"I like large parties. They're so intimate.

At small parties, there isn't any privacy."

- Jordan Baker, The Great Gatsby

Chapter 4: Little Fox

Hermione gazed at herself in her vanity as she got ready for Parkinson's soiree, practicing different looks and facial expressions. She needed to be able to enchant those around her and make them believe she belonged there. She hadn't really dolled herself up and felt giddy like a girl since the Yule Ball and now being a woman, she had never gotten to really know herself and what she was capable of. She tied half of her hair back with a black ribbon, tying it in a bow, her ringlets falling just over her shoulders in soft cascades. She blushed her cheeks and made sure her eyelashes were big and swooping, making sure each eyelash was individual to give her the perfect doe eyed look that she had been practicing all night.

He was going to be there tonight. She was sure of it. There was no way he wouldn't be. She thought about her plan to dismantle his group of wannabe Death Eaters and to drive a stake through his heart all night. Getting close to them was the first step. She had to become a common name on their lips, infiltrate their group, charm him, and leave him wanting more. Men love the chase and she had to get on his mind. Get him to invite her in, trust her. Find his horcruxes that he has already made to ensure that when she killed him, his mindless followers won't be able to get him back. He has only two at this moment in time, his diary and his ring.

Once Hermione had those in her possession, she knew he would trust her enough to keep her close. She would pretend to become his most loyal follower. The thought made her want to gag, but knew it was a necessary evil to get to the end goal. And once he thought she undoubtedly would follow him no matter what, once she got him alone, she would massacre him. Tom Riddle was powerful. Hermione wasn't naïve about that fact, but she had gotten stronger. She may not be as strong as him, but if there was one thing she was, it was a Death Eater killer. Cold and calculated. Eventually sleep claimed her as she dreamt of a world where she emerged victorious, his blood running through her fingers, his wand snapped in half by her hands, and the world finally rid of Tom fucking Riddle.

Smiling at herself in her vanity pleased with outcome, she stood and went to her now full closet and chose a dress she specifically knew she wanted to wear for this event. She chose her new black dress that hung to her chest tightly and flowed out at her hips, swishing as she walked. It was off the shoulder and went into tight sleeves that cuffed a little before her wrists, keeping her legs bare as she adjourned the kitten heels that were in style in 1949. Twirling in her mirror, she looked every part of a cute, pureblood socialite housewife, and she loved it. This is exactly what she was going for.

"Showtime", Hermione smiled at herself.

"Hermione!" Morgana Parkison greeted as she was led into the sitting room by the Parkinson's house elf. It took everything in Hermione not to lecture them on how house elves should be freed, but she refrained.

"Thank you so much for inviting me", Hermione smiled back and allowed herself to be pulled forward as Parkinson air kissed both of her cheeks.

How droll she snickered to herself, mocking their snootiness in her head. She ensured that her occlumency walls were in place before she jumped into a tank full of sharks.

"Please, let me introduce you to the room", Parkinson spun around next to her and linked arms," Those that are here so far anyways. More will be joining us."

There were only five people in the sitting room so far, and a sitting room was putting the room mildly. It was rather large with two large sitting sofas facing each other and a chair in between. A piano in the corner and a car in the other. Hermione's eyes couldn't help but skim over the bookshelf as Parkinson walked her past it, itching to grab one, but she refrained. She couldn't remember the last time she read a book. The thought made her heart ache.

"These two lovely ladies are Miss Marissa Greengrass and Walburga Black", Parkinson gestured to the woman sitting next to each other on one of the love seats. They appeared in deep discussion before being interrupted. Marissa Greengrass looked every bit the part of her granddaughter Astoria Greengrass. Hermione knew Malfoy was sweet on her after school and was devastated when he found out her and Daphne were killed by Death Eaters for not taking the mark. Hermione decided for the sake of her granddaughters, no harm could ever be done to Marissa Greengrass while she was here to take down the Death Eaters. Marissa Greengrass had beautiful pale blonde hair that was swept into a high bun, she had a small chin, and a fair complexion. She was wearing a blue dress that complimented her well and Hermione decided she immediately liked her when the woman smiled warmly at her.

"Hello", she rose and extended a hand," Marissa Greengrass. And you are?"

"Hermione Vulpecula", Hermione shook her hand in return.

"Walburga Black", she heard from behind Greengrass and saw a black gloved hand extend to hers. Hermione had to fight not to glare at the woman who would cast Sirius out and allow her other son Regulus to be led so astray. It was heartbreaking. This woman was always described as unloving to Hermione, and she could see why. Her black hair was pinned back with parts hanging in her face. Her eyes were dark and lifeless, like pools of dull oil and her skin was pale. She looked haunted.

Her scar burned as she shook the woman's hand.

"A pleasure." Hermione smiled grimly and barely shook the woman's hand before releasing it. The two seemed to measure each other up before Black and Greengrass sat back on the sofa to continue their conversation.

"Come, come!" Parkinson led her away to a group of three men standing together, glasses of what Hermione assumed to be fire whiskey in their hands. They looked every part of pureblood bachelors that she could ever imagine.

"Excuse me, gentlemen", Parkinson grinned at them all," I would like to introduce my new friend, Hermione Vulpecula."

The four turned to her and Hermione quickly put on her most polite smile. Her eyes scanned the three men who seemed pleased to meet her. The one to the left automatically extending his hand for Hermione to place hers in.

"Master Avery", the man bent over slightly as he placed a gingerly kiss on the back of Hermione's hand.

"Master Avery", the man next to him scoffed," Please get over yourself. Alphard Black, at your service."

Black.

Unlike Avery, Alphard just shook her hand as he smiled at her," I see you met my charming sister."

A sudden wave of emotion overcame Hermione as she saw Sirius' smirk appear on his uncle's face as he mocked his sister, Walburga. Alphard had the same jet-black hair as Walburga, but it was so obvious to Hermione in that moment where Sirius got his humor and looks from. Alphard had color to his skin and warmth to his eyes. The way his lips quirked upwards instantly brought back a flashback of Sirius smiling at her.

Get it together. Sirius isn't here.

"Does charm run in the family?" Hermione quipped, giving a teasing smile back," Or is your sister fortunate enough to have inherited it all?"

Alphard's blue eyes sparkled as he smiled at her," Hopefully there is enough left over to charm you."

Hermione felt her cheeks slightly warm at his obvious display of flirtation towards her. She decided to run with it, offering a small smile to the tall man in front of her. It seemed to have worked because he seemed keen to keep talking to her before Parkinson redirected her towards the third man in the group.

"Alphard, behave yourself", Parkinson snickered," And this is Rosier."

Rosier nodded his greetings and briefly shook her head before returning to drink from his glass.

A man of few words.

"Sadly, my husband, along with Miss Greengrass' husband could not make it tonight", Parkison told Hermione," But nonetheless, tonight shall be great. Others will be joining shortly."

"Excuse me, mistress", Parkinson's house elf appeared next to them," You are needed in the foyer."

Hermione noted that Parkinson's eyes widened and her smile that seemed warm and welcoming, was now strained.

"Of course,", she muttered before composing herself, turning back to the men," Gentlemen, would you mind entertaining my new friend while I excuse myself?"

She didn't wait for a response before swiftly leaving them behind as she glided through the room, shutting the doors behind her.

"So", Avery grabbed her attention from the doors that just shut behind Parkinson," Where you from Miss Vulpecula."

"I am from England", Hermione started," But I moved to America with my parents for several years, but I missed home too much."

"America", Avery said with disgust in his voice," I don't blame you for wanting to come back. Your last name is very unique, is it from the area?"

"It is not", Hermione told him," Moving back it seemed like the logical choice to pick the area that's the wizarding hub of England than out in the country."

"Makes perfect sense", Alphard joined in," What has been your favorite part?"

"Oh, definitely making new friends", Hermione beamed at him," I've only been here for a few days and I'm already meeting new people."

"The best people", Avery commented.

"Would you like a drink Miss Vulpecula?" Alphard commandeered the conversation.

"Uh- please", Hermione nodded. Determined not to get too drink, but perhaps a drink would help her relax," That would be lovely."

She accepted his extended arm, weaving hers through his, leading her away from the group to the bar against the far wall. He was decently taller than her and he seemed a lot friendlier than his male comrades.

"You seemed like you could use some time away from the inquisition of my friend", Alphard said to her as they reached the bar.

"Are you sure you just didn't want me alone?" Hermione teased, testing the waters.

He laughed as he reached for a glass for her," That's just a bonus. What can I get you?"

Hermione enjoyed his smile and his laughter. It seemed genuine and made her miss Sirius very much. She hoped they at least got to meet at some point in their lifetime.

As he mixed her a drink, she looked over at the couch and saw his sister still talking to Greengrass," Do you and your sister often go to social parties together?"

"Not together purposely, but often are seen the same social gatherings", he elaborated and handed her a glass. She looked at it cautiously, seeing bubbles and the liquid had a pink hue.

"Should I ask what this is before I swallow it?"

"Where's the fun in that?" he smirked," If I wanted to poison you, I would make sure we were alone first."

Fair enough. Taking a sip, she was pleasantly surprised it had a nice taste. Fruity and bubbly. She met his eyes, and he was smiling at her," Does it taste poisoned?"

"If it does, it's the most pleasant tasting poison I've ever tasted", she told him, causing him to laugh again, but the sound was immediately cut off as the room heard the doors open.

"We may adjourn to the dining hall", Parkinson came in and announced," The rest of our guests have come and are waiting for us."

Hermione knew that must mean he was here. She looked at Alphard and his demeanor had definitely shifted. The entire room's energy had shifted at Parkinson's announcement. Alphard extended his elbow to her again, which she gladly accepted as he led her behind Greengrass and Walburga. Everyone's demeanor had drastically changed. No more pleasant words being exchanged, and no smiles being shared.

Silence as Parkison led them down the hallway and into a grand room that held a dark wood table, tall windows against one wall to show the night sky, a fireplace on another wall facing the table that was lit dimly. As Hermione let Alphard guide her into the room, he was already sitting at the head of the table. He didn't seem to notice her at first as he was in deep discussion with… Draco?!

Hermione's eyes bulged out of her head as she saw Draco sitting next to him.

No, that's fucking impossible. Draco isn't here. He wouldn't come here and not be with me. I have the only time turner. This man has more weight on him and not nearly as many scars. It can't be him.

The man that looked like Draco's imposter twin sat to Riddle's left while a man who had a beard, long black hair, and looked remarkably like that fucker Dolohov Lestrange sat to his right. Walburga sat next to the Dolohov lookalike while Avery sat next to Draco's imposter twin, then Parkinson next to him, Greengrass next to her. Alphard led them to their seats at the end of table, Alphard choosing to sit next to his sister, thankfully, thought Hermione. He pulled out her chair for her before taking his own seat sitting her across from Greengrass at the opposite end of the table from Riddle, and next to Rosier who sat at the other end of the table, straight across from Riddle. He still hadn't noticed the newest member of his friend group and Hermione was starting to feel both giddy and anxious for when he would notice.

No one said anything as Parkinson's house elf made it's round with drinks for everyone. Hermione didn't dare be the first one who spoke first. Clearly this was a common occurrence of sorts because everyone knew how to behave and it was clear, no one says anything until Tom Riddle lets them. No one was looking at her, which she thought might have been strange as she is a newcomer. She only knew what to expect because she knew who Tom Riddle, Voldemort, was and knew how to act around pureblood Death Eaters. But maybe that was the wrong way to go about this? She was the newcomer after all. They didn't know her, and she supposedly didn't know anything about them so who was Tim Riddle to her? To them, he was their leader, but to her, he looked like the shop boy that helped her purchase an item the other day.

"Pansy", Hermione smiled towards the host sitting across from Alphard," You have a lovely home."

The silence was broken, and Pansy smiled back at the witch," Thank you."

The conversation between the two wizards at the head of the table stopped at Hermione's outspoken comment. She could feel his eyes on her from the end of the table. Turning her head slightly, she let her gaze fall towards the head where Tom Riddle's black eyes were burning. She felt the corner of her lips quirk up at the utter surprise that was on his face that she was sitting at the table. The tension was thick between the two of them. His face held no expression, but Hermione could read his eyes and it was there. He was leaning against the arm rest of his chair, his hand clenched next to his head, his other hand gripping the armrest strongly. His face may not show the emotion, but his body language did. Hermione smirked at him causing his mouth to turn into a frown as his companion to his left broke the silence that fell among the party again.

"I don't believe we've met", Draco's lookalike smiled at her," My name is Abraxas Malfoy. You are?"

"Miss Vulpecula", Hermione smiled at Abraxas. So, this was Draco's grandfather… He really did look just like him.

"A beautiful last name", Malfoy smiled at her," For a beautiful witch."

His grey eyes bored into her, taking in her full appearance and she immediately felt flustered. This man looked just like her best friend and Draco would never look at her like this. She knew this man wasn't Draco, her best friend and her only confidant in this entire world, but it's hard to separate the two people when they look like twins. She felt Alphard tense next to her and Abraxas' obvious leering, placing his hand against Hermione's. It didn't come off as affectionate, more of a layer of protection that Hermione was grateful for.

"Abraxas…", Tom hissed at his friend, his gaze ripping away from Hermione and boring into his comrade," Fetch me another drink."

Malfoy immediately switched to obedient servant and quickly pushed back his chair stalking to a bar that was against the wall behind Hermione. How many bars were in this place? Looking around at these solemn faces that surrounded her, drinking seemed like a necessity.

"While I'm waiting for my drink", Tom Riddle addressed the table," I would like to thank you all for coming out tonight. It's so nice to see everyone coming together and getting along."

Hermione didn't miss that his eyes flicked to where Alphard's hand still covered her own at that specific comment. Sensing hostility, she quickly slid both of her hands into her lap as she continued to listen to Riddle's ramblings. Tom's eyes seemed less fixated on her after the retraction of her hand from Alphard's. Interesting.

"Please continue to enjoy tonight. I look forward to talking to each and every one of you at some point", he smiled, briefly making eye contact with Hermione before looking at Abraxas who brought his drink to him. "Don't let that take so long next time, Abraxas."

"Yes", the man nodded and didn't even look at Hermione as he took his seat again. The first meal appeared in front of Hermione, reminding her distinctly of meals at Hogwarts. It appeared to be a salad with various vegetables and toppings on it. As much as she wanted to play a game with Tom and his pureblood followers, a tense feeling was starting to overwhelm her, and she started understanding why everyone seemed so sullen around her. Although Riddle wasn't doing anything specific to be outwardly hostile at his end of the table, his aura radiated hostility. It was abundantly clear to Hermione that you don't speak to him unless he addressed you, but she saw they didn't even talk amongst themselves. He was a king, sitting on his throne looking at his subjects.

I am not his subject.

"A toast", Hermione broke the thick silence, raising her glass. No one had even touched their food yet or their drinks. She noticed Malfoy's eyes shifting to Riddle waiting to see what he was going to do. Hermione met his black eyes head on as he stared at her, his face impassive. His long, pale fingers grasped the glass and raised it, a smile breaking out on his face.

"Yes, a toast", he gestured for everyone to pick up their glasses and it seemed the smile and friendly gesture caused the room to collectively exhale.

"To what should we toast, Tom?" Parkinson smiled at the man. A smile that seemed to be more suggestive than it was friendly.

Tom gestured to Hermione, having not broken their eye contact this entire time. A heat was starting to crawl up Hermione's neck at his sole attention to her. It was easy to see why he had followers. His stare was very alluring, trying to suck you in like he had two black holes in his skull instead of pupils.

"It's her toast", he reminded the table," To what do we toast to, Miss Vulpecula?"

He still doesn't know my first name.

All eyes shifted to hers and she found herself breaking eye contact with Riddle as Alphard's gaze broke the space between her and the head of table. His blue eyes were like a splash of fresh water to her, breaking the hold that Riddle's black eyes seemed to trap her in. His smile was gentle, and his gaze was like a caress that she didn't realize she was in desperate need of. A comfort.

"A toast to making new friends", she smiled at Alphard and dared to look back towards him. Tom was clenching his glass hard, his smile now seemed strained as she added," And to our magic."

"To our magic", Riddle raised his glass, ignoring the first part of her toast. His gaze burning into her over his glass as she let her eyes leave his. She was satisfied he seemed to be ruffled whenever her attention wasn't on him. To her, it meant that he wanted to monopolize her attention to himself, which was just what she wanted.

People started to lightly pick at their food, the room now feeling marginally more relaxed.

"So, Walburga", Parkison initiated talking," How is the wedding planning going with Orion?"

"Mother is planning most of it", the pale woman replied," So I suppose it's going fine."

"Orion seems to be happy with how it's going", Alphard cut in," But I'm sure he's just happy that someone is marrying him."

"It isn't like we had much choice", Walburga hiss quietly, but not quiet enough to where Hermione didn't hear her. She wanted to laugh at the woman and remind her that she couldn't imagine she had a long line of suitors either but decided to hold back her tongue. She couldn't help but raise the corner of her mouth to herself at her own silent joke and again felt the heat of a gaze on her. Hermione tried her best to side eye Tom Riddle at the head of the table and saw his eyes boring into her with an eyebrow raised, looking pointedly at her quirked lips. She let the smile fall and went back to silently listening to the conversation.

The conversation continued amongst the purebloods about little gatherings, past get togethers, and family members inquiring about other family members. Hermione listened with rapt attention the entire time hoping that anything they were all saying would be slightly useful to her mission, but sadly, it was all monotonous and boring. The same topics, the same questions, the same replies, just from different mouths. She was ready to drive her fork into her hand as a reason to excuse herself as the desserts were being served.

"So, Miss Vulpecula", Avery turned the conversation towards her. This was the first time aside from the toast that she had been addressed during the meal. She had avoided looking at Tom Riddle for the entire rest of the meal, refusing to satisfy his want for her attention. However, she could still feel his gaze on her on different points, wanting to drag her back in, but she refused.

"Are you enjoying your new home?"

"Immensely", Hermione smiled at him politely," Moving home was the best decision."

"What are you hoping to achieve in this new start for yourself?" he inquired further. Again, she could feel Tom's eyes, but she maintained her focus on Avery, hoping to frustrate the former.

Hermione shrugged sheepishly and smiled openly at the man," I really am not sure. I'm kind of taking it day by day. I suppose I would like to keep training with dueling and growing my personal library."

Did that sound rich enough?

"You fancy yourself a reader?" Abraxas asked.

"I do", she replied, still not quite used to seeing Draco in his face," I love to read. I wish I could have an estate just for my books." She laughed, earning some warm chuckles from the people sitting around her.

"You must come to Malfoy Manor sometime and see our library", Abraxas urged," I'm sure you would be quite impressed."

At his suggestion, she finally allowed herself to make a quick glimpse at Riddle who was eyeing his companion with hostility before his eyes flicked to Hermione. At the briefest eye contact between the two, Hermione moved her gaze back to Abraxas in just a second before answering," I would love to. Just let me know when it would be convenient for you."

"Certainly", he smiled at her, but she could see something else behind his eyes. Something that was not distinctly friendly.

"I tire of this meal", Tom Riddle interrupted, his cold voice slicing through any friendly chit chat. He hadn't spoken at all during the entire meal, choosing to listen like Hermione.

"We may adjourn to the sitting room."

With that, he stood up from his chair and stalked out of the room. Everyone immediately stood up and followed behind him. Hermione could almost laugh at the scene, everyone following like zombies behind their leader. Hermione was the last to stand, following behind the group at a distance. She was unsure when the night would end but would keep going as long as everyone else seemed to. She was following down the dimly lit hallway that they had entered, several feet behind the group when she felt dark tendrils wrapped around her mouth, her body, and pulled her behind. Her breathing was coming fast, her heart pounding as she was trapped, her hand grasping for her wand that she had strapped against her thigh.

Her feet were barely touching the ground as she got pulled into a room next to her with the door shutting. The black tendrils loosened and disappeared as she felt someone behind her. Turning around, she drove her wand into the neck of the person standing behind her in the dark room, her breath beating hot and fast, her teeth clenched.

"Lumos", she hissed. The air was sucked out of the room as coldness washed over here. Her eyes widened as they met the black orbs glaring back at her. Riddle's face was impassive, but his eyebrows were furrowed, his coal eyes burning into hers. She had to crane her neck to look at him, but she didn't back down or lower her wand.

"Awfully drastic response for a socialite", he commented, his voice low and deep," You may want to lower your wand."

"And why would I do that?" Hermione hissed as she dug it further into her neck. She could do this now. A quick killing curse and she could be done with it. As the thought crossed her mind, she felt the tip of his wand in her ribcage. She inhaled sharply and saw his teeth exposed through a sharp grin.

"Do you want to practice your dueling skills in a dress?" he joked," Or would you rather lower your wand and I'll lower mine."

"Clothing doesn't restrict my ability to win a duel", Hermione informed him. She maintained hard eye contact as she slowly retracted her wand from under his chin, but his remained.

"You may lower yours now."

"And why would I do that?" Riddle sneered at her, copying her response. He slowly dragged the tip of his wand to her naval and continued to drag it, so it sat between her breasts, her chest rising and falling heavily.

"What are you doing here?" he hissed at her," Who are you?"

"I was invited", Hermione frowned at him," Not that it's any of your business. What are you doing here? Aren't you just a shop boy?" She reminded him.

She knew what he was doing here, but she could not reveal that she knew everything. Anger flashed across his face at the comment of her calling him a shop boy. His mouth twisted into an ugly frown, his black eyes searing into her as he stepped closer into her circle, their noses almost touching.

"I am so much more than a shop boy", he growled," You would do well to watch your tone with me."

"Or what?" Hermione dared, raising her chin defiantly.

"Or I'll hunt you like the little fox you are."

Little fox?

"Miss Hermione?" a voice from the other side of the door broke the extremely tense air that was circling the two of them.

"Are you in here?" It was Alphard.

"Answer him", Riddle growled out, as his wand moved from in between her breasts to the bare skin right above the collar of her dress. He started to angle it down, so it pressed against her skin.

She swallowed harshly at his action; her wand still clenched in her hand. Riddle leaned down to her ear," Answer him before he walks in, little fox."

"Y- yes, Alphard", Hermione stuttered out. Riddle was entirely too close. His body was only inches from touching hers completely, his wand pressed against her bare skin between her breasts, and his breath in her ear, his nose just touching the top shell of her ear.

"Tell him you needed a minute", Riddle hissed into her ear, like she was a snake he was talking to.

"I just needed a uh- minute after dinner", Hermione shouted out," I'll be right out."

"Okay, I'll wait."

Hermione turned to look at Riddle's shoulder as he continued talking in her ear," You will walk out of this room and go into the sitting room on Alphard's arm, but make no mistake, I am watching you."

Hermione made a snap decision. She didn't know what came over her, but she would not allow herself to be cornered like this by him. Reaching up with her hand, she grabbed the collar of his cloak, and pressed her lips against his ear, her other hand pressing her wand to the back of his neck. He went completely still as she whispered into his ear, making sure to brush her lips against his ear," I'll be watching you too, so you better what your back instead of me."

She let go of him and pushed him away from her abruptly, walking to the door. When she turned back to look at him, he had been swallowed by the shadows of the room. Composing herself quickly, she put her best smile on and opened the door to Alphard's refreshing blue eyes.

xoxo