A:N/ I just wanted to thank everyone who has reviewed, favorite, and followed this story. I really appreciate your interest in this! Your words of encouragement to continue help me to do just that. I'm happy there are many people as interested in the pairing up of these characters as I am. This is only my second fic writing so please don't hesitate to offer me any opinions or ask any questions. As long as your courteous about it, It's always be well received. Anyways, on with Chapter 8,


Hermione woke feeling well rested. Turning to look at her clock she realized she'd over slept and would miss breakfast if she didn't hurry. Flying out of bed she rushed about pulling on her clean set of uniforms while brushing her teeth at the same time. Her hair was a mess from falling asleep with it wet. It may have been more manageable than before the blood spell but it was still more than she could handle sometimes, especially now with how it had grown in size and frizz from tossing and turning in her sleep. Flicking her wand in a quick spell, it pulled back in a classic chiffon bun though a few rebel curls fell around her face. Concluding that that was as good as it was going to get with her limited time she grabbed her bag and made her way to The Great Hall.

She wasn't really surprised to see the common room empty and corridors starting to fill as she rushed through the castle. Riddle and Dolohov were still sitting at the Slytherin table eating and reading the Prophet but it seemed the rest of the group were missing. Sitting in her usual spot she loaded her bowl up and started eating as quickly as proper etiquette would allow her. "Rough morning?" Tom asked sipping a cup of tea not looking away from his paper. Hermione swallowed her food before mumbling out," Just over slept a bit." He looked at her taking in her appearance with casual disinterest, "Here." He handed her a green tie,"You can borrow that until you get yours in. Wouldn't want you to get points docked for not being in proper dress code."

Hermione took the tie but looked at him questionably," Do you really think I'd get docked when I just started?" Tom looked back at her seriously," You have classes with the Gryffindor Head today. I know you just started but there has always been a rival between our house and theirs. Best not give him any reasons, right?" Hermione just nodded her head in acceptance of his reasoning. She knew all too well of the rivalry between Gryffindor and Slytherin. Though it was usually Snape she would have to worry about. Would Dumbledore be wary and harsher on her since she was Slytherin? She would like to think that he was above that but her gut was telling her that Tom was right.

The bell tower clock started ringing out startling kids out of their chairs towards their first classes. Hermione stood, trying to knot the tie around her neck while pulling her bag back around her shoulder. Tom stood waiting on her a few seconds before sighing while smacking her hands away from the accessory. "We'll be here all day if I let you continue." He said while fixing her tie for her. Hermione just stared into his ever changing eyes while he finished." Thank you." She said quietly. He stood close to her a few seconds more staring back before nodding and looping their arms and heading off to their classes.

Riddle walked her to her Arithmancy class and walked off hurriedly to get to his class one floor up. She was surprised there weren't more of her housemates in this class with her. She had always found the subject one of her favorites. She was happy to find that she was able to make this another advance class to add to her potions and charms. She didn't even know it was offered until Slughorn gave her her schedule for the semester. Hermione quickly got lost in her work and the double period flew by before she knew it.

Stepping outside Tom was there waiting for her. They quickly walked down a few floors to her transfiguration class," I have a class out on the grounds so I'll meet you at lunch." Riddle told her kissing her knuckles, causing a few Gryffindors to giggle and give them looks of disgust, before leaving her. Hermione couldn't stop her heart from beating erratically when he did that. She knew it was just good manners but her body didn't seem to get that memo. Sitting up front Hermione sat quietly waiting for the rest of the room to fill up.

A familiar face sat next to her after a few minutes." Miss Selwyn." Dolohov nodded in greeting. Hermione smiled politely at him, "Antonin." He seemed to smirk at this but said nothing. Shortly after getting settled Dumbledore walked toward the front of the room staring at each and ever student before starting his lecture. Hermione took notes diligently but couldn't help notice Albus more often then not focusing his attention on her. Giving his instructions for tables to pair up and practice changing their tables into statues he walked around the room to watch everyone's progress.

"Well let's see if your as proficient at this as you seem to be everything else." Dolohov said to her. Hermione chewed her lip before focusing on the table. She knew she should probably pretend that this was more of a challenge then it was for her but she just couldn't. She refused to dumb herself down for the sake of others feeling uncomfortable with her competence. Waving her wand, feeling the pull on her magic while saying the correct incantation she watched the plain wooden table turn into a huge stone gargoyle.

"Wonderful Miss Selwyn. Ten points to Slytherin!" Dumbledore said passing by giving her an approving look. Hermione smiled brightly at the praise but quickly dimmed it seeing the sneer on Dolohov's face. She turned it back quickly so he could get on with his turn. Though it took a few tries he was the second one in the class to change the table into a large concrete knight. Hermione was honestly impressed. It took most people quite a bit of practicing to transform something of this magnitude.

Being the first ones finished Dumbledore gave them their homework assignments and let them out for lunch early. "Mind if we walk together?" Hermione asked him once they were in the hall. Tom said he'd meet me in the Great Hall so I could use the company." He walked beside her barely acknowledging her question, "I see." was all he said. Hermione usually didn't mind silence but something about this man always made her feel on edge.

"What class are you headed to after lunch?" Hermione asked trying to start some kind of conversation. "Herbology. You?" He asked with disinterest. Hermione's brows furrowed in slight frustration. Slytherin's were so frustrating. Just when she thought she was making headway with one of them, they clammed up getting all distant. She sighed loudly,"Herbology as well...look...If you don't want to be around or talk to me, I wouldn't be offended, honest."She looked up at him sincerely. He stopped walking, tilting his head watching her intently. "What would make you say that?"

Hermione took her time to gauge his features then waved her hands at his person before responding,"Well with the stiffness with which you engage with me, I can't help but feel that I annoy you in some way. And though I would like us to be friendly with one another, I won't take it personally if you don't wish to." She said genuinely. He seemed a little shocked at her bluntness. Stepping closer to her, she had to look up to see the upturn corner of his mouth looking at her with a warmth that wasn't there before, " I'm sorry if my demeanor made you think that I don't enjoy your company. That is the opposite of the truth. I have no objections with us being friendly dorogoy." He said lowly.

Hermione swallowed at the intensity of which Antonin was staring at her. It was...disconcerting to say the least. "Friends then?" She asked bravely, holding her hand out to him. He looked at it and her like she was a bit mad but grasped it pulling her closer to him. His hand was cool and rough. He squeezed her hand lightly," Friends malyutka." He rubbed his thumb over her knuckles before dropping her hand. Hermione took a few clearing breaths before following him as they started their decent to the Great Hall.

They sat next to each other and started eating. Avery was the first to arrive sitting on the other side of Hermione giving her a giant smile," Finally up and around I see." He teased her. She rolled her eyes at him but couldn't help the smile that pulled at her lips. " . I was so tired last night. I only slept in a little after all." He filled his plate to the brim before replying," Dreaming of me has been known to cause girls to oversleep." He said while wagging his eyebrows up and down. She elbowed him in the ribs as her only response to which he laughed loudly at.

Tom walked in looking at the trio blankly before focusing on Dolohov. Without even a word shared, Antonin scooted down leaving the space between him and Hermione open. Hermione frowned at the action as Tom sat next to her staring at her as if daring her to say something. She slitted her eyes at him in irritation but went back to her food wordlessly. He smirked while filling his plate," Having a good day so far?" he asked her. "So far. I don't know what you were so worried about with Dumbledore." She stated continuing with her meal.

He stopped eating to look at her," What do you mean? Did something happen?" Before she could reply,Dolohov answered for her," Well If him giving her ten points for transfiguring on an advanced level her first try is something, then yes." He said giving her a sideways grin. Hermione blushed as all three boys stared at her silently. "Dumbledore gave you housepoints?" Avery asked her with the same awe inspired tone he got after seeing her in action in Charms and D.A.D.A. Hermione shrugged her shoulders," Yes but it's not like it was a big deal or anything." She waved her hand dismissively. Dolohov and Avery shook their heads at her in disbelief. "Dumbledore never gives Slytherin's points Hermione. So it is something. You must of really made an impression." Riddle said stiffly.

Hermione looked up into his eyes at his tone in confusion. He didn't seem angry per say but his eyes seemed to burn that suggested he was miffed all the same. Hermione almost thought he was a bit jealous, but that was crazy. Those two had a long history of hating and distrusting one another. Tom would never seek approval from the Professor.

Tom left lunch without another word to any of them shortly after finishing eating. Hermione huffed at the man's mood swings. She was really looking forward to duelling with him the upcoming weekend. It would definitely help get some of the aggression and agitation building up towards him out. "Ready to go sweetheart?" Avery asked as he slung his bag over his shoulder. Gathering her things she walked with Antonin and James on either side of her to the greenhouse outside for their last lesson of the day.

Avery kept of a constant stream of conversation which Dolohov would add to at random intervals but Hermione only interacted half heartedly still too preoccupied with Tom's reactions at lunch. If she was paying more attention to what was going on around her, she would of noticed the pair quit talking while staring at her before giving each other significant looks. As it was she didn't and head into the large door setting her stuff at an empty table toward the middle of the large glass room.


"It seems we've finally found your weakness!" Avery shouted out in delight as they walked back toward the castle as they just finished their Herbology lesson. Hermione frowned at him, "I knew the answer to every question James, I hardly consider that a weakness." She mumbled at him. James laughed," Well sure sweetheart, but that didn't stop you from getting your hand wrapped up in tentacles." He answered tauntingly.

Hermione spoke through gritted teeth,"I did exactly as instructed! Those bloody plants are just a menace." She really did do everything as instructed, of course, but that hadn't stopped the blasted thing from wrapping around her wrist squeezing the damn thing till it almost shattered. If it wasn't for Dolohov intervening on her behalf she would be in the infirmary regrowing bones instead of just rubbing the deep bruises instead.

She could read and be knowledgeable about the subject but it was a bit more of a challenge than her other subjects when it came to dealing with the different species of plants and such. She still would get an O and top grades on her papers but that didn't mean she never had mishaps. She was starting to miss having Neville around. He was always a natural and took the lead in projects confidently.

Avery and Dolohov laughed at her obvious irritation. She was ready to get away from them before she threw hex's at them so they'd shut up already. "I'm going to the library. I'll see you in the common room later." She told the pair, hurrying off, not giving them a chance to offer their company or to taunt her any longer. Reaching the entrance of the castle she exhaled loudly and slowed her pace back to normal before continuing on her way to get her homework done.

Reaching the library she saw that most of the big tables and even some of the smaller tables up front already occupied. Hermione walked down many aisles then swung left to find her favorite table tucked in a corner that offered a decent view of the lake and forest. It was rare that anyone ever sat her as it was hidden away as such. Which was perfect for getting things done without being interrupted. Placing her homework assignments, quills, parchment, and her inkpot out on the table, she went to find all the books she would need for her work.

Two hours later she found herself finished with her Transfiguration and Herbology homework. She only had Arithmancy left which she knew was going to be a harder assignment then the other two combined. She could hear others packing up, getting ready to head down for dinner but Hermione wasn't really hungry and didn't want to deal with Avery again. Plus she had no intentions of moving until she was finished with everything.

She was two scrolls into her work when His voice startled her out of concentration, "I was wondering where you had hidden off to." Tom said as he sat next to her pulling out a few different books and parchments. "I wasn't hiding. Just had quite a bit of homework to get through." She said not looking up from her writing, missing the disapproving look he gave her. She was hyper aware of him sitting close to her and sharing her space. It shouldn't bother her. How many times had she done the same the with Ron,Harry, even Neville. She shook her head forcing herself to focus again.

They didn't speak again until Hermione had nearly finished her assignment. She took a moment to stretch her back and arms from sitting in such a stiff posture for so long. As she was stretching Tom glanced up at her than grabbed her hand looking at the deep purple bruises on her wrist," Is this what Avery was talking about at dinner?" He asked her not letting go of her hand. "I wouldn't know seeing as I didn't attend. But if it he was gloating again about my inadequacy in Herbology today then I would assume yes." She said getting angry all over again at James' need to keep talking about today's lesson even when she wasn't present.

"Why haven't you gotten this healed?" He asked looking almost concerned. "It's nothing." She said dismissively trying to pull her hand back from his warm grasp. His touch was making her skin tingle uncomfortably. That only caused him to hold her more tightly, "Did Dolohov and Avery see how bad this was?" He asked his face blank but a hard glint in his eye. Hermione was starting to get frustrated at his behavior," I already told you it's nothing. And it didn't look like that at first, so no. Only over the last few hours has it swollen up and the bruises started to form. Can I please have my hand back now, I'd like to finish this tonight." She gestured to her essay.

Tom seemed appeased with her answer but didn't release her all the same. He concentrated on her wrist muttering under his breath. Hermione watched in amazement as her wrist slowly started loosing its decolouration and as the swelling went all the way back to normal. "You need to take better care of yourself." He said rubbing his thumb over her freshly healed wrist. Hermione just stared in awe, speechless for once. Wandless healing magic was really hard and took a ton of concentration and power. Of course she knew Tom Riddle was powerful. But she never would of thought he even cared to learn about healing magics, let alone use the knowledge to help someone else.

He continued to rub warm circles into her wrist as she gazed at him chewing her lip, "Thank you." she whispered out breathy. She watched as the ever present smirk made its way on his face. Feeling her cheeks start to warm she gently pulled her hand away, which he finally allowed, and went back to work. Damn him for throwing her off like this. It would be so much easier to interact with him if he acted like the evil megalomaniac wizard she knew he was. Instead of being kind to her, touching her, and smirking at her. Malfoy had nothing on Riddle. The man was an enigma. She knew he was good at making people feel, act, and think how he wanted. But she didn't realize how good until this moment has her body heated and stomach clenched from his proximity.

'He doesn't like you dunderhead! It's all for show, he's just manipulating you! And look at you falling for it like a naive fourth year, blushing at every little affection he dotes on you. Get your shite together.' Hermione chastised herself while finishing her work. Hermione finally got her blush and breathing under her control again and tried to lose herself in her assignment, key word being tried. Every time she would almost forget who was sitting next to her he would reach over her grabbing a particular book causing her to look at his face. Or he would fidget in his chair causing their arms to brush against one another.

It was highly distracting. He was doing it on purpose, she knew he was but to what end? She had no idea. Every time she looked at him when they touched he would seem to be absorbed in his homework not sparing her a glance. She would of passed it off as accidental if not for the upturn corner of his mouth or the mischievous gleam in his eyes.

As soon as she was satisfied with what she had written she rolled up her work and started packing her things away. Tom started mimicking her actions even though he hadn't finished. "Are you up to meeting a few other of your housemates?" he asked her striding next to her. She shrugged her shoulders in answer. Honestly she was already overwhelmed being around Dolohov and Avery, but at least they seemed to take a liking to her. She had a feeling that not everyone would be so...accepting. Though she wasn't a muggleborn to them. Halfbloods were still a step below being pure in their eyes.

He lead them through the dungeons to the Slytherin common room. They walked in sync over to the corner the group had occupied the night before. She sat in the chair closest to the fireplace as Tom took the only seat next to her. Noticing Tom's arrival Dolohov and Avery immediately left their previous seats sitting on the loveseat across from her together. A few moments later three other gentlemen had packed up their things at a table they were studying at then made their way over. The first to sit was a boy who was the youngest of the group by a year it would seem. He had short, straight dark brown hair with dark,almost black eyes. He was small in stature and maybe an inch taller then herself. "Evan Rosier. Hermione Selwyn." Tom introduced them.

He nodded in greeting but said nothing. 'Rosier. So his sister must be the head I met at the opening feast. They look identical.' Hermione thought to herself. Their similarities were a little disturbing and reminded her of the Carrows. Next to sit, Hermione would recognize anywhere. He was a spitting image of his son Rabastan. Tall with wide shoulders, his auburn hair fell in waves just touching his shoulders. His blue eyes looked her up and down before setting his face in a wide grin,"Miss Selwyn. It's a pleasure to meet you. Rochus Lestrange." Hermione was thankful for his playful banter. His personality reminded her a bit of Avery but she sensed he had more of a mean streak if the look in his eyes were any indication.

She offered him a polite smile but said nothing. Sitting next to Lestrange was a man who seemed to be the oldest there with chin length, dark wavy hair and brown eyes. She could see a bit of stubble coming in already from his morning shave. Hermione could tell he played quidditch with Avery. His arms were wrapped in taut tanned muscles and his trousers fit tightly to his thighs. He exuded power and masculinity and Hermione would of thought the man the most handsome of the group if he didn't have a look on his face as if he was smelling rotten garbage.

Tom looked between the two before making introductions," Alki Mulciber. Hermione Selwyn." The man refused to acknowledge her, "Why is she here?" He directed at Tom. Riddle relaxed back into his chair, crossing his over his knee. "Hermione is here because I want her here." He said nonchalantly. But the hardened steel look in his eye showed he was anything but,"Is that a problem?" He asked tone even, cool, collective. Mulciber threw her a disgusted look before looking back at Riddle and shaking his head no. "Where is Nott?" Riddle asked. "He's serving detention with Dumbledore tonight, he probably won't make it back in time for any of the discussion." Dolohov informed him.

Tom looked irritated at the information but continued addressing the rest of the group."I'll deal with him later. Now that everyone is here we have a few things to discuss." He said capturing his audience with their undivided attention. "Saturday we will be having a study group of sorts. We'll be holding it in the mornings so it won't interfere with Quidditch games or Hogsmeades trips." Avery and Mulciber who looked as if they wanted to interrupt relaxed again and nodded there heads in relief.

"What kind of studing will we be doing?" Lestrange asked. Tom looked at Hermione at the question. She stared at him for a few seconds before realizing that that was her cue to answer. She sat a little straighter then looked around the group once before focusing on Rochus. "More advance spells, charms, and curses we haven't learned yet or wouldn't be allowed to learn. I would like to focus on practicing such while dueling instead of only book work, I can do that on my own." The auburn haired wizard still smiled at her but looked at her oddly before looking back at Riddle. Tom gave him a slight tilt of head that seemed to answer whatever unspoken question the pair shared.

"This was your idea was it sweetheart?" Avery asked her looking excited at the prospect. "Well yes and no. I asked Tom to help me and he asked in return to let a few of his...mates...join as well." She really didn't know what to call them. She couldn't outright call them lackeys or followers. But calling them his friends seemed like reaching. They obviously were not. Tom didn't have friends. Dolohov chimed in, "Do you know what you want to go over in this session?" Hermione smiled at him gratefully. At least two of them were accepting the idea without complaint," I have a few yes. If you would like I can make a overview sheet so you can research the material before Saturday."

Before Antonin could respond Mulciber lashed out," And what pray tell could a half blood like yourself know that we don't already? This is ridiculous. I won't sit here and listen to this. You haven't even had a proper education living with your filthy mudblood mother and now your going to teach me something?" Hermione balled her fist tightly but controlled her facial features to give away nothing. Though if she could her eyes would of already burned the man alive.

"Well Mr. Mulciber while you are correct about my education being carried out while living with my MUGGLE mother and myself only being a halfblood, I assure you my skills are not lacking. I would be so inclined to show you just how efficient and accomplished of a witch I am right now if you don't wish to attend Saturday." She said in the coldest hate filled voice she could muster while still staying composed. She knew to expect some backlash from of few of these pompous purebloods. But this man hadn't even met her more than two seconds before insulting and trying to embarrass her in front of the others. And she be damned before she was going to let him intimidate her.

Avery and Lestrange were smiling like Christmas had come earlier watching their interaction. Rosier still had a blank look on his face just as he did when he had first sat, unaffected by their heated argument. Dolohov looked like he was about to jump in between them any minute. And Tom looked at her with the same cool expression that had been present the entire meeting, but their was a burning in eyes that seemed to approve of the way she was handling things.

Mulciber's face and ears turned a unhealthy shade of red as she glared at him. He started to stand but Riddle cut him off," Sit. Down." He staccato'd each word with enough force for the man to abide immediately. " You can't expect.." Tom raised his hand cutting him off once more. "This isn't up for discussion. You will all be there Saturday morning at nine. I will give you a chance Mulciber and anyone else here to best Miss Selwyn. Whoever does will have the choice to not attend after that." This seem to pacify the angry man for the moment.

"So all I have to do is win dueling against her and I no longer have to participate?" He said making sure he understood clearly. Tom nodded at him then added," But if you do not, you will learn to hold your tongue and show her the respect she would have then earned." Mulciber didn't seem happy by that thought but seemed overly confident in winning. He nodded to Tom then gave Hermione a venomous sneer. Hermione didn't react at all. She couldn't wait to wipe the floor with his precious pure blooded arse. She was getting giddy just thinking of the prospect.

"Where will we be holding these study sessions? While I don't see any one really caring about us being studious, if some of the spells we will be using are not school approved we may be prudent in not practicing in the open." Dolohov asked Tom. Hermione was really starting to appreciate his direct sensibility. "We could use one of the unused classrooms." Avery suggested.

Tom seemed to be thinking as he answered," Possibly but that would still be a bit easy for anyone to walk in on us at any time...hmmm." Hermione knew exactly of where they could go. Where the D.A. members had always snuck away to, the Room of Requirement. But she was hesitant to offer it. That was Her, Harry and Ron's place. That place belonged to the light fighting the darkness. And what they would be using it for would be the opposite. She would essentially be helping Death Eaters hone their skills.

As she thought of the pro's and con's the group began throwing in other suggestions, "the Forest", "Old green house no one ever uses anymore." "We could just ask Slughorn for permission for a room with false pretenses, you know he'd grant you anything." " Hermione was almost sure that was the case, but she really didn't want suspicions on them or anyone being able to find what they would be doing so easily. 'Well that's that then.' She thought to herself finally coming to a conclusion.

She reached out placing her hand on Tom's arm pulling his focus directly on her. This action seem to cause everyone to stop talking immediately and watch the pair. I guess no one really touched or interrupted him. He'd probably kill them if any of them tried. "I know of a place." She said only loud enough for him to hear. He looked at her for a few seconds before addressing the rest of the group. "We'll meet here after breakfast Saturday." Dismissing them for the night. Hermione would of died of curiosity if someone was to end a conversation with her like that. But everyone seemed used to the treatment as they stood and went back to what they were doing before, Leaving Hermione and Tom alone.

"Care to explain now." He asked her. " I'd prefer to show you." she answered. He looked at the clock seeing it they still had a few hours until curfew, "Now?" he asked. She stood immediately, "If you don't mind."she replied. He gave her a half smile while standing as well. He reached out tucking one of the stray curls that had fallen from her bun behind her ear, "Lead the way." He said in his smooth tone. Hermione walked towards the entrance noticing the members of the group watching their interaction with different emotions, Anger, Curiosity, Boredom, Suspicion, and what she didn't really understand, Jealousy.

They walked together in perfect silence as she led the man up different stairways and corridors until they were on the seventh floor. They came to the huge blank wall and Hermione stopped and spun around facing Tom. "I want you to think of something you want or in need of at this moment." She told him. He looked at her raising one eyebrow," As random as the question was it's a bit vague for me to answer properly, perhaps you could explain your questioning to help me answer properly." Hermione bit her lip while thinking of how to explain while not giving everything away yet.

"At this very moment. If you could find a room equipped for anything you needed or wanted, what would it be?" She asked again. "Anything at all?" He clarified. "Anything besides food, yes." She answered reassuredly. He seemed to contemplate her question. He opened his mouth to answer her but Hermione hurriedly interrupted him holding her hand up. "Don't tell me. You have your answer in your mind?" She asked looking up at him as he nodded. "Alright. I want you to pace in front of this stretch of wall and repeating your request to yourself like a mantra over and over three times." He was looking at her like she had gone barmy but moved into action regardless.

Hermione leaned against the tapestry on the opposite wall watching him walk up and down the stretch of wall with a look of pure concentration on his face. After his third turn a plain wooden door appeared in the middle of the wall. Tom looked up at it in astonishment. Hermione stepped closer to his side looking up at his face. He looked down at her in confusion a bit of mistrust. Yes she could understand that. How could she, a new comer, know of something that no one, not even Tom Riddle knew of yet? She was going to have to play this carefully. He didn't say anything however. He just placed a hand on her lower back, opening the door to lead them insde.