Hermione ran through the corridors, heading towards the dungeons in search of Tom Riddle. Since it was a weekend and Hermione had not come across Tom yet, she could only assume he had been sleeping in. He was human after all, was he not?
Her mind was buzzing with excitement at the sudden progress she was making, feeling as if she was on a high. Not to mention the possibility of having her skin remain untainted from dark magic now existed. But if the situation called for it, Hermione would accept the Dark Mark without hesitation. She would way sooner choose tainting her body than allowing the world to fall into disaster. Her hesitation was miniscule, for Bellatrix had already given her the pleasure of hosting such a nasty jarring curse.
"Hermione!" An excited voice called out for her. Hermione slowed down her pace to catch her breath, as well as find the owner of the voice. "Here," a soft whisper emanated from her side, where an invisible hand tugged on her sleeve shyly.
"Phineas?" Hermione recognised, looking at the seemingly empty space next to her. Within seconds, the shorter boy appeared. He was grinning from ear to ear, looking as if he was about to burst from happiness. "What is it?" She asked him, his happiness so contagious Hermione could not help but crack a grin.
"My family is planning a trip to Rome for Christmas!" Phineas was nearly vibrating with happiness, with his fists balled up and he bounced on his heels. "They promised to take me to see dragons!" His eyes were blown wide.
Hermione laughed, she remembered when Ron had gone to Romania to visit Charlie summer of their third year. "That's wonderful, Phineas! I hope you see some interesting ones," the pair fell into a matched pace, walking down to the dungeon side by side.
"Have you ever seen one, Hermione?" Phineas chimed.
Hermione hummed thoughtfully, "I have seen a few..." she trailed off, hoping he would continue on with his tale instead, not knowing how to play off her experiences.
With his own innocent happiness, Phineas continued blabbing on about his favourite dragons until they reached the portrait of the serpent.
"Minotaur," Hermione mumbled, before turning to Phineas, "you'd better go have breakfast. I didn't see you at the hall." She leaned down and pressed a kiss to his forehead. Phineas immediately burned a shade of bright red, stuttering out a shy yes as the boy took off.
Hermione laughed quietly at his retreating back, before climbing in through the portrait hole. She took a seat near the fireplace, which was conveniently close to the boys' dormitory. She lost track of her own waiting as the hour passed, staring off into the fire that rose dangerously high as time passed. "Fancy seeing you without Malfoy and Nott by your side," Tom's deep voice broke through her reverie. Hermione snapped her head back to look at him, standing right beside her seat, so startled she nearly fell out of her seat.
"T-Tom," she greeted, pressing a hand to her chest to soothe her rampant heartbeat. "I needed to talk to you about something," she mumbled, not knowing where to look. She awkwardly slid off the couch to get a proper look at him.
"Of course. Shall we speak at 6? Same place as always. Bring Rosier and Dolohov," he mumbled with finalty. He raised a hand to Hermione's face, picking up a stray curl and twisting it around his finger. Hermione swallowed.
"Yes, My Lord." She whispered. The words that she had been uttering almost too frequently as of late. Tom's lips twitched upwards, though he let go of the curl and walked passed Hermione to take a seat in front of the fireplace.
"Will you be staying at Hogwarts for Christmas?"
Hermione nearly scoffed, he knows I am an orphan, she thought irritably. "Yes, My Lord. I do not have a place to stay momentarily."
Tom nodded, before craning his neck to face her. "Would you be willing to accompany me to the Christmas Ball hosted by the Malfoy's?" Hermione bit down on her tongue, wanting nothing more than to tell him that no, I will not be free. "He will likely ask you to attend anyway," he seemed to sense her reluctance.
"Of course, I would be glad to attend with you," she tipped her head down.
Tom shot her a half smile, "thank you, Hermione. Ah, do you have plans for today?"
Hermione shook her head no, "how about we go to Hogsmeade then?"
"Huh?" She spoke before she could think, slapping her hand over her mouth much to Tom's amusement, "I meant to say of course." She squeaked.
"I will meet you here in an hour then?" He stood up from his seat, heading towards the dormitory before he had the chance to hear the confused witch's response.
Why bother asking if he will answer for me, the witch scoffed as she retreated towards her dormitory to get dressed.
•••
Hermione had settled on wearing a modest plaid skirt with a black button-up shirt, which was quite honestly one of the only (one of two) casual outfits she had with her. She stuck her wand into her thigh holster and retreated from her dormitory, not wishing to be late and leaving the Dark Lord waiting for her.
Much to her dismay, when she set foot into the common room Tom was already seated on his silver couch, staring into the flames, already dressed. He was wearing a pristine grey suit, with a white button-up underneath it. He looked... expensive. If that made sense. Hermione shook the thought off, clearing her throat to garner Tom's attention.
"Ah," he got off his seat, approaching her. His hair looked even more perfectly done than usual. "Shall we?" He offered her an arm, which she took hesitantly.
The pair walked in absolute silence. The discomfort it brought made Hermione's stomach ache. They made their way to the doors, stopped suddenly by the approach of her two closest friends. "Hermione, Tom!" Abraxas called out from a distance.
Hermione turned her head towards them, grateful for their timing. "Theo, Abraxas!" She greeted them back. Tom acknowledged the pair with a small nod.
"Where are you two headed?" Abraxas pouted, looking at their intertwined hands curiously.
Hermione opened her mouth to answer, but Tom beat her to it, "we are headed to Hogsmeade. I asked Hermione out as my plus one for the Christmas ball so I thought this would be a good opportunity to go browse through some clothes," he flashed a toothy grin.
Abraxas' jaw nearly fell open as he gaped at the pair, "eh? Ah. Oh- um, okay," he nodded, turning to Theodore as he blinked rapidly. Theodore himself looked quite dumbfounded.
"Would you like to join us?" Hermione piped in, hoping at least Abraxas would take the bait. He was quite good at ignoring social cues.
Theodore shook his head, "we would not want to intrude on a date! Tell us all about it when you're back, 'Mione," he bade her goodbye, leaning forward to give her an affectionate peck on the cheek as he reached out for Abraxas' wrist and dragged him away. Tom watched the retreating pair, amused.
Before the two of them set foot outside the castle, Tom raised his wand over Hermione's head and tapped it, protecting her with a non-verbal warmth charm, then did the same to himself. "Shall we?" He asked, stepping foot outside. Hermione followed suit.
The pair trudged through the thin snow towards the direction of Hogsmeade. It had been the first time Hermione had witnessed snow that winter. Tom still remained silent, but mesmerised by the sound of the snow crunching along with the beauty of the place, Hermione hardly felt awkward any longer.
They soon reached the dainty, cozy village of Hogsmeade. Hermione had long removed her hand from Tom's arm, walking far ahead of him as she studied the familiar (yet incredibly unfamiliar) village with curious eyes. Tom walked a couple of steps behind her, hands deep in his pockets. "Hermione, I have some business to attend to at Tomes and Scrolls, would you mind joining me for a couple of minutes?" Tom called out for the excited witch.
Hermione whipped her head back, "yes, please," she mumbled in response, eyes practically glittering at the suggestion.
He might be a pain in the ass, but at least he is not a complete idiot, Hermione thought to herself. They veered sharply to the left and directly in the direction of the old bookstore of Hogsmeade.
As soon as they walked in Tom made a beeline to the isle farthest to the back, apparently already knowledgeable about the whereabouts of his desired book. Hermione decided to just lightly skim through different book, walking through the front isles allowing herself to scan the title before she could pick out something she liked. I need to spend responsibly, too bad, Hermione lamented.
She stopped, feeling her feet almost physically stick to the ground as her eyes fell on a title, The Runic Application on Alchemy. It was a wonderful, informative, soon to be discontinued book. Hermione pulled it out with care, flipping the pages to read over the content list. Tom peaked out from behind his isle and walked forward, "will you be getting something?" He glanced at the book in Hermione's hands.
She didn't raise her head, flipping the books pages nonchalantly, "no, I would rather wait here for you to finish paying though," she mumbled halfheartedly.
Tom eyed the witch's firm stance for a split second, before turning back to head to the counter and pay for his things.
"Hermione!" Tom called for her. Not particularly keen on keep the Dark Lord waiting for her, Hermione shelved the book and with a final longing glance, walked off to the store entrance. "Now to Gladrags Wizardwear?" He smiled down at her. She nodded, did he bring me along to carry his bags? She eyed the book bag suspiciously.
She treaded along behind him, silently thinking to herself. Seriously, what is the point of this trip? I pray to whatever God is up there that wherever Theo and Abraxas are, they stub their toes incredibly hard right about now. She frowned at the thought of her friends abandoning her so easily, when she clearly signalled with her eyes that she would love if they came along. The Dark Lord was too concerned of his image to ask them to not anyway. "Hermione?" Tom called, breaking her out of her reverie.
He had walked several steps ahead of her. Embarassed, Hermione ran up to him awkwardly. "Sorry, I was just thinking about something."
"A penny for your thoughts?" He questioned as he extended a hand out to offer her a pixie stick, which Hermione accepted despite her confusion on where he procured it from. She broke off the top of the pixie stick and placed it between her teeth.
"Nothing really, just wishing harm on some people," she mumbled through her teeth. Tom chuckled lightly, nodding.
They walked into the dressing gallery and waited for an attending to come help them. Hermione could not help but let her eyes wander through the shelves. The clothes were so much more different than that of 2000. The styles, the colour palettes. Hermione would not say she preferred the current style over 2000's fashion.
A small petite witch hurried over to the pair, "hello, welcome to Gladrags Wizardwear, I will be helping you today!" She squeaked.
"Hello," Tom flashed her a charming grin, prompting Hermione almost roll her eyes, "could you show my partner and I some modest clothes fit for a ball?" He requested politely.
Hermione gaped at him, "for you and who?" She whispered, tugging on his sleeve.
Tom's eyebrows twinged in annoyance as he turned to the witch, "you, Hermione," he almost scolded.
Hermione blinked, letting go of his sleeve. Cool, she nodded, nice, she thought despite the growing blush on her already rosy cheeks. "Of course!" The attendant said after studying their exchange, "I will help your partner while my colleagues sees to your needs," she smiled to Tom, directing him someone to the back. Likely the mens section. Maybe he meant partner in crime. Since he is commiting crimes and I'm... supporting him?
"Oh, please keep the colours to either green, silver or blue," he mumbled to the witch as he passed them.
As soon he was out of earshot the little witch squealed, "the two of you are so adorable!" She grinned well-manneredly.
Hermione laughed nervously, "yeah... we are." The two of them walked to the display racks.
"You wait here, I will bring you some dresses," she instructed as she ran towards the shelves. Hermione watched the witches back, looking at the other dresses. They are all quite... sparkly, she noted miserably.
The short witch came back with a big pile of clothes balanced on her hands. Hermione veered to the side to avoid bumping into her and watched as she dumped the clothes onto a counter. "Come here," she beckoned Hermione closer.
There were a lot of shiny fabrics mixed in with fine silk, georgette, satin as well a lot of see-through netted fabric.
The petite witch excitedly conjured a couch for Hermione to settle into, before showing her the different selections.
"This one is a light blue made of silk and coated with the thinnest layer of pixie dust, with modest cutting along the thigh and a not-so-deep plunged neckline." She levitated the dress so Hermione could get a clear view.
"It's too... shiny," Hermione complained.
"Okay... ah, this one! This fine silver net dress has a beautiful and short mermaid trail. It may be a bit exposing, but only in the right places," she winked.
"Oh, um, could I keep looking?"
"Of course, this green silk dress with a deep plunge neckline but-"
"A little less showy, please," she blushed at the cutting of the dress.
"Ah, I did get this," she fashioned another green dress, "both the bodice and skirt are made of georgette, with full floral netted sleeves and an oval neck."
The dress was a bit too flowy for Hermione's tastes, but definitely better than the rest, "could you please keep this one aside? I want to keep browsing my options for a bit."
The attendant smiled, nodded and folded away the green dress, "we have this black georgette dress, one arm sleeve but the dress itself is much more modest with a crinkled bodice and generous sequin patterns. The skirt also showcases fashionable frills starting knee down, it is a must have for any witches evening gown collection."
That is the ugliest fucking dress I have ever seen. "Oh it's beautiful, but not quite what I was looking for."
"Oh," the witch seemed visibly dejected, "how about this, a long flowy satin dress with a modest chest and a slit down the thigh, available in green, black and red. It also comes with attachable sleeves, but I would recommend it sleeveless."
Hermioned stared at the dress, it was actually quite nice. "You should try it on," Tom chipped in from behind her.
Startled, Hermione turned around to face him, instantly flushing as she remembered his previous words. "Huh, yeah," she answered, getting off the chair and allowing the attendant to steer her into the dressing room.
"I will wait out here," she chirped. Hermione changed into the dress, which felt soft to the touch and was quite form fitting. She stepped out of the dressing room, to the attendant who gasped quite audibly, squealing as she pushed her towards Tom.
Tom was seated on Hermione's conjured chair, looking bored before his eyes fell on Hermione. She could not quite place what it was, but he looked... lighter than usual. "You look beautiful, Hermione." He complimented, words ringing true. "I think you should get it."
"O-okay," Hermione stammered. She turned to the attending, "could you pack the dress in black?"
"She will take it in green," Tom cut through her, shooting Hermione a smile.
Hermione frowned, before turning away and walking back to the dressing room. When she had gotten out, Tom was already stood by the front door with now three bags in his hands. "How much was it?" Hermione asked as they walked out side by side, Tom handing over her bag.
"About twelve galleons and 6 sickles," he shrugged.
Hermione nodded, "I don't have money on me right now, I will-"
"Oh, don't worry about it." He irked Hermione, but before she could retort he cut in once more, "since I am the one dragging you along and made you buy a dress of my preferred colour," he explained coolly.
Hermione thought over his words for a bit, ultimately nodding. "Have you realised that your friends are following us?" Tom chimed in suddenly.
Hermione blinked, "what?"
"Malfoy and Nott. They are right behind us, actually."
Hermione sneaked a glance to the back, where the two idiots were bickering behind a very narrow tree, not even close to wide enough to cover their bodies.
"Oh." Was all she could respond with.
"Would you like to have lunch with me?"
No. "That would be lovely," Hermione smiled up at him, walking to the Three Broomsticks.
It was relatively quiet there, with a much thinner crowd that what Hermione was used to seeing. The pair took a seat by one of the windows before Tom went off to place their orders.
She looked out the window, which was cranked slightly open, surprised to see her closest friends quibbling right in front of her.
Hermione wondered if they thought they had an invisibility charm them or something, but she could hardly judge them having needed Tom to point them out for her to take notice. "Hey," Tom slid in the seat across her.
Hermione tore her eyes from her friend, smiling at Tom instead, "hello."
They both sat in silence for a minute, with Tom staring at Hermione and Hermione looking anywhere except at Tom. Boom, a loud rumbling noise came from outside. Startled, and rightfully so, Hermione turned to look over at her friends. Theodore had his wand pointed at Abraxas, who was currently on top of a tree. Hermione blinked several times, trying to understand what she was looking at.
"Should you not do something?" Tom inquired, watching the pair with amusement.
Hermione sighed, "right, I should," she slid off her seat and closed the window before retreating to her place. Tom snorted.