Reckless ~ Tomione

Revelations

"Miss Greystone." A deep voice interrupted Hermione's thoughts. She looked up from her armchair in front of the Common Room fireplace to find Tom Riddle staring curiously down at her.

"Riddle, what a surprise," she said. He studied her silently, before trying again.

"I noticed you are well practised in dueling," he commented. Hermione realised he was trying to get information.

"I thank you," she replied, then added, more out of politeness than flattery, "You dueled quite well as well.

Just then, the Common Room door opened to reveal Draco and Abraxas Malfoy, standing side-by-side and laughing at something.

Hermione stood up, not in the mood for Tom's mind games. "I'll see you around."

"See you, Hermione," Draco called as she left. She smiled at him before brushing her hand against his, discreetly slipping him a note in the process. When she looked over her shoulder, Hermione was pleased to see him slipping the note into his pocket instead of opening it in front of Riddle and Abraxas.

~

Hermione snapped the book shut when she heard footsteps approaching. The stairs to the Astronomy Tower were unusually echo-y, so she knew that it would take them another minute or so to arrive.

When Draco finally showed up, newly-regained swagger and all, Hermione got straight to business.

"Muffliato. Right," she said. "We have already dropped our name in the Goblet of Fire, but we know that Tom Riddle hasn't. The Beauxbatons and Durmstrang students have yet to drop their names, so that gives us a bit time."

"Well, what's the plan?" Draco asked, sliding down against the wall next to her. He twirled his wand, conjuring up a flock of birds, scowling when Hermione sent the birds attacking him with a flick of her wand.

"We know that Riddle is planning to drop his name in, but we aren't certain yet. You are a trusted follower, I hope?"

"Yup," Draco replied, an underlying tone of pride evident. "Trusted and climbing the ranks beautifully. Why?"

"You need to convince Riddle that it would be in his best interests to enter, and make sure he does," Hermione instructed. "Otherwise, all our work will be for nothing."

"You know, I'm actually rather surprised that we got away with our stunt, what with all those students and professors watching us," Draco mused.

"We were discreet about it, and, besides, no one really notices anything bad is going on until it's right under their noses," Hermione said easily. "In other words, they wouldn't have noticed unless they were told that we were going to charm the Goblet as we did."

Hermione and Draco had spent ages coming up with a plan on how to make the Goblet choose both Riddle and one of them. Hermione had been rather reluctant about using the Confundus Charm, as Bartemius Crouch had in their fourth year, but Draco had somehow convinced her that it was for 'The Greater Good'. Hermione didn't know why she conceded, as 'The Greater Good' had done Grindelwald a fat load of good. Or rather, will do, as he was still on a rampage across Europe. Hermione had wondered why he had left wizarding Britain alone, before reminding herself of Grindelwald's fear of Dumbledore.

"So, basically, I have to persuade Riddle to compete in the Triwizard Tournament, the reason being he could easily win and there's lots of pretty gold if he does. Have I summed that up correctly?" Draco's voice reeked with sarcasm.

"Well," Hermione started uncertainly, conjuring up another flock of birds, yellow, unlike Draco's blue birds, and sent them in the direction of where the Whomping Willow was, back in their time, "now that you put it like that, it does sound a bit stupid, doesn't it?"