"I wish I were a girl again, half savage,

half hardy, and free. Why am I so changed?"

- Emily Bronte


Chapter 9

Everything felt right. Hermione felt right as she pulled her black jeans over her legs and fastened the button over her hips. Now that she had started to gain healthy weight from the bony girl, she was two weeks ago, she liked the way she filled out her jeans. She buttoned her black shirt over her chest and made sure the cuffs of her sleeves were buttoned at the wrists, covering her scar. Her hair braided behind her head, falling down her back. Pulling her crusty, combat boots out of her closet, they were the only things she didn't clean when she got here. Call her sentimental, but the years of walking miles from safe house to safe house, learning how to move like a shadow in them even though they were heavy, she couldn't bear to part with a single particle of the dried blood and dirt on them. They were molded to her feet like a second skin, and she felt her soul buzz with each lace she tightened. Strapping her wand holster to her thigh, she moved through her house like the shadow she was trained to be and out the door. The sun was now low, and she knew Alphard was probably already waiting for her at their agreed upon location.

She did think that maybe her modern-day garb would make her stand out like a sore thumb, but Hermione decided that was the ultimate goal. Blending in and being a wallflower would not get her close to Riddle and if she wanted to impress at a dueling club, she had to be able to move like she had been trained to. As her boots sounded with each step, bringing her closer to her portkey to apparate into town, Hermione felt her heart thud along with them. The plan was simple. Impress the Death Eater prince. She needed to show him that his ranks wouldn't be complete without her in them and if he didn't want to invite her in just yet, she wanted to at least get him rattled. He hadn't sent her a post since he left his note that other night and due to newer additions to her wards, Hermione had the peace of mind that he hadn't bothered coming by her house. Her wards wouldn't stop him from invading her space, but they would at least let her know he was on her property. There are no wards around the dueling club to prepare him for her though, she smirked to herself as she apparated to Diagon Alley.

"Wow, Hermione, you look uh-", Alphard gave her the once over as she approached him. A streetlamp illuminating his position on the sidewalk.

"Different."

"Really?" Hermione looked down at herself, feigning confusion," I usually duel in this attire. Hard to sidestep in a pencil skirt."

"I'll take your word for it", he laughed. Hermione looked him over and saw that although he was dressed a lot fancier than her, he was also wearing dark clothing except for his starch white shirt. Maybe a three-piece suit was the gentleman's choice for dueling in the 40's, she scoffed to herself.

"So, where is this club we're going to?" Hermione bounced lightly on her heels, ready to get the show started, but seeing the look on his face made her think maybe she shouldn't be as excited.

"We have to go into Knockturn Alley to get there. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all."

Hermione didn't want for him as she started to head down the street towards its dark, looming entrance.

"You know where Knockturn Alley is?" Alphard quickened his pace to catch up to her," I don't remember this being on our tour."

Hermione smiled at him," Well I don't need to be shown a place I already know. I found my way down here not long after moving here."

"By yourself?" he asked in shock.

Laughing at the look on his face," What's there to be afraid of? The Boogey Man?"

"Something like that", she heard Alphard mutter.

As they descended further into Knockturn Alley, Hermione remembered why she didn't like coming here after the sun set. Not that the sun ever touched this place, but it seemed even the nightly creepers came out like their internal watch was set to know when it was nighttime. Corners of alleyways held dark, cloaked creatures with long, scaly fingers reaching out, trying to beckon her to come closer. All the shops were dim with closed signs hanging on the doors and she realized even the dimly lit shops offered a type of glow on the street that she actually missed now that it was gone.

She let Alphard lead her further than she had ever ventured before, the walls around them too dark to really identify any landmarks to keep track of her surroundings, but the way they came had been simple enough. Although she was positive Alphard would never try anything, one could never be too safe. He turned to the left coming to a stop at the top of a staircase that led down to a door that was sealed shut. Turning to her, his face didn't depict miserable, but it definitely wasn't thrilling.

"Is this the part where you deliver me to the Boogey Man?" Hermione teased, pushing his shoulder lightly.

"Just about", Alphard snorted," Listen, I didn't mention to anyone that I invited you to come along with me so if people act biased or indifferent towards you, don't be offended. Women of our circle rarely come here."

Hermione took a step closer to him and smiled confidently," I think it's sweet for you to warn me, Alphard, but I don't need a layer of protection. I'll do just fine."

Raising his eyebrows and inhaling deeply, he turned and stalked down the stairs, Hermione trailing closely behind him. He raised his wand, and her hand instantly went to hers, laying her hand on it reflexively. Giving the door 5 light taps, a slide in the door opened to reveal a pair of eyes looking down at them. Peeking over his shoulder, Hermione saw the eyes were green. Not green irises, but the entire eye was green with a black slit where the pupil would be stretching across the eye.

"Yes?" a voice growled out.

"Alphard Black, member 95320", Alphard stated in a monotone voice," I have brought one, Hermione Vulpecula as a plus one for the evening."

Its green eyes cast to Hermione at Alphard's statement, and she met the gaze.

"Very well", the voice answered and shut the eye opening. She heard multiple locks click and the black door swung open revealing a dark hallway lit by candelabras.

"You may enter."

Alphard walked straight ahead, not bothering to look at what was apparently a House Elf standing on a ladder behind the door. Hermione gave it a nod of thanks before following Alphard, her hand never stopping hovering over her wand. As they walked further down, she could start hearing chatter, some yelling, and the sound of glasses clinking, the sound of smooth music wafting through the darkness. At the end of the hallway, a double wooden door separated them from whatever lay ahead of her. Hermione was grateful Alphard didn't feel the need to warn her about the club again as he opened the right side of the door for her, stepping aside to let her in.

The room was brightly lit and not like anything else in Knockturn Alley. It wasn't even really a room, but more of a grand looking ballroom crossed with a night club. She was up on a second-floor balcony that had stairs to both her left and right that led down to the main floor. The balcony surrounded the entire main room and had doors that were sealed leading to Hermione could only assume was private rooms. There was a stage that was on the far wall in front of her on the main floor where a woman was singing beautifully, and a goblin band backed her up. A bar was to the far-right side and tables littered the border of a large white marble floor where she saw two wizards dueling, wards surrounding them to prevent stray spells from hitting patrons. Looking around, it was almost all men. The few women that were there were either working serving drinks or on the arms of the men attending the club and not outfitted to duel with anyone.

Typical.

Hermione surveyed her surroundings, taking in the sites that laid before her before making her descent down. She was looking for one person in particular, but she didn't see him. Anywhere. Nails digging into the wooden railing, her teeth felt like they were about to break from how hard she was clenching them. She had gotten dressed. She had put herself out there and tried to put a plan into motion. How dare he not show up…

"Would you like a drink?" Alphard said next to her, completely oblivious to her body language.

"Please." Hermione muttered through her teeth as she followed Alphard down the stairs, unaware of the attention that was turning their way. Her eyes were still scanning the room for one, fair skinned – dark haired man.

"What'll you drink?" the bartender asked the two of them. Hermione waved her hand at Alphard to order whatever as her eyes still scanned. She made eye contact with several men looking her way, confused but intrigued by the strange, dressed girl but it meant nothing to her. Sighing deeply as Alphard handed her a drink, she decided tonight was ultimately a bust. She would just have to try again another night. No reason not to enjoy some light-dueling to refresh herself.

"Is this quite what you had in mind?" Alphard took a drink of the amber liquid they both shared in their glasses.

"Not quite", she smirked and copied his movement, drinking the liquid in her glass," It's a lot nicer than I was expecting for its location."

"It tends to take people by surprise", he smiled coyly at her," Like you."

Hermione felt her cheeks heat slightly at his compliment and took another drink. The room temperature liquor started to warm her stomach and she could feel herself loosening up. She eyed the two men dueling and deduced from their sloppy footwork and improper stances, they were both not worthy of dueling with her.

"How does one get paired for a duel?" Hermione asked Alphard who was just about done with his drink and had already ordered a second one.

"The bartender here signs you up and then you just wait until your name is called", Alphard gestured to the wizard behind him. Hermione immediately turned and smiled widely at the bartender.

"I would like to sign up for a duel, please."

The man didn't say anything at first, but stared at her in surprise, as he slowly eyed her up and down.

"Are you sure?" he quirked an eyebrow," The only curses not allowed are the main 3, other than that it's open season. Can get pretty gruesome."

"I'm counting on it." Hermione felt her insides start to buzz with anticipation at the thought of a free-for-all duel. She could practically taste the blood and magic.

"Alright", the man muttered and pulled out a scroll," You're in luck, it's a slow night. After they're done, you can be next if someone else joins. When someone has, we'll summon you and go over the ground rules."

"Thank you very much."


Tom was seething and based on his lemmings' reactions, they knew it too. It was supposed to be a casual evening for him. Just a meeting with his Knights, check their statuses, have a drink, and go home. Everything was going fine. He was enjoying a glass of fire whiskey while watching his minion's converse. It wasn't until he happened to hear Mulciber mentioning to Knott that he saw Alphard Black walking into the club with a girl when he had excused himself to the restroom. It wasn't the fact that the man brought a girl to the Dueling Club, but it was the way Mulciber described the girl to Knott that he knew it was his little fox:

"I saw Black walking in with that new girl that Parkinson was talking about… I've never seen a woman wear pants like that. Man, her arse has gotta be tight under those things."

It was the shattering of Tom's glass in his hand that made all talking at the table stop as every eye from his loyal minions were looking at the shards of glass and drops of liquid that fell from his clenched fist.

"Show me where Black is."

Tom ordered and stood, buttoning his black suit jacket as he headed towards the doors that separated their private room on the second floor from the rest of the club. Mulciber immediately stood and ran to get to the doors, opening them for Tom who glided through the archway towards the railing that overlooked the bottom floor. Mulciber pointed with a pale finger to Alphard Black handing a glass to his little fox. The fucker…

She looked out of place. The girl looked like nothing he had ever seen before. Her pants were skin-tight and the wand holster on her leg was leather. Tom didn't miss the way her thigh slightly poked out around the leather holster showing how tight was strapped to her leg and it made his hands tingle. Her hair was braided away from her face, showing that she was replying to Black, but not interested in what he was saying. Her eyes were scanning. Tom quickly cast a disillusionment spell to shield him from being seen because he had no doubt that she was looking for him.

He hadn't heard from her or about her since leaving a note in her home despite Abraxas sending her several posts inviting her back over. His little fox was cunning though. Tom had deduced that she knew it was a ploy to corner her again. She had been stewing. Every time he thought about how furious she must have been to realize he was in her home; it brought a smirk to his face.

What Tom was not expecting, however, was for her to retaliate like this. He saw her eyes scanning the room over and over again as Black continued to babble next to her. Every scan of the room made her face twist in anger more and more. Was it because she couldn't see him? Was she expecting him to be present tonight or was she taking a gamble, hoping that he'd show up? Did Black tell her that Tom frequented the Dueling Club?

Surely not.

Asking Black about him would make it seem like she was interested in him. Which she is Tom told himself, but he knew she liked keeping her secrets. Tom leaned against the railing, watching with raised brows as he saw her sign her name on the dueling list and the feeling of anger for the eldest Black started to dissipate as Tom's hunger grew to see just what this witch was capable of.

"Tell Dolohov to sign up for the next duel", Tom stood straight and turned to Mulciber.

"Yes, my lord." Mulciber turned to walk towards their private suite but was stopped by Tom.

"Tell the lads to meet me downstairs." Tom was already heading down the stairs, not bothering to do away with his disillusionment charm just yet. He didn't want her to see him until he decided to let her. Moving through the throngs of people like a viper, he didn't take his eyes off of her as she started to head towards the middle of the floor, waiting for her name to be called. He could practically feel the vibrations of anticipation coming off of her.

She has been craving this he thought to himself. Craving violence.

With her focus now on the duel ahead of her, Tom waved his hand, doing away with his charm to reveal himself to a table holding six men. The men looked up at him, immediately stood and left, the one at the head even going so far as to pull the chair out for Tom to take. Sitting down, unbuttoning his jacket, he waved with two fingers at a server to bring a round of drinks for his followers that were now flanking his sides. Abraxas always to his right, followed by Rosier, Knott, Mulciber, Lestrange, and Avery; Dolohov now heading towards the dueling arena.

"Do my eyes deceive me or is that Miss Vulpecula waiting to duel with Dolohov?" Abraxas' eyebrows raised as he stared at the girl. Tom didn't miss how his eyes spanned down his little fox's body, causing him to want to smash his glass into his right-hand man's eye.

"They do not deceive you", Tom chose to drink from the glass instead," I was not expecting to see her tonight. Why not serve her worthy adversary?"

"Are you sure that's wise, my Lord?" Abraxas softly asked, not wanting to upset Tom by questioning his choice," Dolohov is pretty ruthless."

Tom's eyes flashed as he refused to look anywhere but her," I have a feeling so is she."

"Miss Vulpecula, Mister Dolohov to the dueling arena."

Chatter around Tom and his Knights dwindled as the name of a woman was called out. It was rare a woman signed up for dueling, let alone a woman that looked like Hermione Vulpecula. She walked out onto the staged floor, her wand already in her hand, circling her perimeter, her eyes focused solely on her opponent. Dolohov entered and smirked at the girl before him, like it was preposterous for him to even be there.

"The rules are as follows: No Unforgivable Curses, no physical contact. Anything that causes intense bleeding or injury, you have to know the counter curse or how to heal them and do so before leaving the arena. Leaving your opponent's body bleeding out is a chargeable offense and you will be charged with attempted murder. Do you both understand that rules to the fullest extent?"

"Yes." Tom heard them both say.

"Shake hands and wait for the wards to go up. The whistle will blow when the match starts. One round, that's all you get. First to knock the other out, make them tap out, or incapacitate them, wins."

Tom watched as Hermione's chest rose and fell evenly, not a drop of sweat on her. Nothing about her seemed antsy or nervous. Her eyes were still, focused on Dolohov like a predator, everything about her unflinching. The whistle that sounded was the only thing that broke the silence.

Neither made a move.

Seconds ticked by and the only thing the two of the duelers did was stare at each other.

"Are you going to strike first?" Dolohov spoke first. Tom flicked his eyes to Hermione who said nothing. Without another word, a flash of red came from Dolohov's wand towards Hermione who sidestepped out of the way, not even bothering with a counter curse. The spell hit the ward behind her and exploded like a firework. Another flash of red, followed quickly by green, blue, and back to red came firing out of Dolohov's wand and Tom watched with fascination as Hermione managed to dance her way through it all, not exposing a drop of sweat or firing any spells of her own.

"Maybe she's out of her element", Abraxas commented.

Tom shook his head and had to fight back the smile that threatened to show," On the contrary, I think she is exactly where she likes to be."

As Dolohov cast another curse towards the girl, she sidestepped and finally cast her own spell at the same time as blocking his curse, a flash of green leaving her wand. Dolohov barely had time to dive out of the way, cursing as he did so.

"You little bitch", Tom heard the man mutter," You almost got me."

Dolohov started firing quickly, more rapidly. Tom watched with disgust at the blatant recklessness that his follower was exhibiting. It didn't take a genius to realize Hermione was depleting her opponents magic while reserving hers. Rapid curses came flying at her, slicing jinxes, tripping jinxes, fire curses, and she managed to duck every single one. Just as Dolohov sent another curse her way, she blocked it and sent two more his way at the same time causing gasps throughout the crowd. A flash of white, followed by a flash of blue.

Gasps went throughout the crowd at the clear talent that the young witch exhibited, and Tom's mouth was watering. The urge to control and keep precious things was starting to rage throughout him as he wanted to possess the girl in front of him. She was like watching violent poetry. Her movements swift and lethal, her spells calculated. How did a girl so young, portraying herself as a socialite learn such dueling tactics?

What are her secrets?

Gasps broke through Tom's attention as Dolohov aimed a particularly nasty slicing jinx at Hermione who barely managed to get out of the way, her shoulder not quite making it with her.

"Ugh—" Hermione gasped as she quickly assessed her damaged shoulder. Tom sat straighter in his chair, a slight panic that he was not used to set into him as he watched Hermione mutter a spell, the girl rolling her shoulder afterwards.

"I liked this shirt." Hermione frowned at Dolohov, raising her wand. All of her reservations now forgotten as she aimed a curse one after another after another at the long-haired man that barely had time to block before another spell came flying at him. Hermione spun, danced, and sidestepped throughout the arena cornering Dolohov who was starting to grunt with frustration, unable to cast a spell back because he was to busy blocking hers. Tom's appetite was thoroughly wetted, and he had to hold himself back from showing too much excitement at the young witch before him.

Everyone watched as she spoke out loud a spell no one had heard before," Sectumsepra!"

A flash of purple exploded from the tip of her wand and Dolohov didn't stand a chance. His followers stood abruptly, and Tom watched as the spell hit the man straight in the chest and he faltered, before falling to the ground, blood seeping through his clothes, and flowing out of his body like small rivers.

"Expelliarmus."

Dolohov's wand flew away from him and into Hermione's hand, who turned to face the crowd. Her face was cold and calculating. Tom knew the expression well: the face of maker's death. It made him mad with a desire to capture her for his own. The witch's eyes scanned the crowd and finally settled on him, her pupils dilating at finally seeing him. Only when seeing him did her chest start to rise and fall quickly, her face now a mask of both anger and frustration. Tom smirked at her and raised his glass.

"Miss!" Hermione turned to see the bartender standing next to a now gasping Dolohov," The counter curse for this man?"

Tom saw her sigh and reluctantly pull her eyes away from him as she walked towards his now practically dead follower, streams of white light flowing from her wand as he saw her mouth healing spells and incantations. The man's wounds glowed, and the blood started to flow back towards his body.

As soon as Dolohov seemed stable and healed, she quickly stood and spotted Tom again. He snickered to himself at the expression on her face, like she was worried he'd disappear. Alphard Black started to head towards her, but she left him behind to walk towards Tom quickly.

"Miss Vulpecula!" Abraxas greeted her as she approached their table," What a pleasure it was to watch you in such interesting attire."

"Thank you", she smiled politely," I did not see you all when I first got here. Did you just arrive?"

"No", Tom spoke out before Abraxas did," We have our own private quarters."

Hermione sneered," Of course you do. Mr. Riddle, may I have a word with you privately?"

The table looked towards their Lord, some apprehensive, some curious at her bold request.

"You may", Tom downed the rest of his drink before standing," You may follow me."

"Hermione! That was spectacular!" Alphard Black said behind her, turning everyone's attention to him.

"Oh, thanks Alphard", Hermione smiled sheepishly at the man," If you'll excuse me- I'll be right back."

"Oh, do you need an escort somewhere?" He smiled at her.

Tom came up behind them, buttoning his jacket," She certainly does not. I will be escorting her the rest of the evening."

"I just wanted a word with you", Hermione turned and frowned at him," I can escort myself."

It seemed no one listened to her as Tom stared down Alphard, daring him to speak out. The two men eyed each other before Alphard eventually backed down," Fine. Hermione, owl me to let me know you got home safely."

Before Hermione got the chance to ask him to stay, Alphard started walking away as Tom started walking towards the stairs. Hermione chose to follow the latter. Tom guided her up the stairs and walked towards the private room he occupied earlier, opening the door for her.

"After you", he gestured for Hermione to go in. Rolling her eyes, she walked in, Tom following behind her and shutting the door.


Hermione quickly turned, not wanting to have her back to the man, the monster, she knew Riddle to be as he shut the door behind them. The sound of chatter and clinking glasses reached their ears as the music started playing again. The moment of her duel passing as social hour among the patrons resumed.

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Miss Vulpecula?" Riddle smiled coyly at her. She wanted to slap the expression right off of his perfect, Aristotle face.

"Who the fuck do you think you are?" Hermione immediately advanced on him and poked him in the chest," Breaking into my home like some common night thief after you sexually assaulted me?"

Whatever cocky attitude Riddle was feeling quickly vanished as his face set into a hard expression, his eyes now glaring at her.

"Sexually assaulted you?" he repeated, venom dripping from his voice," That is a bold claim for someone who reciprocated every gesture until you didn't want too anymore. You pushed me quite hard; I might add." His lip slightly curled upward at his remark

Hermione rolled her eyes," Please… As if you would be so fragile."

Glaring at the man in front of her, putting on her best icy expression she could muster," I warned you, Riddle, at Parkinson's to watch your back and I meant what I said. I don't know what game you're trying to play with me, but I am not interested."

Riddle's black eyes shone with excitement at the challenge she was knowingly posing in front of him, and it took everything in her not to be smug at the obvious cards she was laying out in front of them.

Boys love the chase, don't they?

Tom stepped into her space, his chest brushing against her crossed arms as he leaned down, his lips brushing the top of her ear.

"On the contrary, Hermione", he purred her name, his cool breath sending a chill down her spine. Hermione squeezed her eyes shut ignoring the pleasant goosebumps that pricked her skin," I think I am just about the only one who could provide you with what you need."

Hermione turned her head to look at him, their noses practically touching," What do you know about what I need?"

The fire that lit the room was slowly starting to flicker sending shadows around them, as the dim warm glow lit up Tom's silhouette. In a moment that took her completely by surprise, he reached down to the back of her thighs and sat her on the table behind them.

"Tom!" Hermione yelped out as he stepped in between her knees. Leaning against his hands that were on the table beside her hips, he leaned closely to her face. Hermione summoned all of her Gryffindor courage to not lean back but meet his challenge.

"What would you do for power, Hermione?" He raised an eyebrow at her, his eyes boring into hers.

"What- what do you mean?" Hermione chuckled awkwardly," Like, becoming Queen of England?"

"A queen of a sort", he murmured, and she didn't miss how his eyes flickered down to her lips," I am going against my usual protocol and throwing caution to the wind. I would like you to join me."

"Tom, you're not making sense", Hermione feigned naivety and made a move to get up off the table. Tom quickly grabbed her wrists to keep her in position, straightening his back so she had to look up to meet his eyes.

"This is not a joke, little fox." His face was cold, expressionless. His magic was oozing around them as she felt the gravity of what he was saying. His aura radiating the type of magnetism that made him impossible to ignore.

"I am reworking how everything you know to be true about our wizarding world."

Hermione's blood was pounding in her ears as the moment she had worked so hard for was right before her. Voldemort was inviting her into his inner circle. She would finally be a step closer to ending his life and the ruin he would bring her future. All the lives she would save, all the suffering she would prevent was unfolding in front of her.

"I don't understand, Tom", she shook her head with wide eyes, looking up at him," How could one person achieve such a thing?"

He smiled warmly at her, taking her question as her already saying yes to him," Join me, little fox and you will find out. Our world is corrupt, and I tire of it. The only way change can happen is to be proactive. Let giants be free, letting wizards and witches down on their luck of equal opportunities. Having to no longer hide who we are to Muggles…"

"You're dueling was breathtaking", he leaned down to her again, his eyes flicking from her gaze to her lips, causing her face to heat," I wish to teach you, further your education and dueling skills. You are good, little fox, but you could be great. Let me show you."

Her response wasn't immediate. Although she was acting coy and aloof to keep him baited, her hesitation came from her being scared. This is what she had worked towards this entire time, and with it being in front of her, it seemed daunting. Riddle wanted her. Both as a soldier and possibly as something more, and both options made her skin crawl. But she needed to do this. She couldn't disappoint Draco again. She couldn't let down the Order again.

With her lips pressed hard together, she slowly shook her head yes, Riddle's black orbs shining like pools of oil, his sharp canines flashing with triumph.

"You won't regret this, little fox", he murmured as he leaned in towards her. Hermione's breath held as she thought with horror that he was going to kiss her again.

"Don't worry", he laughed," I won't kiss you again."

Leaning into her ear again," Not until you're begging for it."

His hands gripped her tights tightly as he leaned back from her space, allowing her to breathe freely finally as he told her," Keep an eye on your post. I'll let you know when our next meeting is."

With that last comment and one last subtle squeeze of her thighs that she chose to ignore, he stalked out of the room and shut the door behind him. Hermione's exhaled loudly with a shaky breath and collapsed on the table behind her, tears threatening to start falling as she silently congratulated herself on joining the Death Eaters club.


xoxo