World War II seemed to be getting worse rather than better and the same could be said of the Wizarding War. Gellert Grindelwald and his Acolytes were growing stronger and more violent. Gellert Grindelwald's face seemed to be on every copy of the Daily Prophet, as there were constant reports on his activity and the atrocities committed by his Acolytes. The dreaded black letters were streaming in by the dozen, causing sorrow to all who received them as they learned of their loved ones murder.

A somber mood had fallen over Hogwarts, and Hermione felt as though she was back where she had initially started. Though, she had to admit it wasn't as bad as in 1997. Classes were still ongoing and no one was confined to their dorms. Probably because, unlike Voldemort, Grindelwald wasn't directly targeting Hogwarts.

They were safe… and even more so in hers and Tom's case, as they lived with at least one of Grindelwald's supporters…

There had been a few times in which Mr. Malfoy had rushed out of the house on the excuse that he had been called away on urgent business, not returning until late at night. She didn't know where he stood within the ranks, but she was certain that his urgent business somehow involved Grindelwald. For all she knew, he could be one of the ones killing all those muggles.

The thought of living with such a man made her positively ill at ease.

Still, she didn't have definite proof of that, so she did her best to stay out of his way and appear oblivious.

Just like in her original fifth year, the teachers were starting to pile an increasing amount of homework on the students. Headmaster Dippet had already announced that all fifth year students would be taking their O.W.L.s sometime in June. He didn't give a specific date, but she presumed he did so purposefully in hopes of motivating them to be ready.

"Today we will be making a Draught of Peace, but first I want to discuss the future," Slughorn began his lesson.

A Hufflepuff boy in the back of the classroom raised his hand. "But sir, isn't that what Divination is for?"

Slughorn let out a jolly chuckle as he shook his head. "Not necessarily, Mr. Manson. I am referring to each and everyone of yours futures. With the upcoming O.W.L.s, it is vital for you to consider what you want to be in the future, and which subjects you need to pass in order to qualify."

As Slughorn went into a long winded discussion, bragging about all the famous witches and wizards he had taught over the years, Hermione couldn't help but contemplate the matter.

What did she want to be in the future? She had always wanted to make a difference in the world, but she was technically already doing that. Sadly, she didn't get paid for traveling back in time to save the world, which meant that she would have to find an alternate way to support herself. Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy's generosity would only last so long. She was pretty sure they would kick her out as soon as she graduated, or once they found out that she had no intention of joining Grindelwald.

The world was literally at her fingertips, for she knew that she could probably do anything if she set her mind to it. Joining the ministry was an option. Merlin knew the entire system needed a major overhaul. Though she wasn't entirely sure if she wanted to be the one to clean up that mess. It sounded like a headache and a half.

She could come back to Hogwarts and become a teacher, following in her grandfather's footsteps. Perhaps she could convince Headmaster Dippet to hire her as a replacement for Professor Binns. That would be a tremendous favor to all students, as she was sure that she could make the class more exciting.

"Now, I want the rest of you to discuss this amongst yourself while I go and fetch a last minute ingredient I forgot for our lesson."

No sooner had Slughorn left the room, then the entire classroom erupted with chatter, though not all were discussing what he had asked them to. Rolling her eyes at them, she turned to her group of friends, who were all sitting within a somewhat close proximity. Cygnus, who had purposefully chosen to sit in the back of the classroom to avoid Druella, had to switch desks with Bobby Thorne to join in the discussion.

"Well, I already know what I'm going to do after Hogwarts," Abraxas claimed. "I'll be taking over the family estate, as well as all our investments and our winery in Paris. Of course, I won't be officially in charge until my father passes, but that shouldn't take too long."

There was something about the way he said that last bit that made her uneasy. Did he know something that she didn't? Was Mr. Malfoy sick or something? Or maybe he was plotting something sinister against his father? Sure, the two of them weren't the closest, and Mr. Malfoy rarely ever seemed to pay any attention to him, but did he really hate his father enough to want to kill him?

"I suppose I'll be forced to follow in my father's footsteps and join the ministry. Alphard's already made it quite clear that he has no intention of doing so, meaning that the burden falls to me," Cygnus said with a sigh.

Alphard had graduated at the end of the last school year, but he had been one of the rare few members of the Black Family that she actually was quite fond of. He was serious, focusing more on his education rather than having fun like Cygnus, but not as much so as his sister. Yet, he always took time out of his busy schedule to help a fellow Slytherin in need. He kept his distance from muggleborns, as he was expected to, but she could tell that he was still a good person.

"I've always dreamed of living the sophisticated life of a French wizard's wife. I could attend all the best parties and buy all the newest fashions before the rest of the world even got access to them!" Rosaline squealed with delight.

Rosaline didn't say anything, she just turned to look at Cygnus, who refused to meet her gaze.

"What about you, Tom?" Abraxas asked.

Tom smirked. "I'm not going to reveal my plans just yet, but I think it's safe to say that you can expect great things from me."

What did he mean by that? What was he planning? Did she even want to know? She had to admit, it captured her curiosity. There was no reason to believe that his plan would be the same as before, so he could literally be planning anything. Maybe he was going to join the ministry with the intention of becoming Minister for Magic. It sounded like something he might do. He still valued power above all.

"And you, Hermione?"

"I think I might like to take a bit of time off after I graduate and travel for a while," she said. "I'm not entirely sure what I want to do yet, but I could definitely see myself coming back to Hogwarts."

They all seemed rather taken back by her statement.

"Is there something wrong with that?"

Druella shook her head. "No, not really. It's just… You have that choice… Most of us don't get to choose our futures. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I envy you and your freedom."

Her heart grew heavy at her friend's words. Before she came to Hogwarts in the 1940s and joined the house of Slytherin, she had always viewed Purebloods, or at least most of them, as these snooty rich people who had and could do whatever they wanted… but that wasn't entirely true… The children of pureblood families were little more than puppets in their parents' eyes, to be used for their own selfish purposes and married off without their child's approval.

"I'm sorry," she apologized. She never realized just how lucky she was in that regard.

Slughorn returned soon after, and everyone had to return to their proper desks. Gathering up all the necessary ingredients they got to work on brewing the potion. It was a difficult potion to make, requiring close attention to detail and strict following of instructions. If there was one thing she had managed to learn from Professor Snape it was that Potion Making was a precise art. If you put too little or too much of even a single ingredient, it could ruin the whole potion.

She could almost hear Snape's voice lecturing her from memory as she added all the different ingredients, making sure to stir and wait for the right colors in-between. In her wildest dreams, she never thought that she'd actually be grateful to Professor Snape, but there she was. She had always been decent in potions but being able to recite Snape's instructions clearly in her head made it easier.

Unfortunately, most of the class didn't seem to be doing so well. Cygnus, who was probably by far the worst in potions out of their year, must have added something wrong, as it had turned bright pink at the end rather than the turquoise color that it was meant to be. Tom and Abraxas seemed to be doing just as well as her, but the others were a bit behind.

Coming over to inspect their work, Slughorn nodded with approval to Tom and Abraxas, giving them each a pat on the shoulder. However,

"Merlin's Beard, Miss Granger!" he exclaimed. "You've brewed the draught perfectly! It's not too blue and not too green, not too thick but also not too thin."

Hermione smiled. She tried not to let it get to her head too much, but she had always loved receiving praise from teachers. That was admittedly the main reason she had never liked potions as much.

"Have you considered a future as a potioneer?" he asked. "If so, I could easily arrange a meeting for you with some of my famous potioneer friends."

She could honestly say that she had never considered a career in potions, yet the idea seemed oddly appealing to her at that moment. There were certain potions that she knew about that hadn't been invented yet that could benefit lives if it was only invented sooner, such as the Wolfsbane Potion. And who knows what other types of potions she might be able to come up with. Perhaps she might even invent a potion to help her grandfather.

"I may be interested," she admitted. "I do like a good challenge."

"Wonderful! You shall have to join the Slug Club for our next dinner party then. Mr. Riddle and Mr. Malfoy, you're welcome to come as well," Slughorn insisted. "I'll see if I can pull some strings for you all."

She stifled a bit of a giggle as he went on his way, practically beaming with joy. You could definitely tell that he enjoyed arranging such meetings. Who was she to rain on his parade?

Eventually everyone managed to finish their potions, and class was dismissed. Gathering up her things, she got up and headed to the door, waiting there for the rest of her friends. When they were all ready, they took off down the corridor together.

However, they didn't get too far before Tom stopped abruptly in his steps.

"Is something wrong?" Hermione asked. "Did you forget something?"

Tom shook his head, motioning for the others to go on ahead without them.

Cygnus and Abraxas seemed clueless as to what he was doing, but Rosaline and Druella immediately started giggling amongst themselves, winking back at Hermione as they went.

Hermione furrowed a brow. What on earth was that about?

Taking hold of her hand, Tom led her over to a dark alcove, away from the crowd of students coming and going from class.

"Are you really going to Slughorn's dinner party?" he asked.

She nodded her head, not quite sure where he was going with this. Hadn't he heard her tell Slughorn that she was interested in his offer, indicating that she would be going to his party, and most likely joining his Slug Club.

"I was wondering if… that is, if you might be willing to go with me as my date?"

Hermione was gob-smacked. A part of her felt like screaming out in delight, yet the other part of her could hardly believe her ears. He had just asked her out on a date! Tom Marvolo Riddle, the only boy who had ever taken her full fancy, wanted to date her! She felt so happy she felt as though it had to be a dream. She pinched herself just to make sure she wasn't. Sure enough, she felt it. It was real.

"I thought you'd never ask," she said with a big grin. "Yes, Tom, I would love to be your date."

It seemed to take him a few moments to process that she had actually said yes, before a grin of his own spread across his face.

"Good. I won't have to turn Abraxas into a rat again then."

"Tom!" she slapped him across the arm. "You're horrible!"

He just laughed. "I'm pretty sure you've known that for years, Hermione, and yet you still remain by my side despite everything."

She felt her cheeks heat up. He did have a point there. She had always known that he was capable of terrible things, but she hadn't let it cloud her judgment. He was capable of good things too. If he wanted to, that was.

"Well, just be careful. I might change my mind if you become too horrible."

"I'll do my best, but to be honest, I'm not too worried," he said with a smirk. "I have a feeling you'll always be there to straighten me out, should you feel that I need it."

She rolled her eyes, but deep down she knew he was right, and in a way, it was gratifying to know that he trusted her that much.