"Miss Selwyn, is everything alright?" Dolohov whispered into her ear causing her to jump. She looked at him with wide eyes as if just noticing the surroundings of the Advance potions class she was in the middle of attendance.

"Yes sorry. Just focused on the lecture is all." Hermione answered him. Antonin gave her a skeptical look but said nothing more. He was, after all, a man of few words. Honestly for him to say anything at all of her behavior showed how lost in thought she really had been.

Turning back to the lecture the potions master was gesturing wildy along with, she continued taking vague notes while her mind drifted back to the scene that happened in the common room earlier that morning.

Hermione walked through the common room toward the seat she occupied the night before to wait by the fire. Pulling a book out she read a few chapters before Avery pulled her out of the world of Werewolf Saliva and 100 Ways To Use It.

"Morning Hermione. You're looking as lovely as ever." James grinned down at her before plopping in the chair across from hers. He took in the tittle of her book before chuckling out loud. "Bit of light reading you got there?"

Hermione marked her book before placing it safely away in her sac." Good morning Mr. Avery." She replied with a smirk." And yes I suppose you could call it that. I find the werewolf species absolutely fascinating . I'd be more than happy to lend it to you when I've finished with it if you'd like."

Avery raised an eyebrow at her," I think this year's course reading will keep me plenty occupied, thanks. Not everyone likes to spend all their free time reading." He teased her.

" Hmpff!" Hermione pouted in response. "I do other things in my free time besides read!" She huffed at him. How presumptuous of him to assume he had her all figured out just in a matter of two days. Boys!

"Well by all means please enlighten me on what these things are." He mocked her with that infuriating grin widening on his face.

"Guess you will just have to wait until Saturday to figure that out." She told him coolly. She could tolerate James most the time but he really loved to give her a hard time it seemed.

"Extra studying, practical or not, doesn't really count by the way. But I'll give you the benefit of the doubt." He laughed at her expense once more. Before Hermione could growl back a response Dolohov joined them, putting an end to their banter.

"Avery. Miss Selwyn." Antonin nodded at them in greeting as he sat down in the same place from the night before. Before either could reply Lestrange all but skipped over and plopped down where Tom usually sat. Both the other boys stared at him as if he'd gone mad. Guess everyone knew better to mess with Riddle's things. Seating arrangements included.

" 'Mornin doll. Riddle asked me to get the itinerary sheets from you so he could go over them before handing them out this evening." He said with a wink.

Hermione sat a moment longer than necessary before being able to form a response. "Oh. Of course. Just give me a moment." She started riffling through her folders to find the sheets she had assumed Tom would of gotten and spoken to her personally about.

She knew she shouldn't over analyze why he sent Rochus. But she couldn't help to do anything else after what had transpired between them last night. Was this his response to the situation? Ignore it and her until they both left it dead and forgotten? Hermione felt sick to her stomach just thinking about it and had to compose herself before sitting up straight once more as she handed the folder over.

"You do realize these are all blank love?" Lestrange asked her as if she were a small child. It took all her control to not roll her eyes or smack him upside the head. But it couldn't stop the sarcastic tone in which she answered back.

"Really. I had no idea." She deadpanned. Causing Avery to burst out in hysterics and Antonin to smirk slightly. Lestrange slanted his eyes at her but didn't respond.

"They're spelled so only We can read them, with use of our wands of course. Wouldn't want those falling into the wrong hands would we, Love?" She spoke to him in the same condescending tone he had used with her. Instead of Lestrange sending her an angry retort he burst out in laughter right along with Avery.

"I like you doll. I think you're going to fit in just fine." Was all he said before jumping up and walking off without any other explanation. Tom wasn't at breakfast, nor were half of the group she had met the night before. Avery talked to her non stop as if nothing was off or wrong. Though through out the meal she caught Dolohov glancing at her with tight eyes and with what looked like worry.

As the bell chimed loudly signaling for the castle to get on with their first classes of the day, Tom was still a no show. She stood up keeping her posture sure and confident all while struggling to keep her face void of any emotion. Especially the shame and disappointment she felt burning in the pit of her stomach. Before she could walk off alone Antonin was there in an instant offering his arm to her.

"We have Potions together." He said softly. "Would you mind accompanying me there Malyutka?" Hermione linked their arms without a word and let him lead her toward the dungeons. Antonin was far more observant and considerate than she ever thought a man like him capable of.

The scrapes of chairs and student chatter brought her back to the here and now. She looked around seeing everyone already grabbing ingredients for the Stamina elixir they were brewing today. Hermione watched as Dolohov walked back to their bench setting everything they needed down.

" Would you mind dicing these as I get the toads eyes going in the mortar?" Antonin asked placing Grubworm Larva in front of her. Hermione nodded and offered him a small smile as they started to work together relatively quietly besides asking to hand each other certain items. That was one thing she was really starting to appreciate Antonin more and more for. He didn't dig into peoples business no matter how curious he may be. And he didn't feel the need to fill the silence with needless babble. It was comfortable and they worked more fluidly then she ever had with anyone else she'd ever been paired with in potions.

She honestly couldn't of asked for a better potions partner. Antonin was as precise and efficient in this as he was in everything he did. He reminded her of her late potions professor from another time. Before she knew it they were done and had their stoppers turned in and stations cleaned before half the class were done with the last stirring of their concoctions.

"What class do you have next?" She asked as they made their way through the Potion's door.

"Unfortunately Divination. You?" He said seriously. Hermione snorted in amusement causing Antonin to give her that half smirk.

"History of Magic for me next. I never cared for that hogwash either, hence it not being on my class schedule. If you have a dislike for it, why not switch for something else?" She questioned as they walked up a flight of stairs.

"It was my only option that fit around my other selected classes besides muggle studies. I think I'll take my chances with a crystal ball and reading imaginary signs in tea leaves. At least the work is easy if not utterly annoying and senseless." He answered.

"Yes I guess you would consider that the lesser of two evils." Hermione said quietly. Antonin said nothing but gave her an odd look as if trying to figure her out.

"Well this is me." She nodded to the door just down the hall. "Thank you for escorting me today Antonin. See you at lunch?" She asked politely. Dolohov gave her arm a small squeeze before releasing her.

"Yes Dorogoy, you will. Try to stay out of trouble until then?" He answered with what Hermione thought was his stiff and serious demeanor as usual except for the jest and warmth in his eyes. Giving him a smirk of her own she waved while walking away.

"Now where would be the fun in that!" She hollered over her shoulder. Without looking back she could here the deep chuckle resonate down the hall as they parted further from one another.

History of Magic flew by mostly without event. The Talon girl had tried to ask her personal questions once more which Hermione responded with a nasty retort and death glare, promptly stopping all conversation hence forth.

After writing down her homework assignment the professor had copied on the board before dismissing the class, Hermione took the time to situate the folders and rolls of parchment neatly in her bag when she was startled by someone jumping up on the desk just next to her. Looking up she saw a boy either her age or maybe a year younger picking at something on his fingernail. What, she couldn't say as the boy was manicured to perfection. He had perfectly cleared skin. Bright blue eyes with his short light blonde hair that looked artfully styled if he hadn't been running his fingers through it. Even his attire was completely lint and crease free.

"You must be the swott of Slytherin that just transferred in." He said in a bored tone. "Usually I would be irritated by being in the mere presence of someone like you. But you did earn back the points today that I lost when receiving detention yesterday. So I guess I should thank you for lessening the punishment I'm sure to receive for missing the meeting last night." He said as he looked her person up and down and settled on an expression as if what he found was utterly lacking.

Hermione could feel the anger start to bubble in her chest as she realized who was so rudely talking to her in this manner. "Don't worry Mr. Nott. I didn't do it for you and have no issue with you keeping your distance from my displeasing company." She sneered at him with daggers in her eyes. "Now if you'll excuse me," She started walking away from him without a second glance, "I have somewhere to be."

"You're chalk full of manners aren't you Selwyn?" He drawled following behind her. " I guess I shouldn't be surprised seeing as you were raised by your mudblood mother."

"You're one to speak of manners Nott. Maybe next time when introducing yourself you do it without insulting the person you're talking to." She glared over her shoulder once more. "Then again I have no expectations from the likes of someone like you. You pureblooded pompous arse." She growled.

Hermione nearly tripped as she felt her arm being pulled forcefully back and her back pushed into the closest wall. She couldn't believe this dolt actually thought she would allow him to manhandle her. If she thought him stupid enough to try something like this she would of already had her wand at his neck in a heartbeat. But she trusted Tom's judgment on keeping at least somewhat intelligent company around. Another mistake on her part. She had let her guard down too much around these people. Content to believe them mere school children. Never again.

Henry Nott was glaring at her while boxing her in between his arm while holding her shoulder against the wall. She noticed that his stature was bigger than her petite form, but he wasn't much taller. Putting them almost eye to eye.

"I suggest you remove your hands from my person and walk away while I still allow you to." She hissed menacingly at him. He just smirked evilly at her while digging his fingers into her shoulder and crushing it into the wall more.

"And you should learn your place and how to speak to your betters." Nott replied.

"Well seeing as I've never had the pleasure of meeting such a person, MOVE!" Hermione bellowed while casting a silent dislocating spell to the fingers of the hand that was gripping her arm so brutally.

"Ahhh!" Nott yelled out, pulling his hand to his chest, giving Hermione the escape she needed. She rushed down the stairs in a hurry to get to the Great Hall.

"This isn't over you half-blood bitch. You're going to regret doing that the next time we meet." He yelled down at her. Hermione slowed down as she reached the end of the staircase to grin up at the blonde headed boy.

"Looking forward to it Nott. Should probably head along to the hospital wing now if you plan on using that again." She lifted her eyebrow and nodded her head at his crippled hand while chuckling darkly. She curtsied before walking off again, hearing him muttering and cursing her name.

Hermione walked into the lunch room with the adrenaline still pumping through her veins and her magic crackling around her person causing everyone to give her a wide berth as she found a spot at their table. With a grin on her face she loaded her bowl with pot roast, diving into it eagerly. She wondered to herself if it was wrong that hurting another person brightened the awful mood she had been in all day. Well this was her now, no point in dwelling over it. Plus it wasn't like the boy was innocent. Who knows what he would of done to her if she left him unchecked. Or what he plans to do now that she got the upper hand on him. Would Tom take his side against her if Nott was to tell him?

Her grin immediately vanished at the thought. Looking around she realized Dolohov was sitting next to her quietly talking with Avery. But Tom was absent once again. What the hell? It's not like the boy could continue missing meals to avoid her. She sighed in frustration effectively garnering the attention of her table mates.

"Everything okay sweetheart? You looked happier than a kid on Christmas just a second ago. What's got you down?" Avery asked with genuine interest. Hermione nodded her head with a tight smile.

"Fantastic." She huffed continuing on with her meal losing herself in thought once more. She missed the raised eyebrows of her the pair and the unspoken conversation going on between them.

Tom Riddle. She huffed again. What was she going to do about the situation she was in. She had no illusions of her mission being easy of any sort. She was essentially trying to become a Death Eater and earn the trust of The Dark Lord himself. Interactions with Nott and Mulciber were to be expected. Honestly if everyone took to her like Dolohov or Avery she would be suspicious twenty four seven of every word, look, and motives of every person around her.

Hermione was prepared to fight dirty and to do despicable things she knew she couldn't even speak aloud about. What she wasn't prepared for were the foreign emotions she was having for Riddle. Anyone with eyes could see the boy was good looking, gorgeous really. He was every woman's fantasy and every man's envy. But it was his wit and penetrating deep eyes that sucked her in.

He was articulate, well read, highly intelligent. Tom's eyes were the only part of him that she could see bits of his true self and spark of raw emotion when he let it escape from the calm and pleasant facade he wore daily. She thought she saw lust, passion, want, even possessiveness from him in the Come and Go Room. And though the more dominant and rational side of her knew that she should be wary, afraid even of the notion of being the object of desire for a man like Tom Riddle. The smaller, emotional, bleeding heart side of her yearned for his eyes and hands to rake over her body and soul again. To feel a connection to him. She wanted to loose herself once more in that all consuming burn for him.

It came down to one simple fact though. And his actions today was testament to that. You could not trust anything about Tom Riddle. His looks. His words. His actions. Everything Tom did was done with a hidden agenda that benefited him. Every interaction they had could of been orchestrated to put her right where he wanted her. Tom used everything in his arsenal to cultivate a following and loyal soldiers. Bribes, information, friendship, blackmail, flirtatious behavior with the female staff. These were just a few things he wielded without care.

Why wouldn't he use his body and pretty words to make his subjects develop feelings for him. She was an idiot. Hermione felt positively foolish. Her food long forgotten she tried to control the urge to vomit violently everywhere. Mentally berating herself she took three long, deep, cleansing breaths and reset.

Well there was nothing she could do about it now. What's done was done. The only thing she could do was move forward .If Tom thought she was that easy to manipulate she would just have to show him otherwise.

"Hermione are you ready to head to class?" Avery asked from behind her. Looking around most off the Great Hall was empty by this point. She hopped up quickly grabbing her things and offered the boys a quick apology before falling in step with them to their D.A.D.A. class. She was just glad it was the last class of the day. Though a little nervous about seeing Tom for the first time all day.' If he shows.' She thought to herself bitterly. Though Tom was all about appearances and keeping up that perfect student faust was pretty high in importance to him. So he probably would be.

She needed to be ready for anything. Checking her uniform for imperfections she straightened her posture and jumped into Antonin's and James' conversation with gusto. She wasn't going to show any indication that his absence had any effect on her what so ever. So when walking through the dungeon door giggling at something Antonin said while her arm was hooked through Avery's arm she didn't pause when she saw Him sitting at their table already. Or the way his eyes darkened when they zeroed in on her and James' attached appendages.

Good. He could feel the anger and confusion he had been making her feel for a change. Before she could sit at the opposite end of the table the boys hurried past and sat, leaving the chair by Riddle open.' Bloody fucking traitors. Whose side are they on anyway?' Hermione thought to herself as she sat down and started organizing her assignments. Looking over she caught Tom glaring at Avery. Her eyes drifted over to James to see him visibly paling and sitting as if he'd been electrocuted. 'Right, the Dark Lord's side that's who' she thought bitterly.

No matter how open and cordial or even downright friendly some of these boys could be with her. They would never put her before him. They'd already pledged their loyalties to him even this early on. Turning back to the front of the room, Hermione focused on the chalk board, waiting on the Professor to sweep in once more.

As if thinking of him conjured the man himself, Sipid came in looking much the same he had the class before. " I want to see assignment rolls in your hands, witches and wizards!" He called out as he passed their desk. As soon as everyone's hands were in the air Professor Sipid accio'd their assignments to his desk.

"As exciting as our last meeting was I'm afraid this session won't be as entertaining. I want you to open your books to page 147 and and read over the pro's and con's of using nonverbal stunning and disarming spells. We'll partner up once more so you can get on your way to performing these flawlessly. They will be on your O.W.L.S at the end of the semester. I suggest you study as such." He said eyeballing the front row of students that were giggling and whispering at one another. With a stern glare to cease the chatter he sat behind his desk leaving the class to work on their assignment.

Hermione quickly flipped through her book to the correct page devouring the information it offered. The fact that she knew it's contents by heart was inconsequential. As she sat immersed in her book she could feel the tension radiating from her left. It took everything in her not to give in and look up at him. It was petty. She knew that. It was impossible to ignore him forever especially since he was mere inches away from her. But she wanted to piss him off a bit.

Every brush of arm, loud page flip, clearing of throat, had her grinning on the inside like a mad woman. Though she kept the look of utter concentration and played ignorant of his ploys to garner her attention. After what felt like ages Sipid instructed everyone to partner up once more with the same pairs from before to practice. 'Can't catch a bloody break' Hermione thought to herself as she glared at the D.A.D.A professor.

Taking her time to put her book and notes away she finally lifted her eyes to the obviously furious man next to her. Tom's eyes were blazing. She could see him grinding his teeth from the twitch in his jaw and his fist balled up tight on the desktop. Letting no reaction to his displeasure escape, Hermione feigned an air of boredom.

"Well we both know these particular spells inside and out. Do you still feel the need to practice?" She asked almost monotoned. If Riddle didn't look angry before he definitely did now. Without saying a word he stood up quickly and went up front where she could see a whispered conversation between Tom and Sipid. 'This can't be good.' She thought, watching him smile and nod to the Professor before turning and walking back towards her.

Without saying a word to her he threw her bag over his shoulder and grabbed her elbow pulling her up and out of the classroom almost gently except for the white knuckled grip he had on her. It was almost as if he was daring her to pull away from him. Glancing back at Antonin and James she could see concern etched on their faces but knew better than to rely on the pair for any help.

Riddle pulled her down the corridor a ways till he pulled her into a empty classroom. Letting go of her arm abruptly Hermione almost fell from the suddenness of the action. She couldn't believe he had the bollocks to practically manhandle her in front of their peers and disrupt the rest of her class. Glaring up at him she couldn't help but finally let the anger that had been raging through her body all day finally escape.

"You have some nerve! Pulling me out of a class halfway without so much as a word. What is your problem?" She sneered at him. Watching his mask fall away showing the anger she knew had been simmering since she walked through that door.

"Without so much as a word, you say? Well I thought it only fair to return the sentiment you seemed to befit me with this afternoon. Most people, Civilized people actually have a discussion if they are upset or angry with someone. They don't act like a petulant child." He spat our through gritted teeth.

Hermione saw red for a moment. She closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm herself before responding. He was trying to rile her up and it was working by god. Child! He called her. As if be missing meals and ignoring her all day he wasn't essentially doing the same exact thing.

"Enough of this Riddle. Why have you brought me here? What do you want? We were in the middle of class. While you may be accustomed to do as you please, I would like to be in a hundred percent attendance for my course schedule." She said in a calm no nonsense tone.

Tom looked at her through slanted eyes, replying in a equally quiet yet seemingly more dangerous tone, " I brought you here to talk about whatever it is that is making you act this way. I brought you here so you can talk freely since you obviously wouldn't in class. I WANT you to tell me and seeing as we are obviously years beyond the others and were partnered up Professor Sipid agreed to release us early to work on other projects. We won't be returning today." Hermione was in awe of him. Not in a good way either.

"Me? What is wrong with me? What in the bloody hell is wrong with you?" Hermione shouted stepping almost chest to chest with Riddle who seemed to straighten up at the obvious threat in her invasion of his personal space. " You obviously deigned other things more important than even offering me a greeting this morning or at lunch. Or any explanation for you absence all day."

Tom's face broke out in a smirk though his eyes held malicious intent. "Did you miss me pet? Thought because of last night that that meant I now answered to you? Is that what the temper tantrum is all about? Upset that I'm not giving you my undivided attention? Is that why you're cozying up to Avery now? Move along fast, don't you?"

Hemione smacked him across the face, her chest heaving with emotion. Her face, red from his accusations, looked shocked as if she couldn't believe she had striked him. What seemed like hours was in reality mere seconds of frozen tension. All too soon the silence broke. Riddle grabbed and turned her around, slamming her into the wall that was behind him.

Hermione's breath was knocked from her chest causing her eyes to water. Looking up into his murderous face Hermione wondered if this was the last day she would live to see. He grabbed her shoulders harshly pushing her even further into the wall, if that were possible, causing her to scream out in pain.

She had almost forgotten about the altercation she had had earlier with Nott. But the bone jarring grip Riddle had on her previous smarting injury, had blinding white pain shooting through out it.

"If you ever lay a finger on me again, rest assured it will be the last thing you ever do." Riddle whispered in her ear. " I like you Hermione Selwyn. It's the only reason you are still breathing. Because I allow it. Best you not forget that." Letting go of her she fell into a heap on the floor in front of him immediately grasping her shoulder. Tears fell against her will down her face. Though she gave herself points for keeping any sounds from escaping again.

"Get up. I know you can take more than that pet. We dueled remember?" He said in a bored, annoyed tone. Hermione forced herself to her feet, keeping her eyes to the ground.

"Look at me." He commanded her. Hermione raised her face to his trying to hide the pain from him but obviously doing a horrible job. Tom stared at her quietly and narrowed his eyes on the shoulder she forgot she was still holding.

"Show me you arm." He commanded once more. Hermione dropped her hand and stood up straighter trying to regain her composure once more.

" I'm fine . There is no need for you to check my person I assure you. I apologize for striking you. You had every right to react the way you did. That was uncalled for and it will not happen again I promise." Hermione tried to civilly reconcile their strife.

"Cut the shit Hermione and show me your arm." Riddle demanded once more. Seeing that the witch was going to argue once more Riddle grabbed her arm and used his other hand to rip her shirt down to expose her neck, collarbone, and extremely bruised shoulder. Tom hissed at the sight of it.

"What happened? Why didn't you tell me you were injured?" He asked her accusingly. Trying to pull her arm away without success, Hermione glared up at him.

"When was I suppose to tell you Tom? When you were absent all day? In the middle of you yelling earlier? Or perhaps directly after you threw me into a wall?" She answered sarcastically. Seeing the anger stir in his eyes again Hermione felt all the energy drain from her. "Look, I'm fine. In honest I had forgotten about it until you grabbed it earlier. A little bit of bruising paste and it'll be as good as new." She said quietly.

She didn't realize she had been looking at the floor once more until Tom grabbed her gently by the chin, lifting her eyes to his once more.

" Tell me what happened." He said gently but still forcefully. Looking in his eyes she saw his resolve on getting an answer from her. With a sigh she vaguely recounted her encounter with Henry Nott. By the time she stopped talking she was sitting on a desk, shirt back in place, while Riddle paced quietly in front of her. Turning toward her he had a look of decision on his face.

"I'm going to kill him." He stated simply as if he was discussing the weather. Hermione laughed loudly until seeing the dead serious face Tom was still wearing. The brunette looked at him as if he had grown an extra head.

"Tom. You can't just go around killing people. Especially over me. I mean you just threaten to kill me not twenty minutes ago, now your going to kill someone for barely touching me?" She tried to make him see reason. Pointing at her shoulder he glared once more.

"That is not "barely touching you." And they all know better to touch what's mine. He knows the repercussions of going against me." Riddle told her nonchalantly. Hermione sat their with her mouth hanging open. His? His! What in the ever loving...

"Yours!? Have you lost your mind. I'm not an object to be owned or treated however you see fit. Yours!" Hermione laughed in derision at the thought. " And I can handle myself just fine thanks. If you don't remember the part of the story where I dislocated his fingers, I'm sure when you see him next it will be clear as day." Hermione hopped up intent on walking out the classroom. She had spent far too long in this small room with Riddle. They would miss dinner if they didn't hurry along. And she would miss parts of her sanity if she hovered much longer.

Before she reached the door Tom wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her back into his chest. Pulling her long hair over one shoulder Tom's lips grazed her neck as he spoke sending shivers along her skin.

"You are undoubtedly Mine Hermione. Maybe not in the traditional way a woman is usually to a man. But mine all the same. I have too many plans and people to concentrate on at the moment to be what our bodies obviously want us to be." He said as he squeezed her hip with one hand, letting the other rub those small electrifying circles on the skin exposed just under the hem of her shirt.

"But you can feel the way I want you. And I can't help the flare of jealousy I feel seeing another's arms wrapped around you. But I can't let you distract me, No matter how delicious the distraction may be. That's why I gave you space this morning. Gave me space. So that I may focus once more. " He whispered against her skin. Hermione was overwhelmed in sensations from his body and words. He wanted her. But becoming the Dark Lord was more important. She knew this. Hell Avery all but warned her on day one that Riddle didn't fraternize with the opposite sex. She was lucky he took notice of her at all seeing as she was a woman in this age.

"But you seem to render reactions out of me that no one else ever has. I can't help but be drawn to you. I crave your very presence." Tom slowly let her go, giving her a moment to catch her breath and bearings. " So I'm asking you to forgive my actions of last night. I was not thinking of the consequences of such brashness. I can not and will not let this go further than it already has. But I do wish for us to be friends." He all but whispered the last part.

Hermione wanted to cry, yell, and strike out at this mercurial man that was wreaking havoc on her fast beating heart. How could a man admitting to feeling everything she wanted him to bring her such turmoil. She felt vindicated that he was feeling exactly the same way she was. Though he seemed more prone to the possessiveness he still was admitted she affected him. But this was honestly the best end to this situation.

Being in a relationship with Tom Riddle could only end disastrously. But being a friend he obviously had some sort of feelings for, well feelings enough to want to kill a man for harming her, could only benefit her. There really was no down side. Except his fits of rage and jealousy. And their magnetic attraction to one another that seemed to find them alone in empty rooms. Yeah that was going to have to be monitored. No more being with him one on one. From now on they could meet in the common room or library.

She began to wonder if they made something for emotional whiplash. Logically she knew that this was for the best. She couldn't believe he admitted to wanting her as an ally. No, friend. He actually used the word friend. She wondered if he knew the true meaning of such a thing. Pushing down the residual disappointment, she plastered a smile on her face before turning around to face Riddle.

"You're absolutely right Mr. Riddle. I was thrown off after yesterday's incident as well. I wish we could of resolved it better than we did but what's done is done and everything is as right as rain now." She stuck her hand out at him. "Friends?"

Tom gave her a small smile again before clasping his hand with hers. "Friends. Do you need a moment before supper? Or are you ready to head to the Great Hall now?"

"I'm famished honestly." She replied. Tom never releasing her hand wrapped it around his arm and led them out.

"As your friend I'm letting you know that no matter what you did to Nott, that will not serve as his punishment for defying me." He said talking lowly to her as they passed others in the hallway. Hermione chewed her lip while contemplating if it was worth arguing about. Figuring she better get in the habit of choosing her battles she nodded to him in acceptance. Tom grinned at her compliance as they strolled towards what Hermione was sure was going to be an entertaining evening.