Recently Hermione Jean Granger had been…stressed.
Stressed because on October 31st her greatest fears were realised. Harry Potter's name had emerged from the Goblet of Fire. Her heart had nearly stopped. All at once she was confused and angry and upset and angry and she didn't understand how his name had gotten into the Goblet of Fire, how on earth the staff could allow him to compete, or how he was going to come out of it alive. More than that, though, she couldn't fathom what he'd done to deserve this fate.
To make matters worse Ron had decided to make it all about him and had been nothing short of an arse until he saw Harry face the Horntail, which was an immense issue in itself. To think he'd been jealous about Harry having to risk his life. To think he could turn on Harry so easily, assume the worst, and completely neglect to understand how it must feel to have escaped death so frequently, only to be thrust under its cloak once more.
But they had managed. Yes it had taken some bending of the rules. Yes she had stayed up until 2am practicing summoning charms with Harry. Yes there was a moment during the trial when she had thought, deep down, that she had lost her best friend. But they had done it. Harry had done it. And so she could maybe stop being stressed for a bit.
Although this lack of stress left her with more time to think about other things. Things she had been ignoring.
She hadn't gone back yet.
She wasn't sure if she should, now. Not with Harry to worry about. Moody would be there all the way, obviously, and now he had Ron and Sirius to support him too but she knew he would need her help as well. It would be selfish to go back.
Then again, Tom could teach her things. Brilliant things. Tom could make her stronger and smarter and more adept, more useful to Harry. With a sigh she slumped onto the library table, abandoning the essay she'd been working on. It was nearly finished anyway, and it wouldn't do to attempt critical thinking when her mind was so clouded. She just needed more time to think.
"Excuse me," came a voice with a thick Bulgarian accent. "May I join you?"
Hermione looked up and immediately cleared her throat to blurt out a hasty "not at all". Viktor Krum sat beside her, smiling sheepishly as he prepared his words. It was peculiar to see him like that. Whenever she'd seen him around Hogwarts before he had been sure, confident, imposing, wearing a stern and serious look and being trailed by a gaggle of giggling girls. She almost thought he had glanced her way a couple of times but she was certain she'd imagined it. Now here he was, awkwardly settling himself very close to her at an entirely empty table in the library and trading glances between herself and the floor.
"Your name, it is Hermio-ninny, no?"
"Y-yes." She stuttered, somewhat unable to process the fact that Viktor Krum was talking to her. "And you're Viktor Krum, obviously."
He laughed a small shy laugh that didn't seem to fit him. It was so soft and endearing however that it eased the atmosphere. He was just a human like her, and somehow seemed to be just as nervous. "I have seen you around the school. You always have a book with you and always are with Potter and red haired boy."
"That's me." She replied with an awkward half chuckle, inwardly cringing.
"I do not mean to pry but I was wondering if you are with either…"
"Oh, no. Of course not! They're both like brothers to me."
"In that case, Hermio-ninny I wonder if you might like to go to the yule ball with me?"
For the first time in a while Hermione forgot about the mirror.
First there was disappointment. Then there was anger. Now there was simply a faint spell of regret about Tom Riddle. Just when he had devised a way of testing the mirror's limits without risking his own safety she had taken off. If she had just accepted his offer he could see if there was some cap on the time one could come through. He could also give her what she wanted, strengthen his bond with the girl, gain her trust and ensure that the acquisition of his desire went smoothly. Tom had always been one for the charm offensive, and he had been willing to try with the girl. She was just too distrustful for her own good! But he had ceased being angry. It had been almost two months, she wouldn't be coming back, though the mirror remained. It was merely a missed opportunity, not the end of the world, there was still plenty working in his favour. He didn't need Miss. Granger or whatever secrets her world held.
Still. It was a shame. He almost missed-
He heard a crash around the same time he felt a forgotten warmth flood his room. A flurry of curses followed with more crashing and ripping and clashing. It was faint, muffled somewhat and as he turned to inspect the mirror he could see why; the cover on her side had started to slide off, letting through a gradually widening slit of light through until eventually he was faced with a sight more peculiar than the noise.
The room was littered with splinters and pillow stuffing. The large sofa was split in two and chunks of the fireplace lay in crumbs among some of the scattered embers. The bookcase at the back had toppled over and the light fixture overhead had crashed quite spectacularly into the floor. It was utterly devastated and in the middle of it all there was a girl.
There was a girl, in Hermione's seat. She had Hermione's silhouette and Hermione's voice but she couldn't have been Hermione herself; Hermione didn't wear dresses like that, she didn't wear her hair like that, and she certainly didn't cry. But then he hadn't seen her in over a month, so what did he know.
"Hermione?" He asked.
"Oh, hi Tom." She responded, only half turning to him, voice loud and chirpy but…off. She wasn't really crying was she? Her hands kept swatting at her face but she couldn't actually be wiping away tears, could she?
"What happened to your hair?" He asked, casually.
And just like that she whipped round to snarl at him. "What do you mean, what happened? I put it up. And I happen to find it very nice like this." He could see her face now, angry as it was. It was red too- raw. She really had been crying. Didn't excuse her for biting his head off, though.
"What on earth is wrong with you?"
An exasperated groan left her. "Boys! Boys are what's wrong with me."
"And what exactly did the entire male population do to distress you so?"
"They spoke."
"Seems a little harsh to condemn them for speaking, don't you think? I thought you were all about hearing people out anyway."
"Well some people need to keep their thoughts to themselves."
"Finally we agree on something." He murmured sardonically.
To his surprise Hermione actually laughed. A small chuckle that lit up her entire face beautifully. Not beautifully- just better than her puffy, tear-stained face. She rolled her eyes as she sunk back into her chair and drew her knees up to her chest, though she was still smiling, that small reluctant kind of smile that overpowers anger.
"You alright there?" Tom asked, more concerned for his own safety than hers. Was she mental? How could she switch moods so easily?
"Yes, I'm sorry for snapping at you. It's not fair to take it out on you. Just a good night gone wrong is all. Stupid people not saying what they mean and then blaming me for not understanding them. Ridiculous really."
He continued to examine her cautiously. "Was it Harry?"
Her head snapped up, alarmed by his use of the name. "What? How-? No. Ronald, actually. It usually is."
"He sounds like a bit of a prick."
"I wouldn't call…" Tom raised his eyebrow at her and she had to hold back a smile. "He's just a little difficult."
"I know plenty of those types. I call them pricks."
"You're a terrible human being Tom."
"Oh, Granger you have no idea." He smirked. His voice came out a lot huskier than he had intended too. Hermione didn't appear to notice but he made sure to turn the conversation away from anything suggestive very quickly. "But, um, why are you all dressed up? If you don't mind me asking?"
"Oh right. The Yule Ball was this evening. I got asked to go so… Tada! I take it you're unimpressed?"
"On the contrary, you don't look like a hideous tangle of hair with a human attached for once."
She sniggered at his comment. "Well sorry to disappoint but I was hoping to do this." She flicked her wand and her hair began to unwind itself from her updo, falling about her face and shoulders only slightly wavy rather than poofy due to the potion she'd used earlier. "Merlin that is much more comfortable."
Tom whet his lips unconsciously as he watched it fall about her, not quite sure whether his sudden wish to get closer was so that he could tug on her hair or push it back behind her ear. Either way the thought was pushed back before it could take root. He didn't want things like that. It was an intrusive thought. Unnecessary. Unwarranted. Irresistible.
God he needed to distract himself… "So who asked you to the dance?" He asked, starting himself with the utter pointlessness of his inquiry.
"Victor Krum? I don't think there's any chance of you knowing who he is, though he's quite well known here."
"How fascinating."
"You asked!"
"I did, I apologise for being rude."
"Thank you."
"So are you dating him? Is that why Roland was being so 'difficult'?"
"No, Ronald, and in a way. He was upset that this waif he'd been following like a lost puppy wasn't actually interested in him at all, and then thought it would be tactful to ask me to go with him instead. Only he decided to start with 'Hermione, you're a girl, you must need a date…'. I wasn't best pleased with that."
"Understandably."
"But then he just had to make things worse by causing a fuss at the ball. He said I was 'fraternising with the enemy', that I was being used and just generally acted like an arse all because he didn't want to acknowledge the fact that someone might actually want to spend time with me. Sorry, you probably couldn't care less."
"On the contrary- I'm intrigued by how stupid Richard is. I never knew a human could have less than two brain cells but he appears to be an exception. And I'm glad to see you back, no matter what it is you want to talk about."
Hermione smiled despite herself. For once she didn't want to second guess his words. "It's nice to be back."
"If I'm being honest I didn't think I'd see you again."
"Sorry about that. I've been…preoccupied."
"That is quite alright, I imagine that it's given you sufficient time to think over my offer?"
"It has."
"Care to elaborate?"
"I do want you to teach me how to do wandless magic, and wordless magic, and generally help me with my spellwork. I get the impression that you are a very talented wizard."
"I'm sensing a but."
"But I need to know precisely what you want in return."
His response was immediate. He knew what he would give her, he knew what he wanted back. The very topic had consumed him since she left. "I will give you five hours of lessons in higher forms of magic every week, guide your reading, and give you access to some of the rarer texts that I have in my possession so long as you promise to do your utmost to help me find what I desire where you are. This will include getting me around your Hogwarts undetected, helping me research, and, with your hopefully heightened magical abilities, helping to protect me from anyone who might stand in my way."
"Why would anyone want to stand in your way?"
He knew how he would answer that too. "I like rare things, Hermione. That and things other people don't want me to see. So much is hidden in the magical world, so much history overwritten, so many artefacts lost, so many spells untaught. Take this mirror, for example, or wandless magic." He frowned slightly. "People are so afraid of letting anybody learn anything new, or dark, or powerful."
His voice was passionate but quiet as he spoke and Hermione couldn't help but agree. He had never sounded so sincere before and it was beautiful, really. She understood how odd it felt to have magic censored in such a way. It had all seemed so beautiful and pure and welcoming when she had first arrived at Hogwarts, when she had first had confirmation that she was different. But as she grew older, as Voldemort became an increasing threat to her best friend, and as it became harder to tell just who the bad guys were, she had become somewhat disillusioned. It was a wonder, what with the barbarity of the tournament, that she hadn't turned on the magic world entirely.
"I understand that."
Tom looked up at her, a little bemused. He had expected to have to do more persuading. "You do?"
She nodded slowly, a slight grimace on her face. "Yes. Hiding things from people, whether for the greater good or not, is never a good idea really. In the end, whether it be a small hurtful detail, or a piece of forbidden magic, or a darker part of history, hiding things only hurts people more in the long run. So I accept your terms. But I want a wand bond so that you do not double cross me."
"Still not trusting me? Stubborn little witch aren't you? I accept your terms also."
"Thank you, but can we finalise it tomorrow? I've had a very long night, I need to clear up this mess somehow, and I would very much like to get some sleep. So-"
"I can clear it for you. If you'd like?"
Hermione frowned tiredly. Her eyes were sore from crying and pure exhaustion, her limbs felt suddenly much heavier than they should, and Tom's offer sounded so very appealing. But then- no! She wouldn't overthink this. "Yes please. I would like that."
A wide smile appeared on Tom's face as he stood. With a few steps he was on the other side, Hermione suddenly seemed to notice her mistake but he strode confidently up to her and lifted her to her feet before she could refuse. Her complaint died on her lips as Tom span her round. In that one motion his front was pressed lightly against her back and his wand arm was lined up against hers.
"Actually, let's count this as your first lesson shall we? A trial, if you will. The wand movement is simple, just like so." He guided her hand with his own, completing the motion three times. Hermione was very aware of his other hand resting on her shoulder, keeping her posture upright and holding her almost against him. A great warmth seemed to encompass her as he explained the movements and got her to pull out her own wand. She wasn't sure if it was just how close he was or if it was just from having stood up too fast but it felt heady and exciting. The sensation tingled like magic across her skin encouraging her movements, which Tom calmly and politely adjusted when she erred. For some reason it made her feel powerful.
And then his voice was right beside her ear. So close that she could feel his breath fade across her cheek. "Now repeat after me, without the wand, reparo maxima."
She couldn't help smiling to herself as she remembered fixing Harry's glasses when they had first met. "Reparo maxima."
"Very good Hermione. Once more just to be sure."
"Don't patronise me Tom. If I'd known it was this simple I wouldn't have asked for your bloody help."
"Ah, but you didn't know, and that's no way to talk to your professor. Once more please."
"Reparo maxima"
"Perfect. Now with the wand movements we practiced."
Hermione did so and instantly the tatters of the shelves and tables and sofa picked themselves up and pieced themselves back together. Tom still held her arm aloft and she felt a strange strength from the point he was touching. It felt incredible. She had never manipulated so many objects at once before and yet there they were, darting back into place at her will, smoothing over the traces of her anger, reminding her how brilliant magic was.
Tom's voice gently drew her from wonderment. "Impressive. You hardly needed any help at all. You might not be the worst person in the world to teach magic to."
Without thinking she turned to smile at him, still revelling in the success of the new spell, and found her face far too close to his own. Her eyes widened as she took in just how close he was. He raised an amused eyebrow at her expression. In that moment she wasn't sure whether she wanted to die or lean in to him more because obviously he was gorgeous and Circe he smelled so good but he was also insufferable and pretentious and what she wouldn't give to feel those lips- No. No, no, no. That wasn't right. She stepped hastily away from him, clearing her throat and uttering a polite thank you before gently ushering him back to his own side. He obliged without fuss but Hermione could have punched him just for the smug little face he was pulling. He was such an arse.
"Oh, Hermione." He added just as she was about to cover up her half of the doorway. "You will come back tomorrow won't you? I'll be very disappointed if you don't."
He still looked far too pleased with himself for her liking. Far too pleased. In return she presented him with her most charming smile, leaning in nice and close to the mirror before letting out a cheery "We'll see" and shutting him out. She just had time to catch the look of displeasure that crossed his face. What a sight.
A/N: Finally they agree on something, eh? And finally we get a brief moment of sexual tension! I hope you enjoyed this instalment, thank you to everyone who has favourited, followed or reviewed, your comments and support give me life, honestly!
For those of you wondering about the limitations of the mirror; Tom can come through as he pleases so long as Hermione has taken off the covering, in that respect she has to be in the Room of Requirement for it to work and that's why Tom hasn't just barged through while she isn't there. Also he is scared of getting trapped on the other side, even if it means getting what he wants, so he kind of wants to use Hermione as a guinea pig. I hope that clears up any discrepancies!
