Note: The name of this chapter is from the song "Dance with the devil" by Breaking Benjamin. If you had noticed that the chapter 10 also had the same name before. But when I started to write this chapter I realized that this name will fit this chapter more so I changed the previous chapter's name.

Also this chapter is beta'd. So enjoy. :)


Chapter 11

Dance with the Devil

December brought the first Hogsmeade trip. The road to the little magical village was covered in a thick layer of snow. Everywhere, from the roof tops to the roads, it was covered in a thick blanket of snow.

Harlene made her way through the snow into the village. For once in her life she was actually having the time of her life. She roamed around the village without anyone noticing her, pointing at her or whispering behind her back. It felt like a new day to her.

Harlene watched as students walked passed her giggling and laughing by themselves. Suddenly she felt so lonely; her friends weren't here to laugh with her, to talk with her, to …comfort her. In all those seven years they had been together, Harlene never felt so lonely like she felt now. Yes, there were moments in the Dursley's that she felt alone, but she never had to go through any adventure alone. They were always beside her.

But now she was in a time and place where she couldn't contact them no matter how much she wished to do it.

Sighing heavily Harlene started walking towards the Three Broomsticks in order to get a glass of Butterbear. The Three Broomsticks was the same as Harlene remembered; the only difference was the owner. In the future, the pub was run by Madam Rosemerta and now it was run by her father Robertson Rosemerta.

Harlene sat on the farthest corner beside the window of the pub with a glass of Butterbear in front of her. She looked outside of the window and remembered what was happening for the last few months.

Her life had always been odd, never normal, but past occurrences had turned her life upside down. One moment she was standing in front of the older Dark Lord as anenemy and the next she had the mini-Dark Lord as her ally. What was happening in her world?

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After spending a while in the bookstore of Hogsmeade, Tom walked into the Three Broomsticks for a drink. He looked around for an empty table, only to find the whole place crowded. He was about to leave when he saw an empty table at the corner of the pub with only one occupant. He couldn't look away from her as she looked outside of the window with her head rested on her hand, her eyes had a faraway look, her long black hair was tied into a simple braid which rested on top of her chest, her glass of butterbear left untouched in front of her.

Tom pulled himself out of his dazed states, as he realized that he was staring at her for a while.

What the hell am I doing? She is only just a pawn in my game.

Harlene was staring out of the window when someone cleared his voice. She looked up to find none other than the person who was occupying her thoughts, she blushed slightly for that.

"Mind if I join you? Everywhere else is full." Tom told her with a smirk on his lips. Harlene shook her head. Tom pulled the chair opposite of her and sat down; he ordered a glass of butterbear.

For a while they sat in a comfortable silence and sipped their drink, then Tom broke the silence.

"You seemed to be lost in thought, mind if I ask what you are thinking." Tom told her in a curious voice. Harlene considered his question for a moment and then decided to answer him with a partial truth.

"I was just thinking that a few months ago I was targeted by one Dark Lord and now look at me, sipping butterbear with another one. How did my life change?" She told him playfully.

Tom chuckled at her joke. He understood that she doesn't wish to tell him so he didn't pester her; rather he used a different method to make her talk.

"Alright but if you ever wish to speak to anyone remember that I am there to listen." He told her with a small reassuring smile. Harlene's eyes slightly widened at that. She could only give him a curt nod as she couldn't form any words.

They again fell into the comfortable silent as they sipped their drink. After a while Harlene spoke up.

"I was just…." She said making Tom looked away from the window to her face. He could see the same faraway look on her face with sad eyes. "….remembering my friends."

"We were inseparable, the three of us. They were my first and most precious friends. We used to be something like a trouble magnet, always getting into troubles. They always stood by my side even when the whole world was against me."

Harlene didn't know why she was telling him anything but it felt so right to talk to him. It felt natural to finally able to pour her heart out.

Tom watched her closely as she for the first time talked about someone from her past. She seemed to miss her friends a lot, as she had such a sad look on her face. She was sad but there wasn't a single tear on her eyes. He had a sudden urge to embrace her and comfort her, tell her that everything will be alright.

"They seem nice. Where are they?" Tom said in a small voice. She looked at him and gave him a sad smile.

"They are gone. They are far away from my reach. No matter how much I try I will never be able to reach them again."

After that she didn't say anything as she stared outside of the window. Even Tom was silent, he didn't know what to say. They sat there in silence until it was time to return.

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It was the night before Christmas break, Harlene was inside the Room of Requirement practicing a very complex spell. She had been coming to the meeting every weak, drawn to the knowledge they had promised.

The spell she was practicing was very complex. It was spell that makes the person's cell to turn into stone. If enough power could be put into this spell it could turn the whole body into stone. Also it was an irreversible spell.

Harlene was not in favor to practice this spell. She didn't want such a dark spell for practicing. But then she realized that this spell could also be used to heal the deadly diseases. It could be used to prevent cancer cells to spread. That was why she was practicing this spell. Unfortunately she was making no progress in performing this particular spell.

"Your wrist has to move a little bit more." Tom said as he watched her from behind. "Let me show you."

Tom suddenly took ahold of her right hand from behind while his other hand snaked around her waist, making Harlene stiffen by the sudden contact. Even if Tom noticed it he didn't comment on it.

He showed the perfect hand movement of the spell and told Harlene to say the spell.

"Dura silex." Harlene screamed out. She beamed as she saw the plush dummy slowly started to turn into stone.

Tom watched in astonishment as Harlene smiled a full toothy smile at the success. He couldn't take his eyes off of her face, as it lit up like a Christmas tree. He stepped away from her to remove the sudden clenching feeling in his gut. But it just won't go away.

What are you doing? You are Lord Voldemort, the greatest dark wizard of the century. You can't become flustered just by seeing a smiling face of a foolish girl. She is just a pawn in your game.

A voice hissed inside of his head, which sounded a lot like his future snake like form's voice. Suddenly another voice inside of his head spoke up, that sounded like his normal voice.

Is she really? Or is she something more, a lot more than a pawn? She is a flare of hope in your dark life. Do you really wish to let her become a mere pawn? Or do you wish to keep her close and see that smile every day?

Tom's trail of thought was broken when his wand started to vibrate to indicate that it was time to return to dormitory.

"Alright everyone time to leave. Remember to practice the spells during the vacation." Tom spoke without any trace of the inner turmoil he was having.

Harlene and Tom were the last two persons to leave the room. As they made their way to the dormitory Tom was having a debate with himself.

They entered the common room in silence. He almost didn't even notice that Harlene had bid him good night.

"Ms. Peverell."He suddenly called from behind as she made to leave for her room. "May I talk with you for a moment?"

Harlene nodded and waited for him to speak. Her Avada Kedavra green eyes were filled with curiosity.

When Tom spoke up, his voice was calm. "I believe you are staying in Hogwarts for Yule."

"Yes." Harlene replied to him, still staring at him with wide eyes.

"Also you will be attending Slughorn's party, right?" Tom asked her without taking his eyes off of her face.

"I am not sure." Tom frowned at her answer. "I mean I have been told to take a date, but I didn't really ask anyone to go with me.'

Harlene stated, but in reality she just didn't want to go with anyone, not to mention she didn't want to go alone either. Hermione won't be there to talk to or Neville* to take with her.

"Would you like to go with me?" Tom suddenly said to her, making her jaw drop.

What the hell? Did he just ask me to go the Slug party as his date?

Harlene gaped at him for a moment then she spoke, "I…uh…ummm…..would love to."

For a moment Tom thought that she was going to refuse him, so when she said yes he was relieved. For the first time he gave a wide toothy grin. Harlene's eyes widened at that, she suddenly realized how handsome he actually was.

"Alright, then good night." Tom said with a smile that can make any girl's knee wobbly. Harlene just nodded and practically ran into her room. She shut the door behind her and slid down in front of it, her face had turned into a deep shade of pink.

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"Where are we at the preparation for our newest guest?" Grindelwald said as he strolled in the huge dining room where Lord McMillan was sitting. They had arrived at the McMillan Manor in England three days ago to work on their plan.

"Yes, my lord. A room has already been prepared for her and also in case she is un-cooperative we can shift her in the dungeon." McMillan told him with a bow.

"Excellent! Have you got the invitation to the party?" Grindelwald asked as he sat down at the head of the table.

"Yes, my lord. The party will start at 7pm on 24th December." McMillan informed him. After a little hesitation he asked, "My lord will you be alright going without a disguise? What if Dumbledore recognizes you?"

Grindelwald smirked and said, "He won't. It has been almost a century since he last saw me and beside I look a lot different then I used to do."

"Yes, my lord." McMillan bowed and didn't make any more comment on the subject.

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Christmas vacation started at Hogwarts. Most of the students left the school, leaving only a handful few who didn't have any home to return to.

The Slytherin common room was almost empty because of the Christmas vacation, only a handful of seventh years were left behind, either to study for their final year or just to attend Slughorn's party.

On the eve of Christmas Tom waited at the common room for Harlene at 7:30pm. He was dressed in Victorian style; a high collared long black coat rather than a dress robe with a full button black vest on a white dress shirt and an emerald green ascot tie. His hair was combed perfectly on one side, giving him the perfect image of a Victorian style gentleman.

Tom was sitting on the couch with his back facing the door of girl's dormitory. After a while he heard the door opened. He turned around to find Harlene standing at the door. His eyes widened at seeing her, he didn't even realized when he got up from the couch and stared at her.

She was wearing tea length light bronze colored dress with matching bronze colored baby doll suede pumps. The dress had sweet heart neck with appliqued flowers adoring the breasts, a silk bronze belt at just below the breasts and chiffon skirt that flared down to her tea, at below the silk belt appliqued flowers went down to middle of the skirt.

Her hair was divided into two parts in sideways, they were twisted upwards at the front and then let down on top of both her breasts with soft curls at the end. She had a pearl necklace that rested on top of her collar bone.

She had very light makeup on her face, light bronze eye shadow and peach lipsticks. She was blushing so there was no need for any fake blush. She looked stunning, like Greek goddess Aphrodite.

Tom couldn't even take his eyes off of her. He composed himself as she walked towards him.

"You look very beautiful, Ms. Peverell." Tom complemented her with a smile as she stopped in front of him.

"You look handsome as well, Riddle." She told him with a smile.

"Shall we?" Tom offered his arm as they made their way out of the common room.

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The party was going on full mode as the couple made their way into it. At first sight of them Slughorn was very happy, he was practically bouncing to introduce them to some his friends.

He took Tom and Harlene, and introduced to some of the very important people of the country. Harlene just smiled at them and watched as Tom made conversation with them.

After a while as they were engrossed in their conversation she left them alone and made her way to the refreshment area. She helped herself with a cauldron cake when someone tapped on her shoulder. Harlene turned around to find Catalina standing behind her. She was wearing a blue lacey dress with a ribbon tied around her waist.

"Hi!" Catalina beamed at her with a cheery voice. Harlene smiled at her asked, "What are you doing here? Didn't you say you were going spend the Christmas with your father and cousin from Germany?"

"Well turns out fathers are good friends of Slughorn, so he invited us to attend his party along with my cousin." Catalina told her. "Come on I will introduce you to my father and cousin."

Catalina pulled Harlene by the hand and started making her way into the crowd toward the other side of the room.

"Father." She called out when they stopped in front of a tall brown haired man dressed in black dress robe, who was talking with a young silvery blond haired man.

"I want you to meet my friend Harlene Peverell." Catalina said as the duo turned around. "Harlene this is my father Lord Lionel McMillan and my cousin Gellart."

Harlene frowned a little, the name Gellart seemed familiar, but she couldn't remember where she had heard it. Catalina didn't even give any last name of the man named Gellart.

Harlene had to admit the man Gellart was very handsome. He was dress in white dress robe that had golden embroidery on it, with a golden two button vest on a white shirt and a golden neck tie.

"It is a pleasure meeting with you Ms. Peverel. My daughter spoke a lot about you." Lord McMillan said to Harlene.

"It's nice to meet you too Lord McMillan. Catalina is a very nice girl." Harlene said with a smile as she shook hands with him.

"Ms. Peverell." Gellart extended his arm toward her. As Harlene took his hand rather than shaking it he brought to his lips and kissed her knuckles. "It is a pleasure meeting with you."

He said with a smirk on his lips, giving Harlene a chill down her spine. For some reason she couldn't like Gellart. He felt dangerous, the kind of danger that she felt when Voldemort was around.

"May I have a dance with you Ms. Peverell." Gellart asked her suddenly, making her surprise.

"I..uh.. don't know how to dance" Harlene told him so that she didn't have to stay near him for long. For some reason the man made her really uncomfortable.

"It's alright I will teach you." Gellart said to her with a smirk with that Gellart took her hand and made his way toward the dance floor.

At that moment the band was playing some pop music. Gellart took a hold of her hand and he literally dragged her around the dance floor. He was making her twirl and move along the rhythm, like a puppet in the hand of its master.

On one moment Gellart made her twirl around and then twirled her back in his arm, flushed against his body. Harlene stiffened at that.

"You are a beautiful woman Ms. Peverell. I am truly honored to meet with you." Gellart whispered to her ears, making her scowl in anger. 'After all you are the last living member of the Peverel blood line."

Harlene pulled back from him, but he held her firmly not letting her go. She looked into his eyes with disbelieve to find those eyes filled with last and malice, making her shiver.

She tried to get away from her but he was too strong for her. When she was thinking that she should hex him, someone cleared his throat. Gellart scowled and looked at the man in annoyance. Harlene turned around as Gellart loosen his grip on her waist to find Tom standing behind her with a blank face, but there was anger in his eyes.

Harlene relaxed to finally finding Tom. But Tom wasn't looking at her he was glaring at Gellart.

"If I may, I would like to my date back now." He said in a calm but icy voice. There was a faint threat in his voice.

The two dark lords stared at each other for a long moment. At the end Gellart smiled and said, "Of course. She is all yours." For Now.

"It was nice meeting with you. Hope to see you again." He said to Harlene as he kissed her knuckles and left the dance floor.

Tom glared at his back for a moment when Harlene spoke, "Thank you."

He turned around with a raised eyebrow. Harlene made a face and said, "For stopping me from hexing him. If you hadn't come I probably would have hexed him to next century and that would ruin Slughorn's party. So, thank you."

"If I had known that you were about to hex him I would not have meddled in. That person would have deserved it." Tom said to her, his eyes had much softer look now.

As the music ended Harlene started to made her way to get out of the dance floor, when a hand gripped her elbow. Harelne looked around to find Tom holding her arm. She gave him a questioning look which he returned with quirking an eyebrow.

"Where do you think you are going?" He asked her with a little annoyed voice.

"I was just…" Harlene trailed off as he pulled her into his arm as the next song started. This one was for slow dance. Her eyes widened in surprise when he took ahold of her arm end placed it on his shoulder and snaked his arm around her waist. "As your date for tonight I do deserve to have a dance. Don't I?"

Harlene could only nod as they slowly started to sway around with the music. She had to admit he was an excellent dancer. She felt very calm as they stared at each other's eyes.

"I have say Ms. Peverel you look very beautiful tonight." Tom said to her in a hushed voice, making her blush like a beetroot.

"Everyone has been staring at you all evening. No wonder that someone tried to make a move on you." Tom told her in alight voice. Even though he said that in alight voice he had a hard look on his eyes. He was ready to murder that bustard that touch her, made her uncomfortable.

No one can get away by touching his things. He would never allow it. But right revenge can wait; he needs to be with this person who was held in his arms.

After a while the song ended and the couple made their way out of the dance floor, when Slughorn came and took Tom with him, leaving Harlene by the refreshment table.

Suddenly Cataina came running toward her. "Harlene I have something to tell you."

"If it is about your cousin than I am sorry to say that he was an absolute pervert." Harlene said with an air of annoyance.

"No, it's not about him. It is something else. It is about who attacked you." Catalina told her with a serious expression, which got Harlene's full attention.

"You know who did it?" Harlene asked her at once, holding the other girl's arm.

"Yes, and I will tell you everything but not here. Follow me." Catalina told her vanished between the crowed. Harlene tried to find Tom but she saw him talking with the Headmaster. So she followed Catalina alone. What she didn't notice was that Tom looked at her direction at the very moment and saw her walking toward the door following Catalina McMillan.

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Harlene followed Catalina out of the room into the corridor. She saw that Catalina was faci9ng the other way, her back was facing Harlene and it was shaking.

"Catalina, who is it that attacked me? Who are so scared of? Tell me I can help you." Harlene told her in a soothing voice.

"You can't help me Harlene." Catalina said in a hushed voice, as Harlene put a hand on her shoulder.

"Cat, trust me I can help you." Harlene told her as she turned her around to face her. Catalina's face was casted downward.

"You can't Harlene." She said in a whisper. "Because I was the one who did it."

Harlene flinched away from her as Catalina looked up at her. She looked at the other girl in anger, cursing herself for not finding it out soon.

Suddenly she sensed a curse flying at from behind. She took her wand out from under the dress and whirled around to deflect it. She found herself facing the elder McMillan as he fired after spells after spells at her joined by his daughter.

She was so occupied with dueling the McMillans that she didn't even notice the shadow behind her. When she did it was too late. A stunning spell hit her side tearing the thread of her pearl necklace, making the pearls fall on the ground. The last thing she remembered before losing her consciousness was third person looking down at her, Catalina's cousin Gellart.

At the fraction of moment she remembered where she heard that name before, she herad it so many times in the future.

He was Gellart Grindelwald, whom Dumbledore had fought.

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Tom looked at the door of the room impatiently for Harlene to walk in. But even after fifteen minutes when she didn't returned he got irritated and walked to find her.

When he walked out in the corridor he didn't find anyone there. Neither Harlene nor McMillan was there. He got rather annoyed at her; he turned to return at the party, only to stop at mid step as he noticed something on the ground.

He bent down to look better at the objects. He suddenly realized what it was. It was the pearls that Harlene was wearing. They were scattered at the floor.

If they were scattered at the floor like this than the question was where was Harlene.


AN: Things are in motion. I got a feeling that this fic will be no longer than 18-20 chapters. So here was chapter 11.

Please enjoy. Also this fic is beta'd by Teshigahara Terumi. A big hand for her folks.

Also I will be changing the cover photo of the fic and the profile picture of my account to show the dresses Harlene is wearing on special occasions, to give everyone a better picture.

Currently my profile picture is of the dress she wore at Slughorn's party and the cover photo of the fic is of the hairstyle.

So folks tell me was I able to describe them properly? or did I make a mess?