"Miss Granger, may I have a word with you?"
The girl wasn't sure, what that could be about. Double M was already back to school and so far they didn't cause any trouble. Quite the contrary, Malfoy seemed to try to befriend them, but she wasn't ready for that and neither was Tom. It was almost time of final exams, but it couldn't possibly be about that, since she had no problems with her studies whatsoever. Neither she nor her friends broke any rules recently.
"Oh, don't look so anxious, I'm not going to give you a lecture, since you did nothing wrong recently."
Somehow, Dumbledore seemed to always know what the other person was thinking. It could be creepy sometimes, but this time Hermione just felt relieved. She entered Dumbledore's office behind him and sat herself on one of the chairs.
"Now, I wanted to talk to you about your living arrangements for the summer break. You have few options actually. The first one would be to stay in the castle. While normally we don't allow students to live in the castle for summer, you are not a normal case, are you now?" His eyes seemed to twinkle even more than usually. "The other option would be to live with one of the few teachers that offered to house you. The teachers in question are Professor Merrythought, Professor Slughorn, Professor Dippet and myself."
"Before I choose any of those, I'd like to ask a question, sir."
"Go on."
"Would any of the option allow Tom to stay with me? He's been telling me stories about his orphanage and people in there and it's really not a place for a child, especially not for Tom. He's misunderstood in there!"
The twinkling increased even though Hermione wasn't sure if it was even possible at this point. Charms Professor beamed at her.
"I'm glad to hear you look out for your friends. You would do well in Gryffindor, you know? But to answer your question. If you want Tom to stay with you for summer you'd have to stay at Hogwarts. Most of the teachers, including me, cannot afford to take care of two children. And we're not talking about money here, mind you."
"Then I'd like to stay at Hogwarts. With Tom."
Dumbledore nodded.
"During your stay, some of the teachers will check on you every few days. House elves will take care of your dishes, there will be no need to go to the Great Hall, elves will bring you your food. While in theory Trace is useless on Hogwarts grounds I'd like you and Tom to refrain from using magic too much. You're both clever, I hope you'll be able to behave yourselves."
"Yes, sir! Thank you so, so much!"
She bidded Dumbledore goodbye and ran to find Tom and tell him about her talk with Professor. She found him in the library talking with Minerva.
"Tom!"
"Hi there stranger. What has you so excited all of sudden?"
She sat beside him and took hold of both of his hands before looking him in the eyes and smiling broadly at him.
"You won't believe what just happened! You know how Dumbledore asked me to talk to him? It was about summer. I didn't tell you this before, but I lost my home just before I started Hogwarts. Professor Dumbledore just finished with my living arrangements for the summer break and I'm staying in the castle, but… that's not all! Tom, he'll let you stay here with me! Please tell me you're happy about it!"
Tom's mouth opened and closed few times, as if he wanted to say something but couldn't. He looked a bit like a fish really. His eyes were the size of galleons.
"Wait." Minnie interrupted before Tom could even try to formulate his response. "What do you mean you lost your home? And why didn't you tell us about it earlier?"
Hermione looked taken aback. She didn't expect to be asked those questions.
"Well, it's not really a good conversation starter, is it? 'Hi, I'm Hermione Granger and I'm homeless'. The story itself is rather long, I might tell you some other time. "
In reality Hermione didn't really want to share with them that she's from the future. And to be honest in those last few month she almost forgot about it. She's been having fun with her friends and Hogwarts almost felt like home.
"What about your parents?"
Another unexpected question. Not that she could blame Minnie. Hermione would probably ask even more questions were the roles reversed.
"They're… they're gone." And it dawned on her. She'll most likely never see her parents again. Her eyes got watery. "They're gone. And I'll never see them again." Her voice was now shaky and she started sobbing.
Tom, finally back to reality, hugged Hermione close, stroking her hair while Minnie tried to calm her friend down and apologise.
"I'm really sorry, 'Mione. That was really a stupid question. Oh Merlin, I'm so sorry."
"Shhh" Tom started whispering into Hermione's ear. "It's okay, Hermione, I know. Let it all out and when you're done, I'll tell you how glad I am to live with you at Hogwarts during the summer. But now, cry. You clearly need this."
Hermione smiled a little into his chest when he said that he's happy for their living arrangements, but just like he said, she needed to cry now. She had to mourn the loss of her parents. She snuggled even closer to Tom, looking for comfort. Tom always made her feel safe. Everything always seemed to fall into place when they were together.
xxxXXXxxx
She didn't know when she fell asleep, but when she woke up it was dark outside. When her eyes adjusted to the darkness she looked around. When she looked to her left, she saw Tom sleeping peacefully next to her. Hermione smiled fondly. He must've brought her here, when she fell asleep. Most likely all the way from library, cause she couldn't remember leaving. And it's not like he could carry her to her own bed, since he was a boy.
She wasn't a stranger to sharing a bed with Tom. During the Christmas break they would sometimes fall asleep while studying in his bed until late night hours.
Hermione snuggled into Tom, and covered them both with a blanket that seemed to favor her side before. It felt like homecoming. With that thought, she drifted back to sleep.
xxxXXXxxx
Tom woke up to find himself in the embrace of his friend. He didn't want to wake her up straight away, after all she deserved some rest after her breakdown the day before, so he awkwardly untangled himself from the sleeping witch, tucked the blanket around her and silently started his morning routine.
He didn't wake her up until it was half an hour until breakfast. She smiled when she opened her eyes only to see his face. She thanked him for taking care of her and went to her dormitory to get ready for the day.
They met again in the Common Room and started they walk to the Great Hall.
"'Mione?"
"Hmm?"
"I didn't really get a chance to tell you this yesterday, so I'm saying it now. I can't thank you enough for making Dumbledore agree to let me stay here for the holidays. And I'm really glad that you'll be here with me."
"You're welcome Tom." She smiled brightly at him.
There were two girls waiting for them at the entrance to the Great Hall.
"Hi Minnie! Hi Muriel!"
Hermione never ceased to surprise Tom. Last evening she was crying her eyes out and yet she was her cheerful self again this morning.
"Hermione, I really wanted to apologize for my behavior yesterday. Gosh, I can't believe I was so insensitive."
"It's okay Minnie, really. You were just looking out for me. I'm not going you hold it against you."
She meant every word. She thought about it in the morning and realized that, were the roles switched, she would probably do the same. It's not everyday you learn that your best friend is a homeless orphan.
The girls hugged and then they split to go to their respectable tables.
xxxXXXxxx
"Can we talk?"
Both Hermione and Tom raised their heads from the homework they were working on and they met Abraxas' gaze.
"I wanted to invite both of you to the summer ball at Malfoy Manor on the August 1st."
"Why?" the question was asked by Tom. There was no emotion in his voice and his gaze was calculating.
"I wanted to make up for what I did somehow and I figured that's the best I can offer. At first I wanted to buy both of you something but you would think I'm trying to bribe you. Will you consider my invitation at least? You don't have to answer straight away."
Tom was actually considering his words. Abraxas looked as genuine as Malfoys can get. At times he even looked anxious, like he was scared they would decline. The Ravenclaw didn't think the Slytherin was able to fake a body language so well. He met Hermione's eyes and gave her a barely noticeable nod.
"We'll consider it, Malfoy and we'll let you know before the school year ends."
"Thank you. I hope you'll give me a chance. I really am sorry for everything I did."
When he left the library, the pair started talking.
"Do you think he means it?"
Tom shrugged.
"I have no idea. Do you want to go to that ball?"
"I'm considering it, if only just to try and figure out Malfoy's intentions."
xxxXXXxxx
The rest of the school year passed by quickly. After they confirmed with Professor Dippet, that they would be allowed to leave the castle every now and then during their holidays stay, Tom and Hermione accepted Abraxas' invitation. They also made plans with Minerva, Muriel and Leo to meet few times during summer.
They watched their friends leave Hogwarts for the Hogsmeade Station and went to meet up with Professor Dippet who was supposed to give them one last talk before he left the castle as well.
Once they were on the second floor, they gave the gargoyles the password and they soon were seated in Headmaster's office.
"Now, I know that you've already talked about your stay with Professor Dumbledore, Miss Granger, but I wanted to talk to both of you either way.
First of all, there's been a little change. Originally you were supposed to stay in your dorms, but I figured that it would get a little lonely in there for the two of you, so you're going to spend the summer in the Heads' dorms. I'll show you the way, when we're done here.
Second thing is that I'm going to leave the Library open for the two of you, but the Restricted Section will remain closed. I know that both of you are highly intelligent but you're also young and some of the books in the Restricted Section have a way of influencing young and keen minds like yours, not always in the good way."
At this he glanced in Tom's direction with a solemn look on his face before he smiled again and continued.
"You are allowed to use magic but it has to be done in moderation. I don't fancy coming back to Hogwarts at the end of August just to find it burned down." The elderly wizard gave them a wink and continued with his speech.
"As Professor Dumbledore probably already told you, House Elves will bring your dishes to you, so you don't need to eat all alone in the Great Hall. They will also be available to you at any given time if you need their help. Just call 'Daisy' and she'll appear to take your request.
Last, but not least, you'll both get some pocket money for your expenses. I do realise that you're both still children and you deserve some entertainment during summer. Just please, don't spend it all in one place. Now. Do you have any questions?"
Hermione spoke first.
"Are we supposed to cover our second year equipment with the pocket money too?"
She actually hoped that the answer would be 'yes''. She felt bad about getting all that money from school ever since she got there. Of course she knew, that it would be hard for her otherwise as she was all alone in this time, but she still couldn't stop feeling guilty.
Unfortunately for her, the answer was 'no'. The Headmaster explained that he would visit them in the last week of August to take them to Diagon Alley and take care of their school expenses. She nodded her head and smiled but inside she felt like some thief.
When there was no more questions, they all exited the office and the pair let Professor Dippet lead the way to the Heads' dormitories. They were located on third floor, behind the painting of a young witch. The password was 'Sunlight'.
The common room was not as big as Ravenclaw Common Room but it was cozy with a fairly large fireplace on the opposite wall, a couch, two big armchairs and a coffee table in the middle. There was also a desk next to the wall on the left side, a large bookshelf next to it and a fluffy rug on the floor. There was a staircase on the right and that's where Professor Dippet led them next.
"Your belongings have already been relocated from your dorms. If I'm not mistaken, Miss Granger's room is the one on the right, while Mister Riddle's is on the left. I'll be taking my leave now. Enjoy your summer children and I'll see you in August."
They bid him goodbye and have seen him out, before making their way to explore the bookshelf.
"It's mostly Seventh Year level books." Hermione noticed. "They even have Moste Potente Potions. I've always thought that this book belongs in Restricted Section. What with the Inside-Out Potion and what not."
"Yeah. But then again it's not like Hogwarts Library always makes sense. There's a lot of books that shouldn't be there at all. Restricted Section or not."
They shared a smile and returned to scanning the titles. After a while each of them chose a book and they settled on the couch, both immersed in their book of choice. And so their holidays began.
xxxXXXxxx
The first two weeks of summer passed quickly. The pair was already done with their homework, Leo managed to visit them once and take the two of them to Diagon Alley for ice-cream and shopping. He talked Tom into purchasing a broom, while Hermione refused to even get close to the Quidditch shop.
While the boys seemingly lost themselves in Quidditch heaven. Hermione regarded Diagon Alley. She didn't get a chance to look around when they were visiting with Professor Dumbledore with all the craziness going on at the time, so this was her first chance to really compare this late 30s Diagon Alley to the one she visited with her parents all those months ago.
In all honesty it didn't look that much different. Most of the shops were the same. She was surprised to see young Fortesque when Leo decided to go for ice-cream, but then again she supposed she should've seen that coming, seeing how Fortesque of her time was in his eighties.
Another surprise was Madam Malkins or lack thereof. In its place was a shabby looking café called "Fumes". But that's pretty much all the differences she could spot.
Next visit was from Dumbledore who brought one of his friends along. Alastor Moody was a young man who couldn't even be in his thirties yet. He may have not been tall, but he was definitely handsome with his blonde hair, brown eyes and pointy nose.
Alastor explained that he was an Auror and that his job was catching the bad guys. Hermione and Tom quickly warmed up to the young wizard. He had a bit of sarcastic sense of humor but the pair of them quite liked that.
Dumbledore and Moody actually took Hermione and Tom to Beauxbaton to let them see the school. They met with the Headmistress there, Professor Lambert, who was happy to meet 'the brightest duo of their age'. She happily showed them around and the kids didn't even notice the absence of the two men who brought them here, as they were back before they finished the tour.
When the two of them weren't taking guests or leaving the castle, they were moving forward with their research. They were close to making each of the standard wards stronger and most effective, they just needed a book on spell making to make sure they were on the right track. They couldn't find any in the library so they decided to ask Dumbledore about it during his next visit.
Midway through July Muriel and Theo came to teach Tom and Hermione some Pureblood Ball etiquette to prepare them for their visit at Malfoy Manor. Luckily the pair of them was quick to remember all of the dos and don'ts and their friends deemed them ready.
"You know, if you don't reveal your last names, people may actually mistake you for Purebloods." Joked Leo.
"Do you have any dress robes? It's still early, we could go buy you something."
And so they did. They decided to go for elegant but not flashy. Hermione's robes were simple deep blue witches robes with a silver engravings on the hem while Tom's were emerald with a snake clippings. Leo accused Tom of stealing their house colors but Tom only poked him in the ribs in response.
xxxXXXxxx
Two weeks later found Tom and Hermione getting ready for the Ball. They were currently in their Common Room waiting for Professor Dumbledore who offered to escort them to the Manor. You could clearly see how anxious Hermione was about going to a Ball full of pureblood wizards. She kept gnawing at her lips and running her hands down her gown.
"Remember what we talked about Tom, don't""
"let your guard down. " He finished with her. "I know, 'Mione. It will be fine. Even if Abraxas is not genuine in his change of heart, he can't do us any harm while having guests."
Hermione sighed.
"I hope you're right."
She wanted to say something more, but the portrait hole opened, revealing Professor Dumbledore. It was show time.
xxxXXXxxx
Malfoy Manor was nothing like what they've ever seen. Professor Dumbledore apparated them right outside the iron gates which were massive and beautifully decorated. A house elf appeared to confirm they were invited and let them through, leading them towards the Manor.
It was late evening, sunset creating an orange hue that made the gardens all the more impressive. Every here and there a white peacock could be spotted between the perfectly trimmed rose bushes. Neither Tom nor Hermione talked while they followed the elf as instructed by their friends during their 'lesson'.
When they finally made it to the Manor they were greeted by entirety of Malfoy Family, with Abraxas standing between his parents. Lord Malfoy as the head of family spoke first.
"Miss Granger, Mister Riddle, thank you for coming, welcome to the Malfoy Manor. We are glad to have you here. We have heard a lot about you from our son, Abraxas."
"Thank you, Lord Malfoy, for your kind words and for having us." Answered Hermione while giving a small courtesy. Then she turned her head towards Abraxas' mother. "You have the most beautiful garden, Lady Malfoy."
"Thank you, Miss Granger. Now, Abraxas will take you two to the Ballroom."
Both Hermione and Tom gave her a polite nod and followed Abraxas deeper into the Manor.
"Abraxas? How is it that your parents are okay with us being here?" Asked Hermione as soon as they were out of earshot of the pair in question.
"We've talked. I can't say they were thrilled to have you here, but I think they're coming around now that they've actually met you. That was some really high class behavior back there."
"Did they expect us to act like some common uncultured Mudbloods?"
Since there was no venom in Hermione's voice, Abraxas let himself chuckle before answering.
"Basically, yeah"
The three of them actually grinned at each other before they entered the Ballroom. It was easily the size of the Hogwarts Great Hall, with round tables on each side of the room. Abraxas let them to one of the tables and got the chair for Hermione before sitting himself.
"Look. I wanted to talk to you about something." His pureblood mask fell and his face shown a bit of apprehension and anxiety. "I don't even know if you'll believe, but…"
"Just spit it out Malfoy" Tom cut in, which earned him a smack in the head from Hermione. "What was that for?"
"Just let him talk, would you?"
Tom nodded and gestured for Abraxas to continue.
"Um, yeah, so. I actually wanted to ask you a favor." Tom was opening his mouth to say something, but Hermione kicked his shin before he could and sent him a warning glance. "My Father wants me to get close to the both of you so I could potentially spy on Dumbledore for Grindelwald. He said it would ensure his standings in Grindelwald's ranks and secure the future of Malfoy family…" his voice trailed of and he seemed lost in thought so Hermione took it upon herself to get him back on track.
"But you don't want to do this, do you? I mean if you did, you wouldn't be telling us about it."
"You're right. I wasn't lying when I told Leo that I've changed. Or at least I'm getting there. I'm still not entirely over my prejudice, that's how I was raised and I doubt I'll ever stop being a prat, but I've seen first hand what Grindelwald's reign looks like. I don't want to be a part of that and I realized that if I were to follow in my Father's footsteps like I've done until now, that's exactly what would happen to me. And using you to get to Dumbledore? Spying on Dumbledore who's The greatest wizard since Merlin? We're just twelve for crying out loud."
He was positively shaking right now and Hermione has had enough common sense to cast a notice-me-not charm on the lot of them before Abraxas broke into tears. The young Ravenclaw witch carefully wrapped her arms around Abraxas in an attempt to calm him. He shuddered at first and went stiff but when Hermione started telling him it's alright, they understood and that they would help, he relaxed into her embrace.
Tom caught Hermione's eyes and the two of them seemed to have some sort of conversation, even though neither spoke a word, and Tom nodded his head. He wasn't going to trust Abraxas fully just yet, but seeing him so vulnerable after he went against his family, he decided to give the other boy a benefit of the doubt.
A/N First of all I'm super sorry about updating so rarely, my muse is really at odds with me lately. I hope you enjoy this chapter. Next chapter - we're starting year 2!