Chapter Text
Tom Riddle was the epitome of the perfect student. He consistently had high marks since the first day he stepped foot inside Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry; was the captain of Slytherin Quidditch team; currently one of the best Seekers in the school - depending on who was asked - it was debatable for some; and a Prefect - there wasn't a doubt that he would become a Head Boy next year. His clothes and hair were always immaculate, even on days they weren't required to wear their uniform. It seemed his clothes were ironed daily, and his hair was neatly parted on the right side and swept away from his dark eyes. He didn't have any off days, whether it was studying or Quidditch. He was the perfect student that every professor could ask for.
Many wanted to be Tom Riddle; to be able to step in his shoes. Some hated him and wanted to step on his shiny black loafers. Others envied him because of the attention he got.
There was one, who simply didn't care. She forged ahead and was right beside him when it came to academics. They were always toe to toe. The Muggleborn witch named Hermione Granger was there every single year with her high marks and Prefect badge pinned on the chest of her robes. He at least one-upped her when it came to Quidditch. She was merely a spectator in the stands, cheering on her best friend, Harry Potter, his rival Seeker.
Tom didn't like either of them. Harry's Quidditch skills were often compared to his. Hermione's name was often brought up with his due to her knowledge and high marks.
They often debated in class - butted heads was more like it. Their professors had to call it a draw when a bell indicated that class was over - to their relief. It seemed their peers felt the same way as they gathered their things. But neither was the type to give in nor give up. At times, he wondered what it would take to get her to shut her mouth. Maybe his lips on hers to keep her quiet. He'd look into those fiery eyes as he captured her words. Their tongues would tangle in a heated battle of control.
"And that leaves, Tom Riddle and Hermione Granger. The two of you will work together on brewing Amortentia. Hope everyone took notes as I explained it earlier." Professor Slughorn looked at over half of the class before his eyes landed on a pair at the back.
Tom knew it would be a long day when his eyes darted across the room. It took every willpower he had not to react to her eye roll. Her out of control hair that had a tendency of getting in the way was already an eyesore. It wouldn't hurt her to tame it. With a flick of her wand, she could look more than decent. He quickly shook his head at the thought.
"Tom," she greeted as she sat next to him in their Potions class.
"Hermione," he replied with a matter of fact tone.
"Alright, class, you have over an hour to finish the first part of this potion. There are three parts in order to successfully brew Amortentia. Each part takes a week each to brew. In case some of you weren't listening." Professor Slughorn stared at the pairs at the back of the class. "Any questions?"
Bellatrix's hand eagerly rose up in the air. Her eyes darted to Tom Riddle only, before turning her attention back to the professor. "Do we get to keep it when we're done?"
"Whether the Amortentia is brewed properly, it will be confiscated afterwards. For the sake of the school and the staff members, Hogwarts is not going through another Valentine's Day fiasco. Some of you can thank your parents for that." Professor Slughorn gave them a scolding look as though they were responsible for their parents past actions.
"You ought to be careful," Hermione whispered, leaning too close. Her scent was a mix of floral and sunshine. It smelled of meadows near the Quidditch pitch. "She might sneak it in your food." There was a hint of laughter in her words. Her eyes seemed to mock him when it met for a second.
Tom immediately looked away from her, but not before he noticed the blush on her freckled cheeks - he didn't notice them before. Not that he had a reason to. He never took the time to stare at her. Why would he? Hermione Granger was no one special. Though he never found her to be ugly, as others suggested. Her hair was the only thing that needed some work. He didn't mind her two front teeth - it gave her smile a unique look. He needed to get rid of those thoughts.
His eyes darted around the room. Bellatrix glared at them from her table that was not far enough. He could feel the anger in the way she stared at them. She often made him uncomfortable with her not so subtle hints. Everyone in the Slytherin House knew how much she fancied him; all of Hogwarts knew of her obsession - as many called it. It was more than that, as she gave him gifts every year for his birthday and Valentine's Day since their first year - even though she was betrothed to Lestrange. Tom never reciprocated her feelings, but it didn't matter. And she wasn't the only one to show their affection towards him. Many did - to his displeasure. He made a mental note to keep an eye on his food and drinks. The last thing he needed was to be poisoned - or was it potioned?
"Let's get started. We need a silver cauldron," Hermione interrupted his thoughts, and a welcoming one.
Tom turned back to her. It was somewhat of a relief, but not much when their eyes met. There was always a bit of fire when she stared at him. Their past debates - arguments, as many called it - took over the class period.
"Well, you're all about equality, or do you expect me as a gentleman to get it from the shelves and carry it?" He couldn't help it when he remembered her speeches about feminism and equality - not just between men and women - but also between all creatures.
"I doubt you'd know anything about being a gentleman." Hermione pushed back her chair and stood up.
Tom watched with a smirk before getting up and walked towards the table of ingredients with his notebook in hand to gather what they needed to brew the Amortentia properly. He checked his notes to make sure he got the correct ingredients, whilst some tried to sneak a peak at what he was doing. "Do your own work." He quickly shut his notebook.
It earned a few groans from his peers, but they should be more like him and make an effort in everything they did. He didn't simply get top marks. He earned every single one of them by reading everything he could get his hands on. Sometimes he had to wait for the books to be returned to the library, because Hermione Granger had beat him to it.
She was waiting for him at their table with her notes laid out in front of her. Of course, she would. They were similar in that way. They both took the initiative to be one of the most intelligent and brightest witch and wizard of their age.
The first phase was the easiest. They only needed to wait for the water to boil before adding the ingredients inside the cauldron. He then stirred it anticlockwise as they both counted aloud, which irked him.
"I know how to count."
She simply stared at him without saying a word as he continued to stir. He stopped immediately at seven, making sure not to over do it.
"Lower the heat." It sounded almost like a command as she said it.
Tom pointed his wand at her, thought for a second, before quickly moving it towards the cauldron to lower the heat as she instructed. She gave him a mocking smile as he felt the tip of her wand at his side - below the table where no one could see. The gap between them closed as she leaned towards him. Their shoulders pressed against each other. There was nothing comforting about completing an assignment with her. It was always that way when they worked together. He didn't mind it as much, knowing that they would receive top marks made it worthwhile.
"Need I remind you who won our last duel in Defence Against the Dark Arts," she whispered in his ear.
Tom could feel the prickly tendrils of her hair against his skin. The warmth of her breath made the steady beat of his heart rise.
"And not by luck," she reminded him as she twisted her wand.
"We're done here, Professor Slughorn," Bellatrix's voice broke through.
Hermione moved away and sat up straight on her chair. "Professor, I believe we were first. Isn't that right, Tom?" Her voice had a way of sounding sweet and threatening at the same time
Tom nodded without thinking. He didn't dare cross her, knowing that Bellatrix was most likely thinking of ways to hex Hermione, but one was seated next to him with her wand pointed at him.