Next step pitches, I should be studying like im so damn behind its laughable.
Chapter 2
All week I did a successful job in evading him. Strategically maneuvering behind nearly headless Nick when he does his tricks in the hallways. Quicks glances around corridors before walking on to listening for twittering girls vying for the fiend's attention was how I navigated through the castle. However even though all this, the boy was able to thwart my attempts by doing the unthinkable.
A breeze that carried a hint of sandlewood was all the warning I got before someone took the seat next to me in Potions class. Even without looking I could feel the confidence emanating from him. A quick glance towards my left confirmed my guess. Tom. And he was staring right at me.
"Gardner", he intoned in a low voice.
I met his gaze straight on. Don't bow to a snake Hermione.
"Riddle", I replied.
Tom's eyes narrowed, bringing his dark eyebrows just incrementally closer before a feigned smile took over his face. "I remember telling you to call me Tom".
I gave him my own smile. "My apologizes Tom, I met so many different people this week, I seemed to forgotten that part of our conversation." And by his expression, he seemed to take some offense at having forgotten any part of him. What ego. It was not like I had forgotten his name, like I ever could have. However, Hermione Gardner had only been at Hogwarts for a week, I shouldn't act so familiar.
"Well, be sure to remember from now on", he said briskly, " We in the Slytherin House have a special connection with our members compared to the other houses."
I nodded. He continued, "I saw that we are gaining on the Ravenclaws in House points quite rapidly since your arrival. Where did you say you were educated from again?"
Blast. He knows that I never said where I was from. Playing coy like this, and that spark in his eyes tells me all I need to know. I kept it vague with other students and faculty asking. Slumping my shoulders and lowering my eyes. The picture of pity.
I did the same now routine now before answering. "Well I was homeschooled in France, but the war and Grindelwald…" I purposely let out of shuddering breathe "my parents were fighters but they sent me here to be safe" I look up to gauge his face. And his face his still and a second of silence passes before he responds, "What is going on in France is despicable, but you will be safe here at Hogwarts."
He was prevented from saying more by the booming voice of our professor.
"Okay class! All eyes on me! Today we will be learning to proper steps in procuring unicorn bristles and handling them when using them in protection potions." Slughorn droned on at the front of the room. The one only times his speech had a pause was when me, Tom, or one of the Ravenclaw students answered his questions.
His proximity irked me for another reason. It seemed the girls were giving me narrowed eyed glances when I answered a question now, for every time I did, Tom got the next one.
Having him directly next to me felt intense, like the air was being charged with whatever was flowing between us. I knew I was competitive, but Tom was also competitive. He was not one to be undone by his peers.
"And when handling the bristles, be sure to drizzle them in what liquid before storing them away- Hermione Dear!"
"Professor Slughorn, the answer is to drizzle them in mermaid tears in a ration of 1:5 with water mixed with salt rocks"
"Correct as always, Ms. Gardner! 5 points to Slytherin!" He proclaimed.
"However, if we are to use the bristles immediately for, lets see, the enchantess potion, what is the first thing we should check fo-Yes Tom!
He coolly answered, "We should be sure to check for moss sprouts first for any potions, and then for the enchantess potion specifically, thoroughly check for any rine needles or marple sap that may have gotten on them or it will counteract with the potion."
"Excellent Mr Riddle! 5 more points to Slytherin!"
I quickly glanced at Tom. He had a small grin playing at the corner of his mouth. Smug bastard.
Don't let him rile you up. You are getting him too interested in you. I must be more discrete, challenging him like this will only draw more attention.
"Seems I have gained 23 points this class than your 20. Hmm?"
I froze. He did not just.
"Professor Slughorn!" I exclaimed.
Slughorn turned to view her in surprise. "Yes dear, do you have a question?"
"No professor" I state demurely, "I just wanted to point out a mistake in Tom's previous answer" I glance a look at him, and as expected his eyes were a mix of intrigue and fury. "The English unicorn are the only ones that are used for the enchantess potion due to their thicker bristles which leads to more potent and effective potion. And rine needles are only found in parts of lower France, parts of North America, Asia. Therefore, rine needles wouldn't be found in the bristles since there are in complete different parts of the world. And furthermore, the needles were seen to have no significant effect in the potency of the potion in recently studies done in Magic Pot Monthly.
"Splendid job Hermione, I will take away 3 points from Slytherin for Tom's answer. And add 4 points to Slytherin for Hermione's lovely assist." Slughorn clapped his hands from excitement, making his face a merry red before stating, "It is fantastic to have such studious classmates isn't it Tom? It seems that Hermione can even keep you on your toes." He finished with another loud clap before continuing the lecture.
What have I done. The elation that had burst when Slughorn took Tom's points away, faded away quite quickly. I could feel the angry glare that burned into the left side of my face. His right hand was on the table, and I could see the his hand tensely wrapped around his quill, white knuckled.
I look upward letting me eyes wander. Avoiding the left side of the room. I look through the mirror, low and behold, Tom was still faced towards me, wanting to strangle me no doubt. Congratulations Hermione, you had to push him.