As always this is dedicated to my alpha but this chapter is extra special as it's a belated happy birthday MissRissa81 chapter! She is the light in the darkness most days and she is there for me no matter what! Without her I don't think I'd even be this far into this story! She is a constant source of encouragement, support and love and she deserves so much! Love you my mind twin! Sorry this is so late but Happy Birthday sweet lady xo

Sorry to my readers for this being so late! My motivation to write has been so low lately! I'm trying to get back to where I was! Hope you enjoy this chapter x

September 1, 1939

Walking through the barrier again was like coming home, deep breath in and Tom could practically feel the magic rushing around him. Platform Nine and Three Quarters was always bustling with people on the first of September. Children starting their journey into the magical world; those returning were all the same. Excited.

Walking on the Platform this time was different; last time all alone he didn't feel like he belonged. But this time; this time he walked with his new family and smiled. He finally had his place.

"Now remember, if you need anything; anything at all write to us and we will get it for you," Astraea said, smiling at Tom, Hermione, Theodore and Aldrich.

"Yes, mum," Hermione said, bouncing on her feet rearing to get on the train and back to Hogwarts. There was so much to do once they got back, their second year was going to be more action-packed than their first. They knew more spells now and they had the room of requirement.

"Okay, you can go. But write to us so we don't worry." Annalise Avery said. The two mothers hugged each child to them and then pushed them toward the train.

Tom moved onto the train first, with his new school supplies and robes; there was an air of luxury that hadn't been there before and everyone moved out of the way of the four Slytherins.

They were about at their carriage from last year when they were stopped; Michael Alders, the ever-present annoying Gryffindor that had made a nuance of himself last year was standing already dressed in his school robes with his cronies flocking either side.

"Riddle. I see you're bludging off your friends and their money." Alders spoke, looking Tom up and down taking in his new robes.

"Shut up, Alders," Aldrich said, scowling at the Gryffindor.

"You think you're better than us now that you have all new stuff?" Alders said.

"No, I would be happy in my old robes if I could keep the Nott's and Avery's as my family," Tom spoke up for the first time, wishing the Gryffindors would get out of their way; so they could get into their carriage and plan for the new year.

"What do you mean Family? Did you make them take your care over? Don't you live in an orphanage?" Alders questioned, a scowl spread across his features.

"No. I don't live in an orphanage anymore." Tom said, standing taller.

"He lives with our families," Hermione said pointing between her and Aldrich.

"So you've weaselled your way into riches?" Alders said, a smirk on his face.

"Shut up Alders," Theodore stated.

"Riddle, they'll abandon you one day just like your own family and then you'll be on your own again," Alders said.

Hermione, Theodore and Aldrich pulled their wands out of their robes and pointed them toward Alders and the Gryffindors.

"Don't say anything further on the matter, we won't hesitate to curse you, Alders." Hermione spat out.

"Sticking up for someone that's below you? You've sunk low Nott." Alders said.

A stinging jinx from each wand sent his way and the Gryffindors turned and ran. Tom felt a tap on his shoulder and heard a clear of a throat.

Turning he gulped, standing there was the Ravenclaw Head Boy.

"You know the rules about magic in the corridors, Riddle, Avery, Nott and Nott. See your head of house when we get back to school for your detention I'll be sending an owl ahead." He said.

"Yes, Andrew," Hermione said and waited for the Head Boy to be happy with their response before turning and walking the rest of the way to their carriage.

"I hate him so much. Who does he think he is? Trying to turn you joining our families into something negative," Hermione ranted, pacing the carriage as the boys sat in seats fuming they had gotten detention before even entering the castle.

"Leave it, Hermione. He's nothing. We know it's all positive from here on out." Aldrich stated.

"If he does anything this year. I won't hesitate." Hermione scowled.

"Let's try and make it to the feast before doing anything to them. We have other things to worry about. Dumbledore will be watching us more closely this year." Tom said.

"You're right. Let's worry about Dumbledore and ignore Alders." Hermione said, nodding and sitting down beside Aldrich she settled in for the journey to school.

Having detention first thing back wasn't what they'd hoped to accomplish but they would deal and then they could start research on Hufflepuff and all of Helga's many secrets.

Second year was going to be another busy one.

xXx

September 15, 1939

Fifteen days into their second year and Professor Slughorn had sent the four Slytherins Dumbledore's way to serve their detentions as it was against one of his house. Tonight was their first of four and they sat in his classroom sorting through old detention records; transcribing the faded and almost destroyed.

Tom had tried to talk to Theo, Aldrich and Hermione when they first sat down but Dumbledore had squashed that straight away, "There will be no need to talk. Stay quiet and as soon as you've finished four boxes each you may go."

Tom had completed three and was moving onto his fourth when one of the fifth year Slytherins came in with a note. Handing it to Dumbledore he smirked their way and left.

"Very well, you are excused, for now, I expect to see you next Friday night at seven pm to finish those you haven't done and complete a new batch. Your Head of House requires you in his office." He said letting them go.

The four didn't waste any time packing their quills and ink pots away and rushing out of the classroom. As they turned the corner they were stopped by the fifth year, "You're welcome."

"What do you mean?" Hermione asked.

"I forged a note from Professor Slughorn to get you out of class. But don't tell anyone. You don't owe me anything."

"Why did you do that?" Tom said confused.

"Because there's a party to celebrate coming back to school in the common room and no one should miss out on that." The fifth-year said, rushing off toward the dungeon.

Theodore, Hermione, Aldrich and Tom stood there for a moment in silence and then followed the other Slytherin back down to the Dungeon glad they were out of detention and away from Dumbledore.

Being around him for class was enough, let alone having to spend their Friday night with him as well. The party was in full swing by the time they reached the common room and they blended right into the crowd.

xXx

September 19, 1939

Hermione was awoken by her brother and their friends; they had somehow got past the spell that stopped boys from entering past the entrance to the girl's hall. "Why are you in here this early?" She said turning over to face the wall.

"Because it's our birthday." Her brothers' voice sounded excited. Too excited for this time of morning.

"Come back later please, Hermione is currently not available," She said smirking.

Laughter came from behind and she felt two distinct dips of the bed and then found herself being turned by Aldrich and Tom. Who then pulled her up the bed to sit between them.

"Presents time, smartass!" Aldrich laughed.

Hermione groaned and gestured to lay them on her. The twins sat on the bed opening their presents finding; books on Helga Hufflepuff from their parents, their siblings got them chocolate frogs (for Theo) and sugar quills (for Hermione), Aldrich and his parents had gotten them new stationery sets with their initials set into each piece of paper and from each other they had gotten sweaters and beanies in their favourite colours.

They sat there talking for a bit longer and then rushed down to breakfast and got to classes. The cake was shared when their parents arrived at lunchtime as a surprise and then back to their afternoon classes.

By the time they were headed back to the Common Room; they were exhausted and dragging their feet. That was until the doors to the common room opened in front of them and their whole house was standing there, tables loaded with food and presents. Butterbeer galore and floating lights and balloons.

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY HERMIONE AND THEO!" They shouted as one.

Smiling the four Slytherins moved through the crowd greeting each person in attendance and the party lasted through until midnight when the cake was brought out.

Professor Slughorn came in and broke the party up but not before wishing them a happy birthday and taking a big piece of cake for himself.

The four friends said goodnight and Hermione went to bed, opening all the cards she smiled at the one from Tom and Aldrich both thanking her for her friendship. As if they had any other choice, they were stuck with her.

Hermione woke early the next morning opening the first of the books on Helga Hufflepuff and started to make notes, they had wasted nineteen days of not researching and now they had to get down to the grind and work out where the room she had hidden was; and what item of hers they would take as a trophy.

Thanks for reading x