Disclaimer in Chapter One

A/N: Surprise! Didn't think I'd be back, did you? I don't know what happened. I wouldn't even call this a hiatus anymore. I'm sorry, you guys. I dropped off the face of the earth… at least the Tomione part of it. Got a new job, moved into another city and all that excitement. I kinda stopped the fanfic writing. Which is sad, because it's an awesome hobby.

I don't know if anyone is still interested in reading this fic, but I sure want to finish it. Even if it dropped to the background for a while, I never really forgot about it. So what do you know? I really started to write for it again a couple of weeks ago. Crazy, I know.

So to whomever still wants to find out what happens to Hermione and Tom, I give you chapter 41. This time I can even promise you that I won't disappear again for years to suddenly drop chapter 42. And why should you believe me, I hear you ask. It's because I already wrote the next chapter. Chapter 42 will also be the last one of this fic. So, we'll really see this fic finished. Who would've thought?

I want to thank all of you who reviewed on this fic so far or PMed me about it. I didn't reply to you for so long and I'm sorry for that. First I wanted to and then so much time had gone by that I was kinda too embarrassed to reply. So via this way:

You guys are awesome! Thank you so much!

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Chapter Forty-One: You held me fast

"What if she's dead?"

Sirius hated the pregnant pause that followed his question. Through the corners of his eyes, he watched Lupin. The werewolf casually leaned against one of the tables, his yellow eyes were fixed on Sirius. Lupin could be frustratingly hard to read at times. Finally, the werewolf said in his gravelly voice,

"We don't know what happened to her yet."

The non-answer sent a rush of anger through Sirius. At least it served to mask the dark, hollow spot that mercilessly grew in him since they'd returned from Azkaban empty-handed. Furiously, Sirius spat,

"It's my fault. I shouldn't have asked this of her."

"Stop this," Lupin replied in a frustratingly calm tone. "Sirius, it doesn't do anyone any good."

Snarl on his face, Sirius hissed, "It is, though. I dragged her into this shit."

Temper flaring, he stomped to the window and stared outside. A squad of werewolves, clad in black uniforms, jogged by. They were probably off to a training session. Sirius leaned on the window sill while he glared into space with unseeing eyes.

"I can't do this. I can't," he bit out.

Hermione was gone. They had abandoned her at Azkaban, just left her to her fate. Lupin and Sirius had returned hours ago and still there was no word from Hermione or Riddle. That meant their mission to free Hermione had failed. Sirius fingers angrily tightened around the window sill. He had failed.

"I should've stayed," Sirius growled in his anger.

"Then you would've died," Lupin reasoned, his voice controlled.

Sirius glared at his friend. The anger peaked, burning everything else. His magic reacted and crackled around him in an irate cloud.

"Then I should've died. Damn it!"

Lupin remained to be unperturbed by Sirius' outburst. "What good would that have done?"

A furious snarl on his face, Sirius hissed, "At least I'd have tried. I should've died in Azkaban years ago. What does it matter?"

"It does matter," Lupin replied quietly. "Where would the Order be without you, Sirius?"

Sirius released a bitter laugh. "Don't. Just don't." He raised a hand and rubbed it over his face. "The great leader of the Order of the Phoenix. Can't even save one Muggleborn girl."

"We tried everything," Lupin reminded. "There was no other option but to retreat."

Sirius took a step towards him, magic dancing around him belligerently. His gaze wandered over Lupin and for the first time he really took him in. Lupin's posture was a bit slumped forward. Dark rings were showing under his yellow eyes and his hair stood at odd angles. The usually so clean-cut soldier looked terrible.

Seeing his friend like that, made the anger, that had burned through Sirius, deflate. Weakly he sagged against the window sill behind him. The fight drained from Sirius until nothing was left but that hollow feeling in his chest. Mercilessly it tugged at him and reminded him: He had made a mistake and Hermione had to pay for it. Sirius swallowed hard.

"Do you…" he stuttered, sounding shaky and weak. "Do you think she's dead?"

Lupin stared at him with empty eyes. When he finally replied, his voice was a mere whisper, "I really don't know, Sirius."

"She… she saved all those Muggleborns. It's just not fair."

Lupin just looked at him helplessly and Sirius felt as if someone had punched him in the gut. They stood in silence, both drowning in their own dark thoughts.

It was a while later that the door to the room was opened. Silently, Sirius watched as, one by one, the members of the Order entered. Alastor Moody, Alice Longbottom, the Weasleys, Kingsley Shacklebolt and even Tonks had made it. Sirius took in a deep breath of air, forcing calm. He pushed himself away from the window sill.

"Evenin'," he greeted and plopped down on one of the chairs.

The others murmured their greetings as they sat down. Lupin slid into the chair right beside Tonks. A small smile curled Sirius' lips as he watched her reach for the werewolf to press his hand reassuringly.

Alice arched a solitary eyebrow at Sirius and informed coolly, "I can't stay long. I need to be back at the Wizangamot soon."

Moody rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Yes, we all know. You're important."

Alice threw the Auror a withering glare. Before she could reply anything, Sirius cleared his throat loudly.

"Alice is right. Let's get down to it."

Under the table, he balled his hands into fists to stop them from shaking. Then he asked, banning his churned-up emotions from his voice,

"What did you hear?"

It was Kingsley who replied first, "I reached out to my contacts but there's not much to report. Most didn't hear anything of the incident at Azkaban. This whole thing has been hush-hush." He sighed before he added in his deep voice, "Obviously, Umbridge is desperate for it to stay under the radar."

Moody's eyes had been trained on Kingsley but now one of them whirred around and stared at Sirius. It looked a bit odd, until the other eye followed suit. His full attention now on Sirius, Moody said,

"Same here. I heard something here and there through the grapevine, but nothing official. And nothing we didn't know yet."

"I see," Sirius whispered. "What exactly did you hear?"

Moody shrugged, "I talked with Midgen from the Invisibility Task Force. He was a guard in Azkaban back in the day. Has still some connections there. He couldn't tell me much. He did hear that there's been an incident." He crinkled his nose and scoffed, "Officially, it's supposed to be a ward going haywire."

"Nothing about any prisoners missing?" Lupin asked carefully.

"No," Moody shrugged.

"I heard the same," Alice's frosty voice threw in. "They're all talking about a severe ward malfunction. It even kicked off a discussion within the Wizengamot to set a resolution in motion. It's supposed to assign more money to the Department of Mysteries for research on warding magic." The woman leaned back in her chair and added pensively, "No words of any prisoners breaking out. Umbridge has been very thorough. If Hermione escaped, no one knows about it."

With each word, Sirius could feel the last rests of hope in him shrivel up and die. He pressed his lips into a thin line as desperation mounted up.

"The Snatchers didn't hear anything either," Tonks added. Her hair, usually bubble-gum pink, had a sad mousy-brown colour.

It really was hopeless, wasn't it? Sirius was at the end of his rope. He threw a glance at Lupin. The werewolf looked like death warmed up. Sirius cursed in his mind. He couldn't let Hermione just disappear like this. No way. He shook his head stubbornly.

"Look," Sirius said. "I know it doesn't look good. We have no clue what happened. So how about this? Let's just assume Riddle succeeded and got Hermione out of Azkaban. He obviously didn't contact us. So where would he bring Hermione?"

The others stared at him. There was sceptical look on Alice' face while Kingsley frowned. Moody was just about to open his mouth to, no doubt, question Sirius' sanity.

"Hogwarts."

They all turned to Lupin. The werewolf stared at Sirius with wide eyes, body tense. "Riddle would've brought her to Hogwarts."

Moody turned to him and eyed him doubtfully. "Are you sure? Why'd he bring her to a school?"

Lupin insisted, "I know Riddle from the time I taught at Hogwarts. He's always been strangely detached. Didn't care about anything. But I got the impression that Hogwarts meant something to him. I mean he never returned home for any holiday. I doubt he even has a home. If he wanted to bring Hermione somewhere safe, Riddle would've gone to Hogwarts."

Sirius nervously drummed his fingers against the table top. He wasn't convinced, but at this point he was ready to clutch at every straw.

"Okay…" he said. "Hogwarts. Maybe... How can we make sure?"

Tonks leaned a bit over the table and looked at the Weasleys. A grin stretched her lips. "We've got our contacts into the castle, don't we?"

Sirius looked at the Weasleys and then slowly it dawned on him. "You mean Ginny and Ron?"

"What?" By now Molly had caught on as well. "No, definitely not. I can't let my children get involved in this."

Her husband looked equally worried. "It's too dangerous," Arthur decided.

The smile on Tonks face gained a mischievous streak as she cajoled, "Come on. They don't have to do anything dangerous. It'd be an adventure for them."

{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}

Ginny yawned widely. Her gaze wandered to the large grandfather clock in the corner of Gryffindor's common room. Just past five. Merlin, she could've sworn she'd worked on McGonagall's essay for hours. Had it really been just twenty minutes?

"Ug," Ginny let her head sag down on the table.

She should've gone to the Quidditch pitch with Ron and Seamus. Ginny rubbed at her eyes. The common room was completely empty. Was she really the only one stupid enough to sit here in the stuffy common room to do homework? Longingly, Ginny looked out the window. The sun was still out, beckoning her. If she hurried, she could get in a lap or two around the pitch. Having made up her mind, Ginny got up and grabbed her broom.

"Ginny."

The voice made her stop dead in her tracks, broom still in hand. Eyes wide, Ginny looked around. Her gaze got stuck on the fireplace. A fat frown appeared on Ginny's face as she spotted her mum's head floating in the flames.

"Muuum," Ginny whined. "Why're you calling me here?"

"Ginevra," her mother replied sternly, eyes wandering over the broom in Ginny's hand disapprovingly. "I hope you've finished all your homework."

Ginny groaned loudly. Then she turned her head, making sure that really no one was in the common room. The last thing she need was her friends mocking her because her mother called. How embarrassing. Ginny turned back to her mum.

"Mum, seriously, why would you call me?"

"Would you prefer a Howler?" her mother harrumphed.

"No," Ginny sulked petulantly.

She threw a glare at her mother for good measure. It was then that she noticed that her mum looked a bit tense. The pout quickly disappeared from her face and Ginny asked, worry bubbling up,

"Mum, is everything alright? Why did you call me?"

An uncomfortable look crossed her mother's face. Ginny sat down in front of the fireplace. By now she was feeling quite alarmed.

"Mum…?"

Her mother released a long breath of air. "Ginny. Your father and I… We wanted to tell you…" She stopped as if searching for the right words. "Well, there's someone who needs to talk to you."

Ginny furrowed her brow. "You're starting to worry me."

Her mother sent her a small smile. "It's going to be fine. Just do what you think is right."

With that cryptic statement, she disappeared. The flames flickered. Ginny scrunched up her brow in thought. What was this about? It was then that a man's head appeared in the fireplace. He was rather pale and had long black hair that had been pulled into a haphazard pony tail. He was rather handsome, but that wasn't the reason why Ginny froze in place. Her eyes grew wide like saucers.

"S- Sirius Black?!"

A wide grin appeared on the man's face. "The one and only."

Ginny blinked at him stupidly. "W- what…? Why…? Why does my mum know you?"

Obviously, her stuttering was amusing because Black chuckled. "Your parents and I are good friends, actually."

As Ginny just continued to stare at him uncomprehendingly, Black flashed her a handsome smile and said, "At least you didn't pull your wand at me yet. That's a good sign." A mischievous look on his face, he added, "Incidentally, that was what Hermione did the first time I met her."

Ginny threw in a deep breath of air, shaking herself from her stupor. Hermione? Of course. The last time they'd met, Hermione had told Ginny how she joined the Order of the Phoenix. And now, suddenly, the Order's leader wanted to speak with Ginny. Worry mounted up in her. Ginny stared at Black. Her parents' strange secret lives could wait, so she asked carefully,

"Hermione's alright, though, isn't she?"

The easy smile dropped from Black's face and Ginny felt her heart twinge anxiously. Grave look on his features, Black replied,

"I'm afraid she's not."

Ginny's world started to spin around her. Weakly she asked, "What…?"

Black smiled at her encouragingly. The smile, though, never reached his eyes. "That's why I'm calling, Ginny. We need your help."

†

Panic tightly coiled around Ginny. Find Tom Riddle. Tell him to contact me. Sirius Black's request had sounded easy enough.

"Damn," Ginny cursed under her breath as she entered the next corridor.

Empty, just like the last. The dungeons were like a maze. How was Ginny supposed to find the entrance to the Slytherin common room? She'd searched for Riddle everywhere. The Head Boy was infuriatingly hard to find. How often Ginny had wished for him to disappear into thin air? But the one time, she needed to speak with him, he was gone.

Ginny hastened down the empty corridor. No sign of any entry to the Slytherin lair. Quickly, she rounded the next corner. In her hurry, she ran head first into someone. Ginny gasped and stumbled. She caught herself against the damp stone wall.

"Merlin," a voice hissed in annoyance. "Watch where you're going."

Ginny looked up and almost groaned as she found none other than Draco Malfoy sneering down at her.

"Just perfect," she hissed, sharp sarcasm to her voice.

There was a priggish look on Malfoy's face. "I'd consider an apology appropriate, but what can you expect from a Weasley?"

The red-head glared at him fiercely. "Whatever. I don't have time for this."

Malfoy sneered at her. Then he deftly stepped around her to resume his way. Ginny threw an angry look at his retreating back. Slytherins always managed to ruffle her feathers. Ginny rolled her eyes and was just about to continue her search as, unbidden, an idea popped up in her mind. She scrunched up her nose and it was with much reluctance that she called after Malfoy,

"Wait."

She heard Malfoy release an exasperated sigh. Then he turned around to her, irritation all over his face. "What now?"

Swallowing down a nasty reply, Ginny stepped closer to the Slytherin. Voice clipped, she said, "I need to find the Slytherin common room."

Malfoy arched a curious eyebrow. As Ginny continue to look at him expectantly, he laughed cruelly, "Yeah, right."

He turned around again to leave. Ginny quickly grabbed him by the arm to stop him. There was a snide look on Malfoy's features. Ginny had to bite her tongue hard to stop herself from telling him what she really thought of him. Narrowing her eyes, Ginny said,

"Malfoy. I really need to speak with Riddle. Just tell me where your common room is. Maybe he's there."

The Slytherin's gaze travelled over her and a suspicious frown took form between his eyebrows.

"Why would you need to speak with Riddle?"

The derision was clear in his tone and Ginny shot at him, "None of your business. Just tell me where the stupid common room is."

Malfoy smirked at her and scorned, "Or what? Are you going to curse me? How cute."

Frustration swelled up in Ginny. She didn't have time for Malfoy's games. Hermione was in danger. Ginny couldn't let her friend down. She peered back up at Malfoy. This wasn't the time to let her pride get in the way. Ginny took in a deep breath of air, then she whispered, now a lot more affable,

"Malfoy… Draco, please. I need to speak with Riddle. He's the only one who knows what happened to Hermione."

She was ready for his scorn. Surprisingly, her words made the sneer drop from Malfoy's face. His features were now smoothed over by an unreadable mask. Eventually Malfoy whispered, fastidious tint strangely absent from his voice,

"Hermione…?"

Ginny nodded and continued hastily, "Yes. She's my friend and she's in trouble. I don't know… if…" She almost choked on her next words. "If she's even still alive."

Malfoy tensed as he heard that last statement. His eyes left her as if he couldn't bare look at her anymore. Tonelessly, Malfoy inquired,

"What happened to the Mudblood?"

"If you must know, she got captured," Ginny replied shakily.

"Umbridge?" It was more of a statement than a question.

Ginny frowned at him. "How do you know?"

Malfoy ignored her question. "What does Riddle have to do with this?"

"I don't really know," she rushed on. "Apparently, he went after her. But I don't know if he found her or what happened."

"And now you need to find Riddle?"

Ginny nodded.

An annoyed frown took shape on Malfoy's face as he glared at Ginny. His lips were pressed into a thin line. After a moment he seemed to reach a conclusion. Scathingly, Malfoy hissed,

"Fine. Follow me."

Without another word, he turned and walked down the corridor he'd come from earlier. Confused, Ginny followed him. It wasn't long that Malfoy stopped in front of a bare stretch of stone wall.

"Wait," he ordered Ginny sharply.

Malfoy turned to the wall and whispered something that Ginny couldn't make out. Suddenly, the wall parted. Ginny's eyebrows shot up to her hairline. So that was the entrance to the Slytherin common room. Flabbergasted, she watched as Malfoy slipped inside.

Ginny was left in the cold corridor. She waited for what felt like an eternity. She had just decided that Malfoy had fooled her after all, that the entrance opened again. Malfoy stepped out, still with the same irritated look on his face.

"Riddle isn't here," he proclaimed coldly, making Ginny's heart sink.

Malfoy rolled his eyes at her and added, "But one of the second years saw him just a few minutes ago."

Ginny immediately perked up as she heard that. "Where?"

"First floor," was Malfoy's terse reply. "He seemed to be on his way to the Hospital Wing."

"O- okay," Ginny stammered. "Hospital Wing. Got it."

Malfoy rolled his eyes at her, obviously deciding she'd wasted enough of his time. Before Malfoy could disappear back into the Slytherin common room, Ginny whispered softly,

"Draco?"

Malfoy narrowed his eyes at her and, fat sneer on his face, drawled, "What now, weasel?"

Ginny smiled slightly. "Thanks."

Before Malfoy had a chance to reply, she turned and dashed down the corridor towards the staircase. Ginny didn't slow down once until she reached the first floor.

Breathing heavily, she jogged towards the Hospital Wing. She'd almost reached it as she heard voices coming from the next corridor. Carefully, Ginny peered around the corner. Just a few metres away was the entrance to the Hospital Wing. Ginny almost collapsed in relief as she spotted none other than Tom Riddle right in front of the entrance door. Fake smile on his face, Riddle conversed with Slughorn.

"Don't worry, Tom, m'boy," the potions professor chortled. "Even the best of us show nerves from time to time."

"I'm sure you're right, professor," Riddle replied smoothly.

Slughorn patted Riddle's shoulder amicably and whispered in a conspiratory tone, "I shouldn't tell you this before it's official, but even without the NEWT in potions, you still graduate top of this year." The professor laughed boomingly. "Why, I'd be surprised if you didn't get the highest score since the NEWT system got established."

Ginny didn't know how, but Riddle managed to conjure an innocent blush on his pale face. The Slytherin smiled at Slughorn and said modestly,

"Please, sir, I'm sure that's an exaggeration."

Slughorn laughed boomingly. "No, no, Tom. Credit where credit is due, I always say."

Riddle politely inclined his head at the compliment. Slughorn widely grinned at his favourite student. Ginny crinkled her nose in distaste.

"Really, what are we going to do now that you're graduating?" the potions professor sighed melodramatically. "Hogwarts is going to sorely miss its Head Boy."

The polite smile still hung from Riddle's face. Ginny silently wondered for how long he could keep that up. Slughorn pulled a golden watch from his waistcoat pocket.

"Look at the time," he exclaimed. "I'm afraid I have to hurry. Some troublemakers have detention with me in five minutes."

"Of course, sir," Riddle said in his quiet voice.

"Gryffindors," Slughorn sighed. "They never change, do they?"

With that Slughorn walked down the corridor. Ginny hastily pressed herself against the stone wall right beside a suit of armour. Luckily, Slughorn wasn't paying much attention and passed her without a word.

As the professor disappeared down the corridor, Ginny's attention returned to Riddle. The Slytherin stood in front of the door to the Hospital Wing. He knocked but no one opened. Apparently, Madame Pomfrey wasn't in. Warily, Ginny abandoned her hide-out and walked over to Riddle. The Slytherin didn't turn around to her, but he must've heard her steps echo from the stone floor.

"How may I help you, Ms Weasley?" Riddle addressed her in his smooth voice.

Ginny swallowed nervously. "I need to speak with you."

"I see," Riddle murmured, while pulling his pale wand. "Unfortunately, I'm quite busy right now."

Ginny frowned as Riddle waved his wand at the door. There was a distinctive click coming from the lock. Then Riddle pushed the door open and entered the Hospital Wing. Ginny followed him, not commenting on his trespassing. Riddle swept over to one of the cabinets and opened it, searching through pots of ointments and potion vials. His blue eyes shortly flickered to Ginny. A slight furrow appeared between his eyebrows.

"You're still here," Riddle commented and by now there was a sharp edge hidden in his silky voice.

He continued to rummage through the potions cabinet. By now Ginny could feel tendrils of his irritated magic in the air. Suddenly, she was very aware that she was quite alone with the Head Boy. Grim determination drove her on.

"I told you. I have to talk to you."

Finally, Riddle deigned to look at her. Ginny shuddered as his emotionless eyes wandered over her. It made chills dart up and down her spine. There was a dark shadow, lurking behind the startlingly blue. Ginny felt that darkness clawing at her, sharp, cruel… dangerous.

"What do you want?" Riddle demanded to know, malice dripping from his voice.

Ginny was hit by a sudden urge to run and hide but instead pressed on, "Where is Hermione?"

If the question surprised him, Riddle didn't show it. He stuffed some of the potion vials into his bag before he started to sort through bandages and dressing material.

"How should I know?" His voice was once again cold and expressionless. "I usually don't concern myself with Mudbloods."

At his callous reply, Ginny's anger flashed back to her. She had always known that Riddle was a sadistic bastard. Didn't he care at all about Hermione? The red-head stepped closer to him. His powerful magic crackled around him and he made no effort to pull it back. Angrily, Ginny grinded out,

"I know that you know where she is. Sirius Black told me."

"Did he?" Riddle's inquired, tone devoid of any emotion.

"Yes," Ginny hissed, frustration building up. "The Order wants to know where Hermione is. Sirius Black wants you to contact him at headquarters."

"You shouldn't converse with criminals," Riddle calmly informed her. He closed his bag. Obviously, he had stolen enough medicine. Riddle threw the strap of his messenger bag over his shoulder and added, "I have nothing to do with the Order of the Phoenix or Sirius Black."

Anger boiling close to the surface, Ginny gritted her teeth hard. "Look," she snapped at the Slytherin. "If you know anything about Hermione, just tell me. I know you don't care about her. But I do."

Riddle's gaze slowly roved over her body until it locked with hers. A disparaging smirk distorted the corners of his mouth. Ginny could feel her temper slip. Before she could do anything stupid, the door to the Hospital Wing creaked open. Ginny whirled around and stiffened as she saw Madame Pomfrey. The nurse stopped in her tracks as she spotted Riddle and Ginny. Instantly, her eyes narrowed. Sternly, she asked,

"Now, what are you two doing here? Students are not allowed in here alone."

Ginny blinked at the nurse owlishly, not knowing what to say. Through the corners of her eyes, she could see Riddle slightly wiggle the fingers of his left hand. Suddenly pain erupted in Ginny's calf and she sucked in a sharp breath of air. She was too shock to push Riddle away as the Slytherin grabbed her by the arm. He charmed a polite smile on his face.

"I apologize for intruding," Riddle told Madame Pomfrey, faux worry in his tone. "but it seems Ms Weasley hurt herself. That's why I brought her here."

Arching her eyebrows, Pomfrey stepped over to them. Ginny glanced down at her leg. Indeed, there was a red spot forming on her knee socks right where her calf suddenly smarted.

"Oh my," Madam Pomfrey sighed as she saw the blood. "Come, sit down, Ms Weasley."

Ginny threw a venomous look at Riddle. The Head Boy completely ignored the accusation on Ginny's face and smiled at Pomfrey disarmingly.

"Thank you," the Slytherin said.

Ginny felt sick as Pomfrey smiled at the snake, fond look on her face. "No, Mr Riddle, thank you for taking care of Ms Weasley."

Ginny's hands balled into fists as Riddle turned to leave. Before he slipped out the room, she called after him,

"Ball's in your court, Riddle. Do something or I will."

He didn't turn around to her, but Ginny knew he'd heard her.

{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}

With a gasp, Hermione woke. Instantly, fear rolled over her. Was her time up? Was Umbridge back? Her gaze flicked over her surroundings, fearfully searching for her tormenters.

Hermione hesitated as it weren't the dreaded white walls of her cell that greeted her. Confusion mounted up in her as she found herself in a huge hall-like room. She sat up and groaned as the multiple injuries acted up. The uncomfortable brightness of the cell was gone. This new room was enveloped in twilight, obscuring it and creating dim corners and patches of darkness. Had Umbridge's men moved her as she'd been unconscious?

Hermione took in a shaky breath. The air was cold. Only now, did she notice that she was wrapped in a warm blanket. In confusion, Hermione realized that she didn't lie crumbled on the floor but in a huge comfortable bed. It was out of place in the dark room.

All confusion was pushed to the back of her head as Hermione spotted a glass of water right beside the bed. The thought of it being poison spooked through her head, but she couldn't stop herself. She was parched. Hermione reached for the glass and greedily gulped down the clear liquid. She coughed, having drank too hastily. Still, the liquid didn't burn her or hurt her in any way.

Just water.

Heart hammering in her ears, Hermione got up from the bed. A sharp pain erupted in her left foot as she tried to stand. She caught her weight on the bedpost. For a moment, Hermione waited for the pain to ebb a bit. Her ankle was clearly broken. Hermione gritted her teeth and stepped away from the bed, ignoring the cruel pain in her ankle. She needed to leave. Umbridge would be back soon.

Hermione shuddered as the cold air assaulted her. The white chemise that hung dirty and bloodied from her frame did nothing to protect her from the cold. Suppressing a painful moan, Hermione limped further into the dark room. It was large, larger even than the Great Hall in Hogwarts. Hermione couldn't see the other side as it was hidden in shadows.

She shivered as the coldness crept up through her feet. The stone floor and walls were damp. Here and there moss grew on the dark flagstones. Massive pillars stood in the hall, arranged to build an archway, which led to an imposing statue. Hermione couldn't make out who was depicted in that statue. She was standing too far away.

Panic was mounting up in her and drove her on. Wherever she was, she had to leave. Hermione's whole body was screaming at her in pain as she walked on. She passed one of the pillars. Snakes had been carved into the stone, forming an intricate pattern. Hermione eyed the stone snake in trepidation but continued on breath coming in shaky gasps.

She had walked on a bit as she suddenly stepped into a heavy cloud of magic. It hummed in the air and Hermione recoiled a bit. The magic was incredibly dark and prickled unpleasantly on her skin. It seemed to emanate from a small alcove in one of the pillars.

Reluctantly, Hermione stepped closer. In the alcove lay a small black book. It would've looked innocent enough if it hadn't been for the powerful magic that flowed from the book in thick waves. The magic reeked of darkness and death. Hermione's stomach gave a lurch as she stared down at the source of the magic. The little book was painfully familiar. All thoughts fled from Hermione's swirling mind as she stared at the book. She raised a trembling hand as if to touch the black leather. Her eyes wandered over the gold letters printed on the book's cover. Tom Marvolo Riddle. For all she cared, it could have spelled 'Horcrux' and she wouldn't be more revolted.

"Tom…" the name fell from her lips.

Like a brick, realization hit her. Tom had found her. It was him that had captured her and locked her in this strange room. The dark force bristling in the air, it wasn't magic. Hermione pulled her hand away from the diary, never having made contact. It wasn't magic. No, it was Tom's soul that stormed around the little book.

A dirty feeling overcame Hermione as she stood in the presence of something so perverted. She felt tainted, just by being near that thing. Swallowing down the bile, Hermione turned around and left the book where it was.

At least now she knew who had brought her here. Tom. He was her new captor. Chills ran up and down her spine. She couldn't tell who was worse, Umbridge or Tom. What did Tom want with her? Punish her for her disobedience? Or just kill her to fuel his next Horcrux?

Staggering heavily, Hermione walked over to a wall and fell against it. The pain in her ankle was blinding. Acutely, she was aware that she wouldn't be able to go on for much longer. Already she felt close to collapsing.

"Are you lost?" a voice startled Hermione.

She whipped around, heart racing in her chest. Just a few metres away from her, Hermione spotted a silvery figure. It floated closer and Hermione almost fainted in relief as she recognized the Bloody Baron. The ghost eyed her with interest.

"I didn't scare you, did I, My Lady?" the Baron asked, hovering in front of her.

Hermione sagged back against the stone wall. Faintly, she whispered, "What are you doing here?"

A smirk travelled over the Baron's face. "Oh, I come here from time to time. I do enjoy the tranquil atmosphere."

Hermione didn't question the spirit's questionable taste and instead she inquired, "I'm… I'm at Hogwarts?"

The Baron chuckled in amusement, "Indeed, My Lady." He arched his eyebrows at Hermione. "I sorely missed your delightful company in the castle as of late."

Hermione ran a shaky hand over her face and winced as she disturbed her bruised cheek. The hint of a smile tugged at her lips. "Yes... I suppose I was busy."

The Baron floated closer and Hermione shuddered involuntarily as she was hit by the coldness of the ghost's present. He furrowed his brow in thought as he contemplated her.

"Are you here for Slytherin's object?"

Frowning in confusion, Hermione looked up at the ghost. "What?"

"The Founders' objects?" the Baron replied. "The last time we spoke, you told me of your quest to find them."

"Oh," realization dawned on Hermione. "No, that's not why I'm here."

"I see," the Baron hummed. "It would have been in vain anyway, I am afraid. Slytherin's object has not been here in centuries." His dead eyes wandered over Hermione. "Did you find Helga's Cup?"

Hermione blinked at the ghost. It felt like ages had passed since she'd found Hufflepuff's Cup. She threw the ghost a small smile.

"Yes. It was exactly how you described. Hufflepuff's Study was behind her crest on the kitchens' fireplace. The Cup was right there."

"Of course it was," the Baron laughed merrily. "Do tell, My Lady, did you come upon Helga's portrait? I am afraid I did not visit Helga's Study in several years."

"It's still there," Hermione said. "She allowed me to take the Cup with me."

"She always was a very trusting soul, Helga was." The Baron rolled his eyes in good nature. Then he eyed Hermione interestedly. "Now, if not Slytherin's object, what drove you to visit this place?"

With that, Hermione was pulled back into her problem at hand. She heavily leaned against the wall, exhaustion rushing back to her.

"It's not like I'm here voluntarily," Hermione told the ghost. "I'm not sure but I think Tom put me here."

The Baron cocked his eyebrows. "Tom Riddle, again?"

Hermione worried her bottom lip. "I don't get it. Why can't he leave me alone?"

Now the smile on the Baron's face sharpened into a smirk. "I told you Tom Riddle is a true Slytherin, did I not? Slytherins seldom relinquish what they deem to be theirs"

Hermione grimaced at that. "I guess you're right." Then she added, bitterness leaking into her voice, "But I really don't care what Tom's up to anymore. I just want him to stay away."

The smirk dropped from the Baron's face and he sighed deeply, "I take it he managed to evoke your ire?"

Hermione shrugged her shoulders, not wanting to talk about Tom any more. Seeing the look on her face, the Baron commented dryly,

"Indeed, a true Slytherin, then."

Hermione's gaze wandered around the dark room before it flicked back to the silvery ghost. "You don't know a way out of here, do you?"

The Baron's face lit up at that. "But of course, My Lady."

A smirk curled his lips and he gestured for Hermione to follow him. With one hand leaning against the cold stone wall for support, Hermione limped after the ghost. He finally stopped at a stretch of wall. Two entwined serpents were carved on the stone, their eyes set with glinting emeralds.

The Baron ran his see-through fingers gingerly over one of the serpents' heads. "It was after my time at Hogwarts that Salazar Slytherin and the other Founders experienced a falling-out. Slytherin left, swearing to never set foot on Hogwarts' grounds ever again." The Baron sent Hermione a smirk and added, "Of course, Slytherin had not been completely honest. He built this chamber shortly before his depart. It had several purposes, one of which was to serve as a secret entrance back into the castle. Should Slytherin ever want to return, he would not need to request wayleave from the other Founders."

Hermione eyed the two intertwined snakes on the wall. "This is a hidden passageway?"

A smug look crossed the Baron's face and he said, "Indeed, My Lady. You are in luck, too, as I know how to open it."

"Really?" Hermione's face lit up in relief.

The Baron raised his hand and ran it over the stone snake's body. He pushed some of the serpent's scales in a complicated pattern. The touch made the serpent spring to life. It slithered over the stone wall, infecting its brother. Both snakes then pulled apart from their entwined state. There was a dull rumbling sound. Hermione watched in awe as the stone wall parted, revealing a dark passageway.

She grinned up at the Baron, "Thank you so much. I don't know how to repay you."

The ghost laughed loudly. "'twas nothing, My Lady."

Hermione just wanted to step into the passageway as a thought hit her. She hesitated and chanced a glance at the ghost. Suddenly, guilt was creeping up on her.

"I…" Hermione whispered reluctantly. "There's something I have to tell you."

The Baron eyed her expectantly. Hermione worried her bottom lip. It took her a second to confess, "I- I'm really sorry. The wand... your wand, they took it from me and they… snapped it. It's gone. I couldn't stop them."

Predictably, the Baron's eyes widened as he heard that. Hermione swallowed nervously as anger darkened the ghost's translucent face. She balled her shaky hands, bracing herself for his rage. For a moment, the Baron didn't say anything. Hermione flinched as he finally spoke. It wasn't the expected anger, though.

"The crooks that broke my wand," the Baron asked in a controlled voice. "were they the same that injured you, My Lady?"

Shyly, Hermione peered up at the ghost. The Baron's angry gaze was stuck on Hermione's bruised face.

"Yes," she whispered.

The Baron closed his eyes and sighed. After a moment, his eyes slid open again. "I haven't touched that wand since the day I died." He bent his head and studied his transparent hands. "Still, sometimes I could feel its weight lying in my hand. Pulling me down. Holding me." His gaze flicked to Hermione. "Without the wand, I feel a bit more untethered."

Hit by even more guilt, Hermione whispered meekly, "I'm sorry."

A wistful smile curled the Baron's lips. "There is no need for apologies. More than a thousand years have passed, and I barely remember how it was to be alive. Mayhap the time draws nearer that I let go."

Hermione's eyes widened, "I don't understand…"

"I can feel it now," the Baron whispered pensively. "There is not much keeping me anymore. Over the course of those thousand years, the strings that held me have been cut one after the other. Without the wand, only one is remaining."

Hermione's stomach clenched as the Baron smiled at her. "I thank you, My Lady, for reminding me that purgatory is not everlasting." He looked up at the ceiling of the Chamber. "I think it is finally time I face Helena's wrath."

"And then…?"

"Then? If Fortuna is on my side, I might finally go on." The Baron floated up into the air. "Eternity becomes boring quite quickly."

Hermione swallowed thickly as she looked at the ghost. Tears brimmed in her eyes. "I'm going to miss you."

The Baron's gaze left the ceiling and travelled to Hermione. "I shall miss you too." An excited glint then breathed life into his dead eyes. "But let us be valiant so we might accomplish our quests."

In mid-air, the Baron curtsied to her, mischievous smile on his face. Hermione couldn't help but grin at him.

"Good luck to you, My Lady."

Hermione smiled at the ghost. "To you too."

She watched him as he floated up and disappeared through the ceiling.

†

Hermione followed the dark passageway for what felt like miles. Her exhaustion almost made her to pass out, but she struggled on. She started to worry that it would never end as, finally, the tunnel showed mercy and spat her out.

Feeling shaky, Hermione stepped out of the passageway. Bright daylight hit her, and she had to shield her eyes. Rubbing at her watery eyes, Hermione scanned her surroundings. There were thick trees around her and the spicy tang of forest air hit her. In the distance, between the tree trunks, Hermione spied Hogwarts castle, standing proud against the dusky sky. She stood right at the edge of the Forbidden Forest.

Wrapping the shreds of her chemise tightly around her body, Hermione turned her back to the castle and staggered into the Forbidden Forest. The forest floor felt damp under her naked feet. The air was humid and smelled of earth and moss. It was probably madness to walk into the forest. All sorts of beasts dwelled in the Forbidden Forest. Acrumantula, Lethifolds, Red Caps and Erklings were all very much lethal and would not hesitate to attack. Wandless and injured, Hermione would stand no chance. Still, she had no other chance but to go on. Returning to the castle was much too dangerous. If Hermione wanted to be safe, she needed to somehow return to the barracks and the Order.

Hermione continued deeper into the dark forest. How long she had wandered, she couldn't say as suddenly a cold voice made her stop in her tracks.

"Where are you going?"

Dread mounted up in Hermione and she slowly turned around. She was not at all surprised to find Tom Riddle standing just a few metres away. His handsome face was free of emotion as his icy cold eyes wandered over her. Hermione stared the dark wizard. She could feel Tom's magic stifling in the air. It had changed. It was sharper, much darker. Hermione swallowed nervously. Like a cloud his magic roiled around Tom. She shuddered as his magic flowed towards her and wrapped around her greedily. It felt cold on her skin. Tendrils of the force sunk into her Dark Mark as if taking ownership. A flush of anger hit Hermione as she felt that.

How dare he?

Without saying anything, Hermione turned her back to Tom and resumed her way, pulling away from his magic. She was not going to waste any more time on him. Hermione had taken a few steps as suddenly a foreign pressure squeezed around her feet and glued them to the ground. She cried out as a new wave of pain burst from her injured left ankle. She lost her balance and crashed to her knees.

"I asked you a question," Tom said, a dangerous tint warping his voice.

Ignoring her pain, Hermione looked up at him. Tom had walked up to her and now stood directly in front of her. He gazed down at her with his blue eyes. By now there was a demanding expression on his face.

"I know," Hermione replied cuttingly. "But I chose not to reply."

Annoyance flitted over Tom's handsome face and she suppressed a whimper as the pressure around her feet increased. Abruptly he crouched down in front of her. His face inches from hers, Hermione stared into his frosty blue eyes.

"You shouldn't walk through this forest alone," Tom told her. "You are injured."

"What I do is none of your concern, Tom," Hermione told him in a brittle voice.

Tom narrowed his eyes at her. Then he raised his wand and waved it. Hermione expected another painful curse, but she didn't flinch away from him. She was mildly surprised as she felt the pressure releasing her feet. Tom grabbed her by her forearm and pulled her into a standing position. The multiple hurts of her body hit her hard and Hermione had to lean into his hold. Despite her inability to keep standing alone she ordered,

"Let go of me."

"So, you can keep wandering into the Forbidden Forest and get eaten?" he said icily. "I don't think so."

"What's it to you?" Hermione snapped, anger lacing her tone. "Let go of me!"

A strange look crossed Tom's face as she dared to order him around. Hermione was taken off guard as he suddenly released her. Unsupported, she staggered and couldn't keep her balance. Hermione gasped in pain as she fell to her knees.

"You're hurt," Tom observed glacially. "You need medical attention."

He again crouched down in front of Hermione and let his hard gaze wandered over her. She glared at him.

"Go away."

Tom shook his head and decided, "I can't do that, Hermione."

"I told you, you are not allowed to use my name," Hermione snapped bitingly.

For a moment, Tom just stared at her. Then he whispered tonelessly, "Be that as it may. I still won't leave you here alone."

More anger flared up in Hermione. Why couldn't he just leave? She couldn't deal with him now. She already felt light-headed and black dots merrily danced at the edges of her vision. She just wanted to get away from here.

"I'll bring you back to the Chamber," Tom decided curtly.

With that he edged closer to her. Hermione shied away from him. Glare darkening her face, she told him, "No. I don't want to go back there."

She hadn't really expected Tom to listen to her. After all, he never did, did he? So, she was surprised as the Slytherin hesitated. There was a conflicted look on his face.

"Fine," Tom eventually spat.

He didn't add any more but just gracefully sat on the forest floor in front of Hermione and stared at her expectantly. Hermione frowned at him and his unusual behaviour. Shaking her head, she decided against calling him out on it. She wasn't going to play whatever sick game he was playing. Instead, she demanded to know,

"How did I get away from Umbridge?"

"I needed to find you," Tom said as if that explained anything.

Hermione glared at him. "To what end? Torture me yourself, is that it?"

An eerie smile curled the corners of Tom's lips as if he were amused by her. "No."

Chills ran up and down Hermione's spine as she looked at Tom. Something was terribly off with him. As she didn't reply anything, Tom continued,

"Black and Lupin wanted to get you back as well."

Hermione furrowed her brow. "They did?"

Tom nodded and added nonchalantly, "You were in Azkaban."

Hermione took in a sharp breath of air. Azkaban? So that's where Umbridge had held her? She had had no idea. Had Sirius and Lupin followed her there? A bout of worry hit her hard.

"Are they alright? Sirius and Lupin? They made it out again, didn't they?"

Tom frowned. Obviously, he didn't appreciate Hermione's line of questioning. Still, he replied, "Apparently."

Impatiently, she pressed on, "Where are they now?"

"I don't know."

She narrowed her eyes at him. He was holding something back. Hermione felt the anger rushing back to her.

"Tom," she growled warningly.

Suspiciously easy, the Slytherin caved, "They're at headquarters. Ginny Weasley told me."

Ginny? Hermione's hands balled into fists. What exactly had happened? She threw an angry look at Tom. She'd never get the truth out of him. For that, she'd need to talk with the Order. But how was she supposed to get back to the barracks when she was stranded in the Forbidden Forest? Tom was watching her attentively. Hermione glared at him and bit out,

"Whatever you do to me, I'm not going to give you the Cup or Gryffindor's sword."

There was something akin to desire burning in Tom's eyes. "You found the sword?"

Hermione crinkled her nose. Of course, that's what he was after. Tough luck, she thought. Now Umbridge had the sword. Seeing the anger glinting in Hermione's eyes, Tom was quick to assure,

"I don't want the Founders' objects anymore."

Hermione sneered at him, "Yeah, sure you don't."

He let the harsh sarcasm wash over him, not deigning her with a reply. Hermione shook her head at him in anger.

"You can't turn me into a Horcrux," Hermione hissed at Tom. "If you try, I will make you regret it."

Once again, Tom didn't reply anything but continued to stare at her. His silence spurred Hermione's rage even further. If her broken ankle hadn't stopped her, she would have flung herself at him, trying to inflict as much damage as possible. Her magic reacted to her anger and fiercely crackled in the air. Her incensed magic didn't have the desired effect on Tom, though. Instead of driving him away from her, it made Tom strangely drift towards Hermione

"Hermione..." he murmured softly as if speaking to himself.

With increasing infuriation, Hermione watched him creeping closer until he almost touched her. Disgusted, she bent away from his presence and sharply demanded to know,

"What do you plan?"

Hardly noticeable, Tom shook his head. He opened his mouth, but no words left him. Hermione felt annoyed. Why was he drawing this out? Baring her teeth, she snarled,

"I don't even care anymore. I'm going back to the barracks."

With that Hermione tried to get back up. She couldn't help but groan in pain as the multiple hurts of her body acted up again. Seeing that, Tom stood up as well and wrapped an arm around her waist. Then he lifted her up, holding her bridal style.

"What are you doing?" Hermione protested angrily.

Tom's blue eyes gazed down at her.

"You can't leave me again," he whispered ominously.

Hermione opened her mouth to snap at him, but it was too late. Tom twirled on the spot and Hermione gasped softly as she felt the pressure of Apparition engulfing her.

{{{{{{{{+}}}}}}}}

''Twas twilight, and I bade you go,

But still you held me fast;

It was the time of roses—

We pluck'd them as we pass'd!'

- Thomas Hood

(*1798 †1845)