Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I'm simple using and abusing them for my own personal pleasure.

Orphaned

Chapter Four: Tale of Three Brothers

Laying on her fresh sheets she didn't know if she was more disappointed for missing three classes or for not being allowed outside. Maybe, it was because Tom Riddle was alone with her on this floor, in the next room.

Yes, that was it.

Contrary to what some people might be saying this very moment, every finger—toe—hair was in tacked. Tom took her to the nurse, lingered, and left back to class. Not one word to her. Maybe she should give him credit for not hurting her during a fit of anxiety. Her eyes started to grow heavy, the lack of sleep she had started to catch up once more. A knock on her door broke her out the haze, more so, the person there. Tom pushed it open leaning against the door way "So, they cleaned the mud off."

"Get out of my room or I'll tell Mrs Cole."

"I'm not technically in your room," He looked at the door way then back to her expectantly. Ignoring him she rolled facing the wall but he didn't leave. Pretending to sleep was impossible no matter how tired she was. After a minute of feeling him burn a hole into her back she snapped to the doorway.

"What!"

Tom cocked an eyebrow un-phased "Are you just going to sleep?"

"What choice do I have we're not allowed outside, no thanks to you." She added bitterly falling back onto the bed with a flop.

"Were allowed, in the library," She looked over to him not sure if he was lying "but if you don't want to pick the book, I don't mind." Rising Tom smirked pulling off the doorway starting down the hall.

Curse her for agreeing to be Tom's partner.

Quickly catching up to him deciding it was safer to stroll from behind, her arms crossed over her chest forging unhappiness, truly excited the library was still available. At least that's where she hoped they were going, it was foolish to follow Tom blindly. What if he led her to a dark corner and-

"I'm not going to kill you and earn half my grade," Tom said making her jolt. Did he read my mind?

Collecting herself "Excuse me if I'm not convinced." Did he expect her to believe anything that would ever come from his demon mouth. Following him down the stairs and through the hall Tom seemed to ignore her presence but often slowed when she walked to far behind, which was often and purposely. Heading down the way from the classes and to the end, unease filled her, she felt herself turning to stone the further they got. Why was she following him unsupervised? Him, she could take but if a group of his friends were waiting... Turning the corner she noticed books, shelves and a teacher from inside a window. The library, she relaxed.

"Were not allow in the restricted section, sixteen years and up only, but I'll show you where the good books are ...so you don't choose something stupid." Your stupid, she bit back in her head. Pushing the library door open it was decently sized as you'd expect any normal library to be. No wonder the Orphanage was poor.

"Why are there teachers and a library in this Orphanage anyways, if they want to save money they should send us to a public school."

Tom scoffed "Because they prefer us away from outside contact, in case you haven't realized we are special cases, nobody here is up for adoption." She was slightly taken off guard, he gave a friendly nod to the librarian leading her down one of the isles. It didn't make sense, what he said, Tom was a liar so that must be what he was doing, lying.

"There is nothing wrong with Harry or Ron. You—I'm not so sure."

"Oh?" Tom turned to her blankly "Did you know Potters godfather wants him dead, that he is still out there looking for him." Her eyes widened snapping to his face to detect deceit. If he was lying she wouldn't know. One side of his lip curled upward before continuing "Wools doesn't release the names of children to the public, that's why Potter's here—smart girl."

"Your a liar."

His smirk faded turning irritated "yeah? Then tell me, why are you here, not that I don't already know."

"What do you mean, you already know?" Her eyes narrowed his victory smirk returned.

"I nicked your file from Mrs. Cole office before you even got here." That confirmed her suspicions. He furrowed his brows looking her over as if detecting something odd "Why did she get rid of you, after what happen though?"

It was cold suddenly, like a winter storm frosted her skin and all she could manage to say was "What?"

They stared at each other her heart speeding to a pound suspenseful for his response. Toms face grew bright looking her over more vigorously, curiosity and interest plainly on his face "you don't know, do you?" She didn't answer "Of course you don't, your medical file, it make sense now."

"You stole my medical file!" The librarian shushed her from her desk but she ignored it, her eyes still set on Tom, loathing the little thief. His face settled into something smug.

"What, are you going to tell Madam Pomfrey? I only took a peak don't be so sensitive," he turned away looking through some books. "I could tell you—if you ask nicely."

"I think I will just ask for myself, without your help thank you very much." Truthfully she didn't want to ask, if she forgot it wasn't it better that way? Tom shrugged her off and she bit her lip sensing he, in his mind, had some sense of power over her now "And what are you here for, killing someone?" his head snapped to her, eyes filled in rage - hate - unlike what she's seen in them before.

She felt like taking it back.

Not because she was scared but whatever she said hit him somewhere deep—and painful. She wasn't petty enough to strike him that way, maybe with a metal baseball bat, but not like this. Putting the book back he walked towards her his expression settling into something eerily calm. Like the sky before a hurricane forms.

Now one foot away onyx eyes still on her "Yeah I did. If you don't watch your mouth, I might kill you too."

"I'm not scared of you." Despite her attempt to not blink her eyes watered from the heat radiating from his failing, for a moment it seemed Tom Riddle was indeed a murder. Her mouth drew tight reluctant to say what she was going to say next "if I said something that hurt you, I'm sorry." The anger didn't crease from his face, he looked over her suspiciously as if not sure she really meant it or was just afraid of the consequences—but he should know better. "I was only inquiring why you were here. Not accusing." Seemingly mauling this over then deciding she meant it his shoulders relaxed releasing an angry huff.

"Okay," he said and she un-balled her fist knowing the danger was gone. "You didn't, I know..." That wasn't an apology but the closest thing to it maybe.

They both turned back to the shelf at the same time. Maybe too awkwardly. "...So what happen?"

"Nothing," he said simply starting to reach for a book. She must be crazy for asking, but she wasn't a bully and she said something wrong, what was it exactly? Grabbing his wrist before he could pull another book she sighed, he turned his head slightly keeping his eyes on the shelf. His hand was surprisingly warm, she'd half expected it to be freezing cold. Squeezing the book he finally answered "I was born-" pulling his wrist away he turned to her "-my existence here was an easy fix when my mother died giving birth to me."

"You didn't kill her though, you must know that!" The librarian shushed them again. More quietly, she continued grabbing his wrist again "there was nothing you could do." Glaring he pulled his hand away seeming to snap out of, vulnerability, if you could call it that.

"It's none of your business - anyway, pick a book or I will for you." It was clear the conversation was over. A wall as high and hard as china's was back up. Curiosity still plaguing her mind she decided not to prod any further, it was only yesterday night he was dumping a stack of mud on her head after all.

Looking through the books her hand settled on a small one that seemed oddly familiar, The Tale of the Three Brothers.

"Not that one," Tom said seeing her pull it from the shelf. "Something longer."

"Well, I want this one and you said I could choose anything." Not that she needed his permission. But she thought it would shorten the argument.

"It's a child's book," Tom snapped, when her face grew hard in a stubborn counter attack he turned back to the bookcase a momentary silence falling over them "I did say you could, didn't I," His fingers lingered on a book lightly tapping it before reluctantly pulling away "Fine, go ahead and take it." Throwing him a irritated look at his authoritative tone she started for the library's table. Strangely feeling like a spoiled child getting their way.

"Hermione!" Ginny called from the library's doorway and she felt familiar to a dear in headlights. Ginny started to run but the librarian quickly scolded her making her feet shuffle across the wood floor in a fast walk. "Where have you been, everyone is worried! I heard that you-know-who devil is missing too and-" Ginny blanched, guessing she caught sight of Tom she held up the book blocking her view.

"We are partners."

"Oh, right... Ron told me." Ginny pulled at her arm attempting to take her away "Hermione, you have detention."

"That's not for another twenty minutes," she stopped looking at the clock then back to Ginny who's eyes widened her face stretching hard. It clicked, Ginny was trying to save her, maybe herself too. "Ah, um-"

"No." Tom cut in front of her "I'll take her when its time, we have a book assignment." Ginny hesitated nervously, Hermione bit her lip not sure if she even wanted to leave. She had to work with him sometime right? Deciding for Ginny sake to push past Tom, an angry look appearing on his face as she did so.

"I'm going to go with Ginny for now. We don't have to read the book together, not that there's much to even read." Maybe he was right, it was silly to choose that book but it just felt, special. She held out The Tale of the Three Brothers to him "Well meet tomorrow."

"Well meet after your detention." He corrected taking the book out of her hand then looking to Ginny as if she were an insect, quickly Hermione cut in front of her giving Tom a warning glare. "You want to pick a small book, be ready to turn it into an essay." With that he left striding out the library's door.

"I'm dead, right?" Ginny said staring where Tom left.

"If he try's anything, I'll punch him in the face." She smiled faintly at Ginny "but, he's not that bad."

"Stop that."

"Stop what?"

Ginny's gave her a sour look "He poured a bucket of mud on your head yesterday night. And humiliate you in front of Madam Pomfrey a couple of hours ago. Oh yes Hermione, he's a real charmer." Grabbing Hermione's wrist she started pulling her towards the exit. "Stop looking at his face and try your best to stay away from him. Before he hurts you, he isn't a good person he'll suck out your soul if he could." Ginny, maybe was right. Tom was still the monster that ruled the second floor. Everyone knows it, even her, just now he had a back story.

And he didn't hurt you, her inner voice added.

Hey wait. Blushing her face snapped to Ginny. "I'm not looking at his face!" The red head rolled her eyes, both unaware Bellatrix was watching them from behind the bookcase.

.

.

.

Detention with Snape wouldn't have been unbearable if Luna was not there with her. Apparently she thought it was very important to rearrange Snape's desk with mirrors so the banshee could not eat his desk wood... Snape, had not been thankful. The Orphans that told her a banshee haunted Snape's room must have gotten more of a laugh then they expected. She wondered if this was still over Bellatrix. Boy she held grudges.

"Luna?" Hermione started, Luna hummed very focused on writing her assignment, in what looked to be morse code. They were not allowed to leave until they both finished the essay.

"Um, I was just wondering why you are in this Orphanage... If you don't want to talk about it, I understand."

Luna didn't look up from her work concentrating very hard "I told you, my parents were killed by sharks in a diving accident."

"Oh... I thought, they died in an explosion?"

"That was Saturday, Mondays a new week," Luna chided, as if it were her mistake. Pursing her lips she considered if she should clarify but decided against it.

Luna stopped making dots on her paper, proudly looking it over before turning to her looking ready to conversate "Why are you here?"

"...I don't know, I can't remember anything before coming here, not really. Just a few things."

"Your lucky," Luna smiled sheepishly "If you can't remember, you can sleep proper at night. When my parents died, I started waking in a lot of curious places..." Hermione grimaced knowing this all to well. A yawn escaped her at the thought.

"Do you ladies think this is a get together?" Snape hissed and she jolted turning back to her work, Luna simply stared at him. "Lovegood, where are your shoes?" On cue both her and Luna looked at her feet.

Luna rubbed her chin thoughtfully "I suspect Nargle's." Snape gave her a dry look before snatching the paper in front of the blonde looking it over his hands slowly crumpled the edges then smashed it in a ball and throwing it into the nearby trashcan. Quickly he grabbed a blank sheet of paper from the shelf above their heads snapping it in front of her.

"In English this time. I'll be informing the nurse of your odd behavior."

"Yes sir," Luna said looking downcasted, when Snape left she bent her head in a whisper "I suspect they want to take me back to St Mungo's, they think I'm crazy."

"Back to St Mungo's?" Didn't that confirm there was something wrong, if she would have to go back. To confirm it- "St Mungo's is a metal institution, right?"

"Yes, how did you know? Have you been there as well?"

She shook her head quickly "Neville's parents are there. I saw a letter from an Alice and Frank Longbottem and sort of put it together."

Luna mused over her words before nodding "Yes, he visits them every month. I have gone to Mungo's twice since being here, but so has Bellatrix so I think they are rather harsh when judging Orphans. A fun fact, they don't actually tie you up in straight jackets they prefer less confrontation means, like injecting medication." How is that a fun fact? Luna turned her head thoughtfully to the ceiling "...Maybe one day the Longbottoms will get better."

"Yes, maybe."

"Granger, another detention." Snape said and she groaned. Why only her? Because Snape doesn't want Luna back here, her head answered.

After detention, which lasted longer then expected, Luna and her walked in a awkward silence. Ginny would be likely rambling to her over anything right now but Luna seemed content with the silence, only when they started up the stairs Luna finally spoke "I didn't get to show you my collection, did I?"

"Another time Luna, I'm meeting Riddle." At her odd stare she continued "The book project, for McGongall's class."

Luna's eyebrows furrowed in deep thought "Oh yes, everyone one was talking about it in gym."

"The book project?" She cocked an eyebrow at her, hard to believe anyone cared.

"Sort of, strangely they were inventing ways Tom would kill you during it." Figures. Thumbing her lip she decided to ask for what could possibly be the only honest opinion in the Orphanage.

"Do you believe Tom is a bad person?"

"If your asking me, then you don't believe that do you?" Hermione smiled, Luna, crazy as she seemed was very bright. Nodding Luna stopped on the second floor. "Then he can't be that bad... Well bye Hermione."

"Bye Luna." She waved walking down the hall to Tom's room, then knocking this time.

"Come in." Opening the door Tom was reading The Tale of the Three Brothers not glancing up at her. "I didn't think you were coming, it's almost curfew."

"You said after my detention, didn't you? Luna wrote her assignment in morse code so it took a little longer." Earning herself a glance she looked around getting a better view of his room, not that their was much to look at. Blank walls, a bed, wardrobe and a desk with a single book. It seemed a lot more empty, more gray, she decided to take a seat at the table. "Are you barley reading that?"

"No, I'm reading it over, and it really is a silly book."

"Oh? Why's that?" Maybe she shouldn't ask, she didn't want to spoil it.

"I would just fight them all with the wand and take the clock and stone." Of course you would. Rolling her eyes she held her hand out asking to read it. Tom shook his head "I'll read it out loud again, it's counterproductive otherwise." Letting her hand drop she leaned back not ready for an argument. As he started she strangely felt like a child getting read a bedtime story.

Unknowingly started drifting. Until her vision disappeared and she was—out.

So sorry about how long it took to Update. I got distracted, no really good excuses lol.

Guest: I will try to! lol

RealTalk: I had my fears the pacing was a bit fast- I was constantly debating too much detail to little detail in this one but (pushes post button) before I take a month lol. I enjoy your feedback to improve my writing. I'll continue to work on it. ;)

Anon: I enjoyed it as well, Tom's idea of playing is a bit different then others huh lol

Mother of Randomness: Keep your arms open because (puts on sunglasses) shit is going to get real.