Author's Note: Walala, quick update. Enjoy the chapter one day early. I'm back to my usual style (meaning Tom is not all loopy and drunk and immature anymore…well, can't promise on the last one.) Hope you enjoy this chapter, and thanks for all your reviews! :)
loves2readalways, Vanilla Sensation, Mighty Ruler Of Gummy Bears, ThePsychoFairy, Zombie Reine, Kareanna, Aeriead, Ashies, andiescandieee, Angellwriter, Allie Riddle, CathyCullen16, TheGirlonFire52, hatami
***CathyCullen16: Sorry for the errors, lol. I try to look out for them, but I'm no English expert. I was also rushing with last chapter, so when I finally stop rushing myself and give myself more time between chapters, it should get better…hopefully…
Hermione watched Eileen, but the girl didn't do anything suspicious. Hermione had given up after a couple of days, but Nick continued to watch her through suspicious eyes. Hermione finally agreed that she would watch out for her, and that seemed to appease Nick. However, the more Hermione looked at it, the more Eileen looked like a regular schoolgirl with a blossoming crush on Tom.
Nick, however, still stalked her like a wolf. And he would not, under any circumstances, tell Hermione why he was suspicious of Eileen. She found it rather annoying, though she had to admit, it was almost as if Eileen knew they were watching her. She went out of her way to be extra nice to both Hermione and Nick, though the latter didn't appreciate it at all.
"There you are," Hermione spun around and saw Tom walking down from his dorm. His offered her a small smirk, which she returned. "Orion and Cygnus should be coming soon."
Hogsmeade. The trip she had dreaded, she had now come to anticipate. Nick had come up to her one day and told her that he had gotten Dippet to allow them to go to Hogsmeade. Hermione had questioned him why, but she got a grin in return. Well, she wasn't going to argue with him. He made her life easier, and she wasn't going to complain to him.
"Not Abraxas?" she asked, surprised.
"Eleanor asked him to go with her," Tom said smoothly, an amused expression appearing on his face. "Orion has invited you to follow them around for blackmail material."
Hermione snorted. Abraxas would regret ever telling Black about it. "And you?"
Tom studied her for a moment, and then glanced around. Other than the two of them, the common room was otherwise empty. They still had a good ten minutes before the other students started coming down from their dorms. "I need to investigate."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Investigate what?"
"I was placed under the Imperius recently," Tom said, as easily as if he were talking about the weather. Hermione stared at him. "I think you'll remember the day. It was the morning following the night that I got drunk. Ring any bells?"
Hermione nodded, still gaping at him.
"In case you haven't noticed, I don't usually act like that," Tom snorted. "The person must have gotten me on my way to Slughorn for hangover potion. I didn't see their face, though," he frowned. "I can't believe I let myself get caught."
He seemed more annoyed at the thought that someone had managed to curse him rather than the fact that he was placed under one of the unforgivable. "Are you sure?" Hermione eyed him. "You didn't do anything too bad to be under the Imperius. Just a little loopy here and there."
Tom smirked. "Hermione, when will you learn that I have much better techniques at finding out information? I do not need to sit down at the same table with you and your boyfriend and pretend to eavesdrop. That's just pathetic."
Hermione frowned at him. "How do you know about that?"
"You underestimate me," Tom said smoothly. "Even though I was stupid enough to be placed under the curse doesn't mean it can control me completely. I am Tom Riddle. I will be controlled by no one," he said haughtily.
"Of course not," Hermione rolled her eyes.
"So naturally, I still had conscious," Tom said, as if that was the most obvious thing in the world. "Though it is unusual to see an Imperius that strong. In fact, I don't think I've seen anyone's stronger." Hermione scowled at him. "I haven't seen yours, so I can't say. Obviously, mine's the strongest, though theirs comes in second." Tom paused. "Though there's still quite a stretch between theirs and mine."
"And you claim your ego isn't big enough," Hermione muttered.
Tom shot her a grin, before his face became murderous. "I'm going to track down whoever is behind this," he growled angrily. He was quite scary when he was furious, Hermione decided. Though she had an inkling on who was responsible. The spy. What could she possibly want? "No one manipulates Tom Riddle and gets away with it. No one."
"I don't know," Hermione replied cheerfully. "I think I'm doing a pretty good job at it."
Tom cast her a sideways glance. "You're exceptionally good at pissing people off," he noted. "It must be a talent."
"You must have it too, then," Hermione told him cheerfully. "I think you may even surpass me in being the most annoying human being on earth. You can never give straight answers."
Tom raised an eyebrow. "I can't? Ask me something,"
"Who's Amy?"
Tom blinked at her, and then a smirk formed on his face. Hermione sighed; that generally meant he wasn't going to answer her question. But then again, he never answered her questions, so that was nothing new. "Why do you want do know?" he questioned haughtily. "Are you jealous?"
Hermione snorted. "For all I know, she could be your mom."
Tom's face shut down and he looked away. Hermione didn't miss the angry glare on his face as he stared at the wall. "No," he hissed. "If she were my mother, I would be a filthy mudblood."
Hermione stared at him. Amy was a muggleborn? The same Amy that Tom had spoke so fondly about in his sleep? What was the world coming to? Maybe Tom had once loved her, except she did something so tragic that he felt the need to reject all muggleborns. Still. The word danced around her mind. Muggleborn, muggleborn, muggleborn.
Hermione snuck a glance at Tom and saw his murderous features had been smoothed out into a grin. Yep, Hermione thought sarcastically. This is definitely the same boy who gave flowers to his love and proclaimed his undying love for her.
Somehow, Hermione couldn't see that ever happening.
"So what about you?" he asked. "Any long lost loves I should hear about? Wait, don't tell me—is Nick actually your father?"
I wish. "No, not that I know of," She eyed him. "Why do you want to know, anyway?"
"I don't know," Tom shrugged, smirking. "If we're going to be friends and all, I figure we might as well get to know each other better."
"Friends?" Hermione looked at him. "Who said we're friends?"
"I kind of inferred it," Tom said simply. "After you came begging to call me by my first name. I think we're past the acquaintance part, don't you?"
Hermione flushed angrily. "It was the other way around, for your information." She paused. "I can call you Lord Voldemort if you want?"
As soon as it left her lips, Tom had her pinned against the wall. He looked around, seemingly relieved that no one was there yet, and then turned back towards her. His eyes, which were now slightly red, burned holes into her head. His hand inched towards his pocket where his wand lay, and she eyed it cautiously, her hand moving towards her wand as well.
"How do you know that name?" he hissed at her.
Hermione shrugged. "I don't know. Just some drunk psychopath decided to share his childhood with me." A blank expression crossed his face. "Though I can't it's the most interesting childhood I've ever heard. Coming up with names for yourself? I personally would've tried blowing something up."
"I told you?" he asked in disbelief.
Hermione rolled her eyes at him. "You can remember while you were under the Imperius, yet you can't remember when you were drunk? Just how much did you drink, anyway?"
"I can't remember," he said shortly. "I lost track."
"Why do you get drunk, anyway? You know you're breaking about fifty school rules," she pressed on, looking at him expectantly.
He smirked and stepped away from her, allowing her some space between him and the wall. Hermione felt the sudden loss of his body heat. "You've hit a dead end, Hermione."
Hermione shrugged. "Worth a shot."
He looked amused. "So, what else did you hear?"
"Nothing that important. Sorry, I'll pry harder next time." Riddle smirked at her. "I obviously heard a little about Amy, but it gave me more questions than answers."
"Now you know how it feels like to be me," Hermione raised an eyebrow at him. "Every time I interrogate you, you're more willing to spend the effort to find elaborate ways to avoid the question than to just tell me the answer."
Hermione rolled her eyes. Unlike him, she couldn't say the truth unless she had a death wish. "You also mentioned that you went back to the orphanage at breaks," Tom tensed at that. "At least now I know why you hate Dumbledore so much."
Tom looked at her, and she was surprised to see that his eyes were empty. "I hate him for making me go there." He shuddered. "Being surrounded by all those mudbloods…it just isn't right. I'm better than they are. I shouldn't be forced to live like them."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. She would've expected someone who was pureblooded to be this prejudice, certainly not a half blood. Maybe he was more similar to her father than she thought. Hermione shuddered when she thought of the icy blue eyes staring at her, no emotion in them.
"Hey," Tom studied her. He had noticed her awkward pause, but surprisingly did not seem to comment on it. "Am I rewarded for answering your questions? Do I get to ask you some as well?"
"Since when do you ask?" Hermione laughed. "You can ask, and I will answer if they're reasonable."
Tom looked at her. "That's not fair, is it? After all, I answered everything you asked. Though, I must say, it was rather low," he smirked. "Taking advantage of me while I'm drunk?"
Hermione crossed her arms and scowled at him. "You made yourself drunk. Not my problem. You also seem to be forgetting a truth and dare game that had you in the same position in me."
"True," he looked at her, amused. "I have to say, though, that ending was rather enjoyable." He grinned as she blushed. "Want to repeat it?"
"Just ask your damn question, Riddle."
Tom raised an eyebrow. "Oh, we're back to last names already? Alright then, Granger, where did you come from?"
"You already know the answer. I don't see why you keep asking. Do you want me to lecture you on the anatomy system?"
"I think I'll pass," Tom said coolly. Because Merlin forbid Tom Riddle ever be taught by anyone. "Country, Hermione."
She didn't know why she told him. Perhaps she thought that he wouldn't make the association. After all, very little people spent time to investigate things like this. "Russia."
"Have you met Grindelwald?" Hermione wanted to groan. Of course he'd know. Tom looked at her with his blank mask, but underneath, Hermione could see a sign of…excitement? Oh no, that was bad. If Tom joined her father, is wouldn't be good. Strike that, the world would end. Not even Dumbledore could stop the both of them.
"Erm, yes," Hermione said timidly. "A couple of times, when we were escaping. Scary man."
Tom looked gleefully at Hermione, and she was suddenly very scared about what he was planning to do. "Promise me you'll take me to Russia during one of the breaks," he said, surprising her. "I'll ask Dippet; surely, he'll be able to convince Dumbledore if he knows I'm going with you."
Hermione looked at him suspiciously. "And what exactly are you going to do in Russia?"
"What do you think?" Tom looked at her like she was crazy. "I'm going to go find and meet Grindelwald, of course."
Hermione felt her blood temperature drop ten degrees. "And what are you going to do once you find Grindelwald?" she asked slowly, fearing his answer.
"The most logical thing it would be if I were to find him," Tom said simply, and Hermione stared at him in horror. "I'm going to kill him, of course."
Hermione blinked and nearly fell over. Instead, she managed to catch herself and gaped with her mouth open at Tom. He finally turned around and stared at her. "What's your problem? Cat got your tongue?"
"No," Hermione said, still thoroughly shocked. "You want to kill him?"
"Yes?" he was eyeing her suspiciously now. "Isn't that what most people want to do?"
"No, but," Hermione struggled with getting her words out. "I didn't think that you were going to help the wizarding world with catching a criminal. I was under the assumption that you liked to spend your time studying…darker things."
"That assumption is correct, and it still stands," he informed her. "I'm not doing it for anyone's benefit, but my own," Catching her confused expression, he sighed. "Hermione, Hermione, Hermione. Do I have to spell it out for you? If there's one dark lord existing, there is no place for another."
"Oh," Understanding dawned Hermione. He wants to defeat Father so he can take over? She almost snorted. Well, good luck. Tom Riddle or not, if it were that easy, it would've been done a long time ago. "So essentially, it doesn't matter if it's Grindelwald or not. Even if he's the super good guy, you would still kill him?"
"If he was a super good guy, he wouldn't be called the Dark Lord," Tom snorted. "But, yes. As long as the person gets in my way, it is my duty to eliminate them."
Hermione stared at him. "Should you be telling me this?"
"No, but I am. I trust you will not run off and tell anyone. After all, my plan is noble." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Just keep in mind that you yourself seem to have more secrets than you can manage. Feel free to tell the professors what I have just said, but you have no proof, and I am a prefect. Not only that, but I am the Tom Riddle." He smirked. "No one would believe you, and I could slightly hint your secrets, and you'll watch the power of jealous Hogwarts girls." Oh, I have no doubt how scary Tracey can be when she's angry.
Hermione sighed. "You're a very bad person to make an enemy, you know that?"
"Of course," Tom said, his voice sickeningly sweet. "But since we're friends now, you don't need to worry about that, do you?"
He got a scowl in response.
ஐ
"Cy, if you walk any slower, they will have gotten past all the interesting stuff by the time we get there." Black was unusually cheerful as he, Cygnus, Hermione and Violetta made their way through Hogsmeade. "Pick up the pace. There'll be more time to snog Violetta later. We're on a mission."
Tracey and Walburga had been devastated when they found out Tom wasn't coming. Of course Tracey had blamed Hermione, saying that she contaminated him with her presence. Walburga had sauntered off to go join Avery and Lestrange, who seemed quite willing to let a girl come with them. Tracey had scowled and stalked after Tom. She wouldn't be finding him anytime soon though; if Tom didn't want to be found, he wouldn't be.
"I'm not snogging her," Cygnus said, catching up to Black and Hermione. Violetta was blushing next to him, and Hermione sent her an encouraging smile. "Why do we have to follow them, anyway? You know about Abraxas's no dating policy. They'll most likely talk over a glass of butter beer, and then part ways."
"Yes, but in case Abraxas happens to break his policy, I'll be there to witness it," Black had a devilish glint in his eyes. "Oh yes, blackmail material, here I come!"
Hermione rolled her eyes as Violetta caught up to her. "Do you want to go somewhere else?" she asked. "If you find this boring, I know a few stores here that are quite good."
"I find this entertaining, actually," Hermione grinned. "But if you want to go somewhere, I'll go with you as well."
Violetta shook her head, and Hermione saw that she was eyeing the back of Cygnus's head as he and his brother had a heated debate about Cornish pixies. Hermione leaned over and whispered to her, "Do you want me to distract Black so you and Cygnus can have some private time?"
"No," Violetta smiled at her. "It's okay."
"You sure?" Hermione looked at her. "You don't need to worry about me. I'm sure I'll survive Black's dreadful singing. In what condition, though, I can't say."
"I think Cy needs this time with his brother," Violetta said quietly. "I take separate the two of them too often."
Hermione grinned. "I get your point. Alright, but my offer still stands if you want it."
Violetta smiled ruefully at her. "So what about your friend? I would've expected him to be here by now. He's rather late, isn't he?"
"Nick?" Hermione asked, surprised. Violetta nodded. "Nick's not coming today. He got himself a date," she couldn't prevent herself from laughing. She had laughed when Nick told her. He hadn't seemed too offended, anyway. "Lily Evans asked him to accompany her today."
"Lily?" Violetta said, staring. "I don't know her well. She's in my charms class."
"I've never spoken to her before," Hermione said. "But apparently Nick has, so the two of them are in their own lala land for today. I know better than to bother them."
Violetta nodded as Black called from ahead of them, "Yo, Squirtle! Violetta! Come check out these exploding snap!"
"I thought you were supposed to be tailing Abraxas," Hermione replied. Cygnus rolled his eyes and dragged his brother from kissing the window of the store.
"I am," Black said crossly, prying himself away from Cygnus's grasp. "Just because we're on a mission doesn't mean we can't have a little detours, right?"
Tell that to my father. Hermione spotted Eleanor's long blonde hair. Next to her, she spotted Abraxas's aristocracy robes. His hair was combed back elegantly, and he smiled down at his companion. "They're over there," she pointed. "Stop talking so loudly. They're going to hear."
"Alright, everyone," Black was officially in business mode. "Act like a ninja, and we'll be fine."
Cygnus rolled his eyes again, but immediately looked concerned when Violetta started coughing. Even Black's smile slid off his face as he glanced worriedly at her.
"Are you—er—okay?" It was evident that he wasn't as smooth with her as he was with the other girls. Maybe it was because Violetta was around so much, he thought of her as a sister. Whatever it was, there was no sign of the flirtatious young man that Hermione had been so used to seeing."Do you want to go back? I don't want to force you to come if you don't want to."
"No, I'm fine," Indeed, the coughing fit passed, and she looked as healthy as she always did. However, her cheeks were paler than usual, which was saying a lot. "However, I think I should stay here. If I start coughing again, I'll give away your hiding spot."
"Nonsense," Black waved her off. "You're one of the masterminds in this whole operation. We need you here." That, Hermione thought, is laying it a little thick. You came up with this whole thing, Black, and you dragged us in to it. Violetta seemed to think so as well, as she shot Black a look. The boy didn't seem to notice. "If you feel uncomfortable at anytime, though, just tell Cy. I'm sure he won't mind giving you a piggyback ride back to Hogwarts. Who knows, he might even stay and be your personal nurse."
Cygnus swatted at him angrily. Violetta squeaked, and Hermione looked at her in amusement. She tugged Hermione's arm and dragged her in to the nearest store. "Come on!" she said, her face completely red. Black and Cygnus turned around to see what the commotion was about. Hermione stared at her. "Look, there's Quidditch gear in here. Let's go check it out."
Hermione wanted to groan. Out of all the stores, she couldn't have picked a worse one to go to. Black's face immediately lit up, and he dragged his protesting brother inside with him, ranting. Hermione looked at Violetta, who suddenly realized what she had done, and paled
Hermione laughed. "Consider mission Abraxas officially over," she said. "You'll be lucky to get him back before curfew." Violetta sighed. "Now," Hermione looped her arm around Violetta's. "What do you say we go explore this town a little?"
"But Cy," Violetta looked doubtfully back to where Cygnus stood in the store, crossing his arms and looking rather ticked off. Black was waving his hand wildly and speaking quickly.
"You said they needed some bonding time," Hermione reminded cheerfully. "Looks like they're bonding to me."
Violetta still looked reluctant, but follow Hermione anyway. "So, where to?" she asked. "If you want to go to the makeup store, though, I'm afraid I'll have to pass. I think I've memorized the entire store already." She shrugged. "Tracey's presence and all."
"Do I seem like a makeup girl to you?" Hermione snorted. "If you wanted to go to a makeup store, fine with me. I'll wait outside. There are way too many giggling girls there." The sad thing was, the name 'Tom Riddle' popped up at least once every five seconds. Hermione sighed.
"Let's just wander around?" Violetta suggested.
"Yes, good idea. Why don't we-" She stopped and stared as Abraxas spotted them and waved cheerily. Eleanor didn't look too happy. Gulping, Hermione turned towards Violetta. "Do you think he saw me, or was he waving to someone else?"
Violetta giggled. "Definitely you."
Hermione groaned. "Black's going to kill me."
"Hey, Hermione!" Abraxas said, reaching them. Eleanor's face matched Tracey's, and an ugly scowl formed on her face. Someone has a teensy little crush on Abraxas. "Hey, Violetta. What are you two ladies doing out here?"
"It's Hogsmeade weekend, Abraxas," Hermione informed him. "Hence why everyone is out here in Hogsmeade right now."
"You never know," Abraxas grinned. "There are some people who aren't here right now. Tom's not here, for example," he looked at her. "Do you know why?"
Abraxas didn't know? Hermione felt a strange sense of happiness that Tom had confided in her and not Abraxas. Snap out of it, Hermione. You're not one of his stupid fan girls.
Hermione shook her head. "Well, Violetta and I were just going to head off. Nice to see you here, Abraxas. Eleanor." She nodded her head, and the other girl stared back at her.
"Wait," Abraxas said. "Did the two of you come here by yourself?"
Hermione was about to open her mouth to say yes, when Violetta blurted out, "No, we came with Cy and Orion. They're in the Quidditch shop."
Hermione wanted to groan. Once again, Violetta had said the wrong thing at the wrong time. Abraxas's eyes immediately lit up. "Quidditch, you say?" Before anyone could say anything else, his blonde hair disappeared in the crowd.
"Thanks," Eleanor said stiffly, crossing her arms. Much to Hermione's relief, though, she did not yell at Violetta like Tracey always did. "Just when I was making progress."
"Sorry," Violetta mumbled, looking down. "Do you like Abraxas, Eleanor?"
Eleanor rolled her eyes. "Obviously, or I wouldn't have asked him to come with me today," She looked to her right. "Excuse me, but I'm going to see if there's any Quidditch items I can buy."
"Or any Quidditch players I can entertain," Hermione muttered under her breath, but Eleanor was already gone. Hermione sighed; the Quidditch store was about to get a lot of business today. Three wealthy purebloods could probably buy the whole store and not even bat an eye. She turned towards Violetta. "Now that it's back to the two of us, where do you suppose we go?"
"Here, I have somewhere I want you to see," Violetta nodded, dragging Hermione towards the back alley. "It's not far."
Hermione let herself get pulled away, but not before spotting Nick's bright blue hair amidst the crowd. Lily Evan's red hair contrasted his, and she seemed to be talking amiably, her green eyes sparkling. Minerva was nowhere to be seen. Hermione wondered if she had even come to Hogsmeade. Hermione wouldn't be surprised is she stayed in Hogwarts to study. It's what she herself would've done, but she figured that coming out once in awhile couldn't hurt.
I also need to improve my Ancient Runes skills, though, Hermione thought irritably. I have loads of work waiting for me.
Nick caught her eye and sent her a smirk. She stuck her tongue out at him in response. Lily Evans finally realized that Nick wasn't listening to what she was saying, and followed his line of sight. Hermione nodded at her, and Lily took in the color of her robes and looked away. Nick shot her an apologetic look, but Hermione waved him off.
Violetta was watching the interaction. "Do you want to go talk to him? I wouldn't mind waiting."
Hermione looked at Lily and shook her head. "No, I don't think I'd be too welcome over there, anyway." Yup, Hermione thought as she watched Lily drape herself over Nick. Nick had a polite look on his face, but when Lily wasn't looking, he made a face. Hermione giggled. I don't want to go over there either.
Violetta led her to an abandoned alley, and Hermione looked around curiously. There was nothing of interest besides the dirty tattered walls of the buildings looming over them. Hermione suddenly stared suspiciously at Violetta, who was singing as she skipped along. What if this was a plan to get her in a confined area and disarm her? What if she was the spy?
Hermione stuck her wand in her pocket just in case anything fishy happened. If there was something she learned from her father, and most of all, Tom, it was that appearances meant absolutely nothing.
Violetta arrived at a pile of branches and leaves and brushed them aside. Hermione stood a distance away so she could see inside, but wasn't close enough to be pushed inside. There was a tunnel, and at the very bottom, Hermione saw some color. She squinted slightly, and saw they were tulips.
"This was always a special spot for Cy and me." Violetta said softly. "We used to hide here when Orion, Abraxas, Cy and I were playing hide and seek. Orion and Abraxas never discovered this place." Again, Hermione was struck with amazement on how such prestigious purebloods were playing such a muggle game.
"Should you be telling me, then?" Hermione grinned. "Your secret is out."
Violetta shook her head. "Those days are long past…" she paused, and stared into the distance. "My mother died of the same disease I have last year. I came here to cry a lot. For me, this little dirty tunnel represents my childhood. Cy and I planted the flowers." She looked at Hermione, and Hermione was shocked to see her eyes brimming with tears. "Is it stupid that I can't let go?"
"No," Hermione said quietly, taking the girl's hand in her own. "You can cry. There's no one here but me, and I can turn around if you would like."
"Oh, I wouldn't be so sure about that,"
Hermione spun around to be greeted by four wizards. They were obviously poor, judging by the state of their robes, and they smiled crookedly at her. "What's little pretty girls like you doing here? Don't you know to steer clear of dark alleys?" One of the men laughed. "Beware of the big bad wolves."
"Nothing," Hermione said coldly, her eyes hard. She thrust the trembling Violetta behind her, shielding the girl with her body. "We were just going to leave."
"I don't think so," the leader, who was at least a feet taller than her, slowly approached them. Hermione backed the two of them up slowly, her eyes narrowed. Suddenly, without warning, the man took out his wand and pointed it down the tunnel.
Violetta sobbed as the flowers turned brown and wilted away. The men howled with laughter, and the leader looked quite pleased with himself. Sick, sad bastards. "Like that, little girl?" he asked, smiling widely. "There's more where that comes from, if you come with me."
"You're sick," Hermione said. "If you think you can please a girl by killing her most prized possession, then there's something seriously wrong with your head."
The man didn't seem at all fazed by her threat. "Save the talk for later, missy." He made a motion with his hand, and all of a sudden, Hermione found four wands pointed at her. She drew her own as well, which made the man look even gleeful. "You're going to fight us?" he looked over his shoulder. "She's going to fight us."
Apparently, the men liked the idea and wolf whistles met her ears. Hermione almost jumped when Violetta pressed her mouth to her ear. "I have a necklace," she whispered. "Cy gave it to me two years ago. I pressed it. He should be coming now-"
Her voice was abruptly cut off and Hermione turned around, eyes wide. A large bulky man held a squirming Violetta by her neck, a cruel grin on his face as he choked the life out of her. Just how many of them are there?
"Drop your wand," he said in a scruffy wand. "Drop it or she dies."
Déjà vu moment. Hermione thought. This is like Tim, except this time, they have a hostage. Gritting her teeth, she took her wand slowly out of her pocket, flashed it at them for all to see, and then threw it at the leader's feet. Damn, I knew I should've brought a spare wand. The leader looked at it eagerly, licked his lips, and then picked it up. He played with it with his hands.
Great, I'm going to get cursed with my own wand.
Hermione glanced over her shoulder. Violetta had wisely kept quiet, and the bulky man seemed to be loosening his grip. If she could just stall for another few seconds, it might open up for her to—
"Violetta!" Hermione wanted to cry. They had the worse timing. Cygnus stood at the alley's entrance, his face red from running. Behind him, Black stood, his eyes open wide. Hermione mentally cursed them. I can't fight while defending three people!
"Come here," the leader called. When the two of them stayed exactly where they were, rooted in their spot, he added, "Or the girl dies."
Much to Hermione's dismay, the bulky man retightened his grip on her neck, and she gasped, her pale face taking a purple-ish hue. Cygnus's eyes immediately hardened, and he quickly joined them. Black followed, looking over his shoulder as if to see if he could slip away quickly and get help.
"Don't even think about it," The leader said, and two of his friends formed a human wall to prevent any of them from escaping. "Now, drop your wands at my feet." Cygnus quickly followed orders. Black, who looked like a scared puppy, shook his head fearfully. Hermione would've found his reaction hilarious if the situation wasn't looking so grim. "NOW!" The leader yelled at him, and Black quickly threw his wand down and pressed himself against the wall.
"Tie them up,"
Five minutes later, the four of them were tied with ropes and were put against the wall. Hermione moved her hand slightly, and noted with relief that these men were clearly amateurs; she could get out of these bonds quite easily. She worked quickly and silently, making sure to keep her face blank. Violetta, however, seemed to think that they were doomed.
"I'm so sorry!" she whispered. Hermione, who was tied up in between Violetta and Cygnus, felt kind of awkward as the two of them traded loving, farewell glances. Optimistic much. She glanced over Cygnus's shoulders and saw Black, trying to act cool. He was obviously scared though, and she saw it in his eyes when he looked at her pleadingly.
Who would've guessed the biggest scardy cat here would be Black?
Hermione started to slip her arm out gently like she had been trained to do so many times. She remembered when she was first tied out, she was a mere three years old. Nick stood just three feet away from her, tossing her wand up and down, grinning.
"You want it, Hermione?" he had asked. "Come get it."
Needless to say, the incentive for both that situation and the present were about the same. She had pulverized Nick afterwards, and she was going to do the same here. Nick had been left with a bloody nose. She wasn't sure she could hold back.
She freed both of her arms, but to her horror, the ropes immediately fell from her body and onto the ground, drawing all eyes to her. She cursed and stomped on the object. Damn, can't they even tie ropes properly?
The leader narrowed his eyes, and then pressed her wand against her forehead. She stared defiantly back. "Well, what do we have here?" His breath smelled of cinnamon bread, and Hermione blinked, rather surprised. She had expected whiskey. "Maybe this one does have some brains after all."
One of the other men stepped forward. He was completely bald with piercings in so many places, Hermione lost count. A cigarette hung from his mouth, and if it wasn't the robes he was wearing, Hermione would've thought he was a muggle. "I want her."
"No!" Black yelled, and Hermione had to admire his courage when he obviously wanted to just crawl in a corner and die. She didn't really need his help, but she appreciated the gesture. "I won't let you take her—"
The leader flicked Hermione's wand carelessly at Black, and he was instantly silenced. He glanced at Hermione with fear etched over his face, and he kept shouting soundlessly at her.
Hermione shot a warning look at Black, who immediately fell silent. She shook her head, and turned towards the bald man, smiling flirtingly at him. "Well, hi," she said. She could feel her friends looking at her sharply, but she willed herself not to look at them. "Nice to meet you."
The bald man looked pleased and stepped around his fellow peers. Much to Hermione's disappointment, the leader still had his wand tapped against her forehead, though it was held much more loosely. Hermione suppressed a grin.
"Hi," the man said, and Hermione had to will herself to not wince at the multiple holes in the man's body. She was surprised that he still had any flesh left. "My name is Peter."
They were making acquaintances now? How dreadfully boring. However, she bid herself to smile sweetly at him. "Hi, Peter. I'm Hermione. It's nice to meet you." To further enunciate her point, she daring ran her tongue along her bottom lip. See, Tom, I'm not a bad actor myself. Then, she cursed herself for letting the idiot in to her mind in such a dangerous situation.
It worked, and Peter's eyes lusted over. She was pretty sure her friends thought she was slightly out of it now, but if it could get them to safety, she would do it.
Peter pushed the leader aside and loomed over her. The leader yelped and glared, but thankfully retracted her wand. Good. The rest of the men crowded around to watch as Peter pushed himself against her. She resisted on making a face, though she could see Black fake gag. Hermione smiled despite herself, and Peter took that as a sign of encouragement. At least Black still has some humor. The big bulky man shot Black a glare, though, and he quickly look downwards.
"So, Hermione," his hands started running everywhere. "Is there anything you like to do?"
"Studying," she blurted out without thinking, and Cygnus snorted. The leader looked at him, and Cygnus met his gaze defiantly.
Peter stopped and stared, and Hermione wondered if she had angered him, but then an ugly smile crossed his face. "Sexy bookworm huh?" He played with a strand of her hair, and then leaned in. "What else do you like to do?"
"This," she said, and brought her knee up and socked him right in the balls. He gasped and stumbled backwards, and she sent her fist right into his face. He flew backwards, but still had conscience as Hermione watched him finger his bleeding forehead. Damn, I need to practice more.
"Why, you!" the leader said furiously, pointing his wand at…air. He looked around. "Where did she go?"
"Damn bitch," Peter growled, standing up. "She's going to pay for th-"
He slumped over, revealing a grinning Hermione. She had dug out three daggers from her pocket, but forgot her gun. It was locked in her luggage. Nick would have my head if he knew. She winked at them. "Catch me if you can."
Four Cruciatus curses flew at her head. She dodged them and inched closer to them. The leader had gone for Violetta, and Hermione narrowed her eyes. She wasn't going to let them be cowardly again. She thrust her daggers. Two of them hit the men's wands straight on, and they flew out of sight. The last dagger barely missed the leader's head, and he turned, eyes wide, and stared at her.
"SHE HAS NO WEAPONS!" He roared at the last remaining man who had his wand. "KILL HER."
Hermione dodged the jet green light and flew behind a box, which was soon smashed. "Come out and play, little kitty." The man drawled, stepping closer to her. "It's too late to play hide and seek."
Hermione's lips curled up into a smirk. "As you wish." The man blinked as a sudden rush of wind hit his face, and then she was gone. It was a cool, dramatic move that she had learned, and for once, she appreciated her father for teaching it to her.
"Keep your guard up," the leader said, looking around. "She couldn't have gotten far." He turned towards the other men. "Stop standing like blubbering idiots and go get your wand."
The two men nodded and headed towards the rubble where their wands lay. The leader turned back and smiled crookedly at the remaining three prisoners. "Now…where were we?"
"Hermione will come and beat your arse," Cygnus said defiantly, staring him down.
"If you haven't forgotten, your little girlie is just a girl," the leader drawled softly. "How do you expect her to beat four fully grown armed men?"
"Make that two."
The leader whirled around. Hermione stood, the sunlight reflecting off her hair as she grinned like a maniac. She tossed the two wands in the air playfully, and looked down at the two men who had lost conscience at her feet.
"You have some nerve," the leader said, swirling around to face her. He and the other man raised their wands. "But even you can't beat two wizards at once."
Hermione snorted. "I beat Tom Riddle. I think I'm perfectly capable of defeating you."
And then no more words were traded, and spells flew back and forth. The three of her friends watched, fascinated, but the battle only lasted a couple minutes. Hermione loomed over the leader, her wand pressed to his head. The other man was knocked out a couple feet away from them.
"Please…please spare me!" The leader begged. "I will do anything!"
"I'm not like you," Hermione said. Though I am. I hurt people. "I won't hurt you."
A look of relief crossed the man's face. "You won't?" He asked hopefully.
Hermione shook her head. "No, but I don't guarantee what the school does to you." His face fell. "Dippet might be lenient with you, but I'll make sure that all the other professors will be at the meeting as well, just so you'll…" she smiled sweetly at him. "Get what you deserve."
The man sighed in defeat and slumped down as Hermione knocked him out. She heard clapping behind her, and she bowed. Black had apparently gotten over his little scared episode, and was now chanting, 'Encore, encore!'
"Wow, Hermione, I didn't think you were so vicious. If I didn't know better, I would think that I'm rubbing off on you."
Hermione glared as the boy stepped out from the shadows. "Tom," she greeted him frostily, and he returned her sentiment with a smirk. "I take it you were here the whole time?"
"Of course," Tom said smoothly. "Nothing like getting front row seats. It was fairly entertaining…though…" An evil grin twisted on his face. "You should've hurt them more."
"Yeah, well, since you're so smart, maybe you should help next time." Hermione mumbled, wrenching her wand out of the grasp of the leader and placing it in her pocket. She head towards the wall to untie her three friends. Tom followed, deliberately stepping on the leader's fingers, which caused him to wince and Tom to laugh evilly.
He really was scary at times.
"Thank you," Violetta hugged her once she was free. Her eyes were brimming with tears, though from happiness or sadness, Hermione couldn't tell. "I thought we were done for."
"It's okay," Hermione assured her. "I'm sorry about your plants, though." She looked towards the dead, wilted flowers. "I'm afraid you'll have to buy new ones."
Violetta shook her head. "No, it's okay. They were just the ones my mother gave me…" she trailed off and bit her lip. "It's okay. I'll plant new ones. I'm just glad we're safe."
Cygnus, who had been freed by Tom, took her hands gently in his. "Everything's alright," he said, staring intently into her eyes. "I'll plant new ones with you."
Hermione felt someone grab her arm and eased her away from where the two of them were having their own private moment. They were like characters out of a movie. Tom dragged her in to a corner and touched her forehead gently. She was surprised to see no smirk on his face. "You're bleeding."
Hermione raised her hand, and red liquid flowed on to it. "Strange," she frowned. "I didn't even feel it."
I can't believe I let myself get hit! Hermione thought angrily. I'm turning sloppy!
"You should go see Pomfrey," Tom said. "I'm no expert in healing. I can make the cut go away," To prove his point, he waved his wand around, and the flowing of liquid stopped. "I can't check for infection, though."
Hermione waved him off. "I'm fine." He frowned at her, and she quickly changed the topic. "So how did your investigating go? Did you catch the culprit?"
Secretly, Hermione hoped he did so it would give her a nice lead, but he shook his head. "No. I do know that it's a girl, though. Maybe she's one of my many admirers?" A haughty smirk crossed his face.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "How do you know?"
Tom shrugged. "She went into the girl's bathroom. I'm guessing that if it were a boy, they'd go into the boy's bathroom." He smirked at her. "Just a guess."
Hermione scowled at him. "Fine. What did you do then? Did you wait outside? Please tell me you did not just walk away."
He had an amused expression on his face. "I did better. I went in."
Hermione gaped at him. "You went in?" Tom nodded. "But you're a Prefect!"
Tom raised an eyebrow. "So?"
"You can't just barge in to the girl's bathroom!" Hermione protested.
"I was under the impression that that had nothing to do with whether I'm a prefect or not," Tom replied smoothly.
"You can't go in to the girl's bathroom, Tom," Hermione replied hotly, and Tom sighed. "So I take it you caught her?"
Tom shook his head. "She escaped."
"She escaped?" Hermione repeated. "How? Down the toilet?"
Tom smirked. "Interesting idea, but no. She burned a hole in the wall and climbed out." Tom sighed. "Dippet was livid when he heard. He was shouting about the importance of respecting the school walls when I left."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "You openly admitted to Dippet that you were breaking the rules and entering the girl's bathroom?"
Tom shrugged. "He was so proud of my accomplishments that he was willing to overlook that part. After all, I did save everyone's lives."
Hermione rolled her eyes as Black called from the front of the alley, "Hey, lovebirds! Are you coming?"
To Hermione's disappointment, she saw Tracey standing worriedly behind him. She was biting her lower lip and looking around anxiously until her eyes landed on Tom and they lit up. Hermione sighed and turned towards Tom. "Come on," she told him. "Your girlfriend awaits."
Tom smirked and bent down to press his lips against her ear, his cool breath causing her to shiver. "You fought well, Hermione." And then he straightened himself and sauntered towards the squealing Tracey, allowing her to hug him.
A compliment from Tom. Hermione thought, shocked. I was actually complimented by him.
Hermione found herself beaming.
ஐ
"Isn't this amazing?"
Hermione snorted. "It's just a couple of lunatics flying around on brooms, Seamus. Nothing amazing about this."
"Don't let Ron hear you say that," Seamus grinned back. "He's a diehard Quidditch fan."
Nick laughed and smiled at her. "Let me guess," he said, as she watched the Quidditch players take their spots on the field. Massive cheering could be heard around the pitch, as the Slytherin and Gryffindor for the first Quidditch match of the year. She spotted Black, Abraxas and Eleanor wearing their green robes, and Ron's red hair on the other side. "You're thinking of all the work you could be doing now."
"Of course," Hermione grumbled. "See, Minerva was smart enough not to get caught up in this mess." She looked to the right and saw Lily talking amiably with a pale looking guy. He had a small smile on his face. She had never seen him in any of her classes, but Nick had said his name was Remus Lupin. He looked nice enough, and had even smiled at her when she had climbed across the bleachers to reach Nick.
"I never thought I'd see the day, though," Nick grinned, leaning comfortably against the railings. "Black's going to be your servant for an entire day? You should put that to good use."
"Oh, believe me, I will."
The girls in the row behind her suddenly squealed and clutched on to each other. "Can you believe it?" They asked each other. "It's so unfair! All the hot guys are in Slytherin!" Nick looked amused as Hermione fake gagged. "I wish Tom would play Quidditch, though. Can you imagine how sexy he would look on a broom?"
Hermione had successfully found a Gryffindor version of Tracey. Her friend giggled along with her. "Though, I have to admit, both Abraxas and Orion are pretty hot as well," she swooned, and this time Hermione had to seriously work to prevent her breakfast from climbing up her throat. "Eleanor Bletchey is so lucky."
They caught Hermione looking at them weirdly, and their eyes drifted to her robes, before snarling and whispering to each other. Hermione sighed and firmly turned her back on the two girls as the players mounted their brooms and took off.
After five minutes, Hermione was ready to fall asleep. Black was flying like a lunatic, laughing maniacally as he threw the ball through hoops as easily as brushing his teeth. Abraxas stayed on top to look for the golden snitch. Hermione had no idea why he would want to do that; it sounded awfully boring.
"Bored already?" Nick teased, but didn't remove his eyes from the game. Out of the two of them, he had been the one who always loved to fly. He wasn't good, by any means, but at least he could get on a broom and hover a couple feet from the ground without screaming his head off.
"Yeah," Hermione grumbled, leaning her head on her hand. "I don't know why anyone would enjoy this stuff-"
She was cut off when the girls behind her started to squeal. "Oh my god, oh my god! He's coming over here!" It seemed, however, that they weren't the only ones pointing. The whole Gryffindor girl population seemed to be swooning as Black flew over crazily.
"Yo, Squirtle," he grinned at her, and Hermione could feel glares pressed in to her back. She sighed. Just what I need: the Gryffindor population after me as well. "You came."
"Yeah," she said. "The offer was quite good." She smirked at him. "I'm going to make you run around naked, Black."
He matched her smirk. "Who knew you were so naughty, Squirtle? Nice to know you want to see my fantastic body. Though, if I were you, I would keep it private. It's too amazing to be publicized, after all."
Hermione just swatted at him. "Go away. Don't you have a game to win?"
Black grinned cheekily at her. "Yes, but I noticed you are sitting on the wrong side." He winked at her. "Need a ride over there?"
Hermione crossed her arms and scowled at him. "No thank you."
"Orion, I want a ride!" The girl behind her shrieked, her 'love' for him practically oozing out of her. Black sent her a flirty smile, but shook his head.
"Sorry, babe, but you're where you belong." The girl looked so shocked that Hermione almost felt bad for the poor girl. Almost, but not quite. Black turned back towards her. "Come on, Squirtle. Abraxas told me about your little flying trip. Why would you agree to go with him and not me?" He gasped dramatically. "Are you picking favorites?"
"I certainly am not," Hermione harrumphed. "He forced me on his broom…er…" she turned red when some wolf whistles met her ears. Black smirked at her. "The wood broom, for Merlin's sake." She groaned when a mischievous smirk crossed his face. "Go away, Black."
"You're not getting away that easily," Black grinned and called over his shoulder. "Yo, Abraxas!" The blonde, who was hovering above the rest of the players, looked over. Hermione was sure that he amplified his voice, because when he talked, the whole pitch heard it. "Hermione wants to get on your broom!"
Hermione almost choked and stood up hastily. "That's it; you're done." She reached over and pushed Black, and he almost fell off his broom. Some outraged girls behind her yelled that she could've killed him, but she ignored them. "Go away, Black, or I will hex you. You know perfectly well I can."
"Yes I do," he still had the grin on his face. "What about a kiss for luck?"
"Go kiss yourself."
"Ouch, that hurt," Black fake cried. "And here I thought you were on my side."
"ORION BLACK!" One of the beaters yelled. "THERE'S GOING TO BE MORE TIME FOR THAT LATER. GET YOUR ARSE BACK IN HIS GAME."
Black winked at Hermione. "You hear that? There's going to be more of this later," Hermione rolled her eyes as he grinned cheekily. "Wish me luck, Squirtle." He flew back in to the game, his game mode back on. Hermione watched as he zigzagged through the players, and couldn't help but admire his skills.
"Bipolar, that one," Nick comment from next to her.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "What?"
He grinned. "Ron and I ran in to him a couple of times. Let's just say he wasn't as…pleasant as he was with you. He even tried to curse me sometimes. No warning either. Just wand out, and bam." A self satisfied smirk appeared on his face.
Hermione looked at him suspiciously. "And what did you do?"
"I cursed him back, of course," Nick chirped happily.
Hermione rolled her eyes as Abraxas suddenly took a steep dive. The Gryffindor seeker followed him, but Hermione knew that Abraxas was going to get there faster. However, the two red head beaters, who Hermione assumed were Ron's brothers, hurled bludgers at him. They almost hit him, and Hermione had a sudden flashback of the bloody Abraxas lying on the field. However, he managed to dodge them, but by the time he got back on track, the snitch had disappeared.
The Slytherin side sighed and booed, though Hermione wasn't sure if it was directed towards Abraxas or the Weasley twins. The latter just grinned at each other and fist bumped. Black seemed to whisper something to Abraxas, and whatever it was, it worked. He was still frowning, but he didn't look as depressed as he did before.
Abraxas looked around and caught her eye. He grinned and waved. Ignoring the squeals of the girls behind her, she smiled and nudged her head towards the game. Focus, she mouthed at him.
Abraxas rolled his eyes and then pointed to her. She looked at him quizzically. He then pointed to himself, and then to his broom. He had the nerve to grin at her. She scowled and crossed her arms. I'm never going flying with you ever again, she glared at him.
He mock waved at her, and then returned to his position. Nick nudged her playfully in the side. "That one's bipolar too, though he's less aggressive."
Hermione rolled her eyes at him, when the girl behind her suddenly jabbed her with a finger. Hermione turned around and found both girls glaring at her. She arched her eyebrow at them. "May I help you?"
One of the girls had blonde hair and a purple streak through it. Her eyebrows were so long, they were at least five inches. She examined her fingernails, before looking at Hermione irritably. "You're such a slut."
Hermione blinked, and both Nick and Seamus turned around angrily. "Take that back," Seamus growled. Nick tilted his head and sized up the girl, before casting her a look. Unlike Seamus, he knew that she wasn't affected by schoolgirl insults. She had faced a lot worse, and things like this didn't affect her anymore. It was just talk, anyway.
"You heard her," the girl next to her said. She was an Asian girl with a nasty snarl on her face. "Stop flirting with them. Go find someone who's in your league."
"Everyone is in her league," Hermione wanted to groan. Tom Riddle stood on the Gryffindor side of the bleachers like there wasn't anything wrong. Around her, whispers met her ears. "Except me, of course. My league is far better."
"Tom," Hermione greeted frostily as the girls who had been insulting her just moments earlier stared at Tom speechless, their mouths open win. Tom paid them no attention and stood next to Hermione, wearing his trademark smirk. "What are you doing here?"
"Watching the Quidditch game," was his response.
"Go back to the Slytherin side," Hermione growled at him. Most of the teachers were pointing or looking over at the Gryffindor bleachers. Just what she needed: more attention.
Tom pointed out. "You're over here, and you don't see me complaining. You don't want me here, Hermione?" Tom said, rather amused. "How insulting."
"Don't listen to her!" The girl with the blonde hair shrieked, and her friend bobbled her head up and down in agreement. "We want you here, Tom."
Tom turned around and shot them a smile that was so brilliant, so sweet and so…fake that Hermione wanted to gag. However, no one else seemed to notice and they all swooned, their eyes glazing with passion and 'love' for this perfect prefect.
"You go so hard to maintain your reputation," Hermione murmured when he turned back around. The score was 60-40, Slytherin, but it was still a close game. She had learned all the rules the night before, when Black had insisted on paying her back for saving his life by…reciting everything there was to know about Quidditch to her. He still had a death wish, flying around like all he wanted to do was slam in to a wall. A couple of times, he nearly did, before pulling away in a dramatic manner. Attention hog. Eleanor was better than she expected, and if compared to Ron, there was no contest who was the better keeper. Ron, however, was quite good as well, though she wasn't a professional, so she couldn't say. He looked like he was doing all of the right things, anyway.
"You know me so well," Tom smirked, and then turned towards Nick. "I don't believe we've been formerly introduced," he said smoothly. "I'm Tom Riddle."
Nick eyed him suspiciously, glancing at Hermione in confusion. "Yes. Yes we have."
Hermione nudged him in the ribs. "He was under the Imperius," she told him quietly.
His eyes widened. "Is it…?"
Hermione nodded.
"I feel like I'm out of the loop," Tom said, looking at them both. "I feel so neglected."
"No one asked you to stay here," Hermione said, wincing as one of the Gryffindor players whacked Abraxas in the arm as he flew past. He grimaced, but he looked otherwise fine. A foul was called. This was why she hated sports. It was so violent.
"And miss your presence?" Tom said mockingly, before his face turned serious back again. "Did you go to the hospital wing yesterday?"
Nick shot her a sharp look; she had forgotten to tell him. Hermione scowled at Tom. "I didn't need to go to the hospital wing. I wasn't that hurt. You healed me perfectly fine."
Tom snorted. "I told you to check the reason you had to go."
"Well, obviously I'd be dead by now if I had an infection. Lay off, Tom. It wasn't even that deep."
"Which is exactly why you were bleeding to death all over my robes. I think you owe me a trip to the hospital wing. After all, you did make me have to wash my robes yesterday. It was my perfectly new ones as well. I think I'll have to charge extra."
"Stop exaggerating things. I barely bled, and it was clearly not on your robes."
Nick cleared his throat loudly, and both of them stopped their argument to look at him. "Hermione," he said, a frown on his face. "Aren't you forgetting to tell me something?"
"It was nothing," Hermione murmured, lowering her eyes so she wouldn't see his hurt face. "It was just Diagon Alley one more time, except this time there were wizards. No biggie. I promise."
Nick look relieved, but it was Tom's time to frown. "You told him about Diagon Alley?" he demanded.
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "I tell Nick everything," she told him, and a scowl formed on his face. "What's about Diagon Alley that you can't say?"
Tom didn't say anything. Nick sighed and said, "Well, I'm Nick Porter. I'm Hermione's best friend, and also the one she confides in." The two of them scowled at each other. Hermione blinked. What was with them? "Nice to meet you,"
"Quite the opposite, actually," Tom murmured under his breath. Hermione glared at him and stepped on his toe, and he sent her a pleasant smile. Nick wasn't kidding when he said all Slytherins are bipolar.
"Tom," someone crooned. It was the Asian girl from earlier, and she was batting her eyebrow flirtingly. Her friend was nowhere to be seen. She gestured towards the empty seat next to her. "It must be so annoying to have unpleasant company," she shot Hermione a nasty glare. "There's an empty seat over here."
Tom shot Hermione an amused look before turning back to the girl. "No, but thank you," his smile almost looked genuine. Almost. The girl swooned. "I prefer standing."
"You know what?" the girl giggled. Tom inclined his head politely at her. "I prefer standing as well." She got up and took her spot on the other side of Tom, but Hermione noticed that she was standing quite close to him. She started talking fast, and he leaned closer to listen, but Hermione didn't miss the quick look of boredom that flashed across his face.
Nick sighed. "Seamus is pathetic," he said irritably, pointing to the brown haired boy next to him. He was staring with his mouth wide open. "It seems like he's a Riddle fan as well."
"Your fans never end, do they?" She scowled at Tom.
"Nope," Tom said smarmily. "And neither, apparently, does yours,"
He gestured around, and Hermione turned around. All around the pitch, girls and boys alike were glaring at her, as if it were a sin to be close to this perfect role model. Tom tilted his head and smiled up at them, and Hermione could've sworn she heard a couple cries of 'marry me!'
This school was really starting to look quite pathetic. Tom might as well be the Headmaster. He certainly had enough power.
"TOM!" Someone roared. Hermione spun around to find Black, chasing after a bludger that was headed their way. Hermione knew that it would be too late. The bludger would be upon them in a matter of milliseconds.
There was a sickening crack, and gasps could be heard around the pitch. Tom spun around, his eyes wide. She saw fear in his eyes, but it was gone so quickly, Hermione was sure she imagined it. Nick was trying to help her while she sank down to her knees, her head dizzy. Damn reflexes; they're going to get me killed one day. There was shouting, and some whistle blowing. However, before she could hear anything else, she lost conscience.
Author's Note: Dun dun dun dunnnn. Oh no. Hermione dies, and the rest of the story is told from Eileen's view, when she imposes as Hermione and she and Tom fall in love and live happily ever after…Just kidding. ;)
