Hermione Riddle

Goodnight

"Are you an elemental?" He asked quietly and she shook her head quickly; she looked frightened and almost caged. The water in the bowl and her wine started to frost over.. Severus put his glass down and took hers from her gently, the class was freezing cold. "Hermione, it's alright, we won't be mad. We promise, isn't that right Tom?" He looked over at Tom who nodded. "It's alright my dear, we are not angry." He smiled and Hermione curled in on herself. Severus looked towards Tom who nodded; he moved next to her and wrapped an arm around her. "Hermione, shh, it's alright. You're safe we won't let anyone harm you." He whispered into her hair. Hermione curled into him and clenched her eyes shut. People killed elementals like her; but she was a special strand, she was a strong elemental with strong magical core and reserves. They used to hunt her kind for sport.

"You are just like any other witch, you use a wand. But you are so strong, obviously my genes." Tom boasted and Hermione let out a small giggle. Tom smiled and decided it was getting late.

"I-I know who you truly are, what you do, but I'm tired, can we talk more tomorrow?" Tom smiled at her, she was half asleep curled into his close friend's side.

"I would be more comfortable if you kept her in your rooms for the evening, Severus. I am afraid I do not trust all of my followers as well as you." Tom explained and Hermione shot up to object but with a stern look from her father she nuzzled back into his side. She lifted her hand and a few drops of wine floated to her mouth. "Absolutely amazing." He praised his daughter and went over to her; he kissed the top of her head and made his way to the door. She would be safe with Severus, and she could take anything he dished out; not to mention probably give it right back to him. Tom put his glamor back up and went to his rooms. Severus was his closest friend, he trusted him with his daughter.

Severus looked down at Hermione who was half asleep curled into his side. Who knew Tom Riddle had a daughter? He now had an heir, but a female one; how would everyone deal with that? Could society handle a powerful, female heir? "P-pr, I mean Severus?" She asked quietly. Severus looked down at her and pulled her closer to him. He would protect her with his life, but it wasn't as if he hadn't already been doing that. He had felt compelled to protect her for some reason; some reason he couldn't process or find reason in.

"Yes?" He asked quietly, his voice was low and soothing. Hermione looked up at him and tried to figure out what he was thinking.

"Do you want to go back to your rooms or stay here?" She asked as she tried to stifle a yawn. Severus smiled down at her and accio-ed his whiskey over to him.

"Are you tired?" He asked as he took a sip and brushed her hair out of her face. Hermione blushed and ducked her head; she held out her hand and her wine glass appeared in her hand.

"A little, but if you wa-." She hid a yawn. "Want to stay we can." She couldn't hide the second yawn. Severus smiled at her and wrapped his arm further around her waist as he sipped his drink.

"No, it is quite alright. We can go. Rook." He ordered. A small house elf appeared and smiled up at the dour professor. "Master Severus, how may I be of assistance?" She noticed the elf did not bow.

"Would you take our drinks to my rooms and open a bedroom next to mine for Hermione?" He asked and the house elf sneered much like his master. "Will the Mudb-." Severus' glare cut off the little creature.

"Do not disrespect Miss Riddle." Severus growled and pulled her closer to his side as she ducked her head. The house elf immediately stood taller and bowed his head respectfully. "Of course, Master Severus, Missus Riddle. Is there anything else I can do for you?" He asked and Hermione lifted her head a little.

"M-May I have something sweet?" She asked timidly and the older elf's features softened slightly. "Of course; Missus." Rook bowed and Hermione smiled before nuzzling back into Severus' side. Severus smiled and pulled her close once more.

"You're not going to get up are you?" Severus asked and Hermione moved to curl up in his lap. Severus chuckled and picked the young woman up as he stood. Hermione let out a small squeak and Severus chuckled quietly. She did not like being picked up, the one thing she could not sort out was her irrational fear of heights and being in Professor Snape's arms she was higher off the ground than usual, especially with how tall he was.

"P-Please put me down, Si- Severus." She corrected herself. "I do not like being picked up." She explained and Severus merely continued towards the door. He stopped at the door and held her tightly to his chest.

"I will not drop you Hermione." He told her and raised an eyebrow at her words. Hermione shook her head vigorously.

"I trust that you will not, I have a fear of heights of sorts." She mumbled and Severus lifted her a little further so that she could easily wrap her arms around his neck and hold on to him, he held her as close to his chest as he could.

"That is quite alright, wrap your arms around my neck." He spoke soothingly and Hermione did, laying her head on his shoulder. She felt safe in his arms like this; maybe it wasn't so bad after all. Severus smiled down at her and she closed her eyes letting him carry her to his rooms. Severus made his way to his room and let his mind wander as his feet guided him on autopilot the rest of the way there. What did he think of Tom's offer? Obviously he wanted Severus and Hermione together in order to protect her, but what did the witch in question think of it? He was her Professor for Circe's sake, but could they be happy? Albus and Molly would surely murder him then. Why did Tom tell him 'or even more', he could have just told Severus to watch after her. Maybe Tom thought they would work well together, but who knows, he would ask him tomorrow. Severus noticed he was already at his room. He took down the wards and carried the now sleeping witch inside before putting his wards back up, strongly. "Rook, plea-." His elf cut him off.

"I set up another room next to yours, Master Severus. There is a door connecting them but not one to the outside, only your quarter's sir. Also the room is surrounded by other rooms, it is on the inside, just through that door there. The drinks and food are in the kitchen area, with a stasis charm. Goodnight, Master Severus. And If Missus Riddle needs anything she can call for me as you do, sir." The elf explained quietly before nodding his head at his master and popping out of the room silently as to not wake the sleeping girl. Severus opened the door with a wandless spell and took Hermione inside. He pulled the covers back and slipped her under the covers. He cast a charm on her clothes having them trade places with one of his button ups. He would have to find her some clothes tomorrow. Hermione burrowed herself under the covers and turned on her side. Her eyes fluttered open and looked up at her professor.

"Severus?" She asked quietly as she rubbed at one of her eyes. Severus turned around and looked down at her. He gave her a small smile as he sat on the side of her bed.

"Yes, Hermione?" He leaned forward and ran a hand through her hair before stroking her cheek. Hermione leaned into his hand and smiled sleepily at him.

"Goodnight, Severus." Severus smiled down at her and kissed her forehead; he stood up and tucked the covers around her.

"Goodnight, Hermione." He let a soft smile slip on to his face as he closed the door and made his way to his own room. He changed into a pair of a jogging pants and slipped into his bed. With flick of his wrist he put out the candles.