Chapter Thirteen: Dancing with the Devil

Previously:

"I got your present," she beamed, clutching onto my arm as we walked back up the hill from Hogsmeade.

"Oh really?" I smirked, "can I guess what it is?" I teased.

She shook her head fiercely, causing her caramel curls to bounce around her face and shake the snow from her hair. Pull yourself together you idiot, the voice sneered. But I ignored it and savoured the moment I could share with her.

She may be insufferable at times, and sometimes she was so annoying I wanted to curse her! But, she was also a very nice and intelligent girl. She was beautiful.

Crap, I thought sadly, I think I like her…

Tom Riddle P.O.V.

To say I was proud of my name would be a lie. I hated my name because it had been passed down century to century, father to son, for as long as the Riddle's had existed. My father was a cruel man, a disgusting man, a man who broke my mother's heart and left her to die. My father was a filthy Muggle bastard with no heart; and he ruined my life. Maybe my mother would still be alive if he hadn't abandoned us and left her to die. I think killing him was the most genius idea I have ever had; as if a man like him deserved to live. He didn't even know who I was when he saw me again; I doubt he even remembered he had a son. But I got my revenge on him, and Merlin was it sweet!

I suppose all my hatred and malice erupted from me when I learnt of my mother and fathers relationship and how I had fit in to it. I just seemed to be a convenient accident really; my mother was nothing more than a whore desperate to get the attention of a worthless Muggle who hated her. So she fed him a love potion and got pregnant with me, but when she forgot to feed give him his common doses of the potion, it wore off and was released from his obsession with her. She obviously thought getting pregnant would keep him with her, but it didn't and he left her to give birth and die. I was moved to an orphanage where I was treated like a psychotic criminal and kept in the dark about my magical inheritance, and never saw my father again until the day of his death. Oh what a joy life had been!

Hogwarts was like my home…well, it was my home I suppose. I wouldn't say I loved it there, but it was where I thought I could be myself. Until I began to have crazy thoughts of power and it got me here; lying to people, hiding my true self, striking fear into the eyes of people who challenge me or get in my way. No one knew me; which was certainly the best part of this place. Every Christmas I would be sent back to the orphanage where I would brew my anger and plan the year ahead. I wouldn't leave my room. I had no reason to; I didn't get along with the other orphans. I didn't want to and I didn't need to. They were all scared of me anyway, but I had matured since Dumbledore had first met me. Mrs Cole pointed out to Dumbledore countless times how much I had matured into a handsome and charming young man…but it wasn't all hunky dory. She told him of incidents, my anger problems, how I sit brooding in my room, and how all the children were afraid of me. When I returned to Hogwarts, he questioned me numerous times about my relationship with the other orphans. I simply told him that I mind my own business, which was true because if I didn't bug them then they wouldn't bug me.

For some unknown reason, this Christmas had been different. Dumbledore had allowed me to remain at Hogwarts over the Christmas break. I didn't complain obviously; although I never celebrated the useless tradition, it was better to stay at Hogwarts than Muggle England in the midst of a pointless war! And don't even get me started on Hitler!

I was glad of Dumbledore's decision. It hadn't really bothered me until about a month ago when I realised, if I were to stay over the holiday with no lessons and no restraints…then I would be able to spend a little more time with Hermione. I don't know what it is about that clever witch that captured my attention so; but I did know that now she had my attention, I wouldn't easily release her from my grips. Now she was almost mine, I could fore fill our desires; I could make her happy, I could fill that empty cavern which so craved for respect and power! Gone were the days of ruling alone. She was perfect for my plans, and soon enough, she would realise it too.

Here I lay quietly and content, without a care in the world. That would be true, were not constant memories of that stupid irresistible witch plaguing my thoughts! Why her, I told myself, why her indeed. There were plenty of witched just as pretty, just as…pleasant, if not prettier or more pleasant; the girls I were familiar with certainly didn't have the nerve to pull their wands out at me every chance they got! Then again, I never gave them a chance to be any less than satisfied with my…services. I chuckled lightly and imagined the outrageous blush on Hermione's face, would I ever feel the need to discuss my sex life with her.

I turned my head and propped myself on my elbows to glance at the clock beside me. 3:00 am, it said. Well, I thought, no point in hanging around I guess.

Tonight was the night of the ball; no classes for the whole day, just relaxing and…dancing. I shuddered at the thought and rolled my shoulders to loosen them.

I glanced, half-lidded, around the quiet room. I dressed myself in a green shirt and rolled the sleeves up to my elbow. I could never wear a long sleeved shirt without rolling the sleeves up. Once I was dressed, I made my way to the Slytherin common room and awoke the remaining Knights who hadn't left Hogwarts for Christmas the previous night. Black, Avery, Lestrange and Mulciber stood before me lazily. I was tempted to hex them awake, but I needed them for something and hexing them would do nothing but hinder that this morning.

"My Knights," I purred, "the locket?" I asked, my eyes flickering to each of them, fixing them under my cold stare.

Hermione Granger P.O.V.

"What do you suppose they're talking about?" Eileen whispered, poking her head around the wall to catch a glimpse of the scene before us.

"Beats me," Druella sighed, "but damn Tom for interrupting us…" she grumbled, narrowing her eyes.

Mona giggled and I rolled my eyes, smiling at the typical teenage girl before me.

The night before, Eileen, Druella, Mona and I had slept in the girls' dormitory discussing the dance. For once, I really felt like I fit in with a group of girls, I could talk to them easily about normal girl stuff. Hell! I was even getting to know Mona Parsons! She reminded me a lot of Lavender Brown in some ways; although they looked completely different, they acted the same, they treated boys the same and if they wanted a boy, nothing could stop them from getting him. She obviously hadn't been too fond of me when she met me, and I'm guessing that was because she wanted Draco and saw me as a threat. But she'd lain off him for a while now…maybe something had happened between them and now she was satisfied and didn't want him anymore, or maybe she realised it was a lost cause. I'd bet on the first one.

I suppose to an outsider, us watching Tom and his followers looked a little like stalking. But who can blame us for being curious? Especially at three in the morning! The only one out of us all who were dressed was Tom; which didn't surprise me to be honest, because Minerva had told me he was an early riser and was never in his room when she awoke at six to meet with the Prefects. My eyes skimmed over his attire, and I liked what I saw. He wore a dark green shirt; the top three buttons were undone revealing his pale contours of his throat and top of his chest, the sleeves were bundled up to his elbows, showing the way the muscles in his arms flexed when he clenched and unclenched his fist. Luckily, my mother hadn't raised me to be ignorant to fashion through the ages and I recognised that the baggy, yet smart trouser he wore were Oxford Bags which, although they wouldn't be particularly fashionable in my time, made him look really…well, good. Not that he didn't always look good…but today in particular…I cringed as my thoughts seemed to be going somewhere I didn't want them to.

I turned my head slightly to find Mona leaning calmly against the wall with her arms crossed. Her eyes narrowed and focused on the standing before us. Oh Merlin, I thought when she skimmed her lips with her tongue, her eyes focused on the pale skinned, dark eyed, incredibly handsome wizard who had his wand pointed at-

Gasps could be heard from all four of us as Tom's wand flicked in Avery's direction and a sudden wave of pain struck him straight in the chest. He writhed in agony, one hand clutching his stomach and the other clawing desperately at the floor. His eyes were scrunched up, neck blazing red, teeth gritting together, and only a frustrated guttural groan escaped his lips.

I was so shocked by the amused expression on Tom's face, that didn't notice Mona rushing forward screaming, "No! Tom, stop!"

I forced myself to dart forward, revealing myself in the process, to grab onto Mona before she made it any more obvious we had been watching the whole thing. But it was too late; she had reached the crumpled figure of Avery like a new born child. I stopped dead in my tracks and I felt the blood drain from my face as I met Tom's cold hearted glare.

Tom Riddle P.O.V.

"My Lord," Avery began, "we have searched…and searched for the locket," he paused and took a trembling breath, "I am sad to say we have not found it yet…"

I nodded slowly and took a step forward. I smirked when Avery winced at my presence like I'd just dragged a knife down his arm. I studied the three Slytherins before pulling out my wand and toying with it between my fingers.

Honestly, I thought, you would have thought they'd have learnt their lesson by now…

I sighed dramatically and paced quietly, my gaze flickering from my shoes to the Knights. Although they kept blank faces, I could definitely see a glimmer of fear in their eyes which gave me a strange feeling in my stomach, and I suddenly wanted to send them all away and tell them not to return until they had the locket. But I couldn't do that; I had to put them in their place and make them realise that if I told them to do something, they had to do it or face consequences.

"Avery," I said firmly, "stand forward." He did as he was told without a word and stood as rigid as a plank before us all.

Good, I thought darkly, make them fear you.

"You have failed me, my Knights." I sighed, "This cannot happen again…"

"No, My Lord," Mulciber began, "It won't happen again I assure you!" he mumbled quickly.

I shook my head sadly and trained my eyes upon his face which was staring intently at the floor, frowning harshly and nibbling his lip. A few locks of his brown hair had fallen in front of his eyes; it irritated me to no end.

"You're right, Mulciber." I said through gritted teeth, "it will not happen again." My right hand raised and I aimed my wand at Avery's chest. "Crucio," I growled and he was immediately hit with bolts of intense pain, racking through his body violently.

I watched him screw his eyes shut and gasp in pain for a few moments before I broke the spell off in shock when a gasp was heard from behind me and a dark haired girl came rushing forward screaming, "No! Tom, stop!"

Another figure appeared running after her, presumably attempting to stop the crazy girl from getting to Avery. Only when I saw her caramel curls bouncing around her creamy skin and those pleading chocolate eyed did I realise who she was.

What the fuck is going on?! I mentally screamed.

I was angry. I was very angry. No, that was an understatement. I was so angry I was just about blinded by it! How the hell did they get here?! My eyes watched the uncomfortable scene unfold before me; Mona Parsons was crouched by the semi-unconscious Slytherin at my feet, who was still gasping at the pain I had just inflicted on him. Mona seemed to be cooing something in his ear and holding his tightly to her chest; the sight was positively sickening and I felt myself cringing when she started planting quick kisses over his forehead and sobbing quietly. I never knew they were even involved with each other…I thought in disbelief as he smiled weakly at her and gazed into her eyes. I swear to Salazar, I thought I was going to be sick.

Only then did I remember I had Hermione standing beside me with an apologetic and guilty expression on her face. I turned to look at her quickly and she cringed, taking a hesitant step away from me as I fixed her with a cold stare. What did she expect when she had just interrupted me?

I took a quiet step towards her and leaned forward to whisper in her ear, "Would you like to tell me why you and your…friend, have interrupted us?" I demanded quietly.

She grimaced at the calm tone of my voice, obviously expecting a seriously loud episode of shouting. Well, who was I to deny her that privilege?

"I'm sorry, Tom…" she replied, her hand reaching up to touch my shoulder lightly, "We didn't mean to watch this…I'm sorry." I relaxed a little at her touch, and found myself lost in her intimate gaze.

She was so beautiful; in fact, possibly the most beautiful witch I had ever come across. Who could wish for a more perfect witch? Intelligence and beauty is the key to power. And she had it; she could use it to her advantage. So why hadn't she mentioned my offer again? She must have wanted to be powerful and feared. If not that, powerful and loved. I could usually see right through any person easily, I could see what made them tick; get to know them without even actually mixing with them. But I couldn't understand her, and it frustrated me so much. But one glance in her direction, one whiff of her luxurious scent, one touch of her soft delicate hand…and all my previous emotions would be forgotten, and replaced with pure bliss.

I blinked a few times before discovering that I had been standing for a few seconds just staring into her eyes; I snapped out of it soon enough and my gaze hardened on her. "Make sure it doesn't happen again," I growled, "understand?"

She nodded, frowning at me. She seemed puzzled.

Idiot, I thought, you're supposed to shout at her. Tell her you won't forgive her; not gaze like a love-sick puppy into her eyes!

I mentally cursed; the clogs in my brain spinning furiously for a suitable way of punishing the witch before me. "Forget what you saw tonight, understand?" I growled. When she nodded, she turned around, facing the stairs leading to the girls' dormitory.

"Eileen, Druella," she announced, "you can come out now."

I wasn't shocked to find more girls watching us, but I told them to forget what they had seen that night and dismissed them all at one go. Only one remained with me; Hermione.

She shifted uncomfortably on her feet with her eyes focused on the floor. A firm frown still graced her face and thought I could see the sparkle of a tear in the corner of her eye. I dismissed the thought immediately; why would she cry at a time like this? I hadn't done anything to her. She was probably just tired.

I smirked amusingly at her and took another step towards her. She was so close to me, I could almost feel her warm breath on my skin. I could feel my mouth watering when she bit her plump lips and held back the urge to grab her, smash her against the wall and take her there.

I doubt she'd thank you for that, I thought.

"Tom," she whispered, her eyes flickering up to meet mine as I raised my hand to tilt her chin up a little, "I'm sorry for watching…and I don't repeat what I s-"

"Hush," I interrupted smoothly, "I was angry that you watched. But I'm not now," I replied whilst the fingers on my other hand drew ghostly soft patterns on her throat.

She closed her eyes for a second before inhaling and exhaling slowly then opening her eyes once more. They glistened with tears, but she seemed to be biting her tongue to prevent them from shedding.

"Are you scared?" I asked, bewildered.

She shook her head and smiled a little, "I'm not scared of you. But…but what I saw you do…to Avery, it shook me up a little." She confessed, her eyes flickering back to the floor guiltily.

I felt the urge to laugh at her stupidity, but I bit back and smirked instead and ignored what she had just said completely, "Go find everyone," I murmured, "I'm sure they want to discuss the ball with you or something. I'll see you at the dance." I continued and leaned forward to press my lips to her forehead and watch her scurry off from the common room to find everyone else.

Only then did I let my anger control me.

Hermione Granger P.O.V.

"Forget what you saw tonight…" Tom had said. And forget we did; well, everyone else did, but I didn't. I couldn't forget and I wouldn't forget, but tonight was a happy night so for the moment I pushed the memories to the back of my head like everyone else did, and relished in the joy of being with friends…albeit extremely enthusiastic and girly friends.

"Eileen!" Druella shrieked from behind the curtain.

"Yes?" she replied, frantically rushing around the room, searching desperately for her Tiara.

"Can you fetch me my Tiara please?" she pleaded.

Eileen looked livid, and I couldn't help but laugh when her head shot up from behind the bed and she shouted, "No, 'Ella. I cannot fetch your Tiara because I'm trying to find mine at the moment!" her face growing redder by the second.

I chuckle loudly and leaned into 'Ella's trunk underneath her bed to grab her missing accessory and levitate it behind the curtain.

"Hermione; you are a life savour!" she sang and threw herself out from behind the draped to engulf me in a tight embrace which almost suffocated me.

"Careful, 'Ella," I warned, "You'll smudge your makeup." I said with a smile and she drew back to fix me with the happiest grin I had ever seen on her face.

Her face immediately dropped when her eyes skimmed over my attire. "Why aren't you dressed?" she screeched, earning a cringe from me.

I feared for my hearing when I was around these girls sometimes.

"You lot just get ready first, then I will, ok?" I smiled weakly. The idea of walking gracefully down those stairs in a dress seemed like a death wish to me. Graceful, my arse! Knowing me I'd fall right down those stairs to my death!

"Mona, Eileen; did you hear that?!" she shouted.

Both girls appeared before us, already dressed and ready for the ball which was almost an hour away. Their faces dropped when they saw me. Oh Merlin, I mentally groaned at myself for not getting ready by myself in mine and Draco's common room.

"Make over time, methinks!" Mona shrieked and the other two girls returned her thrilled grins.

40 minutes later…

I was pleased with myself. I didn't look anything like I usually did…dare I say it, I looked just a little bit beautiful. I couldn't thank them enough for what they had done with me. It was surprising what a little makeup, a new dress, some curlers, jewellery and a little bit of imagination could do to a girl!

"Thank you…" I breathed as I stared at the girl in the mirror. She didn't look anything like me…and the only way I could recognise myself was by my brown eyes, brimming with tears of joy. I couldn't quite believe how…beautiful they had made me. I just hoped Tom would think so too.

Tom Riddle P.O.V.

There was no denying that I was good looking, as vain as it may sound, I was and I knew it; I was reminded almost everyday. It was obvious that I was the ideal student. Not only did my fellow students love me but so did the teachers. Well, the majority did anyway; I could tell when someone didn't like me, and to be blunt, I didn't give a damn. Dumbledore didn't make it overly obvious, but everyone could tell he wasn't particularly fond of me. But the Gryffindor's…well, they were another story. My charms, looks and grades won the hearts of the Gryffindor witches, apart from McGonagall of course; she hated me. The boys hated me too, probably because they couldn't catch the attention I could. The Hufflepuff's sided with the Gryffindor's too, but I can't really say that was a shame.

The corridor was lit brightly with balls of light, levitating from the ground, each spinning furiously. Red, green and golden drapes hung along the walls and were charmed to shimmer when people walked past them. The ceiling had been charmed to look like a clear night sky with dotted stars and a large silver orb hanging gracefully in the centre.

Slughorn has really gone all out this year, I thought as I stood beside Avery, Cygnus, Lestrange and Mulciber at the foot of the staircase, awaiting the arrival of our…dates. I shuddered inwardly at the word and fumbled with the sleeve of my black tuxedo, which I usually wore for the Slug Club.

A gasp tore me from my thoughts. My eyes flickered to the staircase where Druella Rosier was very slowly drawing closer to where Cygnus stood. I felt like hexing his mouth shut, the drooling idiot, but that would have ruined the night so I decided against it.

Not long after Druella's arrival, Mona Parsons appeared atop the staircase and practically threw herself into Avery's arms. Hmm, I thought, well we can't all be subtle I suppose.

Eileen Prince was the next to make an entrance, albeit an extremely quiet yet graceful one. She didn't throw herself at Mulciber like Parsons had luckily, but graced his with a shy kiss when she met him, blushing furiously.

Oh Merlin, I thought, nibbling viciously on my bottom lip, maybe she's decided not to turn up. Maybe she doesn't want to go with me anymore! If she doesn't turn up and humiliates me-! No; I mustn't think like that, she will turn up, she's probably as nervous as I am…No! Hold on a moment, I am not nervous! I'm Voldermort for Christ's sake; I don't get nervous! She will turn up, just be bloody patient for a few seconds!

My mind was uncontrollably swamped by reasons that she wouldn't turn up, why she wouldn't want to spend this small amount of time with me; but there was only one reason that really stood out from the rest. Maybe she had been scared of what she had seen me do to Avery earlier…oh Merlin.

"Tom…Tom," someone was shouting my name, but I was so caught up in my thoughts that I didn't hear them until they shouted, "Oh! Doesn't she look beautiful?!"

My head snapped up immediately and what I saw stepping delicately, gracefully, beautifully, down the staircase towards me, literally took my breath away.

Her golden caramel hair was held back by small white orchids with flecks of gold on the petals. Her usually slightly frizzy curls were more solid and hung gracefully down the centre of her back like a waterfall of ringlets. She wore a thin layer of makeup; just enough to compliment her high cheek bones. Silver eye shadow and dark eyeliner made her eyes appear wider and sparkled as she passed the spinning orbs of light. I almost melted when my eyes met the light sheen of pink gloss on her lips which made them look even plump, as if she had been gnawing at them constantly, which wouldn't surprise me at all really. I felt my stomach flip uncomfortably and a strange stinging sensation in my chest struck me as my eyes flickered over her long silver dress with an…extremely low dip at the neck, showing just a little cleavage but enough to send me over the edge had I not bit back and controlled myself. The waist of the dress lay snug against her middle then flowed gently down her legs, embroidered with small glittering sequins and beads.

Before I knew it, she was standing before me, smiling shyly and blushing a little. I smiled back, I mean, I really smiled…

"You look…" I breathed, unable to find the right words.

She winced and said, "Is it too much? Oh Merlin, this is so embarrassing!" in a pleading tone.

I chuckled at her expression and leaned forward to brush my lips against her jaw and whisper, "Hush, you look…positively ravishing." and took her hand, leading her from the corridor and into the hall.

"Never thought I'd see the day Tom Riddle was lost for words," Avery said, winking at me and deliberately glancing Hermione up and down, obviously liking what he saw.

I growled and pulled her a little closer to me, my protective mode kicking in. she smiled up at me from underneath her eyelashes and the urge to kiss her was too much to bear. Stop it, I growled, kiss her and you'll ruin her makeup fool. I smirked back at her and was too distracted by her beauty to take any notice of the decoration in the hall.

Why did I doubt she'd turn up? I mentally hexed myself and shook my head to dismiss all the doubt I held over her. What was wrong with me? I just couldn't stop looking at her! Yes, she looked beautiful…but, didn't other girls look like this? Why hadn't I noticed them like I noticed Hermione if they were just as stunning…none of it was making sense to me. I didn't know what it was about her that gave me such a sharp longing in my chest to touch her, to taste her, to have her shouting for me…I wanted this girl so badly it was unbearable!

"Ah! Tom, my son!" an enthusiastic voice boomed from behind us. We turned to find Slughorn practically skipping over to clasp our shoulders firmly and say, "Dear me, Tom! You've certainly done well for yourself this time, eh?" he laughed and reached around us for a glass of wine and took a large gulp of it, "I always knew you two would make a fantastic pair! Well, well don't just stand here, take her for a dance, Tom!"

I felt myself pale when he said that word but before I could refuse, we were pushed onto the dance floor and one of Hermione's hands were pressed lightly against my neck and the other held softly onto my shoulder. I gulped at the contact and placed my hands cautiously onto her waist. Oh Merlin, I thought, did she just shudder?

I closed my eyes and inhaled slowly before reopening my eyes and smiling warmly at the delicate woman in my arms, then pulled her a little closer and gracefully spun her through the many other couples surrounding us.

I could tell she wasn't an expert in dancing, but neither was I. out movements were slow and hesitant yet graceful and dare I say it…sensual. Well, they were for me at least. I could feel her body heat radiating off her body and as I held her close enough to bury my face in her caramel curls I immersed myself in her cherry scented locks. I allowed my left hand to release its grip on her waist and lifted my fingers to brush against the soft skin of her throat and trace patterns on the silky texture, causing Goosebumps to appear on her naked arms and a shudder to erupt down her spine.

"Thank you," I barely whispered in her ear, making certain to breathe on her neck and softly touch my lips to her ear.

"What for?" she replied, closing her eyes and leaning into my touch.

I chuckled quietly and pulled back so that I was only inches from her soft plump lips, slightly parted and gleaming. "For this…" I breathed, and closed the distant between us.

To Be Continued…

I'm very pleased with this chapter to be honest. The last chapter wasn't as…popular as the one before, and I really hope this one tickles your fancy :) in the next one, a few more secrets are revealed between HG and TR. Please, read and review :) I hope those of you who were looking forward to the dress etc are satisfied a little :L although there's not much there, it was a bitch to write I can tell you xD Btw, you won't find out what she's bought him until around…the 15

th chapter? Anyway, enough from me :L keep reading my faithful readers :) love you lots xx