Authors Note: Wow, I was expecting more flames for that chapter! Thanks again for the good review! I know I haven't updates lately – actually, I almost stopped writing. But then I got a brain wave so I'm writing again! I guess I just had major writers block for this one story!
As you also know, I changed my penname to Opal Whisps of Fire, because Softwavesmaysplash was bothering me it won't happen again! Now, on with the story! So R&R please!
Disclaimer: I do not own any of these characters or any songs you may see throughout the story!
Opal Whisps of Fire Because of YouI don't stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I play on the safe side so I don't get hurt
Because of You
I find it hard to trust not only me but everyone around me
Because of You
I am Afraid…
Hermione sat quietly in the Great Hall, sipping her pumpkin juice absent-mindedly. She but into an unusually dry piece of toast, not noticing the flavor at all.
It was a week since Hermione had accidentally – no – stupidly revealed everything to Tom. No, not everything. But almost everything. The last week had gone anything but smoothly. For the first time, Hermione had not received a 100 on an essay, but had lowered her mark to a 73. She had raised her hand only once in class, and all the teachers were beginning to get worried over 'poor smart sick Hermione'.
But it was not only the fault of her argument with Tom that was making Hermione so depressed. But today was the day her parents had died only a year before at they mercy of Bellatrix Lestrange. Hermione growled softly. If only she could get Bellatrix back – but to do that she would have to kill Tom.
And did she want to kill Tom?
It was while she was reminiscing that the mud coloured barn owl swooped towards Hermione, dropping Hermione two letters, a small scroll and a rather large one. Prepared for the worst (or so she thought) Hermione unfolded the small parchment and began to read.
Dear Miss. Granger,
I received this letter from the time turner today while I was trying to improve it. The parchment just popped out. I read it only briefly, and although it has given me some clues to fix the time turner I am afraid that it also carries some bad news.
Best wishes for your sorrow.
Professor A.P.W.B.D.
Hermione reread the letter several times, before finally letting out a breath. What had happened from the future? Was this parchment from Dumbledore? Did she want to open it? What would it behold?
There was a second when Hermione was prepared to throw the notice in the fire, but she couldn't. She had to know what it read. What secrets it held.
Hermione slowly unraveled the parchment. She took a deep breath and began to read the words engraved into the paper.
Miss. Granger,
If this letter reaches the future, I shall be extremely content yet saddened at the same time. Yes, I know that is where you disappeared. So the first words I am going to write are: I hope that you accept my deepest apologies. This is my fault, an old man's mistake. I am trying to find a way to transport you back, as I hope my formal self in.
Yet now I am fulfilled with even more regrets. I wish not to tell you this, as this may weaken you, but it is to be said. Lord Voldemort has attacked again, most unmerciful. I would say as unmerciful as the murder of your parents, and if you receive this anywhere near their death anniversary I apologize completely.
Now, for the news I am trying to hold off. Voldemort has performed a monstrous attack. Three members of the Order of the Phoenix have been murdered in secret Order work. It is my greatest regret to inform you that they are Mr. And Mrs. Weasley, and Remus Lupin.
I am once again sorry that I have to convey this information. But I must ask you to not be too agonized, and begin to live in a world of dreams. As I have said to many a wondering men and women "it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live".
I am forced to stop writing now, and I hope you are doing well. I will try to assist you from my end of time.
Sincerely,
Professor A.P.W.B.DumbledoreHermione stared at the parchment, her eyes blurry. Mr. And Mrs. Weasley were dead. They had become her second parents when her own had died! And Remus! Her best teacher, and always a word of guidance when anything went wrong. Dead?
Could life get any darker?
Instantly, Hermione felt a rage of tears come to her eyes. She stuffed the papers into her pocket, and burst from the Great Hall, unaware of the many eyes watching her. Unaware of the pondering gray eyes from the Slytherin table.
Hermione ran, up some stairs, down some corridors, through a portrait, muttering various passwords. It was not until she reached the comfort of the Head Boy and Head Girl common room that she finally sat down in an armchair in a lonely corner, and began to sob violently.
As the time went by, Hermione sobbed, remembering her parents and her friends. What if by the time she returned, everybody was dead! Harry and Ron were her only friends left – except maybe the rest of the Weasleys! How were they thinking? Did they even remember Hermione, the one with no parents nor guardian parents!
So the hours went by, unknown to Hermione, who was still sitting in her chair. She could not continue with Dumbledore. She needed to go back home. She had thought that she had somebody here, but now there was nobody.
It was at that very moment that the portrait door opened. It took a moment for Hermione to realise who it obviously was – Tom Riddle. The cause of this whole mess. Or at least, his future was the problem. But he wasn't going to change at all. She had learned that a week ago.
Hermione expected Tom to head up the stairs to his dormitory, but instead, he headed over to Hermione's lonely chair.
"Hey." Muttered Tom sheepishly.
Angrily, Hermione wiped her red eyes and looked up into Tom's gray ones. "What do you want, Tom? 'Cause I'm really not in the bloody mood."
"Yeah, well that's kind of obviously." Replied Tom matter-a-factly. "Slughorn heard that something happened to you from Dumbledore, although he would not tell her what. Anyways, she sent your homework with me and told me to tell you that you can do it whenever you have the chance."
Tom nodded to a pile of books that lay on a small oaken coffee table beside her chair.
"Oh." Replied Hermione quietly; wishing her eyes weren't extremely wet and red. She rubbed them again with her sleeve.
"Well – I was just – well, if you don't want to tell me – then – well, I was wondering – what the hell happened?" Questioned Tom awkwardly.
Hermione considered the question for a moment, and decided to answer him truthfully – or at least almost entirely truth.
"My parents died a year ago exactly today. Then I somehow received this letter from 'my time' (indicating the future) stating that three people who had acted as parents to me had died. My parents' murderer also murdered them. I guess it just passed the line." Ended Hermione softly, praying that Tom would not ask THAT question.
"Wow. Umm – who?" Questioned Tom, obviously speaking of the murderer.
What was she supposed to say to him? You killed them all, and many more people that I love? How would he react? But tom would know if she was lying, he always seemed to know –
"I think you know, Tom." Answered Hermione softly, rubbing her eyes again.
Tom gazed back at her softly, and then realized what she was saying. He opened his mouth to retort but closed it quickly; obviously no known answer had come to him obviously.
"That's too bad." He ended up answering lamely.
"Yeah, it is, isn't it? A shame that someone could be so freaking disgusting!"
And with that Hermione stormed up to her dormitory, leaving a silenced Tom behind.
Authors Note: So, how did you like it? I guess it was sort of sad. I'm still not sure what to make happen to Tom Riddle! Please review and tell me if he should become more evil or good! I'll write again when I get around 5 or 10 reviews! Please R&R and tell me what you think!
Opal Whisps of Fire