CHAPTER 11

All eyes were me.

I was being scrutinized, like a rare worthroot. Under inspection by all those in the room. I tightened my hold on Tom's arms as he led me to the center of the greatly decorated room towards Slughorn. Be brave. You are a Gryffindor. Well actually, currently, I was a Slytherin wearing a green emerald dress with a plunging neckline that I was regretting by the second. It had seemed a good idea at the time when I pulled open the oak doors and saw Tom's eyes widen and become slack jawed if only for a moment I had spent an hour going over the most fashionable hair styles coating my hair in copious amounts of sleekeasy to tame my wild curls into a nice coif with ringlets to frame my face. I thought I did a good job, placed charm for powder and for tinted lips and I was set.

But this was a school function back in the 1940's. My neckline was a little too scandalous, I think. Especially since the other girls were wearing sweetheart necklines or silk scarves covering their shoulders, mine were bare except for a thin strap holding the dress up. I would have felt much more comfortable in my Gryffindor jumper, but right now I was in a den of snakes not lions.

I saw Tom's cronies and their dates in the corner of the room where the refreshment table lay. Alessia was here with a tall sandy haired man, she took one narrowed look at me and quickly turned away.

No lost love there.

Professor Slughorn lumbered over with red cheeks. It seems he had been dipping frequently into the spiked punch bowl.

"There you are, I have been talking about you with some of the guest we have today. The Minister of Magic is here, Hector Fawley." He whispered as if telling us a secret.

I could sense the automatic change in Tom. His arm stiffened against me. "I know that you had aspirations of being within the ministry Tom. So I was sure to mention our star student-star students! I will be sure to introduce you both Hermione!"

I understood the reason why he would hold the bigger weight, I was a newer student after all. But still it stung to be thought of as the other wheel to be of lesser importance. I was not ignorant to the fact that the fact I was a women held no bearing on the situation as well.

He tightened his grip that had wrapped around my waist and nearly dragged me with him as we followed Slughorn as he yammered on towards a bespectacled man dressed in black prominent robes. Seeing him to be surrounded with the most people who were nodding there heads, I wagered that was Hector Fawley.

Closer I saw that he had neatly trimmed mustache and too wide eyes. He seemed someone to laugh quite frequently from the creases on his face. And as he turned towards the new set of people, I saw a flamboyant red sash that moves along his hips gently like a snake. Enchanted fashion. Hm who would have thought.

"Minister! I wanted to introduce some of my most highly achieving students. This is Tom Riddle and Hermione Gardener. Both look up to the ministry and its members."

Tom smoothly took over. "Yes Minister Fawley, I am very honored to be speaking with an esteemed wizard such as yourself. I had been tracking your actions with the Klinsky issues quite avidly and I am glad to see how nicely it had been resolved."

What a smooth tongue prat. Although to be honest, I wish I was capable of such smarmy charm that I could turn off and on like a switch.

"Well my boy what a compliment, the issues with the goblins were absolved quickly once we had everyone on the same page. It is nice to know the future generation of wizards are keeping attention to the news, no doubt due to your splendid professors."

I saw Slughorn preen out the corner of my eye. I knew I should chime in with something, if only to detract my Tom's spotlight.

I leaned more into Tom, until the smell of sandalwood surrounded me using his arm as a barrier against the minster and my cleavage.

"Minister, could I ask how the issue with some of the protesters in the eastern front is progressing?"

I saw his eyes narrow slightly and I realized instantly my mistake. Flamboyant Fawley was known for ignoring the issues with Grindelward as he was amassing power until he was pushed from his seat."

I quickly tried to salvage the situation, "There is small talk of these rebel rousers stirring up trouble in the continent. I myself had been pushed from home due to the combined conflicts while in France and it has been a tough time for me as I lost my family. I have such high hopes for the ministry especially with the most effective way you dealt with the Slate protest during your first years in office."

I tried to imitate a wounded animal that just met its savior. Fawley's eyebrows had relaxed but to seal the deal I used Tom's arm to push my cleavage together more. I ignored the thoughts that were shouting in my head and Tom's sharp intake of breath. I widened my eyes at Fawley innocently. I was betting in this chauvinistic day and age the urge to be appear as the stronger and defender of the two sexes was still strong.

And it worked better than any charm I could cast. With his eyes dipping below my neck every so often he enthusiastically replied. "Of course, dear girl! Awful thing happening there. But worry not! Such events will not travel here to England, you will be perfectly safe here."

I have a bright smile and let go of my grip on Tom's arm that felt like it was now burning through me and instead shook the minsters hand.

"Yes of course, I place my faith into you and your cabinet. I aspire to be in the ministry myself when I am finished schooling. I hope to follow in your steps."

"Well I am sure you both will go far, seeing how well you two are scoring academically and how astute you are in person. Tom and Hermione, wasn't it? Yes I will be sure to remember such names."

He placed a brief kiss on my knuckles and it sent shivers of disgust through me. I hope he didn't feel me flinch.

"Now I must attend to other matters, this was suppose to be a quick visit but it seemed I lost track of time."

In a flourish the minister of magic had stated his goodbyes to Professor Slughorn who seemed disappointed to see him go and made his way through the exit followed by a few other robed men.

I felt Tom look at me quite intensely. But I feigned ignorance and drank from the champagne glass that had been floating around.

However, too soon the glass was empty and I was left to endure Tom's heated gaze. The alcohol from the drink had warmed my throat and stomach and I felt some tingling as well.

"Well done" he murmured softly before taking a hold of my hand and guiding me to the dance floor.

He rearranged himself into the proper waltz position. Hands firmly on the back of my waist and the other holding my hand. The alcohol was settling and I felt the warmth spread from the pit of my stomach to my throat and to my cheeks. It did not help that I was acutely aware to where his hands were.

And then he proceeded to spin me around.

I stumbled along trying to guess where his next direction was. Gah. This was a bloody nightmare. It must have been an interesting look in the crowd, two people dancing as if apart to fall apart any moment.

"Calm down and follow my lead." He hissed. Gripping my waist and slowing down drastically.

"I do no know how to dance!" I hissed back, not bothering to look at his face as I was focused on avoiding his feet below.

He lifted my chin up and I was met with his striking grey eyes.

"You can twirl the minister of magic around your fingers but cannot waltz? It just moving along with me, let me guide you." He murmured

He set his hands against my waist even firmer, like he was grasping me instead and started again the dance of the waltz. He legitimately pulled me along with him, and I could only follow as I was entranced by the teasing glint in his eyes. I didn't know what I was doing with my feet, didn't care to look and jinx myself since it seemed I was doing well. I just followed along. As he spun me around the floor with total control. I never felt in danger of being drifted off into the wind when he was around. Always in absolute control. I wondered how living in this kind of shadow would feel. Not needing to frantically investigate every crevasse for hidden surprises and draw up strategic plans for everyone, not when Tom would have always done it before me. When it was Harry and Ron, all I imagined was there expectant faces with palms opened and eager.

What is the plan 'Mione? Come on now, we need to get started on it quick! Or should Ron and I just jump in?

Completely ignoring the moral dilemma, I wondered that if I was truly a member of his group I could just cruise along, putting my input every so often when asked, but generally just floating down a river. But it wouldn't be me, I suppose. I guess it just was in my nature to not have it easy, and look at the mess I was in now.

The music was slowly coming to a halt and I should have known by the Tom's smirk he was going to try something. He dipped me. And I hadn't known until I felt myself falling backwards and hastily gripped his arm in a last ditch attempt to save myself. He loomed over me and I felt his breath come down my naked throat and chest. I shivered and felt my breasts pebbling and I wanted to cocoon myself against the feeling. I prayed to merlin that I was not having any wardrobe malfunctions. He smoothly let me back up and I was so winded that I could only clutch at him. I tried to stave off the lingering shiver, but from the look of his smile I don't think I was so successful.

Annoyed and wanting some time to compose myself I bowed as was proper and went off into the punch table. I needed more fire whiskey.

xxx xxx

So Merry Christmas Guys! this is my gift to you! As always please review and let me know what you think.

It has been very busy and hectic for me- lot of hospital visits :(

thanks to my last reviewer Charleneclark1988