Hermione's Diary

Summary: What would happen if Ginny Weasley had never had Tom Riddle's diary? What if the Horcrux still existed, and was found by Hermione? What happens when the Dark Lord becomes intrigued by Hermione, and pulls her into his past? Read and Review!

Disclaimer: I own nothing! Everything recognizable belongs to J.K Rowling. I am simply borrowing some of her genius to act out my ideas. I truly hope she doesn't mind.

"Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak."
― Sun Tzu - The Art of War.

Chapter One: Forever In Your Hands

Hermione groaned as she rubbed her temples in the library. Those damn girls were back again. Giggling and making noise; when she was trying to study! It was beyond infuriating. Since when had the girls of Hogwarts decided to hang out in the library? She groaned and packed her bag; intent on heading to the Gryffindor common room; which was likely even louder than the library. She sighed and headed out the door.

The room of requirement! Hermione thought suddenly, of course I could study in there! It'll be peaceful and quiet!

Giddy at her realization, she ran pell-mell down the hallway towards the room.

She stopped in front of the wall and thought, I need a quiet place to study. She wasn't big on details. As long as it was quiet and there was a place for her to sit - she was a happy camper.

The walls opened to reveal a door, and Hermione rushed through it. Her eyes fell on room that was in Slytherin green - with a fireplace and a plush black couch. There was a bookshelf in the corner, and her eyebrows furrowed in confusion, Um, I don't recall asking for the damn Slytherin common room…She shrugged and made her way over to the plush couch.

She pulled out her copy of Hogwarts: A History, and began reading quietly. She found her eyes drawn over to the books in the corner so often that she couldn't concentrate on what she was reading. She sighed and got up from the couch, making her way over to the bookshelf. She was curious, and slightly excited because there may be books there she hadn't read.

Her eyes fell on the ancient books. They were dusty and they looked…Well, sinister. Hermione raised her eyebrows when she saw a cover that clearly said: Dark Curses and Potions.

These are dark arts books! Hermione thought to herself, Who would put these in here? I should tell Professor Dumbledore!

She ran her hand hesitantly over the books spines, feeling power radiating from the dark books. She shivered when she felt a tingle run up her spine. Yes, I must tell Dumbledore right away, She could not read these; even though she adored the written word, especially those she hadn't read before.

She frowned when her eyes fell on the only small book on the shelves. It didn't have anything written on the spine, and it seemed rather thin. She hesitated, before reaching out and plucking the tiny book off the shelf. It didn't look sinister. There wasn't any writing on the cover either; and as she flipped through the pages, there was no writing either.

How odd…She thought to herself, turning the book over; and finally seeing a name written at the bottom.

Tom Marlvolo Riddle

It was obvious that this was a diary that had never been written in. Perhaps this Tom Riddle is the person that put all these books in here, Hermione contemplated as she eyed the crisp pages.

It was leather bound, and quite nice. She needed a new diary; her others being completely full. Maybe she could use this one?

Hermione frowned. That would be slightly odd, seeing as it didn't have her name on it; and the owner was possibly a very dark person. It's just a un-used diary Hermione thought to herself, What harm could it do?

She sprinted back onto the couch and opened the little book - dipping her quill in ink.

My name is Hermione Granger, She wrote in an elegant script. She always wrote nicely in her diaries, but her school-work was probably chicken scratch.

Hermione raised her eyes in surprise as she watched the ink seep into the diary, disappearing without a trace.

"What the hell?" Hermione said out loud, staring at the book with a flabbergasted look.

Hello, Hermione Granger. My name is Tom Riddle…May I ask how you came across my diary?

Hermione gaped at the book like a fish; watching the words that appeared seep away as hers had. A book was talking to her? That sounded like something she wished would be real - being the book nerd she was. But when it actually happened, it was downright creepy.

Should I write back? Hermione thought, Why not? What harm could it do, right?

Hello, Tom Riddle. I came across your diary in the room of requirement.

He had to know the room, how else would his diary be in here?

I see. I hid my diary in that room about 50 years ago.

Hermione stared at the diary in shock. fifty years? The book definitely did not look to be that old.

How are you speaking to me now? Hermione asked, getting straight toward the point. She wanted to know what sort of magic this was.

I am merely a memory; preserved in this diary for fifty years. I am so glad that you came across my diary, Miss Granger. It is nice to have someone to speak with.

She stared at the words. A memory? That would explain it; but she had a feeling that was not all this was. His responses were as if he were actually real.

Just a memory?

She watched as his reply popped up instantly.

You're clever aren't you? Yes, I am a memory. But I was trapped here fifty years ago…I'm not sure what happened. I was simply doing a spell with a friend. The spells collided and hit me…The next thing I know; I'm stuck in this diary, with no means of escape.

Hermione raised her eyebrows. Being hit with two collided spells can be extremely dangerous…Ranging from being put into a permanent coma - to making a foot grow out of your forehead.

I see. That would prove to be extremely dangerous. What spells were you working on? Perhaps I can help.

Hermione smiled. She couldn't help but to pity this poor boy. She couldn't imagine being trapped for that long. She would surely go insane. He seemed nice enough; perhaps she could find a way to free him? That would definitely be the good thing to do.

You're very kind, Miss Granger. Although, I cannot say which spells we were working on; seeing as we were trying to invent them. I wish I could be more help, but it seems that I'll be stuck here forever…At least now I have a charming person to talk too.

She smiled as she eyed his words. He was so polite. He seemed like a true gentleman; and flattery rose in her. She supposed it was because he was from the past; but she had always admired how men use to act around ladies. Now, they'd simply wolf whistle at her. It was extremely irritating; and not flattering in the least.

Thank you, I wish I could help you though. I cannot imagine being stuck somewhere for fifty years. It surely must be maddening. I can look into it; if you would like?

Hermione eagerly waited his reply; sitting up on her knees.

That would be so kind of you, Miss Granger. I would appreciate any help; but if you cannot find anything, don't worry. I have accepted my fate, and I will not get my hopes up.

You seem like a very intelligent girl though, and I'm sure if someone could find a way, it would be you, Miss Granger.

She smiled and swelled with pride as she read his words. He was so kind; and he didn't expect a miracle. It made pity rise in her as well, as she read that he wasn't going to get his hopes up.

I promise, I will do what I can. She hesitated before writing, And please, Mr. Riddle, call me Hermione.

She felt her heart flutter, hoping that he wouldn't see that as her being too forward.

It would be an honor, Hermione. And please, call me Tom. I understand if you don't answer, but…Would you mind telling me some things about yourself? I'm utterly fascinated by you; I must admit.

Hermione giggled out loud. He found her fascinating? No one found her book worm ways fascinating. Actually, she was pretty sure she bored most people.

I don't mind at all, Tom. Well, I am a 6th year here at Hogwarts, and I'm a Gryffindor Prefect. She hesitated again before writing, I'm quite the book worm, and I love reading and going to class. I have the highest average in my year, and I hope to be head girl next year.

Hermione looked at her words, realizing she was bragging. She whacked her hand on her forehead. Why was she trying to impress him anyway? She scowled. It wasn't like being a book worm impressed boys.

Very impressive, Hermione. I, myself, am…or was, Head boy. I was trapped in this diary in my seventh year. I am quite the book worm, also. I adore the written word; and it is my goal one day to know everything.

She gaped at the diary. He was impressed! And she had to admit, she was impressed as well. A charming boy who was also a book worm? It was like he was perfect…Except for the fact that he was trapped inside of a diary. Hermione frowned. Of course; she finds someone she can relate to, and he's a bloody book. She wanted to snort. It would figure that he would be trapped inside a book; the thing she adored the most. It was almost comedic.

What house were you in, Tom? Hermione asked, curious and thinking he was most likely a Ravenclaw…If his intelligence and wording was anything to go by.

I was in Slytherin. But please, do not think badly of me because of that. Fifty years ago, Slytherin and Gryffindor, sadly, did not get along. I imagine not much has changed.

She was floored. A Slytherin? He hardly seemed the type…But then again, Slughorn is the head of Slytherin and he's pretty harmless. Annoying, maybe, but harmless. Maybe I should stop talking to him…Hermione thought to herself, But no, that wouldn't be right. I shouldn't be prejudiced. If I was to be that way, that would make me no better than the pure blood supremacists. She nodded to herself, resolved to not let it bother her. After all; he's been by himself for fifty years. He merely wanted a friend.

Hermione? I hope that I have not scared you away…I was hoping that we could be friends?

Hermione smiled down at his words. She would be his friend.

No, you haven't scared me away, Tom. I will say that I am surprised that you are in Slytherin; but it doesn't affect my view of you.

She looked at the clock, seeing it was almost time for dinner.

I'm glad that I haven't scared you away. Will you tell me more about yourself? Of course, if you don't mind.

She smiled. He was curious about her and wanted to know about her life! She wanted to tell him more, but her stomach growled interrupting her thoughts. She resolved that she would write to him again tonight, after she went to dinner.

I apologize, but its time for dinner and I'm rather hungry. If you don't mind, I'll bring your diary with me, and I'll speak to you later on tonight?

It didn't feel right to just take his diary without his permission; so she felt she was being polite by making sure it would be okay with him.

Of course! I would be delighted if you were to take me with you. I hope you enjoy your dinner, Hermione, and I greatly look foreword to speaking with you later.

Hermione smiled and bit her lip, closing the diary. She had a slight feeling in the back of her mind that this wasn't a good idea; but she enjoyed speaking with him…and he needed her help. What kind of person would she be if she didn't at least try?

She resolved to investigate more on the diary, to find out what magic was going through it that allowed him to speak with her. She smiled and slipped the diary into her pocket, heading out the door to dinner.

A/N: I know, I know. But remember that if Ginny Weasley had never gotten the diary, then the chamber would have never been opened. In the chamber, is where Harry learned Voldemort's name…and we all know how secretive Dumbledore is. This is why Hermione has never heard the name, and of course, she would not think instantly that it could possibly be a horcrux.

Anyways, I have high hopes for this story. I thought it was an interesting idea, so let me know what you think!