I have a tendency for loving everything that destroys me

Platform 9 ¾ was full children and adults alike. Hermione pushed her way past mothers kissing their children and friends hugging one another after a summer apart. It was still relatively early and she was surprised at how busy it was. Walking to one of the cars further back she hoped to find a still empty compartment to claim.

She was thankful that even though the platform was crowded the train cars were not just yet. Hermione quickly found an empty compartment near the back end and placed her items in the overhead storage. A pang of longing washed over her briefly when she looked at the empty bench across from her, wishing her friends were sitting across from her. But she brushed it aside. That was a long time ago, no reason to think on it now.

Hermione listened and watched as more and more students filed onto the platform outside and into the train, filling the many compartments. The silent compartment was interrupted when she heard the click of the door as it slid open. She turned her head to see who had opened the door and froze for a moment. There was a tall boy standing in the open door, his dark wavy hair parted neatly, wearing a white button up with a forest green sweater vest over it, black slacks, and black loafers.

"Is this seat taken?" His voice was smooth and warm. She couldn't form words, so she shook her head lightly. He flashed her a quick lopsided smile before stepping into the compartment, letting the door slid shut behind him with a click. The boy placed his bag overhead and sat in the seat opposite of her. She had,in the meantime, tried not to stare at him and averted her eyes back out the window. Hermione could feel him looking at her, but couldn't make herself turn to face him.

"So is this your first year at Hogwarts?"

Hermione did look at him then and was surprised to see him leaning back in the seat with his arms crossed, that lopsided smile still on his face.

"Um yea, I've been studying abroad for the past few years, but I wanted to finish my last year out at Hogwarts after hearing about it."

"You heard about Hogwarts during your travels and decided to just attend? I have never heard of a student starting during later years, let alone their last." He raised an eyebrow at her, his interest clear. She just shrugged.

"It sounded like a good place to finish up. That and I thought it was time to stay in one place."

He nodded but didn't respond. He seemed to study her and she noted that his eyebrow rose in, what she assumed was intrigue or curiosity, at what she wore. She knew women were not known for wearing pants in the 40s, but she couldn't stay in skirts and dresses all the time. Currently, she was wearing a pair of tan slacks with a flower blouse tucked into them and brown short heels. The boy leaned forward then, uncrossed his arms and extended a hand towards her.

"Well, I do sincerely hope it lives up to your expectations. My name is Riddle, Tom Riddle."

She took his hand and smiled brightly at him.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Riddle. I'm Hermione Gamp and I sincerely hope it does as well."

I know it's short but I have been distracted with life and wanted to get something up. My goal is to attempt a chapter a week at least and I have already started on the next chapter so hopefully I will have it up before too long. Please read and review I love hearing from everyone and thank you to everyone who has read, reviewed, followed and favorited this story you all are awesome!