CHAPTER 12

{This last chapter! :) Hope you enjoy it.}

The next day dawned as bright and cheery as could be and Hermione resented it. How everyone be so happy and carefree when she was so anxious? She was still waging war with her logical side. To tell him or not to tell him?

She doubted that Tom would take it as well as he took the fact that she slipped him the Hate potion. In fact, she was positive he would not like it at all. Tom hates not knowing things. That's one thing that makes them so alike.

All morning, Tom was shut up with Dumbledore in his office, talking about who knows what. What's taking them so long? She needed to talk to Tom as soon as possible.

TOM

"Tom" Dumbledore said, nodding his head as the tall boy appeared in the doorway.

"Professor Dumbledore"

"I believe we have a few things that need to be straightened out."

"Of course," Tom said tonelessly. He was suspicious of the old man. The only time he ever sought out private conversation was when he was subtly accusing Tom of a crime.

"I have modified all of your friends' memories. No one remembers anything about your secret organization, the Knights of Walpurgis."

Tom was surprised and relieved all at once. He wouldn't have to answer to Malfoy anymore. He was free to do whatever he wanted.

Once he recovered from his initial shock, Tom became suspicious.

"And why did you do that, sir?"

"I spoke to Miss Evans about the situation. We agreed that this was best. Was she right in assuming that you have been forced to take credit for all of Mr. Malfoy's crimes?'

"Yes, sir"

"Then I am sorry to have accused you, Tom"

Professor Dumbledore continued to talk about the changes modifying the Knights memories would make and how Tom must be careful not to mention anything about their secret meetings. If he did, the reference might shatter the shield Dumbledore put up around those memories.

"Now, Tom, we must talk about you."

"What about me, sir?"

"Excuse me. I must be more specific. You and Miss Evans. She told me about the Hate Potion and how she administered it to you. I imagine it must have come as quite a shock."

"I figured out what was happening to me a few days ago, and put two and two together. Hermione was the only one who could've slipped me something."

Dumbledore's eyes widened in surprise.

"You are not furious for her meddling?"

"At first I was, but I thought about it. My life is a lot better than it was before. I have Hermione to thank for that" Why was he being to open to Dumbledore? This new emotion is going to take some getting used to.

"I am glad to hear that Tom. Miss Evans only ever had your best interest in mind. She cares quite a deal for you. That is something not many people have"

"I understand, sir"

"Good. And now we shall end this meeting. I'm sure you would like to speak to Miss Evans at length." He gave him a piercing stare, emphasizing his words. Tom nodded.

"Take care of her, Tom. She has been through a lot because of you." Tom felt like these words held a double meaning, but decided to not comment on it. He had a feeling Dumbledore wasn't just talking about the Knight of Walpurgis.

"Yes, sir" Tom said seriously. He intended to never let Hermione go again. Nothing will ever hurt her.

HERMIONE

Hermione got up from the floor when the door finally opened to Dumbledore's office. Tom's stepped out into the corridor and spotted Hermione.

"Tom, we need to talk," Hermione winced. The words sounded so cliché, but it was true. They did have a lot to talk about. It was now or never.

"Yes, we do," he said, his face blank. It didn't bother her like before. She knew him better now. Hermione had noticed he only reverted to this expression around when he was thinking.

"Outside? This might take a while"

Tom nodded.

They walked outside and sat down the very same beech tree Hermione had spent so many lazy days under with Ron and Harry. The thought of them enforced Hermione's decision. If this relationship was going to work, they needed to be truthful with each other.

If it didn't, then she will just have to think of a way to fix the mess she made of the past.

Hermione bit her lip, thinking how to start the conversation.

"What is it, Hermione?" Tom was staring at her now, noticing her agitation. Was she that easy to read?

"Tom, I haven't been entirely truthful," she said quietly

"About what?"

She sighed. How should she put this? "I'm not Hermione Evans," she said in one breath.

"What?" Tom said through narrowed eyes.

"I'm Hermione Granger. And…I…I was born on September 19, 1979" She looked him straight on as she said this.

Tom had placed his mask back on his face; Hermione couldn't see how he was reacting.

"You're from the future?" He said slowly, seriously.

Hermione nodded cautiously.

"Why didn't you tell me?"

"I…I couldn't," she said in a small voice.

His eyes flashed. "Couldn't?"

"I'm not even supposed to be telling you now."

"Why? Why were you sent here?" he said dangerously. He was looking down so Hermione couldn't see his face. This was not good.

"I…can't, " she said in an even smaller voice.

Tom got up and turned his back on her.

"Tom," she pleaded "Please, don't leave"

"I need to think," he said without looking at Hermione. By now, Hermione was close to tears. Why did she have to open her big mouth?

He strode away to the castle and left Hermione under the beech tree.

That was stupid, Hermione.

TOM

Hermione Evans – no, Granger – was from the future. Hermione Granger was from the future. He stalked toward the library and sat down in an alcove.

His mind was reeling. How could she have kept something like this from him? He was angry; angry she didn't tell him. He loathed not knowing things. This changes everything.

"No, it doesn't" said an annoying voice that Tom had gained in the last 12 hours, a side effect of love.

Yes, it does, he told himself

No, it doesn't. She's still the same Hermione. If it were you, you would have done the same. You might not even have had the guts to tell her.

Even the angry Tom, had to agree with that. He probably would have been too cowardly to tell Hermione. She was handing him weapons to hurt her with knowingly. She trusted him that much? The image of Hermione's tear stained face in the Room of Requirement swam into focus. He would never let something like happen to her again.

You love her, said the voice.

This time Tom agreed. He did love her.

HERMIONE

Hermione close the door to Dumbledore's office carrying a heavy stone basin. A few minutes after Tom had left, Hermione had gone to Dumbledore with a plan.

What she was about could have disastrous affects, but Dumbledore seemed to think it was a worthwhile idea. And Dumbledore was usually right about these things.

In the common room, Hermione sat down at a table and pulled out a piece of parchment and shakily wrote:

Tom,

Come to the common room. Hopefully, you don't hate me for what I told you earlier and hopefully when you come, you'll understand why.

Hermione.

She waved her wand over the parchment and the folded paper disappeared with a flash of flame. The same piece of parchment appeared in an alcove across the castle.

Tom opened the note and stood up immediately, setting course for the Head common room.

Hermione was sitting on the couch in front of the fire, staring into the flames. There was a stone basin sitting in front of her with runes around the edge. She turned to look at him when he entered the room, her face pale.

"Over here," she said quietly, patting the spot beside her.

Silently, Tom obeyed.

"I'm going to show you why," Hermione whispered and took his hand. She slid off the couch and kneeled by the basin. Tom did the same.

"Put your face in the basin," she said. Tom looked down into the silvery substance, not quite liquid, not quite gas.

He looked up at her nervous face. Finally, he leaned in and felt his feet leaving the ground. He landed in what looked like a Quidditch Pitch, Hermione right beside him. Where the field would normally be, was a huge maze. He looked around and could see Hogwarts in the distance. The crowd was screaming and cheering wildly. Next to him, he could see a slightly younger Hermione with a tall red haired boy. This younger Hermione was extremely anxious and kept twisting her Gryffindor scarf in his hands. Tom looked toward his Hermione and could see her staring at him silently.

"Any minute now, down there." She pointed toward the opening of the maze.

Suddenly, there appeared a dark, bespectacled boy with untidy hair; clutching what a body. The Hermione next to him was the first to scream when the dark haired boy appeared, realized what no one else did. The boy was clutching a dead body.

"Harry!" the young Hermione screamed, "Harry!"

A much older looking Dumbledore, hurried over to the boy and turned him over. Yet, he refused to let go of the dead boy. The words dead and Cedric Diggory were screamed as the crowd realized what had happened. Tom looked over at his Hermione and saw tears making tracks down her face.

The memory changed. They were sitting the in Great Hall, decorated with black drapes. Dumbledore was at the front of the room, making a speech. Everyone looked solemn and mournful. Many girls were crying silently.

"Cedric Diggory was murdered by Lord Voldemort." Whispers traveled throughout the crowd.

"It is my belief, however, that the truth is generally preferable to lies, and that any attempt to pretend that Cedric died as the result of an accident, or some sort of blunder of his own is an insult to his memory" (GOF 722)

Hermione took his hand as the memory changed again.

They were in the midst of a battle. Curses flying everywhere. Hermione was fighting a masked, cloaked man. She was winning. Suddenly a man in billowing robes, swooped through the duels leading a pale, blonde boy. The cloaked man and a few others followed as they fled through the castle.

The red haired boy ran up to the younger Hermione.

"Are you alright?" he said

"Yes," she said shakily "Where's Harry?"

"I dunno."

"We have to find him!"

"Hermione, McGonagall said to get to the Hospital Wing. I'm sure he's fine. He's with Dumbledore."

The memory changed.

This time they were in a tent of sorts. The red haired boy and Harry were lounging about the tent while Hermione was sitting in an armchair studying a book written in ancient runes.

"So what's the next horcrux?" the redhead said brightly.

Harry sighed.

"Ron, I told you. The locket, ring, and the diary are destroyed. All that's left is the snake, the cup, and something of Gryffindor's or Ravenclaw." He ticked them off on his fingers.

"So where would they be?"

The boy sighed. It seemed like this conversation had been repeated many times.

"The snake is with Voldemort. But as for the other two, I don't know. Tom Riddle could have hidden them anywhere."

Tom's blood ran cold. Why were they talking about him? Hermione looked at him and squeezed his hand.

"Wait," she said, "I'll explain after this last memory."

"But…" he started to say but the memory changed again.

They were back at Hogwarts; another battle was raging.

Hermione and two other girls were fighting a dark, heavily lidded woman. The woman threw a killing curse at the red head and another red haired woman ran towards her throwing her cloak off as she went.

"OUT OF MY WAY!" she screamed and proceeded to duel Hermione's previous opponent.

Finally, the woman threw a curse that hit her directly in the chest. The dark woman froze and toppled to the ground, dead. Someone screamed.

A pale, snakelike evil looking man raised his wand at the woman but someone yelled "Protego!"

Harry had appeared out of nowhere and stood facing the snake.

They taunted each other, Tom payed attention closely to their story.

"I'm going to stop you from ever hurting anyone again, Tom Riddle." Harry said and the snake sneered.

Tom's heart jumped to his throat. Surely he can't have turned into that monster? He looked towards Hermione,she was looking at him with tears in her eyes.

"I can't watch this. Let's go," she said. Tom nodded. He needed answers. Now.

They appeared back in the Head Common room. The place was very peaceful and serene compared to what Tom had just seen. The quiet seemed to mock him.

"Did.." he tried. "Did I turn into that?"

Hermione nodded slowly. "Lord Voldemort."

"He's a monster. What did he do?"

"He gathered an army, he wanted to take over the Wizarding World to elimanate all Muggle borns from the 'true' wizards. He believed that muggleborns stole magic from purebloods. He grew stronger and stronger. People were so terrified of him; they wouldn't even speak his name. Finally, all the tension spilled over into a final battle. At Hogwarts. Harry faced him like you saw in the pensieve, but it didn't work out like he hoped. Both Voldemort and Harry were killed" she said seriously, tears pooling in her eyes. "After the Death Eaters saw their leader was dead, they killed everyone in sight. No one was left, except me and Dumbledore," she croaked.

She breathed deeply, trying to control her emotions.

"The Wizarding World was devastated. We had to do something, so Dumbledore sent me to the past."

"To change me?"

"No, to find the good in you, Tom, " she corrected softly "Dumbledore was sure we could save you…And he was right. You are good, Tom"

"Then how did I turn into that creature?" he said sharply.

"You couldn't love," she said simply. "Voldemort became obsessed with immortality. He split his soul into seven. He became less than human." Hermione took his hand in both of hers.

"You will never turn into that, Tom Riddle. I am sure of it. Not you. I won't let you…not when I love you," she said softly.

Tom looked up into her face. Hermione was guarded, she watched to see his reaction.

He leaned closer to Hermione and pressed his lips softly against hers. "I think... I love you too, Hermione. I can never tell you how glad I am that you came and meddled in my life. Thank you." Tom pulled her into his arms. "Thank you for not letting me turn into that," he whispered.

EPILOGUE

September 1, 1991

"Mum, slow down! The twins are going to get on the train with plenty of time to spare," Rose said. The young had curly, black hair and brown eyes, a mix of both her parents. They navigated through the crowds of King's Cross Station toward platform nine and three quarters.

"Yes, I know. But it's better to be safe," said the older woman impatiently. She looked just like her daughter except she had grey running through her brown curls.

"Hermione, calm down," said her husband with his soothing voice. He placed his arm around her shoulders and leaned closer.

"I'm sure Harry and Ron will still be there if you are a few seconds later than you expected," he whispered in her ear.

Hermione sighed and slowed her pace. "I know, Tom," she said "It's just I've waited 48 years to see them again"

Tom kissed her on the cheek. " I understand"

They arrived at the platform.

"All right, Margaret, we'll go first together," Tom said to his granddaughter. He took the luggage cart and they rushed toward the wall and vanished from sight.

" And I'll go with Oliver. Rose, you and William can follow," Hermione said.

"Come on, let's take it at a run," she said. She looked toward the boy. He nodded but still looked nervous at the prospect of running at a seemingly solid wall.

They appeared on the other side of the barrier, Rose and William right behind them. The Hogwarts Express was spewing steam onto the platform where children and their families were saying their goodbye's.

"Alright, you two, why do you and your parents find a compartment?" Tom said. Their family walked away and Hermione turned to her husband.

"Have you found them?"

"Not yet, let's walk a bit closer" he took Hermione's hand.

"There," she practically screamed.

Close to the train, stood the Potters. Harry was standing, listening to his mother's speech about proper behavior.

"And absolutely no night time wandering," the woman said sternly.

"Yes, mum," Harry said.

Lily was soon distracted by an acquaintance and James took his chance.

He kneeled down in front of his son and placed a hand on his shoulder.

"The first time you get caught by Filtch, I want you to look inside his confiscated goods cabinet for a blank sheet of parchment. I think you will find it useful," he said with a wink. "And Remember these words I solemly swear that I'm up to no good."

"What?" Harry said confused.

"Trust me. It's a gift from Sirius, Remus, and Me. Write when you get it, but don't tell your mum. She'll skin me alive," James said

Harry laughed and hugged his father.

Close by, Hermione was crying silently, watching the scene. Harry has his family. That's the way it's supposed to be.

She tore her eyes away from the father and son as she spotted a family all with flaming red hair.

"Ron, dear, just let me get the dirt off your nose," said Mrs. Weasley as she leaned toward her son with a handkerchief.

"Mum, I want see Harry!" Ron complained

"Just a moment, and then you can go talk to him." Ron allowed his mother to attack his nose and went off to talk to his friend.

Mrs. Weasley spotted Hermione watching and smiled at her.

"Are you alright?" she asked kindly

"Oh, yes" said Hermione wiping the tears from her cheeks "You have a wonderful family," she said and Tom squeezed her hand.

"Thank you," Mrs. Weasley smiled. "I'm Molly Weasley"

Hermione shook her hand.

"I'm Hermione Riddle and this is my husband Tom"

Mrs. Weasley eyes widened in recognition.

"I'm very pleased to meet you," she said. "My husband greatly appreciates your work in Muggle Relations, Mrs. Riddle"

"Tell him I said Thank you. We should meet over tea sometime, to discuss it more."

"Why, that would be lovely." Mrs. Weasley said surprised.

"What day would be good, dear?" Hermione asked Tom.

"How about Saturday?"

"Wonderful," Hermione clapped her hands. "I'll send you an owl with the address later today. It was wonderful meeting you Mrs. Weasley. I look forward to talking with you," she smiled.

Hermione was so happy; she was going to talk to the Weasley's again! They were like family.

Tom placed an arm around her again and led her towards their family where Rose and William were speaking with the Potters. The children were already safely on the train.

"Hello," Tom said.

"Hello, sir , I'm James Potter," James leaned over to shake his hand.

"Tom Riddle and this is my wife, Hermione," Tom replied. Hermione was shaking slightly and he put his arm around her again.

"We were just talking about the children, Mum," said Rose

"Yes?"

"The Potters have a child the same age, Harry"

"Oh, really. How wonderful."

"They already have it in their mind that they aren't going to be in Slytherin," William laughed.

Tom frowned. "There's nothing wrong with Slytherin."

"Yes, dear," Hermione laughed

The whistle blew announcing the train's departure. Children were leaning out the compartment windows to wave goodbye.

Olive, Margaret, Ron, and Harry leaned out of the closest one to say goodbye. Lily and Mrs. Weasley kissed their sons goodbye and the train began to move.

Hermione felt tears in her eyes as the train rounded the bend, out of sight.

"No, matter what," she said to her husband. "I'm glad I came to you. I am so glad I found good in you, Tom Riddle"

Hermione was crying freely now. He wiped the tears away

"I'm glad you came too," he said and kissed her.

{That's it! Hope you enjoyed Tom and Hermione's story. It was fun to write and hear your wonderful reviews}