Timeless Charm (Tomione fanfic)

Chapter 15: A ball

The students sat in their respective seats, the air in the classroom heavy with anticipation as they awaited the start of their lesson. Hermione's mind, however, was elsewhere, her thoughts drifting to her plan to practice opening the Chamber of Secrets later that night. She knew it was a risky endeavor, but she was determined to do whatever it took to protect Hogwarts and its students from the looming threat.

Lost in her thoughts, Hermione didn't notice when Archon Malfoy approached her, a tray of cookies in hand. He offered her one with a polite smile, and she accepted it gratefully.

"Thank you, Archon," Hermione said, offering him a smile in return. "These look delicious."

Archon nodded, taking a seat beside her. "My pleasure, Hermione," he replied, his tone surprisingly warm. "I hope you enjoy them."

As they exchanged pleasantries, the professor entered the room, drawing the attention of the students. With a quick clearing of his throat, he addressed the class.

"Good morning, everyone," the professor began. "I have an announcement to make. As you all know, the annual Hogwarts Ball will be taking place next month."

A ripple of excitement ran through the room as the students exchanged eager glances.

"Now, in order to attend the ball, each of you must have a partner," the professor continued. "I expect you all to choose wisely and treat your chosen partner with respect."

The classroom buzzed with activity as the professor led the lesson, the students eagerly soaking up the knowledge being imparted. Among them, Archon Malfoy sat with a faraway look in his eyes, his gaze repeatedly drifting towards Hermione Granger, who was seated a few rows away.

Noticing Archon's distraction, the professor couldn't help but smile knowingly. "Mr. Malfoy, is there something particularly interesting catching your eye today?" he asked, his tone lighthearted but pointed.

Archon's cheeks flushed pink as the attention of the entire class turned to him. "Um, no, Professor, just... just paying attention to the lesson," he stammered, his attempt at nonchalance failing miserably.

A mischievous twinkle danced in the professor's eyes as he continued. "Ah, I see. Well, it seems to me that your attention is focused elsewhere," he remarked, his voice teasing. "Perhaps you're already planning to ask Miss Perquiry to the upcoming ball?"

The class erupted into laughter at the suggestion, teasing glances exchanged among the students. Even Hermione couldn't hide the faint blush that colored her cheeks at the mention of the ball.

Archon's embarrassment only deepened at the teasing, his cheeks turning an even deeper shade of crimson. "I... I haven't decided yet, Professor," he mumbled, casting a quick glance in Hermione's direction.

However, amidst the laughter and jesting, one figure remained notably silent. Tom Riddle, seated at the front of the class, observed the exchange with a steely gaze. His jaw clenched as he watched Archon's embarrassment and Hermione's blush, a sense of unease settling in the pit of his stomach.

For some reason, the thought of Archon asking Hermione to the ball didn't sit well with him. And as he continued to watch the interaction unfold, a flicker of resentment ignited within him. He hated the way Archon looked at Hermione, the way she blushed under his gaze. And though he couldn't quite pinpoint why, Tom knew one thing for certain – he didn't like it one bit.

*****

Hermione briskly made her way to her Herbology class, a determined look on her face as she juggled her books and parchment. Lost in her thoughts, she barely noticed the figure of Tom Riddle approaching her from the side.

Before Tom could utter a word, however, Archon Malfoy intercepted him, stepping in front of Hermione with a determined expression on his face.

"Hermione, wait," Archon said, his voice earnest as he caught her attention.

Startled, Hermione paused, turning to face Archon with a curious expression. "Yes, Archon? Is everything alright?" she asked, a note of concern in her voice.

Archon took a deep breath, his gaze steady as he met Hermione's eyes. "I just wanted to apologize for what happened in the classroom earlier," he began, his tone sincere. "I didn't mean to embarrass you or make you uncomfortable. It was thoughtless of me, and I'm truly sorry."

Hermione studied Archon for a moment, his genuine apology evident in his demeanor. She could see the sincerity in his eyes, and a flicker of warmth touched her heart.

"It's okay, Archon," Hermione replied, a small smile tugging at her lips. "I appreciate your apology. Let's just forget about it and move forward, alright?"

Archon's face lit up with relief at Hermione's words, a grateful smile crossing his features. "Thank you, Hermione. I really appreciate it," he said, a sense of gratitude evident in his voice.

With that, Archon stepped aside, allowing Hermione to continue on her way to class. As she walked away, she couldn't help but feel a sense of appreciation for Archon's honesty and humility. Perhaps there was more to him than met the eye, she thought, a newfound respect blossoming within her.