Time Changes All Things: Now Complete

Author's Chapter Notes:
This chapter is a break from the "heavy" things that have been happening in the story. I hope that you like it! Thanks always to a fantastic beta as Nicole and loyal readers!!
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Time Changes All Things Chapter 21: Christmas at Malfoy Manor

Walking up to Malfoy Manor seemed more like a hike than a walk. From the country lane, the group of young people headed up a long driveway, which led to a very heavily warded wrought iron gate. Even with Abraxas present, they were unable to Apparate into the Manor; hence they were forced to walk to their destination.

Hermione didn’t mind as it gave her time to clear her head from earlier events that had taken place that day. Once Tom had declared that the revenge had against Justin and Charlus was completed, it would not be spoken of again. Since that time, she had tried desperately not to think about her actions. Trying to justify murder is never an easy thing, even if all of them felt it had been substantiated. Her goal for the next two weeks of holiday break was to relax and enjoy this time with her friends. Hermione was here, with the other Slytherins, because Tom refused to come unless Hermione was included on the guest list. Of course, Abraxas agreed, and she was instantly invited to spend Christmas and New Year’s at Malfoy Manor.

Abraxas touched the magical gate and the gate swung open, sensing the presence of Malfoy blood. As they continued walking, they were surrounded by the high, neatly trimmed yew hedge that encircled Malfoy property. Hermione admired the grounds where a large water fountain with a statue of a Malfoy ancestor stood proudly. Missing from the grounds at this time of the year, were the elegant albino peacocks that the Malfoy family had been breeding for hundreds of years. Usually they roamed the grounds in good weather; they were kept in a large conservatory during the harsh winter weather.
It would be Christmas Eve tomorrow, so they all had come to stay at the Manor. After Christmas, most of their friends would go to their own homes, until they would all meet up again at Radbourne’s family estate to celebrate New Year’s Eve.

As they came to the end of the driveway, they saw the entrance to the manor. There stood the double doors with huge oblong glass windows and a dragon shaped door knocker on one side of the door.

Suddenly the front doors were flung open and out came a house elf wrapping his arms around Abraxas, “Oh Master Abraxas, “ the excited elf yelled out, “I’s have been missing you”.

Abraxas reached down to pat the shoulder of the family elf. “Yes, Dobby, I have missed you also.”

Hermione was taken aback, as she realized she was looking at the Dobby she had grown to love many years ago. Tears came to her eyes as she thought back to how much she had missed him after he had been killed, once they had escaped Malfoy Manor. Harry had been devastated at the loss of his faithful little friend. What a pleasure it would be to be around Dobby during the Holidays.

“Please come in Master’s friends,” Dobby motioned for all of them to enter the manor. “The Lord of the Manor awaits you in the drawing room.”

The group of teens entered a large and luxuriously decorated dimly lit hallway. The stone floor and walls were bedecked with costly carpets while family portraits lined the walls. They were led to the nearest door that flowed into the drawing room, which held plush furniture and a superb marble mantelpiece surrounded by a gilded mirror.

Standing regally by the fireplace, holding a wineglass in his hand stood Lord Malfoy. Hermione almost gasped when she realized how much Abraxas’ father resembled his grandson Lucius. It was already surreal being here at the Manor as a guest; but to have someone standing there, greeting them, that reminded her so much of Lucius Malfoy, made her heart stop.

“Father,” Abraxas rushed over the threshold to shake his father’s hand. “It is so good to be home once again.”

Lord Malfoy nodded his head to his son and his guests, “It is indeed a pleasure to have you all here to celebrate the holidays with us. “His voice even sounded like Lucius’, but more deep and rich, “I hope that you will all feel welcome here at the manor.”

He then greeted each young person by name, “Tom Riddle, it is indeed a great pleasure to have you back here for a visit.” Lord Malfoy lit up as Tom shook his hand. “I understand that you are becoming even more powerful and great in your important work to better the wizarding world.”

“Yes, sir,” Tom said graciously, “Your brilliant son is my most important advisor. I trust him implicitly and recognize his noble upbringing and background.” The charm oozing from Tom’s mouth made Hermione shift nervously next to him.

“You honor me greatly with your words, Tom,” Lord Malfoy gave a slight bow and lifted his drink towards Tom, “and who is this beautiful young witch next to you?”

Tom grinned and put his arm around Hermione’s waist, drawing her towards Abraxas’ father, “This, Lord Malfoy, “Tom said proudly, “Is my girlfriend, Hermione MacMillan, a very strong and intelligent woman that I am pleased to have by my side.”

“She seems to be a very perfect match for you, Tom”, Lord Malfoy observed, “Every man of importance should have a woman by his side to match his own strengths.”

Tom smiled, “She does indeed play out as my equal, sir,” and he put his arm around Hermione’s shoulders and gave her a squeeze. The look of pure enchantment he directed towards her, took her breath away. Lucretia and Clarice just smiled and sighed in the background. They both longed for that kind of devotion from the men they were falling in love with; but were as yet waiting for this open declaration of devotion and respect.

Hermione stepped forward and curtsied with a bowed head, “Lord Malfoy, it is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance,” she looked up coyly with a small smile, “I am grateful for your kindness in allowing me to spend the holidays here in your magnificent home.” Tom’s chest puffed out with pride as he heard Hermione’s gracious speech.

“I’m charmed, young lady. It is my pleasure to have such a lovely witch like you associating with my son and his friends.” He took Hermione’s hand and brought it up to his lips and pressed a tender kiss, while never cutting off eye contact with her. “You are a lucky man indeed, Tom.”

Lord Malfoy then went on to greet his other guests, paying special attention to the other young ladies.

“Father, where is Mother?” Abraxas all of a sudden looked around, “Is she ill?” he asked with worry in his voice.

“She has come down with one of her headaches and sends her regards to you all. “Lord Malfoy recited his little speech about his wife as if he had performed the same dialogue many times in the past.

Abraxas tried not to scrunch his nose up in disgust at the games his mother played. All of his close friends knew what a primadonna his mother was and felt pity for Abraxas .It amazed all of them that he had turned out as kind and outgoing as he had. Of course, they credited his father for all of Abraxas’ outstanding qualities. This was one of the main reasons they all came every year to spend Christmas at Malfoy Manor; to support Abraxas and not leave him alone with his family.

Dobby came in at that moment to announce that dinner would be served in the first dining room to the left. A somber group left the drawing room, silently, as there was nothing left to say about Abraxas’ sad situation.

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Hermione sat on the settee facing the roaring fire. She was enjoying the solitude that having her own room, provided. She sat sipping the hot chocolate, which Dobby had brought immediately to her and she thought about her life. It was eerie being back at Malfoy Manor. She had not been back to the Manor since she, Harry and Ron had been taken there by the Snatchers. Even though this was a different time and place and also under different circumstances, she couldn’t shake the uneasiness of being there.

A knock on her door startled her out of deep thought, “Come in,” Hermione gave a soft invitation. Tom strolled into Hermione’s bedroom, wearing only his green silk pajama bottoms.

“Aren’t you cold, only wearing the bottoms?” She smiled at the mischievous look on her lover’s face.

“I think I would be less cold with the bottoms off and snuggled up against you in that big comfy bed.” He leaned down to kiss Hermione and managed a loud, “Ummm…you taste very delicious right now. “ He sat down next to her, “I seem to recall enjoying tasting a chocolate Hermione before.”

Hermione also smiled as she remembered their chocolate fun; smearing the sauce on each other’s bodies and licking each other clean. Now she was warmer than ever and the fire had nothing to do with it. Leaning back into Tom, he put his arms around her and nuzzled at her neck.

“This is quite an impressive structure isn’t it?” Tom stretched out fully, holding Hermione on top of him.

“Yes, it is quite a remarkable …home.” Hermione said stumbling on her words, not wanting to say how she really felt about the Manor and its residents and future dwellers.

“Someday I am going to have a home built, larger than this, “Tom said, then leaning over her shoulder his whispered, “for you and our child.” Her stomach gave a mighty leap when she realized what he was implying with this statement. It sounded all so normal for them to be planning a future together with a home and a child. It would all feel good if she could try to forget it was Tom Riddle, the great Lord Voldemort holding her in his arms.

Would things be different now that she was in his life? Could future events be altered so as not to ruin the lives of her friends who hadn’t even been born yet? Hermione knew that she didn’t want to go back to where she came from. Nothing was left for her there, and she knew, deep inside, that her future was here, with Tom…good or bad.

Now lying side by side, on the tiny settee, they were tangled up with each other. As they lay there, looking into each other’s eyes, Hermione felt at peace; maybe it was because of the season.

Tom, with a slight grin on his face, played with tendrils of hair that encircled Hermione’s face.
“Do you realize how much you have changed my life?” Tom asked her gently. Leaning in, he kissed her lips, delighting in the feel of Hermione pressed so tightly against him. “You give me so much hope that I will be able to accomplish anything I set out to do.” Noticing Hermione drifting to sleep, Tom lifted her up carefully and walked over to the huge, king sized canopy bed. He laid her down, under the covers and crawled in next to her and promptly fell asleep.
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Charlus Potter sat in his home staring at nothing, letting the silence drive him crazy. What had happened there on the mountain? He had been found by his friends, naked, bruised and alone. They had searched desperately, but Justin Widden could not be found. To make matters worse, he could not remember anything at all. The last thing that he remembered was walking with Justin and the other Gryffindors to Hogsmeade. They were all excited to get on the Hogwarts Express for holiday break.
What had happened to him? Of more concern to all, was what had happened to Justin?

Headmaster Dippet and Professor Dumbledore had questioned him thoroughly the entire time on the Hogwarts Express. He had nothing to tell them and felt completely helpless. This was the second time something major had happened to Gryffindors and he was spared again. He felt sick inside, because once again, he was not able to help locate his missing classmates.

“Son,” Charlus’ Mother came into the room, “you need to come in and eat some breakfast.” She put a comforting arm around him.

“I’m not hungry, Mum,” Charlus replied listlessly not making eye contact with her, “I couldn’t eat anything, even if I wanted to.”

Mrs. Potter was not sure how to help her son, except to try to get him to eat something. He had not eaten a thing since yesterday morning. She knew that somehow her son felt responsible, once again, because he was a survivor. The only question was what was he a survivor from?
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Lucretia ran into Hermione’s bedroom, “Wake up Hermione, it’s Christmas Eve day,” and she pulled back the covers and screamed.

Tom’s head poked out, “Why are you screaming, woman! “He hollered back at her.

“I didn’t expect you to be in Hermione‘s bed, “Lucretia tried to explain herself, feeling quite embarrassed in the process.

“Well, who did you expect to be in bed with her?” Tom asked sarcastically. Hermione’s head came out from under the covers, grinning widely at Lucretia’s discomfort.

Lucretia tried to cover her eyes, “Please tell me that you both have clothes on.”

“Why don’t you take your pretty, little self out of Hermione’s room,” said Tom, “Maybe we wanted to have a nice leisurely shag before breakfast.” The look on Lucretia’s face was a mix between horrified and humiliation. Jumping off of the bed like it was on fire, Lucretia ran out the door without looking back.

“You didn’t have to be so mean,” Hermione chastised Tom for his behavior towards Lucretia.

“Well, she could have knocked before barging in,” Tom tried to justify his actions, and “Anyhow, I meant what I said. “ Tom lunged for Hermione to trap her underneath him. Hermione was faster and leaped out of bed.

“Where are you going?” Tom asked with a hurt look on his face, “I need you,” he said pleadingly.

“You may need me, but I think you need a shower more,” and she winked at him and Tom came running in to take Hermione’s advice, to shower.
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Albus Dumbledore sat wearily in his office at Hogwarts, looking over all of the notes taken by the Aurors. How had this happened again? To have students attacked and now one student missing; this needed to stop. He knew who was behind the attacks. He would give his last breath to prove who he thought was responsible.

Last evening, he had spent four hours arguing and pleading with Headmaster Dippet to at least question Tom Riddle and his fellow Slytherins concerning their whereabouts the hour before the Hogwarts Express left Hogsmeade. Armando refused to do anything of the sort. He insisted that he had seen Tom Riddle leave with the first group of students for Hogsmeade and then he had seen him again, prominently on the Hogwarts Express. There had been plenty of students, who had observed Tom arriving at Hogsmeade, carrying Hermione, who had tripped and sprained her ankle on the way.

Dumbledore was still not convinced that Tom’s activities, in that hour of question, were still accounted for. Tom was a slippery one and had a way of convincing others in believing what he wanted them to.

There had been absolutely no evidence left that Justin Widden had even existed. When they found Charlus Potter wandering around starkers, and very weak, he was alone and wandless. Dumbledore knew that he had been Obliviated. Someone with enough power and skill, had Obliviated Charlus; and to the casual wizard, they would not be able to detect any modification had been done.

Albus stood up to head to the Great Hall for dinner. There were only a handful of students, along with a few teachers and Headmaster Dippet which were left at Hogwarts for Holiday break. In the next two weeks, he was going to do some investigating of his own; which would mean breaking into the rooms of some certain Slytherins. This was his first step, in proving to Armando, that Tom Riddle wasn’t who he was portraying to the rest of the world. Tom was evil and becoming a dark wizard. If he could stop him now, he felt he would save the wizarding world much heartache later on down the road. He sadly knew this scenario from firsthand experience. With a glum look, Albus Dumbledore left his office, thinking back to his old friend Grindelwald, and how things could have been handled differently between them.
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Leaving the dining room, they all congregated in the second drawing room. They had just eaten a delicious Christmas Eve dinner. Now it was time for all of the traditional Christmas Eve activities to take place.

Hermione was feeling very melancholy, thinking back to last Christmas. She had spent Christmas at the Burrow with Ron, Harry and the Weasleys. It had been a quiet Christmas as they had been out searching for the Horcruxes, and not with a lot of luck. They had come back, for a few days, to rest and recover from their travels. There hadn’t been many gifts exchanged, but it had been a happy time spent with her friends.

Now, sitting here with her new friends, she couldn’t help but think how much her life had changed. Her feelings swung back and forth from sheer happiness, to guilt, at her new associations. Blinking the tears away, she resolved then and there to start living for the moment. Always in her life she had carefully planned out, to the most minute details, how when and why things would happen. It was time to enjoy the moment and who she was with now.

Lord Malfoy walked into the room holding a log, “It is now time to light the Yule Log.” He held it high in his hands. “The magical Yule Log, as with tradition, will bring good luck to all that touch it.” He walked around the drawing room letting all present touch the log. Lord Malfoy then brought the Yule Log over to the fireplace and placed it in the fireplace, “I bless this log that it will last forever.”

Reaching over to a tray, he took a bottle of wine and poured it over the log, “We offer the wine to the Yule Log to make it feel welcome here in our home.”

Abraxas lit up a torch, “This torch was made from the wood of last year’s Yule Log,” he reached down and with the torch, lit the Yule Log. The fire sprang to life lighting the room with the strong smell of wine and maple. “This log will stay lit through the twelve nights of Christmas. If it stays lit, this will bring our family good luck.” Hermione smiled at this tradition, as it was one they had done in her own home growing up.

One of the female house elves brought in a large, silver bowl of Wassail. Lord Malfoy, along with his wife, Lady Malfoy, both stood by the bowl of Wassail. “This is our Loving Cup to share with you.”

The silver bowl was passed around and when each person held the bowl they would shout out, “Wassail!”

Two house elves then poured and handed everyone a glass of Wassail. Raising his cup high, Lord Malfoy said in Old English, “Waes Hael” meaning: be well. The assembled group raised their cups back and replied, “Drinc hael,” meaning: drink and be healthy. Then they all drank the ale-based drink seasoned with spices and honey.

Along with the Wassail, the house elves served minced fruit pies. The pies were about 2-3 inches in diameter and filled with raisins, sultanas, apricots, glace cherries, candied citrus peel, apples nuts and nutmeg and cinnamon. Hermione smiled as she ate her mince pie. She remembered, how as a child, she used to leave mince pies and a small glass of brandy for Father Christmas. As with tradition, no one spoke while they ate their mince pies; but a silent wish was to be made while eating the first mince pie of the festive season.

After the culmination of the old traditions, Lord and Lady Malfoy excused themselves. The teens were left to themselves for the rest of the evening.

Alphard ran to the Christmas tree, “Let’s open up some presents,” he said excitedly like a child.

“Remember,” warned Hermione, “Tradition states that only one gift per person is to be opened on Christmas Eve.” Quickly she put her hand over her mouth thinking that Ron would have said something about her being a walking dictionary. No one said anything, then they all burst out laughing when Alphard stared at Hermione like he had been caught with his hands in the cookie jar. A wave of sadness washed over her heart as she realized she would never again hear Ron tease her about her “know-it-all” tendencies.

Tom with a wicked grin, headed for the tree, “There are some of us that have something we would like to give our women before bedtime.” He reached under the tree and picked up a long, rectangle box wrapped with dark green paper. Hermione noticed that Abraxas and Radbourne also carried long, green boxes to their ladies.

Hermione, Lucretia and Clarice all looked at one another, “Should we open them up together?”

Hermione looked at the other two girls and they all said, “Yes!” Wrapping paper and ribbons went flying everywhere. Then the loud gasps and shrieks could be heard throughout the room.

Hermione’s jaw dropped and with huge eyes turned towards Tom, “I can’t believe you gave this to me!” Hermione looked over at Lucretia, who was turning as red as a beet and Clarice was following suit.
The girls had all been given an elegant, but seductive, long forest green silk nightgown. The gowns had a satin front bodice, lace sides, sheer skirt and matching knickers.

No one said a word, except Alphard, “Are you going to model them for us?”

Casper hit him on the arm, “Come on, you big lummox, it’s time we left for our rooms.” Lifting Alphard up and steering him towards the door, Casper said, “It’s none of our business anyhow.”

“But it was just getting good, “Alphard could be heard protesting as he was led up the great manor stairs.
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Walking out of the dressing room, Hermione turned in a circle to show off the new nightgown. Tom gave a low whistle and grinned widely at what he saw in front of him. Reaching for Hermione, he took her in his arms and started to slide the straps of the nightgown off of her shoulders.

“Tom, stop, I just got the gown on,” she said with indignation.

“Now I am taking it off. Why do you think I gave it to you in the first place?” Tom asked seriously.

Hermione just looked at him like she couldn’t believe what she was hearing.
“I want to keep it on for a few more minutes.” She said crossing her arms and glaring at Tom.

“I think we need to duel to see who wins this argument,” Tom stated with a straight face.

Hermione, feeling put out, rested her hands on her hips, “I am not dueling to see if I keep this night gown on!” and gave Tom a pout.

“I say we are, “Tom countered and he drew his wand. Hermione seeing that Tom was serious ran to the table and retrieved her wand. They took dueling stances and stared at one another.

“I think that we should go get someone to moderate this duel,” Hermione suggested.

“I wouldn’t advise doing that, love, “Tom said, his eyes never leaving Hermione, “When I get done with you… you will not be wearing anything.”

Hermione quickly shot off a stinging hex towards Tom, “Ouch!” and he rubbed his backside while Hermione laughed. They circled around the room, not taking their eyes off of one another. Hermione wanted to teach Tom a lesson without hurting him. Tom wanted the nightgown off, but he needed to be careful if he wanted in her bed later.

Tom pointed his wand at the ground near Hermione’s feet, “Glacialis Terra” and the floor turned into pure ice. Hermione, with great surprise went sliding as she tried to run away. Grabbing onto the bedpost she slammed hard into the side of the bed. Tom, forgetting his own spell, went running towards the bed and fell on his buttocks gliding along the floor and hitting his head on the footboard.

Hermione heard the crack when Tom’s head hit and leaned down in concern.
“Tom, are you hurt?” she asked anxiously.

Tom looked up with a grimace on his face, “Diffindo” he whispered pointing his wand at the left strap on her nightgown. Hermione gasped with shock as part of her nightgown flopped down exposing her left breast.

“You are a nasty cheater!” she screamed at him. “Aguamenti,” and she doused Tom with water. “Maybe that will cool you off!” Hermione started crawling across the bed when Tom jumped up and pulled her down.

“You are not getting away from me,” Tom held Hermione tightly around her thighs.

Hermione squirmed, as her top half was flopping off of the bed, “Let me go!” and she tried to slide off the bed. Giving one last tug, Tom pulled and they both went flying backwards into the headboard. A loud crack again was heard as the bed groaned from the abuse. Now with his arms tightly around her waist Hermione could not move.

Suddenly the door was blasted open, “What in Merlin’s name are you doing?” Abraxas and Lucretia stood their open mouthed staring at them. “It sounded like you were being attacked in the room,” Abraxas stood there shaking his wand at them.

Lucretia started laughing when she realized what was going on, Hermione’s gown was half off exposing her chest and Tom’s night pants were around his thighs. In their struggle, they had not realized they had been disrobing each other. Abraxas was not sure what to do, when Radbourne and Clarice came running into the room.

“Now why can’t we do it like that?” Radbourne asked Clarice as she hit his arm in embarrassment

Hermione gasped as she looked down seeing her front exposed and jumped on top of Tom’s lap. Of course Tom, proud of his physique, just sat there smirking at the whole incident.

Quickly he slipped his hands over Hermione’s exposed breasts. “Ok, peep show is over. Now leave me and my lady alone.”

Knowing a command when they heard one, the other two couples hurried out snickering, with Abraxas repairing the door on his way.

“I’m surprised they even ask you back here,” Hermione twirled around in Tom’s lap, “You are not a very good house guest.”

Pulling her into him tightly, Tom leaned down to have a taste of her bare breast, “They love me and you know it. You may not get another invite again either.” Hermione’s hands followed a path down to his uncovered cock.

“Why don’t you just close your mouth and help me get this nightgown off?” she asked with her most breathy voice she could muster.

“It would be my pleasure,” Tom mumbled back as he lifted her gown over her head.

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Coming in Chapter 22: Happy Christmas