Force of Nature

Stick and Stones

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Tom rolled to the side, a groan escaping his lips. He had no idea what time it was. Still his body protested as he dragged his weight up. Nagini was hissing, incessantly mind you. Everything seemed muddled through his eardrums.

Tom wiped his forehead, alarm suddenly jolting him. Nagini stared at him.

Something was rather amiss.

It rung through every inch of him.

"Go find Hermione. Watch over her." Tom hissed out.

The serpent didn't spare a moment, slithering away. Tom reached for his wand under his pillow. It felt cool to his touch yet different. Closing his eyes he focused his energy.

Inhaling and exhaling, a prickling sensation crossed his entire body with a wave of his wand. The magic was there, albeit quite faintly.

Tom let out a breath, relief filling. He needed more time. Still he couldn't help the wave of unease. Something else was amiss. But what exactly?

He maneuver the stack of books that laid at the foot of his bed. Until the rug was bare. He lifted it and pulled at the secret hiding spot. Out came a thick glowing crimson tome. The magic seeping out leaving a thrum of tingles through Tom's hands. It was as if it were beckoning him to open it.

Tom didn't hesitate. Delving through the pages. The image of a siren beholden a goblet stared back at him. His eyes narrowed as he re-read the excerpt. Nowhere did it say that his magic would've caused a reaction. Shite.

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Hermione scowled at her professor. Glancing at her wound. It was a simple cutting hex. It wasn't dark by any means but still he made the movement to hurt her. If anything it made her annoyed.

"That's hardly necessary. A detention would have sufficed."

The blood was still dripping upon the wooden floor. Callum's expression was unreadable. The press of his dark aura was unrelenting. His words were icy.

"Who are you to make such suggestions? "

A sudden crack and Hermione flinched. It felt like she was drowning. She swallowed trying to keep her composure.

"Didn't you say you needed me? "

All of sudden the hiss of Nagini coming up in front had Callum momentarily off guard. His wand was drawn in an instant.

"So your master's too much of a coward to come through." He sneered.

Nagini flashed her fangs. The body poised and ready to strike.

Hermione watched cautiously. It was strange that Tom would send his pet here. Yet the question still remains, why?

Where is Tom?

Callum folded his arms, bringing his gaze to Hermione. The curve of his lips tilting. She didn't trust it when he smiled like that. It was unsettling.

"Do you see it yet? Tom won't defend the likes of you. Despite all your high marks in your previous school, it's nothing here. There's nothing he can gain from you." He taunted.

Hermione clenched her fists, her temper raising. He didn't get to speak to her like that, professor or not.

"Enough. " She snarled, her magic sparking, making her hair move in a soft tussle. Her wand jolted in her fingertips. A healing spell touching her wound. Then she directed it upon Callum. "This is the last time. You may think you sway everyone but I know you are nowhere in the same league as Tom. "

Nagini hissed, slithering towards Callum. Ready to protect Hermione.

The beautiful face morphed in to silent anger. His eyes burned.

"How dare-"

"Yes! I dare! You foul excuse of a wizard!" Hermione cut him off.

Callum waved his arm and Hermione was flung back, her lower back colliding with the wooden table. A pained grunt escaped her lips as Nagini was also lifted, hitting her squarely in the chest. The impact left her groaning in pain as the weight of the serpent hung on her.

Nagini snarled in rage, moving swiftly towards Callum. Fangs flashing.

The wizard froze Nagini before she could reach. Then slowly he walked over to Hermione, his voice deceptively soft, yet vicious all the same.

"I'll let this slide, Miss Granger. However be aware that I won't be so lenient next time. I could easily make you disappear."

Hermione blinked as his words sunk in.

The wards fell and she could hear the voices of students from the door. Nagini still stood frozen to the spot. Callum turned around, his navy robes swirling with movement.

Standing on shaky legs, Hermione approached Nagini. Extending her hand. The tips of her fingers tracing the iced scales. She frowned. Nagini didn't deserve this.

Her magic flooded through. A yellow hue glowing off Nagini's scales. The ice melted leaving a puddle.

Callum opened the door, a mass of third years coming in. His face dunning a charming smile.

"Take your seats children. Class will begin shortly."

Hermione scowled at the display. Nagini hissed but moved out, her eyes lingering on him with distaste.

The curly haired witch approached him. The smile he gave her didn't reach his eyes. His voice was sinfully soft. His hand extending, her bag in its grasp.

"Till next time, Miss Granger. Oh, don't worry about being late. I'll let Professor Slughorn excuse your tardiness. "

Hermione grabbed her bag, her skin brushing against his. Her body went rimrod still. A electric current passing between them. Those eyes bore into hers. It unnerved her.

What was this?

Nagini hissing brought her senses back to reality. She didn't hesitate and walked out. She needed to see Tom.

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Abraxas stormed to the Gryffindor dormitory. Ginny wouldn't avoid him for long. The portrait lady raised an eyebrow noticing the Slytherin tie.

"You seem lost. "

The blonde gave her a disarming smile.

"I believe my intent is clear. Call for Ginerva Weasley. "

The door suddenly opened and his eyes widened. Harry Potter walking hand in hand with the person who invaded his thoughts.

Ginerva.

They halted their steps. Taking him in. Harry's eyes narrowed. Ginny frowned.

"What are you doing here? " Harry asked briskly.

Abraxas folded his arms. His tone sharp.

"What's it to you, Potter? I'm not here for you. "

Ginny inhaled, unlacing her fingers from Harry. Hurt and confusion lit his green eyes.

"Harry could you give us a moment. "

There was no room for argument and Harry sighed. His eyes locking with Abraxas. He knew that Ginny could handle herself quite well. But still.

"I'll be nearby, Ginny. "

She gave him a soft smile. Watching him leave.

Abraxas cleared his throat.

"Let's talk little lion. "

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Tom waved his wand. A dull blue coming out. He scoffed. Turning to his desk and flipping through the pages.

Reverse of magi depletion. Connection with either witch or wizard through touch of magi can benefits it's user. However the cost could potentially be fatal if not used correctly.

A sudden knock broke him from his thoughts.

Nagini slittered in as the door opened. Hermione pursed her lips, eyeing Tom with unease.

Tom glared.

"Didn't I inform you that I didn't want to be disturbed? Why must you be so adamant in disobeying me?"

Hermione felt her temper raise at his ire.

"Well should I let Callum bloody well do his worst to me? Thanks to you there is a target solely upon my back."

It took seconds for Hermione to have her back against the wall. Tom hovering, his fingers tracing a line down her shoulder. Nagini hissed in displeasure. Hermione shuddered when Tom pressed against her clothed skin. No doubt he was furious.

Those eyes flickered to Nagini, a sharp hiss leaving his mouth.

Why did you let this happen?

Nagini tilted her head, unafraid of her master.

Late.

Tom scowled before turning his attention back on Hermione. A sigh escaping.

"You were foolish. "

What? Hermione froze, rather flabbergasted.

Tom twirled a loose strand of hair between his fingers, his voice continued. There was no anger but the edginess grated on her nerves.

"All you had to do was not let yourself be open for a potential attack. Instead, you of course ran that mouth of yours. It's your own fault. "

Hermione felt the last of her patience snap. She was just bloody tired of both of the men picking at her. The magic crackled with her pent up emotions. A hand pressing hard upon his chest. She glared, icily.

"Adolebitque. "

Hot tendrils of flames bursted from her hand that was currently on his chest. No wand needed. She learned while in America.

Tom recoiled, the sharp heated sensation brushing against him. He stared at her, his lips thinned. He didn't like when people attacked him. It also didn't help that his magic wasn't completely back.

Hermione didn't stop there, no she took another threatening step forward. The tips of her hair glowing a dull red hue. Tom could almost taste the angry magic from her.

However he was prepared. Those eyes of his flashed dangerously. Tom caught her arm before she could strike him. Wrapping it harshly on her back. He held her in a tight grip. The words were laced with venom.

"Be still, witch."

Hermione snarled, struggling.

"Well I'm not your pawn. "

Tom frowned.

"Your words, not mine."

She hissed, fighting to break away. Tom scoffed at her display. It was so muggle.

"Hermione stop. " Tom continued to speak. The magic of hers didn't cease to diminish. She was still deep in her emotions.

Tears welled in her eyes, yet she clenched her teeth to keep from spilling over. She wouldn't give him this. Hermione was damned tired. Being pulled back and forth. Distantly she could hear her mother's voice in the back of her mind.

Release,then just take a step back. Don't rush it, sweetheart.

Hermione blinked, her heart sinking at the memory. She needed to go, it was clearly a mistake being here.

Tom could feel the sudden change within her. She stopped fighting, her magic becoming a dull thrum beneath his fingers. The silence stretched between them.

Sighing, Tom released Hermione.

"For once just listen, Hermione. I won't always be here to fight your battles."

She sniffed.

"I didn't ask you to, Tom. "

He sighed. Folding his arms together.

"I'm still your, Professor. I will teach you but nothing more. This arrangement of marriage is a farce. I won't give you what you want. "

Hermione inhaled before turning to face him. Anger restoring in a flash.

"I never expected you to. For all your seduction and charms is nothing but empty lies. "

Tom didn't react. A chill passing over Hermione. The coldness in his eyes apparent.

"Get out, Miss Granger. Its improper for you to remain here. "

Nagini hissed.

Mate

Tom blinked. The word foreign in his ears.

Hermione was about to respond when the crimson tome on his desk began to glow. The soft red light luring her. She moved towards it, as if in a trance.

Tom caught her by the hand. Touch causing a hiss from his lips. It was strange, her magic seeping within him.

"Close your eyes, Hermione. " He murmur into her ear. His body pressing to hers.

A shaky breath leaves her, yet her eyes can't seem to look away. Tom's voice becoming distant. She doesn't respond.

Tom buried his face in her wild hair. His hand closing over her eyes. Blocking her view of the time. Hermione tensed at his proximity.

"What is that book? " She questioned, feeling uneasy.

"That book is no concern of yours."

Hermione broke away. Heart hammering. Staring up at Tom.

"It's dangerous, you should get rid of it. "

Tom scoffed. Not bloody likely. He still has much to do, which involved that tome. How dare she suggest such a thing.

"You should leave."

Hurt flickered in those brown eyes for a few seconds. Gritting her teeth. Hermione clenched her fists.

"I won't disturb you anymore."

Then she was gone. Tom closed his eyes, sighing.

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A day went by

Then a week went by.

Then a month.

Then four months.

Hermione tried to ignore the feelings eating away at her. Tom been away, for too long. He hadn't sent a word to her in all of the days that passed.

All she knew was that eventually he'd come back. Professor Dippet assured all students and staff. It didn't stop the ache within her.

She didn't know where to turn.

It didn't help that Callum was still cornering her at every turn.

Those turns becoming too much.

Suggestive even.

Hermione recalled the faint brush of his lips on her skin. A confused rush filling her.

He would tower over her.

Curse after curse.

Then those eyes would stare down at her. Almost mocking yet a unusual gleam of heat would reside. She didn't understand it. Not one bit.

Hermione blinked as she walked into the library. Finding her spot in the back. She pulled out her books, ink, parchment and quill.

Her concentration focused on her studies.

Time went by.

Hours drifted.

Hermione felt her eyes began to drop as her writing swerve off the parchment.

She didn't see that she was no longer alone. Didn't see the spell that cushion her head as those eyes closed.

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