All You Need Is Ron

by JamieParker

Inspired by the movie Edge of Tomorrow. Ron Weasley was brought up a Slytherin and so, believes that all Muggleborns are scum. But when Ron gets stuck in a time loop, he will be forced to work together with a certain, bushy-haired witch and her famous best friend. A story about love, heroism and choices. Mostly canon-compliant. AU.

6. Chapter 6

A/N: As this story is essentially an AU, this is where I deviate from canon with regards to Horcruxes. While we see how the diary and locket affect people, I thought it might be interesting to give each of the Horcruxes their own powers. In this chapter, you will see just how devastating a Horcrux can be.

Another thing I like to mention is that in my story, you will find quite a number of Easter Eggs such as quotes or scenes from famous stories, movies or television shows. Some of the material I used was simply too good not to include. Anyways, I hope you are enjoying this story so far. Thank you for your views and feedback! I really appreciate it! Please review my story if you can.

Disclaimer: I own nothing but this story.

CHAPTER SIX: THE DIADEM, PART ONE

"Greatness inspires envy, envy engenders spite, spite spawns lies. You must know this, Dumbledore." - Lord Voldemort, the Half-Blood Prince.

.

.

Ron let out a yawn as he rubbed his eyes. He could make out the comfy, red couch in which he had rested his head as his eyes adjusted to the sight before him. Around him stood stacks and stacks of items, from old books with broken binders to dusty kettles with rust growing all around. Ron raised his arms as high as he could, stretching himself out before standing to his feet. No doubt, he was still in the Room of Hidden Things.

"Grang- I mean Hermione!" Ron called out, trying to recall why he had sent himself back this time. As he scanned the rooms for signs of the bushy-haired Gryffindor, his eyes stuck itself onto something in the distance. Walking towards it, Ron realised that he was staring at a chipped bust of an ugly, old warlock. As he stared at it, a strange feeling spread through Ron, as if there was something missing, something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Ron continued to inspect the warlock from every angle as inside his head, he tried hard to recall the last thing he did.

"That's strange," Ron said, to no one as he continued to walk about the room. As far as time travel went, Ron had no issue with recalling what the previous timeline was. Yet something wasn't quite right. Walking through stacks and stacks of books, Ron felt the wave of anxiety spreading throughout him. Something was very wrong with this picture.

"Hermione, HERMIONE!" Ron bellowed at the top of his lungs as he took off at top speed around the stacks. Nearly tripping over a bundle of broomsticks on the floor, Ron cursed out loud before realising the solution to his problem. Grabbing one of the broomsticks, an old Cleansweep by the looks of it, Ron hurled himself onto the broom and took off into the air.

"What the fuck?" Ron said out loud as he soon as he rose to the ceiling of the room. Ron knew the Room of Requirement was large, probably one of the largest rooms at Hogwarts but from his angle, it seemed to go on for miles. As he floated in the air, Ron could make out stacks and stacks of items, piled up one on top of the other, like large towers going on forever. What was even more peculiar was that Ron couldn't see how the Room ended, its four walls hidden past the towering stacks as if Ron was in some vast valley with the lights of the Room looking more like the sun towering over the horizon. Turning himself to what he assumed was the wall where the door might be, Ron started to fly.

What the hell is going on, Hermione?! Where the fuck are you? Ron thought as he sped above the towering stacks, praying the end was hidden out of sight.

…..

"Come in." Dumbledore sighed as he pushed away the Daily Prophet from his desk. The door to his office swung open with Professor McGonagall together with Hermione Granger. Dumbledore narrowed his blue eyes at the latter, whose face was looking quite distressed.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Albus, but Miss Granger here wishes to see you regarding some urgent matter about her organisation." McGonagall spoke sharply as she eyed the young witch. "I told her you were busy but it seems Miss Granger is quite insistent," McGonagall spoke once more as Hermione gave her professor an apologetic look. Dumbledore took a moment to glance at the empty glass box where the Gryffindor sword was kept before turning to the pair.

"That's quite alright, Minerva," Dumbledore said as he smiled warmly at Hermione. "I will take it from here."

"Is this something that concerns my House, Albus? Because if it is, then I should stay as well."

"No, no, it's quite alright. I told Miss Granger to come and see me about any developments concerning her club. Thank you for bringing her here." Dumbledore replied as his eyes twinkled at McGonagall. Professor McGonagall stared at Dumbledore's face before nodding. It was clear to him that whatever was happening had nothing to do with S.P.E.W.

"Very well," McGonagall said as Hermione thanked her. Before leaving, Professor McGonagall shot Dumbledore a look which made him chuckle internally. Even after years of knowing each other, the Transfiguration Professor had her I-know-you're-up-to-something-Albus look down to perfection and knew better than to continue pursuing the matter. Once the door closed, Dumbledore turned to Hermione.

"Miss Granger, how did it go?" Dumbledore asked as Hermione took a step forward.

"Please, Sir, you need to come with me. Something's gone wrong with Ron!" Hermione said, in a pleading matter.

Under normal circumstances, Dumbledore would have left immediately to handle the matter. If anything should happen to Ron, or to any of his students, Dumbledore took their safety with the utmost priority. But this was wasn't normal circumstances. If he did something to intervene in any way, Albus knew he might be changing the timeline. What he needed to do was to calm the young witch down and approach the issue with rationality.

"Tell me what happened first, Miss Granger," Dumbledore said as he waved his wand for some tea to be poured from his teapot. "Here, have a drink of this," Dumbledore said as he motioned for the cup to float towards Hermione.

"Sir, please, we can't waste any more time. We really need to go." Hermione begged as she shook her head frantically at the cup.

"Miss Granger," Dumbledore said in a comforting manner. "As you are well aware of Ron's condition, time won't let anything happen to him. However, if I were to intervene without knowing all the facts, that could be detrimental. So right now, before I proceed, I need to know everything that transpired. The tea will help, Miss Granger, I promise you."

Hermione stared at Dumbledore blankly before reaching for the tea with her trembling hands. Taking a sip, Dumbledore noticed that a calming sensation had come over Hermione's features while her hands, while still trembling were doing so only very slightly.

"Start from the beginning. Tell me what happened with the Horcrux." Dumbledore said as his twinkling blue eyes met those of the bushy-haired witch.

….

A few hours ago

"Damn it, Hermione," Ron said as he felt the weight of Gryffindor's sword weighing his back down. "We've been at it for hours! Are you sure your contraption actually works?"

"Of course it works!" Hermione snapped as she kept her eyes on the Sneakoscope. "It just needs time. There are other Dark objects in this room, you know."

"Exactly!" Ron retorted as he glared at the Sneakoscope which now pointed them to yet another cupboard. Flinging it open, Hermione stared inside before her eyes spied what looked like a necklace chain. Using her wand, the necklace floated into the air. Unfortunately, there was no locket at the end of it, causing Hermione to toss it away with a growl.

"Another Blinding necklace!" Hermione groaned as Ron eyed the necklace. According to Hermione, Blinding Necklaces were all the rage back in the late forties where boys or girls who were suspected of cheating were given these necklaces. Once worn, the wearer would suffer from temporary blindness if the wearer had been cheating in his or her relationship. Not exactly evil but still, the item was considered to be part of the Dark Arts.

"Bloody hell, that's it!" Ron said as he threw himself on a red couch while tossing the sword to the side. "Let's just take a break, okay. I'm starving."

"You know you can just go back in time, right?" Hermione said as she glared at Ron who glared back at her. "Save us the trouble."

"Look, I'll do that once we find the damn thing, okay? Besides, with all the walking I've been doing, don't be surprised if I drop dead from exhaustion. Or starve to death."

"Please," Hermione said as she rolled her eyes. "You went down to the kitchens just before you got the sword!"

"And all I've eaten are three bread rolls, Hermione!" Ron snapped before throwing his hands into the air. "Can we just take a break? Just a short break?"

"Fine!" Hermione cried sharply as she took a seat on an old, rocking chair. Truth be told, Hermione was tired as well, not to mention, she needed to block out any thoughts that her Sneakoscope idea might not be as effective as she expected it to be.

As she sat, Hermione focused her eyes on the lanky redhead who was now complaining about the state of his sore feet. She recalled back in her second year how she thought Ronald Weasley was an enigma and even now, even with what they had just gone through, Hermione still couldn't figure out the wizard. Ron's status as a Slytherin was unique, given where his brothers had all gone in and while Ron couldn't give a damn about them, he seemed to care deeply for his sister. It wasn't strange that siblings or cousins were separated into different Houses in Hogwarts. Some of the Slytherins had siblings in other houses as well. What was strange was that despite it being the case, Ron never looked down about his sister. Hermione had seen Slytherins mocking their other siblings while being pushed to different houses, screaming curses about betraying blood and yet that never mattered to Ron, at least not when Ginny was concerned.

"What are you staring at?" Ron spoke out, causing Hermione to tumble abruptly out of her thoughts.

"Just wondering…about your brother, Percy?" Hermione spoke without giving it much thought as Ron narrowed his eyes at her.

"What about him?" Ron said, looking both confused and suspicious at the same time.

"Just wondering if the two of you get along like you and Ginny?"

Ron scoffed. "Percy can go do whatever he wants. He's cold to me, just like he is with the rest of us. Percy only cares about Percy."

"But aren't you friends with Pansy?" Hermione said as Ron gave a shrug.

"Pansy hates Percy. She thinks that Percy has now become their parents' favourite even though he's not of their blood. But that's Percy for you. He's always been a suck-up."

"I see," Hermione replied as Ron narrowed his eyes at her.

"What are you getting at, Granger?"

"Nothing!" Hermione cried defensively. "I'm just wondering about your family, that's all."

"Right…" Ron said, not believing a word of hers. "Then tell me about yours then," Ron demanded as it was now Hermione's turn to shrug.

"What do you want to know?"

"Anything," Ron said. "Who are your parents? When did you discover magic? How is it like for a witch inside a Muggle's home?"

"Well, my parents' names are Edward and Catelyn Granger," Hermione spoke. "We live in an apartment in Kensington. My parents are both dentists who run a little practice not far from our place."

"Dentists?"

"Teeth healers," Hermione explained, not wanting to go into detail. "We're not very rich but we get by comfortably. As for me, I began to show signs of magic when I was about two. Apparently, I kept levitating quite a bit. I used to give them such a fright whenever my mother would come in to wake me only to see me floating about two feet off the bed." Hermione said with a laugh as a smile spread across Ron's face.

"Yeah, that's like one of the first signs of magic," Ron said. "Wait, so what happened?"

"Well, because my parents knew nothing about magic and since they were dentists, they tried to find a rational solution to what was happening to me," Hermione replied. "Unfortunately, when logic failed them, my father actually called in a priest."

"A priest?!" Ron cried in shock. Even though magic had a secular nature to it, many wizards and witches did still practice their religions. "Why in Merlin's name would they do that?"

"They thought I was possessed by demons," Hermione said with a laugh. "Luckily, before that could happen, Professor McGonagall showed up."

"Thank goodness!" Ron cried as he and Hermione shared a laugh. "I can actually picture a priest throwing holy water on you."

"Tell me about it." Hermione scowled. "At first, my parents just didn't believe it was true. Not until Professor McGonagall showed them signs of her magic. I can't remember what she did but that's what happened according to my mother. At first, my parents were hesitant to believe it but they had to give in eventually. There was no changing who I was and if they chose not to send me to Hogwarts to control my magic, bad things could happen."

"Yeah," Ron said, recalling how he had learnt about Obscurials. The rejection of magic, especially in powerful witches and wizards, came at a high cost.

"But my parents didn't want me to go to Hogwarts, according to my mother. They had plans to take me to some private school while hiring some wizard tutor to help me with my magic."

"Really?" Ron said, looking stunned. It wasn't uncommon but rarely did that happened as far as Ron knew.

"Yes." Hermione sighed. "But it was only for a year. After that, my parents decided to send me to Hogwarts after all. They said someone from the Ministry had come to visit them and managed to change their minds."

"That's good. Hogwarts is the place to be." Ron said as he stared around the Room. Hermione nodded her head. If there was something she and Ron agreed on, it was that they belonged at Hogwarts. It never occurred to her until now just how much she appreciated the place and so did Harry, Neville and even Tom himself. Hogwarts was home to them all, a place that every wizard and witch who were lucky enough to attend would cherish it greatly.

"Well, it seems like you had quite a good life, Hermione," Ron said quietly as Hermione noticed his sad, blue eyes. "Your parents are alive and well and everyone you love is as well. Better appreciate that before it's all gone."

"Not everyone," Hermione replied as Ron stared back at her. "I lost someone too."

"Who?" Ron asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and…was that concern?

"My grandfather, Thomas Granger," Hermione spoke as she trembled slightly. "He died when I was very young and I can't remember how he was like when he was alive but I felt it, you know. That feeling that someone is missing in your life. So even though I can't truly understand what you must have gone through, Ron, I know how that feeling feels like."

"Hermione," Ron spoke before shutting his mouth. Hermione could see that Ron wanted to press the issue further but it seemed that something was stopping him. Seeing the expression of concern on his face, Hermione felt something rising inside her. She had never spoken about her grandfather to anyone, not even to Harry.

"Let me show you something," Hermione said as she raised her wand. "Expecto Patronum!" Hermione exclaimed as a burst of white light emanated from her wand before taking the form of an otter rolling about on the floor.

"Wicked!" Ron said as he stood to his feet. "You can cast an actual corporeal Patronus?! But that's like NEWT-level standard!"

"Not just me but almost everyone in the DA can," Hermione said as she giggled at the sight of her otter now sniffing about her shoes before disappearing into thin air. "I could show you if you want."

"Really? Because that would be fucking amazing!"

"Honestly, Ron! Language!" Hermione cried as she and Ron exchange a look before breaking out into light laughter.

"Do you want to know why it's an otter?" Hermione said as Ron shook his head. "Well, that's because the otter is my favourite animal. When I was younger, my grandfather used took me on one of his fishing trips. One time, I was just messing around when I fell into the water. For a moment there, I thought I was going to drown until my grandfather jumped into the lake and rescued me. I've been terrified of the water ever since."

"Well, I'm terrified of spiders," Ron said as he gave a shrug. "Childhood fears are always going to scare us."

"True." Hermione agreed. "Anyways, when he brought me back onto the boat, I was in such a state of fright. To calm me down, my grandfather pointed to a creature at the edge of the lake. He said I swam just like it."

"Let me guess, the creature was an otter," Ron said as Hermione nodded.

"From then on, I've always love otters. My grandfather used to call me that all the time, his little otter and he even bought me plush toys shaped like otters. I supposed that's why my Patronus always comes in the shape of an otter. It always reminds me of my grandfather who would do anything to protect me."

"A Patronus is supposed to keep you safe so that makes sense," Ron said quietly as he placed his hand on Hermione's shoulder. Before he could say anything, Hermione spoke up again, anticipating the question that was on their minds.

"My grandfather died on his job, Ron," Hermione whispered as she felt Ron's hand giving her shoulder a sympathetic squeeze. "He was a detective, like a Muggle Auror you know, and my mother told me that Grandpa was on duty when he was shot in some clandestine undercover drug bust somewhere in London."

"Someone took your grandfather away from you?" Ron whispered as Hermione nodded. As tears formed in her eyes, Hermione felt two strong hands wrapped themselves around her body. There was a sense of warmth, of comfort in Ron's arms that Hermione had never felt before.

"I know what that feels like," Ron whispered. Hermione recalled how Ginny had told her about her parents being killed by Dark Wizards. As Hermione hugged Ron tighter, she was reminded about just how many of the people she knew had loved ones taken from them by others. People like Ron. Like Neville. Like Harry.

Harry!

With a jerk, Hermione pulled herself away from Ron's arms abruptly, thinking about how Harry would feel if he knew his hated enemy was now hugging his best friend. Not wanting Ron to get the wrong idea and feeling slightly embarrassed, Hermione pointed to the Sneakoscope.

"We should keep on looking," Hermione said as she noticed Ron's eyes looked slightly…disappointed? Shaking the thought off, Hermione followed the Sneakoscope which was now buzzing out loud.

"Well, I'm leaving this here," Ron said as he pointed to the sword.

"What?! Take it with us. Come, we're wasting time."

"Hermione, this isn't working alright." Ron sighed as he stretched his arms out. "Look, there's like two paths here. I'm going to put the sword here and look in this direction, see if I can spot anything that looks like a cup, locket or diadem while you go in that direction. If there's nothing in ten minutes, we'll meet back here and I'm taking the potion."

"Okay," Hermione said, not wanting to argue with Ron and for some reason, not wanting to spend a second more with him than necessary. Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest as if her hug with Ron was opening up something inside her.

After nearly ten minutes of walking, Hermione was ready to give up until her Sneakoscope flashed to life once more. Staring in its direction, Hermione noted a chipped bust of an ugly warlock. As she walked towards it, Hermione cried in exasperation at the sight of the door of the Room of Hidden Things. How did we not start here? Hermione thought as she made her way towards it. Suddenly, Hermione's eyes landed on something, an old, discoloured tiara lying on top of the warlock.

Oh, ye of little faith! Hermione smirked as she pictured Ron's expression. Without wasting time, Hermione yelled at the top of her lungs.

"RON!"

….

"HERMIONE!"

Ron screamed as he called out what must be the thousandth time so far. This is nuts! Ron thought as he surveyed his surroundings once more. He had been flying for fifteen minutes at top speed and even then he was no closer to finding Hermione nor was he to getting to a wall. Weighing his options, Ron decided to fly back down, landing next to a chipped bust of an old warlock.

"That's it. Time to repeat this whole mess." Ron said as he fished into his robes. Moving his hand around his pocket, Ron was shocked to find that his pockets were empty. Only his wand was stuck by his side as Ron checked every compartment of his robes.

"Where the fuck are they?!" Ron yelled in frustration as he fished about his clothes. No potion bottle, neither red nor blue was to be found. Ron punched the bust in frustration as he cursed out loud. A loud, clanging sound was heard as something dropped from the warlock's head before rolling towards Ron's feet.

"What's this?" Ron said as he reached for the item. It was a tiara, grey and discoloured and it looked ancient by the sight of it. Yet Ron couldn't scratch the feeling that he had seen the tiara before.

Tiara….not just a tiara…something else…something belonging to someone very powerful…wait…die..die…dumb…DIADEM!

That's it! The diadem! Tom's Horcrux! Ron thought excitedly as he studied the crown in his hands. Ron recalled that they were looking for one of Tom's Horcruxes until finally, Hermione had found the diadem on the old, ugly warlock. Ron had sped over, staring in both awe and trepidation at the headband. He recalled holding the tiara while Hermione went off to get the sword.

But what happened next? Ron thought as his mind drew a blank. For some reason, the temperature inside the Room of Requirement had dropped several degrees and even with a Heating charm, Ron could still feel the coldness of the air. There was something sinister floating about in the room as Ron looked around him warily. After a few minutes, Ron wanted to chalk it all up to his mind playing tricks. That was, until Ron heard it. A voice in the form of a faint whisper.

Put me on

…

"There he is, Headmaster!" Hermione cried as both she and Dumbledore entered the Room of Hidden Things. As Hermione rushed towards the sight of Ron lying down on the floor, Dumbledore stopped in his tracks. He should have known, of course, that Tom would have added protection charms around his Horcruxes. Dumbledore felt the slight tingle of his charred hand, its blackness a reminder of what could happen when one tries to mess with the Dark Arts.

"I can't get to him." Hermione cried as she tried to get closer to the young wizard, only to be repelled by an unseen force. "There's like a force field or some Shield Charm that prevents me from entering into his space."

"It would seem, Miss Granger, that Tom doesn't want anyone interfering with his work," Dumbledore replied grimly as Hermione's face turned pale.

"Why would he put it on? I was only gone for a few minutes. Why would he put it on?!" Hermione spoke quickly as she paced about the wizard.

"This is no fault of Ronald's," Dumbledore replied as he removed his wand. Whispering a few words and feeling the air around them starting to change, Dumbledore gave Hermione a mirthless smile. "The lure of a Horcrux is very powerful. Few have the power to resist it completely. Don't forget, Miss Granger, that a Horcrux is still a living organism and it must have sensed your desires to destroy it. Naturally, it tried to defend itself. But no worries, we can now touch him."

True to his words, Dumbledore dropped to his knees and gently felt the forehead of Ron. With his eyes closed and faint breathing, one might have mistaken Ron for being asleep. Despite their progress, Hermione still looked stricken with worry.

"Fortunately for us, Tom's charms are effective but crude. Easy to overcome. Even more fortunately, it seemed that Tom has aided us in some way."

"Some way how?" Hermione asked as she lay next to Ron, holding his hand.

"By preventing you from interfering with his body, Tom made a fatal flaw. I assume, of course, that once you saw Ronald in such a condition, your first thought might have been to kill him so he can go back in time. This would have been a very costly mistake for us." Dumbledore spoke as Hermione looked at him curiously.

"Whatever happens now, we cannot let Ronald die." Dumbledore continued to explain. "By now, Tom would have had Ronald under his influence by invading his mind. Tom would have pored through Ronald's memories and thoughts and planted himself deep within Ron's subconscious."

"That's horrible!" Hermione cried, aghast at the thought.

"What's worse is that now that Tom has his mind, if by some reason we let Ron die or we change the timeline, then Ron will return back to the previous point of restoration. But he won't return alone. Voldemort would be in him and a Dark Lord with the power of time travel, I shudder to think of the possibilities."

"But…if you're here and now that Ron's asleep, what if Tom chooses to kill him from the inside?" Hermione whispered in fear as Dumbledore nodded.

"That is a possibility, yes and yes, this timeline would not exist. So it would seem to me that there really is only one option left to us. We need to separate the Horcrux from its host."

"Well, just pull it out!" Hermione cried as she reached for the tiara on the top of Ron's head. However, as her fingers tried to remove it off his head, the tiara refused to budge, almost as if it were stuck on Ron's head with some type of powerful glue.

"That won't work," Dumbledore said as he continued to frown at the Horcrux.

"What if we pierce the Horcrux with the sword?" Hermione said as Dumbledore shook his head once more.

"It's too risky. As soon as the blade touches the Horcrux, it would split apart but the Basilisk poison infused into the sword would kill Ronald as well. Furthermore, we can never be certain that Tom would be completely destroyed before Ronald turns back time. Furthermore, you need a good amount of force to destroy this Horcrux and you could risk impalinghim."

"So what do we do?!" Hermione cried as her tone filled with panic.

"We would need to enter his mind. Convince Ronald to push Tom out. Only he can do it, no one else."

"You mean…use Legilimency?" Hermione said thoughtfully as Dumbledore nodded.

"A variation of the spell. Only that instead of navigating into a person's mind, we enter it." As soon as Dumbledore had spoken the words, a thought crossed his mind. There was no way in which he, Dumbledore, could enter into Ron's mind. The connection between their minds due to the time spell would mean that he too, would be vulnerable inside of Ron's head as Tom would no doubt enter his mind and use whatever means he had to destroy Dumbledore.

"Okay, that sounds good," Hermione said as she looked at Dumbledore expectantly. Unknown to her, Hermione's expression caused a lump to form inside Dumbledore's throat as the old wizard could feel his heart breaking at the thought of what he must do. He had intended for the pair to find out sooner rather than later but not this soon, not under these circumstances. Perhaps if Ron did find a way to release himself from the Horcrux, a journey back into the past might help.

Maybe someone else can do it Dumbledore thought as he cleared his throat.

"I'm afraid I cannot enter Ronald's mind, Miss Granger. My connection to Ronald might make me vulnerable to Tom's power while we traverse inside Ronald's head."

"That makes sense," Hermione said before putting on a determined look. "Fine, I'll go."

"Perhaps you may help me finding Professor McGonagall or calling on Professor Snape…" Dumbledore spoke as he noted Hermione looking back at him with an incredulous expression.

"There isn't time, Headmaster! Besides, that could only make things worse. If we bring in others into this, we would most definitely be changing the timeline."

She is clever Dumbledore thought as he sighed. "Journeying into someone's head with a powerful Horcrux is dangerous, Miss Granger. I simply cannot allow someone who hasn't had the proper Occlumency training inside of Ronald's head."

"I do have training!" Hermione cried indignantly before looking slightly abashed. "I'm sorry, Sir, but I can do this. I have to do this. I'm the only one who's suited to this task."

You know that she is, Albus.

But what if..

There isn't time. The lesser of two evils, Albus, the lesser of two evils.

"Very well, Miss Granger." Dumbledore relented as he raised his wand. "I will cast the spell that will allow you to enter his mind. Now I cannot tell you what to expect while you're inside. To each individual, the mind is different as we all have different memories. You might experience a memory once you're inside or a dream you had when you were a child. No one can really know for sure."

Hermione nodded her head as Dumbledore continued to speak.

"Once I've set the spell on you, you may either wake up in your own mind or Ronald's or whatever version that Tom wants you to see. There is no way of knowing what Tom has put young Ronald through nor what you will see or experience whilst inside his head. What you need to remember is that once you're inside, you need to find the path."

"The path, Sir?"

"The path that leads you to Ron. It can take the shape of a road, a house, a bridge, even a picture. Remember that since this is Ronald's mind, he is the one who holds true power inside. Tom will do everything he can to stop you. You must convince Ronald to reject whatever it is Tom wants him to do and to take control of his own mind."

"Tom wants something from Ron?"

"Yes," Dumbledore replied sadly. "Tom will most likely ask Ron for his soul. Just like the diary, Tom intends to take over Ron completely. You must not fail, Miss Granger. The fate of our world now lies in your hands."

"I won't, Sir," Hermione replied passionately though there was still a slight tremble to her voice. Dumbledore smiled, giving the witch a poignant yet tender look.

"You are a true Gryffindor, Miss Granger. Not many will have the strength nor courage to do this but you take it with your stride. Remember this strength that's in you, Miss Granger. Hold on to it and use it. Tom will have no chance."

"Okay," Hermione said as she gave Ron a strange look before turning back to Dumbledore. "What do I do?"

"Just lie down next to him and close your eyes," Dumbledore spoke as Hermione did as she was told.

"Sir…" Hermione said as she stared up at her Headmaster. "What do you mean when you say Ron has to reject Tom? How does he do it?"

"Tom will convince Ron to give in though the manifestation of how that happens is unknown to me. It could be giving him a key to a safe, or opening a door, or even boarding a train. All I know is whatever Tom wants Ron to do, Ron must not do it. I won't let anything happen to you, Miss Granger. Should I see signs of distress, I will remove the spell. Your safety must come first."

Hermione glanced once more at the sight of Ron whose eyes were still closed and whose face appeared to be grimacing at something. A hardened expression came over the witch as she stared back with determined brown eyes.

"Bring me back only when Ron wakes up," Hermione spoke before closing her eyes. Nodding his head, Dumbledore whispered a few words as a bright white light emerged from his wand like a gliding rope, with one end pressing against Hermione's forehead while the other landed on Ron.

"Please forgive me," Dumbledore whispered to no one in particular as he watched the pair with concern in his eyes.

….

Ron stood to his feet, listening to the silence. He was perfectly alone. Nobody was watching. Nobody else was there. He was not perfectly sure that he was there himself.

A long time later, or may be no time at all, it came to Ron that wherever he was, he must exist. The disembodied whisper had been a sign, a reminder of what he did. No doubt, Ron had come to the conclusion that he must have placed the diadem on his head at some point and that this Room, this so-called vast place was nothing more than a figment of his mind.

Hermione is so going to kill me when she finds out Ron said as he threw the tiara onto the floor. He had been cursing himself for being so stupid, so foolish as to place the Horcrux on his head. Why would he have done such a thing? The only explanation would be that he didn't. Something else did. Something else had forced him to put it on.

Before Ron could think any further, he spied something out of the corner of his eye, wedged between two stacks on his right. A few steps later and Ron found himself staring at the door to the Room of Requirement. Without thinking, Ron made a beeline towards the door, his hand inches away from the knob before stopping himself.

"Should I do this?" Ron said out loud, half hoping that something inside the Room would give him an answer. He had tried waking himself up from punching his own face to… well…punching his own face but it seemed that whatever had him in this reality would not so easily let him slip from its grasp. Weighing down his options, Ron gave a shrug before turning the knob and pushing the door open.

The first thing that struck him was a bright, orange light nearly blinding his sight. He could feel a strong gust of wind blowing against as the smell of grass made its way up to his nostrils. Astonished by the sight before him, Ron walked through the door, staring blankly at what laid in front of him.

He was in the countryside, a meadow with several fields of grass going on for miles. Looking down, Ron found himself on a pebbly road with several trees lining its borders. Turning around, Ron was shocked to see that the door nor the Room was in sight, only the pebbly road with several fields and a blue, cloudy sky occupying the landscape. Turning back, Ron stared out into the distance, staring at the anomaly that lay a distance away.

In the distance, Ron could make out what looked like a house, only that it was the strangest house Ron had ever seen. The house looked as though it had once been a large stone pigpen, but with extra rooms being added here and there until it was several stories high and so crooked that it must have been held up by magic. Five chimneys were perched on top of the red roof as next to it, Ron could make out a barn and a chicken coop nearby. As he walked closer towards the home, Ron could make out a jumble of rubber boots by the front door as well as a rusty cauldron. Several fat brown chickens were pecking their way around the yard as Ron noticed a lopsided sign that had been stuck in the ground near the entrance.

As Ron read the sign, he felt a sharp intake of breath entering his mouth and staying there as a sense of realisation dawned upon him.

The Burrow.

This was my first home. My original home! Ron thought excitedly. It should have been apparent earlier given that Ron had seen pictures of his former home. He had visited the place several times in recent years but that had been when the Burrow was demolished, its magic disappearing as soon as his parents had died and the wards being taken down.

"Those bloody gnomes, Molly! Where's Bill and Charlie? They were supposed to degnome the garden this morning."

Ron stopped in his tracks as his eyes saw a tall, thin man with red hair and sweaty white skin emerge near the bushes of the garden. Cursing slightly as he evaded the attacks of angry chickens that pecked around him, the man sat down on the front step of the porch as the door swung open, revealing a short plump woman wearing a white dress while carrying a bundle in her arms.

"They took the twins and Ronnie out today, Arthur. I thought it be best given that I need some peace and quiet with Ginny in the house"

Mom and Dad Ron thought as he felt his body tremble slightly. What is this? Before Ron could think any further, a loud, wailing sound cried out from behind him, giving Ron a start as he turned around.

"Don't cry, Ronnie. It's okay." said a tall boy with a red ponytail as he held a crying toddler in his arms. Behind him, a shorter boy with red hair and broad shoulders appeared to be dragging two identical young boys in his hands while a quiet young boy with similar crimson hair appeared to be berating the two while carrying toy broomsticks in his hands.

Bill. Charlie. Fred. George. Percy. The thoughts flashed quickly inside Ron's head as he stared at the wailing toddler, knowing full well who that was.

"Knock it off, Percy." young Charlie said as young Percy gave him an affronted look.

"Meanie. Prat. Leggo of me, Charlie!" the young twins yelled as they tried to pull themselves away from Charlie who looked to be reaching the end of his patience.

"You two idiots stop it or I tell Mom what you really did!" Charlie whispered as Fred and George became silent though their faces appeared to still be rather pissed.

"Oh, what happened, sweetie?" Molly said as she and Arthur approached Bill who looked exhausted.

"He's upset because I wouldn't let him ride the broom," Bill said as Percy butted in.

"It was the twins, Mother. They kept calling him names."

"No, it wasn't! Mom, Percy's lying!" Fred and George cried in unison.

"That's enough, boys!" Arthur said as he wiped the sweat of his brow. "Bill, Charlie, I need you to degnome the garden. Those little blighters are starting to rise in number!"

"Oh, Dad!" Charlie groaned. "We just babysat the twins and Ronnie. Can we like do it tomorrow?"

"You can do it later this evening," Arthur said strictly as Bill and Charlie groaned. "Unless of course, you rather take care of Fred and George?"

Bill and Charlie exchanged looks before glancing at the twins who were now putting on their best angelic expressions, causing Ron to burst into laughter before putting his hands over his mouth. He had unknowingly followed the group and was now standing across from his family though none of them paid any attention to him.

I'm in a memory Ron reasoned in his head. They can't see or talk to me.

"Degnoming!" Bill yelled out as Charlie fervently agreed. "Definitely degnoming!"

Arthur let out a chuckle before turning to Bill. "Come let me take Ronnie."

"Oh no, you don't, Arthur," Molly spoke as she handed Ginny over to Arthur instead. "You need to have a talk with your sons about behaving properly. Obviously, they've been fighting again."

A loud groan came over everyone as Ginny started to move, his little sister having woken up from her nap.

"Get her to bed," Molly commanded as she took Ron off Bill's hands. "And the rest of you, go clean up and prepare yourself for lunch."

"The last one in does the dishes!" Arthur cried as Ron watched his brothers yell out before wrestling with each other towards the front door.

"Honestly, Arthur!" Molly said as she gave him a stern glare while stroking Ron's head, his younger self now having calmed down.

"You love me all the same, Mollywobbles," Arthur said as he gave Molly a grin before pecking her on the cheek. Though she still looked slightly affronted, a warm blush came on his mother's cheeks as Ron watched his dad disappear into the house with Ginny.

"How's my precious little boy?" Molly spoke as for a moment, Ron thought she was speaking directly to him. Ron found himself staring at his mother holding his younger self in her arms while he started to rub his eyes.

"Fly!" young Ronnie spoke in a childish, shrill voice as Molly gave a chuckle.

"You want to fly? But you're too young, Ronnie. Mom is afraid you might get hurt." Molly said in a gentle voice as Ron watched his younger self giving her a sad look.

"Fly. Me fly, Mommy! Fly!" his younger self said as Ron felt a lump in his throat.

"Well, Mommy can't let you go on a broom," Molly spoke as Ronnie appeared to want to cry again. "But Mommy can make you fly without one. Do you want to fly, Ronnie? Mommy can make you fly!"

As his younger self looked at his mother with confusion, a big smile broke on Molly's face as she raised her son up in the air as high as she could before dropping down back to eye level. Up and down, up and down her arms went while Molly swayed about in the garden.

"Weeee, Ronnie, weeeee!" Molly cried as his younger self now had a big smile on his face while giggling out loud. "Say weeee for Mommy, Ronnie!"

"Weeeeee!" his younger self giggled as Ron felt his eyes becoming wet.

"Mommy's little angel!" Molly cried as she threw Ronnie a couple more times in the air before wheezing out loud. It was clear to Ron that his mother was out of breath, her face red from exhaustion as she cradled his younger self in her arms, smothering him with kisses. Ronnie giggled from each kiss as he clapped his tiny hands.

"More, Mommy! Fly! Fly!" Ronnie cried happily as Molly gave her son a warm smile.

"Just give Mommy a moment to catch her breath, dear," Molly said as Ronnie's face turned into a frown before wailing once more.

"Oh, don't cry, Ronnie. Don't cry!" Molly said quickly as she patted his younger self gently in her arms. "Mommy's just a little tired…maybe I can…" Molly said as with one hand securing his younger self, she reached for her wand. Raising it, Molly stared at her wand before shaking her head, placing it back before continuing to pacify his younger self.

"Fly, Mommy!" his two-year-old self cried as Molly cradled him in her arms.

"How about this, Ronnie?" Molly said as she stroked his head. "How about you have one of Mommy's sandwiches? You know the one you like? Sandwiches? Like this, nom-nom-nom!" Molly said as she made an eating gesture with her other hand. Ron watched as his younger self stopped crying and appeared to realise what his mother was saying.

"Food?" his younger self said as Ron gave a laugh. Some things never change.

"Yes, food!" Molly laughed with a smile. "Bacon? Does my little Ronnie like bacon?" Molly asked as his younger self nodded his head quickly. "What about roast beef?" Ron laughed once more as his younger self appeared to grimace at the mention of the word, knowing full well he hated the taste of roast beef.

"Bacon, it is!" Molly laughed as she planted another kiss on his cheek. "Mommy loves you very much, Ronnie. You're Molly's little angel!"

"I love you too, Mom," Ron whispered as he watched his mother walk towards the house with his younger self in her arms. Although Ron was grateful for the way his adopted mother and Aunt Narcissa had raised him, Ron couldn't recall the last time he had received such affection. The look of love in his mother's face had caused the lump in his throat to swell up as Ron tasted the tears that were now cascading down his cheeks.

"I wuv you, Mommy."

Ron and Molly gasp in unison as Molly stopped in her tracks to look at her son.

"Say that again, my angel. What did you say?" Molly whispered softly though Ron could still hear her all the same.

"I…wuv you…Mommy." Ronnie struggled to say as he stared at Molly with his babyish, expectant blue eyes.

"Oh, Ronnie!" Molly cried as a tear streaked down her cheek. "Oh my precious baby boy, Mommy loves you too! So much!"

"Soooo much?" Ronnie seemed to question as Molly nodded her head. "More than you can ever imagine, Ronnie."

"Fly?" Ronnie spoke as Ron gave a laugh before leaning against the fence.

"Easy there, Ron," Ron said to his younger self. "Mom's beat. Just be happy you get to eat bacon sandwiches with her."

Expecting his mother to shake her head, Ron was surprised to see a smile break out of his mother's face. Her frail arms and shaking back had now stopped quivering as Molly stood up straight, lifting young Ron up in the air.

"You're an angel, Ronnie. Don't you ever forget that." Molly said in a serious manner as her young son looked at her quizzically.

"Weeeeee!" Molly cried as his younger self echoed the same sentiment. Ron watched as his mother, despite her obvious exhaustion and tiredness, appeared to have summoned some unearthly strength to keep on playing with her son. Wiping the tears from his face, Ron felt an unnatural sense of calm and happiness waft over him as he stared at his mother playing and laughing with his younger self in the garden, oblivious to whoever saw them. It seemed, that despite his initial suspicions of whatever was happening to be bad, Ron had apparently misjudged it. Nothing that was evil could ever give him such a sense of happiness and comfort as this moment now did.

As Ron watched the emotional scene play out in front of his eyes, he gave a start when a calm voice spoke from behind him.

"It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live, Ron."

Turning around immediately, Ron was met with the sight of a young wizard not older than eighteen or nineteen staring at him with a smile on his face. He was a tall, young man with brown slick hair and his handsome, chiselled face staring directly at Ron. Ron felt the air disperse from his lungs as he recognised the handsome, young man who stood before him.

"We need to talk, Ronald." Tom Riddle spoke as he raised his hand and snapped his fingers.

….

A-B-C-D-E-F-G

H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P

Q-R-S—T-U-V

W-X

Y and Z

Now, I know my ABCs

Next time won't you sing with me?

What's happening?

The first thing Hermione Granger noticed when she opened her eyes was a sea of pink dazzling in the background. As she squinted her eyes to adjust to her surroundings, Hermione felt her hands pressed against a wooden floor. Pushing herself to a seated position, Hermione felt light-headed as she rubbed her eyes to allow her sight to settle on her surroundings.

Hermione found herself staring at a pink wall which looked pretty bare except for a painting of a seaside town hanging on a nail. Next to it was a white, oak wardrobe which had two oak tree shapes crafted onto its doors. Light filtered in through a window next to her while Hermione looked to her feet to see a woollen rug placed next to her at the foot of the wardrobe. A strange pungent scent, like the smell of fresh paint, lingered in the air. Something at the back of Hermione's mind gnawed at her as she stared at the wardrobe which seemed familiar to her for some reason.

"Mione, what are you doing on the floor?"

Hermione stood up with a start, intent on apologising to whomever the voice behind belonged to. As soon as she turned around, Hermione let out a gasp, her eyes widening at the sight before her.

Behind her stood a tiny bed with orange covers and a study desk with a bookshelf fixed from above it. Next to the bed was a pile of stuffed toys, many of which featured an animal from the London Zoo. Yet it was the scene next to the bedroom door which took Hermione's breath away.

Just a few feet from her, Hermione came face to face with a very young version of herself. She couldn't be any older than three, her hair extremely bushy and brown as she wore blue overalls and was lying on the floor with a book in her hands and her feet in the air. Her baby teeth glittered from the sunlight though her two front teeth still looked normal. Behind young Hermione was a man wearing a black T-shirt and blue jeans. He had jet-black hair with several strands of wispy grey embedded on his head. The man was sporting a light beard and had a birthmark on his neck though his chiselled face and large-horn rimmed spectacles complimented his deep blue eyes, giving him a wise look. Though he looked to be in his late fifties to early sixties, his large frame and broad arms gave the impression that the man kept in shape.

"Grandpa." Hermione blurted out at the sight of Thomas Granger smiling at his granddaughter while his hand held a paintbrush with blue paint dripping down into a bucket. Of course, this was my room! Hermione thought excitedly. She recalled how her parents had told her that she hated the colour pink as even when she was younger, Hermione couldn't conform to the standards that all girls liked pink. She had demanded they changed the colour and her grandfather was the one who changed it from an unsightly pink to a nice, calming sea blue. The white wardrobe was her first cupboard for clothes though Hermione had not seen the thing in years after it had collapsed under the weight of her books that Hermione had stuffed inside. All around her from a tiny bed with orange covers to her stuffed toys to her picture books with authors like Enid Blyton and Roald Dahl on her shelf brought out a nostalgic vibe in Hermione as she admired her younger self room.

"Want me to sing you my ABCs again, Grandpa?" Hermione's younger self spoke as Grandpa Thomas gave a chuckle. The sight of her grandfather laughing in front of her tugged at her heartstrings as Hermione took a step forward. Just like the memories in the Pensieve, Hermione had ascertained that she could not interact with her grandfather though she would do anything to get him to see her once more.

"It's okay, Mione." Grandpa Thomas chuckled heartily as he continued to paint her wall. "You can continue to read your book while Grandpa continues to paint."

"I can help, Grandpa. I am good at painting." Young Hermione spoke as Grandpa laughed.

"Really?"

"Ab-so-lutely!" Hermione said as Grandpa Thomas gave a gasp.

"Where do you learn such a big word, Mione?" Grandpa Thomas asked as young Hermione smiled proudly at him.

"From Daddy!" Hermione said as she threw her arms in the air with glee. Laughing, Grandpa Thomas laid down his paintbrush before motioning for Hermione to walk towards him. Young Hermione obliged as she slowly stood to her feet before hastily stumbling into Thomas's arms.

"That's very impressive, Hermione. Very good!"

Hermione smirked at her younger self. By the age of three, Hermione had already memorised a wide range of vocabulary. Hermione took a moment to glance up at her grandpa. She could barely remember images of him now although his pictures in the family albums and in their living room did help her quite a bit. Yet none of it can compare to seeing him here, alive and well and interacting with her younger self. Though her mind reminded her that this was just a memory, Hermione couldn't help but feel the slight pang of pain in her heart.

"I miss you, Grandpa," Hermione whispered as she approached the man, barely a foot from where Thomas Granger was. Suddenly, a beeping sound was heard as Grandpa heave out a sigh.

"Sorry there, little otter. Grandpa's got to take this." Thomas said as he removed what looked like an old- fashioned pager. On it, Hermione could see the letters CID imprinted on it. One of the perks of being a CID detective was that they got to wear plain clothes most of the time. Yet that didn't stop them from doing their duty.

As her grandpa opened the door and walked into the other room, Hermione made her way behind him, only to be stopped by an unseen force at the door.

"What?" Hermione cried out as she tried to inch further but could not move an inch from the doorway. Why can't I go out? Hermione thought as her eyes settled on her younger self who was now playing with plush toy penguin.

Of course!

It was obvious now, that the reason Hermione could not go out was that she was never privy to what happened next. As she was in her own memory, Hermione could only go within the parameters of her memory although she did manage to pick up her grandfather speaking on the phone.

"No, you have to give me an hour, Leo. I'm with my granddaughter now and my son is only coming back then. Yes, I know we have to move fast but the mission can wait, can't it? Yes, don't worry. You know I'll be there."

Hermione heard the sounds of footsteps walking back into the room as she retreated to the wall where the window was. Thomas Granger entered now holding on to a worn-out black leather jacket and what looked like a grey, beanie cap.

"Hey there, Mione. Sorry about that." Thomas said as her younger self now looked up at her grandpa. "Listen, I'm going to have to leave in an hour so I'll probably finish painting your room tomorrow."

"Leave?" Young Hermione said as her face became crestfallen. Thomas gave his granddaughter a sympathetic look before placing his hand gently on her chin and lifting her head up to look at him.

"I'm sorry, little otter," Thomas said to her younger self before a knowing smile broke onto his face. "Tell you what? How about we go to the kitchen and let's break out that strawberry ice cream that you love so much?"

"Ice Cream!" Young Hermione said as she shot up to her feet before her face looked slightly worried. "Mommy says no ice cream. Bad for teeth."

"Well, a little ice cream is okay, now and then." Thomas reasoned as Hermione shook her head. Thomas let out a cry of exasperation.

"Hermione, once in a while, it's okay to break the rules. You must learn to have fun, Mione. Or are you just a sad otter?"

"Not a sad otter!" her younger self retorted as she stomped her foot and stuck out her tongue. Thomas chuckled at the sight of this as he lifted young Hermione into his arms.

"Then, let's just go have some ice-cream! It's fun! Grandpa promise it's going to be okay. He will protect you from Mommy."

"Really?" Hermione asked as she bit her tiny finger while staring expectantly at him.

"Promise." Thomas Granger said as he planted a kiss on his granddaughter's cheek. "I'm always going to be here for you."

Hermione stood in a corner, watching the exchange go with watery eyes. There was so much she wanted to say, so much she wanted to do with her Grandpa. He's gone, Hermione. This is just a memory, remember. You need to focus on what you came here to do. Remember who needs us.

Ron!

As Hermione watched the pair exit the room, her mind started to race. Why was she in her memory if she was supposed to be in Ron's? Hermione looked around wildly at the room, trying to see if there was some sort of clue that could tell her where to go. She could go after her grandfather, of course, now that her younger self was with him but something told Hermione that the key to the issue laid within the room.

Or outside it.

Hermione turned to the window where the sunlight had filtered in. As she walked towards it, Hermione let out a gasp. Unlike most families, Hermione had stayed in her family home her entire life and in Kensington, the only thing one would see outside would be an urban landscape, with tall, red apartments forming the background next to a wide array of buildings and a busy, bustling city street. Yet as she stared out the window, all Hermione could see was a countryside, filled with fields of green and what looked like a pebbly path originating a foot down from her window and leading towards a sunny, rural landscape.

Pushing the window open, Hermione climbed out and dropped down onto the pebbly path. As she turned to close the window, Hermione was shocked to see that her room, her house was gone and all that stood behind her was the pebbly path with green pastures going on for miles. Turning back to her front, Hermione stared as far as she could, only to see no difference between what laid in front of her and what was behind.

"Oh well, here goes nothing," Hermione said, out loud as she started walking, all the while looking out for signs of a redhead, lanky wizard.

….

Darkness. And then, Ron opened his eyes.

Ron found himself lying in a bright mist, though it was not like any mist he had ever experienced before. His surroundings were not hidden by cloudy vapour; rather the cloudy vapour had not yet formed into surroundings. The floor on which he lay seemed to be white, neither warm nor cold, but simply there, a flat, blank something on which to be.

Ron sat up, touching his face and running his fingers through his red hair. He still had his robes on as well as his wand but his potion bottles were still missing. Suddenly, a strange sound emerged, filling his ears as Ron stood to his feet. It seemed almost as if someone were whispering to him, the disembodied voice floating all around in the air. Ron felt an uncomfortable feeling washed all over him.

"Hello?" Ron called out as his voice seemed to echo. "Where am I?"

Brushing himself off and straightening his robes, Ron's eyes began to scan his surroundings. Was he in another variation of the Room of Requirement? The longer he looked, the more there was to see. A great domed glass roof glittered high above him in sunlight. Perhaps it was a palace. All was hushed and still, except for that odd strange whisper coming from somewhere close by in the mist...

Ron turned slowly on the spot, and his surroundings seemed to invent themselves before his eyes. A wide-open space, bright and clean, a hall larger by far than the Great Hall, with that clear domed glass ceiling. It was quite empty. He was the only person there, except for—

He recoiled. He had spotted the thing that was making the noise. Not far from him, was a brown table with two chairs on opposite sides. One of the chairs was occupied. Ron took a step closer, staring at the handsome figure with black hair and what looked like Hogwarts robes, sitting patiently while spinning his wand in his hand. As he walked towards the figure, the figure turned as Ron let out a gasp.

"Have a seat, Ronald." Tom Riddle spoke as he flashed Ron a smile while staring back at him with dark brown eyes. Ron recalled the memory of Tom who had visited Dumbledore back when the latter refused Tom for a teaching position. This version of Voldemort was younger, much younger and had not yet undergone the insidious transformation that was the cost of dealing with the Dark Arts. Ron glance towards the empty seat as he felt his own fear rising in his chest.

"Relax, Ronald," Tom spoke calmly as if he could sense Ron's fear. "I'm not going to hurt you. I will never hurt you. All I want is for us to talk. Have a seat." Tom said as he motioned towards the chair.

Ron stared back at Tom in disbelief. He knew better than to trust the words of Lord Voldemort and yet, Ron knew it would be unwise to refuse the Dark Lord's request. After all, Ron had put on the Horcrux and that meant that for now, Voldemort was in charge. Ron took to his seat, facing the Dark Lord as he slowly edged his chair away.

"I take it you know who I am," Tom replied in a silky tone, his words carrying a sickly charm towards them. "You can call me Voldemort if you like, I have no issue with it. After all, we need to get properly acquainted."

"Can I call you, Tom?" Ron stammered as a temporary flash of rage appeared in Tom's voice before disappearing just as quickly.

"If it makes you feel more comfortable, by all means," Tom spoke as he gave Ron a devious grin. "Well, Ronald, I must apologise for not coming to you sooner. I was a bit pre-occupied if you want to know, what with me delving through your mind."

"My mind?" Ron repeated as Tom nodded.

"Of course. The minute you put on the diadem, I had access into your mind, Ronald. I admit, I never expected to be worn but as soon as I entered your mind, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only are you a Pureblood, Ronald but you are no ordinary wizard, are you? All those secrets, your knowledge, your powers…" Tom said as Ron's eyes widened in realisation.

"You know…"

"Yes," Tom said, cutting Ron off. "I know about my future and what happens to me, thanks to your memories. I know that you know my secret about my Horcruxes. I know that you are currently working together with that…Muggleborn…and Dumbledore in trying to destroy them. I know about your ability to travel back in time. I know everything that you know, Ronald!"

Ron could only gape in horror as Tom's smile began to widen.

"Truth be told, Ronald, if you were just an ordinary wizard, I would have already destroyed your mind. But I will never do that now, not even in the slightest. It seemed that you wearing my Horcrux turned out to be a blessing in disguise, after all."

"What do you want?" Ron asked, his voice trembling as Tom folded his arms.

"I want to help you, Ronald. That's what I want to do. I want to help you just like you will help me. Together, we can achieve so much. Together, everything you ever wanted will come true."

"Why would I do such a thing?"

Tom let out a sigh as he leaned forward, his eyes now fully focused on Ron in an unsettling stare. "Tell me, Ronald. What do you honestly think of me? Don't lie to me now, I can read your thoughts."

Ron let out a gulp before averting his gaze slightly. "I think that you're a monster. I think that you're evil and you need to be stopped."

"Are those your words or Dumbledore's?"

Ron said nothing as Tom snapped his fingers. Somewhere, a voice spoke out, from a memory that Ron had visited before.

"Greatness inspires envy, envy engenders spite, spite spawns lies. You must know this, Dumbledore."

"It's sad, isn't it?" Tom spoke, though to Ron it seemed like he was speaking more to himself than anyone else. "No matter what I have accomplished, it would seem that everyone thinks they know who I am. I know you suspected that the reason I came back to the castle was to put this very Horcrux inside the Room of Requirement and to that, I cannot deny. But I also won't deny that I did indeed want to teach at Hogwarts. Maybe if Dumbledore had given me a chance, all the fighting could have been avoided."

Ron shuddered at the thought of the Dark Lord becoming his DADA professor. The expression on his face, however, did not go unnoticed by Tom.

"Yes, Ronald. I did want to teach. You see, many people may presume to know who I am but they're not even close to fathoming what Lord Voldemort is really about. Is it really fair to make assumptions about someone without giving that person a chance to defend themselves? Don't you have the same problem that I do? All those Gryffindors, even your own sister, thinking the worst of you when in reality, you care about them."

"At least I'm not a violent, crazed maniac." Ron retorted as the mention of his sister gave him some courage. Tom, however, continued to widen his smile.

"I'm a visionary, Ronald, not a tyrant. I admit that what I have done does come at quite a high cost but in the long run, it is the lesser of two evils."

"You're nothing but a killer." Ron snapped as anger flashed itself on Tom's eyes once more.

"You're so naïve, Ronald! So impressionable! Do you really think that the reason society is where it is now is because of peace? The world was built by killers, Ronald, so you better get used to looking at one! We were once just ordinary, hairless apes, weren't we now? Did you think the progress we've made, the peace you're living in came without effort? The Goblin Wars? The battles against Muggles? The struggles, the revolutions, the rebellions, the uprisings! All a product of war! War brings progress, peace brings nothing!"

Ron had now edged even further away as Tom's eyes bored a hole into his very soul.

"I could have done it the peaceful way, of course. I could have joined the Ministry." Tom spoke as he spat in disgust at the last word. "Everyone was clamouring for me, all the teachers and the students could see my potential and if I had decided to put it to work, I could easily enter the Ministry and rise my way up at unprecedented speed into finally becoming Minister For Magic!"

"But why didn't you?" Ron asked.

"Because it would have achieved nothing!" Tom exclaimed with such ferocity that Ron found himself backing up even further. "Look at the Ministry, Ronald. Open your eyes! Look at how weak and pathetic our so-called leaders are. Even in my time, they were still grasping to keep order in our lands while failing to see the real problem that was rising. Their ignorance has been their downfall, no doubt compounded by the weak advice given by your pathetic Headmaster."

"The real problem?" Ron said as Tom nodded. Snapping his fingers, Ron could see the images forming in front of him. Large groups of Muggles sporting beige suits with red armbands marching, the loud sounds of guns and weapons shooting all about and explosions, one even taking the form of a large mushroom cloud surrounded the pair of them. Ron watched the images with a mixture of awe and horror at the sights before him.

"Witches burning," Tom said as he showed images of a girl being burnt at the stake. "Witches hanged." Another image of a girl being lynched and cheered on by a mob of Muggles. "Even their own kind," Tom said as a frightening picture of a pile of dead, naked Muggles being shoved into a pit. Ron recoiled in horror as he fell from his chair, his heart pounding loudly in his chest.

"I am not the enemy, Ronald," Tom said as he snapped his fingers and the images disappeared. "I am a revolutionist and whatever I have done, I make no excuses for it. We are at war and what I did, I did for the good of my people. Your Aunt Narcissa was right, Ronald. The Muggles, the disgusting, putrid breeds will eventually come for us. But unlike in the past, they are much more prepared. More capable of destroying us all."

"But the Statue of Secrecy-"

"Is nothing more than a comfortable lie," Tom said, finishing Ron's sentence. "It is but a form of denial. How long more do you think the Ministry can keep up with obliviating Muggles? How long can we put up with the charade? More importantly, why should we?" Tom said as he motioned for Ron to return to his seat.

"I know that this must all be overwhelming for you, Ronald." Tom sighed as he continued to speak. "And just like me, you learnt first-hand about the cruelty that Muggles do to us. I was abandoned by a Muggle. I was bullied by Muggles no older than nine years old. Is it so bad that I defend myself? That I feel proud of who I am? That I am ambitious enough to try to amass as much power as a wizard could? You're a Slytherin, just like me, Ronald. We're not so different, are we not? Our childhood taken from us by the cruelty of Muggles."

Ron recalled the memory of his mother playing with his younger self in the garden. At that moment, Tom gave Ron a smile.

"I thought that would cheer you up, make you more at ease. Even though your parents may not have been on the same side as I was, they certainly did not deserve to go like that."

No, they didn't! Ron thought fiercely.

"And so, I sought power. I sought the means to make myself immortal and powerful because the world needed a leader. If Muggles would come for us, I wanted us to be prepared. Prepared to do what it takes. I love magic, Ron and I would do anything to protect it."

"But what about the Muggleborns?" Ron asked, thinking about Hermione.

"What about them?" Tom replied darkly. "Those disgusting creatures that would rather breed with the enemy than realise the importance of preserving our way of life. Magic gets diluted, Ronald, don't you ever forget that, whenever Muggle blood and magical blood mix. See how clever the Muggles are? Instead of destroying us through death, they seek another way to ensure our extinction. By allowing their species to dominate us and forcing us to decrease in number."

As much as Ron hated to admit it, he couldn't help but agree with Voldemort a little. The lessons instilled in him by Aunt Narcissa still remained fresh even after all these years. Even after meeting and spending time with Hermione, such thoughts still remained inside Ron's head. Why couldn't Ginny see that? What his sister was doing, coveting a Muggleborn was dangerous not just to herself but to the wizarding society as a whole.

"And so, I took charge, Ronald." Tom continued to speak in an authoritative, superior tone. "I formed my own group and yes, eventually in your time, we went to war and while I may have committed unspeakable things, I am but the lesser of two evils, Ronald. The Greater Good. Compare me to your Ministry. While I may have certain feelings about some of the magical creatures out there, I am nowhere near as biased and as bigoted as your own Ministry? Tell me, Ronald, does the Ministry still look down on werewolves? Do they still have reservations about giants? I welcome all magical creatures into my side and though some may have to be sacrificed for means of my victory, I guarantee you, Ronald, that all I want is a prosperous world for magic. A place where magic is might, where we take our rightful place and purge the world of the scum that is Muggle."

"Dumbledore said…" Ron began to protest as Tom let out another spat of disgust.

"Dumbledore said that we were all equal? That we can co-exist? What does Dumbledore know about the horrors that Muggles do? What does Dumbledore, the great and powerful Dumbledore know about what it is like to live like us? Muggles don't even like their own kind, constantly killing each other and he thinks that they would welcome us with open arms? Don't be fooled, Ronald, by that egomaniacal simpleton! He has lied to you before, hasn't he? Because that's what Albus does best, manipulating people into a false reality while ignoring the truth of this terrible world."

Ron stared at Tom as he allowed the latter's words to sink in. At the back of his mind, he could hear himself arguing, one for the side of Tom while the other begging him not to fall for his tricks. Somewhere deep inside him, Ron could hear Ginny's words echo back at him.

"How can you even think about standing behind a monster like that? A monster who kills innocent people? How can you justify that?"

"Screw this," Ron replied, summoning every bit of courage he had. Ron stood to his feet, approaching the table slowly while glaring back defiantly at Tom.

"Maybe you're right. Maybe Muggles can't be trusted." Ron said as his thoughts now turn to his previous talks with Hermione. "But you're not the lesser of two evils, Tom. You're nothing but pure evil. I'll take my chances with the Muggles. Not all of them are bad."

For a moment, Tom looked slightly shocked to having been spoken back so crassly. The lines on his face began to form a frown as Tom appeared ready to unleash his fury on Ron. Suddenly, his expression began to change, almost as if a thought had just struck him. A smile broke out on Tom's face. Ron felt the uneasiness starting to set in. He rather faced an angry Lord Voldemort than one with an unsettling smile.

"Remember my words, Ronald. There's no such thing as a good Muggle." Tom said in a soft yet very serious tone. "You speak about the lesser of two evils? Then how about you ask me what I want from you."

What sort of game are you playing at, Tom? Ron wondered.

"What do you want with me?" Ron asked, deciding to play along.

"I want your soul, Ronald."

"My soul?" Ron cried in shock.

"Yes, Ronald. Your soul." Tom replied with a nod. "As of right now, Ronald, I have complete control of your mind and body but what I truly desire is your soul. Unfortunately, the soul is much, much more powerful. I cannot truly possess you unless you give me permission to do so."

With that, Tom snapped his hands as Ron's surroundings began to take shape. He could see columns and arches forming in front of him while behind him, Ron could see that the ground had shifted, forming a line. Looking into the depression, Ron was shocked to see a row of tracks going in a straight line while at the end of one line, the shape of a train began to form. Taking a step back, Ron let out a gasp.

"It's King's Cross Station!" Ron cried in recognition as Tom looked around, impressed.

"Is it really? I didn't notice." Tom said. "But then again, your soul manifests the path for you. It would seem that in order for me to possess it, I will need to board that train with you to dive into your soul. However, I would not be able to if you choose not to bring me with you."

"Why in Merlin's name would I ever agree to give you my soul?" Ron asked as Tom gave him a sickening smile.

"Because, Ronald, I'm the only one who can save Ginny and Draco."

…

Though she had been walking for what seemed like hours, Hermione wasn't tired in the least though her patience was slowly waning away. The pebbly path seemed endless as Hermione covered her eyes from the glare of the bright sun hovering over the countryside.

"Ron! RON!" Hermione yelled for the umpteenth time even though her mind told her it was useless. There seemed to be no other forms of life for miles around and Hermione was starting to regret ever leaving her childhood room in the first place.

Suddenly, Hermione's ears picked up an unusual sound coming from behind her. Turning around, Hermione could see in the distance the shape of a building all covered in red and brown bricks. As she made her way towards the building, the sound started getting louder and louder.

No, it couldn't be Hermione thought as she started to move closer. Only when her eyes spied the iron cross on top of a steeple did Hermione stop in her tracks.

In an instant, Hermione recognised the Church of St Augustine. From its enormous size and large wooden doors to the two bells tolling in the steeple, Hermione felt her throat constricting at the memory of the day. The doors of the church began to open and from it, large groups of people all clad in black starting to disperse out. Walking past them without so much as a glance, Hermione entered the church.

Even though she wasn't particularly religious, Hermione had always been fascinated each time she entered a church. Its sublime background from the large arches crafted with intricate designs to its white ceramic tiles gave it a melancholic feel that made Hermione wonder about the existence of a higher power. Around her stood windows with mosaics of important Christian figures and moments as Hermione slowly made her way past the long, brown benches. The church was now mostly empty with only a few people sitting separately at the benches. Yet Hermione's eyes were planted directly at what stood at the front of the church.

As she slowly made her way towards the casket, Hermione wondered if she should proceed. She could barely recall this memory given that she was only three at that time but Hermione found herself unable to stop. Her eyes stared at the open casket, already brimming with tears in anticipation of what she was about to see.

He looked so peaceful, almost as if he were sleeping. His birthmark had been covered by some makeup but other than that, Thomas Granger laid peacefully in his casket, his eyes closed and hands folded. Hermione's eyes lingered towards his stomach where she knew the bullet had entered in, courtesy of a drug bust gone bad. Thankfully, as he was clad in a smartly, dressed black suit, that little detail was not to be seen.

"I love you, Grandpa." Hermione trembled as she spoke. Raising her hand, she carefully caressed his face. She knew that since this was but a memory, it would have no impact on reality yet Hermione was grateful for the touch, if one could call it that. Her heart began to feel heavy once more as Hermione took a moment to cry quietly, allowing her tears to flow freely down her face.

After a minute, Hermione wiped away her tears before planting a light kiss on Thomas Granger's forehead. Turning around, Hermione kept her eyes peeled for her younger self. She knew that she had to be around somewhere, the memory a testament to that. At the back of the church, Hermione spied her younger self being consoled by her mother.

Walking towards the pair, Hermione noticed that while her mother was consoling her, her father was close by, hidden in the darkness while talking to someone. Once she reached her younger self, Hermione let out a gasp at whom her father was speaking to.

Next to the stairs that led up to the second floor, Professor McGonagall was speaking to her father while her mother, carrying her younger self in her arms, stood but a few feet away. Her father's expression was a mixture of anger and frustration as he spoke in large, harsh whispers to Professor McGonagall who wore large, black robes.

"As I mentioned, Mr. Granger, I only wish to convey my condolences." Professor McGonagall spoke gently as Ned glared at her.

"Bah! You people are all the same! I've had it up to here with you people!" Ned whispered back harshly.

"Ned!" Catelyn spoke in alarm as Hermione stared at her father in disbelief. Throughout her life, Hermione always thought the world of her father who treated everyone with equal respect.

"Why can't you just leave us alone?" Ned exclaimed, ignoring his wife and pointing to Hermione's younger self who was still crying. "Look at what your lot has done to her. Haven't you people any remorse?"

"Mr. Granger, you are out of line and you know it," McGonagall spoke firmly though she gave Ned a sympathetic look. "Surely now you can understand the importance of letting your daughter come to Hogwarts."

"Like I would ever allow my daughter to mingle with the likes of –"

"Ned, do not finish that sentence!" Catelyn cried sharply as Hermione continued to stare at her dad with more disbelief. Why is he behaving like this?! Hermione thought as she stared at her father who was now getting his temper under control. Dad, this isn't like you!

"I'm sorry," Ned spoke as McGonagall nodded her head. "It's been a tough day."

"I understand, Mr. Granger. Please, do not hesitate to contact me should you need anything." McGonagall spoke. Turning to walk away, Professor McGonagall stopped in her tracks before turning to offer one last look of sympathy.

"For the sake of your daughter, I hope you would reconsider. I assure you, that if young Miss Granger were to enter our school, I would do everything in my power to ensure her safety as well as teach her how to use her powers with proper control and respect."

Ned said nothing as McGonagall departed. Hermione turned back towards her parents, her mother now gently patting her father on his back while her younger self looked to have stopped crying.

"I'm sorry for my behaviour." Ned said as Catelyn gave him a smile.

"I understand. This has been really hard on you."

Ned let out a mirthless laugh as he stared back at the casket. "Dad would have hated it here. I still think we should have just had the service at our place."

"Well, it's what your mother wanted, Ned."

"True," Ned agreed as he heaved a sigh before taking Hermione's younger self in his arms. "Luckily for us, Higgins is on our side."

"Higgins is his partner." Catelyn replied. "What happened is what will always be."

Kissing his wife on the cheek, Hermione watched as the trio started to depart towards the doors of the church. Following them from behind, Hermione started to look around the church, wondering if perhaps a window or a door might lead her to the path for Ron. Hermione was so engrossed with surveying her surroundings that she almost crashed onto her dad.

That was close! Hermione thought as she let out a slight chuckle. Would I have passed through my dad? But how can I touch my grandfather and feel the floor but at the same time, not touch my dad? Memories are complex.

As thoughts began to run through Hermione's mind, she almost didn't catch what her father then whispered to her mother. It was only when he said it again did Hermione's heart stopped and her blood started to run cold.

…

"What do you mean save Ginny and Draco?" Ron said as his eyes stared at the train. Tom let out a chuckle as he walked towards Ron and stood right in front of him.

"Ron, when you give me your soul, you and I will merge into one," Tom spoke as his dark brown eyes glinted in the light. "You would have my powers, Ronald, powers you can't possibly imagine. You and I will then leave Hogwarts and strike out into the world to rule it. Of course, we first have to take care of the other Lord Voldemort."

"The other Lord Voldemort?" Ron repeated as Tom heaved a sigh.

"I'm afraid my future self has become rather foolish and pathetic. I mean, how can I, the most powerful sorcerer who ever lived lose to that Harry Potter? Can you imagine it? Me? Lord Voldemort dying at the hands of a baby?" Tom laughed mirthlessly as he shook his head. "He's made stupid, costly mistakes and we have to make him pay."

"But…isn't he you?" Ron said as Tom gave a shrug.

"In a way, he is but then again I have separated my soul into seven pieces. You talk about the lesser of two evils? That's me. With me in control of you, Ronald, I can easily overpower my other self and force his soul into that damned diadem!"

"How do you know he won't beat you?" Ron asked as Tom let out an exasperated sigh.

"I'm the third Horcrux, Ronald," Tom spoke slowly in a belittling manner as if explaining things to a simpleton. "From your memories, I get that the ring and the diary, my first two Horcruxes are gone. That means that the power now lies with me. You think that your Lord Voldemort with that pathetic and fragile excuse for part of a soul can defeat me? Me, who now holds the most powerful part of our soul and thereby has better control of my powers? Your Lord Voldemort would surrender himself to me, allowing me to take charge while I shove him into the diadem."

"How does this help save Ginny and Draco?"

"Because!" Tom exclaimed in excitement as he clapped his hands. "Because once I enter your soul, you and I will be bound together. I would be bound to give in to your request. Not only will I guarantee the safety of your precious siblings but I will also ensure a war with minimal casualties, only when necessary. My other self is now in full chaos, blinded by this meaningless pursuit of Harry Potter whereas I will much more capable, more effective, more…forgiving."

Tom snapped his fingers once more as the entire scene in front of Ron began to change. King's Cross station started to disappear as Ron noticed that the ceiling had now turned into a sky of red with the sun bearing down on them. Ron found himself in a field with Tom while behind them stood a burning Hogwarts with fire breathing out of every crevice and bricks falling down from its foundation. Yet the sight of a damaged Hogwarts was nothing compared to what lay around Ron's feet.

The ground was littered with bodies. Ron's eyes bulged out in horror as he took in the large number of masses lying dead all around him. From the sight of witches and wizards as young as eleven years old to that of giants breathing their last breath, it was truly a horrific side. Witches with the mouths gaping and eyes looking back in terror. Wizards with body parts strewn all across the field, the blood pouring out from their bodies. Even those who were alive were not better. Most were crying and screaming, many of whom carried grave injuries and scorched marks on their skin.

"What is this?" Ron demanded though his voice only emitted a harsh whisper.

"This, Ron, is what will happen should you refuse my request," Tom said as he directed Ron towards a couple lying a few feet away. Ron felt his lungs collapse as he dropped to his knees.

"No. no. no. no. NOOOOOO!" Ron yelled as he crawled to the couple. Draco Malfoy laid on his back, his grey eyes bulging out as his neck was twisted in an unnatural way. Next to him was Ginny, her face covered in blood as she laid gasping for air.

"Help…help me…" Ginny spoke as the blood gargled in her mouth. Ron instinctively went to her, only to watch his hands pass through.

"Ginny! GINNY!" Ron cried out wildly as he stared at her in desperation. "Ginny, you have to hold on! It's going to be okay. Don't just stand there! DO SOMETHING!" Ron yelled back at Tom who merely shook his head.

"There's nothing that I can do, Ronald. This hasn't happened yet but it will happen soon. The last battle, the final battle where my other self will be triumphant. And with him, he will bring all cruelty and monstrosity that you see before you."

"No, no…" Ron said in disbelief as he shook his head wildly. "This isn't real! This is all in my head!"

"Of course it is happening inside your head, Ron, but why on earth should that mean it is not real?" Tom spoke as he laid his hand on Ron who shoved it off angrily.

"Stop this! STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!" Ron yelled as he stood to his feet, yanking Tom by the robes. Tom merely grinned at Ron.

"I'm not the one who can stop this. You can." Tom said as he snapped his fingers and the surroundings changed back into King's Cross. Ron immediately released Tom from his grasp as he stared blankly all around him.

"You know that's what's going to happen, you've always known, Ron. This whole defeating me by killing my Horcruxes, it doesn't work." Tom spoke impassively as Ron glared back at him. "Dumbledore's given you a suicide mission, one that is not just dangerous but foolish as well. Not to mention, the old man is dying, Ronald. That means that there will be no one, no wizard, no witch that can stop me. Only you."

"Harry will defeat you," Ron said as Tom let out another laugh.

"Harry? Harry? The so-called champion of the great lover of Muggles and Muggleborns, Albus Dumbledore?" Tom cried. "Harry is but a pawn, Ronald and so are you! You are all but pawns under the schemes of an old man who manipulated you all your life. Harry will be killed by the other me, especially now that Dumbledore won't be around to protect him. You have suffered greatly under that pathetic old wizard, Ronald, don't make the mistake of doing so again! Your parents are dead because of Dumbledore! Your sister and your cousin will die because of Dumbledore! Do you think for a second that Dumbledore cares about you? What did he call you again, a weapon? Don't give your trust to that blasted fool any longer, a jealous, egomaniacal fool who would sacrifice you in a heartbeat and who will lead you and everyone you love to their deaths!"

"And I'm supposed to trust you?" Ron cried incredulously. "You're just as bad at manipulation as Dumbledore!"

Tom glared at Ron for a moment as he took a step towards the wizard, his handsome face now just inches away.

"No, Ronald," Tom said in a serious manner as his expression began to soften. "I will never lie to you, not like he did," Tom spoke as a smile came onto his lips. "I'm nothing like Dumbledore. If you don't believe me, perhaps you need a second opinion."

Taking a step back, Tom raised his right hand.

"I'm the only one you can trust. Perhaps this will convince you once and for all." Tom spoke with a smile before snapping his fingers.

…..

There was nothing but darkness all around him as King's Cross station disappeared from his eyes. Cursing Tom as much as he could, Ron felt the air starting to get thick and smoky as a large fog descended all around him. Suddenly, Ron felt someone crashing against his chest.

"Owww!"

"Bloody hell!"

"Ron? Is that you?"

The sound of that voice caused Ron to blink his eyes open. There, in front of him with her usual bushy hair and hazel eyes stood Hermione lying on top of him.

"Hermione?" Ron exclaimed in disbelief as Hermione's eyes widened at the sight of him.

"Ron? RON!" Hermione cried out loud as she threw her arms around him. Ron felt his breath explode out his lungs.

"Hermione, I can't breathe." Ron wheezed as Hermione released him immediately, her face beaming at him. The sight of Hermione looking at him made Ron smile slightly, relieved to see the witch. It was only then that it occurred to him that both he and Hermione were in a rather compromising position.

"Hermione, don't take this the wrong way but do you mind getting off me?" Ron groaned as he felt the weight of Hermione crushing his stomach.

Hermione's cheeks turned red at this comment as she pushed herself off his waist while Ron stood to his feet while straightening his robes.

"I can't believe I finally found you!" Hermione exclaimed as she threw her arms around him once more. The gesture took Ron by surprise but he was glad for the embrace. The warmth of her arms brought comfort into him as Ron reciprocated her hug awkwardly.

"Hey there, I have a girlfriend," Ron said awkwardly as Hermione released him instantly, her face now morphed into disgust. That's the Hermione I know. Wait, what if this is another one of Tom's tricks?

"Hold on!" Ron cried as he backed away from Hermione. "How do I know it's really you?"

"What?" Hermione exclaimed, puzzled by his reaction.

"How do I know you're really Hermione? You could be another one of Tom's fucking tricks!"

"Honestly, Ron, language!"

"Okay, it's you," Ron said as he gave her a sheepish smile. Hermione returned one of her own before punching him in the arm.

"Owww! What was that for?!"

"Why did you put on the Horcrux, you prat?!" Hermione demanded as she glared at him. "Do you have any idea what I had to go through?"

"Gee, where's that Hermione that wanted to jump on my bones? Can I have her back now?" Ron grumbled as he massaged his arm.

"Not funny, Ron," Hermione spoke as she began to explain everything that was happening. Ron's eyes widened as Hermione recounted her journey though he could sense that there was something that was bothering Hermione.

"I was following my family out of the church and then…" Hermione hesitated as though she was wrestling with some thought, her face an expression of doubt and confusion.

"And then?" Ron prompted as Hermione shook her head.

"I can't remember. All I know was that there was this massive fog and then I was here."

"I see," Ron said as he pondered about her words. Why would Tom bring Hermione to me? Ron thought as Hermione gave him a curious look.

"Ron, what happened to you?"

Ron heaved a sigh as he told Hermione an account of what he had been through. When he recounted his memory of his mother, Hermione placed a comforting hand on his shoulder to which Ron greatly appreciated. He watched as Hermione recoiled in shock at what Tom had shown him and requested.

"Ron, you can't believe what he says! Dumbledore said he's trying to trick you! That's what this Horcrux does!" Hermione spoke hastily.

"Relax, Hermione, don't you think I know that?" Ron said though he felt slightly guilty. He couldn't admit it to Hermione, of course, but Tom had made quite a compelling case. What if he was right? What if the only way to save everyone would be to let Tom take over his soul?

Pushing the thought aside, Ron began to look around as Hermione did the same. The pair seemed to be in some sort of alley with large, great walls towering on each side. On the left wall in the distance, stood a large, rectangular trash can with several black bags of garbage by its side. Ron stared at the ground, looking at the litter that surrounded them. There was something familiar about this place although Ron couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Where are we?" Hermione asked as she watched a red plastic bag drift off in the wind. The air was chilly as a freezing gust of wind blew by. Something wasn't right about this place.

"I don't know but I think I've seen this alley before," Ron said as he took steps towards the trash can. Hermione stretched out her hand, grabbing his arm before he could move.

"Whatever this is, I don't like it, Ron. Tom's trying to manipulate you again. What does he mean, seek out a second opinion?"

"I don't know, Hermione," Ron said as he looked at her. Hermione's face was frowning now as she appeared deep in thought.

"What?" Ron asked.

"It's just doesn't make any sense," Hermione said. "Why would he lead me to you? Wouldn't it be easier to persuade you if I'm not around?"

"You think there's a reason he wants you around?" Ron said as Hermione gave a shrug.

"There has to be. I'm the only one standing in his way, how would it benefit him to have me here?" Hermione said.

Ron said nothing as he stared down the alley past the trash can. Just like the Room of Requirement, the alley seemed to go on forever, its end covered by a bright, white mist. All of a sudden, the mist began to part. Far in the distance, Ron could make out what looked like a group of shadowy figures.

"Do you see that?" Ron said as Hermione's eyes followed the direction of his finger towards the tiny blot of darkness centred in the bright, white mist.

"Are those…people?" Hermione said.

"Only one way to find out," Ron said as he took off running towards the figures.

"Ron, wait!" Hermione called out as her shorter legs stood no chance of catching up with Ron's taller frame.

As he got closer, Ron could make out several figures talking to each other in raised voices. Though he couldn't hear their words, it seemed that the group was in some form of heated discussion. Alarm bells started to ring in Ron's head. It all seemed so familiar to him, the thought at the edge of his mind wanting to be realised. But a quick glance at the alley didn't bring back any memories for him. Though he had been in plenty of alleys all his life, Ron was certain he had never been in one of these. Wherever he was, this was certainly not his memory.

Someone else's memory.

Ron froze in his tracks.

A memory I've seen a long time ago.

Recognition flashed in his eyes as Ron's face started to turn a deathly white.

"Couldn't you wait for me?!" Hermione panted huffily as she caught up to him. Before she could chastise him any further, Hermione caught the expression on Ron's face.

"Ron, what's wrong?" Hermione asked, her face now filled with concern.

"I know where we are, Hermione." Ron stammered. Though he was still too far to properly recognise their faces, Ron knew full well who the people in front of them were.

"No. no. no. Not this. NOT THIS! YOU FUCKING FUCK, TOM! NOT THIS!" Ron bellowed at the top of his lungs while pulling at his crimson hair, his face an expression of crazed fury.

"Ron, RON!" Hermione yelled in a panicky voice, trying to get him to calm down. "Ron, tell me what's going on!" Hermione cried, her face now terrified at the sight of Ron.

"This is how they died, Hermione!"

"Who, Ron? Who?"

"MY PARENTS!" Ron yelled as he paced about frantically.

"Your parents?" Hermione said as she gaped at him. Turning her attention to the group in front of them, Hermione move in closer for a better look. After several footsteps forward, Hermione let out a gasp as she spied the form of Narcissa Malfoy, albeit many years younger but still with the same features that Hermione had recognised each time she caught sight of the witch picking up Draco and Ron from Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Beside her, clad in unusual Muggle attire, were Arthur and Molly Weasley, their red hair shining out prominently as Hermione recognised them from Ginny's pictures. They seemed to be in negotiation with a man though his features were blocked by the Weasleys. Hermione turned around and made a beeline towards Ron.

"What's your aunt doing here?!" Hermione demanded as Ron continued to utter a string of curses directed at Tom. "Weren't your parents killed by Dark Wizards?"

"Remember that story I told you back in your fourth year?" Ron growled as he leaned against the alley wall. "That's real. That's how they died. This is Aunt Narcissa's memory. This is what really happened to my parents, Hermione. They were part of some scheme with my Aunt Narcissa and that bloody Muggle kills them. This is how they really died!"

"Wait, so you weren't lying?" Hermione said as Ron glared at her.

"No, of course not!" Ron snapped

"How was I supposed to know that?!" Hermione replied indignantly. "Ginny said that all this was just some story you cooked up about your parents' death. If this was really how they died, then why didn't Ginny know about it? Why didn't you tell Ginny the truth?"

"Because I…" Ron hesitated before shaking his head. "It doesn't matter. What matters is that we're now in this memory and I will like for it to end! You hear me, Tom, you sick bastard! I WANT IT TO END!" Ron shouted as he slammed his fist into the wall.

"Ron, stop! Stop!" Hermione begged as she grabbed his arm. "Don't you see? This is what Tom wants. He knows you're vulnerable. He wants do to break you, Ron! Don't let him succeed, please!"

"He wants my soul, Hermione!" Ron snapped. "That's what he said!"

"And you believe him?!" Hermione countered as she grabbed Ron by his shoulders. "Slow breaths, Ron. Breathe." Hermione said gently as Ron started to take long, deep breaths. Hermione waited until Ron had composed himself before starting to speak again.

"Ron, Dumbledore said that you, not Tom, are in charge of your mind. You have the power to overcome him."

"And how do I do that, Hermione? Did Dumbledore tell you?" Ron scoffed.

"No, but I know we can't let our emotions control us," Hermione replied. "Look at what Tom has done so far, all that he's shown you. Just like the diary with Ginny, this Tom wants to break you down until you'll become so weak that he can just walk in and assume control. Don't let him get to you."

"But what about his request?"

"Forget about the soul, Ron!" Hermione snapped. "Listen to me! Tom is a master manipulator. He's a liar, Ronald!"

Ron studied Hermione's face before taking a deep breath. "Okay, okay," Ron said, nodding his head. "It's just that Tom said he would never lie to me."

Hermione gave Ron an incredulous look before letting out a laugh. "Don't forget that he's a Horcrux. Don't forget how he tricked and manipulated many people over the years like Hephzibah Smith. This is his younger self, that charismatic nineteen-year-old that went on to work at Borgin and Burkes."

"Okay, fine," Ron said as he turned his attention back towards his parents. Any second now, his father and mother were going to disarm the dealers before releasing the Muggle from their control. Meanwhile, Hermione continued to pace about, her face now deep in thought.

"It just doesn't make any sense!" Hermione ranted hotly as she paced. "Why would Tom want to bring me to you? What does he gain by bringing me into this memory of yours especially when I can stop you? I mean, I get why he would send you here, of course, but still…"

"Hermione…" Ron said as he rolled his eyes.

"It just doesn't make any sense!" Hermione exclaimed, ignoring Ron. "If he wanted to break your spirit, he could have just shown you this on your own or continue to manipulate your mind with images of all your dead loved ones, but why bring me here? What does he have to gain by manipulating our memories?"

"Wait, our?!" Ron said as he snapped himself away from his parents. "What do you mean, our?"

Hermione let out a sigh. "It's nothing."

"Hermione!"

"Ugghh, it's just that it can't possibly be true!" Hermione cried in exasperation as she threw her arms in the air. "Remember when I was telling you about the church? Well, apparently, my parents have been keeping a secret from me."

"What kind of secret?" Ron said as Hermione continued to frown.

"Well, to be frank, it's probably not true and it's just another way for Tom to trick us but apparently when I was following my parents around the church, my father was worried about me finding out about my grandfather. According to him, my grandfather didn't die in some undercover drug bust. Well, he was undercover but that's not how he died. Apparently, my grandfather –"

BANG! BANG!

Ron and Hermione ducked down instinctively as they placed their hand over their ears to block out the sound of gunshots. The shrill ringing of the shots still echoed around the alley as Hermione stared back at Ron with shock and horror. Ron, on the other hand, had shut his eyes before opening them again slowly. Turning towards the group, Ron could see Aunt Narcissa looking down in shock at the two bodies strewn on the floor, the blood gushing out as red as the hair on their bodies.

"Ron…" Hermione whispered as she grabbed his hand. Ron turned to see her giving him a sympathetic look. Before he could respond, the pair heard soft clapping coming from behind them. Turning around, Hermione let out a gasp as Ron glared daggers, his face a mixture of anger and fury.

Tom stood there with a malicious grin on his face as he continued to clap slowly.

"YOU BASTARD!" Ron roared as Tom wagged his finger at him.

"You're directing your anger at the wrong person, Ron. Hello there, Miss Granger." Tom said before turning his attention to Hermione. Ron could see out of the corner of his eye that Hermione looked scared. Instinctively, Ron grabbed her hand and gave it a comforting squeeze.

"Have you figured it out yet what I'm doing?" Tom laughed. "I suppose not. It's not your fault, really since you've been lied to your whole life."

"You shut your mouth! You're the one who lied to us!" Ron growled as Tom shook his head.

"I told you before, I will never lie to you, Ronald," Tom said as he raised his finger to point at something. "Remember what I told you, Ronald. Remember what I said."

As both Ron and Hermione turned to face the scene before them, the pair exchanged a look before slowly making their way towards Aunt Narcissa. Ron had to look away as his eyes spotted his father looking shocked at being shot while his mother's face was now in pieces all over the floor. In front of them, Ron could hear the Muggle speaking in a frightened tone.

"What have I done? God, what have I done?" the Muggle said as Ron narrowed his eyes at him. He would have given anything to take revenge on the man for what he did. That was the man who ruined his life, the man who tore his family apart. Suddenly, Ron heard a squeak as he turned his face towards Hermione who now looked a deathly shade of white.

"Hermione, what's wrong?" Ron asked as Hermione stared wildly at the Muggle, as if not believing what she was looking at. "Hermione?"

"She understands, Ron," Tom spoke from behind him. "There's no such thing as a good Muggle."

"Hermione, what does he mean? Hermione!" Ron said, raising his voice yet Hermione paid him no attention. Hers was fully focused on what laid before her, a sight she would have given anything to unsee. The bearded Muggle sat on the ground, holding his horn=rimmed glasses in his hand while rubbing his neck with his other hand as it slowly moved over his birthmark. His black leather jacket laid on the floor next to the gun that was hidden within it. At that moment, Hermione blocked out everything, her mind trying to comprehend what was happening as a single word escaped her lips.

"Grandpa?"

….

That's the end of Part One. Please forgive any grammatical errors that I might have overlooked. Part 2 will be coming soon!