Disclaimer: I do NOT own Harry Potter and Co. But I do own Oliver Wood though. That's why I'm still in this padded room wearing straight-jacket!

Chapter 3 - Confessing and Denying

'Say, Hermione,' Tom stopped on his track. 'You're not a Mudblood, are you?' Tom asked her as he stared deep into Hermione's hazel eyes. Shit. Must he bring out THAT topic! she swore silently. 'Um, no. I'm a pureblood' she lied and looked away. Tom looked at her intently, and finally seem satisfied at knowing she's a pureblood. 'You know, breakfast will probably start in a few minutes' Tom said as he looked at his watch. 'Come on. Let have something to eat. I'm starving' he said then he suddenly grabbed Hermione's hand and walked together hands in hands until they reached the Great Hall.

The best thing about it is, Hermione doesn't seem to mind, AT ALL. When they enter the Great Hall, Hermione noticed that every eyes were on her and Tom. 'Wanna go seat with me at the Slytherins' or at yours?' Tom whisper to her ears. Hermione tingled a little bit and replied, 'I'll go seat with my friends and you go seat with yours.' Tom nodded, 'I'll see you in Herbology.' he said. 'Okay'. Then they went to their respective house table. As soon as Hermione sat on her chair, Cynthia, who sat opposite her asked, 'You and Tom are an item now, I see?' Then Samantha, who mouth still hanging, 'You and HIM? Wow, 'Mione, I never thought you'll be THAT fast. Even Grace Spencer,' she pointed to the girl with shoulder-length raven hair at the Slytherin's table 'who'd love him for seven years and counting still doesn't attract him. And YOU -' she said in awe. 'Wow'.

'What wrong with that? Not that I'm dating him or something' Hermione asked them as she spread marmalade on her toast. Then Myra, who had been silent since yesterday looked at Hermione as if she just came from outer space. 'What's wrong? Honey, everything is wrong, and weird. For me that is. Tom is of course, the MOST gorgeous hunk in magic History' ('Hey, I thought it was Dumbledore' Fendi interrupted.) Myra just rolled her eyes and continue 'and you, Hermione, you just came to Hogwarts yesterday from who knows where and he already looks like he's gone head over heels on you!' she caught her breath and said 'You're one lucky girl to have a great guy like that. I mean, he NEVER likes any girl, more over dating.' She smiled at Hermione and drank her pumpkin juice. No wonder he looked like a loner. Hermione thought.
'Yes 'Mione. Admit it. You're dating him, aren't you?' Samantha asked, as she put on a REALLY sly grin on her face. Hermione couldn't help but smiled a little and replied as firmly as possible, 'Well, maybe yes, maybe not'.

*Hermione's POV.*

Jesus Christ! When will they leave me alone? And what the heck wrong with me? I shouldn't replied like that. Now Sam will really think that I like Tom. Argh! I'm not in love with Tom. Although those eyes are irresistible. Damn it, Hermione. I am NOT in love with Tom Marvolo Riddle. It's all his fault Harry died.

*end of POV*

The rest of the day went well. Hermione found out that Dumbledore's Transfiguration class is not bad at all. In fact, she enjoyed it thoroughly. Herbology's not bad either. Tom kept looking at her. She couldn't stand it, she hid behind a large Ravenclaw girl, Francesca Smith. What interest Hermione most is that Potion seems to be fun. Yes, FUN! Instead of Professor Snape, it was Professor Claire, a fairly thin woman who looked like Sybil Trelawney in some way. No points were taken the whole period. After an eventful day, Hermione went to the Ravenclaw Tower.

She gave out the password ('Roast Duck') and went straight to her dormitory. She took a relaxing hot shower and change into her PJ's and a blue tank top that written I love Ravenclaw. She went into bed and kept thinking about Tom. Cool it Herm, you are totally NOT in love with Tom Riddle. 'Right. I'm not.' she said silently as she coiled into the heavy blanket. She kept repeating, I am not in love with Tom. I am not in love with Tom. I am not in love with Tom. I am ... not ..love Tom. I... not ...in love with Tom.. I am... in love with Tom. I ... love... Tom. Without realizing, she had fallen into a deep sleep.


[A/N: Well, I'd update! I hope it's not boring. I promise to write more as soon as I get 5 reviewers.]

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