Love found in malice

Chapter 10: Leta Lestrange

"I don't appreciate you eaves dropping on my conversation Tom" I say annoyed 

"Maybe don't have such conversations out in a public place. Last I checked you're in the library, out in the open where anyone can hear" he says matter of fact. "Luckily for you, I put a noise canceling spell around you two so no one could hear your conversation".

"You didn't need to do that" I say 

"A thank you would suffice Granger" 

"Thank you" I say sarcastically 

"What are you looking for in the restricted section?" Tom asks

"A book" I respond. The last thing I need is for him to know what I'm looking for. I had read in one of my other books that there is a restricted book that talks more in depth about horcruxes. 

"I figured as much. What is it called. Maybe I posses it. I have a tendency to steal books from the restricted section myself...quite often" he says

"I don't know the name and even if I did I wouldn't tell you" I say 

"Aw come on Hermione he's only trying to help" Abraxous says. I had nearly forgotten I was even with him. That seems to happen a lot when I'm with Tom. 

"I'd rather not have everyone know my business" I say

"Well, you'll need me to get in and out of that room. Filch is always roaming the entrances and exits to the restricted section" Tom says

"Did you say filch?" I question. It would be impossible for filch from my years at Hogwarts to be working here currently. 

"Yes, him and his son roam the halls just looking to get people in trouble" Abraxous says 

"As long as you're with me they won't give you a hard time. I can be rather persuasive with people. Filch knows I hold his secrets and he wouldn't want them getting out. It would ruin his families reputation" Tom says. I wonder if he is referring to the son filch, being inept with magic. I remember Harry falling upon a paper filch had addressing his non magic abilities. Ever since then filch has always hated harry. 

"I'm sure I could find a way in myself" I say. If only I had the cloak of invisibility.  

"Stop being so proud and just go with him. Honestly, the two of you bicker like an old married couple and you've only known one another for a few days" Abraxous says rubbing his temples. My face instantly heats up in an unwelcome blush. 

"I don't offer my assistance to most people Hermione. You should be flattered" Tom says. I have a moment of internal conflict before I answer.

"Fine" I huff, "Meet me in our common room at midnight. It's best we go at night when no one is awake". I stand and wave my wand putting the book away that I had been reading with Abraxous. It flies off the table and into its spot on the shelf. Before I get the chance to fix my robes, Tom is brushing away the wrinkles on my collar. Pulling at a few pieces of lint. I'm taken aback by his gesture and stare up at him just to see him already looking at me. 

"Um, thanks" I say. I sidestep him and walk towards the door. I turn to look at him again, and see him and Abraxous looking after me. By the time I reach the door their voices cut out and I realize Tom has put a silencing spell around whatever they are saying.

**4 Hours Later**

It was hard getting out of the room without Clare waking. She has got to be the lightest sleeper I have ever met.  I grabbed my small purse, the one I had enchanted to fit whatever I needed. You never knew when something in it would come in handy. I quietly close the door beginning my decent down the dark hallway. A few candles are lit on the walls being held by big iron snakes. The Griffindor tower uses talons and somehow I find the snakes a tad creepier. On the wall are old portraits of past Slytherin students. I nearly jump out of my skin when one of them speaks. 

"It isn't wise to be out this late my dear. Nothing good will come of it," says a young Slytherin girl. She has black hair that falls towards her waist in a heap of curls and striking blue eyes that frame her rounded face. 

"Thank you for the concern, but I'm meeting someone" I say 

"Yes, Tom Riddle. You seem like a smart girl but meeting that boy certainly has me questioning that. He isn't like the rest" she warns.

"Trust me I know how horrible he can be but I had no other options. Whats your name?"

"The names Lita. Leta Lestrange" she answers. Theirs no way she could be related to Bellatrix Lestrange, but staring at her shows a few family resemblances. If she's anything like Bellatrix I better stay clear. That women is mad and certainly a tad deranged. 

"I'm Hermione" I say "I do have to go though. Thanks for the advice". I venture down the hallway almost at the end when her voice sounds again. 

"Anything for you Hermione. I'll let Albus know you're making leeway just like he suspected you would". I stop abrubtly. 

"What did you just say?" 

"Dumbledore from your time has asked me to keep an eye on you. Surely you didn't think he would just leave you to Tom all alone" she responds. "Even when he was Tom he still had quite the temper". 

"How is that even possible? I thought only I traveled in time" 

"Us portraits don't change, so were the same in every time period" she explains

"Could you let him know I'm doing good and to keep an eye on Ron and Harry. They aren't the brightest without me" I say.

"Of course my dear. Mind yourself while you're with him. I can sense he'll be even worse than Grindelwald". Yes, another narcissistic man who wished to end muggle rule and have the wizards at the forefront. Pureblood dominance seems to be the head of all wizarding debates even back then. 

"Thanks, I'll see you around then" I say walking away.  

"I'll be hanging here". I get to the end of the hall and see Tom standing there in the common room twiddling with his silver ring on his hand. He's standing in front of the green flamed fire. He doesn't even turn before saying 

"Are you ready Granger?"

"Ready as I'll ever be" I quip. He turns to acknowledge me with a small smirk on his face. "Lead the way Tom".