Chapter Five: Rivalry

Previously:

It felt nice being kissed by him. But it felt wrong at the same time. I didn't need it at the moment; I didn't want to be kissed by anyone!

Finally he pulled back, then rushed off to his next class.

I stood leaning against the wall, eyes still wide…totally oblivious to the pair of dark eyes studying the scene before him, fire building in his stomach.

He will pay, they thought, he will pay dearly for touching her in such a way…

***

It had been three weeks since my encounter with Draco. I mostly mingled with Druella and Cygnus; Draco and I weren't talking very much, regardless of how he thought I felt about his kissing me, he still refused to talk like we did before. Cygnus and Druella seemed to be getting on better, but still, she would only act as if they were acquainted with each other; not old friends.

It was the night of the first Slug Club I had attended that I decided enough was enough in the case of Draco Malfoy; it had gone on long enough and if we were ever going to succeed in our mission then we would have to at least communicate!

Draco, I thought, where are you? I need to talk to you.

There was no answer for a moment, but after a few minutes of silence, I heard a grunt and he replied; Shit, err sorry, best not to meet right now. I'm a bit busy,

Draco? What are you doing? Just tell me where you are, I really need to talk to you! I yelled.

No reply came from him.

I sat exhausted in the Slytherin common room, flipping through the pages of my new book and sipping my coffee. I didn't hear Cygnus creeping up behind me, before his hand covered my eyes and sent my cup flying across the room.

He let go of me quickly, and I spun around as fast as lightening with my wand out, pointing between his eyes.

His hands quickly shot out to guard himself, "Shit, sorry, 'Mione. I didn't mean to shock you that bad!"

I lowered my wand with a quick laugh at his face, "Don't worry, Cyg, just scared me s'all," his face softened, "Did you want anything?" I asked, glancing at the smashed teacup.

"Yes, there was something," he replied, as we both sat down, "I have some good news. Very good news in fact! 'Ella has promised to go Hogsmeade with me on Saturday."

"Oh, that's wonderful, Cygnus!" I beamed.

"I know," he smiled, running a hand through his hair, "I just hope it's what she really wants. I won't force her to go with me, but it means so much to know she trusts me again."

"I'm sure she does trust you, and I'm certain she wants to go with you!" I replied.

He smiled, stirring his coffee with his wand. "I haven't seen Draco in a while," he muttered.

My smile faltered, and my eyes dropped to my shoes.

"No, neither have I; we are not on speaking terms." I replied quietly.

Cygnus shifted uneasily before grumbling; "There has been talk…in the boys' common room. Tom said something…odd, to Casper, and somehow, it has been spread around the dorms."

"And what might that be?" I muttered.

He glanced at me, and studied me for a while. My posture and expression said it all. I knew what he would say.

"Tom says he saw you and Draco kissing. Apparently you didn't put up a fight either. I know it is probably none of my business…but you're brother and sister I presume…I have never actually asked…I just don't know what to say." He said sadly.

"You don't have to say anything." I snapped, "If I'm correct, we never actually said we were siblings…"

Think quick, Hermione, Think quick!

"You're not?!" Cygnus replied.

Think! Think! "No, we're cousins. But not blood related. I was adopted into the Dehavilland family…" I explained.

Ok, I thought, that sounds believable.

"Ah, explains the hair then…"Cygnus smiled; he seemed relieved.

I laughed awkwardly, "Yeah, I guess it does. Talking of Draco, have you seen him around at all?" I asked.

"Yeah…"He coughed awkwardly, "He was with Persephone Brown…"He looked down, his cheeks a little pink; "He asked me not to tell you…but I can't when you look at me that way," he laughed, "They went to the Room Of Requirement. No guesses what they're doing…"

Anger bubbled inside me. He says I'm the most amazing woman he's met, and only a few weeks later he's off fucking some Ravenclaw slut?!

Hold on…Why do I care? Well, I don't. But still, EW!

Cygnus looked at me uneasily and said; "You look like your having a mental breakdown, love." and chuckled.

"Not far off," I replied, "Stupid typical man! I don't think I want to find him anymore." I said stubbornly.

"Don't blame you," Cygnus laughed, "But boy, I bet Brown's having the time of her life though," he said, wagging his eyebrows suggestively.

I gagged dramatically, and punched his arm playfully laughing with him.

It was a shame it had taken Druella so long to trust him again; he was a lovely boy and I doubt he would ever hurt her. If only most boys were as easy to get on with as he was. 'Ella had it easy; he wouldn't attack her all the bleedin' time!

"Are you attending Slughorns Christmas ball this week?" Cygnus asked suddenly.

"What?! What Christmas ball?!" I yelled.

I thought only the Slug Club meeting was on this week!

"We were informed, 'Mione," Cygnus chuckled, "It's in three days; formal dress, which means dresses and suits and crap…I'm asking 'Ella to go with me. Do you think she'll say yes?"

My eyes, which were darting around the room nervously thinking about the Ball, landed quickly on Cygnus. "Oh, well, I don't see why she shouldn't. Ask her. In fact, make her go! She can go shopping with me if she does." I replied eagerly.

"Ok, I'll find her now and ask her if you like," Cygnus smiled.

"Thank you," I breathed, beaming.

_ _ _ _

The night of the Christmas Ball came a lot faster than anticipated. It had been rather a rush to buy dresses, and seeing as Druella had accepted Cygnus's invitation, I went with her to Hogsmeade on the Thursday before to do some late dress shopping. 'Ella found the most beautiful dress in the shop and bought it as soon as she saw it; although, it was quite expensive, it was Royal Blue silk with Silver edges and flowers scattered over the skirt. She wore a tiara to go with it, and her when her mother had been informed of the Ball, she went all out to buy her the most beautiful jewellery she could find to match her dress. If I'm honest, I felt quite jealous of Ella's beauty…but my jealous thoughts were wiped from my mind as I stepped from the changing rooms and saw my reflection in the mirror.

Flashback:

"Oh! Hermione, it's perfect!" Ella squealed, clapping her hands.

I stared, opened mouthed, at the woman in the mirror. The dress was a shade of dark green, with a light green bodice with sewed leaves and petals around the waist. The top half fit snug around my body, whilst the bottom half splayed out like a dream. The front dipped down very low and showed off my cleavage…but with a nice necklace, it wouldn't attract too much attention.

I spun around and flung myself at Druella, wrapping my arms tight around her, almost in tears.

For the first time in my life, I felt beautiful.

_ _ _ _

Druella and I grasped hands and walked slowly, anxiously, to the Great Hall.

I hadn't known who would be my date until the day before; I had been planning on going on my own…but Druella had reminded me countless times that it would be extremely unfashionable to do such a thing. Draco had been asked by none other than his own Ravenclaw whore, Persephone Brown. I had come to terms with their 'shag-n-run' relationship, not that I would like a relationship like that, Draco seemed happy with it.

Casper Crouch, Tom Riddles closest friend had asked me to the ball. He seemed quite the charmer, with striking black hair and amused green eyes. He was a nice boy, if not a little insulting to be honest. I didn't even know him, but hopefully we would get to know each other during the ball and become good friends. One thought that kept popping into my head was of obvious concern; If Tom was using the name Voldermort at the present, then would that mean he already has his followers, the Death Eaters. He was relatively close to Cygnus, was he a Death Eater? He was even closer to Caspar, did that mean he was one too?!

I wanted to poke around and find the answers to my questions, but I didn't want Tom to lead yet another surprise attack on me.

Casper's was a picture as he watched me step gracefully down the stairs to him. His eyes were wide, his mouth was open, and he gulped nervously when I smiled. Druella soon joined a rather stunned Cygnus beside us, and he led her to the Great Hall.

Casper held his arm out to me and smiled slightly, a joyous glint lighting his eyes.

"Shall we precede, Hermione?" he purred.

I blushed furiously, and took his arm. I nodded silently, and we entered the hall.

I was immediately awestruck by the levitating candles, orchestra, ball gowns, and the food. My hand touched my mouth as I gasped at the beautiful scene before me.

Draco was no where to be seen, I noticed. I grimaced and glanced around the room, only recognising a few faces.

I was lifted out of my trance as a hand crept up my back, and suddenly I was twirled around and spun onto the dance floor.

Dancing with Casper was amazing; I had never been a fan of dancing, but this was truly amazing, he was so graceful and moved with such ease. I was so entranced by the dance that I hardly noticed when I was gripped firmly by the arm and hoisted into the air by a pair of strong arms which spun me around and ran with me through the Hall and into the corridors.

My breath caught in my throat. I wanted to scream, I wanted to lash out, I wanted to curse who ever was squeezing me so tight, but shock hindered me unable to think, act, and bloody well get out of there!

Before I had the chance to reach for my wand, I was dropped, and thudded painfully to the floor, knocking my wand out of my grip. I watched it skid to the feet of my captor, who seemed to be wearing shiny black shoes splattered with mud. They bent down to pick up my wand and I came eye to eye with Tom Riddle.

He smirked at me and prodded my wand curiously.

"Unicorn tail?" he asked.

I sneered at his amused expression, stood up, and brushed myself down. My once neat hair was now literally all over the place!

Damn you, Riddle. I promise, I'll hex you into the next millennium If you hurt me in any way, I thought.

He laughed, "Ooh, feisty tonight are we?"

"Shut up and give me back my wand," I spat, taking a few steps towards him.

He smirked and also took a step closer. I could feel him breathing on my forehead as he leaned down and muttered; "And if I say no? How will you defend yourself with no wand, Dehavilland?"

I smirked and whispered, "Who said I will?" before muttering "Accio wand."

My wand flew from his grip into mine faster than his eyes could see and I took a few steps back with a firm hold on it. His smirk was clear on his face, shadowed by the poor lighting.

"Ah, wandless magic I see. Very good, Dehavilland. It seems you are a very talented witch indeed." He chuckled, smiling approvingly.

I sneered and held my wand up at him, "Flattery will get you no where, Riddle. Now shut up, and run along to your petty followers, ok?" I replied sharply.

His face darkened and a bone chilling flash of anger appeared in his eyes. His fingers tightened around his wand until his knuckles were white, and his teeth clenched to the point of creaking.

Just to anger him more, I turned from his angered form and began walking back to the Hall.

"I saw it all, you know?" he growled.

I spun around angrily. It was tempting to pull my wand out and curse him to Mars and back, but I resisted the urge.

"Saw what?!" I spat.

He sneered, "Don't act the innocent, Dehavilland. I saw you kiss him. Your own brother! I knew you were quite the blood traitor, but I didn't know you were a fan of incest as well." He replied harshly.

"Don't be ridiculous, you prat. At least I don't go around beating people to get their attention…unlike some people…"

Uh oh, I thought when I realised I had stepped the mark.

His eyes widened and unlike before when he just stared, rigid and flustered, he aimed his wand between my eyes and screamed; "CRUCIO!"

I screamed in pain and crumpled to the floor, clutching at my stomach. The anger inside him reflected the power of the curse, and Merlin did I feel it!

He stepped over to me, still holding me in a heap with his wand.

"You stupid, pathetic bitch," he spat, eyes blazing with fire, "You have no idea what you're talking about. Why would I want the attention of a Know-It-All bitch like you?!"

STOP! I screamed in my head, stop it! Now please, it hurts..!

"That's the point, twat." He replied.

Tears blurred my vision as I clawed desperately at the floor, searching helplessly for my wand. A sob of pain wracked through my body, followed by a stronger current of pain coursed down my spine resulting in myself doubling backwards to writhe on the ground.

My eyes remained wide open, glaring hatefully and painfully at Tom who still stood still and rigid, staring emotionlessly at me.

"You have no idea, Hermione…" he said suddenly. It sounded almost painful for him to say. I would have replied with a harsh comment…but due to the difficult situation, I was unable to form words.

His hand holding the wand tilted down, and I was released from the curse.

I gasped, still clutching my stomach, and fell forwards, choking over my tears. My body still tingled from the pain, but I was mostly thinking about how humiliated I felt.

He watched me cry. He watched me cry. He'll never let me forget this. He watched me cry.

"You know about Voldermort, you know about my followers. You know about what I am capable of. Dammit, you can just about predict my every move…how can a girl I've only just met know so much about me?" he chuckled and slipped his wand back into his robes, "You certainly are a mystery to me, Hermione."

I wiped my tears away quickly and stood up. As painful as it was, I managed to straighten up and lean wearily against the wall.

"He isn't my brother." I whispered, closing my eyes and tilting my head back.

"What?" I heard him reply.

"We aren't siblings. So whether or not he kissed me, is no concern of yours," I muttered, "why should you care anyway? You only ever want to torture me," I laughed heartlessly.

I sighed, trying not to focus on the gradually worsening ache in my leg.

"How is it no concern of mine, Hermione?!" he shouted, making me jump and my eyes shoot open.

I hadn't expected that reaction at all.

Why should it be your concern? What is it to you who I kiss? I thought.

It is every concern of mine…he growled, anyway, if you want to kiss someone like him then go ahead! I won't stop you.

I smiled, fine by me, Riddle.

"You are insufferable!" Tom shouted, raising his wand once again to my chest.

I cringed, preparing for the pain, clutching my wand as tight as possible, a defensive spell on the tip of my tongue.

"Hermione?! Tom?!" I heard someone shout.

Our heads turned to see Draco and Casper standing awestruck in the doorway.

"What the fuck is going on here?!" Draco boomed, his eyes resting on the wand aimed at my chest…

To Be Continued…

***

Well, I hope you like this chapter, I certainly don't xD

Erm, I want to publish this tonight, so no Sneak peak I'm afraid. This chapter was especially difficult to write, and especially boring in my opinion…

RxR people, xx