Chapter 19: A New Year

When Riddle had finally released her he had ended up back on the sofa, Hermione pressed up against his chest, her legs wrapped around his waist. His groin painful with unfulfilled pleasure as her hands stroked the bare skin above his belt. Breathing heavily, Hermione began to panic and began to untangle her limbs from his but Riddle clenched her wrists and pushed his pelvis forward making her moan with desire.

"Where does my lioness think she's going?" Riddle teased, speaking against the corner of her mouth while unbuttoning her blouse. Hermione sighed as his mouth trailed kisses to her naked breasts while one hand was stroking up her thigh bunching up her skirt around her waist. Hermione could barely think straight as Riddle flicked his tongue over her nipple. With one hand he stroked her underwear damp from his ministrations. Steps could be heard from the stairs. Hermione attempted to button her blouse but Riddle held her in place as the Prewitt's descended into the common room.

"Hermione?" Fabian almost laughed.

"Riddle?" Gideon stared, his mouth wide open. Riddle merely turned and glared.

"We are occupied as you are fully aware" Riddle spoke with an edge of impatience as Hermione covered her bare chest.

Fabian raised his hands and blew a low whistle.

"And this is the common room, as you are fully aware" Gideon emphasized common.

Hermione disentangled herself and stood a distance away from Riddle.

Both Prewitt's then turned for the portrait hole, Hermione followed closely.

"Wait!"

"Whatever that was is none of our business, so…" Fabian grinned.

"How could you do that to Alphard?" Gideon rounded up on Hermione.

"Alphard and I.."

"Save it." Gideon grumbled before storming off. Fabian shrugged apologetically. Turning round she came face to face with Riddle.

"And what have you got to say for yourself?" Demanded Hermione, furious with herself for losing control.

Riddle smiled smugly before heading off the same direction as the Prewitt's. Hermione watched him leave, thoroughly flummoxed. Hermione shook her head as she headed for her book, staring at the words, unable to focus. Well, at least he hadn't murdered her.

The next few days Hermione spentin isolation, walking the grounds and reading. The loneliness was strangely comforting. In the mornings she ran before breakfast and napped till noon. The evenings she roamed in the forest growing familiar with all its paths and creatures. The centaurs watched her carefully but let her be seeing her to be no threat. Hermione found a clearing by a stream where she would lie back some nights and star watch, simply listening to the sounds of life around her. Feeling like this she could remember what she was fighting for. Peace. Hogwarts was magnificent. Beautiful and resilient. Never would she allow a war to taint its walls and blood to shed on its grounds. Magic would be nurtured. Innocent protected. Children guarded and their hearts and minds taught to blossom.

Hermione had almost drifted to sleep when she heard a tinkling of laughter. "Mother said she is the one the centaurs talk of" A young girl's voice whispered, so softly it could have been mistaken for the leaves rustling in the breeze. Yet it was melodious. The voice of carefree youth. "The time traveller?" A boy asked excitedly. "She is rather beautiful, for a human." The girl said thoughtfully. "She looks too young to have so much on her shoulders." "We should give her a gift before she wakes!" The boy suggested. "Yes Oberon!" Their voices became fragmented. Hermione mourned their absence in her dream state. When she finally awoke she found that she had a flower crown weaved into her hair. It most the most delicate and delightful piece of craftwork. The ivy was worked like silver and the flowers like gems. Hermione looked around hoping to see the creatures that had gifted her with such a keepsake. She saw nothing, and heard nothing. Before she left she whispered thank you.

Hermione grinded to a halt and collapsed by the tree beside the lake. She conjured water from her wand and placed the tip by her mouth and soaked her head with water. Her heart was thumping, her breaths quick and shallow, the stitch in her chest aching. Hermione smiled at the sheer strain of feeling. She was alive.

"Good morning" Hermione sat upright in less then a second and turned to see Riddle leaning against the tree, a book in hand.

Hermione lay back and enjoyed the brisk winter air in the morning light.

"Why do you run?" Riddle enquired politely.

"To keep fit".

"Not looking into dragon slaying.. or basilisk hunting then." Riddle's lips quirked into a half-smile.

"It makes me feel in control."

"Ahh" Riddle nodded. "Control."

"Yes." Hermione closed her eyes. "It's empowering, invigorating… makes me feel alive."

"Because you need reminding?" Riddle enquired.

Hermione frowned. It was too close to the truth.

"Yes." She whispered.

Riddle didn't answer and for a few moments they sat still in each other's presence. She didn't feel threatened and he felt somewhat at peace. Riddle listened to her breathing slowing. Watched her lying against the wet grass. Her wild curls entwined in the overgrown grass.

"Breakfast should be served soon." Riddle got to his feet. "See you in there."

She barely responded. Soaking up the early sun and revelling in the feel of her skin against the damp ground. Minutes passed and her stomach growled. Reluctantly she made her way to the shower rooms and then to the Great Hall. Upon entering Rosaline waved her over to a seat beside her. Hermione smiled at the witch who sipped a coffee while reviewing her plans for the party she was throwing with her sister that evening.

"Happy new years eve!" Rosaline beamed at Hermione while pouring her some coffee. "Good run?"

"Wonderful." Hermione enthused. "I've beaten my personal best."

"Congratulations dearey. Though why you go to through such rigorous training is beyond me. You put the auror department to shame."

"Well I'll be looking to start duelling practice soon. And some help would be much appreciated." Hermione looked slyly at Rosaline.

"I warn you. I might be more of a hindrance than assistance but sure, why not. I could do with some practice." Rosaline smiled.

"Actually, I was thinking about getting a duelling club together." Hermione hesitated.

"Ooh, you should talk to Edward about that." Rosaline clapped her hands. "He was quite the dueler back in the day."

"Edward?" Albus enquired. "I should dare think he still is."

"Hermione's thinking of starting a duelling club, professor" Rosaline looked fondly at her charge.

"Excellent idea."

"Professor.." Hermione hesitated. "I was also hoping to ask you for some private lessons."

"In what area were you thinking?" Dumbledore looked down his half-moon spectacles at Hermione.

"In occlumency sir." Hermione asked nervously.

Dumbledore looked pleasantly surprised.

"An ancient art I regret we fail to teach in Hogwarts. Well, Hermione it would be my pleasure. However my schedule is quite chaotic so we may have to arrange lessons by and by". Dumbledore winked at her before returning to conversation with the headmaster.

Hermione almost squealed with delight.

"Hermione!" Rosaline handed her a yogurt filled with summer fruits and a whole banana. "I need your help with tonight."

Hermione listened to Rosaline droning on about decor and music and dresses while she ran through spells and drills from her Order training days. Though she had her eye on one dark lord, an efficient defence programme was necessary for times of war and peace.

That afternoon Rosaline flood the two of them to her sister's apartment in London. The apartment was in a trendy part of Islington. The flat itself cramped but the shared rooftop was huge, but lacking. Hours later the rooftop was transformed with fairy lights and dozens of chinese lanterns. Small round bar tables were covered in ivy vines, candles and rose petals. Rosaline had hired a four piece band for the night. Just before 8 Hermione was dragged down into Rosaline's sisters room for a makeover. Alice, Rosaline's sister was as much a beautician as Rosaline. Hermione was dressed in a emerald green sequin dress with spaghetti straps that was much too short for her comfort. Her eyelids were covered with black glitter and her lips coloured a ruby red. Her hair was pulled back with gel and straightened. Released she ran downstairs and looked down the crowded streets for Alphard, Abraxas, Scarlet and Xander. They had planned to arrive together, meeting for pre-drinks at Scarlet's. Shivering she hugged her arms, jumping when she was almost knocked over by a hug from behind.

"Hermione!" Xander held her tight restricting the oxygen in her lungs.

"I...can't...breathe" Hermione choked out.

"Xander." Scarlett tutted pulling her off Hermione.

Hermione turned and saw Xander and Scarlett beaming at her looking glamorous in their flapper dresses. Scarlett wore black, her hair in ringlets with a feather head band and Xander wore bronze, her straight hair fashioned in a low bun. Behind the girls stood a grinning Malfoy looking overly dressed in a tux and Alphard in a white shirt and a gold embroidered waistcoat and matching tie.

Alphard ran forward, picked her up and spun her in the air. Hermione laughed and demanded he put her down. Lastly Alphard shyly approached her and kissed her gently on the lips.

"Break it up now" Xander grumbled while Scarlett cooed.

"I've missed you" Alphard murmured. Hermione squeezed his hand in response and guided them up to the party. By the time they arrived a dozen people had already congregated in the party. The band had started playing and drinks floated for the guests with firewhiskey and elf mead on the table for the guests.

"Ooh" Scarlett gasped, clapping her hands with joy and headed to the dance floor dragging Abraxas with her.

"How's your summer been?" Xander asked while slurping a bright green cocktail.

"Oh.. quiet." Hermione thought of the basilisk and dining at the Riddle's, regretting the secrecy she had even with her friends. "Yours?"

"My families driving me up the wall!" Xander sighed. "My brother Sebastian had a son and I'm stuck babysitting him most nights. The boy's a right pain in the arse. Constantly awake and watches you like a hawk. Doesn't cry too much though so… Thanks for the present Mione. Always wanted my own sneakoscope."

"Thanks for the concert tickets. Though I've never heard of the Pygmy Puff's before. I'm guessing the second ticket is for you?" Hermione laughed.

Xander only winked before leaving to speak to Rosaline. An awkward silence ensued. Alphard was looking intently at Hermione who grew flustered under his attention and looked at her feet instead.

"And I loved the dreamcatcher Alphard. Beautifully crafted." Hermione smiled at Alphard, taking a moment to take in his handsome features once more. She'd forgotten the silver quality in his grey eyes and quite how black his hair was.

"You're staring." Alphard said softly.

Hermione looked away and took a deep breath. She looked around at the party which was well under way now. Abraxas was now dancing with Xander. Scarlett was laughing as two men attempted to win her affections. Rosaline was entertaining a gathering of guests.

"Nice party." Alphard nodded, opening a beer.

Hermione only nodded, downed a shot of firewhiskey and selected another. Hermione's hand was stilled by Alphard.

"What?" Hermione narrowed her eyes at him.

"If you're getting wasted, so am I." Alphard downed a shot and then pulled Hermione to the dance floor. An upbeat dance number by Benny Goodman began to play and Hermione was led by Alphard into twists, turns, lifts and twirls. Rosaline had all the limelight as she was thrown all over the dance floor, clicking her fingers and shimmying her shoulders. The live music drowned out the sound of the city. Surrounding them the city was under blackout for the wartime but Rosaline had placed shield charms all around their vicinity. It must have been quite a sight for anyone flying past, airborne, a square of coloured lights surrounded by darkness.

Hermione slinked away after a few more danced. She was beginning to feel a little claustrophobic and Alphard had gotten progressively more drunk and so progressively more handsy. But every time she closed her eyes she could only think of Riddle's wicked mouth. Downstairs at the street entrance she sat on the concrete pavement with a bottle of elf mead in hand.

"Fancy company?" A tall gentleman in breeches was leaning against the wall smoking a cigarette watching her with interest.

"Yeah, why not?" Hermione slurred. The stranger passed her a cigarette and Hermione accepted, sucking in as he lit it for her. She started coughing but enjoyed the light headed feeling that followed. The music could be heard seven storey's below, laughing and tinkling. Hermione watched the cars go past and couples and gatherings walk past, dressed to the nines. The city was celebrating and for a few hours it seemed that people forgot. Wartime ceased one night to allow people a time for hope and laughter.

"Ouch!" Hermione cried. The man looked at her with concern. Hermione flicked her wrist and found the wand tip alight. "No, no, no, no" Hermione grabbed another cigarette, lit it with her wand and disapparated.

The riddle manor doors were wide open. Hermione ran in and saw Riddle senior backed up against a wall, a broken crystal gin glass by his feet and a young seething Riddle pointing his wand to his father's neck.

"Riddle!" Hermione screamed.

Both Riddle's turned to see the silhouette of a weeping woman holding out her wand, directed straight towards Riddle Junior.

"Prince?" Riddle squinted at her dropping his wand hand in surprise.

"What are you doing?" Hermione's tone of voice was incredulous.

"A reunion with father dearest" Riddle snarled. Riddle Senior stood up, still a little shaken, tears in his eyes.

"You had your wand at his throat!" Hermione accused him angrily.

"Let's not go throwing out accusations Hermione." Riddle walked towards her tilting his head ever so gently. "How do you know my father?"

"Family friend" replied Hermione heatedly going over to Riddle Senior and embracing him tightly.

"Step away" Riddle warned her.

Hermione turned and disarmed him without a word.

"You were going to murder him." Hermione stated.

"You're family friends with my muggle father. No, no Hermione. That doesn't wash with me. You also happened to know my uncle. If I didn't know you better I'd say you were infatuated with me. But no, this isn't a schoolgirl crush. It's obsession."

"Coincidences."

"There is something odd about you Hermione Prince. Turning up in the middle of a school term in the final year of school. Appearing, quite literally, out of thin air." Riddle was moving closer towards her. Hermione held two wands trained on him, forcing to keep her face neutral.

"My parents were murdered!"

"Yes, yes… in France. Funny that. You don't have a French accent. Where in France did you live?"

"Bordeaux"

"And how exactly do you know my father"

"A friend of my uncle."

"I don't believe you, Prince. If that is even your real name."

"I wish I cared, Riddle. Now get out before I call the aurors."

Riddle came forward and wrenched his wand from her fingers, turned and slammed the door behind him.

"Tom?" Hermione called gently.

"You're a witch?" Riddle asked weakly.

Hermione nodded.

"You saved my life… My son just tried to murder me." Riddle laughed bitterly, walked to the cabinet and drank from the bottle straight.

"I know it's a lot to process Tom but you need to trust me. And…" Hermione hesitated. "You need to forgive him. He's grown up in an orphanage and they didn't treat him too well. He's had a hard life."

"Him I can forgive." Riddle sighed. "Whether I can forgive myself or not…"

"You are a good man. You listen to me Tom Riddle. You've been paying for your misfortune the last seventeen years and it's time you stopped feeling sorry for yourself and started living again. I know how it is. I've been there. It's the easy way out. To whither away. But you and I, Tom, we survive." Hermione clasped his hand in both of hers and looked him in the eye. Riddle brought a hand to her cheek and gently cupped it.

"Take care of my son, Hermione."

"I'll do my best." Hermione kissed his forehead before disapparating to London.

Hermione wobbled on the pavement and was caught in time by a pair of able hands which then proceeded to wrap around her waist.

"Where did you disappear off to Ms. Prince?" Alphard murmured in her ear.

"Oh… nowhere." Hermione lied guiltily.

A countdown began. Alphard spun her round and as the New Year began his lips found hers. It was a gentle kiss. Tame and restrained. Hermione couldn't help but crave the unadulterated way in which Riddle had kissed her. She groaned. Mistaking the groan as a noise of pleasure Alphard deepened the kiss. Moments later they came apart and Hermione smiled shyly.

"I've got to go." Hermione whispered apologetically. Without waiting for a response she turned on her heel and was gone.

Walking up the steps of the entrance hall Hermione swayed slightly, a bottle of elves mead in her hand. She found Riddle on the last step, sinking into the darkness.

"Prince." He greeted her coldly.

Hermione stopped to look at him gazing at the sky.

"Riddle. I just stopped you murdering your father and this is how you thank me?" Hermione pouted, the drink was taking over.

"You're drunk." He simply stated.

"How could you take a life of a man you barely know?"

"I… I don't have to explain to you."

"No you don't. But enlighten me."

"You said it yourself. My heart is cold. I'm fucked. Fucked up. My mother would have been alive, if he hadn't turned us away. I could have grown up in a normal family and been loved and loved."

"I thought you said love was for fools" Hermione teased him. "Opium of the masses."

"It is" he grumbled childishly. "I wanted to see if I could do it. That power… Being in complete control. You feel like God."

Hermione sat next to him and passed him the elves mead. "We are human Riddle." She said thoughtfully. "Perhaps opium is exactly what we need."

Riddle chuckled. "I never wanted to be human… but with you I feel human. Vulnerable and…" Riddle turned to look at her. His eyes on her lips.

"How much have you had to drink?" laughed Hermione.

"Enough." He murmured before crushing his lips against his. His tongue ran between the parting of my lips. His teeth gnawed painfully at my bottom lip. Hands in my hair.

"Ugh" Riddle stopped taking his hands from my hair. "What is that?"

"Oh, gel" Hermione said sheepishly.

Riddle wiped his hands on his trousers, stood up and offered her a hand. Hermione took it curiously. Riddle walked her to the Forbidden Forest. Finally he broke the silence.

"I was going to do something tonight…. something dark." Riddle began.

"Darker than usual?" Hermione teased. "I'm glad I was there to stop you."

Riddle stopped walking and looked down at her.

"See this." He showed her the ring on his forefinger. Hermione gasped. The Peverell coat of arms was scratched upon the black stone. Of course. His first horcrux.

"I was going to place a bit of my soul in there."

Hermione squealed with fright.

"Riddle, you absolutely terrify me, you know that?" Hermione breathed heavily.

Riddle smiled charmingly.

"Why thank you, Ms. Prince".

"What do you mean you were going to?" Hermione asked hopefully.

"To achieve the ripping of your soul you need to commit an act of great evil." Riddle hesitated. "Murder. Which made me wonder. What ripping your soul must mean. What it must do to you. It must dehumanize you and not in a divine way."

"Oh, you would love that. Elevated to the gods."

There was a short pause. Riddle struggled to speak. Pain visible on his features.

"I don't want to die." Riddle whispered.

"You fear the unknown." Hermione comforted him. "We all do. But you can't escape it. Only delay it. Once a great man told me, death is only but life's next big adventure." Hermione smiled.

Riddle snorted.

"You are incredibly intelligent witch you know." Riddle said after a while.

"I know." Hermione agreed, grinning.

"Modest too" Riddle laughed.

"You don't laugh much." Hermione said to him sadly. "Such a shame. You look so handsome when you're not brooding."

"I'm not good for you Hermione."

"Who said I was good for you?" Hermione retorted.

"Oh you are. You are my perfect brand of heroine."

"That almost sounded like a declaration of love." Hermione teased.

"I don't think I'm capable of it. You see, one incredibly clever witch once said to me that my heart was made of ice."

"I think you'll find ice is capable of love once exposed to a burning flame."

"Are you my burning flame?"

Hermione laughed.

"I'm not too good with poetry I'm afraid."

"I reckon you should drink more. I have a feeling you'll wake tomorrow and resent yourself for speaking so 'foolishly'."

"Well, let me finish my part and we can return to loathing each other tomorrow." Hermione breathed in deeply. "Hermione Prince, I have never found a witch to have the courage to challenge me, to scold me the way you do. You aren't afraid of me. Once people look behind the charming exterior, the charade of studious headboy, they flinch. You don't blink."

Hermione looked at him curiously.

"What are you saying Riddle".

"Help me."

Hermione gasped.

"I want to be human. I want to be capable of love. I want to be loved."

Hermione pressed his head against her breast and stroked his head gently. Tears falling from both their eyes.

"Oh darling, how I wish those things to."

On New Years Day Hermione woke up with a banging hangover. Groaning she got out of bed and decided to forego training that morning. Seeing as it was almost noon she decided a long hot bath was in order. Hermione sighed with pleasure as she sunk into the tub filled with fragrant bubbles and forgot the other side of Riddle she'd witnessed the night before. Riddle had a good twin is all. She would continue keeping an eye on him. Destroying every horcrux he planned to make. Severus Snape would never succeed in overhearing the prophecy. The first world war would end before it began. If she had to murder him herself… Hermione swallowed. She submerged her whole head in water and rose again. Gripping the tub and gritting her teeth she promised herself she'd do it. Rising from the bath she shook her hair and grabbed a towel. In a dressing gown she hurried to the owlery. Scarlett responded swiftly accepting her invitation to accompany her to Edmund's dinner that evening and suggesting Hermione come to her place first to get dressed.

The clock had just struck five when Hermione knocked on a quaint cottage door. She had expected a lavish manor and was pleasantly surprised. A small boy answered with golden ringlets and baby blue eyes. He blinked at her a few times before yelling "Anna!" He looked back at hermione and said "she'll be down in a minute." and walked back inside the house. He'd left the door open so Hermione supposed she was allowed inside. The little boy sat in the lounge with a bowl of fruit in front of him. He looked extremely focused as his hand went back and forth the paper with a paintbrush. Hermione took a seat and looked around. The cottage was very homely. She could smell fresh apples and caramel from the kitchen. Photographs filled the wall and a hearty fire burned by the mantelpiece.

"Hermione!" Scarlett called from upstairs. Hermione went up the stairs and saw Scarlett's head poking out from the bedroom on the far right. Hermione walked to her room and wondered if an explosion had taken place. Clothes were everywhere. Hanging from the wardrobe, the drawers, the doorway. Clothes on the floor, the bed, the radiator.

"Sorry it's a bit of a mess." Scarlett said unapologetically, shoving a dress her way. It was a red raw silk dress with a huge bow at the back. She felt like a christmas present. Scarlett turned on the muggle radio and fussed over her hair, trying to tame her curls so it would fall in waves. All the while they sipped cocktails and Scarlett told Hermione about their dreadful holiday to her grandmothers in Wales during Christmas.

At seven they flooed to the leaky cauldron and caught a taxi to take them to Baker street. Knocking on the door Hermione adjusted her hair and looked nervously at Scarlett. Diana answered and squealed with delight. She fawned over Scarlett and the two became the best of friends. Hermione sat on the sofa with Riddle who seemed to have recovered from last night. Edmund was introduced to Scarlett who took an immediate fancy to the charming doctor and diana left the pair with a triumphant grin plastered to her face.

"She's seventeen isn't she?" Diana whispered to Hermione. "She'll be of age in a few months. I'm convinced they'll be engaged by summer and then I only have Tom to sort out."

Hermione gave a sympathetic look to Riddle and then glanced at Edmund and Scarlett. They did look a pretty pair.

"It's a wonder Edmund hasn't been conscripted into the war" an elderly woman spoke loudly during dinner. "My son is in India, leading the natives across sea to Ethiopia."

"Well some doctors are still required at home Aunt." Edmund smiled at her coldly.

"I see." She replied making it clear she didn't see at all.

"Don't encourage her". Edgar whispered to Edmund.

"We can't all be bleeding heroes" Edmund muttered under his breath.

"This was has gone on long enough" Riddle growled. "It won't stop till that madman's got a bullet in his head."

"Oh Tom, let's not speak of war tonight. Most days I can't escape it."

"Be thankful your husband is home and safe." Mrs. Mason drawled.

Diana kissed her husband and smiled sadly.

"Hermione, don't you ever wonder how the wizarding world stand by and allow destruction where it could easily be stopped?" Scarlett frowned thoughtfully.

"I don't know." Hermione replied honestly. "I suppose it's best we don't meddle at all."

Hermione and Rosaline left shortly after dinner. Rosaline was stopped by Edmund and Hermione waited patiently by the door. A few minutes later Scarlett joined her with a grin plastered to her face.

"Scarlett?"

"Later" Scarlett mouthed, taking Hermione's hand and disapparating back to the cottage.

"He kissed my hand" Scarlett swooned.

"Are you meeting him again?" Hermione asked, amused by Scarlett's theatrics.

"He's taking me dancing!" Scarlett said dancing as if it was a complete novelty.

"How's he picking you up?"

Scarlett waved her hand.

"Oh shh, mere formalities."

"And did you tell him you happened to be a witch?"

Scarlett ignored her, her head in the clouds. She was preoccupied with images of her in a white dress. Married to a doctor! Edmund would do very well indeed.

Hermione felt dreadfully homesick the next few days. She missed Harry and Ron. Sirius, Lupin, Tonks, Ginny… It would be years before she'd see them again and they wouldn't know her… Unless the young Hermione Granger was born again. Could the universe accommodate two Hermione Grangers? Hermione shook her head. She was romanticizing her past. She had left behind a dystopia. Never did she wish to return there.

The weekend before the first day of term Scarlett pounced on to her bed. "Hermione! There we were waiting for you in Hogsmeade, thinking you'd come to greet us. I thought we could go to the Three Broomsticks but no, here you are sleeping!" Scarlett dragged the covers off of her as hermione attempted to cling on, her eyes remaining shut.

"Hermione sleeping." She pouted.

"No, Hermione greeting best friend." cooed Scarlett tickling her stomach. Squealing Hermione got up and sat up grumpily against her pillow.

"Didn't you go running this morning?" Xander asked lazily, stripping to her underwear and getting into bed.

"Yes I did, then came back for my customary nap till noon." Hermione looked accusingly at Scarlett.

"Oh goodness. Why have I become the enemy?" Scarlett held out both her hands, eyes wide and mouth frowning.

"You'll get wrinkles." Hermione yawned and lay back down on her bed.

Scarlett grumbled and decided to join Hermione in bed. Lying on her stomach she played with Hermione's hair.

"Want to tell me what happened between you and Alphard on New Year's Eve?" Scarlett asked gently.

Hermione shook her head.

"Well, you know where I am if you do." Scarlett sighed, stroking her hair she held Hermione. Hermione felt at ease in her embrace. Perhaps she could be home in this era.

That evening the three girls walked across the grounds after dinner. All three had completed their homeworks and were feeling too vacant to do any more reading. NEWT's were coming up and even Hermione was anxious. She'd not completed her seventh year in Hogwarts and was frequently reminded by Professor Prince that she'd have to do her best seeing as she'd be indefinitely living in this time period. One afternoon Hermione was summoned to the professor's office to discuss career prospects.

"I know you would make a fine auror Hermione but I wonder if it is what you want to do and not a life you had to lead".

"Professor…" Hermione hesitated. "I've always thought about working in the Department of Mysteries"

Professor Prince looked warily at Hermione before sighing deeply.

"The Department of Mysteries does not accept applications. They make invitations."

"And how does one acquire an invitation?" Hermione spoke softly.

"According to their needs they adapt their criteria."

Hermione slumped back in her chair.

"I suggest you apply for the auror programme and hope for the best" Professor Prince smiled apologetically at her.

"But sir! I want to research and explore and discover. I don't want to fight my entire life. I want to delve deep into the arts of sorcery. Time travel and wandlore and immortality" A hungry glint in her eye had the professor weary of the witch before her for a moment before shaking his head and reminding himself this was his ward, an ambitious witch, not the future dark queen.

"It sounds like you are looking to become an apprentice." Professor Prince smiled. "You will need to acquire Outstanding in potions, history of magic and transfiguration."

"Whose apprentice would I be looking to become? Dumbledore?"

"Oh no Hermione. Have you heard of the witch Nyneve?"

"No…" Hermione thought hard.

"Muggle legends, and wizard ones too, know her more famously as the lady of the lake."

Hermione gasped.

"She's alive?"

"Certainly. She lives a quiet life in Wales but she continues in her exploration of witchcraft. Alchemy. She takes an apprentice once every hundred years or so. I will ask Dumbledore to write to his friend Nicholas Flamel. Flamel is an alchemist on good terms with Nyneve."

"Sir, that would be…" Hermione was speechless.

"I'm not making any promises. I suggest you apply for the aurors training programme in the meantime."

"Yes, sir!" Hermione stood up and leaned forward to kiss the professor's cheek. Squealing she skipped out of his office. The professor chuckled to himself as he reached for a quill.

The term began with a vengeance. Seventh year students were avoided at all costs. Burdened with homework and spell practice there was no more time for late night chess matches or lazy strolls on the grounds. Hermione pored over books on medieval history and alchemy on top of her usual workload. She hardly saw Riddle except during classes and mealtimes at a distance. She spoke to Alphard about taking a break until exams were over. He supported her wholeheartedly and quietly she hated how she put off her true feelings. Professor Prince informed her that Dumbledore had sent an owl to Nicholas Flamel and he would let her know if there was any news. In her readings she discovered that the body of Nyneve. She read more of the dark sorceress Morgan Le Fay whose spirit was rumoured to continue to haunt this world. Barely a life form she continued her existence by borrowing the bodies of the willing. Hermione looked at the paintings of the witch with awe. Her beauty was unparalleled to anything she'd seen before. Hermione was envious. Knowing of the achievements by Nyneve and Morgaine Hermione was inspired in her studies. She pushed herself in a way she was never able to do before. In her own time it was only her mind that committed. Now it was her mind, body and spirit. Training intensified. Abraxas could no longer dream of keeping up with her. Dumbledore had begun private lessons with her to strengthen her mind. Already a beginner, a student of one of the best, Severus Snape, Dumbledore taught her the subtleties of the art form. It went beyond mere defence. It was late February when Hermione began to think seriously about starting a duelling club. Tom Riddle seemed to have gone quiet but Hermione knew his meetings continued and while she had promised to help him she honestly had no idea where to begin. He was unaware of her blood status. Riddle had a fleeting crush. That was all. That is what she told herself every time she found him looking at her from across the great hall, or in class… She was a conquest. Hermione had no idea why she was sent into the past. She could only guess that it was a mission, and distractions were to be eliminated. So while her heart could not help but quicken when their eyes met, she told herself it was adrenaline. Tom Marvolo Riddle was forbidden fruit.

A.N. 123Lamiko I'm glad you're enjoying it. I really will try my best. Keep reviewing! It really keeps my spirits up when it seems like it's not going as well as I hoped. Crookshankisaninja I love your love for Riddle. I always felt a bit sorry for him and wanted to write a story that said I believe in humanity. But I warn you... he's not all fluff and kittens. Nor is Hermione. ;)