Hermione stood holding her door knob and after taking a couple of deep breaths she stepped outside her room. She slowly walked down the stairs and paused halfway as she noticed someone standing near the fireplace. The figure had its back to her and was wearing green dress robes. The captivating thing about the robes was it had a green luminous glow to it and she suddenly noticed an armband of oak leaves. As she got closer she could see that the robes were worn out and if you looked carefully the colour was faded in places. The black hair, the height and robes that were second hand but without a crease immediately gave away who he was. Hermione knew it was Tom and all of a sudden she felt nervous as she waited for him to turn around.
A couple of seconds later he suddenly turned and she held her breath. His hair was well kept as usual and his pale face was flawless but he looked different tonight. She was used to seeing him in school uniform and the robes made him appear less of a boy and more of a man. She would never have thought it possible but he actually looked more handsome. He ran his eyes over her and Hermione released her breath. He continued to stare at her with a blank expression and the feeling of being exposed came rushing back. Tom was looking at the top part of her body and she became very conscious of the fact that her dress was low cut, but then she realised he wasn't staring at her chest as his gaze was higher up. His blank expression suddenly dissolved and he looked angry. He slowly clenched his hands into fists and Hermione's heart beat speed up in fear. Why was he mad at her all of a sudden?
"Granger" Tom hissed making her hair stand. "What rubbish have you stuck onto your back?" he said angrily. Her fear momentarily vanished and anger boiled up inside her. What was she expecting? The dark lord to compliment her on how good she looked, she really felt like saying his robes were rubbish but she didn't want to start a fight.
"In case you can't tell Riddle" she said in a forced calm voice. "They're wings" She had hoped his anger would lessen if she didn't raise her voice but he appeared even more furious.
"You're calling those things made of paper, wings" he said in a low threatening voice. "Are trying to be a muggle dressing up for Halloween?" he suddenly shouted making her jump.
"I'm a fairy" she snapped losing control. "What are you meant to be? A bloody hermit living in the woods" She immediately regretted saying that and she was expecting him to hit her any second now. To her surprise he didn't move and he glared at her.
"Actually Granger" he started in a calm voice that she found even scarier than his shouting voice. "I'm a forest God" he suddenly took a step closer and her heart jumped violently. "Are you a witch Granger?" he continued in his calm voice and her heart started to thud away at a faster speed. What did he mean by that question? Why was he asking her that? He suddenly looked murderous and he took a couple of more steps towards her.
"Of cour-course, I'm a-a-wit--witch" she stuttered feeling scared by his sudden closeness. He suddenly grabbed her wings and Hermione screamed.
"If you're a witch" he shouted shaking her violently. "Why have you stuck on paper wings like a common muggle?" He roughly pulled on her wings and pushed her backwards. Her head banged into a wall and Hermione cried out as a searing pain ran through her skull. "I hate muggles" he shouted tearing of her wings and a loud ripping noise echoed through the room.
She stared at the torn wings with wide eyes and remained frozen in fear. He turned and threw the paper wings into the fireplace. A crackling sound filled the air and they turned into black shrivelled mass within seconds. Hermione suddenly understood what had angered him. The stiff paper wings had clearly reminded him of muggles and she hadn't known his hatred for muggles was so deep. Susan was magically less skilled and she could have made the wings magically flutter or glow but she hadn't bothered. If she had known how badly Tom would react then she would have done something. Tom suddenly turned and pointed his wand at her. She paled and mentally cursed herself for not drawing her wand earlier. There was no point trying now and he would obviously disarm her before she could touch it.
"Turn around" he said commandingly and her pulse quickened dramatically. Merlin knew what he was planning to do and she felt too scared to obey. "Turn around now" he shouted making her jump. "Or do I have to make you?" She forced herself to turned around and strong waves of fear ran through her. She heard his footsteps draw closer and her breathing deepened. He pressed his wand against the side of her neck and she jumped. Using his wand he started to gently move her hair away and her knees started to slightly shake. He piled her long hair to one side and exposed her back. He lightly traced her backbone with the tip of his wand and chills went down her spine.
"What are you doing?" she whispered feeling absolutely terrified. He didn't answer and made slashing movements across her back. She suddenly felt heat and she whimpered in fear. She was expecting the heat to soon burn her but the temperature didn't increase. He continued to make slashing movements and after a while it felt like someone was running warm water across her back. Tom started to mutter incantations with a high pitched voice and goose bumps formed on her arms. Hermione suddenly felt pulling sensations on her shoulder blades and a feeling of dread pooled in her stomach. Then she couldn't feel anything at all and that frightened her even more.
"Those are wings Granger" Tom's voice sounded and Hermione jumped noticing him standing in front of her. "Now you look more like a fairy and less like a muggle" he said softly and took a step back. Hermione immediately turned her head sideways and her mouth hung open in disbelief. She could make out huge black feathered wings attached to her back and they looked so real. This was serious complex magic that she had never come across and she couldn't help but be impressed. She had been expecting him to do something horrible to her but he had given her a new set of realistic wings instead. "Move Granger" Tom said holding the door open for her. "We're getting late" She was glad to come out unharmed and she stepped outside without a word. She fixed her hair as Tom shut the door and Persephone stared at her with a shocked expression. She rubbed the area of her head that Tom had banged into a wall and muttered a numbing spell. She suddenly noticed his eyes were fixed on her head and an uneasy feeling developed inside her.
"Good gracious, your wings have changed" Persephone exclaimed leaning closer. "Hades come see this" Hermione and Tom started to walk away and ignored Persephone and Hades excited chatter.
The entrance to the great hall was crammed with people dressed in impressive clothes. She found the fashion difference fascinating and it was like she had stepped into an old movie. There wasn't a single girl present that didn't have red lipstick and most of them had wavy hair or curls. A lot of couples were holding hands and getting cosy while they waited for the doors to open up. Hermione walked by Tom's side and felt uncomfortable as they neared the crowd. He was staring ahead with an expressionless face and she tried to do the same. With each step she was getting more nervous and worried. Killing him was dominating her mind and the dance hardly mattered anymore. Suddenly the crowd became quiet and started to stare at them. Excited whispers filled the air and a lot of people had expressions of disbelief. A large number of girls were staring at Tom as if he was God himself that had appeared on earth and she got a couple of hateful glances from jealous girls but the boys mostly looked annoyed. A smirking Abraxas Malfoy holding a blonde haired girls hand started to walk towards them. Malfoy paused halfway and whispered something to the girl. He released her hand and the girl whispered something back with a fearful expression. Malfoy gave her a reassuring glance and continued to walk towards them. Soon Malfoy was closely followed by his group of boys and Tom's expression darkened as he noticed them approaching.
"Well, well what do we have here?" Malfoy drawled out blocking their pathway.
"Move Malfoy" Tom said threateningly but instead of moving he just sneered at them and she was surprised by Malfoy's unafraid behaviour.
"If it isn't the rag prince and the mudblood princess" Malfoy said lowering his voice and Hermione's eyes slightly widened in shock. Did Malfoy have a death wish or something? Why was he talking to Tom like that? Tom's expression turned murderous and he grabbed Malfoy by the collar. There were gasps and shouts from the crowd and all eyes turned towards them. "Careful Riddle" Malfoy said with a glint of fear in his eyes. "Remember you're head boy" Malfoy suddenly smiled. "You wouldn't want to do anything too drastic in front of everyone" Tom looked furious and Hermione knew he was only controlling himself to avoid losing his position or worse getting expelled. She felt like ripping Malfoy to shreds but Tom's advice was firmly in her mind and crossing her arms she glared at Malfoy. Tom roughly pushed Malfoy backwards and released his collar. Malfoy quickly straightened himself up and appeared completely unaffected. A few of his boys laughed and patted Malfoy on the back. "I never thought you were the type that saves damsels in distress" Malfoy whispered looking her up and down. "But now it all makes sense" He was obviously referring to the time Tom had intervened when Malfoy had attacked her.
"Hold your tongue Malfoy or I'll cut it out" Tom snapped and threateningly took a step forward.
"Be my guest Riddle" Malfoy said sneering at him and Tom tightly clenched his hands into fists.
"This isn't over" Tom hissed glaring at Malfoy and his group. "You're all going to pay" Tom roughly pushed them out the way and walked on shaking with rage. Hermione quickly followed and he was moving so fast that she had to run to keep up. Tom threw open the doors of the great hall and then slammed them shut. She entered shortly afterwards and the splendidly decorated hall was empty expect the two of them. They were meant to meet with Longbottom and Bones and it looked like they had arrived too early. He walked towards the other end of the hall and the misty floor made it appear like he was floating. He added more mist to a corner that had less covering and she noticed one of his hands was still clenched into a fist.
She was sure he was secretly friends with Malfoy and his group but whatever happened a few minutes ago couldn't have been acting. If it had been acting then Tom's hand wouldn't be clenched into a fist and she knew he only did that when he got angry. He obviously hadn't told Malfoy why he had wanted to keep her safe and seeing her attending the dance with him must have given Malfoy the impression that she was more important to their leader than the group. Their disrespect was probably just rebellion but she suddenly wondered about something else. What if Tom wasn't really friends with them? What if they really hated each other? Tom did react violently whenever she said they were friends but Dumbledore had always insisted he had formed his death eater circle at school and that meant he had to be their leader in secret. Hermione started to get a headache as she thought more and more about it. In the end she decided it didn't matter if he was friends with Malfoy or not because either way Tom was still the dark lord and she was going to kill him.
Hermione checked the refreshments and everything was fine. After a while she noticed Tom's hands were relaxed and she knew he had calmed down. Bones and Longbottom suddenly walked in through doors.
"Riddle, anything need fixing?" Longbottom asked walking towards them.
"Everything's perfect Longbottom" Tom said staring at the blood roses. "Just perfect"
The great hall doors opened once again and Dippet entered followed by Dumbledore and Slughorn.
"Tom my boy" Slughorn said looking overjoyed. "This is absolutely magnificent" Slughorn turned in circles as he gazed up at the decorations and Dippet stared at the blood roses transfixed. Dumbledore quickly swept his eyes around the hall but he didn't look impressed.
"Wonderful indeed" Dippet said tearing his eyes away from the blood roses.
"It is nice" Dumbledore said slowly.
"Just nice Albus" Slughorn said looking offended. "What do you have against the boy?"
"Nothing Horace" Dumbledore said looking at Tom gravely and Tom stared back at him distastefully.
"Good work everyone" Dippet said beaming at them. "The minister should be arriving in 15 minutes" he said glancing at his watch. "Make sure everyone gets inside in time" he said turning to leave. "Oh and don't forget about the opening dance" Dippet said pausing at the door. "I'm sure you all won't let me down" he smiled at them widely and then exited. Longbottom and Bones looked at each other excitedly while Tom stared ahead unblinking and Hermione couldn't help but look ill.
"Is something bothering you Miss Granger?" Dumbledore suddenly asked and Hermione immediately looked at the floor. Dumbledore was the one person she couldn't completely block with her occulumency and the less eye contact the better.
"No sir" She said pretending to smooth out a wrinkle on her dress.
"Come on Albus" Slughorn said rolling his eyes. "The girls just nervous about opening the dance" She slowly walked towards the other end of the hall and busied herself on double checking the decorations. Worry pooled in her stomach and she took a couple of deep breaths to calm herself down. No one knew anything and everything was going to be fine, she kept on repeating it in her head like a mantra. After a while the other professors and prefects arrived. She noticed Tom talking to the prefects and he was probably explaining their duties to them. Longbottom and Bones were quietly chatting in a corner and she was glad to find Dumbledore had left the hall.
Soon the doors were opened up to allow students through and excited voices filled the air as they saw the finished hall for the first time. Within minutes the great hall became very crowded and noisy.
"Hey Maya" someone said tugging on her arm and she turned to find it was Xavian Potter. He was dressed in black and she suddenly noticed he was carrying a scythe.
"Let me guess" Hermione said pointing at the scythe. "You're the grim reaper"
"Yeah" he said grinning at her. "Let me try guess what you are" he stared at her for a couple of seconds. "An angel of death" Xavian said in a deep dramatic voice. "Or maybe vengeance" She felt faint hearing him say the words death and vengeance and it gave her the feeling that someone had caught her but he couldn't possibly know what she was trying to do.
"I'm a fairy" she said quickly. "A fairy" she repeated just to make herself feel better.
"With those shiny black wings, you have to be some evil fairy" Xavian said pointing at her wings. "I can't believe Susie was right" he said smiling at her. "You look---you look absolutely gorgeous" he winked at her and she suddenly felt uneasy. "Those wings, their fabulous." He said stepping closer. "Susie has seriously got to show me how to do that"
"Yeah about the wings" she said slowly. "Their not Susan's"
"Their not" he said creasing his brows. "So how did you---"
"Someone made them for me" Hermione said uncomfortably.
"Who?"
"Someone I know" she said looking at the floor.
"Stop being so mysterious Maya" he said crossing his arms. "Who was it?"
"The head boy" she said hesitantly and Xavian looked surprised.
"I didn't know Longbottom could--" he suddenly paused and looked up at something. "Get lost Riddle" Xavian said with a dark expression and Hermione immediately turned to find Tom standing behind her.
"Manners Potter" Tom said sneering at him. "That's hardly the way to talk to a head boy"
"Of course my apologies" Xavian said sarcastically. "Come on Maya, let's go somewhere less suffocating"
"I'm afraid you can't take her Potter" Tom said slowly and he moved to stand by her side.
"Why, do you own her or something?" Xavian snapped.
"For tonight" Tom said smirking at him and Hermione didn't like what was happening. He clearly didn't like Xavian and he was making it sound more sinister when all they were going to do was dance.
"What did you say?" Xavian said in a loud angry voice. She had to make Xavian understand before the situation got out of hand.
"Look Xavian---" she started.
"I think you misunderstood my meaning" Tom cut in. "What I meant was, she's with me and we have to go open the dance in 10 minutes" Xavian suddenly looked at Hermione in shock and disbelief.
"She's with---with you" Xavian said weakly and Tom sneered at him. Before she could say anything Xavian suddenly grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to the other end of the hall. Tom didn't stop them and he angrily narrowed his eyes at the faraway pair. Xavian suddenly released her and ran his hands through his hair. "Maya, what the hell do you think you're doing with a Slytherin?" Xavian said in a low voice. "Especially Tom Riddle" Xavian was probably trying to be protective and she should just reassure him that nothing dangerous was going on.
"Dippet's forcing us to go together" she said trying to be heard above the noise.
"Why?" he said with a disbelieving look.
"The minister of magic's coming and he wants us to show house unity." Xavian didn't look convinced and after a couple of seconds he looked angry.
"No ones good at magic like Riddle" Xavian suddenly said and she raised her eyebrows in confusion. "The wings, he made them didn't he?" he said accusingly. There was a good reason why he had made her new wings but she couldn't explain to Xavian why she had to keep calm around Tom and let him have his way.
"Err" she said not sure how to explain it to Xavian.
"Earlier you said head boy and Longbottom isn't that capable" he said glaring at her. "The only remaining head boy is Riddle" he said in a louder voice. "I bet Dippet didn't force him then" he said nastily. "So why would he make wings for you unless there's something---" Why did everyone always come to that conclusion?
"There's nothing between us" she snapped angrily.
"I thought Susie was mental when she told me all those things about you" he said shaking his head. "I know his handsome but his nasty and dangerous" he said harshly. "Guys like him are only after one thing, especially suppressed ones that have never had a girlfriend before" She didn't like his tone and the way he was looking at her. Was he trying to say that Tom was some kind of a sex maniac? As far as she was convinced it was the complete opposite. Tom couldn't even bare to be near her and he always did his best to avoid touching her.
"Look Xavian we're not together" she said feeling irritated. What could she possibly say to convince stupid people like him?
"Really, then what was he doing to you in the broom closet?" he said sneering at her.
"We were just inspecting a haunted---" she paused and anger suddenly boiled up inside her. Who was he to question her like that? Making her feel like she was on trial and that she had to prove herself innocent. She didn't have to answer to him and she could do whatever she wanted. Who was he to question her? She barely knew him."--wait a minute" she said angrily. "It's none of your business what I do with my life"
"So it's true then" Xavian said nastily. "You're letting this evil git touch you up or maybe you've gone all the way like the whore you are" His words stung and a mixture of anger and disgust filled her up. She couldn't believe he had actually said that to her and she slapped him hard across the cheek. People turned to look at them and Xavian stumbled back clutching his cheek.
"Say it again" she yelled pointing her wand and more people turned to look at them.
"The truth hurts, doesn't it" Xavian said drawing his wand and Tom ran towards them.
"Expeliarmus" Tom shouted appearing by her side and Xavian's wand flew out of his hand. "Get lost Potter" Tom snarled and Xavian ran.
"Riddle" one of the professors shouted from the other end of the hall. "What's going on?"
"Just an argument between students" he answered back. "It's been resolved"
Anger was still raging through her and she continued to point her wand at where Xavian had been. "Stop being stupid Granger" Tom said glaring at her. "People are staring at you" Realising he was right she slowly put the wand down. "The ministers due to arrive soon, move Granger" he said turning and he walked forward. She put her wand away and followed him. She had to be focused on carrying out her plan and she tried not to dwell too much on what Xavian had said. They stood at a clearing with Bones and Longbottom. Tom stared ahead expressionlessly and she observed peoples costumes. "What did Potter say?" Tom suddenly asked and she glared at him. Everything was Tom's fault. She wouldn't have been sleeping in a broom closet in the first place if he hadn't scared the crap out of her and then to make the situation worse he had to go and shut himself inside with her. Teenage boys normally went inside broom closets to make out with girls and people were obviously assuming the same thing about them. They didn't know that Tom Riddle wasn't a normal teenage boy and that if he was inside a broom closet with someone it meant torture not kissing. She didn't answer his question and he stared at her unblinking for a while then he turned to look the other way.
"Maya" Susan said suddenly appearing with her date and her girls were standing behind Susan with their dates. Most of the girls were dreamily staring at Tom and their dates didn't look too pleased about it. Susan stared at Tom for a while and Tom's expression was blank as usual. Hermione cleared her throat loudly and Susan snapped her eyes away. "The wings" Susan suddenly said noticing and Hermione immediately felt guilty. "What did you--?"
"I'm so sorry Susan" Hermione said. "Your wings, they---"
"These are fabulous" Susan said excitedly and pulled Hermione aside. "He made them for you, didn't he" Susan whispered. "That is so romantic-" she continued placing a hand on her heart. "- and they look so much better with the red dress" Susan suddenly took a step back and looked around. "Hey have you seen Xav?" Susan said loudly. "I can't seem to find him anywhere"
"I haven't seen him" Hermione said quickly and she suddenly noticed Tom looking at her with a raised eyebrow.
"He's probably late" Susan said dismissively and grabbed her by the arm. Susan pulled her further away and brought her lips close to her ear. She knew what kind of things Susan was going to say and she really didn't want to hear it. "Tom is looking so bloody sexy" Susan whispered. "Don't you just want to throw him onto the floor and tear his clothes of?" Hermione wanted to do no such thing and she tried to get away from Susan but Susan tightened her grip. "Now picture this" Susan continued excitedly and a feeling of dread filled Hermione. "His face is resting between your thighs-" Hermione felt sick as a disturbing image entered her mind. "-while his wet warm tongue is slowly licking your---"
"Merlin, Susan" Hermione shouted and forcefully shoved her away. She almost fell and she steadied herself in time. She could always easily visualise things and right now she wished she didn't have that ability. Susan's girls laughed and they obviously knew what kind of stuff Susan had said to her.
"She's made you feel faint hasn't she" Morgana called out and a few more laughter followed.
Hermione noticed Tom looking at her and she couldn't help but turn bright red. He could never find out what Susan had been telling her and she hoped to God he hadn't overheard anything. This Susan girl had serious issues.
"Have a nice time everyone" she said loudly and walked closer to Tom. She hoped they would get the hint and leave.
"Oh, I see how it is" Susan said winking. "Have a good time Maya" Susan left with her date and the rest of her group followed.
"What was that about?" Tom asked looking at her questioningly.
"Nothing" she said quickly. "Just stupid girly gossip" she said looking at anything but him. He didn't say anything and for a while they just stood there watching other people.
The doors that lead outside to the grounds suddenly opened and everyone excitedly looked on. A line of black ministry cars landed outside and an old man with long grey hair came out surrounded by 20 aurors. The old man was dressed in expensive red velvet robes and a sweeping cloak. He had a burgundy wooden cane and it had a huge red ruby stuck at the top. There was no mistaking who the man was. It had to be the minister of magic and she noticed Tom looking at the man sourly. He had to be jealous of the man's power or money and it could even be both. She watched as Dippet, Slughorn and Dumbledore went out to greet them and soon the minister was inside the great hall. The aurors were stationed at each corner of the hall and four of them remained by the ministers side. Dippet introduced Bones and Longbottom to the minister and then he introduced Tom and Hermione.
"Ah, this is the talented young man you were talking about" the minister said looking at Tom distastefully and Tom stared back expressionlessly. "And these are all his designs" he said looking around the hall.
"Yes all of them" Dippet said proudly.
"His always achieved outstanding every year" the minister said looking at Tom again.
"He never gets anything below 90%" Dippet said looking towards Tom fondly.
"And the girl" the minister said turning his wrinkly face towards her.
"Achieves nothing below 85%, she's talented as well"
"A Slytherin and a Ravenclaw" the minister said leaning on his cane heavily. "They actually get along Armando"
"They work together very well and it's the same throughout the whole school" Dippet said. "I've made house rivalries a thing of the past" Hearing this Dumbledore and Slughorn exchanged a look.
"Despite being from opposite houses their attending a dance together" the minister said standing back straight again. "I am impressed" the minister said looking at Bones and Longbottom holding hands. "And they don't appear to have been forced" the minister suddenly said looking at Hermione and Tom. Dippet slightly paled but still managed to maintain a smile.
"Minister I would never do such a thing" Dippet said looking slightly worried.
She suddenly realised the Minister was pointedly staring at her and Tom and they weren't smiling or holding hands but were they meant to. Tom must have thought the same thing as he briefly made eye contact with her and she wasn't sure what to do next.
"Excellent work Armando" the minister said breaking the tension. "I'll see if I can arrange an order of Merlin, 3rd class for your hard work" Dippet looked over the moon and Slughorn and Dumbledore exchanged another look. "Were the family names Riddle and Granger" the Minister suddenly asked. Tom and Hermione both tensed and they knew what was coming next.
"I'm afraid so" Dippet said with a low voice.
"A pity that such talented students should have tainted backgrounds" Tom's hand clenched into fists and Hermione bit the insides of her cheeks. "Still, I wish you both good luck in the future" the minister said stiffly and his expression clearly showed dislike towards them. "I believe Mr Malfoy's son attends Hogwarts" the minister said in a pleasant tone.
"Ah yes, I'll fetch Abraxas for you" Dippet said walking of. Soon the Minster was talking to Malfoy and his expression was so welcoming and kind. Hermione felt sick as she watched the scene in front of her and Tom's hands were still balled into fists but his face was blank. Dippet introduced the Minister to the whole school and this was followed by the minister making a speech. Then numerous pictures were taken by journalists and finding the camera flashes blinding Hermione closed her eyes. Dippet suddenly called for silence and Professor Jane Hedger motioned for her and Tom to go into the centre of the clearing. With everyone watching they walked towards the centre and Tom was clenching and unclenching his hands while Hermione felt dizzy and nervous. Bones and Longbottom were already waiting in dancing position and they slowly walked towards each other. Tom's face was expressionless and Hermione tried to keep a blank face but failed miserably.
For a couple of seconds they just stared at each other and then Tom bravely held up his hand towards her. His hand was slightly shaking and Hermione quickly grasped his hand with an equally shaky hand. He lightly placed a hand on her waist and she lightly grasped his shoulder. Then they forced themselves to walk closer and look at each other. She noticed Tom's blank face dissolve to reflect fear and dislike but it never lasted more than the blink of an eye. The music started up and they automatically began to dance to their learned steps. It was a fast tune and they moved in time with the music. She was glad she didn't step on his feet and everything was going perfectly. The fast tune suddenly faded into a slow tune and they slowed down to match the music. They danced for a couple of minutes until the other students were signalled to join in and soon they were no longer the centre of attention but they carried on dancing.
Their slow movements made her more aware of his touch, although he was holding her lightly she could feel the warmth of his embrace seeping into her. She didn't know why but her heart was beating at a faster pace and she was beginning to feel slightly dizzy. He adjusted his hold on her side and the feel of his hand rubbing across her satin clad skin made her involuntarily shiver. She suddenly became aware of his warm breath against her neck and she desperately tried to block out the sensation but it was no use. The lights were dim and the glow of his robes made him stand out. She stared into his eyes to find they were unblinking and she continued to stare at them mesmerised. As they continued to dance her mind became unfocused and she became lost to her senses. She picked up a warm spicy scent. She was sure it was a mixture of cloves and sandalwood. It was quite pleasant and she was starting to like it. Her gaze became dreamier and she inhaled deeply. His face, it was so perfect and beautiful. He looked so handsome in his robes. How can anyone so good looking exist? Beauty like that should only be granted to Gods. The warmth of his embrace was so comforting and she wanted to remain in his arms forever. Lost in him she gently swayed to the music and the entire hall full of people disappeared from her mind. It was just her and him. She didn't want the music to ever end, she wanted to remain like this and dance with him for eternity.
He suddenly blinked making her snap out of her thoughts and the room full of people were back. She felt sick and disgusted with herself as she recalled the things she had thought. How could she think these things? He was lord Voldemort. A heartless monster in disguise and he was nothing but ugly. Maybe her unfocused mind had registered him as a normal boy and that had to be the reason why she had allowed herself to have those thoughts. Hermione was sure she wouldn't have thoughts like that if she was focused and remembered he was actually lord Voldemort. She suddenly realised he had moved far away throughout the dance and he was staring at her hand on his shoulder with a mixture of distaste and fear. She felt angry and annoyed with his behaviour. Her blood wasn't going to contaminate him or anything and she didn't know why he thought he was all high and mighty when he was a half-blood himself. Didn't the Minster of magic make him see the light today or did he still think he was pure blood when he wasn't and she glared at him as they continued to move. He wasn't the only one that wasn't enjoying the dancing and she had no desire to dance with him either. She suddenly let go of him and took a step back. She felt like a burden had been lifted of her shoulders and Tom also looked relieved.
He wordlessly walked towards the long refreshments table and she glanced at the poison filled ring. It could be her moment now and with her heat beating unevenly she trailed after him. Hermione carefully watched him from the other side of the table and hoped he would eat or drink something but he just stared at the contents. Suddenly feeling thirsty she poured herself a cup of lemonade and continued to watch him.
"Hello mudblood" Malfoy's annoying voice sounded behind her and she momentarily closed her eyes in irritation. She had a murder to carry out and Malfoy was distracting her. She slammed her cup of lemonade on the table and turned.
"Go away" she said glaring at Malfoy.
"If Riddle's not up for it you could dance with me" Malfoy said grinning at her suggestively. "You know for a mudblood you aren't that bad looking" he said trailing his eyes down and her blood started to boil when she noticed he was pointedly staring at her chest.
"Remove your eyes Malfoy" she snapped.
"Your fiery temper always turns me on" he taunted continuing to look at her chest. "Why don't you make me mudblood" Hermione couldn't take it any more and she pointed her wand at him.
"That's hardly the way for a head girl to behave" he said looking up at her wand. "All I did was ask for a dance" he said innocently. Tom suddenly appeared and grabbed Malfoy by the hair. Malfoy jumped and his eyes widened in fear.
"Leave her alone" Tom hissed tugging on Malfoy's hair. He forcefully pushed Malfoy forward and released him. Malfoy steadied himself and quickly ran off. "Are you stupid Granger?" Tom said glaring at her. "What do you think you're doing?" She lowered her wand realising how foolishly she had acted. She could have ruined her mission if she had attacked Malfoy and she had no doubt she would have been expelled because she had previously attacked Malfoy. If Malfoy had said hurtful things she could have controlled herself but she wasn't used to dealing with perverts and that had made her lose control. "Do you have a wish to get expelled?" he said coldly. Why was he getting so worked up about it? Didn't he want her to get expelled and be out of his way?
"Why do you care Riddle?" she snapped.
"I don't" he almost yelled. "But it would be such a waste of talent and that's what purebloods like Malfoy's want" he said harshly and clenched his hands into fists. Did he just compliment her in his twisted way? Tom thought she had talent when he always said she was stupid in lessons. The dark lord had always been pureblood crazy and here he was acting like he was against them. She knew she should drop the matter and walk away but she decided to push it.
"Isn't that what you want Riddle?" Hermione said venomously. "Purebloods to take over"
"That's not want I want" he said angrily. Yeah right, he must be using his superb acting skills. She really shouldn't say more but all the feelings of being treated like she was something diseased made her feel like talking on.
"Liar" she snapped. "You always treat me like I'm contaminated" she said glaring at him. "My touch disgust's you and you hate touching me-" she said lowering her voice. "-because I have muggle blood running through my veins" His expression immediately went blank and he closed his eyes. She shouldn't have said anything. She couldn't ever recall him closing his eyes when they argued and maybe that meant he was seriously angry. Expecting a violent out burst any second now she fearfully took a step back. Tom suddenly opened his eyes and looked down at the floor.
"Your blood status doesn't bother me" he said in a low voice and he calmly walked away leaving Hermione confused. What did he mean by that? He was probably lying to protect his future ambitions and she would put a stop to his future tonight. Hermione nervously stroked her ring and carefully kept an eye on Tom.
For the next half hour she observed him from a distance but he wasn't making an attempt to eat or drink anything. What if he never ate or drank? There was still time and she couldn't lose hope. Another half an hour went by. Tom broke up a couple of fights between students and confiscated various harmful objects. Still keeping an eye on him she broke up a fight between some girls. Ten minutes passed and she suddenly noticed him walking towards the long refreshments table. Feeling hopeful she followed him and pretended to observe the contents on the other end of the table. Out of the corner of her eyes she carefully watched him and he was staring at the items just like last time. Tom picked up a bottle of butter beer and stared at it unsure. Not the staring thing again, she mentally yelled. Please drink it, drink it. As if her prayers were answered he started to unscrew the lid and she felt like jumping in joy. Okay, so far so good but how was she going to tip in the poison without him noticing? A few seconds later an idea came to her. She had to distract him somehow, poison the drink and hopefully he would resume drinking from the same bottle again. Hermione picked up a plate of nibbles and dropped it. The plate crashed to the floor and smashed into pieces.
"Oops" she said loudly and Tom glared at her from a distance. He set down the bottle and started to come over with an angry expression.
"Why are you so clumsy Granger?" Tom said glaring at her.
"I would have repaired the plate but I can't see it" she said looking apologetic. "I don't know how to undo the mist"
"I'll take care of it" he said drawing his wand. "Just don't break anything else" While Tom was busy removing the mist she walked to the other end of the table. She kept an eye on Tom and quickly grabbed the bottle. She unscrewed the lid and her hands started to shake as she attempted to open the ring. After a few attempts she managed to click it open and she quickly looked around. No one was looking and they all seemed busy. Watching Tom from the corner of her eye she drew the open ring closer to the bottle's neck. All she had to do now was tip in the liquid and she heard Tom's faint voice muttering the repairing incantations. If the plate was fixed it wouldn't be long before he came back and she had to do this fast. Hermione tried to add a few drops but her hand was shaking so badly that she ended up accidentally tipping in the whole liquid. Never mind, it was too late to undo the mistake now. She hastily screwed the lid back and left the bottle in its usual place. She clicked the ring shut and quickly walked back to the other end of the table.
Her heart started to beat loudly and she poured herself another glass of lemonade. She gulped down the entire glass and watched Tom replace the mist. He started to walk back towards the butter beer bottles and she quickly poured herself another glass of lemonade. He picked up the bottle of butter beer he had previously inspected and her heart started to beat violently. She quickly gulped down the second glass of lemonade and watched him unscrew the lid. He brought the bottle close to his mouth and a feeling of joy filled her up. He was going to drink it, he would die and lord Voldemort would be no more. Hermione held her breath as Tom deeply drank from the bottle.
Thanks for the lovely reviews readers. A special thanks to Liv. I'm so happy that an English teacher thinks my story is readable and now I don't feel so bad about my writing.
I made a picture for this chapter and the links on my profile page. Leave reviews and I'll try to update as soon as soon as I finish my coursework.