A/N:

Thank you all so very much for the reviews. I'm glad people are enjoying this story.

I just wanted to remind you, mostly because as I wrote this, I had to remind myself this too. There's time skips between the quotes sometimes.

I started this story as a fun way to explore Tom's character, and I kind of lost myself as I wrote it. I started getting bored as I wrote this chapter because I tried writing out details, and the parts where we build things up before something big happens and it just wasn't fun anymore.

I reminded myself this was just something I was writing for fun, and I feel the need to explain this here too.

If things seem like they're moving too quickly, it's because I didn't write this out very well. I imagine time passing by between each quote and I never really explained that. As you read this chapter, I hope you don't get too confused. You can imagine as much time passing by for it to make sense. Whether it be a couple of hours, or a few days, or some weeks later, it's really up to you. I didn't write this down with a specific time in mind because I used the Hannibal quotes to inspire the chapters.

Anyways, thank you all so much for reading, and if you have any thoughts, or suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

And again, I do not own any of the quotes in bold. They belong to NBC's Hannibal. Which by the way, announced it was being cancelled after this third season. It's really too bad, because it was honestly so great. If you ever have the chance to watch it, please do.

"I don't expect you to feel self-loathing or regret or shame. You knew what you were doing and you made your own decisions, decisions that were under your control."

"Oh, you think I'm in control?"

Tom always knew he was different.

He knew it when he was a little boy and all the other kids drew Fathers Day cards while he wrote a letter to his mother, and he knew it when after his mother died, everyone in the orphanage whispered mean things about him.

As a boy, all Tom ever wanted was a family, a normal family. As he grew older, he thought what he really wanted was to not be the odd one out, he wanted to be respected.

As he looked at Hermione, his gaze lingering on her stomach, he was sure he was almost completely contempt with his life.

He watched as she opened the door of the refrigerator and her tired eyes focused on the inside almost blankly. He would have been worried if he didn't know for the last couple of weeks, he was the one to keep her awake at night.

"Are you hungry?" he asked, putting down the notes he had in his hands.

Hermione blinked and looked back at him. He, unlike her, looked at peace, sitting on a stool by the kitchen island. "Not really," she answered with a sigh. "I think I'm just trying to find something to do. I went over the cases from work at least a dozen times now. You have a patient coming in soon right?" she closed the door to the fridge and walked towards Tom. "I might try giving Ron a call. I've been thinking," she leaned against the kitchen island, before continuing. "Ginny was his sister."

Tom's gaze visibly hardened, "Hermione." His tone was like a warning for her not to continue.

She looked back at him and kept talking, her voice firmer. "She was his sister and he's probably mourning. All I've been thinking is that he's been ignoring me, what kind of friend does that? I've been so caught with my own thoughts, I didn't even try to comfort Ron."

"If it's comforting you want," Tom began, "You can help me with my next client." The smile he gave her was as patronizing as his voice was starting to sound. "He's a real piece of work. You know, if someone asked me in the beginning of the year, 'which client is the most likely to commit murder', my first guess would have been him." He almost hesitated before he asked in a daring voice, "Try asking me now."

Hermione narrowed her eyes. "I've been thinking a lot lately Tom. Maybe it was all the heat of the moment that "

Tom kept an impassive face.

"I really should have taken psychology classes," Hermione said after a small pause. "Then maybe I could understand you a little."

The words made Tom look away.

"What we did, it didn't affect you," she said, looking at him.

Tom met her eyes. Her eyes looked almost bruised from exhaustion, her coloring had paled, and yet there was a small spark in her.

He gritted his teeth, irritated that she was still going on with this. It had been months since the incident. "Who says it didn't?" he nearly hissed. "Things like that change people but they can't always dwell on it. I helped you Hermione. I didn't have to. I could have called the police the second you fired the gun-"

"You could have called the police the second you saw Ginny with a knife," Hermione retorted.

"You would have been dead," he said, standing up from the stool. He gave her an incredulous look before laughing cruelly. "I can't believe you're trying to blame me."

"I'm trying to understand," she defended.

Tom didn't like the way she glared at him. "How many times do we have to go over this before you let it go. Ginevra was going to hurt us. You helped me from her. I helped you cover up any evidence.

There was a minute of unbearable silence before a look of realization seemed to hit Hermione.

"Where's her body Tom?" she asked quietly.

"It's somewhere the police won't find it, and that's all that matter Hermione."

"Why won't you just tell me?" her eyes were pleading. "What did you do with her?"

Tom stared at her, wanting her to give it up. Wishing so bad she'd just forget about it all and trust him completely. When she only waited for him to answer, he looked away and grabbed his notes.

"My client is going to be here soon," he finally said. "Feel free to join us," he mocked, "Maybe we can blame him for the murders, he's unstable in a more open kind of way."

Hermione lowered her eyes but said nothing as he took his notes and walked off. He only hoped she didn't notice his slip.

we can blame him for the murders.

murders.

Tom cursed as he opened the door to his office. He had time to go over his notes before he heard the doorbell ring. Knowing Hermione never liked opening the door for his clients, Tom went over to open the door.

Like expected, a young man was on the other side of the door. He would have been a handsome man if not for the crazed look in his eyes.

The young man seemed to shake in his boots. He stuttered as he said a simple greeting and looked behind him as if expecting someone to be there.

we can blame him for the murders.

Tom smiled back. "Hello Quirrell, you're looking well today."

"There are means of influence other than violence."

Hermione gritted her teeth as another wave of nausea hit her. She'd hurried out of work to stop by the pharmacy, but now she wished she'd just gone home and asked Tom to get medicine for her.

She wasn't sure what kind of medicine she needed, she figured she'd go to the flu medicine and get one that said helped for nausea.

As she stood in front of the flu medicine, she realized none of them really advertised nausea relief. She almost left without any medicine at all, but then thought she'd rather call Tom. He knew about medicine and she wasn't sure how much longer she could take feeling so nauseated.

"Yes?" he answered curtly. He'd been acting a bit cold towards her since their little talk the other day, and Hermione hadn't tried to reconcile. She knew she should apologize, she just wasn't sure how to go about that.

Hermione held back a gag and tried to keep her voice even as she began,"I came to the pharmacy." She eyed the shelves of the store and walked down the aisle to try and keep from heaving.

"Are you feeling bad?"

Hermione was just about to answer when she moved over a bit to let a woman with a crying baby pass by. "Sorry," the woman smiled warily.

Hermione smiled politely at the woman and nodded for her to go on. "Hermione?" Tom called. "Are you feeling alright?"

"I just-" Hermione looked at the baby who seemed to fuss even more in the woman's arms. "I've been feeling a little nauseous."

"Where is that crying coming from?" she faintly heard Tom ask. "I can't hear you."

"I said I've been feeling nauseous, I might have the stomach flu," she said louder. She looked back at the woman, feeling sorry for her as she cooed at the baby.

"Mommy needs to just get a few things," the woman said to the baby, who only continued to cry. The woman reached for a small box on the shelf and sighed. "I can't say I missed buying these," she joked when she met Hermione's look. "But that's just something us girls have to live with right?"

Hermione smiled back again and was just about to reply when she felt her stomach drop.

"Hermione?" Tom sounded irritated now.

Hermione quickly looked away from the woman and the boxes of tampons. "Tom?" her voice was louder. "How long has it been since I moved in?"

"A couple of months? Hermione, what are you doing?"

"I- I have to go, I'm just getting medicine -," she bit her lip and didn't bother to wait for his reply. Instead she hung up and took a deep breath. The nausea was getting stronger and she just needed to get out of here. She cursed under her breath and tried to ignore the baby's cries.

"I overheard about the nausea," the woman sounded apologetic. When Hermione looked back at her, she looked hesitant. "When I was pregnant with her, I had so much morning sickness. It helps when you go outside for some fresh air, or my sister use to make me smell freshly cut lemons." The woman laughed lightly, "It sounds silly but it works." She smiled at Hermione one last time and nodded, "But, uhm, feel better soon."

Hermione nodded back, she glanced quickly at the tampons as she hurried to another aisle.

"Don't overreact," she thought to herself. "People get nauseous all the time."

There was a part of her brain that reminded her about her missed period, the one she hadn't even thought about. She knew Tom never used protection unless she reminded him about it. It wasn't uncommon for them to be so caught up in the heat of the moment, neither would try to play it safe.

The possibility of being pregnant shouldn't have been so far off her mind.

With a loud swallow, Hermione picked out a pregnancy test. She could barely look at the cashier but as she handed her the money, Hermione noticed how shaky her hands were.

She hurried home after that, not bothering to look at her phone, where she had a couple of missed calls from Tom.

When she finally got home, she had barely stepped out of the car when Tom opened the front door. "Where were you?"

Hermione cursed under her breath, "I really don't want to fight right now Tom. I told you I was at the pharmacy."

He didn't even raise an eyebrow, instead kept looking at her with an unbelieving expression. "For what?" he asked.

Hermione only shook her head, "I don't feel well-" She was about to walk past him to get inside, when Tom snatched the plastic bag from her hand. Hermione furrowed her eyebrows, "Hey!" she nearly shouted. She wasn't sure why she didn't want to tell Tom about the pregnancy tests, but when he started looking inside, her stomach clenched.

As soon as he had the small box out, Tom's expression softened.

When he looked up, Hermione noticed how his lips fell open slightly, taking in a short breath. His eyes were kinder, all the coldness he'd faced her with lately seemed to melt away.

"Are you?" he asked, his voice small.

Hermione bit her lip, not knowing how to respond. Her own eyes began to water, if she was pregnant, how was Tom going to react? What if he wanted nothing to do with the child? They weren't exactly on the best terms, add a baby in the mix and their relationship was sure to fail. Right? That's usually how it went, and Tom didn't seem like the type to want kids. What was she going to do now? She didn't really have anyone besides Tom. She couldn't go to the Weasleys, not after so much time. What would she say? "Hey, I know you've been mourning the death of your daughter but while you've been doing that, I've been a little busy myself? By the way, I need help because I'm pregnant and I have no one else?"

Tom reached for her hand, giving it a small squeeze. "Hermione?"

She swallowed back a knot in her throat and tried to reply. "I-I'm not sure. I-"

"Come on, love," he ushered her inside and closed the door behind them.

Hermione forced back all the emotions rushing through her and followed him upstairs.

Tom wordlessly opened the bathroom door for her and began opening the test. Hermione took the test when he handed it to her and took a deep breath.

"Should I wait for you to finish?" he asked as he pulled a paper napkin out. He laid it on the counter for her to set the test on later.

"God no," Hermione laughed thought it sounded empty. "Just give me a minute."

Tom looked at her, his expression nearly emotionless. "It's okay," he assured her. "Whatever the result says, we'll be okay."

Hermione nodded, "I know," she lied.

With what he thought would be a reassuring smile, Tom slipped out.

He was out in their bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed, barely holding in his excitement when Hermione walked out.

It couldn't have been long enough for the test to be ready, Tom frowned. "What happened?"
"I can't wait for the results alone," she said quietly as she walked to him.

"Come here," he reached for her and pulled her into a hug. After a short pause, he kissed her temple. "I'm sorry I haven't been so… understanding. I just- I worry for us Hermione. I want us to be safe."

"Tom, I'm scared," she said.

He pulled her down on the bed, where they both laid together. "I'll always be here for you."

"What if I'm pregnant?" she asked in a small voice.

"Then I'll have two people to love and protect," he said, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.

Hermione buried her head in his chest in reply.

"Imagine a little person running around here," he mused, his fingers stroking her hair. "Someone who's half you and half me," his laugh was light and warm. "Maybe a little girl with your wild hair and my eyes. Or a little boy with your smile and my nose." He laughed again, the happiness inside him bubbling like it never had before.

Hermione couldn't help but smile back. "That'd be nice. We can buy little dresses or cute little bowties."

Tom held her closer. "I always wondered how it would feel to have a family of my own."

"How do you imagine it would?"

"Perfect, I think," he said. "If you're a part of it."
"Aren't you scared? Do you really think we're ready for this?"

"We're both financially stable Hermione, we aren't idiots and you're the most loving person I know." There was a hesitation before he continued. "You'd be careful though, wouldn't you? I- I don't think I'd handle having two people torn away from me if anyone found out about what we did."

Hermione tried to keep her breathing even.

"We'd both go to jail," he reminded her. "And we'd leave a child behind. Hermione, I know how it feels to be abandoned because of mistakes my parents made. It was awful and I- I just need you to promise me."

Hermione looked up, her eyes still watery.

"Promise me you'll do whatever it takes to keep all of us safe. You won't put a child in danger, would you love?"

"I'm not sure if I am pregnant," she pointed out.

"I have a good feeling about this," he whispered. "Just promise me if you are, you'll be careful."

"If I am," she began. "I promise I- I promise I'll do my best to forget about Ginny. I - I'll focus on- on other things."

Tom smiled in return, bending down to capture her lips in his. "I love you."

We construct fairy tales, and we accept them. Our minds concoct all sorts of fantasies when we don't want to believe something

Hermione tried to keep a smile as Tom's guests arrived, but when Draco showed up with another snotty looking boy beside him, she had trouble not scowling.

"Nice to see you again Granger," Draco smiled at her. "Seems time has been kind to you. Managed to snatch up a rich fellow like Riddle, did you?"

"I see you're still the same little ferret you were in school," she raised her chin. "Managed to keep some friends did you? Surprising really," she turned to the boy beside her, "Tell me, exactly how do you put up with a boy like Malfoy?"

"It's a gift," he gave her a sly smile. "Being able to put up with arrogant assholes is kind of my thing."

Hermione smiled at that and held out her hand, "Hermione Granger."

"Theo Nott," he replied, taking her hand. She half expected him to bring her hand up for a kiss but was pleasantly surprised when he only gave her a firm handshake.

Draco rolled his eyes at the two before looking around with lowered eyes. "And where exactly are your friends Granger? Don't see the weasel or scarhead anywhere. Finally figured out how much they drag you down?"

Hermione took a sip of her drink, "Tom put this dinner together. I thought it unnecessary to make all my friends endure the pleasure of your company."

"Isn't that Weasley?" Theo asked, raising an eyebrow as he looked towards the front door.

Hermione turned so quickly, she almost felt the muscle in her neck give a tug. "Ron!" she called without thinking.

He had begun to look nervous, but when his eyes landed on her, he visibly relaxed. He looked a little out of place surrounded by everyone so smartly dressed, but Hermione smiled at the familiar face. "You came," she said once he was close enough. They hugged and Hermione thought about how much she'd miss this.

"Of course," he said, his arms still around her. "Harry couldn't make it, but he says hello."

Hermione pulled away and smiled warily at him. She was careful not to spill her drink. "He didn't really, did he?"

Ron smiled back, "He's just a little busy. Mom says hello though, so does Fred and George."

"They couldn't make it?" she asked, carefully making her voice sound casual.

"They'd only make things uncomfortable. They're still pretty beat up about-" he cleared his throat, "well, you know."

Hermione nodded, looking away before catching Tom standing with Draco and Theo. He was looking at her, and when she looked his way, he gave her a small smile.

"Do you wanna say hi to Tom? Draco's here too, so we can bring up the time he was bitten by a ferret."

Ron let out a small laugh, "And how we started rumors about him turning into a ferret at midnight?"

"Oh gods," she giggled, "please bring that up."

Hermione was just about to lead him towards the other boys when Tom came to them, Theo and Draco following.

"Hermione," he smiled as he wrapped an arm around her waist. "You must be Ron," he said politely. "Good to see you again."

Ron's smile fell slightly, "Right."

"Weasley," Draco nearly sneered. "Where's your friend? Figured by the way you followed him around like a puppy, you wouldn't dare go anywhere without him."

"Hey Draco?" Hermione pretended to look around. "Is your dad here?"

Tom furrowed his eyebrows and nodded towards Lucius Malfoy, who was talking to another group on the other side of the room. "He's over there, why love?"

Hermione frowned and looked at Ron apologetically. Ron already knowing what was coming, began to smile brighter. "You know we can't talk ill about Draco now, his father will surely hear about it."

"And this isn't like back at school where we at least had a couple of weeks before we had to face the man," Ron added mockingly.

"Oh shut up," Draco scoffed.

"Hm," Theo mused, "I always pegged you as a momma's boy."

"Fuck off. I'm going to go get something to drink. Need a refill Granger?" He eyed her nearly empty glass.

"Uhm," she looked down at the once bright yellow liquid, dulled down by the ice cubes. "No, I think I'm done now."

Draco offered the others drinks, but only Theo said yes.

"What are you drinking anyways?" Ron asked with a wary smile. "You've never been one for drinking."

"It's uh-" she looked down at the drink and blushed.

Tom tightened his hold on her and interrupted, "She doesn't drink. This doesn't have alcohol."

Theo cleared his throat, and tried his hand at small talk "So, how did you two meet?"

"Grocery store," Hermione replied with a smile. "Tom knew our friend."

Theo thought he heard her voice trail off at the end, and he noticed the way Ron stiffened, and Tom somehow press himself closer to her. He wondered if Hermione was feeling as smothered as he was by just watching them.

"Cute story," Theo said smoothly, looking back to see where Draco was. He saw him talking to an older man, looking as uncomfortable as he was feeling. He only saw the panicked look in his eyes when Draco turned to him. "Draco!" he called out.

Draco seemed to give the man an apology before pointing to Theo.

"Gods, thank you," Draco shuddered. "That was by far the worst encounter today, and that's counting Weasley."

It was Tom's turn to roll his eyes. Really, the jabs were getting dull and he preferred completely ignoring the redhead.

"Who is he?" Hermione asked,

"Bartemius Crouch. He's part of the city's council," Tom answered. "He works with Lucius."

Draco shrugged, "He was talking about how his son really liked these dinners."

"Is he here?" Hermione looked up at Tom.

"He's dead," Draco was the one to reply. "Has been for a while."

Hermione's mouth fell open slightly. She glanced at Ron and saw him only looking down at his shoes.

"He was involved in some sketchy businesses," Tom said casually.

"So what have you been up to?" Ron asked, looking up to meet Tom's eyes. Hermione was surprised to see a slight glare.

"I've been here," Tom replied easily. "I work from home and spend my time with Hermione." Tom pressed a kiss to her temple and looked up at Ron again, his eyes daring him to say anything else. "Some of us can afford that."

Hermione didn't mention that lately Tom had been going out for 'work related business'. She never questioned him when he said he'd be back in a few hours. He would say he had to take care of something and Hermione would only nod and kiss him a quick goodbye.

Shortly after, Tom took Hermione and led her to the dining room, where he announced the beginning of the meal.

Ron hurried through the crowd to take the seat beside her and smiled when he made it. "Tom's a really good cook," she said to him as Tom went to the kitchen to bring out the food.

"I'll take your word for it. No better than mom, I bet," he teased.

"Molly's cooking is on a completely different scale. Gods I miss her chicken pot pie."

"I'll bring you some sometime," Ron promised with a small smile.

"Before we begin," Tom spoke loudly at the head of the table. "I'd like to thank you all for coming," he looked at Councilman Crouch and gave a reassuring look, "Though we are missing someone I think it's important to remember, even though Barty Jr has left us- he'll never really be gone. I'm positive, even now, he's closer to us than we think."

Hermione wondered what the glint in Tom's eye was.

"And after tonight," he smiled a warm smile. "you'll be reassured to know, your son can be found inside you." Tom placed a hand to his heart before reaching for a glass and toasting, "To Barty. May he rest in peace."

There was quiet, respectful murmurs around the table and Councilman Crouch nodded gratefully.

Nobody mentioned Tom's oddly chosen words.

"And since, we're all here," he continued. "I think we can use a little bit of good news to brighten the mood." He turned to Hermione who's heart dropped.

No, she tried to say at him. Not right now. Not yet.

"Hermione, love," he encouraged. "Stand up."

Ron felt his blood run cold and gave a quick glance at Hermione's left hand. There was nothing out of the ordinary there.

Hermione swallowed and tried not to look at the table filled with people staring at her.

Tom placed a hand on her waist and smiled, "We're expecting."

Ron felt his heart drop at a speed so quick, he thought his stomach wouldn't be able to handle food now.

"Hermione's pregnant," Tom finished, there was no denying the excitement in his voice. It was a side nobody was very familiar with, and the room was suddenly filled with stunned faces, and congratulatory remarks.

Ron forced a smile on his face, though his lips felt heavier than ever. He wondered if it showed in his face how hard it was for him to turn his lips up.

"That's great," he managed to say up to Hermione, who was looking at bit pink.

"I wanted to tell you sooner," she managed to say.

"It- It's fine," his smile was beginning to hurt. She sat down again after smiling at the crowd. "It's great. Tha- That's great. Congrats. Harry will be so happy to hear that. George will be so happy to hear that."

Hermione laughed, "Oh god, George is going to bring up that time I said I'd never have kids, isn't he?"

"Without a doubt," Ron agreed, looking away from Hermione. He cleared his throat and thought about Hermione with a kid.

A kid with Tom Riddle as the father.

He laughed again and kept his head down, a knot forming in his throat.

Hermione swallowed and pretended not to notice the way Ron seemed to shut down after that.

She smiled at everyone who congratulated her and squeezed Tom's hand when he reached for hers.

This was good for her, she thought. She needed this.

She needed Tom.