A/N: Thank you to all that have reviewed! I really appreciate you guys!


"Beauty is a form of genius - is higher, indeed, than genius, as it needs no explanation. It is of the great facts in the world like sunlight, or springtime, or the reflection in dark water of that silver shell we call the moon."

-Oscar Wilde-


Chapter 9: Wicked Game.

"My Lord?"

"BRING SEVERUS TO ME!" The Dark Lord bellowed from his throne. "BRING HIM TO ME NOW!"

"Y-Yes, My Lord!" Lucius Malfoy said, scrambling away from the Dark Lord that was bent over in pain.

'Hermione Granger?' The Dark Lord thought, clutching his head in pain as memories shoved violently in his brain.

"You called for me, My Lord?" Snape asked, bowing low in front of the Dark Lord.

"Who is…Hermione Granger?!" Voldemort growled out from clenched teeth.

"Potter's mudblood, My Lord?" Snape asked, confusion pulling on his pallid face as he watched his master growl in agony.

"Mudblood?" He hissed out, his eyes flashing dangerously. Who was this girl? Memories from his seventh year at Hogwarts were shoved into his mind - things he knew did not happen previously. Potter's mudblood side kick was there, when he was a teenager. How could that be possible?

"She's there…In my memories," Voldemort hissed, "In my past."

"Hermione Granger disappeared from Hogwarts a few weeks ago, master." Snape said slowly. This was bad. He did not want the Dark Lord to discover that she had traveled back in time.

"How could that have happened?" Voldemort barked at Snape.

"She found your diary, My Lord." Serverus admitted, knowing that there was no point in trying to keep this information from him by this point.

The Mudblood had his Horcrux? She must have been trying to destroy it. He had placed a dark spell on the diary, allowing it to be transferred through time back into his own hands when he was still Tom Riddle. But why had his Horcrux taken the blasted girl with it?

Snape remained quiet as the Dark Lord paced in front of him. He did not dare interrupt his thoughts.

"You…You…Pervert!' the girl shrieked at him as she pulled a pillow to her chest.

Voldemort growled and clutched his head.

"What shall we do, My Lord?" Snape asked respectfully, eyeing him and hoping not to hear the worst.

"We will do nothing," Voldemort spat, his red eyes livid, "My past self will dispose of the insolent Mudblood."

Snape eyed Voldemort warily, his eyebrows raising in surprise when Voldemort eyes flashed a different color. He blinked, wondering if he had imagined it. As Voldemort dismissed him, he shook his head. He knew what he saw, and he saw his pitiless red eyes turn dark blue for the briefest of moments.

OOooOOooOOooOOooOO

"Hello there." A female voice purred.

Tom gritted his teeth, but placed a charming smile on his face regardless.

"Hello, Walburga," He replied charmingly, "How are you today?"

Walburga flipped her long black hair over her shoulder, perching herself on the arm of his chair.

"Much better now that you're here." She replied seductively, running a long fingered nail down his arm.

Walburga gasped when Tom reached around and grabbed her robed wrist painfully, making her wince.

"You know not to touch me, Walburga." Tom hissed, his eyes flashing dangerously at her.

"I-I'm sorry, My Lord." Walburga replied, jumping from the arm of his chair and hanging her head, rejected.

Tom's dark eyes traveled over her before looking away, choosing not to comment.

"I-I just thought maybe you'd change your mind about having a girlfriend…since you went on a date with that Mudblood." Walburga said, her voice sounding testy.

Tom immediately stood up, towering over the girl and causing her to back away from him fearfully.

"Excuse me, Walburga?" Tom asked, his voice deadly calm. His fists were clenched and his eyes burned red.

"I-I'm sorry, I just thought that maybe you'd prefer me over her, My Lord," Walburga blubbered, falling to her knees in front of him. Her brown eyes hesitantly looking up at him. "I was just offering myself dutifully to you."

"It is not your place to questions my actions, Walburga." Tom spat down at her.

"O-Of course, My Lord."

"I had reasons to ask the Mudblood to Hogsmeade, and I assure you, they were not for purposes that you seem to foolishly think."

"I was stupid to think such things," Walburga said, sounding appeased, "I should have known that you only wanted something from the Mudblood - I was foolish to think otherwise."

"Yes, you were." Tom spat, twirling his wand around in his fingers. "I have told you time and time again: I do not want a girlfriend. You are a pure blooded witch, Walburga, there are many pure men that will marry you. I have no time, nor the patience for such trivial things. You will do best to remember this, Walburga, for it is the last time I will repeat myself."

Walburga shook slightly under his harsh and hissing words.

"O-Of course, My Lord." she muttered, "I am not worthy of you."

Good, at last the blasted girl finally realized that. He had grown tired of her incessant flirting, and he had even cursed the girl for her advances. She'd wear revealing clothes around him, trying pitifully to entice him. It was true, the girl was beautiful. But what did a beautiful face matter when you had no power? Her intelligence was average, at best, and she so foolishly gave into her emotions. He knew the foolish girl was in love with him, and it disgusted him. The very thought of the word angered Tom, as he saw it as the greatest weakness one could posses. He did give her credit, though, the girl was, if anything, determined; and that would make for a good follower.

Tom eyed the trembling girl, before taking his seat again. He ran his fingers across the green suede, and everyone knew this was his chair. No one dared to sit in it, not even the first years.

"Leave." Tom hissed at the girl, noticing she was still in a kneeled position, waiting for him to speak.

Walburga immediately stood, bowed, and hurried towards the girls dormitories, leaving Tom to sit in front of the fire alone.

An evil smile curled his lips. They all feared him, as they well should. It was known by a select few that Tom was, indeed, the heir of Slytherin. All the others had seen his power, and fear him as others did. He practically owned the whole house, as he should, being the heir.

Of course, the other houses did not know of this; or the Hogwarts staff. It merely appeared to them that he was a loner. A brilliant, quiet, poor orphan boy that didn't cause trouble to anyone. Which was exactly how he wanted it - when in reality, he had the whole house under his thumb.

Rising from his chair, he made his way over towards his Head's dorm.

Lithely walking up the stairs, he entered his room, closing and magically locking the door behind him.

He immediately walked over to his copy of his diary, pulling out ink and a quill.

I've ordered the Mudblood to meet me in the room of requirement. She will come, as I have threatened her 'friend.'

Tom smirked at the diary. It was odd, after all, he was speaking to himself.

Good, we did not speak long enough for me to be able to get answers out of her…but, considering she was a Mudblood and still at Hogwarts, I knew that our reign had obviously gone wrong. I brought the girl back, so we could question her.

Tom smirked. Of course, he knew his intelligence surpassed anyone. The girl knew of him, he was sure of it. He did not like knowing things, and he would find out everything she knew in due time. One did not simply hide from Lord Voldemort.

What does she look like?

His eyebrows furrowed at the page. Why the bloody hell was he asking such a question? He knew himself better than anyone, this was him, after all, but he was drawing blanks.

Why?

He waited, slightly impatient.

I like to match people with a face, of course.

Tom eyed the diary suspiciously. He liked knowing everything, so of course, that would explain his on curiosity.

Curly brown hair, brown eyes, rather small. Tom wrote elegantly, pausing when he found himself almost writing the word 'pretty.'

Sounds rather plain and boring.

Tom chuckled darkly at his own words.

Yes, she is somewhat plain. But I must admit, the girl is intelligent. Though, maybe not, seeing as how she continually defies me and tries to harm me.

Tom clenched his fists at the memory. The blasted girl just did not understand who she was dealing with. He could picture it clearly in his mind: Her furious doe eyes, looking at him with the utmost hatred…full of contempt, even! As though she was disgusted by him. By him! Who did she think she was; to dare to challenge him, Lord Voldemort, when she was nothing but a lowly Mudblood!

I thought she might be that way. I do love a challenge. It shall be amusing to break her.

His eyes brightened, and a sinister smile curled his lips. Oh yes, that would be amusing. He would break her, eventually, and it would be the sweetest victory. The girl already feared him, that much was obvious, even from the moment her eyes had lay on him in the infirmary. Good, the girl had some sense at least. She was right to fear him.

Yes, it will be.

He closed the diary, and his sinister smirk remained on his face as he got ready for bed.

'Yes, Hermione Granger. You will not defy me much longer.'

OOooOOooOOooOOooOO

"I wanted to apologize for yesterday, Hermione," Liam said, looking down and shuffling his feet. "I would have came to the book store yesterday, but I didn't think you'd want to see me after how I acted."

Hermione observed Liam from across the Ravenclaw table. Admittedly, it had surprised her that he didn't come after her, but after her little run in with Riddle, she hadn't given it too much thought.

"I forgive you, Liam." Hermione said kindly, smiling at him.

Liam jerked his head up and smiled warmly. His blue eyes were dancing with excitement.

"So, does this mean you'll be my girlfriend?" He asked hopefully.

She frowned at this. Yes, she did like Liam; and yes, she did go on a date with him…But she wasn't exactly sure that she wanted to be his girlfriend per-say. After all, she had no idea who Liam grew up to marry. She probably had went to school with one of his grandchildren, but never knew it. There was no way her and Liam could ever be anything. She could prevent someone from being born.

"I like you, Liam," Hermione said kindly, putting her hand on his, "But I'm not ready for a boyfriend right now…I hope you understand."

Liam's eyes slightly narrowed.

"Is it Riddle?" Liam asked as the smile fell from his face.

"E-Excuse me?"

"Is is Riddle?" He repeated, his eyes taking on a sorrowful look.

"No," Hermione answered testily, "I thought I made it perfectly clear that I cannot stand him."

"That may be so," Liam said, standing up, "But he likes you. I'm sorry if that makes you angry, or if you don't believe me. But if we're going to be friends, I have to look out for you, and I'm telling you right now that Riddle has something for you. I don't trust him and you need to watch your back."

Hermione gaped at Liam like a fish. Why did him and Jenny think such things? Tom Riddle did not fancy her! She couldn't be mad at Liam, though, he seemed genuinely concerned for her well being.

"Look, Liam, I'm sorry-"

"Hermione, I don't deal with rejection well," Liam said, cutting her off and shoving his hands in his pockets, looking down. "So, can we just - not?"

Hermione stared after him as he pointedly walked out of the great hall. Guilt swirled in her stomach, but what was she supposed to do? She couldn't lead him on by being his girlfriend.

She swallowed as she realized she probably already had by going on a date with him.

Putting her head in her hands, she groaned as guilt consumed her.

"What's wrong?"

Hermione brought her head up to see a concerned Maya taking a seat beside her.

"It's Liam…" Hermione answered, violently forking some of her sausage.

"What happened?"

"Well," Hermione said, "He asked me to be his girlfriend, and don't get me wrong, I like him…It's just that I'm not ready for a boyfriend, and lets just say he didn't take it well."

"I see." Maya said, nodding her head with understanding. "Just give him some time. He'll come around…you'll see."

Maya gave her a reassuring smile and patted her on the back.

"Where's Jenny?" Hermione asked as she looked around the hall. She was still asleep when Hermione got up, but she was always in the great hall by this time.

"Oh, she's sick." Maya answered, "I was coming to tell you. She woke up and started throwing up. I took her to the infirmary and Madam Pomfrey said she'd be okay but she'd be there for a while."

Hermione pursed her lips as rage swarmed through her. She lifted her eyes to the Slytherin table, towards a certain, handsome, head boy.

He was sitting alone, as usual, reading the paper. He must have felt Hermione's heated stare, because he looked up and narrowed his eyes at her.

A sinister smirk crossed his lips and a knowing glint flickered through his eyes. It was obvious that he was clearly saying, 'You know it was me. Now, why don't you prove it.'

Hermione immediately stood from the table, ripping her eyes from Riddle.

"Where are you going?" Maya asked, jumping slightly at Hermione's sudden movement.

"I'm going to see Jenny." Hermione answered, pulling her bag over her shoulder and practically stampeding out of the great hall.

"Stupid, insufferable, evil git!" Hermione growled to herself as she walked determinedly down the hallway.

"Its not a good idea to let other people hear you speak to yourself." Came a sly voice from beside her.

Hermione abruptly stopped and turned. Her eyes fell on a boy with long blonde hair, his grey eyes observing her with humor- but there was no mistaking him.

"Can I help you, Malfoy?" Hermione asked testily, eyeing the smirking boy.

He raised a perfectly manicured eyebrow.

"I see my reputation precedes me." He said cockily, chuckling at her bemused expression.

Hermione pursed her lips, choosing not to reply.

"Seems you already know me, but," He said, holding out his hand, "Abraxas Malfoy."

Hermione eyed his hand with distaste.

"Hermione Duvessa." She replied curtly, gripping his hand briefly and letting go hurriedly.

"I'm on my way to see my friend in the hospital wing, so, if you'll excuse me, Mr. Malfoy." Hermione said curtly, nodding her head and turning to walk away from him.

"I'm sorry, have I offended you in some way?" Malfoy's voice came from behind her. "If I have, I offer my sincerest apologies."

Hermione sighed and stopped. She knew she wasn't being fair. Just because she hated his grandson, it didn't mean that he deserved her wrath…Even though she was sure he was just as bad as Draco, if not worse.

"No, Mr. Malfoy." Hermione said, turning and forcing a smile, "I apologize. I am simply worried for my friend. I didn't intend to come off as rude."

"Its quite alright, Miss Duvessa." Malfoy said charmingly, "And please, call me Abraxas."

Hermione just smiled and nodded her head.

"Forgive me for being forward," Malfoy said, walking smoothly towards her, "But I was wondering, if we could possibly get together sometime?"

Hermione's mouth fell open in shock. A date? She eyed Malfoy, dumbstruck. Sure he was handsome, more so than Draco. He was tall and had aristocratic features. From the cocky way he held himself, though, you could tell that he knew he was. His silver hair fell past his shoulders and his grey eyes were rather striking. She could tell his robes were expensive, and he had a huge emerald ring gleaming on his finger.

"Miss Duvessa?" Malfoy asked, his smile slipping from his face. Hermione was just standing there, gaping at him with wide eyes.

"O-Oh…Um, I'm sorry, but I don't really know you…" Hermione spluttered, shifting her feet awkwardly.

"Well," Malfoy said, smiling once again, "Perhaps you will give the chance to get to know me - on a date?"

Hermione just stared at him indecorously. What kind of alternate universe was this? Malfoy asking her on a…date? Did he not know that she was, supposedly, a 'half-blood?'

"I do hope you are not bothering Miss Duvessa."

Hermione audibly groaned as Malfoy whipped around, seeing Riddle walking swiftly towards them.

"Oh, no, of course not Riddle." Malfoy answered hastily. Hermione couldn't help but to notice that his voice grew slightly higher from the deep tone he had spoken with before, and he backed away as though Riddle was going to plunge a knife through his heart.

"I was just asking her if she'd like to accompany me-" Malfoy started.

"And I believe she refused." Tom answered, cutting Malfoy off. He was standing straight with his hands behind his back. His eyes were gleaming dangerously at Malfoy, daring him to argue.

"But-"

"Take the rejection and leave, Abraxas." Tom hissed, cutting Abraxas off, yet again.

Malfoy's mouth opened and closed a few times. His eyes darted from Riddle to Hermione, looking as though he was contemplating if she was worth it. He, apparently, decided she wasn't, because he nodded curtly and began walking away without another word.

'What a wuss.' Hermione thought heatedly to herself, watching Malfoy's back retreat around the corner.

Her eyes fell on Tom Riddle, who was merely standing there, observing her with cold eyes.

"Is it possible for me to go just one day without being bothered by you?" Hermione asked irritably, crossing her arms and mock eying him.

Tom's eyes narrowed, and his lip curled under his teeth.

"Why are you always so angry?" Hermione asked, eyeing him as he seethed.

"Why do you always press my buttons," Tom snapped, "Then wonder why I'm angry?"

"Whatever, stalker-boy." Hermione snapped, rolling her eyes, "Every time I turn around, there you are!" She exclaimed, waving her arms in the air. "Lurking in the corner or something."

Tom whipped out his wand, causing Hermione to do the same.

"Going to curse me in the middle of the corridor?" Hermione asked sarcastically.

"No," He answered, his lips curling into a smile, "I'll save that for tonight. I've already assured that you will show up."

Rage pounded in her veins and her wand arm shook slightly.

"How dare you hurt Jenny!" Hermione snapped, "I agreed to meet you!"

"I had to make sure you'd know that I was, indeed, not joking." Tom answered slyly. "She'll live. That's all that matters."

"Trust me, I got the message yesterday when you man handled me in the book store." Hermione snapped back.

"Do not test me, Miss Granger." Tom said quietly, raising his wand slightly higher.

"Wouldn't dream of it." Hermione said sweetly, a mocking smile plastered on her face.

His eyes narrowed and he suddenly moved towards her, causing her to back away fearfully.

"Until tonight, Miss Granger." Tom said quietly, pocking his wand before swiftly turning and walking down the hallway, his robes billowing behind him in a very snape-like fashion.

Hermione's lip trembled. What was she supposed to do? Jenny was innocent, and she didn't deserve to be hurt by that bastard. She didn't really have a choice. She had contemplated telling Dumbledore, but she couldn't interfere with the time line…Also, she had no proof, and she didn't need Riddle going on a killing spree, killing her friends and mucking up the time line even more. In other words, she'd have to face Riddle tonight, and hope that she survived.

She gulped, pocketing her wand and taking a shaky breath. She needed to go see Jenny. Her quirkiness would hopefully cheer her up.


A/N: I'm not sure if I like this chapter…eh, let me know if you liked it!