Chapter 11: Finale

Needless to say, it wasn't safe for me to be around Tom too much. It would make going back much easier when the time came if I avoided him for a while.

So, naturally, I was seeing much more of Tom than I ever have.

I can't seem to figure out what my issue is. My heart seems to be opposing my brain, the way it speeds up whenever I see Tom. My stomach is teaming up with my heart, too. Along with Leontes.

Traitor.

For the next month or so, he was everywhere I turned, asking me to come for a walk, or come down to the kitchens with him. And Tom would mysteriously meet us there. Of course, he'd leave as soon as he noticed I was there, frequently shooting Leontes death glares. After the third time, I caught on to what he was doing, and politely declined to accompany him anywhere.

Classes were only getting harder, and much more competitive. Tom and I were fighting to be top of the class, resulting in rather violent tactics. We'd curse each other quite often, to put the other behind while we tried to perfect a spell the quickest. He had me beat more than once, and it seemed I was falling behind ever so slightly.

But the days wore on, as did the weeks. Before I knew it, it was Valentine's Day. My worst nightmare. Luckily, Lockhart wasn't there to send those dreadfully tacky cherubs around, tailing people and singing them valentines. Ugh.

But notes were flying around, little pink paper airplanes that had hearts flashing on them. Some had a box of chocolates hanging from them, others had little gifts resting atop the planes. They were rather cute, I must admit. And I hoped beyond anything that I wouldn't receive one. But…

I did. I had received several, predictably. One from Leontes, which had a large, heart-shaped box of chocolates dangling from the fine claret parchment, and one from a Hufflepuff fifth year that I had helped a few months ago. It was pastel pink with yellow hearts, and had a pretty pink quill sitting in the crevice of the plane. Sadly, I never was too entranced by the color pink. The final one, although it was signed, "Yours Forever, Tom Riddle," was quite obviously from Leontes. It had taken several different planes to carry the massive container of chocolate that was sent with it. It was rather embarrassing, really, to receive such a thing in the middle of Transfiguration. Not nearly as embarrassing, however, as it must have been for Tom.

Not only was he credited for the valentine I received, but he had also received a few valentines of his own. Oh, I'm sorry. I meant a few dozen. Tom, although he was relatively bookish and surly, was very much admired by the ladies at Hogwarts. Not that I can blame them, of course, but I'm trying to steer away from that right now. He wasn't lying when he said he could always charm the people he needed to. It seems like he can charm the people he doesn't need to as well.

I sent him one, too. Nothing ostentatious, just a little green heart that fluttered around his head. It was meant to be irritating, but he didn't seem to mind it. I didn't sign it, either, so I couldn't figure out why he just let it be. I would have ripped it to shreds within the first ten minutes.

That night, after curfew had passed, I walked into the empty common room to find him lounging on the floor next to the fireplace, casually flicking the singing chocolates and vibrant valentines into the roaring flames while my little green valentine flapped about his head like a butterfly. It didn't really come as a surprise that he derived some sort of sick pleasure from burning people's declarations of love and admiration. But it was still mean.

"Ever the sweetheart, I see," I spoke as I walked toward the staircase. He stiffened slightly, but didn't look back. He must have been quite shocked, as I hadn't spoken to him since the incident on the rooftop.

"I suppose they think I am, considering all this," he spoke coldly, the tone of his voice sending chills up my spine. He grasped my valentine carefully with his thumb and forefinger, waving it beside his head. "I didn't think you did either."

"Don't get too puffed up, Riddle," I responded lightly, pausing at the base of the stairs. "It was meant to annoy and distract you during class. Did it work?"

He turned his head slightly, the fire outlining his silhouette. All I could see was his left eye glistening. Out of irritation or amusement? I couldn't tell. He turned his head back toward the fire, releasing a barely audible sigh.

"Come here, Granger," he demanded, his voice much softer than I expected.

"Why?" I asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

"Because I asked you to," he responded.

"You didn't ask, Riddle, you told me to."

"Please." He released the green heart into the air again, and tossed the entire pile of valentines into the fire. The fireplace crackled and sizzled as the paper curled into cinders and the enchanted chocolates melted into the wood. Although his "please" was a statement rather than a question, I reluctantly took a few steps toward where he was seated. I sank into the couch beside him as he stood up slowly. He turned around halfway and stuck his hands into his pockets, looking at me. With the firelight dancing across his face, his eyes looked so pretty. You'd think that, with half his face covered in shadow, he'd look sinister. But he looked almost kind.

My stomach clenched, and I averted my eyes. It would be quite embarrassing if he was to see into my mind at that particular moment. I could feel his eyes boring into my face, but I continued to look away. Then, suddenly, he was kneeling right in front of me. He had grasped my wrists in his hands and was looking at me intently.

"Why won't you look at me?" he murmured, his soft breath caressing my face. No, his hot breath hitting my face. Must get out of this mindset…

"I…I can't. I don't like you being able to…to see what I'm thinking…" I stammered. My heart was pounding in my chest. He was too close to me, and it was taking a toll on my self-control. Must not look up…Must not look up…

"What don't you want me to see?" he asked. Jerk. Somehow, he knew exactly what I didn't want him to see. And that's what was making me so uncomfortable. And I became even more uncomfortable when he released one of my wrists and placed his hand under my chin and tried to get me to look at him. De ja vu. My only choices were to close my eyes or look at him. Both could turn out disastrous. I chose the former. De ja vu yet again. And then the clincher. He kissed me. Again. But this one lasted longer.

I was too shocked to move or do anything. His hand went from my chin to behind my neck, as if he was trying to hold me in place. I felt incredibly light-headed and disoriented. Why me? Of all the normal girls in the school that were clamoring for his attention, why did he choose me? It seemed like he was trying to hurt me. He knew I wasn't from his time, that I wasn't going to be there for long. Why me?

And an even more important question: Why him? He was destined to be the Dark Lord, fated to destroy families and friendships. Of all the people this could have happened to, why did it have to be Tom and I? Enemies from two different times, two different lifestyles, two different goals in life.

Why us?

When they said opposites attract, I didn't think it would be so true.

I gained control of myself temporarily, and I took the opportunity to pull away from him, which was difficult because I was pretty far back against the couch by then. I turned my head toward the fire, breathing heavily and willing myself to keep looking that way.

"No, no, no," I murmured, watching the flames dance in the hearth. "We…Tom, we can't…This is…Gah!"

I pushed him off me and stood up abruptly.

"Why are you doing this!" I asked, keeping my voice as low as possible so the other students wouldn't be woken. "You know everything! You know I can't stay here! It's just going to complicate things…"

"Granger, why do you think into things so much?" Tom stood up as well, his voice teeming with frustration.

"It's the only thing I can do in a situation like this! It's…it's you! Of all people! And—"

"Me? Of all people? What—"

"Don't ask, Tom! I can't have these feelings! I can't let myself get attached to this time!" I was nearly crying, the salty tears burning my eyes as they tried to escape.

Tom turned away from me, gazing once again into the fire. He looked upset, and I couldn't help but feel a mixture of glee and pain at his expression. The devil on my shoulder was clapping, exclaiming, "Yes! Serves that evil mass murderer right!" I do believe I've lost my mind.

"You're right, Hermione," he spoke softly to the hearth. I was a bit shocked that the ice in his voice didn't freeze the fire. It certainly rendered me frozen. He refused to look at me. "I wouldn't want you to get hurt. I wouldn't want to break your heart or keep you from getting back to your own time. I wouldn't want to ruin your reputation or morals."

I caught his meaning well enough. And he was right. But was it really just for me? Does it have anything to do with the world? I guess I should stop trying to justify my selfish tendencies. I was being selfish. I'm a cold-hearted prick. I admit it. But what if it was passed down in history? Or if I returned and the wizarding world learned of it? I could see the headlines:

HERMIONE GRANGER: VOLDEMORT"S SECRET LOVER.

Oh, how would I go out into public? Was it really worth it to get involved with a heartless killer, just because I was attracted to him? It wasn't. I had made my decision, and it wouldn't do to go back on it. And it made me angry that I couldn't. So I took it out on the person closest to me.

"Don't you think you're being selfish?" I asked viciously. "You want me to risk everything to make you happy. You have no right to call me self-centered when you're being the same way! There's no way to have a relationship without selfishness on both sides!"

"Then can't there be a compromise?" he asked, frustrated. He turned to face me, taking a step forward. My little green heart was still fluttering around his head, but he didn't seem to notice.

"There isn't a way to compromise in this situation," I stated with finality. "That's it. Stop pushing it. I wish we could do something about it…and maybe if it was someone else…I –"

"Why do you keep saying that? What is it, Hermione? What goes on in the future that it's only me that can't work?"

"I—I can't say anything! I didn't…I…I'm going to bed," I started to walk away, but Tom grabbed me by the shoulders and turned me around so we were uncomfortably close again. I looked at his chest rather than his face.

"What is it? Tell me, Granger, or I'll have to see for myself."

"No."

"I don't want to do this by force."

"Then don't."

"You're so frustrating!" He gripped my head and turned it up to face him. I closed my eyes again. He shook me slightly. "Stop doing that!"

"Let go of me." I tried stating it calmly, but my voice cracked. Tears leaked, one by one, from my eyes. Tom wiped them away with his thumb. His voice softened considerably.

"Please, don't cry. Just open your eyes, Hermione."

His voice surprised me, so I opened them slowly, as if in a trance. Once our eyes locked, I couldn't look away. I could feel him looking into my mind, watching my thoughts run by like a movie. It felt comforting to look at him like this, to see his features up close. There was just…less pressure to hide my thoughts, I suppose.

That would be my downfall.

It was then I noticed he was looking at me, rather than into my head. His mouth was quirked into a slight smirk, a self-satisfied expression.

"So that's it then," he stated. "I do succeed. Excellent. Thank you, Miss Granger, for your help. I have no use for you anymore."

He walked over to the fire, leaving me stunned in my spot. He was acting? The whole time? Just for…no. I…I can't believe it. I can't believe how foolish I was for believing him! I'm such an idiot! My tears stopped. I was angry. No more sorrow, pain, sympathy. I was consumed with anger. I drew out my wand.

"You don't change, do you Tom?" I asked, my voice low and deadly. "You ruin people's lives by playing with their emotions. You do now, and you will for as long as you live. Pathetic."

He laughed coldly, turning around. His wand was out already. "Really, Granger? I'll keep that in mind. Thanks for the tip."

He waved his wand and my trunk came down the stairs. I glanced at it, and he took this opportunity to disarm me. Damn him. He shot me a dazzling smile, his trademark one that makes all the girls go crazy for him. It made me want to punch out his teeth.

"Well, Granger, it seems your time is up," he spoke mockingly, glancing at his watch. Now, if you'll follow me…"

Ropes shot out of his wand and wrapped themselves around my wrists. I opened my mouth to call out for help…but nothing came out. He had silenced me as well. Damn, this guy's good.

He chatted casually as he pulled me out of the common room and into the corridor, leading me from hallway to hallway, staircase to staircase.

"Ever since I realized you were from the future, I've been trying to get you to trust me. You hated me at first, so it made my task more strenuous. But I knew that I could get you on my side, with Leontes's help. You're a stubborn one, Granger. Any other girl would have cracked after a week. With my looks and my brains, it should have been hard to resist my charm. But finally, toward Christmas, I noticed that I had the chance to make a move.

"After your outburst at Dumbledore, I followed you up to the tower, knowing you were vulnerable. I thought that if I comforted you, you would give in and gaze lovingly into my eyes like normal girls do. You did quite the opposite. So I kissed you, and ran off like I was confused and upset. You were supposed to follow me, but you didn't. Which turned out well later, when I helped you to the Hospital Wing before you died of hypothermia or whatever it was you were sick with. That's when you avoided me, and I knew you were beginning to feel something.

"Then I had Leontes try to set us up. He acted well, did he not? He is actually, in reality, quite like the blond boy in your mind. A relative of his perhaps? But anyways, he put on a good show, and you realized you were attracted me. It was all working out. And when I received that valentine, I knew it was from you. You were the only one stupid enough to send me something so irritating. Tonight completed the plan. I wanted to see if I was taking the right path to succeed, and I was. And now, I can hold something over that boy in the future, the one with the scar. I believe he is my enemy? Good, good. If it wasn't for you, my dear Hermione, the world may have been different for you. I may have second-guessed myself and taken another path. Oh, well, it's too late now I suppose. Too bad for you. Ah, we're here!"

He stopped suddenly in front of a tapestry. It looked familiar to me...

He pulled aside the tapestry and opened the door behind it. He led me down a narrow hallway, and it led into…a black corridor etched with stars. I was going home. He walked past a few doors until he came to one he thought was the one I came in. The doorknob turned easily, and he pushed the door open. He pushed me in ahead of him and began undoing the ropes.

"Well, Granger. Thanks for the help. I'll be sure to kill you sooner than your friends in the future to pay off the debt of information. I think it would sadden you too much to watch them die…" he paused thoughtfully, then turned me around to face him. He frowned slightly.

"You didn't think I loved you, did you, Hermione?" he asked seriously. I narrowed my eyes at him. "Poor thing. You think that I would ruin myself with such a feeble emotion as love? And a mudblood? I suppose you aren't as intelligent as everyone thinks. Although, I do believe Leontes had a thing for you a while back…perhaps you can hook up with his grandson when you return?" He leaned in and kissed me forcefully. Then he pulled back and stuck my wand in my robes. He winked at me, backed out of the room and closed the door behind him with a sickening smirk on his face.

I noted, as he left, that the little heart was still fluttering about his head.

I glanced at the timer. I had two minutes until I returned. I sat on the floor, gazing blankly at the ceiling. I was an idiot. It was Voldemort, and yet I still thought he might have been different back then. And they called me the cleverest witch of my time. If only they knew… I heard that song play again from the timer, and when it finished, I rose like a zombie and pulled open the door. I half expected to see Tom there, for some reason, and it hurt a little that I didn't. It was going to be different now that I was home. I turned left and stepped into that narrow passageway. I walked through it and tried the door. It was locked so I pulled out my wand and unlocked it.

I was so shocked to see Malfoy there when I opened it that I started crying. Draco Malfoy. Not Leontes. His eyes widened in surprise at my sudden burst of tears. I collapsed to the floor, sobbing like a child with a skinned knee. After a second, I could feel someone patting my back awkwardly.

A familiar voice murmured, "Sorry…", and then my tears stopped. I was home.