Hello Readers! Hope you had a great easter :) Welcome to Chapter 9...
Thanks to Megii_of_Mysteri_OusStranger , CGinny, CaBuckeye, LeahHeartsEdward, nikif, AwesomePersonlolxx , ilovefireyredheads , LK_HoGwArTs_hEaDgIrL , DaOnLeeSam , Kelly Starr, jaspersluv1863 and FiOnAFiO for your reviews - they are one of the things that keeps me writing this :)
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"I find no comfort / in what my mind can't comprehend" - The Wombats (Tokyo [Vampires and Werewolves])
Tom sat at his Grandmother's house, pushing some overly boiled cauliflower around his plate. Mopping it up with some gravy from the roast, he forced himself to swallow the rubbish, along with the overly tough beef roast. His Grandmother bustled back into the dining room with a pitcher of juice. Giving Tom a big smile, she sat down.
"It's so lovely to see you dear… I feel as though I never get to see you enough." She said as she settled herself down.
"I've been busy." Tom replied, somewhat stiffly. He really didn't want to be here, but the last time he didn't turn up for a visit, the blasted woman called the police! Tom did not want to have to deal with that again just because the old woman spent too much time worrying.
"Oh yes dear, how are your studies going?"
"Quite well actually. I think I'm going to improve on my marks even more this semester." Tom answered as he put his knife and fork down… surely suffering half of this dastardly cooking was enough.
"Such a clever boy." She replied fondly. "Although I didn't realise you could actually improve on the marks you were already getting?"
"Well, pretty much." Tom said smugly. "But the better marks I get, I'll get taken on for their specialised literature program. It will basically guarantee my PhD entry." Tom explained.
"Oh, well that's wonderful news! You know, you were always such a clever boy." She smiled. "Even when you were a baby, you picked things up so quickly and never cried." She repeated what Tom had heard many times previously.
Tom looked at her but didn't really return her smile. Well, he couldn't remember much of being a baby, could he? He didn't care much for reminiscing about his childhood at all in fact… not that he really needed to, every time he came to visit his Grandmother was more than happy to dither on about his childhood and the parents who he had no memory of.
"And what about girls? Do you have your eye on anyone special?" She giggled slightly and Tom almost rolled his eyes in annoyance at the twinkle that suddenly appeared in her eyes.
He wondered if he should tell her about Hermione yet. He had put it off the last time he had visited simply because they had only just met. If he did tell her about Hermione she would surely want to meet her and that would mean bringing her here for dinner or something… and whilst Tom had never brought a girl to meet his Grandmother yet, he could only imagine the embarrassment he could potentially face.
"Not really, Gran." He replied looking down at his plate.
"Oh there is! I can just tell." She replied, sounding surprised. Tom looked up at her during her exclamation and couldn't help but notice something flash through her eyes before she gave him a warm smile. "What's her name? Do I get to meet her?" She then asked curiously.
"Gran…" Tom whined uncharacteristically. "It's nothing really. We've only been on a couple of dates…" Whilst Tom knew he was downplaying his relationship with Hermione, he just had a feeling that he didn't want her to meet his Gran yet. For the time being, Tom didn't want his family shaping anything to do with his relationship.
His Grandmother tilted her head slightly and nodded. "I'm sorry dear; I didn't mean to go overboard. It's just that you've never been serious about a girl and I've never seen you blush that way, she must be special… you just bring her to visit when you're good and ready."
"It's okay." Tom replied quietly, wondering when would be the earliest time he could escape from this mortifying situation. Speaking about Hermione, maybe he could see what she was doing? He hadn't seen her for a couple of days – which was quite a record, considering how often he had managed to be around her in the last couple of weeks. He knew she didn't live too far from here – just a short trip on the tube.
"Now, have a drink of juice… you haven't had a drink since arriving!" His Gran began fussing and passing him the juice jug.
Tom wasn't interested in having a drink, considering every drink his Gran offered always tasted almost off… especially that disgusting tea, he shuddered. Eyeing the orange juice as he took it from her hand, he noticed that was the juice that looked as though it was made from powder. Typical old person! Tom thought, sitting it down beside his glass, but not filling it.
"Aren't you going to have a drink Tom?" His Gran asked.
"No, I'm not thirsty." He replied politely.
"Oh but you must! Don't want you to get dehydrated!" She fussed. Tom was starting to get really pissed off at her fussing.
"I'm fine." Tom replied rather tersely. "I'm not thirsty and I have water in my backpack anyway."
His Grandmother looked extremely put out for some reason. Tom decided that wasn't going to make him drink that disgusting looking "Tang" style juice.
The dinner continued for about another hour – which was almost unbearable for Tom, as his grandmother tittered on about one subject or another – most of it went in one ear and out the other. Finally as his Grandmother yawned, Tom took this as his chance to leave.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay dear? We could set up your old bed; it is getting on a bit."
"No thanks, I've got somewhere I need to be." Tom replied, leaving no room for persuasion.
"Oh, are you going to go visit your lady friend?" His Grandmother then proceeded to wink at him, something which he found absolutely gross.
He simply grunted a non-intelligible response, hoping she wouldn't continue going on about the topic.
After Tom had left, Arabella Figg sat down at her dining table with a pen and paper, and began writing immediately to the Minister for Magic.
Dear Minister Shacklebolt
I hope this letter finds you well. I'm writing simply to provide an update on my mission.
Tom came for dinner tonight and nothing seemed too out of place. His studies seem to be going well – he tells me his marks are extremely high and he will be working to getting his PhD once his bachelor's degree is finished. It seems he is a smart boy – wizard or no wizard.
I also think Tom may be seeing a girl. He didn't give too much away so I'm unsure where he met her or even what her name is. All I know is that he hasn't been seeing her for long, but by the blush on his face when I tried digging for information is to say anything, I would say that he is quite smitten with her. I hope this is a good thing … as in, if he becomes more entrenched in the muggle world, surely there is less of a chance of him remembering who he really is? Although I am not really sure how that magic or the potions work.
The only problem with the night was that Tom refused any refreshments, meaning that I was unable to slip him a proper dosage of memory potion. I put some in his gravy, but it was such a small amount that I am not sure if it would make much of a difference? Please let me know and I will make him come visit me again sooner rather than later.
The other exercises recommended, such as constantly talking about his 'childhood' seem to work quite well. Though I am sure that he often thinks of me as a doddering old woman, which perhaps I am…
Other than that, there isn't much to report. I must admit that I am growing somewhat fond of the boy in a way. He still holds you at an arm's length, but I can see how he would have had everyone wrapped around his finger back in his school days. He is very charming when he wants to be.
Please pass on my regards to Professor Dumbledore. Also I hope young Harry Potter is going well. I haven't seen him around the Dursely's for a while now. Although I assume that all is well.
Sincerest Regards,
Arabella Figg
Tom quickly made his way up the stairs towards Hermione's apartment. He hoped she was home, or not busy. No matter, I'll make her remember what's important, he thought arrogantly. After what had transpired a couple of nights ago, he was hoping that things could again move forward. Perhaps she will even return the favour for me? He thought smugly, getting excited at the thought of being with her again.
Once he reached Hermione's floor, Tom stopped on the stair-well and ran a hand through his hair; ensuring that it was still presentable. He suddenly heard women's laughter which sounded suspiciously like Hermione's. Walking slowly up to the landing, he quietly watched the scene unfolding before his eyes. There was his Hermione, dressed for a night out, standing and laughing with that Zabini douche. He was about to storm over there and demand what was going on, until Hermione began speaking.
"Suuuure…as long as I can safely leave you, knowing that you now know about the importance of number five!" He heard her almost slur at Zabini. Merlin, was she drunk? Why had this tosser let Hermione get drunk?
"Oh I understand now. Thank you for explaining it." Tom almost growled audibly as he watched Blaise smile at her like she was the only girl in the world.
"Thanks for being a friend Blaise. And for sticking up for me against Ron…" Who was Ron? Tom thought, confusedly. Where had they been and why on earth were they together. Before he could think on it anymore he saw Hermione suddenly pull Zabini in for a hug.
Tom stood there in shock at first. Why was she hugging him? There was an agonising twist in his chest as watched Zabini return the hug and, if possible, pull her closer towards him. A feeling that could only be described as motion sickness mixed with electricity coursed through Tom when he watched Hermione lean her head on Zabini's chest and sigh. Uncontrollable anger surged through him. How long had this been going on? Was Hermione cheating on him? He thought bitterly. How naïve of me to believe that she was just friends with those dolts! All Tom wanted to do was confront the two of them. That would teach them for crossing him! Electricity surged through him, which for some reason felt extremely familiar and forced him to step forward.
"Well, isn't this cosy?" he hissed, stepping into view.
Zabini turned and saw him, a look of surprise crossing his features as he spotted Tom standing down the end of the hall. Tom observed him pull Hermione out of the embrace and turn to fully face him; Hermione staggered slightly as Zabini pulled away from her.
"What is going on?" Tom said tightly, trying to control the anger in his demeanour. He really didn't want to lose control right now.
"Look Smith," Zabini began saying and holding his hands up, "This isn't what it looks like-"
"Oh, and just how does it look to me then?" He snapped. Suddenly the air around him felt much too tight and he breathed in loudly, trying to regulate his temper.
Zabini just stared at him, seemingly unsure how to respond. Hermione, who had seemed somewhat distracted in the short time he had been talking to Zabini suddenly looked over Zabini's shoulder and, to Tom's surprise, grinned brightly.
"Blaise." She whispered loudly, tugging on his shoulder. "Is that my Tom?" She tugged harder on his shoulder.
Tom watched as Zabini turned to look at Hermione and Tom noted – with anger – as Zabini's eyes softened to look at his woman. "Yes, that's… Tom." Zabini awkwardly replied.
Hermione stepped out from behind Zabini and Tom had to catch his breath at how beautiful she looked, even though she also looked extremely drunk. She was wearing a green halter neck style dress that ended mid-thigh with black high heels. Her hair was styled so it flowed over her shoulders quite nicely. As he looked at the goofy grin on her face, he could feel the anger in him slowly abating. Suddenly, the air around him didn't feel so tight.
"Tom Smith!" She smiled and stepped away from Zabini, which made Tom immensely happy, and started walking towards him. "See!" She said to no-one in particular, "I told you that number five is lucky! Not as lucky as seven though…" She explained to herself whilst glancing at her fingers, seeming to count and confirm something. Satisfied with her count, she looked back at Tom and grinned stupidly.
Stopping to stand right in front of him she laughed and took his hand in hers. He gripped her fingers tightly, wanting to confirm that she had chosen to walk over to him, away from Zabini. Her other hand reached up and lightly stroked his cheek. At that, Tom felt the final fissures of his anger disappear under her touch.
"What are you doing here?" She softly asked, concentrating heavily on touching his face, a little frown line appearing between her eyebrows.
"I was in the neighbourhood and thought I'd stop by." He replied just as quietly, leaving out the fact that he was at his Grandmothers – because that would look so smooth, he thought sarcastically.
She smiled and the lightly ran her fingers through his hair. This for some reason, at this point in time, made him feel incredibly secure. Realising Zabini was still standing there watching him – well them – Tom came back to reality.
"What is going on here anyway?" Tom then asked, and immediately regretted the fact that he sounded much harsher then what he meant to.
Hermione suddenly looked troubled, though quickly masked it again. Before she could answer Zabini began speaking, causing Tom to scowl in his direction.
"We were at a mutual friend's party… from school…" Zabini seemed awkward as he spoke. "Hermione had a little too much to drink, so I just wanted to make sure she got home okay."
"Yeah, Blaise is such a great friend!" Hermione announced with conviction and turned and smiled at him. Tom eyed the two of them warily.
"Did you know he also saved me from an angry Ronald?" Hermione suddenly spun and stared at Tom seriously.
"Who is Ronald?" Tom asked curiously. Was this the same 'Ron' they were just discussing?
Hermione suddenly clasped her hands over her mouth and looked to Zabini, who by this time, much to Tom's distaste, was still standing with them.
"Weasel – ah, I mean, Ronald, is a very old friend of Hermione's from school… they got into an argument." Zabini explained.
"About what?" Tom questioned.
Zabini looked at Hermione who then realised that she was suddenly the centre of attention again. "I've decided we can only be friends." She explained, matter-of-factly without a care in the world – or so it seemed to Tom, who suddenly scowled at this new piece of information. Who exactly was this Ronald and was he interested in his girlfriend? Then again, the way she looked tonight – who wouldn't be interested in her? Tom suddenly felt very smug in the fact that she was his.
Looking at Zabini, who looked rather awkward standing there whilst Hermione dazedly looked around as if seeing the world in a new light, Tom smirked.
"Well thanks for looking out for my girlfriend Zabini." Tom particularly emphasised the word 'girlfriend'. "But ah…" He continued, and looked Hermione, running hand across her cheek lightly, "I think your work is done here, wouldn't you say?"
Zabini glared at him, but took a step back. "Um, sure. Hermione, are you going to be okay?" He looked at her with concern, Tom mentally scoffed at this.
"Oh, are you going?" Hermione finally registered what was going on again. "No, stay…" She said, making Tom scowl.
Zabini smirked. "No, I really should be off. Have a great night and I'll talk to you soon okay?"
Much to Tom's distaste, and Zabini's obvious enjoyment, Hermione pulled Blaise into another hug. "I'm so glad we're getting to know each other… I wish we did it sooner!" She smiled at him.
"Me too." Zabini smirked and made smug eye contact with Tom as he hugged Hermione. Tom couldn't help the sneer that broke out onto his face.
As Zabini left, Tom made sure Zabini was out of sight and earshot before he turned to Hermione.
"So you weren't on a date with him?" He asked, trying but failing to keep the upset note out of his tone.
He noticed something flash on Hermione's face… was that guilt? She looked up at him and her face softened, reaching for his hand, she squeezed it and smiled.
"It was nothing Tom, I'm with you." She said, suddenly sounding much more sober than the dazed and confused Hermione he initially came upon. He liked this version better.
Deciding not to respond to her affirmation he led her back over to her apartment door. Noticing her wobble a bit on her feet, he wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her into him so he was standing over her.
"Come on; let's get you inside and to bed." He ordered as she handed him the keys and he took them inside.
Hermione lay under her soft blankets. She couldn't remember much of how she got into her bed as her mind continued to whirl. The room spun a little bit and her mouth began feeling a disgustingly dry. She heard someone enter her room and sit on her bed. Looking up, she eyed Tom as he looked down at her.
"Here, drink this; it'll make you feel better." He said quietly, handing her a glass of water. "I don't know where you keep the paracetamol, so it's the best I could do."
Hermione took the water, saying a quiet 'thanks' and drank. Whilst it relieved the dryness in her mouth, it mixed rather unpleasantly with whatever alcohol was currently sitting in her stomach. She suddenly felt very uncomfortable, laying there in the dress she wore out and with her stomach churning awkwardly. Oh gods, please don't throw up! Perhaps she could sneak to her bathroom and take a hangover cure potion Ginny had given her as a joke. Yes, that would help. She could also change into her pyjamas, which she knew were in there.
Sitting up, she sat the glass on her bedside table and looked at Tom. "I'm just gonna go to the bathroom… I think I have some, ah, paracetamol, in there somewhere… I can get changed too."
"Will you be okay?" Tom eyed her dubiously as she winced whilst getting out of bed.
"Yeah, just, um… wait here." The last thing she needed was for Tom to see her vomit or drinking strange looking potions for that matter.
"Okay." He said and quickly pressed a chaste kiss to her cheek. She smiled weakly in return and got up.
Stumbling into the bathroom she quickly opened her vanity and looked for the box of potions she always kept. She couldn't help the relieved smile that appeared when she found it and then successfully pulled out the hangover cure. Thank goodness for magic! She thought, eyeing the little bottle.
Unscrewing the lid, she swallowed the whole lot in one go. She had to scrunch up her face at the sour taste of it. Oh surely the taste of this was punishment enough for getting drunk in the first place, she thought as she quickly turned the tap on and rinsed her mouth with a bit of water to get rid of the awful after taste. She stripped and quickly changed into her pyjamas, a pair of simple cotton shorts and singlet, and then removed her makeup, brushed her teeth and brushed out her hair. She felt much better as she stepped out of the bathroom – the hangover potion was kicking into gear and that sick stomach feel was going, only leaving her feeling exhausted and groggy after such a drama-filled evening.
Walking through her bedroom door, she stopped when she saw Tom casually reclining on her bed as though he owned it. A pleasant feeling fluttered through her stomach – the first pleasant feeling she'd had since drinking all of that dastardly alcohol. He looked up at her and casually raised an eyebrow.
"Feeling better?" He asked as she sat on the bed facing him – she didn't miss the way his eyes ran up and down her body.
"Yeah… hopefully the paracetamol will kick in soon." She replied, blushing slightly at his intense gaze.
"I'm glad…" He trailed off and grabbed her hand. Pulling her towards him he wrapped his arms around her and she relaxed back into him as he spooned her.
"Hmmm." She replied, leaning against him as he ran his hand up and down her side, stopping just underneath her breast. She was sure he was doing that on purpose.
"You know, I think it's best if I stay… I mean I have to make sure you're okay after all." He said in a casual matter-of-fact tone as he began trailing kisses along her neck making Hermione shiver pleasantly.
"You do, do you?"
"Of course… It seems, as soon as I leave you alone you get yourself into some spot of bother or another." He held her even tighter, as if he didn't want to let go.
"Somehow I think that you staying here was a part of your plan all along." Hermione replied with in amusement.
"Why Hermione, are you suggesting that my motives are less than noble?"
"Hmmm… yes." She replied and yawned. "What did you get up to tonight anyway?" She questioned.
"Nothing interesting, just dinner at my Grandmothers. She doesn't live too far from here." He explained before yawning himself.
They laid in silence for a while, just their steady breathing breaking the quiet of the room. Hermione shifted slightly and Tom repositioned himself so her head was laying on one of his arms whilst the other circled her waist, her back flush against his chest. Hermione sighed, feeling safe and calm. She wanted Tom to stay; she felt bad about Blaise and the fact that Tom had caught them in what looked like a rather compromising position. Hermione was just glad that her drunkenness must have been amusing enough to calm him down.
From what she had worked out about Tom so far, he seemed to find Blaise as a bit of a threat. Was Blaise a threat? Well he was certainly the 'safer' choice for her lifestyle, not to mention he was smart, good looking and turned out to be pretty nice. But he never gave you a second glance at Hogwarts! Hermione couldn't help but wonder if Blaise's newfound friendliness was simply because they won the war… she wondered if Blaise would even take a second glance at her if they were in a completely different situation. Tom on the other hand, well he was all those wonderful things too… good looking, smart, charming… she didn't know if he was exactly nice… he did seem protective of their relationship though. He also acted as if nothing else mattered except for them being together. To Hermione, this was incredibly attractive considering she had spent most of her teenage years coming second to one thing or another, as well as the war taking up most of her spare time. If things kept progressing with Tom the way they were she was going to find it more and more difficult to hide her abilities from him. The inner-turmoil she felt about this whole situation was incredibly frustrating.
She noticed that Tom's breathing had steadied out, and wondering if he was asleep she whispered his name softly. When no response came, she sighed softly and consciously snuggled further into their embrace, finally closing her eyes.
Tom was sitting on an old bus which was struggling through the English country-side in what felt like the peak of summer. He looked at himself in the window reflection and realised that he must be about 10 or 11 years old. However this was not familiar to the memories he had as a child, outside his dreams.
The bus was packed to the brim with other children, yet Tom was the only child sitting on his own. Tom wondered why he was sitting alone, but figured at least he wasn't squished with the other snotty brats. The bus finally pulled up in what looked like a wide field which edged on a forest. As soon as the bus stopped, a bossy looking woman with her hair in a severe bun stood up awkwardly and began talking.
"All right children, the picnic will be ready in about an hour. You may all play but stay in view of the adults please. Do not go into the forest!" She finished in a clipped voice.
"Yes Mrs Cole." Tom heard all the other children around him obediently chorus. Tom mused that he had never heard supposed 'fun' sound so, well, 'un-fun'.
As all the children filed off the bus, Tom watched them all run to play in the field. Tom noticed that no one approached him, or even looked at him for that matter. That felt okay with him though. He quickly walked away from all the shrieking children, getting a feeling that he needed to walk towards the forest, even though that Mrs Cole had told them to stay away from it.
As he got closer to the forest he felt the air cool naturally as the shade from the trees blocked the harsh summer sun. He slowly navigated his way through the forest, admiring the ancient looking elm and silver birch trees. Coming across a clearing he sat himself down against a birch tree and pulled a small book out of his worn jacket pocket to read.
He hadn't been sitting and reading for long when he felt something brush against his boot. Looking down, he flinched when a grass snake that was at least four feet long looked up at him.
Tentatively looking at the snake, he decided to talk to it. "Hello." He said quietly.
Tom could have sworn he saw the snake smile at him as it came to rest at his feet. "Hello… can you underssstand me?"
"Yes." Tom replied.
"Well I am a lucky sssnake… of courssse I've heard of your type, but you're very rare – yesss you are."
Tom threw a quizzical look at the snake which hissed what then seemed like a bit of a chuckle.
"The mugglessss you are with… are they alwayssss sssso rowdy?"
"Muggles?"
"Yesss boy, sssurely you know what a muggle isss? You can underssstand me after all… not a muggle trait."
"Are you really a snake?" Tom then asked the animal curiously and cautiously reached down to touch the scales which felt slick and cool under his touch.
"Are you really a muggle?" retorted the snake.
"I don't know what that is?"
"How old are you boy?" The snake then enquired.
"I think I'm 10 – here, that is." Tom answered.
"You think?"
"Well this is a dream and I don't remember this but I remember what I looked like at 10."
"Isss it a dream? Sssometimesss our dreamsss have funny things to sssay to usss. It may be the truth, jussst in a different reality." The snake replied, thoughtfully.
Tom simply stared at the snake, who he thought was incredibly tricky.
"If you're 10 then you're about to find out sssomething very important." The snake said conversationally.
"Like what?" Tom asked, unable to hide the curious note from his voice.
"Oh it'sss not my place to really sssay." The snake responded cheekily.
Tom was about to tell the snake off for his trickery until he heard his name being shouted.
"Tom! TOM! What did I tell you about wandering off?"
Tom turned to see Mrs Cole approaching in a harried fashion, her face pinched and turning a puce colour. Tom slowly stood up, and stepped away from the snake. Before he could leave the snake spoke to him.
"Come back and sssee me sssometime boy and tell me all about your adventuresss."
"Adventures? What's your name Snake?" Tom whispered quickly, before Mrs Cole could see.
"My name isss Eli… not that it mattersss, you will find me if you look clossse enough, for I am every sssnake." The snake replied, before slithering away quickly – before Tom could ask what on earth Eli meant when he said he was 'every snake'.
"Tom Riddle! Can you, for just one day, follow the rules?" Mrs Cole blustered as she finally reached Tom in the clearing. "Well? What do you have to say for yourself?"
"Um… sorry?" Tom replied, watching the woman closely.
"Sorry? SORRY? If something happened to you we'd have the government investigating us in no time! All because of a silly, selfish boy! You come with me immediately Tom Marvolo Riddle… I am TIRED of your antics-"
Tom's eyes snapped open and his body jerked in retaliation to being awoken so fast. He looked around wildly, at first not recognising his surroundings but then felt a soft, warm body pressed up against him and realised he was still at Hermione's. He looked down at her to check and make sure he hadn't woken her. She remained asleep, hair askew across the pillow and mouth parted slightly, seemingly in a deep sleep. Tom smirked at her form and ran a finger lightly down her bare shoulder. She mumbled something, her eyebrows furrowing, before snuggling back into her pillow.
Tom found himself fully awake now, unable to stop thinking about that dream. Again, he was called Tom Riddle. Who was Tom Riddle? Why was he always called that in his dreams? This was also the second dream in which a snake appeared and spoke to him. Perhaps he should start writing them down? Some say that keeping a dream 'diary' was helpful… he had even read somewhere how dreams could be premonitions.
Stretching, he decided to get up and get a drink… maybe a coffee or something. By looking at the bedside alarm they had been asleep for a decent amount of time and light was starting to come through the cracks in the curtains. He carefully got up, making sure he didn't wake Hermione up and quietly left her room and headed down the hall. Ignoring Hermione's weird looking cat (or whatever it was) who seemed to give him death glares whenever he came over, he sauntered into her kitchen.
Waiting for the kettle to boil he decided to do some snooping around Hermione's flat. Whilst he had been there many times already, Hermione was always around so it was hard for him to be nosey. Tom would happily admit that he was overly curious by nature and he desperately wanted to know as much about Hermione as possible. Walking to a bookshelf near the kitchen Tom peered at all the books and various knick-knacks on the shelves. Tom's eyes suddenly caught a picture of Hermione and two boys. They were all wearing red and gold scarves – perhaps these were their school colours? Hermione was squished in between the two of them. Tom scowled at this, feeling jealously course through him at the sight. Hermione and the red headed boy were looking at the boy with black hair and glasses with what looked like laughter and happiness. The black haired boy was looking directly at the camera with a wide-mouthed grin. There was another picture of the two boys sitting next to the picture Tom just looked at, this time they were both pointing and laughing at the camera, wearing strange looking cloaks. Tom figured they must have strange school uniforms in Scotland. Tom wondered if one the boys was that Ronald that they had discussed recently. Tom huffed and sat the pictures back down. As he was about to walk back to make coffee something caught his eye. An ancient looking book stood out among what looked like two brightly coloured romance novels. Tom touched the spine of the book and a strange feeling of excitement coursed through him. Picking up the book carefully, he admired how well-read it looked. Tom idly wondered what the book was and, for some reason, immediately wondered how important it was. Turning the cover around he tried reading the title but it only appeared in strange symbols. Tom's eyebrows furrowed; he had never seen anything like this before. Just as he was about to shrug it off and put the book back on the shelf, some papers fell out from the book and Tom picked them up. Glancing at the strange looking paper, Tom noticed Hermione's hand writing. Taking a closer look he realised it must be notes on the book in his hands. Looking at her rather organised notes he read the beginning:
The Tales of Beedle the Bard
Notes for: the Tale of the Three Brothers
What do we know about Deathly Hallows? How does this story link in with the symbol?
Tom eyed the notes with interest. Surely Hermione wouldn't mind if I borrowed these? He smirked as he carefully put the book and Hermione's notes in his backpack that he had left on the kitchen counter. After all, Tom had always admitted to a curious nature…
Hermione awoke slowly to the smell of coffee. She couldn't help but let out a satisfied noise at the familiar and comforting scent. Whilst the hangover potion had worked wonders, she still felt a bit emotionally drained after all of that drama last night. First, there were the issues with Ron, secondly Blaise's feelings and then thirdly, Tom showing up and seeing her and Blaise in a compromising position! She couldn't help but let out an annoyed moan at the emotional drama going on in her life. At her moan she heard an amused chuckle, cracking one eye open she spotted Tom enter her room with two mugs of coffee.
She opened both eyes and stretched. Looking up at him she admired just how handsome he was. His hair was mused from sleeping and he had a little bit of stubble already growing on his jaw. His jeans hung low with his belt removed and a plain black shirt clung pleasantly to his chest. He smirked at her, which made her blush at getting caught ogling him.
"Hmm is that coffee I smell?" She said, wanting to move the focus away from her ogling.
He sat the cups down on the bedside table and pounced on Hermione. She laughed in surprise at his suddenly playful attitude – this was a side of Tom she hadn't seen yet. He kissed her determinedly as she lay underneath him. Smiling, she pulled the blankets over top of the both of them and pulled him down so they were a mass of blankets and limbs.
"Good morning." He mumbled against her lips.
Returning his kiss and letting her hand trail slowly down his body towards a certain area, she smiled. "Good morning." She smirked at his muffled moan as her hand lightly touched and then stroked his growing hardness.
"Now, I do believe I need to return a certain favour after the other night…" She said suggestively, as she began to move her hand up and down his shaft.
"What sort of favour?" He asked, a bit breathlessly.
"You're about to find out…"
Oh la la la ;)
Well I hope that was enjoyable enough for you all... A fair bit happening in this chapter...
- Does anyone else remember Tang from their childhood (maybe it's an Australian thing...) - loved the stuff then, now I can't stand it (bleurgh)
- How did you find Tom's reaction to Blaise and Hermione? I know some of you suspected there would be some accidental magic, but that will come a bit further down the line. Just remember that the Ministry can only pick up purposeful magic, not accidental magic ;) I hope his reaction wasn't too much of an anti-climax (but we don't want to scare Hermione away just yet).
- Tom's dream! I actually really loved writing this... it was heaps of fun. I hope my snake talk isn't too awful. But I figure that to Tom, as someone who can speak parseltongue, it would sound like 'normal' english with a hiss ;)
- OMG he found a book! and not just any book either... Beedle and the Bard! And Hermione's notes... what will this mean? Hmmm Hermione should have been a bit more careful, a small mistake on her behalf...
So please spare a poor gal a review! I am a review whore LOL.
