AN: I know I am being terrible with not updating but life happens, right? I hope my lovely reviewers will be able to forgive me! ;) I hope the surprises are all well in this for you guys! Now to the Story!
Chapter 3: Circumstances
The sun streamed in from the curtains. The yellow rays were hitting my eyes even through the blinds. Of course those were white too, so they were just useless in blocking light. I looked around and found no new victims. I call them victims because kids come in screaming and wailing about a cut from DADA or a broken bone from Quidditch. They need a silencing spell here. Sadly here is still the hospital wing. Damned Matron wouldn't let me out just yet.
I still hadn't said a word to her the two weeks I was here, no point in talking and adding to the rumor hill going around. The kids confined for the night had friends and they would whisper in the corner about the weird new mute. It was all around Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry that the new student was awake since the 9th of September. Now it was the 30th and the story was still going strong.
As far as I have heard there are three different ways the story went. The first is a personal favorite of mine; apparently I tried to eat everyone that came within a five foot radius and was an insatiable cannibal. Another was I was the long lost love child between Dumbledore and Merrythought, who had tragically discovered my parentage with the death of my adoptive parents and sought out the truth. The third was that I was the youngest Unspeakable in history and was looking for ties to Grindelwald, even thought he went to Durmstrang. I really find the entire situation hysterical and overly embellished. Of course though, I will have to dispel the idea of my parentage if I am going to keep my cover here.
I had finally finished the cover story entirely and was rather anxious to start to act. I just wanted to get the questions over with while the story was fresh in my head. I was a halfblood, mother was pureblood, father was muggleborn, who traveled around the world being home schooled. My name would be Hermione Wilde, Wilde after my mother's side. It would explain the muggle surname nicely and hopefully grab the attention of Riddle.
Riddle. That was a scary thought in and of it self. Having to meet him and lie directly to his face without flinching or showing any restlessness was going to be hard. I will aim for Ravenclaw and only make friends with Slytherins and other Ravenclaws. Getting with the claws should be no hard feat; it was where the hat wanted me to go anyway.
The scars would be from battles. The reason which I was home schooled was because my parents and I were fighting against Grindelwald. We stayed in France mostly but branched out to where some of his troops were stationed. That would get people off my back. I could not tell them that outright though. I would have to act pained when my scars were brought up. Act as though they were my nightmares. My parents were going to be killed in a recent battle and I used an Emergency Portkey to get here, but the school's wards disagreed, causing the injury.
I would not drop my academics for anything; they were going to remain excellent. I had a personal goal to outsmart Riddle in half my classes this year. Just a little friendly competition.
I pushed my self up in a sitting position and walked around the Hospital Wing. I admired the cleanliness, but the white was overpowering. I was the only one here and had to entertain myself somehow. On the off days that no one was in here, I sang softly and hummed when the Matron only was around. I had never talked directly to anyone yet. But I knew she had heard me singing all the time and a few students could hear it from the hallway if you got close enough.
I walked in circles and sang anything that would come to mind. I was forced to wear some tight, legging-like white pants, a loose white tee shirt, and was shoe and sockless. My hair had calmed down from my distress that first day and was now in reddish brown ringlets. My face had regained what little color was always there and the bags and bruises had disappeared. I could see the soft blue glow behind my ear and it comforted me. It was my small tie to Harry, Ron, Ginny, and… Draco.
It was going to be so hard having to be near the elder Malfoy. They always look the same. Draco was a carbon copy of Lucius from his school days and I could only assume Abraxas was the same. I looked to see my ring was still on. I made me sad just thinking of it. I had conjured a platinum chain the other day to wear it around my neck. I fiddled with the ring and watched the light dance off it.
I probably sang for a couple hours before someone came in. I immediately sat down on my bed. I may hate being here but that is no reason to throw manners out the window. The Matron bustled in and came to evaluate me. This time she had a smile that was genuine.
"Well dear it looks like you can go. Everything in fine for now, just please take it easy. Pain is supposed to warn you that what you are doing is bad." She patted my shoulder in what was supposed to be a comforting way and walked away. I turned to see a skirt, blouse, shoes, stockings, and underwear in bright colors. I changed them to black and grey and hurried to dress. I could finally be free from the retched white room! I could see Dumbledore. I need to see Dumbledore.
I walked the long way to the Transfiguration Office and stopped outside the door. I lightly rapped the door twice and waited. I joyful, "Come in." was heard in the other side. I opened the door and waited as he stared at me. His hair had a slightly auburn color to it. The twinkling blue eyes were still hidden behind spectacles and boisterous clothing adorned his skinny frame. I knew he was taking in my mangled appearance first. His eyes met mine and I could tell he was surprised at something. He gestured to the chair in front of his desk. I took the seat and offered him a small smile. We sat there for a bit staring at each other. I coughed a bit and then began a rehearsed speech.
"Professor, I am Hermione Wilde and was told to give you these papers for when I arrived here." I reached in and found the folder that contained everything. As far as I knew it was all my old test scores and records, just with no actual personal information. I handed him the packet to see him looking at me strangely. "I hope everything is in order Professor." I finished in a disinterested tone.
Could I tell him about the Time Travel? No. Just no, I couldn't do that. It would lead to complications that I don't want to answer. I watched as he looked over the packet page by page. He would occasionally look in my direction with a cautious expression then flicker his gaze back to the stack of records.
His office was almost the same. It was filled with bronze, gold, copper, and silver knick-knacks. There was no Fawkes anywhere though curiously. The walls were a weird yellowy colored stone that clashed terribly with the metallic objects. The walls not covered in shiny things were covered with large tombs.
He flicked the last page in the folder and looked back at me. His gaze was surprisingly cold for someone as cheerful as Dumbledore.
"Well things seem to be in order. Miss Wilde, all except the personal background. Care to tell me why?" He stared me with a threatening look that was disguised as curious.
I stared back, rage was bubbling in me, "Actually no, I don't. You can send me the personal background papers and I can fill them out later. The parent signatures are not possible though. I'm sure you can make an exception."
I was dumbfounded. Why did Dumbledore hate me all the sudden? What had I done to him? I guess me snapping at him didn't help anything, but who the hell does he think he is? His stare had turned to ice by now.
"Fine," he grounded out, "What is in here should be enough to get you registered. The personal papers won't be necessary. Follow me to Headmaster Dippet's Office."
He then got up and strode out at an alarming speed for someone his age. I hurried to catch up and stayed a bit behind him. He weaved through the halls briskly and I pretended tot stare in wonder at the castle around me. The students, it seemed, were in class. Our feet echoed in the empty corridors. He never even looked back to see if I were behind him. How arrogant.
Soon we arrived at the gargoyle and he said the password. The beast nodded and hopped aside. It looked at Dumbledore and did a double take on me. I ignored it and followed Dumbles up the stairs. I waited outside while Dumbledore was inside with Dippet. From what I could tell, Dumbles didn't like me in the least. What I did, who knows. It doesn't matter though what he is mad at me for, just that he is mad at me. Dumbledore was probably telling him how rude I am. I would really have to lay the charm on thick. After five minutes the door opened to show a short, round man that looked like he had lost 5 cm of his hairline and his beady eyes calculated. I plastered on a smile and greeted him.
"Miss Wilde, please come in, come in." He ushered me inside. He motioned for me to take the seat in front of his desk and I did.
"I have to say headmaster, you run a beautiful school. The castle just gives off a superior aura."
"Oh thank you. I am glad you find in above standard, as you will be transferring here correct?"
"If you would have me, I would love to attend Hogwarts. It is beautiful and has everything I would want academically." I wringed my hands in a nervous way and looked at the floor. Dippet noticed and his voice softened considerably when he next spoke.
"Of course my dear girl, I would love to have you in the fine establishment's records. You are even equal to our best pupil. I daresay Tom has some competition! Anyway, we could get you registered to start next Monday. Over the weekend you would need some supplies and clothes. All that you could get in Hogsmede. If we get you sorted tonight, then you could shop tomorrow, Saturday, and get acquainted on Sunday. You would be up and ready on Monday, correct?"
"Absolutely sir." I said with a grin.
"Then it is settled," said Dippet, slipping into teacher mode, "You may wonder the castle until 6 P.M. tonight. That is when dinner starts. Do not go into the Forbidden Forest, do not go near the Whomping Willow, do not disrupt classes, and do not attempt anything 'funny' while you are gone. Clear?"
"Crystal sir"
"Excellent. Off you go then!" he scooted me out of his office and I started down the corridor. I wandered around for a good five hours before dinner. When classes got out I would disillusion and hide in a random alcove. The sun was starting to set, signaling the beginning of dinner.
Students poured through the doors to the Great Hall. Settling against a wall, I cast a glamour charm to cover my scars. The majority of the school had probably already seen them, but they were a personal thing. I waited outside and tried to spot anyone recognizable. I swear I saw Harry and Ron turn the corner, but they just looked a ton like them. I saw a platinum head in the crowd and I held my breath. It was so real. Like I could get close enough to touch and then be torn away again. Abraxas Malfoy looked so much like Draco it hurt. I toyed with the ring on my neck, remembering the time we spent. The only thing I wished for right now was that it was Draco here with me. That I was not alone, but with him and only him.
The students numbers decreased as time went on until there were no more students being ushered to the doors. I heard a sharp clanging of glass and heard the hall quiet.
Dippet's voiced boomed, "I have an announcement. About two weeks ago we had a young girl join us in this very hall, I know you all remember. She is transferring to Hogwarts under dire circumstances and deserves all your respect and kindness. She will be joining her seventh year next Monday and I hope all you seventh years will welcome her. Bring out the hat!"
I leaned slightly over the doorframe so I could see the hall. Dippet was standing at the teachers table and staring at a teacher who was bringing out a stool and the sorting hat. He glanced at the doors and saw my face. He gave me a supposedly reassuring smile and waved me over. Everyone had seen the gesture and automatically looked at me. I slowly stepped into the hall, walking with my head up and shoulders back.
On the inside though I was freaking out. Tom freaking Riddle was sitting in this very room! The grandparents of many of my classmates were sitting all around me! The stares were unnerving to say the least and a couple cat calls and whistles could be heard. I could feel my face harden as they were breaking into whispers. I drained my face of every emotion in under a second. My ears seemed detached from the noise. When I finally ended the walk to the head table I stood in front of Dippet.
He called out, "Wilde, Hermione" I stepped up and sat on the stool for a second time in history.
As if a charm had been cast everyone fell silent. The hat was placed on my head and I felt it trying to get through my occlumency shields.
"I can not sort you if you don't let me in." the hat said smugly. Though it was only a whisper, it could be heard throughout the hall.
I cautiously released my blocks and the hat invaded my every memory. The hat saw everything. It saw my parents being tortured, me being tortured, me almost dieing several times, it was everything I tried to shut out. I clenched and unclenched my fists, blood seeping slowly from the nail marks on my palms.
It saw my every moment with Draco. Every intimate touch, every kiss, every feeling I had around him. I turned my face to stone at that point, I can't let anything show. Riddle would notice. It was me going back in time; it saw every truth and every lie in my cover up story. I started to panic and struggled to put up my shields again.
"Don't fight me. You would not succeed."
I stopped my struggling and wallowed in misery. It was every painful moment in my life. It saw me cry myself to sleep and saw me think of suicide. It saw everything.
"What a horrible existence for someone so young." The hat murmured. Everyone heard that and started to look at each other.
"You are very brave, yes very brave. You would do anything for your friends, even if it meant something a little less than satisfactory. A nice Gryffindor you would make, but I see intelligence. Anything beyond measure. You love learning and love to know everything. I have only sorted one student as smart as you are and he sits in the very hall. As Head Boy I believe. You are smart enough to fight your way out of anything your bravery would get you in. What is this? You are cunning, very cunning. Your intelligence and wit could get you places; you just never apply your cunning side. You have ambition, lots of it. It's like everyone lives inside a box, but you have the talent of not knowing the box even exists. In fact you could talk and weasel you way out of anything your bravery would get you in. A fine mix of Ravenclaw, Slytherin, and Gryffindor you are."
"Not Gryffindor, not Gryffindor, not Gryffindor," I muttered under my breath.
"Not Gryffindor, aye? Then it better be… Slytherin!" I opened my eyes in shock. Slytherin? Slytherin? I can't be in Slytherin! I'm the Gryffindor Princess! I can't take up residence as the Slytherin Ice Queen! The whole hall was staring at me. Of course I was probably sitting here like an idiot, staring into space.
I put a new fire in my eyes and smirked. With that the whole hall erupted. Gryffindors were booing and making insults in my general direction. Slytherins were catcalling and cheering on the other hand. A couple of the Slytherin boys waved me over and I recognized them in and instant. Lestrange, Malfoy, Avery, Rosier, Blacks, and… Riddle. I knew it was him because he looked disinterested in the whole thing. I mean, who else did that? He had perfect features, pale and angular, dark brown eyes with red flecks in them, and dark hair that was perfectly in place. Just being near him you got an odd aura. It was one of power and danger.
I slowly walked over and they made a space between Malfoy and Lestrange. Right into the snake pit then! I slowly seated myself in between them. A couple were tossing strange looks at me, while others dripped with lust. They all watched me. I just looked at them and grabbed a plate and filled it with very little food. I then began to push food around on my plate and still felt their eyes on me. Realizing they would probably wait forever if I didn't start conversation, I stopped pushing my food around and looked up.
"Um, thank you for the seat. It was very generous." I said uneasily. They all had a small look of surprise that I talked at all, but they all controlled their face expression quickly. The two who looked like Blacks shrugged and Malfoy was as stony as ever.
Lestrange leaned over and brushed his thigh against mine, "Of course, think nothing of it." He purred. I slightly leaned over to Malfoy's side of the bench. Lestrange had olive toned skin, wavy black hair, and a slightly bulky build. His eyes looked like they had manipulated their fair share of women. Malfoy noticed my movement and slightly looked me over, calculating. Lestrange only moved closer. His hand now barely touching my knee, but making the trip. I palmed a fork in my right hand and slid my arm around his waist. He had a triumphant smirk, while the others looked on with milled interest, Riddle was still seemingly uninterested, but I could see his eyes on my hand.
I slowly slid the fork out of my hand and pressed it against his side. He tensed feeling the points in his ribs, "Oh, but I must show my gratitude somehow" I pressed the fork a little more. I looked up innocently at him, his faced flashed reddish. Riddle was at the perfect angle to see the fork, while no one else was; only we three knew. He looked at me intently; the others noticed his stare and started to look at me as well. I kept my face stony and removed my arm. Lestrange was staring at me in a cautionary wonder.
Finally the younger black broke into a grin, "Yeah, you will do fine in Slytherin! I'm Orion Black by the way." The Orion held his hand out. I reached to shake it but he kissed the top before I could. He gave me a wink and I rolled my eyes.
"Well I'm Hermione. Nice to meet you all." I said politely, as if I was talking about the weather. Lestrange scoffed and gave me a look that said you are out of your league. I just smirked back. They were all watching the exchange with interest. No one stood up to any of them, let alone a girl.
Riddle looked at me and asked plainly, "Not many women end up in Slytherin. Why do you think you were sorted here?"
I looked back at him and took a sigh, " well, I'm not really sure what Slytherin is known for, so I really cant answer that."
"Slytherin is known for its ambitious members. We are well known because we have the…finesse to get where we need to go. In a Slytherin world, you need to know where you are and what you represent. You need to either already be somebody or make yourself somebody. Most current of ways to do that is be pure of blood. The purer you are the higher you are." Riddle's gaze bore into mine, sizing me up.
"Purest of the pure?" I asked. Cygnus and Abraxas exchanged a look. Orion started to look worried and Lestrange cocked his head in a preditorial way.
Riddle never turned away from me and said, "Yes"
I looked around and asked, "Are you?"
His gaze hardened and a controlled fury built up, "Basically"
I raised an eyebrow, "Care to elaborate?"
Riddle's mouth turned into a fine line on his handsome face, "Not really."
I looked back and said, "Pity. Well I think this dinner has been fun, but I must retire gentlemen. I hope to learn your names in the morning." As I got up to leave, a pale girl with shoulder length black silky hair can up beside me.
"You are heading to the common room?" She asked.
"I would if I could find it!" I said back.
"I am going there to, a seventh year right? I am one too so we will be sharing a dorm. I'm Eileen Prince, resident potions geek." She said back. Snape's mom is actually pretty. And nice!
"Thanks I would appreciate it. Besides you don't look like a geek, you look like you know how to poison someone. I'm Hermione Wilde." I held my hand out. She shook it while tried to keep a straight face. After our shake ended, we burst out laughing.
"Oh, if only everyone else saw it that way!"
They walked on, down the corridor, neither noticing the many pairs of eyes following them, one more intensely than the others.
AN: This chapter really fought me tooth and nail! I really hope I wrote Tom right in this. I really loved writing the part between Lestrange and Hermione. I know it was a bit over the top, but it was a kinda a right of passage. She needed to prove herself and how better to do that then trick a Lestrange? Of course now the quest for knowledge begins on Tom's part. I hope that Hermione will stay strong. Next chapter we will get to meet the Slytherin girls and be in classes! Till next chapter!
-M&M