Can't run from time

Ready

"I don't need anyone's approval," he said, his voice sharp.

"Not even mine?" she asked, stepping closer.

His eyes darkened, and for a moment, she thought he might lash out. But then he cupped her face in his hands, his touch surprisingly gentle. "I need your loyalty, Hermione. That's all I'll ever ask of you."

She nodded, her heart aching. "You have it."

Tom's lips curved into a small smile, but his eyes remained lost. "You know I- I love you right?" he flushed slightly but maintained his cold demeanour. 

"I know.." tears welled up in her eyes but she forced them down. 

"Then why would you betray me like this..." Tom whispered taking a step back from her.

Hermione's pulse quickened. "what do you mean?"

He crossed the room in two long strides, grabbing her wrist and yanking her to her forward. His grip was bruising her skinny wrists.

"Don't play innocent with me," he hissed, his voice low but seething with fury. "I know what you've done."

Her heart raced as she struggled to keep her composure. "I don't know what you're talking about."

His laugh was cold, devoid of humor. "Oh, you're good. So clever, aren't you? But not clever enough to cover your tracks." He tightened his grip, pulling her closer. "You destroyed them. My Horcruxes. Don't deny it."

Hermione's mouth went dry. She had prepared herself for this moment, but the intensity of his anger was more than she had anticipated. "I did what had to be done," she said quietly, forcing herself to meet his gaze.

His eyes flashed with something dark and dangerous. "What had to be done? Do you have any idea what you've cost me?"

He shoved her against the wall, his body pinning hers in place. She tried to twist away, but his strength was unyielding.

"You think you can stop me?" he said, his voice low and venomous. "You think you can undermine me and get away with it?"

"Tom, please—"

"Please?" He laughed bitterly, his face inches from hers. "You betrayed me, Hermione. You were supposed to stand by my side, but instead, you've proven yourself a liar and a traitor."

His hand slid to her chin, tilting her face up so she couldn't look away. The intensity in his gaze was suffocating, and for a moment, she saw the true depth of his madness.

"I should make you suffer," he murmured, his voice a dangerous whisper. "You deserve it."

His fingers brushed her cheek, and she flinched, the gesture too close to tenderness for her comfort. Her mind raced, trying to anticipate his next move, but his emotions were a storm—unpredictable and violent.

"You've made your choice," he said, his voice low and filled with menace. "And now you'll face the consequences."

He released her suddenly, and she stumbled, her back hitting the wall. He turned away, pacing the room like a predator stalking its prey. "You'll stay here," he said finally, his tone cold and commanding. "I'll decide what to do with you."

She swallowed hard, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew she had pushed him to the edge, but she wasn't about to back down.

"I'm not afraid of you, Tom," she said, her voice steadier than she felt.

He stopped in his tracks, turning to face her with a cold, cruel smile. "Oh, you should be," he said softly. "Because I've only just begun."

"tom please, let me explain.." she whispered. 

Tom didnt answer. He spun around and hermione felt herself shaking violently with fear. His eyes were red, his face was thin and pale. Tom began mummering in parseltongue.

2 snakes emerged from a small crack in the wall. They lurched at hermione, wrapping around her arms. She screamed, struggling to get out. "That should keep you busy till I return." he hissed. and with that he slammed the door and locked it with charms.

hermione sobbed, afraid to move as the snakes trailed around her body. Suddenly, a small owl appeared at the window. it knocked, signalling for her to get up and open it for him. Dumbledore. It has to be...

She slowly scooted towards the window. The snakes tightened their grip causing her to fall back. She felt one graze its teeth on her back, as if it were teasing her. 

She closed her eyes, attempting to do wandless magic. Eventually, she managed to put a sleep spell on the snakes. She shrugged them off and ran to the window. She let the baby owl in. The letter stated:

Dear Hermione,

Enclosed in this envelope is the fixed Time Turner. Nicholas had been working on the parts for a new one for months so all he had to do was switch them over to this one. I thank you heartily for what you've done. I will deal with the other Horcruxes in time. Besides, I think you have done enough for us already Miss Granger. Consider this a goodbye, I don't expect to see you when school starts in a week. 

Be safe.

All that's left to say is that I can't wait to meet you again in the future. So this isn't goodbye. Remember Hermione, have courage. You will be fine. 

Best Wishes,

Albus Dumbledore

Hermione's eyes welled with tears as she clutched her time turner. Suddenly she heard someone coming up the stairs to the door. Her eyes darted around in panic. She whispered softly accio broomstick  hoping it would work. She didnt want to face Tom, especially because she was not only feeling scared, but she was feeling guilty as well. 

Just as the sound of keys was heard at the door, a broomstick from Tom's office flew up at the window. She stood on the ledge and had no time to think. The words she said to Harry in their first year echoed in her mind "you know what Madam Hooch said, besides you dont even know how to fly...what. an. idiot"

She had never mastered flying but just as the door creaked open she silently mounted the broom and thrusted herself out through the window.

She darted at full speed, not even knowing where she was headed. All she knew was that as much as it pained her to say this: She had to leave. And she was ready.