Time ticked away, two days to December. The autumn leaves had been shed from trees, and most had taken to wearing thick jumpers and robes. Thirty hours since he had lost control. Thirty hours since he had held her gaze, much less spoken a single word.
He had regretted it, not the intrusion, no, but their current predicament. Intruding her privacy had dented his progress, though hopefully not fatally. The ghost of her warm breath pressed against his neck and burrowing into his ear still lingered. He would feel it in the flesh once again. Hermione would come back to him, be it willing or unwillingly.
However, it appeared the early morning awakening from a particularly riveting dream about his witch seemed to worsen the circumstance Tom was stuck in. Add in imaginary blowjob and rough missionary created moans that echoed throughout the room.
What was disturbing though was that in the dream; mirrors had surrounded Hermione and him while they were engaging in the aforementioned physical activities. When he came into her, he realised his face had morphed into the monster with red eyes. Tom gazed down at the brunette, written on her forehead was a bright red cutting ' THE CHAMBER OF SECRETS HAS BEEN OPENED. ENEMIES OF THE HEIR BEWARE.' Her face was drained of colour, lifeless.
As he jolted from his slumber, he realised a pair of wide whiskey eyes were staring back at him in seemingly shock as the coolness of the morning air greeted him. Brushing a hand through his dark brown locks, a groan came between his lips. The familiar wetness on the front of his pyjama pants felt sticky, his cheeks felt warm.
The pink-looking brunette shook her head and shoved the pillow into her face.
Tom reminded himself to place a silencing charm the next time he went to bed.
A few hours later, Tom stood in front of a mirror. The frigid water dripped down his face. He watched his own lips move. "Well, now she knows." Having her as a flatmate did not mean that he was willing to declare his interesting dreams.
How that dream turned into a nightmare, he had no idea. Being the heir of Salazar Slytherin, Tom had opened the Chamber Of Secrets during his sixth year. That was a step into ensuring his immortality. There were a couple of liabilities to be made of course, such as Myrtle Warren's death that further aroused Dumbledore's suspicions of him. It did not bother him much as it was his first successful horcrux. But Hermione being tied to Warren was distasteful, he told himself that. If anything, it made him edgier about her wellbeing.
There was the question of the monster he had seen from her mind. The mind was a vast vase of memories and feelings. He had read many, memories were usually jumbled and frazzled, from the ones he had seen in his followers. However Hermione's memories were locked tightly, they were weaved together like a line. He had only been able to reach the stray string sticking out, the foreign feelings of hers. When he had stepped into the chamber that had puddled with water, he was overwhelmed with nothing but the strange feeling of what some may call ' regret'. The monster from her mind lingered in his thoughts, what was terrifying was he had turned into that monster in his nightmare. What was it? An ugly being that was significant enough for his witch to feel strongly about. It was revolting, Hermione should only be thinking of one man and that was Tom himself, not some monster.
"Good morning, Hermione," Tom greeted cheerily as he poured himself a glass of water. Sitting at the table and looking intently at her. She continued nibbling on her piece of toast, staring into blank space. Just as he was about to speak, she abruptly stood up, leaving the quarter of her toast uneaten.
Tom curbed his anger at being ignored. He was Tom Riddle! The darling of Hogwarts! Women swooned over him, fought to curry his favour. How dare this mud-No, his anger had disrupted his progress once, and he would play nice for now.
"Hermione," he tried again. Seeing no result, he swallowed bitterly, choking out, "I'm sorry." He was expecting something. A slap of anger. A few colourful expletives. Perhaps for her to break down crying. He resisted the urge to seeth openly at her cold shoulder, instead of settling for keeping his calm. After hearing the door slam and the distinct sound of her footsteps heading towards the stairs, he quickly cast several detection charms on her cabinet. No charms, far too careless for my future wife, but we can work on that later.
THURSDAY- 0630 MEETING WITH DUMBLEDORE AT PUDDIFOOTS
0800- 1700 CLIENT APPOINTMENT- MRS CHRISTY
Tom found himself sipping an espresso, cringing at the disgustingly pink exterior of the cafe. The bitterness of the coffee hardly compared to the wrath he felt at the situation forced upon him. But it was necessary, for him to keep his witch safe.
A modified sonorous spell placed on the fiery brunette and the old coot, allowed Tom to join in their conversation discreetly.
"Professor, thank you very much for your concern." Hermione said, smiling." I'm doing well, thank you."
"Glad to hear that, Miss Granger. I was quite frankly concerned when I heard of your case from a ministry associate. Flats these days haven't reached a decent standard of regulation. When I was your age, I myself had to find a flat too. Let be straightforward with you, the bed was horrid!" The man with the eccentric auburn hair chuckled. " What about your living arrangements for now, Miss Granger? The ministry has been on a slow roll these days. I think one can only expect your flat to be opened up next year."
"I'm staying with a friend," Hermione murmured.
Tom raised an eyebrow.
"She has generously offered me space in her flat." She stated, taking a sip of her tea.
Dumbledore nods," I do hope you find yourself settling in here. Currently, both my research and Nicholas tells me that a way back home might not be possible."
Tom squinted. What was that old fool on about? Did he truly know what was Hermione's background? If so, he wanted to know why Hermione was lying to him. Him, of all people! He deserved to know the truth and it will definitely come to him. His witch had the all-so-intelligent, critically acclaimed Albus Dumbledore fooled about her current whereabouts, though he was curious as to why she would want to hide such a detail. Still, his heart fluttered, she truly was fitting for him.
"Oh." Hermione stared at him, seemingly speechless. "There truly is no way back?"
He furrowed his eyebrows.
" Unfortunately we are not quite sure yet. " Dumbledore sighed, crossing his arms. " But for the foreseeable future, this is your home."
The brunette frowned.
" Is it that bad here?" Dumbledore asked, forking a piece of his key lime pie. "Personally this mishap could do wonders for you, Miss Granger. I truly don't believe there was any way your old world could have survived. Maybe this is a fresh start. Maybe this is what you need, Miss Granger."
He dropped the fork on the plate and placed his hand on her shoulder, Hermione tilted her head to look at the professor. " You need to let go of it."
Her body stiffens as Tom's fists curled. He wanted to peel the man's fingers off her and break all of the little ligaments under the skin.
"There's no point dwelling over what has happened." Dumbledore moved back, his hand back on the fork. He raises his eye." Miss Granger?"
"R-right." Hermione nodded, murmuring." It's j-just… I miss my friends. My family. Here it's a whole new world."
"I understand that it's going to be difficult for you to accept this and adapt. If you need any form of any financial assistance or support, Miss Granger." He said, chewing. "My reply is an owl's letter away."
Tom narrowed his eyes. He could take care of Hermione very well himself, mind you meddlesome old fool. There was no Dumbledore in this equation.
"Professor."
"Yes, Miss Granger?"
"About him." She paused before continuing." Do you have any plans?"
"No." He muttered, looking away. " Miss Granger, I do not."
"Why?" She pressed, leaning closer. " People's lives are at stake, sir. I suppose you are the only person around who is capable of defeating him, so why not? Why not try?"
"Miss Granger. I don't wish to further discuss this matter with you." Dumbledore stated, he takes a final sip of his tea.
"Over in Germany and France, muggles are hurt! Hunted! Handled like animals." Hermione snapped. She places her hands on the table, glaring back at him. "Professor, I know you care. I know you do because you knew it yourself that I was going to walk into this cafe today and demand this. I-"
"You are mistaken, Miss Granger." Dumbledore furrowed his eyebrows. He said firmly." If that will be all, you can leave."
"Very well." Hermione shook her head before grabbing her coat and looking him in the eye once more, letting it out exasperatedly." But please Professor, just think over what I've said. Give it a shot."
"Miss Granger." He does not meet her gaze. He said coldly. " See you then."
Tom narrows his eyes at the scene, watching the old man thrust his head into his hands. Fitting for a lunatic he was, prancing around the lives of others like it was no more than a chess game.
He rolls his eyes before they return to following Hermione's retreating steps from the cafe.
She would be at Mrs Christy's house doing some translation work for her company's records, he knew. He had checked her appointment schedule for that very week. He would not need to check in on her during his shift breaks.
Tom brings the cup to his lips, he looks down in the black concoction. He winces. Do people actually like to drink this?
However, it was the cheapest drink on the menu of this ridiculously overpriced cafe. He shrugged to himself. He got what he paid for.
Her brave words so blunt towards the meddlesome fool, her feistiness a quality he wanted to see in their bedroom. Being a muggle born herself, he expected her to be an activist for the many happenings in Europe. After all she was Hermione Granger, strong independent witch. He bet she would do well when being roped into his followers, she would be the stunning gem in his circle. She would not even know herself, that was the best part of it. However, from what he had heard from the conversation Tom was concerned. What did Hermione meant about missing home? Why was she of all people, telling Dumbledore about her personal background and not Tom himself?
He had so many questions for his witch, one day he would find out the answers to them.
At the corner of his eye, the black headlines of the DAILY PROPHET peek out.
DARK WIZARD GRINDELWALD TAKES OVER THE GERMAN MINISTRY OF MAGIC
There was terror throughout the streets of Berlin on Wednesday as the power struggle between German Minister For Magic Leon Schmidt and Gellert Grindelwald has subsided. At midnight, Minister Schmidt announced that he would be handing over his position to Grindelwald, in a bid to prevent more threats of attacks on muggle villages situated in Germany.
Gellert Grindelwald, who has been responsible for the global wizarding war has said that his rule would be a blessing for his fellow wizards and witches of Deutschland. He has also announced that reeducation camps for muggle-borns will be opened, starting from the capital Berlin itself. He said." Mass vocational education and training are necessary for the integration of muggle-borns into society. I urge Ministries over the world to follow under my step. If this precaution is not taken, the threat against wizardkind is imminent. Muggles will be the death of us."
The man was absolutely delusional like the meddlesome fool Dumbledore, Tom scoffed. People were scared of him? Eventually, the world would come to see that Grindelwald was a weak fool who was prancing around with silly ineffective ideas. The muggleborn vocational camps would be a step into dissolving his supporters' trust. He wondered if Dumbledore and him were friends because for the way this man was acting, he held very busybody Dumbledore-like qualities.
An awfully cheery voice awoke him from his train of thoughts.
"Good morning, Tom. It has been a long time since I've seen you."
"Professor Dumbledore." He places the mug on the table. " What are you doing here?"
"Getting some quick grub before classes start." Dumbledore replied." What about you, Tom? How's life been for you? How's work at Borgins going for you?"
Knowing your enemy. Of course, when it comes to Dumbledore- he always knows every single aspect of my little life. Tom sniggered internally to himself. Could he just let me be? Does the man not do anything else besides messing with his plans?
" I have a shift later at 10. Feeling peckish, wanted a chocolate au pain." He shrugged before raising the mug to meet his lips. " All has been going great for me, professor. Don't you worry about it."
"I'm glad to hear that. Ah, one of the better desserts here at Puddifoot's. The Chocolate Au pains. " The auburn-haired man snaps his fingers, smiling. " So, how do you find Miss Granger, Tom?"
The warm coffee Tom had just drank threatened to be spat out at that moment.
"E-excuse me, who are you talking about? I have not known such a person in my life." His voice was initially a stammer before he fully composed himself. " Who is this Miss Granger, Professor?"
" You know who I am talking about, Tom." Dumbledore said, winking at him." She's great,isn't she?"
He narrowed his eyes at the old man.
" Talk to her." Dumbledore tells him." Miss Granger needs someone right now. I think you could do that for her, won't you Tom?"
"Mhm." He grunted. A no go topic for discussions with the old coot would be Hermione. Besides, was he not too old for her? For Salazar's sake, he could be her grandfather at that age! Whatever Dumbledore's interest in Hermione and especially their relationship might be, an eerie feeling stayed within him.
" She's a sweet girl who has been through a lot of trauma recently. I don't think Miss Granger has told you of that, has she?" Dumbledore said.
An answer does not come back from Tom. Discussing his love life with Busybody Dumbledore was the last item on his to-do-list.
" Tom. I have been your professor for years." Dumbledore chortled." Don't think you can fool me. I can see it right though you."
Tom pressed his lips into a thin line. He had always been able to evade the man's meddlesome ways that often disturbed his plans but he knew he would triumph in this war between them.
" Follow your heart, Tom. Miss Granger and you might find a friend in each other, maybe even something more. " The old man's blue eyes held a bright twinkle, he gave a few hard taps on the shoulder. "Take care of her and yourself."
"Classes start soon. I'm afraid I have to leave now. " He stands up, smiling. "Have a good day ahead of you, Tom. I wish you all the best."
For what happened next, Tom did not expect.
" Remember, Tom." He whispered." Stalking her isn't a way to gain Miss Granger's trust. There's a thin line between obsession and love. Don't push it."
Tom watches his back step out into the cold before slamming his fist down onto the table, rattling the plate holding the half eaten dessert.
How did Busybody Dumbledore know? Tom was so sure that his actions revolving following Hermione was discreet. Disillusion spell, a notice-me-not, his modified sonorous spell… what the man knew a large amount of his life was unsettling.
In the meantime, Tom was following Hermione once more. His work day had been awfully mundane, turns out Hepzibah was yet to be seen and he had to be stuck with a bunch of haggling hags and Dumbledorelike-know-it-all hoots.
He still had to make sure Hermione stayed nowhere near a single bar.
When his point-me-spell directed him to his favourite brunette, a familiar deep voice came running back in the back alley.
Warrington confronted her." Kiss me, I know you want to."
"Piss off!"She yelled." What the hell are we doing here, Marcus?"
"I found your side of my bed empty when I woke up." He said. " A good shag might suffice, Hermione."
"Don't call me that." She warned.
"Well then, what do you want me to call you then?" He asked sarcastically." How does mudslut sound?"
"A prick that you are, Marcus.." Hermione sneered. "This, that night was a mistake."
"I don't remember you particularly regretting it, mudblood." He laughs darkly." In fact, you even asked me to give you a good pounding. "
Grabbing her arm and magicking her wand into his open hand. She yelped as he spinned her around roughly. "I can do that right now. "
"Take your hands off me, Marcus." She muttered firmly.
"Listen to me, Mudblood. I'd be around you, whether you like it or not." He said,pulling her back to his chest. "Let's be cordial as adults."
It was interesting because the way Tom saw it, he definitely was not going to be around for long. And cordial? They two were a long way from cordial.
Tom marched into the alley, grunting.
"That's enough. She said let go of her."
Hermione lets out a loud groan, wincing.
"Ah who's this?" Warrington taunted." What if I don't? What are you going to do about it then?"
TWO MONTHS AGO
19 September. Your birthday.
Clouds grazed the blue horizon above him as Tom strolled along the street silently.
A wrapped bouquet tucked underneath his arm, a box in his grasp. The man blew smoke into the air, a fag hanging from his lips.
Swanky flats lined along the deserted street that they were passing through, it was the perfect opportunity for his plans to come to fruition.
Had the oblivious man paid attention to the sudden warmness behind him, he would have noticed the movement of lips that murmured a quick stunning spell.
The burning cigarette fell to the pavement, along with the white box that fell with a loud thud. Chocolate cake and a bunch of violet-hued flowers laid abandoned on the street where Galton Scamander once lived.
A few groans came from the slumped figure as cobalt-blue eyes watched.
"W-what where am I?" The man strained his neck up, his face turned a shade of grey. His body had been stripped down to his undershirt and trousers.
Red sprinkles of powdered cassava and chopped up hemlock had circled unknowingly around him.
"W-who is there?" His finger absentmindedly jabbed.
The room was bare, a limp yellow lamp hanging above in the middle. Tom steps out of the shadows and into the light. On his face, held an impassive expression.
A shaking mass of muscles pressed his hands onto the worn-out wood, his limbs struggle and quiver. He reaches an arm out of the circle. It bites back at him. Loud strains of agony came from the abused vocal cords as bubbles of pus started to form on his face.
Add in a pinch of my signature warding spell to the magic circle draining out his magic, Hermione.
I just knew that Scamander was the worst kind of poison that had seeped into your life.
So I did what I had to do to help you, Hermione.
" Let me out of here, you sick fuck!" A yell comes from him.
And now there is a man-child placed in my Uncle's cabin.
A symphony of repeated yells echoed throughout the shack.
"Shout all you want, Scamander." Tom said." There is a silencing spell placed here."
An exasperated groan. " I don't know who you are and what you are. But I'm sorry if I offended you in any way, I swear so please let me out of here. "
Tom raised an eyebrow.
"I'll give you my Gringotts account. Take whatever you want from me."
Of course, he thinks money is an issue for me.
"My parents…"
"Newton Scamander, author of the well-acclaimed book Fantastic beasts and where to find them and magizoologist. Porpentina Goldstein, Head Auror of the Ministry Of Magic?" He interrupted.
"We have villas all around the world. Santorini, Tuscany. Anything you want." The man held up his hands, kneeling on his knees.
Legs striding casually across the room, Tom looked down. " What are you, Scamander?"
"W-what…" Scamander pleaded. " Just let me out of here, whoever you are."
"You are not a murderer. " He breathed out.
Tom wished badly he was, for this would have been an easy task to slice upon his neck.
"Let me out of here. Not a single detail of this will go out, I promise you."
"Did you really think I'll believe that, Scamander?" Tom asked. " All Ds back and front of OWLS and NEWTS."
The man looked apprehensively at him, stammering. " Please, I don't know who you are…wait, I remember you. I remember you!"
His fingers brushed through his wet red brown hair. He points a finger at Tom, whose Adam's apple was currently bobbing up and down.
" Fuck! You were there that night, that little girl Annika mentioned your name… the healer… yes, Strix!"
BING BING BING!10 points from Ravenclaw! How do you even get by life, Scamander? Having said that you have made it to 18.
"If you're doing this for Hermione. She's yours. We're not in a relationship together. She's not special. Have her. Take her! But why ruin your life and risking a one way ticket to Azkaban for fucking Hermione Granger?"
"Galton, you're pathetic." Tom paused before continuing." Do you think that's going to work?"
Pandering to his favouritism of Hermione was an ineffective way of pleasing Tom. In actuality, it frustrated him even more. He grunted, casting a slicing hex towards Scamander, pleased that it added red iron to the collection of the beautiful pus on his body.
"I-I'm sorry, a-alright? Please let me out…" The man begged." It's my g-girlfriend's birthday tonight...and I don't want to m-miss it…"
Tom did not believe a single word of his. Scamander cared for his witch? That was an unbelievable sentence in itself. He planned this for a long time, after seeing how much his poor Hermione had suffered under this mad man's hands. He would make him suffer and wished he had never lived.
"Lived well, Galton. After the last eighteen years of your life, I think it's time for you to go."
Staring at him, parting his mouth slightly, gasping. " Please. Please. Please don't kill me, I'll g-give anything."
"Give, give, give. " Tom shook his head, clicking his tongue. He narrowed his eyes at the imbecile, sneering. " Is there anything else you can do besides wasting your inheritance away on cocaine and toying with the lives of the women around you?"
"What? I have never done-"
His ignorance further angered Tom, was he not capable of not feeling remorse? After all he had done?
"I have thought long and hard about you. Here's a proposal, this is only one solution to this finicky situation you have landed yourself into, Scamander. If you listen and do what I want, I'll let you out." Scamander gazed at him, face pale as a ghost.
"Of course, letthi s be clear that you will do every single thing I say."
Aside from the boils crawling across his skin, every nerve of his was set on fire. The man squirmed and flailed his arms wildly, screaming his lungs out. Blood foamed at his lips.
Tom smiled brightly. A happy birthday to you Hermione, indeed.
There you are in a strapped periwinkle dress, in your big naked windows with your curtains aside.
"He's late again. I told him to be here at 5." The brunette sighed as she paced anxiously across her flat.
" Typical Galton." Kowalski rolled her eyes.
" Have you heard anything from Galton yet, Liza?" She asked, frowning. " He told me he would be here."
"I'm sure he'll be able to make it. Don't you worry, Hermione. " Kowalski gave her a sympathetic pat on the back as the brunette rubbed against her cheek, averting her gaze to the other two." Ladies, how about we get started with the champagne?"
"Come on, Hermione." The blonde guided her to the couch. "Trust me. Galton and I have been friends before we could even walk. He won't miss it. It's your birthday after all, Hermione."
Not on my watch. Tom peered closer into the window, warmness hugging him from the strong disillusion spell. I will do everything to make sure your birthday goes perfect.
Turning on the radio to play an upbeat song, Kowalski magicked the glittery gold drink into glasses.
Lucretia nudged a glass at Hermione, who profusely waved her hand at. She said exasperatedly." Who doesn't drink alcohol at a party? It's your day, Mione. Let's celebrate, instead of sulking over Galton!"
"Pretty please." She pleaded.
Kowalski nudged it onto her palm." She's right, Hermione. Drink, you need it."
The brunette faintly nodded and sipped.
"Did Galton say he's bringing the cake?" Isobel piped.
Hermione sulked even more, as if she was burrowing herself into the couch. She downed the drink in one go.
"Isobel, shh!" Kowalski and Lucretia hissed, with the blonde moving across her neck with a cut-it-off hand gesture.
Sometimes when I see your friends, I find myself falling into a rabbit hole of stupidity. Tom thought to himself before a large fleeing creature swooped in above his head. He ducked, watching the grey owl peck incessantly on the window with loud hoots.
"There's an owl for you, Hermione!" A yell comes out.
The windows opened out with a pop. Tom's peered up, biting his tongue. The blonde gazes around, seemingly searching for someone before taking the letter from the owl. It swallowed down the large cracker with loud cracks.
When the owl flew away, Tom stood up and stared into the flat once more.
The brunette burst into tears after reading the letter, huddled on the squeaky sofa with strings of sickly empathy came from her entourage of friends.
"Salazar, what a bastard!" Lucretia gasped, after snatching the letter from Hermione. She mocked in a high pitched voice. " ' Dear Hermione, I don't think this is really working. I am sorry, I don't feel the same way about you anymore. I like you but you are just not the perfect girl for me. Weeks ago, I found a girl who I could really connect with. Her name is Michele and we decided we are going to move back to her home in Spain forever. Don't come and find me, alright? We are done and over. Love, Galton. P.S thanks for the shags!' Thanks for the shags? Thanks for the shags? He even used an exclamation mark! What the fuck, Galton Lorcan fucking Scamander? I can't believe him, Hermione. On your birthday, of all days…"
"Give that to me." Kowalski snatched the letter from her. She scrutinised." I have no words to say."
Isobel hugged the brunette tightly as she cried into the older woman's shoulder.
"I swear Salazar- the next time I visit Barcelona, I will hunt him down. Don't you worry, Hermione." Lucretia declared. " Geez, investing all in your time in this stupid stupid man!"
Her cries amplified.
"Breath, Lucretia." Kowalski crossed her arms. She tosses the letter haphazardly onto the coffee table, saying firmly. " We are not going to let Galton ruin Hermione's birthday."
Lucretia nodded determinedly." Ladies, tonight is a no-man zone. Let's forget this sick man and focus on making Hermione happy."
"I'll go get the flour." Kolwalski walked towards the tiny kitchen.
"Atta girl." Lucretia said before turning to Hermione who faced her, mascara streaking down her pale cheeks. " Hermione, you're a strong independent woman. You can do anything. You do not need a man to be content."
"Where's the Hermione Granger I know of? Get your bum off and forget about him. I believe in you and so does everyone around you. No excuses. " She said firmly. The brunette faintly nodded, brushing her knuckles against her tears as her friend held her.
"O-OK," Hermione stammered." Hermione, you can do this. You're the smartest witch of your age. Nothing can destroy you."
"Nothing can destroy you." Lucretia smiled.
"Now follow us to the kitchen." She gestured towards the brunette. She said absentmindedly." How does chocolate cake sound to you, Hermione? I have my grand mama's recipe in this head. It's the best I ever had!"
PLAN A was a smooth success, Tom had to admit. With Scamander out of the picture, there was room for him in her life.. At first, it won't be easy, he knew. But just as Mrs Cole always told them at Wools, a problem is an opportunity for anyone to perform their best.
He would use every tool within his disposal to remove any obstacle that stands between him and her.
That being said, Galton is far far away from you so don't you worry your pretty little head over this, Hermione. Tom watched them.
Purple streaks had grazed across the sky when the candles were lit. Tom closed his eyes.
"Happy birthday to you. Happy birthday to you, Hermione. Happy birthday to you!" His rough hands on her shoulders, a peck on the neck. He would smile genuinely, pull her closer to his body.
"Make a wish! " Lucretia told her. He would kiss her full on the lips while her friends blushed with Kowalski glaring after him.
The brunette clasped her hands together and shut her eyes. Her facial expression relaxes, releasing all of the lines that had previously formed. The candles went out in a snuff. She smiled at him.
His vision returned to reality. A pretty brunette surrounded by three witches, waiting to be saved from the travesty that was her life.
The days of being with a man who doesn't value you ,those are over.
" I won't repeat my words twice." Tom said slowly, his fingers on the yew." Get away from Hermione."
"What are you going to do about it then, huh?" Warrington snorts,releasing her. He met him at eye level. "Big man. Can't even keep your witch from being a fucking slag. You both deserve each other."
"Useless."
A loud spat of phlegm onto his boots, Tom continued glaring at the man.
"Take your slut and bring her back to the brothel in Knockturn." He snarled, moving away from the couple but not before shoving Hermione roughly to the ground. She fell with a loud yelp, Tom immediately moved towards her with a comforting hand on her shoulder. He lifted his eyes.
Warrington digs into his pocket, throws a few knuts, along with the wand at her. They clatter on the gravel. " Thanks for the shag, mudblood whore. You give good head, by the way."
"Just so you know." He looked at Tom, whose eyes had narrowed into slits.
When the man had disappeared, he picked the wand up and handed it to the brunette. After helping Hermione up, he held onto her. He hugged her. " I'm so sorry, Hermione."
He never wanted to let go of her. His Hermione. Oh did he missed her sweet scent of jasmine and warmness.
"Tom." She shoved her hands against his chest." How did you know I was here?"
"Coincidence." He shrugged his shoulders. He lied." I heard your shouting. There's no other witch that sounds like my fellow room mate."
"Really?" Hermione questioned. " Tom, don't lie to me."
He needed to. Lies were necessary in his life. He wanted his witch back, so badly.
"I'm not lying, Hermione." He said exasperatedly, baring his puppy eyes. " I'm sorry if-"
"It's fine, Tom- really, it's fine." Hermione pushed him away, scourgifying the dirt off herself, strolling off.
She could not just go off then, he needed to explain himself. She would believe him. She was Hermione, after all. She would understand.
He pulled on her arm. "Hermione-"
"Tom." She turned on her heel, she glared at him." What do you want?"
The harshness of her tone tugs at his heart. He missed her sweet soft words. He took in a deep breath.
Here we go, Tom. Your redemption card. Up the theatrics.
"I'm sorry, alright? I'm truly sorry." He forced out." I am a selfish man and I have to admit I didn't consider your thoughts and feelings. Questioning your behaviour when you are a witch who is free to do whatever she wants. I'm sorry for reading your mind, that's just not who I am. I-I just slipped, Hermione. I wanted to know you. I wanted to know you better but I was so scared that I was going to lose the only friend that I ever had in my entire life!"
"I read your mind because I hold myself to your safety." He told her." The wizards in Wizarding Britain are not nice. They will eat you up an American witch at the sight of her. I have seen this happen to so many witches, I couldn't let that happen to you Hermione."
" There's no need for your protection, Tom." She scoffed." I can take care of myself."
"Alright, I understand. I won't do this ever again. The mind-reading and my over assertiveness regarding your actions. But just forgive me Hermione, please? I promise you I won't do it again, I swear on Salazar's name."
Hermione raised an eyebrow as if in disbelief.
"Listen, I'll even do an unbreakable vow if you don't believe me Hermione." Tom pleaded. "Please forgive me."
His voice leaked of extreme desperation. He needed Hermione. He needed her. He needed her to live.
She sighed, shaking her head. " Sometimes I don't know what to do with you, Tom."
"Hermione…"
"Fine, you're forgiven," Hermione said firmly. "But this doesn't mean that you can go back to your attempts to dictate my life, Tom."
He nodded profusely. " I promise you, Hermione. I will not disappoint you."
" I'll hold you to that." Hermione sighed.
Yes! He knew it would be easy, after all he was the charming lovable Tom Riddle. Hermione was back into his arms again. It would take some time for her to warm up to him again but it was fine, she was back. Hermione was back. He wanted to celebrate this victory, with her.
"Tell you what," Tom said." I'll cook a special dinner for us tonight, Hermione, to make it up to you. Just you and me. How does that sound to you?"
He had intended to do a roast the night when he found her unconscious. This was his opportunity to have a home cooked meal with his witch, the first to many. He needed to show her that he was the man who was going to take care of her.
A small gentle smile appeared on her face, she crossed her arms." I would like that, Tom."
"Great." Tom fingered his wand before placing it back into his pocket. "See you back in the flat at... 8."
In between his Hermione priorities, he had forgotten about a special someone who was waiting for him.
"Hmm, it's getting late though. Where are you going, Tom?" She muses.
"Getting some groceries from the market. Uh, some potion ingredients." He supplied. " Don't you worry, Hermione. I'll be back soon. In the meantime, why don't you visit Flourish and Botts? I heard that Anna Jorkins had just released a new collection."
"Well then." Hermione nodded." I suppose I'll see you soon, Tom. Goodbye."
"Goodbye, Hermione." A wave from him, to which she returns with a wave and her smile.
There you went, back into your life where the danger lies like Warrington. You got me, sweetheart. I will not let you succumb to it.
He watches her slowly make a turn back into Diagon Alley.
"Mhm," Annika moaned.
"This is a brilliant book, Mr Riddle! " She hissed excitedly with a piece of white bread hanging from her mouth. " Didn't know that unicorns could be used for potion making!"
"Their horns." He corrected before asking." Do you remember which potions require the unicorn horns?"
"Hmm…" She hums, taking a bite of the bread. " Unicorn horns are used as ingredients for common poison antidotes. Draught of Peace. Wi-w iggenield potion and...yes, the Oculus potion."
Talking to the child had been something he had been looking forward to these days. A parseltongue buddy. Yes, it sounded a little creepy but his attention was nothing of that nature. He saw her as a hidden potential, begging to be developed. She was his student, a student who was the only other person he knew could speak his language. Sometimes he saw bits and pieces of him in her. He wanted to teach her everything he knew.
" What are the examples of Common poisons then, Miss Annika?"
"Creature bites and stings." She replied, gobbling the entirety of the bread up.
Tom grinned. " You're on your way to making a fine potioneer yourself, Miss Annika."
Annika smiled before it was dissolved into a look of worry. She hissed. "Hey, Mr Riddle. Did you see Nagini?"
His heart skipped a beat upon the mention of her familiar.
"No, I haven't seen her. I wonder where she is? " He said, frowning.
"Never mind, Mr Riddle." She shook her head, closing her eyes. Emerald scaled serpent landed in her 's jaw dropped. Wandless magic at nine?
She was definitely learning from him, he mused quietly to himself.
"Nagini, I was so worried about you. Where did you go?" Annika prodded the snake who was wrapping herself around the wrist , she wagged a tiny finger at her, hissing. " If I had a cage, I would put you in it!"
"Miss, I am sorry… Nagini has entered your flat to keep guard. There's no time to explain, Miss. Your father… he's awake and...we know what he wants from you. Miss, you must go back lest he makes you do it again." She warned. "Miss, hurry."
"Nagini-"
All of a sudden, a loud slam of the door caught their attention.
From his peripheral vision, he could catch a glimpse of a miniature snake swiftly sliding into her skirt pocket.
"Annika, where the fuck were you?"
The girl froze.
Standing behind the gulping girl was a sweaty big mess of muscle, bulging bloodshot eyes. Thick stubble across his jaw. Blonde hair matted with sweat and Salazar knows what. His meaty hand pounded heavily against the door. He averts his gaze from the sitting girl and onto Tom who was staring intently at him.
" Who the fuck is this, Annika?" He yelled, lowering his gaze to the startled girl. " Have you been talking to strangers again? "
Murmuring incomprehensible words, the man lets out a loud grunt.
Annika mouthed back to Tom. "Don't answer him. He'll just get more pissed."
"Answer me, girl!" He abruptly pulled on her ear, she let out a shrill cry. "Father!"
Tom stood up, towering over the man. " Leave your hands off Miss Annika."
The child whimpered as her father tugged on her ear." Keep your mouth shut, slut."
"Excuse me if I'm concerned, but you use corporal punishment on your daughter?" Tom placed his hands in his pockets, the right ready to strike. " It's unhealthy."
"Our family business doesn't concern you, freak." He sneered. Tom looked at him up and down. The last word was like air.
Receding hairline, check. Has not showered in days, check. Discreet about matters that Tom could see through, check. He internally blanched, remembering his disgusting Uncle Morfin. Uncle Morfin and this 'Father', namely Howard Haze were identical. If not, Tom was sure Haze was worse. At least Morfin kept his hands to himself.
"Sir." Tom said intently." She's your daughter."
"And she's not yours." Howard sneered before his head snapped towards Annika." Well, what are you waiting there for? A show? Get your fucking arse inside, slut!"
Annika dashed into the flat.
"Stay away from my daughter, you sicko ." Howard said, stepping closer to Tom. He raised his fist. " Or else you will regret it."
"Understandable, have a good day ahead of you Sir." Tom replied. "By the way just to be clear, I don't think I'm not the only one here who knows what goes on inside that flat. "
" Get out." He seethed, Tom raised his hands in mock defeat." Okay, I get you."
The door snapped back into place. As he strolled onto the foregrounds, a chill ran down his spine as he heard a loud feminine scream from behind.
A strong mix of rosemary and thyme filled the air.
The soft click of a door alerts him. "It smells nice in here!"
He walked out of the kitchen, patting his hands dry with a towel. "Hello, Hermione. I see you have made quite a purchase there."
"The collection you said," Hermione smiled at him as she took off her heels. " Was quite intriguing. Decided to run with the wind."
She hung her coat on the rack, magicking her paper bag on the bed." It's chilly these days. Brrrrr!"
Tom chuckled, grinning at her. What makes you special to me, Hermione is that there are these moments that you are just so cute.
" So what have you roasted, Tom?" She asked, tying her hair up into a bun. " I would help if I could. "
She sighed." I don't think I have told anyone about this but the great Hermione Granger cooking would probably lead to a kitchen fire."
Well, Tom knew that.
He smiled." I'm sure I can find you something easy enough not to mess up."
A large bowl of chocolate pudding laid on the counter which was currently being stirred by dainty hands.
" Aren't you a witch?" Tom raised an eyebrow, peeking from behind." Why do it by hand?"
Hermione shook her head at him, tutting. " Don't be lazy, Tom. I like doing things the muggle way."
He chuckled. " I guess I am, Hermione."
"So how was your day?" She asked. " I for one just accomplished my first corporate runic assignment!"
A sigh letting out," That would be more than enough for the rent."
"I don't do rent here, Hermione." He told her." Your stay here- it's free."
She hummed." That's good to hear."
Her lip bitten, Tom stared at her. He senses something amiss. Was she hiding something from him? It was not the first time she had done this.
Patience was a virtue, he told himself. Hermione would warm up to him herself. It was a certainty.
The loud ring of the oven prompted him to wordlessly open it and bring out the steaming chicken.
"I'll set the table." Hermione volunteered, Tom nodded.
A white table cloth flung over the shaky wooden table, plain metal cutlery lined with a generic white plate placed between them. She sat as she magicked a bottle of wine over, winking at Tom." I have to have it."
Tom chuckled before sitting down at the other end of the table. He turned on the wizarding wireless, a soft tune played.
As they dug into their dinner and wine, Tom and Hermione made small talk.
"So Lucretia and I actually became friends over the love of kittens." She smiled. " I had a kitty once. It was the most adorable cat ever, I swear. "
"What was its name?" He prompted.
"Uh, Tom. " She said hotly. " Crookshanks was a he."
"Point taken." He shrugged.
"Anyway, stepping into the pet shop, every single creature in there was fluffy and UGHH- Unfortunately, my parents told me I could only own one." She sighed. " When I asked the shopkeeper for a special pet. He pointed me towards Crooks who was just a tiny kitten. He told me that Crooks had been staying in the shop for some time and that nobody wanted him. At that moment, I realised Crookshanks was the one for me. "
"I miss him sometimes." A small smile tugging at her lips as she drank her wine.
Remembering Hermione's conversation with Dumbledore that morning, Tom knew it was a chance to be taken.
"Do you miss home?"He asked.
The smile remained," Yes. I miss it a lot. "
He watches a tear stream down her cheek, to which she rubbed away. "I'm s-sorry if I get a little too emotional sometimes."
"It's fine, Hermione." Tom assured her." It's fine."
She bites into the chicken." Mhm, it's delicious. How do you make this god-sent dish, Tom?"
'Eh, a couple of whiskeys and will power usually gets me going." Tom chuckles. " I learnt it by myself."
"I thought your mother taught you."
That was when Tom zoomed out, his ears rang. He stammered," What?"
"I said I thought your mother taught you how to cook." She said.
"Oh, right." He stated before continuing." Well, Hermione. My mother did not. "
She nodded. Tom was uncertain about this particular topic, he had not talked about his mother often with anyone, himself included. Rationality told him to shut up. However, this was Hermione he was talking to. His crush. His witch. His mud blood. So, what was this mumbo jumbo about? Did she have a right to know about his background, since he knew hers? Tom was admittedly confused for the first time in his life.
"Tom." She started, staring at him for several long moments. " This morning, I heard you...uh-"
"To be forgotten," He interrupted, a tinge of pink tainting his cheeks." I'm sorry if you felt uncomfortable."
"Well." Hermione cleared her throat before muttering under her breath," At least you like me enough for me to appear in your wet dreams."
He blurts out. " Isn't it obvious?"
Eyes widening, she stammered." That's great to hear, Tom."
" But I would like to thank you again." She said, her face red as the glass of wine in her hand. "For Warrington. Thank you."
"No problem," Tom replied." It was the least I could do, after all of the misery I have afflicted on you two nights ago."
Hermione smiled. " Thank you."
The heavy storm was over, Tom could see bare glimpses of light through the parting clouds. They were almost there. Give him a few more weeks and she would be wrapped around his finger. It would then be all worth the hard work he put himself through..
She lets out a sigh, taking another sip of her wine. " Anywho, why don't I talk about my job? I don't think I have told you about it before, Tom. I assure you being a runes translator is not mundane!"
Tom chuckled, " My attention is all yours."
While he listened, he knew that there was a bulging question mark that begged him.
Now that I am in your life and you are telling me about yourself. The question is flipped onto me: should I let you in, Hermione?