Timeless Charm (Tomione fanfic)

Chapter 3: A person in need II

Being from the future could indeed prove advantageous. Hermione possessed crucial knowledge about Tom Riddle's first Horcrux: his father's ring, concealed through the murder of his father and framing of his uncle, a feat he would accomplish this time.

"My purpose," she began, her voice barely above a whisper, "is to save everyone from the rise of the Dark Lord."

"Dark Lord? Do you mean Grindelwald?" Dumbledore inquired, his brows furrowed in confusion.

"No, not him. But much like Grindelwald, he is equally perilous, instilling fear throughout the wizarding world merely by the mention of his name," Hermione clarified, her grip tightening on the blanket beside her as she met Dumbledore's gaze with unwavering determination.

"Have I encountered him before?" Dumbledore questioned, sensing the gravity of Hermione's revelation. She drew a steadying breath, channeling the bravery of a true Gryffindor.

"Tom Riddle," she confessed, and for a moment, silence enveloped the room. Dumbledore understood the depth of Tom's cunning, yet he hadn't fathomed the depths to which he would sink.

"What is your plan, then?" Dumbledore asked, his concern evident. He was aware of Hermione's growing closeness to Tom, and the stakes had never been higher.

"Gather intelligence, prevent Horcrux creation, undermine his influence, protect potential victims, form alliances, and prepare for battle." Hermione outlined her plan succinctly, each point a strategic step towards thwarting Tom Riddle's dark ambitions and preventing the rise of Lord Voldemort, thereby safeguarding the future of the wizarding world. Dumbledore listened in amazement.

"I can confidently say that you must be the brightest witch of your time," Dumbledore remarked, admiration shining in his eyes. Hermione smiled at the praise, though she knew deep down that while she was bright, she wasn't the brightest. After all, she was just a Muggle-born witch navigating a world of magic and mystery.

"Right now, he killed his father and made his uncle think that he killed that man, but I know the truth. He killed his father to gain his first Horcrux. If my theory is right, maybe I could save Tom's father and hopefully also Tom," Hermione explained earnestly.

Dumbledore found himself taken aback by the notion of saving Tom. He had only ever given Tom warnings, never fully guiding him. But if this person before him could offer a path to help Tom, perhaps there was a chance to steer him away from his darkness.

"How would you do that?" Dumbledore inquired, offering Hermione a lemon drop, which she accepted.

"Time," Hermione replied, her voice carrying the weight of past struggles. "It was a journey to reclaim my memories, but they're all back now. My plan? To safeguard the future from him, utilizing the very essence of time itself."

Hermione took a deep breath, her mind racing with conflicting thoughts and emotions. She knew she had a monumental decision to make – one that could alter the course of history and the fate of countless lives.

"I have two options," Hermione began, her voice steady despite the turmoil within her. "One, I believe there may be a way to help Tom, to cure his psychotic behavior and prevent him from becoming the dark wizard he's destined to be."

Dumbledore regarded her with a mix of curiosity and caution. "And how do you propose we do that, Hermione?"

"I've been researching magical and Muggle psychological techniques," Hermione explained, her words coming out in a rush as she tried to convey her ideas. "There are methods for treating conditions like psychopathy and antisocial personality disorder. Perhaps we could use a combination of therapy, magical interventions, and even Occlumency to address the root causes of Tom's darkness and guide him towards a different path."

Dumbledore listened attentively, considering Hermione's proposal. He knew the potential risks and challenges involved in trying to change someone as deeply entrenched in darkness as Tom Riddle. But he also saw the hope and compassion in Hermione's eyes, reminding him of the importance of giving every individual a chance for redemption.

Alternatively, another voice echoed in Hermione's mind – one whispering the harsh reality of their situation. "Or my second option, we could end it now," she thought, her heart heavy with the weight of such a decision. "We could eliminate the threat before it grows too powerful before more lives are lost to his tyranny."

The room fell silent as Hermione and Dumbledore grappled with the weight of their choices. The fate of Tom Riddle, and indeed the entire wizarding world, hung in the balance.

Hermione's resolve solidified as she looked into Dumbledore's eyes, her determination unwavering. "I will go back in time first to save Tom's father," she declared, her voice ringing with conviction. "If I can prevent the tragedy that led to Tom's descent into darkness, perhaps I can alter the course of his destiny."

Dumbledore regarded her with a mixture of admiration and concern, knowing the gravity of her decision. "Very well, Hermione," he said, his voice tinged with solemnity. "I will support you in your endeavor. But remember, our goal is to save, not to destroy. Tom, like you, is still just a child, lost in the shadows of his potential."

Hermione nodded, acknowledging Dumbledore's words, yet steeling herself for the challenges that lay ahead. She understood the risks and the uncertainties of altering the past, but she also knew that she couldn't stand idly by and watch as darkness consumed another soul.