Dying is a Delicate Moment Chapter 19: TALES FROM THE LOOP, a harry potter fanfic

"Dying is a Delicate Moment"

A fanfic by Agara

"Kill me. Kill me if you ever loved me."

And he kills her.

CHAPTER NINETEEN : TALES FROM THE LOOP

Song : Tales from the loop

TW : Sexual Assault

24.12.1943 :

The music could be heard from where Hermione had just flooed in. The corridor was almost golden from the light of a thousand candles and the soft sound of her heels resonated in the hallway. She could feel the soft satin of her red dress against her bare legs. She looked good and she knew it. Her hair was tamed into a ballerina bun, not a hair out of place. She had chosen the perfect red lipstick to match her dress. No, Hermione didn't just look good on this night, she was absolutely ravishing.

When she turned right, at the end of the corridor, she saw the lads gathered a few meters away. Tom, in an impeccable dark suit, was vehemently talking to them, using his hands a lot. The sound of her heels made Isodor's head snap towards her and a grin bloomed on his face. He quickly elbowed Edgard, just beside him, and the boy turned around. One by one, the lads looked at her, completely losing interest in what Tom was saying. The latter, in the middle of a sentence, finally noticed her. He didn't finish what he was saying, he simply stared. Hermione wondered for half a second if she had finally managed to render him speechless. She stopped in her tracks, a few feet away from the group, and held Tom's gaze.

"Gentlemen," he said to the lads, "I must leave you. My date just arrived."

He left the boys and walked towards her. His black tuxedo was perfectly fitted for his silhouette, the bow impeccably tied around his neck and contrasting with the pristine white of his shirt. As he arrived at her level, Hermione could notice the faint smell of Tom's perfume. His eyes had not left hers since he first saw her.

Hermione felt shy under his gaze. His smirk grew on his lips as he stood straight in front of her. He offered her an arm she willingly accepted. Arm in arm, they moved towards the large stairs leading to the atrium. They took in the sight for a second, the large atrium, packed with hundreds of influential people. All dressed in sublime dresses and tuxedos, talking and laughing over a flute of champagne.

Tom silently leaned towards her and let his mouth ghost over her ear. "Shall we ?" With a simple nod from her, Tom led her downstairs. They wandered towards the bar where Tom asked for two glasses of champagne. He handed it to her and they clinked their flutes, both smiling.

Hermione looked around and couldn't help but enjoy the moment. She had never seen the Ministry of Magic this way. The majestic fountain was taking the center stage, the water looking gold and otherworldly. The ministry officers were all wearing a small pin on their tuxedo vest, a glass of bourbon, or champagne in one hand and their wives on the other.

They didn't get the time to take a second sip of their drink that they were already greeted by several couples. They didn't know them particularly, they had only seen them briefly last year during Slughorn's Christmas party. Tom had this charming smile on his face. The one Hermione knew to seduce everyone. He was playing the role perfectly : the bright Slytherin prefect. Hermione received some charming compliments from the couple before the two left to mingle. She heard Tom softly exhale. "It's only the beginning, Tom." She told him. "Don't get tired already."

"As if." He smirked.

She then rose her eyes and took a good look at the place. The last time she had stepped foot in the ministry was the night she arrived in May, polyjuiced in Bellatrix Lestrange. It felt weird being here tonight. She never had the opportunity to take in the sight of this magnificent place. She looked at the hundred offices above her. From the small ones on the right to the largest, she had ever seen so far, overhanging the atrium. It looked gigantic from below.

The large bay window allowed anyone to catch a glimpse of a large wooden desk and the large bookshelves on the walls. Her eyes then fell on the large clock on the left, silently telling the time. It was not the same gold as the water of the fountain but not far. It could be seen from anywhere in the room. Finally, she noticed the lads at the back of the room. Tom followed her gaze. He took her by the waist and they walked towards the boys. However, just before joining them, Hermione stopped. "I'll be back in five." She murmured before leaving him.

From afar, she saw the ladies' room and hurried to get inside. Luckily, the room seemed empty. Hermione approached the sinks and put both of her palms on the white marble. She rose her head and looked at her reflection in the mirror. She first looked at her lips, still bright red. Then her gaze reached her cat-eyes. She looked at them for a good thirty seconds before deciding it was time. She slowly exhaled and closed her eyes. Her right hand turned into a fist, and she knocked twice on the marble.

24.12.1943 :

"I'll be back in five." Tom felt the soft air caressing his ear as she spoke. His eyes followed her leaving the room, followed the way her dress perfectly emphasised her gentle curves. Grace looked good tonight and Tom couldn't deny that.

"Stop staring, Tom." Thorus said. Riddle quickly turned his head to face the lads, the seven of them looking directly at him.

"I am looking around the room, Nott." Tom replied almost defensively. "And even if I did stare, at least I can." He added. The other boy flattered at the comment. The lads all shared a knowing glance and Malfoy decided on changing the subject to defuse the tension.

"Have you seen your father yet, Avery ?" He asked. Isodor simply jutted his chin up towards the large office overhanging the atrium. "He's in his office with Rookwood." He then commented. "His former office, I mean."

A waiter walked past Tom, a tray full of drinks and programs. Tom stopped him by the arm, switched his empty flute by a full one and took one of the pamphlets. He opened it and read out loud tonight's program.

"The speech is at 9:30PM." He told the lads.

"This is bullshit." Dolohov spat. "If we were in charge, Oswald would not be doing this fucking speech tonight."

"Don't even start Antonin." Tom growled. "Oswald being promoted to Minister of International Magical Cooperation tonight does not mean we cannot do anything about him later."

"Wait," Edgard said, "Has Grace told you something ?"

Tom didn't answer. He didn't know what Grace's plan was. She had been quite clear during the last meeting that she would take care of him alone. Tom couldn't really argue with her as he was the one to order her to do so. Moreover, it wasn't like she couldn't be trusted with this kind of mission. She had shown him in the past she was smart enough to succeed in making whatever plan work. His lack of answer gave away to the lads the fact that Grace had told him nothing.

He lowered his eyes towards the pamphlet once again. He had been quite surprised to see that Tuft wanted to introduce the newest member of her government on this public night. It was not usual to do so. Tom briefly wondered if she had thought this through. In an hour and a half, she would let everyone know whom she had chosen to take Avery's Senior job and wouldn't be able to back down in the future.

Once Oswald out of the picture - because he knew he would be eventually - Tuft would not have any other solution but to take someone people knew and respected : Samson Avery.

"My boys !" The loud voice of Slughorn reached their ears. The eight Slytherin looked at the large professor zigzagging through the crowd to join them. "Marvelous ! Seeing all of you tonight." He took a sip of his firewhiskey and looked at each lad individually. "Don't you all look good ?" He chuckled.

"This party does not even come close to your usual Christmas party, sir." Tom praised the potion master. Tom knew the only way to stay in Slughorn's good grace was either by being brilliant at potions or showering him in compliment. Tom did both.

"Thank you, Tom but we both know this is a lie." Slughorn laughed. "By the way, I've received your present. Thank you very much, Tom. I always enjoy a good box of crystallized pineapple."

Tom nodded to his professor and noticed the lads getting quite bored by the conversation. Slughorn appeared to have noticed too.

"Milton, I've seen your brother somewhere." Horace said. "Are you planning on following in his footsteps ?"

Milton suddenly became embarrassed. His cheeks turned slightly redder as did his ears. Tom turned towards Mulciber, waiting for him to answer.

"Well-uh," Milton said, "I could always try." He was so pathetic at this moment and if Tom hadn't known better, he would almost feel bad. Slughorn cleared his throat, obviously embarrassed of having brought up what appeared to be a sensitive subject.

"Where are your dates ?" He hastened to change the topic. "You should never leave a woman unattended."

"Well said, professor." Grace appeared by Slughorn's side. The latter spun around to take a good look at her. "My, my, my Grace. You look magnificent tonight. Who's the lucky man ?"

The smirk grew naturally on Tom's face as he took a step forward "It appears to be me, professor."

Slughorn looked at the two and smiled as if satisfied with the pairing. "I've always sensed something between you two. Once again, my sixth sense never fails me."

Isodor didn't contain his loud snicker at the remark and Tom saw Grace's lips purse into a thin line to retort something back. Tom didn't want her to contradict the potion master so he simply cut her off. "Thank you, sir."

Grace looked at him, silently asking what he was doing and Tom just sent her a small smirk. Slughorn put his empty drink on a tray passing by and smiled as he saw Atticus Aldritch coming their way alongside Stilton Oswald. The DADA teacher nodded to everyone whereas Oswald shook everyone's hand before gently taking Grace's in his and dropping a small kiss in the center. "You've outdone yourself tonight Grace," he told her in a suave voice, "you're scandalously gorgeous."

Tom was looking at Grace during those few seconds, to see if her cheeks flushed from the praise, to see if she was enjoying being complimented by the good looking man. Yet, she was just blankly staring at him, a polite smile on her red lips. She quickly withdrew her hand and put it behind her back.

"Good to see you, Horace." Atticus gently clapped Slughorn back as he spoke. "It's nice to see all of you here tonight." He then talked to the students before looking at the flutes of champagnes in their hands. He lightly snickered. "I can see the Ministry has changed its policy regarding underage drinking." He winked at them. Atticus didn't get the time to talk further than a man dressed in his formal Auror outfit called out for him. Tom looked at the auror and recognized him. He had seen him before, back in January during Grindelwald's attack. Iru Mator, was it ?

"Are you nervous, Mister Oswald ?" Edgard Lestrange bluntly asked. Stilton only stiffed for half a second before letting out a small laugh.

"Why should I be nervous ?" He rhetorically asked with arrogance. "I've worked hard all my life for this, there is nothing to be nervous about. It's time this ministry has some competent white-collar workers." Tom saw, from the corner of his eyes, Isodor silently fuming. Slughorn slightly choked on his drinks. Oswald had just looked down on each of the lads' fathers in only one sentence. Tom was almost impressed by the boldness.

"You seem quite self-assured regarding your proficiency, Mister Oswald." Grace intervened. Oswald's eyes almost glowed at Grace's words, slowly squinting. He drank his champagne and smirked at the girl. "I guess you'll have to wait and see, then." He told her. "And, for the last time Grace, just call me Stilton."

24.12.1943 :

"... just call me Stilton." His eyes have not left her figure since the beginning of the conversation. Hermione wondered if the others could also sense the tension between the two. Hermione's hand was still behind her back, gently rubbing against the satin of her dress to get rid of any trace Oswald's kiss may have left behind. On her left, Tom was silently inspecting everyone in the circle. He looked at the lads, and the awkwardness was almost palpable among them.

Then his gaze fell on Oswald, and Tom had this weird look on his face.

"Stilton, I'd love to have you over for tea sometimes." Slughorn said. "I've seen you a couple of times back at the castle while you're visiting Atticus. Of course, only if you have the time. I know you'll have much more responsibility from now on."

"It'd be my pleasure Horace." Oswald finally broke eye contact with Hermione to look at his interlocutor.

Someone in the crowd called for Oswald. He excused himself then left to join another group.

The lads silently looked at Slughorn, wondering if he was, too, about to leave. Which, eventually he did.

"Well, my date is ogling at me." Edmund sighed. "She's so dull." He waved his hand at a blond girl at the back and put on the fakest smile Hermione had ever seen.

"Why did you come with her, then ?" Hermione asked.

"Oh Grace, we don't all have the liberty to choose our date." He laughed. "Well, my friends, I must leave you." Thereupon, Rosier dragged himself to where his date was waiting for him, near the fountain.

"So do I." Thorus explained. "I-uh-I need to see my father quickly."

The lads all looked at Thorus, quite suspiciously, as they lost sight of him in the crowd. No one talked about the obvious lie that blurted out of Nott's mouth. Everyone just dispersed, Edgard and Milton going towards the bar to grab something to eat, Isodor and Antonin joined their dates.

The three left, Abraxas, Tom, and Hermione simply kept sipping their drink.

"This party already sucks." Abraxas complained. "If my father had been elected, it would have been way better."

Hermione rolled her eyes and slightly cocked her head to the side.

"The party has barely even begun Malfoy." She said. The blond didn't bother replying to her little comment, he just stopped a waiter and popped a foie-gras toast in his mouth. Hermione looked around to check if any of the waiters were carrying water. It seemed as if not.

"I'm really thirsty," She said, "I'm going to check the bar if there's any water."

"I'll come with you." Tom directly told her. Hermione quickly looked at Abraxas, wondering if he was about to follow them. He seemed like he was. She turned around and walked through the crowd to reach the bar. She asked for a glass of water when Abraxas took another flute of champagne. Hermione chugged down her glass and put it back on the bar. When she looked back to the two, they both had an eyebrow cocked.

"What ?" She asked them. "I was thirsty."

Abraxas just shrugged and turned his upper body towards Tom. They began talking about the latest Quidditch game. Hermione furtively eyed Tom. She had never known him to be interested in this sport but it looked like he knew what he was talking about. Hermione, undoubtedly uninterested in this conversation, let her eyes wander around the room. It appeared as if most of the lads had joined their dates. She recognized some of the girls from Hogwarts.

She then spotted Oswald, engaged in conversation with Gemma Montague. Unlike Hermione, Gemma didn't seem uneasy. She was gently touching his arm as he talked close to her ear. Suddenly her charming laugh reached Hermione's ears. Oswald looked smug at the way she so openly laughed at his jokes. His eyes were dark and slightly squinted, like an animal looking at his prey. Hermione took a flute of champagne from behind her, without taking her eyes away from the two.

"Miss Hortense." A deep voice called her. Hermione started at the sound and turned to the left. Dippet was standing only a few feet away, with Dumbledore and someone Hermione didn't know. "I apologize, I didn't mean to startle you." The Headmaster chuckled. Hermione smiled back and explained she only was lost in her thoughts. A few feet away, Tom and Abraxas stopped their conversation and joined them.

"Gideon," Dumbledore called out to the third man, "let me introduce you to three of our Slytherin students, Abraxas Malfoy, Tom Riddle, and Grace Hortense."

The man, Gideon, shook their hand. "Gideon Barboter"

Abraxas, apparently already acquainted with him, quickly began a conversation about a common friend.

"Do you know where your father is by the way ?" Gideon asked Abraxas. "I'd like to congratulate him on his newest acquisition."

"I haven't seen him." Abraxas stiffly replied.

Tom slightly leaned towards Hermione to whisper. "He is one of Gringotts' biggest investors." She turned her head towards him and saw the usual smirk on his face, apparently aware he knew something she didn't for once. One thing Hermione didn't mind acknowledging, was that she actually was impressed by Tom's knowledge of everything and everyone. She knew that Tom had not given her this information in vain.

"Mister Barboter," she used a sweet voice while addressing the older man, "your work within Gringotts has me quite impressed."

"Oh thank you, Miss Hortense, was it ?" She smiled as a yes. "Hortense ? Where have I heard this name before ?" Gideon had turned towards Dippet, the latter was obviously uncomfortable with the question. Hermione felt no one would answer this question if not her.

"I was at BeauxBatons, sir."

"Oh," Barboter didn't seem embarrassed by his question or anything, "I have read articles about you Miss Hortense. Let me tell you, your courage almost overrides your beauty."

Hermione smiled at the compliment. Unlike Oswald's, Gideon Barboter's compliment was without ulterior motive. It was just genuine and it boosted Hermione's ego.

"Courage often comes naturally in these kinds of situations." Hermione replied.

"I do believe you, Miss Hortense. I've been told about students fighting against Grindelwald during his attack in January." Gideon looked quite impressed. "Of course, this would have never happened if there had been a competent Minister back then."

Hermione knew this topic was coming. After all, they were at a party organised by the Ministry, full of people in close connection to politics. However, she would have not expected that from a financier. Armando Dippet, on Mr. Barboter's right, had taken a sudden interest in the conversation. Was he thinking the same ? Did the Headmaster also think this attack could have been avoided if a stable government had been in place at the time ? Or was he, as Hermione was, aware that nothing could have prevented it ?

"For that matter," Gideon kept saying, "the only thing Grindelwald has done since Tuft has been elected is sending this pitiful letter in the Daily Prophet."

"Maybe the letter was pitiful, but at least we got to know something about what the government is doing." Abraxas said. He had straightened his back and raised his pointy chin. "Most of the time, we are being left in the dark."

"Like father, like son." Gideon had a hearty laugh. "You still have time to get into politics, Abraxas, you should enjoy your youth instead of getting into those topics. Once you're in, it's quite hard getting out."

Hermione looked at Abraxas and saw the way his jaw tensed and his grip tightened on his flute. "You're completely right." He plainly lied. The lie only detectable by Tom and Hermione. "You'll have to excuse me, I have some people I need to greet. Enjoy your night." Abraxas slightly bowed and left.

Dumbledore had been rather quiet since the beginning of the conversation. Hermione knew first hand he couldn't talk about Grindelwald in front of her. Her eyes flickered to Dumbledore and witnessed him already looking at her. They had not talked, only the two of them, since their altercation in November. Hermione imagined Nicolas Flamel had already told him about the philosopher's stone. She couldn't help but feel smugness while looking at him. He, who thought to be smarter than anyone, had just been left in the dark by one of his closest friends.

Hermione had spaced out for a second while thinking about Nicolas Flamel, Dippet's deep voice brought her to reality. They had apparently changed the subject and were talking about the wizarding currency inflation, a conversation Hermione had no interest in. Above Dippet's shoulders she could see Cole and Pollux waving at her. She hid her smile, excused herself, and left to join her friends.

She took a glass of champagne on the way. Pollux was leaning against the bar, a glass of firewhiskey in hands, his legs crossed at the ankles. Cole, on the other hand, was just looking at her, his mouth slightly open and his eyes glowing. Hermione shyly lowered her head to hide her smile.

Apparently, the two seventh-year were already in the middle of a conversation when Hermione arrived. Pollux had kept talking whereas Cole had completely spaced out, still looking at her.

"You're beautiful." Cole adorably flushed. "You-" But was cut off by Pollux flirtily whistling at Hermione's sight. Hermione rolled her eyes and let out a small laugh before turning back to face Cole. "Thank you. You're quite handsome yourself."

"Thank you." Pollux replied. Hermione gently pushed him with her free hand.

"How long have you been there ?" Hermione asked.

"I arrived around 7:30," Cole said, "and Mister Parkinson over here only fifteen minutes ago."

At the sentence, Pollux slouched down further on his legs, obviously already bored by the party. "It's only been fifteen minutes ?" Pollux sighed. "It's going to be a long night my friend. Only eight-thirty and already bored as fuck."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh at the desperate tone her friend just used. Cole shoved Pollux in the ribs which led the Parkinson heir to spill almost the entirety of his glass on the ground. Hermione snickered.

On their left, among some couples chatting, were Cassandre and who Hermione assumed to be Eugenia Rowle, walking. The youngest Parkinson was a few feet ahead of his date. Hermione looked back at Pollux and saw him chug down the rest of his drink. An uncomfortable silence settled between the three friends.

"He doesn't make any effort." Pollux mumbled. Hermione and Cole shared a knowing look.

"Let's not think about that tonight." Cole said.

"Do you know what he's reproaching me for ?" Pollux kept going, discarding Cole entirely. " For never saying no to our father. And do you know what he's done since we came back home yesterday ? Absolutely nothing. He's not even said anything to father about tha-."

"Pollux," Hermione gently put her hand on his arm. "Let's try to enjoy tonight, shall we ?" Pollux turned his head to look at her, exhaled, and agreed.

"Oh Grace," Cole quickly changed the subject. "A little bit earlier, some old guy went by Mulciber, Milton not Denniston, and thought he was a waiter."

"Oh yes," Pollux laughed, "Milton almost grabbed a tray."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh a little. Those kinds of situations only happened to Milton. Suddenly, someone bumped into her from behind, making her stumble forward. Cole hastily steadied her with his arm. The moment could have been seen as quite intimate from an external point of view. Cole's hand on her lower back, Hermione still laughing at the Milton story. She slowly took a step back and felt Cole's hand leaving her back. Pollux was hiding his smile in his drink while looking at Cole. When he caught Hermione looking, he quickly cleared his throat.

"Have you already lost your date, kiddo ?"

"I'm trying to." She joked.

In front of her, Cole's eyes focused on something behind her.

"You're shit at it then." Cole murmured in a stern voice.

Someone cleared his throat behind her. "Evening gentlemen." Tom appeared at her side. Tom's eyes were stuck on Cole, the latter holding the gaze. "Sorry to interrupt. I was only looking for my date." Pollux looked at her, amused by Tom's pettiness.

"Well," Cole said, "Your date promised me a dance."

Hermione frowned, not remembering promising anything to Cole. She knew better than to contradict her friend, so she simply let Cole drag her to the dancefloor, feeling Tom's eyes on her back.

Cole put one hand on her waist and the other in Hermione's waiting hand.

"What was that ?" She asked him.

Hermione felt at ease in Cole's arms. After their little altercation earlier in the month, she had found it hard not to be close to him. She had gone to the common room one night and had found him in front of the chimney, silently reading a book. She had approached him, sat by his side, and dropped her head against his shoulder. It was this simple with him.

"Nothing." He lied.

"It wasn't nothing."

"We're supposed to be dancing Grace, stop with the chatter." He teased her. Hermione only laughed and followed his steps. A quartet was playing at the back of the room. The sound of classical music was loud enough for people to dance to it, but not too much that others couldn't talk. In the way Cole's was dancing, Hermione knew he had done it before. He naturally guided her in the dance, in perfect sync with the rhythm.

"Are you enjoying the night ?" Cole murmured in her ear.

"Am I allowed to speak now ?" She joked. Cole only chuckled.

"As if you needed my permission."

Without any warning, Cole made her spin and she laughed.

"So Pollux is your date ?" She playfully said. "Were all the pretty girls already taken ?"

Cole softly looked at her. "Only the one who matters."

Hermione laid her head against his chest while softly spinning around. She heard his heart slowly beating against her ear.

"It does bother me you came with him tonight." He whispered.

Hermione didn't know what to answer to that. She had known for a while that something had changed in their relationship. So, she simply let his heartbeat soothe her. From where her head was laying, she could see Pollux talking to Tom near the bar. Tom had the face he used when manipulating people. Hermione didn't trust him with Pollux.

"I was planning on asking you to come with me tonight." Cole said. She lifted her head and her eyes flickered back to his. Cole's honesty was surprising her. She liked it.

"Why didn't you ?" She asked in a small voice.

"Because of the way you look at him."

Cole just caught her by surprise. She almost froze in his arms. She wanted to tell him that she was only looking at Tom because she knew what he was up to. Because someone had to watch him. The only way Hermione was looking at him was in a mistrusted one. Cole was looking straight into her eyes, seeing the pure confusion in them.

If Cole had spoken up at this moment, he would have told her that she was not even aware of this. But he kept quiet, he simply enjoyed the fact she was in his arms. Then, he rose his eyes and they settled on something behind her back.

"Always on time." Cole whispered. Hermione was about to ask him what he was talking about when Tom's voice reached her ears. "Mind if I take over ?"

Hermione wanted to tell Cole to stay, wanted to tell him that she enjoyed her night because they were dancing. But Cole simply dropped her hand, nodded to Tom, and left. The prefect took her hand and slid his others on her back, bringing her closer. He had this smugness printed all over his face and it infuriated Hermione. If she could have sent daggers at Tom at this moment, she would have.

"What ?" He asked, a boyish grin plastered on his face. "Am I not allowed to dance with my date ?"

"It's not a date Tom," she hissed, "it's an arrangement. Do I need to remind you we only had one invite for both of us ?"

"Does not change the fact you are my date for the night, Grace."

Hermione was quite surprised by the fact that he could actually dance. He was not as graceful as Cole, but he still managed to dance quite well. Hermione was about to snap back and by the scowl on her face, Tom anticipated.

"You should enjoy yourself, Grace." He said. "Look around you. Two orphans, dancing at the party of the year, surrounded by the elite of the nation." He stopped for a second to build the suspense and brought his lips at the shell of her right ear. "We are playing with everyone at this party, and they have no idea."

Hermione squinted her eyes and saw the genuineness in Tom's. She averted her gaze, kept quiet and they began dancing. Red and Black elegantly spinning among the other couples. Red and Black contrasting with the whiteness of the tiles beneath their feet.

She forced herself not to look at him so she looked around. She forced herself not to look at him. She knew that if she wasn't, they would be staring at each other because she didn't want Cole to be right. She was already feeling his gaze on her. She spotted Cole and Pollux chatting over a drink. She slightly stood on her tiptoes for her mouth to settle next to his ear.

"Pollux is off-limit, Tom. You will not include him in any of your plans. You will not even think about using him for anything."

Tom kept quiet and they returned to dancing. Only for a minute though. Because it was now Tom's time to lean to reach her ear. "Or what ?"

24.12.1943 :

She had left him, in the middle of the dancefloor. Tom had simply watched her dress disappear in the mass of tuxedos. A smirk slowly grew on his lips.

Tom spun around and walked towards the nearest bar, he asked for another glass of champagne and looked around him. The large clock displayed 8:47PM. He enjoyed this moment of loneliness. He noticed that every time something red appeared in his field of vision, his eyes were automatically looking for her like he was drawn to her.

He caught sight of her, on the other side of the room, not far from where they were dancing a couple of minutes before. The red of her gown turned the world pale and insignificant in comparison. She was dancing with Stilton Oswald. Tom wondered how she had ended up dancing with him. She didn't feel at ease, she was not smiling, her hand on his shoulder was tense. Tom's eyes fell on where Oswald had put his on her lower back. It was slightly too south.

"I don't trust him." Someone said not far from him. Tom discreetly looked and saw Iru Mator in the middle of a conversation with some ministry officials. "Look at him," Iru kept talking, "the way he's groping at this young girl. She doesn't look at ease. This is sick."

The lady looked at the couple dancing and couldn't help but agree.

"Avery was doing a fine job." The Auror said. "I don't understand."

Tom liked this new information. Iru Mator, Head Auror, was apparently on Avery's side. Tom had never thought Iru Mator as someone that could be useful, and he briefly wondered why. The man was highly ranked in the hierarchy.

Thorus was coming his way, a glass of wine in one hand and the other one inside his trouser's pocket. "Have you seen Grace ?" He asked, almost frantically.

"What is up with you ?" Tom pried.

"Nothing." Thorus was looking all around. "I just need to talk to her."

"She is dancing with Oswald."

Tom showed the dancefloor to Thorus with his right hand and noticed she no longer was there. He briefly looked around but couldn't spot her anywhere. He heard Thorus sigh beside him before leaving. Tom, alone once again, ate some of the amuse-bouche lying in perfect order on the bar. On the other side of it, was Slughorn talking to Virginia Tuft, née Alvis, recently married to the Prime Minister's son, Alaric. Tom had heard so much about her, mostly accompanied by slurs from the lads. She was a mudblood after all.

Slughorn's eyes caught him and without a second of hesitation, signaled for Tom to join them. He arrived at their sides and was properly introduced to Virginia. The conversation turned out to be much more interesting than he originally thought. Seemingly, Virginia Tuft had obtained a high position in the first producer of brooms in England. She longly explained the crisis this sector was currently facing.

"Tom ?" Milton slightly clapped Tom's shoulder. The latter turned around to look at him.

"What do you want Milton ?" He hardly whispered. "I am quite busy."

"Denniston is here."

Tom closed his eyes and sighed. "Excuse-me," he addressed to Slughorn and Tuft, "it was a pleasure talking with you Mrs Tuft."

"Lead the way." He ordered Milton once they were already a few feet away from the others. Denniston was talking with some Ministry officials near the large fountain. Milton stiffly approached his older brother. When the latter saw Milton, he excused himself to the civil servants and approached them.

"Denniston, remember Tom ?" Milton spoke up.

"Of course." Denniston extended his hand for Tom to shake. Riddle complied. "Milton told me you're interested in working in my department after Hogwarts."

"Indeed." Tom lied. "The Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures had always interested me." Tom leaned towards him and loudly whispered. "Also, to be completely honest with you Denniston, I do not believe McNair to be the right fit for this department. Don't you think ?"

Milton, on his left, had the smallest smile on his lips. Tom had picked up the right subject to have Denniston talking. The oldest Mulciber began the longest monologue Tom had ever heard. Tom didn't need to listen carefully to what he was saying, if anything important was to be said, Milton would tell him. His mind wondered once again towards the colour red. He scanned the room, absently looking for her. He found her, vehemently talking to Dolohov in a secluded area, near a large door from where the waiters were coming.

"I am really sorry, Denniston," Tom said, "I must leave you, my date is calling me." Without waiting for an answer, Tom headed towards where the two were. All of a sudden, Dolohov shoved Grace against the nearest wall. Tom sped up at the sight. Arriving at their level, he pushed Dolohov away from her. He grabbed him by the collar and they both stumbled through the door. Grace had followed them.

"The fuck, Dolohov ?" Tom spat. "Have I not been clear before the party about this kind of behaviour ?"

"She was threatening me." Dolohov answered. "What would you have done ?"

"I do not give a fuck what she was doing. You do not make a scene during a Ministry party." Tom, his hand still on Dolohov's collar, turned towards Grace. "Go back to the party." He told her. She was about to talk back but finally decided on leaving the two of them. Once the door closed behind her, Tom pushed Dolohov further against the wall.

"What the fuck is wrong with you ?" Antonin hissed.

"Wrong with me ?" Tom repeated. "You were about to cause a massive scene during one of the most important parties of the year."

"Is that what's really bothering you ? Or is it the fact that your precious Grace was involved ?"

Tom withdrew his wand from his holster and put it beneath Antonin's chin. "Remember who you are talking to, Dolohov."

"You've told me you were manipulating her. Who's manipulating who now ? Still you or her ?"

"Do you really think I would let her manipulate me ?" Tom snapped. "I am in full control of the situation." He violently let go of his fellow Slytherin. "Fuck off." He ordered. Antonin looked at Tom, his brows furrowed for a minute before leaving through the door.

Tom had not moved since Antonin had left him alone. His grip on his wand had turned his knuckles white. He could have thought about millions of things at this moment, yet the only thing on his mind was red satin.

There was a reason why she was the only thing he was thinking about. This party was of utmost importance and he knew she was the only one as much as concerned with the politics as he was. Grace was the only one who perfectly understood the involvement this party required.

This was the only reason why. Right ?

With a loud growl, he punched the wall.

24.12.1943 :

She was upset with this entire Dolohov situation. He had the talent of getting on her nerves all the time. She had hesitated between staying with the two of them or doing what Tom asked her. In the end, leaving had been the wise choice she told herself. She ordered another glass of water at the bar and took a small verine with smoked salmon. From the corner of her eyes, she saw Thorus coming her way.

"Grace," He said in a tight voice, "may I have a word with you, please ?"

"Not now." She almost barked.

"It's not what you think. I can explain everything."

She faced him. "I've asked you one thing Thorus. We're clear."

She didn't let him the time to say something else that she was already gone. She stood by the fountain and finished her water in one go. As she put the glass on a tray passing near her, she looked at the clock : 9:18PM. She was feeling exhausted like she had been doing this for hours and hours. Tom was slowly walking towards her, his left hand tightening and flexing.

He had just come to stand next to her when someone bumped into her back. Pollux, with a glass in hands and a grin on his face.

"Oh sorry." He said before noticing it was her. He frowned and looked back between the back of the room and Hermione. "H-how ?" He asked. "Am I this drunk ?"

Hermione's head turned towards where Pollux was looking, her heartbeat slightly quickening in her chest. As she saw nothing alarming, she turned back towards her friends. "You should go to drink some water Pollux." She gently told him. His brows were still furrowed in confusion and went away towards the bar.

"What was that about ?" Tom asked her, obviously in reference to what had happened with Dolohov.

"Nothing of your concern."

"No, you do not get to do things on your own."

"Oh really ?"

Hermione crossed her arms upon her chest and jutted up her chin.

"What I have said to Dolohov concerns you, too. You will not make a scene, you will smile and politely talk to everyone you need to." Tom had just used a cold stern voice. Hermione noticed the big difference from the way he had talked to her while dancing. His gaze was different too. His eyes, usually as dark as night, were slightly brighter.

She didn't want to contradict him because she perfectly knew where it would lead to. She only sighed and went to leave but he grabbed her wrist to prevent her from doing so.

"Where are you going ?" He asked, then saw Cole and Pollux from afar. "Going to join them ?"

"Yes", she spun around, "yes, I'm gonna do that. I'm going to spend time with my friends and enjoy the night." She took a step closer. "Maybe I don't want to spend the night playing political games with you Tom."

"Maybe ?" Tom, unexpectedly, laughed at that. "Come on Grace, we both know you want to." He slightly pulled at her wrist to bring her even closer. "Or have you forgotten ?" Hermione furrowed her brows at the question. They were so close that she could feel his breath on her face and the only thing she could smell was his perfume. "You were the one who came to me. You were the one who scattered clues for me to find last year. You were the one who wanted in. You were the one chasing after the game. And now what ?"

He was looking right at her, his head slightly cocked to the right side. And Hermione couldn't do anything else but look back. "You are expecting me to believe you do not want to play anymore ?" He finished.

Hermione was simply taken aback. She had only done that to go home, hadn't she ? She didn't like it, right ? She never liked this sort of challenge Tom was giving her, she was almost sure of it. She also didn't like arguing with him, he was too confident in his intellect.

"You cannot lie to me Grace." He was now whispering. "I am the only one who understands your games and who enjoys them. I am the only one who knows how your mind works because you and I are the same." As he said the last sentence, something flashed in his eyes. Something Hermione couldn't put her finger on.

She only kept shaking her head no. She felt as if they were alone during this moment. Only a few inches away. Red and Black not willing to look away. Red and Black fighting for the upper hand. Red and Black standing still in a sea of people.

"Excuse-me ?" Someone interrupted them. Hermione almost jumped and quickly turned around to see Atticus Aldritch standing there. "Have you seen Stilton ?"

Hermione's gaze quickly flickered to the clock then back on her DADA professor. "No." She answered. Tom was still looking at her, not even acknowledging Aldritch's presence. The latter abruptly left. She turned her head to look at Tom.

"I-" She began but the voice of Rookwood resounded in the large atrium. The chatter coming from the guests died down and everyone turned towards the front of the room, where a small stage was. The undersecretary had his wand on his neck, surely for the sonorus he was currently using, and was urging everyone to gather. Hermione's eyes went, once again, towards the clock : 9:24PM.

24.12.1943 :

Tom was asking himself what Grace would have said if Rookwood hadn't called everyone for the speech. She was standing on his left, apparently listening quite carefully to what Tuft was saying. The lads were not far, Isodor, Milton, and Thorus just behind him. Whereas Dolohov was directly on his right. Malfoy was with his father at the front of the room. The two Quidditch players were by the bar, talking to some ambassadors.

She was looking at the clock. And of course, Tom followed her gaze. She then turned her head to look behind her. Tom caught a glimpse of a dark green velvet curtain closing the huge window in Avery Senior's former office.

Her head snapped back to look at Tuft. She stayed still for five seconds, before leaving. Tom followed her with his eyes until he couldn't perceive the colour red anymore.

"Without further delay, let me introduce you to the next Minister of International Magical Cooperation, Mister Stilton Oswald."

Everyone loudly clapped at the announcement. Tuft was looking around her, but couldn't find anyone. The clapping became irregular to finally die down. Tom quickly understood something was wrong. He looked to the left, where Rookwood was silently shaking his head no to Tuft.

"Well," Tuft chuckled, embarrassed, "it appears that Mister Oswald might be already working."

Tom knew this was only saying they didn't know where Oswald was. One minute turned into two, then three without hearing from Oswald. One minute turned into two, then three without seeing Grace. Tom was looking around him and couldn't find the red.

"Maybe he's busy." Dolohov said. "Oswald, that is."

"What ?"

"Well, no one can find him, maybe we shouldn't bother him. He might be busy."

Dolohov had this smile on his face. A smile Tom only saw a couple of times. Something was definitely up.

"We should be happy I guess," Dolohov kept going, "maybe he doesn't want the job anymore."

Tom entirely faced Antonin and waited for him to look back, which he did. "What do you know, Dolohov ? What have you done ?"

"Nothing, Tom." He smirked.

Tom didn't get to push further than a piercing scream cursed through the atrium. A scream so full of fear and pain that Tom shivered. A scream coming from the office overhanging the atrium. Tom rose his eyes towards where the sound came from to witness someone tearing the deep green velvet curtain. He saw red. Her eyes were glassy and full of tears, her lipstick smeared on her face, and her left hand clutching to where her dress had been ripped. And behind her, Stilton Oswald, his shirt half off and a hand on his zipper.

There was no doubt about what was happening in this office. Tom found himself running before even noticing it. In the panic, Tom didn't even notice the pace at which his heart was beating. He heard the Aurors not far from him, maybe a few seconds ahead of him. As he got closer and closer he heard the voice of Stilton urging her to shut up. He also heard her broken cries and her pleading to get away from her.

Then, Tom stepped in. A seconds after the aurors had pushed Oswald against the wall. Grace was on the ground, her knees to her chest, her eyes filled with tears. Tom hastened to put his tuxedo vest on around her.

OoOoOo

Tom was looking at her through the small window of Iru Mator's office. Grace was still clutching his vest, still slightly shivering. She had been interviewed by the Auror for about thirty minutes and Tom couldn't help but pace in front of the room. Aurors had told him to stay ready for his own interview as if he wouldn't have stayed either way.

Suddenly, the door opened and Grace stepped out, one Auror gently guiding her towards a small room for her to rest and drink something hot. The Head Auror signaled for him to step in and sit on the chair on the other side of the large desk. His eyes lingered on her figure before Iru Mator insisted for him to get inside. Tom nodded and complied. The Head Auror sat on the other side of the wooden desk and just stared at Tom.

Tom wanted to know what Grace had told him, he needed to know.

"How is she ?" Tom asked.

"Shaken up." Iru Mator replied in a stern voice. "I have several questions to ask you." Tom nodded. "You were Miss Hortense's date for the night, right ?"

"I was." Tom replied. "I asked her to go with me a few weeks ago." He lied.

"Can you tell me a bit more about how the night went ?"

"Everything was fine. We had a few drinks with some friends, mingled a bit. We danced." Tom shot him a meaningful glance.

"But she danced with him, too." The Auror completed.

Tom then put his head in his hands. In this position, Iru would think him to be too shocked by what had just happened to his date. In this position, he would stop the interrogation for a few minutes. In this position, Tom would be able to think about everything. How did she end up with him ?

Tom finally rose his head. "What happened ?"

"When was the last time you saw Miss Hortense ?" Iru Mator ducked the question by asking another one.

"We listened to Tuft's speech together. She must not have left more than five minutes."

"If I understand perfectly, at 9:25PM, Miss Hortense was by your side ?"

"Indeed, sir."

"Until 9:35PM approximately ?"

"Indeed, sir." Tom stopped for a second before opening his mouth to ask once more about what happened in this office.

"You don't want to know what happened, Mister Riddle." The Auror cut him off before he even spoke up. Iru Mator rose from his seat and thanked Tom for his cooperation.

Tom followed him to the door but stopped before stepping out. He turned towards the Head Auror.

"Has what I told you helped with the investigation ?" Tom asked.

"It did, Mister Riddle. You just confirmed what we already knew."

"Which is ?"

"That Mister Oswald lied to us during his interview. Unless Miss Hortense has the capacity of being at two places at the same time."

24.12.1943 :

"Gentlemen," he said to the lads, "I must leave you. My date just arrived."

Hermione felt shy under his gaze. His smirk grew on his lips as he stood straight in front of her. He offered her an arm, she willingly accepted. Arm in arm, they moved towards the large steps leading to the atrium. They took in the sight for a second, the large atrium, packed with hundreds of influential people. All dressed in sublime dresses and tuxedos, talking and laughing over a flute of champagne.

They didn't get the time to take a second sip of their drink that they were already greeted by several couples. They didn't know them particularly, they had only seen them briefly last year during Slughorn's Christmas party. Tom had this charming smile on his face. The one Hermione knew to seduce everyone. He was playing the role perfectly : the bright slytherin prefect. Hermione received some charming compliments from the couple before the two left to mingle. She heard Tom softly exhaled. "It's only the beginning, Tom." She told him. "Don't get tired already."

"As if." He smirked.

She then rose her eyes and took a good look at the place. The last time she had stepped foot in the ministry was the night she arrived in May, polyjuiced in Bellatrix Lestrange. It felt strange being here tonight. She never had the opportunity to take in the sight of this magnificent place. She looked at the hundred offices above her. From the small ones on the right to the largest, she had ever seen so far, overhanging the atrium. It looked gigantic from below.

She saw one of the toilet's door opening and a figure getting out it. They both nodded and the figure left. Hermione waited three minutes exactly before leaving too. She hid within the crowd to reach the large stairs she just descended with Tom. She quickly found her way in a deserted corridor. She took her wand out of her purse and cast a quick charm on her heels to silence them.

Hermione then took a look at her watch and saw : 8:07PM. Right on time.

She went through the maze of corridors, exactly knowing which one would be empty. She met just a few people on her way and was quick enough to hide herself when they could have seen her.

Hermione turned right to a corridor she knew was the perfect spot to hide, away from curious eyes. A spot one could use for a romantic meeting, a secret rendez-vous. Apparently, someone had already thought about that. Hermione found herself in front of a couple, urgently kissing in the darkness. She shouldn't have been surprised by the sight, she had been aware of this relationship for quite some time, she even cunningly told one of them. She felt like intruding in this special moment.

The first question on her mind was how Thorus and Silas arrived this quickly in this corridor ? Hermione had seen Nott with the lads back then. Did he know a quicker way to this corridor ?

She briefly wondered if she could go past them without making any noise. She couldn't be seen after all. But it was too late.

Thorus was looking at her, like a deer caught in a headlight, still holding Silas in his arms. They both quickly sprang apart.

"Grace," Thorus urged her, "it's not what you think."

"I didn't see you. You didn't see me." Hermione said. "This moment never happened. This conversation never happened. Am I clear, Thorus ?"

"I sw-"

"I don't care, Thorus. I really don't. I'm fine with it." She quickly reassured him. "You say nothing about me being here and I say nothing. Is it clear ?" The two boys nodded.

Hermione rushed past the both of them and ascended the stairs towards the room she was looking for twenty minutes. She stood straight in front of the deep green door with a silver handle. She took a large inhale and slowly exhaled with her mouth. It was just like last time, right ? Even easier. No one knew she was here. She opened it and stepped into the darkness.

OoOoOo

She found it, the right door leading to it, after an hour of looking for it. They were all there, just like Nicolas Flamel had assured her. She quickly snatched one.

She looked one last time at her clock : 9:27PM.

"Just like old times." She told herself. She put it around her neck, turned the hourglass twice, and let the time-turner take her back in time, two hours prior. She felt the rush around her. When she looked down her watch she saw : 7:27PM.

She had thirty minutes to go where she had to be. She almost ran down the corridors and entered the atrium, quickly looking for the ladies' room. She locked herself in one of the booths, with five minutes to spare. Hermione tried to catch her breath, feeling really thirsty. Then, she finally heard it. The two knocks on the marble. She stepped out, nodded at her other self, and went to enjoy the party.

She saw Tom where she had left him, before her little trip, with the lads and talking to Slughorn. She joined them. She talked with them like nothing had just happened. Oswald and Atticus approached their circle and settled in. Edgard dared to confront Oswald and Hermione had almost smiled at Lestrange.

Just before she found herself alone with Abraxas and Tom, Thorus had excused himself. He had talked about going to see his father, something Hermione knew was actually his secret meeting with Silas.

She then realised she had not drunk a single drop of water since she came back. Accompanied by the two boys, they reached the bar and she downed her glass in one go.

Dippet, alongside Dumbledore and Barboter, talked with the three of them for a dozen of minutes before Hermione went to join Cole and Pollux. She had fun with them, she also really liked dancing with Cole. However, her dance with Tom had not been this pleasant, she had left him alone on the dancefloor.

She thought about taking a quick break from everything. One of the tables not far from her was covered with food. She hurried to take a bite of one amuse-bouche.

"Where is your date ?" Hermione closed her eyes at Oswald's voice. It was too early to begin. She spun around and met him with a small smile.

"I cannot let a woman this beautiful alone." He had a wolfish grin. "Would you care for a dance ?"

"I- '' Hermione began but Oswald didn't let her the time to finish her sentence that he was pulling her towards the middle of the room, where people were dancing. He put his hand way too low on her back for her liking. She kept her gaze stuck on the large office overhanging the atrium and Oswald smirked at that. "Do you like it ?" He rhetorically asked her. "It will soon be mine."

They slowly swayed to the music, silent for a couple of seconds.

"Let me tell you Grace, with a dress like yours, your date should be nervous about someone stealing you away." Oswald purred in her ear. "If I were him, I wouldn't let you out of my sight."

Hermione tried to lean back, not feeling comfortable with the proximity. She shot him a small smile. "What about your date, Mister Oswald ?" She said in a nonchalant tone.

"I'm not this kind of man, Grace."

"What kind are you, then ?"

Hermione saw Oswald leaning even more against her and felt his hot breath on her neck. She forced herself not to move and endure the moment. Thankfully, someone interrupted them by telling Oswald he was needed somewhere else. He kissed her hand before leaving with the other man.

She shivered from the thought that he had touched her for several minutes. It was only a few minutes after nine pm. She still had time to enjoy the night. On her way to the bar, Hermione had been stopped by several people, for greetings and small chatter. Hermione was looking for a familiar face to talk to, but the only one she saw was Dolohov's. The sight of him called her back to reality, she politely excused herself, and discreetly walked towards him. She took him by the sleeve and pulled him into a secluded area.

"What do you want ?" He barked.

"9:40PM." She reminded him.

"I know." Antonin sneered. "You've told me about a million times. I don't need your constant reminder."

"Don't fuck up Dolohov," Hermione lowered her voice, "I'm doing all the work, you only have to show in this fucking office at 9:40PM sharp."

Antonin heaved a sigh and Hermione pulled him further by his sleeve. "You gave me your word that you would do it. You can't back down now."

Antonin shrugged out of her grip and took a few steps forwards as Hermione walked backward. His eyes suddenly became darker and she gulped. She was not scared of Dolohov but at this precise moment, he looked almost dangerous.

"Why did you fucking ask me ?" He asked.

"Because you have no scruples Dolohov. You are the only twisted person I know that would have agreed to let me alone in a room with a pervert." Hermione had slowly raised her voice and abruptly stopped talking, afraid someone might overhear. She looked around her.

"If I have no scruples, as you say, how can you be sure I'd even show up at 9:40PM ?" Dolohov had used this tone, the mocking one. Hermione squinted her eyes and took a step forward.

"If you don't Dolohov, I swear-"

"Are you threatening me ?" Hermione felt the wall collide with her back as Dolohov violently shoved her against it. It lasted a fraction of a second before Antonin was pulled away from her and pushed inside the nearest door by Tom. She followed them and witnessed Tom's hand on Dolohov's collar and the rage pouring out of him. As Tom asked her to leave, she shot a last look at Dolohov.

"Grace," He said in a tight voice, "may I have a word with you, please ?"

Hermione took a big inhale and calmed herself. She had been at this party for almost three hours and a half. She was exhausted and Thorus' little affair with Silas was the last thing she wanted to deal with.

"Not now." She almost barked.

"It's not what you think. I can explain everything."

She faced him. Thorus was panicked, he had sweat rolling down his temple, and this look on his face. "I've asked you one thing Thorus. We're clear."

She was feeling exhausted. Tom was slowly walking towards her, his left hand tightening and flexing.

He had just come to stand next to her when someone bumped into her back. Pollux, with a glass in hands and a grin on his face.

"Oh sorry." He said before noticing it was her. He frowned and looked back between the back of the room and Hermione. "H-how ?" He asked. "Am I this drunk ?"

Entered Tom. And his questions about Dolohov. And his warning about her behaviour. Then, he got closer and told her that they were the same. Her blood ran cold at this moment because even though her head was telling her it was a lie, she couldn't help but feel the truth in his words.

Atticus interrupted them, asking them about Oswald. She simply told her professor she didn't know where he was before Rookwood's voice filled the atrium. The chatter coming from the guest died down and everyone turned towards the front of the room, where a small stage was. The undersecretary had his wand on his neck, surely for the sonorus he was currently using, and was urging everyone to gather. Hermione's eyes went, once again, towards the clock : 9:24PM.

Most of the lads had joined them during Tuft's speech. Dolohov for instance was next to Tom. She didn't look at him, she didn't want to.

Things were about to go down. She rose her eyes towards Avery's former office and saw what she was expecting. The deep green velvet curtain being closed. Her heart was frantically beating. She looked back towards Tuft, counted to five in her head, and left at 9:34PM precisely.

As planned, everyone's attention was directed to the Minister of Magic, so Hermione fled to the cupboard she knew to be empty. She took it out of her purse. She exhaled and tried to calm her heart.

"Okay," she whispered to herself, "one last time, Hermione."

She put the time-turner around her neck and turned it a little bit more than a quarter. Only twenty minutes back.

Hermione checked the time on her watch : 9:15PM. She stayed still inside the cupboard and listened to what was happening on the other side. After a minute and a half, she slowly opened the door, and furtively walked through the crowd. She knew this moment would be the most stressful one, her other self was only a few meters away. Hermione couldn't be seen, she needed to be as discreet as possible. Hermione was too focused on keeping calm that she didn't notice the man walking towards her. They bumped into each other. She cursed internally and looked at who she collided with.

"Watch out, kiddo." Pollux was grinning. She finally understood. In a couple of seconds, Pollux would walk towards the fountain and find her talking with Tom. Of course, he would not understand because he was just talking to her a moment before. The other Hermione, would suspect something and blame it on the alcohol.

In the meantime, she had no time to waste.

"Sorry Pollux, I have to go." She hastily replied. She walked past him and started looking for him.

Hermione noticed him, about to leave the atrium, at the bottom of the stairs. Her heart was about to beat out of her chest, her hands were trembling. She approached him, put on her fakest smile, and cleared her throat. Oswald turned around and a grin bloomed on his face at her sight.

"Already leaving ?" She asked. "Don't you have a speech to give ?"

"I was just about to go to my office, to fetch the said speech."

Hermione smiled and took a step closer at the same time as Oswald stepped down one stair. He offered her his hand. "I've noticed you've shown interest in this office." He told her. "Would you like a grand tour of it ?"

It was as easy as Hermione had anticipated. "I thought you'd never ask." She replied.

She gently put her hand in his and let him lead the way to the office. Oswald proudly opened the door and Hermione stepped in. The office was spectacular. The walls were filled with bookshelves, thousands of old books. She got closer to the large wooden desk filled with paperwork and magical artifacts. She let her finger linger on it as she walked around.

Then, she saw the large window, overlooking the atrium. Hermione's eyes wandered around the atrium, firstly falling on the band playing some jazz music, then on the bar where dozens of couples were laughing around a flute of champagne. Her gaze was finally drawn to two people. Red and Black. They were so close that from up here she could almost believe them to be kissing.

"Impressive, Mister Oswald." She turned around and looked at him. He was leaning against the now-closed door, his legs crossed at his ankle. He had a satisfied look on his face as if he had just got what he wanted. His eyes followed her movement as she went by one of the bookshelves. Hermione looked at the books, gently touching their leathery covers.

She heard his footsteps getting closer to her. As he arrived at her level, she walked to the other side, with a flirty smile.

"Do you still want to work for the Ministry after Hogwarts ?" Stilton asked her.

"I'd like to." She replied. "I don't know if I'll be able to find a job though."

Oswald slowly walked towards her and let a heavy silence fill the room. "You could have a friend in the ministry now, Grace." The emphasis he had put on "friend" left no doubt about his intention. Hermione simply laughed and another long silence settled. He stopped just in front of her and Hermione had not lowered her gaze once. She saw him slightly leaning towards her mouth and she gently ducked it. She found herself behind the desk, both of her hands on the leather chair. She looked at what was laying on it. Hermione could feel his gaze on her, on her frame, her hips, her lips.

Oswald was still by the bookshelves when Hermione looked back at him. She quickly looked at the clock by the door : 9:33PM. Oswald didn't even hear Rookwood's voice announcing Tuft's speech. He didn't even realise he was expected to talk in a few minutes. He was too focused on her.

She knew it was time. Hermione had always been brave, she was a Gryffindor after all. It was like ripping off a bandage, she thought. Quick and effective.

"I know what you're doing, Grace." He said. Hermione playfully cocked an eyebrow.

"And what am I doing ?" Hermione coyly asked.

"Don't pretend you don't know." He was extremely slowly walking towards her, once again. She took a hold of the deep green velvet curtain and slowly began to close it. "Since the first time we met, you've been teasing me, Grace." His voice was dangerously low. "Since that day in Atticus' office, with your short skirt, your eyes, and your fake innocence." He was only a few feet away. "I've seen the way you behaved in Hogsmeade. I've felt your burning skin, I've felt your lust."

Hermione was trying not to focus on his words, disgusted by what he was saying. She kept the smile on her face. She was still slowly closing the curtain.

"You know what you're doing when you're calling me Mister Oswald."

Hermione looked at him. "Pray tell me, Mister Oswald." She heard his low laugh as she looked down the atrium. A few seconds before having the curtain entirely closed, she saw herself in the crowd, looking right at her. She nodded

"You know it turns me on." Oswald explained as she finished closing the curtain.

Hermione didn't have the time to fully turn towards him that he was already pushing her on the desk, his mouth hovering over the sensitive skin of her neck. As he whispered filthy things in her ear, she looked at the clock. Dolohov would be there in four minutes. She only had to endure four minutes.

Oswald's hand was slowly sliding up from her knee to her hip, raising her dress at the same time. His mouth was slowly reaching up to her lips, Hermione turned her head to the side so the kiss would fall on her cheek. He laughed against her skin, apparently pleased by the challenge. Hermione tried to keep her gaze on the clock : 9:38PM. Only two minutes, Dolohov would be there in only two minutes. Oswald took hold of her jaw and violently turned her head to him and pressed his lips against hers. His grip was almost bruising her as his tongue invaded her mouth. One last glance at the clock : 9:39PM.

Hermione tried to get away from his hold. She moved her head to the side to get his hand to loosen around her jaw, but it simply made him hold her closer. He bit her lower lip and Hermione tasted the blood in her mouth. She put both of her hands on his chest to push him away but he only pressed himself closer. Hermione scratched him in retaliation.

"Stop." She said and repeated it louder. Loud enough so the people outside the room could hear. The people Dolohov had brought to the office, just as she had told him to do. She repeated it, but no one came. Maybe he was just a couple of seconds late, she was expecting the door to open at any moment. She was waiting for someone to push Oswald away from her. Yet, the only thing that happened at this moment was Stilton Oswald pressing his erection against her thigh. His hand had finally reached what they were looking for. Hermione's eyes widened at the touch and closed her thighs as much as she could before Oswald forced them open. The clock showed : 9:41PM.

When she had planned Oswald's downfall, she had known Dolohov would be the only one to accept it. To willingly let her inside a room with a pervert. His only task was to step inside with two Aurors at 9:40PM sharp to witness Oswald sexually assaulting her, arresting him, and making him unfit for the job. But Dolohov never showed up. He willingly let her inside this room alone with a pervert. She had thought Dolohov would do it, entering the room with the Aurors just as planned, not for her obviously but for their common purpose.

She began to panic, she was not supposed to be with him past 9:40PM. With all of her force, she shoved him away and fell on her knees at the same time. Her whole body was shaking.

"Feisty little one." Oswald laughed.

With her trembling hands, she looked through her purse for her wand however the only thing she took a hold of was the time turner. Oswald grabbed her by the arm and pulled her towards him. "Stop being a tease." He said. She shrugged out of his hold and she crawled towards her bag, towards where the time-turner had just fallen on the floor. She had her right arm reaching towards it, almost feeling it underneath her finger-tips. But Oswald gripped her ankle and pulled her back. Hermione's finger clutching at the carpet. Hermione's eyes were still stuck on the time-turner. She heard the loud steps of Oswald coming in front of her. He stepped on it. Crashed it. Destroyed it.

Hermione's tears rolled on her cheeks, unable to tear her gaze away from the remains of the time-turner. He then pulled her up by the arms and pushed her once more against the desk. She struggled to get away, but he was stronger than she was. She began screaming but he put his hand on her mouth and murmured deep inside her ear to stay quiet and just enjoy the moment.

Oswald put a hand underneath one of her straps, beginning to undress her. Hermione pushed him away and felt the fabric of her dress being ripped at the shoulder. She pushed herself from the desk, one hand clutching at her strap to keep her dress on. Oswald had already unbuttoned his shirt and was beginning to unzip his fly. Hermione ran towards the window to get as far away from him as possible. But in only two large strides, Oswald had her against the window, her chest pressed against the glass, and her dress raised above her bottom, bunching around her waist and a firm hand in her now-loose hair.

Hermione was scared at this moment, she was feeling him against her bare skin. She had never wanted this scene to be public, that was why she had asked Dolohov. What other choice did she have but to let the world see what was happening ?

Her shaking hand finally grasped the curtain and she screamed. A scream so loud, high, and filled with fear. The deep green velvet curtain fell and the entire atrium was looking up at her. At herself clutching her strap, at her hair dishevelled, at her tears on her face, at Oswald half-dressed behind her.

The whole atrium witnessed the downfall of Stilton Oswald.

OoOoOo

She was clutching at Tom's tuxedo vest, slightly rocking back and forth on her chair. She had answered all the questions that had been asked.

She had lied about not being with Oswald for the last thirty minutes. After all, she was with Tom. Listening to the speech. The lads had seen her. Everyone saw her at Tom's side during the speech.

Oswald had told the Aurors that she had been teasing him for thirty minutes in his office, that she was the one who came onto him. But how could anyone believe him when they all saw her in the atrium at the same moment ?

She left the Auror's office, not meeting Tom's eyes as he went inside for his own interview. She had been led into a small room and had been offered a steaming tea. She was finally alone. She hovered her hand above Tom's right pocket and felt the debris of the time-turner. She was not only supposed to use it tonight. She had plans. She had wanted to study it, to maybe find a way to invert it. This was the only night she could take one, her only opportunity. For several minutes, Hermione cursed herself from letting it be broken. She didn't care about what had happened with Oswald, the only thing that mattered was that she had fucked up with the time-turner.

Once again, she had a plan. And once again, it failed.

Suddenly, the door opened and Tom followed by Dolohov entered. The lads joined them half a second after. Without even thinking, Hermione rose from her seat and went to jump on Dolohov but Tom caught her before she could.

"You bastard !" She screamed at Dolohov. She didn't notice Thorus casting a silencio. "One thing !" She kept yelling. "I asked you for one thing you fucker."

"What's happening ?' Abraxas intervened.

Tom was still holding Hermione back, slightly frowning.

"I have no idea what she's on about." Dolohov cooly replied. "She must still be under shock."

Hermione tried to push Tom away but he was too strong. "I'm gonna kill you." She threatened Dolohov, still trashing in Tom's arms. "I asked you one thing you fucker. One stupid thing."

"Calm down Grace," Thorus tried to soothe her. "You must still be under shock."

"It was fucking planned, Thorus !" She yelled at him. Everyone stilled and stared, Tom included.

"What are you talking about ?" Edmund asked.

"I've planned the whole thing. This was my fucking plan !" Hermione replied. "Oswald's been sleeping with Gemma for months, he likes young girls."

"And he has liked you for a while." Abraxas acknowledged.

"Yes Malfoy," Hermione snapped, "that's why I'm wearing this dress, those heels, this make-up. That's why I've asked him to show me his office. And that's why I've let him believe I was into him."

Tom was staring at her, not saying a thing. His eyes were stuck on her face.

"And I asked him one thing." Hermione pointed to Dolohov. "Only t-"

"You've succeeded without me, Hortense. Oswald's out. It's only a matter of time before Avery's reinstated." Dolohov cut her off.

"I've succeeded ?" She repeated, astonished. "You've left me in this room, well aware of what was happening behind closed doors. At least show some guilt." She spat.

"You knew ?" Milton asked Dolohov. "You knew and you did nothing ?"

"Of course he knew," Hermione barked, "who else would have accepted my plan if not a psychopath ?"

Dolohov took a step forward at the insult but Tom only had to shoot him one glance for him to back off. "Don't you even dare talk to me that way Hortense." Antonin growled.

"Or what ?" She snapped back.

"You cu-" Dolohov began, his hand over his holster, ready to put out his wand.

She felt Tom's stiffen. In a fraction of second, he turned his head towards Dolohov, let go of her, and took Antonin by the shirt, his wand underneath the other boy's chin. "Finish your sentence, Dolohov." He threatened him with a low voice.

"Oh come on Tom, she's fine. And Oswald's done." Dolohov tried to keep his tone light underneath the fear he was currently feeling. No one talked, no one moved. They were all staring at Tom, waiting for him to do something.

"You are lucky she made it out fine," Tom pushed his wand deeper into Antonin's skin. He didn't need to finish his sentence, everyone had already understood what he meant. Hermione was silently looking at the scene, she had not thought Tom would have this reaction. He suddenly let go of Dolohov, violently shoving him away. "All of you, out." He ordered the lads as he turned around to stare at her.

Once the lads out, Tom approached her. She had not moved an inch since he had let go of her. He was still slowly walking towards her, his eyes boring into hers. He opened his mouth to speak but the door to the room opened and an auror asked for Hermione one last time. She pulled his vest off of her shoulders to give him back and followed the man to another room. People were chatting in the hallway, and what surprised her was that they were not talking about her. They were talking about something far more interesting she believed.

24.12.1943 :

Tom was leaning on the stairs' banister. The one leading to the atrium. Surprisingly, the party still went on. It was not as alive as it was before the assault, but people were still talking or sitting at one of the tables. The music was lower too.

He heard her heels before he saw her. She leaned next to him. Without saying a word, he lit a cigarette and handed it to her.

"He's done." She said.

"Why did you do that ?" He asked. "Why did you ask Dolohov for help ?"

Grace turned her head and looked at him. "Who else ? You ?" She took a long drag of the cigarette before giving it back to Tom.

"Why not ? I would have let you inside the room, but unlike Dolohov I would have made sure none of that happened."

She let out a small laugh at that and fully turned towards him. Tom was still watching her, from the corner of his eyes as he smoked. "Don't you remember, Tom ?" She said. "You didn't want to know about how I would deal with him. You only told me to find him, crush him, and make him ineligible. Haven't I made you proud, Tom ?"

"So you have gone this far out of what ? Pettiness ?"

"And I outdid myself, Tom."

Tom laughed. He looked back at the crowd and let a small silence settle before talking again.

"Why make your plan this difficult, then ?"

"It wasn't supposed to be difficult. I only had to put on a pretty dress and flirt a bit." She shrugged.

Tom secured the cigarette between his lips before shoving his hand inside his right pocket, pulling out the broken time-turner and putting it on the banister. "Not difficult, you said ?"

Grace's eyes widened at the sight of the object. She had frozen on the spot, her gaze stuck on the broken artifact. She finally looked at him and the silence persisted. He took one last drag and offered her the remaining of the cigarette, which she took with a shaky hand.

"How many Grace were there tonight ?" He said.

"Three." She whispered. She briefly explained what she had done. "The first one to retrieve the time-turner. The second to show up at the party, to be seen, to have an alibi. And the third one to finish Oswald." Tom was still looking into her eyes and felt something he never felt before. He felt his heartbeat slowly increasing in his chest, he felt his mind rushing with thoughts of her. She was, without a doubt, the brightest witch he had ever met.

"You never cease to amaze me." He told her.

"I'm not finished." She added. "I know what the new department is for."

They were still, the music was slowly fading away as they looked at each other. Not aware of what was happening around them.

Her hair was a mess, her lips were ruined and her mascara almost gone from the tears. Her dress was ripped at the shoulder and sadly falling on her frame. Her eyes, usually bright, were still red from crying. She was a mess.

"You have never looked this beautiful, Grace." He said, meaning every word. She was beautiful in every way.

She was everything he had ever looked for. She had just destroyed a man's life for him, without questioning him. She had put her life in danger for him. He had never thought her to be this loyal and yet here she was, handing him more than he could ever ask for.

She had never been a real part of the lads. No, she was above them. She was above everyone.

Every time Tom expected something of her, she outdid herself, leaving Tom gobsmacked. Every time Tom thought he fully knew her, she went and blew him away. Again, and again, and again.

"Maybe you were right Tom," she said in a soft voice, "maybe we're one and the same." If Tom hadn't been too focused on the way she looked at this instant and on the way his heart was frantically beating, he would have noticed the reluctance of her tone.

Yet, Tom could have kissed her at this moment.

Author's notes : Did we make you proud ? Only two weeks. We've outdone ourselves.

Actually this chapter's original idea was far far away from this (except Oswald's assault), but we wanted to do something with a time-turner so we completely changed the plot.

Plus, 150k later Tom finally realised he had feelings for her. We have warned about a slow burn - it's a good slow burn. Now it's Hermione's time we guess.

Also, we're shipping her with Cole a lot. Like a lot. If you could have seen us while writing them dance, we were literally thinking about making this the main ship : colemione ?

We're really sorry if we trigerred anyone with the sexual assault.

Lots of love,

-DDM's Managers