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Chapter Fourteen: Foaming Oceans
Riddle leisurely strolled through an abandoned corridor in direction of the Slytherin common room. As he turned the next corner he spotted Hermione. With her back to him, she walked down the hallway. Her steps were hesitant, telling Riddle that she was very much lost.
A vicious smirk curled his lips as Riddle eyed his Mudblood. Stealthily he crept up on her. Hermione still hadn't noticed his presence, too preoccupied with finding her way out of the dungeons. Riddle snickered inwardly. As he reached her he wrapped an arm around her waist, pressing her back into his chest, and pushed her into a small alcove which was hidden behind a tapestry. Hermione gasped as Riddle forced her into the alcove. She immediately began to fight against his arms around her. He smirked as he saw how she reached for her robe pocket, presumably to pull her wand. Good girl. Before she managed to get to her wand, Riddle bent down to her and whispered into her ear,
"Look at that. If it isn't my favourite Mudblood."
Smugly Riddle noted how Hermione ceased all attempts to escape after she recognised his voice. She craned her neck so she could look behind her.
"Tom?"
He smirked down at her wide eyes. With a slick move he twirled her around so he could press her into the wall behind her. Hermione gasped softly at the movement, but didn't try to get away or stop him in any way. A predatory glint burned in Riddle's eyes as he inquired casually,
"What are you doing in this part of the castle?"
Hermione squirmed under his penetrating stare. Riddle pushed his body closer to her, pinning her against the wall.
"I… I got lost," stammered his Mudblood.
Riddle snickered maliciously and skimmed his fingers over her flushed cheek. He was so close to her, he could feel her chest moving against his with her rapid breathing. Having her body so close made memories of the previous day boil up in Riddle. He had completely enjoyed the feeling of his fingers touching her bare skin and Hermione had reacted so deliciously to his ministrations. The sight of her body thrashing and twitching in the throes of passion had been quite lovely. The smirk on Riddle's face widened.
"You got lost?" he whispered seductively. "Well, aren't you lucky that I should find you?"
Before she could reply, Riddle bent down to her and captured her mouth in a kiss. He could feel her lips trembling in surprise as he nipped at them demandingly. Not waiting for her to adapt, he plunged his tongue in her mouth, engaging her in a fierce kiss. His hands skimmed down the sides of her body and he wished he could just rip those clothes from her body and take her right against the wall.
Riddle ended the kiss before he lost all self-control. Hermione tilted up her head and eyed him in a flustered state. Her gaze held a hint of innocence that simultaneously made Riddle want to destroy and cherish it. He decided against both – for now – and instead leered down at Hermione.
"Hm," he purred and twirled a lock of her hair around his finger. "I think it's only fair you paid me back for yesterday."
He rubbed himself against her and a twisted smirk begged to take shape on his face as he saw her eyes widen comically with realisation. Instantly her face turned a deep red and she mumbled nervously,
"That… that… I…"
Riddle snickered as he saw her blinking up at him rapidly. Only as he spotted apprehension seeping into her gaze, did he reluctantly decide to take pity on her. He took a step back, granting her more freedom.
"Don't worry. I'm not going to ravish you in an empty corridor."
An evil smirk took form on his face. His blue eyes wandered over her body possessively and he whispered,
"Although it is tempting."
A pink hue still coloured her cheeks as Riddle grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her out of the alcove. Smug smile adorning his face, he led her down the corridor. Just a few steps away from the Slytherin common room, the Grey Lady calmly floated through the hallway. Riddle greeted her politely, but Helena didn't reply anything. Usually the ghost was quite fond of him. Now, though, she only had eyes for Hermione. An angry spark blazed in Helena's lifeless eyes as she glared at the Mudblood.
"You again!"
Hermione flinched as the spectre hissed at her. Riddle was confused by the ghost's hostility.
"I am sorry," the Mudblood whispered submissively,
It didn't assuage Helena at all. Riddle had never seen such a stormy look on the ghost's pale features. Ravenclaw's daughter was usually sickeningly sweet-tempered. Now, though, rage seeped from her in destructive waves, making the torches near-by flicker dangerously.
"It is no surprise, is it?" Helena spat at Hermione. "That I should encounter you in his realm."
Riddle tilted his head to the side as he scanned the furious ghost. His realm? A subtle glance at Hermione told him that she was confused as well.
"I- I'm sorry," the Mudblood again whispered.
Helena floated closer to Hermione, making the girl wince. Then the ghost whispered venomously,
"Tell him that nothing he can do will prevent me from getting my revenge."
With that said, the Grey Lady rushed away. Riddle's icy blue eyes followed the ghost's silvery shine until it disappeared in the dungeons' darkness.
"Well," Riddle mused lightly, eyeing a shaken Hermione. "That was strange."
He grabbed the Mudblood's hand and pulled her away.
"Do you know her?"
Hermione shook her head and confessed shakily, "I only met her once. And she got really mad at me."
Riddle cocked a curious eyebrow. "What did you do?"
"Nothing," she quickly assured. "Do you know who she is?"
"That's the house ghost of Ravenclaw." A smirk slid on his face and he added innocently, "She's called the Grey Lady."
That made Hermione's brow furrow with concentration. "Grey Lady…?"
She pondered it for a moment, then her eyes flew up to Riddle and she exclaimed, "T- that's her, isn't it? Helena. Back in Albania, she was the statue on the coff-"
The rest of her revelation was cut short as Riddle pressed his hand over her mouth.
"Keep your voice down," he ordered caustically. "You don't need to advertise that we actually found Helena's lost grave. So shut it."
"I'm sorry, Tom," the Mudblood apologized immediately.
Riddle was sure she would have bowed to him, too, if he hadn't grabbed her by the shoulder. He rolled his eyes. Sometimes dealing with her was rather tedious.
"Where are we going?" Hermione asked after a moment.
Thankfully the fearful stutter had left her voice by not. Riddle glanced at her and replied curtly,
"The Slytherin common room."
"Why?"
Riddle tiredly rubbed the bridge of his nose and explained, "I may be Head Boy, but I can still spend time in the Slytherin common room."
"Sure." Hermione pursed her lips. "Why do I have to come? I'm no Slytherin."
Riddle arched an elegant eyebrow and asked provocatively, "Why, I thought you enjoy spending time with me."
He threw her a suggestive look which made her blush rather deliciously. Then she spluttered,
"I… I do."
"Thought so," purred Riddle, satisfied.
†
The Slytherin common room was intimidating. Hermione didn't know whether it was the cold colour scheme of blacks and greens or the tense atmosphere with all the people staring at her. In any way, she felt uncomfortable and longingly glanced at the exit door.
Since Hermione had arrived at Hogwarts, the Slytherins had, although knowing she was Riddle's girlfriend, more or less ignored her. That had changed now. With cold interest they assessed her from afar. If Hermione had to guess, the cause for their sudden interest in her person was her duel with the Head Boy yesterday. It certainly had boosted her popularity with the Gryffindors. Maybe it had influenced the Slytherins as well.
Hermione shifted nervously on the comfortable leather couch. To her great discomfort Draco Malfoy sat directly beside her on the sofa. Luckily Riddle was seated on an armchair not far away. His other friends lounged on sofas and chairs around him. At least Riddle's presence stopped anyone else from approaching her. Hermione had noticed that before. Obviously Riddle inspired reverence in other students. It was probably because he was Head Boy.
Hermione's hand had absentmindedly wandered to her wand in her pocket. Her fingers skimmed over the smooth wood and her thoughts travelled back to Helena. Why was the ghost so hostile? Her anger must somehow be linked to that wand, Hermione mused. She had found that wand right beside Helena's grave. Maybe it had been the ghosts own wand and now the woman thought it was thievery.
"Here's the list of the caterers for the soiree," said Draco's snobbish voice,
Curiously, Hermione watched the blond handing Riddle an envelope. Riddle accepted the envelope but didn't open it and slipped it into his robe pocket. Draco observed him through his grey eyes and supplied fastidiously,
"Why do you even want to know that? I could ask father to get you an invitation if you are so interested…"
Riddle didn't reply but drowned him in an icy look. Cautiously, the blond leaned a bit closer to Riddle. Then he spoke in a low voice, ingratiating smile on his face,
"To get back to the Mudblood issue… I really do need her back."
Riddle merely arched an elegant eyebrow as if to ask how that was his problem. Draco groaned softly as he saw it.
"Come on," he said, pleading tinge to his voice. "You're not even using her right now. Why can't you just return Penny to me? My father's really cross with me for losing her. He already threatened to dock my allowance."
Hermione sat stock-still as she heard it, almost suffocating in silence. They were talking about her! She couldn't help but stare at Riddle, praying he wouldn't give in to Draco. Riddle merely gazed at the blond, boredom dulling his eyes.
"I told you before," he said silkily. "The Mudblood's mine. She is bound to me now."
"Tom, please," Draco whined. "That bond can be easily switched back to me. Father is really giving me hell about this. He paid a lot for Penny. I… I can give you something else in return. But I really need the Mudblood."
A shadow of anger crossed Tom's blue eyes. Then he hissed, a tone of finality in his sharp voice,
"I said no."
Hermione nervously peered at Draco and knew he hadn't given up on the topic yet. Before he could start again, the entrance to the common room opened and Hermione was almost glad to see Bellatrix Black. A happy smile madly danced around her full lips as Bellatrix crossed the room. She plopped down on the arm rest of Riddle's chair and grinned down at him.
"You wouldn't believe, Tom," Bellatrix giggled, her eyes flashing disturbingly. "If you use a Petrificus Totalus on someone and then hit them with the Babbling Curse, they will actually chew on their own tongue, trying to get a word out."
Bellatrix cackled evilly and leaned comfortably against Riddle's chair while eyeing the wizard.
"I just did that to a Hufflepuff second year," Bellatrix boasted proudly. "The idiot almost bit his tongue off. Rather lots of blood. You would have liked it, Riddle."
Evan Rosier, a rather tall, muscular boy with dark blond hair, looked up from his Quidditch magazine. He eyed Bellatrix and asked, unfazed by those gory details,
"How come you didn't get expelled?"
An insane glint appeared in Bellatrix dark eyes and her lips twisted into a wide smile. She just wanted to reply as her gaze shortly skimmed over to Hermione. Instantly the mischievous conduct left Bellatrix completely. She shot up from her seat and glared daggers at Hermione.
"What is the Gryffindor doing here?" Bellatrix snapped dangerously.
Fury burning in her eyes, she looked at Riddle. He merely raised an eyebrow and informed her languidly,
"I invited her."
Bellatrix' eyes narrowed to furious slits as they rested on Hermione. Hermione tensed as the witch's dark gaze wandered over her. Finally Bellatrix bared her teeth and sneered,
"She is a disturbance."
"Well, she is my girlfriend," was Riddle's calm reply.
Bellatrix spun around. The previous fury suddenly dropped from her pretty face. She smiled at Riddle sweetly and suggested in a saccharine voice,
"I didn't realize we could invite fuck-buddies."
Riddle's frosty eyes narrowed at Bellatrix and he said, a dangerous tint hidden in his tone,
"I beg your pardon?"
Mock surprise spread all over Bellatrix' face and she theatrically grabbed her chest.
"Don't tell me you haven't tapped her yet!" An evil smirk slowly twisted Bellatrix' lips upwards as she said ominously, "If you don't want her, give her to me."
Riddle calmly scanned Bellatrix through his icy blue eyes. Slowly a cruel smirk stretched his lips and he suggested,
"If you want a plaything, go and find your own. I don't like sharing."
Bellatrix pursed her lips sullenly. Surprisingly it was Dolohov who spoke next. Evil smirk in place, he suggested innocently,
"Hm, Bellatrix. Didn't you see that duel yesterday? The Gryffindor might be too much for you to handle."
Unbridled anger burned up in Bellatrix' dark eyes as she glowered at Dolohov's grinning face. Already her hand wandered to her robe pocket. Before she could pull her wand, though, Riddle's cold voice stopped her,
"Enough."
There was not even a hint of anger or any emotion on his blank face as he scanned Bellatrix and Dolohov. Still, both of them squirmed uncomfortably under his gaze. Finally Riddle supplied, his voice unmistakably an order,
"Now that we are all gathered, it's time to take this to somewhere more private."
Immediately everyone stood up, ready to follow him. Gracefully Riddle got up from his arm chair. His deep blue eyes shortly came to rest on Hermione. She peered at him timidly.
"Regulus?" said Riddle sharply.
The boy, who stood at the back of the group, tensed and stared at Riddle. Riddle eyed him coldly before he ordered imperiously,
"Escort Hermione to the Great Hall. It's almost time for dinner."
Regulus inclined his head and muttered, "Of course, Tom."
Riddle didn't reply but instead stepped over to Hermione. Cautiously she looked up at him.
"Hermione, you go with Regulus," Riddle's voice was still commanding but the coldness had melted from it. "I'll see you after dinner in the Heads' chambers."
"Er… It's Friday," whispered Hermione tentatively. "I… Today's that party. You remember?"
Riddle frowned but then nodded. He bent down and placed a soft kiss on her cheek.
"I expect you to be back by eleven," he reminded sternly.
"Yes, Tom."
†
Hermione threw a look at the boy walking beside her. Regulus Black. He was rather small and quite lanky. Still, with his shiny black hair, fine features and the shy smile, he looked cute.
He somehow didn't fit into Riddle's group of friends. Not when people like Dolohov or Rosier, with the tall physique of Quidditch players, were part of the same group. Regulus didn't have the snobbish conduct of Draco or Bellatrix' violent madness either. It made Hermione wonder how he had started to be friends with Riddle.
"I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed that duel yesterday, Ms Rookwood." Regulus smiled at her shyly. "It really was a surprise."
Not being used to taking compliments, Hermione blushed and mumbled, "Thank you. But I kinda lost anyway."
Regulus raised his eyebrows. "I don't think so. At the very least it was a draw. Even Lupin congratulated you. Not something he does very often."
"Maybe. But Tom disarmed me. So he won."
"You should know, Ms Rookwood," Regulus said as they climbed a flight of stairs to leave the dungeons. "When Tom duels, his opponents usually don't last longer than a few seconds. Before you turned up in DADA, he was undefeated."
Hermione creased her brow as she looked at Regulus. Then she said ruefully, "Still, I shouldn't have attacked him like that… I mean, physically."
The Slytherin chuckled softly. "It actually was kind of refreshing to see him struggling for once."
A small smile appeared on Hermione's face. It was strange how relaxed she felt in Regulus' presence. Aside from Riddle, there weren't many wizards Hermione felt so calm. Maybe there was a reason those two were friends after all.
"You shouldn't say something like that," Hermione teased gently. "After all Tom's your friend."
With that, the smile dropped from Regulus' face. Instead he threw her a searching look.
"Yes," Regulus whispered in a sombre tone. "…my friend."
Before Hermione could question his suddenly glum mood, Regulus flashed her a smile and asked, his voice once again amiable,
"Boyfriend aside, how do you like Hogwarts so far?"
Hermione was bewildered by strange behaviour but replied anyway, "It's wonderful."
"You were home-schooled before?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes. But Hogwarts is way better."
"I see." Regulus sent her a warm smile. "Which one is your favourite class so far?"
A wide smile appeared on Hermione's face. For the rest of their journey to the Great Hall, she couldn't stop to ramble about all her classes and how enjoyable they were. It became quickly clear that she couldn't name only one favourite. Regulus smiled as he listened to Hermione's enthused speech.
"…though potions is not really my forte. But Tom's helping me out there," Hermione said cheerfully. "Ancient Runes was really interesting, too. I already finished the essay Wenlock gave us."
"Really?" asked Regulus amusedly.
They both stepped into the Great Hall. A few students already sat at the house tables. Regulus accompanied Hermione over to the Gryffindor table.
"I like Ancient Runes myself," he said smilingly. "Maybe next time we could work on the essay together."
Hermione nodded enthusiastically. Regulus sent her another smile before he excused himself. As Hermione sat at the Gryffindor table and watched him leaving the Great Hall, she realized that she hadn't even asked him what he, Riddle and their other friends were up to.
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It was some time later that Hermione left the library in a hurry. She hadn't noticed how time had flown by and she scolded herself for having been unable to resist the books. The Gryffindor party had already started. Hermione really looked forward to it. Never before had she gone to any parties. Well, at Malfoy manor Draco had sometimes invited some of his friends over but Hermione had never enjoyed the occasions. She had been expected to serve the guests, clean up the mess afterwards and on top of it Draco could get downright nasty when drunk. Hermione felt quite giddy, walking to a party where she was actually a guest. She really was grateful that Riddle had allowed her to go.
As Hermione's thoughts drifted to the Head Boy a heat wave hit her hard and she knew she was blushing. Memories of the day before flickered through Hermione's mind; first the duel during DADA, then that… thing that happened in the Heads' chambers. A pleasant shudder ran over Hermione as she remembered the feeling of Tom's fingers on her body, the way he had kissed her and held her afterwards. She didn't know what to make of it. Tom was her master, he could do with her whatever he desired. But she should certainly not enjoy it. She still had, though, and had kissed him back …rather heatedly, too.
"-reason why you shouldn't be here." A voice drifted to Hermione from one of the dark hallways she just passed.
Cautiously she peered into the corridor. Not far away she could see two figures. Shaggy blond hair, clad in a heavy cloak, one of them was Lupin. The other figure was more than a head smaller and quite delicate compared to Lupin's tall built. Hermione furrowed her brow at Alecto Carrow, the History of Magic professor. A nasty snarl twisted the woman's face as she glared up at the werewolf.
"I'll talk with Dippet," Carrow thundered bitingly. "Believe me, he'll throw you out of here right away."
Despite the woman's aggressive manner, Lupin merely snickered at her. His voice was calm as he drawled,
"You already tried that last year. Remember, poppet? Didn't do you any good. I'm still here."
Fury erupted on Carrow's face and she took an angry step towards Lupin. Hate burned in her eyes as she stared up at the man. Then she opened her mouth and snapped,
"You are a dirty HALFBLOOD! You should never have been born. It's disgusting!"
A nasty look appeared on Lupin's face as he heard it. His teeth were bared in a snarl. Then he growled, unmistakable threat in his voice,
"Better watch how you talk with me, Carrow. You never know when I'm going to snap."
Carrow sneered at the werewolf, though she did take a step back from him. Evil look on her face, she hissed,
"I don't know what possessed Dippet to let someone like you teach. A Halfblood? You are no better than a filthy Mudblood."
Lupin laughed, a cruel tint to the sound. His yellow eyes glinted fiercely as he replied,
"I'm no Halfblood." Harsh pride was in his voice as he added, "I am a werewolf before anything else."
Smoothly he took a step towards Carrow, so that they now stood not even a foot apart. Hermione could see Carrow's form tense as the werewolf was so close. She couldn't blame the woman. Lupin looked ready to kill, what with that predatory glint in his eyes, as he growled dangerously,
"The pack is my family and the Corps the only authority I have to accept. So, if I were you, I would just shut up, girl. You don't want to anger the big bad wolf."
Carrow took an abrupt step back. Visibly shaken, she fought to maintain that superior look on her face.
"Are you threatening me, Lupin?" she hissed shrilly.
A feral smile crept on Lupin's face, showing his teeth. His eerie yellow eyes swept one last time over Carrow. Then, without answering anything, he just turned around and calmly strolled down the corridor. Right towards her, Hermione realized belatedly. She tensed as Lupin passed the position where she was hidden behind the corner. Hermione swallowed nervously, but then decided to follow the man. Lupin was grumbling under his breath while he fumbled something out of his cloak pocket.
"That little shithead…"
He pulled a pack of cigarettes out, grabbed one and immediately put it in his mouth. A snap of his fingers and a small flame hovered over his thumb. Quickly he lit the cigarette and took a deep drag. Then the werewolf growled in his deep voice,
"What do you want from me, Rookwood?"
He hadn't turned around to Hermione but simply continued his way. She quickly caught up to him. As she walked beside him, Hermione could see an emblem on Lupin's cloak, right over his biceps. It showed the outline of a black wolf howling to the circle of a yellow moon. On the collar of the cloak, Hermione spotted three stripes in the same yellow colour. Lupin scanned Hermione silently, the cigarette hanging from the corner of his mouth. As she noticed his stare she whispered meekly,
"I didn't want to eavesdrop. I'm sorry, Professor Lupin."
The werewolf continued to stare, his yellow eyes glinting dangerously. Then he told her gruffly,
"I'm no professor. Thankfully…" He glared in the direction Carrow had wandered off to. "Otherwise I'd have to listen to her shit the whole goddamned week."
"Oh… er…" Hermione peeked up at the man. "Then, I'm sorry, Mr Lupin?"
"It's Captain," Lupin told her, taking another deep drag from his cigarette. "Captain Lupin."
Hermione nodded. Then she asked tentatively, "Where are you going to, Capt. Lupin?"
Lupin sighed and told her sarcastically, "It might surprise you but teaching brats how to hold a wand is not my primary task."
Hermione peered up at him, confused. A grin slipped on Lupin's face, taking a bit away from his fearsome look.
"I'm getting back to the barracks," he explained. "If I'm lucky, there's still some firewhiskey left for me."
By now they had reached the Entrance Hall and walked towards the front doors. Lupin eyed Hermione suspiciously before he asked gruffly,
"And what are your plans for tonight, Rookwood?"
"Oh… er…"
Hermione didn't know if she should tell him about the Gryffindor party. Then again, she didn't think Lupin would mind too much. So she smiled up at him and told him,
"The Gryffindors are having a party down by the lake."
That revelation seemed to lighten Lupin's mood considerably. A lopsided grin appeared on his face and his eyes sparkled playfully.
"Oh, one of the legendary Gryffindor parties?" he inquired amusedly.
"Legendary…?"
Lupin chuckled while he opened the Entrance Doors with a small wave of his wand. They both stepped outside and the werewolf said good-naturedly,
"Back in my day, they sure were."
Hermione wrapped her black robe tighter around herself. She rubbed her arms to stay warm and asked softly,
"Did you attend Hogwarts yourself?"
"Yes," the werewolf proclaimed proudly. "In Gryffindor. The best house by far."
Hermione giggled softly. Lupin was a fellow Gryffindor? Who would have thought? She couldn't picture the man sitting idly in a classroom.
"How was your time at Hogwarts?"
Lupin's yellow eyes left Hermione and he let his gaze glide over the castle. Easy grin gone from his face, he sighed softly,
"Conflicting."
There was a pause in the conversation, Lupin seemingly lost in memories. He flipped the butt of his cigarette away, not caring where it landed, and immediately pulled a new one. As he offered Hermione a cigarette, she shook her head. He really is no professor, she thought but didn't comment. Instead she asked cautiously,
"When did you enter the Corps?"
Lupin chuckled. "You are full of questions, aren't you?"
Hermione blushed and ducked her head. "I'm sorry, Capt. Lupin."
He merely shrugged it off and said, "I enlisted when I was seventeen, actually. Right after I graduated."
He rolled up the sleeve of his right arm and showed her a pair of scars on his tanned skin. Sharp teeth must have ripped some nasty wounds into his muscled arm.
"After eleven months of training as a recruit I got accepted," Lupin told Hermione, grinning down at the scars. "Eleven months of fucking hell, mind you. Made me want to die. But I pulled through, got the bite and entered the Corps. End of story." He glanced at Hermione playfully. "Any more questions?"
Hermione quickly shook her head and whispered shyly, "No, sir."
Lupin barked out a laugh and commented, "For someone who has quite the dangerous claws, you are very timid."
Hermione peered up at him cautiously. The werewolf merely grinned and teased, "I am glad, though, that you are one of the few who already know how to hold a wand. Less work for me."
They had left the castle behind and not far away Hermione spotted the waters of the Great Lake glinting in the darkness. Lupin stopped walking and grinned down at her.
"Well, that's were our ways part."
Hermione nodded. Before he could slip away, she asked, "When do you come back?"
"Thursday," the werewolf said, still grinning. "Every Thursday till Friday, until my commander takes pity on me."
"I liked your class," Hermione said timidly. She furrowed her brow. "Well, right up until the point where Tom tried to burn me alive."
"Yeah, you have to watch out for that one. He's got the killer instinct," Lupin chuckled. "I probably should have stopped that duel before Riddle tried to grill you…"
Lupin shrugged carelessly and threw Hermione another grin. Waving his hand, he bid farewell and disappeared into the night. A small smile hovered around Hermione's face as she walked the path down towards the lake. Soon, she could hear music and chatter. The lake glistened in the pale moonlight but Hermione's gaze was instantly drawn to the tent which stood right at the shore of the lake. It was a large canopy made of white cloth. Lampions, held by nothing but magic, floated around the tent and under its ceiling, illuminating everything in a merry orange light. People had gathered in the tent, chatting and laughing loudly, while music boasted from a magical gramophone.
Cautiously Hermione stepped into the tent and was hit by pleasant warmth. The tent was protected by Warming Charms to keep out the frosty January air. Hermione felt a bit nervous as she walked further into the tent. People stood close and she was hit by the urge to keep out of their way. She had to constantly remind herself that she was no servant but a guest. That thought just crossed her mind as she accidently bumped into someone.
"I'm sorry," Hermione quickly apologized.
She looked up and instantly recognized the girl, tall, long, almost black hair. She was the one who had welcomed Hermione at Hogsmeade station and introduced her to Hogwarts. The Head Girl, Lisa Turpin.
"It's fine," replied the Head Girl, her voice strangely curt.
Turpin eyed Hermione through narrowed eyes. The last time Hermione had spoken with Turpin, the girl had been cheerful and kind. Now she was being quite chilly.
"Er…" muttered Hermione, not knowing what she had done wrong. "I wanted to… thank you again. For taking care of me when I arrived here."
Turpin eyed Hermione, still through suspicious eyes. After a second of uncomfortable silence, the Head Girl remarked coldly,
"Why didn't Riddle look after you? He is your boyfriend, isn't he?"
Hermione nodded and quickly lied, "He told me he had something to discuss with a friend. So didn't have time."
The suspicion in Turpin's eyes didn't dim. "Why are you together with Riddle?"
Hermione blinked up at Turpin, confused. "Why wouldn't I?"
Not answering that, the Head Girl inquired darkly, "Did no-one warn you about him?"
"Warn me?" Hermione asked confused. "Why?"
"He's… Riddle is…"
The Head Girl didn't finish but shook her head. Then she took a step towards Hermione, laid a hand gently on her shoulder, and whispered under her breath,
"Listen, Hermione, you seem like a really nice girl. So I'll give you an advice: Stay away from Riddle. He's seriously into the Dark Arts. And his so-called friends are no better. I know he acts like a nice guy, but he really is not. Riddle is dangerous."
Before Hermione could react in any way, Turpin had turned around and disappeared into the throng of people. Hermione stared after the Head Girl, her stomach clenching uncomfortably. Since she started at Hogwarts, people kept warning her about Riddle. First Parvati, then Ginny and Ron, now Turpin. Hermione breathed in deeply. Was Riddle really dangerous? He certainly could be scary but he had never really hurt her. Threatened, maybe, but he never pulled through with it. Riddle hadn't even slapped her once. Something that had been a daily occurrence back in Malfoy manor.
"Hey," a voice cut through her thought process. "There you are."
Before Hermione could say anything, arms wrapped around her and hugged her against a warm body. Startled she looked up at her captor and found the happy face of Ron grinning down at her.
"You, Miss,-" he chided teasingly. "-are late."
Hermione giggled and wound herself out of his embrace.
"I'm not," she said with fake indignation. "You said the party starts after dinner. It still is 'after dinner'."
Ron scratched his head. Then he raised his glass to his lips, drained it in one go, and exclaimed cheerfully,
"I guess you're right. Now come here." He grabbed her arm. "You're missing all the fun."
Quickly he pulled her over to a group of beach chairs. Hermione saw Ginny and Dean lazing around in one of them. Seamus sat in another, emptying a bottle of Butterbeer in one go. He burped loudly, which gained him a raised eyebrow from Ginny, before he grinned at Hermione.
"Uh, look who's here. The new girl."
"You are a fucking drunkard," Ron stated.
"Maybe," Seamus fired back. "But so are you."
Ron merely shrugged, not denying it. Instead he grabbed a bottle of what looked suspiciously like firewhiskey and poured it in a couple of plastic cups. Then he handed them to his friends. As he offered Hermione one, she refused,
"No. Thank you."
"Oh no, Hermione," giggled Ginny from her beach chair. "If you don't get drunk, you won't be able to survive this."
Dean started to tickle her. As Ginny broke down in laughter, Ron pushed Hermione down on another beach chair while he sat down on the footrest of the same chair.
†
It was some time later, that Hermione still sat on the same beach chair while having the time of her life. She was laughing and giggling as she talked with her friends. She never knew that parties could be this much fun. By now her friends were quite drunk, while Hermione had stuck to pumpkin juice.
"I mean, seriously," Dean exclaimed, smiling broadly. "Tom Riddle's girlfriend. I never imagined her to be quite so… so…" He eyed Hermione drunkenly, squinting his glassy eyes. "Well, nice actually."
Hermione felt uncomfortable and a blush hit her face hard. Suddenly there was an arm around her shoulders. Ron skidded closer to her on the beach chair. Scanning Dean, he slurred smilingly,
"You are embarrassing her, mate."
"Aw, don't get us wrong, Hermione," Seamus said, patting her head while taking a gulp from his plastic cup. "You are really lovely."
Ginny giggled sillily and remarked, "Yes, you are. That's actually the surprise. I thought Riddle's girlfriend would… well… I always pictured her with demon's horns, a forked tongue and… and…"
As she was searching for words, Seamus happily helped her out, "With a necklace made of baby bones."
Hermione couldn't help it, she broke down into giggles. Ron grinned at her and added,
"I thought for sure his girlfriend would have to be a vampire."
They still laughed as Parvati and Lavender stepped over to them, joining their group. They were engaged in a happy discussion about how best to fend off a vampire as Hermione sighed and comfortably leaned back into her chair.
"Tired?" asked Ron softly.
Hermione looked up at his blue eyes. They were a few shades lighter than Riddle's deep blue ones and held a cheerful sparkle. Hermione shook her head at Ron and smiled.
"So, do you like the party?" he asked.
"Very much."
"Way better than being home-schooled, hm?"
Hermione's smile widened. "Definitely."
"I'm really glad Mum never considered home-schooling us." Ron's grin widened as he glanced at Hermione. "You have to know, I've got five brothers …and Ginny, of course."
Hermione raised her eyebrows. "So many siblings? That must be really fun."
"More like suffocating. Imagine us all being home-schooled. The house would burst." Ron laughed and took a gulp from his cup. "Do you have any siblings?"
"Ehm…" Hermione bent her head and looked down. "No."
Her heart clenched painfully as it always did when she thought of her parents. Ron had obviously seen the sad look on her face, because he tried to cheer her up.
"You know, you should come and visit the Burrow some time," he offered enthusiastically. "It's actually not so bad. As long as you escape Mum when she wants you to do chores. Imagine washing the dishes when there are nine people to the household."
Hermione furrowed her brow as she heard that. "Your family doesn't have any Mudbloods?"
"Nah," Ron snorted amusedly. "What do you think we are? Filthy rich?" He shrugged and emptied his cup. "My dad's against it anyways."
Hermione's eyes widened and she whispered horrified, "He's against Mudbloods?"
"What?" Ron eyed her, confused, before he explained, "No. Not against them. But… Well, you see, he's a huge fan of Muggle technology, my dad. He insists they are dead smart. He's against Muggles or Mudbloods being used and all that."
"Oh," made Hermione, surprised by that new concept.
She sat in her beach chair, deep in thought. Wizards, who thought using Mudbloods was wrong? Did that really exist? She had had no idea. A small smile curved her lips as she peered at Ron. By now he was engaged in an arm wrestling match against Seamus while the rest laughed and cheered. It would be nice to visit Ron's home. Hermione wondered if Tom would let her go. Maybe Ron could invite him as well. Then again they didn't like each other much. As her thoughts spun around Tom, Hermione remembered an order he had given her. Instantly she was ripped from her contemplations.
"What time is it?"
Ron and Seamus were still engaged in their match, but Lavender checked her tiny silver wrist watch.
"A quarter to eleven. Why?"
"Er…" said Hermione, slowly getting up. "I think I'll go back to the castle."
"Aw, no," whined Parvati who sat right beside her. "It's still early."
"No, really," Hermione insisted. "I'll head back to the castle."
"Come on," said Seamus, who had by now ended his little match with Ron. "Stay."
Hermione looked down at her friends. She was hit with pleasant warmth as she realized they really wanted her to stay. Those witches and wizards really enjoyed spending time with her. Hermione wanted to stay, but Riddle had explicitly told her to be back by eleven.
"Okay then," voiced Ron. "If you insist. But then, I'll escort you back."
"Oh, no no," Hermione said, not wanting him to leave the party on her accord. "That's not necessary. I'll find my way back just fine."
Seamus giggled and added, "And if anyone attacks you, you just hex them with your mad duelling skills. Ron wouldn't be of help anyways."
Before this could result into a full-blown discussion, Hermione said her good-byes, and quickly left her friends. Lavender's giggling voice drifted after her,
"I'm sure she's off to meet Riddle."
†
Hermione hurried down a dark corridor towards the Moving staircase. She really didn't want to be late or Riddle would surely be angry. Distractedly her hand wandered to her robe pocket. She pulled her small potion flask and removed the stopper. Then she raised it to her lips. The Polyjuice still tasted horrible. The strong mint flavour burned in her throat and the metallic aftertaste reminded her of blood. As Hermione stowed the flask away while simultaneously hurrying on, she didn't watch where she was going. A soft gasp left her as she ran into someone.
"I'm sorry," she stammered.
As she looked up to see whom she had bumped into, she half expected to see Riddle's icy blue eyes. Instead she spotted platinum blond hair and a fastidious smirk.
"Ms Rookwood," Draco Malfoy drawled. "Fancy meeting you here."
Hermione stared up at him, trapped in a wave of irrational fear. The urge to hit her and she had to forcefully remind herself that she wasn't Draco's servant anymore.
"Mr Malfoy," Hermione greeted, her voice not as firm as she had hoped.
Draco smirked and Hermione just wanted to turn and run. Still she was glued to the spot.
"Please," he said in a low voice. "Call me 'Draco'."
Cold shivers ran up and down her spine. Draco smiled at her, flirtatious glint in his eyes, and asked,
"What are you doing here, Hermione? It's quite late already."
"I… I was in the library," stuttered Hermione quickly.
"Always so studious," he sighed amusedly. "It's a shame you didn't end up in Slytherin. You could have secured us many house points."
Draco smiled at her, his grey eyes glinting invitingly. Hermione wanted to flee and never look back. She could barely hide her tremble as he raised his hand and gently skimmed his fingers over her arm. Attentively brushing away some non-existent dirt.
"Say, Hermione. Why do you always have to drink that potion?"
Hermione's heart fluttered with panic. She felt the need to take the potions flask from her pocket and press it protectively against her chest. It was the flask of Polyjuice that was Hermione's only shield. Without it, Draco wouldn't converse with her in such a civilised manner. He would slap her and curse her without a second thought. Swallowing down all fear, Hermione whispered in a shaky voice,
"Dragon Pox. I had it when I was a baby."
Draco raised his eyebrows. "Quite the dangerous ailment."
Hermione nodded hastily. "Yes. That's why I have to take Gorsemoor's Potion. So the Dragon Pox won't come back."
Draco nodded sympathetically. "You know, my Grandfather died of Dragon pox."
Hermione spotted a sad sheen in his grey eyes and knew he was putting up a show. Draco had never liked his Grandfather. As Abraxas Malfoy had died not even two years ago, Draco hadn't been too mournful. A look of faux grief had been pasted on his face during the funeral, not before and certainly not after.
"I am sorry to hear that," Hermione commented stiltedly.
"Thank you," was Draco's polite reply.
He threw her a smile which made Hermione shiver unpleasantly. Draco didn't notice her discomfort or he simply didn't care. Instead he commented conversationally,
"You know, ever since you arrived here, the boys and I have wondered how you've managed to twist Tom around your little finger."
"I… I hardly did that," was Hermione's wary reply.
"Of course not." The Slytherin chuckled softly. "Still, after that duel in DADA it's become quite clear why Tom likes you so much. Even though you are – excuse me – just a Gryffindor."
Hermione hummed, not quite knowing what to reply.
"Say, Hermione," Draco asked suavely. "Has Tom ever invited you to the Heads' quarters."
Hermione frowned up at the blond. "Yes. Why?"
"Oh, I was just curious." Draco presented her with an innocent smile. "Do you, by any chance, know whether Riddle has a Mudblood?"
Draco's question made Hermione tense involuntarily. Frantically she wondered what route to take. In the end she stuttered,
"N-no, he doesn't."
"Hm." Draco cocked an eyebrow. "Are you sure? The Mudblood would have been female. Not that old. Ugly hair."
Hermione shook her head. My hair's not ugly! she wanted to yell at the conceited Slytherin, but remained to be silent.
"A pity," Draco sighed.
Hermione tried to calm her breathing, hoping the conversation would come to an end now. Unfortunately the Slytherin had other plans.
"How did you actually meet Tom?"
"I… er…" Hermione stuttered, not having any answer to that. "What?"
Draco smirked at her and Hermione swallowed nervously.
"Well, this is your first time at Hogwarts, is it not?" Draco said, fake innocence in his tone. "I just wondered how you became acquainted with Tom, seeing as he already was your boyfriend even before you arrived here."
Hermione's heart raced away in her chest and cold sweat appeared on her brow. What could she reply? How much did Draco know about Riddle's family?
"O-our parents… knew each other." She squirmed.
Draco arched an unimpressed eyebrow, the fake politeness still on his face.
"Is that so?" he inquired loftily. "You know, strangely enough, Tom never talks much about his family."
He stepped closer to Hermione. His chest was almost brushing hers. Hermione could barely think with her body was frozen over with fear. The last time she had been so close to Draco, he had yelled at her and slapped her.
"So the Rookwoods and the Riddles are friends?" asked Draco, inviting smile on his face.
"Er… it's…"
Hermione desperately searched for a way out of this. Draco raised his hand and she could barely hide the flinch. Gently he laid his hand on Hermione's shoulder, his thumb softly rubbing over her. She completely tensed under this intimate contact.
"Have you visited the Riddles before?" Draco asked. "You know, I never got to see Tom's home." His lips curled up into a dangerous smile. "I am just so curious. Surely you understand…"
The hand on her shoulder felt like it weighed tons. Hermione's eyes were widened by panic as she stared up at the blond Slytherin.
"Come on, Hermione. You can tell me."
She cringed violently as Draco whispered into her ear, his voice a seductive purr. She could even feel his hot breath against her skin, so close was he. It was enough for Hermione to lose her composure. She didn't want Draco anywhere near her. She didn't want to lie trembling at his feet anymore!
Hermione pressed her mouth into a thin line as her fear slowly morphed and turned into something else. Panic and anxiety dropped from her as something hot rushed through Hermione's body.
Hadn't she endured Draco for long enough?
Hermione embraced that hot feeling inside of her and decided to let that fury be her guide. Her hand dug into her robe pocket and grabbed her wand.
Yes, my wand!
In one swift motion Hermione pulled the wand. Draco was too preoccupied with seducing her, Of all things!, and didn't notice as she slashed her wand through the air.
Conjiceris!
A spell detached itself from the wand's tip and crashed into Draco's chest. Hermione could see grey eyes widen in surprise, then the Slytherin was forcefully hurled away. He smacked violently into the corridor wall behind him. A soft gasp left his mouth before he crumbled down. He came to rest lying unconscious on the floor.
Hermione stood, wand still raised, in the dark corridor and stared down at the unconscious Draco. The darkness of the corridor enveloped his form. If she squinted her eyes, he was hardly there. Hermione blinked several times until her brain could catch up with the events. This wasn't right. She couldn't go and curse a wizard! Hermione knew this was really bad.
All the same, a giddy feeling was happily rushing through her. Her lips curled up into a merry smile as Hermione examined her work. She really got him good, didn't she? Giggles wanted to break from her mouth as she scanned Draco's slumped form. She would have laughed out loud, if there hadn't been a voice, interrupting her victory,
"Hermione?"
She stiffened and hid her wand behind her back. As she turned around she saw Riddle climbing up the stairs from the dungeons.
"Didn't I tell you to be back by eleven?" he hissed, anger leaking through his voice.
"Y- yes," Hermione stuttered while inconspicuously stepping in front of Draco, so Riddle wouldn't spot him.
The angry frown on Riddle's forehead got even deeper. His eyes were glowing dangerously as he stepped closer to Hermione.
"Then why are you still ghosting around the corridors?" he hissed at her.
"Um… I…" Hermione desperately searched for any form of explanation.
Riddle now stood directly in front of her. She could feel his angry dark magic crackling around him. Luckily he hadn't yet spotted Draco. Hermione thanked Merlin and Circe that it was so dark in the corridor.
"You see…" she stalled for time. Then it hit her and she blurted out, "I actually don't have a watch. So you can hardly blame me for being late."
She innocently peered up at Riddle. His jaw was clenched and his hands balled into angry fists. Hermione felt her Dark Mark aching forebodingly.
"You don't have a watch…" Riddle echoed her words.
The lethal tint in his voice made chills darting down Hermione's spine and she shied away from him. As she moved, Riddle's fury filled eyes left her and narrowed dangerously.
"What is that?" he demanded to know.
Gruffly he shoved Hermione out of the way and looked down at the corridor floor where Draco still lay.
"Draco Malfoy?" Riddle's stormy gaze flicked to Hermione and he demanded to know, "Why's he lying here? Unconscious?"
"Erm… well…" Hermione mumbled.
A renewed wave of rage threatened to overtake Riddle in face of her stuttering. She gulped nervously and explained sheepishly,
"I left the party on time. Honestly. But then Draco stopped me. He wouldn't let me go. So I-"
Hermione looked down at Draco's body, slumped against the corridor wall.
"So I kinda cursed him."
She raised her gaze back at Riddle. The anger was still all over his face and he glared down at Draco.
"Why wouldn't he let you go?" he asked, his voice deathly cold.
Hermione was intimidated by the murderous inflection in his tone. Her breathing came fast now and she cast her eyes down.
"I'm sorry," she whispered submissively. "I shouldn't have cursed him. I just didn't know what else to d-"
"Hermione," Riddle's sharp voice stopped her. "What did he want from you?"
"He- he wanted to know how I knew you," Hermione explained hastily. "He asked all kinds of questions. Like, how we met or where you live."
Her eyes were wide as she stared up at Riddle. She gestured wildly at the space between the two of them and said shrilly,
"And he stood so close. Like you are now. I didn't like it. Back in… in… back then, he would always loom like that over me. Then he would lash out."
A shudder ran over her. "He made me nervous and then… so angry. That's why I cursed him."
Riddle's steely eyes left her and he gazed down at Draco. Hermione looked up at him worriedly. She was completely taken of guard as Riddle chuckled. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise. Dark amusement danced in his eyes as Riddle stepped closer to her. Still snickering softly, he took her hand in his and pulled her away from Draco.
"Are you not angry with me?" Hermione asked cautiously.
Tom shook his head and said, twisted mirth in his voice, "No. After all, you had quite the convincing excuse for being late."
Hermione furrowed her brow. "But I cursed a wizard."
He shrugged. "Can't say I care."
Hermione blinked at him. This was… unexpected. She – a Mudblood – impersonated a Pureblood, stole a real wand and used it to attack a wizard. That were the worst crimes a Mudblood could ever commit, right there. And Riddle… he just didn't care? Hermione shook her head, trying to get rid of the dizziness.
"I… I… I did it intentionally," she confessed stupidly, just to make sure he really understood the situation.
"Yes," Tom chuckled. "I gathered that much."
"And you are… okay with that?" Hermione inquired hesitantly, disbelievingly.
Tom still held her hand tightly and led her up the Moving Staircase. He turned to her, his eyes flashing with amusement.
"Pretty much. Yes."
Hermione eyed him warily and had to make sure, "So, you're not going to crucio me?"
The amusement lingered in his eyes as Riddle replied, "You almost sound as if you want me to do it."
"NO!" Hermione quickly denied.
Riddle snickered. A nasty smirk appeared on his face and he suggested, "I daresay Malfoy deserved something like this anyway."
Hermione arched her eyebrows at him. As he flashed his white teeth at her, she couldn't help but grin back at him.
"How was your little party?" Tom asked, abruptly changing the topic. "Did you have fun?"
Hermione spluttered, not quite being over the Draco debacle yet. Then she just shrugged it off and replied,
"It was quite nice, actually." She peered up at him. "Do Slytherins have parties as well?"
Tom nodded and replied teasingly, "We do. Though we don't have them outside in the middle of January like you stupid Gryffindors."
Hermione huffed and shot back, "Gryffindors are not stupid. There was a huge tent with Warming Charms and everything."
Tom chuckled as he heard her. By now they had reached the entrance to the Gryffindor common room. Before Hermione turned to the portrait of the Fat Lady, her eyes fluttered up to Tom's blue ones. Turpin's warning flew through her head.
'Riddle is dangerous.'
Hesitantly, Hermione stepped closer to him. Tom scanned her through his frosty eyes. Staring into those blue wells, Hermione didn't think them so chilly after all. She cautiously raised a hand. Her heart raced away in her chest as she lightly put the hand on his forearm. In wonder, she stared down at her hand touching him. Quickly she peered up at Tom, expecting him to be enraged by her impudence.
His eyes were still calm pools of blue. He didn't seem to mind that she had dared to initiate contact. The lack of anger on his face reassured Hermione. Her trembling hand left Tom's forearm and skimmed upwards over his chest. The material of his shirt felt silky soft under her fingers. Tom didn't stop her but allowed her to run her hand over him. Her fingers had reached his shoulder and now timidly slipped to the back of his neck. Hermione's stomach constricted painfully but something stronger than her fear drove her on.
Her hand still lay at the back of his neck. She gulped but then tentatively pulled at him. She expected Tom to finally stop her and yell at her, so her eyes widened in surprise as he instead complied with her and bent down. Hermione's breathing was accelerated but she inched closer to his face. Her lower lip was quivering nervously. Still, she dared to press her mouth against his.
Her eyes fluttered shut as she felt his soft lips against hers. She kissed him shyly, still waiting for him to push her away. He didn't, though, and Hermione gathered more courage. She wrapped both her arms around his neck and leaned against him while she continued to kiss him. A pleasant feeling rushed through her and made her heart skip a few beats. She felt him putting his hands gently down on her waist. It didn't frighten her, instead it sent another enjoyable jolt through her. He responded to her kiss but strangely didn't try to control it. He let her continue to explore without forcing her in any direction. Hermione enjoyed feeling of his lips against hers.
She didn't know how long she had kissed him, but after a while she ended the kiss and took a step away from Tom. As Hermione broke the kiss her fear suddenly flashed back to her. She stood before Tom and didn't dare to look up at him. After a while she felt his hand on her shoulder and flinched, preparing herself for his wrath. But then he just said,
"It's late. Go to your dorm."
Hermione looked up at him in surprise. Without saying any more, he gently pushed her towards the portrait of the Fat Lady.
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
'In your poisoned wounds
Fall the shadows of burning planets
The splitting breakers of foaming oceans
Your invisible paths going through raging storms
You spread like lightning flashes through my heart
And I grew in this darkness.'
- Dilip Chitre
(* 1938 † 2009)