Disclaimer: All familiar characters belong to J.

Chapter Twelve: A Riddle Too Many

The atmosphere in the stadium was charged with festivity. The crowds awaited the teams to enter with bated breath. Griffindor and Slytherin banners were out in equal force. Hermione sat in the bleachers her jaw dropped at the camaraderie on display. She too was painted in red and gold, her hair made to resemble a lions mane. She sat alongside a whooping Jackie as Scarlett and Sophia were mascots and Xander a Griffindor chaser. They'd been frustratingly vague about the spectacle they'd be putting on for the crowds though Hermione had an idea from the World Cup she's been to in the summer of her fourth year.

The speaker Gideon Prewitt took the mike announcing to the delirious crowds "Welcome to Hogwarts opening Quidditch match!" Roars threatened to silence him but the sonorous held "And now representing Griffindor we have Her Lioness!" One by one four winged creatures flew in from each of the four entrances spiraling into the center before bowing their heads down still in mid air. Acrobats with wings clad in sheer gold leotards, faces resembling fierce lions and hair blazing a trail of red. They weaved through the open air with grace and ferocity. The hundreds of onlookers stood hypnotized before they disappeared as an explosion of red and gold showered the stands. The Griffindors gave the mascots a standing ovation as the Slytherins retaliated with exotic Arabian belly dancers on flying carpets.

The match followed swiftly afterwards and what a show it was. Black was the Griffindor seeker and moved with the grace in which he spoke. Hermione had to admit watching him intoxicated, lost to his feral instincts he looked insanely handsome. Her heart even swooned a little. Abraxas on the opposing team was a worthy opponent in the heart throb department as well as an expert flier. The game was brutal. The referee was lenient on fouls and both played as dirty as they could get. Both beaters were carried off the pitch in stretchers. After a nail biting hour and a half Black captured the snitch in a life threatening dive before pulling up inches from the ground, triumphant. Hermione and Jackie ran to the players screaming and dancing. As Hermione and Jackie pulled Black into a suffocating hug Hermione saw Potter search for Scarlett midst the celebration. "Stupendous Alphard" Hermione winked as Black blushed deeply. He muttered something like dumb luck and the Prewitts lifted him in the air and roared "VICTORY!"

Hermione was now left at the end of the jubilant crowd and wondered how Malfoy was taking the defeat. She lingered behind and decided to venture into the Slytherin changing rooms. Before she could open the door it burst open and Hermione lunged behind the open door to see who had thundered out.

"Abraxas" a soft voice called.

"What do you want Scarlett" a weary Abraxas replied.

"To make sure you're OK."

"I'm not and there's nothing you can do about it."

"It's just a match" Scarlett hesitated.

"You tell your boyfriend that." Abraxas laughed bitterly.

"You're a brilliant captain and you know more than any of us that this doesn't mean the end."

With that Scarlett walked off. Hermione heard Abraxas kick the wall and decided to face him.

"Can't a guy get some peace!" He groaned when he saw Hermione lean against the door.

"Calm down Abraxas" Hermione rolled her eyes.

Abraxas pressed her against the door and breathed heavily. Hermione wrinkled her nose.

"You need a shower Malfoy."

"And you need to mind your own business Prince." He snarled, his mouth dangerously near hers. He seemed to inhale her. She dared not move. This was her friend.

"Abraxas." She looked into his soft eyes and pressed her hands against his chest.

"Hermione" he groaned placing his lips at the corner of hers. She sighed at the warmth but chilled at the gesture. "I know you want me."

Deciding on an alternative approach she circled his waist as he leaned into her.

"This is more than about a match isn't it" Hermione coaxed him.

She felt him nod and she pulled him into the shower room. After a quick wash the two reunited friends walked to the tree by the lake. She sat on the knurled tree root and waited for him to speak. He'd been ignoring her for a fortnight now and she hoped this was a sign that he was ready to forgive her.

"My father" he started tentatively.

"You know you have my confidence Abraxas."

He merely nodded.

"He's disappeared and the aurors refuse to report him missing until it's been 28 days."

"How long has it been?"

"10. I know my father, he isn't the type to run from his responsibilities Hermione."

"What do you think happened?"

"Grindelwald" He responded gravely. Hermione sighed and held out her hand. He took it and she pulled him down beside her and placed his head on her shoulder.

"I've missed you Hermione."

"So have I Abraxas." She smiled as she realized she truly had.

They spent a few long minutes in the cold December day before they headed back to the castle. Hermione said goodbye to Abraxas and went directly to Dumbledore.

"Ah Hermione" He twinkled at her. Rosaline was sat sipping a tea in a dusky pink ensemble.

"Professor, Rosaline" she nodded respectfully.

"What brings you here darling? Shouldn't you be celebrating?" asked Rosaline with concern.

"I spoke to Malfoy." She sighed as she sank back into one of Dumbledore's cushy arm chairs.

No one spoke.

"His father has been missing these last ten days and he suspects Grindelwald's doing."

She looked at the both of them looking perfectly unperturbed.

"You knew?!" She jumped up accusingly.

"Sit down Hermione." Rosaline snapped uncharacteristically and she obeyed.

"We suspected and have been working on infiltrating his headquarters to free Malfoy.. and others." Dumbledore supplied Hermione.

"Well, what's the plan?" Hermione demanded.

"We plan to strike Monday night while the brunt of his army is in London attempting a coup on the ministry."

"And why have I not been informed?" Hermione huffed.

Rosaline lay a comforting hand on her shoulder.

"It's been under control."

"Hermione go and join the celebrations." Rosaline persuaded her. "Once we have the operation in hand we'll bring you in immediately."

There was a finality in the air she could not argue with and with that she left.

Hermione stood nervously outside the Riddle manor. The December night was uncharacteristically warm. Enclosed in her sweaty palms was a card and inside her cloak a box of chocolates. She had debated whether to bring a bottle of whisky before deciding it wouldn't help the issue. Almost immediately the door was answered by the familiar maid this time dressed in a stiff black dress. Hermione offered her a little curtsy.

"Miss!" Mary almost jumped with joy.

"Hermione Prince Miss Mary" Hermione smiled aimably.

"What do I owe this pleasure?" Mary smiled back.

"I was just passing by and thought to say thank you to you and your master." Hermione offered her the package and card.

"No need!" Mary took the parcels nonetheless.

"Well I'll be on my way-" Hermione began.

"The guardian angel returns" purred a musical voice from inside.

Mary gestured Hermione to come in. She followed Mary to the nearest living quarters where Riddle Senior stood by a crackling fire in the darkened room.

"Mister Riddle." Hermione uttered quietly bowing towards the figure in shadow.

Mary passed the parcel to Riddle's outstretched fingers.

"Chocolates?"

"I wasn't sure what to bring but thought most people enjoyed chocolate.."

"Sit down Miss.. Hermione."

Hermione did so, taken aback at the almost cordial gesture.

"Did you find the old man a doctor?" Riddle took a seat by the fire, his features now discernable.

"Yes, he is much better sir."

"How wonderful." Riddle's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Mary set the table for two."

Hermione rose at once.

"Now, now, you won't deny a lonely man of a little company?" Riddle jibed.

"Of course not. However an invitation would not go amiss!" Hermione replied heatedly, two spots of red marking her cheeks.

"Forgive me little lady, I have grown accustomed to my own presence and my inferiors." He now offered his arm humbly. "Would you do me the honour of dining with me Miss Prince?"

Hermione nodded curtly and took his arm. Riddle led her through another door to a small dining area where Mary bustled around setting the table. Riddle pulled a chair for her as she admired the room.

"This is a beautiful house Mr Riddle."

"Thank you." Riddle replied stiffly. "Please do call me Tom."

He opened a bottle of wine and poured the both of them drinks. Hermione took a tentative sip as she watched her host hawk at her, his dark eyes glinting.

"You study me Tom?"

"Does it unsettle you?"

"No, although I wish to know what you are thinking."

"Only wondering where you have fallen from."

Hermione almost shivered at the accuracy of his thoughts.

"Fallen?"

"You have an aura about you Hermione." Riddle spoke deliberately. "It comforts me."

"Perhaps it is company that comforts you Tom. Why do you shut yourself away from the world?"

"One cannot be certain of who to trust" Riddle said darkly.

"You can trust me?"

"You are an odd case. An exception."

"Why is that?"

Riddle paused as Mary and another girl entered carrying fragrant dishes of soup, fish and meat. Hermione selected a soup spoon and savoured the french onion broth.

"You look like the woman I fell in love with when I was once a young man."

Hermione widened her eyes.

"I won't touch you." Smirked Riddle.

"Do not mistake my curiosity for fear." Snapped Hermione coldly although she reassuringly stroked her wand pocket.

"Exactly!" Riddle barked. "You do not fear me."

Hermione watched him with narrowed eyes but relaxed when he saw him at ease. He was being honest.

"Tell me about her." Hermione requested.

"She was beautiful, honest and kind, but poor. Everything I wasn't."

"You didn't marry her?"

"I was hoodwinked into marrying another woman and when I came back to my senses she was gone." Riddle's voice almost broke but he continued to meet Hermione's gaze.

The rest of the dinner went well. Riddle spoke genially, laughed even, to Hermione's amazement. The courses came one after another, each better than the last. She avoided Riddle's past knowing he was not yet ready to divulge what she suspected caused him a great deal of grief and regret. As the evening came to a close Riddle walked her out to the carriages, kissed her hand and asked hesitantly that she visit soon.

"Sunday dinner?" Hermione offered.

"I look forward to it." Riddle tipped his hat and hit the side of the carriage. As the horses jolted to life Hermione smiled at the transformed man. So different to the scene she'd departed from a few weeks ago.

Hermione snuck in between the front doors but as she turned she was faced with Tom Riddle Junior. She held her chest and frowned at him.

"Riddle you gave me a fright!" she scolded him.

"Excuse me for doing my headboy duties but I was detecting tresspassors which you are Miss Prince." He stated smoothly. "I will be reporting you to Ogg for detentions the following Friday."

Hermione inwardly celebrated at the ticket out of Rosaline's god awful teas.

"Where have you been?" Riddle interrogated her.

"You've handed out your punishment Riddle, I dare say your duties have been met." She strolled off towards the staircase.

"I need to complete a report for all the deviants I find in my patrols."

Hermione snorted.

"I was enjoying an evening walk."

"At this time?" Incredulity entering his tone.

"I don't have to answer to you" snarled Hermione.

Riddle clenched her arm tightly, she wrenched herself away and drew her wand.

"Don't you dare touch me." She hissed at him and was pleased to see him retreat a few steps.

"Hermione I don't understand this animosity between us." Riddle drawled. "I'm not this fiend you've painted me as."

"Oh no? Don't tell me. You're a charming head boy whose greatest ambition is to make the world a better place?"

"I never said I was a sanctimonious fool. All I am asking for Hermione is a chance to apologize and show you the real me. I'm not so bad. Let me show you." Riddle almost crooned.

"How?" Hermione challenged him.

"Come with me to Hogsmeade next week." He all but demanded,

Hermione laughed.

"And why on earth would I do that?" Hermione taunted amused.

"Because I intrigue you." Riddle smiled disturbingly before walking off towards the dungeons leaving Hermione a little breathless. Hermione recollected her wits and walked towards the seventh floor, her mind swirling of both the Riddle's in her life.

The following morning lessons went on as usual. Hermione was finally getting into her stride and thankfully was top in every one of her classes though she suspected Riddle was holding back. As she sat in Professor Prince's class glaring at Riddle Damion nudged her out of her reverie. Hermione jumped.

"Merlin Hermione you never drift off in lesson!" Damion looked flabbergasted.

"Don't be ridiculous Potter lesson hasn't even started."

"Were you staring at Riddle?" Damion asked incredulously.

"I fail to see what business it is of yours." Hermione replied coolly.

"Seeing as its Riddle" Damion growled so loudly Riddle turned to catch Hermione watching him. Blushing she turned away.

"Merlin you fancy him!" If Damion wasn't going to shut up Hermione was going to give him a black eye.

"I detest him if you must know now shut up!" Hermione prodded him with her wand.

"Well good coz Black's taken a fancy to you."

Hermione scoffed.

"I'm not a Honeydukes sample Damion" she flustured.

"You know what I mean. Alphard's a catch and you should give him a chance." Damion advised her wisely. He was resting his head against his crossed arms tilting on his chair.

"I don't know." Hermione hesitated.

"He's going to ask you to Hogsmeade so you best figure out how you feel sooner than later" he warned. Thankfully the professor began his lesson then leaving Hermione alone with the idea of Alphard Black. It wasn't unpleasant but he didn't set her heart racing either.

"Hermione!" Hermione was tackled onto a sofa later that evening by Scarlett's surprisingly strong arms.

Hermione groaned.

"I can NOT believe you didn't tell me!" Scarlett shrieked.

"What?" Hermione was completely befuddled.

"You're going out with Riddle!" Scarlett whacked her with a cushion.

"No I am not!" Hermione denied hotly.

"Don't lie to me Hermione Prince. How could you do this to poor Alphard? He is such a sweetheart!" Scarlett looked positively livid.

"Wait a second! I have no obligations to anyone. I'm a free agent." Hermione folded her arms glaring right back at the blonde beauty.

"But Riddle Hermione?" Scarlett stressed.

"You date the dunderhead that is Potter but you don't hear me complaining." Hermione yelled before realizing too late she was defending Riddle.

"Ha!" Scarlett grinned victorious.

Hermione groaned yet again and attempted to escape Scarlett when Black appeared at the portrait hole. She smiled painfully at him. He smiled in that naturally charming way of his.

"Hermione." If he had a hat he'd had tipped it. Sweetheart indeed. Scarlett Hermione realized was all of a sudden nowhere to be seen.

"Alphard." She replied.

"I didn't see you at dinner."

"I wasn't hungry."

"Do you mind if I ask you something?"

"No of course not." Though she didn't sound convincing.

"Is it true you and Riddle are going to Hogsmeade together?"

"No!" Hermione cringed.

Alphard looked quietly relieved.

"Who told you that?" Hermione demanded.

"Well Riddle apparently.."

"The chauvanistic pig I'll-" she made to get up but Alphard stopped her.

"Hermione would you go with me?" Alphard stood over her, his impressive height making her swoon just a little.

"I- well- when you" Hermione blabbered.

"Hermione-" Alphard was holding her chin with his thumb circling her cheek.

"As friends?" Hermione offered meekly. She didn't miss the disappointment in his eyes but she couldn't let things get out of hand.

"Of course." He smiled recovering quickly. "Well I have a Transfiguration essay to finish."

"Sure." Hermione stood awkwardly still as he walked backwards towards the boys dormitories.

Scarlett giggled appearing from behind the sofas.

"I like your style Hermione." Scarlett winked at her and skipped off to their rooms. Hermione groaned and collapsed onto the armchair behind her.