Chapter 18: The Ghost of Christmas Past
During the holidays the house tables were replaced with one round table for both staff and students seeing as most students returned home. Hermione Granger had thus found herself seated in between Professor Slughorn and Tom Riddle on Christmas Eve. The professor was engaged in conversation with Rosaline.
Towards the end of a very tense meal Rosaline stood and tapped her wine glass to gage everyone's attention.
"I will be hosting a little gathering in my quarters following dinner. No dress code required and plenty of wine provided!"
"Here, here!" applauded Slughorn.
"I trust you'll be going?" spoke Riddle quietly.
"Like I have a choice" Hermione snorted.
"Excellent." Riddle lifted his glass to Hermione and drank the contents in one.
Riddle offered her his arm. Hermione accepted and followed the company out of the great hall. Neither attempted to make conversation, both lost to their thoughts. Riddle stood some distance from her, despite their arms being linked, but held on to her with a firm grip. Hermione had a hard time remembering this young man was going to become the most feared man in the wizarding world. Because of this man and his quest for immortality and power she would lose her family, her friends, her innocence… It was 1942 and Hermione Granger did not yet exist. But her suffering lingered with Hermione Prince. What was her plan? Be one step ahead of Riddle? Thwart his every plan? Kill him? Rehabilitate him?
"Do you think we are born to fulfil our destiny?"
Riddle laughed softly.
"We forge our path Hermione. Talk of destiny is for weaker men. Nor you or I are… weak" he spat the word out as if it caused a bad taste in his mouth to speak it.
"A man who has committed evil can then become good?"
"Hermione, Hermione…" Riddle almost grinned. "What is good, and what is evil?"
"You tell me Riddle."
"There is only greatness. Men who seek it, those who envy it and those who fear it."
"I suppose you are seeking it".
"Ah, but I already have it. I was born great." Riddle whispered in her ear.
"And what is greatness?"
"The achievement of great things…. Immortality for instance."
"And love?"
"Opium of the masses"
"Love is the most powerful weapon in the world"
"Love is for fools" Riddle hissed.
"Perhaps for those who have yet to know it." The voice came from behind them. The young couple turned to see the deputy headmaster looking seriously at Riddle.
"Professor" Riddle bowed his head, allowing Dumbledore through.
"You grew up an orphan." Hermione said gently blocking the entrance from Riddle.
"And what of it?" Riddle challenged her, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"A hard life when most take unconditional love for granted."
"I survived."
"Your heart grew cold to numb you from your losses." Hermione almost pleaded that he understood.
"Who are you to speak on behalf of my heart?"
"I am one who had known love and lost everything dear to me, including my life. I know a kindred spirit when I see one. Our eyes are empty and our hearts frozen."
"You endow upon me the flaws you harbour." Riddle sneered.
"Then explain to me why you pursue me?" Hermione demanded, her hands clutching his shirt, desperate that he would see.
"Don't flatter yourself." Riddle removed her hands and threw her against the door. Turning on his heel, his cloak whipped behind him as he stormed off.
Hermione breathed heavily, wondering whether either of their hearts would learn to thaw again. The door opened and Hermione almost fell if Rosaline had not caught her.
"Hermione! There you are. In you go dear, and get yourself a drink. Actually, take mine. You deserve this." Rosaline held Hermione's face in her two hands dotingly. "You deserve your life".
Hermione sipped the glass of champagne and wondered if it was true. So far she was living as if she had nothing to lose. Only a future to save and not even that of her own. It was 1942 and she was stuck here. Her family and friends were distant in the future. What life could she have here? A tear fell from her eye. And from that day Hermione's heart began to thaw and anothers began to crack.
Riddle stood before his mirror, his hands clenching its frames, his head bowed and his breath heavy from running. Slowly he brought his head up to face his reflection. Empty eyes and a frozen heart? All he saw was the heir of Slytherin. A man destined for greatness. Curling his fists he hissed and punched the mirror so a fragmented boy looked back at him.
"Let me introduce you to the most darling creature Edmund!" Diana weaved her way through her guests and presented Hermione to a tall fair haired man with piercing blue eyes. "Hermione this is my very single brother-in-law Edmund Mason. Edmund, this is Hermione Prince."
Diana's eyes sparkled with mischief as Edmund pressed his lips on Hermione's gloved hand.
"I must tend to the drinks but please, talk!" Diana turned and swanned off to the kitchens.
"Well, hello Diana's single brother-in-law" Hermione smiled nervously.
"Hello Diana's most darling creature" Edmund retorted.
"Oh she doesn't rest!" giggled Hermione.
"She fancies herself a character from a Jane Austen novel."
"You read Austen?" Hermione lifted an eyebrow.
"All gentleman should be versed in great literature."
"And I have no idea why you remain single, Mr. Mason" Hermione said with mock wonder.
"Yes, nor I now I come to think of it." Edmund looked very seriously at Hermione before bursting with laughter. "I must say, you really are the most darling creature. How do you know Diana?"
"Oh, I've only met her the once. I'm friends with her brother, Tom.. Tom Riddle?"
"My goodness, really? The old man has friends?"
"Oh shh, he is not completely friendless."
"I suppose with a friend like you, he needed no other."
"Mr. Mason, really…" Hermione blushed.
"Call me Edmund, I insist." Edmund smiled before taking two glasses of wine from a waiter and passing one to her. "To darling creatures."
"And single brother-in-laws!" laughed Hermione.
They spoke throughout the evening and Hermione felt oddly light. Her cheeks ached from laughing. She couldn't recall the last time she felt so whole, so complete. Edmund Mason was a doctor living in London. He had a smiling face and a charming laugh. Hermione felt she could easily become lost in those deep blue eyes. Alphard was a mere memory, a boy… Edmund was a man, with a worthy occupation and… Hermione scolded herself. Diana had turned her into a wanton woman!
Hermione looked across the table and smiled as she saw a deeply uncomfortable Riddle being pestered by two young beautiful women. Diana watched from the head of the table and winked at Hermione. The meddling matchmaker!
"I don't think either are worthy of Riddle's hand in marriage" Edmund whispered to Hermione.
"Oh, they look amiable enough."
"Fortune hunters. The pair of them. And we all know Riddle likes his women humble."
"We do?"
"You know the man better than I do. Nursing a broken heart for that farmer's daughter all those years back. Then got himself tangled with that beggar Gaunt, knocked her up and abandoned the woman and her son."
"You malicious gossip!"
"I'm not saying that I approve or disapprove…" Edmund sighed. "I would see the man married and content with an heir. As he is… digging his way to an early grave."
"Right" Hermione spoke with gritted teeth.
"Oh Hermione. I didn't mean to speak ill of the old man. I'm actually quite fond of the fellow."
Hermione turned her attention to her turkey and ignored him for the rest of the meal. As the guests retired to the living room Mary came in to let Riddle know there was a guest at the door wishing to speak to him. Her face was pale and she seemed to shake, as if she'd seen a ghost. Hermione left Edmund and Edgar to hear him enquire after the guest.
"He says his name is Tom, master, Tom Riddle." Mary squeaked.
Riddle sharply made his way to the hallway, Hermione followed closely, placing herself under a disillusionment charm.
Standing by the door was Tom Riddle Jr. Riddle stared at his son, unable to muster a single word.
"Father?" Riddle spoke a little hesitantly, though the cool edge to his voice could not be mistaken.
Riddle made a strange noise and went forward to embrace his son. "My son."
Riddle didn't move, unfamiliar to such gestures of affection.
"Unhand me you filthy muggle" Riddle sneered. Hate clouded his vision, his hands twitched to draw his wand and teach his father to abandon his pregnant wife.
"You...you're one of of them?" Riddle's eyes welled with tears. "Son I had only come out from years of poisoning. She drugged me! Hoodwinked! When she announced that she was pregnant I couldn't trust her as far as I could throw her. I wanted nothing to do with her."
"Save your apologies." spat Riddle. "I'm seeking my maternal family."
"The Gaunts?" Riddle said pathetically. "They live on the outer edge of the town that way. In a shack. I don't know if they still live there but that's all I know. She lived there with her brother and father."
Riddle turned to leave.
"Tom… You must know how sorry I am."
Riddle only paused before leaving.
Riddle watched his son walk off in the distance, tears falling rapidly as he clenched the doorframe, threatening to fall. Hermione lifted the charm and went to him, holding him as he slid on to the floor.
As midnight struck all guests had said their goodbyes but the Masons who were staying at the manor for the holiday. Edmund persuaded that she stayed the night not wishing her home at such a late hour. Hermione yielded, only because Riddle had retreated into himself, paling as if he'd seen a ghost. Diana sought comfort for her brother's woes in Hermione while the Mason brothers continued playing poker into the night.
Riddle stood at the entrance of the Gaunt shack sneering at the snake hammered onto the door with distaste. Morfin opened the door and drew his dagger.
"The muggle returns!" Morfin smirked. "She's dead and gone. Good riddance."
"Point that dagger elsewhere if you value your life" Riddle threatened him quietly, pointing a wand to his neck so fast Morfin blinked.
"Your his son?" Morfin stared at him unbelievingly. "You look exactly like him. Younger now I think about it. Well, what do you want boy?"
"Do you know anything about the chamber of secrets?"
"You as well?" Morfin frowned.
"What do you mean Gaunt?"
"Not uncle Morfin then?" Morfin laughed.
"Who?"
"Some witch. 'Bout your age. Curly hair. Pretty little thing."
Riddle clenched his jaw.
"What did she want?"
"To open the chamber. Asked me to speak parseltongue."
"Crucio" Riddle hissed. "Fool. You dare impart the secrets of Salazar the great?"
Riddle dropped his wand. Morfin took the chance to seize his nephew by the neck and began to strangle him.
"Incarcerous" Riddle bound Morfin in ropes and adjusted his tie with a look of disgust. "This is what the last of Salazar's descendents have come to? Inbred filth?"
Without a second look Riddle disapparated.
Brunch the next morning was a lavish affair. Diana was taking full advantage of the manor and Mary thrived under the attention. Crumpets, pancakes, strawberries, fried eggs, scrambled eggs, pouched and boiled, fresh orange juice, aromatic coffee and teas, sausages, sizzling bacon, porridge with every likely topping. It made Hermione's mouth water.
"Good morning." Edmund greeted Hermione graciously.
"Morning." Hermione nodded.
"Now, now, that won't do. Not enough sleep?"
Hermione merely grumbled. Amused, Edmund returned to his newspaper.
"I can't get that brother of mine to leave his chambers!" Diana burst in looking flustered.
"Diana." Edgar called her to him. She sat on his lap while Edgar feeded her a slice of toast.
Edmund and Hermione looked at each other a little repulsed.
"Oh, he'll be fine." Hermione waved her hand as she filled her plate.
"My poor nephew!" Diana sighed. "At this very house and I couldn't see him. Was the boy really so angry? Upset understandable but angry? Does he know what his mother put Tom through?"
"Time." Edmund advised. "A few months and he'll come around. I'm sure. Who wouldn't want to be an heir to the Riddle's?"
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Now, I must depart. I'll need to be at my practice by this evening."
Diana made a fuss at these words but Edmund held out a hand.
"I will be hosting dinner in London in the New Year Diana and you are all invited." Edmund looked particularly at Hermione.
"I too will need to.. depart." Hermione finished her cup of coffee and giggled to herself at their antiquities. Edgar and Diana soon became too consumed with each other to notice their two guests pardoning themselves and making their leave.
Riddle had spent his entire day in the Great Hall waiting to confront the curly-haired witch. Riddle had no idea how she would come to know where the chamber lay and whatmore who the descendants of Slytherin were. Did that mean she knew that Riddle was heir? And what more, why? Why would a Gryffindor, mudblood sympathiser have any interest in divulging the deepest secrets of Salazar Slytherin? It was infuriating that this witch would turn up and in mere months discover what he'd searched for ever since he first heard of the legend in his first year. There was something sinister going on here and he was going to get to the bottom of it. As dinner ended and with it the inane chatter of Horace Slughorn. Riddle followed the Prewitt's to the Gryffindor common room. Waited a while after they'd enter to repeat the password "devil's snare".
Upon entering he cursed when seeing it empty. He had no wish to trespass into her quarters. Turning to leave he crashed into the very woman he'd been looking for.
"Riddle?" Hermione gasped.
"You and I have matters to discuss." Threatened Riddle.
"How did you get in here?" Hermione ignored the threatening tone of his voice and breezed past him with a book in hand. Lying back on an armchair by the fire she looked at him questioningly. She elaborately flourished her arms. "Do take a seat Mr. Riddle."
Riddle sat opposite her and immediately asked her "What do you know of the Chamber of Secrets?"
Hermione's heart raced. "The chamber of secrets?" she whispered.
Riddle nodded impatiently.
Hermione folded her legs and rolled her eyes. "I thought you'd be well-versed in all things Slytherin, Riddle."
"I am." Riddle growled.
"Well, there is this legend that Salazar Slytherin-"
"Don't patronize me Prince" Riddle spat out. "I am perfectly familiar with the legend. I mean of its location."
"They say it is here in this castle." Hermione squeaked. Riddle knew and she was about to be murdered.
"I don't want to know about the rumours you insufferable witch! I want to know where the entrance is and how you know?!" Riddle had lost it. Hermione had never seen him so enraged. His face was red and his hair dishevelled.
"I have no idea.." Hermione flustered.
"I saw Morfin."
"Morfin?"
"Yes, Morfin Gaunt. And I know that you know." Riddle breathed, holding his wand between his two hands he recollected his features and sunk back into his statue of perfect indifference.
"Yes, well." coughed Hermione. "Scholarly interest."
"Scholarly interest?" Riddle repeated with a curl of his lips.
"Yes. I wanted to see for myself."
"See?" Riddle stood up and looked down at the witch in wonder. "You saw the monster of Slytherin?"
Hermione was getting hot round the collar. How would he respond to know that his serpent had been slayn? She decided there was no shame in it. She stood up and looked squarely at him.
"I killed the serpent. I beheaded the basilisk." The pride in her voice was clear.
Riddle only stared.
"Riddle?" No response. "Urm, Tom?" Hermione gently shook his shoulder. Instantly Riddle crashed into her once more. Claiming her lips, his hand clutching her face, her hair then snaking around her lips. He wanted to devour her. Hermione at first was unable to respond but as his tongue sought entrance, she yielded and placed her arms around her mortal enemy.
A.N. Unedited, just wanted to get it out there and hear your responses so please, please r&r. I know you're reading so please, take a few seconds to review. Even if it's one word. I do take the suggestions on board.