10 January 1993
Hermione wrote Eloise right away, thanking her for her amazing gift. They met in the library and conversation was awkward until Eloise told her about her past in school. Eloise was bullied horribly in muggle school. Being the tallest in her class and the brightest, she was mocked for her appearance and love of books, not to mention the occasional bouts of accidental magic. Then she came to Hogwarts and hoped she would be accepted. Unfortunately, the first person she introduced herself to was Marcus Flint, the Slytherin quidditch captain who had to repeat his 7th year. He laughed in her face and called her a mudblood, was even nice enough to explain why mudbloods weren't worthy to be educated. Eloise was terrified after reading some books on the Great Blood War, wanting to avoid all purebloods. Hermione hugged her and told her that her family was always on the side of the light and her father's obsession with all things muggle.
Bill had refused to tell her anything about the diary when she got him alone. He told her it was now Gringotts business and she wasn't allowed to talk about. She still had dreams sometimes about being forced to write in that journal, and dreams of finding out about this Tom Riddle. Hermione never heard of something that could force her hand that way, Bill's old defense book described the imperious curse as a light floaty feeling that most people didn't even think to fight until it was too late. The books magic was oppressive and heavy as soon as she opened it. She knew the only one who might have answers for her would be her Uncle Albus.
"Enter." The headmasters calm voice carried through the large oak door.
"Uncle Albus!" Hermione chirped happily and moved to hug the ancient wizard. "How are you?"
"I'm just fine, my girl. Splendid to get to see you, it feels like we haven't had tea since you started Hogwarts." The headmaster smiled indulgently at the little red head as she sat down and started to fix their tea.
"That's because we haven't." Hermione snorted and handed him his cup and saucer.
"Ah, yes. Regrettably, the ICW has been keeping me busy this last summer. So, what brings you by?" Professor Dumbledore sat back and watched his goddaughter pensively.
"Why would I need a reason to see my favorite godfather?" Hermione smiled cheekily, earning a chuckle from the old wizard.
"In my experience, 12 year old girls...almost 13, do not go out of their way to spend time with someone old enough to be their great grandfather unless they want something." Albus's blue eyes twinkled over his half moon glasses.
"Fine, you caught me. I'm sorry I haven't come see you!" Hermione sighed as she smoothed down her skirt. "I wanted to ask you about Tom Riddle." She said bluntly and looked up.
"How do you know that name?" Albus froze in his chair, the tea cup less than 3 inches from his mouth.
"Well, I found him out about him in the library. Very promising pupil, record breaking NEWT scores and the first muggleborn to be sorted into Slytherin in atleast 200 years." Hermione supplied with a smile.
"Yes, I taught Tom. What is your interest in him?" Albus asked, evasively.
"That's my interest. No one will answer my questions about him. Why is that?" Hermione asked, a little irritated. She figured uncle Albus would have the answers.
"It's a very long story, Hermione. I'm not sure you want to hear it." Albus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't understand what has caught your interest to begin with."
"I found a diary over the summer hols. It belonged to Tom Riddle and it had some kind of weird charms on it. I wanted to figure out what it was." Hermione chewed her lip in thought, "I figured, if I could find out more about him...it would help."
"What kind of charms?" Albus asked with a raised brow.
"Well, it was a blank diary but when I opened it...I felt this need to write in it. It was oppressive and hurt when I stopped. I wrote my name but the ink seemed to...absorb into the book then Tom replied. Bill took it away and I felt whatever it was urging me to write leave." Hermione whispered sadly.
"It sounds like a strong compulsion charm, Hermione. I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'm not sure what magic he used to make the book. I've honestly never seen any magic that could." Albus said pensively, he watched the little red head for a moment, deep in thought.
"What's a compulsion charm?" Hermione asked eagerly, never coming across the name in any book.
"It's a way for people to send one command, not unlike the imperious curse. However, a compulsion charm will make the command it's victims one goal and focus. Only a very strong witch or wizard can fight it." Albus said gravely. "Could you show me your time with the diary?"
"Like the healer? She made me walk her through it a few times, it gave me a headache." Hermione said hesitantly.
"I promise I will only need to see it once and it will be painless." Albus said solemnly.
"Alright." Hermione nodded and looked up at the headmaster. Albus made eye contact and swiftly walked through her memory of finding the book, talking to Harry, her family's reaction, and her relentless search for answers. He pulled back, only to lift his wand to his temple pulling away a long silver wisp and depositing it into a phial.
"How's your head?" Albus asked kindly.
"Didn't even feel it." Hermione said with a bright smile.
"Good, good. Hermione...would it help you to know who Tom Riddle is?" Albus asked calmly.
"I think so, I'm happy I know what the magic was that forced me to write but you now it will drive me barmy if I can't find out more about Tom Riddle...something about him just..." Hermione shrugged helplessly, not being able to find the words.
"One day, I hope to tell you more about him. I know this knowledge may seem vital to you now but I want you to have a normal childhood. You don't need to be worrying about these burdens...but for now, I will tell you. The boy who once walked these halls as Tom Riddle became the monster we now know as Voldemort." Albus said gravely as he watched for the youngest Weasley's response.
"I knew his parents wouldn't name a baby Voldemort." Hermione's keen mind couldn't stop her mouth from blurting. "That diary belonged to Voldemort?!" Hermione cried out a moment later, her face showing the horror she felt.
"Yes, I'm not sure what kind of magic he cast on that diary but it has no lasting effects. Only your burning curiosity." Albus pulled the young girl into his arms for a hug. "You are a very brave girl, you fought a compulsion placed by one of the strongest and darkest wizards of the century."
"So, Voldemort was a muggleborn leading the purebloods around...killing off muggleborns?" Hermione asked
"No, he was actually a half blood. Like you, his mother was a squib, his father a muggle." Albus told her with a hint of a smile.
"What does it mean?" Hermione asked quietly.
"Well, we know that after last year, Voldemort is not entirely dead. I have been looking for ways he could have achieved this but there are many and each seems less likely than the last. I would love to discuss this with you further because you are quite bright but, Hermione, please understand. You are 12 years old. You shouldn't have to worry about this. So I ask the same as I asked of Harry at the end of last term. Enjoy being young, do not worry about things we can not change." Albus ran a hand over Hermione's curly head as he spoke in a soothing voice.
"But Voldemort's not dead...what if he comes after my family and he seemed very angry with Harry." Hermione looked up at her godfather trembling.
"I ask that you trust me on this, Hermione." The headmasters voice was firm as he hugged the girl one more time.
"Okay but, you'll tell me more when I'm older?" Hermione asked.
"If the threat still lingers, yes." The headmaster said calmly. "Now, it is past curfew. Best get to bed."
"Good night, Uncle Albus." Hermione smiled weakly before leaving the ancient wizard to think on everything he learned. Albus went to his pensive to reviews Hermione's memories once more. Hermione was anxious as she entered the empty common room, she wanted so badly to run to Percy's room and tell him everything but knew she couldn't. Her parents and Uncle Albus would be furious if she told him, so she went to the only other person who knew.
"Harry." Hermione whispered as she shoved his shoulder to wake him.
"Mmm Mine..." Harry rolled over and sighed happily in his sleep. Hermione gave him another shake and Harry popped up looking around blearily. "Hermione?" Harry asked as he scrambled for his glasses.
"Harry...I'm really sorry to wake you but...I need to talk to you about something." Hermione whispered urgently. Harry groaned and threw himself out of bed.
"What couldn't wait till morning?" Harry asked as he stretched and yawned. Ron rolled over in his sleep, snoring loudly, making Hermione jump.
"Shh, I'll tell you in the common room." Hermione whispered as she turned and walked out the door, Harry grabbed his jumper and followed.
"Alright, Hermione. What's going on?" Harry yawned as he plopped himself on the couch beside Hermione.
"I spoke to Uncle Albus about Tom Riddle tonight." Hermione started off hesitantly.
"Okay, what did he say?" Harry turned his head to look at her with a tired smile.
"He said Tom Riddle is Voldemort. Voldemort is a half blood." Hermione said urgently.
"Really?" Harry exclaimed, suddenly wide awake.
"Yes, I researched him! So, the diary belonged to him and it had a compulsion charm on it! I had Voldemort in my brain!" Hermione cried, fat tears rolling down her cheeks. Harry didn't know what to do with his crying friend so he awkwardly put his arm around her shoulder to give her a loose half hug. The crying girl rolled her body into his, wrapping her arms around him to bury her face in his chest. Harry hesitantly wrapped his other arms around the girl and held her until her sobs became sniffles.
"What else did the headmaster say?" Harry asked quietly. Hermione shifted so her head was resting on his shoulder while her arms wrapped securely around his middle.
"That I was too young to worry about Voldemort and give him time before he tells me anything else." Hermione rolled her eyes in disgust. "I had Voldemort in my head but he wants me to enjoy my childhood."
"The healer said you were fine though, right?" Harry asked with trepidation.
"Yes, I've now had a healer, a goblin, and Uncle Albus mucking about in my head. They all said I was fine. I wonder how they do that?" Hermione hummed pensively.
"No, idea. Why don't we head to bed? We can talk more about this when you've had a good nights sleep." Harry smiled kindly. Hermione tightened her arms around him for a moment before standing.
"Why is it you're always around when I cry?" Hermione said with a watery smile.
"Just lucky, I guess." Harry chuckled.