Time Changes All Things: Now Complete

This was a hard chapter for me to write, but I wanted to get it right. Thank you to those who are reading and reviewing and giving this story a chance.

To my beta Curse Weaver continued thanks for your help and feedback. Also thank you somebodyinthedark for your translation help and feedback; I couldn't do this if not for your talents. Enjoy the duel!


Chapter 6: I Can Duel Better Than You Can

In the cozy room that most of the inhabitants of Hogwarts knew nothing about, sat the inner circle of The Knights of Walpurgis. At the head of the table sat their leader, Tom Riddle, aka The Dark Lord.

“So Tom, it is going to happen isn’t it?” asked Abraxas.

“Well of course it is going to happen you wanker,” said Alphard.

“But please tell me that you are not going to have her follow through with the same initiation process as the others?” questioned Radbourne Lestrange crossly.

Abraxas looked over at Radbourne, “But in order to be a true Knight, she must follow the same process as all of us, otherwise the ritual cannot take place,” he said heatedly.

“Don’t you think it would be wise to listen to what the Dark Lord has to say, as this is his future mate we are discussing?” asked Casper Crouch.

All eyes turned to the head of the table where the Dark Lord sat with his stone cold demeanor and piercing eyes. “Well?” asked Abraxas.

The silence in the room was thick as sludge as they waited for an answer.

“I was waiting for you lot to stop jabbering like a flock of geese,” Tom said in his deep, harsh voice. The inner circle looked at Tom with ashamed, downcast eyes.

“I know what will happen to Hermione during her initiation. She will be tested in ways that will challenge her the most.” Tom explained. “I have made the decision and no arguments will be raised. Do I make myself clear?” Tom asked raising as eyebrow.

With a chorus of “Yes, my Lord,” they all started to rise from their seats.

“Sit.” Tom commanded. “You will say nothing to Hermione or the other Knights about what was discussed here. Hermione’s initiation will take place two nights from now at midnight. Inform the others of the time and place.”

With that, Tom rose and left the Room of Requirement. The rest of the inner circle sat staring at each other.

Alphard said quietly, “I’m worried for Hermione,“ he said, his voice full of concern, ”Just because he cares about her doesn’t mean that he will go easy on her.“ The others nodded in silent agreement.




“She is such a show off,” said Hermione sourly turning her nose up at the Gryffindor know it all.

“Just ignore her Hermione, you are better than her and you know it,” Tom told her soothingly.

Hermione sat with her arms crossed in front of her as she scowled at Minerva McGonagall. Hermione could not believe the behavior of the young McGonagall. She truly was dislikable. There were many even in Gryffindor that didn’t like her, let along the normal dislike the Slytherins had for her. To make matters worse, the competition had increased between Hermione and Minerva in all of their classes together. One was always trying to out show, out smart and outclass the other. The rest of the school was just sitting back watching the show.

Behind the scenes Tom was delighted with the whole situation. He was thrilled that all of Hogwarts was witnessing the brilliance of his woman. Tom was hoping that after today, that there would be no doubt in anyone’s mind who was the brightest and most brilliant witch that anyone had seen at Hogwarts since Rowena Ravenclaw.

The DADA class seventh years had been holding dueling matches all week long. It was the semi-final day of the duels. So far Abraxas had finished his Hufflepuff opponent after using a quick Rictusempra and body bind spell. Tom took less than ten seconds to end his contest with a very scared Ravenclaw. Lucretia, having lost to Minerva, blamed it all on Alphard because he had jinxed her with a babbling spell just minutes before her match. Hermione, like Tom, was successful at hexing and disarming a Gryffindor in around fourteen seconds. Now all that was left were two anticipated matches until the final. One was between Tom and Abraxas and the other was between Hermione and Minerva. The ladies were going first and Hermione was trying to keep from showing how nervous she was. The normal biting of the lip was being stifled by Tom. Whenever she started to nibble her lips Tom would give her a look one would give a naughty two year old.

Professor Galatea Merrythought called out, “Now the duel between Hermione MacMillan and Minerva McGonagall will take place.”

Hermione started to slide out of her seat but was stopped by Tom. “I have two words for you, No Mercy. If an accident occurs, oh well, then that is what will be.” Hermione stood and nodded her head to Tom and gave him a tiny smile. “Go get her my little Moja Kochana.”

Hermione went up front to the left and Minerva from the right. Hermione was trying to temper all of her anger and anxiety towards Minerva into outsmarting the witch. Gone were any good feelings of an older Professor McGonagall who was kind to a young, scared first year Muggleborn. All that was left was the heady dislike for a fellow student who took the term, “Know-it-All.” to new levels.

Minerva, as she waited for the match to begin tried to calm her fears. Even with all of her outward pretense of calm, she was terrified and was trying not to show it. Hermione’s eyes bored into Minerva, then Hermione started undoing her school robes. Throwing her school robes to the crowd, Tom caught it one handed with a smirk. There stood Hermione in a tight pair of black yoga pants she had transfigured and a tight revealing white t-shirt. On the t-shirt it said, “I Eat Gryffindors for Breakfast” With the skin tight outfit clinging to Hermione’s every curve, there was nothing left to the imagination.

After several cat-calls, whistles and rounds of applause from the Slytherins, Minerva looked paler than the Ravenclaw ghost. Hermione’s eyes never left Minerva’s face. Hermione’s main game plan was for intimidation to take place and so far she was doing a good job and the match hadn’t even begun. Tom was the only person to recognize the look in Hermione’s eyes, mainly because he had seen that same look in the hallway just a few days ago.

“Ready ladies,“ asked Professor Merrythought, “take your positions and make this a fair duel.” Hermione just sneered at Minerva; while Minerva nervously licked her lips as she felt the sweat trickle down her back. At first neither witch moved a muscle. Both were waiting to see who would make the first move.

Hermione started to move her wand hand and instantly Minerva jumped, “Protego!”

Hermione just laughed, “I just had a twitch,” she said mockingly. Before Minerva could think or react, Hermione’s curse flew through the air, “Impedimenta”. Minerva could only move her arm slowly as Hermione sent a stunning spell, “Stupefy,” that knocked Minerva off of her feet. As Minerva fell backwards, Hermione shouted out, ”Incarcerous” and bound her opponent up like a pig for roasting. Minerva fell hard, knocking her head harshly on the wooden floor.

Hermione once again raised her wand arm to cast another curse and Professor Merrythought ran forward, “Enough, enough; it’s over Miss MacMillan.” Hermione looking somewhat crazed stood silently staring at a bound and bleeding Minerva.

Breathing raggedly she slowly raised her arm to continue her abuse of Minerva when she felt two sturdy arms wrap around her body holding her arms down to her sides. Feeling the warm breath against her ear she heard, “Well done, my love, my Moja Kochana.” Hermione leaned back into Tom’s rugged chest, almost melting into him.

As Tom led Hermione to her seat Minerva was taken to the hospital wing. As Hermione sat in her seat, she looked over at Tom, “I wanted to hurt her.” Tom listening to her kept the delight he felt out of his countenance. “But I didn’t just want to hurt her Tom, I wanted her dead.” As Hermione was deciphering her mixed feelings, Tom was gleeful at the change he was seeing in Hermione. Even before her initiation, she was becoming the woman that he wanted and needed by his side.

Professor Merrythought interrupted his thinking, “Now the match between Abraxas Malfoy and Tom Riddle will take place. Please take your positions gentlemen.” As the two Slytherins strutted forward they both had smirks on their faces.

Abraxas whispered, “Should we give them a show or shall we just let me win this quickly?”

Tom giving a deep laugh, whispered back, “A show is fine with me my friend, but the match belongs to me,” he said confidently. ”I will be the one to duel Hermione in the final duel.”

Abraxas, moving quickly, sent a hex towards Tom, ”Rictusempra,” and Tom immediately started laughing uncontrollably. Through his laughter he shot a spell off, “Everte Statum” and Abraxas went flying.

Abraxas stood and aimed his wand at Tom shouting out, ”Immobulous,” but Tom dodged the shot of red light and yelled out, “Protego.” The two friends, though they didn’t want any real harm to come to one another, neither did they want to lose.

Hermione sitting on the sidelines secretly pointed her wand at Tom, ”Finite Incantatum,” and Tom stopped laughing. Tom, knowing who had stopped the spell, quickly looked over at Hermione and winked at her. At the same time, Lucretia was doing the same thing to free up Abraxas.

Soon, both handsome wizards were up on their feet ready for more action. Tom wanting to end all of this foolishness shot his spell off towards Abraxas, “Engorgio,” as he pointed at Abraxas’ nose. In front of his eyes Abraxas saw his nose swelling up as big as his head. He could not see anything in front of him. Taking a chance he sent out a “Confundo,” charm which accidently hit Alphard. Tom had leapt aside to avoid Abraxas’ hex and pointing his wand at Abraxas shouted, “Petrificus Totalus,” and Abraxas keeled over smacking the floor as his body hit the ground.

The whole room was silent until Hermione was heard saying, “Well done love, well done.” She rushed forward pressing her tightly clothed body against Tom’s sweating frame. He leaned down tangling his hands in Hermione’s hair and kissed her soundly.

Professor Merrythought, stammering, wasn’t sure what to say, “Uh...I...Yes.., Tom is the winner,” he pronounced. “Oh, Finite Incantatum,” he said as he pointed his wand towards Abraxas and Lucretia went running to help him.

“That will be all today until Mondays final duel,“ said the Professor, wearily eyeing Tom and Hermione who were still snogging each other quite ferociously in the middle of the room.


Later that afternoon the Slytherin common room was quite a cheerful place. “I told you I would win,“ Tom shot out to Abraxas.

Rubbing his red and scraped nose Abraxas said, “But did you have to be so brutal?” Lucretia was there by his side rubbing his shoulders and running her fingers through his shiny shoulder length hair.

Tom, giving a polite laugh, suddenly stopped, and in a sharp voice questioned, “Please tell me that you are not serious?” asked Tom in a disgusted voice. “My right hand man really shouldn’t be such a pansy.” Tom said in a haughty voice. The two girls looked at each other and started to laugh.

“Of course I am joking Tom,” said Abraxas lazily, “you said we were going to give them a show, just not how we were going to do it.”

Tom rolling his eyes ran his hand up and down Hermione’s back as she leaned into his side.
“Lucretia and Hermione, I need you both ready by 11:00p.m. tonight to meet with the Knights.”

Hermione sitting up straight, and a chill running down her back, looked at Tom, “What is happening Tom?” Hermione asked in a pinched voice.

Tom furrowing his brow answered, “I thought I told you not to question me Hermione.“ he answered sitting on the edge of the couch.

Hermione standing up with her hands on her hips clipped back, “I told you not to keep things from me that concern me,” she said with her voice rising higher.

Tom with a raging look headed towards Hermione and said, “I thought you had learned your lesson about who is in charge!” she clamored back as he leaned in nose to nose challenging her.

Hermione trying to make full use of her 5’4” frame against his 6’2” frame said bitterly, “You are not in charge of me!” she shrieked.

As soon as Hermione and Tom had started confronting one another the common room had begun clearing out. Only the two lovebirds and the Knights were left to witness the drama.

Tom grabbing Hermione by her long curly hair, jerked her head back and holding it still, “When it comes to the Knights,“ he said slowly, “I am in charge and you will obey me.”

He let go of Hermione’s hair and she turned to Lucretia and quickly pulled her off of the couch. “We need to go get ready because he, who is in charge, said so,“ Hermione said saucily, and off Hermione flounced in righteous indignation.

Tom still fuming muttered, “She’s going to be the death of me some day,“ and he marched away to his own room.

Later that Evening
Every sound coming from the hallway made Hermione jump and stare at the door.

Lucretia looked at Hermione, “Do you have to keep doing that?”

Hermione shot her an annoyed look back, “I’m sorry okay. I’m just a little nervous tonight.” Hermione looked down and fidgeted with her hands picking at her nail polish.

“You had better not let Tom hear you say that Hermione,” said Lucretia in a warning voice.

Hermione taking a deep breath steadily rose and said, “I know and I will be ready for tonight.“

As Hermione waited for a response from Lucretia there was a knock at the door. “Oh please tell me it is not 11:00 already?” asked Hermione fretfully. Lucretia went to answer the door and in walked two seventh year Slytherin girls.

All three girls turned to Hermione. “Let me officially introduce you to Amanda and Clarice,” said Lucretia politely. Hermione smiled at both girls and they all stood smiling at each other for awhile.

“Ok, I am so happy to meet you both, but forgive my rudeness,“ she said gesturing to herself, “But why are you here?”

“She doesn’t beat around the bush does she,“ laughed Clarice.

“No that is for sure, not our Hermione,” giggled Lucretia.

“So?” asked Hermione impatiently and feeling very irritated, “What is happening? I am so tired of being left in the dark”

Lucretia turned to Hermione, “The first part of the initiation is taking place right now,” she explained.

Hermione looking a little skeptical questioned, “You mean part of the initiation is taking place without Tom here?”

All three girls laughed, “Well if you really want him here I’m sure that he could be persuaded,” Amanda spurted out.

“What’s so funny? Please tell me why what I said was so funny?” Hermione said shaking her head.

Lucretia took Hermione’s hand and sat her down on her bed. “Hermione the first part of the initiation is done segregated by sex, male and female,” Lucretia explained,”It is called the Physical Cleansing Ritual.” Hermione sat silently listening, eyes not straying from Lucretia’s.

“This will allow your body and mind to transition from the mundane; to sweep away the dust and dirt from the mundane world. We do this so it doesn’t interfere with your magical workings. “Lucretia stood there waiting for Hermione to say something.

“So, “asked Hermione, “I just need to take a bath?” she asked still very confused.

Clarice answered, “It is more than that. As female Knights it is required of us to administer the Physical Cleansing ritual.”

Sitting up straight and with a distressed voice Hermione gushed out, “You mean you three have to give me a bath?” Hermione, blushing, looked from one girl to the next wanting her questions answered quickly.

“It’s more than a bath,” said Amanda, “There are certain things that must be said as oils are placed on your body. “

Lucretia took Hermione’s hand leading her into the bathroom. As Amanda ran the bath water, Lucretia and Clarice started undressing Hermione. As each item was pulled off of her body, and more of her skin exposed to the girls, she tried to remember what this ritual was all about. As the cold air hit her breasts, her nipples hardened into sharp peaks and she felt shivers run through her whole body. None of the girls outwardly stared at Hermione, but helped her into the highly scented water and immediately started the ritual.

Looking back at the ritual it was not as embarrassing as she had thought it would be. As each limb was rubbed with oil, a purpose was given in how it was to be used to serve the Knights and The Dark Lord. As each part of the ritual occurred, Hermione was feeling changes in her body and soul. As the oils were applied Lucretia explained the purpose of each oil. The Benzoin oil was to increase personal power and more clearly awaken the conscious mind. The Black Opium oil was to open hidden worlds and the Blue Spruce oil was for protection against enemies. Hermione was especially grateful for the Cardamom oil which was given to increase courage to face any situation. The Ginger Oil was applied last and Caprice said it was for success in rituals and magic.

Once Hermione was dressed in deep, green, velvet robes and with her long hair piled high in a bun, she was ready to face anyone and anything. Hermione did feel stronger physically, mentally and emotionally. She would prove to Tom and the Knights that she was worthy to be one of them and fight with them; and in the long run, if needs be, defeat them. Things really were going her way. She was being taught by one of the greatest manipulators the world had ever seen and she was learning at a rapid pace.

Amanda placed the hood of the cloak on Hermione’s head. As they walked down the same dark, damp hallway she had journeyed through before the trial, her spirits remained strong. Clarice was in front of her, Amanda in the back and Lucretia by her side. The scared little girl that had been reprimanded, by Tom, in this same shady enclosure, was gone now. Walking down the hallway was a woman ready to battle, ready to stand tall and accept her fate on this night of her initiation.

As they got to the door, Clarice opened it and all of the Knights were lining the room, in their dark Knights robes, silent as statues. In the middle of the room was a black and gray stone altar, draped with a silver and green altar cloth. On the cloth was a picture of the Knights crest with the intertwined snakes. Behind the altar stood Tom, now in the persona of The Dark Lord. With no hood on his head, his eyes met Hermione’s. With no smile playing on his mouth, it was his eyes that gave away his pleasure at Hermione’s appearance.

“Hermione MacMillan, come,” The Dark Lord said in his resonant voice, “Kneel before the Dark Lord to start the initiation ritual to become one of my Knights.”

Hermione walked forward, dropped to her knees and looked straight into The Dark Lord’s eyes, “I am ready my Lord,” and with a small smirk back at Tom, she let him know she was not only ready for this, but would prove that she would not disappoint him.

Instantly startling her, cuffs and chains appeared around her wrists shackling her to the altar. Now her arms were tied down to her sides and she had no way to move. Showing no fear she continued to look up at The Dark Lord.

“Yes, “said The Dark Lord, “Let’s begin.” as his possessed laughter filled the room.


A/N:Hermione's t-shirt... http://images24.fotosik.pl/178/64493c874e44cf9f.jpg

**Moja Kochana=my love

The information from the cleansing ritual came from two websites, bewitching ways.com and spellspot.com.

Coming next in chapter 7: The Initiation and chocolate fun for Hermione and Tom!