I DON'T OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS MENTIONED THEY BELONG TO JK ROWLING.

Author's Note: Thank You guys for liking my story as much as I do. I'm updating as fast as I can. Please don't be afraid to comment and correct me. I appreciate any criticism I can get. Now sit back and enjoy hope its half as good as you're expecting. :P I'm so sorry I kind of rushed on this chapter a bit though so please tell me what you think!

Chapter 3: Wise words in disguise

Hermione was silently cursing her own body when she woke up the next morning. She had been too jittery the night before which caused her to go to bed quite late; unexpectedly that jitteriness had followed her to the next morning so now she was up all too early. Looking like she had been up all night wasn't going to help her mission at all so she silently crept to her trunk and removed a bottle of a rejuvenating potion, patting herself on the back for making a supply before she left Craith Manor.

She dressed quickly in uniform and put on a small amount of make up before setting out to start her mission. She had snuck the letter to Dumbledore from himself into the pocket of her robes last night so she wouldn't wake her room mates in case something like this happened. The corridors were pretty much abandoned this early in the morning as the attraction of beds was stronger than roaming the castle so she had no trouble on her way to Dumbledore's office.

It was what in her time would be McGonagall's office since Dumbledore both taught Transfiguration and was head of Gryffindor. The path was ingrained in her memory even if she was coming from Slytherin's common room so she was free to organize her thoughts and what she would say to him. The Dumbledore of this time of course new someone would be coming from the future, who of course he wouldn't know, but if he still didn't believe it was her after reading the letter she'd just show him where Fawkes had marked her.

Even with all her calm reasoning, once Hermione was standing in front of the office door her throat had gone dry and she felt as if she was under a leg lock curse. Always known for her determination she set her jaw stubbornly and knocked hard three times. For a wild moment she feared that she had gotten the wrong door or that he wasn't in but the door opened revealing this time's Albus Dumbledore.

He wouldn't change much in the next fifty years, he still had those shocking blue eyes that pierced to your very sole and were filled with kindness and cleverness. Power and mystery still hung in the air about him along with his kindness. He was still quite the impressive person. The main differences were his waist length hair and beard were still auburn, he had yet to acquired half moon spectacles, and his face was missing key wrinkles.

At the sight of him alive and well tears pricked at Hermione's eyes and it was all she could do not to start bawling. She had seen too much and worked too hard to give into that weakness now. Dumbledore looked her over curiously trying to place her, taking in her Slytherin robes but fierce Gryffindor expression.

"Yes miss…"

"Aurora Craith," she gave him a significant look which he understood almost immediately.

"Come in then." He stood aside and Hermione walked into the office. It was warm and comfortable filled with the delicate magical instruments that would fill the head master's office in her time and baby Fawkes sat on a perch near Dumbledore's writing desk.

He motioned for her to sit and she followed his example before slipping the letter out of the pocket of her robes.

"I suspect you've been waiting for this?" she said, holding it out to him.

He didn't answer but opened the letter immediately and began to read leaving Hermione alone with her thoughts for a moment. Fawkes flapped pitifully to her, since he hadn't quite got the hang of flying, and she placed him in her lap. He snuggled up to her hip that had the tattoo on it and when his beak touched the general area she had the weirdest feeling. Following a hunch she lifted her shirt a little and saw that at Fawkes's touch her tattoo had begun to move as if in flight.

Before she could think about it she gasped loudly causing Dumbledore to look over and his eyes to go wide. He smiled and Hermione could tell that the tattoo had sealed the bargain for him. With Dumbledore finally on her side it felt as if huge weights had been lifted of her shoulders and she could finally breathe.

"Well Miss Craith I'm glad to see everything is going according to plan so far."

"I don't think these first few days could have gone smoother."

"This is good. Now though I know that after what you've seen in the future you won't be too happy with this…I want you to get close as you can to Riddle and try to change him first." Dumbledore held up a hand to stop Hermione's interruptions. "He is not yet so far gone, or at least we have no proof of him being so far gone yet."

"But Professor!" she protested weakly.

"No Miss Craith. This is what we must do first. Luckily you have almost every class with Tom, plenty of time to get close to him. If we play our cards right we can change the future without anymore murder."

Realizing a lost cause when she saw one Hermione finally conceded to Dumbledore's plans. They spent the next hour making sure she was ready to dive in and her Occlumency was pretty much unfaultable. Even if she didn't agree with his methods sometimes just knowing she had his support and help relived Hermione beyond words.

"Well my dear it's time for you to get to the Grand Hall for breakfast." He finally said after his 20th attempt to break into her mind.

"Yes sir, see you in class."

She had her hand on the door knob when he addressed her one last time. "And Miss Craith, in relation to Mr. Malfoy the change of one's nature could affect those to come."

Hermione didn't have a clue what he meant but memorized that anecdote on her way to the Great Hall none the less. Yet again she made perfect Slytherin timing but had managed to beat Riddle and his cronies so propped a book that had been left on the table but looked interesting open and began to read while taking sips of pumpkin juice. Her stomach all of a sudden was almost queasy with nervousness so she decided it would be best for that to be the only thing she bothered with.

She had just reached a particularly interesting chapter on the best way to pick your Animagus animal when Riddle and his cronies surrounded her. Riddle sat on her right side with Gideon on her left and Dolohov in front of her; all of them had their eyes trained on her. The best approach to keep Riddle's interest seemed to be to ignore him.

Hermione kept her eyes trained on the book and twisted a piece of her silky hair with her fingers the picture of relaxed and oblivious. If he wanted her attention he would have to claim it and she wasn't going to make it easy. Finally she felt cold fingers brush the hair on her right side be pushed behind her ear.

"Lovely weather today don't you think?" Riddle asked innocently.

Hermione couldn't repress the snort and finally looked at him and he took her breath away with his good looks as always. "It's raining." She replied before he could notice her reaction to him.

"So it is." he looked amused and gave a small chuckle. "Even with your nose buried in a book you're still sharp."

"Knowledge is power," She replied knowingly looking him deep in the eyes.

"I understand completely," he murmured.

"I'm not surprised," Hermione smiled slightly at him.

"Gideon tells me you are going to be at the first practice of the season? Is he correct?"

"Yes he is. I've never been able to play myself but I love watching," In a moment of inspiration she touched Gideon's arm. "Especially when the players are as talented as Gideon."

Riddle's eyes flashed and Hermione could tell he didn't like her showing another male attention. She could also see he didn't know how to respond to that, not many women would flirt with another man if he was so close. Then he chose the oldest male jealously technique: one up.

"Well I'm keeper and captain for the team." He said casually, "I pick everyone on the team."

"Oh then you've done quite a good job. You must be very good to get captain." She replied adding a small amount of enthusiasm into her words. With her words Hermione could tell that Riddle's world had been put back in order with the compliment.

"What's your first class today?" he asked, "Let me see your schedule."

Riddle defiantly didn't miss anytime being bossy with everyone Hermione noted before pulling her schedule out of her pocket and handing it to him. She watched his lovely eyes scan the page up and down twice making sure he had gotten everything right before he handed it back to her with his famous seducing smile that sent several Hufflepuff girls walking by into a fit of giggles.

"Brilliant we have loads of classes together."

"I hope you like competition, I'm quite intelligent."

Hermione could tell by the way he held his head he didn't believe she would be much competition and she held back a laugh. He shouldn't write her off just yet. She couldn't wait to wipe that smirk right off his smug face.

Walking to Transfiguration proved to be more awkward than anything she could remember but she had to give Gideon props he had balls. Even though she knew he was a Death Eater and thus under Riddle's control he didn't leave her side even though she knew it was pissing Riddle off. With Gideon on her left and Riddle on her left she mainly focused on not tripping on one of them. Which became even harder to do with Riddle's death eaters grouping around them to the point if she had been younger she might have stomped her feet.

Hermione could put most of the Slytherin House in a pyramid Hierarchy with Riddle sitting on top. Riddle would be the King, under him would be the nobles so people like Gideon and herself, then there were commoners and under then the serfs. Everyone fit in one of those levels and everyone seemed to know their place even if they didn't want to admit it. It seemed that he had worked his magic on everyone and even she had to fight to keep from going under.

Once in the familiar classroom she relaxed considerably. Finally her element what she was best at and she'd also get to wipe that stupid smirk off Riddle's remarkably handsome face. She flopped down in a seat near the very front and even the fact Riddle sat right beside her couldn't bother her. She was looking forward to seeing Dumbledore actually teach; she'd be willing to bet her left foot he was spectacular.

Dumbledore walked in and everyone fell silent and their attention was rapt; it looked like she was most likely keeping her foot today. There wasn't even any fighting in the back amongst the Gyffindors and Slytherins you could have heard a pin drop as everyone waited for him to speak.

Dumbledore launched into his lecture and Hermione launched into her notes like a mad woman. She wiped the smirk from Riddle's face within the first ten minutes of class. Every question she was just a few seconds quicker than him and of course her answer was always correct. The first few times she did it he simply looked amazed but he was in good company as most of the class was just as awe struck. No one beat Riddle to answers in class…ever.

By the tenth question Riddle's amazement was replaced with intrigue and respect he even seemed to enjoy the challenge of trying to beat her to a question. Finally Dumbledore set them the assignment of changing their potted cactus into a very ornate tea set and Hermione was eager to prove she was better at riddle at this too.

At the end of class only two people had managed the feat: Riddle and Hermione. Though Riddle had been successful as well she had to think her tea set had better craftsmanship and detail. Dumbledore was delighted none the less and gave them both 20 points to Slytherin.

Hermione could help but feel very smug as they walked to potions. She had taught Riddle the very important lesson of life: Never underestimate those around you but of course that was one of the lessons he had the worst time with. The rest of the day passed very much the same pattern of competition but potions brightened her outlook considerably. Professor Slughorn paired them off and instead of being partnered with Riddle Hermione was placed with Gideon. It surprised her greatly that she didn't mind being paired with the Malfoy; in fact she rather enjoyed it.

Gideon was easy to work with and though she was smarter he kept her in a great mood with his sharp wit and unexpected moments of sweetness. What happens to the Malfoys to make them such arses in the future? It was a riddle in itself that she spent a considerable amount of time contemplating.

Slughorn was exactly as she thought he'd be, not yet under the guilt of knowing he informed Riddle of horcuxes, he was quite pompous and always looking for new people to add to his collection. After only a glance into Hermione's cauldron he broke into praises. He observed Hermione like some new found treasure and rewarded her 30 house points just for telling him her name. It also engorged his already swollen ego knowing she was in his house, and of course she would soon be a member of the slugclub.

Hermione of course was aware of exactly how to get on his best side and after bringing him her flask of Draught of the Living Dead;she fetched the box of crystallized pineapple she had brought for him. For a moment she thought he would cry from happiness but instead he praised her more and gave her another 10 points which cause several Gyffindors to glare menacingly at her.

On her way back to her table Hermione caught Riddle's eye and gave him a sensual smile which he returned whole heartedly. All in all she was feeling quite proud of herself as she left the class with a very happy Gideon and headed to the great hall for lunch. Tom had been called to Slughorn's desk to give him the details on Hermione so she could relax for the first time since leaving Dumbledore's office that morning.

It had finally stopped raining and the ceiling was showing a sky full of pretty blues, purples, and oranges while the happy chatter of students filled the hall. This was home no matter what the year was Hogwarts would essentially always stay the same.

"Excuse me…are you Aurora Craith?" Asked a small voice and Hermione broke off mid bite to see a small first year Slytherin cowering behind her. Her mouth too full to reply Hermione merely nodded regally as an answer and the girl passed her a note from what looked like professor Slughorn.

"Bloody Hell, sorry Gideon I have to go Slughorn wants me for something." She sighed before exiting the Great Hall. She had just started to wonder what on earth Slughorn could possibly want when strong arms spun her around to look in the lovely brown eyes of Tom Riddle.

"Hey Tom, sorry I got to go Slughorn wants something," She murmured trying to find an escape route but his body was blocking all possible exits as he slowly backed her against the wall.

"No you don't," He said moving his face close to hers. "I sent the note."

His hand caught one of hers and he twined his fingers with hers while with his other hand he caught her face and tilted her chin to face him. Hermione's heart was beating almost painfully in her chest but she refused to show any sign of weakness. She couldn't help thinking how attractive he was and how beautiful those eyes of his were.

They were deep with layers of thought and emotion maybe even something darker but right now they were dark with a emotion she could recognize quite well…lust. His thumb traced her lips and where the touched they seemed to leave a trail of fire. She had the sudden impulse to lose herself in his eyes no matter how bad he was. They were so close their breaths mingled becoming one.

"Why would you do that Tom?" Hermione managed to say and was quite proud that she sounded normal.

"So I can do this." He replied huskily and then he was kissing her and the fire that had been contained where he touched exploded catching her body in the flames. He pressed her harder into the wall pressing his pelvis against hers she repressed a moan deep in her throat and pulled away.

"Tom no."

"No? What do you mean?"

"We don't even know each other yet. I just don't do that. I'm not that kind of girl."

For a moment Hermione was terrified she had just lost her chance to get close to him but instead he smiled. He trailed his thumb over her lips one more time and then stepped away but not enough to make her comfortable.

"I understand," He said calmly, "we will just have to get to know each other." Hermione could almost hear the gears in his head working. It was the first time a woman had ever refused him on top of being able to hold to her guns, she was intelligent maybe even matching him, she was a very powerful witch and he couldn't read her mind. Everything about her from her looks to her mannerisms was drawing him and as he got more and more interested.

It took all of Hermione's self control not to run from him the instant he allowed her room to move. She actually managed a calm and dignified walk to the library where she could barricade herself until her next class; which happened to be one of the few she didn't have with Riddle, Arithmancy.

When she left Arithmancy with Gideon she was feeling loads better thanks to the 50 or so house points she had scored and the fact she had had an hour or so away from Riddle. The rest of the classes passed uneventfully besides Riddle sitting a tad closer to her and occasionally whispering witty things in her ear. Every time she heard his voice near hear ear and felt his breath along her cheek it made her hyper aware of him which worried her. She couldn't be attracted to him could she? No. No there was no way.

The Dinner conversation among the boys consisted mainly of Quidditch, so she was finally able to get to know some of the other girl Nobles. She actually liked Katrina and Victoria but Nina reminded her too much of Pansy. Katrina was a pretty girl with straight black hair and green eyes and for a Slytherin was positively sunny and pretty smart in her own right. Victoria had bright red hair and flashing hazel eyes with fair complexion and not a freckle to be found; it would have driven Ginny mad with envy. While Katrina was sunny, Victoria was quite serious but very nice and had a humor all her own.

The new found and unexpected friendships with the two girls made Hermione want to cry from relief. She found herself laughing with them and relaxing by degrees happy for the feminine comfort. Even in her own time she hadn't had many girlfriends, she just had never been that popular. It seemed alright at the time but now she wondered how she had gotten along in that sea of testosterone.

Riddle deemed that they all should go back to the common room and like commoners following the orders of a king every one obeyed. The cold of the dungeons no longer bothered Hermione either because her body had adjusted or because she was just happy she didn't care. It was just a relief to finally have some claim to this place, some way to make it home for her.

She felt Riddle's eyes on her the whole conversation even when he would get into a debate with someone else his eyes never left her for more than a few seconds. Hermione cleverly pretended not to notice and sipped daintily from a bottle of Butterbeer that Dolohov had snuck from the kitchens.

Every time she would look up and catch his eye there was something intimate in his gaze as if they were snogging like crazy instead of just looking at each other. It sparked tingles that started at the base of her spine and spread everywhere while she could feel the ghost of the fire he had ignited in her with his lips. She must be going mad. It was almost becoming hard for her to distinguish him from what he would become but thankfully Fawkes's gift helped. If she ever felt too far gone, too enchanted she could feel little zaps coming from it and it would pull her out of the fog of enchantment.

Hermione made a private deal with herself never to be alone with Riddle till she was stronger. A deal that got broken that very night on accident. The other girls had already retired, some of them to their boyfriends' room. While the guys had either retired with their perspective girl or was in his room playing exploding snap or wizarding chess with his mate.

Hermione had wanted to get one last book from the library and had hurried off to do so. When she entered the common room she thought it was empty until Riddle came out of nowhere. He gently reached out to push her hair behind her ear and pressed his lips once to her forehead but he didn't try to kiss her.

"Goodnight aurora, pleasant dreams," he murmured into her ear and then nibbled on it a second before walking off leaving her stunned. She could feel the fire from his lips on her forehead and ear and she couldn't help yearn for them on her lips. She wanted that fire and the pleasure it brought. Oh gods. I didn't just think that.

Hermione launched into freak out mode. She couldn't be lusting after Tom. Wait since when did she call him tom. No, it couldn't happen. She couldn't actually feel for him even if it was simple lust. She had a mission. She had to get revenge.

Hermione repeated these things to herself as she got ready for bed but that didn't stop the memory of the fire from invading her sleep along with those beautiful almond eyes and long pale fingers. For some reason she also dreamed of blue eyes, blonde hair, sweet words and a scent she couldn't place.