July 1945

Hermione walked along the roads of Knockturn Alley. There were many wizards about. With her curled hair, nylons, and knee length skirt nobody would have known she was from the future. Her heels clicked on the stone pavement. Her robes billowed out behind her. Her disguise was perfectly in place. Now she just had to worry about keeping her mental walls up. Finally she found what she was looking for. Borgin and Burkes, an establishment of moral ambiguity. She checked her appearance in the shop window. Her mascara was flawless, she smiled and smoothed down her shirt. Her lipstick was red, not a single hair was out of place. She looked just like any other young woman her age. Unbeknownst to her the young man at the counter was staring at her checking out her own reflection.

Young Tom Riddle stood gazing at the witch outside his shop. He had never seen a prettier face in all his years. He was not one that was normally taken in by good looks. He prided himself on being above matters of the heart. But this witch was different. As soon as his eyes landed on her form he felt his breath catch. He smoothed out his hair and smelled his breath. Perhaps, he thought, that this witch was different. Surely whatever she needed he could provide.

Hermione opened the door and the bell jingled as she stepped inside. It smelled old and decrepit and like dark magic. She wrinkled her nose in disgust. Tom came out from behind the register and put on his most charming smile. Hermione of course could see right though it. She couldn't deny that the young Voldemort was extremely good looking. She glanced up and down his form like a cat with a new toy. He was devilishly handsome, with dark hair and green eyes. He had high cheekbones and a beautiful mouth. He was taller than her. Oh yes, she thought, she would have to look out for his charms. Tom meanwhile was trying to figure out what to say this enchanting young thing.

"Welcome to Borgan and Burkes, how can I help you?" Tom said.

"Yes, I am looking for a book on some obscure magical theories of a darker nature. I was hoping you could help me?" Hermione said.

Tom nodded and lead her to their book section. There were all kinds of ancient scrolls and curious oddities all stacked on tables throughout the store.

"What exactly are you looking for miss?"

"I was told you had a book on horcruxes. I think they are a fascinating bit of magical theory. No decent witch or wizard would ever attempt to make one. its fun learning about though." Hermione said.

Tom froze and he looked the young woman up and down as if revaluating his opinion of her. He had already made two horcruxes. He touched the ring he was wearing with his fingers. Hermione noticed his movements, she recognized the ring as one of Voldemort's horcruxes.

"What would a lovely lady such as yourself need to know about horcruxes for?" Tom asked.

"Thats my business. Its private." Hermione said.

Tom swallowed hard and put his charming smile back in place. Who was this woman? She was a mystery. Tom had always liked puzzles. He was determined to solve this new mystery. He had always been good with people. She would spill her secrets to him eventually.

"Can I at least get a name miss?"

"Hermione Granger, and you are?"

"Tom, Tom Riddle."

Tom extended his hand and Hermione shook it. As thier hands pulled away from each other they both noticed a feeling of electricity on thier fingertips. Hermione was shocked and appalled at how that little interaction had such a big effect on her. Tom glanced down to his hand and then back up at the Granger girl. For a split second Tom looked confused and Hermione saw that. She saw her way in.

Two weeks went by. Every day the Granger girl came in and stopped and talked with Tom. He was getting used to her presence. A few days went by where she didn't show and Tom tried to act like her absence didn't affect him. But it did. Another week went by and by this time he had started to grow agitated. They had started to bond over books and magical thoery debates. They were even becoming friends. He had no way to contact her so he did what he could and hoped that she would come back. Not that he needed her. He didn't want her. Attachment was for other people. That is what he told himself at least. Finally in the last week of July his prayers were answered. She stood in the shop once again. Tom felt his stomach flip. As he heard the bell ring and saw Hermione for the first time in a while relief spread throughout his body. He felt himself relax for the first time since her departure.

"Hermione. Its good to see you." Tom said.

Hermione smiled and walked quickly toward Tom. She embraced him in a hug. This was the first time that either one of them had been close enough to smell the other. Tom tugged Hermione tight against him, with his hands resting around her waist. Her scent hit his nostrils and he couldn't get enough. She smelled like apples and summer rain. He buried his face into her shoulder drinking in her scent. For the first time in weeks he felt calm. Hermione noticed his scent as well and was surprised at herself. His smell was affecting her. She knew she shouldn't feel attraction to Tom. Her mission was to find a way to end him. She couldn't be putting the mission in jeopardy by falling for the dark lord. She knew it was wrong but his arms felt so good. She told herself he was a murderer and she couldn't trust him. That didn't stop her from her growing attraction and fondness for Tom. They stood embracing each other for only a few minutes but to the both of them it felt like hours. He smelled like cologne and cinnamon. It was a heady smell. Finally they pulled away from each other.

"Where did you go? You stopped showing up?" Tom asked.

"Sorry about that, personal business. Any new arrivals for me?" She said.

She had just brushed him off. He bristled. She had been gone for weeks without any word and she was just going to blow him off. Nobody blows off Tom Riddle. He kept his anger hidden behind a pleasant smile. His eyes however raged like storm clouds.

"Don't be evasive Hermione. You left with no way for me to contact you. Give me an address so I can write you letters. We can talk via floo powder too now that I think about it. I enjoy our conversations and I plan on having many more of them." Tom said.

"Tom, you missed me?"

"No, I simply missed the intelligent conversation. There is a difference."

"You missed me. Admit it. I missed you too actually." Hermione said.

"You missed me" Tom said in shock.

Hermione swoops in and wraps her arms around him. She did genuinely miss him while she was away planning her next move. It disturbed her greatly that she missed him just as much as he obviously missed her. She pressed her head into his chest and breathed deeply.

"I missed you dearly. I was hoping we could finish our conversation regarding the ethicality of house elf ownership. I am surprised we agree on our stances. Then there is the matter of the origin of the spell crucio, You said it was invented before Christ?" Hermione says.

Tom couldn't believe his ears, She had been gone for weeks and was now back and acting like she hadn't left. He felt his chest tighten as her fingers dug into the fabric of his cloak. Intellectually she was his equal. Before she left they would talk for hours and sometimes late into the night. His followers were all morons but she had a brilliant mind. Tom stood not saying anything for several minutes. Did he dare admit that he missed her. She didn't seem like the sort of person who would mock him showing his emotions. He wasn't normally one to share his feelings with other people, with most people he had to be controlled. With her it was effortless. He begrudgingly admitted to himself that he was becoming fond of the witch in front of him.

"Alright, fine... I missed you." Tom says.

"You really want to write to me?"

"Yes, write it down for me. Before you forget." Tom demanded.

Hermione found a scrap piece of parchment and quickly wrote down her address. She handed it to Tom and he had a genuine smile across his features. He was quite pretty when he smiled. He tucked the piece of parchment in his robes. Hermione looped her arm with his.

"Care for a Butterbeer?" Hermione asked.

"Sure, let me just close up shop and then we can go."

Hermione marveled at his wand movements as he tidied up the shop. They stepped outside. The hot July air clung to them. He locked up shop and off they went. They apparated to Three Broomsticks. Tom opened the door to the pub and they both stepped inside. The barmaid looked engrossed in the conversation she was having. Tom walked up and ordered two butterbeers. Hermione felt her heart start to flutter. Was this a date? It was stupid to entertain the idea, she shouldn't but the thought sent shivers down her spine. They were just friends weren't they. If Harry could see her now, friends with his mortal enemy. Inevitably his charming nature had won her over. Maybe she didn't have to destroy him. Maybe if she could convince him to change his course she could still save the world and keep her... was this a friendship... friendship alive with him. He doesn't make friends she thought, he makes followers. Maybe she was different. Engaging him in conversation was always a mental challenge. Harry and Ron never cared about ethics or house elf rights, imagine her discussing ethics with the most evil wizard of all time. Discussing ethical debates and the history of spells and actually enjoying herself.

She sat down at a table and started reapplying her lipstick. Ever since she came back to the 1940s Hermione had started to make great effort in her appearance. When she was younger she thought women who did so were vain and empty headed. She loved the style of the 1940s, the nylon stockings, the hairstyles. It all felt very classic to her. She had finally grown into herself. She always turned heads wherever she went. Tom took the mugs and set them down on the table. Hermione took a big glug of the butterbeer. She swallowed quite a bit of it in one go.

"You have a mustache." Tom said.

Hermione quickly wiped away the butterbeer residue. Tom grinned and took a swig of his butterbeer. She was cute, he thought. Rather adorable. He admired her intelligence. Her body was nice to look at too. There was just something about her that captivated him. She was unlike any other person he had met before. He set his mug down on the table.

"So, why did you disappear?" Tom asked.

"I didn't mean to worry you."

"Me, worry about you. As If." Tom said.

"There were some things I had to take care of."

"Hermione you left without saying goodbye. What if I never saw you again? I couldn't bear -"

"You couldn't bare what? Sounds like someone is getting agitated." Hermione said.

Tom pounded his fist on the table making Hermione flinch. He swallowed as he noticed her reaction. Maybe he was being too aggressive? He didn't want to scare her. Violence and scare tactics were to be used only on his followers, and only when strategically necessary. With Hermione he didn't want her to be afraid of him. He wanted her to like him. Hermione's heart was hammering in her chest. She went back to the war in her head. Seeing her friends lifeless bodies all around her. The man who caused all her suffering was sitting across from her and she couldn't help but enjoy his company. The man who murdered Harry. Voldemort and Tom seemed like two different people to her. Is this how she was justifying her friendship with him? They were the same person and yet to her she had started creating a divide between Tom and Lord Voldemort. Lord Voldemort was the one who started the second wizarding war. Lord Voldemort was the one who watched as the word mudblood was carved onto her wrist. Tom, he was different. For one he had a nose and was very nice to look at. Tom was charming and intelligent and witty. They were two different people, they had to be.

"Are you alright Hermione? I didn't mean to scare you. I promise you I would never hurt you. You are safe with me." Tom said.

Safe? With Him? Lord Voldemort? The most evil wizard in existence. Hermione swallowed back a sour taste in her mouth. It was laughable. He killed and tortured thousands. And yet, he sounded so sincere. His words sounded like honey, like a comfy pillow, exactly what she wanted to hear. He grabbed Hermione's hand and squeezed. His hands felt so warm and comfortable. They didn't feel like the hands of a murderer. She wanted to believe him but she didn't.

"Finish your sentance Riddle." Hermione said.

"I couldn't bare it if... if..." He stuttered

Was he really going to admit she was becoming his weakness. Was he really going to admit he had a fondness for her? The thought of never seeing her again made his heart ache. The thought of never talking to her again, he wouldn't let it happen. She occupied his thoughts when he wasn't planning world domination. He had quickly become obsessed with his thoughts of her and her mysteries. Her beauty astounded him. This fondness and affection for a girl who not a month ago he didn't even know she existed, it would ruin him. The way she was looking at him, her chocolate brown eyes were locked onto his. They were friends. He had never had a friend before. What if it turned into something more? Tom decided he liked the idea of their friendship turning into something more. What if she became his? He decided he liked that idea very much. His to possess and protect. He swallowed hard and his eyes had a glazed over look to them.

"Earth to Tom? Are you there?" Hermione asked.

"Oh, Sorry.. if I tell you my feelings you promise not to laugh?" He asked.

"I promise."

He took a deep breath and he could feel heat creeping into his cheeks. This was vulnerability. He didn't do vulnerability. Not with anyone. He was always controlled. If he admitted to her that he couldn't bare being separated from her then he had to admit it to himself. He cared for her. The thought of letting someone into his inner thoughts terrified him. He couldn't be weak. But with her it was so easy.

"I... I... I couldn't bare not seeing you anymore. I am... I have become attached to you." Tom said.

Hermione's eyes grew wide. Attached. He had grown attached to her. She hated admitting she felt the same way. She ran her fingers through her hair. She swallowed. She didn't know how to react. If he became attached to her she could use this. She could stop him from becoming Lord Voldemort. She could still have her friendship and save the world at the same time. She could still have Tom. What was he to her? They had flirted a little off and on but it was always light banter between friends. Right now it didn't matter what they were. What mattered was that he cared about her. On some level he cared about her.

"I don't know what to say."

Tom grabbed her hand and kissed the back of it.

"Are you... attached too?" Tom asks.

"I...yes." Hermione said.

They sat staring at each other for a few minutes. An understanding had passed between them. They spent hours talking about various topics. By the time the bar was closing down thier throats hurt from how much talking they had done.

"Come on let's go. Grab my arm." Tom says.

They apparated into a living room. There was a fireplace and a couch and the walls were lined with books. He led her towards the bedroom and he turned on the lights. A plush 4 poster bed was the thing that drew Hermione's eye. She didn't realize how tired she was.

"I have to go. I'm tired. "Hermione said.

Panic rose in Tom's chest. He just got her back and now she was leaving again. Tom gripped her arm.

"No, you are staying." Tom said.

"Its really not that far to apparate. I'll be fine."

"Stay with me. Please." Tom begged.

She turned to look at him. She could see the terror on his face. Was he so afraid of her leaving? He couldn't believe that he begged her to stay. She had a hold over him. Surely she isn't a veela. The thought of her leaving again made him panic. He hated that. He hated that he cared about her. Caring was for the weak. She walked over to him and held him in her arms. He felt his breath come back to him. She wasn't leaving. She was here. He laid his head on top of hers and placed one hand on the back of her head. They fit together so perfectly. She would be his. Now that he had her back he wasn't ever going to let her go.

"Don't leave. Please don't leave again." Tom says,

The desperation in his voice was palpable. His voice wavered. She had never seen him so vulnerable before. So Voldemort does have feelings after all. She felt his hand wrap around her back. He pulled her to him. He was looking at her like she was going to disappear. She looked up at him from her underneath her lashes and Tom felt his breath catch. She was beautiful. She was pure. She would be his. One day she would be his.

"I guess I can stay. Do you have anything I can change into?" Hermione asks.

"Let me see if I can find something. "Tom says.

He comes back later with muggle underclothes. It seemed utterly ridiculous to Hermione that he would have muggle things.

"These are yours?" Hermione asks.

"Yes."

"You want me to wear your clothes?" She asks.

"I don't have anything else, besides I think you would look rather ravishing in my clothes." Tom says.

Hermione snorts and rolls her eyes. All men are the same it seems.

"Turn around. I don't want you looking." Hermione says.

"I'd rather like to look. You are quite enchanting I must say." Tom says.

Hermione felt her face flush at his insinuation. Merlin. He was hitting on her. He has always been rather charming. She steps out of her heels. She feels smaller. She undoes her skirt and slips it off her hips. She starts to unbutton her shirt when she notices he is watching her rather intently. Her hands start to shake. Feeling his eyes on her she turns around and tries to unbutton her shirt multiple times but her hands are shaking too badly. She screams in frustration.

"Here, let me." Tom says.

He slips off her robes. His nimble fingers slowly undo the buttons of her shirt. With every inch of revealed skin Tom can feel himself start to harden. Her bra was basic white and cotton. He stares at her torso. The creamy skin beckons to him. Hermione can feel the intensity of his gaze. He longs to put his fingers on her skin. He lets out a soft moan. They stand close together. His eyes rake across her chest. Thier eyes meet. She sees fire in his eyes. Fire and desire. His fingers clench. He wanted to undress her the rest of the way. He wanted her naked and in his bed. He wanted her to be his. Just imagining it was driving Tom crazy. He takes off his shirt and now its Hermione's turn to stare. His body was just as beautiful as his face. He looked carved from marble. He undoes his belt and he notices that she is staring. He unbuttons his pants and unzips them. He steps out of them. Hermione's mouth goes dry. She starts staring at the ceiling. She can't bear to look at him. He thanked every god in the universe he wasn't fully erect.

"It's ok, you can look at me." Tom says.

He notices how Hermione's eyes aren't meeting his own. She is fidgeting with her hands. She won't meet his gaze.

"Hermione, look at me." He says.

It is not a question. Its a demand and an order. Her eyes take in his shoulders, his pectoral muscles and his stomach. Her eyes trace the outline of his intimate areas. She swallows and bites her lip. He turns around and its only then she realizes he did so that he could change. Quickly she slips off her stockings and underwear. She hears Tom sigh. Even the back of his head was pretty. What the fuck was wrong with her? This was Voldemort. The man who murdered innocents. But he was also Tom, her friend. She slips on the t-shirt and shorts and that is when she realizes her arms are exposed. Shit. The word MUDBlOOD is carved into her arm. It had been a couple months since it had happened and it still looked fresh. Bellatrix had used an enchanted piece of glass. It still hurt to the touch. Shit. She couldn't let him see. Her wand is across the room. She wouldn't be able to hide it. Shit.

"Are you decent?" He asks.

"Yes."

Once he turns back around he notices Hermione was slowly walking back towards her wand. His breath caught in his throat. He sees the carving on her arm and he tries to stay calm. Anger courses through him. Who had done this? Who had hurt her? They would pay with their lives. He would crucio them and then kill them. He grabs her arm.

"Who did this to you? Tell me now. They will pay." Tom growls.

Hermione looks at the floor and sighs deeply. She couldn't blow her cover.

"Tell me who they are. Right fucking now. Hermoine answer me." He screams.

"I can't tell you. I'm sorry. I can't." She says.

"Do I have to drag it out of you?" He said.

Hermione began to panic. She was pretty good with occlumency but nothing compared to Voldemort. She began hyperventilating. She kneeled down and put her hands over her ears and began to rock back and forth. Fuck. This wasn't good. She started to cry. She felt like she wanted to throw up. She was having a panic attack. Tom sat down on the floor and wrapped his arms around her. Whatever it was causing her panic he wanted it to go away. She sobs into his chest. If he found out why she was really here their friendship would be over. What if he killed her? Worse, what if he used her information about the future. He wrapped his body around her like a blanket. Soothing, How could she be afraid of him and yet comforted by him it didn't make any sense. He stroked her hair and kissed her forehead. He hugged her as tight as he could.

"Breathe Hermione. Breathe. In and out. I'm here." Tom says.

"I can't... I can't do this. I can't breathe. I can't breathe." Hermione screams.

He hugged her tight and through the force of his will tried to get her to stop sobbing. Eventually her breathing evened out. Voldemort talked her out of a panic attack. No, Tom did. He wasn't Voldemort. He was Tom. He was her friend.

"I'm here Hermione. You are safe."

His voice caused her to sob again. How safe was she really? This Tom had never hurt her. He had hurt others. He had murdered others. So why did she start to believe him when she said she was safe.

"You'll always be safe with me. Thats a promise." Tom said.

She was starting to believe it. That scared her. He was evil. She was good. Things used to be so black and white. Now there was only grey. Her wound had split open again. Tom clicked his tounge and grabbed his wand.

"Episkey." He said.

Nothing happened. Tom furrowed his brow in frustration. He tried the spell again and it was the same result.

"Its not going to work. The glass was enchanted." She said.

Tom leaves for a moment and comes back with dittany leaves. He grinds up the leaves and presses them onto her open wound. As soon as the dittany touched her arm the bleeding stopped. The wound looked a little older. He used a bandaging charm and wrapped up her arm. Hermione stood there shocked. He had cared for her. He had just shown compassion.

"You... you just healed my arm." She said.

"Well I wasn't going to let you stay in pain. What kind of friend would I be if didn't help you." Tom says.

"Thank you."

"Do you want me to take the couch? You can have the bed if you'd like" He said.

Hermione thought for a moment. He was behaving very gallantly. Maybe he did care about her. What if he was just using her?

"The bed is big enough for the both of us." Hermione said.

They laid down together on the bed. At first they were on opposite ends of the bed. Soon however she had her arm around his stomach and he had his arm around her body. She felt her heartbeat pick up. His skin was so warm and soft. Her smell drifted over to him. It was intoxicating. It was invigorating. They both felt sparks. Hours passed. There was no sound but that of their breathing.

"Hermione are you still awake?"

"Barely. why? What's on your mind?" Hermione asked.

Tom sighs and bites his lip. She didn't react poorly to his first admission of affection. Maybe it would be ok if he said one more.

"I wanted to thank you for not leaving. The time when you were gone was awful. I was so bored. I worried I would never see you again. Its why I reacted the way I did. I couldn't bear losing you. I have come to care for you." Tom said.

"I care for you Tom. You have such an intelligent mind."

"You are never leaving me again. Not ever. You are safe with me." Tom says.

"I want to feel safe with you Tom. But I know what you did. You murdered people. How can I feel safe with you knowing what you have done?" Hermione said.

"How do you know? You don't know what you are talking about."

"I do Tom. I have been trying to reconcile who you are to who you could become. You are beautiful, charming, witty."

"You think I'm beautiful and charming?" Tom asks

"I think you have great potential to change things Tom."

"I never murdered anyone. You are mistaken. I would never -"

"Don't lie to me Tom. You are a killer. But you are also my friend. How can these two things be true at the same time? You want me to feel safe with you, how can I?"

Tom pulled Hermione into a tight embrace. His hands caressed her face. In the darkness she felt his fingertips petting her face. Her breath caught in her throat. She couldn't deny her attraction. Not anymore. It felt like fire everywhere he touched. He kissed her cheek and in the gloom of the room she tried to make out his face. Thier faces were inches apart. She could feel his hot breath with every word he spoke.

"I would never do anything to harm you. I have hurt other people. I hurt animals. But I would never hurt you. You have my word." Tom said.

"Did you enjoy killing? What does it feel like? Why won't you hurt me? Why am I different?"

Tom wasn't sure how to answer her. He had never talked about it before. He enjoyed killing. He wasn't sure why he she was different. She just was. She was everything he was not. She was kind and caring. He decided he would trust her.

"I don't know why you are different. You just are. The thought of something happening to you, the carving on your arm... it enrages me. You deserve to be safe and cared for. You deserve things that I don't know how to give you. Killing its... its like a drug. Once you start you crave more and more. It feels like a rush of power. Being the reason why someone dies, having that control over life and death, its addicting. Seeing the light leave someone's eyes, its a thrill unlike any other. It feels like the ultimate form of taking someone's power away."

"Was it sexual for you? Is killing arousing for you? Why stop at killing? Why not rape? Its a way of taking someone elses power away from them?" Hermione says.

He tightened his grip around her body. Her body and smell were distracting. What kind of man did she think he was? Rape, that was the lowest form of evil. Killing was one thing but rape, the thought of doing that to someone made him want to gag. Murder he could justify as a means to an end. Just the thought of forcing himself on someone made him feel ill.

"I never really thought about it before. I suppose there is a sexual component to it yes. Rape is... evil. I am the product of rape. My mother raped my father for months. When the effects of the potion wore off he abandoned me and my mother. My mother was a pathetic woman. When I was younger I always looked up to my father. I thought he must have been a talented wizard. When I found out the truth of my conception I was horrified. Rape is an evil that even I abhor." Tom says.

Even Lord Voldemort has standards it seems. She had expected him to enjoy killing but she hadn't expected him to be so open with her. He seemed adamant that he wouldn't hurt her. She felt disturbed by what he said and yet... she still felt drawn to him. It was like a train wreck, she couldn't look away. There was something about him holding her body that made all doubt flee her mind. Safe. She was safe with Lord Voldemort. The thought was ludicrous and yet she couldn't deny that in his arms it felt safe. He kissed her head and she laid her head on his chest. She was friends with Voldemort. She felt safe with Voldemort. She must be going mental. She felt her eyes close and focused on the sound of his breathing. She focused on the rise and fall of his chest. Soon she had drifted off to sleep. Tom lay awake for another couple hours. He kept thinking about admitting to what he did. How did she know? Nobody but his followers knew about his murders. Where could she have gotten her information from? Another mystery of Hermione Granger. The weight of her body against his arm felt nice. He sighed. He would never let her go. Not ever. She had shown him kindness and affection. He had shown affection in return. It bothered him. Hermione was becoming his weakness. He couldn't have weakness. Yet, if she was a weakness, what a pretty weakness she was. He listened to the sound of her soft snores. He would protect her. He would protect her with everything he had. He would posses her. He would claim her and she would become his. The thought of owning her, he liked it. She would belong to him. She seemed to be responsive to his charms. She had called him beautiful and charming. Perhaps if he was a bit more persuasive, he could bend her to his will. Tom felt her body in his hands and vowed that night to never let anything happen to her. She was his. Nobody and nothing would ever hurt her. He would make sure of that. She would be safe. He vowed to care for her. Soon, he too fell asleep. The couple were tangled together asleep. It was the first night of many where they fell asleep together. Would Hermione save him? Could Tom be falling in love with her? They had opposite goals and yet they were changing each other. Time would tell which one would be the victor. Perhaps they could both get what they wanted. Only fate knew how their story ended.