Chapter Twenty-five: Finals

Tom glanced over at Hermione from across the potions classroom. She was biting her lip as she concentrated on her exam, and just seeing it made his cock twinge with desire. He knew he needed to concentrate, yet all he could see clearly in his mind's eye was his plans for the winter break, and how Hermione would be a part of them.

He had not given up on the idea that they should go somewhere together for their break, but so far he had not told her what he had in mind. After what she had told him about Dumbledore's upcoming battle with Grindelwald, he even had a particular destination in mind. He intended to take her to the south of France, where they might be able to find out just what Grindelwald was up to, and maybe even stop him if they could.

He had realized last night as Hermione slept beside him in his bed that she had given him a piece of the future. But perhaps if he were to stop Grindelwald himself, that possible future could be changed. He was completely certain that the change would not cause the Hermione in this timeline to suddenly pop out of existence. That wasn't the way things worked, as far as he could tell.

Perhaps he should not tell Hermione why he wanted to go to France, he speculated as he quickly finished up his paper—a task which proved far too easy even with only half of his mind occupied on it. Maybe he should simply tell her it was a romantic getaway, and figure out how to do the spying without her. But no, she was a powerful witch, and he needed her strength if he was going to succeed. He would just have to find a way to convince her.

The two walked together, holding hands, as they made their way to Transfiguration class. Old man Dumbledore's eyes fell upon them with a speculative gleam. Did he suspect that Hermione had told Tom what had happened? Tom did not want him to know of his awareness, so he plastered on a placid smile, seemingly in a reverie. But as he smiled and glanced lovingly at Hermione, his eyes took in every detail of what Albus Dumbledore was doing.

The tests were on his desk, and he busied himself directing his wand toward a piece of chalk that scratched away on a chalkboard, writing out the extra credit questions Tom already knew he would be answering. He released Hermione's hand with a gentle squeeze as he took his seat, and she continued on to the one she was assigned to. He hated that they could not sit closer together in this class as they could in all the others.

Dumbledore was watching him over the rims of his glasses, Tom noticed, though he pretended not to notice. Did the old man suspect anything? More to the point, had he said what he did to Hermione because he knew she'd tell her lover what he'd said? Tom was certain the man was crafty enough to do just that.

Already Dumbledore had been rewriting history any way he pleased. It was no accident that Tom had stopped spending time with him after Myrtle was found dead just outside the Chamber of Secrets. The old man had tried to accuse him of that killing, but Tom had found a way to stop him by accusing that oaf, Hagrid, instead. He'd been doing the lad a favor, really, for it was obvious he'd never be at the top of his class anyway.

But why did Dumbledore want him to know about Grindelwald? Something did not sit well with him as he tried to reason it out. It almost seemed like yet another trap, but what possible reason would he have for getting rid of one Dark Lord to create another? And hadn't he and Grindelwald once been friends? None of it made sense.

As methodically as ever, Tom made short work of his test while placing the greater part of his focus on more important matters. He would tell Hermione he wanted to surprise her, and get her to France before explaining his true purpose. Surely he could think of a good way to persuade her—he was nothing if not inventive.

He caught himself practically leering and shook his head to clear it. Not for the first time he wondered if he was becoming far too preoccupied with his bodily needs for his own good. Yet, he knew he would not trade the relationship he and Hermione had forged for anything in the world. Who would have thought that Tom Marvolo Riddle had grown sentimental? He never would have believed it himself if he'd been told a year ago.

"Tom, you seem rather preoccupied," Dumbledore said with a chuckle as he packed his books and prepared to leave. Hermione glanced back at the pair of them and decided that she was still too creeped out to spend any time with the old man. Only think, he'd brainwashed her for half her life into believing he was someone worthy of her trust. She shook her head and left Tom to it.

"Trouble in paradise?" I would not have thought so given the sheer number of silly smiles you've been wearing throughout that rather difficult test," Dumbledore continued. "But then again, I suppose it was not so difficult for you."

"Not especially," Tom answered, his eyes still trained on the door Hermione had just went through. "And no, there's no trouble at all. In fact, I was smiling because I want to surprise Hermione with something special over the holidays. I'm just trying to decide what the surprise will be, and how to give it to her."

"Miss Granger should still be at the school over the holidays, Tom," Dumbledore reminded him. "As you may recall, she does not yet have a home to return to."

"About that," Tom said with a frown. "I would like to remain at the school as well, if it is at all possible. After all, I no longer have any reason to return to the orphanage."

"Ah, yes," said Dumbledore. "I wondered if you might suggest it. I have already put forth the idea to Headmaster Dippet, and met with a minimum of resistance to the idea. I told him that you and I would like to resume our studies together. That is, of course, if you would be willing?"

"You want to study divination again?" Tom asked uncertainly, feeling all the plans he'd been working on falling down around his ears. "Perhaps, sir, but not until after my little surprise has been sprung."

"Do you intend to marry the girl, then?" Dumbledore asked curiously.

"I—I hadn't gotten quite that far ahead of myself," he answered uncertainly. "I'd like to be sure of my own position before trying to take care of a family as well."

"Very sensible of you, Riddle," he said with a smile. "Then, I shall expect to see you at your earliest possible convenience? And, perhaps you might bring Miss Granger as well?"

"You want me to bring Hermione?" he gasped. "Why?"

"I have my reasons, Tom," he said. "I am hoping to gain your help on a very important undertaking. I'd like to keep the number of people who know of it down to a minimum."

"All right," Tom said as affably as he could. "I'll talk with her about it, and let you know."

"Very good, Tom," he said with an indulgent smile. "Now run along. I believe you are expected in the Astronomy Tower this very moment."

"Yes, sir," he said with a nod, and quickly went out the door.