Hey guys! Keep the reviews coming! Next update will be before August 21st hopefully. Also, do you guys think the story needs more environmental descriptions? i.e. who the other students are, what Dumbledore is up to, etc. or do you think its okay with its focus solely on these two characters? Lemme know! All suggestions/feedback is welcome.

Flashback of Chapter 6

Taking advantage of the situation, looking directly into his eyes, Hermione answered, "He was murdered by an evil wizard because of his beliefs."

That night, after the two had finished their project and said goodnight, Tom laid in his bed, arms behind his head and he reflected on Hermione's words in the Astronomy tower. So maybe he had been wrong when he assumed her life had been perfect. Clearly she had been exposed to some evils. But how was this possible? She was so happy and positive.

That night Tom fell asleep after an hour of fitful tossing and turning.

Chapter 7

Early the next morning Hermione could be found buried under a stack of books in the Library. Her hair was pulled back into a messy bun, as her eyes furiously scanned the text books for any information on Animagus training.

For years she had planned to become one but with the war with Voldemort she had placed all her efforts into aiding Harry in preparing. Now, finding herself with a plan that relied more on giving it time then rushing, she decided it was time she attempted it. Plus, she reasoned, it could help her in her goal of distracting Riddle from one possible fate.

Sighing unhappily, Hermione continued to scan through textbooks until she came across the book, "Animagus And Five Steps On How To Become One." Smiling, she turned to the appropriate page and read,

Animagus: A witch or wizard that can change into animal form. Anyone who wishes to accomplish this must registry with the Ministry according to the Animagus Act of 1932. If performed correctly, the potion should take three hours, while the charm work should take approximately a half hour.

Step one: Acquiring the below ingredients

Step two: Brewing the potion

Step three: Practicing the charms

Step four: Applying the charms

Step five: Practicing transfiguring to the animal you are, see the back of the book for the complete list of animals

Smiling, Hermione quickly wrote down on a piece of paper the complete list of potions and charms needed, before putting the books away.

Once classes began, she attempted to ban any thoughts of becoming an Animagus from her mind in an attempt to focus on her course work. For instance, in Transfiguration, Professor Dumbledore was introducing turning furniture into animals and back, resulting in a three page essay due next week. However, throughout the entire class she sat there, eyes staring off into space contemplating what animal she may transform into.

In fact she was so anxious to see what she would turn into that she could do nothing but sit there and tap her foot as she waited impatiently for the day to end.

After lunch, Hermione sat down at her usual spot in potions class, completely ignoring the presence of Tom who sat down shortly after.

Raising an eyebrow, Tom walked their paper up to Professor Peter's desk.

Professor Peters snarled as he watched students dilly dallying. "Well," he growled, "don't just stand there! There's a list of ingredients on the board: powdered moonstone and Syrup of hellebore. In case you have failed to figure it out, you will be brewing the Draught of Peace. The instructions are on page 64, get to work." With that, he sat down glaring as he watched the students' spring into action.

Hermione, glancing sideways at Tom to see if he was watching, and upon noticing he wasn't, walked toward the back of the classroom, slipping a firecracker into the nearest cauldron. Amidst the uproar and clatter that it caused Hermione was able to slip in the few ingredients that she required before slipping back into her seat.

Tom, upon noticing Hermione's actions merely raised his eyebrow again, storing this information away for later.

The class passed quickly and before she knew it, Hermione was on her way to Charms.

By the end of the day she was tired, but keen to start her Animagus project; she rushed back to her room and locked herself in for the next three hours to brew.

While waiting for it to simmer Hermione practiced quietly the charm chants that she was required to perform. Tired, and frustrated, she practiced for over an hour before she had perfected it.

Upon completion, she poured the liquid into a vial she had near by before downing it.

Biting down the urge to spit it out, for it tasted awful, she swallowed it.

Glancing down at the instructions she wrote out, Hermione stood in front of her mirror before performing the primary words to transfigure her into whatever animal she would be. Internally she hoped it would be something useful, although she had no idea what she might be. Ron had always joked that if she ever transformed she'd become a worm – laughing despite the cliché idea that it would be because she was such a bookworm. Rolling her eyes, she spoke the enchantment, "Animus Finius"

Five minutes later Hermione was frustrated and confused. Nothing had happened yet. Glancing at the book she bit her lip as she saw nothing there explaining why it was taking so long. Then, abruptly, before her eyes, Hermione watched as her facial figures painfully contorted and flashed black. Slowly her form started to shrink, and her nails became almost claw like.

Meanwhile, Tom was in his room completing his homework. However, upon the finishing of said homework, he sat in his chair, pen resting against his chin as he contemplated Hermione's strange behavior today.

Firstly, she said nothing –absolutely nothing, and gave no indication of his presence today, but simply sat there in potions class.

Furthermore, what was that about when she snuck off thinking no one was watching and stole some supplies? What ones did she steal, and why? What was she up to? It was driving him mad.

To add to the suspicion was the fact that she didn't show up to dinner but was in fact according to the portrait locked in her room since classes ended.

Rolling his eyes at himself, at the fact that he was wasting time thinking about the irksome Head Girl, he exited through the portrait hole, not planning on returning until curfew.

Inside the Head Girl's room, Hermione was ecstatic, for three reasons. One – the animal she turned into could be a huge advantage. Secondly, - Ron was wrong, thankfully. Thirdly, - it reminded her of her favourite professor.

Sighing happily, which to other ears may have sounded more like a purr, Hermione admired her feline form in front of the mirror. Starring back at her were the small black eyes of a short haired black cat.

After an hour or so Hermione had mastered walking in her new form, however she reflected it had felt immensely strange to her to rely on four legs rather than two.

Daring to test it out in the halls, Hermione transformed back into her human form until she was a safe distance from the outside of her portrait.

Glancing around cautiously, Hermione transformed. Prancing down the hallway, she adjusted to the onslaught of smell and different method of sight. Deciding that she wanted to head outside, she made her way through the halls, dodging feet and ghosts alike.

Purring as she reached the lake, she sat there, examining herself further for a while. However, solitude was not to be found, as three figures made their way toward a tree near by. Overwhelmed by curiosity, Hermione edged her way silently near. Recognizing one as Tom Riddle and the other two unidentified, she attempted to listen, but their voices were too quiet.

Hissing in shock, she watched as Tom Riddle's figure was knocked to the ground as the other two punched and kicked him. Waiting until the other two had left, she quickly changed into her human figure and made her way toward him.

"Tom? Tom! Are you okay?" she inquired worriedly, biting her lip.

Groaning, one of his eyes opened, the other was swollen shut.

Sneering, he answered, "Get away from me Mudblood. I don't need your help."

Rolling her eyes, despite the anger that welled up in her, she grabbed his arm and swung it over his shoulder, "Shut up, Riddle. Despite your wish to be the most hated man alive, you still need to be able to recognize defeat when you see it."

Their walk up to the Heads common room was a slow one, with Tom leaning heavily on her arm. As they neared the infirmary Tom made a move to stop, but Hermione pressed him forward. Too weak to question this curious girl's motives, he merely raised an eyebrow. Hermione smiled at him once his scrutiny had turned else where.

Muttering the password which Hermione had changed last week to "Peace" – despite Tom's protests, they headed toward Tom's rooms.

"Tom, say your password," she insisted.

Doing as she asked, making a note to change it later, she helped him onto his bed. Pulling out her wand, she murmured some charms to help de-swell Tom's eye and mend the cut.

Pausing for a moment, she then slowly while still maintaining eye contact with Tom unbuttoned his school blouse. Pulling it aside, she gasped as she saw the bruises which had started to form. Flicking back up to him, she asked, "Does it hurt?"

Tom flinched almost as if he had been struck, as he recognized the emotion heavily laden in her voice as worry. No one had ever worried about him or if he had been in any pain. He almost never got any injuries, and if he did he would normally heal them himself. However, this time the boys were more brutal than usual. Sighing he answered, "No." He raised his eyebrow as if challenging her to call him a liar.

Rolling her eyes and muttering, she began to lightly trace her wand over the bruises, muttering healing charms.

"Hmm… Tom, it looks as if you may have a broken rib or two. I'll have to brew you some Skele-grow. I'll be back in a little bit, but for now I've placed a numbing spell on your upper body. But don't move around or else it could cause more damage even if you don't feel it now. I'll be back in a half hour. Do you want anything before I go?" she asked.

Seeing him nod no, she headed to the library and rented out Medicinal Potions, before returning to her room. Thankful that all of the potion ingredients that were required for Skele-grow were already in her room from her previous endeavor which had left her with extras, she set about her task. Humming quietly to her self, she waited impatiently for it to turn the proper colour.

A half hour later she found herself sitting quietly on Tom's bed, instructing him that it would be painful yet undoubtedly helpful.

Gazing straight into her eyes as if to see if she was going to trick him, poison him or something, he entered her mind lightly.

He didn't get too far, only deep enough to realize that she was doing this out of genuine concern until he felt a force pushing him out of her mind. When he exited, he was not met with an angry face as one would have expected from a person who had just had their mind invaded, but with a sad disappointed look. Unsure of how to respond he remained silent as he watched the torrent of emotions pass across her face.

Internally, Hermione realized that he would attempt to invade her mind as a skilled Legillmence at one time or another, however, she did not think that when it did occur it would be a result of being unsure if she actually wanted to help him.

Sadly, she realized how lonely his life must be, paranoid of everyone, only trusting himself. For the first time in her life, she saw Lord Voldemort as the person he truly was, and inevitably, realized how he could have came to form the future she knew oh so well. More determined then ever, Hermione truly wanted to become his friend, and show him that life could hold some happiness, even for the people who have become hardened by life.

Stating clearly, she said, "I forgive you."

There was buzzing in his ears as he thought he heard those three words which he never thought he would hear. Angry at how easily he was losing his carefully constructed walls, he sneered as he said, "As if I need your forgiveness, Georgas."

"Right well, enjoy your night, Riddle, it will be an eventful one," she smirked. With that she tipped the vial into his mouth and watched as he struggled to maintain a clam façade. She knew from Harry that it was one of the most painful things to re-grow bones. Grimacing slightly, she sat there staring at him for a while until she was sure he would be fine.

"I'll be next door if you need me," she said softly as she exited.

Hermione was right, unfortunately, it was a painful, or "eventful" as she put it, evening, as he was met with another night of tossing and turning, mind and body alive.

Meanwhile, Hermione was sitting in her room writing a letter to Head Master Dippett.

That night, Hermione checked on Tom every other hour, getting very little sleep herself. However, by the early morning he was doing well, and as she sat on his bed, checking his temperature and asking him how he felt, she herself, also fell asleep in a chair, head resting on his bed.

When Tom awoke the next morning, he was somewhat surprised to see the black haired girl slouched over on the bed beside him. He thought amusingly that she was going to be grumpy today, as sleeping like that was bound to leave her with a crick in her neck. Sighing gratefully as he looked down at his stomach and saw his wounds were completely healed, he got up slowly as to not wake her up, ran a hand through his now sweaty hair and wandered into the bathroom to take a shower.

Hermione woke two hours later. Groaning, she rubbed her neck, as she felt the crick in her neck Tom predicted. Finally opening her eyes, she grumbled as she saw Tom standing in the doorway of his room, smirking.

"Have a good sleep, Georgas?" he asked.

Cursing to herself she replied, "Probably just as nice as yours."

Letting a gentle smile flitter across his face, he frowned a moment before quietly whispering, "Thankyou… Hermione, for healing me."

Shocked, her eyes flew up to his face, trying to see if for once he was sincere. Judging that he was, a full fledged smile grew on her face.

"Anytime, Tom," she said warmly. Then, as if realizing that she hadn't asked yet, she inquired, "Um, Tom? Why were you injured in the first place?"

His face closed off abruptly. Immediately Hermione regretted asking, realizing that she had taken one step forward, but two steps backwards.

"I'm sorry. I always do this. No wonder why my friends used to call me a nosy bossy little know it all," she said sadly.

Sighing, Tom said, "I suppose since you healed me you have a right to at least inquire… I'm just not used to people… caring enough to ask." At this, he looked at her uncertainly.

Smiling slightly, she said sternly, "Well get used to it, Riddle, because believe it or not I care. I wish you'd let me be your friend." With that, she silently walked out of his room, leaving him to his thoughts.

Muttering, he quietly said, "Maybe one day… Hermione."

Hermione realized one morning that she had been in the past for a whole month. Sighing half heartedly, she gathered her books to go to her first period class. She had a long day ahead of her what with having a prefect meeting later on after dinner.

Walking down the hall she saw Basil Weasley, and unlike last time, she waved a small hello to him before entering the charms classroom. By the time lunch time had arrived she was exhausted both physically and mentally. Filling her cup up with coffee from the kitchens, she made her way over to Head Master Dippett's office, as his letter had requested.

"Hello Head Master," she said pleasantly.

"Why hello Ms. Georgas, and how has your stay been so far?" he inquired tiredly.

"Quite well, however, it has come to my attention that the Head Boy is unable to visit Hogsmead due to a lack of guardian. Thus, I was wondering if you, as the Head Master, would give him permission as he is now a respectable seventh year and one might I add that you deemed responsible enough to manage school activities, etc. Furthermore, I believe it would be beneficial if he was able to go to Hogsmead as it would take a lot of stress off my shoulders when I need to buy things for our school based events. In addition…" she paused as the Head Master interrupted.

"Slow down there, girl! I see you have well supported arguments; it would make the year run more smoothly if the Head Boy was able to fulfill his duties fully. Moreover, there is no one more trusting and responsible than our Tom Riddle," he stated.

At this point Hermione resisted the urge to snort at how naïve the Head Master was.

Gazing deeply into her eyes, he then smiled as he said, "Therefore, I see that there is no problem with your request," pausing, he wrote this down on a piece of parchment, "Give this to Professor Peters who is his head of house, and the deal will be sealed. Now go, I'm a busy man."

Impatiently he waved her out of his office. Smiling brightly, she almost skipped quickly to Professor Peters dungeons. When she arrived, he was sitting behind his desk in his empty class room, presumably marking papers.

Knocking, she entered and firmly said, "Professor Peters? Head Master Dippett has sent me down here with a letter of permission for the Head Boy Tom Riddle to be allowed on all future Hogsmead visits."

Sneering, he replied, "Very well. If that is all… I believe you know where the door is?"

Resisting the urge to roll her eyes, she placed the parchment on the edge of his desk and walked back to the heads common room, eager to tell Tom. Knowing from the Professor Dumbledore of her time that he had never in his years gone to Hogsmead during his stay at Hogwarts, she was sure this would come as a pleasant surprise.

"Tom!" she called out.

"Tom!"

"You called, Georgas?" he drawled.

Smirking, she answered, "Indeed I did. Which, by the way, you'll be thankful I did. Guess who just got you permission to visit Hogsmead? That's right. Me! This means you can finally assist me in picking up the supplies for our ball on Halloween and not leave me to carry it all back."

Tom stood there, frozen. He repeated the parts which he had heard most clearly; permission…. Hogsmead. How could this be possible? He had tried almost every year since year three, and had finally been forced to give up after his fifth year. Looking at Georgas in wonder, he felt he could almost kiss her, - figuratively of course. Why would she have done this for him, he asked himself in wonderment? Oh yes, that's right, he recalled frowning, "you can finally assist me in picking up the supplies for our ball…" But still! She had gone to Head Master Dippett, even though she didn't have to, and had finally persuaded that daft old man to let him go when she could have requested one of the other prefects to assist her.

Giving her a rare smile, he said, "Thank you," before turning on his heel, gathering his books and entering his room.

Rolling her eyes at his strange behavior, but feeling oddly gratified that she had caused him to smile; she hummed to herself as she too, entered her room to gather her books for her next class as she realized she was running late.

The next two weeks passed quickly for Hermione, as she was busy making sure the prefects followed the instructions and ordering supplies in Hogsmead. By the time she had a moments rest, she realized that she had rarely seen Tom at all these last few days. Oddly, she reflected that she kind of missed their banter.

She was on her way to the front hall to wait for Tom, as it was finally the Hogsmead trip. Punctual as always, Tom strolled into the front hall exactly on time.

"Ready to go?" she inquired.

Nodding, he kept walking. Grumbling about long legs, she jogged a little to catch up, saying shortly, "The whole point of going together is to actually walk together."

Glancing down at her, he looked surprised, "I guess I was just excited," he said, shrugging his shoulders.

Smiling gently, she nodded to show that she accepted his… apology. The two then got into the carriage awaiting them.

Upon arriving in the town of Hogsmead, Hermione took charge.

"Alright Tom, so we have a lot to do, but at the same time I realize this is the first time you've been here. So, I've decided we should make a compromise. So how about we spend the morning intensely shopping for supplies that have come in, and the afternoon we can visit shops you want to see?" she looked up to see his reaction.

Trying to hide a smile, she watched as he tried to contain his eagerness to explore.

"Sounds good to me, Georgas," he replied.

Frowning slightly, she asked hesitantly, "Can't you by now call me Hermione? That is my name you know."

His brows then furrowed together as well, as he contemplated if this was letting his guard down too much. Sighing, knowing he was getting weak, he acquiesced, "Fine, Hermione, - the plan sounds fine."

Smiling again, she hooked arms with the stiff boy, and led him toward a store that wasn't in her time called Madam Pittsfield's Supply Store which currently sold things they would need for decorations for festive occasions. Upon entering they were assaulted by various smells and tastes, most of which Hermione was dying to try.

"Wonderful," she muttered happily.

Tom on the other hand, eyed the store wearily, "Let's just get this done, shall we?"

Giving him a look to let him know she would not be pushed around, she went to find the store lady. With that, one hour later, and 5 bags heavier, the pair walked out of the store, and made their way to Lilipier's Dress Costume for Every Occasion. Tom raised his eyebrows questioningly.

Turning around to face him fully, she for the first time looked completely unsure of herself.

She opened her mouth to ask him something she was sure she would regret, when all of a sudden Ross Cooper raced into her view.

Heaving, slightly out of breath, he spoke quickly, "Hello Hermione, I was just looking for you. Listen, I know its last minute, but will you go to the Halloween ball with me?"

Her mouth fell open, and although she wouldn't admit it, her stomach twisted in dreadful knots. She had meant to ask Tom to go with her right before he came thinking it might be a prime opportunity to get to know a different side of him. Sighing, she glanced hesitantly toward Tom to see if this affected him at all. Internally grumbling, she noticed that he was staring far off with a cold collected look on his face.

Sighing, she replied with a forced smile, "Sure, Ross, I'll go with you."

At that, Ross's face broke out into a huge smile, before he said, "Thanks" and raced back off into the distance.

For the rest of the morning Tom was distant, Hermione noted. She wasn't sure if this was because he was getting impatient or was angry at her for doing something. Shrugging her shoulders and accounting it down to his typical cold-hot mood swings, she plunged on, until it was time for lunch.

When they finally sat down, Hermione was able to take in her surroundings. HogsHead looked relatively the same, except the owner was, of course, much younger and under the tutelage of presumably his father. Both teenagers sat quietly for a while in their secluded booth, sipping on their butterbeer until Tom broke the silence.

"So what stores are there that are a "must see,"" he asked impishly.

Hermione's face immediately lit up as she grinned back.

Reigning in, she realized that she would have to explain how she knew so much about the town.

"Well, last time I was here with my friend from my old school, they said Zonkos, and I'll have to agree, as well as HoneyDukes. So as soon as were done eating we should head over there. Oh, plus, if your into Quidditch there is a store here that sells everything."

Internally she prayed that he wasn't one of those obsessive Quidditch freaks, thinking fondly of Ron and Harry. She had realized that as time grew it became less painful to think of them.

Shaking her head she brought her head back to the present.

As their meals landed in front of them, Tom responded coolly, "I'm not a fan of Quidditch, never have been. I don't exactly like heights either."

Smiling broadly, Hermione told him she expressed the same sentiments. From there, the two actively conversed as they ate, until they paid and made their way to Zonkos.

Quietly, the two wandered around the store. Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione spotted Tom curiously examining different prankster objects. Humming to herself, Hermione picked out a few sugar quills before waiting patiently for Tom to finish. Once he too had paid for his items, they made their way to Honey Dukes. Joyously, the two sampled the various flavours of chocolate. Although, Hermione later reflected that she missed the newer flavors from her time.

The time flew by and before they knew it, it was time for them to go back to the castle. Gathering in the large crowd of students waiting to go back, they got into a carriage. The ride back was fairly silent, nonetheless, Hermione was almost positive that had Riddle been any other boy, he would have had a broad smile on his face, but because he had survived so long covering his emotions, she would only be able to tell that he had had a good day by the twinkle – somewhat like Professor Dumbledore's, in his eyes. The walk back was quiet as well, but just as Hermione was opening her door to her room, she heard a quiet, "Thank you again Hermione, it meant a lot," before she also heard a click of his door signaling he was gone.

Man that was long…. I'll try and make the other chapters roughly around this size too if you like.

Hope you enjoy it! Give me some constructive feed back please! 

Thanks!