28: Secrets Shared

A shadow fell over Hermione blocking her light. She looked up from her reading material to find Tom standing in front of her. There goes them avoiding each other for the past week. Hermione wasn't exactly sure as to why Tom was avoiding her but she could guess. It would probably be similar to the reason why she was avoiding him.

Last week they had gone to a masquerade party hosted by Tom's paternal grandparents where she promptly got drunk. Unfortunately, that led to her kissing him. It was a low point for her, though, she couldn't actually remember everything that had happened. It didn't matter if she remembered or not, the fact that she kissed Tom Riddle was enough to make her come to her senses. Which was why she had decided to avoid him.

Tom's breathing was ragged as if he had just finished practice. His usually immaculate hair was messy and windblown making Hermione's fingers itch with want. His stormy green eyes held an emotion in them that she could not read.

"You're blocking my light," said Hermione as she attempted to bring her focus back to the book opened on her lap.

"He did it," said Tom. A triumphant smile broke out over his face. "Dumbledore defeated Grindelwald."

The news didn't fill Hermione with joy. It was an event that she was expecting. She read all about the rise and fall of Grindelwald during her own time. "You're not excited," commented Tom with a frown. "I thought you would be excited to hear of the defeat of your family's murderer."

Crap.

Hermione looked up to Tom with a frown. "It brings me great joy in knowing that Grindelwald will no longer be able to harm others but, my family's tormentor and murderer is still out there."

"That snake-like beast," said Tom as if remembering the Boggart from the woods. It felt like it happened a lifetime ago, not just a few months. Hermione nodded her head at his assumption. Tom's hands curled into fists and his knuckles turned white. "I promise, that thing will never be able to hurt you again," vowed Tom.

Hermione felt immense relief that he bought her answer. "Thank you," said Hermione in a quiet whisper. She couldn't believe that she just said those words to Tom Riddle! In an attempt to hide the blush that threatened to rise to her cheeks, she buried her nose back into her book.

Tom made no attempt to leave. "Why are you still here?" asked Hermione in exasperation. Him being that close to her was slowly breaking away her resolve. Something she vowed to herself to not let happen.

"Why have you been avoiding me?"

Hermione's head whipped up to face a puzzled looking Tom. Why would he even ask her that?

He continued to stare at her, waiting for an answer. It was becoming difficult for her to focus or to even think with him staring at her like that. "I did something stupid," sighed Hermione in defeat.

"I highly doubt that," snorted Tom.

Hermione's anger bubbled to the surface. How dare he so easily dismiss her words, not believing in them! She jumped up from her seat so that she was closer to eye level with the annoying prick. "I kissed you. I'd call that doing something stupid."

Tom quirked an eyebrow. "You kissed me?"

Hermione stumbled in her thoughts. Did she just imagine kissing him? She was so sure that she remembered kissing Tom. Could it have been a dream? A drunken hallucination? "Did I not kiss you?" Her voice shook with uncertainty. "I remember nothing of that night except for the feel of lips against mine."

"So, you assumed that you kissed me. How would that be considered doing something stupid on your part?" His words sounded almost angry to her ears. Angry and. . . hurt?

She shook her head. Why would Tom sound hurt over that? He had women drooling over him all the time so there was no reason for him to be hurt from her thinking that kissing him was stupid. Besides, Lord Voldemort didn't really feel much of anything except for anger and the need for world domination.

"It's because I kissed you!" Hermione finally cried out all of her inner worries. "Even if it was some form of drunken hallucination, I still kissed you and enjoyed it! I'm avoiding you because I shouldn't enjoy kissing you, either in real life or in my dreams. Every time I'm around you I start to forget about what I lost and I can't do that! I haven't thought about Ron, or Harry, or anyone for that matter as much as I should!" Tears spilled from her eyes, dripping down her face. "It's better to avoid you so that I can remember why I'm here!" Bollocks! She didn't mean to say that last part. Actually, she didn't mean to say any of that.

With a shaky breath, Hermione fled from the library. She stumbled down the steps and out into the hallway. Should she return to her room or find somewhere that Tom or anyone would not think to look for her?

. . . .

"So, you assumed that you kissed me. How would that be considered doing something stupid on your part?" Tom's anger was rising rapidly. The little witch thought that kissing him was a stupid and regrettable experience. That being with him was a stupid decision on her part! And not only that, she also assumed that she had to kiss him! It's as if she never came to the conclusion that maybe he wanted to kiss her!

Hermione shook her head causing those brown curls to bounce. "It's because I kissed you!" Her voice rose with desperation, tearing at his heart. Why was she so against exploring the connection between them? "Even if it was some form of drunken hallucination, I still kissed you and enjoyed it! I'm avoiding you because I shouldn't enjoy kissing you, either in real life or in my dreams. Every time I'm around you I start to forget about what I lost and I can't do that! I haven't thought about Ron, or Harry, or anyone for that matter as much as I should!" Tears poured from the corners of her eyes making Tom's chest tighten. He hated seeing her cry, it didn't fit with her brazen, stubborn personality.

"It's better to avoid you so that I can remember why I'm here!" Her eyes widened and her face became pale. It was as if she hadn't meant to say that last part. It left him wondering what she meant by those words. She probably meant being at Hogwarts as a whole. He knew she was studying as hard as she did because of her past. Maybe she thought relationships were a distraction in general, that maybe they made one weak. Tom would have agreed with that line of thinking a few weeks ago, hell, even this morning but after hearing those words tumble out of her mouth, now he wasn't so sure.

Before he could tell her the realization that he had come to. She bolted down the steps and out of the library. Tom didn't even think, he followed after her. His longer strides should have helped him to catch up to her but the little witch moved much faster than he thought possible. Before he could head down the stairs to the second floor a hand grabbed him on the shoulder effectively stopping him.

"Let her gather her thoughts," came Dippet's wizened voice, "then you can go to her. She needs time to realize that there are people who care greatly for her."

"She'll realize that when I catch up to her," growled Tom. He shook the elderly man's hand off his shoulder.

Dippet chuckled, causing Tom to look at him. "You youngins are so impatient." Tom narrowed his eyes at him. This old man was Hermione's grandfather, why was he not more concerned? "She'll come around to you. She just needs more time." Dippet shook his head causing white tendrils of hair to stir off his shoulders. "You both are dealing with so much. If my granddaughter is anything like her mother, then give her a few minutes for her to calm down before you spout off how much you love her."

Tom couldn't bring the facade up fast enough. His mouth fell open at the old man's ridiculous words. In love with Hermione? Impossible. Tom didn't feel such emotions as love. Right?

No. For once, Dippet was right. That explained why it was so hard for him to stay away from her. Why he was changing. He should have been incapable of the feeling but he couldn't deny the fact that both his mind and body wanted Hermione Norris.

But it didn't matter. He came to the conclusion too late. She could never bring herself to fully care about him and could he blame her? No, she made that perfectly clear.

"Don't spout such ridiculous nonsense." Tom would just have to settle with being there for her. Being her friend.

He decided right then and there that he would not change back. He wouldn't go back to being that cold, emotionless boy from before. These emotions gave rise to a new reason to want power and that was to protect his little witch.

. . . .

Hermione crumpled down onto the porch steps, unable to continue on in her mad dash. The tears flowed freely from her eyes. How could she be so stupid? She had almost forgotten that Tom Riddle was Lord Voldemort. He was literally the cause of all her pain.

The bright sunny, summer day turned colder. Dark, grey storm clouds moved to block out the sun. The weather seemed to magically change to fit her emotions. Wild and turbulent, dark and cold.

A loud caw drew her attention skywards. A large, beautiful Thunderbird soared through the air before landing on the ground in front of her. It was just what she needed.

Hermione sprung to her feet and raced to meet the majestic creature. She really was starting to see Luna's fascination with magical creatures.

She caressed the Thunderbird on the snout before she detached the small package that was tied to the creature's front leg. "Thank you." The Thunderbird cawed in response before taking flight. It seemed as if Newt wasn't expecting a response from her this time.

She walked back over to the porch and opened the packet. Inside she found a letter and several photos. The photos showed a young couple. The man who was still a boy probably around Hermione's age, had military grade cut blonde hair. His eyes were a stunning blue and he wore a dorky lopsided grin. The girl had long, wavy brown hair that framed a heart shaped face. Her brown eyes were almond shaped and her belly protruded to the point where Hermione could tell that the girl was pregnant.

He did it! Newt actually found the real Hermione Norris!

Hermione unfolded his letter to greedily read over it.

Hermione Norris,

As you have asked, I found her. Thank you for sending that photograph of Maureen for me. I have returned it to you for safe keeping.

The young couple in the photographs that I have sent you are Mr. And Mrs. Turner. As you can see, they are expecting their first child. I am told that it is a girl who will be named Jean Monica, after Mr. Tunrner's mother.

I have deduced that they do not know of the wizarding world. I have also deduced that Mrs. Turner is a squib. I advise that you do not tell her the truth. It would be better for everyone.

Your Friend, Newton Artemis Fido Scamander.

Hermione's eyesight became blurry for the second time that day. She watched as her tears splattered onto the letter. Not only did Newt find the real Hermione Norris but he also found the reason why she was the one to travel back, even if he didn't know it.

Her mother's name was Jean Monica Turner. And her maternal grandmother's name was Hermione Turner. Her mother had named her after her grandmother. Hermione was Dippet's great, great granddaughter?

"Hermione, you dro-Hermione?"

Crap. Why did he follow her?

She rubbed her eyes with the palms of her hands hoping to clear away the tears. "Go away!"

Before she could comprehend his movements, Tom grabbed the letter from her lap. Pictures rained down onto the ground.

"Give it back!" Hermione jumped up to grab the letter back. The last thing she needed was for Tom Riddle to figure out that she wasn't who she said she was. Tom held his arm out, stopping her in her tracks. Curse her for not having her wand on her and curse him for being so strong. "Please," pleaded Hermione as a last resort.

Tom looked up at her. His stormy green eyes were clouded over. "Is this your sister?"

Hermione couldn't say anything to that. She should have but then how would she explain that one child knew about the wizarding world while the other didn't.

Tom narrowed his eyes. She looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "No." Tom wound up answering his own question. "She's not your sister but with your reaction to me reading this letter could only mean one thing." Hermione felt her heart sink. Please, don't let him figure it out. "This girl mentioned in the letter is the real Hermione Norris. It's the only thing that makes sense." Why did Tom have to be a genius?

"So, what?" Hermione glared at him. Hopefully she will be able to intimidate him. "What if you are right? You gonna rat me out?" Please, don't tell on her!

Tom glanced at the letter and soon it burst into green flames. Within seconds, the letter crumbled to the ground in a pile of ashes. "Listen to Scamander and tell no-one."

Huh? That was not the reaction she expected. Not one bit. "Why?"

Tom sighed before he explained himself. "It would be better if you continued to be Hermione Norris. The girl in the letter obviously has a nice, oblivious life while you on the other hand have none."

"What angle are you playing at?" Hermione couldn't help it. Tom Riddle was known for gathering information that could help him to power. Finding out the truth only meant that he could try and black mail her with it later on in the future.

"No angle." He flashed her a grin that made her heart stutter into overdrive. "I've grown to like having you around, even if you were avoiding me." He reached a hand into the pocket of his dress pants and pulled out a familiar necklace. "You dropped this on the stairs leading to the second floor."

Hermione reached out a hand to snatch the necklace from him. Before she could grab it, his hand locked onto her forearm. "What is that?" Hermione looked down to see what he was talking about. Shit. She forgot and reached out with the wrong hand. The word mudblood showed in its full hideous glory.

She grabbed the dangling necklace with her free hand while she wrestled her arm out of his grip. Once both hands were free, she clasped the necklace around her neck and the reminder of her torture disappeared behind the glamour.

Tom's intake of breath drew her attention to him. Not only did he know that she wasn't the real Hermione Norris but now he knew she was a mudblood. A mudblood that had kissed him. He was so going to kill her.

Hermione watched as different emotions played over his face while waiting for him to attack. She really hoped he didn't have his wand on him then at least she would have a fighting chance.

When Tom finally did do something, it wasn't what she had expected. Instead of trying to kill her, he spoke. "It now makes a lot more sense. Taking on the life of a halfblood would be better than living on the run as a mudblood. Don't ever take that necklace off."

"You're not going to kill me!" Hermione flinched. She always picked the worst of times for emotional outbursts.

Tom, who was in the middle of leaving, turned around to face her. "Why would I kill you," asked Tom in confusion.

"Because you hate my kind."

Tom offered her a weak smile. "I did."

"Please, don't tell anyone." She knew that he probably wouldn't since he advised her to keep up her facade but she was desperate. To hell with letting Tom know just how desperate she was.

Instead of going back inside, he plopped down onto the porch steps. "Will it ease your worries if I provide you with one of my secrets? If I tell yours' then you can tell mine."

Okay, what was going on with Tom Riddle and why was he acting like this? It was almost as if he was a completely different person. Could Tom Riddle really be that different from the Lord Voldemort from her time?

Tom decided to speak while she was battling with her inner turmoil. "What if I were to tell you that I was conceived from a love potion? That I am damned to walk this earth knowing nothing but anger and a thirst for power."

Hermione's head whipped up to look at him. Tom's gaze was focused directly on her as if he was judging her reaction. She didn't even have to fake shock. She already knew how he was conceived, she just never thought that he would come right out and tell her. "Why are you telling me this? Your actions so far tell me that you are more than capable of feeling more emotions than just those two."

Tom grimaced. "Have you noticed a change in me?" Hermione nodded her head. He was different from the boy she met earlier in the year. "That is due, I believe, to your presence. Having a. . .friend to constantly be around is stabilizing my emotions and ridding the effect of the potion."

"Me?" How was she the reason for his change? She really needed to do more research on the effects of love potions.

"As long as you are around, I'll continue to become like everyone else."

"And you. . .want that?" Hermione couldn't believe her ears. This had to be some kind of trick.

Tom paused in thought before answering. "I think that I may."

"What would happen if I'm not around?"

Tom shrugged. "I would probably return to the way I was before."

If Hermione stayed and continued to be friends with Tom then what he was saying was that she could cure him. But if she left then he would revert back into that cold, heartless student that he was before she arrived. What if her returning to her own time was what created the mudblood hating monster from her time? Was there a way that she could cure him where it would be permanent? A potion maybe? No, if a potion was the solution then Tom would have found it by now.

Hermione's eyes widened with a sudden thought. What if she could create a cure? Maybe by combining a few potions, she could find something to make Tom's change permanent.

With that idea in mind, she rushed past a startled Tom to go find Dippet. He would have to have a potions lab somewhere in the Manor. Maybe he could help her. No, she couldn't betray Tom's trust like that. She would have to get Dippet's help without letting  him know what the potion was for. It could work.