Timeless Charm (Tomione fanfic)

Chapter 9: A battles heads on

As the morning sun filtered through the windows of the potions classroom, Hermione found herself seated at her desk, eagerly awaiting Professor Slughorn's lesson.

The students were arranged in groups of three, and Hermione quickly paired herself with Luke. Just as they were about to begin, Archon Malfoy approached their table, a hopeful look in his eyes.

"Mind if I join you two?" Archon asked, his tone polite yet tinged with a hint of eagerness.

Hermione hesitated for a moment, considering the dynamics of their group, but ultimately nodded in agreement. "Of course, Archon," she replied with a warm smile, gesturing for him to take a seat.

Meanwhile, across the room, Tom Riddle observed the scene with a calculating gaze, his keen eyes not missing the way Hermione's smile lit up her face as she conversed with Archon and Luke. He watched as she laughed and exchanged ideas with her classmates, a pang of jealousy stirring within him at the sight.

Tom's own group consisted of Lestrange and Black, two Slytherins whose presence he tolerated but did not particularly enjoy. As they began their potion-making, Tom couldn't help but steal glances at Hermione's group, his thoughts consumed by the girl who seemed to effortlessly command the attention of those around her.

Throughout the lesson, Tom found himself distracted, his mind wandering back to Hermione and the infectious energy she exuded. Despite his best efforts to focus on his own work, he couldn't shake the feeling of longing that gnawed at him, a silent reminder of the connection he felt towards the Gryffindor girl who seemed to hold him captive with just a smile.

As the chatter of students filled the Great Hall during breakfast, Archon Malfoy mustered up the courage to approach Hermione Granger, who sat engrossed in a book at the Gryffindor table.

"Um, Hermione?" Archon began tentatively, his voice barely above a whisper amidst the bustling hall.

Hermione looked up from her book, surprised to find Archon standing before her. "Yes, Archon? Is everything alright?" she inquired, her brow furrowing in concern.

Clearing his throat nervously, Archon took a deep breath before plunging forward with his request. "I was wondering if you'd like to... go to Hogsmeade with me this weekend?" he asked, his cheeks flushing slightly with apprehension.

Hermione blinked in surprise, caught off guard by Archon's unexpected invitation. She had always considered him to be more of an acquaintance than a friend, but his earnestness touched something within her.

"Um, sure, Archon," Hermione replied with a warm smile, her heart fluttering with a mixture of curiosity and intrigue. "I'd be happy to go to Hogsmeade with you."

A smile spread across Archon's face, relief washing over him at Hermione's acceptance. "Great! I'll meet you by the entrance to Hogsmeade this Saturday then," he said, his excitement palpable.

"Sounds good," Hermione agreed, returning to her book with a newfound sense of anticipation.

As Hermione walked through the echoing halls of Hogwarts, a sense of satisfaction settled over her. Archon Malfoy's recent invitation to Hogsmeade had been a calculated move on her part, a strategic maneuver in her ongoing battle against the rising darkness that threatened their world.

Though she had initially been surprised by Archon's approach, Hermione couldn't help but feel a surge of triumph at the success of her plan. In the future, the Malfoys were known to align themselves with Voldemort, their loyalty to the dark wizard unwavering. If she could sway Archon to her side, she would effectively sever one of Tom Riddle's most valuable alliances.

With each step she took, Hermione's mind whirled with possibilities. She knew the risks of befriending someone with ties to the dark side, but she also understood the power of influence and persuasion. If she could win Archon over, she could gain valuable insight into the inner workings of Voldemort's inner circle, information that could prove invaluable in their fight against him.

As she rounded a corner, Hermione's resolve hardened. She was playing a dangerous game, but she was willing to do whatever it took to protect the future she believed in. And if that meant manipulating the future Death Eater to her advantage, then so be it. For in the battle against darkness, every ally counted, and Hermione was determined to emerge victorious, no matter the cost.