Many of the sentences in this chapter are Hermione's thoughts even though they are not in italics/cursive.
Menteur: Chapter 8: When Friends Become Foes
October 5, 1943
As soon as all the prying Slytherins were out of earshot, Hermione let out an exaggerated sigh of relief. She was never a vengeful person, and, for an obvious reason, she really despised using of the M-word, but in this case it was simply necessary…or at least the best thing she could think of at the moment. Ever since her disastrous run-in with Mr. Malfoy and her wedding ring, paranoid thoughts didn't cease to nag at the back of her mind. The curly-haired witch was positive he recognized the precious trinket; after all he was the current rightful owner, and in about a decade, he will pass it down to his piece of human garbage of a son, Lucius, who will eventually give it to Draco and therefore unknowingly send it right into Hermione's hands. The eldest Malfoy has probably already informed his Master of the strange coincidence that the new girl had an exact copy of his family heirloom, which will inevitably lead to further and deeper investigation of her persona. On the brighter side, that unfortunate event had also made Hermione realize just how important are the Knights of Walpurgis to young Voldemort. Without them, their parents' contacts and wealth, Tom was nothing more than a 16year old wizard… an evil, brilliant and incredibly cunning 16year old wizard, but, still, only a wizard. Just like her. This fact alone gave her a tremendous advantage, since she was more than seven years older and had plenty of direct combat experience from the war. However, she needed to do some extra preparations before facing Riddle once and for all, and that was almost impossible with his little devotees crawling everywhere, studying her every move and undoubtedly reporting to their master, tout de suite. So she decided to get rid of them, and revealing Riddle's controversial heritage was just the thing to make many of the snobbish, traditional, conservative purebloods question their loyalties. Especially, since they were- or so did Hermione judge from the diary entries- oblivious to his position as Salazar's direct descendant and heir. She resisted the urge to pat herself on the back and focused on the problems at hand- namely Albus P. Dumbledore, the Transfiguration teacher, great protector of peace, and soon-to-be master of the Elder Wand.
Her particularly dreadful mood and the sigh didn't go unnoticed by the elder professor, who was patiently waiting for her outside of the study room.
"So, tell me, Miss Durand, how is your preparation for NEWTs going?" said the wizard lightly, while rubbing his graying beard. They started to walk leisurely deeper into the castle.
Hermione paused to think about her answer. With all the stalking she did recently, she has completely forgotten about any exams. To be honest, she did not even expect to stay at Hogwarts till then. The plan was to separate Riddle from others, eradicate him, and then, if she survives of course, leave England as soon as possible to…well, she actually didn't plan that far ahead. The big possibility was the United States, Philadelphia, to be exact. Some of the most recent time-traveling research was conducted there…
"Splendidly, professor Dumbledore." She lied enthusiastically, but inside her mood dropped significantly. It was quite ironic, that the biggest bookworm and school lover in history won't be able to graduate. Not even the second time around.
Dumbledore's smile widened, as he put his hand around her shoulders in friendly gesture, and motioned her into the next corridor. His grip wasn't unpleasant, but there was an unspoken tightness and dominance in it.
"So I hear. My colleagues tell me you are quite the catch… " He nodded, the carefree grin never left his lips, but it wavered as he said the next sentence. "Some even compare your skills to ones of a trained auror… "
Hermione's head snapped up.
Was THAT the current gossip in Hogwarts?
The redhead's face reminded passive. Perhaps his twinkly blue eyes hidden behind the half-moon shaped glasses didn't notice her sudden reaction regarding his comment, or maybe he simply decided to ignore it. One thing was certain though- the remark wasn't just a polite conversation. The elder wizard was suspicious, which put Hermione on the verge of a big decision. Tell or not to tell?
In the past (or actually future) Dumbledore was always Harry's biggest ally in the battle against the ever growing dark forces, but that was different time. Dumbledore of the future had seen the evil lingering in the young man's soul and had experienced the hardest of betrayals from the ranks of his friends. Would this Dumbledore be able to do give up his hopes for that talented youngster? Would he be willing to help defeat the one he cares so much about? Surly, he must be somewhat aware of who his beloved fosterling really is, Hermione thought.
She took a deep breath and whispered so softly she wasn't sure if he even heard her: "…and if I am?"
There was a pregnant pause during which they managed to walk all the way to the large wooden door of the Transfiguration classroom. Dumbledore silently opened the door and signaled her in.
As soon as they were safely hidden away from any inquisitive ears, Dumbledore turned towards the young witch. In the crimson light of burning candles, his usually sympathetic harmless face looked just as dangerous as the wizard himself and Hermione suddenly regretted her decision to confide in older wizard.
"Since you've already decided to keep your identity secret, perhaps you could tell me why are you here." His eyebrows were furrowed and the tone of his voice dark like he was speaking to a mere criminal suspect.
Hermione wasn't really surprised that he knew more about her than he let on, nor was she surprised by the mistrust she was being regarded with.
"There is somebody… a dangerous wizard in this school, who must be dealt with.." The older wizard's face didn't betray a single emotion, as she spoke openly about the truth they both knew, but he did turn his face away like he was ashamed. Then suddenly his expression changed.
"You have no proof of that" To Hermione's surprise Dumbledore sounded annoyed, almost angry.
Maybe it wasn't the best idea, she thought, maybe it really took those fifty years for Dumbledore to fully understand the hazard of letting Tom Riddle to roam free.
"Not yet, but, professor, he won't stay in shadows for long, he will step out, and when he does…" Hermione's voice trailed off, because she didn't know how to continue that sentence, or whether to finish it at all. Should she tell him of Moaning Mirtle? Of the Basilisk hidden in the heart of the school itself? Or maybe of Riddle Sr., who will die the following summer of 44 at the hands of his own son? Was saving few people worth breaking every rule of time traveling?
"No" Dumbledore's commanding voice pierced the cold evening air like an assassin's sharp sword would pierce through the throat of an unsuspecting victim(Yes, I do read too much of Tolkien and play too much of Skyrim): "He still has a chance. He belongs in Hogwarts and I'm keeping an eye on him…". There was no need to call names, nor to speak them aloud.
"That won't be enough, when he finds the Chamber!" Hermione's hand flew up to cover her mouth immediately after she realized she nearly yelled the last part. The young witch wanted- no, she needed- powerful wizard's help. Before the damn time-turner broke and this whole mess started, there was always somebody by her side, be it her best friends, Harry and Ron, or Draco, who might not have been the biggest conversationalist, but at least she always had somebody to hold her hand and listen to her when the times got tough. And now a possible ally, and an old friend, was standing before her, looking like she was the last person he would put his trust in.
Dumbledore opened his mouth to say something, but changed his mind and silently turned away to walk towards his private chambers' door at the back of the classroom. Hermione watched his retreating back, before heading the opposite direction. The heavy feeling of surrender hung above her head, temporarily allowing a small void in her heart wider and wider until it completely clouded any other emotions she held.
Before she was able to reach the doorknob the Dumbledore called from the other side of the classroom: "I must warn you, Miss Durand, if anything happens to ANY of my students, I will make sure the culprit WILL BE punished…" Then he disappeared into his chambers and Hermione was painfully reminded that every ally, no matter how honorable, can become an enemy.
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