Tʜᴇ Dᴀʀᴋ Lᴏʀᴅ's Aɴɢᴇʟ | Tom Riddle √

91: A Conversation with Hermione

Cassiopeia was engrossed in her advanced potion book when she heard a familiar voice. Looking up, she saw Hermione Granger standing before her.

"Is it alright if I sit here?" Hermione asked, holding a set of books in her hands.

"Why not, Hermione," Cassiopeia replied, offering a friendly smile. "Long time, no see, yeah?"

Hermione nodded and took the seat across from Cassiopeia. Her curious eyes immediately locked onto the advanced potion book.

"What's the book you're reading?" Hermione inquired, her curiosity evident. "Isn't it the most advanced potion book in the library?"

Cassiopeia casually shrugged. "Yeah, potion-making is my favorite subject."

Hermione's interest shifted, and she looked at Cassiopeia with wide eyes. "Oh, is that so?"

Cassiopeia continued to turn the pages of her book, not missing Hermione's inquisitive gaze. "Yeah, it is. But I've also been doing well in Defense Against the Dark Arts. My boyfriend is kind of obsessed with that subject. He's been helping me a lot."

"Boyfriend?" Hermione gasped, her surprise evident. Cassiopeia halted her reading, looking at Hermione and nodding. "Who is it? Draco?"

Cassiopeia shook her head vehemently. "No, not Draco. He's not at this school, but he'll be attending next year."

"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed, "You didn't tell us about it at all. Who is he?"

Cassiopeia decided to share the fabricated backstory about Tom to avoid raising any suspicion when he eventually arrived. "His name is Thomas Raven. He's a friend of my family, and my uncle and aunt were quite keen on arranging a marriage for me with a pure-blood wizard. Tom is the one they chose from America."

Hermione appeared concerned. "Are you really okay with that? I've heard about your dreams from Harry, so I thought—"

Cassiopeia quickly reassured her. "Yes, I'm perfectly fine with it. Tom is a wonderful person, and we began dating because we share similar views. He cares a lot about me, and he officially asked me out before my sixth year."

She proudly displayed the ring on her finger, and Hermione couldn't help but smile. "That's sweet. I'm happy for you."

Changing the subject, Cassiopeia asked, "What about you and Ron? I've noticed there's something between you two, but you haven't really shared it."

Hermione sighed and opened her book. "Well, he didn't make the first move. I've had a crush on him for a while, but he's dating Lavender Brown."

Cassiopeia furrowed her brow. "Lavender Brown? I've never heard of her. But don't lose hope. I'm sure he has feelings for you, even if he hasn't expressed them yet."

Hermione was skeptical. "How do you know that? It seems impossible, considering he often finds me annoying."

Cassiopeia leaned in, offering reassurance. "Trust me, Mione. I've observed countless times the way he looks at you. It's not just a casual glance; it's something more."

Hermione seemed unsure, but Cassiopeia encouraged her with a wink. "Just try making him a bit jealous. Sometimes, boys need that little push to realize what they have. Don't let them take you for granted. Why should we girls always be waiting for them to make the first move?"

Hermione couldn't help but giggle. "You're acting like a love professor."

Cassiopeia joined in her laughter. "Glad to hear that someone is following my instructions."

The two friends then returned to their respective books, the library's quiet atmosphere surrounding them. Time seemed to slip away, and when Cassiopeia finally looked up after finishing her book, she realized it was dinner time. However, Hermione was no longer with her. Cassiopeia was puzzled; when did Hermione leave, and why didn't she say goodbye?

Despite the confusion, Cassiopeia had little appetite for dinner, so she decided to return to the library. She rose to put the book back on the shelf. As she was about to leave, her gaze landed on a section she hadn't explored before.

The Restricted Section.

Cassiopeia's curiosity was piqued, especially regarding the dark arts books she knew Tom had often used. She glanced around the library to make sure no one was watching her. Once she was certain, she tiptoed toward the Restricted Section.

Upon reaching it, she held her wand tightly, prepared for any unexpected encounters. The entrance was cordoned off with ropes. She attempted to untie the knots with her wand but failed. Cassiopeia sighed and decided to crawl beneath the ropes.

The Restricted Section was shrouded in darkness and dust, and all the books seemed to be watching her. She illuminated the tip of her wand, allowing its faint light to guide her. She inspected the bindings of various books until she found one with a dark purple cover, titled "Secrets of Dark Arts."

She traced her finger over the title, realizing that this book had played a significant role in creating the most feared wizard in the world—Voldemort. She contemplated the idea that if Tom had never found this book, their lives might have taken a different course, perhaps saving innocent lives.

Suddenly, footsteps echoed on the stone floor, and Cassiopeia's heart raced. She quickly extinguished the light from her wand, casting a "Muffliato" charm to silence any sound she might make. Someone was now walking in the library, their steps growing closer.

Cassiopeia was terrified of getting caught as the footsteps neared. She closed her eyes, praying for a silent escape. The steps faded gradually until they disappeared altogether. Cassiopeia remained still, allowing a few moments to pass to ensure she was safe.

Finally, she ventured out of the Restricted Section, making her way to the library's entrance. She bit her lower lip and cautiously peeked outside to see who had been there.

To her surprise, it was Hermione Granger,holding the book Cassiopeia had been reading earlier.

A/N

Everyone knows Hermione Granger is someone who wants to be the best in all! Am I right?

So it's not a surprise seeing her trying a book she saw another one was being read.

Don't hesitate to leave chapter thoughts even though I asked for it or not... you're free to leave anything you feel.

Stay safe and Love y'all as always <3

~ monoceros_x 💕