Chapter Fifty-four

Pitched Battle

Tom felt the setting that Albus Dumbledore had chosen for their showdown was quite fitting. An island of rocks deep in the heart of the ocean, waves whipping up all around. One side had a cliff overlooking sharp rocks jutting up far below.

So far, Dumbledore remained hidden, but because of his senses, that still led him to wherever the old man might be, Tom was certain he was here. He stepped cautiously over the jagged stones, eyes taking in everything, as he gripped his wand firmly in his hand.

"I know you're here somewhere, old man," he called out. "This has been a long time coming, but now it's time that you and I ended this battle of wills once and for all."

Dumbledore laughed from somewhere behind him, making Tom turn to look for him but quickly turn forward again. His trick hadn't worked, and Tom easily blocked the curse he sent and turned it back on him.

"Cold blast?" he scoffed. "It's cold enough here already. I'd hardly even notice. Why don't we heat things up a bit?"

Tom's wand spewed forth a huge ball of fire. Laughing, Dumbledore blew it out like a birthday candle. "We're not going to settle anything with these parlor tricks, Tom. You and I both know that."

Tom blocked the unspoken Cruciatus curse Dumbledore flung as he spoke. He sent a Patronus to Minerva to tell her where they were.

"Calling the reinforcements already, Tom?" Albus laughed.

"Of course," he answered. "They'll want to witness what happens here."

"Saves me the trouble of rounding them all up when I'm done with you," he said with a click of the tongue. "It will be much easier to Obliviate them that way."

Tom raked his hand across the sky, and a clap of thunder sounded. Lightning struck the rocks behind Dumbledore, making a huge avalanche tumble down around him.

"Tom, I expected so much more from you than this, " said Albus with a shake of his head. "We both know neither of us can die here tonight when our Horcruxes would just bring us back again."

"I've no intentions of killing you, sir," said Tom with a malevolent smile. "You're on your way to the maximum security wing of Azkaban prison. We won't be killing you fir a very long time. Don't bother trying to Disapparate, old man. Nobody is leaving here until the Aurors arrive to take you down."

"You horrid little Mudblood," he bellowed. "I should have killed you when I had the chance."

"Sinking to name calling won't save you now, " Tom said as a large group of Aurors popped into view with wands drawn. "Hope you enjoy your stay."

"You know I'll get out someday Tom," said Albus with a smirk. "This is hardly the last time you and I will meet."

"Perhaps nit, sir," Tom replied. "But Lord Voldemort will be ready for you when you do."

)0(

Tom and Hermione stood with Minerva, Abraxas, and a few of the other Knights. They were in front of the door to the secret room in the Hogwarts library, with the special permission of the new Headmaster, Harriet Grumwater, who was also in attendance.

"You're sure this is what you want to do?" Minerva asked. "You two could simply remain here and live a relatively peaceful life. You don't have to leave."

"No, Minerva, too much has happened here for me to remain," said Tom as he took Hermione's hand in his own. "I'd like our little family to live free from all of that. This room will know exactly where Hermione and I are meant to go."

"Then perhaps we will meet again someday," she responded, giving him a kiss on his cheek. "Good luck, Tom. Good luck, Hermione," she said, giving Hermione a kiss as well.

"Come, love," said Tom.

Hermione surged forward and gave Abraxas a hug. "You've been a good friend, Brax. I never thought I'd ever say that to a Malfoy, but you have."

"Well, I never did get to ravish you," he teased. "But who knows, there's always the future, isn't there?"

"Not if you value your life, Malfoy," Tom told him. "Come on, Hermione, let's go."

Waving to all their friends, Tom and Hermione stepped into the secret room and turned to look into each other's eyes. They knew exactly what they wished for as the white light surrounded them and they disappeared from this place and time, uncertain where they would end up, but glad they would arrive there together.