Yoooooo! I'm back! Sorry it has taken me forever! Anyhow here is the chapter you been waiting for my dears! Have fun! Share your thoughts, fave, follows XD
~Force of Nature~
Observer
Tom tried again with a flick of his wrist. Rage bubbling within him. Nagini backed away, cautious of her master. The spell didn't work. It's been over hours and dawn was quickly approaching. Tom furiously tossed the goblet against the cavern wall, yelling in outrage. A shrill sound echoing without him realizing it. Nagini hissed at the sound of her master. Her sharp fangs flashing dangerously at Tom.
Tom blinked in surprise. Did he just screeched as a siren? Slowly he approached Nagini, noticing she coiled her body defensively.
"Shhhh I'm not going to hurt you. " he spoke with a soft hiss.
A hand reaching out to touch her gently. Nagini relaxed under his soft caress. There was a soft hiss in return and a flicker of her tongue against his skin. He sighed, at a loss of where to even begin. Still he could see the sunlight starting to seep through the cave. It was best to go. He'd have to spend the rest of time figuring out this issue. His eyes stared at Nagini.
"Let's go home."
The serpent flicked her tongue, following Tom down the cavern, closer to the light.
Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
A solid sneeze came from Professor Garrison. The dusty book reaching inside his nostrils in an annoying sense.
"Oh bullocks! This is pointless!" He said icily slamming the book.
Hastily he stood up. The Amber dragon heart core of his wand slashing through the air, the incantation nonverbal. The specs of greenish gold alit. When suddenly Hermione burst through the door nearly colliding with the spell. Lighting fast he shut it down, narrowing his hard sea green eyes upon her.
"Miss Granger. It's impolite to just waltz in unannounced. "He spat harshly.
She faltered at his tone, instantly becoming defensive.
"If I'm not mistaken Sir. You asked me to come."
Two strides was all it took to have Professor Garrison pinning Hermione to the wall, wand place upon her chest. His green eyes were icy. It reminded her of how Tom would react, except Tom made her shuddered for an entirely different reason. This man made her blood run cold.
"How true. Though that mouth of yours will get you in trouble. It's unbecoming of a muggle witch to snark like a rabid mutt."
That made Hermione gasp. He knew of her ancestry.
"You know. "
His smile was cold.
"It's no secret here, Hermione. Everyone knows what dirty blood you carry. Did you think that coming from America made you immediately special? I knew it from the moment Professor Riddle had that little reaction. You are his intended." Professor Garrison said almost tauntingly.
Hermione narrowed her eyes.
"What makes you so sure?"
A dark chuckle escaped his lips.
"Oh you know. I know people in very high places. Now, dearie I know what he is up to. I intend to stop him at all cost even if I have to use you."
Out of all the things that could possibly go wrong. Hermione was not expecting this. Tom didn't care about her. Of this she knew. Yet the way Professor Garrison spoke almost made it seem like he did. This man was clearly blind. She frowned.
"Do you often get mistaken, Professor?"
The older man narrowed his eyes.
"Absolutely not. Now listen here. "He started to say. "I'm going to leave you with something rather useful. In no circumstances are you to repeat this anywhere. "
She didn't back down, laying her fingers upon his wand she pointed it downwards.
"What if I refused? What if I walked away?" Hermione spoke evenly, wetting her dry lips.
Professor Garrison cleared his throat. A sudden moment of silence.
"You think that once you walk away, you'll be safe?" He counter, drawing his wand away.
Hermione rolled her eyes. She was tired of the threats.
"No. However it's not like I don't know how to defend myself if need be, Sir."
He smiled at her words, making him appear even more handsome. Though she knew better.
Glancing at the door, he stepped away.
"This is not over, Hermione. I'd be very careful."
It was a warning. She folded her arms. This was too easy and she wasn't daft.
"You still intend to leave me with something."
He peered at her, a chuckle coming past his lips.
"You'll see. In fact you'll return to me once you see how Tom really is. I'll be awaiting you."
The door suddenly open. Hermione frowned at the dismissal. She didn't spare him a look as she walked out. The hall was bare. The students yet to awaken. Hermione took the stairs that lead to the dungeons aka Slytherin area.
She needed to find Tom. Rushing down the steps Hermione had to catch herself on that last step. Her heart was thudding harshly within her chest as she made it to his door.
Xxxxxxxxxxx
Tom awoke to the soft knocks. Wiping his eyes he glanced at the clock. It hasn't even been a full two hours since he arrived. He was still magicless and vastly angry. Whoever was at the door better pray that it was important. Nagini let out a sharp hiss of displeasure as he made his way to the door.
He scowled as he was greeted with Hermione wry expression.
"Miss Granger, what can I do for you?" Tom asked deadpan.
Hermione face darken. Serious fire within her hues.
"It's urgent. I wouldn't be here if it wasn't. "
Tom scoffed but let her through. Hermione rubbed her temple as she took a seat upon his messy bed. Tom raised an arched eyebrow.
"Anyday now, Miss Granger." His tone was sharp.
Hermione felt the irritation seeping in her veins. She glared.
"Professor Garrison knows of my betrothal to you. He threaten my person, Tom."
Tom sighed and took a long stride to her. Observing the young witch. If anything all it was just ruffled feathers. There was not a touch of magic upon her. Still that did not give a right for Callum to threaten what was his. He'd rectify that later. He clenched his teeth as a hand brushed over her soft cheek. Tom heard her sudden intake of breath. As if really seeing him.
Hermione felt frozen as soon as his fingers touched her skin. Not the type to install fear no. This was different. She raked her eyes over him, alarmed. There were dark circles under his eyes. His dark eyes were calculated. His hair was unruly and the robe he donned was left open. Reveling pale skin.
Tom smirked knowingly.
"Do you like what you see?"
Hermione flushed at his words. Not giving him a straight answer. She avoided his gaze, staring at the hard wooden floor. He clicked his tongue.
"Answer me, Hermione. " Tom commanded.
Steadily she looked up, heart hammering. It was almost as if she were being lured. He was so close. She could feel his breath on her skin. The magic within her hummed, enthralled by Tom. Her voice was raspy.
"Yes"
His smile was devilish. Tom eyed her carefully as his fingers skimmed downwards. He could see various lights coming from inside her. The radiant glow of soft yellow, red and orange. It was her magic, her essence. He briefly pondered if she could read his.
Hermione's hand closed over his. A shake of her head.
"I should go, Tom. "
A tingled spread through him at her touch. His eyes widening in shock. What the hell?
"Wait" His voice falter as he closed his eyes. The room felt small and his body was beginning to heat.
Hermione froze at his expression, perplexed. Tom was being unusual. A hiss escaped her lips at a sudden burning heat seared into her skin.
"Ow!" She cried out, drawing her hand away.
Tom's eyes snapped open and Hermione gasped at the eerie glow of red. It reminded her of a blood moon. Warily she clutched her wand. This was not normal.
Tom's breath came in short pants. A groan coming from his lips. Nagini moving swiftly to come between Tom and Hermione. She flashed her fangs in warning. Before the serpent could lash out Tom hissed out at her.
"Leave her. I'm fine. "
Hermione couldn't help but stare at him. Tom face was it's impenetrable mask. His voice cutting across like nails to a chalk board.
"This stays between us. I swear if you muttered anything to your idiotic friends. I will do more than wipe their memory clear. "
Tom wouldn't stand for this weak moment. Not for anyone. She may not know of his disappearing magic but that don't mean he didn't know of other methods.
Hermione Granger felt a shiver spread.
"What did you do? "
Tom grimaced but pulled her close, his lips tracing over her earlobe. He could feel her magic radiating, it brushed against him. Tom craved to coax it with his own. Yet the thought only infuriated him all the more. His voice is dangerous but soft.
"If you keep asking questions like that I'll have to punish you. Did you not learn your previous lesson?"
Hermione flinched, recalling the paralyzing fear of sleep paralysis. The steady heartbeat of hers sped up in alarm. Tom wove his fingers through her hair.
"Thats not necessarily something we need to go over again. Somethings wrong, Tom. "
He nipped her ear in warning. Hermione drew back with a hiss of pain. The look he gave her was dark, edgy.
"Our detention will be cancelled. I'm taking a personal day. During this time, you are not to come here. Owl if you must but I won't tolerate any disturbances. Is that clear, Hermione? "
Her face fell and she scoffed at him.
"Of course, Tom. Everything is always your way."
Tom fought very hard not to lash out but Hermione never cease to put a pin into it. The last thing he needs is for her to linger any longer. He eyed her coldly. Face nothing but a stone mask.
"You may take your leave, Miss Granger."
She huffed and walked to the door, halting momentarily.
"What of Professor Garrison? "
Tom sighed.
"I'll deal with him soon, Hermione."
There was some moments of silence then the door clicked shut. Tom felt his body hit the mattress. His vision swirled and he blacked out once more. Nagini hissing nothing but an echo.
Xxxxxxxxxxxx
Abraxas seen Ginny from afar. The red headed witch chatting endlessly with Harry. He felt his eyes narrowed. He'd want nothing but a few words to spare. Abraxas walked on, following but not lingering too close. Harry proceeded to his class, bidding Ginny a farewell. That he catch up at later. Wasting no time, Abraxas snuck up on her, digging his wand threateningly into her back.
"Move into the left, right now." He hissed
The young witch froze but moved to a secluded corridor. Instantly her back was pressed into the stone wall. Confusion and anger flickering in her eyes.
"Are you out of your mind?! " she snapped
"Shut up, weasel doll. "
His wand pressed lightly upon her lips. Those ice blue eyes narrowed. His words coming out harsh.
"Did you really think I wouldn't catch you alone?"
She groaned, rolling her eyes. Batting his wand down.
"Are you seriously still mad about what happened with Draco? Jeez that was days ago. Let it go already, Abraxas. "
He frowned. She hadn't a clue.
"This doesn't involve Draco."
Ginny sighed.
"Then why are you being so-"
The words were suddenly cut off as Abraxas slanted his lips over hers hungrily. Taking the young witch by surprise. Abraxas was not holding back. Potter be damned. Two hands pushed him back.
"I can't-" Ginny started to say
Abraxas cut her off again with a kiss. He didn't want to hear anything. Just wanted to feel her unfold. Ginny couldn't help feel drawn to him. It was a thin line that she shouldn't be crossing. Especially with Abraxas. Yet her hands threaded through his long locks.
He lifted her body off the ground, wrapping those slender legs around him. A moan escaping her lips as he trailed kisses down her neck. He pressed his length against her. Sending a delicious shiver down her spine.
"Abraxas. " She moaned
He halted his movements. And stared at her. The flush of red and the quick breathing. Ginny's hair was a mess. She was exquisite in her passion. He want nothing more to remind her. He leaned forward, his voice raspy.
"This is not over between us. I will find you again, Ginerva."
He set her down and kissed her forehead. He fixed up their robes with a simple spell and turned away from her.
Ginny felt tears prick in her eyes. Realization settling in like a heavy weight. She kissed Abraxas Malfoy. Even though Harry and she been broken up for a while. She had hoped that they'd patch things up. Now this would make him hate her. What was she going to do?
Xxxxxxxxxx
Callum Garrison watched as Hermione entered his classroom. She set in the middle row, Harry right next to her. Draco and Abraxas stayed at the back. Callum cleared his throat as the remaining students found their seats.
"As you should've known by reading the previous chapter that tying runes to another being is dangerous." He began to speak while taking a step from his post.
Hermione refused to meet his eyes. Heavily engrossed on the blank quill. He bit his tongue. The nerve of the little chit.
"Can anyone tell me who was it that tied a rune to Xavier Villobos?" He asked halting in front of the first row.
Harry looked up then nudged Hermione. She scoffed at him and shook her head in refusal.
Hermione didn't want anything to do with Garrison. In fact she was more concerned about the empty seat next to her. Ginny never made it to class. She wondered what happened.
Harry rolled his eyes. Abraxas hand shot up.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy? "
"It was Sybil Ferrera. She wanted to coax Xavier into doing her bidding. However, she couldn't succeed and ultimately they both lost their lives."
Callum nodded.
"Correct. Ten points to Slytherin."
Hermione leaned back into her chair. Not really paying attention to the conversation. All she could think about was why Tom was acting strange. How much his health deteriorated in hours. It unsettled her. What was he hiding?
"Miss Granger, see me after class. "
The hard voice speaking out had her blinking in confusion. What?
She met the gaze of Callum Garrison. His face was staring down at her. A frown apparent. Those sea green hues narrowed.
"Twenty points from Gryffindor. Do pay attention, Miss Granger."
Harry groaned besides her. Hermione sighed as the class continue on. It felt if time just kept dragging on. She just wanted to go. Then Callum dismissed the class. Finally she bolted up stashing everything in her bag.
She was almost to the door when Callum stood in front of the doorway. His arms folded. An arched eyebrow raised.
"Why such a rush, Miss Granger? Did I not tell you to meet me after class?"
Hermione wanted smack the look off his beautiful sculpted face. She glared. Responding hotly with a hand on her hip.
"I don't owe you an explanation, Sir."
He smiled down at her, charming in a sense. Callum must pull a lot of strings with the female population. Still didn't mean he had to act like a deranged prat.
"Did you think because you have such high marks you are able to do as you please? How unbecoming of a lady."
Hermione clenched her fist. No scratch that she wanted to deck him squarely into next week.
"I don't care what you think. As far as I'm concerned you aren't anything to me."
Callum dropped the smile. Those eyes turning cold. If looks could kill.
"Careful, Miss Granger. I'm still your Professor."
Hermione was about to respond when she felt a dangerous ominous presence. She felt her throat tighten, her palms growing sweaty. Her eyes glanced around the room. Nothing was out of place. It was just them. Taking a step back, her heart stuttered in alarm. Realization that it was coming from Callum. He stared blankly. His face giving nothing away.
"You think Tom can protect you? You'd be a fool to think otherwise. He's nothing but a half- blood." He sneered
Hermione at this point drew out her wand. Her stance defensive. If he wanted a fight. He'll get one.
"Don't pretend you are better. How idiotic do you have to be to believe that blood fuels power?" She snapped back.
Callum stalked closer. His wand twirling beneath his fingertips. Dark magic radiated off him. Hermione tried not to flinch at the sensation of his magic nipping away at hers. Why did no one sense this?
Callum gave her a chilling smile.
"This room has been warded from both sides. No one will be able to come to your rescue. It would've been easier if you just submitted yourself. "
With a flick of his wrist, a cutting hex landed upon her shoulder. Hermione gasped. Her fingers touching the wound and finding her skin coated with blood. The pain didn't register until she tried to move. She hissed at the sensation. This was not good. Callum looked down at her, his face expressionless.
She couldn't beat him. Not like this. Hermione hung her head low. Trying to think. A sudden hiss caught her attention. Surprise upon her features. There trying to break the ward was Nagini.
Xxxxxxxxxx
Well that concludes this chapter! I hope everyone has enjoyed. I apologize that it took so long. Just every-day life stuff going on. Anyhow I did start the beginning of the next chapter. Also give my other Tomione a read if ya have the chance. The Evil Within. It's another full lengthy fic. I promise you'll love it! I been planning it awhile and I'm excited to have it out there finally! So send your thoughts my dears. See you next time!