Hermione's Riddle

The Better Man

Tom pursed his lips in disgust as he watched Potter and Hermione goof off. It had been a week since Hermione had joined the Gryffindor quidditch team and ever since then she and Potter have been joined to the hip.

To say Tom was annoyed was an understatement. He was the reason Hermione was on the team. He informed Potter of her growing skills. Where was his thanks? No, he would not be receiving one. Potter was the one to receive all the praise and thanks.

"You alright?" Abraxas' face appeared in Tom's line of sight. A blonde eyebrow was quirked up.

"Fine," bit out Tom.

Abraxas laughed a little darkly while holding his hands up in surrender. "Okay. Just don't break that." He pointed down to the cup that Tom held in a death grip.

Tom released his grip from around the cup, finding that his fingers were stiff. Merlin, he was losing it! He needed to show some restraint and get his emotions under control before his followers became suspicious and question his leadership.

Another round of laughter from the Gryffindor table caused Tom to grumble. Abraxas turned to look at the two Gryffindors. A ghost of a smile appeared on his lips before twisting into a sneer.

Abraxas turned his attention back to Tom. "I thought you were luring her to your side. Its seems as if you are losing your queen to Potter."

Tom actually sputtered. Queen? Hermione and him? The thought sent alluring images of him trailing kisses down her throat while his fingers teased lower, past her waistline.

Tom snapped out of the daydream to find Abraxas staring at him. "What makes you think she'll be my queen?" asked Tom hesitantly. Merlin, he hoped his feelings weren't that visible.

Abraxas stared at him for a few long seconds before shrugging. "Better you than Potter."

Was he? Was Tom the better choice? He wanted to protect Hermione but could he do that with her by his side? Wouldn't he be painting a target on her back?

Tom felt his shoulders slouch just a fraction when he came to an answer. He would not be the better choice. He was a halfblood who had blood lineage issues and was trying to start an uprising.

"You don't look so good," commented Abraxas.

Tom shot the annoying Malfoy a glare. He was starting to miss the old Abraxas. "Don't you dare speak of this to anyone," he threatened Abraxas. Even though it sounded like a real threat, it was quite empty, though Abraxas didn't know that. He had made a promise to Hermione and he would keep it.

Abraxas gulped but nodded that he understood.

Potter rose from the Gryffindor table and walked out of the Great Hall. Hermione was busy talking to some Ravenclaw that had golden hair.

Tom seized the opportunity. He got up from the Slytherin table and followed after Potter.

"Oy! Potter!" said Tom when he caught sight of the lanky, black-haired boy. The boy turned a confused stare to Tom. "You're not in trouble, Potter." The Gryffindor visibly relaxed with the news.

"Did you wish to speak with me, Riddle?"

Tom glanced over his shoulder. Students were starting to pour out of the Great Hall. "I do but not here." Tom pulled Potter to an empty classroom.

"Why, Riddle, I had know clue you rolled that way," joked Potter once the door was shut.

Tom turned a disgusted glare on the boy. "Don't be daft. I merely wish to speak with you about Miss Norris." Potter quirked an eyebrow up while motioning for him to continue. Tom couldn't believe that he was actually following through with this. "Just watch over her and make sure to protect her," Tom finally said after debating with himself.