Disclaimer: All familiar characters belong to J.K. Rowling

Chapter Fifteen: Love and Courtship

Rosaline stood back surveying her masterpiece and clapped her hand with joy. "Beautiful" she began to tear up. Hermione refrained from rolling her eyes and turned to look at the mirror. Rosaline had dressed her in a sheer black blouse with a pleated A-line skirt printed with small blue roses. Her hair was twisted back away from her face and held by floral blue clips. She looked quite feminine. She wasn't sure about the look but smiled for Rosalines sake. Rosaline sent her off with a kiss and a navy cloak lined with grey fur.

It had just passed eleven'o'clock when she reached the courtyard. She stood on her tiptoes looking for Black among the throng of people.

"Hello" came a voice from behind her. She turned and saw Black standing there with a bunch of wild flowers in hand. He handed them to her with a fleeting kiss on her cheek and held his arm out for her. She was adjusting to his chivalry and found moments like this quite sweet.

"You look very pretty Hermione." Black said looking down at her smilingly. "Rosaline dress you?"

Hermione laughed.

"How did you know?"

"I've noticed when you dress yourself you opt for trousers and certainly never flowers." He touched the clip. Hermione beamed at him for having noticed. They'd spent a lot of time together that week. After Grindelwald's defeat she had been able to relax in the evenings and Black was determined that Hermione would return his attentions.

They stepped into a carriage where Hermione removed her cloak. She leaned back into Black's open arms and found he was blushing furiously.

"Alphard?"

He coughed and looked out the window as he replied "Yes?"

"Is there something the matter?"

"No."

"Why won't you look at me?" Hermione demanded him.

Black turned and determinedly looked into her eyes.

"Your blouse is- urm-" He trailed off, his cheeks burning. Hermione looked down and giggled. Yes, she was sure this was part of Rosaline's little plan. Her sheer blouse showcased the blue balcony bra she wore. She'd never thought her breasts particularly voluptous and enjoyed the affect it was having on Black.

"Is my undergarmant too distracting for you?" she asked innocently.

Black gulped. How adorable! Hermione pointed her wand to herself and turned the sheer fabric into a wooly sweater.

"There. You can look now." Hermione laughed.

Black laughed with her and lifted her chin up towards him so he could kiss her.

"What are you doing to me Miss. Prince?" His voice was laced with desire and sent a thrill down her spine.

Black lifted her out of the carriage to her surprise and headed straight to the Three Broomsticks.

"You missed breakfast." Black explained as he took a seat in a booth and grabbed the lunch menus. Hermione's stomach grumbled happily in response. She grinned and purused the menu finally settling on a beef club sandwich with a side order of chips. While they ate and drank Black told her about his family life.

"I was only ever in the company of pureblooded families and they hold antiquated views on matters such as courtship and etiquette. My family took it to the extreme. We were more inbred than most. In fact I'd never spoke to a girl my age before Hogwarts." He confessed. "It was considered inappropriate to play in their games of dress up and tea parties."

"Tea parties?" Hermione exclaimed in disgust. "I don't know what breed of women your families associated themselves with but I assure you I never held a tea party in my life."

Black barked out laughing. "Then what did you occupy your time with?"

"I read a lot but also played outside with the neighbourhood kids. Games like hide and seek and made up little adventures for ourselves like building houses for the fairies." Hermione smiled nostalgically. "I had a wonderful childhood."

"Sounds it." He looked at her his silver eyes dancing.

"What is she doing with that arse hole?" grumbled Malfoy.

Xander looked around the sweet store and replied "Riddle or Potter"

"Riddle! Wait, why would you say Potter?" He watched Potter and Scarlett argue in hshed tones by the front door.

"Potter has his moments." Xander looked at him knowingly.

Who'd had thought it. Wonderboy had problems in paradise.

"Look I know Hermione got you to ask me out but I thought you must have liked me a little to do it." Xander asked him questioningly.

Malfoy looked at the floor in shame. It was true. He'd been a bit of an arse himself.

"Do you like Rosier or something?" Xander asked him.

Malfoy wrinkled nose with disgust.

"Merlin!"

"Well why do you care if Riddle is an arsehole or not?"

"I- I don't. I need a butterbeer."

Xander silently thought she needed something stronger herself.

As Malfoy went to get them butterbeers Scarlett barged through the door saw Xander and went straight for her.

"He made me try on twenty different gowns and decided on the ugliest most unflattering one!"

"No!" Xander was outraged.

Potter now entered looking for his girlfriend, spotted her and joined Xander and Scarlett.

"Anastasia you're being unreasonable. It's a beautiful dress." Potter stated cooly. Scarlett said nothing to him and looked at Xander instead.

"How is your date with Adonis incarnate going?" she smiled falsely.

Xander looked back at her darkly just as Malfoy reappeared with two butterbeers. He nodded at Potter and Scarlett before downing his in one.

"Charming" muttured Xander.

An awkward silence descended on the table before Potter went to get them drinks and Malfoy looked shrewdly at Scarlett.

"Why do you put up with him when you could have anyone in Hogwarts?"

"Excuse me?" Scarlett feigned ignorance while glancing accusingly at Xander.

"He inferred." Xander shrugged.

"Same with Rosier now I think about it." Malfoy said thoughtfully. "At least Hermiones got some sense about her."

"Hold it one second! Damion is a charming, loyal boyfriend who loves me very much." Scarlett defended hotly.

"The question is whether you love him darling." He looked at her pityingly.

Scarlett spluttured while Xander thought the remark was quite insightful of him.

"You do love him don't you?" Xander asked her best friend.

"He might be difficult and egocentric at times but of course I- been together two years for Godrick.." Scarlett looked flustured as she trailed off, failing to find those three simple words.

Xander could only stare as Malfoy said comfortingly "You're young Scarlett. Noone can make you love them."

Potter now returned and looked wearily at Scarlett.

"Here you are." He said softly passing her a frothing butterbeer.

Scarlett didn't touch it and instead looked at him and said evenly "I will be wearing the gown I purchased and if you have a problem with that then I am done!" Scarlett stood and walked out of the pub, slamming the door behind her.

"What?" Potter gawped before running after her.

"I can't believe I hadn't noticed." Xander shook her head in disbelief. "I'm meant to be her best friend".

"Don't beat yourself up about it. At least you didn't go after Potter."

"You went after Hermione?!" Will wonders never cease.

"Urm a little bit…"

"But she so is not interested in you!"

Malfoy scowled.

"I mean really she isn't interested in anyone. Too wrapped around her studies and saving the world."

It was true yet-

"She seems interested in Alphard."

"Alphard's been patient with her. With him she feels like she doesn't need to have figured it out. She can just be." Xander explained.

"You really like her, huh?"

"That's the thing. I don't know."

Xander took his hand in hers and squeezed it. Malfoy looked at her and smiled.

"Wanna go to the ball with me?"

Xander laughed "You sure know how to make a girl feel special."

"I'll take that as a yes!" Malfoy grinned.

"Well I do have a gown and no date so I suppose you'll do."

"Fair play" he laughed.

"I had a nice time."

"You sound surprised" Black teased her.

"Well I'd never dated someone I wasn't sure about. It's a new experience."

"And your verdict?"

"Not so bad." She smiled up at him.

"In that case would you accompany me to the Yule Ball Hermione Prince."

Hermione wrapped her hands around his neck, kissed him before saying "Yes I think I will Alphard Black."

After a few moments Hermione disentangled herself.

"I need to see Professor Prince but I'll see you later."

Black only kissed her one last time and watched her run off into the castle transfiguring her skirt as she went.

Professor Prince wasn't in his office so she decided to head off to the library instead. As she passed the History of Magic classroom she heard a scream that sounded unnervingly like Scarlett's. Hermione stopped and backtracked to the classroom. She silently opened the door and found noone inside but the noises grew louder. Hermione's eyes widened when she realized that Scarlett was not screaming in pain or fear but pleasure. She was just about to leave when she heard her moan "Professor". Hell no. She had to make sure. She couldn't walk away from this. She was far too nosy. She edged towards Diggory's office and found the door slightly ajar. Scarlett was sat on his desk her blouse pooled on the floor as Diggory suckled on her nipples his hands between her legs. Scarlett's head was thrown back, her fingers gripping the edge of the desk and her long legs wrapped around the professors waist. Having seen enough Hermione ran out of the classroom and all the way back to her dormitories.

When she reached the door she leaed back against it catching her breath.

"Hermione?" Jackie called from her bed.

Xander walked up to her and sat her down on her bed.

"You look like you've seen a ghost."

"Oh no nothing like that." Hermione panted. "Just escaped Ogg."

"Oh that ogre" Xander said with distaste.

"Yeah the Prewitt's set off some dungbombs and for some reason Ogg thought I had something to do with it." Lied Hermione nervously, her head still filled with images of Scarlett and Diggory.

"How was the date?" Jackie plopped herself on Hermione's bed.

"Nice." Hermione lay back on her bed.

"Just nice?" Jackie asked with dissappointment.

"I saw that fairwell kiss Hermione and it looked more than nice." Xander wiggled her eyebrows playfully.

"I bet he kisses amazingly" said Jackie wistfully.

"Mmm have you guys seen Scarlett?" Hermione asked.

Jackie and Xander exchanged glances.

"What?" Hermione looking between the two of them.

"Her and Potter had a bit of tiff." Jackie offered.

"A bit?" Xander snorted incredulously. "I never liked Damion much but he seemed to treat Scarlett well enough."

"Damion's a decent guy. But around Scarlett hes someone else." Jackie said to Hermione.

"Why doesn't she break up with him then?" Hermioe asked.

"Well until now I thought they genuinely loved eachother but now I'm not so sure."

Sophie entered the room swooning from her date with Prewitt providing Hermione with an excuse to turn in. She stayed awake though and waited for Scarlett to return. It was approaching midnight when she finally snuck in. Hermione drew her curtains and looked quizzically at Scarlett.

"Oh Hermione you're awake" Scarlett whispered.

Hermione nodded.

"Want to talk?" Hermione patted the bed beside her.

Scarlett climbed into bed with her but said nothing.

"You can tell me what's on your mind Scarlett" encouraged Hermione facing her and stroking the ringletts of her hair.

"I don't think I love Damion." Scarlett barely whispered.

"Are you going to end things with him?"

"I don't know" she sobbed. "I did a bad thing."

"Scarlett?"

"I had sex with Professor Diggory." Scarlett closed her eyes with shame.

"Oh Scarlett, why?" Hermione said with concern.

"He's always been so nice to me and when Damion did something horrible I used to go to him. He'd offer me a cup of tea and one thing led to another." Scarlett's voice broke.

Hermione said nothing and only held her as she let her tears fall freely.

Sunday morning at the Griffindor table was tense. Scarlett sat in between Hermione and Xander with Jackie and Sophia opposite her. An agitated Potter sat a few seats down near Black and Lupin.

"This is the longest I haven't spoken to him." Scarlett groaned peeking a look at Potter.

Jackie threw her a sympathetic look.

"This is healthy!" Hermione encouraged her. "You can't spend all your time with one person."

"I don't want to talk about him anymore." Scarlett pouted.

"Well Hermione have you found a gown to wear to the ball?" Sophia asked.

"Nope but Rosaline assures me she's on it." Hermione shrugged.

"You are so lucky to have her as a mentor, she dresses so fashionably." Sophia sighed looking at Rosaline on the head table, her hair in an elegant french twist.

"Not when she considers you her personal mannequin" Hermione said in between bites of toast.

"But how will Alphard know what to wear?" Scarlett said with concern.

"Rosaline has his ensemble sorted too I'm sure." Grumbled Hermione. "He doesn't seem to mind though."

"I think the two of you are so good together." fawned Sophia. "He's never dated anyone before."

Hermione wasn't surprised, Black seemed to be the one woman kind of man.

"I still can't believe you're going with Malfoy" said Jackie, clearly impressed.

"As friends." Xander clarified.

"Friends shmiends, you get to have his arms around you and I bet you could get him to kiss you." Sophia smirked cheekily.

"Excuse me ladies." Hermione said with a perfect impression of Black. The girls snickered as Hermione headed to the lake. Sitting by the tree was Malfoy.

"You're here early."

"Too much girl talk for my comfort." Replied Hermione joining him.

"I thought you'd be spending all your time with Alphard now you two are dating."

"I made it clear with him I was not the kind of girl that allowed a man to dominate her life."

Abraxas chuckled.

"What boy doesn't want to hear that?"

"He was understanding" Hermione poked her tongue out at him.

"Yeah I bet you really gave him a choice." He said sarcastically.

"Anyway I propose we continue training from next saturday."

"Sure"

A few hours later they headed inside. Hermione went to the dormitories to change for dinner at the Riddle Manor. Looking at her chaotic wardrobe she began to appreciate the burden Rosaline released her of. In the end she decided on the silver silk town dress she wore to tea with Rosaline a few weeks ago. She attached the curvette to her hair and applied a little rouge to her cheeks. Grabbing a cloak she left the room and hurried outside but was stopped by Black in the common room.

"Hermione?"

She inwardly groaned.

"Yes?" she squeaked.

"Going somewhere?" He looked at her cloak and her stained cheeks.

"Just dinner with a family friend."

"Oh I see. Well you look beautiful." Black brushed his lips against hers. Hermione shuddured appreciatively.

"Maybe I could see you later this evening?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"I'll be here." He smiled stroking the side of her waist.

Hermione disillusioned herself and dissapparated once she stood by the winged boars of the iron gates. She wrapped the cloak closer to her body as she knocked on the door of Riddle manor. Mary answeres beaming, took her cloak and led her to a drawing room she'd not been to before. Tom Riddle was stood by a beautiful woman playing the piano singing in his enchanting voice. He turned to see Hermione and rushed to her, bringing her to the piano. He was singing Fly Me To The Moon. He even danced with her in the trumpet solo. Hermione laughed as they sauntered around the room. As the song winded down the woman stood up and kissed Hermione on her cheeks.

"Are you the enchanting woman that has brought Tom out of his fortress?" Her voice was sweet and crystal clear.

"It is my honour to introduce you to Hermione Prince." Riddle poured her a glass of champagne and passed it to Hermione.

"What an exquisite creature" the womans dark eyes sparkled. "I am Diana Mason"

"My pleasure." Hermione smiled shyly. Ms Mason looked like a Greek goddess. Her black hair cascaded down her back in perfect waves.

"And I Edgar Mason" an impeccably dressed man with silver hair entered the room and kissed Hermione's gloved hand.

"I apologize for not warning you about company Hermione but I realize I do not have your address." said Riddle from the piano.

"I'll give it to Mary before I leave tonight." Hermione decided to worry about the technicalities later. "How are you acquainted with Tom Mrs Mason?"

"Do call me Diana and Tom I'm insulted! I am his dear baby sister." Diana laughed lightly kissing Tom fondly on his cheek as he began to play Dinah Washington.

"Tom told me about your chance encounter but little else. You live in Little Hangleton?"

"Yes with my uncle Edward Prince."

"I went to school here I never heard of any Prince." Diana probed her.

"Well my uncle has only lived here a while and I myself moved from France when my parents were killed last year."

"You poor child!" gushed Diana.

"This war brings nothing but despair." said Mr Mason darkly.

"Lets not speak of war tonight. My older brother is back from the dead and we have delightful company to distract ourselves completely!" persuaded Diana. "Hermione come sing with me".

As Diana and Mr. Mason danced, Hermione sat beside Riddle playing the chords now and then. Mary entered a few songs later and announced dinner ready.

Riddle escorted her to the dining area and quietly said to her "I hope you don't mind but after last week I thought you'd be pleased that I was reconnecting with my family."

"Not at all Tom!" Hermione protested. "I am so so pleased you took my advice and see how happy you are."

"Thank you Hermione for coming into my life." Riddle kissed her hand softly before seating her in her chair.

Diana was as promised, delightful company. She was well travelled and well read. She followed all the latest art and literary circles and was full of amusing anecdotes. Mr. Mason was an archeologist and was regularly cruising to fascinating places.

"The Amazon was the worst. I braved the forest the first day and once I saw the size of the spiders spent the rest of the month at the hotel. I don't know Edgar managed it." Diana shuddured.

"It was well worth the deadly encounters when we found the stone remains of the indigenous ancestors. Tom you would have loved to see some of the paintings we found in the broken infrastructures. Quite intricate they were. Say why don't you join us next time old sport? We're going to Rome next summer for my paper on Pompeii."

"Oh do join us Tom!" Diana pleaded him, her cheeks glowing.

"I'll think about it" Riddle conceded.

"Tom I hate to see you in this big house alone. Why won't you marry?" Diana asked him exasparated. "There's plenty of women I know who would jump at the chance."

"It's true Tom. You're handsome, rich and charming. Nothing stopping you from living the rest of your life." Mr Mason supported his wife.

"And I would love to have a little niece or nephew" said Diana dreamily.

"Enough." hissed Riddle, grabbing a bottle of wine and leaving the room.

"Oh it's all my fault" cried Diana. "I pushed him too far."

"Diana dear he'll be fine. Just overwhelmed I daresay."

Hermione excused herself and went searching for Riddle. She found him in the courtyard outside drinking the wine straight from his bottle.

"Go back inside" Riddle barked at Hermione, wiping his mouth with his shirt.

"Drinking isn't the answer." Hermione pryed the bottle from his fingers.

"They think they're so perfect with their perfect marriage and their perfect lives." Riddle's voice dripped with bitterness.

"You could have what they have."

"I lost my chance at happiness a long time ago."

"You're barely forty Riddle! It's true. You have your whole life ahead of you."

"I'm damaged and a drunkard."

"Everyone has history."

"I have a son I know nothing about and his dead monther's ghost haunting me." Riddle sat on the stone step, his head in his hands with anguish.

"You regret losing him, thats what matters." Hermione put her hand on his shoulder.

Eventually he recollected himself and joined his siter and brother-in-law in the smoking room where they had just begun a game of poker. Diana rushed to his side and kissed him in apology. Riddle smiled at her a little as he took a seat and watched the game unfold. Hermione excused herself an hour later saying that she'd told her uncle she'd be back before eleven. Diana hugged her goodbye and Riddle walked her to the carriages once again.

"Diana hosts a Christmas dinner at her place every year, it's quite something and I was hoping you would escort me?" Riddle asked her, his eyes shining in the dark.

Hermione kissed him on his cheek and said "I'd be delighted to."

"I'll send you a formal invitation next week" Riddle smiled as she waved him goodbye. Hermione yawned as the horse clip clopped away down the winding path to Little Hangleton.

A.N. A bit of romance following the war drama. Hope it wasn't too mushy. Keep reviewing my dear dear readers, so happy seeing the followers increasing. Again plenty of errors but I cannot be bothered to redraft so soon after writing. Give me a week or two!