Okay, just so you know, I am without the ability to duck and speak at the same to time, so please hear me out before you start flaming me for the ridiculously long update.
I am not going to lie or come up with some petty excuse, cause to be honest, I just haven't had the time to concentrate on this story properly at all during the past couple of months. It's not that I've not had the time, it's a case of that when I did get on, my mind would wander off some place, and I would only get a paragraph or so written out. I've had a lot going on, and I've just gotten off one hell of an emotional roller coaster. It sounds sad, but I'm not trying to play the whole 'woe is me' card.
I'll not make fake promises and say I'll have speedy updates from now on, but I'll try and get them out as soon as possible.
Besides... you're all going to probably hate me after reading this chapter if you don't already now. I have to admit that it's a bit sloppy and not to my usual standards, but every chapter after this one will be back on game.
Should I maybe warn you that despite the crap writing, this chapter had one hell of a....? hmm... maybe I shouldn't say, but I'm sure you're reviews will have me cowering under a rock once you realise.
Please people, I would appreciate it if your reviews weren't too harsh. I really am sorry.
Even more so, I have to admit that I feel terribly sorry for all you's who thought the dance was going to be in this chapter... sorry huns, but in the Harry Potter time, that isn't for another one of their school weeks.
Oh, and just while I remember, a few of you pointed out my terrible habit of 'would of', should of' and such. The funny thing is, is that it's because that's how I say it, and therefor, write it out like that. I still do, but I'm now going over my writing and making sure to correct it, lol :) Sorry if I missed any, if I have then they'll most likely be towards the end, I'd prefer to think.
Anyhoo, enough rambling from me I think.
Try to enjoy the chapter!
Love you all!
Madame Dee
xxx
Chapter 19
Today was Monday, the start of Hermione's second week here at Hogwarts. Hermione and Minnie had already made their way down for breakfast that morning and were now on their way to double potions. Both Hermione and Minnie were silently dreading this class today, as they had both been witnesses to the excited gleam their Potions professor had in his eyes this morning as he sat and had his breakfast. It didn't help much that he had continually smirked at the Slytherin table, and then Gryffindor table.
This morning's potions class wasn't going to be going very well, Hermione was positive.
When Minnie finally rounded the last corner before the classroom, they saw that pretty much all the Slytherin 6th year boys were there, some had the same gleam in their eyes as the professor had that morning. Hermione and Minnie both shared a glance with each other before they headed further in. Both of them stood on the opposite side of the wall from the Slytherins. Hermione's found her eyes wandering, before they finally rested on another's familiar pair.
Tom nodded at her. "Hermione."
Hermione looked at him and cocked her eyebrow slightly. She nodded her head in return, "Tom." Her lips twitched a little, and she could see him smirk ever so slightly. Hermione's smile increased by a little, "So... Tom, are you looking forward to the upcoming dance this Saturday?"
She watched as he raised his eyebrows at her. He cocked his head to the side, almost as if he was measuring her. After a few seconds, he spoke. "Indeed I am... it should be an interesting night for sure. And you?"
Minnie pretended to gag. All the fake formality was becoming too much for her. Hermione chose to ignore her friend, choosing to reply. "Yes. It should be quite enjoyable."
"Oh, please," Minnie muttered, rolling her eyes at them.
Hermione bent her head, her eyes never leaving Tom's, till she was close enough to speak into Minnie's ear without anyone else hearing. "It wasn't that when we passed a certain Potter after breakfast. I'm pretty sure I've never seen someone turn a shade of red like that from a simple wink."
When Minnie's cheeks turned that same lovely shade of red, Hermione pulled back, satisfied that she'd made her point. Before she and Tom could carry on with their odd little banter, the door to the Potions classroom burst open, where Slughorn started to hustle students inside.
....
"Okay everyone, that's enough for today's lesson, I expect your homework to be of a much higher standard when you hand it in next time. Good day."
Hermione sighed as she began to pack away her things. What she had suspected would've been an odd class this morning - judged by how the Professor had acted at breakfast - had actually been pretty normal. Well... would could be described as normal for Slughorn.
"Oh yes, and would it be possible for Miss Granger and Mr Riddle to stay behind for a few short minutes."
At that request, Hermione was almost forced give into the temptation of banging her head against the table. But luckily, she was able to compose herself and pack the rest of her things before standing up from her stool.
"I'll meet you third?" Minnie asked as she slung her bag over her shoulder.
"Yeah, sure. See you." Hermione waved as she started up to the front desk. Both her and Tom got there at the same time. Hermione looked at him and silently asked what was up. He simply shook his head, saying he had no idea.
They heard the door shut from behind him, and then watched as the slightly obese Professor came to stand in front of them, behind his desk.
Hermione felt her eye twitch at the all knowing, smug look he had on his face. He probably didn't mean for it to be there... but it was. A quick look to her right, and she could see that Tom had noticed it too.
"Now... I'm sorry to keep you behind, but I have become known to some interesting stories, and I wish to talk to you both a little about it." He sat himself down comfortably on his green armchair, and gestured for Hermione and Tom to do the same. Hermione conjured herself a red one, whereas Tom conjured himself a green one. The colour choice made Hermione's lips twitch a little at the corners.
"Now, I understand that my little interference, earlier, during the past week, was unwelcome, and for that... I truly cannot apologize."
Huh?
"You see... I feel that I have done a great deed to the magical world by uniting you both, and even though you both resent me slightly for it now, I am sure you will come to thank me in the near future."
Hermione simply stared at him. She had no idea how to respond to that. She was practically speechless. She could even feel her cheeks begin to redden a little.
"And now that I have that off my chest and out in the open, I would like to give you my congratulations in getting so far in your duels in Defence last week. You will be facing each other in the finals, true?" Hermione felt herself just nod along, she wouldn't dare chance a look over at Tom during that precise moment. She was totally mortified at the old man's speech. It was one thing to talk to them individually, but together, it was purely mortifying for her. "Yes, well, you aren't really supposed to know this, but Professor Merrythought has decided to make it into a sort of show for the fifth years and up to see during lunch later today. A sort of example you could call it. I just hope - you see, this is where my concerns lie -that the two of you wont get competitive, for the last thing I wish to happen is for this to put a strain on such a short relationship."
"I can assure you, sir," Hermione's head snapped towards Tom's direction, ever so slightly annoyed to see him as composed as ever. Although the clenched fist were a slight give away to his true annoyance. "That our relationship shall not falter in any ways due to our duel. We will be delighted to perform in front of some students in order to demonstrate."
Hermione didn't let it show, but she was rather grateful for Tom at that precise moment. She wasn't so sure how she would've answered had she been in any able position to. And if she could speak? Well... it wouldn't have been anything well suited for a lady in this day and age.
Slughorn beamed at them. "Excellent. Excellent. Oh! But another matter to attend to! I have managed to arrange everything for the two of you to have access to the kitchens for however long you may need on Thursday. I wasn't joking when I said those cakes were delicious! I want some made for the party on Saturday night!"
Hermione needed to slap herself in the face, go back to bed, and then wake up again. Yet despite her current state, she chose to give speaking a bash anyway. "Er... yes, of course Professor. How many would you like done?"
If it was possible, the man's smile only increased. "How does three sound?"
More than necessary, but less than she'd expected him to ask for. "Three shall be fine..." She finally looked over to Tom, content when she saw him nod his head in agreement to her statement.
"Brilliant!" Slughorn clapped his hands, and rubbed them together, positively delighted. "Well... as much fun as I've had talking to you both, I think it best that you head off to your next classes, as I've unfortunately taken up most of your breaks." He stood up from his chair, followed by both students. They all walked silently to the door, and allowed the Professor to hold it open for them. As they walked outside, he said, "And I shall look forward to seeing you both duel. It will be an interesting performance, I am sure."
With that he shut the door.
"Ugh! That man never knows when enough is enough! Seriously!" Hermione grunted loudly, when she was far enough from the classroom door, so not to be overheard.
Tom chuckled as he folded his arms, and lent against the wall, one foot crossed over the other. "No need to get frustrated, Hermione."
Hermione turned and mock glared at him, placing her hands on her hips. It didn't have the desired effect, as the stance simply amused him more. "Oh, please! You were just as annoyed in there as I was," she stated knowingly.
Tom nodded his head from side to side. "Perhaps, but I've been putting up with his interfering ways for much longer now. I guess you could say I'm an expert."
Hermione huffed, choosing to fold her arms over her chest instead. "Yes, well you've learned to put up with it, whereas I don't even want to deal with it! He's a meddling fool as far as I'm concerned, and should just be ignored. I most certainly don't really care about his 'higher ranked friends'. Pfft, seriously."
Wanting nothing more than to get to her next class, Hermione then spun on her heels and headed in the right direction.
Tom sighed and rolled his eyes as he straightened up and started following. They were, after all, in the same classes. It didn't take long before he was walking right next to her, with his long legs, and her slightly shorter ones, it didn't take much effort. She didn't utter a word, hoping to stomp off her bad mood instead. Tom took advantage of his height to look down at her. Her cheeks were all flushed from her short rant, and despite her current stomp, she still held herself elegantly, with her head held high. "So..." Tom started. "How does seven sound?"
Hermione immediately halted in her footsteps. She stared at him with wide eyes. "Excuse me?"
Her look almost made him want to laugh, but at the same time, made him feel slightly indignant at her reaction, considering what he thought was going through her head when he asked her. "On Thursday. We meet outside the kitchens at seven?"
Her lips formed a small 'oh' shape, which he had to admit to himself, and no other, was sort of adorable on her features, especially when her cheeks flushed a sot of rosy colour. "Eh... sure. Seven sounds good."
He nodded at her, and then they continued their walk.
It was a comfortable silence they walked in, and when they finally reached outside to start heading down to Care of Magical Creatures, Hermione couldn't help herself, but asked, "When do you think Professor Merrythought planned on telling us that we would be duelling today?"
Tom thought a little about it, and then replied, "either during forth period, or he would've had Dippet announce it at dinner."
Hermione nodded her head. "How lovely," she stated sarcastically. When she looked up again to face Tom, her eyebrows furrowed. He was staring at her slightly confused. "What?"
Tom shook his head at her. "Nothing really. I just sometimes wonder why that hat made such a quick decision to place you in Gryffindor."
Hermione couldn't help but smile at him for that one. He did have a point, cause she had changed a lot. But she also had to admit, she liked the new her. She would never forget where she came from, or who she was before, but that wouldn't stop her from living a little, now that she had the chance.
Next thing they both knew, they were standing outside the forbidden forest, waiting on their Professor to come. The rest of the class were a few yards behind them.
Hermione fidgeted nervously with her fingers. She was sitting next to Minnie in Defense class, and everyone was waiting for the Professor to appear.
"Would you stop doing that already? You're starting to make me nervous!" Minnie finally snapped at her. She'd had to sit for a good five minutes and had looked at nothing other than Hermione's nervous antics. "It's not even that big of a deal."
Hermione chose to keep her mouth shut. Oh, if only Minnie actually knew just how big of a deal it was. Hermione found the power to separate her hands, and chose to sit on them instead, keeping them at bay. Minnie just rolled her eyes, and gave a light snort. Hermione simply chose to stick her tongue out at her and then turned her head to look forward. Just when she did that though, the door to the classroom opened, and in walked - no... in came a practically skipping Professor Merrythought.
His smile never left his face as he got the front of the classroom and began speaking. "Good day sixth year," he greeted cheerfully, making Hermione's eyes narrow a little.
Tom, on the other hand, thought the whole thing was rather amusing. He enjoyed watching her annoyed reactions from across the classroom while still listening to what the Professor was saying. He couldn't help the smirk from appearing on his face either. If he had to admit to himself, he wouldn't lie and say that he wasn't excited about his upcoming duel with Hermione.
"Today class, we shall be looking more into shield charms, and the theories behind them." A few groans could be heard, but this wasn't what Hermione and Tom cared about hearing, both of them pretty confident enough that they could teach the class if they wanted to. "And....," he drew out, "because it is only a single period, there shall be a little show happening today after dinner for those of you who want to bear witness to it. But in case some of you haven't realised, we have yet to finish our little duelling session. I believe the last standing pair to go head to head are both Miss Granger and Mr Riddle."
Hermione turned her head and looked over at Tom. She felt a mixture of excitement, fear, and anticipation. Mainly because she knew he would be the one to finally challenge her in this particular class. His eyes met her own and he nodded his head slightly. Hermione gave him a half smile in return, but then found her gaze landing on none other than Dolohov. He was - surprise surprise - glaring at her, his heated gaze laced with hate, anger and just a little, itty, bitty, hint of jealousy.
Hermione felt shivers run up and down her spine, so she chose to turn her head back so she was facing the front again, a soft sigh escaping her lips. She couldn't win over everyone while she was here, and Dolohov was beyond a lost cause.
"And, because it is the final, and you are both very advanced by now in your magic, I shall allow you to have a bit more free range with the spells you use, just so long as there is nothing seriously harmful and deadly. Is that clear?"
Hermione nodded when he looked at her, and when his gaze changed, she could pretty much picture Tom doing the same. Their duel would be interesting to say the least. She just hoped that nothing would happen that could possibly result in her loosing control in her magic again. Last time was supposed to have been the last, but you never truly knew when it came to magic. It was just as unpredictable as it was uncontrollable, sometimes.
With Dolohov, it had actually been a pretty odd duel. It was so rediculously simple that it just carried on. It was obvious that the only time he never had full control of his magic was when he lost his temper, and Hermione had to admit, she'd been pushing quite a bit that past week.
Their's really should've ended within five to ten minutes at the most.
But with Tom... he was...simply, unpredictable. There was no way she could manage to predict what he would start with, or how it would end. She knew she would probably loose to him in her own time, but here... they were evenly matched.
Now she wondered, just how 'advanced' would Tom go?
Further than you would, that's for sure.
What the hell!?
Thought I was gone?
Yes!
Hermione's eyebrows furrowed. She'd forgotten all about the little Harry voice inside her head, and now that she was reminded by the voice itself, she couldn't help but think about how strange it really was.
She had always been emotionally and physically attached to Harry, so much that she apparently held back on some of her magic because of her dependence on him. She'd thought nothing of it before, when she'd first came back and he was in her head. She just thought that because she was so attached and that she had just went through the whole 'trauma' of loosing him and her best friends in a war, that it was just her subconscious taking on his voice and personality to calm and remind her who she was and what she was dealing with. However, the voice really wasn't that calming, and she was doing just fine now in this time by herself, so why was it still there? Inside her head? Making such remarks, sometimes a little like what Harry was like when he got in a bad mood?
Hermione sighed... turns out she would be making a trip to the library later, before her 'duel'.
Hermione and Minnie were walking down the corridor, leading to a junction that had one corridor leading to the library, and the other down to the great hall.
"So are you coming, Mione? Mary and Jack will be there, and we're just gonna watch them do a little practising. Besides, Mary's mum makes the best pastries and she sent some over just this morning, charmed to stay warm."
Hermione smiled at her friend's attempts to lure her away from the library and out to the quidditch pitch. Mary was one of the other girls that shared a room with Minnie and Hermione, along with another girl called Sarah. Hermione was friendly with the two girls, but hadn't really had the chance to properly get to know them better yet. Everyone had a free period last today, so some of the Gryffindors were going to go down to watch their team practice the new routine. It made Hermione laugh a little when she learned that they had charmed the pitch so that no Slytherin could step into it, nor could they look in to see the routine. It was for Gryffindor eyes only, seeing as they had a match against Slytherin the week after the party.
"It sounds great, Minnie, but there is something that is really annoying me. I swear, once I've figured it out, I'll go straight to the pitch to meet with you and Mary. Deal?"
Minnie looked at her friend, having stopped and spun round. Her hands were on her hips, and she was tapping her foot impatiently. Hermione was almost taken aback by how much she resembled her older self right then. Minnie eventually rolled her eyes. "You know, I always thought of myself a little like the Gryffindor bookworm. One that knew how to have fun, mind you, but still a little bit of a bookworm. You, however, claimed that title the second you entered the school." Hermione grinned sheepishly at the lioness opposite her, raising her hands and shrugging her shoulders. It was embedded into her personality, what could she do? "BUT... you're a great laugh, and in a matter of days, became a great friend, so deal. You have forty five minutes though before I call a search team and we all drag you out of that god damned library."
Hermione smiled and gave her friend a quick hug. She laughed as she pulled back. "Deal."
And with that she headed down the corridor leading to the library.
"Come on Hermione. You've taken half an hour now, and still no stupid book," Hermione muttered to herself annoyed. She looked at the desk she had been working at, and on it were piles of different books. Hermione had flicked through them all, but had found no reference to the voice inside her head. Maybe it was just her subconscious after all. Never-the-less, Hermione chose to have another quick scan through a different isle of books before she finally gave up and went down to the quidditch pitch.
Sighing to herself, Hermione's finger moved delicately over all the many different bindings of the many different books.
Suddenly, just as Hermione was about to give in and leave, her eyes caught sight of a book. She'd noticed it at first because of it's size, but her eyes had only lightened up when she read the cover.
'Voices Inside Your Head?', by Arnold Macky, 'The Reasons'
It couldn't have been a more obvious title. It was sad really. Hermione quickly reached for it and pulled it out of the shelf. It was small and thin, much to her discharge, so she hoped that the author had at least managed to squeeze as much information as possible into the tiny book. Hermione sat herself down on the comfortable chair she had conjured instead of the library's wooden ones. She sat side ways, making herself more comfortable with her legs dangling off of one side. She opened the small book, only to find that there was no page of contents. She rolled her eyes, and chose to start flicking through the pages until something caught her eyes.
The more she saw, the more her hope in the book began to decrease. But luckily, her hopes returned when, close to the end, her eye caught the heading of 'Emotionally Attached'.
She stopped at the page and began reading.
Tom Riddle had thought it best if he spent his free period inside the common room for a change, sitting in front of the warm fire reading something or other. The common room would most likely be vacant with the lower years still in class, and his own year most likely down at the quidditch pitch trying to get past the Gryffindors' wards.
Luckily, the Slytherin common room, like the Ravenclaw one, had a large bookshelf full of books. So when he finally entered the common room, he swiftly wandered over there, picked up a random book from the top shelf and headed over to his favourite armchair, directly across from the fire place. He waved his hand as he took a seat, and watched satisfied at the burst of flames. Not many actually knew he had accomplished wandless magic... in fact, no one knew yet. Knowing that, he would gladly use it to his advantage. After all, he did have a 'big' duel coming up later that day, it would be good to have a few tricks up his sleeve. Wandless magic being one of them, and legillimency his other. After constant practising, he had to admit that he was fairly good at it.
He wouldn't deny that he had grown to actually like Hermione, and in some ways, respect the girl. But no amount of fondness would let him loose this duel.
His best challenge yet.
As a smirk slowly grew on his face, he allowed himself to relax into the armchair more comfortably. He finally looked at the book he'd randomly chosen, and he couldn't help but chuckle a little at it's 'oh so convenient' title.
'Defence At It's Best'
He flipped it open and started reading from the more advanced sections.
Just when he was getting into the book, he heard a small crash of some sort come from upstairs.
'Typical' he thought, inwardly rolling his eyes. There was always someone.
He would've simply ignored it, but considering the fact that it came from the same direction as his room, Tom got a little suspicious. He only shared his room with three other people, and his bed was heavily warded... well... it was natural for him to be cautious after all.
Rising easily from his chair, he headed over to the staircase leading up to the sixth year boy's dormitory. Soundlessly he climbed the stairs, and it wasn't long before he was standing outside his bedroom door. The whispers he was able to hear from the other end simply confirmed his suspicions that someone was in there. Whether they were doing anything he wouldn't be too approving of, was yet to be proved.
Waving his wand over the door, he cast a small charm, letting him hear whatever would be said on the inside.
"-believed him" Tom easily recognised Antinon's voice from the other side. "And we've all followed him blindingly. That was before the summer holidays. And now? It's like he doesn't care any more. We have waited for a another meeting to be called, but no, he's been spending all his precious time with Granger." He spat her name out with venom, as if it had burnt his tongue at her mentioning. It was clear to Tom now that they were obviously talking about him.
Fair enough, Tom had to admit that he hadn't thought about his knights in quite a while, but that didn't mean he wasn't committed.
"Come on, Antinon." Now it was Malfoy. "It's only the start of the year. I already asked Tom about the meetings, and he said he would organise them when he could. You're forgetting that Dumbledore grew more suspicious over our house after the Muggleborn's death. Besides... Granger's not that half bad."
Tom rolled his eyes at what Malfoy said at the end... honestly! It was unreal how bad the boy wanted to get her. But Tom would be having none of that.
"My point is," Antinon seemed to stress, clearly trying to convince Malfoy in his argument. "Is that I am sick of seeing him walk around this place like he owns it and everyone in it. We forget that Slytherin is a house belonging to those of pureblood and high esteem. Riddle," now he spat Tom's name like venom, "is neither. He is a poor halfblood, and I think it's time he was put in his place."
Tom simply stood outside of the door. What he had heard... well... to say he was furious would be a severe and underestimated understatement. All Tom saw was red. How dare he!?
Instead of slamming the door open and doing all of the things he so wished he could do right then and there, he turned on his heels and made his way down the stairs.
Maybe it was about time he ordered a meeting after all?
Tom was still completely pissed as he stormed his way towards the library. Now that he had calmed down a 'pitch' he was quite glad he had decided to let them away with their conversation. It would make their next little get together much more enjoyable.
Once he'd entered the library, however, the sight he found made all signs of previous anger fade away.
There, in front of him, was Hermione. Except, she was lying side ways on a large, poffy armchair. Her neck was arched as her head lounged over the side, sure to result in a sore neck leter. Her legs simply dangled over the side, one of her arms was crossed over her stomach and the other fell at her side. One look at the book on the floor told him she'd fallen asleep reading. She was surrounded by books piled up on her desk also.
With slight reluctance, Tom managed to tare his gaze from her sleeping form and looked across at the clock that hung on the wall. Sighing slightly, he came to the conclusion that he should probably wake her up.
Walking quietly over to her, he came to a stop next to her. He placed a hand on top of her shoulder and gave it a light shake. "Hermione?"
She still slept.
He shook a little harder. "Hermione?" He said with more persistence.
She still slept.
Rolling his eyes, he cast a quick 'silencio' around them before shouting, "Hermione!"
He was far from prepared for her reaction.
The next thing he knew, her hands had twisted into his shirt and she'd pulled him closer. Her eyes bore into him, but he was surprised that they seemed to be fogged over. She shook him slightly. "Do you understand?" Choosing that he much preferred being out of her strong head, he simply nodded his head, looking at her curiously. She sounded desperate, almost pleading "Good." Her grip let go. Just as they did, her eyes seemed to clear and returned to their usual colour. Shaking her head, she looked around her. "H-Harry?"
Tom's eyebrows raised ever so slightly. "Forgotten my name already have you?"
Hermione's eyes widened as she focused back on him. She practically sprang out of her seat. She didn't dare look at him as she straightened out her clothes. Using her wand she sent all the books back to their correct places.
When she finally felt composed again, she chanced a look at him, simply to see his eyebrows raised. Despite his appearances, Hermione could see the confusion, and dared she think it, concern. "Sorry, Tom. Little bit of a nightmare."
Tom simply nodded his head, not believing her when she said she'd simply had a 'little nightmare'. "It's fine, Hermione. I just thought that, maybe, judging by the time, I'd waken you."
Hermione's head snapped towards the clock. "Shit," she muttered, hoping that Tom hadn't heard her - he did - and made to quickly throw her bags over her shoulder. "Sorry, Tom. But I've gotta go." And with that, she dashed out of the library. Minnie would kill her for sure if she didn't get there as soon as possible.
Tom just watched after her slightly bemused.
Hermione sat at her table during dinner, not able to help the nerves that crept through her body. Dinner had long since ended, and now everyone was simply waiting on Dippet to get back to the great hall.
Not only was she apprehensive about her duel with Tom that would be happening very, very soon, but every one of her nerves had been set on edge after reading that book. She didn't know when she'd fallen asleep, but she was eternally grateful for Tom waking her up. The dream she'd had was... well... not right, that was for sure.
All fifth years and up had been asked to remain after dinner. She currently sat next to Minnie, and tried her hardest not to look over at Tom. She was pretty sure that that would just make her worse.
Just then, when she thought that her mind could take no more, Dippet burst through the main doors, in what he must have thought was an impressive entrance. Hermione remained unimpressed. Once Dippet reached the front of the hall, on top of his platform, he gestured for Albus to come up front.
Hermione watched warily as the Professor's eyes twinkled madly, and seemed to shine with an extra sort of mischief. With four claps of his hands, all four tables disappeared, along with the benches, leaving a fair amount of students to fall and land on their behinds. Hermione stood back up and dusted off the dust that had stuck to her bottom. She sent a glare towards her Transfiguration teacher who simply winked at her in return.
Once everyone was standing on their feet, they were once again knocked down, as a large gap appeared in the middle of the room. Having been pushed back to land on her backside, again, Hermione huffed as she stood up. She then watched as a long, raised platform materialised itself in the centre of the room. The room now resembled what it had when there had been duelling classes in her second year, only a bit bigger.
Dippet cleared his throat in order to catch people's attention. However, upon failing, he cast a 'sonorus' charm on his throat, making his next cough practically ear splitting.
"Now that I have your attention, would Hermione Granger and a Mr Tom Riddle like to bring themselves up onto the platform."
Hope the warning was clear enough... now, If you don't mind, I'm off to cower beneath a rock somewhere...
R&R