One Step Forward

She had always been drawn to knowledge. She soakedup books and facts like a sponge absorbed water. She knew more about magic than the ones who had lived in this world their whole lives. And all her life, she had dreamed of meeting someone who would understand.

And then there was him.

She never meant to call him. She was merely curious as to what the old, tattered, black book would do. She found it lying on the floor of the corridor. Glancing around nervously, she had knelt down to pick it up and carried it back to her dorm.

She was a clever girl, and discovering how to use it was a simple task. Her heart nearly jumped out of her throat when the first response appeared, slithering across the parchment like an inky serpent.

She never meant to call him. But he came to her nonetheless.

He was brilliant and handsome and charming. He told her she was beautiful. He had so many plans for the world, he longed to rid it of all those he saw as unworthy. She admired his ambition, even though sometimes his conviction frightened her.

He said he loved her. He kissed her lips and touched her in ways she had only ever dreamed of before. She soon forgot about the wild look in his eyes as his hands swept over her body. His touch was like ice and made her shiver, but she soon grew to love it, as she grew to love him.

She became distant. She began to spend hours a night practicing curses. He was very impressed by her talent at the unforgivables. Her killing curse was almost perfect. He always smiled at her when, after two or three tries, the spider she was testing on ceased twitching. Someday, he said, I will make you a queen. No woman will contest you in power or beauty. Just love me, Hermione, and you will have everything you dream of.

One night, he awoke her with a gentle kiss. She opened her eyes and stifled a yawn, smiling at him.

"What is it, Tom?"

He held out his hand. "Come with me."

"Now? But it’s after curfew."

He placed one finger over her lips. "Trust me."

She nodded and slid her hand into his, allowing herself to be pulled to her feet.

He led her across the castle, his footsteps making no noise against the stone floor. The trekked up a steep staircase, and he stopped her at the top, telling her to close her eyes. She obeyed.

She felt wind hitting her face, sharp and cold. His icy fingers were wrapped around hers as he whispered instructions into her ear.

"Take a step forward."

She moved her feet forward.

"Another."

 Again.

"Another."

And again.

She obeyed without question until she felt herself step onto a ledge.

"One more step, Hermione."

He pulled his hands away and she opened her eyes, empty space immediately flooding her vision. Her heart began to thud in her chest.

"What’s wrong Hermione?"

She opened her mouth to speak but no sound escaped. She pressed herself to the wall, holding on tightly.

"It’s just one step."

She shook her head.

"Why not?"

She bit her lip and shook her head again, feeling tears begin to sting her eyes.

"Are you afraid, Hermione?"

After a moment’s hesitation, she nodded.

"Well get over it." His voice was harsh and cold. "Fear is a weakness Hermione. I have no room for such weaknesses in my life."

She began to cry.

"Do you love me, Hermione?"

Swallowing sobs, she nodded.

"Then take the step."

She looked from him down to the ground and back again.

"It’s your choice."

She took a deep breath and moved one hand away from the wall. Behind her, he smiled.

She shook a little as she stepped forward. Her limbs flailed as she fell through the air. But once she hit the ground, all movement ended in a flash of red that faded to black.