A/N: Hello. Thank you for all the reviews and such! You have no idea what it means to me. Hopefully this chapter keeps up with the trend of being around 5,000 words, haha. I'm not going to update again after this until I finish chapter eight. Which will probably take me around a week or so.

Thank you so much for reviewing! Keep it up! Tell me whatchuu thinkkk!

Chapter 5

HERMIONE'S POV

I stood in front of the mirror in my new luxurious bathroom taking in my appearance. My lips were no longer blue and my skin had a delicate touch of pink to it from the sun. I let my towel drop as I took in my naked body. My hair had grown longer and darker; the locks of hair hung soaking wet on my breasts.

I did a slow circle, all the cuts and bruises from my fall to 'Earth' had gone. There was some slight bruising on my ankle from where the Grindelow had grabbed me, but it would be gone shortly. I put my hands on my flat stomach, months ago you could have seen somewhat defined stomach muscles.

'I really need to start running again,' I thought.

The scar on my chest from the time turner had almost faded to white lines. I traced the diagonal scar that Dolohov gave me from under my right breast to my left hip. I moved my hair from off my chest and noticed a small tan line on my shoulders from the days in the sun. I appraised myself for a moment longer, I looked too womanly to be a seventeen year old Hogwarts student.

My chest had grown over the past two years and my breasts were now round and full, and my hips flared out from my waist which gave me an hour glass shape. I couldn't remember the last time I had a spare moment to take in my appearance. The past two years we had done nothing but run, worry, and fight. I let my eyes trail up my long legs to the light patch of hair between my thighs.

'I guess I'll be a well developed seventeen year old then,' I shrugged.

My thoughts strayed to Tom as I thought about what had just happened. I thought about his physique and how he looked more developed than Ron and Harry had at seventeen. Tom had broad shoulders and a wide masculine chest that made him look like a man rather than a teen. At several different times this afternoon I had caught my eyes as they trailed up his arms, following the veins underneath his skin.

I thought of his voice, how it was deep and perfectly clear; it was sophisticated. I could close my eyes and think of his beauty. He was beautiful, unlike any man I had ever seen. His eyes were intelligent and changed from the calmest blue to the blackest black. Tom had a strong jaw, which made his high cheek bones even more prominent. His dark hair fell in perfect waves around his aristocratic face. I recalled his full, pink lips and how I could still feel the trace of them on my own. Soft, and so much warmer than mine.

He saved me again.

Tom actually took the time to look for me, to resuscitate me, and to…cradle me against his…warm chest? My eyes snapped open, I hadn't even realized they were closed. The girl in the mirror looking back at me was reprimanding me for having let my mind give in to the slight attraction I had for Tom…while I was naked.

I shook my head and cast a drying spell on my hair. The longer my hair got, the less frizzy it was. Thankfully. Dark, soft curls soon replaced the sopping wet mass on top of my head. I took one last look at myself as I was putting on my robe. I just had to hide whatever attraction I had for Tom, just by remembering what he becomes in the future.

I padded through my room, pausing to catch the beautiful sunset through my still open balcony doors. A letter sat on my bed, for a moment I had forgotten my last name was Smith.

'Dear Hermione,

The time has come for us to go to Diagon Alley to get your supplies for the upcoming school year. I hadn't thought to ask you before, but what is your financial situation? No worries if you have no funds! I will gladly pay for you as I have offered for as well. You will need books for each respective class (I shall give you the list tomorrow) and for whichever elective you choose; should you choose to give up your free period.

The electives available to you are: Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, or Divinition-none of these are offered at NEWT level, of course.

You will also need the standard schooling supplies: quills, ink, parchment, a cauldron, basic Potions supplies, and dress robes. If you need anything I will be happy to pay for that too. I've sent Tom a letter as well, asking for all of us to meet outside the Great Hall after breakfast tomorrow. I will see you then!

-Albus Dumbledore'

'…Tom and I must be the orphan charity cases…' I thought bitterly.

Right. I had forgotten that school started soon. How could I forget that? I had most of those supplies in my old school trunk. I wandlessly summoned my old beaded bag from my wardrobe to see how much money I had. Which was quite a bit. At least enough for books, supplies, and clothes to fit this era. I figured I would probably have to borrow at least some Galleons for dress robes.

My body was exhausted from the day. The game and Grindelow attack wore me out. Not to mention the near death experience. The sheets were soft and comforting as I tried to relax into them. I couldn't get over the fact that Tom had willingly saved my life. Twice! The idea that I could be putting too much faith into the young Lord Voldemort and his ability to save my life had crossed my mind. Potentially problematic. The next time I should almost die (which, let's face it, will happen) he might not save me or worse, he could be the one to hand me my clock out card.

I shuddered at the thought. I still had the whole school year to get through…to get close to Tom, to keep him from becoming the Dark Lord. Who knew if I could even do that in one year? I couldn't bring myself to get too close to him, could I? A school girl crush on his looks, only his looks, is inconsequential. I could just snap out of this 'funk' and go back to a 'business' like basis, where he will let me in on…whatever ideas are swimming through his head. I couldn't ask for much more than that. A business partnership. No misconstrued, deceitful 'friendship' and no fatal attraction.

I met Professor Dumbledore and Tom the next morning. They were both standing on opposite sides of the door way, one wearing light purple robes and whistling some sort of show tune; the other in cuffed, dark gray slacks and a button down light blue shirt. Both men's arms were crossed in front of their chest and neither of them were looking at each other.

It was relatively comical.

I noted that Tom looked like he could be some Muggle model, working in a factory. His dark hair fell delicately in his face, he took my appearance in with an emotionless mask in place.

"Good morning, ! We just have to make a quick walk down to the local town of Hogsmead to apparate to Diagon Alley." Dumbledore said in greeting. Tom and I followed behind him a couple of paces away. I nudged him in hello, he merely nodded. I stuck my hands into the pocket of my simple white dress. The sleeves were tight and wrapped around the edge of my shoulders, while the waist was sucked in tight and tied behind my back in a bow. I added the pockets to carry my change purse and wand.

Dumbledore side along apparated us to the busiest part of the street. I had to pretend I didn't know where Diagon Alley was, so I couldn't apparate myself and I assumed Dumbledore just thought it was easier to grab onto Tom's arm as well as mine and go all together.

"Can we start at Flourish and Botts, sir?" Tom asked, but it didn't seem like a question, really. Since he went through the door before either of us could respond. Dumbledore just chuckled, with a bemused expression on his face.

I took a deep breath when I entered the store. The fragrant smell of books and paper met me like a rush fresh air. I immediately picked out the books I needed for class and grabbed a few that would prove themselves a good read. Such as, 'Time is of the Essence' and a book called, 'Wizarding World: A Look at Pureblood Family Trees from the 1400's and On.' I met Tom at the front of the store, we both had an arm load of books. He let me check out first.

I wasn't sure if I was supposed to thank him again for what had transpired the day before, I thought better of it and decided he probably wouldn't want to hear it.

After shrinking our newly bought items, we went to the Apothecary, then to Scribbulus to get Tom writing supplies, since I already had all I would need for the school year. Next, I went Magical Mengerie to look for a pet, while Tom went to some junk shop next door to spend his own money.

Dumbledore followed me in to the store to help me choose a new familiar. We walked up and down the aisles talking about each animal as we past. Head Boy and Girl have the option of getting something different than the normal toad, cat, rat, or owl. Within reason, that is. I decided I didn't really need a bird, since Hogwarts supplied them. I couldn't even think of getting another cat to replace Crookshanks, who had been missing since my parents death. When I walked past the rabbits, I saw what I wanted. It was looking right at me. As I took a couple steps closer, it started to uncoil itself and rise out of the cage it was placed inside of.

I had never thought of getting a snake before, but something just felt right about this…the name on the outside of the cage said, Annie. I slowly held my hand out to the two foot long Garden Snake. It nudged my hand and put out its forked tongue against my finger tips. Her body began to slither itself up my arm. The feel of its skin against mine was foreign at first. It wound its body around my shoulders; head on one side, tail on the other.

"Hello, Annie," I said. "Is that your name?" I didn't expect an answer, of course but when her face lightly touched mine, I took that as a 'yes'.

"A familiar can say a lot about a person," a voice sounded behind me. I turned to see Dumbledore, who was gently smiling at Annie. "It's said when you dream about snakes, you have a fear or uncertainty in your life. Although, mythologically speaking, they can stand for rebirth and transformation; they can even be a symbol of desire. It's rather fitting giving the position you're in…I think Annie would be perfect for you."

I was silent for a moment as I thought about what he said. I tried to correlate it to my life. Rebirth and transformation, were obvious. Desire, I had yet to figure out. My whole life was uncertain. At the moment I was trying to make some sort of transformation happen…in Tom and the future. I could associate rebirth with myself, personally. Starting all over again in a new place. For now, I could attribute desire to my extreme want for change.

"Thanks, Professor," I said with a smile. "Annie, would you like to come home with me?" she blinked. So I bought her. Tom was waiting outside, once more enjoying the summer sun with his eyes closed and face turned toward the sky.

"Ready to go to Madam Malkins?" I asked.

His eyes focused on me and took in the snake hanging around my neck. "Hermione, I hope you know there is a snake around your neck."

"Yes, Tom. I know, thank you," I rolled my eyes at his deadpan sarcasm. "This is Annie; Annie, Tom." she hissed and Tom smiled and rose his eyebrows.

"Right. Well, she seems to be quite…possessive of you." he held out his hand and Annie stuck out her tongue. She uncoiled herself from my neck to be held in Tom's hands. She looked tiny wrapped in his hands. Tom held her in front of his face, and looked her in the eyes. She licked his nose. If it had been to anyone else, it would have been adorable.

A scream somewhere in the depths of Knockturn Alley made Tom break his eye contact with Annie. Several other screams soon followed. Annie hissed and Tom put her back on my arm, with a concentrated look on his features. Dumbledore came from somewhere behind us, a searching look in his eyes. He pulled his wand, so Tom and I followed his direction.

"Not here, Gellert," he whispered softly to himself.

Gellert? Grindelwald? But, Dumbledore and he don't even confront each other until the Great Battle of 1945, and there was never any attack on Diagon Alley, was there? I scanned through all the history books of this time in my head, no, there was nothing about this in there. Suddenly hundreds of people were running toward us and apparating on the spot, we rushed over to the side of the street to hide behind a display of used robes in front of the junk shop. Flashes of light flew past us from the right. Cloaked figures with the Deathly Hallows symbol were heading our way. They laughed as they cursed those running from them.

I sent a Tripping Jinx a few feet in front of us as I saw a large, cloaked man running to grab a little girl who had gotten separated from her parents. He landed on his face; hard, as the child got away. He looked my way, while reaching for his wand, so I cast a nonverbal-Stupefy in his direction. Annie hissed and Tom stood up to curse someone coming toward us on the opposite side of Dumbledore.

Everything exploded into a rush of panic as the Aurors apparated into the Alley. The Professor stood up and shouted, "Stay here!" at us as he took off at a brisk pace, disarming several cloaked figures as he went. A curse flew above my head, landing loudly on the brick wall behind me. I jumped up and entered in to the fight in front of me, dueling without a second thought.

"Repulso!" I yelled, narrowly missing my target. I heard my name being called as I started walking closer to the person, easily deflecting the curses he was sending with simple flicks of my wrist.

"Levicorpus! Stupefy!" I thought as the jets of light flew out of my wand. The spells struck his weak shield charm, shattering it along the way. A second cloaked figure joined in and soon it was two on one.

My mind was a dictionary of spells, I was scrolling through them as quick as my mind would say them. I dueled the two with ease, dodging and blocking everything they sent my way. Their cries of outrage at a woman fighting back could be heard over the fray. My anger flared, and I ended the duel with a Stupefy Maximus knocking them both out.

I turned to find Tom, he was half a block up the road standing next to a blonde boy, fighting off three of Grindelwald's men. I let out a yelp of pain as a curse sliced threw my abdomen. Annie hissed as I fell to one knee.

I blocked another one of my attackers curses while mumbling 'Taglio Bruciante.' It wasn't the lightest of curses, but it was satisfying when my spell hit its target and hundreds of cuts appeared all over his body. I looked at my stomach, my white dress was stained red. I pointed my wand at myself, knitting my torn skin back together. It would have to do for now.

I stood up as Tom and the other boy reached me. I caught Tom's eye and nodded, assuring him all was fine. The three of us formed a triangle, keeping our backs to each other as a strategy.

"Occulous Preventi!"

"Arestolous!"

"Incarcerous!"

We all shouted, slowly but surely any opponent that came our way we took down. Grindelwald's numbers were diminishing, and soon they had all apparated away. We had a moment to turn and look at each other, before a loud boom and crack sounded in front of us. It looked like a storm was brewing right above the Alley. We took off at a sprint to where the noise had sounded.

We rounded a corner to find a group of people about fifty feet from Dumbledore and Grindelwald in a duel like I had never seen. Dumbledore's auburn hair was blowing around him from the amount of magic in the air. He stood in front of a tall, blonde man, who seemed to be the same age. I had never felt this kind of pull of magic. It was so strong I almost lost my breath. Tom seemed to be experiencing the same thing. His eyes were hard and his mouth was set in a calculating manner as he watched the scene afore us.

Grindelwald struck again, the earth shook as he gathered the electricity from the quickly accumulating, dark clouds from above. All the sky's power seemed to be sucked into his wand. He brought his free hand up as he pushed the power at Dumbledore, we all took a stumbling step backward as he conjured a bowl shaped shield with a mirror on the interior reflecting all the energy sent at it.

A whirlwind of commotion started after that, magic so powerful and fast I could hardly see where it was coming from. The blonde boy, who I am assuming, is a Malfoy, pulled me down as a crackle of magic zoomed by us. A feeling of apprehension came over me as I looked around for the source. A heavy downpour had started from above. A block down the road marched twenty or so cloaked figures, waking their fallen as they walked. There were only around twenty of us left in the Alley.

"Shit," I whispered reverently. I felt Annie slide over to Tom who was crouching next to me looking the opposite direction. He watched my pet slide up his bicep and hide under his shirt.

"Tom," I said in a dead voice. Tom looked at me then followed the direction of my gaze.

"Can you both do a Stupefy Maximus?" they nodded. "On three…two…one!"

Adrenaline rushed through me as we stood up and sent three powerful spells heading their way. It could've taken out ten, but only hit six. We had caught the attention of the crowd next to us, soon there was a full fledged battle raging between us. I didn't even think to question why Tom would be fighting on the light side, but as I stood next to him watching him while simultaneously guarding his back, I was glad he was on our side. He was good, and quick. His mouth never opened, but a constant stream of curses came out of his wand.

My eyesight went black for a moment as a Blinding Curse hit me the same time a Cutting Curse did, before I could do anything Tom had said 'Finite' and my eyesight returned. In the next second a fallen follower of Grindelwald's sent a strange beam of white light at us, hitting Tom square in the back. My eyes widened in shock as his knees started to give out. I caught him in my arms and stumbled under his weight. His eyes faded from black to the blue I was overly used to. He let out a breath and we fell to the ground in a heap. My body broke the fall. I held him close as Annie slithered out of the collar of his shirt to look at me. My mouth was still hanging open from shock.

Tom had turned to help me in battle, and had consequently been hit.

I met his eyes, "I'm sorry." I mouthed, and his eyes closed.

The boy I deemed Malfoy realized we were on the ground. He bent low, his eyes still on the fight around us.

"Get us out of here!" I demanded. He nodded. I picked my head up to look for Dumbledore, he seemed to be pushing Grindelwald back against a wall. The next thing I knew we had landed on the grounds outside of the Hogwarts gates.

I had the wind knocked out of me as Tom's body collided with mine. I felt my new pet slide over me and loop around my neck. The blonde boy stood above me, sporting a deep cut on his cheek. He grabbed Tom under his arms and hoisted him up. He threw Tom's arm around his shoulder as he let out a deep moan of pain.

He extended his free hand to me to help me up, "Who are you?" he asked.

"Who are you?" I countered as I took his hand.

"Abraxis Malfoy."

"Hermione Smith. Let's get him up to the castle to see Madam Watkins." he nodded and we took off toward the castle.

TOM'S POV

I hadn't wanted to join the damned fight. Grindlewald was nothing to me, I assumed he would be dead and out of the picture by the time I graduated from Hogwarts. Then hopefully the old fool Dumbledore would follow shortly after. Hermione had surprised me by jumping up and entering a duel with one of the cloaked men. She was quick and efficient. Spells left her wand in rapid fire. I had looked around the battle and noticed Malfoy dueling three of Grindelwalds's men

Abraxis was my number two, I couldn't have him hurt by some idiot men, so in annoyance I had run over to help him. I had to control my urge within to not use dark magic. It was…difficult. Two simple words and I could have ended the mans life in front of me. Abraxis was sticking to the books, so I followed his example. For once. Stupefy. Stupefy. Protego. Levicorpus. Reducto. Boring.

One of the men from our duel had turned and sent a fairly harsh curse at Hermione. It caught her across her abdomen. It was a distraction to watch her fall to her knees. Blood had stained her impeccable white dress. She had barely put a shield in time to block his next curse. She quickly healed herself before throwing a curse at her attacker…a curse I had never thought she would know.

I felt the dark magic crackle in the air as it left her wand. I watched as the man fell; blood poured out of every cut on his body. I grabbed Malfoy and made him follow me over to Hermione. She nodded as if to let me know she was okay. Together we pushed our attackers back, disarming and Stupefying as we went. I normally preferred to work alone,

Everything seemed to have stopped as we watched the battle between Grindelwald and Dumbledore take place. I couldn't help but compare their strategies. Oddly similar, both frequently pulled energy and magic from the elements. Hermione said my name in a voice I had never heard her use before. Then we were dueling, and then a searing pain in my back. All my strength seemed to have left me. Physically, mentally, and magically. I briefly remember falling and having Hermione attempt to catch me. I caught her eye for a moment; then nothing.

I woke up in the hospital wing. It was dark and I could half way make out vials of potions on my night stand.

"Tom," a feminine voice sounded as a flame flew into the lamp above me. "How are you feeling?" her brown eyes were scanning over me as if looking for a wound. Her snake, Annie, was curled around her arm.

"Not as well as I had hoped, what time is it?" my voice rasped out.

"Twelve-thirty. I don't expect you to feel well after the spell that hit you." I gave her a look that screamed 'elaborate'. "Uh, well. I had never heard of the curse and I'm not sure how it works, actually. Apparently, it's kind of like a numbing curse. Except it numbs you in different ways. I eventually ended up reading about it in the library with Abraxis. It's only temporary, so nothing to fret over."

"What kind of different ways does it numb me, Hermione?" my voice gained strength.

"Well…uh, physically; that's why you fell at the battle. And mentally; why you couldn't talk. And ma-magically…"

"What do you mean magically!?" I can understand the whole 'numbing' physically…my body was weak. I felt out of control. Actually, I remember not even having any thoughts, really. I was just…there in my virtually useless body.

"I'm not really sure, Tom, but in the book I found it said several different things, but I have my own theory. It's like the Muggle drug I've read about…takes away all feeling in your body and puts your mind in a sort of haze. I suppose it just made you magic go into a haze as well, and it has sorted hidden the magic from your body. Tell me, do you feel your magic?" she asked curiously.

I closed my eyes and focused on the distant thrumming of magic running through my veins. It was weak though, as if clouded by something.

"It's there, I just can't reach it…" I whispered more to myself than to her. I grabbed my wand to try and cast a spell. My simple Lumos hardly worked. It was so dim. "What does this mean, Hermione? If I can obviously use my body and be able to think, then the spell must be temporary, right? When will my magic come back to me?"

"I-I don't know, Tom. It has to…recharge, in a way. You've been asleep for three days, so…"

"What? Three days? So, what then? The students arrive in two days and I am lying in the hospital wing unable to do any magic?" my bitterness was blatantly obvious in my voice.

"Tom, you just need to rest! Dumbledore and I have complete confidence that you will be just fine by the welcoming feast…"

"Right. You and Dumbledore…whom, I assume defeated Grindelwald?" she nodded. "Of course." I laughed angrily. "I blame you for this, Hermione. If you had just paid attention during the duel, then I wouldn't have lost concentration! How many times do I have to tell you to pay attention to your surroundings?!"

I could no longer hide my anger.

"Me? You blame me? I was one of the ones there to save you!" she proclaimed while standing up.

"Yes! If I had not turned to end that incantation on your eyes, then none of this would have happened! I am no better than a useless muggle right now! Your incompetence has done this." I kept my voice hard and calm. Her mouth was set in a hard line; her cheeks flushed. I watched as she tried to form something to say. Her expressions changed so rapidly, she was easy to read.

Like an open book. Annie was watching the scene with interest, but had yet to say anything.

I kept any expression off my face, setting it in an indifferent mask. I wanted her to leave. I wasn't even a wizard at the moment! I was pathetic! Vulnerable! Weak! Everything I loathe about the human race. I stared into her eyes, I wished I had mastered the skill I had been so dying to learn that would allow me access into her mind. But no, I am disgusting human.

"I'm sorry then, Tom. I'm sorry you saved me both times and I'm sorry you helped me out on the battlefield. Okay? Don't worry, from now on I'll stay out of your way…you should get your magic back sometime tomorrow, so relax." she turned to leave. "Dumbledore finished your shopping list for you by the way. And I got you this," she threw a leather bound book onto my chest titled 'Elemental Magic and It's External Uses'. "Good bye, Tom. See you at the feast."

I watched her go with lidded eyes and contempt in my mind.

'Good riddance,' I thought. 'An unnecessary distraction. I've let my focus go, now I just have to wait a couple days and I can go back to what's right. I can put my want of figuring out Hermione Jane Smith to the back of my mind. For now, I need to figure out a different time and date for the trip I had planned for tomorrow.' I sighed in frustration. It needed to be done tomorrow. I needed that ring! It was mine anyway. A precious family heirloom that was mine!

A cough sounded to my left, I pulled my useless wand on the sudden voice of an intruder.

"Sir?" Ah, the hidden sound of fear in a lesser man's voice.

"Malfoy," he took a few steps forward into the light. "Hermione and I have been waiting for you to wake." he said in his smooth, well bred tone.

"Have you? Well, I kicked the silly, little bint out. Her idiocy put me in this position in the first place."

"Sir, she's been quite worried about you, if I may say. She's been researching anything she could about the curse you've been hit with…"

"I don't care what she's been doing, Abraxis. She doesn't matter." I said with authority in my voice.

"Right. Er, well…now that you're awake I'm going to apparate home and get my things packed for school. The fiasco in Diagon Alley has detained me quite a bit." he started walking to the door. "You know, Tom. I quite liked talking to Hermione and I think any wizard should feel lucky having such a beautiful witch worrying over them," his voice held courage and sincerity now that he was further away from me. He sounded like a self-righteous Gryffindor. "See you in a few days, sir."

I do not like when people use my first name…especially when people in my little group use it. A part of me wished I could raise my wand and curse him. The other part was dwelling on what he said. This wouldn't do. I couldn't have Malfoy talking about the new girl like he knew her more than I did. I couldn't have him getting courage to use my name just from spending a couple days with her. I had to talk to the girl and set the rules for the rest of this year.

I rummaged around on the table for a Sleeping Draught that I knew was there. I drank it and rolled over. I had a lot to think about for the next couple of days.

A/N: Ughhh, finished. Tell me what you think! Pleasseee?