Desperation

14

Chapter fourteen: Not all that it seems

11.26.1944

Hermione sat quietly on the soft bed, watching Tom pace back and forth in deep concentration.

He suddenly paused and turned his body towards Hermione's. "We will tell everyone that we eloped, that we are so dearly in love. I have no doubt that the simpletons would ever question me anyways." Tom mumbled not taking his eyes off her quiet form.

Hermione flinched when hearing
love, she didn't want to admit that she was beginning to fall for his dark charms. "That sounds like a well formulated excuse." She mumbled back not meeting his gaze.

She held her breath as she heard him take a few steps towards her, slowly a gently hand took her chin and lifted it up. Her eyes met Tom's, chemistry crackled between the two of them, he was so close...so close. Everything felt so right but it was so wrong at the same time, this was the dark lord and she was falling for him. Tom suddenly leaned in closer to steal a kiss-

Knock knock

He pulled away from Hermione in irritation before turning around and made his way towards the door tensely.

When he opened the door Hermione stood up and curiously peaked around his shoulder to see who knocked. A tall old man with greying hair and a large belly stood there with a forced smile.

"Përshëndetje unë u pyesin kur ju do të donte për të paguar për të qëndrimit tuaj?" The man asked in Albanian. Tom nodded politely already understanding what he was saying before taking out a large amount of bills making the mans eyes practically light up. Tom placed it in the man hands and closed the door after he left.

After a few seconds Tom motioned for Hermione to come closer to him. "We're going back." He mumbled before wrapping his arms tightly around her. She leaned into him savouring the moment because she new this was going to be the last time he ever showed any affection towards her. He would always care more about his reputation then her and she accepted that if it meant being with him. Which disgustedly made her feel whole, and as Tom's arms wrapped more protectively around her, Hermione couldn't help but wonder how'd she ever be able to end him.

•••

Tom apparated them both into Hogwarts unfortunately they both ended up in the Great Hall. No one noticed that they had been there until a few minutes later. Almost immediately the hall quieted, then suddenly a burst of murmurs and gasping. Hermione flushed as she saw almost every pair of eyes on her, females looked up at her in jealousy and the males looked at her with disgust and concern.

Out of all places Tom could Apparate us, he decides the great hall! Hermione thought bitterly. She was still wondering how he could even break the barrier anyways.

"Tom! Miss Granger! Where have you to been!" Slughorn cried throwing his arms up in the air as he made his way towards his two favourite students.

Tom looked at the professor in a calm demeanour, he glanced over at Hermione. We eloped." He said giving the potions professor a charming smile.

She startled a bit when she felt Tom's hand gently wrap around hers. She looked up at him with a questioning look, but he just rose an eye brow at her and smiled at the professors who came up to congratulate them.

Hermione was thanking Professor Blackmore when she caught Dumbledore's eye, he gave her an almost disappointed look. Hermione felt disgusted at herself now, she came here to rid of Tom Riddle not...fall in love with him.

But that little part of her brained tsked in disapproval.

Hermione snapped out of her thoughts when Tom asked her a question. "Pardon?" She asked looking up into his dark eyes that were filled with slight annoyance.

"I said that your...friends would like to talk to you." Tom stated and then in a lower voice he said. "Meet me in the room of requirements tonight." He gently kissed my cheek just for show before walking over to his group of Slytherins.

For once Hermione saw all the Knights together Malfoy, Rosier, Dolohov, Nott, the Carrow twins, Liber and the Lestrange's. Maxis being the younger one. Maxis gave Hermione a small smile, Tom immediately noticed and turned towards the youngest Lestrange. He growled some words causing the male to turn extremely pale.

She narrowed her eyes at the back of Tom's head, what game was he playing. He certainly didn't love her back...or did he? He was just probably protective or something she was after all so useful to him.

"Hermione Granger!" Lois yelled angrily stomping her way towards the immediately pale Hermione. "You had me so worried! Why didn't you tell me you were seeing Tom!! I thought you hated him?!"

Hermione smiled slightly at furious dark haired girl, she reminded her of Mrs. Weasley.

"Calm down Lois, she's fine and back isn't she." Harold chimed, smiling gently at Hermione. She felt tears welling in her eyes.

"Give me a hug!" Lois suddenly said her anger evaporating. Harold, Lois and Daniel all squash her in a bear hug, Hermione laughed before noticing someone was missing.

"Where's Philip?" Hermione questioned confusedly looking around for her strange best friend.

Lois eyes immediately welled up with tears. Harold and Daniel just looked distraught.

"Philip is gone..." Harold slowly said trailing off.

"What do you mean gone?" I asked suddenly feeling anxious and worried.

"He's dead! A prefect found him dead in the hall by the girls lavatory." Lois exclaimed suddenly sobbing.

Hermione's heart stopped and her breathing became ragged, her closest friend was gone, the only young man who'd befriended her first and showed nothing but love and kindness to her. "No..." she whispered. Immediately she knew why Tom had taken her to Albania with him, he sent the Basilisk on Philip because he was getting to close to her, to close for his own comfort.

Hermione watched as Tom sat at the Slytherin table listening intently to what Malfoy was saying, but his eyes weren't on his they were on her's.

Translations (Albanian)

Përshëndetje Unë u pyesin kur ju do të donte për të paguar për të qëndrimit tuaj- Hello I was wondering when you would pay for your stay