So my sister and I were talking and we kind of realized that Tom's character is kind of weak. So henceforth, in future chapters if you notice his character is slightly more "intense" than that's what we are trying to go for. Tom has been way to nice so far, even in this chapter. Other than that, enjoy!

Tom Riddle had a good weekend. He held a meeting with his knights and had ordered them to get information on the Peverell's. Then he had spent the rest of his free time in the library, while the four new students were absent for the whole weekend. Things felt normal.

It was Sunday and Tom was eating lunch in the great hall surrounded by his knights while the Slytherin girls sat a few seats away trying to grab his attention when the Peverells walked in. The Great Hall paused at their entrance before picking up again with conversation. Although, people discreetly admired Hermione, Draco, Ron, and Harry's new attire; they were wearing black cloaks with their family crest and high-end muggle clothing underneath them.

Riddle noted how lustful all the girls in the hall looked at the boys, who seemed to ignore all the stares and moved to sit down at the end of the Slytherin table. And then there was Hermione. To say every guy was staring and every girl was green in envy would pretty much sum up what the hall looked like. She was wearing a short dress, not really common, and the dress itself seemed to flow over her body. Tt was a nice, nice enough for Riddle to notice. Especially the color: Slytherin green. No one else but Tom seemed to notice the piece of clothe that was wrapped around her hand.

As Hermione slowly sat down, Harry grabbed her arm rather harshly and forced her to sit faster. She glared.

Harry moved his hand and cast a quick "muffliato" and motioned for the other three to reach their heads in so they could talk privately.

He groaned, "Everyone is staring, especially the girls."

Hermione looked at them thoughtfully, "You know, we did leave home," she paused to emphasize that she meant the future, "permanently. You'll have to settle down eventually, it's not like you guys can be single for the rest of your lives. Got to continue the Peverell line and all that stuff."

Harry and Ron blanched while Draco seemed as though he had figured this out beforehand. Ron eventually sighed, "We will see."

Draco was quick to point out, "Well Hermione, it's not like we want to be single for the rest of our lives. It's just hard to find a girl that meets our standards and I can tell you now, none of the girls lustfully staring at us meet them. It's not our fault we have such high standards."

Ron and Harry nodded and Hermione sighed, "Well what are your standards?"

The boys looked at her like she was stupid, "You," they all said.

Draco continued, "Well not the actual you. That's incest. It's just we hung out with you too long to not want any girl who isn't as smart, beautiful, and well to put it bluntly, terrifying as you."

"Actually less terrifying would be good, let's not get ahead of ourselves," added Ron.

"Maybe less know-it-all as well," added Draco while Hermione mugged him from across the table.

And Harry quickly put in, "Plus, we'll worry about dating when we secure a better-you know-future. So let's worry about making sure some things don't go bad. Also, we can't start dating! I mean if we had girls to distract us, who would be there to make sure no guys hit on you!"

The boys nodded.

Draco looked thoughtful, and shared a smirk with Harry and Ron before saying directly at Hermione, "Did you think we forgot that you have to find someone too." Harry took off the muffliato charm.

Hermione groaned before smiling. She got up and waved goodbye. "I'm going to the library, you guys should come join me when you're done!" The hint of menace in her voice made it seem more like an order than an invite.

Hermione headed to the library and as she entered to find a free table to work out she heard some people with raised voices.

" I just don't get it! How can potions be so hard?" Hermione put a smile on her face. It was time to spread the Peverell name. She approached a group of Gryffindors and they looked up from their work.

'I couldn't help but hear about your potions dilemma and thought I would offer you all some help," said Hermione politely. She was surprised when a brown haired girl stood up and sneered, "We don't need help from a slimy Slytherin."

Hermione caught the girl's eyes and stared her down. "Suit yourself. I didn't know people here judged someone for being in a house they were sorted into at the age of eleven. You judge someone for the rest of their lives based on one characteristic of a founder who died centuries ago? It's interesting isn't it how each house has it's own distinct quality like Gryffindor is prized for being brave but did you notice that this school is not a product of just Gryffindor or Ravenclaw. All four founders had to come together with their qualities to build this school. Interesting, how people, because my God you are not the only one, take so much pride in their houses but fail to realize that their founder was a part of a united group. The Founding Four were four united individuals. United. Interesting right?" As Hermione turned away she added, " And foremost, I'm a Peverell. I may be a "slimy" Slytherin, but don't forget that even though ambition may be my strongest quality, I fought a war. Figure out how brave that is." she stated coldly, saluted the group with two fingers and began to walk away.

"Don't leave..." said a red headed boy who had caught up to her.

"Yes, please do ignore Brown..." said a similar looking red head boy.

"She's sick with envy..." whispered the other red head. This act reminded Hermione a lot like Fred and George. Red hair... it couldn't be...

"Well of course she has all the reason too. Bloody powerful and gorgeous. I'm Fabian Prewett," said one of the red heads who bowed to her playfully.

"And I'm his overly attractive twin brother, Gideon," said the other red headed twin who had pushed his brother out of the way and bowed.

"I'm Hermione Peverell," Hermione said happily and made an exaggerated bow that made Gideon and Fabian grin.

"We knew that . . ."

"But we also knew that you had not the chance to meet our pleasurable selves . . . "

"Which now you have..."

"So technically we just made your day..."

"Because whose day wouldn't be made without meeting us..."

"But back to the topic. Potions help Madame..."

"Contrary to what Brown has to say..."

"Would be very much appreciated." Fabian and Gideon ended together looking at Hermione hopefully. Hermione grinned and gestured for them to lead the way. She wasn't as surprised as she should have been when the twins each grabbed her arm and marched her to an empty table.

Tom Riddle sat in the library and watched the whole scene from afar. Riddle knew what they were doing. It was quite obvious. They're making allies. After watching and observing the transfer students, he knew without a doubt that they were here for a reason. But for what? In order to answer that Riddle knew what he had to play along. For some reason they wanted to be nice to him, well then he would let them. Or better yet maybe it was time to drop the polite façade. It was time to make a decision.

As for the girl, Riddle couldn't deny there was something about her. Something curious and he couldn't deny that her power made her fairly attractive to him as well. But it was nothing that wouldn't go away with time. He wanted to speak with her. Riddle smirked at the word that popped up in his head, friend. This would be fun. Let the game begin. Because if there was one thing he was good at, it was this game.

Hermione was working on potions with Fabian and Gideon, both of which had immediately warmed up to her. Then two more Gryffindor boys walked in and made their way to sit with them.

"Oi, twins. What's up?" Charlus Potter started before pausing at Hermione, flashing her a smile. "And how are you doing Ms. Peverell? Have these two idiots been bothering you?" And he sat down next to her.

"Hey, that is..."

"Slightly offensive..."

"In fact, we were doing her a favor..."

"By giving her something good to look at."

Hermione lightly laughed at the Prewett twins.

Someone cleared their throat as they sat next to Charlus.

"Oh, this is Septimus Weasley, my best mate and dorm mate along with these two buffoons." finished Charlus, motioning to the twins.

Weasley was frowning. Charlus elbowed him in the stomach, which made Hermione realize that he was probably a little biased against Slytherins. Weasley said softly, "Nice to meet you." Before Charlus continued the conversation, " I couldn't help but notice how wonderful you are in potions. Do you think you could help Septimus and I like you were helping these two?"

Weasley who really needed the potions help jokingly added to break the tension, "Yeah, you partnered up with Charlus on the first day. You must have noticed how much help he needs."

Charlus smacked Weasley on the shoulder and Hermione smiled as she started to help them.

Gryffindor boys weren't that bad.

Ron, Harry and Draco headed to the library to bother Hermione and came across an entertaining site. Hermione was sitting in a group of seventh year boys, all Gryffindor seventh year boys to be exact.

Draco laughed, "Do you think Hermione realizes that every girl is glaring her down?"

Ron smirked, "Nope, all she cares about are her books. Typical bookworm. Shall we join them so she can receive more glares."

Harry laughed this time, "Might as well."

Hermione knew they were there. But didn't make a move to stop with what she was doing. Draco stepped forward.

"Hermione, can you take your attention away from your books for a few minutes and introduce us to your friends," he teased lightly. At Hermione's glares, Ron and Harry started laughing and Draco sat himself next to the Prewett twins, Harry sat next to Charlus, and Ron sat next to Septimus and they all introduced themselves.

Harry looked at all of them. "I'm so glad Hermione's making friends. Thank you so much for your sacrifice! Now, instead of forcing us to the library she can force you," he said smugly.

Everyone laughed, and all the boys joining in the study session for potions by getting out their books.

Ron looked at his book for a minute before closing it, "So...what do you guys think about Quidditch." And there started the best conversation ever, forming a bond between all the boys all while Hermione rolled her eyes for the rest of the afternoon. All of them, but Hermione of course, realized all the glares she was getting from the girls in the library.

And no one realized Riddle was watching them from a corner, concentrating in deep thought.

When Riddle walked into the Great Hall for dinner he noticed right away that something was different. People kept glancing at the Gryffindor table and were whispering heavily. He look and saw the Peverells were sitting at the Gryffindor table with the Gryffindor 7th year boys; oblivious to all the stares they were getting for doing so. And he looked at the teacher tables; most of them were staring in shock while Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling. Tom had a thoughtful expression. He was thinking and he made a realization: Dumbledore knows something.

Riddle sat down and his knights immediately surrounded him.

Malfoy turned to Tom, "Do the Peverell's know the rules?"

It was Avery who chimed in, "There aren't technically any rules about it. Besides, no ones told them otherwise. Apparently the Brown girl in Gryffindor made a comment about Slimy Slytherins and the female Peverell snapped at her and went off about how she didn't know people here judged someone for being in a house they were sorted into at the age of eleven. And well you get the point. Brown denies getting put in her place, but the rest of the Gryffindor's who were sitting with her have spread the word around and it's making people think."

Nott added, "Well she did have a point. I can see what people are thinking. After all, people always go on about how their founder is greater than the rest, but if you think about it the four founders came together for a reason. None could build this school separately. So whose to say which founder is greater? Also, we are only sorted by what trait stands out the most; it doesn't necessarily mean we lack the traits of the other houses. Peverell's got a point."

"Interesting point she made. But is this a good or bad thing," Riddle mused out loud. No one responded and it was at that point that Alphard Black walked into the Great Hall and saw the Peverells at the Gryffindor table. He looked thoughtful for a second before making his way to the Peverells with a determined look in his eyes. This year would be interesting.

The Gryffindor table seemed to be quiet for a few seconds before Hermione made room for Alphard to sit and quirked an eye at the Gryffindors. "Is there a problem here?" And with that, the conversation returned back to normal and Ron, rather loudly looked at the seventh year boys they were sitting with and muttered under his breath, "Told you she was terrifying."

And once again, everyone laughed.

The boys lazily went to bed that night and Hermione shrugged them off as she wasn't tired.

She decided that she would explore and grabbed the marauder's map as she walked the Hallways at midnight. She entered an empty classroom on the third floor, hid the map and sat. She was thinking about everything. There was so much to do in this time.

They had to break the house rivalries, make a name, and stop a Dark Lord. She was tired but she hadn't felt this happy, this carefree, and this good about what she was doing with her life in a long time. Hermione closed her eyes for a few seconds before sensing someone about to enter the door. Her eyes were still closed when Riddle walked in and turned toward her.

They sat in silence for a few minutes before Hermione; not opening her eyes asked him quietly, "Can I help you? I don't have time for insults tonight Tom."

She opened her eyes as Tom Riddles expressionless face turned thoughtful before he sat down in front of her.

"What happened to your hand?" Hermione glanced at her hand that was wrapped up in a cloth from where she had given blood to the goblins.

"If I said nothing, would you leave?" said Hermione, which just made Riddle arch an eyebrow. Hermione sighed before she pulled off the cloth and showed Riddle the deep cut.

"Just a cut from a magical blade. Not a big deal," said Hermione.

"Interesting," said Riddle frowning.

Hermione shrugged although inside she was happy that it seemed like Riddle cared about the cut on her hand, maybe he wasn't so bad. So far he hadn't done anything extremely dark lord worthy. Maybe they had overestimated him. She added," It's nothing compared to real war."

Riddle did something that surprised Hermione. He smirked. This made Hermione confused. "Why are you smirking?" Hermione asked out of curiosity not having a clue to what made Riddle's face change.

Riddle looked at Hermione and said, "Now Peverell, why should I answer your question when you never answer any of mine?"

"I always-," but Hermione was cut off by Riddles intensive stair.

"A question for a question," said Riddle. Hermione internally debated whether or not she should agree to his terms but in the end decided that Riddle couldn't ask anything that she couldn't answer. Also, her curiosity was killing her.

"Deal," answered Hermione.

Riddle smirked, " I was just wondering what blood ritual you could've done."

Hermione blanched. No one could know about the blood ritual. How had he put it together? She looked at him questioningly and he answered her unsaid questions, "Peverell, I'm the brightest wizard of my age. Magical blade and a cut that can't heal, come on Peverell. I'm not Potter or Malfoy, I can put two and two together." His answer made Hermione scramble for something to say to deny it, but he beat her to it, " There's no use in denying it. So don't. It's nice to see you finally at a loss for words. Curious, why would you need a blood ritual."

Tom: 1 and Hermione: 4

Hermione looked at Riddle, "Your question?" and prayed he would not ask about the blood answered with a haunting smirk. "Now I never said I would ask my question now, I think I'll save it."

Hermione knew right then and there that she had underestimated Riddle and couldn't help her old Gryffindor self from coming out, " You're such a -" but was once again cut off by Riddle.

"A Slytherin," Riddle half smiled as he got up, "I know." And he began to walk away. Hermione was ruffled and sat immediately lost in thoughts before she was interrupted by a voice and turned around to once again to face Riddle who was standing by the door.

Riddle was planning on leaving before he realized that she expected him to be a Slytherin through and through, and in order to act the part of a "friend," he would need to change that. Better yet he knew that this would confuse her. So he turned and stared at her back before calling out to her, "Why?"

Hermione was shocked he had returned, but then realized he had asked a question. His question. His only question. Why is he doing this? But she couldn't waste time on her thoughts. She gathered her wits quickly; after all, she was he brightest witch of her age for a reason. "Why what? Come on Riddle, I thought your grammar would be perfect and impeccable, just like you." she said with a hint of scorn.

Riddle scowled at her comment, but was still smirking underneath as he had obviously ruffled her.

"Or maybe you are not as perfect as they say?" Hermione ventured on.

"Why are you fighting a war?" Tom said stopping her from delaying her answer any longer. This was a question that Tom had been thinking about lately. Immediately after Tom asked his question, he regretted it. The storm in her eyes told him that the response would be something he didn't like. He was right.

"Because," she quietly said, "we were all that was left."

And she got up to leave, but as she was exiting she stopped by the door and as if saying it as an afterthought, "A question for a question, interesting. Question though, why are you so interested?" And walked away.

Harry woke up the next morning unnaturally early. So early, that he could see the shadows of Tom moving about and finally out the door. Harry sighed, why had he woken up so early? Hermione always woke them-that's what made Harry shoot out of bed. She should have woken him up already. Harry got out of bed and looked through Ron and Draco's four-poster beds. Both boys were sleeping but there was no Hermione. In fact, it didn't look like she had slept here at all last night. Harry frowned.

"Ron. Draco. Wake up," Harry said unhappily and in a commanding tone which made Ron and Draco shoot straight up in bed. Yeah they were heavy sleepers, but only because they weren't in a war. During the war there reactionary skills were impeccable. Also, the fact was Harry was using his "leader" voice and Harry usually never woke them up made Draco and Ron instantly know that something was happening. Draco and Ron looked at Harry questioningly with a million situations running through their heads.

Harry looked at them and said one word, "Hermione." Draco and Ron took a second to look around and glanced at the clock before realizing she hadn't woken them up today. All the boys quickly got dressed and went to go find Hermione. Where was she? As they were leaving their dorm, Harry brought out the Marauders map. The boys were just leaving the dungeons, when Harry finally spotted Hermione's name. She was in the last place they would have thought to look, the 6th Year Slytherin Girls Dormitory. Harry sighed in content before showing Draco and Ron where Hermione was.

But then Draco grabbed the map and examined it closer voicing his thoughts aloud, "Why is she still in the dormitory, Hermione never sleeps there. Even then she would be at breakfast or would have woken us up by now, unless she has a reason to stay in the dormitory . . . Guys, look!" Draco showed Ron and Harry the map and pointed at a name of the person who was standing closely to Hermione, probably in a conversation.

Harry was wide-eyed, "No way. That isn't..."

Ron laughed, finding this funny. "Only one way to find out, lets go deactivate the wards on the girls stairs."

Draco seemed to find this just as funny, " We could just apparate." To which Ron answered, "But people would ask questions, I think they forgot about it the first time."

Harry was so confused, "Can we just go and see what's going on?" and led the way back to the Slytherin Common Room.

What they didn't realize is that had made a mistake. They had forgotten that she was here in this time and that she was a Slytherin. They would have to factor this in to their plan later.

Hermione woke up early as always in the 6th Year Girls dormitory. Finishing late last night, she wanted to see if she could sleep on her own. And she did, without many nightmares. Hermione was just about to get out of bed to get dressed so she could wake up her brothers when she heard moving outside of her four-poster bed. She heard a few slams as someone was opening their truck and putting things out and away. Curious to see who was up this early, Hermione opened her four-poster curtain.

A pretty petite pale girl who had black hair, bright blue eyes, and stood at 5'3 with a very small frame met her gaze. She was pretty and the high cheekbones meant she must be a pureblood. Hermione realized that she was staring and noticed that the other girl had been staring at her too.

Hermione smiled lightly and got out of bed to introduce herself, "I'm Hermione Peverell, a transfer student. It's nice to meet you."

The petite black haired girl shook her hand and smiled. Hermione knew right then and there that this girl would be her friend. She wasn't the cold ice queen Slytherin type and didn't seem like any of the other Slytherin girls who were very materialistic. "I hope I didn't wake you up! My parents vacation in Italy got extended for a few days so I came to Hogwarts late."

Hermione nodded remembering how her first night here she had realized that one roommate was missing. Hermione wanted to make conversation and asked, "What were you doing in Italy? And it's all right. I usually wake up this early all the time."

The girl smiled brighter, "I wake up this early too. Finally someone else who does," she joked before adding casually, "And my parents were visiting the Italian Minister." Hermione eyed this witch with interest. Who was this girl? The girl seemed to realize this as well and said, "Oh dear, I forgot to introduce myself. I'm Dorea Black."

Hermione was internally shocked. How did she forget about Harry Potter's grandmother. Of course she would be here. "So of course I've heard about you Peverells but tell me something about you?" asked Dorea as she continued to unpack her trunk with her wand. Hermione smiled, Dorea was the first person to ask about her and not her heritage. This was going to be great.

*50 Minutes Later*

Dorea and Hermione were already dressed and were just about to head down to breakfast together. They had been chatting non-stop since the early morning, only to take a break to shower and change. They opened the door and walked down the stairs only to run head first into Draco, Ron, and Harry. The five looked at each other.

Hermione was the first to speak, "This is the girls staircase."

Draco and Ron smirked. Draco answered, "We know that Hermione."

Dorea voiced a question, "Don't the stairs have a ward that turns it into a ramp?"

Ron snorted, "It used too..."

Hermione glared, "You better put that ward back up right now!"

Harry grinned for the first time, relieved after seeing Hermione. He flicked his wand, "Done".

"Well... this is awkward. Let's head down to breakfast and you can introduce us to your new friend Hermione," said Draco as the group of five filed out of the girl's dormitory and into the Common Room heading towards the great hall.

All while Draco was thinking and calculating. Had his companions not realized that Dorea had made the connection between the deactivation of the wards fairly quickly? Draco couldn't help but think that she was a Slytherin. She was in this house for a reason meaning she was smart, calculating, and could potentially figure out their plan if they weren't careful.

Ron, being the strategist, was thinking along a similar line. Dorea wasn't just Harry's grandmother and a Slytherin, but she was a Black.

Ancient Runes. Artithmacy. And Transfiguration.

Draco sighed as he looked at his schedule. Today was going to be a long day. Not that it would be a problem for him. He knew all these subjects just as much as Hermione, Ron, and Harry did. He just didn't care to waste his time on stuff he knew perfectly.

As he ate his toast, he couldn't help but lose himself in his thoughts. Six years ago, in first year, he would never have thought that he would be this close to Hermione, Harry, and Ron.

Growing up, he had learned to think himself superior to half bloods, blood traitors and mudbloods a like. He never thought to think anything bad about it because his parents had instilled these beliefs in him at such an early age.

Maybe the first thing that got him thinking was when Potter had turned down his offer of friendship first year or when Hermione punched him in third year. He always wondered how Potter could go through so much and not turn against everyone and just pick up his bags and leave the wizarding world to it's fate. After campaigning against him, accusing him of attacking students, and being responsible for the death of everyone Harry loved, he thought that the wizarding world probably deserved it. But Harry was an enigma who still fought even though he lost everything.

It wasn't until fourth year that he realized why he never thought to question these beliefs. It was because he didn't grow up with the war. He was still a child who had been sheltered his whole life, just like Hermione and Ron. And as soon as he heard of the Triwizard Tournament, he didn't hesitate to secretly approach Potter.

Harry and Hermione had accepted his apology immediately (probably because they were so shocked and they even made him swear an oath to make sure he wasn't lying), but it took Weasley a while to come around. He smirked a little. All of them, besides Harry, had some growing up to do and that had been Ron's time.

He thought about it again and realized Ron really only accepted him as soon as he realized Draco was willing to be a spy. It was probably the hardest thing Draco had to do. He remembered that it was the first day Ron had talked to him without antagonizing him.

Draco had just received the dark mark and portkeyed back to Hogwarts gates. He was in immense pain, crucio was nothing compared to this. He dillusioned himself and made his way to the Room of Requirement to rest. He couldn't go back to his dorms looking so weak. Slytherins didn't show weakness.

As he entered the room, he didn't realize Ron, Hermione and Harry were there, waiting. He walked in and fell a little, too weak to stand up. But he felt someone grab his shoulder, hold him up, and walk him to the couch.

He looked up to see Weasley, his face ashen. "I can't believe you did it."

Hermione approached him, giving him a healing potion.

And Draco, before he fell asleep for a few hours, looked at Ron, "We're going to win this war. And a sacrifice like this is nothing compared to what we can lose. We aren't going to lose."

Ron nodded.

He remembered that as the moment Ron had changed (before the death of his family changed them all).

The day he got the mark, he grew up. He decided that he wasn't going to be sheltered for the rest of his life.

Draco had always been smart, so had Ron and Harry. They just didn't show it as much as Hermione had. Ron had grown up in the shadow of five successful brothers and Harry; well Harry hadn't had the easiest life. For both of them, it was easier to be Quidditch jocks than smart students. Draco and Hermione immediately got past their differences and formed a bond to reflect the one Ron and Harry had. Also, being the more studious ones, they worked the two jocks hard once it became clear just how deathly this war would be. Ron had a family at stake and took to everything they learned.

Ron waved a hand in front of Draco's face. "Draco, snap out of it and say hi to Hermione's friend." And shot Draco a curious look.

At breakfast, they had been introduced to Dorea Black and it was obvious that Hermione had taken an instant liking to her. This might be a problem. Although Hermione was a Gryffindor, the war had changed her, especially because of her close friendship with Draco. Although occasionally she acted like her old Gryffindor self, she had grown during the war to hold many Slytherin characteristics. She was obviously planning something. Draco would ask her about it later. He also wanted to ask her about Tom.

He went to his next class along with all the other NEWT students. On the bright side Ancient Runes had always been Draco's best subject along with Potions.

The four Perverell's easily completed all their work first in all their classes which annoyed the future Dark Lord.

The last class of the Day was transfiguration with Dumbledore and Harry approached the class with a twinkle in his eye. He sat next to Draco while Ron and Hermione sat behind them. They noticed Riddle enter the room, glance at them, and sit in the farthest seat from the front and in the corner, surrounded by his Knights. He obviously didn't like Dumbledore.

Dumbledore entered and Ron quietly snorted, he was wearing robes with bright blue stars on it. Obviously his fashion sense hadn't changed in fifty years.

Dumbledore glanced at the Peverell's before starting a fascinating lecture. Harry, Ron, Draco, Hermione and Riddle were the only ones not taking notes.

"All right, I believe that's enough of a lecture today. You have one task for class today and once you do that, you may leave. As mentioned in lecture, when in battle you can transfigure things in front of you as a shield. But it takes a lot of concentration to balance what you transfigure in the air. Combining both charms and strong transfiguration. Today, I will be handing out a piece of parchment, your goal is to transfigure it silently into wood, stone, or metal if you can. In addition, you must try to balance it in the air for at least ten seconds. Extra points to anyone who decorates their shield."

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Draco looked at each other. They could do this in their sleep. So, all silently nodding in agreement they started an intense game of hangman.

Riddle was the first to get it, turning his parchment into a green stone and floating it in the air for a minute. They all noticed how Dumbledore didn't give Riddle any extra points for the color change even though he said he would. No wonder Riddle hated Dumbledore.

Dorea was not to far behind Riddle, turning her parchment into wood and only holding it for ten seconds. Dumbledore smiled at her and told her she was dismissed, but she didn't get up.

That's when Harry looked around. More people were getting it, but no one was leaving. Even Riddle made no motion to get up, and you'd think with the glare he was sending Dumbledore he would take the first opportunity to leave right away.

Draco raised an eyebrow at their classmate's actions until Dumbledore stopped in front of the four.

"If you four don't mind stopping your game, I believe no one is leaving because they want to see if you can do th transfiguration."

"Of course Professor," Harry said politely and looked at the other three. Wandless or Wand was the unsaid question? Harry projected his thoughts in their heads, "Lets make them curious". They all pulled out their wands at the same time and places them down in front of them. Dorea looked at them confused.

"Don't you need them?"

Hermione smirked and waved her hand over the paper causing it to turn into a metal shield with the Hogwarts crest on it. All the animals of the four houses were animated and playing together. Harry waved his hand and his shield became a black metal with a lighting bolt that flashed on. Ron and Draco started laughing at the inside joke. Draco waived his hand and his parchment turned into a metal green shield with a funny drawing of the dark mark smiling. Harry grinned. Ron was the last one and his paper became a metal shield with a picture of a basilisk on it. The basilisk was toothless. Hermione smiled lightly as this. They all made their shields go up in the air and do a little dance before motioning them back in front of them and turning it back into parchment.

They went back to their hangman game while everyone in the class stared, including Dumbledore.

"Bugger," Ron said aloud as Draco won their hangman game. Then Draco, Harry, and Hermione laughed and gathered their supplies to leave the classroom. They ignored everyone's stares. Even Dumbledore's.

Draco had called a meeting. They were supposed to meet in the Room of Requirement an hour after dinner had ended. Hermione was curious, why did they need to meet? Nothing seemed to have gone wrong today. Although she would need to update them about Riddle.

She was walking towards the room of requirement when she saw a group of Slytherins whispering in the hallways, led by none other than Tom Riddle. Hermione internally decided to just ignore him. After the classroom run in yesterday, she really didn't feel like talking to him.

She walked forward but Riddle noticed her. Riddle politely asked, "Lost Peverell?"

Hermione looked at him and quirked an eyebrow as she walked by. "I can't answer your question until you answer mine Tom."

And she continued to walk by only to have Abraxas Malfoy and Mathew Nott block her way. She stopped and sighed for a second. She crossed her arms and stared at them hard. "I took down Grindewald's forces five days ago." She took out her wand and started to twirl it through her fingers, "do you even think I need a wand to move you out of my way?" She moved her gaze from her wand to the two boys. They both seemed a little put off and then Hermione felt someone behind her.

"Now Peverell, you shouldn't be threatening students. There is such a thing called detention," stated Riddle.

Hermione pocketed her wand. And pretended to sigh, "Your right," and before Riddle could stop her, she pulled he wrist in an arc movement, pushing the two boys blocking her way into the wall. She walked past them and hollered back to Riddle, "No proof, no detention."

It was as Hermione walked away that she realized Riddle hadn't said a mean thing towards her.