A/N: Here is the next update. I hope it is ok as I am still sick. It sucks. I'm trying lay the foundation for Tom and Hermione's future relationship as well as showing Ron as emotionally struggling with the break up and not being able to let go. No Ron bashing, I'm not generally a fan of that. I tried to keep with what Ron's character is in the canon. Insecure and emotionally volatile, but coming from a good place at least that is how I see him. Tom i'm trying not to make him OOC. I would like to think that if he some how time travelled forward he would be intelligent enough to reassess his plan, and the 2000s are a lot different to the 1940s and he would be able to adapt. This isn't a redemption fic as such, he is still murdering on the side, but struggling with all these emotions he is not used to having.

I would like to say thank you to all the people who have taken the time to read this story. I know that it is not as good as some of the other one's I have read on here, but I would hope that it is not too bad. So thank you! And thank you to the guest reviewer, I always try to be prompt with my updates. I make an effort to write everyday, even if it is only one single paragraph and even if I am not feeling inspired.

Chapter 12: Tea and Biscuits

The Dorchester Hotel, Sunday 1st December 2013

I tried to dress nice for this occasion, firm fitting black dress pants, white collared shirt, a houndstooth sweater and grey blazer over the top, but I also wanted to be practical because of the weather. It is bloody freezing today winter is definitely on its way.

My hands started to sweat the moment the gentleman at the door to the restaurant offered to take my knee length wool coat. I realised that this morning I had essentially been on autopilot. Today's event was an abstract idea, but now here in the moment it is becoming reality. That thought makes me feel a little nauseous.

I take a seat towards the back as I don't want people listening to our conversation but with a clear view of the entrance. I order a large pot of English breakfast tea, hoping Christian would make an appearance soon, otherwise I'll just look silly.

The waiter delivers the tea a few minutes later with the two mugs I requested along with a jug of milk and a sugar bowl. Looking at this tea ware of sterling silver, it must cost a close to a weeks' worth of wages, I almost didn't want to touch it.

The door the restaurant opens and my breath hitches at the sight of Christian. Without being in his presence for two weeks I had forgotten how attractive this man really was. He was dressed in a suit without a tie, going for semi casual I assume. The two top buttons of his black oxford where unbutton revealing just a hint of dark chest hair. He was tall and thin, but slightly muscular- athletic. He wasn't the biggest of men, but he did have a commanding presence. He was like what those romantic novels my mother used to read called a 'fallen angel'- deadly but beautiful. To me he was dashing and debonair like James Bond. He spotted me and made his way over, another detail I picked up on was the way his body moved. Every step, every movement of those long piano fingers, the way his muscles flexed and contracted, gripping the back of the chair and pulling it away from the table. It was all very rehearsed? Practiced? Precise and deliberate. Everything about him seemed predetermined, like he was the one holding all the cards. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. I could feel my cheeks begin to flame as I realise, he had caught me perusing him like a sales catalogue. I caught the slight twitch of his mouth as though was trying to hold back a smile.

''Good morning Miss Granger, have you eaten yet?", his tone gave nothing away, was he happy about this meeting, displeased? Or intrigued?

"I…I (clears throat) …I wouldn't mind having something to eat, that is if you don't mind otherwise I'm happy to get straight to the point of this meeting", Gee get it together, could I sound anything more like a bumbling school girl faced with an attractive boy.

"By all means I am happy to have some brunch with you. I don't mind mixing business with pleasure, especially in present company. Although you're not going to shoot me, again are you?", He gave me a blinding smile, does he charm all the girls like that?

I could feel my cheeks flush again at the memory of me accidentally shooting him. I will never look at those antique pistols again the same way. I looked down at the rather pretty table cloth, briefly wondering whether they bleached it to keep so white.

"I really sorry about that. But that is not why I asked you to meet me this morning", I flicked my eyes back up to meet his, he was eyeing me over his mug of tea. God he even looked perfect drinking tea.

"Yes, I was rather intrigued by your little note Miss Granger, so do tell?", I narrowed my eyes at his patronizing tone. I note adjective little and the way he keeps using the prefix Miss in front of my name as though I am a mere annoyance, an entertainment, someone he considers not his equal.

"Stop patronizing me Christian, I maybe be young, but I am not stupid. Stop acting like I am some amusing childish entertainment. I am here on business, if you must know, I was going to ask for your help", I keep eye contact the whole time, I will not back down from a challenge. He needs to know I am serious. He looks a little taken back from my little rant.

He stares at me for a long while, I break eye contact. It was disconcerting to maintain. At least I have him interested. A small traitorous voice in the back of my head says, that it is 'not the way I wished he was interested'.

"Ok Granger you have my attention. Does it have to do with that tablet and the fact that you are struggling with the translation?", He takes another sip from his tea, topping it up slightly from the pot. A female waitress, interrupts before I could answer. She places a small plate next to his tea saucer. It has four rather fancily decorated sugar cookies. We both look to her and she only addresses Christian. I huff and cross my arms at being blatantly ignored. How rude.

I look back at him and he has a blank look on his face, as he eyes the waitress, I can almost visibly see the disdain.

"What are these for?"

"Well we had some left over from yesterday and I thought you would like some to go with your tea", she fluttered her eye lashes and she fiddled with the bottom edge of her apron. She gazed upon him smiling widely, what was she hoping to achieve by throwing herself at him? And does this happen often?

"Yes, they are appreciated-", the waitress goes to turn away clearly pleased that she was successful at whatever she had planned. His hand shot out and gripped her wrist tightly. She stalls slightly shocked by this action.

"And what about my dining companion?", he looks back over at me, forcing the waitress to now acknowledge my existence.

The woman who was older than me, looked at me with distaste. Like how I was ever to be in his orbit and not her.

"I don't have any more biscuits for someone like her?", the glare he gave her could have melted the iceberg that sunk the Titanic. He looked furious.

"Excuse m-", I started to speak incredulously, but Christian cuts me off.

"I suggest waitress, that you treat my companion with the respect she deserves. Now leave otherwise I will gladly have you fired. This hotel doesn't need someone of your station, tarnishing this fine establishment", he roughly let go of her wrist like she burned him with her commonality. I focused solely on him, he didn't mince words, he was straightforward, but his words were cutting. They knew exactly where to cut you deepest. Doubt started to creep into my consciousness, I wondered whether this was a good idea. I didn't know this man but was going to trust him with something like this. Could I do that? He did defend me which didn't happen very often, and his reaction was genuine. I guess I have to give him the benefit of the doubt.

The idiot woman stumbled away wide eyed, muttering go knows what under breath. Christian lifted the plate with the biscuits on it and offered it to me, indicating with a swish of his hand to take one.

I slowly lifted my hand and reached out to take one.

"Thank you, for that. You really didn't have to defend my honour"

"Granger-"

"Hermione"

"What?", he frowned.

"Call me Hermione. I think after roasting that waitress, we have stepped up a level of our acquaintance", he offered a genuine smile then that actually reached his eyes.

"So Hermione, getting back to the crux of this meeting before we were rudely interrupted by that silly waitress, was I correct in my assumption?", he starts to freshen up his tea and I finish mine in one gulp.

"Yes and no, yes I do need help the translation it is driving me absolutely batty trying to manage it on my own. But no, because that is not what this meeting was about", I looked up at him through my eyelashes.

"Ok….?", he cocked his head to the side with a raised eyebrow. I blinked rapidly, my brain stuttering to life, it is dawning on me what he was most likely thinking about.

"I…oh…man no no noo that is not what I am doing, trying to throw myself at you like some village bicycle!", I hiss in outrage.

He just sits there and smirks as I try to save myself from proverbially drowning in my own mortification.

"But I would like to discuss the second part in private, if I may be so bold. Not for that, I just don't want anyone hearing what I have to say it is confidential", I say primly trying to turn this conversation back to safer topics.

"May I enquire what it is in relation to?", I look around, figuring it was ok to touch on it as no one was paying any attention to us.

"I have a job for you if you will take it", I moved forward on my chair and leaned slightly on the table whispering.

"A job? What job?", he also leaned in close. It gave me a good view of his crystal blue eyes.

"You know…" I had another quick look around, "a burglary job, a heist, a big-time caper", he jerked back slightly surprised. Perhaps surprised that I would ask such a thing.

"What is it that you want to steal?", he leaned back down his eyes darting between mine, trying to gauge if this is for real or a trick.

"Can we go somewhere more private to discuss this? I feel awkward talking about this in the open", I leaned back becoming suddenly nervous again.

"Sure, would my room be appropriate? Or do you feel uncomfortable being alone in my presence?", I was impressed by his concern. Being alone with him was not a concern not after the shooting incident.

"No, I'm fine with being alone with you. That is not what is making me uncomfortable", he looked surprised.

"Ok, we can discuss this more upstairs then", he rose from his chair and stood beside it, waiting for me to pick up my handbag. It occurred to me then that we needed to pay.

"Where do we pay for the tea?", I asked looking up at him, noting the tilt of my head to meet his gaze.

"Don't worry Hermione I'll have them charge my room", he ushered me along with the palm of his right hand pressing against the small of my back. Even through 3 layers of clothing I could feel the heat from his body.

"I don't mind paying", I didn't want to feel indebted, adding on to what I already felt.

"Your presence is payment enough", I walked silently to the elevator not knowing what to say to that. I wasn't used to compliments from men. Ron barely complimented me and if by some chance someone wanted to offer one too me, he would say they were trying to manipulate me.

Once in his room, I was in awe of the decadence of it. The view to Hyde Park, would be a wonderful way to wake up in the morning.

"Take a seat anywhere you would like", I looked around, sitting on the edge of hid bed would be too personal. There was a spare chair over in the corner next to the wardrobe. I dragged it over a bit to the centre of the room and then sat down. He shrugged his jacket off and hung it over the back of the other chair next to the bed. He sat on the end of the bed facing me.

"So, what was so confidential that we needed to have a more private conversation away from prying ears?", he linked his fingers in front of him leaning his forearms down on top of his thighs.

I stood up and began to pace in front of him, he looked amused by my actions.

"Ok, I know this sounds completely crazy, but I need to steal the tablet back from the British Museum. There is something wrong with it and I am in a position that doesn't leave many options. I can't go into details about it because it is top secret. But please I need you to help me." I stopped pacing giving him a pleading look.

"The British Museum? that is completely crazy. You are studying the tablet, so why would you need to steal it? It doesn't make sense." he looked bemused.

Ok now that I have said all that out loud rather than in my head, I comprehend that I sound like a nutcase. I mean this isn't a movie, it's real life. I would be committing a very serious crime, definitely jail time if I get caught. I felt my heartbeat increase as all of this became suddenly clearer. I am making a huge mistake and I might drag him down with me. I couldn't do that. I will have to think of something else. I close my eyes and take a deep breath. I need to compose myself if I am to obliviate him.

I reach into the pocket of my blazer and grasp my wand tightly, I whip it out nearly hitting him in between the eyes.

"I'm sorry to do this Christian", I register the momentary shock on his face. "Obliv-"

Suddenly, I am pushed back and know I am the one staring at a wand in my face.

"I can't let you do that Hermione", he is composed and serious, but wound tight ready to spring in to action if need be. He has seen battle and it makes me wonder more about the enigma that is Christian the burglar.

"What you're a wizard? Why didn't you say something?!...and you broke into my apartment… wait…What the Hell Christian?!", I lunge forward and push him in the chest. He gaps at me like a fish, then recomposes himself.

"I couldn't tell you and how was I supposed to know that you were a witch? I work in America remember?", I glared hard, hoping he would just self-combust into flames.

I hear a chuckle. Did I say that out loud?

"Ok maybe we should just be honest with each other going forward? Now that I know you're a wizard I can be more honest about the tablet. That is if you want to know otherwise, I'll just leave now and we won't have to see each other again", He just looked at me, wand by his side thinking. After a few minutes of not answering, I picked up my handbag and walked to the door.

"Wait"

"You will help me?", I hate that I sounded like a weak little girl in front of this formidable wizard. But I was desperate, other than this plan I didn't actually have anything else.

"Yes, because I know the tablet is dangerous and merlin knows what it would do if left long enough without containment. I sensed it the other day at the Museum, that something wasn't quite right. In open honesty I do work in America and with artefacts. I work in the Cursed Objects and Dark Arts Department, underneath Dermott Rousseau. He was the one who sent me here, to find our more information on the tablet. Apparently, he didn't think his cousin Pascale was giving him the right information", I snort in derision.

"Pascale? yes I work with that wanker, he hates me with a passion and I him." I roll my eyes just thinking about that infuriating man.

"Believe me Dermott is not much better, a weak-willed individual clinging on to power he doesn't deserve. Anyway, back to the tablet. Did you still want to steal it? If so, what are we going to do with it once we have it?", I rub my forehead. This was part of the plan that I didn't have much of a plan for. Because no one knew what the stupid thing did it was hard to store. I clicked my fingers. Lightbulb moment.

"Well if we can contain it long enough, I could return it back to the ministry and take it back down to the Dark Archives. Almost no one goes down there, it is vast and I'm sure there is a vault down there somewhere. It means that thing is contained and then we can continue studying it to figure out what it is and how to destroy it. What do you think?", I was getting excited again, thinking about all the possibilities.

"Sounds like a tentative plan, you should probably check the archives again to make sure there is actually somewhere to put the artefact. Next, we need to think about how we are going to break into the Museum. I think we should go on a reconnaissance mission to have a better look at the layout of the place, entries and exits that sort of thing. Collect as much information as we can, I sense this is going to be a onetime opportunity. We will have to meet up again, you can come back here. I don't think anyone would follow you here", he is even more attractive with his brow furrowed in thought as he sets out the plan and takes charge. He looks at me funny, perhaps I have a stupid look on my face.

"Ok, here are copies of all the notes that i have made on the tablet. It was what you were reading the night that you broke into my flat. By the way Crookshanks misses you, he keeps sitting on that same chair that you were sitting on at the dining table.", he smirks

"I told him he had superior taste. I will have to come around and see him sometime, if that is ok with you? Would you like to stay a bit longer? And we can discuss your notes and any theories you have on the tablet. I'm not an idiot so you won't have to dumb it down for me.", I put my handbag down next to the bed and sat back down on the chair that I had briefly occupied. I wasn't planning on doing anything today, so what was the harm in having an intelligent academic discussion, with an interested party?

I ended up staying for the rest of the day. It was nice having an equally intelligent person to discuss not just the tablet but magical theory with. I didn't have anyone to discuss that with. Ron, Harry nor Ginny were interested in magical theory. He was someone I could find myself opening my heart to if I wasn't careful.

Tom POV

The small feisty witch was much more than I expected. I need to check myself more often because I found myself letting my guard down, and that could be dangerous. At the same time, I am almost excited for the prospect of her figuring out my secret. That will prove she is worthy of my attention and maybe affection.

She had vibrant and fresh ideas about magical theory that even I hadn't considered. It was a refreshing academic debate, I could almost forget that she is only 23 years old. Really age is just a number, I mean look at me. But I am apprehensive about pursuing anything if I was inclined. I could just mentor her? Provide guidance too?

Her thirst for knowledge rivals even my own and that is something I can appreciate and even respect.

Walking out the front doors of the hotel, she is smiling widely talking animated about some topic that I haven't been following but I have let her continue because I find myself wanting to see her smile happily and know that I am partly the cause of her happiness. The second part I know that by keeping her happy and content then I will have access to the information more readily. It is much easier if they are willing to give me the information freely, than constantly torturing them for it. Although a good torture session is rather therapeutic.

She halts me my touching my forearm and I find I don't mind.

"Thank you for today I found I rather enjoyed myself", she was beaming up at with that smile and it made my insides twist. There was that dangerous feeling again. Even so I still found myself smiling back.

"No problem Hermione, it was good engaging in an academic discussion again. I enjoyed it too", she flushed at looked back down at her shoes. A movement caught my eye from behind her, a flash of orange hair... a Weasley? Are they following her? Does she know? If so she is a good actress. Maybe I underestimated her, and this is a trap?

There was a tap on my shoulder, and I was immediately shook out of my internal musings.

"Sorry, I got caught up thinking about something. I think someone may have followed you here...", I wanted to see her reaction if I caught her off guard.

"What?!", she looked startled and with a quick use of legilimency I skimmed the very edge of her mind finding her emotions to be authentic, so I pulled back. I didn't want her the realise my presence there, she'd never trust me otherwise.

"Here", I removed my phone from my coat pocket and gave it to her. "Put your number in. We can contact each other about the tablet or anything else. If you need help just call me especially if you are being followed. I don't mean that you aren't capable, but sometimes it is reassuring to know that you have someone to call", oh Salazar Slytherin would have been rolling over in his grave at those sappy words. I wanted to wash my brain in bleach.

"Thanks", she took my phone and entered in her phone number, then called hers so she would have mine. "That means a lot", and she pulled me into her, gripping my midsection in a vice like hug, burying her face into my chest. I was startled, do I hug back? And for how long? I racked my brain trying to think of the etiquette of hugs and what was appropriate. I gently patted her back as I discovered her head fits nicely under my chin.

"Thanks again, I really should get going as I have dinner plans. I'll let you know, when we can meet up again. Have a nice evening Christian", she breaks the hug and I watch her walk away. I find I don't like that image, but not entirely sure why. She turns back and waves and I stupidly wave back. I roll my eyes at my idiocy, she's turning me weak already. I catch another glimpse of the orange and get better look this time. It is the Weasley fellow, he follows her but at a distance. Well that just proves she doesn't know she is being followed. I'm sure she can take of it herself, but I'll keep an eye out.

Hermione POV

Sunday Dinner at the Burrow

I felt like a giddy school girl coming from my meeting with Christian. We talked for hours about anything and everything. I was shocked to find out he was a wizard and didn't know who I was. I guess it is rather egotistical of me to assume everybody knows my name, just because I am used to it. I decided to go the Sunday dinner with the Weasley's as Ginny has hounded me constantly about it for the last week. I am not keen on seeing Ron especially after Wednesday's disaster at the Leaky Cauldron.

I settle in at the table watching everybody pass around the various patters and bowels filled with delicious smelling food. I am content with my surrogate family, but I feel I am still missing that one connection. I hope rather foolishly that Christian will be that missing connection either as a close friend or something more.

I don't fail to miss the way Ron snubs me and gives me dark glances, I just hope he can move past it. But Ron has never been one to let things go.

Ron POV

7th of December 2013 (Saturday)

Hyde Park Across from the Dorchester Hotel

I can't believe the gall of Hermione, she has been coming back here to the hotel and meeting this unknown man. This is the third time this week that I have followed her here that I know of. The man is a muggle as well, does she not think that I am wizard enough for her? I do my job relatively well, yes, I'm not the greatest Auror like Harry but I like to think that I can hold my own.

I look back up to the hotel and while I am not familiar with the muggle world, even I am not oblivious to the fact that this is a fancy hotel. The guy must be rich to afford to stay in a hotel like this. Even his clothes look, new and fancy. He reminds me of Malfoy. And you know how much I loathe Malfoy. Bloody slimy ferret with his fancy suits strutting around like he owns the place. Like his stupid albino peacocks.

When I have followed them, I don't think they have noticed me otherwise Hermione would have gone off at me already. Being an Auror has its advantages. I am currently hiding in amongst the trees on the other side of the road, that runs along the front of the hotel waiting for them to come out. I know that it shouldn't be too long because Hermione has plans with some of the girls tonight. Harry is returning tomorrow morning from wherever he was assigned, he'll support me in this. Hermione is supposed to be mine, we are supposed to be together. I can't just allow her to go off with this muggle man.

I see them emerge from the hotel a few minutes later, Hermione looks radiant as ever. I just need to prove to her that I'm the one who can make her happy, not this muggle bloke. They cross the street and are heading straight towards me, I must duck out the way and make sure I am behind them out of the way so I can observe unobstructed.

They are close their arms just touching, fingers brushing lightly together but no moves to hold hands. This makes my blood start to boil and my infamous Weasley temper is bursting to be unleashed. They are in their own world and I just want to burst that bubble. But now is not the time.

I turn bitter as I watch her laugh and smile at this unknown man, she never looked at me that way. In adoration. He slips his hand into his pocket and fucking pulls out a sunflower and places it in her hair. A sunflower. What a bloody tosser. Hermione would never fall for something so girly. But the smile on face and the laugh on her lips betray that. I seethe. The man then crooks his elbow, like he is a gentleman from the 1940's and she loops her arm through his. I almost wish my eyes deceive me. I mean who even is this guy? He is clearly at least ten years older than her. How the hell did she even meet him? When does she go out? He must be taking advantage of her. She is young and naive. Yes, he is taking advantage of her and I will get to the bottom of this deception. The last test of my very thin patience is when she rises onto the tip of her toes and places a kiss on his cheek, she then licks the tip on her thumb and rubs off the red lipstick she left behind. It all looks so intimate that I can't stand it I apparate away in fury.

Tom/Christian POV

I can charm the best of them with some effort by using all the tricks I have up my sleeve. But I find with this little witch it's no effort at all. Which drives me insane. I equal parts want to kill her to rid myself of these repugnant feelings and the temptation she presents. Then on the other hand I want to possess her and consume every part of her.

Even as I ponder my feelings of self-loathing, I do something that obliterates my remaining dignity and I conjure a sunflower. What in merlin's name am I thinking? I nearly roll my eyes and think to myself I am not thinking for once, just going with my instincts. Obviously, the flower impressed, and I scowl down at her as I watch her lick her thumb in an almost obscene manner. Then using said thumb to wipe the lipstick from my cheek. Even to my mortification I sense my cheeks flush and I look away. We have met up nearly every day this week and neither of us have acknowledged the growing tension between us. I want to get away from her before I do something monumentally stupid like kiss her. While I am trying to hide my blush, I briefly catch a glimpse of Ron Weasley retreating behind a tree looking furious. Is she being stalked by her friend? I frown. Oddly I feel a sense of protectiveness towards Hermione, I am concerned about this development. However, I need to think on it. So, I changed the topic and started debating the Neo-Babylonian Empire and how they managed to convince the Assyrians that they should unite with Babylon.

Hermione POV

I can't believe I was so bold. Did I read the signals right? I'm so not cut out for dating it is too difficult. Not that Christian and I are dating. However, this past week I have been thinking about it more and more. The more we discuss our passions and theories, the more I realise how Ron and I were so wrong for each other. Of course, I knew we were on a logical level, but being faced with it in reality is like a slap to the face.

We have avoided the topic of the break in at the museum, neither of us wanting to break the little bubble we are in. But we are going to have to. Everything at work has been normal, I've been extra careful to avoid talking to anyone about the tablet. Since Harry has been on assignment that has made it easier to avoid everyone. One thing I did do however was check back down in the Dark Archives to make sure there is somewhere to hide the tablet after we've stolen it. I am still stumped with how to break into the Pascale's office. The man barely leaves and his secretary Divinia is always eagle eyed, nothing gets past her.

I loop my arm again with his and listen to him as he abruptly changed the topic after I removed the lipstick from his face. I smile up at him, I feel slightly smug at knowing that he is somewhat affected by me. I don't care about the age difference, but I know on some level he is and would be reluctant to pursue anything with me. I will just have to wait and bide my time.