A Little Trip Through a Diary / TOMIONE (COMPLETE)

Chapter Six: Library Lessons

"Because that's what Hermione does. When in doubt, go to the library."

_Ron, Chamber of Secrets_

In the library, early Saturday night...

Ginevra enjoyed research, especially in Hogwarts' extensive library. However, she wasn't pleased to find herself working alone on a group project. Tom was supposed to be here, reading away beside her. And the fact that he wasn't made her slightly nervous.

In the Slytherin common room...

Tom lazed on the emerald sofa, admiring the soft furnishings with an appreciative eye. He'd never stopped wondering how Hogwarts could make him happy like nothing else could.

His thoughts drifted to a certain bushy-haired Ravenclaw. He had puzzled briefly earlier whether he would bother turning up to their 'first meeting' to discuss Animagi. He had decided, disgruntled, that it would be in his better interests to sit and wait to listen to what Nott had to say about their current plans. Nott upset him in a way nobody could. Perhaps he could give him a bit of the ol' Cruciatus, just to relieve some stress.

Nott entered the common room, looking dishevelled.

"My Lord," he said, bowing hastily, "I was thinking that it would be more successful if we tried to get the Ravenclaws on our side, you know, regarding our plans. They will obviously be able to see that our side is better than Dumbledore's." 

The boy spat on the floor. This was why the house elves feared having to clean the Slytherin common room. God knew what had been spat onto the green carpet over time.

"But, Nott," Tom said slowly, and succinctly, just to make sure the other Slytherin understood, "that is the house of Ginevra Granger, and she is very clearly anti-supremacism. We can't have word reaching her ears, now, can we?" 

Mainly, Tom just didn't want the overly-curious Ravenclaw finding out about his backstreet enterprises.

"But we can tell someone other than Granger," whined Nott. 

This why Tom hated him. All he ever did was whine.

"Moan to someone else, Nott," Tom snapped, standing up. 

Nott's eyes widened slightly; having Tom, who was a good three inches above everybody else, standing near to you, was not a good sign. 

"If you ever think of a marginally brilliant idea, speak to Abraxas." Abraxas was the only person that Tom called by their first name. That was just how it was. "He will pass it on to me if it is anything worth my time."

"Yes," Nott replied nervously, biting his lip.

"Yes, what?" Tom teased, fingering his wand.

"Yes, my Lord," said Nott very quickly.

"Very well," Tom stated, apparently appeased.

Nott made for the staircases to the dormitories.

"Crucio!"

Nott's screams followed Tom all the way out of the common room.