Disclaimer in Chapter one.
Author's note: Hello dear readers. I finally finished the next chapter. I struggled a bit with it. And am not really satisfied with how it turned out. But well, gotta somehow built the plot, eh? Next chapter will be a lot more action and more Riddle/Hermione scenes.
In this chapter there's a short conversation in Albanian. A big thank you toConfettiRiotwho volunteered to translate it for me!
Once again, I cannot say how much I enjoy reading your input. It's always a pleasure. It really is. So thank you all, guys!
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Chapter Four: And Come to Dust
Hermione fell into a dreadful routine over the next few days. She would get up early, which wasn't that difficult as her sleeping place curled up beside the kitchenette, wasn't that comfortable anyway. Then Hermione would light a fire in the fireplace to raise the temperature in the tent before she would start to prepare breakfast.
An hour after Hermione, Riddle would wake. He obviously was an early riser. Hermione carefully stayed out of his way. The memory of his hands around her neck was still fresh in her mind. Luckily, Riddle never stayed in the tent for long. Immediately after breakfast he would leave. Where to? Hermione didn't know. He was probably out in the forest trying to find that grave the woman back in Tirana had spoken about. Whenever Riddle returned to the tent, he wouldn't speak much. He ate in silence while sitting by the fireplace, his nose stuck in that book of his.
Riddle was certainly intimidating, but due to his constant presence Draco was the larger problem for Hermione. He was horrible to have around in the first place, but here, in the confined space of the tent, he was downright unbearable. As the days went by Draco's mood dropped to freezing point and Hermione was the one who had to suffer from it. Draco was obviously not content with Riddle's secretiveness. He had probably thought something exciting would happen during this trip and was sorely disappointed. Riddle excluded the other from his plans and it frustrated Draco. Of course he would vent his foul temper on Hermione.
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Hermione suppressed a tired sigh as she made the beds. After that she had to give the living room a quick sweep before she intended to clean the bathroom. Carefully she spread the duvet over Draco's bed and stuck the edges under the mattress. With that done, she went to get the broom and threw an inconspicuous glance at Draco. He sat, morose expression on his face, in front of the fireplace and flipped through a magazine.
Hermione liked to think it was Witch Weekly.
While she swept the floor, she was very aware of Draco's presence. A deep scowl on his face, there seemed to be a cloud of annoyance hovering around him. As grotesque as it was, Hermione wished Riddle would come back soon. At least that would distract Draco a bit and he wouldn't sit there on the couch like a time bomb about to explode …in her direction.
It wasn't even ten minutes later that Draco angrily threw his magazine on the side table. Hermione flinched and her hands tightened around the broomstick. Abruptly Draco got up from the couch.
"Screw this!"
Cursing loudly he stomped over to the kitchenette where he proceeded to angrily yank open the cupboards and dig about. A carton of eggs landed on the floor, making a mess. Draco didn't care but continued to search around, getting more and more annoyed as he obviously didn't find what he was searching for. Finally he gave up. Angry snarl on his face, Draco turned to Hermione and snapped,
"You!"
She quickly bowed her head. "Yes, Master?"
"Where's the booze?"
"…er…" Hermione mumbled weakly. "I- I'm sorry, but I don't think there is any, Master."
Draco didn't reply, only the expression on his face got even darker. After a moment, he reached for Hermione and gruffly clutched her arm. Then he wrenched her over to the exit door. He tore the door open and abruptly shoved Hermione outside. The harsh winter air ripped at her as she stood on the threshold, peering up at Draco. He glared down at her and growled,
"Get me something to drink. Firewhiskey preferably."
With that he shut the door in Hermione's face and she was left standing outside the tent, the cold wind howling around her. She turned around and eyed the snow covered forest before her in distaste.
Great…
How was she to find something to drink? Shortly Hermione considered apparating back to Tirana. Unfortunately, though, the floo network building was warded by anti-apparition spells and she couldn't very well apparate inside of Muggle Tirana. That was all she had seen of Albania so far and apparating to somewhere without a clear destination in mind didn't work. She had no other choice but to search for some kind of… of human settlement on foot.
"Damn it to hell," Hermione whispered angrily.
She wrapped her robe tightly around herself and stomped through the snow. She left the forest edge behind her and walked downhill. Hopefully she would hit a road soon.
For at least half an hour, Hermione had wandered aimlessly through the snow-covered Albanian landscape. She had to stop as a steep mountain slope barred her way. From here, she had a perfect view over the remote land. Stretches of forest and rocky terrain alternated with snowy planes. Then she spotted a disturbance in the landscape. She squinted her eyes. Yes, if she cocked her head a little to the side that looked like some kind of street down there in the valley.
Hermione had no idea how many miles that potential street was away. If she had to walk, she would probably need a few days. As Hermione didn't want to return empty handed to Draco, she pulled her red wand. This time her destination was lying clearly in front of her. So, Hermione just crossed her fingers and hoped that no Muggle would see her arriving before she twirled on the spot, aiming for a small grove near the street.
†
Indeed it had been a street. Moodily, Hermione walked down the two lane country road, which snaked itself through the landscape, flanked by trees and the occasional farm house. If Hermione was lucky, she would hit some kind of petrol station and could buy something to drink.
Although, it is a Sunday…
Hermione pulled her thin robes tighter around herself, shivering. It was cold and the ground was wet and muddy. Now and then a car drove by and she had to watch out not to get hit. She realized in annoyance that Draco hadn't even given her any money. Neither Muggle nor wizarding. Did he expect her to rob someone? Hermione turned around and eyed the way she had come from. With how things went so far, it was more probable that she was the one getting robbed.
Good luck, robbers, Hermione thought wryly.
Just as she thought that, an old red Dacia liberta pulled up right beside her. A man cranked down the car window and scanned her. He was middle aged, a tad bit on the chubby side and a large moustache sat over his upper lip. His gaze slowly wandered over Hermione's black robes and her thin dress. He furrowed his brow as he took her appearance in.
"A keni nevojë për ndihmë?" the man asked, sounding concerned.
Hermione just stared at him, not understanding a word. As she didn't reply anything, he said worriedly,
"Mund të më kuptoni?"
He continued to eye her and Hermione felt uncomfortable under his gaze.
"Çfarë ka, goca?" another, female, voice came from the car.
The man turned around and replied, "Nuk e di."
With that the passenger door of the car was opened. A small plump woman got out from the car. Her slightly grey hair was put up in a messy bun and her face looked quite kind with laughing lines around her eyes. Though right now, worry was etched into her features as she took in Hermione's appearance. The woman wrapped a comforting arm around Hermione's trembling shoulders.
"A jeni mirë, e dashur?" she asked soothingly.
The woman's gentle touch made Hermione's heart clench painfully with strange emotion. As she didn't reply anything, the woman turned and said something to the man in the car. He got out as well and stepped over to Hermione.
"Çfarë të ndodhi?" He pressed a pack of cookies in her hand. "Ju dukeni ë uritur."
Hermione just blinked at him.
"Ne nuk mund ta lëjmë këtu," the woman told the man worriedly. "Ajo është në gjendje të vështirë."
The man nodded severely. Hermione still didn't understand a word. As the woman started to pull her over to the car, Hermione simply panicked. What did they want with her? She couldn't stay, Draco expected her back. With that Hermione ripped herself free of the woman's gentle grip and raced away. The woman yelled something,
"Prisni! Ne vetëm duan të ndihmojnë!"
Hermione never stopped. Her heart was thundering away in her chest. Quickly she dived behind a tree before she dared to apparate away. There was only one place she could apparate to, so it wasn't long and Hermione stood at the entrance to the tent, breathing fast. She still held that pack of cookies in her hands and the woman's kind touch lingered on her skin. Unfamiliar in its gentleness. It made her chest constrict painfully. Pulse still quickened, Hermione stared at the tent's entrance. She had failed to accomplish her task! Fearfully Hermione opened the entrance. The moment she entered the tent, Draco rounded on her.
"Where the fuck have you been?"
"I- I-" Hermione mumbled as she peered up at his irate face.
Fury glimmering in his eyes, Draco's gaze wandered over her. As he didn't find the expected bottle a growl left him. He violently ripped the pack of cookies from Hermione. Draco glared at the cookies then he angrily threw them at the floor.
"So this-" Draco gestured at the pack of cookies with disgust written all over his face. "-is all you managed to find? Some god-awful Muggle food?"
Hermione cowered before him. Her head was bowed and she didn't dare look up.
"I- I'm sorry, Ma-"
She wasn't able to finish as Draco's hand collided with her face and left behind a stinging pain on her cheek.
"I ordered you to get me something to drink!" She flinched as Draco yelled at her furiously.
"Please, Master," Hermione whispered with a trembling voice. "I couldn't find anything. I really tried."
Draco's eyes narrowed into angry slits as they wandered over her. Hermione wanted to take a step away from him but she knew well enough it would only worsen her situation.
"I can't believe you really dared to return empty-handed," Draco hissed.
He kicked at the pack of cookies, making Hermione cringe in fright.
"I gave you an order, Penny!" Draco snarled, his voice shaking with his fury. "How dare you disobey?"
Hermione trembled all over as she peered up at his face. It was twisted by his anger.
"I would never… never disobey you," she hastily stuttered. "Please, I'm sorry. I tried my be-"
Again Hermione was interrupted. This time, though, Draco's hand was balled into a fist as it collided with her face. She cried in pain as she was flung down on the floor. A metallic taste in her mouth, Hermione felt blood running from the corner of her mouth. Her whole jaw ached horribly and she had to bite back her sobs.
"Lazy Mudblood!" Draco spat at her crumbled form hatefully.
He kicked her in the side, forcing a muffled moan from her. Then he just walked away. Hermione waited a few seconds before she dared to sit up. Her whole body shook and she still felt the blood running from her mouth. Raising a trembling hand, she wiped the blood away. Cautiously as not to draw attention to her, she scanned the room. Draco had flopped down on the couch and angrily flipped through his magazine. Hermione slowly tried to get up from the floor. Her side hurt a bit where he had kicked her and her jaw throbbed painfully, but it wasn't that bad. Hermione wiped the last rest of the blood from her face, then she limped over to the kitchenette where she started to prepare dinner.
†
Riddle raised his wand and brandished it. Bluish glowing runes appeared, hovering in the air. Another wave and the runes flew away. Riddle's cold eyes followed them until they disappeared between the trees. A sinister smile stretched his lips as he felt the runes humming strongly. Yes, Helena's last resting place was near-by. Riddle could feel Ravenclaw's magic reverberating in his runes.
He swirled his wand and the rune magic broke down. Raising his head, Riddle looked at the sky. The weak winter sun already disappeared behind the tree tops. Night was falling early at this time of the year. Riddle cursed under his breath. He would have to continue his search tomorrow. Ravenclaw's wards would be strengthened by the moon's presence, like all wards meant to hide or protect. They would grow stronger until they reached their height at witching hour.
A pity, Riddle thought as he let his eyes wander over the vicinity. He could almost smell the ancient magic in the air and itched to break it. Now that he had narrowed down its location, he would find the grave within the next days.
A dark snicker left Riddle. He grabbed his wand tightly and swirled on the spot. A few seconds of the dark pressure of apparition and he found himself standing right in front of the tent. Warm light was streaming from the entrance and softly fell on the snow. Riddle shivered slightly, only now realizing how very cold it was. He stepped over to the entrance and stomped his feet, freeing his boots from ice and snow, before he entered the tent. Soothing warmth hit him, almost making him sigh with relief. He shrugged his warm winter cloak from his shoulders, his thoughts still circling around all the possible protections that Ravenclaw could have used.
Before he could throw his cloak over the coat hook, the Mudblood appeared by his side and accepted the cloak from him. Riddle sneered in disgust down at the creature. He still wasn't used to have a Mudblood around and, frankly, the girl annoyed him greatly. After she carefully put his cloak away, the Mudblood threw him a frightened glance. Seeing the scowl on his face, she quickly hurried away.
All the better, Riddle thought irritably and stepped further into the room. His cold eyes landed on Draco. The other lounged on the sofa, flipping through a magazine, but now looked up.
"Tom, you are back late. Where have you been?"
Riddle narrowed his eyes as he heard the challenging tint in the other's voice. Despite how much the Mudblood's presence irked him, Draco was a lot worse with his constant nagging and nosiness.
"I don't think that's any of your concern," Riddle said, threat barely concealed.
Defiance burned up in Draco's eyes but then he seemed to remember whom he was talking with and acquiesced,
"No, of course not."
Riddle sneered at him. He regretted having taken Draco along. If it hadn't been for Draco's offer to pay for everything, Riddle would have never considered it. Sadly enough, using the floo for international travels was ridiculously expensive. A wave of anger hit Riddle as he was reminded of the pitifully small amount of gold which lay in his own vault at Gringotts'. It was an utter scandal that he, the Heir of Slytherin, had to accept charity from a Malfoy.
Pinching the bridge of his nose in annoyance, Riddle walked over to the kitchenette where the Mudblood was busy with making dinner. A cruel smile twisted up Riddle's lips as she fearfully shied away from him.
Useless creature.
He could see her trembling slightly as she stood before him, head bent. Riddle's hand twitched, tempted to pull his wand and give the Mudblood a real reason to tremble. He abstained, though. Still feeling chilled from the cold outside, Riddle ordered sharply,
"Make some tea."
Immediately the Mudblood bowed and whispered, "Right away, Master Riddle."
She turned and quickly rummaged through the cupboard, producing a box with tea leaves. Riddle lazily leaned against the counter and watched absentmindedly as the Mudblood waved her bright red wand to get the water boiling. She needed to repeat the spell a few times until it really worked. Riddle sneered disdainfully. That stupid Mudblood wasn't even able to perform the simplest of spells. Disgust crept over him as he observed the Mudblood putting the tea leaves in a pot, her hands shaking. Something like her had really dared to touch the Founders' book? That book was a lot more valuable than her miserable life. Riddle shook his head as he remembered her declaration of being able to read. He doubted it. She could probably spell her own name and that was about it.
Just stupidly stared at the pictures in the book, Riddle thought mockingly and a dark smirk curled his lips.
"Your tea, Master Riddle."
Riddle looked down at the Mudblood who offered him a cup on a saucer. Now that she stood in front of him, he indifferently noted that there was a dark bruise on her jaw. He accepted the cup before he sauntered over to the sitting area, not paying the Mudblood any more thought.
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It was the evening of the next day that Draco finally lost his temper. Hermione had seen the signs and known it was only a matter of time. She stood a little away from the sitting area and silently watched the two wizards.
"How long are we going to stay here?" Draco asked while he scanned Riddle.
Hermione could hear the demanding tinge in his voice, though Draco tried to hide it. Riddle shrugged dismissively.
"A few days."
"A few days?" Draco echoed, looking far from content.
Riddle had just returned from one of his mysterious excursions. Still, he hadn't told Draco a thing about the purpose of this journey. The whole day Hermione had watched Draco's anger build. Now he couldn't hold himself back any longer.
"Are you intending to just leave me in the dark about why exactly we are here?" Draco accused mordantly.
Riddle eyed the other's anger with interest, a small smirk curling his lips. Then he said calmly,
"Yes."
Draco bristled at the answer. Hermione could see the beginning of a temper tantrum. She was surprised that Draco could still hold himself back, but then again he always seemed to be afraid of Riddle. Well, she couldn't blame him for that, Hermione decided as she looked at the vile amusement flashing in Riddle's blue eyes.
"And you expect me to what?" Draco said through angrily clenched teeth. "Sit here and twiddle my thumbs?"
Riddle put his book down beside him on the couch before he lazily leaned back. The vicious smirk never left him as he said, harsh scorn hidden beneath silk,
"If I might suggest, you could revise for Transfiguration. I remember McGonagall being quite… upset with your performance during last class."
Hermione could practically see the anger radiating from Draco. "What the hell are you doing out there in the forest the whole day?"
Riddle just sat there, clearly amused by the other's lost temper and replied indifferently,
"Quite haughty of you to think I would confide in you, isn't it?"
Draco's face twisted into a snarl and he hissed scathingly, "So you dragged me to the middle of no-where for nothing?"
"No," Riddle replied, his controlled voice a complete contrast to Draco's. "I didn't drag you anywhere. You followed me like a lost puppy."
The smirk on Riddle's mouth widened into a mocking smile. Draco, temper flown out of the window, sprang up from the armchair.
"You know what?" he thundered. "I'm leaving!"
"By all means do," Riddle drawled loftily. "I'm certainly not holding you back."
The blond huffed irately while malicious amusement burned in Riddle's eyes.
"It's not like I wouldn't have anything better to do," Draco hissed, clearly fighting to keep himself from yelling and raging at Riddle. "I don't need to waste my time here."
'…waste my time with you.' hung in the air and finally the twisted amusement dropped from Riddle. A dangerous, dark expression took over. Suddenly his gaze seemed to be frozen over.
"You know, Malfoy." Riddle's velvety voice was now deathly cold. "I have half a mind to curse you now."
The hidden cruelly in Riddle's smooth voice made chills darting down Hermione's spine. Draco stiffened. Riddle's eyes glinted demonically as he scanned the other. Then he opened his mouth and whispered, sweet venom dripping from his words,
"Just last week I found this new spell and I've simply been dying to try it."
Draco blanched, all signs of anger having been replaced by fear. A frightening hunger warped Riddle's features as he stared at the blond. He looked like a predator, contemplating just how best to deal the deathblow.
"That spell latches on the victim's skin-" Riddle's voice was sickeningly sweet. "-and then melts it from the body. Quite the interesting concept, wouldn't you agree?"
Draco's eyes widened, fear wrapping around him mercilessly and he spluttered frantically,
"Y- yes… interesting. Hm…" He took a nervous step away from Riddle. "You know, actually… As tomorrow is Christmas, I kinda need to return home anyway… you know the dinner party my parents throw… Can't miss that."
Draco didn't even dare to make eye contact with Riddle as he continued,
"If you don't mind… I'll just leave you alone then. I don't want to disturb you any longer."
Riddle's eyes glinted with perverse amusement as he heard the other's fearful stutter.
"That would be appreciated," he said smilingly, his bland voice colliding with the dark threat in his frosty blue eyes.
With that he turned back to his book and paid no heed to Draco anymore. Hermione saw the blond releasing a breath of air. His hands shook as he walked over to his bed. Hastily, he pulled his clothes from the wardrobe and stuffed them into his bag. It didn't take him more than five minutes and he zipped his bag closed. With a last fearful glance at Riddle Draco quickly walked over to the fireplace, threw a handful of floo powder into it and stepped into the green flames.
"Rruga e Magjisë, Tirana," Draco whispered and disappeared from the tent.
Hermione stood stock still and watched with wide eyes as the green flames slowly turned back to orange.
Draco had left her here. With Riddle.
Hermione gulped as she looked at the wizard. He sat there on the sofa with his book in lap and looked like nothing had happened. What was wrong with the guy? One second he was dealing out death threats and the next he looked completely innocent. Hermione wished Draco had taken her along. As much as she detested the blond, at least he wasn't insane. Hermione shuffled nervously while she stared at Riddle. He was scaring her and she didn't want to be left alone with him.
Hermione didn't know how long Riddle read in his book. It felt like hours. During the time, she wondered miserably what was going to happen to her now. One of the scenarios she came up with included Riddle using that skin melting curse on her before he uncaringly dumped her dying body in the forest where it would rot. By far it was not the worst scenario she could come up with.
So as, finally, Riddle closed his book and got up from the couch, Hermione flinched fearfully. Seeing the movement, his steely blue eyes fell on her. Instantly a dangerous frown appeared on Riddle's face.
"You are still here," he commented coldly.
Hermione inclined her head and whispered shyly, "Yes, Master Riddle."
"Didn't you want to accompany Draco?"
"I… I think Master forgot me here," she told him frankly.
Her explanation was met with a scornful snicker. "He left you, did he?"
"Yes, Master Riddle."
Hermione peered at him. Riddle didn't look overly delighted with this turn of events. A completely mutual sentiment.
"Well," Riddle sighed. "Seems you have to stay with me then."
Oh, joy.
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Hermione stood in front of the kitchenette, a spatula in one hand and her red wand in the other, while she fried sausages for breakfast. Probably for the hundredth time within the last five minutes, she had to renew the heating charm. Hermione angrily waved her red wand, inwardly cursing its insufficiency. Even the simplest of spells were hard to channel through the recalcitrant wand. Carefully Hermione turned the sausages with the spatula, not daring to use two spells at the same time.
Useless wand might explode.
Hermione sighed softly. Although, really, she shouldn't complain. Surprisingly, living with Riddle wasn't as hellish as she had previously thought. True, he still treated her like vermin and she was horribly scared of him, but at least Riddle was gone for the most part of the day. As Draco wasn't there anymore, for those hours Hermione had the tent all to herself. Yesterday, she had even been bold enough to step into the bathroom and take a long hot shower. Quite the difference from her usual quick wash over the sink. A small smile flittered over Hermione's face and she subconsciously ran a hand through her soft hair. With Draco away, Hermione's workload was almost non-existent. She had nothing much to do besides cooking and occasionally cleaning. The rest of the time she had at her own disposal.
It had taken only two days and Hermione was bored out of her mind.
Wrinkling her nose, she placed the fried sausages on a plate and put them on the table before she fetched a pot of tea. Her little encyclopaedia of charms was no help against her boredom. She knew that book off by heart. Hermione was sorely tempted to try reading in Riddle's book again, but she was afraid he had woven wards over it.
The door to the bathroom opened and Hermione stiffened slightly as Riddle emerged. His thick black hair was slightly damp, a few stray wisps falling softly in his eyes. As usual, he looked quite sleek, wearing jeans and a dark blue jumper. Hermione averted her eyes from him and hurriedly placed a plate with fried egg on the table, before she took a step back. Riddle seemed to be deep in thought as he walked over to the table. Hermione shuddered slightly as he passed her. A wave of his scent hit her. He smelled quite pleasant. It was a mixture of shower gel and his cologne, unobtrusive and yet distinctly masculine.
"Get me some water," Riddle ordered harshly.
However handsome he looked, as soon as he opened his mouth the image was quickly destroyed. Like with all wizards, Hermione thought, hurriedly fetched him a glass of water and placed it in front of him on the table. While Riddle ate, she wondered what she would do with the rest of the day. Only now did she really appreciate her luck to be able to sneak into the Malfoys' library.
Hermione gnawed at her lower lip, while she watched Riddle. However sad it was, at the moment he was her only source of distraction. Hermione wondered what the wizard did whenever he left the tent. He was gone for hours at times. Was he still trying to find the grave of the mysterious Helena? If so, why did he want to see the grave? Was she someone Riddle knew? A family member? But then why was she buried in the middle of no-where in a forest?
Familiar curiosity was building up in Hermione. It was the same feeling whenever she opened a new book. The curiosity would not leave her again until she had finished the book and solved all its mysteries.
Hermione watched as Riddle stood from his place and fetched his warm winter cloak. She still gnawed her lip nervously as he, without another word, opened the door and stepped out of the tent. Destructive curiosity mounted up in Hermione and as it reached another peak, a frustrated growl left her.
What was he doing out there?
Not for the first time, curiosity won over instinct of self-preservation. Hermione knew it was a stupid idea, but she couldn't help it. She wrapped her thin black robe tightly around herself and stepped out of the tent. For once, the winter sun was not hidden behind grey clouds and shone down on her. Riddle was already gone but Hermione grinned down at the track he had left behind in the snow.
She followed the foot prints for a few metres until they abruptly ended. Obviously, Riddle had apparated. It wouldn't stop her though. Hermione pulled her red wand. Sure it was barely more than a stick of wood, but she could use it to apparate. Even more, it enabled her to always be able to apparate to her master's side. Admittedly, Draco wasn't around, but if Hermione tried hard enough, she was able to detect other wizards or witches around her. So, as she concentrated, she could feel a faint source of magic. Hermione smiled. It had to be Riddle.
Driven by her curiosity, Hermione swirled on the spot. She reappeared in the middle of the thick forest. Deliberately, she had apparated to a spot a bit away from Riddle. She didn't need him to see her. Cautiously, she began to wander into the forest, searching for Riddle. He had to be around here somewhere.
Hermione just snuck around an especially thick tree as suddenly a gruff hand closed around her shoulder. She gasped as she was turned around and violently slammed into the tree. Her blood froze over with fear as she found herself staring up into a pair of hard blue eyes. Riddle's piercing gaze cut into her, anger twisting his face. He opened his mouth and hissed darkly,
"Did you follow me?"
"…er…" Hermione mumbled fearfully. "…no?"
She cringed at her own very transparent lie. Predictably Riddle's expression grew even darker. Hermione bit her lip and stared up at him. By now the angry sheen in his eyes had turned into a raging firestorm. She could see how he clenched his jaw while he glared down at her. Quickly Hermione shied away from him, her heart thundering away in her chest. This was really bad. She stared up at Riddle with fear-widened eyes, fully expecting him to curse her. Already, his hand wandered to his robe pocket to pull his wand.
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Fear no more the lightning-flash,
Nor the all-dread thunder-stone;
Fear not slander, censure rash;
Thou hast finished joy and moan;
All lovers young, all lovers must
Consign to thee, and come to dust.
– William Shakespeare
(*1564 †1616)