The unicorn didn't disappoint. Before long it trotted back, nuzzling Tom's side with two soft whinnies.
Even Cho could tell the creature was acting spoiled—the curly goats had agreed.
After a quick chat with the goats, Tom turned around and flashed Cho a thumbs-up.
"We're good. Turns out curly goats don't just shed their horns—they shed wool too. None of the books ever mentioned that. We can take some of the shed wool and the fallen horns, but whatever you do, do not touch the baby goats. That'll make the adults furious." Tom explained carefully.
"If curly goats attack, it's terrifying. Their curved horns may still be small, but they're packed with dangerous magic. Senior, stay right behind me and absolutely do not reach for the kids."
…
Hogwarts.
Hermione's back and waist ached. She looked utterly drained.
The usual sparkle in those bright brown eyes had dimmed by half.
She stretched lazily, then collapsed onto the common-room sofa like a wilted flower.
Whenever she felt this tired, she liked a strong cup of honey-sweetened red tea—three sugars, please.
Flipping through one of Lockhart's adventure books, Hermione let herself enjoy a rare moment of pure relaxation.
Time slipped away. By the time she looked up, it was almost evening.
She figured she'd pretty much mastered social dancing now.
Hermione's learning speed was genius-level; it only looked average because she was constantly being compared to Tom.
She closed the book and left the Ravenclaw common room.
She wanted one last practice session—at least enough to avoid embarrassing herself on the dance floor.
Besides, Tom still hadn't learned a single step, and she was starting to feel…
What if he tripped and face-planted in front of everyone? That would be mortifying.
The thought made her slap her own cheeks twice.
No, no, no—what am I even thinking?
Whether Tom embarrasses himself has nothing to do with me. I'm only worried that if he messes up, I'll look bad too.
If he can't hold his head up in front of the whole school, I'll be dragged down with him!
That's unacceptable. I have to perfect my dancing—at least reach Lady Elizabeth's level.
When she practised with Lady Elizabeth, the woman had guided her so smoothly that even when Hermione stumbled, the rhythm never broke. It felt effortless and comfortable.
If I can reach that level… maybe Tom will finally understand who the real genius is.
It's not him—it's me, Hermione Granger!
The little lioness inside her wanted her moment to shine.
The second she stepped out of the common room, she ran into two familiar redheads.
The Weasley twins.
George waved cheerfully. "Hey, Tom… huh? Tom, you're still at school? I thought you and Hermione snuck out together."
"Snuck out?" Hermione repeated the words. "She left?"
"Yeah, through the secret passage under the Whomping Willow. They're probably in Hogsmeade by now—and with Cho Chang too. I get it." George's grin widened. "You worried about interrupting girl time? I know that feeling."
No…
Hermione screamed inside.
I just didn't know they went to Hogsmeade together!
How can that idiot Tom be so reckless? We literally ran into You-Know-Who there last time!
Doesn't he realise You-Know-Who might still be lurking in the village, waiting for him to come back?
Stupid jerk!
And he dragged Senior Cho along. He's definitely going to lure her into the Three Broomsticks and trick her into drinking mead or Butterbeer.
That rotten Tom—using my body to pull this kind of stunt!
Hermione paced back and forth near the Whomping Willow, staying well outside its reach, just watching the entrance.
The twins had told her about this secret passage. She had no idea how they knew it, but she waited anyway.
It was nearly dinner time when two small figures finally crept out of the passage.
The moment Tom saw her, he spun around and tried to bolt without a word.
Hermione only managed to catch Cho.
"Senior, what did you and Tom… what did you and that guy do?"
Cho coughed awkwardly. "Sorry, Hermione told me not to say anything. But you'll find out on Christmas—only one week left. Just wait a little longer."
Christmas…
I want to know right now!
Hermione scratched her head in frustration, but Cho kept her lips sealed—not a single hint.
Watching Senior Cho walk away, Hermione squatted on the ground and bit her lip hard.
Those two annoying jerks!
No, no—Senior isn't annoying. The annoying one is that bastard Tom. Senior must have been corrupted by him.
Tom always drags everyone down with him!
…
Christmas crept closer day by day.
Hermione grew more and more restless.
These past few days, Tom and Cho had been avoiding her. The second their eyes met, they'd look away instantly.
Tom at least still came over with his usual teasing nonsense.
But Senior Cho had gone completely radio silent.
And that constant rosy blush on her face made it impossible to guess what she was thinking.
One night.
Hermione lay in bed, staring at the ceiling.
She was unusually nervous.
Terry and Sue were still awake. They poked their heads out.
"Tom, the ball is in two days. Are you nervous at all?"
Of course she was nervous…
Hermione nodded. "A little."
Sue yawned. "But you've been acting weird lately. Normally you'd be sneaking out at midnight to practise social dancing.
Think about it—you two are the only first-years going. The older students will definitely be watching us more than anyone else.
If you dance well, your names will be remembered forever at Hogwarts.
Every time new first-years arrive, the ghosts will proudly tell them about that one Christmas when a student named Tom Riddle was so amazing—and his partner was the prettiest first-year girl, Hermione Granger."
Hermione listened to him ramble, and suddenly… she felt even more nervous!
She had completely overlooked one crucial point.
At first she thought everyone would just dance with their own partners and no one would pay attention.
But—they were the only first-years attending!
How many people were going to be watching them?!
"You're right. I'll start practising tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" Terry laughed and waved his hand. "It might already be too late. If you don't know the steps at all, social dancing is really hard. Dancing well and just knowing the moves are completely different levels.
Maybe you can use that genius Potions talent of yours to brew something so no one notices you two."