Can't run from time

The fire crackled softly in their shared dorm as Hermione sat curled in the armchair by the hearth, a book open in her lap. She wasn't reading, though; her eyes remained fixed on the flickering flames, her mind replaying Abraxas getting tortured just a half hour ago.
The door slammed open, making her jump. Tom strode in, his cloak billowing behind him, his expression dark and thunderous.

"Do you know what I hate more than incompetence?" he growled, his voice cutting through the room like a blade. "Betrayal."

Hermione's breath caught, and she quickly closed her book, standing to face him. "Tom—"

"Someone," he interrupted, his voice cold and sharp, "has been tampering with my possessions. Two of them—" His eyes flashed dangerously. "Gone. Destroyed."

Hermione's stomach twisted, but she kept her face as neutral as possible. "I... I'm sure you'll figure it out," she said carefully, stepping closer to him.

Tom laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Oh, I will," he said, turning to face her fully. "But tell me, Hermione... you're quite clever. Have you heard anything? Seen anything suspicious?"

Her heart raced as his piercing gaze bore into her. "No," she said quickly. "I haven't."

Tom tilted his head, studying her. "You're a terrible liar, sweetheart," he said softly, stepping closer. "And I don't like being lied to."

Hermione's fists clenched at her sides. "I'm not lying," she said firmly, though her voice wavered slightly.

Tom smirked, his hand reaching out to brush a strand of hair from her face. "You're nervous," he murmured, his fingers trailing down her cheek. "Why?"

"Because you're being intimidating," she snapped, stepping back. "I haven't done anything wrong, Tom. You're just looking for someone to blame."

His eyes darkened, but instead of retorting, he stepped forward, closing the distance between them. "You know I don't trust easily," he said, his voice low. "And when I find out who's behind this..." He trailed off, his hand sliding to the back of her neck, pulling her closer. "There will be consequences."

Hermione shivered under his touch, her resolve wavering as his lips brushed against her ear. "I didn't do anything," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

Tom pulled back slightly, his eyes locking onto hers. "I know. But, if you're defending someone, or you know something then there will be consequences," he said, his tone soft but laced with menace.

The tension between them was heavy as his lips ghosted over hers, teasing but never quite committing. Hermione's breath hitched, her hands instinctively gripping his shirt. "Tom," she said warningly, though her voice lacked conviction.

He smirked, his hand trailing down her back. "You're too easy to rile up," he said, his voice dripping with amusement. "But don't think I've forgotten about this."