Disclaimer: don't own.
Hogwarts. The Great Hall. Dinner time. The Ravenclaw Table. Hermione looked at the owls swooping by, already getting used that they received mail twice a day and not once.
A dark , perfectly groomed owl landed directly next to her, holding out his leg. A red rose was tied to it and a letter.
'Oooooohhhhh.' Sarah said, peeking over Hermione's shoulder, annoying her to no end.
Dear Miss Karkarova,
I hope to find you well. Please accept the rose and let me ask you, if you care to join me on the day of Hogsmeade? It would be a pleasure.
Tom Riddle
"That is sooo sweet!" Sarah cooed and Matthew gasped. "he has never before asked a girl." he gushed and turned to Richard. "Can you believe it?"
"Write back write back! You have to say yes." Sarah exclaimed.
Hermione smirked. Of course, she would say yes. Mainly, because she needed information badly. And nothing was better than to spend the whole day with him. Although she would be dead-scared, she would also make the best and most informative of it.
Smirking, Hermione wrote back:
Dear Mister Riddle,
thank you for the invitation and the rose. As I have not yet replied to my offer earlier this day, let me accept your suggestion to join you on the day of Hogsmeade. I will be delighted.
Natalija Karkarova
She sent away the owl which flew directly to the Slytherin-table. Hermione wanted to bury herself when most of the students watched her curiously. They would soon find out anyway…
„This is just so great!" Sarah squealed when they both exited the Great Hall after dinner and the constant squealing bothered Hermione endlessly.
"Yes yes sure. You are going with Darius, right?" Hermione made an attempt to steer the conversation from this dangerous topic of Tom.
"Of course. Want to come with us? Well.. no… on second thoughts, Tom would just like to go somewhere secluded with you." Sarah grinned.
"Come on…" Hermione shook her head. "You know that I'm not that kind of girl."
"Natalija, can I talk to you for a second?" Matthew Nott asked politely.
What would he want from her?
Hermione nodded and waved good-bye to Sarah who was looking down.
"You are the first girl that Riddle has ever asked on a date. It seems strange as he had never shown interest in any girl. Well, you must be special. Just be careful. Please. I am not allowed to say more." Matthew pleaded with his eyes that were so much warmer than Theodore's.
"Why do you keep warning me? I really appreciate it and all, but why?"
"Because I know Riddle better than most of the Ravenclaws."
"You mean, you are part of that little group that mostly consists of Slytherins?" Hermione asked suspiciously.
Matthew looked down. "I can't tell you."
"Yes you can. Abraxas told me a little bit about your group. I know for a fact that you use a coin to inform each other about happenings." Hermione told him. She was threading in dangerous waters but it was worth it. Maybe HE could keep her updated.
"Really? Abraxas? Hmm, you seem pretty well-informed. Doesn't it bother you?"
"To be honest, I don't really know what this group is doing and what they are plotting, I just know that these students who are following Riddle like dogs meet up regularly. Most of them are Slytherins. I'm surprised you are part of them as well."
"Riddle only takes the most gifted, the one he thinks are an asset to his group. He asked me last year." Matthew looked at something far away.
"Are you proud?" Hermione's voice was now only above a whisper.
He nodded. "I used to be. Now I know that I should never have agreed. I would be happier without this group. It's evil. But I'm not allowed to speak."
"He will not find out." Hermione assured him.
"I don't know. He is learning legilimens." Matthew looked really worn out.
"Then you should learn to be an occlumens." Hermione smiled.
"Excuse me?" Matthews head perked up.
"You should learn occlumency. Then he won't be able to get into your thoughts."
"It sounds really brilliant… but WHO knows this special art?"
"I do."
Matthew's mouth hung open.
"YOU know?"
"I learnt it in Durmstrang." Hermione told him. 'Forgive me Dumbledore, it is a white lie. I will never forget that you taught me. You were the best teacher.' Hermione thought, keeping her fingers crossed.
"You did? Natalija, can you teach me?" Matthew looked hopefully at the beautiful "foreign" girl.
"Hmm, let me think. I could." Hermione said slowly.
"Natalija, you are the best, thank you so-" but he was cut short by her smirk.
"Under one condition!" Hermione smirked. She had learned this tactic from Draco that ensured to get him what he needed.
"And that would be?" Matthews shoulders sagged.
"You will tell me all about those meetings. What they are about and what Riddle is doing. And try to become good friends with Riddle, find out what he thinks of me." Hermione finished with a satisified smirk.
"Don't you think it's too dangerous?"
"Not if you learn occlumency with me. You are a bright student. You should master it after one week."
"Okay then. It's a deal." Matthew's face had a healthier colour now. "But tell me, why do you want to know all those things?"
"I'm NOT interested in Riddle as a man, let me assure you. But I need to get information. And you are a spy. Ask me no questions and I tell you no lies." she grinned.
"Okay then. When do you want to practice?"
"Tomorrow in our free period?" Hermione asked and thought miserably: 'While the Gryffindors and Slytherins are duelling.'
"Perfect. See you then. And thank you." Matthew smiled.
"Thank YOU."
THTHTH
To Hermione's dismay, the library was empty except for Tom Riddle.
"Good evening."
"Good evening, Natalija. Thank you for accepting my invitation." Tom said, keeping his cool façade which bothered Hermione greatly.
"My pleasure." Hermione sat down across from him and gave him a small smile. She should really get into his good books and maybe flirt a little. Of course it helped that she had "dressed up" a bit for their study session.
She smiled flirtatiously through her lashes that were thick with mascara at Tom when she pulled out a book.
"What's that?" Tom was putting some unshapely blocks of wood, stone and metal onto the table.
"I can ask you the same. And to answer your questions, it's a book with various furniture."
"Nice… And those things need to be shaped into the furniture we want. MY job." Tom gave her a half-smile.
"Ahhh…" Hermione sincerely hoped that he wouldn't make too much dust and dirt when shaping those things.
"Don't worry, I will be careful. Trust me!" Tom said, noticing her face.
"I do."
THTHTH
The week went by faster than anyone expected and too soon it was Saturday – Hogsmeade day.
Hermione and Sarah were frantically getting ready for the day, doing their hair, make-up and dressing in pretty clothes. Sarah lent Hermione s nice skirt, blouse and some jewellery as she had "too many pieces" and Hermione was thankful for that.
Dressed up, styled and more self-confident than usual the two girls walked down to breakfast.
"Where are you meeting Tom?"
"At the staircase after breakfast." Hermione said suddenly unsure. What if all of that was a joke? What if he wasn't going to show up?
"You are the first girl he has ever taken." Sarah said with unnecessary awe in her voice.
"Yes, very well." Hermione's voice went from warm to ice-cold. She had seen Riddle. Dressed up. It was real. He was taking her on a date. The dark lord was taking her on a date, MUCH to Harry's, Ginny's and especially Draco's displeasure.
"I don't want you to get hurt and now you just walk into his arms – the arms of death – willingly." Draco had said.
"I'm just doing my job. My mission. Get to know him better. Maybe become his friend." Hermione had said indignantly.
"Or his lover." Draco had muttered quietly and Hermione had slapped him.
Quickly Hermione and Sarah went towards the Ravenclaw table but Hermione was too queasy to eat a lot. Her half-eaten bowl of cereals stood in front of her when Matthew and a young girl from Gryffindor sat down across from her.
"Who is that?" Sarah asked a bit rudely.
"That's my date for today. Mary Prewett from Gryffindor, these are my friends, Richard, Sarah, Natalija and Charles."
The all said their hellos. Hermione noticed that Mary probably also felt too queasy to eat a lot.
"Okay, guys and girls, I'm off them." Hermione said getting up shakily.
"Have fun." Sarah winked at her.
"YEAH… and you know, Natalija." Matthew said, his face hopeful.
Hermione nodded at him and waved good-bye.
He was already waiting for her. Tall, dark, handsome – and perfect. His dark hair was perfectly combed, he was wearing greyish trousers, a black tight shirt with silver writing, a necklace, a silver belt and a beautiful smile – to Hermione's disbelief.
"Good morning, Natalija, you look beautiful." he said earnestly and kissed her hand. When he had seen her this morning, he had felt a lump rise to his throat. That gorgeous girl was really his date? Well, he didn't date, but was that beautiful lady really going to Hogsmeade with him?
Her hair was open and flowing down her back in soft shiny waves, her face was made up, but not too much, she was wearing beautiful clothes and jewellery and she looked – excited.
"Good morning, Tom, the same can be said about you." she smiled shyly at him.
"Thank you. Shall we go then and catch a carriage?" Tom asked, offering her his arm which she took softly. Tom shuddered at the touch. He had often lent his arm to girls but never had the touch of anyone been so intoxicating but soft at the same time. Tom felt goosebumps rise on his arms which he dearly hoped that Hermione had not noticed.
She was glaring – to his relief – into another direction – that was directed towards the two new Slytherins and the good-for-nothing Gryffindor.
"What are you doing?" she asked crossly.
"Going to Hogsmeade?" the boy that was remarkably like Abraxas sneered.
"Well and why are you leaving at the same time as me?" Hermione sneered back in a Slytherin-like fashion that made Tom smirk.
"Actually not. We are waiting for someone…" Harry said.
"Ah. And for who?"
"Abraxas and Zabini."
"Oh made friends with the Slytherins. Very well you two. Which means, you don't need to hang onto me." Hermione said icily.
"Yes, that's very well. Let's go, Natalija." Tom said his voice full of authority after he had nodded at the two boys.
Hermione and Tom went into the first empty carriage and Draco and Harry stared after her.
"And why again did Tom order Abraxas and Zabini to hang out with us today?" Harry asked.
"Because they need to show us some meeting places and things as we are new." Draco said unhappily. He had wanted to go to Hogsmeade with Hermione so badly.
"To keep you out of the way for sure." Ginny said, shaking her head. "I'm off then. Minerva and John are waiting for me."
Draco turned around sharply. "Who is John?"
Ginny blushed to her roots. "My grandfather."
"John Weasley? Your grandfather?"
"He is a right foul git – playing pranks on unsuspecting-"
"Good-bye Malfoy."
THTHTH
"This is Hogsmeade. Small, but really nice." Tom said with the air of a tour guide.
Hermione looked around interestly. The 40s-Hogwarts differed greatly from the one in their time.
"Where do you want to go first?" Tom asked in a soft voice that she didn't know he had.
"Is there a clothes-shop?" She needed clothes from the 40s desperately.
"Yes, just over there." Tom steered her to a shop where a lot of young girls were frantically looking for various items.
"Seems perfect." Hermione smiled.
"Take your time. I'll sit down right here." Tom sat down on a comfy sofa and Hermione began looking for various things she needed.
When she had about 10 pieces, Tom urged her to try them on and present each item.
Hermione looked down her body self-consciously. Admittedly, she had lost some weight since they had arrived in the 40s.
"Don't be so shy. It's not as if you are presenting underwear."
"Clearly, okay Tom, I'll do some catwalk for you." Hermione grinned cheekily which he returned.
She pulled on a turquoise summer dress and matching high heels. Gracefully she walked out of the dressing room to pose in front of Tom which she absolutely hated doing. Posing in front of Voldemort, come on…
Tom marvelled her grace when she walked outside and stopped in front of him. A really beautiful angel. And he suddenly felt a need. The need to protect her and be there for her.
"Beautiful." Tom said honestly, eyeing looking into her eyes longingly.
Hermione smiled slightly and suddenly another voice interrupted Hermione's and Tom's staring.
"Excuse me." an elderly man said. He was wearing normal 40s clothes and everything on him just looked plain and normal.
"I am photographer from Witch's Weekly and we are looking for new models for this store. Photo-shoots but also for catwalk. You would be perfect for that. Would you care to join?" he asked smiling pleasantly.
Hermione's eyes were round as galleons. Really, he wanted her? As a model? He considered her beautiful?
She briefly looked at Riddle who shrugged but gave her an encouraging nod.
"Why not?" Hermione smiled back at the photographer.
"Have you ever modelled before?"
Think, Hermione, think.
"Yes, I am from Durmstrang and I had several small photo shoots there. Nothing important."
"Oh I can see that you are from Eastern Europe. Perfect. I assume you are a student in Hogwarts?"
"That's right."
"Can you come down here next Saturday? We could have a test-shoot?"
Hermione looked at Tom helplessly. "I don't think…"
"I am headboy, sir, I could arrange for her to come down here next Saturday!" Tom said imperiously. Hermione gaped at him. What was happening? She was on a date with the Dark Lord? She was being asked by a photographer to model? She was buying 40s-clothes? And Tom HELPED her?
Everything was just completely crazy.
The man clapped into his hands and reminded Hermione strangely of Slughorn. "Perfect. See you next weekend here then. I will arrange a hair- and make-up pro and we will do some outdoor shoots and go to my studio which is not far from here. Your name is?"
"Natalija Karkarova!" Hermione said, trying to keep her head.
"Perfect. Saturday, 2 pm. I'm off, Vera." he said to the shop assistant who obviously knew him and was off in a second.
Hermione and Tom stared at each other for a long time.
"Thank you for supporting me." Hermione said quietly.
"I'm really proud of you. You ARE beautiful, Natalija. Of course, I support that. But I want to see the other dresses." Tom smirked flirtatiously.
Hermione grinned and walked gracefully back to the dressing room to show him the other items. She suddenly had a feeling that this day was going to be much much better than she thought.
THTHTH
Hermione was happy. She had bought 2 dresses, 2 skirts, 2 tops / shirts another pair of high heels, some jewellery and well some lingerie. But of course, Tom didn't know that.
"Where would you like to go?" she asked him.
"To the sweet's shop." Tom answered shortly and steered her to the Sweets shop she knew from her time and they stepped inside where Hermione's heart had stopped beating for just a second.
He looked exactly like Ron. But it couldn't be…
The boy looked at Riddle with loathing and just raised an eyebrow at Hermione.
"Some people respect me, others fear me." was the cryptic answer to Hermione's questioning face.
"What about those who do neither?"
What a foolish question to ask.
"They are eliminated some way or another." Tom said quietly, a dangerous edge to his words.
"Very well." Hermione tried not to show her fear and picked out strawberry creams.
Tom went up to the counter carrying various sweets and Hermione stood behind him timidly.
"These please, yes, and – " he turned around and took Hermione's sweets out of her hands "those strawberry creams please." he said politely.
"Oh, you don't have to." Hermione felt herself go red.
"I know I don't have to." Tom grinned and handed her the paid sweets.
"Well thank you very much."
"You're welcome. Where would you like to go now? I heard that the post office is always worth a look."
"As my lady wishes." Tom offered her his arm and Hermione didn't even hesitate a second. This date was getting better and better.
After the post office, they went to a book-shop, then passed by shortly at a quidditch shop as neither were really that interested and then over to the Three Broomsticks.
"You will find half the Hogwarts population there."
"We can go somewhere else, if you don't like that." Hermione said.
"Yes, let's do that. Just wait here for 10 minutes, please. I'll be back soon." Tom said.
"Well, I'll be in that make-up store then."
"Okay, I'll pick you up in ten minutes." Tom kissed her hand and departed, leaving Hermione wondering and picking out some make-ups.
Ten minutes later…
"Okay." Tom grinned. He took her hand (not her arm) and walked with her up the hill, she and Ron had once walked up together when they visited the Shrieking Shack.
He conjured a blanket when they sat down on the meadow and took out a bag.
"What's in there?" Hermione asked curiously.
Tom smiled smugly and pulled out two butterbeers, two mineral waters and two pumpkin pasties
"Oh Tom, this is so sweet." Hermione smiled happily at the handsome young man in front of her.
"A thank you would also suffice." Tom said in his velvet voice.
"Thank you." Hermione grinned when he opened her a butterbeer.
"How do you like our day so far?" Tom asked her, the insecurity not really showing in his voice.
"Honestly? It was the best day since I arrived here."
"Really?" Tom asked, not being able to keep the happiness and relief out of his voice.
"Yes, really." Hermione laid down on the blanket and looked up at the sunny sky.
"Come down here."
"What are you doing?" Tom raised a confused eyebrow.
"Clouds gazing." Hermione grinned.
"Really? Is that so? See anything interesting?"
"No, that's why I need you. Come and lie down." Hermione repeated.
That's nice to hear, although she probably didn't mean it like that. 'I need you.' Tom marvelled at how that phrase had sounded to him. Perfect.
Tom shook his head. "Why should I do that?"
"Because I would be happy." Hermione answered in a small voice. A voice that Tom liked so much.
Smiling slightly, he lay down next to her, his head next to hers. His face was now only millimetres from hers. "Okay. But just because it's you."
Hermione could see every pore of his skin, every light that was in his eyes. Tom looked at her, taking in all her beauty, her long eyelashes, big round eyes, rosy kissable lips… and… he averted his gaze. Before he did something stupid. Something he would regret. He gazed up at the clouds.
Hermione let out a breath she had been holding. She was disappointed. Why though? Had she really thought that he would kiss her? Why would she have wanted him to? He is Lord Voldemort, Hermione, get a grip! she told herself repeatedly.
No, not yet.