33: 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 questioned 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. It 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 no 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.

"Of course," answered Potter with ease. "But, I believe that is your job."

"Don't be daft. It is not my job." Tom flicked his gaze to the ground before looking back at Potter. This was a lot harder than he thought it would be. It was even harder than that time he framed that buffoon, Hagrid. "She doesn't want me to and I will respect her wishes." Tom left the room, leaving behind an open-mouthed Potter. He sniggered at the sight. Potter was a ridiculous fool. Tom could not even fathom how Hermione had come to care about that bloke.

. . . .

Tom and Hermione entered their shared dorm to find headmaster Dippet. He turned to them with a smile. "Tom, my boy. Hermione, my dear."

"What brings you here?" asked Hermione. Tom walked over to the couch and set his bag down.

Dippet waved his hand and a long package appeared. "This came for you today and I thought I would drop it off personally." Dippet handed Hermione a letter. "This came with it."

Hermione tore open the letter and read over it. She looked up with an odd expression. It was a mix of happiness tinged with sadness. When she spoke, the sadness rang through loud and clear, "It's on a school day."

Dippet offered her a comforting smile. "I know. I may have peeked at the letter." Dippet paused for dramatic effect, peeking Tom's curiosity. He really wanted to know what was in that letter.

"I have decided to allow you to go. You and Mr. Potter will be excused from classes," finished Dippet.

"Fleamont? Why would he also be excused? And what about head duties?"

"It seems that Mr. Potter is the best man," chuckled Dippet. "As for head duties, I'm sure Mr. Riddle will be able to handle them without you for a day."

Tom still wasn't sure about what was in the letter but if they were talking about Potter being the best man then they must be speaking about a wedding. It was the only thing that made sense to him. "I'll be fine without you," assured Tom. He really didn't want Hermione to go with Potter but it was something Tom will have to get over. He had the feeling that he would be seeing Hermione and Potter spending even more time together in the future, and that was for the best.

Hermione's unsure look turned into a full smile, one that she gave to him. That smile seemed to lighten his heart instantly. She turned her attention to the box in Dippet's arms. "Should I try that on?"

"I think you should. I'm quite proficient with hemming spells in case any adjustments need to be made." He handed the package over to Hermione who disappeared into her room.

They didn't have to wait for long before the door reopened. Hermione stood before them wearing a teal colored dress that stopped at her ankles. The sleeves were just a single strap on each shoulder that held a sparkling see-through material with pink flowers accentuating her shoulders. The skirt also held the same glittering material.

Tom felt the breath leave him. He had seen her in a dress before but this one highlighted her natural features and she looked absolutely breathtaking.

"Beautiful," breathed Tom but was unheard because Dippet started clapping his hands together. He was actually relieved that she had not heard him.

Hermione twirled in front of them. "Is it alright?"

"It fits perfectly. Seems as if there are no adjustments needed." Dippet headed toward the exit. "I think it's time for me to leave."

Before he could leave, Hermione ran up and wrapped her arms around Dippet. "Thank you, grandpa." She then twirled around and headed back to her room to presumably change, leaving behind a flabbergasted Tom and Dippet.

Dippet finally cleared his throat after a while. "Bye, Tom." The portrait opened and Dippet left.

Hermione came back out wearing a smile. "Did you have a chance to look at the runes assignment?"

"No, and did you just call him grandpa?"

Hermione bobbed her head up and down. "It's easier now that I kno-" she suddenly cut off her words. She shook her head with ferocity and smacked herself in the head. "Stupid! Stupid!" mumbled Hermione.

Tom sighed and sat down on the couch. As he took out his Runes book he said, "you know you can tell me. I already know the worst of your past."

"No, you don't, and this, I can't tell you."

That peeked Tom's curiosity even more. Hermione was proving to be a very perplexing person with many secrets. "Well, then tell me something good about yourself," settled Tom. "How about your name?"

"You already know my name." Hermione looked at him. Her eyebrows were furrowed together and a small pout covered her mouth.

"Your real name," laughed Tom. "I would like to at least call you by your real name while we are alone."

Hermione did something that he should have expected but didn't. A broad smile covered her lips and she burst into laughter. "Would you believe me if I told you my real name is Hermione."

Was she messing with him? "What is your full name?"

"Hermione Jean Granger." A frown covered her lips. "I probably shouldn't have told you that."

Tom leaned forward and he could have sworn that she blushed. He offered her a hand and when she hesitantly took it, he shook her hand. "Hello, Miss Granger. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Hermione burst into a snort of laughter. It was unladylike but all Hermione. Gods, he wanted to hear her laugh like that more.