Chapter 2: The Division
September 1st, 1938
"Ravenclaw? I suppose that isn't the worst House at Hogwarts," Riddle commented to Granger as she trailed him off the train. From the corner of his eye he watched as her face scrunched up into a scowl. He rejoiced privately knowing it was because of him she had that reaction.
"Well it's either Ravenclaw or Gryffindor," Hermione chirped as she tried to catch up with her new companion.
She could see his face contort into something of anger. He didn't like the idea of Hermione going into Gryffindor. It was so unworthy and filthy and he refused to see her be set into such a pathetic excuse of a House. He glanced in her direction. Why did he care where she got sorted into anyways?
"Why Gryffindor?" He sneered, his face and tone cold but Hermione did not falter or cringe.
"Well I suppose it wouldn't be my first choice. I'd much prefer Ravenclaw, but Gryffindor values traits that I value myself!" She grinned as she pulled her satchel closer to her. Tom wanted to glower down at her. But a voice cut through their conversation.
"First Years!" A man called out! "First Years over here!"
Tom did not get a good chance to examine the man beckoning them over. He could tell however that this man was old. His wrinkly hand waving around to gather all the first years.
Around him, students grouped together, trying to get closer together. He could nearly feel the excitement buzzing around him. Tom Riddle would not admit that he to, was excited to see the castle firsthand.
The old man babbled something about the First Years to follow him. The young boy did not pay too much attention. He nearly scoffed when he saw Hermione gazing up at the old man. Bouncing on her tippy toes to try and get a glance. Tom did not see the excitement in it all.
He rolled his eyes as Hermione stumbled to try and trail the students to where the old man was guiding them to.
"I think they're going to take us over the Black Lake," Granger gasped in awe. Tom Riddle frowned and continued to keep walking. So she really had done her research. He looked around, the younger students were wondering why they were being taken away from the older students. They didn't know what was going on. Did they honestly have no idea of the famous Hogwarts tradition?
He glanced at Granger who scuffled to his side. Why were they still walking together? But it seemed no matter how fast he walked, Granger seemed to manage to trail behind him. He quite liked that thought, he did not know why though.
The walk to the shore was quick. Every now and then he would get shoved to the side by rushing students or arrogant little boys.
Hermione didn't say anything though. She was too busy trying to step over twigs and trying not to trip. And when she did fall, Riddle made no movement to help. However the girl did not seem to mind. In fact, it was as if she wasn't even expecting him to help. Like she was capable of handling herself all on her own.
It wasn't long until they found themselves floating along the Black Lake. Most students had grouped into fours, but Tom and Hermione were left on their own. But Tom Riddle did not complain. This girl continued to intrigue him. And this time it wasn't just the hair.
The small row boats pushed into the water all on their own. Tom Riddle fought back a gasp of amazement when the boats navigated and sailed without a single aid from anyone. He turned back to Hermione, somehow she was just as memorizing as the Magical World.
The way she stared at the surroundings. Gasping and aweing at every little detail. He watched as she dipped her small hand into the water. He wondered if any creatures would take the hand and snatch her down into the watery depths.
Tom Riddle averted his gaze as he watched the boats trail down the grand lake. It was vast and huge. He was so small compared to the body of water. He did not like that. He glowered at the lake for making him feel so small. But the lake did not respond. It only glistened and sparkled. Reflecting the happy night sky.
"Look, Tom," Her small voice rang through his ears. It was the first time she had said his name. He didn't know why that was so significant.
Before any more thought could be put into it, he was presented with the greatest sight he had ever seen in his short eleven years.
A castle that would bring fairy tales to shame. It towered with great structures which brought command and elegance. He could feel the magical aura. He could feel the magic from just looking at it. It was where great wizards were born. Tom wanted to be a great wizard. The greatest of them all.
For once he had completely forgotten about Hermione. He was completely engulfed with the sight of this magnificent castle. It even brought more pleasure knowing that he would be living here. It was his.
"Wow," Hermione breathed rather to herself than anyone else. Tom did not respond to her, but he agreed.
And the boats carried them down to where they would lead the beginning of their lives.
"I'm just saying that you shouldn't be so judgmental on these Houses," Hermione hissed as they watched the Sorting go by.
Riddle smirked at Hermione's statement. He bent down closer to her ear.
"That's something someone would say if they got Sorted into a pathetic house. Much like you will," He snarled. Hermione immediately tensed up. He quite enjoyed riling her up. Her face scrunched up into anger. Her face reddening and her hair looked even wilder.
The girl was about the snarl something when her name was called.
"Hermione Granger," A professor summoned. The crowd shuffled and Hermione Granger swallowed nervously as she walked up to the chair.
The professor gave the young girl a reassuring smile but it did not ease Hermione's nervousness. Hermione now realized just how many people were in the Great Hall. Hundreds of eyes all gazing up at her. It was silent as she sat before the crowd.
Hermione found herself staring back at Riddle. The strange pale boy she had met on the train. She quickly averted her gaze, she did not want him to know she was staring at him.
She flinched when the hat was placed on her head. She nearly screamed when the Hat whispered into her ear. A tone so low only she could hear. She could feel the hairs on her back stand up.
"I see a thirst for knowledge. An unquenchable thirst at that," The Sorting Hat droned in her ear. Hermione shivered at the foreign voice.
"I see traits in you that Rowena Ravenclaw herself would want in her House," Hermione internally celebrated at the Hat's compliments and quickly cast a glance towards Tom Riddle who was still eyeing her carefully.
"However I see a great sense of loyalty, nerve and chivalry." Hermione suddenly felt cold. Somewhere in the back of her mind she could hear Riddle's voice criticizing the House of Lions. She wondered why his pathetic opinion so important to her.
But she could still not stop herself for internally praying for Ravenclaw.
"I'm sorry, Ms. Granger but Ravenclaw would not suit you that well, no matter what Mr. Riddle has to say,"
It took her a while to process what he had just said before the words:
"Gryffindor!" Was yelled to the entire Great Hall. Hermione gave a weak smile as she stumbled to the table applauding their new House member. She found herself forcing herself to stand tall. Gryffindors weren't all that bad. She could practically feel their welcoming arms. Room for her was made as she sat down at her new table, watching the rest of the Sorting go by.
Hermione forced herself not to look at the young pale faced boy. She could feel his eyes burning into the back of her head. Gryffindor wasn't so bad; it was her second choice after Ravenclaw.
She numbly watched the rest of the Sorting go by.
The young First Year made the mistake of looking up. There his cold eyes seethed into hers. As if to punish her for being placed into the 'filthy House.' She was taken aback by his harshness. She had only met him today! Why on Earth would she care what he thought of her House.
Her happy aura was quickly dampened. How could one single boy smash her mood so quickly?
"Tom Riddle," The female professor called out. Suddenly Hermione leant forward. Eager to discover the fate of her new found companion. She watched attentively as he practically sauntered onto the stand. Wasn't he nervous at all? He looked like he owned the place!
The Sorting Hat was placed onto him, slightly covering his eyes. Hermione was found herself biting her lower lip as the Hall fell silent once more.
It was surprisingly quick. Almost too quick.
"Slytherin!" The Hat roared. Hermione could see Riddle looking slightly smug. That was what he wanted? Hermione trailed Riddle with her eyes as she watched him sit down at the Slytherin table.
His gaze immediately found hers. Hermione gave a small shrug and smiled to lighten the tension but he only glared at her. As if she had disappointed him. Hermione fought to shrink down into the table. Instead she forced herself to sit tall and glare back. She was a Gryffindor now and she wouldn't let this Slytherin boy toy with her feelings.
But to her dismay he only smirked at her mockingly and turned away from her, suddenly deeply interested in the Sorting.
Hermione was suddenly at lost. She felt a little torn inside. Not because her first friend had just been Sorted into her rival House. But because he insisted on playing the role.
A/N: Fun fact of the day! This story was actually inspired by a song called Marionette by Antonia. The song doesn't directly fit into the story but it was the song that inspired me to write this. Oh music =)
~We're All Just A Little Mad