Chapter 22

Hermione smiled as she looked over at the tall boy on her right. Tom had come to meet her in the hospital wing early that morning, with the strong determination to walk with her to the great hall that morning. She would be lying if she was say she wasn't entirely nervous about making her progressive relationship with Tom Riddle public, but with her arm looped into Tom's, all worries left her mind, and the feeling of being happy where she was, sunk in.

Besides, it wasn't as if no one didn't know, or hadn't already guessed. She'd kissed him in front of most of the school after all!

One thing she wanted to chuckle at, but refrained from doing so, was how Tom described it as 'courting', reminding Hermione what year she was actually in again.

Hermione wished she knew what was happening to her, but really didn't want to figure it out right then and there.

Tom smiled back down at her.

It was funny really. Tom always thought that he would remain alone. Grow in power and face the world as the one man. But here he was with Hermione. Someone he could see himself bringing along to share the experience with.

Tom reached forward and used his free hand and arm to open th door to the great hall.

Immediately, all eyes fell on them.

However, much to Tom's amusement and Hermione's bewilderment, they started applauding.

Hermione couldn't help the blush that took form all over her face.

Especially when Tom bent forward and pecked her on her cheek before letting go of her arm and heading towards his seat. She quickly followed his actions and headed over to her own table, where she sat next to a smirking Minerva.

"Oh, shut up."

The first two days out of the hospital wing went... swimmingly well. If she had to describe it in any way what so ever.

Classes were good, everyone was wishing them well and happiness, Tom was the doting... courter?

In all honesty, it was rather surreal for Hermione. Everything was nice and normal. She had friends, she could spend a day without worrying what prick was planning on harming her that day, she had Tom...

Yes, if someone in her own time told her she would be dating Tom Riddle back in 1943, she would have sat them down and made sure they were right in the head before kindly escorting them to St Mungo's.

With everything at ease, it made her feel slightly at unease, and it was bloody confusing her! She knew she should relax and enjoy it while it lasts, but she was just so unnoccustomed to it.

The classes for that day had finally ended, and both Hermione and Minnie were making their way towards the great hall for dinner.

"So, you still meeting with Riddle later?" Minnie asked conversationally as she she took her usual seat at the table.

"Yup," Hemrione answered simply as she sat down next to her. "No doubt only one of the cakes will be served at the party. Two if he's feeling generous."

Minnie smiled at her friend's joke while she began filling her plate. "Maybe you should make a fourth and we could all share it in the girl's dorm room tonight? Mary and Sarah were saying how they think it would be loads of fun. They wanted to have it the night before the party, but decided that beauty sleep would be needed for the night before getting ready."

Hermione smiled at Minnie, "sounds like fun. I'll remember to bring up some extra goodies, kay?"

Minnie beamed at her before turning to face the far end of the table. "Hey, Mary? Sarah? Yeah, Hermione's up for tonight!"

Mary and Sarah answered with big smiles and thumbs up in their direction.

Minnie gave Hermione a small hug before walking away from the portrait that would allow her and Riddle into the kitchen when the Slytherin arrived.

Hermione didn't know it, but she had helped Minnie alot this past week, almost nearing two. Minnie had always got along well with the people in her year, but preferred the company of her books most of the time.

When she'd befriended Hernione, a different side seemed to pop up from somewhere in her. Minnie felt more adventurous. She was spending more time out of the library, and actually hung out with the other girls from her dorm when Hermione was with Riddle. She'd even been asked on a date!

It seemed that Hermione had had small, but at the same time, large impacts on people's lives since she got here.

Tom was sat in the Slytherin boy's dormitory. Inside was Malfoy, Dolohov, and Black.

"I've asked you three up here to tell you about a meeting that I have organised for the Knight this coming Saturday. It will take place in the Forbidden Forest an hour before Slughorn's party. Only the one's in our year may attend. Inform them."

And with that short, but empowered speech, Tom exited the room.

He enjoyed the look of disapointment that had shown on Dolohov's face. He'd planned a confrontation, but Tom had taken any reason to away.

At 7 o'clock, he found himself turning the corner to the kitchen's portrait. He was greeted by a large smile from Hermione.

She'd obviously changed from her uniform and into a simple white, floaty skirt that came just past her knees. On top was complimenting, sky blue vest top. Her long curls tied into a high pony tail.

Tom felt almost smug about himself.

"Shall we?" Hermione asked, not really needing an answer as she lent up onto her tip toes to tickle the pair.

Tom nodded with a playfull smirk. He walked over, and like last time, he held the portrait door open for her. Hermione gave him a quick thank you before entering.

"So..." Tom started slowly as he began mixing in the ingrediants that would soon become a crap load of chocolate butter icing. Hermione turned to him with her left eyebrow raised. "What's your dress like?"

Hermione smirked at him before she turned to wipe down the units. "Well... it's silver. It's formal... nothing special really," she shrugged.

Tom gave her a look that said 'very funny'. Hermione in return gave him a look that simply said 'what?'

"Is it long? Is it short? Long sleeved? Short sleeved? You know, details?"

Hermione smiled at him teasingly. "Aw, but it's a surprise."

"What if I don't like surprises?"

"Tough luck."

Tom smiled at her stubourness. Now he was sure it would be something special... the dress, anyway.

Hermione finished her cleaning and walked up to him. "Come on. Cakes should be ready." She lent up to give him a peck on his cheek.

Feeling cheeky, Tom turned his head, so she met his lips instead.

Hermione, despite it being unexpected, let the kiss linger. Just as Tom was about to continue, she pulled back and put a finger covered in thick chocolate butter icing inside her mouth.

"Yum."

The last thing Minerva McGonagal ever expected in her long sixty eight years was to ever wake up with Tom Riddle sitting at the foot of her bed.

A gasp escaped her lips, as she sat up quite fast in her bed. She didn't feel as if she had just fought in a war two nights ago. Someone had healed her in her sleep.

"Minnie." Voldemort greeted with a nod of his head.

"Tom." Minerva replied scathingly.

Just then, it was like someone had hit across the head with a rather large brick. All the memories she'd almost thought to be dreams came flying back to her.

The Tom Riddle in front of her was still the Lord Voldemort of her time.

"You look different too," he stated simply, reading her mind.

As if on que, a mirror appeared infront of her face. Minerva gasped at the person in front of her.

Nearly all the wrinkles on her aged face had disapeared, leaving only small laughing wrinkles. Her skin was in much better condition. Her hair was back to it's rich brown colour, a small small line of grey on either side of her head just above her ears.

"How?"

"You aged fast for any magical person. Most likely due to your strict life. Now you look like you should for a magical person at your age."

This was how she would have looked if Hermione had never left?

"Hermione..."

Minerva tried not to let the tears flow from her face, but she couldn't help herslef.

She heard the sniff of digust Voldemort made at her sadness. All this did was replace the momentary sadness with outrage. She grabbed the small mirror that still floted in front of her and chucked it with as much effort as she could at him.

"What did you do!" Minerva cried at him. Minerva hadn't properly cried in years. The only time she'd shed a tear was at the Potter's funeral, and Albus'. But nothing had ever got her into a state like this before.

Voldemort easily dodged it with a small movement of his head. He looked at the hurt woman, keeping his cool. Although he could feel himself slightly angered by her tantrum.

"Don't forget who's care you're in, Minnie."

"Why am I here, Riddle?" Minerva spat. "In this room, being looked after. I know you hate me."

Minerva tried not to squirm when he smirked at her as he stood. He walked over to the door and opened it. Stepping out, he turned round to close the door. Before he did, he said, "Hermione will need someone to speak with and help her when she gets back."

A.N.

Sorry, lol, realised I hadn't put up an author's note!

Anyhoo, sorry about the chapter being so small, but you were warned :)

I'm gonna take this opportunity to reply to 'Shine Lots' review to this chapter! I think that anyone else that is confused about some things might find it helpful reading this too :)

Shine Lots: AAAHH! I want to tell you so bad lol, but some of the things you want explained will have to wait because it's all part of the main plot! :( Don't worry though, cause any confusion will be explained in later chapters, I promise! The fainting especially! I just don't want to give anything away ;) I can say there will be no more fainting...
I'm glad you're enjoying everything else though, lol, hope you stay with it! :) xxx

Anyway, thank you everyone for all your reviews, they mean loads! :)

love Madame Dee! xxx