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"We're all in this together Harry"
"I'm sorry Hermione"
Harry looks at me pitifully and pats my shoulder. Those emerald eyes of his meet mine, thick red tears start to crawl down his face.
"Harry?" The panic is clear in my voice.
He opens his mouth to say something but black tar drops out. It slithers down his chin, dripping onto his t-shirt.
Then the screams begin.
Somewhere in the distance there is a cold high pitched laugh to the rhythm of the thunder.
I awake with a jolt, sweat pours down the back of my neck. My heart feels like it's about to burst from my chest.
Groaning I sit up and start doing some breathing exercises in attempt to calm myself down.
It's not the first time I've had this dream and I know it won't be the last.
Get a grip Hermione.
I look at the clock on the dormitory wall and see that it's four am.
Lavender snores gently from the bed opposite me.
I stare enviously, I'm too alert to go back to sleep.
Swinging my feet out of bed, I grab my dressing gown and wrap it around myself.
Time for a walk to clear my head.
I sneak down the stairs into the common room. The once roaring fire from the night before now lays dead and cold.
Shivering I walk to the portrait door.
"Whose there?" The Fat Lady grumbles half asleep as she swings open.
I decide to ignore her.
I really don't need a lecture on why I'm out of bed this late.
My feet move on their own accord with no particular destination in mind.
"Now, if you two don't mind, I'm going to bed before either of you come up with another clever idea to get us killed or worse… expelled!"
I smile to myself. How times have changed.
Back when things were simple.
My footsteps echo down the hall. I slow my pace in attempt to mask them.
Why couldn't Harry and Ron have just taken me with them?
Hadn't I proved myself trustworthy?
I was once called the brightest witch of my age.
Ron could barely master the most simple spells after three years of education.
My heart pangs at the thought of Ron.
The timid but tender kiss we shared in his dad's shed.
The day he confessed his love for me.
The day he told me that he was leaving.
Don't cry.
Don't cry.
Don't cry.
I let out a sob, the noise rings down the corridor.
Merlin I need to get a grip.
I can't keep torturing myself.
I turn back round deciding just to go back to bed when I collide with something hard and fall onto the ground.
"Well, well, well. What do we have here?" A cold sadistic voice taunts me "Lumos"
The glow from the strangers wand reveals their identity.
Professor Amycus Carrow.
"Stand up girlie" he sneers down at me.
I hurry to my feet not wishing to be beneath him.
"Name?" He barks, eyeing me with curiosity, his eyes lingering on my breasts.
I blush but refuse to be intimidated. Not by a slimly Death Eater like him.
"Hermione Granger" my voice falters slightly but I raise my chin higher.
Good old Gryffindor pride.
"Granger? Your Potter's mudblood friend" His mouth turns into a twisted smile.
Mudblood.
My blood boils.
How dare he?
"Well observed" I snap
The smile disappears of his face, his eyes glint with malice.
I gulp.
Maybe I should have just kept my mouth shut?
He steps closer to me and I refuse the ever-growing urge to step back.
His hand wraps tightly round my hair.
He leans in closer, his mouth mere centimetres from my ear. I can smell the firewhiskey on his breath.
"You should be more careful mudblood. I don't know if you've noticed but there has been some big changes around here. It's time you learn to respect those that are superior to you"
His hot sickly breath tickles my neck.
Anger pulsates through me.
"I hope you're not referring to yourself" I hiss "I'll never respect you and your Death Eater cronies"
He tugs my hair hard and I clamp down my mouth refusing to cry out.
I stand still in horror as he moves his mouth from my ear and trails his dry lips down my throat.
"Perhaps you need to be taught" he mummers drunkenly into my skin, his free hand squeezes my breast.
My stomach lurches.
I need to get out of here.
Kicking out I strike him with force.
He doubles over in pain, cursing me under his breath.
Terrified, I stand there watching him, breathing deeply, unable to believe I have just attacked a teacher.
Run Hermione!
Turning on my feet I start running haphazardly down the corridor.
I hear the portraits on the wall moaning about be awoken.
I've got to keep going.
I don't know where to.
It's not like I can go to Dumbledore.
Is there anywhere in this castle that's safe?
Perhaps I could go to McGonagall's office?
Yes, she would help me but I can't seem to tell what corridor I'm in anymore.
I frantically turn my head, looking for any clues as to where I am.
"Urgh!"
My feet give out from underneath me and I sprawl unceremoniously on the floor.
Shit.
Shit.
Shit!
"Fifty points for attacking a teacher you filthy little mudblood"
Pain erupts when his boot connects with my rib cage. Stars dance in front of me.
"You're no teacher" I spit, unable to get up.
My cheek stings with an unspoken spell.
I furiously blink back tears.
I will not give him the satisfaction.
Carrow crouches down to my level, his hand slowly creeps up my exposed thigh.
"Such a pretty little mudblood" his voice is low and deadly.
My insides freeze as his hand grows higher.
"Professor?".
A strong smooth voice enquires above me.
"Professor Riddle I didn't see you there" Carrow grins still not removing his sweaty hand from my thigh.
"I suggest you let the girl go Amycus" every syllable is controlled, precise.
I can't see his face but there is a moment of silence between the two men.
To my surprise Carrow releases me from his grip and stands.
"Was just teaching the little mudblood a lesson" he grumbles.
BANG.
I scream in terror.
Carrow lies slumped against the wall, a portrait falls smacking him on the head.
My mouth hangs open, completely speechless.
"Are you okay?"
Professor Riddle kneels beside me, worry contorted into his handsome face.
I nod my head slowly, taken aback by his actions.
He doesn't seem convinced.
Getting to his feet, he offers me his hand.
"Let me help you" he has a small smile playing on his lips and I tentatively take hold.
He pulls me up and I find myself not wanting to let go of his warm hand.
"I'm taking you to the hospital wing" he begins
"What about professor Carrow?" I look over at the pig, blood trickles down his face.
"Never mind him. The safety of my students is more important" Riddle takes my arm and gently leads me down the corridor.
I glance up at him, the moonlight shines through the windows illuminating his pale face.
He towers over me, not letting go of my arm.
I notice a tiny scar on his chin and wonder how he got it.
He catches me gazing at him and I quickly avert my eyes.
I can feel my cheeks flush with embarrassment.
"What were you doing wandering the castle at night?".
His tone isn't reprimanding but curious.
I stare straight ahead, deciding whether to answer truthfully.
"I had a bad dream and just wanted to clear my head" I mummer.
"What did you dream?" He enquires taking me by surprise.
"Huh?" I blush again surprised to be asked such a question.
He chuckles softly and I chance a look up at him, taking in his strong jawline.
Then there is silence between us again and I rattle my brain for something to say.
I want to say something intelligent.
He suddenly stops walking.
"I have nightmares too. I dream about the war and what could happen to the people I love".
There is such bitterness in his voice, such sadness and regret.
I try to think of something comforting but all that comes out is "Oh".
He turns to me, removing his hand from my arm.
"Hermione I want you to feel safe here" His eyes pleads into mine.
I find myself justing wanting to stare into them for hours.
Those deep dark never ending pools.
"If I ever find out scum like Amycus Carrow has laid a finger on you again he will be very sorry".
The darkness in his voice sends a shiver up my spine and I don't doubt for a second that he doesn't mean it.
The door creaks open in front of us and I blink, not realising that we had reached the hospital wing.
"Madame Pomfrey, I'm sorry to intrude on such an ungodly hour but I've just rescued Miss Granger here from the clutches of Professor Carrow". His voice is low and serious.
They exchange a look of knowing.
"Thank you Tom" she pats his shoulder before turning to me. "Oh my dear, come with me and we will find you a bed for what's left of the night" she hurries me away and I look back over my shoulder.
Professor Riddle nods at me and waves a silent goodbye before turning on his heel, exiting the room.
I'm led to a free bed and the kind witch runs her wand up and down me, analysing any damage.
"Hmm" she mutters "Yes I think that will do the trick"
She pulls the beige curtains around me and lets me change into a pink stripped hospital gown.
Moments later she returns with a goblet of steaming potion.
"For the bruising my dear and a good nights sleep"
She hands me the goblet and I drain the purple liquid, shuddering at the bitter taste.
"Now be a good girl and climb into bed. You're very lucky that Hogwarts has some decent teachers like Professor Riddle left. If only Dum—-"
He voice starts to float away as I pull the covers up around me.
It's only then that I remember Professor Riddle's words.
"Hermione I want you to feel safe here".
How did he even know my name?
Maybe he heard Carrow say it?
Maybe other teachers had told him about me?
His face floats in front of mine.
I find myself starting to grin before the whole world blacks out.
Smirking I stroll down the corridor back to where Carrow lies confounded.
I make a mental note to grant him a boon for being a sport this evening.
"Enervate" I cast silently, pointing my wand at the dishevelled man.
Carrow lets out a small groan and clutches his head.
"My Lord?" He stares up at me confused.
"Not here" I hiss, looking over my shoulder to make sure we are alone.
Satisfied that we weren't being spied on by students or muggle loving fools I lower my voice.
"You did well tonight Amycus"
He blinks up at me, after all praise does not come lightly from a great wizard like myself.
"So the plan is working?" He urges, still unable to believe my accolade.
I resist the urge to roll my eyes at him.
"All in good time. All in good time" I mummer, casting him one last look before leaving.
I stride off, wanting to get back to my rooms. I need to gather my thoughts after tonight's encounter.
Reaching SinfulI pause, admiring the painting.
A young woman stands, in a black flowing dress, her hair in soft curls, her lips are painted red and she holds an apple in her left hand. Wrapped round her waist and up over her shoulder is a dark green snake, it's forked tongue touching her neck.
How very fitting.
I smile to myself.
"Pureblood" I mutter.
The portrait swings open, to where my chamber door is.
I run my wand across the dark brown wood undoing the protective wards I had set earlier, before crossing the threshold.
Velvet green walls tower high. Bookcases crammed with books and rare treasures I have discovered and pilfered over the years. The moonlight pours through the large window, casting shadows around the room.
Flicking my wand at the fireplace, the fire roars to life.
I pour myself a large glass of firewhiskey and settle into an overstuffed arm chair.
Is Potter's mudblood really going to be this easy to manipulate?
Her face swarms in my mind, remembering the shy little glances at me.
The way she stared intently into my eyes when I said I wanted her to feel safe.
I snort.
Oh yes.
What woman could resist the Tom Riddle charm?
I take a sip, the amber liquid burns down my throat, instant warmth to my insides.
"Accio timetable"
The piece of parchment flies towards me.
Perfect.
Our first lesson together is tomorrow afternoon.
I raise my glass in a silent toast.
Oh Miss Granger what fun we are going to have.
Then drain the contents in one mouthful.