A/N: Good afternoon, everyone! Here's the newest chapter and I hope you all enjoy it. ;)
A big thank you to EmbodimentofDissapointment for being reviewer #300!
Beta: Glitter
Hermione settles onto the cold metal stands, wedged between Harry and Ginny. Cheering Ron on for his match is all well and good come spring when it's not freezing out, but this time of year is downright torturous.
She sighs and squirms again, wincing as her arse tingles from the cold metal she's been sitting on for two hours now. Harry and Ginny are practically oblivious to her discomfort, chatting around her with each other and their other friends in the stands in between cheering for Ron.
At least whenever the ball comes close to his goal, they can stand up and cheer for his blocks - or lack thereof.
The game is close to over when Ginny leans over into Hermione and speaks quietly into her ear. "So! Tell about this guy you're seeing."
Hermione blinks and looks at Ginny, her brows arching, "What are you talking about?"
"You can play innocent all you want with the boys. I know better." The pretty redhead smirks, tilting her head as she adjusts her oversized green beanie with one gloved hand.
Squirming in her seat, Hermione glances back out to the field as she struggles to contain her blushes. Thankfully, the cold air has already brought out some color to her face so that they aren't so obvious – she hopes.
Ginny sighs and rolls her eyes, "Fine; pretend to be clueless, though you're the least clueless person anyone knows. First, you've been awfully quiet lately, keeping to yourself. Second, the other day I swear I saw a little love bite on your neck, though that's more circumstantial since it was under your hair, and I didn't see it again the next time I saw you. Third, that is a very expensive men's cashmere scarf from Burberry. Your mum has great taste, but she wouldn't have given you a man's scarf. Though I suppose you could have nicked it from your dad."
"Oh, good Lord! Ginny…" Hermione covers her face with her gloved hands, huffing into the woven material before she drops them and looks over to her friend with a mild scowl. "You should give up dancing and be a detective."
Dark brown eyes blink in surprise before Ginny gasps loudly. "You mean I'm right?!"
"Shut it!" Hermione hisses, grabbing her friend's arm and dragging her closer. "Yes, alright? You're right. I am seeing someone, and yes, it's his scarf, but no, I'm not going to tell you who, not yet. And you are absolutely not allowed to tell anyone else, not anyone at all; do you understand? You have to keep it to yourself until I tell others. Promise me, Ginny; it's important!" She looks up at her with pleading eyes.
Ginny frowns but nods slowly. "Of course, Hermione. I'd never betray your trust like that! I promise – I won't even tell Blaise, and he doesn't know you. Just…" She hesitates, glancing around before leaning in close again. "Are you alright? You're not in trouble, are you?"
She laughs softly, shaking her head quickly as she hugs Ginny's arm to her chest. "No! No, I promise, I'm perfectly fine. And very happy, I swear." She smiles as she releases her friend to sit back up.
"All right." Ginny looks at her closely, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Wow, you're totally into whoever this is, aren't you?"
Blushing darker and feeling it creep down her neck, Hermione adjusts her scarf and pulls it up over her mouth to hide the ridiculously large smile pulling her lips as she nods slowly.
The redhead laughs and throws her arms around Hermione, pulling her into a tight hug. "All right, you have my vow as a Weasley! I'll keep quiet."
Hermione sighs in relief and returns the hug just as tightly as she mutters, "Thank you."
Just then, Harry lets out a yell as Ron misses another ball, and he drops down hard onto the stands before looking at the two girls. "What are you two so happy about? He missed that goal!" His green eyes narrow suspiciously. "What did I miss?"
Waving a hand, Ginny pulls away from Hermione with a laugh, "Nothing, Harry. We just haven't seen each much lately and we're cold! Thank goodness this game is almost over; it's four-nil. They have no hope to make it up."
"Uh huh." Harry eyes the still blushing Hermione and beaming Ginny before letting out a short laugh. "Sure, that's true. We still have the after-party; we'll just have to obtain a few more drinks than we anticipated."
Hermione rolls her eyes. "Or not, and no one gets fall down drunk this time."
"What's the fun in that?" Ginny laughs before she grins. "Oh, and I invited Blaise."
"WHAT?!" Harry whirls around, eyes huge, as Hermione looks at Ginny in surprise.
She shrugs and picks a bit of fluff from her mitten. "Sure, why not? You're bringing Pansy; I figured this would be a good time to bring Blaise. Spread the love and all that."
Hermione sighs and peers at Ginny. "You know Ron will have a hissy fit."
"I know." Ginny grins wider, her eyes flicking out to the field as the teams are breaking apart from their post-game congratulations.
Harry and Hermione exchange a look before sighing.
"I suppose you'd better get that extra alcohol, Harry." Hermione lets out a laugh as she stands up, brushing her jeans off while her friends follow her lead.
They make their way from the stands and head down to the field, the three smiling brightly at Ron's sulking figure as he heads towards them.
"Good game, mate! They were on top form today!" Harry reaches out and clasps Ron's shoulder.
Ginny nods as she laces her arm through Hermione's before wrinkling her nose at her brother's sweat-soaked and grass-stained form. Hermione laughs softly at Ginny's face before looking over at her best friend with a gentle smile. "Good game, Ron. You really did great."
The lanky redhead heaves a sigh then shrugs. "Yeah, I guess. I could have been better." He glances over his shoulder at the rest of his teammates milling around the bench, before looking back at his friends with pitiful puppy dog eyes. "I better get to the wrap-up and shower. Party in the common room, right?"
Harry nods as the girls smile sympathetically. "Definitely, mate. We'll have it all ready to go by the time you guys get in."
Ron nods again and heads back towards his teammates with a dejected wave to his friends. They watch him go before turning and making their way from the field, back to their dorm hall.
Ginny chuckles and looks over at Harry, "Forget the whisky. Just get him some of that marshmallow vodka. He drank a whole bottle over the hols and couldn't remember two days; that might be better for him!"
"I'm not cleaning anything up!" Hermione snorts and wrinkles her nose, "Besides, I'm leaving around five to meet my parents and stay the weekend with them in town. They're in for a conference."
Harry, suddenly distracted by his vibrating mobile, mumbles something in reply as he texts and walks.
Ginny looks at Hermione with a questioning look before grinning at her returning warning frown. The redhead chuckles before reaching over and pulling on Harry's arm to keep him from walking straight into a light pole. "Watch where you're going, Romeo! You're going to break your nose if you aren't careful."
"Thanks, Gin." Harry shoves his phone into his pocket with a grin. "Pansy's on her way. I'm going to go meet her, and we'll see you guys in the common room!" Without waiting for a reply, he lopes off down the path, heading in the direction of the main entrance.
Hermione laughs and shakes her head before smiling at Ginny. "Do we need to fetch your man, too, or is he meeting us at the hall?"
"The hall. He knows where to go; he does attend here, unlike Pansy." Ginny smiles and, after a glance around to ensure that they're alone, pins Hermione with an intense stare. "Now, tell me! I know you won't tell me who you're seeing, but tell me something about him!"
She heaves a sigh, rolling her eyes as she looks up at the sky. "He's extremely intelligent, a little older than me, very good-looking. Uhm," she nibbles at her lower lip, glancing at Ginny's avid expression. "I don't know what else to tell you."
"Older than you? So, he doesn't go to Hogwarts?" At Hermione's negative head shake, Ginny lets out a laugh. "It's not surprising, honestly. You're so much smarter than everyone else at school. You need someone more on your level." She purses her lips as a sly expression steals across her eyes. "Have you slept together yet? Is he packing enough heat for you?"
"Ginny!" Hermione yelps and looks at her in shock, eyes widening. "No, we haven't-!" She looks around nervously, "No, we haven't slept together yet. And I'm not telling you that!"
The redhead bursts out laughing as she waves her hands in front of her, fending off any possible violence. "Sorry, sorry! I'll take that as a 'yes' and move on." She grins impishly at her red-faced friend. "Brilliant. Come on, let's go set up this party so we can get you off to your – ahem – parents."
"Oh my God, you're horrible." Hermione sighs deeply and stomps off to Gryffindor hall with a still-laughing Ginny trailing behind her.
. . . . .
The party is in full swing an hour or so later when Harry finally reappears with a tall willowy blonde tucked under his arm. Leading her over to where Hermione stands chatting with a well-lubricated Ron, Dean, and Seamus, Harry pauses with an overly-bright smile directed at his friends.
"Everyone, this is Pansy! Pansy, everyone." He blushes as he looks from his girlfriend to some of his friends.
Pansy arches her brows and smiles tightly at the group. "Hello."
Hermione sighs and rolls her eyes, moving away from the boys and smiling up at Pansy. "It's so great to meet you finally, Pansy! I'm Hermione, since your idiot can't properly introduce us properly." She glares at Harry before looking back to Pansy. "This is Ron, Dean, and Seamus. Come with me; I'll show you around."
She guides the ballerina away from the group, chatting the whole way as they head over to where Ginny and Blaise are cuddled on a couch.
Walking over to the couch, Hermione grins at the two wrapped up together. "Ahem!"
They break apart, Ginny scowling at Hermione. "What?" Upon spotting Pansy, she gasps and leaps from the couch. "Pansy! There you are! It took you long enough to get here. Did you get distracted?"
Blaise stands as well as Pansy laughs, shrugging easily. "You know Harry. We got caught up." She smiles at the couple before glancing sideways at Hermione.
Hermione chuckles and shakes her head as she surveys the party. Ron is well and truly trashed, Dean and Seamus with him, and they're all trying to get Harry just as drunk as quickly as possible. It only takes another few minutes before he distracts them with a bottle of marshmallow vodka and reappears at Pansy's side, looking relieved. Ginny and Blaise are back on the couch, though this time the slender redhead is settled snugly on his lap, and his dark hand is wrapped around her inner thigh, dangerously close to disappearing beneath her skirt.
Glancing at her phone for at least the fifth time in the past twenty minutes, Hermione sighs quietly and shuffles her feet. She's antsy and ready to leave although it's only just after four o'clock.
She looks over at her friends, happily ensconced with their partners, before she notices Ginny's eyes on her. She smiles a little, one shoulder twitching in a half-hearted shrug.
Ginny shakes her head and smiles before motioning to the door with her head and mouthing, 'Go.'
Hermione bites her lip, glancing at her phone one more time before smiling and mouthing back to Ginny, 'Thank you.'
Hopping to her feet, she hurries up the stairs to her room and grabs her overnight bag from under her bed. Tossing her toiletries bag into it and zipping it closed, she throws on her coat and Tom's scarf before slipping down the stairs and out of the hall as quietly as possible.
Luckily for her, the only person who notices her leaving is Ginny, who only smiles before nuzzling back into Blaise's neck.
. . . . .
Digging out her phone, Hermione sends a quick text to Tom as she walks, remembering to occasionally look up as she moves.
(Me): Hey, I'm on my way to your flat. Is that ok?
She swallows nervously as she huddles into her coat, breathing deeply into his scarf and drawing in his scent as she continues to make her way across the campus to the professor's block.
About five more minutes away from his flat, her phone buzzes in her hand and she quickly flicks open the message before smiling in relief.
(Tom Riddle): Of course. I wasn't expecting you for at least another hour, so you'll just have to help me make dinner this time.
(Me): If that's the case, I'll just take my time. Maybe go see a movie. ;)
(Tom Riddle): Minx. Get your arse here; it's cold as a witch's tit out there.
Hermione bursts out laughing at his reply before shoving her phone into her coat pocket and picking up her pace. It's only another couple of minutes before she's bounding up his steps and tapping on the door.
As though he's standing there waiting for her, Tom opens the door quickly at her knock before letting out a surprised grunt when she jumps at him, throwing her arms and legs around him, squeezing him in a tight hug.
She laughs as he staggers for a moment before his arms wrap around her and squeeze her back tightly.
"You wouldn't be laughing if I'd fallen over on top of you, sweet!" Tom looks up at her with a smirk, holding her close to him.
Hermione wrinkles her nose and squeezes her legs around his waist. "Sure I would; It'd just be interspersed with a few groans of pain."
"Well, if that's the case…" He laughs when she swats at him, thumping his shoulder half-heartedly. Tilting his head up, he murmurs, "Kiss me, sweet. It's been days."
She sighs happily as she leans down and presses her mouth to his, their lips moving softly against one another for a moment until she breaks it with a giggle. "Is that better, sir?"
Tom smirks, looking up at her with glittering, half-closed eyes. "Much." He reaches out to push the door completely closed and latch it before, while still carrying her in his arms, he turns and walks into the sitting room. Adjusting her legs, careful not to let her drop, he sinks onto the couch with her settled on his lap. "Much, much better."
She wiggles a little to get comfortable, slipping her bag from her shoulder and letting it drop to the floor, before stripping off her coat and scarf, dropping them on top of her bag as well. "I'll get those in a minute…" Snuggling back close, she tilts her head up and kisses him again.
Long fingers tangling in her hair, Tom tilts her head to a better angle, his tongue teasing her lips and drawing her mouth open before he kisses her deeper. One hand buried in her hair, the other trails down her spine to cup her arse, pulling her as close as possible on his lap.
Hermione whimpers softly at the feel of his hardening cock between her thighs and she squirms, rolling her hips against his, grinding his length against her seam. She moans softly when he bites down on her lip in retaliation, fingers digging into her hip and pulling her hard against him.
"Easy, sweet." He pulls back with a soft sigh, smiling in satisfaction at the sight of her kiss-swollen lips. "You'd better stop that or you'll ruin my plans for tonight."
Biting her lower lip and sighing, she looks up at him with a sweet pout. "Yes, sir." Then she laughs quietly and lays her head on his shoulder, laying against his chest. "I've missed you."
Tom sighs deeply as he re-settles his arms around her, one hand lightly stroking her hair while the other gently cups her arse. "I've missed you too, sweet. Honestly, I've been looking forward to having you all to myself for the night, for multiple reasons." He turns his head to press his mouth to her forehead. "What did you tell your friends?"
"That I was meeting my parents and staying with them while they're in town for a conference. I've done it before, so it's not unusual." She sighs happily as she nuzzles her mouth against his neck.
He chuckles softly as he settles further into the couch, tugging her with him to relax against his chest. His fingers continue to slowly stroke her hair as she sighs happily, her warm breath dancing against the skin of his throat. Her fingers lightly scratch at the back of his neck, just stirring the fine soft hairs there.
They remain that way for a long while, merely snuggling together on the couch and breathing in one another's scents.
Finally, Tom stirs slightly, turning his head to press a kiss to her temple before murmuring, "Come on, love. I'll take your bag upstairs if you'd like to start cutting up some vegetables for dinner."
"Hmm, you make that sound like I have a choice." Hermione laughs and sits up on his knees before stretching her arms over her head, groaning softly as her muscles loosen.
"True." Tom smirks, watching her arching form closely, before sliding one hand over the sliver of bared skin at her stomach. He chuckles when she squirms, wrinkling her nose at him. "Come on, up you get. There are zucchini and squash in the crisper; just start chopping that up. I'll be back down in just a moment."
He helps Hermione to her feet before standing as well, smiling when she leans in and kisses his lips lightly before sauntering to the kitchen. He chuckles as he watches her go before scooping up her coat, scarf, and overnight bag. After hanging the coat and scarf, he quickly drops the bag off in his bedroom. Heading back down to the kitchen, he stops in the doorway, leaning against the jamb and just watching her.
She's found the radio in the corner of the counter and turned it on low, and is humming and swaying slightly as she chops the vegetables. Swallowing thickly, Tom draws in a deep breath and smiles, tilting his head before he clears his throat.
Hermione jumps and turns to look at him, clutching the knife in her hand before she laughs and scowls at him. "Don't do that! You shouldn't sneak up on someone with a knife in their hand!"
Laughing, Tom walks over to her and leans in, kissing her forehead gently before smirking at her. "You should be more aware of your surroundings." He chuckles at her glare before moving to the stove and pulling out the roasting lamb already cooking.
They settle into an easy evening, cooking together and setting the table, chatting periodically about anything that comes to mind. After the meal has been finished, they settle in at the table and eat – rack of lamb, roasted yellow squash and zucchini, herb mashed potatoes.
Hermione moans softly after her first bite, her eyes slipping closed as she sighs happily. "And you said you weren't a good cook." She opens her eyes again, smiling at him as he watches her.
"No, I said I was a mediocre cook. I have a few dishes I do really well, but the rest are just edible." Tom quirks a brow at her, smirking, as she rolls her eyes.
"Somehow, I doubt that's true." She smiles at him before settling into their delicious meal with gusto.
After they finish eating, they clean up the kitchen together, putting the remainder of the food into the refrigerator and cleaning the dishes and pans. As Tom is scrubbing the last pan, he glances over at Hermione as she puts away the freshly dried dishes and silverware. He rinses the pan and hands it to her before reaching up to stroke her cheek lightly.
Hermione smiles and looks up at him, bright eyes sparkling. "I know I said it a few times, but that was absolutely delicious. Thank you."
"Of course, no thanks are needed." He leans in and kisses her nose before pulling back, his shoulders squaring and straightening as she watches. "I'm going upstairs to prepare. Once you've put that away, feel free to stop in the bathroom and freshen up if you wish, sweet. Then I'll meet you."
She swallows and nods slowly, her eyes widening a little as she clutches the pan in her hands and whispers. "Yes, sir."
He reaches out and strokes her cheek. "Easy, sweet; relax. There's nothing to be nervous about, I promise. I'll take care of you."
Nodding again, she turns her head and presses her mouth to his fingers before smiling up at him tremulously. "I know you will."
Tom smiles and rubs his thumb over her lips gently before walking from the kitchen. Hermione watches him leave the room and draws in a deep breath, shuddering as she lets it out in a whoosh of air before turning back to drying and putting the pan away.
Once that's completed, she glances around the kitchen for anything else to do, but they've already finished every last nightly task. Swallowing nervously, she turns and heads from the kitchen and up the stairs.
After stopping at the loo quickly to wash her hands and rinse her mouth, she smoothes back her hair and clothes before stepping out of the washroom. She comes to a stop as Tom steps out of what must be his bedroom only a moment later and looks up at him with wide eyes.
He walks over to her and smiles gently, reaching out and gently grasping her hand. Pulling her closer to him, he wraps his free arm around her shoulders as his fingers lace through hers and leans in, kissing her once, gently. "Easy, sweet."
Letting out a heavy breath, she presses into his lean form and breathes in his scent deeply for a long moment before she pulls back and looks up into his sea-green eyes.
Tom moves in and kisses her again, slowly, his lips moving over hers until she sighs and relaxes a little more. His tongue brushes against her lower lip before it pulls back, and he tugs at it with the faintest touch of his teeth.
Hermione sighs into his mouth, shuddering at the graze of his teeth. She smiles when he pulls back again, squeezing her hand in his as he murmurs into her hair. "Ready?"
She shivers and nods slowly, her fingers curled tightly around his as he pulls back and smiles. Thumb rubbing along hers lightly, he leads her to the bedroom door by the hand, pausing for only a moment before he pushes the door open.