Hiemality burnt. The stale smell of cheap soap that had seeped into the air. Blurry waves of textured grey walls that held him.
Tom had a fixed morning routine at Wools.
Wake up at the mandatory 5 am. Shower by 5.10. Breakfast at 5.30. Off to school at 6.30.
He always put on his uniform neatly. Thinning shirt on. Trousers that were always too short for his long legs, pulled up. Tie tied. Pulling on the hideous coat. All in shades of grey.
"Tom?" Pretty braids. Auburn hair. A speck of freckles under her eyes. " Could you help me hold my bag? I want to tie my shoelaces. It's untied."
His name sounded so foreign. His tongue felt dry.
No other child at the orphanage had ever called him by his first name. What came out was either 'Riddle' or famously ' The Freak'.
He said nothing, blinking expressionlessly while grabbing the bag. The girl tilted her head up and smiled gently. Her tiny fingers nimbly fixed the loosened strings of her shoes.
"Thank you...Tom." She said in a hushed tone, taking the bag before skipping away to join the growing line of children at the end of the hallway.
He watched the tight braids bounce off her toned back. How she started giggling with the girls... What was their name again? Right, Betty and Lily. He catches the curve of her pink lips.
"Tom! Well, what are you standing there for?" The matron shouted across, breaking the symphony of giggles and chatter from the children.
Swallowing hard, Tom sauntered across the hallway with carefully calculated steps while tiny eyes watched.
A mantra was etched to the back of his mind: ANSWER QUESTION. FOLLOW THE ORDERS. NO LINES ON YOUR SKIN THEN.
"I'm s-sorry, Mrs Cole." Tom stares at her with a pouty look, baring his best puppy eyes. "For not paying attention."
" Do as you were told." She sharply told him." This is the last time I have to remind you, Mr Riddle. One more step out of the line and I won't be lenient on you."
The fixed walk to the canteen was slow. He was sandwiched in between the boys. He remembered the familiar comments spouted behind and in front of him. Fresh adolescent comments. " Can't Adam and Eve Missus Cole would evar forgive that Riddle twat!"
"Wanker freak." A gruff voice grunted at him while towering over him." -Dink yer too good for us, innit?"
Tom did not reply. Doing so simply meant inconvenience. If he stayed quiet like a freak should, he would be left alone.
His eyes fixated on the developing masculinity in front of him, for he wished he did not have to tilt his chin up to face the sneers on their gaunt, sunken faces.
After a quick wash of their hands with slippery ivory soap, they made their seats.
" Settle down, children!"
Their bums plonked down on the worn-out wood. Tom took a quick seat at a corner of the table, his hands on his lap. He lets his mind run free, facing the peeling wall above. A soft clunk aroused his attention from the asbesto. It was the girl from earlier with the red braids.
"Hi." She said, giving him a small grin.
"Hello." He said simply.
Usually, he would ignore them, the children that were around him. He had always felt...they were filthy. However, this girl was different. The way she talked, the way she presented herself...he was eager to find out why.
"I'm Amy Benson." She smiled, her hand reaching out to him." Tom, right? I have heard so much about you."
They must have told her to stay away from him, so why has she not? He wondered to himself.
" Tom Riddle." He muttered out, forgoing the handshake.
Her smile seems to falter at that." Oh…"
The small hand dropped back to the table, joining its other.
"I'm new here." She beamed. " Everyone's so nice. I love it. Don't you agree, Tom?"
Her accent is crisp, odd, fresh from the Cockney accent that surrounded his peers.
"My parents died recently in a car accident." She shakes her head." Eastern London's so different. My auntie said that the West isn't any different from it. I agree. "
"Anywho, I just arrived here yesterday. Mrs Cole was so welcoming." She sighed, simpering." I just love it here. Don't you, Tom?"
Every child usually avoided him. She was the first to ever spoken real words to him.
He said nothing back while he catches every detail of her face.
"Breakfast is ready!" Comes the shrill kitchen spinster yell.
The children automatically stood up, leaving Amy the only child left seating before she scrambled and found herself doing the same too.
Marching towards the set table where the giant metal pot standing on, Tom could feel her breath trickle against his neck. Somehow his palms felt sticky despite washing them earlier.
The dull gruel-like substance plopped onto his metal bowl with a quick splat. Tom glanced down at the concoction and automatically frowned.
He was taking his tiny bottle of cold milk when he heard a commotion from behind.
"Get movin, gal. Don't like it, then scram!" The spinster screeched, the lines of her skin twitching. The Benson girl quivers before apologizing with a certain softness, contrasting with the hardness of the woman's rash accent.
He shakes his head.
And Madam Mann wonders why no men like her. He sniggered to himself before settling down at the same spot.
Eventually, the girl returns with a bowl in her hands. Her hand reaches to her crown, rubbing against it harshly before letting out a hiss. " Fuck."
Tom raised an eyebrow, he blurted out." Better not Mrs Cole catching you saying that."
She averts her gaze onto him." What, Tom?"
" You don't know anything about orphanages or even a single clue about the East End, have you?" He said in a hushed tone.
" Well, technically this is my first day here." She smiled. " My aunt had her chauffeur send me here in a car. The streets here are… fascinating."
Fascinating my arse. He thought to himself. There was no way a higher class girl from the West could ever survive in the East.
Wools and the East was a cesspool of sharks. Amy was begging to be devoured by them by jumping directly into it.
She sticks her spoon into the oatmeal before raising it.
" We have to wait until everyone has gotten their portions." He muttered. "Then grace."
Her head nods before sniffing at the concoction, her face scrunched up in disgust. " What is that?"
"Oatmeal." He sighed." God knows what Mrs Mann puts into that rubbish."
"Doesn't look like oatmeal to me." She raised a manicured eyebrow.
" We're government-funded." He told her.
"So?"
" The worst of the farms arrive here." Was what he said before he interrupted by the loud ringing of the rusty bell.
"Loving Father, we thank you for bringing us together for this meal. May we continue to live in your friendship and in harmony with one another. Bless this food, a sign of your loving care for us and bless us in our daily lives."
"Amen." Tom let go of his clenched fists.
Fisting his spoon into the oatmeal, he took a quick swallow of it. Amy was watching him warily. " How is it then, Tom?"
" Absolute crap." He grumbled.
Suddenly another ring of the bell broke their conversation.
" Children." The matron paced across the front of the rancid canteen. Her arms akimbo, she looks at the sea of tiny faces expectantly. " Have Miss Martha and I, told you to refine your behavior?"
Tom narrowed his eyes, knowing what was coming up.
"I and Miss Martha wish the best for all of you." Her voice boomed across the hall " So that potential parents would find you delightful enough to bring you home? Wouldn't you like that, to have parents?"
The children greeted her with a loud reply." Yes, Mrs Cole and Missus Martha."
The aged matron laughs before digging from her pocket. A set of white cotton that was now soaked with splotches of metallic red. Tom hears a few gasps from the girls and approving laughter from the boys. Her eyebrows furrowed before licking her lips. " Purity. An extremely important virtue that you all should be all well aware of."
" Now Tainted. Filthy." She sneered. " Girls should keep their hands to themselves. "
That was the last of her words before she rushed across the tables, their eyes stuck on the moving matron. They find her pulling out a tiny whimpering figure from the middle, Tom watches and immediately recognizes her.
Another one of the Nancys, her ear tugged on by the aged woman. She was yelping, flaying her arms, attempting to move away.
" Place your hands on the table, girl." She ordered.
" Mrs Cole, I-" The girl tried to argue.
But to no avail, Mrs Cole shushes her up with a quick slap of the wood against her palm. It reverberated across the room.
" Do as what you were told to do." She hissed before the girl unreluctantly placed her hands onto the table, her face was ridden with tears that started to roll down her cheeks. " But Mrs Cole, I didn't want to- B-Billy forced himself o-on me!"
There was no reaction from the crowd, for it was a common occurrence going around.
" Billie is a nice boy and so are the boys here." She curled her lip." Don't be a liar, Nancy. Face your punishment. This was your own doing."
That was all she said before flipping her skirt over and letting the palm make contact against the skin. The girl instantly yelps and lets out a loud cry.
Tom does not watch from then on and instead finds himself focused on his spoonful of oatmeal that was turning cold. Amy's face had turned so white, he swore it was whiter than snow.
He stirs it around, occasionally sticking it into his mouth.
"Tom."
"Tom."
"Tom!" Amy hissed.
" What?" He grumbled, annoyed by her incessant pestering.
"Don't you think we should do something?" She whispered." To help her?"
Tom lets out a soft chuckle before narrowing his eyes." Are you serious?"
" I am." She said indignantly. " Why isn't there anyone sticking up for that poor girl?"
" Want to be the second one to receive another spanking by Mrs Cole?" He mocked before saying firmly." It's common here. Boys touch the girls. They have to accept it, whether they like it or not."
Amy parted her lips before narrowing her eyes." That's so revolting!"
" Well face it. That's how it works here." He shrugged before returning to his meal.
The oatmeal never tasted so horrid with the complement of the loud screams from the front. Tom shuddered.
"But Tom, are you like those...boys," She asked, her fingers fumble with the braid over her shoulder. " You won't do that to me, right?"
" We're friends, you won't hurt me." She whispered." Tom?"
Jolting up from the sheets, Tom ran his hand over his sweat stricken skin
It was either memories or simply vivid dreams of rutting his brunette hard against the bed, ravishing her body with passionate kisses, and having her suck his cock.
He gazes at the tiny clock on his bedside table. 4 am.
This is the day where we would strengthen our relationship. He thought to himself.
11 am was the discharging time for Hermione. He would accompany her from st mungos and bring her home. Her real home, where it belonged exactly with him.
He gets out of bed and turns on the light.
Placing his journal onto the table, he starts to write his notes.
His research was going well better than he expected. Furthermore, Hepzibah had started to visit the shop often. He knew it was all just because of him.
" Oh Mr Riddle." She gushed, fanning herself." Please."
" This pair of earrings look absolutely stunning on you, Hepzibah."
He hated this, not the lying, but having to pander to the ego of such an ugly freak.
Blushing, the woman sighed." What can a witch do without a Mr Riddle in their life?"
The Smith Woman was elderly, somewhat frail despite her gigantic frame. She had been a loyal customer of Burke's for quite some time. He would take this opportunity, he decided, for additional funds. He just needed her to trust him. She will, he had decided. No one could ever resist his charms.
Morning came by soon, Tom meandered into the medical building with a box of chocolates tucked under his arm.
"Good morning, Mr Riddle." The nurse at the front desk sends him a sly look. " Fancy seeing you here."
He catches a glimpse of the shiny nameplate. "Morning, Miss Benett."
She sends him a lascivious look while writing the note." Free for lunch today, Mr Riddle?"
" Sorry, Miss Benett." He sends her a charming grin." I have matters to attend to today. "
She sighed before smiling." I'm always here if you're interested, Mr Riddle. Door's open."
" Sure thing." He replied before snatching the finished approval from her.
When he was strolling along the hallways, he shuddered to himself. The only witch I will ever be seeing is you, Hermione.
Iodoform greets his nostrils as he steps into the ward, Tom makes his way to the bed near the large window.
"Good Morning, Hermione." He greeted the witch who had her head stuck in a book, sitting down beside her. " How are you feeling?"
Hermione raises her head, meeting his gaze with her whiskey eyes. She says cheerfully. " Hi, Tom. I'm feeling better than before, thank you for asking."
He feels that strange warm feeling growing within him once more.
"That's great to hear. " He grabs the box that was under his arm and places it onto her lap. He smiles at her." I brought something for you. It's your favourite."
She sets her book down at the side and gasps when she catches a glimpse of the lettering. " Oh Merlin, Honeydukes milk chocolate? Thank you so much, Tom!" He finds himself suddenly hugged by the witch, he instinctively wraps his arms around her.
Letting out a big sigh, she mutters." Why are you so tall, Tom? I can't even place my head on your shoulder." The man chuckles, petting her back. She nozzles deeply onto his torso. The one-month hospitalization had done wonders for their friendship, it definitely solidified his presence in her life. He teases." And you're so short, Hermione."
" Don't even remind me of it." She grumbled." There's a reason why I wear heels all of the time."
Letting go of their hug, Tom runs his hand through his hair. " So what was that you were reading?"
She hummed." Hmm. Amelia Earheart's 'The Fun Of It.' Liza gave me it."
" The American muggle who went missing?" He raised an eyebrow. " Growing feminist icon?"
Nodding, she juts the book to him. " Do you want to read with me, Tom? It's an interesting read."
He smiles at her, taking the book from her hand. " Why not?"
The brunette laid on her side while he read outloud and flipped through the binder of pages. She occasionally broke a piece of chocolate and fed it to him. What was this fluttery feeling he felt?
" Mione!" A shrill shout broke them from their reading bubble.
The witch standing in front of them held a bouquet of lavenders..
Lucretia smiled, cooing." Oh, you two love birds!"
Immediately his witch turned a bright shade of red. " Stop it, Lucretia. We're just friends!"
Oh how much Tom wished he could change that and he would.
" That's what they all say." She teases her finger at them before winking at Tom who suddenly grew an unfamiliar blush. " Unfortunately Liza and Isobel are busy, you know with work and taking care of Minnie. All that nonsense. Hope you are recuperating well, Hermione. These days I worry for your safety with those blood supremacists running around and hurting people."
Tom had considered this very issue for some time, considering his followers had fell into this very category. He would tell them she was a powerful mudblood, a treasure to be protected. She was the anomaly in these muggleborns.
"By the way, I brought you some flowers. " Lucretia said.
His witch nods appreciatively and reaches over to the bouquet on the table. She fingers a stray petal.
" So where are you going to stay, Hermione?" Lucretia asked in concern. " The Ministry is going to close down your flat till the new year. I have an unused apartment in the magical community of Manchester, it's all yours if you need it."
Hermione smiles. " It's fine, Lucretia. "
She glances at the man sitting beside her." I'm moving in with Tom. "
The witch immediately squeals and a shout of protest comes from the opposite ward. " Someone shut her up, will you? This is a hospital, not a funhouse!"
Tom silently thanked him.
Lucretia blushes before turning around and apologising profusely to the man.
" Ah, I wish Ignatius was just as brave as you, Tom. Gosh, a Gryffindor himself. Five years into our relationship and he wouldn't even ask me to move in!" Lucretia sighed before smiling at Hermione." Lucky girl, Hermione. Don't ever let him go, he's a good lad."
She narrowed her eyes at Tom." And you, Tom. I trust that you are going to take good care of my best friend, all right? One wrong finger laid on her and I will come knocking right on your door!"
Tom laughed before putting his arm behind Hermione's neck, pulling her closer to him. He mock salutes her." Sure thing, ma'am."
If there was anything Tom couldn't do, it was him hurting women and especially Hermione. She was his and he liked protecting what belongs to him.
Hermione let out a soft giggle.
" So Hermione and Tom, the last time I invited the two of you to my party- you didn't show up." Lucretia said.
They said nothing back.
" To make it up to me, promise me that both of you will be here for Ignatius's birthday party alright? Same thing. Booze. Coke if you wanna." She winked at the pair." It's his 25th birthday, after all, so please!"
Tom and Hermione shook their heads, knowing she was never going to give up on persuading them.
Hermione sighed." Fine, Lucretia."
Tom nodded." I will be there if she is."
He gazes at his witch who was looking back at him with those big doe eyes of hers. Her smile was beautiful, he thought to himself. He felt pleased particularly with himself, knowing it was him making her happy.
"Fantastic!" Lucretia clapped her hands." It is happening this Saturday at the villa in Liverpool at 10 to Salazar knows what. Dress nice, we're going full in roaring 20s!"
Hermione panted, sweat dripping down her temple. " Gods, I'm so unfit."
His flat was situated at the very top of the building, that meant climbing 10 floors up for the both of them.
She were currently on the fifth floor.
Tom laughed as he watched her pitiful state. He was two floors above her.
She frowned, peering up." I get it, Tom! I'm fat, laugh all you want!"
He shook his head before climbing back down to the fifth level. She mutters." Not my fault that I was not blessed with long legs."
"Oh, Hermione." Suddenly she was hoisted up and over his shoulder. His hand placed on her soft arsecheek as he started climbing up the flight of stairs. He wished she was not wearing that tight skirt of hers today, immediately his body had reacted. His trousers felt tighter at that instance.
"H-hey, let me down. Tom!"
She hit her hands against his back, groaning" Tom!"
" If you're going to continue doing that." He warned jokingly." I might accidentally let you fall."
Hermione immediately stopped her antics and shut up.
Her body was warm against him. Soft breasts bouncing against his back. He could have not asked for anything better.
Settling her down on her feet, he started readjusting the wards to allow access for her. The last thing he wanted was painful boils growing on her pretty skin because of her trying to enter the flat. He digs from his pocket and hands the metallic object to her.
"Why would I need a key for ?" She asked.
" A key and ward access is needed to enter this flat." He told her." It's safer."
Living with a mudblood. Living with the enemy. How ironic. Never had I imagined the day I would actually be letting a mudblood share my flat. But it's the first step. For you to understand that I desire from you is not just sweet talk and hugs. You are mine, Hermione. You need to know that. He thought to himself. I can accept you. For what you are, my mudblood.
He jabs his key into the door hole and rattles the knob, the wooden door screeches.
" Welcome home." He says as he opens the door. Hermione took a few steps in before shutting the door behind her.
"Thoughts?" Tom asked." Isn't much. But it's doable. "
His witch seemed apprehensive, crossing her arms. The interior of the flat only held one reminder of a slumber. A queen-sized bed covered with grey quilts, situated near the window.
" There's no bedroom?" She raised an eyebrow.
He sighed." Unless you count my potions lab as one."
"Anyway." Tom continued." I'm taking the couch. There's no need for you to worry about your sleeping arrangements."
"Tom…" The brunette protested." This is your flat. I'm just a guest here, I'll take the couch-"
"Shhh-" Tom placed a finger on her lips, it tainted his skin with rouge. " No arguments, sweetheart."
Hermione shut up, choosing to focus on unpacking her meagre belongings instead.
If I wanted to win you over, I would have to prove it myself. Tom thought to himself as he tapped his foot against the doorstep. Saving the innocent girl from the predator she calls father.
The door opens, a woman dressed in a heavy coat greets him. She instantly smiles at the sight of him, " Hello."
Tom attempts to gather some of her feelings, diving slightly into her mind.
It burnt of her lust.
She is forty. He reminded himself that before jumping out of her mind. She does not notice the intrusion, choosing to focus on staring at him instead.
"Annika Haze." He told her, giving her a crafted smile.
" I am a Ministry officer." His hand holds the artificial identification card bearing his well-groomed face. " I am currently investigating Miss Haze's involvement in a classified case. I would like to find out more about her."
The woman swallowed, her smile disappearing. " I don't think you would like what I am going to tell you, Sir."
Gullible fool. He thinks to himself, following the woman through the home. It stung of the same odour that was similar to Wools. Familiar grey walls. A dreary atmosphere he was walking himself through.
She shuts the door, gesturing for him to sit down on the worn leather chair. " Coffee. Tea. Anything for you, sir?"
"No, thank you."He replied with another smile.
The spinster sits down, her hands are visibly clammy. " I'm Jenny, sir.."
"So tell me about the child, Jenny. She seems...nice." He uttered. " But I believe you have a completely different story. I have read her records, do you have a clue of who her parents might be?"
"It's just," The woman paused before continuing. " We never had much trouble at this home, until she arrived here."
"Annika was an infant when she was placed into the home. Being the only home in Wizarding Britain limits our resources, we rely on the goodwill from the public." She said." Our adoption system is different."
" For a child to have an appropriate place here, their parents or guardian have to sign a form themselves."
"You're not answering the question. Do you know or not?" He pressed.
" I am going to answer that on just a bit." She said. " 9 years ago, I was about to close the home for the night. I remember it was pouring heavily."
" A woman came by. She was carrying a tiny baby in her arms. I can't exactly remember her face but she was quite tall and wore this black hood over her. " She answered. " She acted all hurriedly. Said her parents would come hunting for her if she didn't make back home in time."
" She signed the form and left the baby here. I checked the form, the personal particulars she put on it didn't make any sense."
" What do you mean, Jenny?" Tom demanded.
"As a ministry officer, I trust that you're well aware of counterfeit magical signatures. Yes?" She asked." Exactly that happened. No Ardra Matthews has existed. "
"Ardra Matthews?" He raised an eyebrow. The name held no familiarity with him.
"Precisely." The middle-aged witch shook her head." I tried all my means to contact her during Annika's years here. She was a real headache to manage."
" In all of my years as a caretaker, never have I ever met such a nightmare." She continued." She's nice and friendly. But someone her age asks to make friends with her, oh boy for all the multiple injuries she has caused. This girl is clearly a danger to others."
" There was one particular incident I left out on the report." She stated, sighing." Didn't want the parents running off."
" Tell me."
" We took the children out on a trip to the beach in magical Surrey. Mrs Erin and I thought it would be a good idea for the children to get some fresh air. Turns out not." She stuttered. " We found her hands on Patty. She almost drowned in the water."
Tom was reeling from her shocking words. " What?"
"That's right. A five-year-old tried to kill her own companion." She sniffed, placing her hands onto her face." We thought Annika liked Patricia."
Mrs Cole thought he was the devil for being different from the other kids.
" We were glad that Mr and Mrs Haze found her." She said." I was not sure if she was going to leave the home alone or with a family. "
Tom said nothing but numbly nodded.
"I trust that is all you need to know, sir?" Jenny asked.
"There is one more thing I need, Jenny. That is the form from Annika's mother. Do you have it? It's extremely important to the ministry's investigation." He said firmly.
The woman stammers. "I'm sorry, sir. But I'm afraid you would need a warrant for that. "
"Really?" Tom raised an eyebrow, his lips pressing into a thin line. The woman starts to look visibly distressed.
This was way too predictable.
" Imperio."
It was an understatement that Hermione was a mess.
First of all, Tom detested being untidy. Being neat and prim was always at the top of his list.
Ever since she had moved in, he had to take cautious measures from it turning back into the pigsty that she called her flat. Her clothes were strewn on the floor, lace black knickers slung against the pillow- to which he quickly pocketed as always.
Two, Hermione had stopped talking to him. Two days had passed since she had moved in, she had said nothing back to him when she came back to work. No greetings, no talk. He missed her.
Lastly, he found out that she had taken the habit of visiting bars after her client appointments. That did not mean good news. She was a horrible lightweight drinker. This discovery led to a shocking revelation. She had started sleeping around.
Tom knew she was traumatised, finding out that her ex-boyfriend who had left her was poisoning her mind with artificial fake love. The almost victim of a sexual assault. She was finding ways to cope with her pain. However, he could not let her rot away. She was his, did she not know?
As per usual after his shift at Borgin's, Tom would use his point me spell which would lead him finding Hermione at a bar, drinking with a leering wizard beside her.
Really, Hermione. Didn't think you were one for pretty boys. He thinks to himself, taking a sip of his whiskey. He watches her closely. Could you really be into those muscles? Who is this monster? Marcus Warrington, seriously?
" Has anyone told you your tits are perfect?" The man told her, his hand landed onto her stray bosom. He squeezes it. She giggles, taking another swig of the fire whiskey. " No...except for you, Marcus…"
Tom wished he did not see that. He curled his fist, pounding onto the table. That's my witch you're touching, Warrington.
He feels tempted to place a fidelity charm on her once she arrives home and passed out.
The wizard flexes his muscles, pointing it to Hermione. " Want a feel, baby?"
"Hmmm… yes." She softly scrunches it with a dazed look. " It's so big… and hard."
"Mhm." He takes her hand and places it on the front of his trousers." Just like my cock, baby."
Marcus kisses her on the lips, she does not pull back.
Tom wished he could wash his eyes and ears out.
The pair make their move out of the bar. Of course, with Tom following after them.
He could not stand how their hands could never leave each other's bodies. He clenches his jaw.
You've been a busy witch, Hermione. It's more competition than I realised. If I want to win your heart, I'm going to have to show you. Tom thinks to himself before silently walking behind. I'm not a maybe. I'm the one.
Out of Knockturn Alley, the pair traversed through the night, wobbling across the street.
The shaky sign of ' THE LEAKY CAULDRON' waved to him as Tom entered the pub, after them with a disillusion spell.
" C-can we have one room please?" Warrington drops the heavy bag of galleons on the counter. The innkeeper raises an eyebrow." Keep t-the...change."
The bushy brunette lays her head against his chest as the innkeeper hands them the key with a wary look towards the couple.
Tom finds himself outside the wooden door. He hears loud moans of an erotic nature. He narrows his eyes.
"Oh...Oh...That's it harder! Yes, that spot. Yes, oh, Marcus!"
He did not know whether hearing this or watching the Scamander and his witch was worse.
Tom had started regretting following them.
However there was one benefit he gained from this misadventure though, it was that Hermione liked it rough. Honestly, he had assumed she was one for vanilla sex. Missionary and maybe occasionally giving head. But no, in the bedroom- from the sounds they were making, it seemed she particularly loved being given a good hard rut.
As for Warrington, he was just as an incapable wizard as the Scamander brat in school and outside. Tom would teach him a lesson. He definitely would leave his witch alone.
He was sitting on the couch, he is surprised she is clear-headed and quite sober actually.
Tom lets out a loud grunt. The brunette tilts her head, facing him while taking off her heels." What's wrong, Tom?"
"Where were you, Hermione?" He asked. " I was so worried about you."
"I'm fine, Tom. I can take good care of myself, thank you." Hermione sniffed.
He stands up and approaches her. The smell of firewhiskey on her breath says hello. " Were you drinking?"
"Yes, Tom" She nodded before saying agitatedly" What's it to you, anyway?"
Tom murmurs a wordless legilimens behind her back while the brunette took off her coat.
He is met with barriers stronger than he expected.
If there is anything positive coming out of this situation, at least your occlumency is up to standard.
Her hand brushes the curly locks away. Tom furrowed his eyebrows when he caught sight of the red and purple bites on her nape. He wishes he could wipe that slate clean.
"What's that?" He points to her neck.
"Oh, I had a bit of fun today. Tom." She said casually." It's called a hickey if you didn't know."
The marks immediately disappear, Tom could not stand the sign of the man's lingering evidence on her body. Jasper, Christian, Oliver, Marcus- He could not believe her.
"You healed me?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. " It's just hickeys, Tom. They will heal on their own."
Tom glared at her, placing his arms on her shoulders." What's wrong, Hermione?"
"What's wrong? What's wrong? What's with you, Tom? I'm just your roommate, a friend. " She said exasperatedly before taking something out of her beaded bag. " I have a sober potion. I'm a witch. I can protect myself. "
"No, you can't," Tom argued before angrily shouting. " You need to stop this drinking habit of yours, Hermione."
She started laughing.
"Are you having a laugh at your own expense?" He narrowed his eyes at her.
"No." She muttered before sneering." These are gutsy words from the man who drinks whiskey and smokes at the same time. "
Tom wondered how she knew of that but forgone that very thought.
"At least I am fully self-aware of my actions." His words came to a low blow. " Pretty girl. Smart witch and you can't keep your legs closed. Do you even care about yourself anymore?"
"What I do in my own personal time is my business, Tom. " She shook her head. " Reducing yourself to slut-shaming me, haha how original. Let's face it, Tommy. What do you want? Hmm you want sex? Do you want a blowjob? How about fucking me in the arse too? What is with you, Riddle? "
Exactly that. Your body belongs to me. He thinks to himself.
" What are you doing?" He glanced at the brunette. "You don't care do you?"
"I do care."She argued.
Do you, Hermione?
"You're a fucking joke, Granger."He spat.
How could she reduce herself to no more than a common whore? She was HIS.
Tom saw red.
"It has never ever been a joke for me, Riddle." Hermione sneered, jabbing her finger at him.
"Well come over to my school, I'm the headmaster!" Tom mocked. "You're acting like an absolute idiot, Hermione."
He could not understand how she was throwing herself around and not feel any sense of disgust towards herself.
"Your big problem is that you can't handle the truth, you don't like hearing it."
"What truth? That I'm a slut? It's what you're insinuating to me " She hissed before saying breathily. "You don't even know me, Riddle."
But I do, Hermione. Tom thought to himself angrily. I know you better than yourself. I know almost everything about you, Hermione.
Tom took in deep breaths, his voice suddenly soft. " I think I do, Hermione. But just think over what you have done, not just to yourself but everyone around you. What would Lucretia say? Liza?"
It was right then, he noticed how close he was standing right next to her. Their bodies radiating heat. She smelled of a mix of alcohol, sex and jasmine.
Hermione's chest heaved up and down, her eyes catching his. That moment, she bites her lip silently. Tom's eyes darken. And suddenly my trousers feel much tighter.
Her palm runs over his oxford shirt, she presses her cheek onto his chest. Tom almost lets out a moan himself.
Control. Control. Control.
She lets out a low sigh before murmuring." Tom, why are you such a wanker?"
Her fingers tug at his shirt before suddenly her back is sent against the wall.
The potion bottle smashes onto the floor, into smithereens.
Those red lips of hers were soft, plump and absolutely perfect as he imagined. His hand instinctively reached behind and groped her arse, hard. Hermione lets out a soft squeak at that before moaning deeply into their kiss.
"We're friends. You won't hurt me. Tom?"
"We're friends. You won't hurt me. Tom?"
"We're friends. You won't hurt me-
The lifeless eyes of her.
Have I reached Nirvana? He thinks to himself before he leans forward, kissing her sweet lips while gazing into her whiskey eyes. He dives straight in.
When he opened his eyes, he saw himself seeing it.
He waded slowly through the ankle deep water, the frigid water soaked through his boots.
The only source of fluorescent light in the room was focused on...it...him? Right before the figure, stood a woman with those familiar bushy curls. Tom reaches his hand out to her, yelping when a biting sensation overcame him.
The monster's eyes are ruby red. Teeth razor sharp. Wrinkles overwritten its ghastly pale face. It held a sneer, shadowing over the petite witch.
"Mudblood." The figure circled around her, he does not lay a finger on her. Its voice high, clear and cold. A serpentine hiss. " What have you done?"
"What have I done? What have I done?" She asked him impassively." You know exactly what you have done to me."
She tilts her head to meet the brute. The light meets her. On her cheek wrote a cut, bleeding red. Traces of dirt decorated it. Tom attempted to move but was held back by an impenetrable force. Her words held strangeness to it, she sounded nothing like his witch.
The brunette said slowly." I had to do it. You know I had to."
" So why have you?" The figure moves around, in a motion similar like a waltz. Its robes swivelled above the water. " Are you satisfied with yourself? For all the things you have done?"
"I had to!" A blurt comes out." You know that, V..."
The name blurs out with a static noise. When it passes, her voice is amplified.
" You took my life away. Destroyed it in your bare hands." Raspy. Desperation. " I have no one."
" So why have you." Its finger grazed across her jawline. Tom yells.
" Come back to help?" The expression it held was a chilling smile.
" Help?" She started to laugh."I didn't want to come back ! Watch me destroy you."
"Monster." The brunette spat.
The figure started to let a shrill laugh that echoed throughout the room. " Is it you who you're talking about, Miss Granger?"
"I..." She murmured, looking blankly into its eyes. It leans down. Their lips meet. A throaty gasp she lets out, it pulls her closer by the neck. Its hands had settled upon her waist, her legs wrapped around his. She leans in deeper to the kiss. " Mhm..."
The girl entwined in the arms of the monster, kissing him passionately.
Tom felt bile rise up in his throat. Who was it? Who was that? The many whos and whys echoed throughout his very mind that was threatening to burst at the seams.
Abruptly, her neck snapped towards him. Her eyes are narrowed, the monster's cold eyes facing back against him." What are you doing here, Tom? Get out of my mind!"
"Get out of my mind! Get out of my mind! Get out of my mind!" A wave of nausea overcame him.
He opened his eyes.
They widened, watching her pull away. A flash from the corner of his left eye impacted against his cheek with a loud 'thwack', echoing in the now silent room. He stares at her thunderous expression incredulously, his hand unconsciously rubbing against his cheek. It stings so much he winces, though whether from the slap or her anger he is uncertain.
" What have I told you before, Tom." The matron warned. " Reverend Francis told me about the incident at the Church."
" Little boys don't speak." He droned.
Nodding, her eyes narrowed at him. " My dear, the line has been crossed. "
A harsh contact met his scrawny cheek.
His facial expression hardened as he clenched his jaw, grunting.
"How dare you." She pointed her finger at him, her whiskey eyes brimming with tears.
"I'm so s-sorry." The last word comes out forced, pleading. Tom's jaw twitched." I'm sorry, Hermione…"
" If we don't have trust, we have nothing." Hermione shook her head, barely glancing at him." J-just leave me, alone. Tom."
Her voice had reduced to a whimper.
Tom faintly nods, shaking his head while the reality settled in. Moving away from her while taking in deep breaths, Tom needed to control himself, for his temper was not something he wanted to take out on his witch. CONTROL. CONTROL. CONTROL.
Love isn't a strong enough word.
Sometimes you do things to show your love.
The truth of the matter is that I fucked up, Hermione. I fucked up.
He sat down on the couch with a glass of whiskey in his hand, staring down at the ground.
Is this what most people term it as 'jealousy'? Have I really turned into one of those bumbling lovesick fools?
Tom pretends to not watch her but he does anyway.
Who was that? Who was it?
She was crawling back into the sheets silently,having taken a dreamless dream potion he had seen her take earlier. She tugs the cotton quilt over her head.
Is this another one of your secrets? He thinks to himself. Don't worry. I'll find out.
She shoves a pillow into her face.
His fingers brushed against his swollen lips.
Our first kiss. He thinks. An actual first stepping milestone in our relationship, Hermione.
He grasps the glass tightly.
I can't love. I never have, Hermione.
He sips the whiskey, it throbbed against his throat. He hisses.
Forget the head, listen to my heart.
Run the risk, if I get hurt, I'll come back.
Tom's dark blue eyes run over her. He saunters across the room and digs into the wardrobe.
He moves to the bed, his fingers grasp the quilt slightly and pull it down. An unknown smile creeps up, he sees her.
I see you.
His rough fingertips unfastening the white blouse, revealing much of the milky skin of hers which brushed against it.
So, boy meets girl.
Brasserie off with a soft click.
Boy thinks this is something special.
His palm smoothes across the flat stomach of hers.
'Let me do everything I can to make this right' He thinks.
The tight rayon skirt pulled down.
No matter how hard you fight me, I'll always make sure you're safe.
His lips curved at the pair of green lace covering her quim.
So I did.
He slides the silk nightgown up her petite body.
Pulling the straps appropriately onto her shoulders, he traces his thumb against her jaw.
He does not think.
He kisses her on the forehead. A soft mew came from her. He smiled as he tucked a curl behind her ear. He strokes those wild curls of her.
Here's what I learnt about you, Hermione.
You are special. You are talented. You are passionate.
He cleans the makeup that had streaked across her pretty face with his magic.
You are smart.
Except in the ways you are not, for example being extremely stubborn when it comes to small things like being too lazy to do your chores.
He rubs lazy circles on her stomach, laying right next to her.
And falling for men like Scamander. You know better, but you can't stop.
He sits up.
Because well, every witch needs a wizard.
He adjusts the pillow under her neck.
I can help, Hermione.
He pulls the quilt to her shoulders.
Let me help you.
He kisses her goodnight.