Can't run from time

Ready

She was losing her grip on the delicate balance she had created, and she knew it was only a matter of time before Tom's suspicions turned into accusations.

The sound of footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. Her heart raced. Tom's back already?

Surprisingly, she looked up to see Abraxas Malfoy entering the room, his expression unusually serious.

"Tom's been in a foul mood," he said, sitting across from her.

"He's under a lot of pressure," Hermione replied carefully.

Abraxas raised an eyebrow. "He's more paranoid than usual. He thinks someone's been meddling with his plans."

Hermione's stomach twisted. "And what do you think?"

"I think you're either very brave or very stupid to be messing with him like this" he said, leaning closer. "If Tom finds out you're doomed. You need to be careful mione"

"I know" she sighed. She went over and sat on the other sofa next to him. "Have you had any progress finding the next Horcrux?"

"Sadly not. He must have moved them." Abraxas muttered. Hermione sighed loudly. She looked at Abraxas who was staring at the ground. She cupped his face, causing him to look up at her. "Thank you" she said. "For doing this for me.." 

"Of course" he smiled. "I'm assuming you're going back soon.." he looked away again but Hermione pulled his face towards her. "hopefully. if all goes well." He smiled again. He looked an awful lot like Draco when he smiled like that. "It will, I promise." he whispered.

Before she could respond, Tom appeared in the doorway, his presence as commanding as ever. "Am I interrupting something?" he asked, his tone icy.

"Not at all," Hermione said quickly, standing up.

Tom's gaze flicked to Abraxas, then back to Hermione. "Come with me," he said, his voice leaving no room for argument.

---

Tom led her to their shared bedroom, closing the door behind them. He turned to face her, his expression unreadable.

"Why were you speaking with Abraxas?" he asked, his tone deceptively calm.

"We were just talking," she replied, her voice steady despite the storm brewing in his eyes.

Tom stepped closer, his fingers brushing against her arm. "About what?"

"About you, mostly," she said, meeting his gaze. "About how you're scaring everyone with your mood lately."

He smirked. "Good. Fear is a useful tool."

"It's also isolating," she countered softly.

Tom's smirk faltered, and for a moment, something vulnerable flickered in his expression. But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by the familiar mask of control.