DISCLAIMER: Harry Potter series belong to J.K. Rowling.
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A/N: This is my second Hermione-Severus fanfic. Characters will be OOC because this is A.U.
As usual, like most of my fanfics, this is a time-travel story.
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PROLOGUE
A petite figure of a woman wearing a hooded cloak was spotted at the Hogsmead village by some patrons at the Three Broomsticks, running for her life. The village wasn't lively as before. It was like Voldemort's regime all over again: quiet. Though the pubs were almost full, the patrons were unusually quiet while having drinks. The only noises can be heard were the sound of utensils, coins and glasses; and now, the footsteps of someone running. The witches and wizards at the village went to peek on their respective windows to see who was running outside for dear life. The witch's hood fell off her head and the villagers gasped in shock upon realizing who it was.
"No wonder, she's the next target," one of the old wizards at the Three Broomsticks muttered to the person beside him.
"Poor dear girl," said Madam Rosmerta mournfully and she sobbed.
"Merlin help her," said another witch sadly.
The running witch finally reached the Hogwarts gates and continued running towards the castle. She wasn't surprised that the gates were open and the wards were down—just for her. She secretly sent a message to the Headmistress to let her in. Right now, Hogwarts is the safest place in the entire British wizarding world. She spotted Professor Flitwick waving his wand to the gates, probably adding more wards. She spotted Hagrid who waved at her, but his smile was forced. She continued running towards the castle, but instead of going to the Headmistress's office, she went straight to the seventh floor corridor. She could only think of one room to hide. Now that she's escaped them, they probably think that she went to Hogwarts and raid the school, just to get her. She paced back and forth to the empty corridor, her thoughts in disarray.
I need as safe place, I need a safe place.
I need to save them. I need to save Harry... I need to save him...
I have to get away from here. Things are not right!
Suddenly, a pair of oak double doors appeared on the blank wall. She went inside without thinking twice and closed the doors firmly once she was inside. It was similar to the Gryffindor common room, only that it has few chairs and more spacious. She went to the middle of the room and turned around. The double doors disappeared. Aside from the couches and tea table near the fireplace, there were shelves of books around and surprisingly, a wardrobe.
She threw herself to the couch and closed her eyes for a moment.
Now that I'm safe, what am I going to do? she thought. It would be best if I get some sleep first.
She hasn't slept in a day. She's been busy the last twenty-four hours planning how to escape them without being noticed. Now, they couldn't take her while she's in the Room of Requirement. She's safe here.
She woke up after only-Merlin-knows-how-many-hours and was a bit disoriented. It took her few seconds to realize where she was and what happened. The only light in the room was from the fireplace. Again, she looked around, deciding what to do next. She saw the tea table first. There was a thick file folder she didn't notice earlier. She picked it up, scanned the documents and her eyes widened in shock. She turned to the bookshelf and scanned the titles of the books. Next, she went to the wardrobe and was amazed by the working robes she found there, as if it was really designed for her.
She fell down on her knees sobbing. She looked up at the ceiling. "Oh, dear Hogwarts," she said in awe. "I couldn't thank you enough! This is more then what I wanted!" she cried with joy. After few moments thanking the Four Founders, she went back to the couch and planned her return. A smile plastered on her face.
"Wish I had a time machine; I could make myself go back until the day I was born. And I would live my life again, and rearranged it so that I'll be yours from now on." –It's Sad to Belong (England Dan and John Ford Coley)