Hey everyone! Before you move on to read the next update, I jut thought I'd put up all my replies to the guys who reviewed chapter 15!

isabelle896:
Hey! Thanks a lot for your review! It's great to know that you love it so much and that it's now one of your favourites! That means a lot for me to hear! I love that you're eager, don't worry, all will be revealed soon. Just not in this chapter ;P The patronus will be explained soon though! I promise!

Alice:
Yeah! lol! It was a relief to get it back up and going again! :) I loved your review! I'm sorry to have upset you, I swear it will be the last! Yes, I'm definitely eager. I can promise this story will never be lost again! It means a lot to me. Sorry, hun, but your email never came up, but here is your reply anyway! I have no problems being told I'm fabulous, and if you must, continue! lol! ;) Enjoy the update!

Nightcrawlerfw:
Aww! Yeah, I know, I thought it was about time I got their relationship speeding up a little. I thought it was cute too! Although... my favourite chapter remains to be the cake scene! I'm just so proud of it. Yes, I love to have a little fun with Slughorn! lol! I couldn't resist it. She said she would of said yes, but I have a lot more planned for that! Lol! I'm sorry to have worried you! I hope you enjoy the update! :)

IcyLugia101:
Yup! Hmm... I think he loves all the students he knows he can brag about! lol! Couldn't resist the fat comment ;P EH! Flattery can get you anywhere and everywhere in my books! lol! Yeah... I probably did mean pink. Sometimes I describe things as a sort of pinky colour, guess I just put that into my writing:) I know, I know, but I couldn't NOT put the food in. I just had to! lol. Thanks for the review, I'm always looking out for them! Love the new nickname! Sunny :)

aragonsgirll:
Hun, it was your review that helped give me an idea for this chapter, and the next! It's great to know that you're loving it so far! I hope you like the update!

Lizzy likes the hot guy:
Thanks for the review! I'm sorry to of confused you, but I promise that the tiger patronus will be explained later in the story. It's good to know that the story is genius, cause I most certainly am NOT! lol! :) Hope you like the update!

ChildoftheLight:
Hey! I'm glad that you liked this update! Yeah! Fluff rocks if you can get it right! I'm glad that it worked for you, cause I was a little worried I might of taken it a bit too far, but knowing that you thought it works makes me really relieved! lol! hehe, I was doing a personal study in English, and I had to rush to get the conclusion done. I'd written that it wasn't too 'fluffy', as apposed to 'overly romantic'. Oops...
But oh well, at least I passed! :)
I hope the update didn't take too long for you. I'm also glad that I revamped this story, it was my first and means loads to me! :) Hope you enjoy!

omgahitsbritt08:
Hey! Good to know you liked the ending! :) No, Hermione is sort of beginning to like him, cause she's seeing a more normal side to him, compared to the dark lord she's always known him to be. Nope. Grindewald is still up and running, but I don't think I'll use him much in the story though. Maybe... I'll have to wait and see, I guess. Hope you like the update!

Ankoku Dezaia:
You're not the only one that's happy they're getting closer! lol! I'm ecstatic! I've been wanting to write some fluff between them for a while now, I'm just glad it seemed to work! :) Yeah, I think we're all hopeless romantics deep at heart! lol! Hmm... you'll just have to wait and see how the party plans work out! :) Enjoy!

Also, I'd like to say a big thanks to all the others that reviewed the last chapter!
GoldenKitsuneHime13, JENNABONSFENALIA, Maeleana, blindfaithoperadiva, sweet-tang-honney, :)!!!, monkicrazzi

Love you all so much! Keep up the reviews! They mean loads to me!

Enjoy the update!

Chapter 16

"So you're going with him?"

"No."

"But he asked you to go?"

"Mhmm."

"And you said 'yes'?"

"Yes."

"Then you are going with him. Right?"

"Wrong."

Hermione let out a deep sigh, resting her head against the palm of her right palm.

"Sorry.... I don't get it." Minnie said confused as she ate her scrambled eggs.

Both girls were seated at the Gryffindor table in the great hall having breakfast. Seen as both girls were early risers, not many people were down.

Hermione rolled her eyes, though she could hardly blame her friend for not getting what she had been trying to say since she'd first woken up. "Slughorn wanted Tom," she ignored Minnie's raised eyebrows at the mentioning of his first name, "to escort me to the party, even though I'd already told him I was going with you. Tom did it in a way, so that I'd catch on to that idea. I was really angry, and allowed a lot of my magic to get out. After I'd finished my rant and charge through the school, I was really tired. Tom helped me and-"

"Yes I get this bit, but what about after?" Minnie rudely interrupted.

Hermione tried not to smile at her would-be Head of House. It was just so weird. "He asked me what I would've said if he hadn't asked me under Slughorn's request. So I said that I would've said yes."

"So.... I'm still right?"

"No. He asked me what I would've said. He didn't ask me if I would go with him. See?"

Minnie began to nod, but eventually just shook her head. "Ugh. I give up on that subject. Speaking of subjects, what do you have first?"

"Eh... Same as you, I think." Hermione furrowed her eyebrows in thought. "Double DADA. How many times do we actually have that class?"

"Two doubles, and a single. The class schedule for DADA and Charms increased with the war." Minerva sighed.

Hermione nodded understandingly.

Minnie suddenly snorted. "I wonder what topic the professor will choose for us today. Hopefully nothing debatable, you and Dolohov were like cat and dog last time." Miine giggled.

Hermione's eyes widened slightly, and the fork full of scrambled eggs froze half way to her mouth.

Oops. Forgot about that one.

Hermione laughed slightly as she tried to eat her breakfast. Her food going down slow. "Yeah. Forgot about that."

Minnie smiled, oblivious to her friend's behaviour. "Doesn't matter. It was good entertainment for a lot of your fellow lions." Minnie laughed. "Hmm... I can't wait for the next class now."

Hermione smiled slightly. "Yeah. Do you want to head up now?"

"Yeah, sure. Why not?"

Okay. Tom was confused.

Did he ask her out? No. But she would've said yes? Right...

Stupid Slughorn. Always complicating things.

Should he ask her to the party?

He wasn't sure.

These were the thoughts running through poor Tom's head as he woke up, showered, dressed, and left the Slytherin common room that morning.

He'd still not quite figured her out, maybe this would give him a better oppertunity to do so? Yeah. That sounded better. He could ask her to the party, get to know her a little better, solve some more of the ever growing enigma, and perhaps... perhaps have a good time in the long run.

Yeah.

That sounded like a plan.

Happy with his decision, Tom proudly made his way to the great hall for breakfast.

"Wow. Have you started training yet?" Hermione asked Minnie as they walked in the direction of the Defense room.

"Not yet. Professor Dumbledore said he would start training me soon though." Minnie smiled at her.

Hermione smiled back. It was slightly funny having your young professor talk to about becoming an Animagus, considering that she already was one, from where Hermione came from.

"But he warned me, that there was the chance that I might not have the ability to become one, as it's very rare for someone my age." Minnie murmured.

"I'm sure you'll get it," On that, Hermione was positive. "So... What do you think we'll be do-"

Hermione was cut off, however, when something hard slammed against her back, causing her to fall forwards. Luckily, though, just before she was about to make impact with the ground, a pair of strong arms wrapped round her waist and pulled her upwards. Caught off guard, Hermione stumbled and bumped lightly against her saviours chest.

hmm... A very nice chest, Hermione acknowledged.

"Oh god. I am so sorry. Are you okay, miss...?" A deep voice asked her.

Not as deep as Tom's she even took time to notice.

"It's Hermione." She hadn't even looked up to see it was yet. "Er, thanks. No problem I guess." She stepped back till she was at least an arm's distance away. It was then she decided to look up.

What she saw almost made her gasp. She had to try her hardest to not let the recognition appear on her face.

There in front of her, stood a tall boy, round about her age, with messy, jet black hair. He even had a pair of thin framed glasses on. He extended his hand to her, giving her a bright smile.

Hermione barely managed to compose herself.

"Charles Potter."

His eyes are different. Hermione gave her hand, and watched with a slight blush as he brought it to his mouth and placed a chaste kiss on the tip of her knuckle. "Hermione Granger." She said sort of breathlessly, introducing herself for the second time, but more formally.

Get a hold of yourself girl! This time she was telling herself off, instead of her Harry counterpart.

He chuckled slightly at her second introducing, winked at her before letting her hand down. "Pleasure."

"OI! Chaz! Quit chatting the new girl up and get your arse back over here!" Someone ordered for across the hallway. Hermione didn't bother to look across and see who it was that shouted, but she was inwardly grateful to them.

"In class?" He asked, although he didn't wait for an answer as he'd already turned and walked over to his friend.

Hermione turned around to see Minnie giving her a knowing smile. "Oooh. Look who just got chatted up by one of the school's hottest guys!" She half whispered, half squealed with delight. "Wait... bloody hell girl, two guys in only a few days. You're making quite the impression. And, you've got Malfoy and Lestrange tailing you! What's the secret?"

Hermione cringed almost. She'd never had that effect on guys in her own time. Hermoine knew that Minnie was only pretending with the girly girly act, trying, and succeeding, in embarrassing her.

Ugh! This is getting ridiculous!

Just then the bell rang, signalling the start of class. Professor Merrythought stepped out and held the door for the pupils coming in. He didn't give out any nice greetings that Hermione had became used to seeing him do with his other classes and her own. He looked quite agitated actually.

Hermione decided to shrug it off for now. She'd find out sooner or later.

Hermione took down a seat near the front, and waited for Minnie to sit down next to her. She heard the seat next to her being pulled out, but was surprised to see someone else sit down. Charles Potter.

"Is this seat taken?" He asked as he started getting his stuff out. Hermione got the feeling that even if she did say so, he wouldn't be moving anytime soon.

"Er...well... actually-"

She didn't finish the sentence cause her eyes landed on the desk behind her. Minnie had taken the seat diagonal from her. She sent Hermione a smile which basically said 'go for it'.

"Doesn't matter." Hermione sighed.

Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a flash of black and green. She looked to her left and saw that Tom Riddle, and Antinon Dolohov had taken the desk next to hers.

Well, whoopti doop...

She turned so she was fully facing the front. Her day seemed to be starting off rather awkwardly for her. Her best friend's dead grand father seated to her right. The future dark lord, Tom Riddle, and a fellow death eater that she had successfully pissed off during her short stay here, were both seated to her left. Oh, joy.

The professor strutted in and walked straight to the front. He wasted no time in starting. "Today class, I'm afraid we'll have to cancel the plans I had made for us. The ministry insist that we start something a little more different." He paused. "I had planned for us to have another debate today," he made a short glance towards Hermione and Dolohov, "but, unfortunately they think it would be essential if we started preparing you for dueling."

Oh shite. Hermione barely managed to resist the urge of slamming her head against the table.

No one else shared Hermione's less than enthusiastic manner. They all seemed excited with the idea of duelling in class. She could practically feel Antinon's heated glare on the side of her head. It seemed to Hermione that Dolohov was most likely going to be using this class to his advantage. The last thing Hermione wanted was to outright duel with the boy, but then again, the other last thing she had not planned on, was to fail.

"This should be fun." Hermione heard Charles state next to her, looking at her with an excited smile.

Hermione looked at him. Is this what Harry might of grown up to be like if there wasn't a war? If he's been brought up with his parents? If he hadn't... died?

Hermione felt her anger heat up, and her hate towards the man responsible increase.

However, Hermione hated Lord Voldemort. She had yet to learn to fully dislike Tom Riddle.

"Yeah, "Hermione said, attempting a smile. "I'm sure it'll be interesting, to say the least."

"Now," the professor began, bringing Hermione's attention back to the front of the room. "once the room has been made for such activities, we will start off with partners. The partners must at least be from someone in a different house. The winners from that duel will go on to the next round and will continue like that until we have our last pair of duelists. Everybody clear on that?"

Everybody nodded.

"Pair up!"

"See you on the battlefield, Granger." Charles said before he got up and went over to a random Slytherin.

Hermione didn't have a clue on who she would pair up with. The last pair she wanted to face so early in the morning was Tom, or Dolohov.

Hmm... I wander if Malfoy is in here.

It didn't take long before Hermione found the head of white. She walked through the students until she got to him. His back was turned to her, so she she settled for tapping him on his shoulder. When he turned around, Hermione gave him a winning smile.

"Malfoy." She greeted.

"Ah! Hermione! I knew you'd come for me eventually." He stated knowingly with a smile of his own along with a wink.

Hermione couldn't help but notice, that even though they may share many of the same looks and characteristics, Abraxes wasn't a lot like his son and grandson. And for that, Hermione was truly grateful. In fact... if he wasn't so annoyingly pig headed, Hermione could actually grow to like the boy. In time... maybe.

"Of course, Malfoy. It was only a matter of time." Hermione tried not to roll her eyes at the double meaning in that sentence. "I was wandering if you'd do me the honour in being my first partner for duelling with?"

If possible, his smile widened. "Of course I will! But, Mione! Are you sure you want to leave the competition so soon?" He asked the last part with furrowed eyebrows, as if he actually believed he would be winning the duel between them.

Okay, I take that last thought back. He still has the growing arrogance.

"I'm positive."

Tom turned and almost laughed at the sight he saw. Hermione had went and paired up with Malfoy of all people! What the hell was she playing at now?

Tom himself had randomly picked the first Gryffindor on sight, that just happend to be a small podgy girl with brown pig tails named Ioana. Total idiot from what he knew of her. Should be an easy fight to get through to the next round.

Tom couldn't be more pleased with the duelling plans. This way, he might get a little payback for the orphanage incident. And now he had a new trick up his sleeve.

What no one knew, was that recently, Tom had started studying Legillamency (sp?). He'd just finshed mastering Occlumency. He'd been practicing with Abraxes at nights, making sure to wipe his memory clean, before they parted ways. He felt pretty confident by now when doing it silently, for he was yet to master the spell wandlessly.

He would best her easily enough. All he needed was a small peek inside her head and he would know the spells she planned to use.

Oh yes. Payback would be good.

It's just too bad that what Tom didn't know, was that Hermione was already skilled in both of these techniques.

Most of the duels hadn't lasted very long. So it wasn't long before both Hermoine and Malfoy were called to the platform.

Hermione took great enjoyment in watching some of the duels. Minnie seemed to have thought along the same lines as Hermione cause she'd went and partnered herself with Maximus Lestrange. It hadn't been a very long battle. She'd dodged a spell, shot her own, and he was left on the ground while she held his wand. For Riddle, he'd just disarmed the girl quickly before winning the match. The poor dear didn't really have the best reflexes and wound up half way across the room. Dolohov, Hermione had watched him in great detail - she had the dreaded feeling that she would have to face him eventually - as he dueled the Gryffindor, that was Charles' friend. He'd unfortunately won. Charles skillfully fought a Slytherin boy, named Michael Pendington, one look at him, and Hermione could tell that the skills for duelling must be hereditory.

Both walked silently to the centre where Hermione bowed to Malfoy and he did the same, sending her a wink and smirk. Hermione rolled her eyes as she turned to walk back to her end. She turned and watched as Malfoy got into fighting position - him lent forward on one leg, and his wand hand raised above his head.

Hermione just remained standing, in a casual posture.

The professor looked at her curiously before giving a slight cough and then started, "1...2...-"

Hermione didn't bother waiting for the last number. With a wave of her hand, she sent Malfoy flying backwards with a beam of red. His wand now in her free hand. Hermione didn't let it show, but she was slightly shocked at the power of her disarming spell. It was better than it normally was, and a lot stronger. Malfoy flew across the room and straight. Out. The. Door.

In fact, now that she thougtht about it, Hermione had been feeling a lot better and stronger since her sleep in the room of requirement. She had a feeling that she had a conversation coming up with the current Transfiguration teacher later that evening.

"Oops." Hermione smiled innocently while shrugging her shoulders.

A lot of people looked shocked as she dropped the wand to the floor of the platform, and stepped off it, and went to stand with the group of students that had made it through to the next round.

The professor composed himself a little before saying, "Er, very well done, Miss Granger. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be back in a moment. I'd better go check that Mr Malfoy is okay." With that he jogged across and out of the classroom.

Minnie turned to look at her friend. "Wow, Mione. That was great! You swept him right off his arse." She laughed.

Hermione smiled at her friend. She would of scolded anyone else for using that nickname, but found herself liking the way it sounded just then. "Yeah. To be honest, I hadn't ment for it to be as strong." She chuckled, "Do you think he'll get the hint, now?"

Minnie pretended to be deep in thought, tapping her right index finger against her chin, and looking up to the ceiling, before dropping it and looking at her again. "Anyone else would of, but it's Malfoy. So I doubt that will deter him."

Hermoine groaned, shutting her eyes. Maybe if she just told him that she was a muggleborn, that would probably throw him off.

Don't be stupid, Hermione! That will just blow your whole cover! Harry's voice snapped back into her mind.

You tend to have the worst timing ever. You know that, right? Besides, it was only a thought! I never said I would actually do it! Hermione huffed back.

"Can we talk after class, before you head off to lunch?" She heard someone whisper next to her ear.

Hermione tried to stiffle the shiver that ran down her back, to her toes and up again.

Whoa. Deja vu anyone?

"Sure. What is it?" Hermione turned her head slightly to see Tom looking down at her.

A smirk picked at his lips. "What's the point it talking after class, if I was just going to tell you now?" He asked with a quirk of his left eyebrow.

"Yes, but last time we organised a chat outside of class, we didn't even make it past the classroom door before I wound up having to go the hospital wing." Hermione tried to reason with him. Curiousity was turning it's ugly head with her.

"And that's not my fault. Be patient." He reasoned back.

No shame at all in her childish manner. Hermione out right pouted. Giving him big puppy dog eyes.

This technique always worked wonders back in her own time.

Tom snorted, and with a shake of his head he turned back to face the door.

Obviously just not with him, though.

Hermione scowled, but also looked back to the door, to see the professor walking back in.

He waved his hand in dismissal. "He's alright. Madame Lara, is just giving him something to clear away his concussion." He got back up to the front of the room. "Now. Who's next?"

It took them an entire period and a half, but they were all finally down to the last four.

Hermione, Tom, Charles, and... Dolohov.

For this round, the pairs were as such:

Tom Riddle vs Charles Potter, and Hermione Granger vs Antinon Dolohov.

Hermione wanted to kick and scream about the unfairness of it all. Minnie stared at her friend with slight pity, but also eagerness. Minnie had just lost to Dolohov, hence why she wasn't in the next round, and was a little sore about loosing to a Slytherin. But she was eager because she had a good feeling that Hermoine had a strong chance in besting him. Knocking him down a peg or two.

Hermione watched, anxious, as Tom and Charles duelled eachother. The only time she'd ever actually faced Dolohov, wand to wand, had been in her fith year. She still had that little scar on her chest to prove it. With a lot of research, she'd managed to finally figure out what the curse was he'd used. And boy had it down right pissed her off, and confused her. It was lethal, and should've killed her! Especially with the accuracy of the hit. It unnerved her greatly.

According to Snape, Dolohov had created that particular curse, himself.

During his sixth year.

Trust Hermione when she said she wished and preyed that he hadn't made it yet.

But then again, what helped calm Hermione slightly, was knowing that she'd improved a lot since then, and felt confident enough in her skills to maybe beat him. Maybe.

Now, Tom. Tom was another matter all together.

Spells were currently flying between both boys as they fought. Or rather, Tom kept up the defense, while Charles charged forward with the attack. Just by watching this, Hermione knew that Charles would loose this duel. He was already beginning to tire. But he was persistent, and he knew how to push himself.

But one slight falter, and Tom would be able to make his move.

That time came, when Charles made a slight pause to catch some breath. It was in that tiny second that Tom dropped his shield and a fired off the disarming spell, and caught the boy's wand, despite his efforts to try and grip onto it. Now wandless, Tom bound him, causing him to fall to the ground.

All the Slytherins cheered, while the Gryffindors booed. Tom walked up to the boy and undid the binds, allowing him to stad up before handing him his wand.

Not being a sore looser, Charles thanked Tom as he took his wand and held out his right hand to give a manly shake.

Tom smirked slightly, before giving his own hand. He may not like the boy, but at least he knew it when he lost, and didn't make a big deal about it.

Hermione smiled at this act. It was like something Harry would of done. Well... he would've done it to anyone apart from Voldemort, Malfoy, and a death eater.

Tom looked at Hermione and gave her a large smirk before turning and walking off the platform. The professor clapped enthusiastically, obviously way over his agitation from earlier. He turned and looked straight at Hermione, then Dolohov. "Now. Miss Granger. Mr Dolohov. I believe it's your turn."

Hermione gulped.

Dolohov smiled.

A.N.

Remember those lovely reviews, where you all told me you loved me? KEEP TO THAT THOUGHT! Sorry for the cliffy! :)

Always & Forever yours

Madame Dee! xxx