Disclaimer in Chapter One.
Author's note: Not much to say this time. Hope you enjoy the new chapter ^^
Many many thanks to you reviewers! I'm so happy you guys wrote me a comment! XD
Cocoartist, tricy, Legolas's Mione0233, Kbcollegebound, Lady Riddle-Black, rati, TheEmoChick, Amorgen Lestrange, amyssiren, Jade Ice Fire, MommyHolly, Hunger Games Lov3r, jjang556, kraco, BeNeRre, violet sunny, sumthinblu, MuggleBornWY, Pinky Prattle, Morpheusandmuse, SanquisSerpent, DismalDreams, Shan84, QueenyT, Andy Black Riddle, 0, Alyette, MiraObMalfoy, Chelseabaabyox3, LittleHellCat, I Growl For Fun, XxTaintedxDaggerxX,sKyLaR KnIgHt, Ari Goddess of Night, alannalove1990, azulaiii, KamiaKeller, waterytart, hateme101, HereToRead84, 372259, KatyLies, trestreschic, LeeshiLou, BubbleGumLover, iregretit, Fruit Cereal, LilyGirl101, everlastingtrueromance, Iceagesurvivor123, Chelsea Di Marco Macbeth, Lilmissxx, Evadne Riddle-Malfoy, NYGEPyromaniac, Raven Black The Marauderette, EmeraldGoddess52, FiOnAFiO, The Spades Queen, Lady Whitlock, Brighteyes, Angellwriter, Chamilia Lutien Tinuviel, Vita Artista, SunMoon206, Cedarchip, Kayrose, AlwaysthereforTaraxx, JordanGoombette, BioHazardAddict, forbiddenluv, Rhen-chan, SAVAGEGRACEx, bluebyby, THESE VOICES WONT SHUT UP, AvoidedIsland, LoveNotes333, Karasu, hollanddj13, NorthernLights25, once and future, erinelle, SamarKanda, Dances-With-Pen, desirecullen, blank, Nero Basterdino, Ceralyn, vamp1987, whynot78, A J AL, Penmora Zenith, PintoNess, marieve
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Chapter Nine: But a Fool
Riddle's blue eyes wandered over the scene in front of him. The buildings stood so narrow, nearly no light reached the alley. A few steps away an old witch with an eye patch stood on the dirty cobblestones of the alley, selling human bones. An unconscious man lay in front of a shop, looking quite dead, while a ragged goblin went through the man's pockets. Riddle averted his gaze from Knockturn Alley and looked at Hermione. The little Mudblood blinked innocently up at him. He narrowed his eyes at her and ordered sharply,
"Stay close."
"Yes, Master Riddle," the girl quickly assured, bowing her head.
Not replying, Riddle grabbed her by the arm and dragged her down the alley. He couldn't wait to pay Borgin and Burkes a visit. As soon as his mother had told him about the whereabouts of the locket, Riddle had been more than glad to leave Little Hangleton behind. He still couldn't believe Merope had gone and sold Slytherin's locket.
And ridiculously cheap, too.
How could she sell one of Slytherin's heirlooms? Riddle had to grit his teeth as fury built up. And how dare Borgin cash in on Slytherin's property? It was a scandal. Riddle wished he could crucio the whole lot of them.
He was pulled from his bloodthirsty thoughts by a tug. Startled, Riddle looked down. His hand was still clenched around the Mudblood's arm. As his thoughts had drifted to his lost heirloom, his grip had grown vicelike and he had ruthlessly wrenched the girl after him. Now she had tripped and looked at him apologetically. Riddle didn't say anything, but loosened his grip and slowed his pace.
Hermione.
Riddle snickered inwardly. A rather melodious name for such a dirty little creature. His gaze again strayed down to her. The Mudblood was scanning the potions store they just passed. Curiosity glinted merrily in her brown eyes as she marvelled at the potion ingredients in the shop window. She didn't even notice the owner, standing in his shop's door, sleazy grin on his face, as he leered at her. Riddle glared at the balding man and pulled the Mudblood quickly away.
Why couldn't his idiot of a mother keep the locket? Riddle wondered angrily. Burke had surely sold it a long time ago. Now it was probably stacked away in some rich Pureblood's house, gathering dust, and Riddle would have to somehow 'procure' it.
What a hassle, he sighed inwardly.
Again Riddle contemplated Hermione. Maybe he could use her to solve his problem. She was rather talented with a wand, wasn't she? The Mudblood looked up at him, obviously having sensed his gaze on her. Timidly she chewed on her lower lip. Riddle smirked, pulled her closer to him and possessively ran his fingers through her soft curly hair. During their training sessions, he had realized that she indeed was a powerful creature. The only thing she truly lacked was a wand and… well, a Master able to put her powers to use.
Riddle snickered darkly.
No, Hermione wasn't so bad a name after all.
†
Riddle pulled Hermione through Knockturn Alley, his grip tight on her arm. She was disappointed they hadn't spent more time at Riddle manor. Hermione liked Merope a lot. Unfortunately, Riddle had been adamant to leave his parents' house as soon as possible. So now, instead of sitting in that cosy guest room, Hermione was dragged through a grubby side street of Knockturn Alley. She sighed softly and tried to keep up with Riddle's pace. They passed a woman wearing high heels and an incredibly short dress. As she saw Riddle the bored look dropped from her face and she sent him flirtatious looks and waved at him seductively. Hermione was secretly glad that Riddle completely ignored her.
A few steps further into the narrow alley stood a group of three men. They looked around suspiciously as a substantial amount of money changed hands. One of the men called out to Riddle,
"Hey, buddy."
As Riddle ignored him the guy asked, "You sellin'?"
To Hermione's horror, Riddle stopped and turned to the man. He now stood alone, the other two having drifted off into the twilight of Knockturn Alley. The man's greasy long hair was pulled back in a ponytail so it didn't fall into his tanned face. He flipped the butt of a cigarette carelessly on the floor as his eyes wandered interestedly from Riddle to Hermione. She stiffened as the man gave her a once-over before his eyes snapped back to Riddle.
"Fine piece o'ass." The man grinned dirtily. "I'd buy 'er."
A dark smirk playing around his lips, Riddle asked, "Well, how much are you offering?"
Hermione's eyes widened as she heard that. Then her whole body started to tremble. A greedy glint in his eyes, the disgusting man stepped closer to her. His eyes slowly raked over her body, lingering longer on her chest area. Hermione wanted to shy away, but she was too scared to do anything. Riddle wasn't selling her, was he? The man took another step towards her and Hermione caught a whiff of alcohol, cigarettes and bad breath. He reached out for her and grabbed her arm. Hermione was quaking in fear.
"Skinny bitch, eh?" the man grunted. His eyes wandered back to Riddle. "Shoulda fed 'er better."
Hermione heard Riddle chuckle softly, "I'm working on that." Then he said louder, "So, what's your offer?"
"Depends, buddy." The man winked in a disgusting way. "On whether tha's damaged goods or not. If ye get my drift. She still intact, I'll give ye a grand. How's that sound?"
Hermione's gaze shot to the scantily glad woman they had passed earlier. She didn't want to end up like that, walking the streets. Tears tingled in her eyes and her breath came quickened. After an agonizingly long moment, Riddle said airily,
"I think I'll keep her."
The man just shrugged. "Your loss. Should ye change ye mind, I'm 'ere."
Riddle continued his way down the street and Hermione hurried after him. She was still trembling all over. Did he plan to sell her? Was that maybe the whole reason they had come here? Tears almost rolled from Hermione's eyes. Riddle headed for one of the shops. 'Borgin and Burkes' said the sign. As he opened the door, Hermione didn't follow him. Hovering on the threshold, he turned around and looked at her expectantly.
"What are you waiting for? Come inside."
Hermione stared at him in confusion. She couldn't get into the shop. She wasn't allowed to. Riddle frowned at her in irritation then he ordered sharply,
"Get in!"
His blue eyes shortly wandered down the street from where they had come from.
"You are not going to stand around here alone."
No other option left, Hermione obeyed. The shop was dark and stuffy. Strange objects lay in various display cases. Riddle stepped over to the white-haired man standing behind the counter and asked him something. Hermione was so shaken, she didn't understand a word. She was only snapped out of her misery as Riddle bid good-bye to the old man.
"I thank you, Mr Burke," Riddle said blandly. "I'll present your compliments to Mrs Smith as soon as I visit her."
The white-haired man slightly inclined his head, his small sharp eyes never leaving Riddle. Riddle turned, grabbed Hermione's arm and pulled her out of the shop. She followed him, feeling like a lamb led to the slaughter. As Riddle dragged her along the alley, Hermione breathed in deeply, gathering courage.
"You can't sell me. I don't even belong to you."
Riddle stopped abruptly. Slowly he turned around to her. A grin adorned his features as he scanned Hermione. Strangely enough it wasn't one of his scary dark grins. He seemed to be genuinely amused.
"You have quite the attitude today."
Hermione stubbornly gritted her teeth and informed decisively, "You will not sell me. As soon as you try that, I'm going to run away."
Hermione expected anger or maybe even a curse after that daring statement, but Riddle just snickered. He mockingly raised his eyebrows at her and asked,
"Could you wait with the running away until after I get the money from selling you?"
Hermione just stared at him, flabbergasted. Riddle grinned as he mused, "Actually, if we arrange a meeting point, we could meet up after I get the money. Then we can go and sell you again, pulling the same stunt. I bet there's a lot of money in it."
Hermione stared at Riddle. Strangely her fear was driven away by that mischievous glint in his eyes.
"What kind of crazy plan is that?" she asked waspishly.
Riddle pursed his lips and baited, "We could split the money. How about 70:30?"
Hermione now openly scowled at him. "Why do you get more?"
He grinned at her playfully. "Well, it was my idea, wasn't it?"
After a moment of considering him, she admonished him sternly, "We are certainly not going to do that. It's fraud. "
"Okay okay," Riddle said, peering at her in amusement. "Just a thought."
Hermione threw him another suspicious glare, didn't deign him with an answer and continued her way down the alley. Riddle sauntered after her, smirk in place. Then he remarked placably,
"If it reassures you, I was just curious about your market value."
Hermione stopped and turned around to him, unsure. A wide smirk adorned his features as he purred,
"You are quite valuable, it seems."
Hermione just stared at him, not knowing what to say. Still grinning smugly, Riddle stepped closer to her.
"I bet you're worth more than a thousand," he continued. "That guy wanted to rip me off."
Content look on his face, Riddle reached into his cloak pocket and produced the familiar chestnut wand. He offered it to Hermione and said silkily,
"Here, take that as my amends."
Hermione blinked down at the wand as if she had never seen it before. He wanted her to keep it? Every rest of fear fell from her, replaced by tentative elation. Her gaze shot up to Riddle.
"C- can I really?"
Riddle rolled his eyes. "Don't make such a big deal out of it. You've used it daily anyway."
Hermione swallowed thickly. Then she ever so hesitantly reached out for the offered wand. Her magic leapt joyfully as her fingers curled around the smooth wood.
"Don't do anything stupid with it," warned Riddle.
Hermione looked up at him. He scanned her, one eyebrow arched elegantly. A big smile appeared on her face.
"Thank you."
†
Hermione felt almost faint from all her happiness. A constant smile danced around her lips as she felt the weight of the wand in her cloak pocket. Now she felt stupid for having thought Riddle would sell her away. Why would he give her a wand if he planned to do that?
Riddle maneuvered the happy Hermione through Knockturn Alley until he stopped, standing in front of a sleazy inn. Hermione gazed up at the sign. 'Broken Rabbit', it said. Underneath was an image of a white rabbit with one of his hind legs cut off, blood flowing freely. Hermione wrinkled her nose but followed Riddle inside. It was stuffy. Shady people sat at tables, hanging over glasses of Firewhiskey. They threw Riddle suspicious glances as he stalked over to the bar. The barman looked at Riddle through bloodshot eyes while he tried to rub a beer glass clean on the greasy apron hanging from his fat belly.
"I need a room," Riddle said in his silky voice.
The barman sniffed back snot before he informed gruffly, "The night's a Galleon and 7 Sickles."
Hermione barely stopped herself from lifting a surprised eyebrow. Well, that was rather cheap, wasn't it? Then again this pub didn't look half as good as the Leaky Cauldron. Hermione tensed as she noticed the barman scanning her indifferently.
"If ya servant stays, too, it's one Galleon and fifteen Sickles."
Instantly Riddle threw Hermione a glare as if it was her fault. She blinked at him innocently.
"Fine," he hissed at the barman.
Riddle turned and climbed the stairs to the guest rooms.
"Oi, where's me money?" the barman cried.
The other didn't even turn around but said languidly, "You'll get it when I leave."
The barman cursed under his breath but didn't try to stop Riddle. Hermione wanted to follow Riddle up the stairs but the barman's huge hand on her shoulder stopped her brusquely.
"You," he growled at her. "Dirty-bloods sleep down there."
With that he unceremoniously shoved Hermione towards a small door behind the bar's counter. She eyed the creaky door, covered in ominous dirt. Sighing inwardly, Hermione opened the door. A creaky worn out stair led down.
Perfect. Just perfect, she thought glumly as she descended the stairs and unenthusiastically stepped in a cellar room. Hermione spied bare concrete walls and a grime covered floor. She suppressed the need to gag as she took a tentative step in. The air hung rancidly in the room. A man stood in the corner right beside the door, swaying drunkenly, as he took a leak.
Hermione quickly walked away from him. The room was narrow but rather long. Many rusty old bed frames stood in rows along the walls. Thin, probably flea covered, mattresses lay on them. Most of the beds were occupied with people sleeping or just sitting around. A group of men sat in the aisle between the bed rows, immersed in a game of cards. They laughed drunkenly while sharing a bottle. Hermione cautiously stepped around them and towards an unoccupied bed. A harsh hand on her shoulder stopped her from sitting down.
"Hey, sister. 's mine. Keep the fuck away."
Hermione turned around to the speaker. It was a woman. A self-rolled cigarette hung from the corner of her mouth as she eyed Hermione disdainfully. Her hair was platinum blonde. Clearly it had been dyed, as the almost white colour clashed horribly with the woman's dark eyebrows. Her short, skin-tight dress was an alarming shade of pink and left little to the imagination.
"Bugger off!" the woman snapped hoarsely.
Another woman, sitting on a bed near-by and wearing an equally short dress, scorned, "What's up, Marth? Afraid of competition?"
"Shut up, you cunt," the first woman snapped.
With that the two women started a loud argument. In a safe distance to the angry women, Hermione spotted another free bed. She wanted to walk over there as her eyes drifted to the neighbouring bed. A man and a woman lay there, both naked, the dirty blanket having slipped off their heated bodies.
Not wanting to stand out any longer, Hermione uncomfortably sat down on the free bed. She tried to blend out the noises coming from the other bed, but was failing. The woman's high pitched squeals, were now and then accompanied by deep grunts coming from the man, the sound of skin slapping against skin and a thumbing as the bed was pounded into the wall.
Desperately trying to look somewhere else, Hermione gaze fell on a man lying on the bed opposite hers. Obviously excited with the interactions of the couple, the man's hand had disappeared in his pants and was engaged with a rubbing motion. Hermione jumped as his eyes flickered to her and raked over her appraisingly. He stretched his lips into a grin, showing his brown decaying teeth and threw Hermione a kiss, leering repulsively.
That's it, Hermione thought, shuddering. She grabbed the chestnut wand and plunged into apparition. Seconds later she reappeared in another room. It was rather small and the furniture was quite battered and worn. To Hermione it still looked like paradise. She exhaled slowly, glad to be away from that disgusting cellar room. She stiffened as the door to her right was opened and Riddle stepped out. His black hair was damp and he was wearing nothing but his boxers. Hermione stared at him with huge eyes. Although Riddle had a lithe form, he was in a sinewy way muscular. Hermione's gaze involuntarily wandered over his broad chest.
"Hermione?" Riddle furrowed his brow. "Where have you been?"
"Er…" she mumbled, hating how her face glowed with heat. "In the servants' quarters."
Before Riddle could say anything, she pleaded, "Can I stay here, Master Riddle? Please?"
He shrugged, ruffling his hair with a towel, and sat on the bed. Then he gestured at the bathroom door and said,
"I'm finished. You can use it now if you want."
†
Fifteen minutes later, Hermione stepped out of the bathroom, feeling loads better after her shower. She grinned contently because she had dared to use her new wand and had cast a drying spell on her hair.
The room she stepped in was dark; Riddle had gone to bed. Hermione tiptoed over the cold floor and sighed softly as she sank down by the foot of the bed. Her back rested against the bed frame and she tiredly closed her eyes. This was way better than being down there in that cellar room. At least here no-one leered at her while masturbating.
After all, Riddle is asleep…
Hermione almost laughed out loud at that thought. She tried to not choke on her laughter as suddenly Riddle's voice said tiredly,
"Are you again trying to sleep on the floor, Hermione?"
Hermione coughed, regaining her breath. Then she whispered in a strangled voice, "Erm… it's fine. Really."
There was silence, then a long suffering sigh. Sheets rustled before there was the padding of bare feet on the floor. Hermione jumped as she felt a hand closing around her arm. Gently Riddle pulled her from the floor. She didn't know what to do as he pushed her down on the bed, lay down next to her and pulled the blanket over both of them. Hermione tensed as she felt Riddle's warm body so close. Her breathing was fast and shallow.
After some time, during which Hermione hadn't dared to move a muscle, Riddle rolled onto his side, wrapped a sneaky arm around her waist and pulled her against him. As her back rested against his chest she noticed that he was still only wearing his boxers. Hermione was stiff as a board as she lay in Riddle's arms. He nestled his face into her curly hair and tightened his hold on her. She was now wide awake, her heart hammering away in her chest.
What's he trying to do? she wondered frantically.
It was then that she heard how soft and steady Riddle's breathing was. He had already fallen asleep. A small smile tucked at her lips and Hermione allowed herself to relax into his embrace.
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
The next day, Hermione sat cross-legged on the bed in the inn's small room. Her eyes were trained on a book about dark curses Riddle had lent her. She flipped to the next page and shuddered slightly.
Turns out that the skin-melting curse Riddle threatened Draco with really exists…
It was then that the door was opened and Riddle entered. Instantly Hermione shot up from the bed. She couldn't laze around with a wizard in the same room.
"Are you still reading?" Riddle grinned at her. "You are worse than me."
Hermione shyly peered at him. Still smirking, he walked over to her and took the book from her before he threw himself down on the bed. As Riddle's blue eyes flicked over the page Hermione had been reading he snickered maliciously,
"Oh, that curse."
Hermione looked down at him as he lounged on the bed. Since she had met Merope Riddle that damn curiosity had eaten away from her. Hermione couldn't hold back anymore and, into the silence, asked,
"Master Riddle?"
"Hm?"
"How come your mother was allowed to marry a Muggle?"
Abruptly Riddle sat up on the bed. His calm expression turned into anger and he hissed menacingly,
"Didn't I tell you never to speak of that?"
Hermione fearfully shied away from him but still mustered the courage to reply, "No. You said I should never tell anyone about it." She gestured at the empty room. "No-one here."
Riddle threw her a death glare. As Hermione didn't react to it at all, he sighed, "All these books make you too smart."
She grinned at him toothily.
"Why do you even want to know about my mother?" he grumbled, displeased.
Hermione shrugged and said frankly, "She just is an interesting woman."
Riddle narrowed his eyes at her in anger. "My mother-" He spat the word. "-is weak."
Hermione stared at him, brow furrowed. "I don't think so. She told me all about her time in London when she was pregnant with you. It wasn't easy for her but she never gave up."
Riddle shook his head, anger glinting in his blue eyes. Then he asked, asperity leaking from his tone,
"Did she also tell you how she almost is a Squib and how she lost even that pitiable amount of magic?"
Hermione tilted her head to the side and whispered, "No."
"As she fled to London," Riddle hissed. "She wasn't brave. She was stupid. Merope ran away from an uncomfortable situation without any plan in her mind. Just to end up in an even worse situation. My mother wouldn't have been able to protect anything, least of all me. That I survived was just coincidence. If anything, Merope nearly killed me with her stupidity."
"But, Master Riddle," said Hermione gently. "Everybody makes mistakes. I believe your mother tried her best. She really loves you."
"No, she doesn't," he sneered in disgust, then gestured at his face. "That's all she loves about me."
Before Hermione could reply anything Riddle continued, "Merope was and still is obsessed with my father. It's pathetic. He's a Muggle for God's sake and she's running after him."
At the mention of his father Hermione said cautiously, "It's probably not easy being a Halfblood. What with all the hiding."
Riddle glared daggers at her. She tried to not be affected and continued shakily, "I know the wizarding world doesn't really accept Halfbloods but no-one knows about you. So you are safe. And you still have both your parents."
"Joy," said Riddle dryly.
Hermione tilted her head and asked, "After your mother went to London how did she and your father end up together again?"
He looked at her for a moment, probably deciding whether to slap her for her insolence. In the end, Riddle replied curtly,
"My father went to London and took her back to Little Hangleton."
A smile appeared on Hermione's face. "See? He did want her back."
No," Riddle replied bitingly. "He did not. His parents forced him to do it. They probably thought that a child from a tramp is better than no heir at all. Or maybe they were afraid that Merope would sue for alimony. The scandal."
He sent her a brittle smile and added colourlessly, "Of course that was before anyone knew that I'm a wizard. I think she now regrets that she didn't immediately drown me."
Hermione vigorously she shook her head. "Your mother is very proud of you. The only thing she kept telling me about was you. You mean a lot to her."
Riddle looked at her. There was not even a hint of emotion on his face. Even his beautiful blue eyes were frozen over with a layer of ice.
"If Merope loves me so much-" Riddle said, hints of anger tinting his controlled voice. "-then why did she allow my father to put me…"
His voice fizzled out. Riddle's frosty eyes were still fixed on Hermione. His gaze weighted heavily on her but she didn't avoid it. Dark, malicious magic saturated the air around the wizard.
"Put you where?" Hermione prodded gingerly.
Abruptly Riddle stood up from the bed and towered over her menacingly. Hermione flinched away from him, convinced that she had now overstepped the line. He bared his teeth at her and snapped aggressively,
"None of your business."
A strand of Riddle's dark magic hit Hermione violently and hurled her down on the bed. Her head swirled. By the time she was able to sit up, Riddle had already left the room, ghosts of his furious magic still crackling in the air. Hermione quickly got up from the bed and hurried after him. She had to descent the stairs and leave the inn until she spotted Riddle stomping down Knockturn Alley. Hastily Hermione rushed after him. Without thinking, she reached out for him and grabbed his arm.
"I'm sorry."
Riddle's face was free of emotion as he gazed down at her. Traces of his angry magic still tickled all over Hermione's body. She looked up at him and said sincerely,
"I didn't mean to bring back bad memories."
Riddle's cold gaze was still directed at her. As he didn't react at all Hermione wondered if he wanted to be left alone. Just as she made to turn around, Riddle snickered.
"Bad memories?" Dark amusemend dripped from his tone. "You're really one of a kind, Hermione."
With that Riddle petted her head as if she were a cat. "Bless your simple mind."
Hermione narrowed her eyes as she spotted the teasing grin on his face. Just as she wanted to snap something in return a voice interrupted them.
"Tom?"
They both turned. Hermione drew in a sharp breath of air as she saw Bellatrix Black and Draco Malfoy walking towards them.
†
Riddle had to suppress a groan as he watched the two Slytherins walking towards him. A crazy glint was in Bellatrix' eyes as they raked over him.
Great. Just what I need.
Sure enough, Bellatrix snaked an arm around his waist and leaned into his side. She fluttered her eyelashes at him, a seductive smirk on her face. Riddle deftly stepped out of her grasp.
"How was Albania?" she asked sulkily.
Riddle shrugged. "Fine."
"Did you find what you were searching for," a composed voice prodded.
Riddle turned his eyes on the Malfoy heir. The blond looked back at him, nothing but polite interest on his face. Riddle smirked. As if Malfoy could fool him.
"Why, yes," he replied, his tone saccharine. "I did. Thanks for asking."
Riddle continued to fix Malfoy with an expectant look, daring him to probe further. He had to suppress the urge to snicker maliciously as Draco shied away from him.
Coward.
"Tooom," Bellatrix whined.
Still amused by Draco's failure, Riddle raised an eyebrow at Bellatrix. The witch flashed her white teeth at him.
"I was so booored," she sang.
She traced a long-nailed finger over his arm and looked up at him pleadingly.
"Promise that next semester we are going to do something."
Bellatrix stepped away from Riddle and twirled on the spot, her dark hair flying around her as she giggled wildly. Abruptly she stopped and stared at Riddle, her face an unreadable blank. Slowly, very slowly, her full lips curled up into a dangerous smirk. Then she informed him,
"Because you have always the best ideas, Riddle."
A solemn expression washed away her smirk. Stepping closer to him, the air of a mourning woman hovered around Bellatrix. Then she informed him gravely,
"My wand's all itchy."
Riddle snickered at her antics. He just wanted to reply something as Draco's sharp voice hissed,
"Penny?"
For a second Riddle was confused but then remembered Hermione's fake name. He turned his head and found the Mudblood bowing deeply while the Malfoy heir glowered at her darkly.
"Yes, Master?" she whispered, her voice suspiciously shaky.
Riddle furrowed his brow. Oddly enough, annoyance bubbled up in him as he watched her. The girl stood there, head bent, eyes downcast, and trembled slightly. Was she truly scared of Malfoy? If she pulled her wand, he would stand no chance.
"What are you doing here?" Draco snarled. "You should be back at the manor."
Riddle saw the Mudblood nodding quickly and she mumbled, "Yes, Master. I'm sorry."
Again that word. Riddle's annoyance turned into anger. He had to admit, it did sound quite delicious from her lips. But the fact it was directed at Draco Malfoy twisted the whole thing into something obscene.
Before Riddle could ponder that sentiment longer, Draco raised a hand and slapped Hermione around the face. Her head was thrown to the side, but she made no sound. Riddle had to close his eyes as his magic unexplicably decided to go berserk. It raged through him, seeking to find a way out. He almost lost control over it.
Strange.
†
There was a stinging pain in Hermione's cheek where Draco had slapped her. A harsh hand around her upper arm told her he wasn't yet finished with her. Brutally Draco pulled her closer, his fingers painfully biting in her arm.
"Did you think you could get away with shirking your duties and straying around like a street rat?"
Hermione shook her head. "No, Master."
"Damn right, you won't," Draco snapped furiously. "Just wait 'till we get back to the manor."
Hermione bit her lower lip hard to stop it from trembling. She had known she would get punished for staying away from Malfoy manor. Her stomach twisted into a painful knot. Through the corner of her eyes Hermione saw Draco again raising his hand, probably to emphasize his threat with another blow.
It hit her on the exact same spot and this time a soft whimper escaped her. Draco sent her an angry glare before he shooed her away with a wave of his hand. She stepped back as the blond returned to his conversation with Bellatrix and Riddle. Hermione put a hand over her stinging cheek, her cold fingers soothing on the burning skin. As she raised her head, her gaze immediately clashed with indifferent blue eyes. Riddle was staring at her, his frosty gaze steady and piercing. Embarrassed, Hermione's hand fell from her painful cheek. Riddle's dark gaze dropped to her left cheek, his face completely free of any emotion. Hermione averted her eyes and looked down at the floor.
"Where are you staying, Tom?" Hermione heard Bellatrix' sultry voice.
"At an inn," was Riddle's distanced reply.
Hermione could still feel his even stare on her.
"Oh, but why would you do that?" replied Bellatrix. "Really, you should stay with the Malfoys." She nudged Draco in his side. "Didn't you invite him? Where are your manners?"
An ingratiating smile twisted Draco's lips. "Of course, Tom. Stay with us until the start of term."
"You really should." Bellatrix grinned up at him. "I'm staying there myself."
"Yeah," scoffed Draco. "Because you are trying to escape your mother."
Wrath raged in Bellatrix' pretty eyes as she glowered at Draco threateningly. Unexpectedly she kicked him in the shin.
"Damn!" he yelped. "What's wrong with you?"
The witch did not reply but turned to Riddle. All fury was gone from her face and she simpered happily,
"You are coming with us, though, aren't you?"
Riddle looked down at her sceptically. "I suppose…"
A satisfied smirk stretched Bellatrix' lips. Hermione was surprised as she felt the urge to smile herself.
"Apparate us back," Draco's sharp order made her flinch.
Hermione's hand was halfway to her pocket as she remembered her lost red wand. Timidly she glanced at Draco and confessed,
"I lost my wand, Master."
Draco's eyes turned into dangerous slits. He opened his mouth to, no doubt, yell at Hermione as Bellatrix stepped in. Boredom dulled her eyes and she grabbed Draco's arm.
"Seriously, Draco," the witch mocked him mercilessly. "You need to learn how to apparate."
With a look of disgust on her face, Bellatrix grabbed Hermione by her shoulder. She threw Riddle a last seductive look and said,
"See you at the manor."
Then she pulled Draco and Hermione with her into Apparition.
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
An unpleasant amount of time later, Hermione slipped out of the parlour of Malfoy manor. She nursed a bleeding lip and quite a few bruises on her skin. The moment she had set foot in the manor, Draco had started to slap her around and aim a few curses at her. Still, all considered – Hermione reasoned as she wiped the blood from her chin – it could have been worse. Nothing was broken and she could still walk. Sure that stinging hex had hit her knee and she had to limp down the hallway but Draco had been quite lenient. He'd probably been distracted by the headache he got from Bellatrix' endless blether about Riddle. Hermione chuckled softly. On this one point, she had to concur with Bellatrix. Hermione, too, was glad that Riddle stayed at Malfoy manor.
Her knee throbbed painfully as she finally reached the kitchen. She opened the door and was greeted by the familiar smells and the pleasant warmth of the kitchen.
"Penny," a voice called out.
Hermione turned and smiled as she saw Maggie walking towards her. A motherly smile was on the plump woman's face as she wiped her hands on her apron before she hugged Hermione tightly.
"Oh, dear. I've been worried about you," Maggie said, kissing Hermione's forehead. "When Draco returned without you…"
She held Hermione at arm's length and eyed her in worry. "You seem alright."
Hermione smiled and reassured, "I'm fine. Really. Nothing broken. Everything's fine."
A relieved smile widened Maggie's lips. She ushered Hermione over to a bench and sat her down.
"I'll get you something for that lip," she promised before she scurried away.
While Hermione waited, Sam hurried past her, carrying a spade over his shoulder. As he spotted Hermione he beamed at her and ruffled her hear affectionately.
"Glad to have you back," he said breathlessly.
Then he left in a hurry. Maggie returned with a dish towel filled with ice in her hand. She handed it to Hermione who instantly pressed it against her aching lip.
"Thank you," sighed Hermione gratefully.
"Not a problem, sweetie," said Maggie. "Now you stay here and rest. You can tell me all about your adventures later, when I'm finished with making dinner."
She winked at Hermione before she returned to her pots and pans. It wasn't long and someone plopped down on the bench beside Hermione. A radiating smile on her face, Minky scanned her long lost friend.
"So?" she finally said. "How was your little trip?"
"Fabulous," Hermione declared, fake-pompousness in her voice. "Quite fabulous, my dear."
Both girls broke down in giggles. Minky gasped for air,
"Ah. It's so good to have you back, Penny." Then she said conspiratorially, "You know, after Draco returned alone, I really thought you took my advice."
Hermione furrowed her brow. "What advice?"
Minky good-naturedly clapped her on the back. "To run away, Penny. Remember? I told you to run away from Draco and hide in Albania."
Hermione giggled and Minky added, "Didn't work out, did it? What happened? Did they catch you?"
Still smiling amused, Hermione shook her head. "I didn't run away. Draco and Riddle got into a fight. Draco left in a huff and forgot about me."
"Oh," made Minky. "That totally sounds like something he would do."
Hermione twisted her face and nodded. Minky shrugged and asked, "How was it with that other guy then? Did he treat you okay?"
Images of Riddle shot through Hermione's head. She saw him smiling at her, him snaking an arm around her waist… him kissing her. Suddenly Hermione had to fight against a blush on her face and a painfully hollow feeling in her chest. She hadn't seen Riddle since they had parted in Knockturn Alley.
"Yes," Hermione replied dully.
Minky's gaze wandered over her curly-haired friend then she whispered, her tone uncharacteristically serious, "I was really worried, you know. All of us. We thought Draco had- We thought you were…"
Minky didn't finish the sentence. She breathed in deeply, then the customary smile returned to her face and she said heartily,
"But now that you are back, I'm sure you won't mind helping me with cleaning all the windows in the first floor."
Hermione threw a mischievous smile at her friend and complained teasingly, "What? You want me to work already? I thought I could laze around a bit. You are a slave driver."
Minky blinked at Hermione for a second. Then a grin stretched her lips and she giggled.
"Ah, shut up, Penny."
She offered Hermione a hand and pulled her up from the bench. Minky didn't let go of Hermione's hand but held it tightly and whispered,
"It's good to have you back."
†
"So, they really went into a Muggle pub, did they?" Minky asked disbelievingly as she carefully folded one of Narcissa's silk blouses.
Hermione nodded amusedly. "Yeah. Though Draco didn't like that one bit."
Minky giggled cheerfully and remarked sardonically, "I can't imagine."
Hermione grabbed a jeans, folded it and put it away while she told Minky smilingly, "It was a nice pub, though."
The other girl grinned at Hermione and commented dryly, "So, you spent your time in Albania in pubs, did you?"
"No," Hermione laughed. "We actually had this tent and we wen-"
She was interrupted by Maggie's voice drifting into the laundry room, "It's right in here, Master Riddle."
Hermione's eyes widened in surprise and Minky beside her tensed. Not a second later, the door was opened and none other than Riddle himself stepped into the laundry room, trademark smirk hovering around his mouth. Hermione stared at him. Shiny dark hair, chiselled face and beautiful ice blue eyes, Riddle was handsome as ever. Her stomach tingled strangely and a wave of relief hit Hermione as her eyes wandered over Riddle.
Through the corner of her eyes, she saw Minky bowing, a surprised look on her face. Well, it wasn't often a wizard came down here. Actually never. Hermione quickly bowed as well as Riddle strode over to her with an amused glint in his eyes.
"How can I help you, Master Riddle?" Hermione asked softly
The moment she raised her face at him, a sharp frown appeared on Riddle's forehead. Minky beside her was shuffling nervously, also having spotted the wizard's anger. Riddle took a step towards Hermione and inquired darkly,
"What happened to your face?"
She blinked at him in surprise. Hermione had somehow managed to completely forget about her burst lip and the bruises.
"Master saw fit to punish me," she mumbled.
"I see," Riddle said icily.
Hermione shifted uncomfortably as he glared at her for a moment. Then his penetrating gaze left her and took in the room.
"What are you doing?" Riddle inquired, his voice no longer harsh.
Hermione raised her eyebrows at him. "The laundry?"
Minky, who still bowed, cringed at the flippant tone her friend used with Riddle. The wizard, on the other hand, just chuckled.
"Hm, laundry day… Is that why you are running around in those rags?"
Hermione frowned and looked down at herself. Once again, she was wearing a shapeless white cotton dress. She already missed the clothes Riddle had given her. Sadly the Malfoys wouldn't allow her to wear them.
"I'm not quite sure what that is," Riddle declared arrogantly as he tugged at Hermione's dress. "Bedsheet?"
A small smile timidly tugged at Hermione's lips as she spotted the playful glint in Riddle's eyes. She even dared to lightly tease him back,
"Well, if it's such an eyesore, maybe I could wear some of your clothes?"
Riddle smirked at her. Panic, though, appeared in Minky's eyes as she heard Hermione mocking a wizard. Frantically, she tugged at Hermione's sleeve to warn her. Riddle sauntered over to the second door in the laundry room and grabbed the handle.
"What's behind this?"
Before Hermione could even open her mouth, Minky piped in, fear wrapped around her words, "The servants' quarters, Master Riddle."
"Hm," made Riddle.
He opened the door and stepped into the room behind. Meanwhile Minky turned to Hermione and shook her by the shoulders.
"Are you crazy?" she mouthed frantically.
Hermione frowned in confusion. "Why?"
"Because you're diggin' your own-"
Riddle's voice cut over Minky's reply, "Hermione? Get over here. You can at least show me around."
Minky's grip on Hermione's shoulders tightened before she shoved her friend over to the door while whispering, panicky,
"Don't do anything stupid, Penny. Please!"
†
Riddle wrinkled his nose in distaste as he took in the room. Stuffy, dark, bare walls and no windows whatsoever. A couple of pathetic cots were the only furniture. This was a far cry from Riddle's lush guest room. He turned around and watched in amusement as the Mudblood scurried over to him, her brown eyes searchingly wandering over him.
"Well?" he prompted. "Which one is yours?"
The Mudblood spluttered, unable to form any reply. Riddle snickered. She was rather entertaining, wasn't she? he decided as she indicated towards one of the cots, face red with embarrassment. He stepped over to it and observed Hermione's… well, 'living space' doesn't quite put it, he thought in disgust. The bed was small, the mattress thin and the blanket full of holes. Still, the bed was made quite meticulously. Grinning slightly, Riddle sat down. It was then that he spotted a stack of clothes, hidden away under the pillow. His grin widened and he looked up at the girl.
"You've kept them after all," he commented, reaching for the green pullover.
The Mudblood stood a step away from him and looked at him with guarded eyes.
"Do you want them back?" she asked reluctantly.
"No." Riddle patted on the bed beside him and ordered, "Sit down."
He smirked as the little Mudblood instantly obeyed him. She twisted her hands in her lap and looked quite nervous.
"So, are you glad to be back at Malfoy manor?" Riddle asked nonchalantly.
"Er…" Hermione stuttered, obviously preparing to lie. "Y-yes. Of course."
Pathetic. He really needed to teach her how to deceive properly. Anyway, her opinion hardly mattered. Riddle had already determined that leaving the Mudblood at Malfoy manor would be a waste. If used properly, Hermione would be very beneficial to his plans. Inwardly Riddle smirked. Outwardly, he presented the little Mudblood with a charming smile.
"You know," he told her innocently. "I'll be leaving in three days. School starts again."
†
Hermione ignored the sharp jap in her chest and replied, "I know. Master will leave as well."
Shortly she hesitated but then dared to ask, "How is Hogwarts?"
"It's quite nice," Riddle replied. Then he smirked and added slyly, "Of course only if you get sorted into Slytherin house."
"Is it the best house?" Hermione asked curiously.
"By far," Riddle nodded. "Ravenclaw is pretty decent, I guess. But Hufflepuff? Please." He rolled his eyes. "Even worse is Gryffindor, though. They are all dunderheads."
"And you get sorted in first year?"
"Yes," said Riddle idly. "Right after you arrive at Hogwarts. There's even a ceremony involved. Rather posh if you ask me. But the food is good."
"What do you-?"
Hermione didn't dare to finish her question. Riddle cocked a questioning eyebrow, prompting her to continue. She swallowed nervously and fiddled with a strand of her curly hair. Then she breathed in deeply and asked cautiously,
"If I'd have gone to Hogwarts, what do you think my house would have been?"
"Hmm…"
Hermione tensed as she saw a frown on Riddle's face but then he said, obviously not insulted by the notion of a Mudblood at Hogwarts,
"Definitely not Slytherin."
Hermione's face fell.
"You are too honest and innocent to survive there. Not Hufflepuff either. Too smart for them. I don't know. Maybe Ravenclaw? I mean they are all obnoxious know-it-alls…" Riddle smiled at her innocently before he added, "Then again so are you."
Hermione blushed fiercely at that. Riddle grinned smugly.
"Maybe even Gryffindor?" he suggested teasingly. "You have rather the hot temper, haven't you?"
She averted her eyes. After a while she peered up at him and whispered softly, "I wish I could see Hogwarts."
"Well, there are a lot of Mudbloods working in the castle," Riddle said contemplatively. "Maybe you get lucky and the Malfoys sell you to Hogwarts."
With that Hermione's bubble burst, stabbed by a needle of reality. Her heart clenched painfully but she didn't want to investigate that numb feeling closer.
"Yes, maybe," she said, her voice hollow.
A strangely calculating glint appeared in Riddle's eyes as he heard that defeated tinge in her voice. He slipped closer to her on the bed and suggested,
"Or I could take you with me to Hogwarts."
Hermione raised her eyebrows, confused by his suggestion. Riddle's blue eyes were still fixed on her. They were unreadable. A sharp contrast to that welcoming smile on his lips.
"Draco abandoned you back in Albania, didn't he? So, technically you are mine now," Riddle elaborated silkily and her eyes widened at this notion. "I'm sure they would let me keep you at Hogwarts. I'm Head Boy after all."
"I- I'm yours?" Hermione stuttered.
Riddle shrugged lightly. "I think so."
"But- but Master won't let me go… He'll demand me back," Hermione said, not able to wrap her head around the concept of being able to escape Draco.
"'Master'…" Riddle whispered softly.
He chuckled sinisterly, making chills running down Hermione's spine. His eyes snapped at her and he said, twisted mirth in his voice,
"I don't think Draco can demand anything of me."
Hope swelled up in Hermione and she asked incredulously, "And you would take me with you to Hogwarts?"
"Sure," Riddle replied casually, his cold eyes flashing at her. "If you want to."
Hermione never had anyone giving her a choice… asking for her opinion. A smile grew on her face until she was positively beaming at Riddle.
"Yes, Master," she gushed enthusiastically.
Something burned up in Riddle's blue eyes as he heard her new title for him. He snickered while studying the elation on her face. Hermione knit her brow but was too happy at the prospect of going to Hogwarts to ponder the strange look on his face.
"Is it really okay for the Head Boy to have a personal Mudblood?"
"I'm not entirely sure," Riddle replied. "But don't worry I've Dippet wrapped around my finger so it shouldn't be a problem." As he saw her confused look he added, "Dippet's the Headmaster."
Before Hermione could say anything more, a nasty smirk grew on Riddle's face. His eyes greedily wandered over her as he pulled his wand.
"Now," he declared darkly. "Let's break your bond with the Malfoy family."
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
'If thou to be a slave shouldst will,
Thou'lt get no pity, but fare ill;
And if a master thou wouldst be,
The world will view it angrily;
And if in status quo thou stay,
That thou art but a fool, they'll say'
– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
(*1749 †1832)