Thank you all so much for the reviews, you're all very kind. And again, because I tend to skip over a lot of details, feel free to ask questions when you need something cleared up, I'll gladly answer them.
Elased :
Harry has stopped hanging around Hermione because he's worried about Ginny. He's kind of doing his own thing, going around, hoping to see Ginny, like Ron, he has hope that Ginny is alive and is only missing because she's ran away.
Tom is definitely irritated with Ron, he doesn't like the idea of him having a thing with Hermione.
I'm also really glad you made the connection with Tom's mom. Tom's actions are heavily influenced by Merope's.
Like always, I do not own the quotes in bold, they are from NBC's Hannibal, who's season premiere was just last week! If you like this story, I highly recommend the show, it's amazing.
"He had to see something was wrong."
"Not until it was too late, just like everyone else."
Ron woke up with a startled jump, he looked at the alarm clock on the nightstand beside him before sighing loudly. Lately he had been waking up hours before his alarm went off, and it wasn't until a few nights ago that he realized Harry had been going out at night.
When he tried asking why, Harry shook his head, his eyes watering, and his mouth pressed in a thin line. Ron wasn't sure what to do with his best friend, but he decided not to push him for answers.
He tried calling Hermione the next day, but his call was sent straight to voicemail, again.
"Hermione," he had said to her inbox, "I'm not sure if I did something to make you mad but I really need to talk to you. I miss you Hermione...everything is sort of falling apart without you here. If this is about Ginny.. we all miss her, Harry is.. he's not doing so good." Ron paused, "I don't want to pressure you or anything but.. I'm just not sure how long I can put up with this. You're usually the sensible one and I don't think I can be so grounded for much longer. At least not without you." He cleared his throat to keep his voice from cracking. "Anyways, please call me back soon. We love you 'Mione."
Ron had given up calling Hermione after he realized his calls were being ignored on purpose. He couldn't remember the last time he felt so alone, even through their toughest times, his friends had always managed to stay together.
That morning he sat in bed, wondering where his best friends had gone as he turned on the television.
He flipped through the countless amount of infomercials and remembered when Hermione had convinced him and Harry that cable was pointless.
"TV will eat at your brain. You don't need hundreds of channels to keep you busy Ronald. Watch movies on lazy days, but with cable you'll be on the couch every day when we could go and hang out."
Ron had scoffed at her at the time. "And what if you don't feel like going out that day."
"Don't be ridiculous, I always want to hang out with you."
Ron bit his lip as he finally settled on the local news channel, hoping to keep his mind busy instead of reminiscing.
"On a more serious note," the news anchor began, an icon of a police tape that said keep out. crime scene, appearing beside her. "A body was found near Willow's Creek. Police are having trouble identifying the body but sketch artist have drawn up what we believe to be the victim's appearance. Due to graphic scenes, we are unable to show images of the scene."
The image on the screen made Ron's heart stop. He leaned towards the television and found himself praying.
Not her. Not her. Please don't be her.
Wild curly hair surrounded the woman on the screen. A small, button nose, but no freckles.
Ron's heart began beating again, though it was too fast for his liking. It wasn't her. It couldn't be her.
The eyes were too far apart, and they were drawn to look clear, not the warm shade of brown Hermione had. The face of the woman on screen was too round and her hair looked darker.
Ron assured himself that someone like Hermione, who visited the dentist regularly, would have available dental records to help identify her.
No, the girl on screen had some identical features to Hermione, but it wasn't her.
He swallowed at the thought of losing another loved one as he read the number at the bottom of the screen. He felt a knot in his throat at the thought of Ginny. Where was she?
"The body was found with multiple stab wounds, -" Ron quickly shut the television off, throwing himself back on the bed.
Gods, he really needed to talk to someone, he thought.
Riddle. The name appeared almost immediately in his mind. He was the only therapist he knew but he'd be damned if he went to him for his problems.
He was an ass who didn't let him into Hermione's apartment when he only wanted to talk…
And now that he thought of it, he was the person who was suppose to help his sister get better. He should have known if Ginny was in trouble.
He had treated Hermione for a few weeks before they started going out, which had to be against some kind of ethnic code.
Some therapist he was.
Ron closed his eyes and tried to ignore the little voice in the back of his head that told him something awful was going to happen. Something more awful than not knowing where his sister had been for the past months.
He pushed the voice back and told himself Ginny had just been too far gone to want help. She wanted to be alone, and Ron only ever allowed himself to think that Ginny had ran away.
"Crap," Ron held back a sob.
"Wind him up and watch him go."
Tom woke up with his arms wrapped around Hermione, and despite the way her hair always somehow ended up in his mouth, he loved waking up with her in his bed.
He pushed her hair aside and pressed a kiss to her neck.
"What time is it?" she murmured, pulling away slightly.
"Time to wake up," he replied, unwrapping his arms from around her and ignoring the way her first instinct had been to move away. They'd just have to work on that. "Narcissa is coming over today." He sat up and waited for her to do the same. She really was a sight to see, even in the early mornings. Tom thought he liked her best at that time, when her eyes were still drowsy and her face was flushed. She looked so vulnerable.
When she did sit up, Hermione rubbed her eyes and looked at him with a frown. "I told you about her coming yesterday," Tom reminded her.
"I know, I just.. I'm pretty sure she hates me. Did I ever mention, I use to know the Malfoys?"
Tom smiled at the memory, "You mentioned something like that yesterday. I promise you, Narcissa won't mention the little incident you had with her son."
Hermione shook her head. "I think I'm just going back to my apartment today, I haven't been there in so long. I have to pick up more clothes anyways."
"Don't be silly," Tom said, standing up and walking towards his closet. "Narcissa wants to meet you. You don't want her to just know you as the girl who assaulted her son in high school, do you?"
"I really should go back to my apartment though. My rent is due in a few days and I always pay early."
Tom looked back at her, opening his mouth to say something before hesitating and shaking his head.
"What?" she asked. "I mean, of course I'll be here with Narcissa, but I should go home tonight too."
"It's not-" Tom stopped and shook his head, "Nevermind." He turned around again and began looking through his closet. Hermione tried not to stare at his bare back and the way the lean muscles were obvious, even there.
"Tell me," she said, laying back down and staring at the ceiling instead of Tom's smooth back.
"I was only thinking, what if you move out of your apartment?" his voice was soft, as if nervous to hear the answer.
Hermione sat up again, wanting to see if he was serious. "Tom," she began, her voice just as soft.
"Don't answer yet," he said quickly, holding up his hands as if that would stop her. He smiled warily, "Think it over."
Hermione nodded slowly, not knowing what else to he asking her to move in? With him? So soon? "Uh, just give me a minute."
"Of course," he answered easily. "I'm going to take a quick shower, have you seen my blue button up? The Burberry one? I think that's the one Narcissa gave me last Christmas."
Hermione cleared her throat and nodded again, "Uh, yeah, I did laundry the other day, it's probably still downstairs. I'll go get it."
Tom smiled brightly, it felt like a punch to Hermione's stomach. How could she say no to him? Things seemed so at ease here, not like they were back in her apartment. Hermione nearly shuddered at the memories her place had.
"See? What would I do without you?" he teased.
Hermione tried to smile back as she got up. "I'll bring you your shirt right now."
Tom kept his smile even as she walked out of the room. He had felt her stare when his back was towards her, and he wasn't above using his looks to get what he wanted.
With a smug grin, he walked to the bathroom.
It didn't take long for Hermione to be back with the shirt Tom wanted. Seeing as he was in the bathroom, Hermione placed the shirt on the bed and sat besides it to think.
His suggestion was tempting. Hermione would save a lot without the crummy apartment she had now but it was insane to move in with him so quickly. But it would also mean she would have an excuse to move out of the place where Ginny had died. Part of the reason she gave in to Tom so easily when he asked her to stay the night was because just the thought of sleeping in her place made her sick.
Hermione threw herself back in bed again. She wished she had Ron and Harry to talk this over with.
Was it too quick to move in with someone? Of course. Did it even matter? Hermione wasn't sure.
When Tom wasn't around, Hermione felt like she was losing herself. Tom was the only one keeping her grounded. If it weren't for him, she'd probably already gone to the police about Ginny. As it was, Hermione still contemplated telling the truth. Getting rid of her apartment had the potential to help her further.
She was so lost in thought, Hermione didn't even hear Tom getting out of the shower some time later. She only noticed when he came to stand over her.
"Did you think about it?" he asked, laying down besides her.
Hermione's breath caught in her throat when she realized he was naked, except for the towel wrapped around his slim hips.
"I- I'm still-" Hermione began, looking away so she wouldn't stare. When she couldn't complete her sentence, she breathed out a loud, "Fuck."
He laughed softly, bringing his hand to her cheek. "Is that what you want?"
Hermione closed her eyes, trying to clear her head. "I just don't know if it's the best idea. Tom, you're great and … but I just - If we move in together- this is going to move too quickly."
Hermione felt him begin to move, and only opened her eyes when she felt him hover over her, legs on either side of hers, and forearms beside her head. His face was inches away from her own, "You think we're moving too quickly? Hermione, when I see you, I know I want you, every bit of you and all to myself. Don't worry what everyone else will think Hermione. Is it really a bad thing if we do things at a different pace than is expected? Just because we know what we want?"
Hermione tried to say something, she really did, but suddenly she felt Tom press himself much closer. She tried to think and ignore the way her mind was wondering how long the towel would stay on him.
His nose was touching hers now, "Think about it logically if you don't want to be so emotional about it. You'll save a lot of money if you don't have to pay rent. We can save the planet from a bit of pollution if I don't go pick you up so often."
Hermione cursed when he began grinding his hips.
His smile made Hermione flush, and when his warm fingers started reaching for her pajama shorts, her stomach clenched. "You can help me pick out my clothes in the mornings," he leaned into her ear and whispered, "I can help you take yours off at night."
Hermione bit her lip.
"I'll cook dinner every day," he promised, kissing the spot underneath her ear before sliding his hand between her legs. "I'll eat anything you ask me to."
"Anything, anytime?" she breathed.
Tom laughed and pressed kisses to her neck. "Anytime," he agreed.
"Right now?" she asked, a blush reaching her cheeks.
"Say yes," he said, his kisses tracing their way down.
Hermione tried to think. There really was no reason not to move in, was there?
She felt her shorts fall off just as his hands cupped her.
"Wait, let me think about this," Hermione tried saying.
His mouth was right above her navel, and his kisses weren't stopping.
She'd save money, she'd escape Ginny's death place, Tom would cook,-
"Oh god," she squealed, feeling his mouth over her. Hermione tried thinking of any cons to moving in, but her brain could only process the place Tom was kissing. "Tom," she squirmed. "More, please."
"Say yes," he murmured between kisses.
Hermione felt his tongue peek out and groaned, "Yes."
Tom smiled and gave her what she wanted until yes was the only word she seemed to know. Seeing her like that, seeing her come undone because of him, made Tom feel more than pleased.
"One can appreciate another's words without dissecting them. Though on occasion, dissecting them is the only thing that will do."
"You have to get dressed, Narcissa will be here soon."
"I don't think I can stand up right now," she said with a short laugh. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair was messier than it had been when she woke up.
"Should I go pick out your clothes today?" he offered.
"Go ahead," she sighed, closing her eyes with a smile on her face.
Tom mirrored her smile and pressed his lips to her forehead before standing up, the towel he had long gone by then. He picked up the shirt that had somehow ended up on the floor and walked over to the closet.
"We really do have to pick up your stuff soon. You can call your landlord today and give him your month's notice."
Hermione sat up at that, "Right," she frowned, "I've been meaning to ask you, have you seen my phone? I thought I left it on the kitchen counter the other day but-"
"I moved it when I was cleaning up," Tom answered, slipping into his shirt. "Sorry, I forgot to mention that. I left it in my study."
"Your study?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. She thought it was an odd place to put it, he could have just brought it to the room, or even left it in the living room, but she didn't mention it.
"Is this fine for you?" he asked, pulling out a dress for her to wear after dressing himself.
Hermione barely glanced at it and nodded, "Sure." She stood up and was about to reach for the dress when the doorbell rang.
Tom smiled at her, "That must be Narcissa."
"Crap, give me ten minutes. I'm going to take a quick shower," before she could start walking to the bathroom, Tom shook his head.
"You're fine. Get dressed, I have to answer the door," he kissed her quickly.
"But we just- Tom, I probably smell like sweat and sex, I'm going to shower."
"You smell divine," he smiled though his words sounded snappy. "Now, get dressed, we can't keep Narcissa waiting, it's rude."
"Go open the door while I shower, I won't be long, I promise." Hermione took the dress from his hands but he didn't let go. Instead, he looked at her with a hard gaze.
"Get dressed, I'll go open the door," he said, letting the dress go. He smiled to ease the harshness of his tone, "You look perfect as you are, one of your best qualities is not being vain enough to worry so much about appearances." He pressed his lips to her cheek and left to open the door.
Hermione cursed under her breath and walked to the bathroom to change. She quickly pulled her hair up, washed her face, and brushed her teeth, hoping that would make her presentable. When she pulled the dress over herself, she told herself she looked fine.
She hurried downstairs once she slipped on shoes, wondering why Tom's approval mattered so much.
She almost faltered when she reached the bottom of the stairs. She had forgotten how regal Narcissa looked. Her hair was pulled up elegantly, her smile was almost daunting, and when she spoke, Hermione had to shoot Tom a quick look for help. "Hermione Granger, it's been too long."
Tom was no help, he smiled his usual smile and offered to take Narcissa's coat.
"A pleasure to see you again Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione finally said, walking up to shake her hand.
"I"m sure," she smiled as she shook Hermione's hand. "I have to say I was a little surprised when Tom told us about you. He's a lucky man." Narcissa glanced over at him and pretended to lower her voice at Hermione, "I was hoping my Draco would be the one to snatch you up."
Hermione flushed at the idea of being with someone as horrid as Malfoy.
Tom laughed, "Sorry Cissa I don't think Hermione goes for the sniveling coward type."
Hermione's eyes widened at the insult, expecting to see Narcissa go on a full rage as her son use to, or even look a little undignified.
Instead Mrs. Malfoy wore a tight smile, "I guess Hermione dodged a bullet with Draco. I'm just as happy to hear she chose someone so..riveting as yourself Tom."
Tom kept his smile, and glancing at Hermione before giving his attention to Narcissa again. "Why don't we step into the kitchen? I'll start on breakfast, you and Hermione can start catching up. I'm sure you two will be lovely friends."
Narcissa didn't wait for someone to lead the way, she began walking towards the kitchen, "Something light I hope. Nothing too big Tom, oatmeal will be fine."
"Don't be silly Cissa," Tom placed a hand on the small of Hermione's back and led her behind Narcissa. "I've been dying to give you a proper meal. You hardly ever eat."
"I'm afraid I'm a bit fussy about what I eat."
"Just like Lucius," Tom chuckled, "I do hope you bring Draco around sometime."
Narcissa ignored the comment and took a seat at Tom's dinner table. Her smile made Hermione take a deep breath. She almost glared at Tom when he pulled open the chair beside Narcissa for her.
Gingerly she sat down and smiled politely. "So, oatmeal for Cissa, the usual for you love?" Tom's voice was sweet, and Narcissa was still smiling. Hermione looked between the two and nodded at Tom, thinking back to the times she would eat at the Weasley's. It was nothing like this. Molly's kitchen would be crowded, and there'd always be someone fighting, but at least the smiles were genuine.
"So, Hermione, tell me," Narcissa turned to her, her smile looking less mocking. "What have you been up to? Last I heard, you were working with a humanitarian group."
"Just for a couple of months after graduation. I work for social services now," she cleared her throat.
"Really? That's great," somehow her words sounded sincere. "Though it must be awfully busy."
"Not so much," Tom answered for her, from the kitchen. "I convinced her to shorten her schedule."
"Most of the work I did was paperwork, I can do most of it from home." Hermione laughed nervously, hoping to get the attention away from herself, she asked Narcissa, "I know you were involved in a few charity events before, are you involved in anything interesting right now?"
"I started my own business darling," Narcissa smiled. "I realized I have a real niche for decorating. After the fifth time I redecorated the manor, Lucius made me swear I'd stop so I decided I really could start charging others for my talents. Do you live around here? I'd love to help you with your own place, I'll even give you the family discount," Narcissa winked and Hermione decided she liked this side of her.
"We were actually just speaking about that today," Tom said as he walked towards them, making both girls look up. He carried two mugs of coffee and handed them to the two before smirking at Narcissa. "Hermione is moving in soon."
Narcissa's smile faltered. "How wonderful."
"Tom practically cornered me into saying yes," Hermione defended.
Tom's eyes looked mischievous as he said, "You loved it, practically begged." Hermione blushed and he walked back to the kitchen to continue with breakfast.
When Hermione looked back at Narcissa, she had an unreadable expression.
"You can redecorate our room Cissa," Tom said cheerfully, over the faint sound of eggs cracking. "Get a feel for our likes and dislikes. It won't be long before you can start planning our wedding."
Narcissa, who was taking a sip of the coffee, almost choked.
"Careful," Tom's voice softened. "It's hot. You don't want to get burned Cissa."
"Those in the world around him are a means to an end. He uses them to do what he is driven to do."
It was still mid morning when they finished breakfast and Tom's phone began to ring.
He excused himself quickly and left the two to talk amongst themselves before answering in his study.
"Is it ready?," he snapped.
"I have what you asked for," he answered, sounding indifferent to Tom's tone. "Though, we may have a problem. I assume you don't want to talk about this over the phone."
Tom cursed, "Meet me in the usual place."
With a clenched jaw, he walked back out to where Hermione and Narcissa were laughing together.
"Bad news?" Narcissa raised an eyebrow.
"Just a bit of trouble with a patient, it's nothing too serious but I have to go make sure they won't do anything stupid."
Hermione's breath caught in her throat and Tom noticed. "Don't worry about it love," he crouched down to her and pressed a kiss to her forehead. "I won't be long," he looked at Narcissa who was watching them oddly. He knew Hermione would start thinking about Ginny, and decided he couldn't leave her alone now. Narcissa was his best bet. "Cissa will stay here to keep you company, won't you?"
Narcissa looked too pleased for Tom's liking as she nodded, "Of course."
"I won't be long," he promised, kissing Hermione again before standing up.
"Be careful," Hermione managed to say as he gathered himself to leave.
Tom made sure to look at Narcissa as he replied, "You too."
It wasn't long before Tom was in his car, on his way to see Snape.
"What's the problem?" Tom asked curtly when he was finally face to face with Snape. They met in an underground bar called Basilisk where everyone knew to stay out of their business.
"You wanted the fertility pills," Snape handed him an unbranded bottle.
"Are they any good?"
"They work like magic," Snape drawled.
"And the problem?" Tom took the pills, opening them and taking a whiff of them. He could feel the excitement already.
Again, Snape pulled out another bottle, a smaller one that Tom was familiar with. "You can't use these together. At least, I wouldn't recommend it."
Tom eyed the bottle and laughed, "That's the problem?" He tucked the fertility pills inside his coat pocket and smiled triumphantly. "Those were only for the beginning, just so Hermione could see how well we are together."
Snape didn't look convinced. "Are you sure this is the right way to go?"
"Are you questioning me?" Tom lowered his eyes.
Snape didn't look away, in fact, he looked bored with the whole situation. "I don't think you've thought this through."
Tom raised his chin, "I've thought about this more than enough times. I can't not think about this." Tom paused and looked at him. "She drives me crazy Severus. She has this.. insane morale and I can see her wanting to give everything up. I can't let her." Tom locked his arms over his chest and fought the urge to grip his hair. "She needs a little more motive to keep quiet and I'm giving it to her."
"And if she doesn't want it?"
Tom's eyes flashed, "Of course she'll want it."
"You think everything will fall into place after this?"
"Not everything," Tom huffed. "I need to take care of a few things. Hermione needs to come off these pills," he nodded at the second bottle. "I want her to cut off all ties with the Weasley's. Ronald hasn't stopped calling her. I've managed to evade his phone calls, and erase the idiot voicemails he leaves but she still thinks of them."
"You've rid yourself of people before, it shouldn't be a problem," Snape drawled.
Severus thought he'd never seen Tom look so anxious. He was always so composed. "I don't want to raise suspicions. Two Weasley kids go missing and Ginevra's investigation will open up again. I need this to look like an accident. I'm almost tempted to get Greyback to go after him but his work is messy at best."
"Nott is in the car business," Snape said, meeting Tom's hard gaze.
He watched with an impassive look as Tom's lip twitched upward. "I'll have to give him a call."
"I used to be afraid of losing my memory. What I wouldn't give to forget a thing or two now."
As soon as they heard the front door close, Narcissa visibly relaxed. She looked at Hermione, her eyes searching for something in her. "Are you okay?" she asked quietly.
Hermione blinked, the woman in front of her wasn't the same one who had walked in. She was just as beautiful but her confidence seemed to disappear, and in it's place was obvious concern. "Y- Yes," Hermione answered, though it sounded like a question.
Narcissa nodded, reaching out to Hermione's hand. She gave it a small squeeze and smiled. "Tom will be a while. We have at least half an hour to ourselves."
"Uh," Hermione wasn't sure what she meant. "That's great."
"Has he been treating you alright?" Narcissa asked, her voice soft.
Hermione furrowed her eyebrows, "Tom? Of course, why?"
Narcissa nodded again, looking down at their hands. "When Lucius told me Hermione Granger had ended up in the hands of Riddle, I almost couldn't believe it."
Hermione pulled her hand away, "Wha- Why?"
"You're a smart girl," Narcissa smiled gently, "Draco has told me a lot about you. You don't seem the type to hang around people like Riddle."
"People like Riddle? Therapists?"
Narcissa's smile faltered. "You really don't know... No wonder he was so pleasant today.." The last bit seemed more like thoughts spoken out loud.
"Pleasant?" Hermione had thought Tom was being a bit icy towards Narcissa, definitely not pleasant. When Narcissa didn't reply, Hermione tried asking, "H -How do you know Tom?"
"Lucius and Tom have ...business together," Narcissa said tensely.
Hermione blinked again. "I don't-"
"I want you to be very careful Hermione," she whispered. "Tom isn't what you think he is."
"What are you talking about?" Hermione felt anger bubble up in her. This woman had been all smiles just a few minutes ago, and now she was warning her about Tom?
"Lucius and I have done everything in our power to keep Draco safe," she continued in a quiet voice, as if scared someone else would hear her. "I've had a lot of regrets in my life Hermione, and I don't want this to be another one. You have to be careful with Tom."
"Why? What has he done?"
"You've known him for what? A couple of months? Darling, you have to see it's much too soon to move in with him. You hardly know him."
"Why are you telling me this?"
"Tom could be anything, he could be a serial killer for all we know," Narcissa laughed as if joking.
Hermione felt her heart drop.
"Why would you say that?" she asked, her voice shaking.
Before she could help it, flashes of Ginny started flashing through Hermione's head.
Here Narcissa was, warning Hermione of Tom, when it was Hermione who had done something unforgivable.
Suddenly, Narcissa seemed to be sitting too close to her, and the air in the kitchen smelled too much like coffee and fried eggs.
Hermione quickly stood up and took a few steps back.
"Hermione? Are you okay?"
When Narcissa stood up to follow Hermione, Hermione held up a hand. "I just- I just need -"
"You've seen the signs, haven't you?" Narcissa asked.
Hermione shook her head.
"He's dangerous Hermione, you have to be careful."
Hermione started breathing heavily, she could hear Narcissa talking to her. Warning her about Tom, and all Hermione could do was try to push the images of Ginny away.
"It isn't Tom," Hermione finally choked out. "I did something bad."
Narcissa stopped, and the air felt less heavy around Hermione.
Hermione looked up, her eyes watering, but her breathing evening out. "I did something bad," she repeated. A small laugh erupted from her lips, "I did something horrid, all Tom has done is help. He's helping me."
Narcissa stared at the girl, not saying a word before reaching towards her and wrapping her arms around Hermione. "Did he make you?" she whispered.
Hermione let her head fall on Narcissa's shoulder. "No," she sobbed. "He told me I shouldn't say anything, but Mrs. Malfoy, I have to."
Narcissa didn't ask what horrid thing Hermione did, instead she ran a hand over her hair, trying to comfort the girl. She wasn't sure how but Narcissa knew Tom had something to do with this. Hermione was just another one of Tom's puppets.
Hermione tried not to think about how Ginny looked on the floor, holding her hand up to her throat where blood was spilling, but the image wouldn't go away. Her breathing was increasing again, her head leaning on Narcissa's shoulder, and tears were streaming down her cheeks. "I need to say the truth. I need a phone."
Narcissa pulled away slightly, "You're okay darling, you're fine, calm down. Deep breaths."
Hermione swallowed loudly and pulled away from Narcissa, "I need a phone."
"Darling-"
"I need a phone."
The urgency in her voice, and the way her eyes seemed to beg, startled Narcissa. "Alright, hold on. Where's the phone?"
"I- I think it's in Tom's study," Hermione said, she took another few steps back until her back was against one of the dining chairs. She slid down to sit on the floor and pulled her knees up. "He has another one in the hallway upstairs.
"Deep breaths Hermione," Narcissa reminded her. "I'm going to go get the phone, you stay here and try to relax."
Hermione put her head between her knees, squeezed her eyes shut and focused on her breathing.
Narcissa left the girl there and hurried to where she knew was Tom's office, deciding it was closer.
She stepped into the office with caution and gave the entire room a quick once over before deciding to look on Tom's desk. There was no sign of any phone, but she noticed a drawer partially opened.
With a quick look to the door, Narcissa opened the drawer. She didn't know what she would see, but she didn't expect a leather bound journal.
Narcissa had the journal in hand before she realized what she was doing. She opened the book and blinked at the messy handwriting.
Hermione spend all afternoon with Ron. They didn't leave her apartment all day-
Harry rescheduled our lunch because Hermione needed a ride to her parents-
Hermione visits the same coffee house every morning, she talks to the same -
Hermione is such a bitch. She won't -
It seemed like every other sentence had Hermione's name in it. Narcissa skipped pages, hoping she'd see a signature at the end of any entry. She wasn't sure who this diary belonged to but she knew it wasn't Tom's. She'd seen Tom's handwriting before, it was neat, and the words this diary said didn't sound like something Tom would need to write down. It took her a while before she saw, the words xx Ginny W. at the bottom of a page.
Narcissa skipped to the end of the diary, only to have to turn back when she saw it was empty. Only half of the pages were filled out, and the last sentence of the journal was,
She's going to pay.
Narcissa quickly shut the diary and shoved it back into the drawer.
Ginny W? Narcissa would have to ask Lucius about the Weasley's, she knew from Draco that Ginevra was a close friend to Hermione. Something was definitely wrong here. Was the horrid thing Hermione did make Ginevra hate her? Why did Tom have this diary?
Shaking her head, Narcissa hurried out of the office, thinking she'd better get out before she discovered anything more disturbing.
She hurried upstairs, hoping Hermione had calmed down more. She saw the house phone on a small table in the hall and began dialing as she made her way back to Hermione.
"Hello?" Tom answered almost immediately.
"Tom," Narcissa tried to keep her voice from shaking. There was nothing to be afraid of, she assured herself.
"What?" the change in his tone was obvious. His answer was curt, unlike before.
"Hermione, isn't feeling well, I can't get her to calm down," Narcissa crouched down to where Hermione was. Her head was still between her knees, and her sobs were more hysteric than before. Narcissa tried pushing her hair out of her face, "Darling, you have to breath."
"What did you do? Put her on the phone," Tom snapped.
Hermione looked up, and Narcissa tried to get Hermione to read her eyes.
"A little after you left, I mentioned one of the disappearances in town and-"
"Lucius really is an unlucky man," Tom gritted out. "A coward for a son, and a moron wife. Put Hermione on the phone, now."
Narcissa swallowed loudly, handing Hermione the phone, "Tom wants to talk to you darling,I'm so sorry I mentioned the disappearances."
Hermione caught the way Narcissa looked at her and nodded, her breathing still labored.
"Tom?" she managed to answer.
"Sweetheart?" he breathed into the phone. "Hermione, love, you have to calm down alright? You're okay, everything's okay. I'm on my way now. I'll be there soon, ask Cissa to make you some tea, it'll calm you down."
"Tom, where are the pills? Those help," she said, her voice cracking.
"No more pills Hermione. You're okay, just drink some tea. Ask Cissa, ask her right now."
Hermione shook her head and buried her face between her knees again.
For the next few minutes, Narcissa rubbed circles on her back, while Tom tried reassuring her through the phone.
When Tom finally did arrive, Narcissa jumped at the sound of the door slamming.
"Hermione," Narcissa moved out of the way before Tom could push her. He wrapped an arm around Hermione and tried pulling her up. When she wouldn't cooperate, he sat beside her and pulled her into his lap. "You're okay love. You didn't do anything bad. You saved us."
Narcissa stared at the two, surprised by the way Tom seemed genuinely concerned over the girl. It was then that Tom looked up at Narcissa and glared. "Make yourself useful, there's tea in that cabinet," he nodded to where the tea was and focused his attention back on Hermione. Narcissa hurried to the kitchen and missed when Hermione leaned into Tom's embrace and followed his instructions.
"Breath in through your nose, hold that for a second," Tom paused, "Breath out through your mouth. See? You're okay." Hermione repeated the breathing exercise until she began feeling better.
"I'm scared," she whispered.
"I know," Tom whispered back. "But everything is going to be fine, I won't let anything happen to you."
"I told her I did something bad," she said even quieter.
"That's okay," he brushed her cheeks with his thumb and smiled gently. "We can't tell anymore people okay?"
Hermione only buried her face into his chest and muttered something so quietly, Tom almost missed it.
He had came in, fully ready to make Narcissa's day a living hell, but with the words Hermione just told him, his mood brightened.
"I love you too," he whispered back, pressing a kiss to her forehead.
He decided he would only give Cissa a stern warning about watching her words around Hermione.