Prompt: Shackles
Pairing: Tomione
"Hermione."
"Tom."
The two greeted each other civilly as Hermione made her way into the cozy cafe, already wearing her work uniform which consisted of soft brown robes and a black apron with lots of pockets near the waist for whatever she needed to store in them.
Tom was currently seated at his usual table, a daily prophet and cup of coffee in front of him.
Hermione was unsure as to why he visited this place every day at the same time she came in to work, if she didn't know better she would think he was stalking her. The thought brought a sad smile to her face, reminding her of a time when he really would be stalking her. Well, really Harry, she was just part of the package.
"Can I get you anything?" She asked politely, as was routine, when she passed by his table a second time, after checking in with the manager.
"Blueberry bran muffin and a refill on the coffee." He asked her, not even bothering to look up from the prophet.
When Hermione brought out his muffin and refilled his mug she went to walk away only to be surprised when a firm hand gently detained her.
"Since nobody else is here would you like to sit with me?" He inquired, although by the looks of it he didn't really expect her to say no.
"I really shouldn't" She protested, nervous, Hermione was not equipped to holding actual conversations with Dark Lords. Serve him coffee? Sure. Get him a muffin? Why not. But sit with him like everything was okay and talk to him about who knows what? Not so much.
"I insist." His tone brooked no argument and Hermione slowly and gingerly sat down on the chair as far off of it as possible without falling off.
She sat nervously, playing with the end of her apron, wondering why she didn't try to find a new job after the first week when he had showed up every day.
Because you like to study dangerous things.A little voice piped up.
"Miss Wilkins, right?" He smiled politely, his hands folded under his chin as he studied her thoughtfully.
"Yes." She bit her bottom lip, trying to avoid his gaze, remembering that he was a master legilimens in the future and might still be one now.
"It's not polite to look away from the person you're talking to." He pointed out, voice teasing but dark eyes hard. Like a naughty child she felt reluctantly compelled to look at them and found her gaze meeting his and couldn't look away.
"Or should I say Granger." He appeared highly amused now as she tried desperately to look away, or close her eyes. Anything to break their connection as her fears were confirmed. What was wrong with her, why couldn't she move?
"Oh yes." His voice was far too seductive, it made her clench her thighs together and increased the beat of her heart, "You're going to sacrifice everything for me."
His deep chuckle filled the air and a sense of helplessness overtook her, she knew, without a doubt, that Tom would fulfill that promise.
