Chapter Three: The Sorting.

Previously:

"Shall we proceed?" he asked politely.

His false politeness made the hair on my neck stand on edge. He was up to something. It was smeared all over his face. And oh, that face…I hadn't really studied his face until now. His hair was very dark, not quite black, but no where near as light as my hair. It fell messily around his face. Reminds me of Harry, I chuckled to myself. His pale skin gave him quite a Malfoy appearance. He has high cheek bones which complimented his medium sized lips which were currently curled into a smirk. His dark eyes were not of Lord Voldermort's. They were of a young, adventurous, yet dangerous wizard. Everything about him seemed to draw me in. I felt compelled to do as he said, and he has merely kissed my hand…

I was in trouble. And he could sense it all too well.

"Yes, let's proceed." I replied, taking hold of his arm as he led me out of the room and into the corridors…

***

A shudder ran sharply up my back as Tom and I walked silently along the corridors. My right hand was rested on his arm and my left was clutching my wand to my side, preparing for any surprise attacks. Tom's arm seemed to tighten as he felt me shudder. He didn't tighten slightly either. He seemed to tighten his hold on me with all his strength. I couldn't decide whether it was to keep me close to him, or if it was just to hurt me. And trust me, it really was hurting!

"Umm, Tom…could you loosen your grip please? My arm's starting to hurt…" I whimpered. He really was gripping unnaturally tight.

Tom nodded sharply and let go of my arm completely. Not once did he glance in my direction; his eyes were glues ahead of us.

I glanced down at my arm and lifted the sleeve. I gaped at the sight. The area of my arm which Tom had been gripping was now covered with one giant bruise. Shades of red, blue and purple sprouted on my arm, as a bone chilling thought struck my mind. If he can do this by merely squeezing my arm, I'd hate to think what else he was capable of. But another thought in my head struck me harder, who are you kidding, Hermione? You were already aware of what this despicable creature is capable of!

I drew out my wand and pressed it to the bruise. I muttered a spell, which made my arm glow purple, crackle; the bruise disappeared. I turned around to look at Tom. He was staring at my arm. No, more like goggling. I frowned. What was so interesting about my arm?

"T-that spell…" he stuttered.

"Yeah…what about it?" I asked.

"Did you create it? I don't recognise it." He said in a clipped tone.

I nodded, "Yes, quite a while back. You can use it if you like, I don't use it very often." I chuckled.

He nodded in response and continued his quite thinking as we carried on down the corridors. We were nearing The Great Hall now.

Well this is different, I thought to Draco.

What do you mean? He replied.

Seems like our famous Tom Riddle, king of the Dark Arts, has lost his voice, I teased.

You're ignoring each other?! He sounded rather surprised.

I would be talking to him yano, if he spoke to me. But he seems to be planning his next killing at the mo- my thoughts were cut short as my back was slammed hard against the wall and a wand was pressed hard into my neck.

My eyes widened and focused on the very, very angry face of Tom Riddle. His eyes were gleaming with such rage that it wouldn't have surprised me if he had killed me on the spot. But these eyes weren't that of a teenage boy anymore. These were the eyes of Voldermort; Evil, angry, inhuman, and…lonely. And suddenly all my confidence, and pride, drained from my soul, as I stared Tom directly into his eyes, and without him knowing, saw a glimmer of his real self. He may have had a murderous look in his eyes…but he wouldn't kill me. I decided to put that to the test.

"Are you going to kill me, Tom?" I sneered, regaining my confidence.

Hermione? Hey, Hermione, what's happened?! Draco shouted in my head.

Just a little encounter with Tom, I replied, I'm pinned to a wall with his wand at my neck and he looks like he's going to explaode with anger, I explained.

I'm on my way, 'Mione, Draco said quickly.

A sharp pain in my side drew my attention away from Draco. I glanced down quickly to find Tom scraping a knife against my hip. I winced as the blood trickled down and soaked my shirt. He seemed to enjoy watching me cringe and grow pale as he repeatedly stroked the blade against my skin, making more and more gashes appear. I glared into his dark eyes, gnashing my teeth together painfully.

"In case you didn't realise, I am a skilled Legilimans. I heard every thought of your conversation with darling Draco," he spat.

Of course, I already knew that. How else would he have sabotaged my dreams during my life in the future? But one thing that struck me as odd was how he had managed to break through my mental barriers.

"Simple," he replied to my thoughts, "your mental barrier was indeed strong, but I am stronger." He purred.

I was so angered by his words that I didn't notice him removing the knife.

"Now, back to your first question," he paused, "I may kill you. But only after you tell me how you knew my name." he growled.

I smirked in response, "I know a lot of things, Tom. I think you'd be surprised."

He didn't give me the reaction I was expecting. He yanked me towards him by my collar, and threw me into an empty classroom. I hit the cold floor with a terrible crunch as I felt the bones in my wrist snap. I glared up at Tom, clutching my wrist desperately, tears brimmed my eyes. I tried with all my might to choke back the sob threatening to erupt.

He just smirked down at me and watched me squirm in pain.

"I will repeat myself," he said in a sickly sweet voice, "how did you come to know of the existence of The Dark Lord?"

I kept my lips sealed until he lifted his wand and aimed it at my chest.

"You wouldn't dare!" I snarled, gripping my want.

"Oh really?" he laughed darkly, then without any warning, a bright red light left the tip of his wand and hit me square in the chest.

I screamed as my shirt was torn from my body and what felt like a blade, buried in the pit of my stomach. What ever form of dark magic Tom has used on me, was now tearing my insides slowly. The pain was excruciating. I wanted to die. I was convinced I would die.

As I closed my eyes, writhing on the floor, and mentally begging him to end it, Tom did something extremely unexpected.

I felt a cold hand clutch my arm to hold me still as the tip of a wand pressed softly into my collar and a burst of magic coursed through by body. Was Tom helping me?! When he has just attempted to kill me…!

I opened my eyes slowly and focused on the person crouching beside me, holding my hand and muttering a healing spell. The pain was gone, but I still ached all over my body. My wrist was clearly broken, but he chose to completely ignore it and focus on my internal injuries, to which, if I'm honest, I was extremely grateful; not forgetting the fact that he had been my attacker.

My gaze softened as he brought his hand to my forehead, closed his eyes and mumbled another healing spell. I could feel his warm breath tickling my tear stained cheek. His lips were moving in a furious speed. This healing spells taking a while, I thought, my eyes fully focused on his lips. Such kissable lips…

"Why thank you," Tom suddenly muttered, smirking. I presume he heard what I was thinking. "And if you don't want to die from internal injuries, then I suggest you quit complaining about how long it's taking." He said with a smidge of frustration in his voice.

"I don't understand," I whispered, "you wanted to kill me, and now you're acting the hero?" it might have made sense to him, but it certainly didn't make sense to me!

Tom sighed, released my hand, stood up and dusted himself down. My hand felt sort of lonely now.

"I'm not going to apologize if that's what you want. However, I didn't mean for it to go this far," he seemed to be mentally kicking himself after saying that, and winced when he looked down at my torn, blood stained clothes and teary eyes. "Think of this as a warning, Dehavilland. Next time…I won't be so forgiving." He continued gravely, then turned and stormed from the room.

"Thank you," I whispered, cradling my wrist against my chest, before I passed out.

Ready? I asked Draco as I woke up. Somehow, I had ended up in my bed after I passed out. Draco had been fast asleep beside me, so I presumed that he has found me and brought me back. My wrist was in a bandage now, and I was wearing my freshly washed robes, and my long curly hair was pulled back into a messy bun.

As I'll ever be, Draco laughed.

He held his arm out to me and I took it eagerly.

Today, we would be re-sorted into new houses, and introduced to the school. Why did I feel so nervous? Merlin, nervous was an understatement! I felt like curling up in a corner.

"Don't think like that, love," I was surprised to hear Draco's voice and not his thoughts…

I glanced down; my eyes now glued to my feet. "I can't help it," I muttered, "it's like starting all over again…I don't like it."

Draco grasped my hand tightly and led me out of the room, whilst muttering soothing words to me.

I whimpered as a few students I didn't know passed by us, gawking like we had three heads. Draco sent them all "If-looks-could-kill" glares, and they soon hurried off to the Great Hall.

"You didn't need to look at them in that way…"I mumbled, not daring to look Draco in the eye, I had been on the receiving end of Draco's fuse one too many times, and I wasn't hoping to be in that position again any time soon.

He surprised me again by laughing at the guilty expression on my face.

"Would you honestly prefer it if they were still gawping at you like fishes?" he asked, obviously amused.

"Well…no, but-"

"Shut up then," Draco interrupted, flashing me an angelic smile and batting his eyelashes at me.

I snickered and smacked his arm playfully. I had never seen this childish side of Draco, and I liked it. He rubbed his arm, feigning pain, so I dragged him towards the hall with a slight smirk twitching at my features.

"Oh. Oh! Eager to be sorted now are we?" he laughed, "thanks to yours truly," he continued proudly.

"Oh, shut up you!" I laughed again, and before we knew it, we were facing the whole school, who were sitting with their houses with astonished looks on their faces.

Honestly! You'd think we'd just walked in bloody naked! Draco exclaimed.

I smirked and glanced over to the Slytherin table. My eyes immediately met with Tom Riddles. A small smirk was playing at his lips, whilst a dark haired boy, who looked oddly familiar, leaned over and whispered something into his ear. This time they both gave me an amused stare, and I felt my cheeks burning. I tore my eyes away from the Slytherins and glanced at the Griffindors where I could see Minerva staring…no gazing at Draco. I snickered.

"Um, Draco?" I said sweetly.

He turned his head sharply to look at me. I don't think he was enjoying all the attention as much as he thought he would. "Yeah?" he replied.

"Minerva's been gazing at you the whole time. I'd watch your back if I were you," I glanced at Draco's face which was growing paler by every second, "in case you didn't know…it's against school rules to date your teachers." I teased.

Draco grew even paler. He was actually taking me seriously!

I nudged him to look forward where Dumbledore was sat next to Armando Dippet who had his hands clasped tightly together with a grin spread on his face as we came into view.

I clutched Draco's arm tightly as we walked at a steady pace towards the Headmaster. When we reached him, he grasped both our shoulders and spun us around to face the school.

"Students," he boomed, "I am certain all of you are itching to discover who these two young students are. Well, let me introduce you to Hermione and Draco Dehavilland. They have emergrated to their home country to escape from a life of war, and are in fact close relatives to our own Tranfiguration professor, Albus Dumbledore," he chuckled to himself, "they will be sorted today, in front of you all and I hope that where ever they are placed, you will make them both very welcome to our school." He said.

I smiled shyly at everyone. Draco just smirked.

He's nothing like Dumbledore, I grumbled to Draco.

Yes, as much as I couldn't stand the old fag; I prefer him to this goofy prat, he chuckled.

I smiled at Draco as an unfamiliar voice entered my head.

Now, now Ms. Dehavilland. That is no way to speak about your Headmaster. Tsk tsk, I glanced over to the Slytherin table, immediately recognising the voice and felt a shudder run up my spine. Tom Riddle stared me straight in the eyes, an evil smirk creeping onto his face. His dark haired friend was also staring at me. But he didn't have an evil smirk on his face. No, it was a totally different kind of smirk. One which made my stomach flip.

"Professor Dumbledore, would you care to take over?" Dippet asked.

Dumbledore smiled warmly and stood. "Mr Dehavilland, would you please be seated for your sorting,"

Draco nodded sternly and sat. Dumbledore levitated the hat to Draco's head. It seemed like a memory of first year; it had barely touched his head before it shouted, "SLYTHERIN!" loud claps could be heard from their table.

No surprises there, he mumbled, with a slight smirk on his face. I smiled warmly, I could tell he was pleased, and he journeyed to the Slytherin table where some boys clapped him on the back, and more girls than I was happy with immediately jumped up to greet him.

"Ms. Dehavilland," Dumbledore gestured towards the seat.

All eyes were focused on me. This was worse than first year! I peaked over at Draco, who gave me an encouraging smile, and suddenly I felt my confidence return to me.

Unlike Draco, the hat remained on my head for a few minutes, and didn't seem sure where to put me.

"Hmm," he mused, "I feel pride and courage; you would fit well in Gryffindor. I feel intelligence and ambition; perhaps Ravenclaw…" he paused, "Ah! You are experienced in the Dark Arts I see. You have killed once before," I knew of when he referred to;

Flashback:

"Ron! Ron! No. no, don't die on me! You can't. I'll get some help…you'll be ok, just please, Merlin, don't die on me!" I begged, tears streaming down my blood stained cheeks, sobbing and clutching at his arms desperately.

He croaked something I couldn't catch so I leaned forward, waiting for him to repeat it. But at that moment, a bright green light shot past me, and hit Ron square in the chest, and his words were cut short.

I blood churning cackle was heard directly behind me, then whoever it was leaned forward and breathed on my ear.

"Poor, poor, blood traitor. He wouldn't have been much use anyway. Just look at that dirty blood staining your robes, tsk tsk. Shame it isn't yours, eh, Mudblood." They whispered.

Bellatrix Lestrange.

I didn't even think. I just saw red and acting on that. I turned around slowly and stood straight, tears never stopping. I sneered at the disgusting smirk slapped on her ugly face.

"No, no, no. It should be your blood. Death Eater." I spat.

"Avada Kedavra!" I screamed. Her body hit the floor with a flat thump, yet still I felt disgusted.

I spat blood into her eye and kicked her stomach with all the strength I could muster. "discerpo." I muttered emotionless, and watched with no affect as her body was slashed face to feet, then severely dismembered.

I was satisfied. Lestrange had paid the price.

I had avenged Ron's death.

"…You are not from this time," The hat continued, "But do not fret. Your secret is safe with me. SLYTHERIN!"

I gasped. How would it know this?! Had it read my mind? Had Dumbledore told it? Why would he want to do that…? So many distressing thoughts were flying round my head. If this information got out, me and Draco would have to go home, for certain!

My eyes remained wide. I was lost for words. Never had I thought I could be in Slytherin!

I admit, I wanted to be placed in the same house as Draco; but I had never thought I had it in me to be in such a house.

I immediately looked over to Draco, who's eyes were just as wide and he seemed to have dropped the apple he was about to eat.

"Please be seated with your chosen house, Ms. Dehavilland." Dumbledore whispered, noticing my frozen state.

I nodded, and quietly tip toed to the Slytherin table, where I sat beside Draco with his arm draped over my shoulder.

He kissed my forehead and whispered, "I know what happened, Hermione. I watched you kill Bellatrix. That is the only reason you're in this house," he paused and pulled me tighter against him, "You are not like me."

His words almost brought tears to my eyes, until I remembered where I was and sat straighter, casting my eyes over my fellow students, I smiled slightly to cover the sadness I was feeling inside.

Maybe if I pretend everything will be ok…I will eventually forget the sadness, I thought to myself, who am I kidding? Nothing will make you fucking forget Hermione! Get a grip.

I once again felt tears brimming my eyes but blinked them back as I heard a quiet cough from behind me. I turned to find the cold eyes of Tom Riddle standing broadly behind me with a blank face.

I felt the blood run from my face as my memories took me back to last night. He was so strong. So evil. So dark. So amazingly gorgeous!

"Can we talk?" he said suddenly, hardly moving his full lips.

I wanted to say no; but how could I say no to someone like him?

"Of course, Tom," I smiled, once I had gained my voice and bit back the tears.

Draco gave me a weary glance, but I just smiled reassuringly and squeezed his arm, I'll be back in a second, I thought.

Hmm, ok, he didn't sound convinced.

Once we were out of the hall, I leaned casually against a pillar, and toyed with the hem of my skirt, waiting for him to start a conversation.

A few minutes passed before I grew extremely impatient, watching him play with the tip of his wand, almost like he was expecting me to talk!

"What do you want?" I snapped.

He smirked. "Well, that's not a very nice way to start a conversation, even by a Slytherin." He put emphasis on the last word, which made my blood boil.

"Shut up! Just shut up," I shouted. The tears were flowing, and this time I didn't stop them.

"Ah, hit a weak spot have I?" he chuckled, "by the way…who's Bellatrix?" he teased.

I snapped. I'm not exaggerating; just like that time in the war, I saw red, and before I knew what I was doing, my right hand grabbed his collar, and I aimed my wand between his eyes.

"You wouldn't dare," he mimicked, in a voice which I think was supposed to sound like me…

"Try me, Riddle." I spat and pressed the tip of my wand harder against his head.

This just made him even more amused, and then he flung me back against a wall. I crashed in an aching heap; I could feel the back of my head cut open. He kicked my arm and bent down to whisper in my ear. His closeness didn't go unnoticed to me.

"I am not scared of you, Riddle." I spat.

I said that. But if I'm honest, I was shaking like a leaf inside. But as if I would admit that to him!

"Oh, but Hermione, I think you are scared. I am dangerous," he hissed, "and it scares you…so, so much. But what is this? Not only do I sense fear…but also, an attraction?" he teased.

He knew. He knew. I would never see the end of this. Now he knew I was attracted to him. I felt humiliated.

But then something strange happened. I couldn't explain it. I don't think he could either at the time. It was quick, but sensual all the same.

One moment I was staring into his cold, dead eyes…and the next…his lips had brushed against mine, and how soft they were! How warm, how inviting. I wanted more. Dammit, I needed more! But before I could respond, he had gone.

I touched my lips, smiling; the ghost of his lips still lingering on mine…

To Be Continued…

***

FINALLY! Chapter three. Finished! Ok, that did take me quite a while to complete x] but I rather enjoyed writing it. Come on people, more reviews please! Seriously, don't just add it to your "Alert" thingy, review it too! x] Did you like the kiss? Ok, it was short…but nice :) I wouldn't mind having a kiss like that with Tom xD I mean, he's bloody sexy people ;D

Thankyou to Sophie, Liane, Booksurfer1500, sweet-tang-honney, and the many people (I'm not bragging btw) who has added this to their favourite lists, and "Alert" thingy ;] keep reading peeps, and I promise to buy you some Lemon Drops xD

Sneak Peak:

"Come on, Draco," I laughed, "don't be ridiculous. Are you forgetting I'm a Mudblood?"

He cringed, "Don't say that word. Your blood is certainly not muddy, Hermione." He whispered.

I smiled and brushed a strand of hair from his face. But he caught my hand and held it to his cheek for a moment, closing his eyes.

"You're the most fantastic woman I've ever met, Hermione. You know that right?" he muttered, as he leaned towards me…