Taming The Serpent [Tom Riddle/Tomione]

23. Midnight Snack

Hermione made her way out of the Hospital Wing; Tom Riddle still laid unconscious but out of danger, - thanks to Hermione who was too quick to remove the toxins before it invaded his entire system. She had been sent to the Great Hall by Madam Fuchsia Matilda, who pressured her into having some food. The current events and the fact that she had yet to go alone in the Forbidden Forest with the scary caretaker, had taken away all her appetite. But nevertheless, Hermione reached the large wooden door and upon taking a long breath, strolled inside.

As Hermione walked toward the blue and silver table there was a sudden hush, and then everybody started whispering things at once. She walked past the Gryffindor's table and tried to ignore the fact that people were staring at her with a doubtful look.

"I heard she saved that Riddle boy!" one girl whispered.

"Why would she save a Slytherin?" protested another. "Specially Riddle. He's a creep."

"I heard they're a couple."

She took a seat next to Ursulla, as far away from a ranging Cepheus and a confused Penelope as possible. Fortunately, Dippet arrived moments later. The murmurs died away almost instantly.

"Good evening students!" Armando Dippet said cheerfully. "Before we sink our teeth into our delicious feast prepared by our humble kitchen's elves – I would like to make a small announcement...

"Now, since words spread quickly at Hogwarts, I understand probably most of you know, one of our best students, Mr. Riddle had a serious accident in Herbology class today... "

The whispers returned and a few cries broke out from the Slytherin table. Hermione could see Abraxas Malfoy and Alecto Carrow eyeing her coldly, as though blaming her for what had happened.

"Do not fret. Mr Riddle is perfectly fine, thanks to a fellow Ravenclaw who was quick to save his life," said Dippet glancing over the blue table and landing his eyes on Hermione. "Miss Hermione Lockhart, if you please, come here."

The room went very still. A couple pair of Slytherins' eyes glared at her. Hermione slowly rose from her seat with a small encouraging smile from Ursulla and walked toward the High Table. Dumbledore appeared behind Dippet holding a familiar trophy in his hands. She had seen it back in her time at the Trophies' room when exploring. It was a gold shield engraved with the name of the trophy winner. But where once said 'Tom Riddle', now said 'Hermione Lockhart' instead.

Armando picked up the trophy and turned to face a flustered Hermione. "The devotion of the greatest is to encounter risk and danger and play dice with death," said Dippet. "For that I award Miss Hermione Lockhart the Special Award for Services to the School trophy. "

Hermione went red in the face; she resembled a high school girl blushing at her crush. Ravenclaw's cheers nearly raised the bewitched ceiling; the stars overhead seemed to quiver. Hermione smiled at the Headmaster and shook hands before walking back to her table. Dippet raised his wand and levitated the award, placing it on a brick wall by the fireplace situated (to Hermione's unease) next to the Slytherin's.

"Congratulations Hermione!" said Ursulla Lovegood. A few more Ravenclaws congratulated her, ton which Hermione replied with a grateful smile and nod of her head. 

When the delicious feast ended, the Headmaster walked toward a disturbed looking Hermione in the Entrance Hall. His feeble eyes took in her dishevelled appearance and he furrowed his eyebrows in return. 

"Miss Lockhart," Hermione's brown eyes snapped at him. "What you did to Mr Riddle was very noble of you. But I'm afraid I can't take the detention away. You'll still have to do it." Hermione nodded her head; she was aware of that.