~Force of Nature~
No Glory
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Tom watched as Hermione signed the last document. Her fingers tighten on the quill. He wondered if america had made her more independent in nature. True most witches here didn't have many choices in what they are allowed to do. What made this one so unique?
He pondered on that.
Hermione frowned and dropped the quill.
Dark eyes meeting his.
"So what now, Professor Riddle? Am I to surrender to your every whims in the dark corridors?" Her tone was harsh.
Tom didn't even have a class with her yet and already she was so mouthy towards him. He narrowed his eyes, standing up.
Tom didn't tolerate back talk from anyone. She wouldn't be an exception.
"I'd like for you to address me as Tom when we are alone. Also refrain from making such remarks. It is quite improper." He moved around the desk in two long strides.
The way her body tensed up was indication that she didn't trust his motives.
"There will be rules for us, Hermione. I won't just be a professor to you. The sooner you accept that, the easier this will come."
Hermione stood up as well, her magic flaring again.
"I didn't come here to be tied down. Especially to a complete stranger. I have plans! So excuse me for being unhappy! I won't be those stay at home witches!" She spat out.
Tom pulled her forward, her body flushed against his. His magic was lashing out. She snarled against his tight grip.
"Unhand me this instant!"
There was something about the way she fought against him. This witch was stubborn. Anyone else would react with excitement and complete surrender.
"It's too late for you, Hermione. You've already signed the pages. I need you to calm down." He tried to soothe her.
Merlin he would throttle her if she didn't cease.
She glared up at those stormy blue eyes.
"Yes! I signed! Not like I had a choice. This upcoming law is preposterous! A sad excuse for enslaving muggle witches. I may be tied to you but you'll find that I won't bend to you." She sneered.
It was at that moment Tom snapped. His pale fingers coming in contact with her slender throat while he took a handful of her wild hair. Fear took her features at his dark look of fury. He wasn't going to pretend.
"I don't give a damn, Hermione. Pray tell, how far do you think you can go? You are nothing. That is why you are in this predicament. So let me break this down for you. I won't force myself onto you but make no mistake I've no qualms on harming you if need be. Do I make myself clear, Hermione?"
The young witch swallowed, wincing at the discomfort. He was so close, his scent wafting through of parchment paper and something spicy she couldn't put a name to.
"You made yourself clear, Professor."
She said through clenched teeth. She didn't think she could dislike someone so much but he was unbelievable.
He frowned but released her. Going around to sit back down. He eyed the documents of her record. There was no denying that she had impressive marks. Still he'd like to see it for himself.
Tom noticed she was making no moves. Her eyes were drawn to the far side of the room.
"Something just moved over there." She said hastily.
Tom watched her carefully as he spoke in parseltongue. Daring his pet out of the corner. Hermione froze as his hissing seemed to echo in the room. A shiver went down her spine. He was a parselmouth. She didn't know to be disturbed or fascinated.
A medium sized green serpent made its way over towards them, softly hissing. Tom tilted his head, a smirk forming. She would be afraid. All witches fear snakes.
He was very much astonished when Hermione leaned down, arm outstretched. Nagini slithered closer and Tom watched intently.
Well I'll be damned.
"She seems to like you." He said softly
Hermione gave a wry smile.
"I have no fear of snakes. My mother used to have a big garden and every spring I would help her water them. We would get occasional snakes."
She held the serpent gently whilst moving back to sit down.
"So you are no ordinary professor."
He snorted at her words.
"Not at all. You'll find that I'm so much more."
She was about to respond with a snarky comment when a knock at the door interrupted them.
Tom waved his hand and the door opened. A tall man with short dark blond hair strode forward. Hermione peered up at him curiously noting he was incredibly attractive. His face looked like it was carved from stone, like some greek god. Those bluish green eyes were friendly. His red full lips curved in a smirk.
"I apologize for interrupting, Tom. Camus mentioned you would be here. There was something I required."
The young witch flushed when he winked at her. Oh merlin not another pretty face. She could already tell that she was going to put extra effort into her studies.
Tom gave him a smile that didn't reach his eyes.
"Mmmm I see. Well Miss Granger and I were finished anyways. Oh, do say hello to the new Ancient Runes Professor."
Hermione felt her cheeks heat when the man drew her hand to his lips. It felt like a cold burn.
"Callum Garrison." His thick accent was smooth. Tom remained impassive at the display.
"Hermione Granger." She responded as she drew her hand away.
No fricken way. Ginny is going to freak. Without another word she stood up, Nagini slithering from her lap to the ground.
Professor Garrison raised an eyebrow at the snake.
"Dare I even ask?"
Tom shook his head and gave Hermione a smile that made her pulse race unexpectedly.
"You are free to leave, Miss Granger. I'll see you tomorrow in class." His tone was friendly.
Hermione nodded and took her leave. This was beyond bonkers.
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Callum let his polite facade drop the moment the girl shut the door. His eyes narrowed at the man before him. Slowly he strode closer, noticing Tom gave him a raised eyebrow.
"I know what you did." His tone hard.
Tom shrugged, feigning indifference.
"What could I possibly have done now?"
The older man drew out his wand, threat clear.
"Has it ever occurred to you that you would be caught? Did you think removing the pendent will help hide everything? I know you have it, Riddle."
A cold laugh left Tom's lips.
"I haven't a clue what you're on about. However." He started while rising from his seat, dark magic filling the air. "It be unwise to test me, Callum. Consider this your only warning." His tone icy hard.
Nagini hissed at the older man, showing sharp fangs.
Those bluish green hues closed for a second then opened again a smile on his lips.
"This is far from over, Riddle." He promised and tucked his wand in his navy robes.
"There are forces at work here and I know you are behind them." He said as left the room.
Nagini slithered over to Tom, eyes wary.
There was a cold glint in his eyes, his face a calm expression. "It matters not if he is right. I can remove him if need be. Keep a close eye on him, Nagini." He whispered in parseltongue.
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Harry nudged into Ginny, receiving a glare from her.
"What now Harry?!" She all but hissed.
He gave her a sheepish grin.
"I know you said you wanted to go to Hogsmeade this weekend but can you hold off?"
She stared at him hard. A tic in her jaw.
"What did you do?"
Hermione watched the scene unfold from her point of view. They were still across from her. Shaking her head she could tell that Harry was about to get an earful from the redheaded witch.
Harry shrugged nonchalantly.
"What? It's not my fault that Draco tripped down the stairs on the way to potions. I just happened to be behind him. Not my fault that his snake loving bestie was there to put the blame on me."
Snake loving bestie? Did he mean Tom?
Hermione pondered as Ginny pulled on his ear. Harry winced at the contact.
"I told you so many times to leave the Malfoy Prince Twins alone! You are lucky Abraxas wasn't there. You know how protective that git is of Draco. What did Professor Riddle do?" Ginny responded hotly.
Harry pulled away, rubbing at his ear. He detested when Ginny reacted like that. So he rolled his eyes.
"I have detention for the next week. He docked 25 points as well."
Hermione eyes widen as Ginny gapped at him dumbfounded.
"Harry!" Ginny said in outrage.
Then Hermione felt the underlying threat in her voice.
"Potter!" A smooth voice drawled out angry.
Hermione turned her eyes on the two attractive male figures coming their way. Both were in slytherin robes. The people in the great hall watched. The two had that aristocratic air about them. One was slightly taller with shoulder length light blonde hair and light blue eyes. The other had short white blonde hair with ice grey eyes. Ginny froze, glaring up at them. Harry raised an eyebrow at them.
"Yes?"
The one with longer hair folded his arms, a cruel lift of his lips.
"I believe you owe Draco here an apology."
Harry scoffed at him, rolling his eyes.
"Draco has more than enough from me. I didn't even push him. Perhaps he needs to relearn to use those two left feet of his."
Hermione gasped at Harry's remark. The long haired one, known as Abraxas drew his wand out. Draco also drew his wand out, ready to attack.
"How dare you, Potter!" Draco sneered at him.
Ginny stood up, temper flaring.
"Enough Malfoy!" Hermione finally spoke out, also standing up, wand drawn and the two men took notice of her. Abraxas letting his gaze trail over her curiously.
Draco narrowed his grey eyes on her.
"Mind your business, Granger!"
Ginny moved so quickly to the other side, defensive.
"Or what will you do, Draco? Have Abraxas call Daddy Lucius to fight your battles for you?" She snapped
Draco looked like he wanted to strangle her.
"Watch that mouth, Baby weasel!"
Abraxas took a step towards her, a cold smile on his face.
"Tread very carefully. If either of us catch you alone, don't think we'll go easy on you."
Harry started to laugh, his green eyes bemused.
"Dully noted. You are royalties and rich yada yada. Bye Malfoys." He turned back to his seat dismissively.
The brothers glared hatefully at Harry.
Hermione sighed.
"Look, can't you guys just let this be? Professor Riddle had resolved this."
Abraxas pursed his lips taking a step towards her.
"The next time Potter is out of line. I'll deal with him myself." He promised darkly.
He then turned around grabbing Draco and luring him out of the great hall.
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Hermione walked into the girls bathroom. Ginny in tow after her.
"So mind explaining what happened with you and Professor Riddle." She said bemused.
An irritated look crossed Hermione's features.
"He's an utter prat. That's all I'm going to say."
Ginny had a thoughtful expression.
"Is because you are muggle born?"
That had Hermione backtracking, eyes widening. How did she know?
Ginny gave her a knowing smile.
"I been around enough muggles to know. However, it doesn't bother me."
The red headed girl moved in front of the mirror, inspecting her face.
Hermione bit her lip, pondering if she should tell her. An image of Tom pulling her close in a threatening manner drifted in her mind.
No.
Still though it didn't stop her from mentioning the new Ancient Runes Professor.
"I've had the chance to meet our new Ancient Runes Professor." She started to say.
Ginny turned to face her, curiosity peeked.
"Well do tell."
"I suppose you could say that he's very charming in the sense that Professor Riddle is."
A wicked gleam lit her eyes.
"Oh so he's fuckable."
Hermione flushed at her words.
"Ginny!"
"Come off it Mione'. I'm aware that this is the 50s but learn to live a little." She murmur slyly.
The curly haired witch felt a shiver go down her spine. There was something about her phrase that had her thinking of dread once more. Hermione gave her a wry smile.
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The next day
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Hermione found herself sitting in the middle row with Ginny and Harry. The room to Ancient Runes getting full with each passing moment. She survey the area. Noting that it was a big space divided into two sections of four. There was a portrait staring back at them, which resembled a starry night. How odd.
Then a creaking of the door shutting had her turning her head. A pleased murmur of female students echoed as Professor Garrison made his way through the front of the room.
Ginny's grip on her quill snapped. Oh hell. Hermione inwardly groaned. It was definitely going to be a long day.
The older male had an intimidating presence. Not quite in the way Professor Riddle did. A sly smile lit his marble face. His dark blonde hair was damped, in two toned dress robes of grey and navy. His stance was relaxed as he scanned the students. His deep voice like velvet across the room.
"Welcome to Ancient Runes. I'm Professor Garrison."
Hermione felt herself wince when Ginny kicked her from under the table. A scowl on her face, she mouthed 'What?'
Ginny gestured to the professor, earning an eye roll from Hermione.
"Is there something you wish to share, Miss Granger?" Drawled out Professor Garrison
The busy haired witched flushed in embarrassment. His sea green eyes was hard.
"No. Sorry, Professor." She finished lamely.
"I'll let each of you know. I don't tolerate interference with my teachings. If this is something anyone can't handle then feel free to leave."
Nobody moved at his icy words. There was something about the way he held her gaze a few seconds longer that had Hermione shuddering.
Drawing out his wand he dimmed the lights a bit. Clearing his throat, he peered at his students.
"Can anyone tell me what the method behind a Glyph is?"
The class was silent for a few moments. Hermione shook her head drolly. Come on now. Then she raised her hand. To which he nodded for her to go on.
"When using runes, the magic enforced is used to create a glyph which is inscribed onto an object." Hermione stated.
Professor Garrison tilted his head and gave her a charming smile.
"Right you are, Miss Granger. 10 points to Gryffindor."
The class carried on. Professor Garrison gave his students a long lecture, along with demonstrating how to use a glyph.
Hermione watched, intrigued. His method was precise and he caught her gaze, letting his magic flow over. The object being a silver goblet with a sapphire embedded in the center. It glowed a pale yellow, the glyph inscription etching within. Ginny sucked in a sharp breath besides Hermione. Clearly in awe.
Harry rolled his eyes. Then the ringing echoed in the room signaling everyone that class was over. Professor Garrison released the rune. A hard line on his lips as he stared at his students.
"Be sure to read all five chapters. You will be tested. Anyone who fails will receive a solid T." He said without warmth.
Hermione packed her stuff up. Not worried. An icy cold rush washed over her, realizing that she had Defense against the Dark Arts with Professor Riddle. Oh no. After yesterday meeting she was dreading having a class with him. Harry nudged her, concern in those green hues.
"What's wrong?"
Hermione gave him a timid smile.
"Oh nothing. Just lost in my thoughts."
Ginny locked an arm through hers.
"Come on, we gotta go see Mr. Goodlooking. Otherwise he'll give all of us detentions. Harry's already on his shite list as it is."
"He really needs to pull that stick from his arse. Acting like he owns this school. Annoying prat." Harry said through clenched teeth.
They walked together. Down the stairs. Hermione could feel her pulse racing, nerves frayed. They were so close. She wanted to turn back.
Harry stopped outside the large black door. He turn slightly, eyeing the two.
"Let's get this over with."
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