AN: This chapters a little shorter than usual but I figured I'd post it before the weekend you all so much for the reviews, they're honestly part of the fun in writing fanfiction.

Most of you have noticed how insane Tom is and I'd love to know what you think of it because there are times when I feel he's a little too scary but then there's times where I don't think he's scary enough. I also really appreciate the ones who caught the mistakes in the last chapter, I'm not sure how the entire beta reader thing works, but if anyone wants to explain that to me, or offer to edit my chapters, I'd really love that.

And like always, I do not own the quotes in bold. They are from NBC's Hannibal, an amazing show. If you haven't watched it, please give it a try and if you have, lets gush over how insane the last episode was.

"He gave you back to me, and then he took you away. It's Lucy and the football, he just keeps pulling you away."

Ron wasn't sure what he was suppose to do after he finished dinner. Was he suppose to compliment Tom on his cooking? Congratulate Hermione once more on the baby that was coming? Would it be too weird to fake an emergency back home? Ron wasn't sure.

It wasn't until everyone at the table finished eating that Tom suggested they all gather back to the living room and catch up with each other. Ron wondered if that wasn't what they had been doing these last torturous hours.

He didn't say much as he followed Hermione into the other room, away from the rest of the group.

"That was really good," Ron said awkwardly. "It uhm...you should have tried it."

Hermione smiled, almost apologetically, "Tom usually cooks with wines, and well, you know I can't really... he said I'd be better off with something lighter."

Ron nodded.

There was an awful silence while Ron thought of a good excuse to leave early.

"Listen," Hermione began. "I know all of this was kind of a big surprise to you but we didn't-"

"Hermione, there you are," Tom seemed to come from thin air. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pressed a kiss to her temple.

Ron struggled to look away. The scene in front of him looked rehearsed, not like a warm embrace but a point being made.

"Cissa's been looking for you."

"I'll go say hello soon, I'm just- I just need to talk to Ron for a second."

Tom smiled and looked up at Ron.

Ron couldn't explain the chills that went down his back when he looked in Tom's eyes.

"Of course," Tom seemed pleasant enough. "You two have always been… close friends, haven't you?"

Maybe Ron imagined the way he tilted his head almost mockingly, or the glint in his eye that seemed to dance triumphantly, but he felt a little undignified. Why was he the one feeling out of place? He'd known Hermione since they were just kids. He knew Hermione just as much, if not better, as Tom did.

"For the most part," Ron nodded, trying to keep his voice even. He didn't look at Hermione as he continued with, "There was the summer after graduation, and uh- not so long ago actually, where we were both just a bit closer."

Ron wasn't sure why he had said that, but when he saw Tom's eyes darken, he couldn't help but feel a little triumphant himself. He almost didn't see Hermione's warning look.

"Well," Tom's voice was hard, "I'm just glad you were able to join us today. Would you like another drink? They just opened up another bottle we've been saving." Ron was only just about to say no when Tom continued, "It's a bit strong, it's fine if you don't think you can handle another glass."

"I can handle it," Ron replied easily.

Tom smiled tightly, his arm was still around Hermione, "Hermione would you like something?" He didn't wait for her to answer before he looked at Ron again. "It's insane to think of her as pregnant isn't it? Soon we'll be parents. Maybe you'll still be around to see our child."

Ron only looked away and gave an odd sort of laugh, "Of course I'll still be around. Hermione and I have been through everything together. We've been through our ups and downs but we're always together. Nothing's gonna change that."

"Isn't that sweet?" the bitterness was obvious in his tone, even Hermione gave him an odd look. "I'll go bring your drink," he said to Ron before he looked down at Hermione, "love, why don't you come with, Cissa just wants to congratulate us. It'll only be a few minutes."

"I -" she gave Ron a apologetic look.

"It's fine, go ahead," he smiled. "I need to use the restroom anyways."

Hermione smiled warily back, "Alright, it's just that way," she pointed down the hall.

Ron didn't wait for them to walk off before he made his way to the bathroom. He focused too much on his steps, feeling awkward amongst so many people.

Everyone was dressed impeccably and Ron only had on a pair of jeans and a shirt Hermione bought him for his birthday last year. When he reached the bathroom, he nearly scowled at how perfect even that room was.

He thought back to the only bathroom in his parents house, and how everyone fought over it every morning. He hadn't thought much of it then, not even when he had Hermione and Harry over. He always knew his family wasn't the richest, and though he sometimes wished for a house as big as Riddle's, he always thought he had enough with his family.

He wondered if Hermione would have stayed with him if he had a house with more than one bathroom, or a living room big enough to have more than a few friends over.

He wondered if maybe he should have studied psychology like Riddle so he'd have a career that made enough money to support her.

Ron stared at himself in the spotless mirror in Riddle's bathroom and began to think.

How did Riddle make so much money? He wasn't exactly an expensive doctor, and his family wasn't like the Malfoy's who were known for their old money. Did Riddle even have a family?

Ron shook his head. It wasn't like it mattered where Tom's money came from, though if he was going to be honest, there were some sketchy people out there.

Ron almost let it go.

Once he was done in the bathroom he began walking back to the rest of the crowd until he saw a door slightly opened. He saw a desk and shelves filled with books and he couldn't help himself as he slid inside.

Ron wasn't sure what he would find, but he walked over to the desk and just knew there was something off about Tom. On the desk, Ron only saw notes for a few patients, nothing out of the ordinary.

There didn't seem to be much there, but just as he was about to open one of the drawers, he heard the door and did something stupid.

Ron knew as soon as he was under the desk, that he was an idiot, he wasn't sure why his first instinct was to hide instead of facing whoever came in.

If they came around to the other side of the desk, and undoubtedly they would, whoever came in would see him.

He heard the door close and lock before he heard voices.

"I thought you were taking the drink to Ron?" Hermione gave out a small laugh.

Nobody replied.

"Tom are you okay? I said hello to Narcissa and-"

"Why didn't you tell me you and Ronald dated?" his voice was hard. Ron closed his eyes, why the hell did he think coming in here was a good idea. Why did he hide under a desk like a five year old? Was it too late to pop out now? How embarrassing could that be?

"It never came up," Hermione answered.

"So you did date?"

"Not exclusively," she answered, and though she tried to make her voice sound firm, it sounded more like an excuse.

"Is that suppose to make me feel better? You two were dating but it was okay because he wasn't the only person you were dating?" Tom's voice was unbelieving and Ron wasn't sure if he sounded more angry or hurt.

"It wasn't like that. We just.. we would just get caught up in the moment and-" Hermione tried to explain. "Is that why you're angry? Because I never told you about it?

"You were with him," Ron nearly smiled at the tone in Tom's voice. It wasn't triumphant or arrogant now."He's touched you before."

Tom Riddle was jealous. Jealous of Ron.

"It was before we met," Hermione defended.

"So that's okay? Hermione, how would you feel if I invited my ex here, never even mentioned we use to fuck and-" Hermione flinched. "And he's all over you Hermione, never leaving your side-"

Had Ron really been all over Hermione?

"I'm the only one he knows," she struggled to keep her voice down though Ron could hear Tom's voice only getting louder.

"What about Draco? He knows Draco but he isn't trying to pull himself closer to him. He's been staring at you and he's so obviously still likes you. What would you say if I had someone like that around?"

It wasn't that obvious. Was it? Ron bit his lip, feeling even more pathetic than he had. Gods, he hoped he could leave with just one ounce of dignity left.

"Tom, just don't pay attention to him," she suggested, her voice pleading.

"That's your solution? Don't pay attention to him? Just push away my insecurities for the sake of what Hermione?"

"Your insecurities?" Hermione nearly laughed. "What are you saying? You're jealous?"

"How would you feel Hermione? And really think about this, how would you feel if I brought someone I use to fuck and all I did was spend my time with her."

Ron, even under the desk, began to flush.

"I'd be angry," she agreed tentatively. "But I promise you, you have nothing to worry about."

"How can I know for sure? He likes you and you use to like him and- and-" Tom's voice was convincing.

Ron could hear the sound of Tom's sentence being cut off, followed by kisses. His stomach dropped at the sound.

"I don't have feelings for him," Hermione said. Ron felt his stomach twist.

"Well," Tom said between the sound of kisses. "You still like him as a friend."

"And I love you," Hermione reminded him. "You come first."

Ron cringed when he felt the slightest shove against the desk. He heard someone sit over all the papers he had just been looking at and wondered how this scenario could possibly end. From the bottom of the desk, he could see Tom's shiny black shoes. "Promise me," Tom said, his voice almost teasing. "Promise me you'll always love me."

"I'll always love you," she promised before she pressed her lips against his.

"You're mine," Tom groaned.

There was a small laugh on her part, "We can't do this right now Tom, you have guests."

"We'll be quick."

A white shirt fell to the floor and Ron shut his eyes tighter, bringing his knees to his chest and his hands over his ears. This was not happening. This can't be happening. Oh gods, I'm so sorry. Oh god, why did I hide?

He was able to muffle the sound of their quiet groans but not the way the desk was rocking. His gut twisted at the thought of Tom touching Hermione. It was bad enough to know they were expecting, but now, actually hearing them, Ron thought he'd be sick.

Ron felt like he was under there forever, by the time the rocking stopped, his legs were cramped and he swore he'd never come back to this house ever again, not without Harry at least. He'd never go into rooms he wasn't suppose to and he could not, at least for tonight, be able to look at Hermione in the eyes.

"You dropped the drink," Hermione said through her slightly heavy breathing.

"Sorry love," Tom apologized, pressing another soft kiss to her. "Your dress is ruined. How about I go find Ronald, fix him another drink, and you go change?"

"Your notes are all wet now, we should probably clean this up first."

"I'll get to it soon, go get changed," Tom pressed another kiss to her and she laughed lightly and hurried out.

Ron held his breath as he saw Tom's fingers reach for the shirt on the floor. There was a small pause before he actually picked it up where Ron thought he'd been seen. He nearly got out then and rushed through a series of apologies when Tom began to leave.

"She's mine," Tom repeated, making Ron's heart freeze. He didn't say anything else, only walked out, closing the door behind him.

Ron knew he had to get out while he could, but when he tried to move, his limbs wouldn't cooperate. He stayed under the desk, until he was able to let out a choked out sob.

"I would encourage you, as a friend, not to step back through the door he holds open. It's dark on the other side, and madness is waiting."

Hermione was downstairs again as soon as she changed into a clean dress. It had taken her a while before she decided on one but it couldn't have been too long. She spotted Ron on the opposite side of the living room, standing awkwardly away from a group of Tom's friends. He had a new drink in his hand and was looking down. She saw the way his lips were turned down and his eyebrows were pulled together like they always did when he was angry.

"Ron?" Hermione offered a smile when she reached him.

His face began to flush and he looked up at her, mumbling a quiet, "Oh, you're back."

She noticed the way he quickly averted his gaze. "Yeah. Tom get you your drink?"

Ron nodded, "Mhm."

She nodded back at him, knowing she should feed him an excuse about having to tend to other guests. She remembered Tom's words and was just about to say something to Ron when he gave a quiet laugh. "Are you okay?" she asked.

"I saw-" he stopped halfway and shook his head. "I'm fine."

Hermione gave him an odd look. "Are you sure? You seem a little different."

"Different? Me?" Ron laughed again. It sounded so empty, Hermione would have reached for his hand if she wasn't trying to prove to Tom they were just friends.

"Uh, well yes-"

"Hermione," he said, his voice sounded strained and he still wouldn't look at her. "Look around us. This isn't a place for me. I wouldn't have thought you be in a place like this either. With these people."

"Why are you emphasizing these people like that?"

"Really Hermione? Last year, if someone were to tell us you'd be hosting a party with the Malfoys as guests, we'd all fall over with laughter."

She looked at him, trying to understand where he was going with this.

"This place is different Hermione. You're different."

Hermione's face fell. Of course she was different, she couldn't deny that, but why did he say it like an accusation? Did he know something about Ginny? Was she that obvious? Hermione opened her mouth to say something, and realized she couldn't form any words.

"You've changed Hermione." He finally looked at her but his disbelieving look did not comfort her. He gave her a once over and fought a scowl off his face.

Her hair was tamed back, but not enough that it hide the someone just ran their hands over your hair and gripped it tightly look. Her lips were swollen, her face flushed, and even her dress had changed.

"Gods look at you." Ron motioned at her dress, "You didn't use to be so- such a -" he stopped before he could finish and looked away with shame.

"Such a what?" she asked quietly, not sure if she wanted to hear it.

"You're pregnant Hermione and you hardly even know the guy. You've known him for five fucking minutes and you're already pregnant. You come out here from upstairs with hair wilder than usual and swollen lips and a different dress and- God Hermione, it took us years before we even-" he shook his head again.

Hermione stared at him, her glare already starting to build up. She wasn't sure if she wanted to hit Ron or find a place to sit down and take in everything he was saying.

It was his next words that made up her mind about being more angry than insulted.

"What would your parents say Hermione?"

"Ron, don't."

"What would they say if they were here? You think your mom wants to see her little girl getting knocked up by some arrogant ass who didn't even care when one of his patients went missing?"

Hermione's eyes flicked over to Ron's. His eyes were looking bright with held back tears. "Is that why you don't like him?"

"He's an ass Hermione and I get the appeal, I do but- You deserve better. And if this is because of the money-"

"The money?" Hermione furrowed her eyebrows. "You think I like him because of the money?"

"I don't know what to think anymore. You're not the same Hermione I met in school. I love you, but this isn't you. The Hermione I know would laugh at Riddle for being so pretentious and actually see the way he looks down on everyone else. She would take one look at this party and know these people are all just like Malfoy. She wouldn't have moved in with a guy because of the money and she would have been careful with having a kid too early." He stopped and looked at her. "She'd defend her friends until the end. She'd be someone her parents could be proud of."

Hermione took an intake of breath. Her parents were a touchy subject and Ron knew that. She looked away and met Tom's gaze.

He didn't look angry, in fact, he looked a little worried. The corner of his lip was pulled down until he mouthed, "You okay?"

Hermione nodded at him before turning back to Ron.

Ron looked angry. He looked jealous and bitter and miserable all at once. Hermione shook her head at him, "If that's what you think of me, if you think all I care about is Tom's money, or all I do is judge people on their appearance, then maybe you never really knew me. But I know Tom, I know he doesn't lead me on, and he doesn't bring up my parents just to make me feel bad, and he's there for me whenever I need him. I love him and-" she looked back at Tom, who looked like he was contemplating whether or not to interrupt them. "I think you should leave," she said to Ron.

Ron's jaw was tight as he looked at her. "Are you saying I'm not here for you? I endured this entire dinner just for you and all you did was run off with your boyfriend to shag and-" Ron ran a hand through his hair and stopped. "Whatever. I wish you the best Hermione, I- I'll be on my way." He turned around without another word and walked off.

"Ronald!" a voice behind her called out. She turned to see Draco, followed by Theo and Tom. Ron didn't bother turning around. "Granger, he's leaving already? Did he get a little jealous when he saw you coming out of the room so thoroughly fucked?"

"Shut up," Theo jabbed at Draco's ribs. "You're going to let him leave like that?"

Hermione looked at Tom as she nodded. "He wasn't being very nice."

Tom didn't acknowledge Draco or Theo as he pulled Hermione into an embrace. "Thank you," he said into her ear.

Hermione swallowed, "Yeah, well, I think I see what you meant."

He pressed a kiss to her temple and suggested they go talk to the other guests. "Cissa thinks I've plotted this entire pregnancy to chain you to me," he said teasingly.

Hermione only let out a small laugh at that. "It's the 21st century, people don't get chained down because of pregnancy anymore."

Tom smiled tightly in return, "Well not the heartless people at least. Come on, I think she's still by the bar."

Hermione tugged on the necklace around her neck and tried to push away the thought of Ron as she followed Tom.

"Alright," she answered.

She was gone before Draco gave Theo an odd look. "Did you get to his car?"

Theo shook his head, still looking at the door where Ron had walked out from. "Riddle changed his mind. Seems he took care of it himself."

"The car?" Draco scoffed.

"The boy. Riddle may not be so good with cars but he's good with minds. We won't be seeing your Weasley friend for a while."