Can't run from time

I accept your proposal

Hermione stood outside in the dimly lit courtyard, the cool breeze brushing against her skin as she looked up at the starlit sky. The events of the past few weeks had been a whirlwind of emotions, and she felt exhausted by it all. Despite everything, she knew she had to keep up the act. She took a deep breath, aware of someone approaching.

Tom emerged from the shadows, his expression unreadable as he approached her. His eyes gleamed with intensity, as they always did when he was plotting something. Hermione could feel her heart racing, her mind scrambling to think of what to say. She had made her decision, but now, face-to-face with him, she found herself hesitating.

"You called me here? Was one defeat not enough for you Granger?" he smirked. His eyes scanned her before they landed on a deep gash on the side of her forehead. His face softened and he almost winced. She met his gaze and he instantly snapped back to his original mask.

"You asked me to marry you," Hermione said softly, breaking the silence. Her voice was steady, though she could feel the weight of her choice pressing down on her.

Tom's lips curved into a small, almost triumphant smile. "I did," he replied, his gaze never leaving hers. "And now you've come to give me the correct answer. couldnt  live one week without me" he scoffed but the smirk was still plastered on his face.

Hermione nodded, trying to ignore the way his stare seemed to pierce through her. "Yes, Tom. I'll marry you."

For a moment, Tom's expression was one of disbelief, as if he hadn't expected her to say yes. Then, a slow grin spread across his face, and he stepped closer to her, his hand reaching out to cup her cheek. "You've made the right choice, Hermione," he murmured, his voice low and filled with satisfaction. "You and I are meant to be together. You are my equal, my Dark Lady."

Hermione felt a shiver run down her spine at his words, the intensity of his gaze making her feel exposed. "Why, Tom?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper. "Why do you want this?"Tom's expression darkened slightly, a flicker of frustration passing over his features. "Because I need you," he admitted, his tone sharp. "You challenge me, Hermione. You make me think in ways no one else does. And I want you by my side, always."

"But what if I'm not who you think I am?" Hermione pressed, her heart pounding in her chest. "What if I disappoint you.... again"

Tom's grip on her cheek tightened slightly, his eyes narrowing. "You won't," he said firmly. 

"Because you are.. you're exactly who I want you to be. And together, we will be unstoppable."

Hermione felt a surge of frustration at his arrogance, the way he seemed so certain of everything. "You can't just control everything, Tom," she snapped, pulling away from his touch. "People aren't pieces on a chessboard for you to move around as you please."

Tom's expression shifted, a flicker of anger flashing in his eyes. "You think you understand me, Hermione?" he said, his voice cold. "You still think you can change me? Maybe that cut isn't deep enough"

"I'm not trying to change you," Hermione shot back, her voice rising. "I'm trying to make you see that there's more to life than power and control." She chose her words carefully and said loudly "and maybe just maybe your dark lady just craves a bit of affection" she covered her eyes, hoping her act would convince him.

For a moment, they stood there in silence, the tension between them thick. Tom took her hands away from her face and held them in his. Then, without warning, he pulled her into a fierce kiss, his lips pressing against hers with a desperate intensity. Hermione gasped, caught off guard by the suddenness of it, but she didn't pull away. Instead, she found herself kissing him back, her hands clutching at his robes.

When they finally broke apart, both of them were breathing heavily, their eyes locked in a heated gaze. Tom's expression was a mixture of anger and something else, something softer that Hermione couldn't quite place.

"You'll get what you want," he murmured, his voice low and rough. " but I'll never change. You'll see that I'm right."Hermione  didn't respond. She had to keep going, to see this through to the end.