Disclaimer: I do not own any of the Harry Potter characters, they belong to J.K. Rowling.

Summary: Fate has determined its course and destiny has intervened. The day of the ultimate battle has dawned and power, loyalty and love is tested. As the trio battle to save their lives, those of their families and their friends, hope is slowly distinguished as the truth becomes more and more evident: they will lose the war. As a last piece of hope, Hermione uses the time turner to go back 50 years in hopes of changing the past and the future. However, when journeys to the past her initial plan to destroy young Riddle is gradually abandoned as she creates a new life for herself and her hate for the young man is replaced by something deeper- admiration and love. This is a Hermione/ Tom Riddle fan fiction.

Eternal Wounds

Chapter 1

Darkness Prevails

Hermione gazed out the window and saw her reflection starring back at her. The starry sky was as dark as the black moon that overlooked the lake. The only thing that she could see glaring back at her is the hollow shadow of herself. She looked drained. She felt as if she was in a never ending abyss; blackness all around her, enveloping her at every turn. Somehow, Hermione Granger could not find her way through life anymore. She had lost everything she had ever loved and held dear. She had lost everyone and everything. But most of all, she had lost the greatest thing of all: hope, the hope that drove her to keep on living and overcome life's obstacles.

Starring at herself in the window, Hermione felt numb. She couldn't feel the pain, happiness, anger, or frustration. All she could feel was a deep sadness and disappointment in humanity, society, and, most of all, herself. She was the brightest witch of her age and Harry Potter's best friend and confidante, yet she didn't do everything that her role required of her. As a witch with access to so much knowledge and power and being a friend to the martyr of the good side, Hermione had a responsibility to protect, not only herself and her family but also, the rest of the world; a world that will eventually crumble under Lord Voldemort's darkness.

Harry Potter is dead. Ronald Weasley was dead. Her devoted, loving parents were dead. They were all dead. All, except her. Why isn't she dead? That's the question that kept haunting her.

"Ms. Granger," Professor McGonagall quietly said, "it's time." Hermione grabbed her trunk and headed out of her Head Girl bedroom. As a last resort to save the future, McGonagall and Hermione turned to the only alternative they had: Allow Hermione to travel 50 years back to the past. The consequences could be deadly but Hermione didn't have anything else to give up to death.

As they walked to the Headmistress' office, Hermione thought back on her years in Hogwarts. The seven golden years full of adventure, fear, and discovery that she had gotten through with her two best friends. Now, two years later after graduating, Hermione questioned herself as to why in all the years she spent in Hogwarts she was trying to be rational and grow into adult. Why didn't she spend her time running around shopping and crushing over boys? Why did she have to be consciously aware of herself and her decisions? She had wasted the best years of her life attempting to gain the same intellect and power that have failed her in the direst moment of her life.

Hermione got into the Headmistress' office and closed the door. McGonagall went to her desk, open the drawer, and took out a small hourglass that looked to have contained some sand. Hermione recognized the Time Turner as being the one that she had used in her third year as a student at Hogwarts.

"Now Hermione, step on over here," McGonagall said, motioning for Hermione to join her in the middle of the room. "Just give a few spins and that should do the trick," the professor instructed, handing the Time Turner over to Hermione. Hermione took it and slowly held it out before her. Time is a mysterious thing, Hermione thought. Magic can control everything, except for people's will to do evil.

Holding the Time Turner in her hand, Hermione flipped the hourglass a few times. Everything around her started changing and turning and she suddenly lost balance and fell on her feet. When she rose again, she found herself lying in a dark ally way. Hermione got up and collected her belongings.

Hermione and McGonagall had prepared Hermione for her travel to the past; after going to 1945, Hermione was to immediately put her money in Gringotts and try to get a job at Hogwarts so that she can start her plan to destroy Voldemort's rise. Although Hermione found it peculiar when the professor purposed the idea, she nonetheless did agree that it sounded realistic as she didn't look 17 years old, therefore, there wouldn't be any way for her to access to the school. McGonagall had found out, after researching everything for Hermione that in 1945 Hogwarts had an open vacancy which eventually was given to Slughorn, in Hermione's time and history. After her parents died, Hermione sold all of her assets and converted the money to wizard money. There was no reason for her to leave any of her money or belongings when she wasn't going to come back to her time.

Hermione grabbed her luggage and headed towards Gringotts. After storing all her money and taking some with her, she headed towards Mitch's Inn, a small in located in Diagon Ally. She rented a room and ordered some dinner than was escorted by the in keep to her room. It was a medium sized room with a bed, a vanity table, and a bathroom. It contained a window that overlooked the shops below.

………………………………..

She sat in one of the local restaurants and ordered some food. While eating, she skimmed the Daily Profit for the advertisement for a job at Hogwarts. She knew that there will be a job vacancy soon but she didn't know when and the jobs section of the Daily Profit was proving itself to be useless. She got up, paid for her meal and left the restaurant.

Why must I always take initiative? Why can't I just get what I want? Hermione asked her unresponsive ego, feeling slightly grumpy.

Wither her bag resting on her shoulder, the 20 year old walked in Diagon Ally in no particular direction or idea of where she wanted to be.

In all honesty, she would rather have been in Paris or Egypt or even In Hawaii with her parents living and enjoying life, but unfortunately God had to create an evil, bastard Dark Lord to disrupt and ruin her life. Sometimes, Hermione found herself wondering what it would have been like not to have been a witch or know that magic exists.

"…well of course not…I've never planned to be teacher but Albus' offer is quite generous. Besides, I believe a little teaching will help me take a break from all the havoc I have to face everyday at the ministry" a familiar voice said sounding a little anxious. While hearing this snippet of information, Hermione stopped walking and pretended to be looking at the magazine news stand just as the speakers were. Hastily, she grabbed a copy of witch vogue. She tried blocking all other sounds so that she can hear more.

"I did go today but unfortunately Albus was on an errand and couldn't make it. That man is always busy…..Ah, good old Albus" continued the speaker, who became evident to be none other than Slugborn. "But as he asked to reschedule the job interviews for tomorrow, you know before the school year beings."

Hermione put back the magazine she had taken and went back to her hotel room. In the morning, she tiredly woke up and went to Hogwarts. Although, she did plan to go to an interview, she wasn't gong to apply. First, she had no past experience in teaching. Second, she's 20 years old and most women her age weren't best friends with the world's hero; and even if Dumbledore did believe that she has something to teach, how will she be able to explain to the 60 year old wizard how she had acquired her power and intelligence? No, the only option she had was to tell him about her circumstances.

As she neared Hogwarts, she saw the Great Lake, the rising mountains and the looming domes of the castle. Seeing Hogwarts again after the dreadful night made her eyes start watering. She missed not having Harry and Ron roll their eyes at her, Harry telling Ron and Her to stop bickering, and the usual midnight rendezvous. She had so many years with the two boys that she felt a deep, empty hole inside of her; she really didn't know what her life is going to be like. No friends. No family. No connections.

All she had was herself.

Was life really worth living?

I hope this wasn't corny or poorly written. If so, please tell me and I shall edit more. I hate corny stuff. Review if you've read :) More coming soon.