Time Changes All Things: Now Complete

Disclaimer: I do not own or claim to own JKR's characters. I am using them for awhile in my own little world.


Chapter 8: Mulling it Over
Stretching languidly and sighing contentedly, Hermione rolled over to realize she wasn’t in her own bed. Looking around and remembering last night made Hermione smile and shake her head at the same time. It was hard to believe that it really had all happened last night: being Crucio’ed eight times, the bonding taking place with Tom within the Eternal Flames and making love with Tom for the first time. Yes, she was still sticky all over, evidence that the chocolate sex play had occurred. Giggling, she realized that she would never look at or eat chocolate the same after last night’s activities. Licking chocolate off of your lover’s body did leave a lasting impression in your mind.

Speaking of her lover, Hermione looked around and noticed that he was nowhere to be found in the Room of Requirement. Where was Tom and why wasn’t he still in bed? Hermione was hoping that just the two of them could spend more time together. With Tom being both Head Boy and the Dark Lord, his attention was always needed by someone whether for good or evil. Hermione wondered when she had gotten so possessive of Tom. Looking down at the Eternal Flame tattoo on her right palm, she knew it had happened even before last night’s ritual ceremony.

Deep in thought, staring at her tattoo, Hermione didn’t hear Tom come back into the room. When he had entered the room he felt as if a vision of pure loveliness met his eyes. Hermione sitting up in bed, with a head full of tousled, curly hair, bed sheet around her waist with firm, perky breasts on display. Most importantly was the look of utter contentment as she sat looking down at her hand.

Slowly dropping down onto the bed, Hermione quickly looked up, “Where have you been so early this morning?” giving him one of her beautiful smiles.

“For one thing, it is not morning, it’s 2:00 p.m., and for the second thing I went to get you something,” said Tom mysteriously.

Hermione’s eyes lit up, “What did you bring me?” she asked bouncing up and down.

Tom distracted, didn’t answer because of the full-bosom display bouncing in front of him.

“Eyes up here,” Hermione laughed as she lifted Tom’s chin up with two fingers.

“You know you always seem to find a way to distract me, “said Tom. “Close your eyes for a moment, “he instructed. “Ok, open them.” In front of her Tom held a white rose. But this was no ordinary rose; it was tainted with droplets of blood. Hermione was speechless at the gift.

”Well, aren’t you going to scream and giggle insensibly like all of the other girls when their fellow presents them with a flower?”

Hermione looking a little gob smacked blurted out, “I think most girls don’t get flowers with blood dripping off of them, “she said with huge eyes. “I am sure that there is a story behind the flower; care to share?” she asked in her own sarcastic way.

“Ever the inquisitive bookworm, aren’t we?” he asked seriously. “I would expect nothing less of you ever, though, and I like it that way,” Tom said smiling. “This white rose symbolizes you, Hermione, before your initiation. It indicates your previous innocent life you have led.” Tom watched Hermione as she sat twirling the rose in her fingertips.

“What about the blood, Tom?” asked Hermione watching the droplets of blood sliding down the petals of the delicate rose.

“The blood on the rose indicates that the innocent part of your life ended last night after the happenings that occurred during the ritual,” Tom explained as he also stared at the blood stained rose.

“Ouch!” Hermione pulled back suddenly as the thorn on the rose pierced her skin. Before Hermione could stick her finger in her mouth, Tom grabbed her finger. Pinching the wound, more blood started seeping out. Hermione looked at Tom wondering what bizarre thing was running through his mind to warrant this action.

“Your blood has changed since last night, Hermione,” Tom’s piercing eyes bore into hers. Oh Gods, Hermione thought, looking down, had Tom figured out the truth about her being a mudblood? Quickly pushing that thought to the farthest corner of her mind she looked back at Tom. He lifted her hand up to his mouth and stuck her wounded finger into his mouth. Tom slowly sucked the blood off of her finger.

“Once our blood mingled, you became a Knight; someone ready to serve with much power and devotion to me,” Tom said in a cocky voice. “That is all that this flower symbolizes,” he finished by kissing the tattoo on Hermione’s palm. “They are rather exceptional, aren’t they; our gift from the Gods?”

Slowly Tom kissed her wrist, and then snail-like he dragged kisses up her arm to her shoulder, worshipping each inch of skin as he ventured upward. Finally, his lips found the full, soft lips of Hermione.

Tom’s mind was amazingly drifting a bit. He was thinking how his weakness, Hermione, was actually going to turn into his strength, according to the prophecy. She is what he needed right now. How and when this had happened exactly would truly be hard to pinpoint in his mind. He had never needed anything in his life. He had always been in control of every aspect dealing with his life happenings. Tom had never shown any weaknesses attached to him ever, until now in the form of this beautiful woman lying in his arms. He had taken many women in his bed for purely physical release. Tom had never loved any of them or anyone before. Bloody hell, he wouldn’t even say that he loved Hermione! He just knew that he needed Hermione for many reasons. She was the witch foretold of in the prophecy, she was powerful and smart, he knew that she would find the Diadem for him and most importantly, Hermione would give birth to his child. Tom did not think that he was capable of loving anyone, but he could show that he cared for her. He would do what he needed to do so as to keep Hermione happy and on his side; that was his last thought before he slipped off his clothes and slid back on Hermione.



Later that evening, found Tom entering the Slytherin common room searching for Hermione. “Cor, have any of you lot seen Hermione?”

Lucretia who was watching Abraxas and Radbourne in a heated match of Wizards Chess, looked over at Tom.
“Bugger, lost your woman again, have you?” she smiled sweetly at Tom.

He reached down and softly squeezed Lucretia’s neck, “I haven’t lost her love, she just slipped away after dinner.”

Abraxas looking up commented, “My best guess would be to look in the library. You know Hermione.”

Tom nodding his head in agreement said, “Hmm, you are correct. She did say earlier she needed to start her research. “

Radbourne concentrating on the game he was playing said casually, “So how was your evening with Hermione?”

Placing his hand on his chest, Tom said dramatically, “A gentleman never shares his secrets; especially about his time spent with his woman.”

Lucretia pouting said, “Can’t you tell just a little?” she said running her fingers up and down Tom’s arm.

“Ok,” Tom said with a grin, “We had a smashing good time from the beginning to the end.”

Abraxas snickering said, “Yes, I’m sure that you did have a smashing good time, but, Tom my boy, we want details,” he said smirking at him. “Oh bleeding hell, Lestrange! That is the second time today you have beat me in Wizards Chess with that same move,” Abraxas said angrily.

“Just because you always seem to be distracted doesn’t make me responsible for your loss,” said Radbourne dryly.

Tom stood up to leave, “Enjoy your evening, my friends. I am off to the library in search of my little book worm. “They all bid Tom farewell.

After he left Radbourne said, “What is really going on in the Dark Lord’s mind as of late?”

Shaking his head Abraxas said, “No one will ever know; not even our sweet Hermione will get that privilege.” Looking up he asked, “Are you ready for round three, Lestrange?”

With a nod and a grin from Radbourne, Lucretia groaned and exclaimed, “I am tired of your games, boys, “she started walking away, “Maybe I can find a man who would rather play with me,” and Lucretia huffed off.

Abraxas met Radbourne’s eyes, ‘She’ll be back in about 30 minutes. “

Grinning, Radbourne said, I know; now concentrate.”



Hermione sat at her table, in her corner of the library. She had claimed her spot as soon as the Time Turner had landed her in 1944. This was the area where her best studying happened; it had worked in the future and it was now working in 1944.

Spread before Hermione, on the table, was almost every book in the library that mentioned Rowena Ravenclaw. The stodgy librarian, Madam Pince, was not thrilled when Hermione made the request for 48 books; 25 from the Restricted Section. With Professor Dumbledore’s help, she was able to get a yearlong pass into the restricted section.

Now, she had been in the library for 2 ½ hours and only had minimal information. She was sure that Tom had probably already found this same information.
Staring straight ahead she looked at the table across the room. The boy sitting there had black, unruly hair, which was so familiar. He wore a set of glasses that framed a friendly face. The thing that had surprised her the most was the smile so similar to Harry’s smile. Of course, when she had met Charlus Potter, she knew that she was being introduced to Harry’s grandfather. She hadn’t really been able to get to know him because of the crowd she was associated with. A part of her wanted to talk to him, just so she would feel close to Harry again. Charlus looked over at Hermione and grinned at her, but the grin faded quickly and he looked down straight away at his book Hermione found that odd until she felt someone snuggling her from behind. Tom slipped his hands down Hermione’s chest and cupped her breasts.

Embarrassed Hermione said, “Tom, not in the library,” as this was a sacrilege to her.

Tom sat down next to Hermione, “Why not, love? I’m sure that there are many things, besides studying, that we could do in the library.”

With a horrified look on her face Hermione asked, “Besides studying? What else does one do in the library, silly?”

Tom scooted even closer to Hermione, “Let’s see, we could hold hands,” he said and took Hermione’s small hand in his large hand.

“Then we could do a little of this,” and Tom took Hermione’s head, pulled it close to him and kissed her soundly on the lips.

After a nice snog, he said, “Then come here, my love,” and he led her into the Restricted Section. Backing her up against the far wall, he lifted her legs up and fitted them around his waist. With her arms around his neck he said, “or maybe some of this,” and he thrust against her.

Struggling against him, Hermione whispered, “Not now, Tom, someone may see us.” Tom realizing that it was a hopeless cause set Hermione down.

Hermione took Tom’s hand, “Let’s go back to the table, I have something to show you. It is about my assignment.”

Tom, now expressing interest, cautiously asked, “What have you found, Hermione?”

Hermione, who did not want to disappoint Tom stated, “You probably already know what I have found. “

“Go on,” Tom encouraged her, “we can discuss what you have found.

Hermione licking her dry lips said, “It is a well known fact that Rowena Ravenclaw’s Diadem went missing. Because of the famous quote found on the Diadem, {Wit beyond measure is a man’s greatest treasure}, it is a probable conclusion that someone stole the Diadem to use its power to gain wisdom.”

Tom having already come to the same conclusion as Hermione, long ago, wanted her analysis. “So who would want the Diadem’s power so badly that they would resort to stealing it?” asked Tom probing for her answer.

“Well, besides you, “she grinned, “I conclude that it was someone close to Rowena who knew fully of the power that the Diadem held.” Tom nodded back as he heard Hermione surmise her findings.

“Tom, I just have one question, “she asked searching Tom’s face, “What is the real reason that you want the Diadem? You are already intelligent enough without it.” A look of uneasiness came across Tom’s face; he wasn’t ready yet to unveil to Hermione all about the Horcruxes he was creating. Hermione from her side already knew all about the Horcruxes and was testing Tom to see how much he really trusted her.

After a minute of silence Hermione stood and facing Tom she leaned down, “Tom, I know that this was the task given to me. I would have more motivation if you would only trust me with the real reason you want to acquire the Diadem.”

Standing up, Tom now looked down at Hermione, “It’s not a matter of trust, Hermione; it’s a matter of my life.” Without saying good-bye to Hermione, Tom turned and left the library. Hermione whispered softly to herself, “Your life is in my hands whether you know it not.”


As Hermione headed back to the Slytherin common room she was still reading one of her books from the library. With her nose settled firmly in the book, she suddenly ran into what seemed like a brick wall. Landing unceremoniously on her bottom, her books flying everywhere, she looked up to see what she had hit. There in front of Hermione stood a young version of Hagrid.

“Oh my, miss, I couldn’ see you fer that book in your face,” said a bewildered Hagrid. Hermione on her part was startled to see a young, beardless Hagrid standing in front of her. One part of her wanted to run away so Hagrid, in the future, wouldn’t see her as Tom Riddle’s girlfriend and the other part of her wanted to fling herself into his arms and beg him to keep her safe.

“Oh it was my fault. I am terribly sorry, Hagrid,” Hermione looked at him shyly.

Hagrid looking puzzled asked, “How do you know me name and some’un like me?”

Hermione thinking fast said,” Aren’t you the assistant to the gamekeeper?”

Hagrid accepting that answer said, “Never bin introduced to you, “

Stepping forward and offering her hand to Hagrid she said, “I am Hermione MacMillan, a distant relative of Professor Dumbledore.”

“I didn’a know Professor Dumbledore had many relatives around,” said a surprised Hagrid.

“Well it was nice to meet you, Hagrid,” said Hermione and then scurried away as fast as she could.

Turning the corner, she put her hand to her chest to catch her breath and feel her heart hammering quickly. A feeling of dread crept through her as she realized that Hagrid would be in her category of someone she cared about. By all means possible she would have to keep this fact hidden from Tom. What a bad day to encounter two people; first Charlus Potter and then Hagrid, which she cared about. She cared about Hagrid because he was an old friend and for Charlus, as he was the grandfather of her best friend. Hermione had gone from thinking besides Tom; there was absolutely no one she cared enough about in 1944 to sacrifice, to two people that would be considerations to complete her task.

In the silent hallway Hermione stood as the tears slid down her cheeks and fell on her school robes. With a racing mind and heart she tried to think of a way out of this part of the initiation. Who could she sacrifice in the name of the Knights? How could she choose between Hagrid who had always been there for her Harry and Ron, or Charlus who through his line Harry would come. Harry who would be born and then die saving the wizarding world from her….oh Gods, from her lover. Crumbling to the floor, Hermione had never felt this helpless. Always before she had an answer and knew how to deal with any situation. But now, there were no easy answers. Feebly standing, she gathered her things and continued on to the Slytherin dungeons.


Standing at the door to the Slytherin common room, Hermione hurriedly wiped away her tears. As she walked through the doors Tom, sitting on the couch, noticed Hermione’s red eyes and dour look on her face. Hermione noticed the concerned look on Tom’s face. She really didn’t want to be around him right now when she was feeling so emotionally vulnerable.

“Hermione, what happened to you?” he stood and came over to her. Engulfing her tightly in his arms, Hermione hugged him back.

“I’m fine, Tom; just have a niggling doubt about my finishing the third task,” Hermione mumbled into Tom’s chest.

Looking down at Hermione he leaned back to look in her eyes, “Listen to me, love; I have no doubt that you will succeed at every task,” he said. “Don’t doubt yourself, I won’t let you,” Tom said as he held Hermione’s chin in his hand.

Nodding with a half smile Hermione said, “I will do what I need to do, Tom, don’t worry.” However, Hermione’s thoughts were full of doubt and worry while her insides were twisted in knots.



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Here is a picture of Hermione's rose:
http://skocz.pl/Hermione
Thank you somebodyinthedark for finding the flower for me.