Disclaimer in Chapter One
A/N: Finally the next chapter is finished :D and there's a Tom/Hermione scene here. So there's that to look forward to. lol
This time, we won't have such extreme gore like in last chapter. Sorry about Regulus by the way. But he had to go. Poor bloke.
And what the heck? O.O So many wonderful reviews for last chapter. THANK YOU! ^^ I love you all. Thank you, you awesome reviewers:
mshccs, Guest, Energetic red, lalyta8, ColorMeLovely28, Ceralyn, Queeny kk, BlinkoLISTEN UP, atlanticrayon, Lorna Potter, FadedSunset, TheMatterWithMatter, Elased, DraxThePacifist, Ko, motherofallrandomness, Guest, Guest, LoveMyRomance, mseclair, anon, The all mighty and powerfulM, Theisaryz Eufuelle, Gryffindorian2014, vaquier2, Guest, Twilighterheart xxxx, Guest, The Other World, Stella Purple, Tongue Tied Baby, MomentoMori2, HereToRead84, cathy loves heath, Dumbledoor, hateme101, THEPrincessx, FutureMrs Lewis, just because u said so, Guest, Mc111, We're All Just A Little Mad, Ainulindale of Arda, jessica, Peeca151, satoz, Polki, Maedaa, sam853, amr56, Boo, lexicon63738, TwilightGirl100195, Bubbles of Colours, Guest, Never a Writer, Cielo, Ari Goddess of Night, Guest, Guest, Guest, reader204, lkdv, Obey the Muse, Dragul, HelloIamGracie, Pet Me Feed Me, Bella Elizabeth, yasaminyyy, Delanieroberts, Indigo Lily, The Happiest, Teamstarkidding, Jen103, vicko, lily786, Anon, Guest, Guest, everlastingtrueromance, Guest, Guest
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
Chapter Thirty Five: I watched you Cry
'We have to talk.
You can't stay away forever. I know a lot has happened. Mistakes were made and I'm not completely innocent either. I want to compromise, but you have to talk to me first.
I know where you are. I can feel it. I won't disturb you there, but we need to talk. Contact me. I can't wait much longer.
- Tom'
Pucey had brought the letter to Hermione. An owl had haunted the borders of the werewolf territory, unable to pass the wards. Pucey had taken pity on the bird and had accepted its letter.
Hermione had not been happy about the letter's content. It was disturbing. Tom was delusional if he thought she'd contact him. She didn't want to ever talk to him again. Hermione pushed the thought of Tom away and threw herself into planning her mission to Hogwarts.
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
"Yer insane. I hope ya know that."
Greyback gazed at Hermione through his steely eyes and bluntly informed, "Yer gonna get yerself killed."
"They won't catch me," Hermione replied dryly.
"Yer a bit too confident," the pack leader huffed. "Ya not even trained for this kind of shit. Black's an idiot." He turned to Sirius, who stood a bit away, and yelled, "Yer an idiot, Black!"
A big scowl appeared on Sirius' face, but Lupin's hand on his arm stopped him from stamping over to them. Hermione crossed her arms in front of her chest and clarified, "This was my idea."
"Yeah yeah," Greyback hummed, not really listening.
He rummaged around the pockets of his uniform cloak. Hermione watched in confusion as he produced a black combat knife. In one smooth movement, he slid the knife from its holster. Even the blade was black, almost invisible in the night.
"I know yer all for that constant wand wavin' an' whatnot," Greyback drawled. "but there's somethin' honest in a nice knife fight. Don't ya think?"
"Er…" Hermione frowned at him. "I guess so…?"
Greyback nodded contently and put the knife back in its holster. Then he handed it to her with the advice, "Secure it to yer belt an' the strap around yer thigh."
A sharp grin appeared on his face and he clapped her heartily on the back, making Hermione stumble a step forward and almost losing the knife. Chuckling, Greyback told her, "Someone comes at you, just stab the bastard. Questions later."
"Um…" Hermione stared down at the knife in her hands and felt bizarrely moved. "Thanks."
The pack leader waved her thanks away. "Don't get all emotional on me. Now off ya go."
Hermione wasn't at all impressed by his gruff tone and smiled at him. "Okay. See you when I get back."
With that she trudged over to Sirius and Lupin. Her stomach curled into nervous knots. Finally, the time had come to set their plan in motion. Hermione felt jittery at the prospect of returning to Hogwarts. Sensing her anxiety, Sirius asked softly,
"You ready?"
Hermione nodded, too nervous to say anything. Lupin threw her an encouraging smile and handed her the Portkey, a pair of round glasses. Hermione held them in shaky hands and could barely listen as Lupin once again went over her mission.
"-from inside. You need to leave the castle to be able to use the Portkey," the werewolf cautioned. "Hogwarts' wards are too strong around the castle proper."
Hermione nodded, feeling a bit forlorn. Maybe Greyback was right. Maybe this was a suicide mission.
"Hermione."
She raised her head at Sirius. A small smile had appeared on his face. "I know you can do this. Otherwise, I wouldn't send you in."
Hermione breathed in deeply. Like a warm blanket, his confidence wrapped around her. Her lips curled up into a shy smile and she promised,
"I won't disappoint you."
Sirius chuckled softly. "You couldn't, even if you tried."
"Okay," Hermione said, steeling herself. "Let's do this."
"Good luck," Lupin said in his raspy voice.
He leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. Sirius smiled and winked at her.
"Go get 'em, Tiger."
†
Barely making any sounds, Hermione crept through Hogwarts' darkened corridors. At two in the morning it was quite unlikely that she'd run into anyone, still her heart raced in her chest. Despite the fear coiling inside her, it was strangely nice to be back in the castle. The old paintings on the walls and the thick wooden doors leading into classrooms made Hermione smile in nostalgia.
She hadn't even reached the entrance into the servants' tunnels yet as her mission hit its first setback. Loud steps echoed through the corridor. Frantically, Hermione searched for a hiding place. In her panic, she squeezed herself into a tiny alcove, complete with arrow slit in the castle's wall.
Holding her breath, Hermione waited. Someone was moving towards her. Whoever it was, for some reason they hadn't lit their wand. Not a professor then? Nervously, Hermione fingered her own wand in her trouser pocket. As the person passed the alcove, she spotted pale skin, freckles and fiery red hair. Instantly, her trepidation drained away and a smile tucked at her mouth. Hermione reached out, grabbed a wrist and pulled.
"What?!" a surprised voice blurted.
The grin on Hermione's face widened. Bright brown eyes blinked up at her in disbelief. Ginny Weasley stared at her as if she'd seen a ghost. Then the girl squealed loudly and threw herself at her friend.
"Hermione!"
Hermione cringed at the loud noise. Still, she wrapped her arms around the girl. "Good to see you."
Ginny giggled, unable to believe her friend was really here. "Look at you," She held Hermione at arms' length and stared at her black attire. "Did you join the Corps?"
Hermione laughed. "No, no. Still a witch, no werewolf."
Ginny again wrapped her arms around her. "Merlin, I missed you so much. You don't even know."
"I missed you too," Hermione replied softly.
The red-head sniffled and rubbed a hand over her eyes. "I- We thought- As you just disappeared, we thought they… You know… Just k… killed you."
Fat tears ran from Ginny's eyes. Hermione put a soothing hand on her friend's shoulder. "I'm fine. Lupin and Sirius Black saved me."
Ginny pulled a handkerchief from her pocket and blew her nose. Shakily, she looked up at Hermione. A teary smile appeared on her face.
"I knew… I knew you'd be okay. I just knew."
She reached for Hermione and held her hand. After a moment of content silence, Ginny furrowed her brow. "Wait a moment. Sirius Black helped you?"
Hermione nodded amusedly. "Yes. He's a good friend. And I…" She eyed Ginny carefully. "I actually joined the Order of the Phoenix."
Ginny's eyebrows shot up. "You did?!"
"Yes, they're helping Muggleborns," Hermione replied tentatively. "That's why I'm here tonight. I'm on a mission."
For a moment, Ginny simply stared at her with wide eyes. Then she exclaimed, "That is awesome! Do you need help? I mean, I'm totally in."
Hermione laughed. "No. It's fine. It's more of a recon mission."
Ginny nodded reasonably. "You already sound like a pro. I am impressed."
"Don't be. I'm muddling through here."
Hermione cautiously peered out of the alcove. Everything was clear. Turning back to Ginny, she said, "I'd love to talk some more, but…"
"You gotta save the world." Ginny grinned at her. "I get it."
The girl once again hugged Hermione tightly. "We'll meet again, yes? I don't want to lose you again."
A smile was on Hermione's lips and her eyes burned a bit. "Yes, definitely."
With that, she slipped out of the alcove. Hermione would've loved to stay with her friend but she forced herself to press on. Without looking back, she scurried towards one of the servants' entrances. The tunnel that greeted her was dank and narrow. A shudder went down Hermione's spine, but she hurried through the tunnel and down flights of stairs. Soon she reached the large double doors leading into the kitchens. Nervously, Hermione wrung her hands.
This was it.
Scraping together all her Gryffindor bravery, she opened the door. Even at this late hour, the kitchens welcomed Hermione with the loud hustle and bustle of people working. Hogwarts Muggleborns were still busy. Hot steam and the smell of food hit Hermione while wafts of mist drifted out of the nearby laundry room. Hermione walked further into the room. Slowly people recognized her and whispers started around her. Holding her back straight, Hermione's gaze wandered over the room. The Muggleborns had paused in their chores and openly stared at her.
"What's going on?" a voice cut into the awkward silence.
Hermione sighed in relief. Dobby had stepped out of the laundry room, frown on his face. It wasn't long and his eyes fell on her. Hermione chuckled softly as she saw first shock then joy wash over the man's face.
"Penny!" Dobby exclaimed happily. "Is it really you?"
Hermione grinned at the man. "Thought I'd visit. I hope it's not an inconvenience."
An incredulous laugh bubbled from Dobby. "You crazy girl. You're always welcome."
Still grinning, he pulled Hermione towards a rickety table in a corner of the kitchens. He placed a hot cup of tea in front of her and sat beside her at the table.
"Merlin." The man scanned her in disbelief. "I didn't think I'd ever see you again."
Just as Hermione wanted to reply, a voice interrupted her, "Is it really Penny?"
Smile on her face Winky, hurried over to their table. The woman enveloped Hermione in a hug.
"It really is you!"
Hermione returned the hug. "Sorry for just disappearing."
Winky plopped down on a chair and lamented, "Circe, we had no idea what happened to you."
"Yes, we were worried," Dobby agreed, concern dulling his eyes. "But you're fine, yes?"
"Better than ever," Hermione quickly assured.
Dobby's eyes slid over the black uniform she was wearing. He caught her gaze and cocked a questioning eyebrow. Hermione grinned at him in response.
"But what happened to you?" Winky inquired. "Did new Masters buy you?"
Hermione's eyes wandered to the woman. Carefully, she said, "No. I don't have any masters anymore. I'm free."
Dobby watched her, seemingly not surprised by her revelation. Winky, on the other hand, gasped and grabbed her chest in shock.
"N- no Master?"
"Yes." Hermione inclined her head. "One of the reasons I'm here... I have a proposition."
Winky hovered on the verge of fainting but Dobby inquired shrewdly. "What sort of proposition?"
"To help you get away, just like I did."
"Get away?" Dobby questioned.
"You know what I mean." Hermione smiled at him sadly and gestured at the kitchens. "This is no life worth living."
There was an unreadable look on Dobby's face. "I'm afraid I don't know…"
Hermione considered her next words very carefully, "I know you can see it, Dobby. The injustice. The cruelty we have to bear like we deserve no better. It's wrong."
"Is it really?" Dobby mused colourlessly.
"Very much so," Hermione noted. "You all need to get away from this."
"It's how things are." Dobby shrugged. "Always have been."
"It doesn't mean things have to stay like this forever," Hermione said in a quiet voice.
Dobby sighed tiredly, "Nothing to be done about it."
"We can do something," she insisted firmly. "I got away. I quit." She leaned towards him and whispered, "I came back, because I want to change things."
Dobby's eyes sharpened. "You're offering us a ticket out of this?"
"Yes." Conviction wrapped around Hermione's words. "I can get you out."
Dobby cocked a doubtful eyebrow and said wryly, "You? A lot of work for one person, don't you think?"
On his face, Hermione could see that he already had a good guess where she came from. It was time to lay the cards on the table. "I never said I was alone. I'm representing the Order of the Phoenix. I'm offering you my help and the help of Sirius Black."
Dobby's lips slightly curled into a grin, but before he could reply, Winky screeched loudly, "What?! The O- Order of the Phoenix? This- this is crazy." She tugged at Dobby's arm. "You can't seriously listen to this. Sirius Black? He's a criminal."
"No, he's not," Hermione interrupted. "He's fighting to free all Muggleborns."
"F- free?!" Winky stuttered, staring at Hermione in shock and disgust. "Free of what? What're you talking about, girl?"
"We need to get away from the Purebloods," Hermione replied fiercely. "They have no right to steal us from our families or buy us like meat. Muggleborns should be free. That's what Sirius Black wants and that's what I want."
Indignantly, Winky returned, "Free Mudbloods? What do you think we'll do then? Hm? This is all I've ever learned. I don't know any spells. What do you think I'll do without my job here?"
"It's not a job. Not really," Hermione grimly noted.
"This is outrageous," Winky exclaimed, anger seeping into her voice. "I won't listen to your absurd ideas anymore. You should be ashamed of yourself."
She jumped up from her chair and furiously stamped away. Hermione's eyes followed her sadly. Nervously, she peered at Dobby.
"What do you think?"
Dobby eyed her and his lips turned into a smile. "I think that I'm interested in your absurd ideas."
Hermione's tense posture relaxed slightly. "Thank Merlin. I thought you're going to give me the boot."
Dobby chuckled softly. "No."
Hermione threw him a grin. Then she got serious again, "The Order and I, we have a plan to get you all out of here."
Dobby nodded. "What do you need me to do?"
"You have to convince the other Muggleborns," said Hermione. "They need to agree and accept our help."
The man rubbed his chin in contemplation. "You want me to talk them into following the Order?"
"No." Hermione shook her head. "Don't talk them into anything. This first step needs to be taken voluntarily. It's their decision. If they agree, we'll get you out of Hogwarts and out of the UK. You'll have a life of your own, without anyone telling you what to do."
"That does sound compelling," Dobby mused. "How much time do I have to talk to the others?"
"A week," Hermione replied. "I'll return in a week and we'll set the plan in motion. I promise, everyone who wants to leave will get out of here."
Dobby ran a hand through his short hair. "This is all a bit sudden."
"I know. It can't be helped," Hermione sighed. "But we need you. The others listen to you. They trust your judgement."
He threw her a crooked smile. "Let's hope so." Dobby's gaze wandered over the kitchens and the people working. "I'm pretty sure, deep down even Winky knows you're right."
†
Hufflepuff's crest still adorned the kitchens' fireplace. Hermione stared at the crest and felt Hufflepuff's wards humming around it.
"That's what you've been searching for?" Dobby frowned at the crest.
Hermione peered at the man standing beside her. "I think it's an entrance."
She pulled her wand and let her magic brush over Hufflepuff's wards. Almost instantly they granted her passage. Obviously, Helga Hufflepuff hadn't wanted to hide her Cup forever. Hermione's heart skipped an excited beat as she watched the back wall of the fireplace wobble slightly.
She threw Dobby a grin. "See you."
Then she closed her eyes and stepped right through the wall. Hufflepuff's wards tickling over Hermione's skin. On the other side, she stepped out of a similar fireplace and into a beautiful study. A small smile slid on her face as she marvelled at the room. It was probably twice the size of the Gryffindor common room. One wall was covered by a shelf from floor to ceiling, stuffed with books. Fluffy carpets lay on the floor and small tables, arm chairs and sofas invited the visitor to sit down and read.
Hermione let her fingers skim over the books' spines as she strolled further into the room. She spotted a few portraits hanging at the walls. The people in the frames were sleeping. Only one of the paintings was awake. The woman in the portrait eyed Hermione through incredibly blue eyes. Her flaming red hair was braided intricately, yellow and black ribbons adorning the plait. Hermione instantly knew who the beautiful woman was. With wide eyes, she stared up at the portrait, blushing slightly. The woman didn't say anything, but inclined her head in greeting. Feeling incredibly nervous, Hermione stupidly blurted the first thing that popped into her mind,
"You have a nice study. I bet Ravenclaw was jealous."
Mortified, her blush grew even deeper. Hufflepuff laughed blithefully, but no sound could be heard. The portrait was very old, maybe the spells back then hadn't been able to catch speech or the magic had simply worn off or. Hermione tried to collect herself and cleared her throat.
"I'm sorry to burst in like this…" She hesitated, not really knowing how to address one of the Founders. "…Lady Hufflepuff?"
The woman smiled warmly and shook her head. Hermione gulped nervously.
"Mistress Hufflepuff?"
Again the woman shook her head. Hermione furrowed her brow in confusion. She eyed the kind look on Hufflepuff's face and stuttered softly,
"H- Helga?"
Hufflepuff's features lit up and the smile again split her face as she nodded happily. A smile blossomed on Hermione's own face. Then she explained breathlessly,
"I'm here because I'm searching for your Cup. You see, Tom… he's a dark wizard and he wants to destroy it. And I… I can't let him do that."
Hufflepuff pursed her lips and her clear blue eyes raked over Hermione in contemplation. Nervously wringing her hands, Hermione gazed back at the woman. In the end, Hufflepuff came to a decision. Sad look clouding her face, she nodded her acquiescence.
"Thank you," Hermione whispered in relief. "I promise, I'll protect your Cup."
Hufflepuff raised a hand and snapped her fingers. To Hermione's left, a small sitting area flickered into visibility, released by heavy wards. Hufflepuff gestured at the sitting area and again nodded. Cautiously, Hermione stepped closer. There was a soft armchair with matching pouffe and a small table. As if abandoned just seconds ago, an open book, parchment and quill lay on the table. Casually, as if it were intended for the afternoon tea, a golden cup stood right beside the book. Hermione sucked in a sharp breath as she recognized the Cup. It glowed in a warm light, illuminating the badger on its front. With trembling hands, she it picked up. The cup merrily hummed with magic, seemingly enjoying Hermione's admiration. A smile slid on her face. She'd really found it.
Hufflepuff's Cup.
Hermione's triumph was harshly interrupted as she heard steps in the empty chamber. They echoed loudly on the marble stone tiles. She stiffened, but didn't turn around. Somehow, she already knew who it was. Her previous elation collapsed, a hollow feeling taking over.
"Tom," Hermione observed tightly. "I wondered when you'd show up."
Indeed, it was Tom's silky soft voice that replied, "You've been waiting for me?"
"No," Hermione replied curtly as she placed the Cup in her backpack.
She turned around and was met by startlingly blue eyes. Tom stood in the middle of Hufflepuff's Study, scanning her interestedly. He wasn't clothed in Hogwarts' school uniform, but in a pair of black trousers and a blue button-down shirt. It suited him. He looked elegant, handsome.
"I thought you'd finally leave me alone," Hermione informed him scathingly. "You love to disappoint, don't you?"
A hint of annoyance crossed Tom's face, but it was gone in the blink of a second. Instead, a disturbingly kind expression lightened his features.
"I'm sorry you feel that way," Tom even managed to sound honest. "I'm glad to see you."
Hermione pinned him with a glare. Her mouth was pressed into a thin, disapproving line as her eyes wandered over the Slytherin. He gazed back at her, slight smile on his handsome features, and looked like he was genuinely happy to see her.
"You look well," Tom said gingerly. "I was worried. You never replied to my letter."
Hermione shook her head at his attempt to ingratiate himself. "What do you want from me?"
Tom didn't immediately reply. His mesmerising eyes were still glued to her. A strange fascination gleamed behind his pupils as he drank her in.
"I think you know."
Hermione sneered at him. "I'm not giving you the Cup. I won't let you have any of the Founders' objects."
Tom laughed and it made chills darting down Hermione's spine. In his melodious voice, he whispered, "I still want the Cup; it's true. But that's not why I'm here."
He walked over to her. Hermione tensed and clasped her wand in her pocket. He stopped right in front of her, much too close for comfort.
"Hermione," Tom murmured and lightly ghosted his fingers over her arm. "I missed you."
Hermione simply brushed his hand away from her and glared at him. Tom still smiled warmly and his voice was almost a bit shaky as he breathed, "I missed you so much."
Hermione's heart picked up speed as she heard his tone of voice. Harshly , she ignored her traitorous heart and snapped, "I don't care."
"I'm sorry," Tom whispered and his magic gently wrapped around her. "I apologize for my actions. They've been rash and despicable. I regret that you got hurt."
Hermione swallowed. His apology, heartfelt or not, unsettled her and she despised herself for the warm feeling bubbling up in her. Nervously, she licked her lips.
"I never had someone like you," Tom said softly. "I was overwhelmed. I didn't know how to deal and reacted poorly. Then you left and I couldn't…"
He ran his fingers over her cheek in an affectionate gesture. Hermione shuddered involuntarily and her breathing quickened. Tom's mesmerizing eyes were pleading with her, begging her, and it threw her off balance. Conflicting emotions pelted down on her. She hated him, but then why did she also gravitate towards that intoxicating feeling of his nearness?
Tom then wrapped his arms around her. Hermione gasped as he pulled her against his chest. She didn't try to get away. She couldn't. Only her right hand was still closed around the wand in her pocket. Her heart stuttered and skipped a few beats as Tom hugged her. His warmth enveloped her and his magic licked happily over her like electricity. Tom bent down and buried his face against her bushy hair. Softly, he pleaded,
"You can't leave me alone again."
Two fingers under her chin tilted Hermione's face up and then soft lips were pressed against hers. She should run, fight, scream, but did nothing. Tom was so gentle, so caring, as he kissed her. There only was him, so familiar, so comfortable, and Hermione wanted to lean into the contact. She needed to wrap her arms around his neck and return the kiss like she'd done so many times before.
But how could she?
A tight feeling twisted around her throat as Hermione raised a hand and decidedly pushed against Tom's chest. He stopped kissing her. For a moment his lips brushed against her, trembling slightly. Then he reluctantly pulled back. He eyed her longingly as he whispered,
"I love you, Hermione. I never told you that."
Hermione took in a sharp breath of air. Trembling slightly, she stared at him. No-one had ever said that to her and Tom looked like he meant it. She stumbled away from him. Hermione's heart raced in her chest, driven by some unknown emotion, and she stuttered,
"No. You don't. You don't love me."
"How can you tell?" Tom inquired gingerly. "I'm honest with you."
"No!" she insisted desperately. "How can you love me? You betrayed me. You revealed my identity and they almost killed me."
Guilt washed over Tom's face. "I know I did. That was before… before I realized what you mean to me."
There was so much sincerity in his voice. His fingers curled around her wrist, holding her gently. "Give me another chance."
Hermione could hear her blood rushing in her ears as she stared up into Tom's eyes. Breathing was becoming difficult around the lump in her throat. His gaze was keeping her imprisoned and she was unable to look away.
It was unexpected.
At first, Hermione didn't want to admit it was there. Still, she could see it. Undeniable, unescapable. A tremble ran over her body as she stared at Tom's handsome face. It clawed at her relentlessly and her thoughts tilted into a mess.
Tom's blue eyes were murky.
Tainted.
A red gleam burned behind his pupils,
bleeding into the blue of the irises.
Hermione flinched away, a gasp tumbling from her lips. Shock and fear consumed her as she stared at Tom in disbelief. The truth burned like acid on her lips, "You created a Horcrux."
A relieved, almost happy, expression slipped on Tom's face. Hermione felt sick as he nodded his head.
"Yes. For you."
"No!" Hermione choked, feeling faint. "Don't… don't say that."
"I wanted to show you," Tom said, smiling in elation. "It's safe. I told you. Now you can see for yourself."
Hermione trembled all over. She felt the sharp claws of panic tearing into her, making her thoughts churn.
"See?" Tom proclaimed with twisted pride on his face. "I'm okay. There's no need for you to fight me. My plan is working."
Cold as ice, fear grasped at Hermione. Tom must have sensed it, because he tried to soothe her, "Everything is as I promised. You can come back to me. You don't need to be afraid anymore. Join me. Be my Horcrux."
Hermione stared at him incredulously. She didn't really want to ask, "Who did you kill?"
"There really wasn't much choice," Tom replied smugly. "He betrayed me. He betrayed both our trust."
The look on his face made her want to turn and run away. Sick triumph shone in Tom's red-blue eyes as he said coldly, "R.A.B. deserved it."
Regulus?
Hermione's heart tightened painfully. She stared at the vile amusement on Tom's face. He was proud of having murdered someone? Something heavy and painful squeezed around her throat. Regulus. Hermione couldn't breathe. Tears welled up in her eyes. They trickled down her cheeks and she could do nothing but stare at Tom. Seeing her state, worry washed over Tom's face and he ran a hand over her shoulder and down her arm to then gently hold her hand.
"Don't cry, Hermione," he crooned to her. "I know you liked Black. I know. But he was no good. He was weak and useless. I promise, you'll understand. You don't need him. From now on, I'll be there for you."
Hermione struggled for breath, choked by tears. This was not happening! She couldn't think. Regulus' smiling face flashed through her mind. He couldn't be dead. Hermione doubled over, sobbing, gasping for breath. Crippling pain ripped at her, numb and sharp all the same. Suddenly, arms were wrapped around her. They gently steadied her. Hermione couldn't help it and leaned into the comfort. Still crying, she buried her face in Tom's chest. It was wrong. Her hands fisted his shirt as she clung to him and nothing was okay. She was breaking. If Tom weren't here to hold her, she would've been swept away by the cruel torrent. And for that moment, Hermione accepted his comfort because she had no choice.
All too soon, cruel reality sharpened around her and she stopped to swim in the haze. Tom's arms around Hermione grew unbearable, his comfort nauseating. Violently, she ripped away from him. Tom let go but eyed her in concern. Hermione stared at him and was almost relieved as rage finally hit her.
"You…" she spat furiously. "You disgusting, vile piece of dirt!"
Her body trembled, rage and pain crashing over her. Her eyes were fixed on Tom and yet she could barely see him. Or maybe it was the first time she looked at the real him.
"You k- killed my friend." Hermione's voice was breaking over her anger. "You killed Regulus?! Why-? Why would you-? You murdered my friend!"
Tom's red eyes looked at her, no shimmer of regret in them. Red. Red. Red. Red as burning embers. Red as blood. If there was a colour to death, it was this red.
"What have you done?!" pained words fell from Hermione's lips. "Why?! B- because you think you can cheat death? This is-"
"I didn't simply cheat death," Tom cut over her, sick pride lacing his tone. "I transcended mortality. I became something more, something better."
A mirthless laugh fell from Hermione's lips as she saw the insanity staring at her from behind his eyes. "You think I care? You sealed your own fate. There's no turning back."
Tom's handsome face lit up with a demented smile. "Why would I want to turn back? I'm immortal now. Invincible."
Hermione stared at him, disgust coiling around her, and she felt the need to throw up. "This will consume you. And you'll have an eternity to suffer from it."
Tom's eyes still smouldered with the eerie red gleam as he looked at her. A handsome smile danced around his lips. Hermione crinkled her nose, repulsed. There was something off about Tom. Glaringly obvious, it lay in the open even though he was blind to it.
"Believe me, Black wasn't a good person," Tom cajoled, smiling at her consolingly. "He deserved it. Please, I didn't want to anger you. I want you to be with me."
Hermione's magic bristled around her, ready to pounce. "You don't need to sweet-talk me anymore. There's no use. At this point," She pulled her wand and raised it at him. "there's no-one who repels me more than you."
She saw Tom's eyes widen in shock. Then a dark look crossed his face and his powerful magic rippled the air. Something lethal and dangerous entered his voice as he said, "You're not going to stand against me, Hermione. I will have you."
"Penny," Hermione clarified, her voice hard as steel. "To you, I'm Penny. I don't want someone like you calling me Hermione."
She waved her wand and threw a curse at him. In one fluid movement, Tom pulled his own wand and swished it through the air. Hermione's curse was averted and harmlessly impacted with the floor. Tom stared at her and not a trace of emotion was visible on his handsome features. Only his magic raged around him in a murderous cloud. Hermione still poised her wand at the dark wizard. Tom took a threatening step towards her and a dull pain ripped at her Dark Mark. His voice was strangely soft as he said,
"I don't want to hurt you, but you're forcing my hand."
Hermione couldn't back down. She knew how powerful Tom really was. He had that certain kind of raw talent that couldn't be replicated by simply reading books or memorising spells. Hermione knew she was no weak witch, but Tom Riddle was on another level. Still, she wouldn't let him win. Baring her teeth in a snarl, she hissed,
"I won't stay with you. You're a monster."
A sharp pain erupted in her left forearm. Hermione cringed but otherwise didn't react. Tom opened his mouth and whispered, the conviction in his tone making her tremble,
"You're mine. I'll never let you go."
His magic danced around Hermione, singing to her of nothing but death and destruction. She could feel it rubbing over her body, seeping through her Dark Mark and into her system.
"For all that talk about immortality, you know what?" Hermione said, voice heavy. "I'd rather die." She locked eyes with Tom. "I'd rather die than stay with you."
With that Hermione slashed her wand through the air. A dangerously sizzling curse rushed towards Tom. He easly warded it off. They stared at each other, suspended in a second of inaction.
Then Tom attacked.
His pale wand flashed through the air and a stream of powerful curses pelted down on Hermione. She had barely time to spin protective magic around herself and even less to return any curses. The exchange was fast and brutal. Hermione had fought against Tom before but never like this. This time, they truly were enemies.
An especially powerful curse rammed into her defence. Hermione hissed in pain as the impact reverberated through her shield, into her wand and harshly ripped at her wrist. Tom didn't hesitate and never slowed down. Beads of sweat formed on Hermione's forehead as she desperately tried to keep his attacks at bay. Tom's curses weren't overly complicated like the ones he tended to showcase during DADA. Instead, his wand movements were concise and fast. The resulting curses were incredibly powerful and, foregoing any flashiness, were designed to hit their target with deadly precision.
Hermione cried out in shock and pain as one of his curses cut through her shield and slashed into her shoulder. She stumbled and the arm holding her wand wavered. As a result her shielding magic flickered. There was not the hint of emotion on Tom's face as he continued to attack viciously and, like a glass wall, Hermione's shield shattered. She had a split second to throw herself to the side to avoid another curse. Tom's magic hit one of the armchairs instead and it burst into flames. Hermione stared at the burning chair, fear clouding her mind.
That could have been her.
There was no room to descend into panic, though. Hermione picked herself up from the floor and again faced Tom. In grim determination, she waved her wand. This time it were Hermione's curses that illuminated Hufflepuff's Study.
Still, Tom remained to be untouchable. Gracefully, he moved his wand and swatted her curses away without breaking a sweat. Hermione gritted her teeth in anger. She wasn't going to let this wizard get the better of her. Her rage infected her magic and it stormed around her dangerously. Once again, she ripped her wand through the air and pushed her irate magic into a powerful curse. Wrathfully, it raced towards Tom. He easily erected a reddish shield around himself. Hermione's curse slammed into the shield and cracks appeared in the red wall. A look of surprise flittered over Tom's handsome face as the cracks spread until his shield broke. The remnants of Hermione's curse tore into Tom. He gasped in pain as he was hit and stumbled a few steps back, one arm painfully thrown around his stomach. Tom's head was slightly bent, so she couldn't see his face, and he panted in pain.
Hermione just wanted to again raise wand as Tom's face shot up at her. Gone was the emotionless mask. Cold fury now distorted his handsome features. Tom's eyes had lost all of their blue colour but now gleamed in a murderous red. Hermione froze as she looked into his eyes. Tom's glare kept her imprisoned as he said, malice warping his voice into a lethal threat,
"This fight is over."
Hermione eyes widened with dread as he raised his wand. Hastily, she brandished her own wand and fired a curse at him. Tom brushed it away with a mere wave of his left hand, never stopping his complex wand movements. In terror, Hermione felt his dangerous magic react. Like a tidal wave, it flowed towards Tom and banked up around him, swirling menacingly. Hermione stumbled a step back as she was confronted with such massive power. She jumped in fright as abruptly Tom sliced his wand through the air and pointed it at her. With the movement, the peak of Tom's magic broke. Its full force unleashed, it raged towards Hermione. She protectively pulled her own magic around herself. Raising her wand in front of her, Hermione held off Tom's attack. Hufflepuff's Study around her was wrecked, delicate mahogany tables ripped apart, armchairs turned to dust and the floor's marble tiles shattered. Still, Hermione's defence held. Like a knife her magic cut through the wave of Tom's attack.
If it had depended on skill alone, she might have gained the upper hand. Unfortunately, Tom had both, skill and a vast reservoir of power. His magic was overwhelming. Hermione's defence wavered as she was caught up in the maelstrom of Tom's power. She lost her footing. Her wand arm jerked and the flow of her magic was interrupted. Instantly, Tom's magic grasped her and she was carried away by the power. Hermione was thrown around, barely able to breathe. His magic ripped at her and flowed into her body, painfully slicing into her. Hermione barely knew up from down anymore. It was almost a relief as the brutal force finally threw her away. Violently, she impacted with a shelf of books. In a shower of dust and ripped book pages, Hermione fell to the floor.
Her whole body hurt and she groaned in pain. Hermione's breathing was shallow and fast. With difficulty, she managed to roll on her back. Her magic had collapsed into a weak pile, beaten down by Tom's aggressive attack. Sprawled on the floor, Hermione helplessly watched as he walked towards her. He had put his wand away in his robe pocket, certain of his victory. She bit the inner side of her cheek hard as panic overwhelmed her.
The frightening rage had left Tom's face. Still, Hermione flinched as he stopped in front of her. Her heart was racing, threatening to rip her chest apart. Tom's magic was all over her, crackling in the air, slicing over her skin with the threat of more pain. He gazed at her and his eyes had turned back to calm blue. After a moment, he spoke, voice once again soft,
"You're staying with me."
Despite the gentle streak in his voice, it was an order best not left unanswered. Hermione stared up at him with wide eyes, still lying on the floor. Disgustingly helpless.
"I'm sorry I had to hurt you like this," Tom told to her. "I know you hate me at the moment, but you'll come to understand that everything I did, I did it for us."
Hermione couldn't move, her body frozen into place. Fearful shivers ran up and down her spine. A soft smile curved Tom's lips as he reached for her. His hand closed around her upper arm and the contact was so gentle, so affectionate, like he were handling something precious and dear.
"I told you," he murmured, voice like silk from his lips. "I love you. I'll always love you."
All the thoughts in Hermione's head were tangled, wrapped up in panic. Tom's blue eyes gazed at her calmly as if they alone offered salvation. Gingerly, he pulled at her arm to help her up.
"I'll turn you into my second Horcrux," Tom told her lovingly. "I promise, I'll protect you. I'll always keep you safe."
Hermione didn't know whether it were his words or the twisted form of affection on his face that pushed her into action. It wasn't a conscious decision on her part but her body seemed to be on autopilot. Hermione's hand flew to Greyback's knife at her hip. She ripped it from its holster and watched as if in slow motion as she slashed the blade through the air. It sliced into Tom's arm, cut through the sleeve of his shirt and into skin and flesh. Blood poured from the wound and his hand released her.
Time then crashed back to her. Hermione heard Tom's gasp of pain. He pressed a hand over his profusely bleeding forearm. There was no room for hesitation. Using his distraction, Hermione scrambled up from the floor. Then she turned and sprinted towards the exit of Hufflepuff's Study.
A panicked whirl of her wand and the Study's exit revealed itself. Hermione heard loud steps following her. Tom would get her. In a desperate effort to escape, she threw herself towards the exit. Hufflepuff's magic let her pass. On the other side, Hermione jumped out of the kitchens' fireplace and crashed into the floor. Feeling a bit dazed, she looked up. Eyes wide with concern, Dobby stared at her. Hastily, Hermione got up from the floor.
"Don't try to stop him," she advised Dobby hoarsely.
Then she dashed to the exit. She knew Tom was close behind.
.
Tom rushed after the girl. She was fast. He left Hufflepuff's Study and the kitchens and still Hermione was ahead of him, dashing down the dark tunnel. His arm hurt sharply where she'd cut him, but he ignored the pain. Blood was dripping from his hand as he chased after her. Hermione ran up a flight of stairs. Tom skipped a few of the stair's steps and he could gain on her. He raised his hand and grabbed her. His fingers were slippery with blood and Hermione ripped away, now blood-red stains on her wrist. Tom stumbled and lost precious seconds.
The girl left the servants' tunnels and ran down one of Hogwarts' main corridors. Suits of armour glinted dully in the moonlight as Tom raced after her. He was steadily gaining ground. He would catch her. Hermione turned left and he realized where she was headed. Tom gritted his teeth and picked up even more speed. His steps echoed loudly as he followed Hermione towards the castle's entrance door. He cursed inwardly as he watched how the girl waved her wand and the door creaked open.
"No!" Tom hissed as Hermione passed the threshold and ran outside.
He was only a few metres behind her. The cold night air hit him as Tom left the castle. Stars blinked down from a black sky and illuminated Hermione with a ghostly sheen. Tom hastened after her and an ice-cold feeling flashed through him as he spotted her pulling something from her pocket. A pair of glasses. They gleamed in the blue light of a Portkey. Hermione raised her wand to activate the Portkey. Tom's chest tightened as he saw it. He frantically waved his own wand and sent a Stunner after her.
The Portkey lit up. Tom could glimpse Hermione's pale face, wide eyes staring at him. Then she disappeared into thin air. The red light of his Stunner missed her by a split-second. Tom stared at the empty spot. His thoughts swirled and he felt dizzy. No. No no. Why would she leave?! He'd prepared everything. He'd explained it. Hermione should have understood. Why would she leave him?! Tom's breathing was fast and his fingers tightened painfully around his wand.
Hermione was his girlfriend. She was special. Why did she leave? She couldn't leave him!
Tom stuck his wand into his pocket, his hand shaking violently. Thoughts in turmoil, Tom marched back to the castle. A sharp pain came from his arm where she'd cut him. He pressed his hand over the wound, stemming the blood. He felt shaky and spend as he re-entered the castle. As Tom walked to the Heads' chambers a horrible headache built up behind his forehead. His magic felt strangely stretched thin. By the time Tom reached his room, he was feeling sick and nauseous.
Weakly, he stumbled into the bathroom and was greeted with his extremely pale face glaring at him from the mirror. Tom stepped over to the sink. His headache now felt like a knife rammed into his skull. Groaning softly, he cupped cold water into his hands and splashed it on his face. It didn't help much. He was trembling all over as he cleaned the cut in his arm. It was deep. Why would she do that? He should probably heal it, but his magic still wobbled around him in a mess.
As Tom returned to his bedroom he felt even worse. Carefully, he lied down on his bed. As he closed his eyes, everything spun in his head. Tom swallowed thickly.
Why would she run away?
†
Hermione crash-landed on Corps territory. Her breathing was fast and sweat drops rolled down her forehead. Feeling shaky, she stared at the blood stains on her wrist. It wasn't her blood and she hastily wiped it away on her trousers.
"Hermione!"
The yell made her jump. Hermione's head shot up and she had barely time to recognize Sirius before she was enveloped in a hug.
"Hey hey," another voice cut in. "Don't crush her."
Sirius released her from his bear hug, still grinning. Lupin stepped closer and he, too, smiled at Hermione.
"It's good to have you back," the werewolf said in his raspy voice.
Sirius nodded, eyes glinting mirthfully. "I knew it. I knew you'd make it back in one piece."
The big smile still stretched over his face and Hermione felt a stab in her stomach. She looked up at Sirius and couldn't return his smile. Lupin seemed to sense her agitation. Concern lacing his tone, he inquired,
"Hermione, are you alright? Did something happen?"
Hermione swallowed thickly. Almost, she didn't want to meet Sirius' gaze but forced herself to look up at him. Voice heavy, she whispered,
"It's Regulus."
{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}
'My face is my own, I thought.
But you have seen it
turn into a thousand years.
I watched you cry.'
- Robert Creeley
(*1926 †2005)