Flash Back from Chapter 8

Unexpectedly, his smile broadened, "My dear that is probably the best news I have heard all week. "Now, I wont inquire as to how this transpired, my concern right now is that you make sure you take the appropriate steps to ensure that his trust and dare I say love is not misplaced. Tom is insecure in his relationship with others, hence why he has none. Therefore, it goes without saying that in order to maintain one with him, especially at that level, you must realize he will need some reassurance and patience. He will most likely not lightly accept your actions or word as being genuine. With that being said, is there anything else you would like to discuss?"

Shaking her head no, Hermione waved good bye, taking a lemon drop with a smile before returning to her dorm.

Chapter 9

Later that Sunday afternoon, the Great Hall was fairly empty, as many students took the weekend as an opportunity to sleep in. Hermione on the other hand was very much awake as she sat on her bed, apple in hand, chewing thoughtfully as she mulled over Tom's folder after her brief meeting with Professor Dumbledore.

His words brought her attention to the fact that it could be potentially dangerous for her to form any attachment to Tom whatsoever. Then again, before she left, he did mention that violence was not the only action. Perhaps the silly old dodger had meant love as a possible solution as well. "But would I really want that responsibility for the rest of my life? Having to watch over my back to make sure Tom wasn't sneaking off for a few odd killings before super?" she snorted. Doubtful.

Then again, she reflected, women did have an immense amount of power. Fondly she recalled her parents and their scarce but heated arguments where her mother nearly almost won with her knowing look and sharp reminder of what happened last time, or something along those lines.

Sighing, Hermione rolled onto her stomach, as she pulled out a pad of paper and a pen she made a pro and cons list. She always did this when she had too many thoughts mulling around in her head. As her list got longer and longer and equally on both sides, she gave a frustrated sigh, crumpled up the piece of paper.

Abruptly she heard a knock on her door, hastily stuffing the folder and any notes she may have left loitering about she answered it. Blinking in surprise she came face to face with Tom.

"Tom… what can I do for you?" she asked awkwardly, shifting feet.

Coldly, Tom replied, "I was told by Professor McGonnagall to remind you that although the ball is done, we still need to take down the decorations."

Clearing her throat, and rolling her eyes slightly at Tom's returned cold attitude, she nodded and replied she would be down shortly to help before closing the door.

When she was sufficiently prepared to face the day's events, more specifically, Tom, she quickly made her way down to the Great Hall.

Upon entering she could see that the other prefects were beginning to start the work of taking everything down. Rolling up her sleeves, Hermione began to pitch in.

The morning passed by fairly uneventfully except for Tom's more disdainful attitude than usual, in addition to the fact that his cold mask was back in place. Determination set firmly in her mind, Hermione made it her business to confront him after they were all done.

At a quarter past 11 she noticed people starting to drift off as everything had pretty much come off the walls and tables. Out of the corner of her eye she noticed that Tom was one of those people, his presence making it almost impossible to miss as he proudly, back straight, marched out of the hall, robes billowing. Hermione jogged slightly to catch up, calling his name several times. Furrowing her brows in annoyance she yelled angrily, "RIDDLE! Stop!" Pausing slightly, stiff, Tom remained still.

When she fully approached him she grabbed his shoulder. However, no sooner had she done that then she was pressed up against the wall with an angry Tom in her face.

Still, not one to be easily intimidated Hermione demanded, "Why are you acting like this? And don't tell me it's a figment of my imagination. You're colder this morning. Is it something I've done?"

His face remained emotionless as he snidely remarked, "Mudbloods such as yourself have no impact on my mood except disgust. Is there something you actually needed or are we done here?"

Hermione's lips pressed together, thinning. "No, I suppose were done."

Sneering he responded, "Excellent, I hope not to see you at all for the rest of the day."

With that he let go of her wrist and glided away.

"Ow," Hermione moaned as she grasped her wrist. What had happened to her Tom of yesterday? Maybe she didn't have to worry about getting too attached after all. But a small part of her was hurting, as his rejection sunk in. Then again, she repeated to her self, Tom was not used to affection, building up his walls would be his first response.

Sorry guys, I really am, but I'm so tired, and I have tons of work. I'm sure I'll get a longer better chapter up some time but this will have to sustain you for a bit.