Chapter 3
Hermione's strong passion for reading influenced her next steps that lead her to Hogwart’s library. She had decided it was the best option if she was to carry out the task of murdering the one and only, Voldemort.
She had managed to make her way to the library with minimal effort, it was like being trapped in a time bubble. Nothing was displaced, candles dimly lit the halls and statues stood their ground firmly. Hermione assumed that all objects were spell bound and unable to break when she was a little girl roaming Hogwart’s halls but she knew that was far from the truth after witnessing the aftermath the death eaters destruction had created on her precious great hall, along with all the joy filled memories inside.
Judging by the lull that crept through each book filled shelve a sense of relief kicked in as she strode over to the door. Security was less tight in 1940 but then again Dumbledor wouldn’t expect one of his star students to end up rebelling and causing massive distress.
She was only a few strides away from the wooden door now, a square glass window placed in the centre of the mahogany oak giving the curious girl a clear view of the books that taunted her from the inside with their thick binds. The windows that surrounded the restricted section at the back of the library had shutters blocking out wandering students eyes, not that anyone had a major interest in reading curses. People knew the price of dark magic, researching it alone was shamed. It was predictably charmed, locking away all the treasured and cruel books that Hermione was itching to read-Fuck, of course there was something- And to think she was starting like this era.
”alohomora”
”I'm afraid a simple spell such as the ‘thief’s friend’ won’t do” A penetrating voice lacerated through the air between them. How had she not sensed his presence? He was sly, too sly. It left her with a feeling of unease and instantly left her cursing herself for letting her guard down.
Creaking against the floor, created by the mans footsteps, was the next sound that Hermione’s ears latched onto, the aroma of smoke and musk suffocated the air as the presence became inches away.
She shifted her stance ever so slightly, her hand loosening off the door handle as she tried to figure out the shadow that currently loomed over her petite figure, but before her hand could fall to her side he’d trapped it in his own. The cold metal of his rings was an unusual feeling to Hermione, Hermione’s past love had never worn jewellery .He claimed it made him too ‘girl-like’ but that was just classic ron weasley, having to show off his masculinity to impress people. The heat from his palm and the warmth from his breath now carving words against her neck made the golden girls stomach twirl with anticipation.
“Of course, I could be of assistance”
Fingertips brushed against hermiones neck, her pulse suddenly quickening at the sudden movements from the strange company she had managed to attract. Her golden toned curls were grasped gently and placed behind her back as he continued to finish his sentence, lowering his hand to a sensible spot on her back, resting just above her lower backside.
“Do you not ask for permission before invading somebody’s personal bubble?”
“not when they’re as pretty as you”
”you have yet to see my face”
”I’m a good judge of character, so…witch, your name?”
”you must be joking if you think I would give away such a thing to an oath like you”
A chuckle of some sort had escaped the mans mouth, as he covered it up slowly by his next few words.
”an oath?”
”yes, an oath”
”that was rhetorical darling”
”I don’t appreciate being called darling”
”well I thought we had decided on nicknames, however since you don’t seem too happy with my choice I feel it would be best to share that name of yours. We wouldn’t want to hurt each others feelings now would we?”
”It’s granger, hermione granger”
“Well then Hermione, I am-“
The golden girl was in no position to be rude to her company but the facade she had kept in 1998 was no longer needed, so why make such an effort to be nice.
”I don’t want to know” A deeper meaning was behind her words that she wasn’t just yet ready to acknowledge.
”you’ll regret that once you see me”
”cocky aren’t we?”
And after the little confirmation that the young man needed, he span her around as she attempted to shrug him off. She could be angry, really fucking fuming for how he treated her.. but instead she allowed it. Enjoyed the brief difference of not being treated like a fragile piece of china. She would not break, instead she would steam over and spew her fiery rage.
Readjusting to her new found position, she took advantage of the sight she was now given. The dimly lit wick extenuating his harsh jawline and pale skin. His eyes covered by the shadows that seemed to envelope him welcomingly.
The mans voice was extremely inviting, husk and assertive.
Breaking away from the sensual cloud of lust that crowded Hermione, she spun around fully, freed from his grasp. Her back leant against the sealed door, leaving her with a blurred view of the man who was still entrapping the girl in his suffocating aura. Her eyes travelled up the mans body, rather impressed by the neatness of his black suit. Ron couldn’t keep clean for the life of him… why was she even comparing the stranger? Get it to-fucking-gether Hermione.
She didn’t have the courage to look him in the eye for the fear of knowing who he was. The anger and hatred she had carried for Voldemort caused her to see only red, fury and fire imbedded into every word of spite she spat out. She blamed her flawed personality and dark intuitive feelings on the villain, stealing her innocence to the world and her years of prime. It was all his fault.
“And why would a foul wizard such as yourself aid anyone other than their vile self”
” I was under the impression we were unaware of eachother”
Fuck. Hermione's rage had covered the logical side of her brain which told her to keep quiet and just fucking get on with her mission without blowing it to the one person she needed to keep it hidden from.
”we are unaware”
”rumors then.”
Hermione slightly lowered her head in response to enhance an empty nod.
”I was under the impression that a witch like yourself wouldn’t take notice to rumors considering you don’t seem too kind yourself”
”what does it matter to you”
“Hermione granger, you have intrigued me”
“you do say”