Timeless Charm (Tomione fanfic)

Chapter 13: A possibility of change

The warm glow of the fireplace cast flickering shadows across the office of Professor Dumbledore as Hermione settled into a chair opposite the wise old wizard. She accepted the proffered lemon drop with a grateful smile, the sweet tang of the candy offering a momentary distraction from the weight of her thoughts.

As she cradled the candy in her palm, Hermione couldn't shake the lingering unease that had settled within her since her encounter with Tom Riddle. She knew that the path she was treading was a dangerous one, teetering on the edge of darkness, and she feared the depths to which her own anger and resentment might lead her.

"I... I've been struggling, Professor," Hermione began hesitantly, her voice barely above a whisper as she met Dumbledore's wise gaze. "With... with my feelings towards Tom Riddle. I... I've wanted to... to..."

Dumbledore raised a hand, his expression gentle yet knowing. "To harm him, perhaps?" he offered, his voice soft but penetrating.

Hermione nodded, her throat constricting with the weight of her confession. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely audible. "I've wanted to... to kill him, to stop him before... before he becomes... before he becomes what he's destined to be."

Dumbledore regarded her with a steady gaze, his eyes full of understanding. "It is natural to feel anger and fear in the face of darkness, Hermione," he said, his voice soothing. "But it is how we choose to confront those emotions that defines us. We must remember that even in the darkest of times, there is light to be found."

Hermione swallowed hard, the words sinking in as she pondered the wisdom of the venerable headmaster. She knew that Dumbledore was right, that giving in to her anger would only lead her further down the path of darkness. But the temptation to lash out, to take revenge for the pain and suffering that Tom Riddle had caused, was almost overwhelming.

"Remember, Hermione," Dumbledore continued, his voice gentle yet firm. "It is not our abilities that show what we truly are, but our choices. Choose wisely, my dear, and never forget that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope."

Hermione's voice trembled slightly as she spoke, her words weighted with the gravity of the decision looming before her. "Professor Dumbledore, I... I have hope too," she confessed, her eyes searching his for understanding.

Dumbledore regarded her with a gentle gaze, encouraging her to continue.

"If... if I could convince Tom to walk on the bright side," Hermione continued, her voice gaining strength with each word, "then perhaps I could change the entire future. A future without a dark lord, a future where Harry could have both of his parents alive, a future where Ron and I might never have become friends with him."

She paused, the weight of her words settling heavily upon her shoulders. The thought of altering the course of history was both exhilarating and terrifying, a monumental responsibility that she wasn't sure she was prepared to bear.

"But if the exchange is seeing them alive and well," Hermione continued, her voice resolute, "then I would watch from afar. I would sacrifice my own happiness, my own friendships, if it meant ensuring a better future for everyone."

Dumbledore nodded solemnly, his eyes reflecting both pride and concern. "Your bravery and selflessness are commendable, Hermione," he said, his voice tinged with admiration. "But remember, the future is not set in stone. It is shaped by the choices we make in the present."

With those words echoing in her mind, Hermione rose from her chair, a newfound determination coursing through her veins. She knew that the road ahead would be fraught with challenges and sacrifices, but if there was even the slightest chance of preventing the darkness that loomed on the horizon, she was willing to fight with every ounce of her being. And as she left Dumbledore's office, she carried with her a glimmer of hope that, against all odds, she might just succeed in shaping a brighter future for them all.