QAN: Sorry it took so long to update...I'm gonna try really REALLY hard to update ASAP!!! And if you want me to e-mail you about updates, just review and leave me your e-mail

Ch. 3: Potential Partners

"Professor Dumbledore!!!" Harry, Hermione, and Ron shouted as they ran into the Great Hall.

Dumbledore smiled, "Questions?"

Hermione took the initiative, "Professor, are you sure it is safe for us to travel back in time where Voldemort is?"

Dumbledore smiled, "Yes...He has yet to gain all of his powers. He's in his sixth year, just like you three. Now, go join your fellow classmates, because we are about to leave."

The trio smiled in thanks and walked over to where other Gryffindors were standing.

Hermione squeezed Harry's hand in comfort, "You see Harry, nothing will happen to you."

Harry smiled in thanks and sighed, "I guess, but-"

"No buts, mate!" Ron interrupted. "We are going on a field trip where we will have no homework. Let's not have any worries!!!" Ron slung his arm around Harry's shoulders.

Hermione scoffed, "I don't see why we can't write a report on time travel-"

"HERMIONE!!!" Ron and Harry hushed her.

"Your attention, please" Professor McGonagall's voice bellowed. The room grew silent, waiting for the exciting adventure.

Dumbledore smiled before raising his hands and shouting, " TAKE NOS TERGUM IN VICIS QUINQUAGINTA-QUATTUOR ANNUS ABHINC!!!"

The Great Hall and its occupants were enveloped in a bright white flash.

~*~

Eager sixth year students waited the arrival from the future sixth years.

Headmaster Dippet looked at Dumbledore who nodded smiling. Dippet rose and faced the eager sixth years, "They will be arriving in five...four...three...two..."

The students shielded their eyes as a bright flash surrounded the room and numerous students looked around in amazement.

The professors from 1996 quickly strode up to the other professors and faced the sixth years.

Dippet smiled, "Welcome to the year 1942!!! Now, if you will all please find your seats, I will inform you all of your project is." He waited until everyone had settled down. "Now, your task for right now is to find a partner who is from the past/future AND is in another house and to get to know each other."

Groans echoed in the Great hall.

Dippet smiled at future-Dumbledore, "Glad to see things haven't changed."

Dumbledore laughed.

~*~

Tom snorted and pulled out his books and started to study.

Ryan laughed, "So, what house are you going to partner up with?"

Tom mumbled, "I'm not going to do this stupid assignment."

Ryan's smile faded quickly, "I don't think it's stupid. I mean, sure the whole partnering up with different houses is, but it's kind of fun-"

"No it's not." Tom stated.

Ryan shook his head, "Whatever Tom...I really don' t know how you go through your life pushing people away. You are going to wind up miserable and alone."

"Well, please let me get started and sod off!" Tom growled.

Ryan shook his head and walked off, leaving Tom alone with his books.

~*~

"I can't believe we have to have partners in different houses!" Ron whined.

"Cheer up, Ron. Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw are not that bad." Harry pointed out, while his eyes scanned the room for his potential partner.

"Whatever," Ron mumbled. "Any potential candidates, Hermione?"

Hermione didn't answer, her eyes stayed focused on a lone figure with dark brown, neat hair.

"Hermione?" Ron asked, again.

Hermione faced him, "What?"

"I asked you if you had anyone in mind yet." Ron repeated.

Hermione smiled, "Yeah, I think I do."

"Who?" Ron and Harry asked simultaneously.

Hermione pointed to the brooding figure.

Harry's eyes widened as recognition hit him full force. "HIM!?!?!?!"

Hermione looked at Harry confused, "Yeah, why not?"

Ron shrieked, "That's Voldemort!!!"

Hermione's eyes widened briefly, but returned to their regular size as she continued looking at him. She noticed that he was all by himself; everyone seemed to avoid the area that surrounded him. She didn't know why, but something inside told her that there was more to him. She raised her head and looked back at Harry and Ron, "So?"

"Have you gone bonkers, Hermione? That is Voldemort, remember? The one who tried killing Harry on numerous occasions and his main goal in life is to create hell on Earth?" Ron's voice grew frantic.

Harry clamped his hand on Ron's mouth to signal him to be quiet. "Even though he's a bit frantic, he's right Hermione. He may not have all his powers, but he still is powerful."

But Hermione's mind was made up. "I'm sorry guys, but something inside of me is telling me it's the right thing to do."

Harry tightened his hold on Ron's mouth when Ron was about to protest, "Alright, but just be careful. Come to us whenever you need help."

Hermione smiled, "Thanks guys."

She turned back towards the figure and took a deep breath, "Here goes nothing."

~*~

Feeling eyes upon him, Tom raised his head from the book he was reading and saw a funny looking redhead, a boy with glasses, and a pretty brown-haired girl arguing. He stifled a laugh as he watched their antics.

Tom sucked in his breath as he saw the brown-haired girl face him. No, she wasn't just pretty. She was beautiful, if the term could even describe her. He wanted nothing more than to run his fingers in those silky brown curls of her hair.

Tom caught himself staring and quickly looked back at his book. He couldn't be interested in a girl! He was Lord Voldemort...he was going to be the most feared wizard in the wizarding world.

But the thought quickly vanished as Tom lifted up his eyes and saw her approaching him.

Tbc.......?????

Hehehehe...I'm so evil when it comes to cliff-hangers.