Disclaimer: don't own.
Hermione looked questioningly between the two most handsome faces in the class. Tom Riddle tried not to look as clueless as Hermione felt, but the professor smiled at the two of them and showed his perfect white teeth that made the daughter of a dentist almost drool.
"These two keys open this little box only when used together. You will find your prize in there. However, beware, you can only use this when the two of you are exactly on the same wavelength and share the same thoughts." the professor explained.
Hermione's mouth dropped to the floor. She and Tom Riddle? Something in common? That damn lock would never open! Riddle obviously thought the same, because he furrowed his brows and looked at the little silver box sceptically.
"Isn't there any other way to open the box? What does it actually contain?" Riddle asked icily.
Hermione noticed that he wasn't as polite to the professor as he was to the others. Probably jealous. However, Hermione didn't blame him. This box was no prize since they had to use the keys when they were completely in sync. … But when were Tom and Hermione ever in sync?
"I can't say for sure. Professor Dumbledore gave me that box and asked me to hand this prize to the best pair. He also told me that it contains something that you can have but not use." the professor said mysteriously.
But for Hermione it all clicked into place. The best pair – which was obviously Tom Riddle and Hermione – Dumbledore must have known before that it was them. No guesses there. And he would hand them something useful for their mission. That was clear as well. But what was that? And why exactly?
Hermiones head spinned. Everything just a complete Riddle.
THTHTH
Hermione was standing in front of the floor-length mirror that every dorm in the Ravenclaw tower offered. She marvelled at her own appearance. She wore a long white gown with gold trimmings and golden laces, white gloves, white high heels. Her hair was up in an elegant bun, some strands of her long golden locks cascading down her back, the hairstyle was complete with white little lacy decorations for her hair that Sarah had insisted on using as well. And now Hermione was glad. It looked perfect. Sarah had also helped her with the make-up. Hermione wore the normal foundation and makeup sorts, complete with blush, golden eye-shadow, black eyeliner and khajal, black mascara and pale pink lips.
Abraxas was so gonna drool…
Sarah wore a dress from the same designer – just in light sky blue. It suited her perfectly. She was going to the ball with Richard. Hermione smiled as she remembered her "task" to ask Richard.
Flashback:
"Natalija. What shall I do? Can't you ask him what he thinks of me, please?" the girl was getting on Hermione's nerves.
"Okay. I will ask him." Hermione saw that Richard had gotten up and was about to walk out of the Great Hall. In an instant she got up as well.
"Hey! What are you doing?" Sarah asked, her face pale and her hands sweaty as she pulled Hermione down again.
"Why? You wanted me to talk to Richard." Hermione defended herself.
"But don't make it obvious. If he doesn't like me, tell him that I don't like him as well, ok?" Sarah asked.
"Okay." Hermione shook her head, smiling and followed Richard out of the Great Hall.
"Rich. Wait up!" Hermione panted. They had reached the staircase that led them to the Ravenclaw dorms.
"Yes?" Richard turned around smiling. "Want to do potions homework with me or what? Because that's where I'm heading right now."
"Thanks for the offer, but Matthew and I have a little … get-together afterwards." Hermione said, remembering the occlumeny lessons that were going very well for both of them. It was, after all, a practice for Hermione as well and Matthew was a fast learner. Although they had only had 3 lessons so far – Hermione usually used the free period when the Slytherins and Gryffindors had defence. Obviously Ravenclaw.
"A little get-together?" Richard raised his eyebrows and smirked.
"Well yes, I am teaching him something." Hermione stuttered, her face bright red.
"And since you don't want to tell me, WHAT you are teaching, I can only guess, right?" Richard smirked.
"Well, nothing of the sort you are thinking." Hermione replied a bit crossly.
"So what did you want? Running after me like a young dog?" Richard was still smirking. Maybe he was related to a Malfoy after all.
"So, Rich, have you already asked someone to the ball?" Hermione asked matter-of-factly.
Richard looked at her stunned, with wide eyes. "Were you just asking me to the ball? I thought you were going with Malfoy!"
Hermione raised her hands up. "No no no. I'm STILL going with Malfoy. There is just… SOMEONE who might like to go with you."
"Oh. And who's that? And no, I don't have a date yet. But it looks as if you are trying to HELP me." Richard grinned.
"Well maybe. What would you say of going to the ball with Sarah?"
"With SARAH? You mean OUR Sarah?" his eyes were now wide as saucers.
"Yes, Richard. Would you care to ask her?" Hermione asked, crossing her fingers.
"I would definitely. Gosh, that's so unexpected! I don't believe it… I don't even know what to say… she is really a great person… But I thought she was going with Darius." Richard finished, slightly red in the face.
"They are not together anymore. Just go on ask her." Hermione urged him, glad that this conversation was going this way and that he was interested in Sarah as well.
"And you really think she is going to say yes?" Richard asked doubtfully.
"YES, Richard. Ask her." Hermione grinned and Richard smiled as well. "I will."
End of Flashback
They met the guys downstairs in the Ravenclaw common room. Hermione wore a relatively floral light perfume that matched her dress, but most of the witches had used something heavily, oriental and Hermione almost had the urge to gag. Too much. Too heavy. She was happy when they were outside. Sarah and Richard were going together, but Hermione and Matthew had to wait for their dates downstairs in front of the Great Hall.
Matthew was – to Hermione's knowledge – going with a girl from Gryffindor and Hermione had to find Malfoy. Or rather, Malfoy had to find Hermione.
There were students from different houses and different coloured dresses and robes, walking around, searching frantically for their partners. Hermione tried hard not to trip in her high-heeled shoes that were killing her already.
"Well, we are going in. There are seating arrangements anyway." Richard and Sarah said good-bye to Hermione and Matthew who waved back.
"Seen Malfoy anywhere?"
"No. Seen Melanie Brown anywhere?"
"No, sorry. I don't even know who she is." Hermione shrugged but at the same time spotted Malfoy. Though not Abraxas Malfoy, but Draco. And on his arm was a pretty black-haired girl. Draco walked over to them with a smug smile on his face.
"Natalija. Nott." he nodded at them curtly. The girl next to him was smiling timidly at the two Ravenclaws. "I'm Matthew and this is Natalija." Matthew said and stuck out his hand for the girl to take.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Eileen Prince."
Hermione did a double-take. Eileen Prince? Snape's mother? Draco was obviously not aware who he was courting.
"Hi Eileen. Can I talk to your date for a second? Won't be long." Hermione said with a sugary sweet smile.
"Sure sure, go on." Eileen smiled back nicely. So Un-Slytherin-like.
"Draco." Hermione said when they were out of earshot. "Do you know who that is?"
"Well, Eileen Prince?" Draco asked with a bored voice, looking at her if she was crazy.
"Correct. Which means, you are on a date with Snape's mother! Have fun, Draco." Hermione laughed loudly and left Draco dumbfounded with his mouth hanging open and his eyes popping and his face having lost all the tan colour.
Hermione found him exactly 2 minutes later. Abraxas was ALMOST wearing the same robes that Draco was. Identical colour (black) and the same cut and obviously the same designer. The only thing that was a different colour were the trimmings – Abraxas wore golden and Draco white. Hermione sincerely hoped that no one noticed. Abraxas greeted her with much more courtesy and politeness than Draco had mere minutes before and Hermione was sure which version she preferred.
"Miss Karkarova." Abraxas called out as soon as he had spotted her.
"Mister Malfoy." Hermione smiled.
"You look absolutely stunning." he said, looking her up and down, a slight red tinge on his usually pale cheeks. Hermione blushed – to her dismay – and returned the compliment. "Which can be said about you as well."
"Thank you." Abraxas kissed her hand and handed her a golden rose. He transfigured the rose into a corsage and wound it around Hermione's arm. "Would you care to go into the Great Hall to find our places?" Abraxas asked, smiling not smirking at her which Hermione found really wonderful.
"Sure." Hermione took Abraxas offered arm and walked inside. Hermione tried not to look for the Head Couple. She would see them when they would make their speeches anyway. And it was not as if she was interested in either of them.
But Hermione had the feeling that she wouldn't like the head girl much. For whatever reason.
Abraxas and Hermione took a while to look for their places as they were greeting friends from Slytherin and Ravenclaw all along the way. Unfortunately, Ginny and Harry were nowhere to be seen. So when they finally found them, it was already 2 minutes to 8.
Usually 10 people were sitting at one table. 5 couples to be precise. Abraxas and Hermione were seated at a table with 5 Hufflepuffs, 1 Gryffindor AND Draco and his Eileen. Draco looked sullenly at Hermione and Abraxas and huffed, smirking evilly at his grandson. If only he knew…
Draco was sitting opposite them. Next to Hermione was a very friendly boy from Hufflepuff, named Justin and next to Abraxas a nice Gryffindor girl that had introduced herself as Catherine. Just Catherine. No last name was needed.
Then it went deadly silent in the Great Hall.
Tom Riddle and the Head Girl got up from their seats and silence filled the hall as everybody looked intently at the two Heads. Hermione scrutinized the Head Girl closely and a smirk started forming on her lips. Please… She looked stiff, boring, had a mousy brown hair-colour, her figure was almost too skinny and her dress was a boring olive green colour. She just looked plain and boring. Hermione twirled a blonde strand of hair in her fingers lazily when she looked at Tom, a slight smile playing her lips.
Tom Riddle's eyes met hers for a second, when they grew wide and he looked at her again – more intently this time. Was this beautiful girl Natalija? And was she flirting with him? No no, you are almost Lord Voldemort, don't let yourself get distracted. With difficulty he averted his gaze and turned to his speech.
Hermione, more interested in observing the head girl, didn't need another speech with something like have fun, and we did all our best for you to have a good time, and so on and on and on. The Head Girl somehow seemed familiar to Hermione, but she couldn't quite place her.
She knew for a fact that she wouldn't like the Head Girl. At all. When it was the Head Girl's turn to speak, Hermione noticed that she absolutely hated her voice. It was too authorative and unfriendly.
When they were finished, the hall burst into applause and food appeared on the tables. Abraxas filled Hermione's plate and glass. "Thank you, Abraxas." Hermione smiled. "A pleasure." was his answer when he filled his glass with butterbeer.
"Tell me, please, who is the Head Girl?" Hermione pointed discreetly at the girl next to Tom.
Abraxas sneered. "Oh that girl? She is a Gryffindor and her name is Minerva McGonnagal!"
Hermione almost choked on her wine. McGonnagal? Her former transfiguration teacher? That was the girl who was besotted with Tom Riddle of all people? Hermione shook her head. In the future, Hermione had rather liked McGonnagal very much, but now she really doubted her taste. This Minerva would not be a competitor, for her, Hermione. But then Hermione's heart almost stopped in shock. Competitor? Why a competitor? It was not as if SHE wanted something from Riddle. Not her, Hermione.
But only a small part of her believed the lie. Almost.
Dinner went by very well, except that Abraxas was NON-stop telling her about various family occasions, balls, events, invitations and all his pure-blood-connections, how good a seeker he was and how popular and how every girl seemed to love him and how every guy admired him. Aaaarrrrggghhh, he was worse than Cormac McLaggen! Help! All Hermione could do was sit and nod. He didn't even let her say one word.
After dinner, and a nice conversation with the Hufflepuffs and icy stares from Draco, a slow waltz began. "Want to dance?" Abraxas held out his arm and Hermione took it as he gracefully led them onto the dance floor that was already almost full. Hermione noticed that Draco and Eileen were following them closely. She still hadn't seen Harry and Ginny though.
Abraxas and Hermione began the waltz and Hermione noticed immediately that Malfoy was a good dancer. Nearby, Draco and Eileen were almost as good at dancing as Abraxas. Although Hermione tired desperately not to step on Abraxas toes, it was going pretty well. Abraxas even praised her for her gracefulness – well, he was talking all the time again anyway, this time telling her about various holidays and five-star-luxury-hotels.
The crowd on the dancefloor was growing to Hermione's dismay, she know couldn't see anyone she knew. Tom and sodding Minerva, Draco and Eileen, Harry and Ginny and even her fellow Ravenclaws were somewhere.
Abraxas fanned himself. "It's hot, isn't it? I will get us drinks if you don't mind."
Hermione had to agree with him. After dancing a few dances, she desperately needed some drinks. Besides, it was a good opportunity to gain some quietness from Abraxas' neverending boasting.
Hermione sat down on the bench and waited for Abraxas to get the drinks when a boy with messy black hair sat down next to her. "Harry." Hermione looked at her friend calculatingly. His face was tired and worn out.
"Hermione. You look beautiful." Harry smiled.
"Harry. Where is Ginny?" Hermione asked.
"She is dancing with a Ravenclaw boy." Harry shrugged.
"Why are you not dancing with her?"
"Because I cannot dance…" Harry looked onto the floor.
"It's very easy. Just have fun and let the music flow through you. But it's your choice. Where is she anyway?"
"I don't know. That's the point, Hermione. I can't find her anymore." Harry looked unhappily at his friend.
Oh. Hermione swallowed. "Oh. Harry. Do you need me to help you find-" but she was cut off by Harry himself. "Here comes your date. I don't want to bother you." and with that he left her without waiting for her reply.
"Natalija." Abraxas arrived, holding two butterbeers.
"You want ME to drink butterbeer?" Hermione raised an eyebrow. It was – to her knowledge – not good if a witch drank butterbeer. Witches usually drank wine or the white rose or something similar. Especially since ABRAXAS himself had pointed it out.
"No problem. You can try it out today – see if you like it." Abraxas smirked and handed her a bottle. After a quick clink of the glasses, Abraxas and Hermione drank their drinks. Or rather, Hermione drank and listened while Abraxas was telling her about a luxury-yacht (for wizards of course) his parents had bought.
Hermione had reached the point of sleepy disinterest, when a dark shadow stood above her. His face a perfect mask – handsome as usual though, his hair perfectly coiffed to the side, wearing a neatly pressed black robe with silver trimmings, and a perfume that made Hermione almost shiver, HE was there. Tom Riddle himself. The saviour. The knight in shining armour.
He nodded at Abraxas and Hermione. "Abraxas. Natalija."
Abraxas gave him a short, furious nod. He hadn't forgotten the torture that Tom had given him in the last meeting. Tom had needed someone to try his first crucio on and Abraxas had given him a reason to use it. Well, because he had asked Natalija out. She was actually the reason that Abraxas seriously reconsidered his loyalty to Tom.
But Natalija didn't need to know.
Abraxas and Tom now both smiled at Hermione.
"Abraxas, I know she is your date tonight." Tom motioned at the golden corset Hermione wore on her wrist, but might you let me borrow her for a dance?" Tom asked with politeness dripping from every syllable.
Abraxas face purpled. "Of course. But take care of her, Tom."
Tom thanked him and offered Hermione his arm, which she gladly took. As soon as he touched her, she felt a shiver of pleasure run up her spine. Her arm tingled from the touch as she bravely let him steer her onto the dancefloor.
Abraxas was a good dancer? Hermione had to rearrange her thoughts. If she ever thought that Abraxas was good, Tom was no comparison. He steered her so forcefully that she knew the way, but still so subtle that she wasn't even sure he was steering. Tom was graceful, all gentlemanly, and obviously very skilled at dancing.
Hermione shuddered at how good he was and at his touch. Her left hand was on his right shoulder and his right hand was on her waist. It felt very warm and Hermione savoured the touch. His other hand held her right hand. It was neither sticky nor sweaty nor cold. It just felt perfect.
Tom Riddle was so happy to finally get away from the constant chatter of McGonnagal. He was in search for "his" angel. Well, the angel who had been sitting next to Abraxas during the meal.
When he had first seen her this night, he had almost forgotten his speech. He had almost lost his head. She was not only beautiful, she was everything he had ever imagined, dreamed of, wished. Everything he could ever hope for. Or rather, that girl was clearly MORE than everything. When Tom Riddle had looked at her tonight the first time, he had felt overwhelmed by her beauty. Then he was stunned. And then he felt the hot rage inside him again. He wanted to crucio Abraxas again and again.
Tom looked gently into her wide open, sparkling eyes. He searched her beautiful face for any trace that indicated how she felt. And he saw the answer when he looked into her eyes. Softly, timidly, and maybe also a bit scared she looked up at him, but he could see the happiness inside them.
Hermione never wanted this dance to end when he looked into her eyes. She could dance with him and stare into his eyes forever. His dark blue eyes mesmerized her and held a certain mystery that she could not and did not want to understand or solve.
To her utter disappointment, the song ended too soon.
Tom didn't want to let her go. Little did he know that Hermione felt the same.
Another slow, romantic song came up. Hermione and Tom stared into each other's face, both not sure if the other wanted this next dance as well.
Tom looked at her questioningly. "Abraxas can wait for another dance." Hermione smiled cheekily at Tom who returned her smirk. "As you wish, mylady."
Tom and Hermione were slowly dancing to this song when Draco and Ginny were dancing next to Hermione and Tom. Draco was shooting furious glares at Hermione and Ginny looked sadly and disappointed at her. Come on. What was she doing? Dancing. JUST dancing. With the Dark Lord. Well… yes, with the dark lord.
But he was Tom Riddle now – not yet the Dark Lord.
Hermione was really tired now and her feet hurt – she wasn't used to wearing high heels.
"It's hot." she commented when this song had ended.
"Well, Abraxas is waiting for you. Maybe he will go outside with you." Tom said scathingly, frostily.
Hermione looked sadly onto the floor and said nothing. Tom was confused. Did she WANT to go with HIM instead?
"I'll deal with some business. Just wait here." he ordered her.
Hermione was left dumbfounded when she saw that Tom made his way towards Abraxas who was huddled with a group of Slytherins. He said something to Abraxas that made Abraxas frown and sneer but then Abraxas turned around towards his friends and Tom made his way over to Hermione, his face an unreadable mask….
Okay…?
"Let's go outside, Natalija." Tom said and Hermione took his arm again. "He is busy and will not miss you for a while." Tom replied to her questioning look. It was obvious to Hermione. Tom had ordered his follower to stay put so that he, Tom, could spend some time with Hermione. It was sweet actually.
Hermione smiled at him thankfully. She was thereby able to get away from the constant boasting and chatter of Abraxas. "What about Minerva?"
Tom smiled still broader. "She won't bother us."
"What do you mean?" Hermione was wary now.
"She is in the kitchens, tending the house elves." Tom answered, smirking wickedly.
"Excuse me?" to say that Hermione was confused was an understatement.
"There was a let's say slight inconvenience and McGonnagal had to take care of that. It's HER responsibility after all."
Hermione looked sceptically at him, mocking him slightly, the corners of her lips twisting upwards. They had reached the entrance to the garden now and Hermione and Tom were glad of the cool breeze outside.
"Yes sure, but she's helping the Gryffindor Head of the House. And I as a Slytherin have no business there." Tom frowned.
"Oh. Ok. And who is the Head of Gryffindor House?" Hermione asked. Tom let out a single laugh. "You know him very well, I assume. D-U-M-B-L-E-D-O-R-E."
"Ahhhhhh." Hermione could have kicked herself. How could she be so stupid?
So everything was well. Minerva and Abraxas were inside, taking care of other things, she and Tom were outside all by themselves.
A rosebush nearby shook and a loud giggle escaped.
Well almost by themselves.
"Hmm, who could that be?" Tom asked furrowing his brows. "I, as headboy – " but Hermione interrupted him softly, by putting her hand on his shoulder. "Let them be, just this once. It's a ball and … well, just let them this time." she smiled softly at him which melted Tom's heart.
"Hmm, you think so?" he took his wand and blasted the rose bush apart to Hermione's discomfort.
And it revealed two people that Hermione didn't want to see. Darius, Sarah's ex, and a girl that looked remarkably like Ginny.
"10 points from Gryffindor, Weasley and 10 points from Ravenclaw, Flint!" Tom snarled.
The girl and the boy looked unhappily at Tom but didn't dare complain.
'Weasley? Who was that? I have to mention that to Ron when I see him again. IF I see him again.' Hermione thought unhappily.
"Come!" Tom muttered to Hermione, taking her by her hand and pulling her deeper into the rose garden.
"Tom, who was that girl?"
"Oh, that's Muriel Weasley. She is a nuisance. All Weasley's are blood traitors and more children that they can afford. Unfortunately those kind of people exist as well." Tom groaned.