Can't run from time

The library was Hermione's sanctuary. The musty scent of ancient tomes, the soft glow of candlelight—it was her haven amidst the chaos. Yet tonight, it felt suffocating. It had now been 2 weeks since Tom found out about the time turner. The first few days he bothered her about the future. The first week was silent treatment. And now, well...

Tom Riddle sat across from her, his elbows on the table, his chin resting on his clasped hands. His piercing gaze had been fixed on her for what felt like hours.

"Tell me about the future," he demanded again, his tone soft but insistent. Hermione sighed, keeping her eyes on the book in front of her. "I've told you everything I can, Tom. Let it go."

"You haven't told me everything," he said sharply, his voice cutting through the quiet. "You think I don't notice when you avoid my questions? Why did you come here? How did you get here? And don't lie to me."

She clenched her fists, refusing to meet his gaze. "Some things are better left unsaid."

He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a dangerous whisper. "And some things are better uncovered. Shall I look for myself?"

Hermione's head snapped up, her heart pounding. His wand was already in his hand, the tip glowing faintly.

"Don't you dare," she hissed.

His smirk was cold. "You've piqued my curiosity, Hermione. And I'm not a patient man." Before she could react, he murmured the incantation for Legilimens.

"STOP!" she shouted, trying to block him from entering her mind. "you can't know about the future tom! it will mess up the time line.. URRG!"

Tom delved into her mind, images flashing past in rapid succession. He saw Hogwarts in ruins, a great snake slithering through the corridors, and a man, pale , old, more menacing than he ever imagined—casting the Killing Curse at her.

He stumbled back, breaking the connection. His face was pale, his hands trembling slightly. "What—what was that?" he demanded, his voice unsteady.

Hermione rubbed her temples, her breathing ragged. "It's the future you create," she said quietly. "The one I'm trying to prevent."

Tom's expression darkened. "Lies. I would never—I couldn't kill..you"

"You would," she interrupted, her voice firm despite the tears in her eyes. "And you do. You become everything you fear, Tom. Everything you hate."

For a moment, he was silent. Then he turned away, his shoulders stiff. "Leave me," he muttered. "Tom—"

"I said leave!" he barked, his voice echoing through the empty library.

She turned and walked away. Just as she was leaving the library she heard small soft echos "oh, and about what you said last week, I do hate you.."