Hermione Riddle

Confrontations Part 1

Hermione sat in her rooms talking to Tom. He was much like her, bookish, smart, and kind of a know-it-all.

"So, is your Patronus the same as your Animagus form?" Hermione cocked her head to the side and Tom shook his head as he took a sip of his tea.

"No, my Patronus is a snake, a basilisk to be exact." He picked up one of the small finger sandwiches off the low table and nibbled on it. Hermione hoped Harry would come willingly and wouldn't give Severus too much trouble. Just as she was about to stand and begin pacing Severus walked into the room. "Ah, Severus, you are back, and I see you have brought a friend with you." Severus nodded to Tom and the fox jumped down turning into Harry. "I must know, Hermione, when did you and Harry learn to become Animagi?" He finished his food and elegantly wiped his mouth of the crumbs.

"We found out that Professor Lupin was a werewolf and what Harry's father and their friends did for him, we told him we would learn to keep him company as well, so his wolf wouldn't suffer." She looked to Harry, hoping he would not hate her for what she was about to reveal. Harry rushed over to her and drew her to her feet in a bone crushing hug.

"I was so scared, Hermione, why would you run off like that? Not tell anyone? Even me?" He buried his face in her hair and Severus made sure his face was as blank as possible, quickly biting back a growl. "I'm so glad you're alright." He let go of her and took a seat across from her.

"Harry, there are some things you need to know, but in order to tell you, I need you to take a vow." She looked down at her hands, clasped in her lap tightly. Severus moved over to stand behind her and placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. Hermione looked up at him and he gave her a small smile; she returned it and reached up, laying her hand over his.

"Of course, Hermione. You know I love you, and if there is something you have found out, then obviously it is worth hearing, you being the level headed one and all." He rubbed the back of his neck and sheepishly dared a glance at their dour Professor. "Thank you for bringing me to her, Sir." He nodded his head at Severus and the man nodded back to him.

"I know, and I love you too Harry." She smiled broadly at him and Severus had to bite his tongue. What was he to her then? Just someone to fool around with? His thoughts were interrupted when Hermione continued speaking. "You know you are my brother in everything, but blood." Harry grinned back at her and whipped out his wand.

"I, Harry James Potter, swear on my magic that everything discussed within the Manor shall stay between the four people in the room, unless stated otherwise. So, mote it be." His wand glowed a vibrant gold as the other three held their wands out as well, the gold light splashing over the room. "Now, why we in a room with Snape and Voldemort. No offence sirs." He added quickly and Hermione shook her head with a smirk. "Yes, yes, I know, Professor Snape." He corrected and Severus snorted.

"You may call me Tom, when I appear in this form, otherwise you shall not address me unless I speak to you first, and will address me as 'My Lord' or 'Lord Voldemort'. We must keep up pretenses, there is a leak somewhere and as I told Hermione, Severus spies on the Order and Dumbledore for me and feeds him little tid bits of information that I allow. But there is someone else, and I am not certain who. The people in my inner circle are safe, but other than that I am still trying to figure it out. Now, there are some things Hermione wishes to talk to you about. If you wish Severus and I can leave you two to speak in private." Tom sipped his tea and Harry made himself a cup.

"Why is she here? Did you kidnap her?" Harry instantly glared up at Severus and the man shook his head.

"I think we had better leave them for a little while, or at least until Potter can be reasoned with and I do not have the patience." Severus raised an eyebrow at the boy and Harry was itching to grab his wand. Tom put his glamour back up and he and Severus left the room. Harry quickly leapt out of his chair and kneeled in front her.

"Are you okay? Did they curse you? Why are you here Hermione? I'll kill them if they hurt you."