Chapter 13: Tentative Acquaintances

Hermione sat annoyed that Tom didn't want his gift. She stared at Tinky in disbelief.

"What did he say Tinky?"

"Misters Riddle did say anything for's a long time, then he said he didn't want it. Misters Riddle told me to take it back to whoever sent it. I's told him it was from Misses Hermione and that I's was not allowed to bring it back. He's got angry and kicked the cage. He's told me to leave."

"He kicked the cage! That poor owl! Where was he Tinky?"

"He's was in his room looking at a scary book."

"A scary book?"

"Yes Misses Hermione a very dark book."

"Ok Tinky, Thank you. Your help in delivering my gift means so very much to me Tinky."

Tinky beamed at Hermione's praise.

"Yes Misses Tinky is here anytime's you need her!" And with that she disapperated away.

Hermione wasn't really surprised that Tom hadn't been excited to see anything from her today. She just hoped he didn't leave the owl in his room, in a cage, all summer alone. She was sure the house elves of Hogwarts would tend to the poor bird and it wouldn't die, but it still would be cruel.

The last days of school drug by, Hermione was surprisingly alone. Tom refused to look at her, let alone speak with her, so she was forced to socialize with the other children at school. In her last day of transfiguration class Tom sat on the opposite side of the room alone. Hermione sat alone in the front of the class until an unexpected thunk of a bag fell beside her on the desk.

She looked up to see none other than Minerva McGonagall sitting down beside her at the desk. She had not anticipated Minerva being in school at this time. But she supposed it made sense now that she did a quick mental check on the math.

"Hello. I don't believe we have met?" Hermione offered her hand.

Minerva reached out and shook Hermione's hand smiling.

"No we haven't you are almost always with Tom. But seeing as he took my desk, I suppose I have to sit with you for our last class. I'm Minerva." Minerva was obviously tentative about greeting Hermione. Hermione and Tom had been inseparable all year long. One could only assume that they had no desire to speak to anyone else.

"Yes, I suppose I have been a bit wrapped up in Tom since my arrival. I hadn't really noticed though till we quit speaking the other day." Hermione could not hide the pain in her voice. She missed Tom. There was no denying it, she was miserable.

"Why, if I may ask, are you not speaking?"

"Oh I kind of yelled at him, nothing major, I'm sure it will blow over soon. So what house are you in Minerva?" Like Hermione didn't know. She was the most wonderful Transfiguration teacher.

"I'm in Gryffindor. I usually don't speak to Slytherin's. No offense, but its not everyday you see a Dumbledore in that house. I have to admit my curiosity is peaked."

"Oh right, my father was quite curious about that himself it seems. I don't really fit in with the others. Tom and I though we really clicked."

"Yes I think the whole school noticed." Minerva couldn't hide her sarcasm. She may be displaying a friendly persona but she refused to let her guard down with a Slytherin.

"Right, sorry, that was rather obvious wasn't it, father seems to think we are, were, a good influence on each other."

Minerva seemed to huff as Albus entered the room and ended the short lived conversation. Hermione was on the fence about her, she was very much respected by Hermione in her time, but the competitive drive of a teenager is a force within its own.

Hermione couldn't bring herself to pay attention, she felt like she was constantly looking at Tom. Midway through class her attention was drawn back to Albus. He was turning a pigeon into a frying pan and Hermione couldn't help but imagine hitting Tom with the frying pan. She just hated that he was pushing her away.

The days carried on and tomorrow everyone would be leaving for the summer. If only he would get over it already so they could spend their last night in the castle together before summer vacation. The feast in the great hall was different than years past for Hermione. Dumbledore as Headmaster was a bit more flamboyant than Dippett, but the food was just as delicious. Tom was sitting alone with his books. Hermione felt a pang of need. She wanted to talk to him, like a siren call, she was drawn to him; she stood and walked down to Tom.

She sat down across from him and stared at the back of the book. Words escaped her, she internally laughed at herself, and Hermione Grainger has no words. There was a comfort in sitting close to him though, she couldn't explain it, but it was better than nothing. She watched his shoulders relax, he felt it too, she was sure of it.

"Tom?"

His book lowered and she received nothing but a blank stare.

"Are you going to speak to me again?" Hermione couldn't help it but her voice cracked and a small tinge of worry escaped her lips as she spoke.

His blank stare was unchanged, but this time, she at least got a shrug. Hermione hung her head a little lower. Deciding it best to just leave him alone, "Have a good summer Tom, please, use the owl when your ready."

She got up and walked away. As soon as she exited the Great Hall she ran to her room. It hurt, she didn't want to admit it but she needed Tom. Not like with Harry and Ron, no, this was different, she couldn't understand what, or why, but this, this was different. The connection with Tom was so profound at times it's scared her a bit. With that thought she instantly realized, this was her first year without Harry and Ron. She wouldn't be going home to her parents. She would never see them again.

She ran to her room and cried, wallowed in self pity. She could have this one moment of weakness. This one moment of desperation, and so, she cried. This was going to be a long, difficult summer.

AN: DISCLAIMER:

I DO NOT OWN THE WORLD OF HARRY POTTER/JK ROWLING. I DO NOT MAKE ANY MONEY OFF OF THIS OR ANY OTHER STORY I HAVE WRITTEN. I SIMPLY PLAY WITH THE CHARACTERS.

BIG THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING FOR GIVING REVIEWS!

PUNKYREDHEAD, CASSIE D-1, NOSTALGIAKILLS AND SDRLANA21!

You guys are really making my day with your reviews! Hope you know how much I appreciate them!