Chapter 2: February 27th, 1943
The first Hogsmeade outing we have is today, the end of February, as we experienced a heavy blizzard storm. I am to meet Dumbledore in the alley beside Hog's Head Inn. I break away from Avery and Rachel Yaxley. I made the excuse that I was getting candy. I make my way down the alleyway and meet with Dumbledore. "Okay, we need to go to outside Little Hangleton." I take his arm and we apparate. As I predicted, we land exactly where we want to be. "It's through here." Dumbledore and I come across the Gaunt Shack. "We need to stun him then take the ring. Then we need to go to the mansion down the road, and persuade them to move to South Africa, immediately."
"Then let's get to work." Dumbledore replies. After stunning Morfin and taking the Gaunt Ring, we get the Aurors to take him away for a Psychology test. He won't pass. We make our way down the road and influence their minds that moving to South Africa will be the best thing for them before leaving. Hopefully, this will work. We apparate back to the alleyway and I move out first before Dumbledore does, but I notice Tom eyeing me, suspiciously, when I return. I narrow my eyes at him as I pass. I get a sugar quill from Honeydukes before leaving. Everyone else was still down there but I wasn't up for fun. This whole mission was stressful. I think I'm just gonna go to the library and do some work.
"Géroux!" A voice calls from behind. Of course, it had to be him. "What are you doing?"
"It's Reine and I'm going to the library to do some work." I answer. "I can't just spend all Saturday out here."
"You do realise that your grades are on par with mine, right?" He asks. "And I'm top of the class."
"Studying never did anyone ever harm. Fun has." I comment. "Plus, the library is going to be free. 1st years and 2nd years avoid it completely, and everyone else is down there." I point to Hogsmeade and start climbing again but he follows, and I turn around again. "Is there something else?" He smirks and shakes his head.
"No, I'm just going to the library to do work. I can't be knocked off as top of the class." I roll my eyes and go the dungeons to pick up my stuff before going to the library. Tom was already there, seated at a table. I put my stuff down and begin writing my potions essay. I'm basically repeating my 5th year and my 6th year, so, this is going to be a piece of cake. I make quick work of my essays in Potions; History of Magic; Transfiguration; Study of Ancient Runes; Arithmancy; Astrology; Care of Magical Creatures; Charms; DADA; and Herbology. "How did you do those so fast?"
"I'm a know-it-all." I deadpan. "And we did this in Beauxbatons, 2 years ago." I put the essays in my bag and seal it. It's a bag that only I can get into or any other Géroux. "I wonder if they have genealogy in this library."
"They do." Tom states. "Go along 3 book cases and you'll find stuff on family tree there." I thank him. I collect a book that says, 'Pureblood Families of French and German Origin' before sitting down again. "Researching the family tree?" I nod.
"Yep but these aren't up to date at the moment." I murmur. "These were released in 1925. Before I was born but they do have my parents in it." I point at them.
"Delphine Géroux (neé Lemaire) and Franҫois Géroux." He reads off where my finger points. On the other side was information about my family. "The Géroux family can trace their origins back to 3100BC during the Helladic period of Bronze Age Greece which makes them the oldest wizarding family in Europe."
"That's 5000 years." I say in awe. "I did not know that my family was that old."
"It is an impressive heritage." He agrees, coolly.
"Indeed." I muse. "What about your heritage?" I see his expression falter.
"I don't know." I couldn't tell whether he was lying or not. "I was raised in an Orphanage."
"Ah, I understand." I respond, and he raises an eyebrow. "What? I've met people who were raised in an orphanage before. Why judge people for it?" His expression took a turn of intriguement. "Anyway, if you ever find yourself bored, you are welcome to stay with us for a couple of weeks over the summer."
"Really?" He asks in surprise.
"Yeah, I would have to ask my parents, but they would be fine with it. Although, we would be spending it in Southern Spain not France." I frown. "Our home in Boulogne-sur-Mer is currently under the occupation of Nazi Germany therefore we can't go back there."
"Oh, I'm sorry to here that." He says, sincerely. Was he even being sincere? I have no idea. "I was in Wool's Orphanage, but it isn't safe in London anymore, so, I'm living in the countryside now in Devon."
"The Evacuation of all urban and populous cities?" He nods. "Are the family nice?"
"They're alright. The parents are of a magic heritage, so, they know all about Hogwarts." I nod.
"Would make sense." I muse. "It would be hard not to break the stature of secrecy if you were living with muggles."
"Exactly." He agrees. "I have a question." I look up from my book. "Why do you have so many piercings?" Of course, different time, different views on what was acceptable.
"I have a bit of a rebel streak, I suppose." I explain. "Anyway, it's only 3 lobe piercings in each ear; 3 helix piercings in my left ear; and 1 helix piercing in my right ear." He shakes his head in dismay. "Looking back, that maybe a lot and I'm not sure if I like the unevenness of having 3 helix piercings in one ear and 1 in the other. I might just pierce my right ear two more times." Tom pinches the bridge of his nose. "What?"
"You are definitely unique, that's for sure." He murmurs, and I shrug.
"Yep. You don't see a 16-year-old woman with a tattoo and several piercings often, do you?" I question.
"No, you don't." He answers with a smirk. "Have you ever wanted other piercings?"
"I do have another piercing, it's just invisible. My parents couldn't know about it or they would not be happy." I explain.
"Dare I ask, where?" He asks, and I take the glamour off my tongue, and stick my tongue out at him. He scrunches his nose up. "I don't know whether to be disgusted or not. Better yet, how is a tongue piercing useful in anyway?" I raise an eyebrow and give him a cheeky smile before leaving to put the books back. As I walk past, he catches my wrist and pulls me down into his lap. "Darling, as I was saying before you rudely walked off, how is a tongue being pierced useful?" He had that smirk on which he knew exactly what it could be used for.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you that if you play with fire that you will get burnt?" I retort, and his smirk widens.
"Trust me, you've met your match, darling." He replies, and I raise an eyebrow as I lean in close to his ear.
"Maybe, if you can catch me without magic." I tease as I get up, and he smirks.
"I'll take that as a challenge." He states, and I widen my eyes before legging it out of there. Why would I challenge Voldemort? Better yet, why did I flirt with him? Dumbledore was right when he said he was a charmer. I make my way to the one-eyed witch passage and smuggle myself in after I say the password. I hide in there and wait 10 minutes after the footsteps had disappeared, and make my escape. I make my way to Slytherin's common room and I was almost there when I bashed in something, and smacked the back of my head against the floor when I fell. I grunt on the impact and clutch the back of my head in pain. "Are you alright?"
"I think I may have given myself a minor concussion." I grumble back. I felt so sleepy. "Actually, maybe a bigger concussion. All I want to do is fall asleep."
"Definite concussion." Tom mumbles back and I felt myself being picked up. To support myself, I wrap an arm around the back of his neck. I was sloughed against his shoulder as he carried me. Why wasn't he using levitating spell? I shake that from my mind as my head too much. I heard the mumble of talking and I feel my mind come back around with the potion I ingest.
"How do you find yourself in these situations, Miss. Géroux?" Madam Causer asks, and I shrug as she comes back into refocus.
"I'm unlucky." I answer. "I have a tendency to break my bones often. The Matron at Beauxbatons would always curse my bad luck before fixing me up."
"Well, make sure that you're near Mr. Riddle the next time bad luck strikes." Madam Causer jokes. "He seems to always carry you in here." I look at Tom.
"Thank you for carrying me both times." I thank. "I'll try not to make it a third."
"I wouldn't have any competition in school if you keep getting injured like this." He responds. "But you're welcome anyway." Madam Causer smiles at us both.
"Mr. Riddle, can I trust that you can make sure that she has food before going to bed?" Madam Causer questions and I narrow my eyes at her. I can make sure that I eat myself.
"Of course, Madam Causer." He answers. "Come on, Reine. Let's go to the great hall before dinner ends." He helps me out of bed before making sure I was holding his arm as we walk down to the great hall. Thank god, he was acting like the perfect gentleman. I don't think I can deal with flirting shit at the moment. We sit at the end of Slytherin table by the double doors. None of my friends nor his friends were here at the moment which was odd but whatever. The goblet fills with water and I begin to plate up my food. I see him eye my plate. "That's hardly any food."
"One, I don't need that much food. Two, I don't like roasts that much." I insist. "I would rather have bœuf bourguignon."
"Beef stewed in red wine?" He asks.
"It's my favourite." I answer. "My mum's bœuf bourguignon is the best one I've had."
"I'll be sure to try it in the summer." He teases, and I smile but it drops when he plates my plate with more food. "Now, eat." I pout as I begin to eat before I knew it, my whole plate was gone, and Tom had 'I told you so look'.
"Okay, so, maybe, I was hungrier than I thought but I don't think I can eat anymore." I insist.
"Nor can I." He agrees. "I don't have a sweet tooth for dessert."
"Same. Although, the occasional croissant never hurts." I point out as we stand. "You don't have to come, you know? I can make it to Slytherin dorms without collapsing." He considers it but shakes his head.
"I said to Madam Causer that I would take you back to Slytherin dorms after eating and I intend to fulfil that." He holds out his arm. "Shall we?" I roll my eyes and grasp his arm. We take our time to walk to the dungeons as there was no rush. Once in Slytherin Common Room, we walk up the stairs to where the boys' and girls' dormitories split off. No one was here as everyone was in the Great Hall. "You know, I'm not an idiot. I know you're from the future." Oh, god. He knows. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. "By the way that your expression goes by one of fear. I assume that you killed the Basilisk?" Bloody Hell. "I'll take the silence as a yes. How ever did you kill it?"
"Gryffindor's Sword." I answer, boldly. "All you need to know is a bit of Parseltongue to get down there. My best friend could speak it. You pick up a few things."
"Clearly." He sneers. "So, what year are you from?"
"1998." I reply. Might as well tell the truth. I was going to obliviate him anyway. "Our world has been taken over by a dark wizard and I'm the only hope the world has left."
"So, what? Assuming that I'm the dark wizard, you've come back in time to kill me?" He questions.
"Actually, no." I retort. "I'm just making sure I'm one step ahead of you, so, you don't make horcruxes. Unlike you, I don't enjoy killing people."
"I haven't killed anyone." He insists.
"Not yet." I supply with a rising anger. "I might as well tell you what you become. I'll drop my shields partially. I'll show you what you become if you continue on this path."
"Alright." He agrees, and I drop my shields, and I feel him go through my mind. I show him what he looks like and what he becomes. He staggers back when he finishes it. "I-I become that?"
"Yes." I confirm. "Splitting your soul in half takes a toll on you. You become a pale snake-like man who's cruel and vicious, and doesn't care. Not about anything. You lose your personality. Your followers kill my parents and my siblings. I'm tortured by your second in command; Bellatrix. To be honest, she's a right psychopath. You may win the war, yes, but at what cost? Your sanity."
"I-I don't want to become him." He states in shock.
"Then don't." I reply. "You're a good wizard, Tom. Not good, brilliant. A brilliant wizard, Tom. You could do so many things. I reckon if you put your mind to it, you could be Minister of Magic."
"Minister of Magic does sound appealing." He murmurs.
"You have to work your way up, like you do all jobs, Tom. I know you don't like being bossed around but that's a way of life for everyone." I point out.
"Fair point." He agrees.
"I do have a question, why do you hate muggles and muggle-borns, so much?" I ask, and he shrugs.
"At this point, it's a combination of things. You know that Orphanage I was talking about?" I nod. "I was treated badly by the adults and the children. Not to mention, my father left my mother when she was pregnant with me."
"You do realise that he was under a love potion, right?" I ask, and he nods. "You can't force someone to love you, it's not right, and you know it." His face takes a pained look. "Have you ever thought of visiting your father?" He shakes his head.
"I don't think I would be a welcome surprise." He replies.
"How do you know until you try?" I retort, and he looks at me in surprise.
"I don't." He mutters.
"Exactly." I respond. "Next Hogsmeade, we'll visit them. I may have influenced them to move to South Africa, but I can apparate."
"You're 16." He deadpans.
"No, I'm 18." I sass. "I just look like a 16-year-old to fit in."
"Explains why you look younger than when I first saw you." He murmurs. "I guess I have a lot to think about tonight, huh?" I look at him, seriously.
"You do." I re-affirm. "I must stress that you can't tell anyone about where I'm from. That fact that I'm telling you this breaks about 50ish laws on the subject of time travel."
"I understand. I won't tell anyone." He reassures. "Goodnight, Reine."
"Goodnight, Tom." I murmur and close the door behind me. Hopefully, this maybe just stop him from doing all the awful things in the future. I get changed into my pyjamas and climb into bed before falling asleep.
I'm awoken by someone punching my face and screaming occurs from all around me. What? I open my eyes and push the person off with all I could. There were three strange men in the room. I grab my wands and start duelling them. The girls get the idea and start duelling with them as well. In a few minutes, a few of the Professors were in here but by that time, they were only one not down. "Stupefy!" I yell, and he didn't shield it, and it hit him straight in the chest. It knocked him out at least. I look at my watch. 11pm?!
"Are you all alright?" Headmaster Dippet asks with worry and we all nod. "Miss. Géroux, Miss. Avery, Miss. Burke, I believe a trip to Madam Causer will be beneficiary. Your nose is bleeding quite profusely." We nod. "Professor Slughorn will accompany you when he is finished instructing Slytherin house on what to do. You're all being moved to the great hall for your own safety." I wrap my dressing gown around me and I sigh. Only I would get punched in the face. Headmaster Dippet waves his wand at me. The blood begins to clear up. "It is a temporary solution until you get to Madam Causer." The girls and I make our way down the stairs. All the Slytherins from 1st year to 7th year stare at us. I could feel Tom's eye baring into me.
"Merlin's beard, what happened to you three?" Professor Slughorn asks as we make our way to the front.
"Well, I was awoken by Rachel screaming." Miss. Avery starts. "Because there were 3 strange men in our room. I don't know why but one of them punched Reine in the face. Hence, the blood stains and the split lip. This woke her up and she grabbed her wand, and started duelling them and we followed in her footsteps. We managed to take them all down. I say we, more like Reine. She's a very proficient dueller. We just kept them busy." I scratch my neck in embarrassment. "Some of them got some good shots in though. Rachel's broken her wrist and I've cracked a few ribs. I'm not sure if Reine got hit by a spell."
"I did." I confirm. "Once. My arm is currently boneless." I show the flexible of my arm. "It didn't seem important at the time when we were duelling."
"Right, you three come along with me to the Hospital Wing. Prefects, wait here for Headmaster Dippet." All the prefects nod and we follow Professor Slughorn to the Hospital Wing. Once we were there, Madam Causer was in Matron mode.
"My dear girls, lay down here." We lay down on our respective beds. "Professor Slughorn, would you mind getting the skele-gro while I mend Miss. Burke's wrist and Miss. Avery's ribs." Professor Slughorn goes off to get the skele-gro while she uses spells to mend their wrist and ribs. She places a splint on Rachel's wrist. "Unfortunately, Miss. Géroux will have to stay here overnight. Bringing back bones is a painful process." The girls hug me and Professor Slughorn leads them out to the great hall after he hands Madam Causer the skele-gro. "First off, Episkey." I feel my broken nose and split lip heal. "Second, you will need to drink this. Fair warning, it tastes disgusting, but you need to drink it every hour until your bones are back." I nod and swallow the vile medicine. "Now, the aurors have been informed of what happened and one will be stationed outside overnight. Now, get some rest and I'll wake you up when you need to take this again." So, she did. Every hour on the mark. Although, by the time morning hit, my bones had regrown. After spending the entire Sunday in the Hopsital Wing, Madam Causer let me leave to go to breakfast on Monday after she put my arm in a splint and a sling with the agreement that I see her after dinner was done. I thank her again and make my way to the great hall. Madam Causer, bless her, went and got my robes, so, I could change before leaving. You could here a pin drop when I walked in. I merely roll my eyes and make my way over to my friends.
"She lives." Walburga remarks with a small smile. "How's the arm?"
"Numb. Skele-gro is awful and I'm on a lot of pain medication right now." I answer.
"Should you even be going to lessons?" Rachel asks in concern and I shake my head.
"No but I managed to persuade Madam Causer to let me after arguing with her for a straight hour." I reply with a smirk. Avery snorts. "Although, if I suddenly don't feel up to it, I'm allowed to leave and have to go back to the Hospital Wing."
"Lucky." Lestrange groans from a few rows down with his friends and I huff.
"Would you rather have to go through re-growing bones which is a very painful process or go to lessons?" I question with a raise of my eyebrow.
"If you put it like that…" Lestrange trails off.
"Exactly, so, button it." I state. All the girls laugh. "What?"
"You have a fiery temper that seems to take the boys down a few notches." Avery explains, and I shrug.
"I try and I'm French." I feel like this is going to be my excuse for everything now. They snort and laugh anyway. "J'ai besoin de café et de croissants. De préférence, le chocolat." Walburga hands me a coffee and a chocolate croissant. "Merci."
"You know, I really think you should go back to the hospital wing." Rachel says with worry and I shake my head.
"I'll be fine." I answer. "Come on, we can't be late for Potions."
"You haven't touched anything." Avery retorts.
"I'm not hungry." I lie. "Now, come on." We make our way into Potions with Professor Slughorn and I take my seat next to Tom. "Hey."
"Hey." He repeats. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah, just on a lot of pain medication, that's all." I murmur.
"Should you be in class?" He asks.
"Nope but arguing with Madam Causer will let you." I answer. To be honest, I was dizzy, but I wanted to continue the lesson. 20 minutes into the lesson and we were done brewing the potion and were waiting for everyone else to catch up. I flunk my head on the table. My head really did hurt.
"Professor Slughorn, I think Reine needs to go to the Hospital Wing. I can escort her if you would like?" Professor Slughorn murmurs his agreement and Tom escorts me out the room.
"Ugh, my head is killing me." I grumble in pain. "Maybe it's a side effect of the pain potion."
"Doubtful." He responds, and I feel my legs collapse beneath me. Luckily for me, I'm caught by Tom and I rest my head on his shoulder as he carries me. "This is not good."
"I know." I murmur. "I don't know what's wrong. I just hope I'm really unlucky." He snorts and turns the corner to the hospital wing, and sets me on a bed. Madam Causer rushes out of her office.
"I knew I shouldn't have let you leave." She mumbles. "Once again, Mr. Riddle, thank you for bringing her here."
"It's my pleasure." Tom replies, coolly. "She had a headache in Potions and collapsed in the hallway as I was escorting her here."
"A headache?" Madam Causer frowns. "That shouldn't happen with all the pain medication I've given her. Collapsing from drowsiness can occur but not a headache." She begins to scan me. "I've never seen anything like this before. From my scans, there is nothing wrong with her."
"Then maybe I just had a headache?" I suggest.
"Perhaps." She sniffs. "I want you to stay in here for observation."
"It's 10am!" I exclaim. "What am I meant to do all day?"
"Rest." She insists. "I'm going to give you a sleeping draught that makes sure that you sleep." She goes to her office.
"I can't stay here!" I exclaim in a whisper.
"Why not?" He retorts.
"I won't be able to achieve anything from here." I answer.
"You won't be able to achieve anything if you don't get better either." He points out and I pout. "No pouting, Miss. Géroux." Madam Causer comes back with the sleeping draught and I'm focused to take it. Dammit. I could feel myself get sleepier and I feel soft lips kiss my forehead. "Get better soon." What...