~Force of Nature~

Lion

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Draco sat across from Tom. Apprehension seeping into his features. It was like he was struggling to put his words out. Tom didn't let the icy demeanor drop. He was beyond annoyed.

"Out with it already, Draco. "

The younger twin flushed before answering.

"I think Granger is getting too close, Sir."

Excuse me?

"Is that what's got you all ruffled? A mere girl, Draco? "

"She is distracting you, Sir. " He snapped suddenly.

The room went silent for a few moments. Tom barely refrained from lashing out at the foolish boy. His tone was far from kind as those dark eyes pierced.

"I need not explain things to you. However, tread carefully on what you speak lest you lose that tongue of yours. "

Draco went pale, his hands shook as he found his voice again.

"Sir, that's not honestly why I came. It's actually worse. Here. "

He pulled out a thick green tome. The etching on the outside appeared almost obscene. There was a sinister edge to it. Tom felt his lips curve at it. Dark magic awaiting swirled.

"I see that Lucius finally came through. Still doesn't explain your obvious discomfort. "

Draco swallowed hard.

"So Beverly is currently unconscious due to touching it. Abraxas has kept her under close watch. We need you to fix her. "

Of all the things. A damn first year.

Tom stood up, the urge to rub his temple quite prominent. His voice held an edge.

"If anything like this ever happens again Draco, you'll be here scrubbing cauldrons until you graduate."

Draco folded his arms. He barely suppressed the urge to speak his mind. Tom opened the door, moving in haste down the corridor. Draco following closeby.

"How did she manage to touch it? "

"It fell out of my hands and she picked it up. "

Seriously. Fucking Draco. Tom felt an incredulous urge to crucio the boy. It was unlike him to be this careless. A first year no less.

"What symptoms is she showing? "

"She blacked out, Sir. "

"What happened prior to Miss Davies passing out, Draco? Details would be sufficient in this case."

"Actually, it happened so quick. Her entire body glowed before spasming until she went out cold. "

Tom inwardly cursed as they made it to the Slytherin common room. A small crowd of Abraxas, Nott, Maluciber and an unconscious Beverly. She laid out on the sofa. Out in the open.

Abraxas had his wand out over her. The young man was chanting. Tom cleared his throat. The curt tone leaving no room for argument.

"That is enough, Abraxas. I'll take it from here. "

Abraxas nodded as he stepped aside. Tom eyed the young strawberry blonde. His magic seeping out towards the girl. Dark magic bristled at the intrusion. It flickered and Tom narrowed his eyes.

His wand movement was quick, edgy but precise. Within moments it ceased. The spell lingering in fierce protection. Tom hummed with satisfaction as the curse suddenly dissipated.

He turned to the rest of the group. Voice of steel evident in his tone.

"This is not to be repeated to no one. If I catch anyone doing unsupervised dark magic, it'll be the least of your worries. Go to bed. Abraxas, see to it that, Miss Davies returns to her dormitories. "

"Of course, Sir. "

Tom's eyes landed on Draco.

"Fifty points from Slytherin. Next time be more discreet. "

Draco swallowed.

Tom left without another word.

Xxxxxxxxxxxx

Hermione screamed into the pillow. Beyond frustrated. She honestly just couldn't deal with the on/off emotions that Tom emitted. It was tiring. Not to mention that she had a lot going on as it is. Her mother's birthday is approaching. It'll be the first time not being able to share it with her.

Tears pricked the corner of her eyes. Of the memory of last summer. The way her heart plummeted when the police showed up on her doorstep. That she lost both her parents that night.

An accident they claimed.

So she had no choice but to return to London. To stay with her Uncle Vincent and Aunt Nell. A distant family she was unfamiliar with. Even with the sympathy they felt for her, it didn't help with the knowledge that she was a muggle born witch.

Hermione rolled onto her side.

They'd no doubt be thrilled with the idea of her getting married. She sighed. As she thought of her Aunt Nell.

'It's necessary to be tied to another, especially at your age. To be expected one would say.'

She pursed her lips. Yeah she knew exactly how'd that would turn out.

How'd she make the most of it with her current goals? She blinked as she thought of being both wife and working on becoming head curator of The Department of Magical Artefacts.

At a young age she was always intrigued by the notion. So ever since then she been putting in the extra effort in her studies. America gave her so much. Here she was doing more since it is her final year.

She could have a sit down with Tom.

Her stomach dropped thinking of how'd that play out. He would definitely not stand in her way. That's for sure.

Yet, Tom held quite a bit of a possessive streak when it came to her. Which was why she was so frustrated by him half the time.

A sudden oof escaped her lips as she felt the heavy weight of someone stretching across her back. The voice was erriely chirpy.

"How long you plan on hiding? You can't keep these secrets. It's unhealthy Hermione. "

Ginny tsk whilst shifting her body even more. Hermione squirmed. Uncomfortable. She groaned into the pillow before lifting her head up.

"You first. I know you have a secret as well. "

Ginny went silent for a moment before lifting herself off entirely. Hermione rolled onto her side, peering up at the red headed witch.

They were silent for a few moments. Then Ginny averted her gaze to the window. Her expression solemn.

"I been seeing Abraxas. As in like dating. "

Hermione couldn't help but stare at her.

"So all those nights. You been with him. What about Harry? "

"Harry doesn't feel the same about me anymore. Nor do I. "

"So why keep it a secret? "

"Well even if it doesn't matter, there are boundaries we as friends shouldn't cross."

Hermione shook her head.

"I'm not going to judge you for what you want in an individual. I think you should give Harry more credit. "

"Ugh alright. So it's your turn to spill. "

Hermione sighed before rubbing her temple.

"I'm sure that you are aware that I am to be married after Hogwarts ends. Well I never spoken on who it is. "

Ginny paled.

"Please don't tell me it's Furgus. "

Hermione chuckled.

"Oh no. Thank heavens. My suitor is none other than Professor Tom Riddle himself. "

The young woman gasped her eyes looking at her incredulously.

"Merlin you've got to be jesting. "

Hermione shook her head.

"I wish I was. I never asked for this. "

"I'm sure he didn't either. That must've been a shocker to him. He doesn't seem to be interested in you particularly. "

Hermione scoffed.

"So you think. Why? Simply because he still technically my professor, no that made it all the better for him. Tip toeing around the rules."

Ginny flushed.

"Has he-"

"No he hasn't but damn Ginny. It's like he starts this then somewhere along the line he doesn't want to be bother by it."

"Sounds like script to me. "

Hermione chuckled humorlessly.

"That doesn't even begin to cover it. I didn't even tell you about Professor Garrison. "

"Merlin Hermione! " She groaned out.

This was definitely going to be a long night. She needed a drink or two. Hermione summoned two glasses. What the hell.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxc

Callum walked through his private quarters. A sneeze catching up the back of his throat. He swirled his drink in his hand. The amber liquid glinted under the light. He tossed it back. Relishing the burn.

A loud knocking taking him aback. It was nearing midnight. Patrols were finished almost an hour ago. Still he opened the door.

He'd expected anyone else but her. The shock lasting moments. Curious about what she wanted.

Hermione was bridled with untamed magic. Her curls in obvious disarray. The silky cream nightdress did little to hide her figure. Her hiccup was apparent. It was a clear sign she'd been under the influence.

"I want the truth Professor. What are your intentions? "

"Who are you to ask the questions here? A student such as yourself shouldn't be out of bed at this hour. "

She narrowed her gaze.

"I don't care. I want answers Callum. "

He shrugged.

"Your temper tantrums are not impressive, Miss Granger. You need to leave at once. "

Her wand movement was swift but Callum wasn't fazed. He folded his arms.

"Do I need to call Tom? Have him drag you out like the little annoying swot that you are." He sneered.

"That didn't stop you from kissing me. "

Honestly. That was a tad childish. Still the alcohol spoke to new volumes. Callum was upon her in seconds. Her wand knocked away, body frozen. Her breath hitched at the cold detach look in those sea green eyes.

Callum tilted her chin up ever so gently.

"Is that what this is about? A kiss that saved your life. Well process of saving. You still have a week more to go. "

"It was your fault to begin with!"

His lips twitched in amusement. Leaning down. She felt his breath across her lips.

"Oops."

Then a wave of magic passed over them suddenly. Callum cursing under his breath. Tom coming through his wards effortlessly. His eyes accessing yet his demeanor indifferent.

"Miss Granger, is there a reason you are out of bed? "

Callum stepped away from Hermione. His tone curt as he started to pour himself another drink.

"Do us all a favor and get her out of here. "

Tom rolled his sleeve up before taking a step in Callums direction. Those eyes wandering over his extensive quarters.

"What will you give me in return? "

Callum swirled the contents.

"This isn't a negotiation Tom."

Tom shrugged, eyeing a particular book on display. His finger swiping a small amount of dust.

"Then she is your problem. "

"She is right here. " Hermione snapped in irritation.

Tom's eyes glanced at her momentarily.

"Fifteen points from Gryffindor."

She stared rather flabbergasted. No way in hell. How dare he. It took a moment and she felt her magic sizzle. Her body starting towards him.

Callum watched with a guarded expression. Tom on the other hand seemed unfazed. Yet his magic was coiled. Ready to strike at any given moment.

Hermione was unforgiving as she spoke.

"I didn't come here for you. My actions don't revolve around that ego of yours. "

Her wand pointed out at him.

Tom didn't blink, non-verbally disarming it out of her hand within seconds. The clattering unto the wooden floor was apparent.

Callum cleared his throat.

"Clearly, you both need to resolve whatever this is. "

"Who asked you? " Hermione sneered.

Callum gestured to his surrounding.

Tom sighed before turning his wand on her.

"Obdormiscere!"

Her body fell forward almost gently. The vast curls surrounding her. Light snores escaping her lips. Callum started towards her but was stopped by Tom's frosty glare.

"So is there a real reason why she is lingering in your room? You guys appeared to be in quite the compromising position yet again. "

"Miss Granger was well under the influence as you know. Women tend to be more emotional in that state. "

"Obviously. "

"You told her about the curse? She is still vying for more answers. "

"That's on you. If you'd stayed your distance she wouldn't be in this predicament. "

Callum glowered.

"We aren't having this discussion again. Take her and leave. "

"Oh I intend to. However, there is something you have that I require. "

"Such as? "

Tom's lips curved rather menacing. His gaze shifting to the left side of the room where six different vials stood. All were different hues. Yet a gaudy box stood out on the side. Something beckon him to the contents inside. It was why he came in the first place.

"That box. "

Callum following his gaze before he stiffened unpleasantly. That specific box wasn't to be opened. Not to mention it's been in the family for generations. He glamour with his magic to make sure others wouldn't notice. He'd be damned if Tom would have it.

"No. "

"You seem to be under the impression that you are in control here. This isn't the case, Callum. Unless you want to mysteriously end up like your uncle. "

Silence filled the space between them. Yet, Callum's magic swirled dangerously. His body rooted. Those eyes burned with hatred as he stared at Tom.

"Don't ever mention him in front of me. I'll kill Granger faster than you could even blink. "

Tom smiled as if suddenly recalling something rather amusing.

"So you think. Tell me how you actually feel around her? I wager you aren't pleased with the results. "

The look on Callum's face darkened. Of course he noticed. It was why he detested them both. The emptiness was even more prominent while being mere feet away.

"I need not hear this from you. "

Tom moved fluidly, reaching a few meters before the other professor. He cocked his head before those lips began to whisper.

Tendrils of something encasing around Callum. He couldn't hide the surprise in his eyes. There was a dull ache starting to form from the waist down. It was the type of pain that seemed barely there until it's too late.

"I'll repeat myself. Once this curse stops, you'll never touch her again. "

There was an underlying threat within those words. Callum swallowed the lump in his throat. His skin growing pale. Tom was shifting before his very eyes.

His features became sharper, those eyes flickering red. The space between them palpable. Tom licked his lips. Fear was evident. He savored it.

"So you see, I'm not just a half blood any longer. I'm something more. "

Hermione stirred in her sleep, groaning. It drew their attention. Tom let his eyes trail over her frame. Callum remained silent. There was something eerie about the way Tom started to act. It was different. More controlled and precise.

Tom rolled his wand between his fingers, voice void of emotion.

"Once you realize how much you crossed there is no going back. That what you think you know is nothing but a fitted illusion. I been too lenient on you, Callum. Maybe it's you who needs to learn their place instead. "

Taking his eyes off Hermione, Callum watched in horror as Tom pivot back to face him. A jet of purple hitting him squarely in the chest. He fell back with a pained cry. The vials breaking on impact.

Blood was seeping through his clothes, staining through white. Callum vision blurred. He still couldn't speak. Yet, Tom's voice carried on.

"Funny, how I overlooked your family. I wasn't aware that this would be in your possession. Phoenix tears are a rarity nowadays. Though it's not just the tears in this. A soul to be exact. The tears are merely preservatives for this. Mmmmm I do wonder. What other secrets you keep. Perhaps another time then. "

Callum could feel the slow beating of his heart. He was still bleeding out. Until he felt something suddenly rush over him. Unnaturally heady and hot. The wounds no longer throbbing.

He didn't know how long he remained there. Unmoving. It was silent and when he came to his senses. His body was sore when he attempted to pull himself up.

Callum swore when he noticed a few things. One the box was gone, two Hermione was nowhere in the vicinity and three, a lone singular black feather remained next to where his body was lying next to.

Tom Riddle, he inwardly cursed.

Xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Hermione shivered, groaning as she tried to pull the covers closer to herself. Yet a breeze of cold brushed against naked legs. Hermione jolted in the bed. Her heart was hammering, and she found herself facing Tom.

"Are you kidding me. "

"Nice to see you too, Hermione. "

"Why in Merlin am I in your bed?! "

Those lips tilted in amusement.

"Would you rather it was Callum you woke up to? "

She glared at him.

"I rather be in mine, far away from you. "

He plucked a stray curl out of her face.

"Doubt it. "

She huffed.

"If it's all the same, I'll go now. "

A sudden heavy weight brought her down. The groan left her lips. Preventing her from leaving. Tom stare was filled with dark intent.

"Actually, you and I need to have a conversation. The marriage ceremony is fast approaching. I've been owled the specific date of our union."

That rendered her speechless. Tom's lips hovered basking in her silence. He could feel her heart thudding, how her brown eyes flickered with curiosity. She licked her lower lip, tentative before speaking.

"When?"

Xxxxxxxxxxx