Drawing Together

Following their kiss, Tom and Hermione became even more tight knit than before, with Tom barely leaving her side for fear of Dumbledore attempting legillimancy again. Not that Hermione minded, it was actually quite nice to have someone looking out for her for once. The girls in her dorm had also noticed this increased closeness and the gossip never ended. Hermione was consistently interrogated when she was in the dorm rooms - "Mia, you simply must tell us! How long have you been courting Tom?" was a frequent question that she left unanswered, choosing to smile shyly and make non-committal comments about it not being official yet.

Hermione and Violetta became much closer over the weeks following Dumbledore's interrogation of her, both feeling slightly out of place next to the Black cousins, although they were nice enough and remained friendly.

"Mia, I do hate to ask, because I know you are quite private, but.. are you quite alright?" Violetta asked her on the way to the common room one December morning, "you seemed quite shaken after your chat with Professor Dumbledore, and I know you have surely spoken with Tom about this, but I need to assure you that I am here too." Hermione smiled at her, feeling her heart warm at the honest friendship of this girl.

"To be quite honest, Violetta, I rather think Dumbledore doesn't like me," she shook her head "he tried to warn me off of Tom, told me he's dangerous and it's best to steer clear. He's not dangerous at all, not to me"

"Mia, I have to tell you, there were whispers last year, that he... you know... isn't quite right." Violetta responded, "that isn't to say I think he's awful, and he seems rather lovely with you, perhaps he just needed another intelligent soul to meet him, you are kindred spirits." Hermione smiled thoughtfully, "we really are, aren't we."

Tom smiled up at her from behind his book on the chaise lounge in the common room, standing and offering an arm to walk her to breakfast. "Good chat, my love?" she nodded at him and took his arm. "Mia, I am glad you have someone to confide in besides me, I don't want Dumbledore to make you feel isolated in this castle, it has always been home to me." He whispered to her, her eyes swam for a few seconds, revelling in how human he was. He wasn't a monster, he was just ignored at every turn when he needed real support. She silently promised herself then and there, that she would follow him to the ends of the earth. He was all she had now. Well, she had Violetta too, and the thought of having two people there for her made her heart feel full.

A/N: Sorry it's such a tiny chapter, it is just to flesh out the relationships a little more and develop a friendship some more.