Time Changes All Things: Now Complete

Author's Chapter Notes:
Thanks goes once again to my friend and beta Nicole...thank you to my loyal reviewers and readers


Chapter 16: Riddle me this
“Mr. Riddle, you must tell me if you know about the disappearance of the eight young men from Gryffindor house.” Headmaster Armando Dippet questioned the Head Boy. This line of questioning had been going on for over an hour. Tom had stood firm and non-informative throughout the interrogation.

“Were these men responsible for Miss MacMillan’s injuries?” Tom sat straight faced waiting a minute before answering.

“I know nothing about your silly Gryffindors. On Halloween night, we rushed in, grabbed Hermione and got her to the hospital wing as quickly as possible."

"Did you not recognize any of Hermione's attackers?" Headmaster Dippet pressed on.

"Sir, it was Halloween night, they were all in costumes and we didn't recognize anyone in that cave." Tom continued spinning his story, “Our main concern was to rescue Hermione and get her back to the castle as quickly as possible."

Tom acted disinterested and looked over at one of the portraits of a former Headmaster who sat shaking his finger at Tom.

“Do you realize, Headmaster; it has been a full two weeks since Hermione’s attack?” Tom stared harshly at Headmaster Dippet,” Do you also realize she is still in a coma?” Tom’s voice became stronger as he spoke about his lady that was still slumbering in darkness.

Tom gritted his teeth, “I am not responsible for a group of immature Gryffindors,” Tom stood up to tower over Headmaster Dippet, “who chose to take a holiday in the middle of the school year.” Tom stopped, staring straight into his eyes waiting for a response from the old man.

“I can see, that we have come to no resolution today,” Headmaster Dippet stood to walk around to Tom’s side, “but if I find out that you had anything to do with the disappearance of these young men, then the Aurors will be called in to question you.”

Tom unflinching, stared back at him, “I think our time would be better spent,” Tom stepped closer to Headmaster Dippet, “if we looked for the beasts that terribly beat Hermione, over and over again bruising her body, from her face to her feet.”

Tom stepped even closer, “Let’s castigate the monsters that thought it was fun to carve deeply into her shoulders, breasts and hips with a 12 inch blade.” Headmaster Dippet turned deathly pale.

“Let’s reprimand those who stripped my love, and humiliated her by raping her in front of a room full of men.”

Now Tom was standing nose to nose to his superior, in name only, “I want …” Tom struggled for the words as he controlled the shaking in his limbs, “I want the bastards who caused Hermione to lose our baby…” Tom’s voice was now to a whisper, “I want-them-punished.”

The old Headmaster’s bottom lip trembled at seeing the emotion surfacing from the Head Boy and bowed his head.

Tom glared once more in his direction and silently left the Headmaster’s office with a disgusted look on his face.
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Walking into class, so noticeably late, was never done with so much polish than when done by Head boy Tom Riddle. Looking straight at Professor Dumbledore, he gave a small smirk then sunk into his seat surrounded by his Slytherins.

“It was so good of you, to grace us with your presence today in Transfiguration.” Dumbledore said with as much sarcasm as he could muster, “That will be 20 points from Slytherin.” The giggles could be heard from a corner full of Gryffindor girls. Tom raised his eyebrow at Dumbledore’s try at humiliating him.

Tom mouthed the word,” Arsehole,” as he and Professor Dumbledore stared at one another, neither letting their eyes stray from the other. Finally Dumbledore continued with his lesson.

“So does Headmaster Dippet suspect anything?” Abraxas whispered to Tom.

“He can suspect all that he wants,” Tom answered back, never letting his eyes stray from Dumbledore, “but he will never get any information from me.”

“They have to know by now that there are eight Gryffindors missing?” Abraxas questioned with some worry.

Giving a small snicker Tom said, “I suggested that they maybe had gone on holiday,” Tom smiled, “I just didn’t divulge that it was a permanent one.”

Abraxas glanced over at Tom, “Did you stop in to see Hermione?”

The smile faded from Tom’s face and he muttered a clipped, “Yes.”

Abraxas still staring at Tom waited for more, hoping that the news would be good today.

“She has not changed at all,” Tom quietly said, “After two weeks she shows no signs of waking up.” Looking even more troubled he continued, “It’s almost like she has given up…that she has decided to stay in the coma and this really baffles me.”

Lucretia, eavesdropping, leaned over Tom’s shoulder, “Have they tried everything they can?” Lucretia had lost weight the past two weeks due to worry about Hermione’s condition.

“Tom there has to be a way.” Lucretia, so close to tears grasped his shoulder digging into his skin with her sharp nails.

Turning in his seat Tom took Lucretia’s chin in his large hand, “I will not stop until we have tried everything; every spell and every potion,” he paused and made eye contact with her, “You need to remain strong…for Hermione and you need to take better care of yourself.”

Lucretia nodded and Tom turned around to find Professor Dumbledore glaring at them with suspicion. Tom, giving Dumbledore his best sneer, knew that this kind of behavior towards him and his fellow Slytherins was just beginning. The key would be training his followers to ignore the distrustful and keep their lips sealed and their minds blocked.
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“Hermione…Hermione dear, it’s time to wake up.” As she lay in the dark void that had been her home for the past two weeks, Hermione heard a feminine voice calling to her.

“Hermione, you must wake up!” Hermione thought that maybe she had gone insane and was now talking to herself in a different voice.

“Go away.” Hermione thought, I am just fine right where I am.

“You are not a coward, Hermione Granger, you were once a Gryffindor.”

Hermione panicking screamed out to the darkness, “How do you know that? Tell me who you are!” she demanded.

Hearing the female laugh loudly, Hermione cringed. When did her cozy little space in the universe become a corner in the psychiatric hospital?

“Because I know your true identity you need to awake so you can take your place next to the Dark Lord.” Hermione was puzzled; she didn’t quite understand the riddles this voice was trying to make her unravel.

“Let me put it to you plainly, “ the high sultry voice explained, “Either you choose to wake up and accept your responsibility as the Dark Lord’s mate or I tell him everything about you; including the fact that you are a Mud blood.”

“No!” Hermione screamed back to the voice threatening her. “Please don’t tell Tom anything.” She felt a sick feeling soaring throughout her body.

“Well,” said the female,” then you must make a deal with me; the first thing that you must do is rouse yourself from the shadows where you have been hiding.” Hermione felt a sting of irritation at the accusation that she had been hiding; even though she knew that the female spoke truthfully.

“I will try, please let me try.” Hermione wanted to reach out and shake the voice that wanted to take away the man that she loved. “I promise I will fight, but please give me a few days.”
She could sense the desperation that was coming from her soul towards this unknown menace.

“Agreed; you will hear from me when you awaken.”

“Who are you?” Hermione tried shouting out to her mysterious negotiator. No one answered Hermione. She was alone again, in her quiet, shadowy, corner of her mind left wondering what the bloody hell she had just agreed to.

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Tom sat by Hermione’s side holding her hand. She seemed to be very agitated in her sleep. After 18 days in a coma Tom was ready to admit that he was worried that Hermione would never come out of her deep sleep. The whole list of potions and spells had thoroughly been exhausted. He had been sure that one of them would be the key to curing his love who looked more deathlike as each day passed by.

Tracing along the side of her face and the line of her nose, Tom realized how much he missed her touch. He needed her back in his life, especially with all of the new things that would be taking place with the end of the school year in several months. The newly formed Death Eaters had been laying low so as not to draw attention to themselves. The investigation into the missing Gryffindors had all been closed, except for occasional glances from Headmaster Dippet or Professor Dumbledore. The two Obliviated Gryffindors had confirmed Tom’s story, thanks to an implanted memory, that indeed the absent young men had decided to head out and travel the world.

In secret meetings the Death Eaters were being trained in Occlumency, casting unforgivable curses and making potions that would be considered “dark”. There was much preparation needed in order to fully implement his and Flamina’s plan to take over the wizarding world.

“Don’t tell him,” Tom jumped as Hermione screamed out, startling him out of his seat.

Bending over Hermione he tried talking to her, “Who are you talking about, love?” Tom held Hermione’s hands in his. “Oh wake up, Hermione.” she continued thrashing about on the bed.
“
I promise that I will do whatever you say,” Hermione again shouted out, but her eyes still remained closed. “Please…don’t take him from me.”

“Shhh, my sweet,” Tom tried to comfort Hermione and he took her in his arms. As he held her he was very baffled about the things Hermione was screaming out. As quickly as she had yelled out, she just as swiftly fell back into her deep sleep.

“Hermione…Hermione…oh bollocks!” Tom kicked the chair that he had been sitting in. As the chair connected with the wall, Tom headed off to find the school nurse to relate what had just happened. After that he was going to try and communicate with the only person left who he knew could help Hermione; begging Flamina would hopefully bring about the results that he wanted to see, an awake and alert Hermione.

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Tom silently walked the length of the darkened Chamber of Secrets. Not one to ask for help, Tom realized that every strategy to help Hermione had failed. He had exhausted every method of waking one from a coma that was available to witches and wizards.

As he glided towards the altar at the base of Salazar Slytherins great statue, Tom’s mind was full of anticipation. Would this work again, him trying to contact Flamina?

Tossing his school robes aside he knelt down at the altar in his white dress shirt and black woolen trousers. Gone was the arrogance displayed during the previous ritual in the chamber. Before, Tom had come seeking ways to gain power for himself. Tom now bent down at the altar wanting something for someone else.

Taking a huge breath and slowly letting the air pass through his lips, he stretched his arms up high. Feeling the tense muscles tight across his back, he tried loosening them by stretching up higher and then he collapsed across the altar. Away from the always watching eyes of his followers and his enemies, Tom finally shed aside his cloak of superiority and let his human side be displayed. The tears started coming and the loud sobs escaped Tom’s chest and echoed in the chamber.

“Why did it have to be Hermione?” he shouted between the sobs, “She did nothing to those fucking Gryffindors!”

Wiping the tears away, he stopped crying and tried to gain control back. As his breathing became steady, he closed his eyes, and Tom Riddle let his other persona, Lord Voldemort take over.

Standing up from his kneeling position, he glanced around the chamber. He looked deep inside of himself to find all of the anger, frustration and disappointment residing in him to throw it all out to the world and use it as a conduit to contact Flamina.

“Flamina, oh great Goddess,” the shout erupted from his throat, “I am in need of your aid and guidance.”

Tom feeling anxious and uneasy ran up to the top of Salazar Slytherin’s statue. “I call unto you; I am your humble servant, Lord Voldemort.” His voice reverberated off the vast walls of the great chamber.

“Please…come and hear my plea.” As Tom finished the last word of his sentence, his flesh tingled as he felt warm hands slide around his waist and up his chest. The strong scent of Kyphi Oil permeated his senses.

He heard the low sultry laugh coming from behind him. “You are in need of me?” Flamina’s breath blew across the back of his neck causing chills to run through his body. “My humble servant, I am here.”

Slowly turning around, a grin crossed Tom’s face as he eyed the exquisite Flamina once again. She stood there in all her glory in a sexy purple, empire style gown. It had a halter top that was trimmed with jewels and dipped low in the back. Flamina’s hair was styled in a classic bun, pulled up onto her head and twisted around with intertwined flowers that matched her dress.

Flamina looked so stunning he found his body reacting to her closeness. As she leaned into Tom she rubbed up against his hardness feeling him lengthen and twitch. Knowing her great power and hold over this mortal man, Flamina wrapped her arms around Tom’s neck, pressing her full breasts against Tom’s chest. With all thought leaving his head, he brought his hands up to cup her full bosom. Flamina leaned in to kiss Tom and started grinding her body against his. Rotating his hips into her core, he was becoming so stimulated he couldn’t think past the full, hot body that was awaking his senses.

“Do you want me, Tom?” she asked in an erotic tone. “I could give you the best sex you have ever had in your life.” And she reached down to start unzipping his trousers. Moaning into her mouth, he realized how long it had been since he had plunged into a woman’s soaking heat. It had been several weeks since he and Hermione…oh bloody hell! Tom pulled back from Flamina, as thoughts of his Hermione lying still in her bed and why he was down in the chamber in the first place.

“Flamina…Hermione…I want her.” Tom said releasing Flamina and taking a step backwards. Flamina gave Tom a perturbed look and crossed her arms.

“She would never know what took place here.” Flamina tried reasoning with him.

Tom, with more honor than he had ever shown before in his life, said, “But I would, Flamina; I would know that I had cheated on Hermione.”

Flamina smiled and stepped away from Tom, “You have just proven to me that you are truly dedicated to the woman you have chosen as your mate.” As she met Tom’s eyes she explained more, “because of this devotion to her, I will help her and you.”

Tom at hearing this declaration let out his breath that he had been holding tight within his lungs. A feeling of great relief soared through him that finally someone would be able to assist him.

“I will awaken her, but then she will also be under my power to do my bidding,” Flamina, gracefully twirled herself down off of the statue, bringing Tom with her, using her powers. Tom smiled thinking he also wanted to learn how to do that trick.

“Hermione is special…and I will help her in realizing her great potential as your partner.” Flamina slid up and sat on the altar. Crossing her legs, her dress opened, along the front slit all the way up to her arse.

“After she awakens and recovers, “Flamina commanded, “She will be brought down to me, here in the chamber.” Tom wondered what exactly Flamina had planned for Hermione.

“I know you may be wondering what I want to do with Hermione.” She could tell that Tom’s natural curiosity was washing over him. ”She will be trained in new skills benefiting you, Lord Voldemort.”

Tom’s characteristic eyebrow shot up and Flamina smiled back at him. “Yes, I know of your new name and your reorganization of your followers. I am well pleased with you, my servant.”

Slipping off of the altar she walked up to Tom and pressed her hand on Tom’s chest, “I must go now…but if you ever need me in any way, just call for me.” Her hands slid once again across his chest and down his abdomen softly gliding across his shaft. Inwardly flinching and trying to control his arousal, he nodded his head.

“Go to Hermione…she will be alert soon.” Turning to go she quickly turned round once more, “But remember your promise to me…she will be mine to train as I see fit.” Tom dropping to his knees grasped Flamina’s hands in his and kissed them. Feeling her hands leave his grasp, he looked up to see Flamina gone.

Standing on shaky knees, he shivered thinking of the promise that he had made. Once again he had bound Hermione to something she had had no say in. If it meant saving her by making this agreement with Flamina, he would deal with the consequences later. For now, he needed to head back to Hermione and wait for her to arise from her slumber.

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Walking into the hospital wing, he headed straight for the corner that Hermione had occupied for the last three weeks. Taking her hands in his, he looked down and thought that she was the most beautiful woman in the world. He would do anything and make any sacrifice to get her back.

Lying down on the bed he took Hermione into his arms, with her head resting against his shoulders. He channeled all of his energy and power into her soul, willing her to wake up.

“Hermione, I need you back with me.” Tom murmured softly in her ear. “I have missed you so much.” He began to rock her back and forth, swaying in a rhythm that mimicked the last time he had held her when they had danced. “I need to feel your arms around me. I want to feel your lips on mine.” He continued to speak tenderly to her, “I must make love to you again…to feel myself sinking into your tight, slick…”

“I will wake up for that.” Tom heard the adorable voice that he so desperately had been wishing to hear.

“Hermione, love…” He looked down to see her looking up at him. “Please tell me this isn’t a dream?”

With a weak hand, Hermione reached behind her to rub Tom’s face. “I hope I don’t look as bad as you do.” With that statement Tom laughed loudly hugging Hermione closer to him.

With the sound of his laughter the nurse came running, “What is going...oh, Miss MacMillan, you are awake finally!”

Hermione looking confused asked, “How long was I out?”

Tom gently laid her back down and came around where he could meet her eyes, “It was going on 19 days, Hermione. We were afraid …that maybe you would never return to us… to me”

Hermione gave a weak smile to the man that she could feel such warmth flowing from him. “I would always return to you.” The nurse slowly walked away to give them some time alone; she would come back later.

Tom leaned over and kissed her forehead and smiled down at her. “I will always be here for you.” He caressed her pale, thin cheek that was slowly pinking up.

“You saved me…didn’t you, Tom?” Her big amber eyes looked up at him with such trust.

Choking back a sob he managed to tell her, “I did the best that I could.”

He was not yet ready to tell her everything that had happened on Halloween night. Chances are that most of it would come back to her. He also didn’t feel like Hermione was strong enough to hear the hideous truth about her rape and the loss of their baby. He would tell her…just not at this moment. Tom just wanted to hold her and make her feel safe. There would be plenty of time to talk later about the ugly realities of life and promises that were soon going to have to be fulfilled.

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A/N: Kyphi Oil by Alchemy Works is sold as magical oil, which is based on the 2200 year old recipe of Kyphi found on the walls of the temple of Horus at Edfu. Kyphi is one of the most ancient perfume recipes known to exist and there are many variations of it but they always consist of an incense compound macerated together with honey, wine, and raisins. This incense perfume was endowed with both spiritual and medicinal properties and burned in the evening by the Ancient Egyptians who customarily burned different kinds of incenses to mark the different times of the day. Edfu Kyphi more particularly symbolizes the transition from day to night.

Chapter End Notes:
Chapter 17, a very emotional one, will be up soon...I promise!