Hermione had trouble sleeping since they returned from Gringotts Wizarding Bank. Hufflepuff's Cup, another one of Voldemort's Horcrux kept rolling around her beaded purse that she charmed to hold an infinite amount of things. The Horcrux called to her the same way Slytherin's locket taunted all three of them. She got up from her bed as the two boys slept in their own bed inside the tent they spent months in.
In annoyance, she picked up her purse from the floor and rifled through it until she found what she was looking for. She grabbed the chalice with handles, Hufflepuff's Cup, that kept her awake at night as it rolled around. There was nothing special or unique about it, except that it held a piece of Voldemort's soul.
It was stupid, or rather foolish, that it kept her awake at night. Neither of the other two had heard it. Harry and Ron slept soundly through the night. There was something about it. His voice kept calling to her, the same way the locket had tricked her in her dreams. Hermione wanted to forget those memories.
She held the cup in her hand and traced the rim with her fingertip. Round and round, she followed it with her finger and eyes. It had drawn her in. She couldn't stop herself.
The Horcrux drew out her blood. Crimson liquid slid down the curve of Hufflepuff's Cup. Hermione felt weak and groggy. She laid down in her bed with the chalice tight in her grasp.
Her eyes closed, and she was dragged into a slumber. She sensed that something was wrong when she was at Diagon Alley, except that it wasn't.
"Have been waiting for you, my dear," his whisper was soft, yet his voice was deep. He turned her to face him.
"Tom Riddle," she greeted. "I've missed you so," she threw her arms around his shoulders, pulling him down. "How I've missed you," she said and kissed his lips.
"You've no idea how I longed for your return. Dear, you must do whatever it takes to keep me alive. Promise me."
"I promise," she replied.
"You must wake and leave. Do not let them find you. Then we can be together. No one can stop us."
Hermione was roused from her dream with her heart racing and the Horcrux pressed against her lips. Without thinking, she grabbed her purse and left the tent. She Apparated to her childhood home, one she was sure neither Harry nor Ron would remember. She used the Obliviate spell on both of her friends in case anyone of them got caught. For the first time, she had a peaceful night sleep in her bed and with the Horcrux next to her.
end.