"He's doing it again," Tom hissed, narrowing his eyes at the glare he was receiving from the mangy feline. It sat atop a hearty stack of books that belonged to Hermione, having become riled up after realizing his owner was not alone on her bed.
Hermione pursed her lips, attempting to smother her giggles. Tom didn't see this as a laughing matter. Surely she should know this. "He's a cat, Tom," She said when she was able to calm herself. "He's a bit possessive, you know this."
Tom turned his gaze back on the foul beast. It was currently licking his paw, keeping a steady amount of eye contact with him. His eye twitched. That thing, it was mocking him. Trying to assert his supposed dominance. Oh, he could be possessive, hmm? Tom could be as well and he would! Just to show that thing who was the boss.
Hint: It wasn't him.
He was certain that the infernal creature despised him. He remembered the first time he'd brought up to Hermione; she hadn't taken it as seriously as she should have. She had the audacity to laugh at him! Call him a silly man with fondness in her eyes.
He wasn't silly. That thing hated him.
And Tom hated it right back.
Hermione caressed his cheek with her thumb. When it didn't cause him to flicker his attention to her, she settled for snuggling into his side, laying her head in the crook of his neck. Instinctively, his arms went around her. His eyes fluttered shut; he kissed her forehead, thanking Merlin for the beautiful witch in his arms.
"I love you," She murmured, sighing in contentment.
"And I, you, my darling," Tom said with a look that Potter and Weasley would have insisted was all mushy. Shifting his gaze, he sent a quick smirk over to the feline. As if sensing his intention, it let out something akin to a huff.
Tom: 1
Foul Creature: 0