Stage Play AU- Tomione
As the curtain fell across the stage, a huge sigh of relief left the curly haired stage manager.
The last two weeks had been a living hell for Hermione Granger.
It was bad enough that she hadn't gotten the position as Director, but to be cast as stage manager underneath him?
It had almost been enough for her to quit theatre all together.
Harry and Ron had convinced her otherwise, reassuring her that it wouldn't be that bad. Yes, she was working with Riddle, her most annoying enemy, but she would be doing something she loved.
It was supposed to be worth it.
Yet as that curtain closed, the only thing that Hermione could think was thank GOD.
It was over.
No more having to defend every decision she made to Tom Riddle. No more having to listen to his 'friendly suggestions' and 'critiques' as he called them.
The truth was the second that he had been made director of the play he had taken it upon himself to make her life a living hell.
For months he tortured her with his opinions, making her do work that he should have taken care of himself.
If this whole experience had taught her anything it was that she truly hated Tom.
He always seemed to think he was superior to her, and never hesitated to rub it in her face.
Sometimes she swore he got off on his power trip.
Thunderous applause snapped Hermione from her thoughts, her eyes wandering to the stage where Tom had assembled the cast, was thanking them all for their hard work.
He should have called her to the stage as well, should have thanked her for all her hard work, but when the time came, his eyes locked with hers for the briefest of moments, a smirk across his face.
Then the bastard thanked the audience and just like that he had bypassed her.
If anyone noticed or cared, they didn't show it.
Anger flooded her veins as the cast departed the stage, Tom headed right towards her. She had every intention to tear into him right then and there, to give him a piece of her mind.
Fate had other plans.
Tom was halted on his way to her by Professor Slughorn, probably going on for the millionth time at ho outstanding Tom had been.
It was infuriating.
At least she didn't have to deal with it any longer.
Tonight, was the last time she had to willing sit in the room with Riddle for hours on end, pretending to care about his opinions.
He wanted to get her angry, she knew that, if the months of having to deal with him had taught her anything it was that.
Well, he wouldn't get the satisfaction.
With a final glare in his direction, she left the stage for the front of the theatre, where she was certain that her friends were waiting.
It was only a half hour later that the crowd departed, leaving a handful of actors behind.
"All right everyone! Great work! Get some rest you all deserve it!" Tom's voice was cheerful, rising above the hum drum of the crowd
"Remember tomorrow at noon we are to gather to tear down the set, everyone is required to attend!" Hermione piped up only to be met with grumbles of protest as people left.
Hermione found herself frowning after them.
"Don't worry about it 'Mione" Harry said trying to be supportive "Let's go home."
Ron voiced his agreement and they all started to leave. Just as Hermione got to the door Tom's voice stopped her.
"Granger, I need you to stay behind a pick up before demolishion."
"I'll be in tomorrow early to take care of it" Hermione responded shooting a glare at the man "I have plans."
"Tonight. You're plans will have to wait." He didn't wait for her response, retreating back into the theatre.
"That son of a--"
"Hermione! Just the person I was looking for! Be a dear and lock up before you leave!" Slughorn chortled before exiting himself, followed soon by her best friends.
For what felt like the hundredth time that night, Hermione cursed Tom Riddle for being a dick.
It was that anger that brought her through the theater and to the stage where she found Tom, collecting abandoned scripts.
"What the bloody hell is wrong with you Riddle?!" she demanded placing her hands on her hips, ready to square off with him.
"You." It was a simple response, one she wasn't expecting, or perhaps she was, but never expected to hear out loud.
"What?" she asked, her voice showing her surprise, and to her horror left her sounding a bit daft.
"You are what is the matter with me" Tom clarified, placing the stack of scripts neatly on a nearby table before turning to face her, a smug look plastered across his too handsome face.
"What the hell did I ever do to you?" she demanded.
"Your constant presence at every turn is what you've done" he replied taking a step towards her ,"You constantly have to challenge me every step of the way." he took another step closer to her "Every time I make a move you are there, challenging me, provoking me."
Hermione stood her ground "I am not! You are the one who is constantly trying to get the upper hand, you think you are so high and mighty, I'm sick of it!" she glared up at him, not noticing how close he was to her, not until it was too late.
His hand snapped towards her neck, causing her to gasp and jerk away, but his hand connected with her hair, fingers tangling in the mass. "even now you choose to fight instead of understanding me" he growled, and for the first time Hermione saw something in his eyes she didn't understand, didn't have any experiance in "Don't you understand what you do to me?" the words came out a low growl, causing shivers to run down Hermione's spine.
She opened her mouth to a say something, anything really, her hands wrappign around his wrist, trying to free herself, but her movements were thwarted.
"Tom let me go!" Hermione snapped pulling at his arm though it was no use.
"Honestly I'm tired of fighting this" the words came out softly, making Hermione still, she opened her mouth to ask him what he meant when his mouth fell over hers, swallowing the question she had wanted to ask, answering it so simply instead.
That night, for the first time in a long time, Hermione learned something new.
And Tom was more than happy to be the one who taught her.