seriously. "And if it goes wrong we could quite possibly wipe out half of this school."
"It won't go wrong." Hermione says as Tom walks over and helps her to her feet.
"Hermione Granger I need you to swear to me that you can do this." Tom says looking right in her eyes, thinking he may see fear but he only sees determination.
"Tom I swear I can do this." Hermione says, returning his gaze only to see him smile at her, a dark smile that hinted this was about more than just bringing him back, but she would remain beside him regardless.
"Then we have a deal." He says extending his hand to her, which she shakes, sealing their combined fates.
Hermione knows that the dark side of the world she'd always been curious about has quite literally dropped into her life, of course Tom is much darker than he lets on. she knew the moment she saw him that he was. Tom could now see Hermione craved the dark parts of magic, that after having to be good her whole life she was ready to test just how far she can go, and he would definitely test how far she can go.