At breakfast Hermione layered jam onto her toast humming and she smiled once in a while. Everything was happening just like she wanted. Soon Voldemort would be dead and she would have her revenge. Still smiling she looked towards the Slytherin table and she found Tom sitting in his usual place. He was reading a book with a blank expression and once in a while he paused to eat. She noticed the Slytherin's whispering and stealing glances of their head boy. It looked like the whole of Slytherin knew but the dark lord obviously hadn't gotten the news yet. She knew from past observations that if he had known he wouldn't have appeared so relaxed and he definitely wouldn't have been eating.
"Things go well with Tom last night" Susan said making her look away.
"Nothing happened with Riddle" Hermione said angrily. "In case you forgot, we hate each other"
"Uh huh" Susan took a sip of her pumpkin juice. "You're glowing like a girl that's been kissed and you were smiling at Tom" Susan raised an eyebrow suggestively and Hermione almost choked on her food. This stupid girl had completely misinterpreted her behaviour.
"I was feeling happy about something else" she said glaring at Susan. "I coincidentally looked at Riddle while I was smiling, I wasn't smiling at him"
"Yeah right" Susan said looking unconvinced. "So what were you feeling happy about?" She had to make up something convincing fast.
"Erm--I--got an outstanding on my divinations essay" She said in a fake excited voice.
"There's something really wrong with you" Susan said looking at her like she had grown two heads.
"You don't understand" she said still faking excitement. "I've never gotten an outstanding in divination before"
"Still, it's not normal to get that happy over a grade" Susan said creasing her brows.
The great hall doors suddenly opened and Malfoy and his group entered with scared expressions. They all sat down huddled together and they shared worried glances with the other Slytherin's. Breakfast time would be ending soon and the staff table was almost empty. Slughorn was still seated and he was reading a note as he drank from a goblet. He suddenly got up and started to walk towards the Slytherin table. The Slytherin's fixed their eyes on Tom and Malfoy and his group were almost hugging each other. Hermione paused eating and also fixed her eyes on the dark lord. She couldn't wait to see how he reacted.
"Tom" Slughorn's loud voice boomed through the hall and Tom looked up startled but his expression became neutral in seconds.
"Yes sir" he said eyeing the staring Slytherin's with a curious look.
"Come up here my boy" Slughorn said motioning with his hand. "I need to speak to you about a situation"
"Of course sir" Tom stood up dusting his robes and walked over to Slughorn.
"Xavian Potter" Slughorn shouted turning towards the Gryffindor table. "Come up here young man" Everyone started to whisper and stare as Xavian slowly walked over with a troubled expression. "Abraxas" Slughorn called out. Malfoy shakily stood up and walked towards Slughorn staring at the floor. Tom's eyes flickered between Xavian and Malfoy and he creased his brows but in a couple of seconds his face was expressionless again.
"Are you aware of the situation Mr Malfoy?" Slughorn asked.
"Yes" Malfoy said bravely looking up and Tom narrowed his eyes at him. Malfoy started to bite his nails and Xavian looked back and forth between Tom and Malfoy with a worried expression.
"Whatever they told you sir, I didn't do it" Xavian said. "After class I never left the Gryffindor tower, you can ask Weasley and --"
"You're not in trouble Potter" Slughorn interrupted holding up a hand and Xavian's worried expression instantly melted. "You're the Gryffindor quidditch captain so I thought it important you know as well" At the word quidditch Tom's expression became puzzled for a second but then he looked at Malfoy sharply and Malfoy shrank back. "Turner got injured yesterday" Both of Tom's hands clenched into fists. "Tom, you are going to have to replace him as the Slytherin seeker" Tom's balled hands slightly shook but he still managed to maintain his emotionless face. Xavian suddenly smiled and Malfoy took another step back.
"Can't someone else do it sir" Tom said with a strained voice.
"Sorry my boy" Slughorn said giving him a sympathetic look. "Head boy rules state you have to replace him and I'm sure you'll make an excellent seeker" Slughorn's loud voice had easily carried through the hall and everyone was talking excitedly.
"Merlin, Tom's going to play quidditch." Susan said jumping up and down in her seat. "Do you know how many girls have dreamt about this?"
"I can imagine" Hermione said rolling her eyes. As soon as Slughorn left the hall Xavian turned towards the Gryffindor table and gave his team the thumbs up. Tom glared daggers at Malfoy and Malfoy stared back fearfully.
"I will be speaking to you about this later" Tom said in a low threatening voice and Malfoy looked like he was going to faint. Tom sat back down at the Slytherin table and he stared ahead unblinking. Everyone was talking loudly and the Slytherin's were the only ones whispering. Malfoy still remained standing with a frightened expression and Xavian suddenly burst out laughing making Malfoy's expression change to anger.
"Stupid Xav" Susan said with a worried expression. "He shouldn't laugh at Malfoy like that when he's so rubbish at duelling"
"Malfoy" Xavian said pausing breathlessly. "Don't even bother turning up unless your team wants to get humiliated"
"We're not going to lose Potter" Malfoy shouted and Xavian started to laugh again.
"Riddle's your seeker" Xavian said in between his laughter. "Riddle's your seeker" he repeated clutching his sides and he continued to laugh like a maniac. Tom's blank expression suddenly changed to reflect anger and Malfoy slowly backed away giving Xavian a pitying glance.
"Merlin, he shouldn't provoke Tom?" Susan said worriedly and noticing Tom's expression Hermione was beginning to think the same thing. "I don't think you know Maya" Susan said waving her hands to get Xavian's attention but it was no use. "Tom's always a gentleman but when someone makes fun of him, he can be really scary and violent"
"Oh" she said nodding her head like she had just found out. After having to deal with his high temper and ever changing moods on a daily basis she was well aware of his violent tendencies.
"What's so funny Potter?" Tom suddenly roared. Xavian immediately stopped laughing and everyone in the hall became quiet. Hermione's heart rate increased reflexively and she had to remind herself that he wasn't mad at her. Xavian stared at Tom with an unafraid expression and Tom glared at him.
"Idiot Xav" Susan said. "Why is he still standing there? He should run while he can" Noticing Tom getting angrier Hermione couldn't help but think the same thing.
"Have you ever played quidditch before Riddle?" Xavian said sneering at him and Tom slowly got up looking absolutely furious. Sensing danger the Slytherin's shrank away and Malfoy slowly walked towards the other end of the hall. Susan was whispering something inaudible and Hermione wondered if Xavian had a death wish. "Obviously not" Xavian said nastily. "After all quidditch is mostly a man's sport" Several gasps were heard throughout the hall and Tom's expression changed to reflect frightening anger.
"Riddle's a duelling champion, Xav's going to get himself killed" Susan said sounding hysterical. "Why the hell is he bringing up Riddle's sexuality in the open?"
"His sexuality" Hermione said with a confused expression.
"Don't you see Maya" Susan said still sounding hysterical. "Xav's just questioned Riddle's manliness and therefore indirectly his sexuality" Now she understood why so many people had gasped and from the looks of it Tom was going to lose it any second now.
"You're not much of a man are you Riddle" Xavian said tauntingly. "After all what kind of a man doesn't like girls" Tom's pale skin turned red with rage and Hermione couldn't ever recall him look so angry before.
"Oh my God, he didn't" Susan hissed burying her hands in her hair. Tom ran towards Xavian and pulled out his wand. Xavian drew his at the same time and they both stood pointing their wands at each other. "He's dead" Susan whispered and Hermione knew Xavian wouldn't stand a chance. Silence filled the hall and the air was thick with tension as everyone waited for them to make a move.
"So tell me Riddle" Xavian suddenly said breaking the silence. "Are you queer?" Everyone including Hermione gasped and a murderous glint entered Tom's eyes.
"Ignis derma" Tom shouted and a flash of orange light erupted from his wand. Xavian failed to block it and the spell hit him in the chest. He dropped his wand and fell to the floor screaming. Shouts filled the hall and the first years looked absolutely terrified. Hermione held her breath as it started to bring back horrible memories and Susan clung onto her in tears. Everyone started to get up and a crowd formed at a safe distance.
"Riddle calm down" Longbottom shouted. "Don't do anything stupid" Tom ignored him and continued to make Xavian scream. Bones grasped Longbottom's hand with a scared expression and he put an arm around her. Some of the professors at the staff table ran down and tried to stop it but Tom easily disarmed them.
"Fetch Dumbledore or Merrythought" A professor shouted and the other professors tried to talk Tom out of it but he wasn't listening. Tears continued to flow from Susan's eyes and she mumbled something inaudible. Hermione patted Susan on the back and continued to watch Tom with a horrified expression. She had seen Tom angry before but this time he looked different. There was this mad glint in his eyes and it made him look inhuman. She could almost see Voldemort's reflection in his face and she felt waves of fear as she continued to stare at him. Tom suddenly lifted the spell and started to repeatedly kick Xavian in the ribs. Xavian's cried out at each kick but Tom didn't show any signs of slowing down.
"Where's your Gryffindor bravery now?" a Slytherin shouted and a chorus of laughter rose from the Slytherin crowd.
"Do not encourage the fight" a professor shouted with a magically magnified voice. "Anyone caught encouraging will be reported to their head of house" the laughter immediately died down and the Slytherin's went back to talking.
"He does have my sympathies, I wouldn't wish Riddle on anyone" Malfoy drawled out. "But then again it does provide good entertainment" Malfoy said twirling his ponytail with a sickening smile and most of the Slytherin's seemed to agree. Hermione looked towards Malfoy with an angry expression and she felt like punching him. How the hell was watching someone get tortured entertainment? But to someone evil and twisted like Malfoy it probably was.
"Leave him alone" Susan shouted at the Slytherin's.
"We are not the ones attacking him, Riddle is" Malfoy said coolly.
"You're really dense for a Ravenclaw if you don't know its Riddle" Lestrange said and the Slytherin crowd erupted into laughter. Hermione was about to shout something in Susan's defence when Xavian let out a really loud scream and all eyes quickly went to him. Blood was pouring out of Xavian's mouth and he was shaking on the floor. Tom was still kicking him in the chest and Hermione was sure he had broken most of his ribs by now. Frightened screams were heard through out the hall and Hermione bit the insides of her cheeks.
"Oh my God, Xav" Susan wailed burying her head in her hands. Tom suddenly stopped kicking him and pointed his wand at Xavian's chest.
"Vitax reducto" Tom hissed and Xavian struggled gasping for breath. Hermione was suddenly reminded of the time Tom had used it on her and she momentarily closed her eyes.
"He can't breath" Susan said looking up from her hands. "He's going to die" Susan started to sob and Hermione tried to calm her down. People started to shout at Tom to stop but he still carried on. The professors tried to intervene and he threw them back with a spell. Clawing at Tom's feet Xavian started to make loud wheezing noises and Tom stamped on his hands with a smile on his face. Hermione's heart jumped as she noticed the smile, it wasn't a normal smile and it twisted his features in such an evil way that he appeared possessed. Xavian started to turn blue and everyone in the hall including the Slytherin's looked really scared.
The great hall doors suddenly burst open to reveal an angry looking Albus Dumbledore and the expression on his face was frightening. Dumbledore didn't look like himself and everything about him radiated power. Hermione stared at him in fear and fascination and she could see why people said Dumbledore was a powerful wizard. Everyone moved out the way and Tom stared at him hatefully. Dumbledore tried to non-verbally disarm Tom and he blocked Dumbledore but Hermione could see it had taken him effort as his face was screwed up in concentration. Dumbledore threw a spell at Xavian and he started to cough and breathe again. Tom pointed his wand at Dumbledore with a furious expression and Dumbledore pointed his wand back. The air suddenly crackled with electricity between Dumbledore and Tom and everyone backed away further. At this age Tom could manage to release raw magical energy through his wand and even though Dumbledore's was much stronger she couldn't help but be impressed. She noticed glints of fear enter Tom's eyes and he suddenly lowered his wand in defeat. Dumbledore put his wand down glaring at Tom and Tom stared back at him with pure loathing.
"Mr Riddle, go to the headmaster's office immediately" Dumbledore shouted and Tom slowly walked out with both of his hands clenched into fists. "Everyone go to your classes" Dumbledore shouted with a magically magnified voice and talking loudly everyone started to leave. Susan rushed over to Xavian and Hermione followed. Dumbledore was placing Xavian's bloodied form on a stretcher and Xavian appeared to have passed out. The other professors were talking to Dumbledore in urgent tones and Dumbledore was talking back in a calm voice.
"Is he okay?" Susan shouted interrupting the professors.
"He'll live" Dumbledore said levitating the stretcher. "Miss Granger and Miss Brewer please go to your classes"
"But Xavian--" Susan started.
"Is going to be alright" Dumbledore cut in. "You can visit him later in the hospital wing"
Hermione entered the potions classroom and sat in her usual place. After a while she glanced at Tom's empty seat. He had never sat close to her but it still felt odd without his presence. Tom had taken the quidditch thing far better than she had expected until Xavian got all horrible and personal. After the anger she had seen on his face it must have been hard for him not to shout crucio and she had to admit he had a lot of control. After the warning Xavian had given her at the Halloween ball he was an idiot to act like that and she had a feeling it had something to do with his suspicions that she fancied Tom. Slughorn started to explain something and he glanced at Tom's empty seat a couple of times. At the end of his explanation everyone started bring out their cauldrons. A flying envelope suddenly entered the classroom and it neatly landed on Slughorn's desk. As Slughorn read the letter his eyebrows rose high up into his forehead and Hermione figured it was about Tom. The class room door opened and Professor Hedger walked inside. Slughorn and Hedger talked for a while and Hermione couldn't hear what they were saying but they both had serious expressions on their faces.
"Attention everyone" Slughorn said with a magically magnified voice and everyone paused. "I have to leave for an important matter, Jane Hedger will watch over you. Leave your potion vials in there" Slughorn said pointing at a large box near his desk. "I will grade them tomorrow, keep up the good work" Slughorn pointed his wand at his throat and removed the spell then he left the classroom. Dippet must have summoned him as he was Tom's head of house and important decisions couldn't be made without his presence. Hermione sat still while everyone was busy making their potion. She had always used Tom's cauldron and she hadn't brought hers. She was about to go and get it when Susan tapped her on the shoulder.
"Do you want to join us?" Susan asked "I don't think Hedger will mind if we work in three's" It was fun working with Susan and her friend but she suddenly found herself missing Tom's explanations.
At lunchtime Hermione sat in the great hall feeling lonely. Susan and her girls were visiting Xavian in the hospital wing and they had offered her to come along but she had declined. She would have gone but knowing Xavian he would get the wrong idea and she didn't want to give him false hopes. She looked towards the Slytherin table and Tom was absent like she had expected. She quickly finished eating and deciding to go to her room she started to walk towards the heads quarters. As she walked down the stairs she heard male voices arguing and she realised they were on another set of stairs above hers. She paused out of curiosity and strained her ears. After a few seconds she recognised it as Malfoy's voice.
"Didn't you read it?" Malfoy's voice sounded angry.
"Why dose it have to be me?" That sounded like Crabbe or it could be Goyle, she wasn't sure they both sounded the same. "Why can't it be Goyle?" Now she knew it was Crabbe.
"Because you are thinner" That was definitely Lestrange. "Now stop acting like a bloody scared girl"
"Enough talk, lets do it" Avery's voice said.
"Why can't it be one of you? I don't want to do it" Crabbe said sounding scared.
"Grab him"" Malfoy shouted. Crabbe let out a scream and it was followed by sounds of a struggle. The voices and the footsteps gradually faded. Hermione resumed walking down the stairs and thought about what she had heard. What had Malfoy read and what was he making Crabbe do? She couldn't recall any spell or ritual that would work better if you were thinner but Crabbe hadn't wanted to do it and whatever they were making him do couldn't be pleasant. She thought about it for a while then she put it out of her head as she couldn't find an answer. She paused in front of the heads quarters portrait and it was filled with many portrait people. They were in a circle and Persephone and Hades were at the centre of it. Noticing her they immediately stopped talking and Persephone stepped forward.
"How are you dear?" Persephone asked smiling at her.
"I'm fine thank you"
"Password"
"Medusa" She entered the heads common room and shut the door. She was about to go up to her room when she noticed Tom. He was sitting on the floor in front of the fireplace and he was staring at the flames with a lost look in his eyes. She had never seen him in that position and she couldn't help but stare.
"What do you want Granger?" he suddenly whispered still staring at the flames.
"Nothing" she said quickly and she hurried up to her room. He couldn't be in a good mood after this morning and she didn't want him to take his anger out on her. She entered her room and took out her dark magic books on object cursing. She sat on her bed and started to read them. She was working on the next stage of her plan and she was trying to find a suitable spell that she could place on his broom stick. She spent the entire lunchtime searching through all the books and she narrowed it down to one best spell per book. In the end she decided to use a complex two part spell that involved a potion as well. All the other spells required her to maintain eye contact and continuously chant an incantation but this spell didn't. It was the best one to use since it would be easier and more discrete.
She read the instructions carefully without skimming. She had to cast the spells on the broomstick and on another object that would act as the activation object. Then all she had to do was say another spell while pointing at the activation object and the broomstick would automatically try to throw of its passenger. The spells were straightforward but the potion was hard to make and without it the spells wouldn't work. The potion had to be smeared onto the broomstick and the activation object before the spells were cast. She carefully read the potions instructions and she realised it would take an estimate of three days to make. It required 48 hours brewing time and she would need at least a day to make such a complex potion but the problem was she didn't have most of the ingredients. She creased her brows as she scanned the ingredients list once again and she hoped Slughorn would have them or else she would have to get hold of them somehow. The quidditch match was happening next Friday and she had roughly had nine days to get everything in order. She was getting a headache thinking about how she was going to make this all work. She bookmarked the page and stored all the books away.
She had some free time before her afternoon class started and she decided to go to the Ravenclaw common room to buy some cookies. Shiv Patil who she was sure was an ancestor of Parvati and Padma Patil sold various snacks in the common room during free time and sometimes in the evening. Running a trade in Hogwarts was obviously against the school rules but Hogsmeade weekends weren't frequent and so no one told on him. Everyone was always buying things from Shiv and he even sold things to people from other houses in the trophy room at lunchtime. It reminded her of the way Fred and George used to sell things and she felt her eyes water as she thought about puking pastilles and nosebleed nougats. She blinked away the tears and entered the Ravenclaw common room. Shiv was standing near a table littered with goods and there was a small line of people waiting to be served. She joined the queue and looked around for Susan but she wasn't there. She was probably in the dormitory but she didn't feel like going to see her. The girl was annoying most of the time and she didn't feel like hearing her cry over Xavian or worse hear a romance novel scene. After a while it was her turn to get served and Shiv greeted her with a smile.
"The usual Granger" he said holding up a pack of chocolate chip cookies.
"Yes" she said taking the pack and handing over 95 knuts.
"I have some other new biscuits you might like to try" Shiv said holding up a brown pack. "Chocolate digestives, very similar to chocolate chip cookies" Dippet's monthly allowance wasn't very much and she had to watch her money carefully.
"No thank you" she said walking away.
"Maybe next time" he called out looking hopeful.
"Maybe" she said turning to look at him. Stuffing the cookie pack into her bag she was about to leave when a short girl ran up to her looking panicked and she was obviously a first year.
"Head girl" the girl squeaked.
"Yes"
"Jennawont wakedont knowwhatto--"
"What?" Hermione interrupted. "Slow down, I can't understand what you're saying"
"Jenna won't wake up and I don't know what to do" the girl was close to tears now.
"Was she sleeping naturally or--"
"We were trying out a levitation spell with a chair--"
"Take me to her" she said drawing her wand and everyone in the Ravenclaw room turned to look at them.
"It accidentally fell on her head and she won't wake up" the girl said leading her to the first year girls dormitory.
"Stand back everyone" she shouted and the crowd of first years moved away from the unconscious girl. Hermione's eyes widened when she saw blood seeping from the girl's head and kneeling down she started to mutter spells to stop the blood flow. She couldn't heal the wound but this was the best she could do. She felt her pulse and she was glad to find the girl was still alive.
"Are you sure a chair fell on her?" she said conjuring a stretcher. The first years all started to answer at once and they pointed at a huge armchair. No wonder the girl was in this condition, she had been puzzled at how a chair had made her bleed this badly but it all made sense now.
"Is she-is she-" the girl said tearfully.
"She's alive" she said levitating the stretcher out of the dormitory and the girl followed. Everyone in the Ravenclaw common room started to stare and shout questions. Hermione hastily shouted an explanation and speed out the common room. Levitating the stretcher she ran towards the hospital wing and the girl started to confess how she was the one responsible.
"I didn't know it was going to hit her" the girl sobbed. "Will I get expelled?"
"I'm sure they won't expel you" Hermione said breathlessly. "It was an accident" she said pushing open the hospital wing door. Three occupied beds met her eyes. One of them had an unconscious Xavian, the next one had Turner looking ill and the last one had a crying Crabbe surrounded by Malfoy and his boy's. All eyes turned to her as she entered with the levitating stretcher. "Madam Whittaker" she shouted setting the stretcher down.
"Not another one" Madam Whittaker shouted coming out of her office holding bottles. "What is it? The national injury day" she said hastily setting down the bottles. Madam Whittaker levitated the girl onto an empty bed. She started to ask questions as she healed the girl and the crying first year answered them. Hermione looked towards the Slytherin's curiously and she wondered what had happened to Crabbe. She was thinking of asking Madame Whittaker as soon as she finished healing the girl. After Madam Whittaker had bandaged the girl's head she told the first year she could leave but the first year wanted to remain by the girl's bedside. "Hectic day Maya" Madam Whittaker said walking up to her. "Mr Potter was difficult to heal and he wouldn't stop screaming in pain. I had to give him a strong sleeping potion and just when I thought I could rest Mr Crabbe turned up"
"What happened to Crabbe?" Hermione asked looking towards the Slytherin's and Madam Whittaker was about to answer when the hospital wing doors creaked open.
"Not another one" Madam Whittaker mumbled turning and Hermione looked towards the door. Dippet entered with Tom Riddle by his side and Tom glanced at her then he fixed his eyes on the Slytherin's.
"Headmaster, is everything alright. Has someone else been injured?" Madam Whittaker said walking up to him with a worried expression.
"Everything is fine" Dippet said holding up a hand.
"Are you here to question Xavian again because--"
"I don't need to question him anymore" Dippet said putting his hand down. "I've brought Mr Riddle here to apologise for his actions"
"Mr Riddle" Madam Whittaker said with a shocked expression. "He did that to Mr Potter?" she said weakly. Tom Riddle lowered his gaze looking very ashamed and Hermione knew it was acting but it was very good acting.
"Well, there are dozens of witnesses that say he was provoked" Dippet said. "And he has told me that he was under a lot of stress from studying and he just lost his temper" Tom stressed from studying, that was 100% rubbish. He was so knowledgeable in everything he could pass all his exams with an O without ever having to open a book.
"My anger got the better of me" Tom said in a low voice and he looked really sorry. "I really regret what I have done and if you would allow me Madam, I would like to apologise to Mr Potter" One of his hands momentarily clenched into a fist but no one really noticed. Madam Whittaker's expression softened and she looked at Tom sympathetically.
"I would let you Mr Riddle but Mr Potter has been given a strong sleeping potion"
"Sleeping potion" Tom said in a higher voice and his apologetic expression momentarily vanished but it was back again in the blink of an eye. He was obviously pleased that he wouldn't have to apologise to Xavian. "I will apologise to him at another time then. When he wakes up could you tell him that I'm sorry?" He sounded so sincere that she was finding it hard to believe that was actually his voice.
"Of course Mr Riddle, I'll even send you an owl when he wakes"
"That is greatly appreciated, thank you Madam"
"Well that's settled then" Dippet said looking tired. "Oh, hello Miss Granger" Dippet said noticing her.
"Hello" she answered back feeling self conscious as all eyes in the room were on her.
"She brought in an injured first year" Madam Whittaker said pointing at the bed with the girl and Tom glanced at it. "Her spells to stop the blood flow were excellent and I'm glad you made her head girl. I don't think I've met another student that could manage such a thing with the exception of Mr Riddle of course"
"Yes, Miss Granger is an exceptionally bright witch" Dippet said smiling at her. "Horace recommended her and he has never been wrong about a student's capabilities" So it was Slughorn's fault that she had been chosen as head girl but she wasn't complaining. She wouldn't have been able to observe Tom closely if it hadn't been for that.
"If you don't mind me asking Madam" Tom suddenly said. "What is wrong with Crabbe?" Tom said stepping closer to the Slytherin's and they all tensed. "It always concerns me when someone from my own house is injured" Tom fixed his eyes on Crabbe and Crabbe stared back at him with wide eyes. Hermione wondered why he was bothering but maybe he was curious to know as well.
"Nothing life threatening" Madam Whittaker said pulling away Crabbe's blanket and it revealed one of Crabbe's arm in bandages. "Mr Crabbe's broken a hand badly"
"I'm sorry to hear that" Tom said emotionlessly. "How long will it take to heal?"
"About two weeks" Madam Whittaker said pulling the cover back up and Tom's lips curled into half a smile but it vanished in the blink of an eye.
"Does that mean he won't be able to play quidditch?" Tom said trying to make his voice sound sad but he didn't completely manage. Hearing his words Hermione nearly had a heart attack. Oh Merlin, if Crabbe couldn't play then the match would be postponed and all her hard work would have been for nothing. The argument she had overheard between Malfoy and his boys suddenly made sense. When Malfoy had said, didn't you read it, he must have been referring to a note Tom had sent them. Tom had obviously threatened them to injure someone on the team and Crabbe had been the best choice because Malfoy could easily boss him around. Also Crabbe being thinner than Goyle would make the bones easier to reach and break.
"I regret to say he won't be able to play" Madam Whittaker said confirming her worst fear and Hermione suddenly felt light headed.
"It's such a shame the match will have to be postponed" Tom said putting on a sad expression but his eyes showed otherwise. "Especially when I was looking forward to the challenge of being a seeker"
"The match will not be postponed" Dippet suddenly said and Tom's expression went blank. Not believing her ears Hermione waited for Dippet to say something else and the Slytherin's looked at their head boy with terrified expressions.
"But the rules state sir--" Tom started slowly.
"I am aware of the rules" Dippet said interrupting. "But the Daily Prophet wants to do an article on how safe the school is after the poisoning incident, and I thought it best if they came during the quidditch match. I've already sent them the conformation of the date and the time." Both of Tom's hands slowly clenched into fists. "Mr Crabbe can be easily replaced by another Slytherin so there's nothing to worry about." Dippet smiled at Tom but Tom did not return the smile. "The reporter will ask questions and I hope you will answer them all Mr Riddle. I wouldn't trust anyone else with the answers and you will of course portray the school in a positive light" Dippet paused waiting for an answer.
"Of course sir" Tom said with a controlled voice.
"Excellent" Dippet said beaming at him. "You can now look forward to the challenge of being a seeker and I'm sure you'll make a brilliant one Mr Riddle"
"Thank you sir" Tom said unblinking. "I'll try not to disappoint you" Dippet gave Tom one last smile and left the hospital wing. Hermione felt like dancing in joy. She had thought everything was ruined until Dippet saved the day. The match couldn't be postponed and she was sure Dippet was keeping Tom on the team just so he could answer the questions. He couldn't overrule Dippet and now Tom truly had no choice but to play quidditch. Too bad Dippet's reputation was going to get worse after the reporters witnessed Tom falling to his death but she was doing it for the greater good and ruining Dippet's career didn't seem that big when it came to removing Voldemort. Tom stared at the door with his clenched fists slightly shaking and he looked livid.
"Mr Riddle" Madam Whittaker said making his expression go blank. "Are you alright?"
"I have a headache" he forced out. "I think I'll sleep it off" He ran out the door and Madam Whittaker sighed.
"Poor boy" Madam Whittaker said rolling up the unused bandages. "Everyone expects so much from him, no wonder he has a headache" Tom had obviously lied. He didn't have a headache, he was angry that he would still have to play quidditch and he was probably murdering owls at this very minute. The Slytherin's were talking in hushed tones and they didn't look very happy. Saying Goodbye to Madam Whittaker she left the hospital wing. There was still some time left till the start of the afternoon class and she decided to go down to the library for a quick read.
When it was time for herbology she left the library. The class wasn't in the greenhouse today and Professor Helen Hammer usually took those classes instead of Professor Reed. She entered the classroom and Hammer smiled at her and she smiled back. Helen Hammer was a nice old lady with white hair and she acted more like a grandmother and less like a Professor. Tom was sitting at the front staring at his closed text book and Hermione sat down two seats away from him. He didn't acknowledge her presence and he kept on staring at the book. Hammer put up some pictures of plants and asked if anyone recognised them. Hermione immediately raised her hand but she slightly lowered it when she realised Tom hadn't moved. Xavian's questions and his failed attempt to get out of quidditch must have affected him badly and she felt joy seeing the dark lord feeling down. She raised her hand high with a smile on her lips and while she answered the question correctly Hammer looked towards Tom with a concerned expression.
Hammer handed out a bunch of herbs labelled with numbers and they had to name them. She spread out the herbs at the centre of the table and picked up herb number one. She knew the pink herb well and she wrote down Daminia next to number one. When she was down to number ten Tom was still staring at his book and she wondered if he was going to attempt naming any of them. She named the last two herbs and stared at her list satisfied. Tom suddenly picked up his quill and he looked at the herbs for a while then he quickly scribbled down all twelve names. How could he name them all so fast by just looking at them? He hadn't even picked one up or inspected them closely. Either he was going to be wrong at naming some of them or he was an expert in herbs. Come to think of it, Neville Longbottom could name herbs by just looking at them and he had been the best in his class. At the end of class Hammer came around to collect their parchments and she smiled warmly at Tom when she collected his but he didn't return the smile.
"Mr Riddle, you have named them all correctly" Hammer said running her eyes over his list. "10 points to Slytherin" Damn it, he was a genius in herbology just like Neville.
"Thank you Professor" Tom said in a low voice and he started to stare at his book again. Hammer picked up her parchment and she suddenly felt nervous.
"Very good Miss Granger" Hammer said making her relax. "All correct, 10 points to Ravenclaw" Hermione's lips stretched into a smile. She had gotten them all right and she looked at him to see if he was bothered by this but his eyes were still glued to the book. Everyone started to leave the classroom and she started to pack her things. "Mr Riddle" Hammer called from her desk and Tom walked over to her "I have the herbs you requested" she said holding a brown paper bag towards him.
"Thank you professor" he said taking the bag. "I really appreciate it" Hermione started to walk towards the door and she wondered what kind of herbs they were.
"Mr Riddle, if you have a minute there's something I'd like to show you" she heard Hammer say and she paused with her hand on the door handle. What did Hammer want to show Tom? She turned to see Hammer leading Tom into the store room and then the store room door closed. She suddenly realised she was alone in the classroom and she was about to leave when she noticed the store room door wasn't shut properly. She could easily take a peek at what Hammer was showing him and curiosity got the better of her. Placing a disillusionment charm on herself she tiptoed closer to the store room and peered through the small opening. "It just came in yesterday" Hammer said bringing over a huge plant pot covered with white cloth. She could see from Tom's expression that he was curious and she was dying to know as well. Hammer suddenly unveiled it and Tom's eyes widen but Hermione stared at it disappointed. It was just an ugly plant with yellow flowers and Hammer was probably going soft in the head from old age.
"Professor, is that what I think it is?" Tom said in a high pitched voice and Hermione creased her brows. He was clearly excited and he was staring at the plant like a five year old stared at candy. If Tom Riddle found it interesting then the plant had to be valuable but she couldn't ever recall seeing it in books. Maybe he was acting to keep Hammer happy but it didn't look like acting and if it was then it was an order of Merlin worthy acting.
"You recognise it Tom" Hammer said staring at the plant fondly.
"Of course Professor" he said bending down to inspect it closely. "I think it's about two years old"
"Two years and six months actually"
"A Zulfitack plant" he said staring at it transfixed. "They're so hard to obtain" What the hell was a Zulfitack? She suddenly recalled reading something like that earlier at lunchtime and after wracking her brains she remembered. The broom cursing potion required Zulfitack flowers and if they were rare then this plant was her only chance. She would have to sneak back and steal one later. "They can be used to make the darkest potions" he said in a high pitched voice and he gently stroked the flowers with his long fingers. "Combine Zulfitack flowers and Dahlia with a dash of sulphur and you'll have the most potent skin peeling potion" his voice had so much feeling that she felt goose bumps form on her arms and Hammer suddenly looked scared. "Or you could combine it with mugwort and dragon's blood to put your enemies in a coma but it's not worth the effort since the ministry invented a counter potion" he finished in a bitter voice and he looked up glaring. Taking in Hammer's frightened expression Tom quickly schooled his features into looking apologetic. "I'm sorry Professor" He said in a low voice. "I didn't mean to talk about dark potions. I just recalled reading about them somewhere and I thought I'd mention it"
"That's okay Tom" Hammer said putting a hand on her heart. "You had me worried there for a minute" Tom flashed her a charming smile and Hammer smiled back. Good God, was it that easy for Tom Riddle to fool people?
"It's a good thing those plants are rare" Tom said inspecting a leaf. "Thinking about all the evil it could do makes my skin crawl" Coming from a dark lord that was very funny and he was definitely acting now. "But there's so much good it can do Professor" he said cupping one of the flowers. "Just because it's associated with dark magic people tend to over look that fact" He was probably going to start talking about all the good potions that could be made so Hammer wouldn't get suspicious. "It can speed up bone healing by weeks and there are theories that it could be used to re-grow limbs served by dark magic" Looks like she had been right in her thinking.
"I know but people always tend to be prejudiced when it comes to dark magic" Hammer said picking up a kettle.
"I hate it when people do that" he said looking down at the floor and one of his hands clenched into a fist.
"I think I can understand" Hammer said making Tom look up sharply. "You're a Slytherin and people think your whole house is evil but I know you're a good boy Tom" How can Hammer not see through his mask? He was everything that represented evil. "I heard about what you did to Xavian Potter" Tom looked back down at the floor and both of his hands clenched into fists "I know he made some awful comments but you shouldn't let anger take you over like that"
"I will try to control myself better in the future" he forced the words out of him and his balled hands were slightly shaking.
"Sometimes we all lose our temper" Hammer said waving her wand and filling the kettle with water. "But you have always been kind and helpful. I think people are jealous of your brilliance and you shouldn't let them provoke you into tarnishing your perfect school record" Tom suddenly looked up and smiled warmly at Hammer.
"I will keep your advice in mind Professor" Tom said pulling out his wand. "You must be tired Madam" he said flashing her another of his charming smiles and Hermione couldn't help but notice how white his teeth was. With that smile he could beat Lockhart any day. "Allow me" Tom said levitating the kettle out of her hands and he pulled out a chair for her. Looks like he was putting on his I'm so kind and helpful act.
"Oh, go on then young man" Hammer said sitting herself down on the chair and Tom set the kettle down on a mini stove. "Do you always make tea for your professors? Now I know why your grades are so high" she said jokily.
"I only make tea for you madam and no one else" Tom said giving her a mock bow and Hermione rolled her eyes. This was so unlike the real Tom Riddle and that fake cheerful expression on his face made him appear like a completely different person. The old woman laughed and handed him a container full of tea bags. "Two sugars" he said holding up a spoon.
"Yes please" It was strange watching the dark lord do something normal like make tea and she held down the urge to laugh. With a smile on his face he carefully levitated the tea cup towards her. While Hammer was busy drinking tea she noticed Tom eyeing up the plant with a smirk and she realised what he was trying to do. He wanted to steal a flower and that's the reason he was being so nice to Hammer.
"This is excellent tea" Hammer said suddenly getting up "I think you deserve a treat"
"There's no need" he said looking at the plant once more.
"I insist. Do you like chocolate chip cookies Mr Riddle?" Tom's expression suddenly darkened and he momentarily closed his eyes.
"I like them" his voice sounded forced and Hermione wondered why he'd gone all gloomily at the mention of chocolate chip cookies. Maybe being evil meant you lost your taste in sweet things or maybe he disliked chocolate. Hammer turned around and started to rummage in the cupboard. Hermione watched open mouthed as Tom quickly plucked a flower and stuffed it into his brown paper bag. Hammer turned back around holding a jar full of chocolate chip cookies. "I was wondering if you have cherry cookies" he said looking hopeful. "I like them better"
"You're in luck, I have some" She turned around once again and Tom stole another flower. Greedy dark lord, now he had two flowers and she was sure he was going to brew some harmful potions with them. Hammer loaded one half of a plate with chocolate chip cookies and the other half with cherry cookies. "Enjoy" she said handing him the plate. Hammer and Tom started to talk about a Tibetan plant and through out the conversation she noticed Tom slipping the chocolate chip cookies into the bin when Hammer wasn't looking. Why was he doing that? Would it have killed him to eat them? It's not like eating them would make him any less evil so what was the problem?
He spread the cherry cookies out onto the plate and picked one up. She expected him to slip it into the bin and she was momentarily shocked when he took a bite out of the cherry cookie. He quickly ate all the cookies then he kindly asked Hammer if he could have some more and Hermione's eyes widened in disbelief. Unscrewing the jar of cherry cookies he refilled his plate and talking to Hammer he started to hungrily munch on them. She had thought he was forcing himself to eat them for the sake of putting on a show for Hammer but if that was true he wouldn't have refilled his plate. So that meant he hadn't been lying when he said he liked cherry cookies. It was disturbing to know the dark lord liked eating cookies and even more stranger that he preferred cherry cookies. But what did he have against chocolate chip cookies and weren't cherries a bit girly compared to chocolate? Not that she would ever voice her opinion out aloud, the dark lord would probably kill her if she suggested he was being less masculine.
Xavian's question suddenly came to her mind and she found herself wondering about his sexuality. She'd never seen him stare at boys so he couldn't be queer and it was obvious he didn't like girls since he avoided the prettiest girls at Hogwarts. He charmed and talked to people when he needed to get something done but other than that he disliked being around anyone and preferred his own company. After observing him for many weeks she could conclude that he was the most anti-social person in the whole of Hogwarts and he hated human contact, male or female. At first she had thought it was the blood status but then she realised it didn't make a difference as he had reacted the same way to Slughorn's touch and Slughorn was a pureblood. Dumbledore had said Voldemort didn't even treat his death eaters as friends and he just saw them as slaves. According to Dumbledore he hated the emotion of love and saw it as a weakness. In the end the conclusion was simple, he was cold hearted and cruel. He liked being alone and only loved himself. While everyone wondered if Tom was queer or straight she knew he didn't fit into either category and after some thinking she arrived at a strange conclusion. He had to be asexual since he didn't like either sexes but people never thought of that option. It was human nature to desire sexual contact at some stage in their life but the dark lord seemed to be a special case, he didn't like any kind of human contact. She didn't understand how a person could survive without love or friendship but then again the dark lord wasn't a person at all. He was a monster hiding within a human shell and she had to slay it while it was still young so that it wouldn't grow up to devour the world. She continued to watch as he listened to Hammer talk and soon his plate was empty again.
"Thank you for showing me the plant Professor" he said setting the plate down. "I would stay longer but I have essays to write"
"Of you go then" Hammer said getting up and he turned towards the door. "Mr Riddle" she said making him turn back. "Would you like to take some with you?" she said lifting up the jar of cherry cookies.
"I would love to" Tom said smiling at her and she loaded the empty plates with cookies once more. Hermione tiptoed away from the door and quickly walked out the classroom. She hid behind a suit of armour close to the classroom door and shortly afterwards she watched Tom walk by holding a brown paper bag in one hand and a plate of cookies in the other. He had half a smile on his face and it looked like the dark lord was on cloud nine. Hammer suddenly stepped out the classroom and took out her wand.
"Snapdragon" Hammer said locking the door and Hermione realised it was a password. Hammer must have thought she was alone and said it out aloud. It was a good thing she had overheard the password otherwise she would never have gotten her hands on a flower. She waited until Hammer's footsteps faded then she came out her hiding place and pointed her wand at the classroom door.
"Snapdragon" she said unlocking the door. She rushed into the store room and lifted the cloth of the plant. She plucked a yellow flower and wrapping it with fresh parchment she placed it in her bag. She carefully put the cloth back on the plant and hurried outside. She reset the lock on the classroom door and making sure no one was watching she removed the disillusionment charm. She had just obtained a hard to get ingredient for her potion and she walked towards the heads quarters feeling happy.
"Miss Granger" A female voice called out and Hermione froze. Oh Merlin, what if she had been seen when she broke into the classroom? She slowly turned to find herself looking at a middle aged woman dressed in grey and she immediately recognised her as Madam Barnes from the library. "The books you requested arrived today" Madam Barnes said making her relax. "You could collect them now if you like" This was turning out to be a really good day for her. First the quidditch problem had worked itself out then she managed to get a Zulfitack flower and now the books she had really wanted to read were ready for her to take. She went down to the library to collect the books and Madam Barnes placed a pile of large books on the counter.
"Are you sure you can manage?" Madam Barnes said pushing the pile towards her. "You could split the pile up and take one up at a time"
"No its fine" she said picking up the heavy pile. She slightly swayed and carefully balancing the pile she walked out the library.
"Cynthia" a boy ahead of her yelled and as she walked nearer she recognised him as Longbottom. "Hurry up we're going to be late"
"Coming" Bones said appearing. "How long do we have to supervise them for?"
"Till eight" Longbottom said grabbing her by the hand.
"What a waste of time, they shouldn't have first year duelling clubs"
"Cheer up darling" Longbottom said kissing her hand. "At least we get to see them make a fool of themselves" Bones giggled and pulled her hand back. A few more steps later they turned into another corridor and disappeared from her sight. After some time she arrived at the heads quarters.
"Medusa" she said breathlessly and the door clicked unlocked. She pushed the door open with her elbow and stepped into the heads common room. Tom was sitting close to the fireplace in his green armchair and an empty plate was on his lap. He was staring into the flames unblinking and she noticed the brown paper bag sitting on the armrest of his chair. She kicked the door shut and she suddenly lost hold of the pile. The books crashed to the floor and some of them slide close to his armchair. He didn't seem to have heard anything and he continued to stare at the flames. She started to pick up the books and she walked closer to his armchair to pick up the remaining two. She rested the heavy book pile against one of her sides and she leaned down to pick up a book. The last fallen book was the closest to his armchair and she walked nearer. She leaned down once again and she suddenly lost her balance. The book pile toppled over and she reflexively spread her arms to keep herself from falling. She accidentally hit Tom's brown paper bag and it flew of the armrest. To her horror it landed into the fireplace and caught on fire. Tom jumped up making the plate fall and break into pieces. He tried to retrieve the bag but it was too late. A black mass was all that remained and fumes filled the air. Fear saturated Hermione and her heart beat speed up. The flowers he had stolen had been in the bag and she'd just destroyed them.
"You" he shouted pointing his wand and she jumped. He looked absolutely furious and it looked like he was going to kill her. Feeling the situation was too dangerous she decided to forget the rules and draw her wand. Before she could even touch it he summoned it non-verbally and blood drained from her face as she watched him close his hand around her wand. He started to throw dangerous spells at her and she ran trying to dodge them. The missed spells destroyed most of the room's furniture and she let out a scream as one of the spells burnt her hand. "Impedimenta" he shouted pointing at her running figure and the spell forced her to slow down. She screamed as he grabbed her by the hair and smashed her face into the stone wall. Her nose cracked spilling blood on the wall and her chin stung badly. Breathing through her mouth she started to cry and she let out another scream as he did it again. He pulled her back and threw her onto the floor. She tried to crawl away and he kicked her in the side. She fell to the floor with a cry and curled into a ball. He kicked at her legs and moaning in pain she tightly hugged herself.
"Sanguifervanna" he yelled and she let out a high pitched scream as the blood in her veins felt like molten lava. She continued to scream and tears streamed down her face. The pain was terrible and she savagely bit her lips drawing blood. He suddenly lifted the spell and she lay on the floor sobbing. "Ignissa" he hissed and she screamed once again. Her whole body felt like it was on fire and she repeatedly scratched the floor with her nails. He kept the spell trained on her and her throat went sore from screaming. After a long time he lifted the spell and crying loudly she looked up fearfully. She shrank back as she noticed the mad glint in his eyes and there was such anger on his face that it made his handsome features appear demonic. "Sanguiferrvanna" he shouted making her scream and fall to the floor once more. It was unlikely that anyone would come into the heads common room. Bones and Longbottom wouldn't arrive for hours and it didn't look like he was going to stop until he did her some real damage. After some time he lifted the spell and she lay on the floor crying. He grabbed her by the robes and dragged her across the floor. He pulled her into sitting position and the roaring flames of the fireplace met her eyes. "What you threw into the fire was a valuable thing?" he shouted burying his hand in her hair. "It was mine and no one destroys my things and gets away with it" he said in a low hissing voice. "How about I throw you into the fire" he shouted pushing her face closer to the fire place and she let out a frightened scream.
"I didn't mean to do it" she shouted struggling in his grasp and he pushed her face closer. "I didn't mean it" she shouted feeling seriously scared as he pulled her a bit closer. She whimpered and struggled as she felt a blast of boiling heat hit her face. "Please, I didn't mean it" she shouted felling absolutely terrified. He suddenly pulled her back and threw her onto the floor. She sat up and taking in the look on his face she froze. The crazy glint in his eyes had gone even worse and just like this morning she could see his resemblance to Voldemort. She suddenly felt more afraid than ever and slightly starting to shake she hugged herself. She knew there was a lot of anger in him from today's events. First he had been told he had to play quidditch then Xavian had suggested he was queer in front of the whole school, and his attempt to get out of quidditch had failed as well. The flowers and the cookies had lifted his spirits but whatever little joy he had gotten from them wasn't there anymore. She had made it all disappear and now he was going to take all his anger out on her.
What if he decided to shout Avada Kedavra? He knew she was an orphan that no one would miss. At least Myrtle had parents to put pressure on the headmaster and the ministry had carried out an investigation. But they can't have looked that hard if they believed Tom's cock and bull story about Hagrid's Acromantula being the killer. Didn't they realise Myrtle hadn't been bitten or eaten in any way? People just don't get petrified or drop dead from looking at an Acromantula but the ministry obviously didn't care as long as they could announce the case as solved. If he killed her no one would be pressuring the ministry and they would probably believe the first thing Tom said and close the case. She wasn't a great believer in God but she silently sent a prayer for God to keep her alive so she could cleanse the world from Voldemort. If he didn't kill her then she was sure he would use the cruciatus curse and she was dreading it. He had let her off other times but this time he so angry with her that she doubted he would pass up the opportunity. Being crucioed hurt like hell and it made you wish for death. She remembered what if felt like to be crucioed and she didn't want to experience the pain ever again. Waves of fear ran through her as he pointed his wand and she started to shake badly.
"It was an accident" she said tearfully. "I didn't mean to do it" he still had that crazed look on his face and he didn't seem to hear her. "It was an accident, I'm sorry" Was she really expecting the dark lord to show mercy? She was just wasting her time degrading herself like this but she was so scared she couldn't stop herself. "I'm sorry Riddle, it was an accident" she said sounding hysterical and tears flowed from her eyes. "I didn't mean to do it, it was an accident"
"Cruci--" he started.
"I'm sorry Riddle" Hermione shouted with a terrified expression and relief ran through her when he didn't complete the incantation. She saw an unsure expression flicker across his face but it suddenly disappeared and he was looked angry as ever. "Cruci--" he started again and she shut her eyes bracing herself for the curse but she didn't feel anything. Seconds later she fearfully opened her eyes to find him still pointing his wand but he didn't look so dangerous anymore. There was still anger on his face but the mad glints from his eyes were missing.
"I'm sorry Riddle, I'm really sorry" she said shakily in case he changed his mind and after a while all traces of anger banished from his face. "I'm sorry Riddle" she repeated with tears streaming down her face. "I'm so sorry" he suddenly lowered his wand and stared at her blankly.
"Get out of my sight" he suddenly shouted throwing her wand on the floor and she immediately jumped up. "Get out" he shouted throwing skin burning spells towards her and she ducked to avoid the spells. "Get out" she quickly grabbed her wand and bag. She started to run towards her room and he aimed spells at her moving figure. She managed to block them and she cried out as one of the spells hit her already burnt hand. He suddenly threw a large piece of broken furniture at her and she ran inside her room in time. She shut the door and she heard a loud thudding noise as it crashed into her door.
She sank to the floor and leaning against her door she started to cry. Her badly burnt hand was stinging. She muttered the healing charm and the burning stopped but the skin still remained unhealed. She rushed into the bathroom and looking in the mirror she fixed her broken nose. Her lips were torn and bloody. She wiped her mouth with tissue and muttered a spell to stop the blood flow then she stripped. She showered of the blood stains and put on fresh clothes. Her body ached all over and she drank some pain reliving potion. She dropped onto her bed and pressing her face into the pillow she started to cry.
She'd worked so hard to avoid situations like this but what happened earlier hadn't been under her control. Everything had been going so well until she accidentally burnt his flowers, but fate must have given her an extra sprinkling of luck when they pulled her through time. With the amount of anger he had in him, Merlin knew what he would have done if she hadn't gotten him to calm down by apologising. She felt really lucky to be alive and not have any serious injuries but from now on she would have to be extra carefully not to get onto the dark lords bad side, because she had a feeling the next time she did she wouldn't get so lucky again. She felt helpless and weak not fighting him back but she knew it was for the best. The dark lord couldn't know about her real duelling skills and she couldn't disobey him because he would then view her as a threat that he had to eliminate. She had to let him believe he was the one in control and there was nothing threatening him. That way she could easily kill him off and she wouldn't even have to worry about him suspecting her because in his eyes he was the one with absolute power. She hated letting him walk all over her but she was doing it for the mission and the mission was more important than anything.
She wiped away her tears and slid of the bed. She stared into the mirror and her injured lips came into view. She touched it gingerly and it stung. She held up her burnt hand and stared at the brown wrinkled skin. She couldn't heal them like a healer could and it wasn't because she wasn't good at magic spells, it was because she hadn't mastered healing magic properly. Healing magic wasn't taught at Hogwarts and it was a different branch of magic than normal magic. It took some skill to master and that was the reason why any witch or wizard couldn't become a healer by just learning incantations. It took years of training to become a healer and learning healing magic was also a part of auror training. She had started to learn some healing magic spells during the war and she had easily managed to stop blood flow and burning sensations but she hadn't been able to master the complex healing spells. Some of the complex ones she could half manage but she got stuck finishing it off. Before Tonks could teach her any further the final battle suddenly took place and here she was now pulled into the past.
Tom had healed her hand once and it had been a complex spell. She wondered how he had learnt healing magic so perfectly when it wasn't taught at Hogwarts but she wasn't surprised that he knew healing magic. The dark lord was always so knowledgeable and it was obvious he would seek to learn new things to better himself. She felt like going to Madam Whittaker but then she decided against it. Madam Whittaker would ask questions then she would probably make a fuss to keep her overnight and she couldn't afford to lose a night. She needed the time to sort things out and work on the broom cursing potion. She sat back on the bed and pulled her bag on her lap. She thought about her library books and she wondered if Tom had destroyed them or if they would be still lying there in the morning. She hoped they weren't damaged otherwise she would be in deep trouble with the librarian. Now she wished she had taken Madam Barne's advice and not carried the entire book pile but what was done was done. She removed a ball shaped scrunched up parchment from her bag and she unwrapped it to reveal the Zulfitack flower. She was a little closer to her goal and she stared at it feeling joy. She carefully stored it in a jar with a freezing charm and placed it inside her trunk. She took out her dark magic book on object cursing and sat on her bed.
She suddenly wondered why he hadn't crucioed her. He could have easily shouted crucio if he had wanted to but for some reason he hadn't. Why hadn't he? He couldn't have possibly felt sorry for her, could he? That couldn't be it, the dark lord didn't have compassion or mercy so then what had made him stop? Maybe her apologies had ruined his angry mood and put him off. The dark lord put off torturing, that just didn't sound right so what was the reason then? She thought and thought but she didn't come up with anything convincing other than the fact that she'd ruined his super angry mood. She was still alive and as long as she lived she wouldn't rest until she murdered the dark lord.
She removed the book mark and read the potion making section. She made a list of all the ingredients then she narrowed it down to the ingredients she knew Slughorn stored, and ones that she wasn't too sure about. In the end there were only two ingredients that she wasn't sure about and she placed the list in her bag. She searched for other spells in case she couldn't make the potion and she started to make notes of the pros and cons. There wasn't much time until the quidditch match and feeling determined to get rid of the dark lord Hermione read deep into the night.
Thank you for all the reviews everyone. I have read every single one of them and e-cookies to those who liked my story so far.
I passed my Biomedical sciences degree and I'll be attending the graduation ceremony in November. Just didn't get the honours class I wanted but I'm still happy I passed.
I know there are people out there who don't like my story or my characterisation and I'll just say one thing to all my readers. My story is like Marmite, you either love it or you hate it. Remember that TV advert about Marmite where they used to say you either love it or you hate it? Sorry to those of you who have no idea what I'm talking about.
Hope anyone didn't mind that I made Tom love cherry cookies, sorry if that ruined the whole evil image but there is a story behind his preference of cookies and that will be revealed later in the story.
Please leave reviews and tell me what you think of this chapter.
Menschlichkeit – thank you for you lovely review. I loved the way you said my fiction is a manifestation of my ideas but the reason why I get so defensive is not because people are rejecting my story or my ideas. It's because they are actually misunderstanding it and I feel it necessary to explain the truth that they failed to see.
Hermione is strong and she is not unintelligent. It takes courage not to break down after what she's been through. It's also taking her a lot of effort to act weak and submissive with Tom when she's actually not. So far she only screwed up one class and she only differs by 3% to 4% in her marks compared to him. Tom recognises her as intelligent and that is why he has to work extra hard to please the professors and he gets mad when the professors chose her over him.
Hermione does have the skills and intelligence to kill him. Letum Sero was a hard to brew poison and she wouldn't have been able to brew it if she was so dumb.
I apologise for my grammar and spelling mistakes. I will try to write better but please understand I'm not a professional writer and my chapters will never be flawless. Once again, thank you for spending time and writing this review.
Not A Flame – Yes she is emotionally unstable and the war has made her that way. She can't help but cry when she remembers her past or when she feels down. I know she's been called a mublood before but she didn't lose control because Malfoy called her a mudblood. The word mudblood suddenly brought back all the memories of war and that was what made her lose control. There was a whole paragraph in that chapter explaining why the word mudblood had been more than just an insult to her.
Hermione is good at spell casting and Tom was a just a little faster than her. She would have successfully finished the spell if Malfoy hadn't blown it up in her face. Thank you for your review.
Shrikechan – she did stroke the creature in different ways. She stroked it faster, tried it with both hands and she even prodded it with her wand. It needed a really light and slow touch and but she didn't think that would be the same as stroking. She thought Tom was doing that because he disliked touching living things, it just didn't cross her mind that he was doing it to make the creature come out as she believed what it said in the books. Hermione is human and she is allowed to make errors sometimes.
Hermione isn't artistic and when she couldn't think of anything she looked around the room for ideas. Her flowers weren't bad, they just weren't good enough as Tom's. Thank you for your review.
IcyMistWhite – I didn't say I would commit suicide if people didn't like my fanfiction. I said I was feeling suicidal about other things in my life and that negative reviews put me down more. I just wanted people not to send me horrible reviews if they weren't going to explain my faults in a nice way or come up with a valid criticism. Thank you for your review.