Disclaimer in chapter one
A/N: ta-da. Didn't take me several months to update this time. Mostly because I had parts of this chapter written some time ago :P Also, if you're interested, I have a new Tomione fic. You can find it here on ffnet. It's called 'Bodyswitch'.
Thank you for your support and all the nice reviews! ^^ It's just wonderful to read all your comments on the story. Thanks, guys!
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Chapter Twenty One: Dead with Frost
Hermione trembled all over while tears ran down her cheeks. She fell down on her knees before Lupin and had her head cast down as she begged hopelessly,
"Please, Master Lupin. Please, don't tell anyone."
A hand grasped her shoulder and Hermione flinched. Surprise paralysed her as it wasn't the violent grip she had expected. Instead the hand lay almost comfortingly on her shoulder. Cautiously, Hermione raised her face. Her eyes widened in disbelief as she found Lupin crouching in front of her. There was no angry snarl on his face but a kind smile played around his lips. His yellow eyes weren't so cold anymore. A strange warmth had softened them as they locked with Hermione's gaze.
"Don't worry, little one," he whispered soothingly. "I won't tell anybody."
Complete shock washed over Hermione and her surprise made the friendly smile on Lupin's face broaden.
"Come here," he said gently.
Lupin's grip wasn't painful at all as he gingerly helped her to stand up. Then he led her towards a soft couch and sat her down. Hermione, still trembling all over, obeyed. Lupin sat down beside her and she flinched involuntarily.
"Are you doing this alone?" the werewolf asked gingerly.
Hermione shook her head. "No, Master Lupin. My Master is here at Hogwarts. It was his idea to let me go to classes."
"I see," Lupin mused. His yellow eyes snapped back to her. "And who might your Master be?"
Hermione worried her lip. She shouldn't give away Tom's name. Lupin, seeing her hesitation, grinned at her.
"Let me guess," he said smilingly. "It's Riddle, isn't it?"
Hermione's eyebrows shot up to her hairline. "How do you know?"
The werewolf's grin only widened. "Wasn't that difficult. The way that boy sneaks around you all the time. Very out of character for him." He rolled his eyes and scoffed, "Now imagine me, thinking that was true love."
Timidly Hermione peered at Lupin. He scanned her interestedly with his yellow eyes. She quickly averted her eyes and stared down at her trembling hands in her lap.
"A- are you really not telling anyone, Master Lupin?"
The man chuckled softly while his gaze still rested on Hermione. "Please," he said amusedly. "Don't call me Master. Sounds creepy."
"Yes, sir," Hermione complied diffidently.
"Hm. Who would have thought, a little Muggleborn going to Hogwarts," Lupin mused, mischievous glint in his eyes. "Don't worry, though, my lips are sealed."
"Thank you," Hermione breathed in relief, not able to believe her luck.
Lupin wiped her gratitude away with a wave of his hands. "Don't worry about it." He smiled at her toothily. "Now, I think we need to bring you back to your master."
Hermione stared at him with wide fearful eyes, feeling shaky at the prospect of confronting Tom. Lupin seemed to sense her anxiety and laid a soothing hand on her arm.
"Don't freak out now. But you really need to change back into Ms Rookwood. I assume Riddle has more Polyjuice Potion for you?"
Hermione only managed to nod jerkily. The werewolf patted her arm reassuringly and said softly, "I'll accompany you to Riddle. No-one's gonna see you, I promise."
With that, the werewolf stood up and stepped towards a desk. Hermione watched apprehensively as he rummaged through the olive duffle bag lying on the table.
"Ha," Lupin exclaimed triumphantly and pulled a silvery cloth from the bag.
He shouldered the duffle bag, but pushed the silvery cloth in Hermione's hands. She blinked down at the feather-light fabric. It felt incredibly soft under her fingers, the material smooth and cold as if woven from metal threads.
"You can hide underneath that," Lupin explained smilingly. "It's an Invisibility Cloak."
Hermione raised her eyebrows and threw the cloth over her arm. It instantly disappeared, hidden underneath the cloak's magic. She wriggled her invisible fingers to make sure they were still there, before she looked up at Lupin.
"Thank you, sir."
"No prob." Lupin shrugged. "Haven't used the thing in ages. A friend of mine gave it to me. James Potter was his name." A wistful smile danced around the werewolf's lips. "Why, I think he and Sirius were the nightmare of their boss at the Auror office."
The cloak almost fell from Hermione's grasp. "Sirius? As in Sirius Black?"
The werewolf grinned at her and nodded. "The one and only. He was my liaison officer from the Aurors."
Hermione furrowed her brow, her predicament momentarily forgotten. "Sirius Black was an Auror?!"
"Hard to believe now, isn't it?" Lupin barked out a laugh.
"A little bit," Hermione admitted shyly as she got up from the sofa, invisibility cloak in her hands. "What happened to your other friend? Is he still an Auror?"
The smile instantly fell from Lupin's face. He took the cloak from Hermione and gently wrapped it around her, so she was completely invisible. Then he gestured for her to follow him out the room.
"James died some years ago," Lupin said, grief wrapped around his deep voice. "Got killed while protecting a mother and her one year old son. Too many opponents, even for Jamesy."
"I'm sorry," Hermione whispered as quietly as she could while they trekked towards the Heads' common room.
The werewolf's yellow eyes fixed on Hermione although she was completely covered by the invisibility cloak. He sent her a weak smile.
"James bequeathed his old Invisibility Cloak to me. Something Sirius has never got over."
They continued their trip in silence and reached the Heads' common room too soon to Hermione's taste. Fear twisted around her relentlessly, making her tremble slightly, as Lupin waved his wand and opened the door even without the password. Then he stepped into the common room, gesturing for Hermione to take off the cloak.
†
Tom heard the door being opened and looked up from his book, expecting to see his Mudblood. He could barely hide his shock as he found Lupin standing in the doorframe and it certainly wasn't Hermione Rookwood who stood, timid look on her face, beside the werewolf. Tom couldn't believe it as he took in the girl. She had changed back. For some unfathomable reason, Hermione was back in her true form in plain sight of a teacher. Quickly Tom shot up from the sofa. He forced a confused yet polite expression on his face as he addressed Lupin,
"Sir? Can I help you?"
The werewolf's yellowish eyes glinted with smug mirth as he stated, "No, Riddle. I am merely here to return something to you."
With that Lupin gently pushed Hermione a little bit further into the room. The girl still hadn't dared to look at Tom. It made his temper rise dangerously. He managed to maintain his façade of politeness and inquired,
"I don't understand, sir…"
The werewolf grinned at him, an annoyingly knowing sheen in his eyes. Lupin stepped into the room and the door fell shut behind him. His hand closed around Hermione's upper arm. Tom's furious magic gave a violent budge as he saw how close Lupin stood to her. The girl still just stared at the floor.
"I think you understand very well, Riddle. At least I understand things a lot better now," Lupin announced, nasty grin on his face. "Time to give up the charade."
Tom warily scanned the werewolf. Just looking at the smug expression, he could see that Lupin knew the truth about Hermione. Tom's magic was raging inside him furiously as he wondered how to get out of this. There was no use for his polite façade anymore, so Tom pulled his wand and released the tight hold he had on his magic. Eagerly the dark force left his body, air rippling with its power. His actions made a feral glint flashing through Lupin's eyes.
"What do you want?" Tom demanded to know.
He was infuriated as even now the provocative grin did not slip from Lupin's face. As if amused by it all, the teacher let his freakish eyes wander over Tom's defensive stance. A smug look crept on the werewolf's face.
"I don't want anything."
Tom didn't believe him for a second. At least Lupin had by now released Hermione from his grip. Fighting for composure, Tom ordered his Mudblood sharply,
"Get over here, Hermione."
The girl instantly obeyed and scurried over to Tom. His lethal glare, though, was lost on her as she still didn't dare look up at him. She shuffled until she stood beside him, head still bowed. Angrily, Tom grabbed her and wrenched her closer. All the while, he never let Lupin out of his line of sight.
"You're here," Tom pointed out, dangerous tint to his controlled voice. ", instead of having called the Snatchers. So, I presume you want something in return for your silence."
Lupin really had the audacity to laugh loudly at that, showing his sharp teeth. "I wasn't lying. Why would I need anything from you?"
Tom balled his hands into fists as the condescension washed over him. Lupin remained to be completely unconcerned. Amusement mockingly glinted in his eyes as he jeered in his hoarse voice,
"I merely wanted to remind you not to leave your things lying about." Tom felt Hermione flinch under his grip as she heard it. Lupin still grinned and continued derisively, "Who knows who might wander by and just pick them up."
Tom pulled Hermione closer against him and spat, murderous threat oozing out of his words, "I can assure you, stealing from me would be ill-advised."
Lupin's strangely yellow eyes wandered over Tom who still held the shivering Mudblood. Abruptly, the scornful smirk fell from the werewolf's face, leaving it a stony mask.
"Now listen, boy," Lupin said, steely edge to his voice. "That you are allowing Hermione to go to school is an admirable thing. And I am grateful that you are doing this for her."
The werewolf took a threatening step towards Tom and growled, menace unmistakable in his deep voice, "But do not expect her to be grateful. You are giving her no more than she deserves."
"Hermione is none of your business," Tom hissed, tightening his possessive hold on the girl. "She belongs to me."
Lupin furiously bared his teeth and snarled, "Stupid boy!"
The werewolf stalked towards Tom, almost close enough to touch. As a response, Tom pushed Hermione behind him and raised his wand. A feral smile dangerously hung from Lupin's mouth.
"Protective of your pack, are you?" he rasped in his rough voice. "I can respect that."
Riddle didn't reply but kept his eyes locked with the werewolf's, his wand steady in his hand. Lupin barked out a laugh and backed away from Riddle, holding his hands up in a gesture of peace. Only reluctantly Tom's wand sunk back to his side.
"Make no mistake there, boy," Lupin stated, the dangerous smile still on his lips. "Hermione is certainly not yours."
Tom's eyes narrowed to slits, his magic giving an angry budge. As he spoke his smooth voice was a sharp contrast to Lupin's coarse one, but there was just as much venom,
"The girl is mine. Whoever tries to take her from me will regret it dearly, Professor."
Lupin's smile didn't drop in face of this provocation. It only gained a ferocious streak.
"Sooner or later, Riddle, there will come the time when Hermione can choose freely between staying or leaving." Lupin's yellow eyes burned with feral amusement as he added, "Then – and only then – will you know whether she truly belongs with you."
With that Lupin's attention left Tom completely. A boyish grin danced around his lips as he threw a look at Hermione who stared at him from behind Tom's back. Lupin bowed to her, tipping an imaginary hat.
"It was a pleasure to meet your true form, Miss Hermione." Hermione blushed as he then winked at her playfully. "If you need anything, you can always come to me. I'll help."
Although it was directed at Hermione, Tom could hear the veiled threat addressed to him. His magic twitched violently, wanting to reach out for the arrogant wolf. Lupin threw him a knowing smirk, then he turned and casually left the Heads' common room, a confident spring in his steps.
.
The werewolf left the room behind in deafening silence and Hermione dearly wished he had stayed. Trembling slightly, she still stood behind Tom who glared darkly at the door. As he finally whirled around to her, Hermione shrank away from him.
"I'm sorry," she hastily assured.
Tom didn't reply and Hermione worried her lower lip nervously. She didn't dare to look up at him.
"Hermione," Tom hissed, the expected anger twisted around his voice.
Hermione cowered and whispered shakily, "I'm sorry, Master."
He sneered as he heard her reply and scoffed caustically, "Oh please, save the honorific; we both know you despise me."
Hermione still didn't dare raise her face. She flinched violently as Tom grabbed her arm. None too gently, he wrenched her over to the sofa.
"Sit!"
Automatically Hermione obeyed and sank down on the soft couch. Meanwhile Tom angrily paced in front of her. His dark magic stormed around him, already painfully tugging at her Dark Mark. Hermione bit the inside of her cheek as the tattoo on her arm burned with Tom's ire.
"How did this happen?" Tom finally demanded to know, his voice ruthlessly cutting into her.
"I- I forgot to refill my Poly- Polyjuice bottle," Hermione stuttered, nervously wringing her hands in her lap.
With one angry step Tom was upon her. He grabbed her chin, fingers painfully biting into Hermione's skin, and forced her face up.
"Look at me when I'm speaking with you."
Fear welled up in Hermione as she was forced to look into his frosty eyes and she repeated, voice no more than a shaky whisper,
"I- I'm sorry."
Abruptly his hand let go of her and Hermione fell back against the couch. Fearfully she peered up at a furious Tom. Her breath hitched as she saw his fingers tightening around his wand, intending to raise it at her.
"Please," Hermione pleaded, hot tears springing to her eyes. "I didn't mean to do it. Please. It was-"
She whimpered as pain erupted in her mark as if someone had cut it open. Hermione's hand shot to her left arm and she pressed it against her chest.
"I don't want to hear your pathetic excuses," Tom hissed so maliciously it made her cower.
Hunched on the couch and with tears burning in her eyes, Hermione looked up at Tom. He towered over her, magic raging around him, while he still clasped his wand threateningly. Hermione knew he was going to curse her. Terrified, she squeezed her eyes shut. For a long horrible moment, nothing happened. Then, instead of the expected curse, Tom commanded, voice lethally cold,
"Stay here."
Hermione's whole body shook, panic and fear constricting her chest. Through a blurry shroud of tears, she watched Tom disappearing in his room. He wasn't gone for longer than a minute, as he re-emerged, now carrying a small bottle. He held the bottle out for her to take, accompanied by a biting order,
"Drink."
Hermione immediately complied. The Polyjuice burned on her tongue and down her throat. The transformation followed instantly, sending shooting pains all over her body. Hermione tried to suppress any painful moans as her body changed back to 'Hermione Rookwood'. Tom didn't give her any time to catch her breath, but promptly interrogated her,
"Is Lupin going to tell anyone?"
Hermione blinked through the pain and replied in a wobbly voice, "No… He said he wouldn't."
"And why should I believe that?" Tom demanded to know.
Hermione timidly peered up at him. "He promised."
Tom snorted derisively. "You're painfully naïve, Hermione."
"He's… I think, Lupin's a Halfblood," she stammered helplessly. "He wouldn't hand me over to Umbridge."
Tom narrowed his frosty eyes at her, fury dancing in them. With an angry gesture, he pointed at the potions bottle.
"Take that. And then leave. I don't want to see you anymore."
Hermione hastily scrambled up from the sofa and felt shaky on her legs, as she scurried over to the door.
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It took Tom a while to get his violent temper under control. The Heads' common room was in shambles, but by the next morning he was able to think straight again. As much as his Mudblood was to blame for having messed up, Tom had to concede he wasn't completely innocent either. He should have noticed that she needed more Polyjuice potion. In the end, it didn't matter who was at fault. Tom needed to stem the problem. For that purpose his Knights came in handy. Coldly, Tom studied the wizard walking beside him. Regulus Black looked tense. Whatever is he afraid of? Tom smirked darkly.
"I want you to go and dig up as much dirt as you can about him," Tom commanded briskly. "Especially about his parentage."
Black sycophantically bobbed his head. "It might take a while. Lupin's a werewolf. It's virtually impossible to access any of his personal data kept by the Corps. My cousin might be able to retrieve documents that predate his enlistment. I'll reach out to Cassiopeia."
"See that you do," Tom replied and imperiously waved Black away
Black's extensive connections came in handy now, Tom mused thoughtfully. If Hermione was right and Lupin was a Halfblood, Black would find evidence. The Corps might protect Lupin from any persecution by wizarding law, but if Tom made public he was a Halfblood, the werewolf would have to deal with nasty repercussions. At the very least he would no longer be able to enter the Wizarding World without the risk of getting arrested.
Tom was satisfied with this plan. It still irked him that Hermione had messed up, but he would be able to control the damage. Still pondering that plan, Tom walked to the History of Magic classroom. There he met the object of his contemplation. Hermione stood in front of the classroom, talking with Malfoy. Tom's eyes suspiciously wandered over the pair.
"-come and visit sometime," Malfoy's snobbish voice dripped with smarmy flattery. "Maybe after the exams. This summer? I assure you, Malfoy manor is a lot more comfortable than a stuffy London flat."
At the invitation a panicked look crossed Hermione's face and she pressed her back tightly against the wall as if trying to escape Malfoy. Tom's lips twisted into a sadistic smirk as he watched his Mudblood's predicament. Malfoy, oblivious to Hermione's horror, continued,
"You can stay as long as you want. I assure you, it's no problem."
As fun as it was to watch Hermione's panic grow, Tom chose to step in. He strolled over to them, satisfied to see Malfoy tense uncomfortably. Tom smirked at him and said, menace wrapped around his smooth voice,
"I hope you're not trying to seduce my girlfriend."
"N- no," Malfoy stammered anxiously. "We were just talking."
"Is that so?" Tom said lightly, cocking an unimpressed eyebrow at Malfoy.
His gaze then slid to the Mudblood. Hermione still stood pressed against the wall, head bent. In fact, she hadn't moved an inch since Tom stepped in. It was confusing. Usually, Hermione would seek close contact with Tom whenever Malfoy was around. Now, though, the girl didn't even look at him.
Tom couldn't longer ponder Hermione's behaviour as Carrow chose that moment to show up. Slowly the students filed into the classroom. Tom walked towards his table and noted how Hermione silently followed him, one step behind. Still mute, she waited until he was seated before she herself sat down. Tom frowned at her grovelling behaviour. In the middle of the classroom, though, he couldn't tell her off.
As always, Carrow's lecture was boring. Half an hour in the lecture, Tom dropped all pretence of taking notes. Instead, he peered at his Mudblood. Hermione sat beside him and diligently copied each of Carrow's words down. Her face was completely free of emotion and it left Tom feeling bereft – of what, though, he didn't know.
"-nd thus the charter of fundamental rights protects every person in our country," Carrow lectured self-importantly. "Does anyone know when it came into effect?"
Tom couldn't be bothered to raise his hand and watched disinterestedly how Finnigan tried to answer.
"Back in 1947?"
Carrow nodded, cold smile in place. "Right you are, Mr Finnigan. In course of the reshaping of our country after the war, Grindelwald and his council adopted the new constitution and as a part of it the charter of fundamental rights."
This class sure dragged on, didn't it? Tom decided languidly. Carrow was of another opinion and, eyes glinting disturbingly, continued with gusto,
"50 years later, we're still protected by Grindelwald's achievements. Now, how do you think the charter impacted on the Muggle population?"
Tom had no intention to answer that or any other questions during this class, so he lazily leaned back in his chair. Carrow, faux smile in place, looked expectantly at Hermione, who had for some bizarre reason become the professor's favourite.
"As you said, Professor," Hermione stated, her words sounding rehearsed and empty. "The charter addresses every person in this country. By that definition, Muggles and Mudbloods are excluded and are not protected by it."
"Wonderful," Carrow praised, obviously not minding Hermione's hollow tone. "Take five points to Gryffindor, Ms Rookwood."
As a response, Hermione smiled politely at the professor. Tom studied that smile hovering around her mouth. It was out of place. He was disturbed by its presence and in turn the complete absence of Hermione's angry magic in the air. Usually Carrow's lectures managed to incite a furious reaction of her magic. Now, though, Hermione just didn't seem to care.
At last, Carrow wrapped up the class and Tom was all too happy to finally leave. As he walked from the classroom, his Mudblood again followed him like a mute shadow. In the corridor Hermione stepped a bit closer to him and, head bent, asked in hollow voice,
"If you don't need me, might I join the other Gryffindors?"
Her tone of voice carried Tom right back to the time they had spent in Albania when he hadn't yet known Hermione that well. Tom furrowed his brow. The deference she displayed was clearly fake. Everything about Hermione from her tone and facial expression to her posture was lifeless, completely disconnected from any emotion.
"Yes, sure," Tom replied distractedly.
Hermione inclined her head in an ill-disguised bow and Tom hoped no-one was paying them any attention.
"Thank you, Tom," she said, sounding painfully apathetic.
Then she turned and walked away. Tom stood and watched her, gaze wandering over her slumped shoulders. Dolohov, who just left the History classroom, stopped beside Tom.
"No offence, Riddle," he said loftily. ", but your girlfriend looks like a zombie."
Tom threw him a death glare but the Slytherin just shrugged. "It's true."
Malfoy, who had joined them as well, stared after Hermione. He contemplatively pursed his lips. Tom had to restrain himself to not hex them all.
"She does seem a bit off today," Malfoy stupidly decided.
"Hmm..."
Now even Bellatrix' interest was drawn to the little Mudblood. Tom balled his hands into angry fists. Bellatrix' teeth flashed with a smirk as she observed Hermione like a hyena waiting to sink its fangs into the carcass. In faux concern, she crooned,
"Poor thing. I hope you're treating her right, Tom." He dark eyes danced with cruel mirth. "But I shouldn't worry; you're known to be such a considerate boyfriend."
Tom's lips were pressed into a thin line and he threw her a warning look. Bellatrix simply cocked a challenging eyebrow. As he didn't react, the Slytherin girl quickly lost interest in their staring match. Her lips curved into a wide smile and she suddenly proclaimed,
"You know what? I have a date tomorrow."
Tom didn't really care, but the change of subject was welcome. A smirk ghosted around his mouth and he asked quietly,
"Is that so?"
Bellatrix nodded enthusiastically, grabbed Tom's arm and pulled him away. In her other hand she twirled her wand.
"Indeed," Bellatrix cackled in sick amusement. "Herbert Fleet."
"Really? How'd you manage that?"
Bellatrix face twisted into an unsettling smirk. "I have my ways."
She carelessly scraped her wand along the corridor wall as they walked, leaving behind angrily sizzling scorch marks. Then the witch wondered contemplatively,
"I'm not quite sure yet what to do with him…" Her dark eyes came to rest on Tom. "Any suggestions?"
Tom only shrugged his shoulders in disinterest, making Bellatrix sulk, "You are no help."
Her pout quickly dropped from her face and she giggled maliciously, "I could drag him to Hogsmeade and on our way we could 'get lost' in the Forbidden Forest." Bellatrix brandished her wand excitedly, the tip smoking forebodingly. "And BAM no witnesses."
Tom hummed in agreement and commented lightly, "You'll have to wait until you pass the old milestone. Then you know you've left Hogwarts' grounds. Otherwise the wards might react to any dark spells."
A wide smile revealed Bellatrix white teeth. The hand still holding Tom's arm tightened and she pulled him closer to her. Standing on tip-toes, the witch placed a kiss on his cheek.
"You're a genius, Riddle," Bellatrix chirped, sinister delight crossing her face.
†
For the rest of the day, Tom didn't see Hermione at all. She even missed dinner and he wondered if she again tried to avoid him. There was no reason for her to do so, as Tom's violent temper had long since calmed down. He didn't seek her out, though. Since that Cruciatus he had thrown at her, she had slipped back into her Mudblood mode and Lupin's interference had made things even worse. It was a problem, because her behaviour already attracted unwanted attention. Tom wasn't sure how to solve it. Threatening her or cursing her would make things even worse.
The next day, a Saturday, wasn't any better. Hermione still avoided him and hadn't shown up for breakfast. Tom wasn't willing to take her elusive behaviour anymore. After searching the castle, he found Hermione with a bunch of Gryffindors outside by the Quidditch pitch. It was rather cold and the popped collar of his cloak was a poor protection against the wind and the drizzle falling from the grey sky. Tom sniffed in irritation as he watched the Gryffindors on the Quidditch pitch. They were flying around on their brooms, endowed with their sports gear, but it was quite obvious that the trainings session had ended some time ago. Laughing and screeching loudly, the so-called Quidditch players were invested in a game of tag. At least, Hermione had refrained from riding a broom. Instead she stood on the lawn and, smile in place, watched the others racing through the air. Tom scowled in displeasure as he saw the players now and then descending and playfully tugging at Hermione's cloak.
"Hermione," he called her, walking towards her on the wet grass.
Her shoulders stiffened as the girl heard him and Tom noted that the smile was instantly wiped from her face.
"What are you doing?" he asked, voice sharper than intended.
He almost growled in frustration as the now well-known blank expression slipped on Hermione's face.
"I'm sorry," the girl replied apathetically and Tom realized he had come to hate that statement. ", did you need me?"
He breathed in deeply, trying to fight against his upcoming frustration. His eyes left Hermione and wandered to the other Gryffindors. They had continued their stupid game, their faces red from laughter and excitement. How childish. He threw Hermione a stern glare. Why was she participating in such a waste of time? Tom swallowed a sharp reprove and instead asked,
"Did you already finish your Charms essay?"
"Yes, Mas- Tom."
Tom ran a hand through his hair while he scanned her. The last conversation with Bellatrix came back to him.
"Then you are free now?"
"Yes, Tom," was her colourless response.
"Do you want to go to Hogsmeade?" Tom inquired curtly.
Finally the girl looked up at him, deep confused frown on her face, and she asked in a flat voice, "I thought you didn't like to go."
He sighed irritably. "I changed my mind. Do you want to come or not?"
Hermione inclined her head. "Of course."
Tom felt vexed by her distanced reply. If she insisted on being difficult, he might just pull her into the Forbidden Forest just like Bellatrix had planned for her conquest. Silently, they left Hogwarts' grounds and walked the path towards Hogsmeade. Tom rubbed the bridge of his nose and glanced at his tongue-tied Mudblood. As she noticed his attention had fallen on her, Hermione looked up. For a moment she just blinked at him. Then something like comprehension crossed her face.
"I can carry that," she suggested duteously.
It took Tom a second to realize she meant his black messenger back. Barely, he managed to suppress a frustrated groan. Yes, that would make him look really good when he let his so-called girlfriend carry his stuff. Tom threw Hermione a warning glare which made the girl avert her eyes to the ground. His frustration instantly rose a few notches.
"At least try to act normal," he hissed at her under his breath.
Immediately, Hermione nodded at him, mumbling a soft apology. Tom sighed deeply; Hermione's act of the servile Mudblood was grating on his nerves.
"You remember Beltain is coming up in a few weeks?" Tom asked her in a tightly controlled voice. "Hogwarts is arranging a little ball."
Expectantly, he glanced at the girl. He was to be disappointed, though. Hermione only nodded numbly, obviously not caring about any balls or festivities. They finally reached Hogsmeade, the village's streets crowded with other students.
"I thought we could buy you something you might wear for the ball," Tom informed the Mudblood, forcing a smile on his face.
Once again, Hermione didn't seem to care one way or the other and just nodded her consent. He started to doubt his idea of coming to Hogsmeade, but it was too late to go back now. A few more steps down the street and Tom entered one of the shops. It was crammed with clothes upon clothes, but at least it was warm. With pursed lips Tom scanned the area. He spotted a section with cloaks in every imaginable colour. Right beside that was a shelf with wizards' hats. They ranged from simple black pointy ones to rather flashy stovepipe hats.
Tom ignored the shelf full of lemon yellow wizards' robes and walked over to a clothes rail displaying dresses in all colours. Hermione still shadowed him mutely. She stood beside him obediently as he started to sort through the dresses. He pulled one off the rail. It was an ankle-length green silk dress which fell in smooth waves to the floor.
"How about this?" Tom asked her.
Hermione barely glanced at the beautiful dress before she nodded duteously. "It's nice."
Tom arched an eyebrow as he heard her apathetic reply. His eyes left Hermione's face shortly and wandered to a pair of Ravenclaws nearby. The two girls giggled happily as they sorted through the dresses, now and then pulling one out and admiring or discarding it. Tom's gaze left the cheerful girls and he looked back down at Hermione. She stood before him with her eyes downcast, her face completely shut down. A sigh tore from his lips and he put the green dress back on the clothes rail.
"Why don't you try to find something you like?"
"Yes, Tom."
.
Hermione cautiously watched Tom. The Slytherin hesitated shortly, as if he wanted to add something, but then he just left her alone and strolled over to a sofa, positioned near the changing rooms. Hermione relaxed a bit now that Tom wasn't paying her so close attention anymore. She looked at the clothes. Barely daring to touch them, she browsed through the dresses. They were all beautiful. Hermione had never dreamed to touch clothes like this. She came upon a dress made of floaty, periwinkle-blue material. A smile on her face, she examined the dress. She liked it. But then she checked the price tag. Twenty-five Galleons? Reluctantly, Hermione put the blue dress back on the rail. It was too flashy for her anyway.
It didn't really take long for her to find something for the ball. It was a simple black dress with thin spaghetti straps. It wasn't that fancy but, most important, it only cost six Galleons. Cautiously holding the dress, Hermione walked over to Tom. He still sat on the sofa and stared into space. His deep blue eyes focused on her as she stood in front of him.
"Did you find something?"
"Yes, Tom," Hermione whispered while handing him the black dress.
Tom accepted it. His fingers ran over the black satin. As he checked the price tag he raised an eyebrow.
"Are you sure you want this one?"
Hermione nodded her head. Tom's gaze wandered from her to the dress. He scanned it as if doubting it was a good choice. In the end, though, he didn't comment, but went to pay. While Hermione waited for him, she wondered why he had brought her to Hogsmeade. Surely he had more important things to do than spent time with her. Then again, maybe he hadn't wanted to entrust her with the money to buy the dress herself.
Shortly later, they left Gladrags Wizardwear, Tom carrying the bag with Hermione's dress. She was pretty sure that now they would return to Hogwarts. Tom, though, walked further into Hogsmeade. Confusedly, Hermione followed. Maybe there was something else he had to take care of.
"Do you want to go to Honeydukes?" Tom abruptly asked.
Hermione looked up at him, carefully keeping the suspicion from showing on her face. She didn't understand his question. Tom arched an eyebrow and Hermione felt compelled to just nod. There was a hint of a smile playing around Tom's mouth. It only served to confuse her even further. Giving no explanation, he led the way to the shop and Hermione followed him mechanically. Like last time she had visited the shop, Honeydukes was packed with students and Hermione felt a bit lost.
"What do you want to try?" Tom asked her, in a suspiciously kind tone.
"I don't need anything," Hermione replied automatically, injecting the expected servile tint into her voice.
She fidgeted uncomfortably under Tom's heavy gaze. There was a strange, almost disappointed, sheen in his blue eyes.
"No-one needs sweets," he stated. "Wait here, I'm going to get you something."
Hermione's befuddlement only grew as she watched Tom disappearing into the crowd. Not five minutes later he reappeared, now with one of Honeydukes paper bags in hand.
"Come on," Tom said, gently pushing Hermione out of the shop.
As they stepped back outside, he offered her something that resembled a normal quill. At her puzzlement, Tom smirked and explained,
"It's a Sugar Quill. Just try it."
Hermione warily accepted the sweet. Tentatively, she nibbled at the quill. Sweet, with the taste of cherry.
"Thank you," Hermione mumbled politely and followed Tom further down High Street.
As they meandered through the village, Hermione spotted Regulus through the window of the post office. Smiling softly, she waved at him. Regulus threw an anxious look at Tom, but in the end returned her greeting. The exchange provoked a sharp frown to take shape on Tom's face.
"Why do you spend time with Black?" he inquired venomously.
Keeping all emotion from her face, Hermione replied, "Regulus is nice. I like him."
Immediately, Tom's expression clouded with disgust and he sneered, "You don't need friends, Hermione."
She peered up at him, still holding her sugar quill in hand. Then she asked tentatively, "Why do you say that?"
"Be reasonable," Tom said acridly. "Friends are useless at best. At the worst, they keep you from accomplishing your goals."
He was again using that icy cold voice. It always made fearful chills darting down Hermione's spine. Not wanting to anger him more, she just nodded. Tom promptly narrowed his eyes.
"You don't really agree with me, do you?" he accused.
Hermione's face shot up at him and she assured quickly, "No, I do agree. Really."
"Lying to me does not work," Tom told her darkly. "You should know that by now."
Hermione ducked her head and gave him what he wanted to hear, "I'm sorry, Tom."
Strangely enough, Tom's face softened as he heard her feeble reply and he averted his gaze, blinking up at the grey sky.
"You're wrong," he said, steely edge in his voice. "Friends… Especially, family… In the end, it is a waste of time."
For a moment, Hermione didn't say anything, jaded eyes wandering over the shops and Hogsmeade's small houses with the pointed gables.
"All this time in Malfoy manor," she finally whispered, never looking up at Tom. "All this time in the magical world, really… I never had much. No future, no hope that anything will ever get better. Nothing to keep me going…"
Her voice fizzled out and she vacantly stared in front of her. Tom didn't say anything, though Hermione could feel his heavy gaze on her.
"Nothing," she repeated, her thoughts far off. "But then, sometimes I remember my life – as it was before. I remember my family. My parents. Their faces faded away. I regret that."
Subconsciously Hermione raised her head and peered up at Riddle. She found him watching her intently. Once again his emotions were hidden away behind a mask of stone. Hermione didn't know what he was thinking; if he even listened.
"But what I will never forget is what they meant to me," she said softly. "I love them. Still. And I can remember how they loved me. To them I was something important. Something very dear."
Her eyes dropped down to the sugar quill in her hand but she didn't really see the candy. Then she continued, her voice strangely steady when all those feelings were rushing through her,
"They died. And I was suddenly… trash." A mirthless smile twisted Hermione's lips. "A servant, worthless…"
Her hand balled into a fist around the candy, crashing it. Hermione didn't even notice but continued her story,
"I ended up with nothing. Nothing but my memories. If I didn't have them… if I didn't know that once, to my parents, I was not worthless, but so much more…"
Hermione breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly. For a moment she just stared at the other students hopping from this shop to that, laughing freely. Then she again raised her eyes up to meet Riddle's blue ones.
"No," she told him calmly. "I don't think that family and friends are useless."
Tom's blue eyes rested on her but he did not reply. They kept walking for a while, no-one saying anything. Then Riddle offered her another Sugar Quill and asked, strangely hesitant,
"Would you like to go to the bookshop?"
Hermione glanced at him. His face was frustratingly unreadable as always. She accepted the sweet from him and answered as it was expected of her,
"If you want to go, Tom."
"No," he said instantly. "This is about what you want to do."
In the end, they did go to the book shop. Rather quickly, Hermione was pulled into the world of the written word. Small smile in place, she flipped through a Herbology book about submerged plants.
"Hermione?" a deep voice interrupted her.
"Yes?" she looked up from her book, smile still on her face.
Tom scanned her for a moment. Then he said stiltedly, "I don't think you are worthless."
Her eyes widened. Where had that come from?
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
It was confusing. Tom was confusing. His expectations were incomprehensible and his behaviour unpredictable. What did he want from her? He didn't want her to call him 'Master' or bow to him, but he demanded utter obedience …except on occasions when he suddenly didn't want her to be the submissive servant. He was scary, one icy look making Hermione cower in fear, but then he also was protective of her. Sometimes he was affectionate on a level Hermione hadn't experienced since she entered the Magical World. But how much was his affection worth when the next second it could turn to wrath?
Hermione didn't know what to do. Trying to slip into her old role as Penny the slave girl had proven to be impossible. Suddenly attending Hogwarts, her Promised Land, made Hermione feel painfully alone and excluded. Maybe it was that loneliness that drove Hermione to walk to the DADA club more than fifteen minutes early.
Her heart fluttered nervously in her chest as Hermione carefully opened the door to the trainings hall. A small smile appeared on her face as she spotted Lupin. The werewolf stood by the trainings dummies, casting shielding spells over them. As he heard the door click open, he raised his head and a broad smile split his face.
"Rookwood," Lupin said. "You are early."
Hermione nodded shyly. "Yes. I'm sorry, Captain. I can wait outside."
"No need," replied the werewolf good-naturedly. "You can actually help me set up the dummies."
Hermione quickly stepped further into the duelling room and said obediently, "Of course, sir."
Lupin frowned as he heard the submissive streak in her voice. "Seriously, Hermione, you don't have to help me. Completely your decision."
Hermione hesitated and considered the professor for a moment. He was still bent over the training dummy, waving his wand over it.
"I would really like to help," she said softly and walked over to him.
Lupin threw her a smile and gestured at another dummy.
"You can go and cast the Velum shield," he suggested lightly. "Let's see if your classmates can break it."
Hermione smiled at him and nodded. Swiftly, she pulled her wand and flourished it, folding the shield around the dummy. The wooden frame was shortly engulfed in a golden shine as the shield took form.
"Not bad," commented Lupin, making Hermione blush.
Mumbling a 'Thank you', she proceeded to the next dummy. She had managed to wrap another two dummies in the shield as the werewolf spoke again.
"So, Hermione," the man said, glancing at her. "How's Hogwarts treated you so far?"
"Very good, Captain," Hermione responded, smiling at him. "I really like it here."
"And your Master?" Lupin prodded carefully.
Hermione raised her eyebrows in question. "Sir?"
"How does Riddle treat you?"
The smile fell from Hermione's face and her hand involuntarily tightened around her wand. She averted her eyes from Lupin and replied meekly,
"He treats me better than my former Masters."
Lupin hummed softly and let his yellow eyes wander over Hermione. He didn't comment on her timid behaviour but continued to cast the shield over a trainings dummy. Hermione copied him and worked on another dummy.
"Who were your former Masters?" Lupin eventually asked.
Hermione glanced at him. "I worked for the Malfoys."
The werewolf looked as if he had bitten into a lemon and put a sympathetic hand on her shoulder.
"That must have been awful."
Hermione giggled softly, before she continued conversationally, "It wasn't that bad. There were a lot of other Mudbloods. We helped each other. So, most of the time, I wasn't caught when doing something wrong and didn't get punished too often."
Strangely enough Lupin winced slightly as she said it. Hermione furrowed her brow. The teacher ignored it but asked instead,
"How would you get punished?"
"Oh, it wasn't too bad," replied Hermione lightly. "It was rarely worse than a beating."
She could see a flitter of anger rushing through the werewolf's yellow eyes as she told him. Thinking she had angered Lupin, Hermione took a small step back from him. As he noticed it, he sent her an encouraging smile before he asked gingerly,
"What about Riddle? Does he punish you often?"
Hermione stared down at the floor and said in a small voice, "No. Not often."
"But sometimes he does?"
Without looking at Lupin, she nodded in reply. Then Hermione hastily continued to cast the Velum shield on her next trainings dummy. The werewolf didn't say any more. In silence they worked on the remaining dummies.
"If you want Riddle to treat you differently," Lupin eventually said. ", you have to stop behaving like his servant."
Hermione cautiously glanced at him and said, "I don't think he'll like that."
"Probably not." Lupin shrugged dismissively. "But otherwise, he will certainly not change his behaviour towards you."
"I… I don't know…" Hermione mumbled hesitantly.
Lupin sighed before he wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Are you scared he's going to hurt you?"
Hermione didn't look up at the werewolf but nodded. Surprisingly he chuckled.
"In that case, you just need to curse him. I've seen you fight. You're impressive."
Hermione's head snapped up at him and she spluttered, "I can't curse my Master."
Lupin grinned toothily. He bent down to her and whispered mischievously into her ear, "The rules have changed, Hermione."
"What do you mean?"
"Your so-called Master has dragged you into Hogwarts, enrolled you as a student and – if I'm not completely mistaken – is quite smitten with you."
Hermione blushed deeply as she heard that last part. It only managed to widen the teasing grin on Lupin's face.
"I think your relationship with Riddle has long since stopped being that of a Master and his slave."
Hermione threw an insecure look at Lupin. "What are you suggesting here?"
The werewolf barked out a laugh as he heard her shaky question. "Guys like Riddle love to be in command. They like to think that the whole world revolves around them."
Lupin stepped away from Hermione and turned to another trainings dummy while he continued talking, amusement thick in his voice,
"Immature, is what they are." He winked at Hermione. "And Riddle's one of the worst. He's not going to willingly give up his power."
A wave of Lupin's wand and the dummy glowed golden for a second. With that the werewolf turned to the next dummy but not before throwing Hermione and encouraging smile.
"Unfortunately," Lupin continued in his kind voice. ", our Mr Riddle has a lot of power over you."
Hermione stared down at the tips of her shoes, feeling awkward. Lupin's next words, though, made her look up at him in shock,
"You've got to take that power from him."
"But… but, Captain," stuttered Hermione. "I can't- can't do anything against my Master's wish. I'm not al-"
"You can, Hermione," Lupin's voice cut over her with confidence. "And I'm pretty sure you'll be successful, too. Riddle's probably waiting for it."
Hermione stared at her professor in disbelief. He merely leaned against the trainings dummy and grinned broadly. She furrowed her brow.
"No. It's not possible. Tom wouldn't ac-" She stopped and corrected herself, "Master wouldn't accept it."
Lupin casually shrugged his shoulders. Studying his nails in mock-indifference, he said lightly, "Well, then. I guess, you'll just have to remain being his little servant girl forever."
Hermione's eyes narrowed angrily and a scowl formed on her face. Lupin peered at her through the corners of his eyes, a feral grin hovering around his lips.
"Your choice."
Hermione sighed loudly as she saw the teasing smile on his face. She tiredly rubbed the bridge of her nose.
"So…" Lupin said, yellow eyes flashing at her mischievously. "What are you doing tonight?"
Hermione furrowed her brow and looked up at her professor. "I… Nothing special. It is a Thursday."
"Good good." The werewolf waved a dismissive hand at her. "Then you are free?"
"Free for what?" asked Hermione, suspicion now thick in her voice.
Lupin chuckled softly before he innocently supplied, "How about you accompany me back to the barracks? Hm? "
Hermione eyed him with pursed lips. Lupin simply chuckled under her scrutiny. "You look like you could use a break. Get away from everything. That sort of thing. You can meet all my werewolf-colleagues." He chuckled again. "There's lots to drink and food. Trust me, you'll have fun."
Hermione was tempted by the prospect of a short reprieve. Still she recited the rules, "Students are not allowed to leave the castle."
Lupin grinned at her and shrugged. "I'm a teacher. Can't say I read the rule book, but I'm pretty sure it's fine for you to leave when in company of a professor."
Hermione peered at him. It actually sounded quite nice and she would love to learn more about werewolves. Seeing her slowly caving in, Lupin added,
"No-one's going to notice you're gone. I won't tell Riddle if you don't."
"Hm." Hermione wavered. "It's… it's not going to be dangerous?"
Lupin actually laughed as he heard that. Mirth still danced in his yellow eyes as he finally calmed down.
"Merlin, dangerous?" He smiled, showing sharp teeth. "I'd be disappointed if it wouldn't be."
That was not in the least bit reassuring. Hermione frowned at the man. Then again, what did she have to lose?
"Okay. I'll come."
"Perfect." Lupin grinned, not having expected any other reply.
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
'You gave me words of hope, are they not long delayed?
The plum-tree is remembered by the Spring,
Though it seemed dead with frost.'
- Sugawara Takesue no Musume
(*1009 † 1070)