Hermione's Riddle

The Weasleys

Tap.

Tap.

Hermione glanced up from her book. A small black owl with white spots on its head pecked at the window behind the couch. She laid her book down flat on the table and got up. When she opened the window, the owl lifted up its foot. Hermione grabbed the letter attached to it and saw that it was from Lucretia.

"You must be Orion," said Hermione as she pat his head. Orion gave a grateful hoot and continued to sit on the windowsill

Hermione made her way back to the couch and tore open the letter. It was only day three, technically day five, of summer vacation and she was dying to have contact with someone who wasn't Dippet or Tom.

Dear Hermione

I hope your vacation is going well and you are taking full advantage of the handsome man staying with you.

My summer is going splendidly. I have something that I would like to ask you in person. Would you be able to meet Cedrella and I for tea this afternoon? There is a lovely place in Diagon Alley that is unfortunately going to close. It is called Ms. Abbott's Tea Shop.

I hope to see you soon, Lucretia.

Hermione summoned a quill, ink, and parchment. She quickly scribbled her reply before attaching the letter to Orion's leg. The small owl gave another hoot before flying off.

"Who was that from?"

Hermione spun around with her hand over her heart. "Tom! You scared me." Tom stood on the top step wearing a scowl. After he stayed quiet, Hermione gave up and told him. "If you must know, it's from Lucretia."

The scowl on Tom's face was instantly replaced with a smile before turning into a neutral look. "What did she want?"

"She wants to meet for tea this afternoon," growled Hermione. She was in a good mood but Tom seemed intent on ruining it for her.

Tom looked away deep in thought. "Do you need an escort?" asked Tom when he finally looked at her.

"No. I am perfectly capable of going on my own." Hermione felt her face warm when Lucretia's comment flitted through her head.

"Are you alright?" She couldn't tell if his concern was real or another mask.

"I'm fine. Just something Lucretia wrote."

Tom quirked an eyebrow at her. Far quicker than she could have possibly imagined, he grabbed the letter from Lucretia which was still in her hand. "Give it back!" yelled Hermione as she lunged for it.

Tom kept her away from the letter with one hand while he read. Though she hung out with Harry, Ron, Ginny, and the twins, she never realised how fast or strong playing quidditch could make one.

He looked down at her and she could have sworn his eyes looked dark with desire. Leaning down, he whispered in her ear, "do you want to take advantage of me?" His warm breath brushed against her sensitive ear making her shiver.

"No!" Hermione had finally found her voice. The look that crossed over Tom's face almost made her want to change her answer. She wanted to wipe that look off of him. She was struck again with her earlier concern. Was he showing his real emotions or just another mask? She really wanted to hope that he was somehow changing but she also knew he was a master manipulator.

Tom straightened up, pulling away from her. "Good," said Tom with a sneer. He threw her letter onto the ground and backed down the steps leading to the main floor of the library.

Hermione sunk down to the floor on shaky legs. That sneer was the real him. She should have known better than to have thought that he may have changed.