Taming The Serpent [Tom Riddle/Tomione]

O3. Unexpected Meeting

Albus P. W. B. Dumbledore was carved neatly on the wooden door of his office in golden letters. Hermione gave an almost inaudible sniff. She had been exceptionally quiet the whole way here. Having that little meet with Tom had somewhat unnerved her, confused her to no point. He didn't act like him at all, he didn't act like Voldemort would. All this time he had left roses by her bedside table in the Hospital Wing, almost like he cared for her; in his own twisted way.

Penelope stood beside her, eyes narrowed and with a straight posture, watching Hermione confusingly.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" she asked.

"Positive."

The Head Girl nodded her head, giving Hermione one last reassuring glance before walking away, disappearing through the dark corridors. Hermione took in a deep breath, assuring herself this had to be done, in order to protect the Wizarding World and possibly even the Muggle World.
She had no idea how Grindelwald would murder Dumbledore, since in the other time he had been defeated in the famous duel; but now in this period things were different and Hermione couldn't help but blame herself for it.

She knocked on the door once, then twice, and as she rose her fist to knock a third time, Dumbledore's voice sounded from inside.

"Enter."

The old door creaked as she pushed it open effortlessly. As she scanned the square-sized room with her eyes, Hermione couldn't help but notice a figure sitting on a chair across the transfiguration teacher. The person was wearing a long, black hoodie, but small pieces of hair could be seen peeking out of the fabric, - blonde hair. Hermione felt extremely embarrassed for interrupting their conversation, and considered leaving, even though Dumbledore was smiling warmly at her from his side of the desk.

"Good evening, Miss Lockhart," said Dumbledore easily. "To what do I owe this pleasure?"

"Sir, I have to discuss with you about some important matters!" said Hermione desperately.

Dumbledore nodded his head, motioning her to seat down on the available chair next to the mysterious figure, with a small wave of his hand. Hermione took a small step forward, then another, and another, and before she knew it, she was sitting down on the requested seat, placing her hands on her lap, and nervously fidgeting with her fingers. She stole a small glance to her right, out of curiosity, and immediately had to supress a gasp.

By her side, sat a woman with long, blonde hair, covered by the hood of her robes, brown eyes and light skin. She didn't look older than thirty, maybe less; her skin was smooth and shiny, and there was no wrinkles adorning her face, even though there should be. Ariana Dumbledore, smiled warmly at Hermione, the same comforting look on her face assembled her brother's. And at this moment, as she looked at this woman that should be dead for over 50 years, Hermione wondered just how much she had changed things by travelling back in time.