Time Changes All Things: Now Complete

Author's Chapter Notes:
It's time to see the how Hermione is doing after her encounter with Flamina.
Thanks as always to sweet Nicole!

Chapter 19: Questions
The walk back to the Slytherin Common Room felt like a ten mile hike. Neither Tom nor Hermione said a word, both contemplating what had just taken place in the Chamber of Secrets. They held each other’s hand tightly, occasionally glancing over at each other.

“I know that you want to ask me something…so what is it?” Tom questioned Hermione, recognizing the inquisitive look on her face and the biting of her lip.

Stopping in the middle of the hallway Hermione turned to face Tom, “Have you ever had …sex with Flamina?”

Tom tried not to let his lip curl into a smile; she was jealous. Thank the Gods that he was able to answer truthfully. “No, Hermione,” Tom said putting his arms around her waist, “I have never had nor wanted to partake in any sexual relationship with the Goddess Flamina.”

Instantly a smile spread across her face. Hermione jumped up high in his arms. She wrapped her arms tightly around Tom’s neck and he twirled her around and around. The look of pure happiness and relief on Hermione’s face made him almost giddy.

As he set her back down, he leaned in to kiss her inviting lips. They both felt like their relationship had moved to a new level, after what had happened to her on Halloween night. Tom felt more protective of her, of course, but even more, he had felt what it would be like without her. Not being able to hear her laugh, see her smile or make love to her; this had made him realize how much he wanted her…no, needed her in his life.

For Hermione, she had been through so much suffering, yet amidst that pain, Tom still had been there for her; helping her, pushing her, and loving her. She was a different witch from the one that had arrived here after traveling through time. Hermione’s priorities changed and she knew that she would do anything for Tom. She still hated the Voldemort from her time, but she knew that she had already changed the time line. The Voldemort that would emerge would be different in a sense, because now he had experienced love. He would never be a sentimental fool, after all he was the Dark Lord; but to her, he would be her world.

Grabbing hands again, they continued walking down the hallway, looking over to beam at one another.


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The scratching could be heard on the papers, from the many busily writing quills. The whole Charms class sat quietly, writing an in-class essay: The Application of Charms Work in the Real Wizarding World.

Hermione leaned over to Tom and wrote down on a small piece of paper, “I want to know who the two surviving Gryffindors are who attacked me?” Hermione watched as Tom read the note. His eyebrows shot up and then his face wore a grimace.

He wrote back to her, “No!” was all it said.

Hermione sat with her legs crossed and glared back at Tom.

Leaning over she wrote next, “Yes!! I deserve to know who they are!!!!!!”

Tom gave an inward groan. He had wondered when this conversation would take place. He was just happy it wasn’t taking place verbally by how many exclamation marks she had just used at the end of her sentence.

Tom looked over at Hermione, noticing her pinched lips, flared nostrils and her hair starting to rise. There was that feeling again…her magic was back! An exciting thrill ran through his system as his magic was responding to hers. Tom knew he needed to squelch Hermione’s show of force, so he wrote back to her, “Fine, I will tell you after class…please remain calm.”

The soft doe eyes returned and the storm was calmed, “Thank you,” mouthed Hermione.

Tom glanced around the room spotting the two Gryffindors in question. Knowing the determination and fire that defined Hermione, he wouldn’t want to be in their shoes when she found out their identity. Have mercy on their souls if she got her hands on them…and he would in no way prevent her from acquiring the justice that she so well deserved; despite the outcome.


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“What? No it can’t be?” Hermione screamed loudly at hearing the names of the two Gryffindors still alive.

“Quiet down now, “Tom was trying hard to silence her during lunch in the Great Hall, “Everyone is looking over at our table.”

“It’s a load of tosh!” Hermione tried to reason with him, “I know one of them and he would never hurt me.” Tom shoved his cottage pie into his mouth and chewed like he was eating something nasty tasting.

“I know for an absolute certainty”, he said as quietly as possible, “The two surviving Gryffindors, that were involved with your kidnapping were indeed Justin Widden and Charlus Potter.” Oh, her heart ached, when the truth was spoken by Tom, that Charlus was involved. In some sense she felt betrayed by the Potter line. The conflicting emotions were running rampant in her heart and her mind.

Stoically looking up from her custard, she softly asked, “I need one more question answered, I need to know if Charlus was involved in my rape. “She looked at Tom pleadingly hoping that his answer would be “No”.

Tom took a sip of his pumpkin juice, then cleared his throat before answering, “I can with great assurance, answer that Charlus Potter was not involved with the rape.” Thank the Gods! Hermione was so relieved that Charlus hasn’t been one of the men who had so terribly abused her body.

As Tom ate another bite of his pie he almost choked because he remembered something else he needed to tell her, “In fact, love, he was outside guarding the entrance to the cave.” Tom started laughing “We knocked him out with a “Stupefy” before he even had a chance to react. “

Turning serious, she continued with her questioning, “What can you tell me about Justin?”

Tom looked over for a moment at Abraxas, who had been silently listening to their conversation. Turning back to her he spoke, “I know he did not rape you…but he was involved in other forms of abusing your body.” Tom searched her face to see what this news would do to her.

With a solemn look in her eyes and much sadness on her face she asked, “How did you find out about this?”

“Hermione, “Tom stated with a tinge of annoyance in his voice, “Think about who you are speaking to.”

Nodding her head, and sporting a smirk she exclaimed, “Legilimency.”

Wrapping his arm around her shoulder he leaned in closer to whisper in her ear, “You are always my brilliant Hermione,” and she jabbed him in the ribs, ”Ouch, that hurt!” he said. “Give over, Hermione…it was just a joke.”

“I know, Tom”, she leaned in to kiss him savoring the feel of his lips in hers, “Thank you for being honest with me.” Putting his hand over hers, he simply replied, “You’re welcome, love.”


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“Why are we following them, Hermione?” asked Lucretia with interest.

“Shhh, Lucretia, “Hermione cautioned her, “I need to know what their schedules are and where they will be at certain times. “

They tried to stay in the shadows so the young men would not spot them trailing behind.

Hermione reached behind her and drew out her wand. Tapping Lucretia on her head she disillusioned her and then she did the same to herself. Lucretia hated the cool, icy feeling that came over her at being disillusioned.

“This will be better in order to stick by them,” Hermione said quietly, “I must have this information today.”
Lucretia was puzzled by Hermione’s pursuit of the two Gryffindors. They had been trailing them for the last 15 minutes. She was sure that Tom would not be happy, when he was informed that Hermione had been chasing around after some Gryffindors.

All of a sudden, understanding of why they were trailing the Gryffindors, hit Lucretia. These were the two surviving men who were part of the attack on Hermione.

“Just answer this question for me.” Lucretia said quietly, “What are we going to do when we catch them?” She turned to Hermione and could feel the heat radiating from her being, despite the fact she could not even see her. Ever since Hermione had recovered her lost magic, she frightened Lucretia a bit. Hermione seemed more unstable and more ready to jump into doing illogical things; such as following two Gryffindors around the castle and grounds.

“I am not going to do anything to them…yet.” Hermione said wryly, “I need permission from Tom before I make my decision of how to punish them. “

“What do you mean, punish them?” Lucretia was curious what she had in mind for punishment.

Hermione answered quickly, “I will punish them according to the severity of their sins against me.”

Lucretia almost felt sorry for the two young men, but only for a second; she would not want to be on the receiving end of any kind of punishment that Hermione would dole out.

“Charlus Potter was just standing guard duty during my abuse,” Hermione explained to Lucretia, “But Tom informed me that Justin Widden, though not involved with my rape, did other things to me…I just don’t remember what.”

The two girls came to a stop, as the Gryffindors entered their common room and the door closed.
Ending the disillusionment spell, Hermione turned to Lucretia, “I have found the person I will sacrifice in order to fulfill my initiation commitment.”

With wide eyes Lucretia faced Hermione, “I will accomplish this, once Tom gives me his permission.”

Hermione turned and headed back down the hallway. Lucretia, still standing in shock by Hermione’s declaration, shook her head, and ran off trying to catch up with Hermione.


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Enjoying the Saturday afternoon, Tom, Radbourne, Abraxas and Alphard, sat in the Slytherin Common Room playing a form of Wizard’s Poker.

“Quit cheating, Alphard,” commanded Tom, “or I will have to hex you.” Alphard gave a roll of the eyes, but placed his extra card down on the table. “Much better, you fool; you can’t cheat when playing cards with me.” Tom acted nonchalant with his statement to Alphard, but all of them knew he was deadly serious with his answer.

Abraxas tried to hide his amusement at Alphard being caught being devious. You would think Alphard would know by now not to press the Dark Lord in any way, but he wasn’t a fast learner.

The game was interrupted as Hermione and Lucretia came running into the room.

“Oh look,” Abraxas muttered quietly to Tom, “A storm just blew in.” Tom tried hard not to laugh at Abraxas’s statement, but they all knew it was true. Hermione’s volatile temper had been making everyone jumpy, especially first and second years that happened to get in her way.

Hermione marched up to Tom and blurted out in excitement, “I am seeking permission…from the Dark Lord,” she mouthed quietly, “For something official to happen which will fulfill my initiation agreement for the third task.” All four men sat there staring at Hermione’s announcement.

Hushing her quickly, Tom pulled her down to sit her on his lap.

Whispering in her ear he cautioned her, “This is something that should not be discussed, even here in the Slytherin Common Room.” Hermione tried to wriggle out of his grasp and off of his lap. “That is definitely not helping matters unless you want me to take you right here in front of all of our friends.” Her eyes became huge, knowing that Tom rarely made a pronouncement such as that and didn’t follow through.

She quit squirming and listened as Tom spoke quietly to the rest of them, “We will meet immediately to discuss this in a more private location,” Tom then stood up.

Motioning towards the mark on Abraxas’s arm, he commanded, “I need to summon the rest of my followers to be there promptly in 20 minutes.” Using his own robe as a shield, he grabbed Abraxas’s arm, and placed his wand on the Dark Mark in the center of the skull tattoo. All those present bearing the Dark Mark, winced in pain as Lord Voldemort’s servants were summoned. Hermione’s stomach flinched when she caught sight of the Dark Mark; the Death Eaters had truly been born.

Tom turned towards his room, clutching Hermione’s hand in his. They needed to converse about her plans before she brought it up in front of the rest of the Death Eaters.

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“I thought that you would want to know,” Tom held Hermione in his arms, “there was one other change that occurred while you were in your coma.”

Hermione mockingly said, “You mean like your little name change…Lord Voldemort.” Tom wasn’t sure what to think of this “new” Hermione and how she was now constantly confronting him about everything. She seemed to delight in raising his ire.

Not giving in to her taunts he ignored her statement, “The Knights have been given a new name.” Tom searched Hermione’s face to gauge her reaction. She stood there, not showing her true feelings and emotions, though inside she was steaming at the fact there were now “Death Eaters” at Hogwarts.

“They will now be called, my… Death Eaters.” Tom still gave her a look that bore deep into her soul. “I will have to tell you later why I chose that name.” Hermione trying not to be so derisive nodded silently.

“Now, before we meet with my Death Eaters, I want to know why I am calling this meeting. “ Tom never liked surprises of any kind…unless it was his own idea.

“I wish to complete my third task of my initiation” Hermione explained calmly, “But I want to change the requirements…a tad.”

Tom taken aback by her declaration motioned, “Go ahead and explain yourself.”

“I want to fulfill my obligation by torturing and taking the life of Justin Widden.” The look that came over Hermione’s face even stunned Tom for a moment. The look of vengeance and pure hatred was painted across her features. He knew that she would attempt some form of revenge, once she found out who the two surviving Gryffindors were; but he was actually delighted at the length she would go to in order to obtain her revenge.

“What do you want to do with Potter?” Tom knew his actions were less involved than the others, but Potter still knew about the planned attack and had done nothing to warn Hermione.

Hermione just smiled, “I want to scare him a little, but that is all.” Tom wasn’t happy with her answer. If it had been his decision, he would have killed all of the Gryffindors. Anyone that had been involved with Hermione’s attack or abuse didn’t deserve to live. Tom vowed that day, to himself, that from this day forward, any man with the last name “Potter” would be his enemy…pureblood or not.

“I agree to your plan,” Tom marveled at the determination in this beautiful woman, “but the Death Eaters will need to be of the same opinion in order to carry this out.”

“Fair enough,” she said heading for the door, “as long as we see eye to eye.” Hermione gleefully waltzed out of the door as if she were headed to a party.


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As Tom and Hermione entered the Room of Requirement, all of the Death Eaters bowed in submission, “Lord Voldemort, heir to Slytherin, keeper of the darkness, we are at your service.” Every time Hermione heard the chorus of voices, as they chimed in submission to Tom, she felt queasy remembering one more time who she was with.

Tom motioned for his followers to rise, “We gather tonight, my loyal Death Eaters, at the request of one of our own.”

Tom pulled her towards him, “Hermione MacMillan has requested a change in the requirements of her initiation.” She stood there nervously, looking around at all of the faces staring straight at her. She had never felt comfortable being the center of attention.

“Hermione will now present her revised plan,” Lord Voldemort stepped aside leaving Hermione standing at the front of the room by herself.

Apprehensively, Hermione looked around the room full of Death Eaters. She needed to be strong, firm and convincing.
“You all know what happened to me on Halloween night,” she bravely started her proclamation, “It is on one of my attackers that I wish to carry out the third initiation task.” Tom stood there proudly listening to Hermione present her plan. He knew that this was not an easy task, to talk so openly to others, about the things that had happened to her.

“Justin Widden, a Gryffindor, took part in the abuse that occurred in the cave.” She noticed that several of the men looked at her with great understanding in their eyes and sympathy on their faces. She realized these men had been with Tom, in the cave and witnessed the atrocities that had taken place. She could feel her face heat up, realizing they had seen her naked.

Keeping up her brave demeanour, she continued, “It is my wish to torture him and them eliminate him. “ You could hear the intake of breath from people in the room. Tom silently stood at the front gauging the reaction of his Death Eaters.

“Where will this take place?” questioned one Death Eater.

“How are you going to do this undetected? You must do this with as much anonymity as possible,” warned another.

“What method of torture and elimination will you be using?” still one more Death Eater inquired.

Hermione tried not to act so surprised at the questions that were being asked of her. She knew that there would be a few questions, she just wasn’t expecting to this degree.

Tom started to move forward, to intercept the barrage of questions being hurled at Hermione. Turning to look him square in the face, Hermione nodded her head no, and he stepped back to let her handle the situation on her own.

“The exact information of time, place and methods that will be used, “she answered glaring at her interrogators, “will only be given to Lord Voldemort and his inner circle,” Hermione ended forcefully.

“You should all be reassured that this will take place quietly and efficiently “Tom hid his reaction to Hermione’s superb answer.

“I am calling for a unanimous vote,” she looked pleadingly out at her audience, “I would like to have these actions take place as soon as possible.”

Lord Voldemort stepped up then, “Hermione has asked for a vote from this assemblage, what say you?”
Hermione held her breath while she heard the chorus of, “Yea’s”.

“Are there any opposing votes?” The Dark Lord stared at each face in the room, which luckily, was remaining silent. He hadn’t looked forward, to dealing with anyone who would have been foolish enough to deny Hermione’s request.

“Hermione, it appears that you have the vote to go ahead with your appeal.” She stood there letting out her breath. Now the hard part would begin, she really had not thought farther than asking for permission. How was she going to carry out her plan? Was she really ready to torture and kill this young Gryffindor? The die had been cast, she had no choice now, and she would have to follow through with the set agenda.

As the many Death Eaters filed out of the secret, dungeon room, Tom leaned down to Hermione, “Very impressive argument, milady,” and he winked at her. Taking his hand in hers she curtsied to him, “Thank you, milord.” Yes, the easy part had just taken place. The difficulties of carrying out her plan were still there staring her straight in the face.


Chapter End Notes:
Coming in Chapter 20: Christmas time at Hogwarts