A/N: Hello readers! Glad to see you again : )

I AM A STRONG, INDEPENDENT SHIPPER WHO DON'T NEED NO CANON.

In response to my Latin translations: I don't know any Latin, and I tried to research all I could…But in the end, I had to mostly settle on translator tools. If my translations are wrong, I apologize. In the future, I may go back and correct it when I find more about it. But as of now, I'm going to leave it as it is.

I wanted to try to keep the meaning of 'Mea Leaenae' a surprise, but I should have known it would be looked up. I'm not angry (Of course not!) As I probably would have done the same to sate my curiosity!

Also, in response to my take on Hermione. Yes, several points were raised. I'm attempting to keep her as in-character as possible. But yes, this Hermione is not grieved by war. She is, (for the most part) just a teenager at Hogwarts. So, yes, she is going to be slightly different because of that reason, I suppose. Its hard to say what she would be like without the war that took place in the books.

It was said that Hermione was acting like a Slytherin in the classroom with Professor Riddle. Well, Hermione is highly intelligent. Gryffindor or not - she is not going to completely ignore her survival instincts. The main goal would be to get out of that room, and then search for a way out of her predicament. To be completely brave would have been foolish, and Hermione is too smart for that.

Also, yes, they have their own dorms. Why? Well, because I wanted them too. Not much about this story is canon, so I figured an insignificant detail like that mattered. I made Harry Head boy because I wanted too. I like the idea of him being Head boy over Ron, so I made it that way. Sorry if that bothers some people, but like I said, this story isn't exactly canon.

I honestly got a few responses that kind of made me want to abandon this story. But, don't worry, I won't. I realize that its going to happen, regardless of how you write. There's always going to be someone that doesn't agree with something about your own story. I don't mind constructive criticism, but if you're going to be rude...I'd just rather not.

But, thank you all for reading and all your lovely reviews! I especially enjoyed the longer ones, but they are amazing!

I hope you enjoy the new chapter!

Chapter Seven: First Failure.

Frustrated, Hermione threw yet another book down on the library table. She rubbed her temples as her head felt like it was going to split open. All morning, she had been looking up information on the unbreakable vow - and what did she have to show for it? Nothing.

Nothing at all.

She had desperately looked up anything that could possibly help her. She even read a book on Legilimens, but found that an unbreakable vow still holds. After all, what use is an unbreakable vow if it could be broken so easily? That you could escape it by simply getting someone to look inside your mind without consequence? No, that wouldn't work. It would be the same as telling them - especially when she was an Occlumens herself and could block intruders. She had figured it wouldn't work, but she was running out of options and was getting desperate.

Sighing, she looked up at the clock and saw it was time for lunch.

'Dear Lord, have I really been in here four hours?' She shook her head, no wonder her head was killing her.

She pulled out her wand, waving it and all the books went flying back to their places throughout the library. Today was the day to go to Hogsmeade, but she seriously wasn't in the mood. She really needed to get back to researching on unbreakable vows, and she didn't really have time to go. Hopefully Harry, Ron, and Ginny would understand.

She wasn't giving up. On no, she had only started. The fact that Professor Riddle claims to have modified the unbreakable vow made it more difficult - seeing as she didn't know the full extent of the modification. There could be all kinds of things that he hadn't told her about it. Maybe she could get him to trust her, and he'd tell her? That way she could have better chance of figuring out a way around it…Possibly.

She snorted at the thought. She couldn't help it. After all, Professor Riddle was a great wizard. Dark, yes. Evil, definitely, yes…But stupid and easily manipulated by a teenage girl? Not hardly. Only a fool would try to deny that he was great if they'd seen his magic like she had.

The part that worried her was that she didn't even know what all he was capable of.

Leaning back in her chair, she thought about when he had disarmed her wandlessly. That, in itself, was an incredible feat. She didn't know of anyone else that could do that. Perhaps Professor Dumbledore…But, he was said to be the greatest wizard in the world. If Professor Riddle could do that, surely he could do other things hardly anyone else was capable of, right?

Also, he was a Parselmouth. She shifted in her chair as a wave of uneasiness passed over her. She knew it didn't mean a wizard was dark…But in Riddle's case - most definitely. After all, being a Parselmouth wasn't an everyday gift. She supposed no one knew about it, because surely it would have been talked about. He was highly intelligent for keeping something like that hush-hush. She would too.

She groaned and almost flew out of her skin when a black owl landed beside her, hooting impatiently.

Rubbing her eyes, she focused on the note attached to the owls leg that was sticking out at her.

She reached out and took the note from the bird.

"Er, I don't have any treats," Hermione said apologetically to the expectant-looking bird.

Its yellow eyes narrowed at her and hooted angrily.

Hermione shrugged and her eyes fell down on the note.

Mea Leaenae

Her eyes automatically narrowed. Of course, it was from him.

She opened the note slowly, almost afraid to read it.

Gulping, her eyes fell on Professor Riddle's elegant script.

Mea Leaenae,

I am sorry to inform you that I will be occupied tonight. Do not come to my classroom as I requested.

Do not fear, Mea Leaenae, I will reschedule our meeting at my earliest convenience.

I will owl you when I have chosen a time and date. I will expect you to be there when I do.

Regards,

Professor Riddle

P.S. I do hope you have gotten over your little fit of anger.

Hermione couldn't help it when a smile curled on her face and her stomach dropped at the same time. Yes, now she could have more time to prepare and research before meeting him again.

She sat the note on the table, and jumped up in fright when it burst into flames, disintegrating any evidence of there ever even being a piece of parchment on the polished wood.

Hermione blinked at the space. Well, that was awfully smart of him. He'd obviously done that in case she decided to leave it lying around somewhere. As if she would - it could cause the vow to activate, and Hermione did not much care for dying anytime soon.

Ripping out a piece of parchment, she started furiously writing her reply.

Professor Riddle,

Oh, why would I possibly be angry at you, Professor? After all, you've only been kind and considerate so far. Oh, how could you think such things of me? I am merely a lowly student in comparison to the absolute perfection that is you. Do not burden yourself with my feelings or thoughts - we both know that you are above such things.

As I'm sure you've figured out, I'm being sarcastic.

Fine, I'll see you whenever you see fit. I, however, could go the rest of my life without seeing you again.

Take all the time in the world,

Hermione Granger (NOT 'Mea Leaenae.')

P.S. Don't forget to have Nagini available so you can terrorize me again.

Smirking at her words, she rolled up the parchment and tied it to the owls leg. It instantly flew off, with Hermione watching after it.

'I do hope you've gotten over your little fit of anger.'

Hermione snorted out loud. The nerve of him! He used an unforgivable on her and she was supposed to just take it in stride? Forgive and forget when he hadn't even apologized or showed a hint of remorse? She didn't know how he worked, but normal people didn't work that way.

She waited, and sure enough, the black owl returned within minutes.

Instantly reaching out, she removed the little note from the owl. It instantly flew off and Hermione assumed that meant that Professor Riddle didn't wish her to reply him. Of course, he had to get the last word in.

Sighing, she opened the note.

Mea Leaenae,

My, don't we have an attitude? Very well, we shall work on that.

As I have told you: respect me, and we shall get along famously. I do not appreciate being mocked, and I expect you not to do it again. After all, you wouldn't want to give me another reason, would you?

Do not fret, Mea Leaenae, I will owl you sooner than later - Don't worry your pretty little head over that.

Regards,

Professor Riddle

P.S. Yes, Nagini is much looking forward to seeing you again.

Hermione's mouth slightly fell open as she re-read his words.

'Pretty little head?' Hermione thought to herself. What was that supposed to mean? Was he mocking her, or did he mean it?

'It doesn't matter!' She scolded herself, letting the note fall to the table. As expected, it burst into flames, erasing all the evidence. At least this time it didn't give her heart failure.

Scowling, she stood up and grabbed her bag, swinging it over her shoulder.

She walked out of the library, and made her way towards the Great Hall with his words circling inside her head.

'Pretty little head.'

Not looking towards the staff table, she entered the Great Hall and spotted Ron, Ginny and Harry sitting near the end. Making her way over to them, she put a smile on her face and pushed Professor Riddle to the back of her mind.

"So, did you escape Professor Riddle's wrath?" Ron asked as she sat down on the bench.

Alarmed, her eyes widened and she twisted her hair nervously.

"Yes, he just left," Hermione said shortly, picking up some pumpkin juice and ending the discussion.

"What?" Ginny piped in, causing Hermione to internally groan.

"Yeah, Professor Riddle caught Mione' and I patrolling together and flipped," Ron said to his sister, shoving a chicken leg in his mouth.

Ginny raised her eyebrows, her eyes trailing from Ron to Hermione.

Hermione instantly looked down at her food, shoveling potatoes in her mouth in a way that rivaled Ron; hoping Ginny would drop the subject.

"What did he do?" Ginny pressed, making Hermione tense.

"Docked points and told me to get back to the party," Ron shrugged, "I had no choice but to leave poor Mione' with the evil git."

"And then what happened, Mione'?" Ginny pressed, leaning towards Hermione with wide eyes.

"Nothing," Hermione said shortly, "He simply told me to continue patrolling and left - that's all."

"He did leave right after you did, Hermione," Ginny said suggestively, leaning back in her seat and wiggling her eyebrows, "Seems like someone has a stalker!"

Hermione instantly spat out pumpkin juice, choking on it. Her eyes instantly shot up to the staff table, finding Professor Riddle staring at her questioningly. His spoon was lifted half-way to his mouth, and he'd obviously had been in the middle of eating.

Going red, she tore her eyes away from him.

"Don't be ridiculous, Ginny!" Hermione exclaimed, shakily lifting her food to her mouth, "It was just a coincidence."

"Coincidence, or fate!" Ginny exclaimed dramatically, making Hermione's eyes narrow at her.

"What did I tell you about reading those books?" Hermione snapped as Ginny laughed.

"Yeah, Ginny," Harry said, "The bloke probably hates Hermione, just like everyone else."

Hermione found herself a little appalled at Harry's words. Hate? She wasn't sure she'd go that far. I mean, he obviously didn't if he picked her for something he thought was important. She hated him, obviously, but how could he hate her? He had no reason to.

Hermione merely shrugged, not allowing any of her inner emotions show.

"You guys always crush my romantic hopes," Ginny pouted.

"Maybe we wouldn't if they weren't so ridiculous," Hermione suggested, raising her eyebrow.

"Yeah, Hermione has a better chance at getting with the Giant Squid than the likes of Professor Riddle," Ron said, picking up a roll.

Hermione cut her eyes at Ron, slightly insulted. Was he trying to say she was ugly?

"Are you trying to say I'm ugly, Ronald?" Hermione snapped, putting her hands on her hips and pursing her lips.

Ron's face immediately turned red.

"W-What? No! Of course not," He spluttered, "I was merely saying that the Giant Squid is nicer than that bloke, that's all."

"Oh," Hermione replied, feeling ridiculous, "Sorry."

"You're very pretty, Hermione," Ron said, looking down at his plate. His face was so red that you couldn't tell when his hair ended and face began.

"Thank you, Ronald." Hermione said kindly, smiling at her friend.

Ron merely nodded his head and resumed eating again.

Hermione felt slightly guilty. She had been thinking about Professor Riddle and what to do about him - so much that she had forgotten what had happened before he had interrupted.

Ron wanted to go out with her, and she had rejected him. He had thought something was wrong with him! Which was ridiculous. Any girl would be lucky to get Ron. She just wasn't the right one for him. They had nothing in common, couldn't he see that?

Hermione resolved to make it up to him and be extra nice. Maybe she could do some of his homework? It was horrible, she knew, but she couldn't help it when her heart broke for her friend. She'd do anything to make him happy and just be friends like before. After all, he was her brother.

"Well, this is awkward…" Ginny piped in suddenly, causing Hermione to look up to see her shifting in her seat and looking from Ron to her.

Harry was slowly picking bread apart, determined to look anywhere but at her and Ron.

"Er, I think I'm going to go talk to Angelina about practice…" Harry muttered to his plate, sliding off the bench and walking down the table.

"Sorry," Ron grumbled to Harry's back, face still red.

"So, how are you liking you classes, Ginny?" Hermione asked conversationally, clearing her throat.

"They're fine," Ginny said gratefully, "I absolutely love Professor Riddle's class!"

"Yes, his lectures are very fascinating-" Hermione began.

"No, I'm talking about him!" Ginny exclaimed, "Have you noticed when he gets really passionate about what he's talking about - his eyes get darker?"

'Actually, I have.'

"Uh - no, I haven't noticed…" Hermione mumbled.

"And that walk!" Ginny squealed, balling up her fists.

Hermione knew only too well what Ginny was talking about. His strides were elegant and purposeful. It was as though he was gliding - his long legs in a prefect stride that demanded your attention as it radiated power.

"I guess," Hermione mumbled, feeling uncomfortable as Ginny fanned herself.

Hermione cut her eyes towards the staff table, looking through the curtain of her hair at the Professor.

He was holding a book in one hand and a spoon in the other. She watched, as he lifted the spoon past his thin lips. He withdrew it and placed the spoon down, raising up his hand to turn a page in his book.

As Hermione watched, she couldn't help but to feel that he looked a lot like her. She often ate and read at the same time.

She vaguely heard Ginny talking in the background, but she was no longer paying attention. She continued to watch Professor Riddle's elegant movements, somehow entranced. Watch your enemy closely, right?

She watched as he took a sip of his coffee, some of it dribbling down his chin. He sat his book down, and picked up a napkin, wiping it away before placing the napkin in his lap.

'So, he has table manners...' Hermione thought to herself as he picked up his book again, continuing to read.

Too many times, she had seen Ron and Harry rub their mouths on their robes, or the back of their hands. Hell, even Ginny was guilty of it. Hermione felt like she was the only one that actually wiped her mouth with a napkin. After all, her parents had always been strict about table manners and always taught her the polite way to behave.

She supposed Mrs. Weasley had too many children to teach them all perfect table manners. Hermione didn't blame her, that's too much to deal with without worrying about trivial things such as that.

Harry, however, had been raised by his Godfather, Sirius Black. Hermione had met him, and he was nice. He acted a little young for his age, but he was nice, nonetheless.

Hermione's eyes fell on Harry, who was sitting down the table, chatting happily. Poor Harry; his parents had been murdered when he was only a baby. They were fighting against a Dark wizard by the name of Gellert Grindelwald, who was considered the darkest wizard of all time. Harry's parents were ambushed after their friend, Peter Pettigrew, betrayed their location while they were under the Fidelius charm. Even though Grindelwald was a dark wizard, he did not see fit to murder a one year old child. Thankfully, Harry was spared. Of course, Grindelwald was defeated by Dumbledore shortly after, and that was part of the reason Harry and Hermione had looked up to him so much. Harry was thankful, and even though his parents could never be returned, he had made peace that justice had been served. Grindelwald and Pettigrew were both rotting in Azkaban for the past sixteen years, which is what they deserved in Hermione's opinion.

Of course, Harry was still sad that he never knew his parents, but he was lucky to have a Godfather that loved him as though he was his own son. Of course, he also had Ron's family and they had also treated him as though he was their own son. Harry had found happiness is his Godfather and the Weasleys.

Hermione stayed lost in her thoughts as her eyes traveled back on Professor Riddle. He had now finished eating, and he was simply reading his book. His expression remained blank, but every now and then, his eyebrows would nit together as though he was annoyed by what the book said, and then he'd fall blank again.

Hermione watched as he suddenly blinked, lifting his eyes and scanning the hall. She jumped slightly when his eyes landed on her, and she stared back with big eyes. His expression remained blank as he sat down his book, and brought his goblet up to his lips - never tearing his eyes from hers.

Hermione blinked and hastily looked away, feeling her face slightly redden at being caught staring. That was happening way to often for her taste.

"So, are we going to Hogsmeade today?" Harry asked as he slid back onto the bench beside Ginny.

"Yes!" Ginny and Ron replied in unison.

"I don't know," Hermione said, "I was thinking about going to the library-"

"Hermione," Ginny complained, "You can go to the library tomorrow! Please go to Hogsmeade with your friends!"

Hermione opened her mouth to object, but her eyes fell on all three of them, who were looking at her pleadingly.

"Fine, I'll go." Hermione grumbled. After all, she had gotten away from Professor Riddle today, maybe getting out of the castle would do her some good. She could go back into research mode tomorrow.

"Yay!" Ginny exclaimed, "Come on Hermione, lets go get ready."

Ginny stood up and Hermione bitterly stood as well.

"We'll meet you boys at the entrance hall in thirty minutes!" Ginny said brightly.

As predicted, as soon as they stepped foot out of the hall, Ginny started in on her.

"So, did Professor Riddle really just walk away last night?" Ginny asked.

"Sorry to spoil your fun Ginny," Hermione said, "But yes, he did."

"Aw, really?" Ginny asked dejectedly, "You wouldn't be holding out on your one of your best friends, would you?"

"No, of course not!" Hermione said as they approached her head dorms.

"Thestrial." Hermione said to the painting.

"Correct." Replied the fair maiden as she stood proudly beside her black knight.

"I tried making conversation with Professor Riddle, you know, just out of curiosity," Ginny said suddenly as they walked up to her room. "He was pretty short with me and honestly…He just looked like he just wanted me to leave him the hell alone."

Hermione's mouth curled into a smile. Yes, that definitely sounded like Professor Riddle alright.

"I don't think he's a people person," Hermione said, smiling, "Professor Slughorn told me he never had a girlfriend before-"

Ginny dramatically spun around, facing Hermione with a horror-struck face.

"Y-You don't think he's…gay, do you?"

Hermione burst into laughter and lightly pushed Ginny through her door. She, of course, had thought the same thing when Professor Slughorn had said that. With looks like his, he surely could have had any girl he wanted.

'Maybe he did, but just didn't date any of them.'

Hermione's smile faded from her mouth when that thought hit her. What…What if he had done that? What if he just slept around and never gave the girls the time of day afterwards? Surely he had been with a woman, it was only natural. He was human, after all. Also, he would fit the type that played girls. He was attempting to play her right now. Not in a sexual way, but surely he was capable of it?

"Earth to Hermione!" Ginny snapped her fingers, bringing Hermione out of her thoughts.

"What?" Hermione said, swatting her hand away.

"Do you think he's gay?" Ginny asked, "Because if he is, this is a very sad day for women around the world…"

"No, Ginny," Hermione said, her mind still going back to her previous thoughts, "I don't believe he is gay."

"You always know everything," Ginny said, opening her trunk, "So for the sake of my sanity, I'm going to believe you."

Hermione's mind was reeling. Would he do that? She mentally snorted. Of course he would. How did she keep forgetting what he was? It was hard to look at an angels face and see the devil, though.

'Why do you even care?' Hermione's mind suddenly said, bringing her back to reality. She didn't care, she just needed to forget about it. Why should she care if he slept with all of Hogwarts or was a bloody virgin? It didn't matter.

Sighing, she changed into a pair of faded jeans, black converse, and a black, turtle-neck sweater.

Looking in the mirror, she somewhat tamed her long curls with her wand. No matter what she did, though, her curls ended up being frizzy. Of course, there was the spell she used for the party to make her hair wavy, but she didn't like that all the time. She thought she looked absolutely ridiculous with straight hair, so that wasn't an option. She liked her curls, though, they were a part of her personality.

"I don't understand why you don't use those hair charms all the time," Ginny said suddenly, "They're a god send. Remember when all we had was sleak-eazy hair potion?"

"I like my hair better this way," Hermione snapped, "And besides, I only used sleak-eazy once."

"Yeah, yeah," Ginny said, rolling her eyes, "My point is, the charm is so much easier and a lot less work."

Hermione observed her reflection. She looked nice enough. She was wearing her favorite pair of jeans, after all.

"Ready?" Ginny asked, making Hermione turn to look at her. Ginny was wearing a tight pair of skinny jeans, leather boots, and a white turtle-neck sweater like Hermione's.

"Sure am," Hermione responded, following Ginny out the door.

"And then, do you know what he said?" Slughorn said, laughing so hard that he clearly was having trouble breathing.

"He said, 'I am the world's greatest Quidditch star!'" Slughorn finished, laughing heartily once more.

Hermione rolled her eyes as Harry, Ron, Ginny and herself were sitting at a table in the Three Broomsticks. They hadn't been there five minutes before Slughorn popped in and decided to join them.

"So, you're saying that Victor Krum got drunk, removed his robes, and stood on a table at a party yelling, 'I'm the world's greatest Quidditch star?'" Ron asked, his mouth gaping at Slughorn as he vigorously nodded his head in confirmation.

Harry, Ron and Ginny were all engrossed in his story. Since they were all huge Quidditch fans, it made sense. But Hermione, on the other hand, was forcing laughter and found herself quite bored very quickly.

"Pleasant fellow," Slughorn said, "But unfortunately, doesn't handle his Fire whiskey that well!"

"Wow…" Ron said, looking shocked.

"He is a great Quidditch player," Harry said, "I don't know if he's the best-"

"What? Of course he is!" Ron squeaked, "He's bloody brilliant!"

"Well, mate, perhaps you two will live happily ever after," Harry responded, patting him on his back and laughing.

Rons face immediately turned red as they all, including Hermione, had a good laugh at his expense.

"You see, I'm supposed to be meeting Professor Riddle here," Slughorn chuckled from behind his goblet, "I cannot tell you how lovely its been to have him on the staff!"

Hermione's stomached flipped. Professor Riddle was

coming? My God, could she not escape that man?

"Oh really?" Ginny said, looking over at Hermione suggestively, "That's fascinating Professor! Could you tell us about Professor Riddle when he was a student?"

Hermione's head shot over to Ginny, who was smiling at her knowingly. Her eyes trailed over to Slughorn and he looked eager to tell his story.

"Of course!" Slughorn exclaimed, "Professor Riddle was the absolute most brilliant student I've ever had!"

Hermione's nose scrunched as she tried not to take offense to this.

"Yes, he was brilliant and oh so charming," Slughorn continued, "The girls couldn't think straight with him around! Not a day went by where Tom didn't get love notes from secret admirers. Of course, he was always so kind to the girls. But, I suppose he didn't have time to date, with all his duties. Head boy, Prefect, and all…"

Slughorn chuckled and shook his head.

"He broke many hearts in his day!" Slughorn said, winking at them happily.

'Oh, so he broke hearts, did he?' Hermione snorted to herself. That didn't surprise her, seeing as the man obviously had no heart himself.

"Ah, here he is now," Slughorn said happily, causing Hermione's head to turn towards the door. "Tom! Over here!"

Hermione watched as Professor Riddle stepped through the door. He was wearing the same black robes, his face slightly flushed from the cold air. His wavy locks were slightly wind-swept, making his hair look slightly messy. It was casually elegant, though, his locks falling in a sophisticated way that Harry could never achieve.

His dark eyes fleeted over the room, before finally falling on their table. Hermione held her breath for moments when his eyes flickered over to her, before he tore them away and looked over at Slughorn, who was waving him over.

An uncharacteristic smile tugged on his lips as he elegantly made his way over to them, but Hermione couldn't help but to notice that it didn't reach his eyes.

"Hello," Professor Riddle said charismatically, nodding to everyone at the table.

"Sit, my dear boy," Slughorn said, pulling out a chair near him.

"We were just speaking of you, actually," Slughorn laughed as Professor Riddle slowly slid into his seat.

"Oh, is that so?" Professor Riddle said, raising an eyebrow, his eyes flitting to her for moments and then turning back to Professor Slughorn.

"Yes, yes," Slughorn said, "But do not worry, only good things, of course! I was merely speaking of your days as a student-"

"May I get you something to drink, Sir?" A female voice suddenly cooed.

Hermione's eyes fell on the blonde waitress, who was walking up to Professor Riddle, her blue eyes displaying great interest.

"Yes, a butterbeer, please," Professor Riddle said politely, brushing the woman off - seemingly uninterested.

"Is there anything else I can get you?" She purred, twirling her hand through her blonde locks.

Hermione grit her teeth at this obvious display of vulgarity. Clearly, the woman had a double meaning to her words.

"No, a butterbeer is all," Professor Riddle said politely, nodding his head and looking away.

The womans face fell slightly, but she nodded and walked away.

"Ah, no different than school," Slughorn chuckled into his glass.

Professor Riddle pulled a look of confusion, which did not suit him. Hermione knew that if she knew what Slughorn meant, surely he did as well.

"Always been a ladies man, boy," Slughorn elaborated, patting Riddle on the back.

"I'm not so sure about that, Horace," Professor Riddle responded, feigning being humble.

It took every bone in Hermione's body not to snort at this act.

"Ah, don't be so modest!" Slughorn said happily, "I know you were the most eligible bachelor in Hogwarts!"

"You're very kind, Horace," Professor Riddle said politely, but Hermione saw the annoyance flash in his eyes.

Hermione's eyes narrowed slightly as she spotted the blonde waitress sauntering over, Professor Riddle's butterbeer in hand.

"Your butterbeer, Sir," The waitress purred, leaning down to place it in front of him. Hermione's mouth slightly fell open as she watched the woman practically shove her chest into his face as she leaned down. She took her time raising her upper body, and Hermione wanted to smirk when she saw some more annoyance flash through Professor Riddle's eyes.

"Thank you," He said shortly, bringing his glass up to his lips and officially cutting the woman off.

Hermione's eyes fell over to her friends.

Harry looked awkward, and he was staring at the ceiling. Ginny, however, was looking as though she was about to crack a rib to keep from laughing at this display. Ron was openly gaping like a fish, making a small snort of amusement come out of Hermione's mouth.

She immediately regretted it when everyone's eyes fell on her, making her let out a forced cough, trying to cover her mistake. Now, it looked as though she had been snorting at the woman's advances, not Ron's gaping face.

The waitresses eyes narrowed slightly at her, taking Hermione back for a second before she walked away.

Hermione raised her eyebrows and looked at Professor Riddle, finding a smirk plastered across his face and his dark eyes glittering in amusement. She immediately looked at Professor Slughorn, seeing that he was too busy draining his glass to notice anything.

"I take it all of your classes are going well?" Professor Riddle addressed the students suddenly, breaking the awkward silence.

"Yes, Sir," Harry and Ron answered, while Ginny and Hermione merely nodded their heads.

"Yes, they are all doing quite well," Slughorn piped in happily, "Especially Miss Granger, of course."

Hermione smiled as Slughorn looked at her fondly. She couldn't help to notice his eyes held almost the same admiration that was present when he looked at Professor Riddle.

"Thank you, Sir," Hermione said politely, blushing slightly, "You flatter me."

"Well, it is true," Professor Riddle said politely, flashing his brilliantly white teeth, "Your work is, by all accounts, very impressive."

Hermione felt her cheeks heat up even more as she saw the wicked amusement pass through his eyes. Clearly, he was enjoying her discomfort.

"Thank you, Sir," Hermione said, plastering a fake smile, "You are too kind."

His smile faded into a smirk and she narrowed her eyes slightly.

"I have to go to the ladies room," Ginny piped up suddenly, raising from her chair.

Hermione nodded and looked down at her butterbeer, as though it were the most interesting thing in the world.

"Hermione…" Ginny's urgent voice making her head snap up.

Her eyes fell on Ginny, who was nodding her head towards the bathroom.

Hermione rolled her eyes as she stood. Why was she the only girl that could go to the restroom alone? Was it some kind of trait all girls had that she was lacking?

Keeping her eyes away from Professor Riddle, she walked with Ginny. Even though she wasn't looking, she could almost feel his condescending smirk that was surely plastered on his face.

Following Ginny in the bathroom, she instantly walked up to the sink, looking in the mirror.

"Its mighty awkward out there," Ginny said, sighing, "I love Harry to death, but he can be so socially awkward, its painful."

Hermione's lips twitched into a smile when she thought about him staring at the celing.

"Its rather funny, though," Hermione replied, attempting to smooth her hair down with her hands.

"Ugh, did you see that waitress?" Ginny said, a digusted look pulling on her face.

Hermione's stomach did an angry flip at the mention of this.

"Yes, it was rather appalling," Hermione said, her voice laced with anger.

"Well, at least Professor Riddle seemed completely uninterested in that particular bimbo," Ginny said, laughing, "I wanted to laugh at his expression so much, it was literally killing me."

Hermione smiled, shaking her head. She wished she'd been amused, but mostly, she had been taken aback - not to mention a little pissed off.

"Well, we cannot hermit in here much longer," Ginny said sadly, running her hands through her red hair, "Ready to go back?"

Hermione looked at her reflection once more, making sure her hair wasn't sticking up and nodded.

'And to think, I thought I could escape him today.'

A/N: This chapter was So. Hard. For. Me. Ugh! It was an informative chapter, but I struggled with it. As always, thanks for reading!