Desperation

17

Chapter seventeen: Disappointment

12.16.1944

Hermione took her usually seat next to Tom in Transfiguration class. His eyes softened at her arrival but that was the only true emotion he showed in public.

"Your staying here for Christmas I assume?" Tom asked.

"Of course, you didn't open that present I gave you right? It's meant for Christmas Day." Hermione said setting her books down on her desk.

"I haven't." Tom stated and for the first time cracked a smile before looking back in front to concentrate on what Dumbledore was saying. Hermione looked down to their entwined hands. He hadn't let go she thought.

Suddenly Hermione yelped and jumped up startling Tom as her book caught fire unexpectedly.

"Oh my!" Dumbledore said worriedly and watched as Tom sent a jet of water from his wand to put out the flames.

A couple of sniggers came from behind the couple, Hermione glared angrily at Victoria Parkinson who was literally dying of laughter. Tom scowled at her shutting her up immediately.

This was already the fourth time Parkinson has already played some kind of rude joke on her, and Hermione knew exactly why.

"Thirty points from Slytherin for the misuse of magic." Dumbledore said loudly to Parkinson, earning sighs and glares from her peers.

After a long lesson in Transfiguration Tom and Hermione made their way to Divinations class with Professor Morvin. Dumbledore was so kind enough (not) to replace muggle studies with Divinations to be closer to Tom.

Her Divinations professor was a tall man with dark hair and a slender body. Almost all the young women in class would swoon at his voice. Hermione shivered he reminded her too much of Snape, their appearance was uncanny. Hermione climbed up the ladder and into the familiar Divinations class. It's a fairly large room with large windows over looking the forbidden forest and a large arched ceiling.

"Ah Mrs Gra-Riddle I didn't get the chance to ever congratulate you and Mr Riddle on your marriage." Professor Morvin said smiling or rather smirking.

"Thank you professor." Hermione replied. He motioned for her and Tom to take a seat at a one of the small tables to which Tom grabbed Hermione's hand and led her to the nearest one.

"I received permission from Headmaster Dippet to go down to Hogsmeade." Tom mentioned tucking a strand of lose hair behind her ear. His affections made her heart swell.

"Just the two of us?" Hermione questioned.

"Of course, who else would come?" Tom questioned arching a perfect brow.

"I was thinking of inviting Harold, Daniel and Lois."

Tom scoffed.

"They're my friends Tom." Hermione said frowning. She had tried more then once to integrate her friends with Tom but he'd always end up refusing or insulting Harold.

"I do not want to be around them." Tom replied. "I want to spend time with you." He purred, raising Hermione's hand and kissing it.