A few notes before you read:
This story is 100% accurate and true to the original Harry Potter book series (besides the fanfiction part of it, of course). Spoiler alert if you have not completed the Harry Potter book series, as this story takes place a few years after the Battle of Hogwarts.
Hope you enjoy!
Love,
TatorTotTottish
"Oi, that's cheating!"
"No, is isn't! It's called strategy, Ron!"
"It does seem like cheating, Harry."
"Ginny, he can make him draw four cards," Hermione Granger laughed. "That's how you play UNO."
Hermione Granger, Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Ginny Potter (formerly Weasley) sat on the carpeted floor of the living room in the Burrow. The group was gathered around the small coffee table that sat just in front of the fireplace. Colorful cards from the game UNO littered the surface of the table in front of them. It was a comfortable Sunday evening in early March. The group had just finished a lovely dinner dedicated to Ron's twenty-second birthday, which had been about a week prior. They had been joined by and Molly Weasley, as well as George Weasley with his wife Angelina and their newborn son, Fred.
Unfortunately, none of the other Weasleys could make it to the Burrow that evening. Bill Weasley and his wife, Fleur, were originally going to attend with their two-year-old daughter, Victoire, but Fleur had suffered an extreme bought of fatigue at the last minute. As she was currently seven months pregnant with her and Bill's second daughter, no one objected to them having a quiet night at home. In fact, Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, and Hermione had been adamant the couple stay home after hearing of their situation; no one really fancied being around Fleur and her picky tastes, which only worsened the more her pregnancy progressed. Percy Weasley and his wife, Audrey, had also been unable to attend – their reasons unknown. Finally, Charlie Weasley was on a last-minute dragon expedition somewhere in Romania that was expected to keep him busy until the end of August that year. Since the birthday dinner had been a last-minute demand of Mrs. Weasley's, they hadn't the time to really invite anyone outside of their immediate family.
Following dinner, the group had helped Mrs. Weasley with cleaning the kitchen. Then, George and Angelina had said their goodbyes to head home and put their baby boy to bed. Next, Mr. Weasley (now newly retired) had happily retreated to his shed to tinker with some new muggle contraption called a Bluetooth (something both Hermione and Harry had chuckled at upon hearing). Mrs. Weasley had begun to boil a kettle of water for tea when Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Ginny had moved to the living room in agreement on playing a card game. Hermione had brought along the game UNO, stating that Ron needed to try muggle games, much to his displeasure and much to Harry's amusement. They were currently partway through their "practice round," designed to teach Ron and Ginny how to play. Harry had just placed a Draw 4 card down on the pile of discarded cards, which affected Ron, who sat to his immediate left.
"This game is rubbish," Ron muttered. "I was nearly down to one card!"
At this, the group couldn't help but laugh at Ron's frustration.
"Tea and cookies!" Mrs. Weasley called as she entered the living room with a tray. The four each happily retrieved a mug and cookie from a beaming Mrs. Weasley, who's brilliant ginger hair had begun to grey in places. Mrs. Weasley returned to the kitchen, leaving the group to take a break from the game so that they could sit and properly chat as they enjoyed their evening treats.
"Well, happy birthday, mate," Harry said as he clapped Ron on the shoulder.
"'Aanks," Ron answered with his mouth full of the cookie he had just bitten into.
"Ron," Hermione sighed with a laugh at her husband.
Her and Ron had been married for just over two years, and he still managed to act like– well, he still managed to act like Ron.
"Wha?" Ron shrugged; his mouth was still full.
Ginny leaned forward and covered her mouth in an attempt to suppress her rising giggles, her ginger hair (now cut to just above her shoulders) falling in front of her face as she did so. Harry grinned broadly at his wife.
"So, Ginny," Hermione said, trying to move the conversation forward. "You seem to be enjoying playing for the Holyhead Harpies."
"I really am," Ginny smiled, happy to talk about her professional Quidditch career. "Though I don't know if I'll do it forever. It's fun for now, though."
"You have a match tomorrow night, don't you?" Ron piped up.
"We're playing the Appleby Arrows," Ginny said with a nod.
"Well, right now you're playing me," Ron stated smugly as he resumed his position at the table, retrieving his UNO cards as he did so.
The group laughed and joined him at the table, picking the game up where they had left off. The four played well into the night, everyone winning at least one game – well, everyone except for Ron, who was far from thrilled. The group shared stories of their work lives, catching one another up, and sharing quite a few laughs every now and then. Hours later, as the night came to an end, the two couples said their goodbyes to one another and to Mr. and Mrs. Weasley before they ventured to the end of the yard, where they Apparated on the spot.
After a pop (and a brief moment of feeling as if they were being pressed upon from all directions), Hermione and Ron emerged in front of the building complex they had rented a flat in now for nearly three years. Hand-in-hand, the couple made their way up to their home. It wasn't long before the two were in their pajamas and tucked comfortably in bed. When Hermione turned to bid Ron goodnight less than thirty minutes later, he was already fast asleep and snoring. Hermione chuckled softly to herself as she reached over and turned off the lamp placed on her bedside table.
The next morning, Hermione awoke to her alarm with a small smile. She had slept well and was looking forward to another week at work. She had been working at the Ministry of Magic as Head of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures for almost two years, and she thoroughly enjoyed her job. It was also nice to work alongside Harry and Ron at the Ministry, as both worked in the Auror Department, the main division under the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.
Hermione rose from bed quietly – careful not to wake her snoring husband – and snuck into the bathroom, where she showered before going through her typical morning routine to get ready for work. Exiting the bathroom, Hermione then walked quietly to the closet and began looking through her clothes, pondering what to wear. Wanting to show some support for her sister-in-law and her Quidditch team (who would be playing later that day), Hermione eventually decided to dress down from her usual professional robes into a simple pair of blue jeans and the Holyhead Harpies sweatshirt Ginny had given her for Christmas. She completed the outfit with a pair of dark green and white sneakers, which matched her sweatshirt's colors perfectly.
Ready for the day, Hermione crept across the hardwood floors of their flat until she arrived in the kitchen. She had just finished preparing a pot of coffee when a large Barn owl began pecking at one of the closed windows in the kitchen.
"Right on time," Hermione smiled as she opened the window and took the morning edition of the Daily Prophet from the delivery-owl before slipping a knut into the small pouch tied to the owl's left leg. As soon as Hermione shut the window, a yawning Ron shuffled into the kitchen.
"Just like clockwork," Hermione chuckled. "Good morning, sleepyhead."
"Mornin'," Ron replied groggily as he poured himself a cup of hot coffee.
Hermione flipped open the newspaper and sat down at their small dining table. Ron joined her a moment later, placing a cup of coffee in front of his wife before taking his seat across from her.
"Today's a big day," Ron smiled, now wide awake as he took a swig from his own mug. "We're destroying Time-Turners."
"Time-Turners?" Hermione asked, curiously raising her eyes from the Daily Prophet. "I thought the Time-Turners had all been destroyed in our Fifth Year after the whole Department of Mysteries situation."
"Well, sort of. Apparently one of the bloody things fell over and trapped the entire lot of 'em in this endless time loop of falling over and over again. The Ministry says they're rubbish now, completely useless. They asked the Auror Department to take care of 'em so they don't ever become a problem. Harry and I volunteered."
"So, you boys are going to spend the day destroying Time-Turners?" Hermione chuckled.
"Yeah, but it's real hush-hush, Hermione, so not a word," Ron grinned, winking at his wife.
With that, Ron returned to their bedroom to get ready for his day. Approximately twenty-minutes later, he emerged in the living room wearing a pair of jeans and a dark green long-sleeve shirt. Apparently neither one felt like dressing professionally that day.
"Ready?" Ron called to Hermione, who had just finished placing their coffee mugs in the dishwasher.
"Supporting Ginny, too?" Hermione smiled when she entered the living room and saw his dark green shirt.
"Don't tell her," Ron laughed as he retrieved a small pot from atop the fireplace.
"Have a great day," Hermione lovingly grinned at Ron as she planted a kiss on his lips and took a handful of the grey powder from the pot in his hands. "I love you."
"Right back at you," Ron said with a raise of his eyebrows.
Hermione stepped into the fireplace's now green flames, gave her husband one last lingering smile, and threw down the powder.
"The Ministry of Magic!" she called.
Then, Hermione was off.
An instant later, the witch emerged into the bustling grand hall of the Ministry, joining the growing morning crowd emerging from nearby fireplaces. She didn't hesitate as she strode off in the direction of the lifts, dusting any remaining ashes from her jeans as she walked.
"Good morning, Miss Granger!" a booming voice called pleasantly.
"Good morning, Minister," Hermione beamed as Minister for Magic Kingsley Shacklebolt easily fell in step beside her.
"I trust you are well today."
"Yes, sir. I trust you are also well."
The pair had reached the growing lines for the lifts, though most parted to allow the Minister and his companion through first.
"Absolutely, Miss Granger, it's a beautiful day!" Kingsley laughed as he gestured for Hermione to enter a lift ahead of him. "And I hope to discuss this position within the Department of Magical Law Enforcement with you soon."
For several weeks now, Kingsley had been trying to convince Hermione to take a promotion to work in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement alongside Harry and Ron. Kingsley had stated that she showed real potential, especially with her already being the Head of a Ministry department at such a young age. He frequently told Hermione that the promotion could set her up for a very successful future, one in which she should seriously consider being Minister for Magic. Though she was flattered, Hermione still had her reservations. There had been controversy when a muggle-born witch became Head of a department, as there always was with anything similar to this matter, and it made Hermione slightly nervous to consider such a major promotion. Voldemort may be dead, but his beliefs were still occasionally echoed in the Wizarding World. Of course, Hermione had expressed these concerns time and time again, but Kingsley still insisted.
"Minister," Hermione chuckled. "You know I am quite fond of my current position as Head of the Department of Magical Creatures."
"I'm not hearing a 'no!'" Kingsley chortled as the lift's grilles slid shut.
"Allow me to consider it," Hermione stated politely as the two reached up and caught hold of the safety handles dangling above them.
The lift skidded upward from the main floor of the Ministry, its patrons swaying slightly as it did so.
"Only if you actually consider it," Kingsley continued. "I want you to really give this promotion some thought."
"Yes, sir," Hermione smiled, listening distantly to the female voice announce floor after floor until–
"Level four, Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, incorporating Beast, Being, and Sprit Divisions, Goblin Liaison Office, and Pest Advisory Bureau."
"You have a good day, Minister," Hermione stated as she moved to exit the lift.
"You too," the wizard called back. "Oh, and Hermione?"
The use of her first name in a professional setting made Hermione stop and look back in surprise at Kingsley, who was still crowded in the lift with several other wizards and witches.
"I love the sweatshirt," Kingsley finished with a genuine smile just as the grilles slid shut once more and the lift ascended.
Hermione made her way down the corridor to her office, still grinning from ear-to-ear at Kingsley's compliment. She greeted her receptionist politely, then entered her large office. Hermione's office was circular, with several full bookshelves lining the walls and a large mahogany desk in the upper center of the room. Glowing sunlight streamed in from the office's windows that had been enchanted to reflect whatever weather Magical Maintenance had decided upon for that day. Hermione smiled cheerfully at the sight of her office, which she had grown quite fond of over the last two years. Being Head of the Ministry's second largest department certainly had its perks, and Hermione was grateful for the extravagant office; it had become her home-away-from-home in more ways than one.
The first part of the work day passed somewhat uneventfully for Hermione. The witch wrote a few reports, attended a couple of meetings, and sent out more Interdepartmental memos than she cared for. Around lunchtime, Hermione received notice from her receptionist that her last meeting for the day had been cancelled, much to her disappointment. With a bit of free time now on her hands, she decided to do some exploring. After informing her receptionist that she would be out for lunch, Hermione made her way back to the lifts.
"Level two, Department of Magical Law Enforcement, including the Improper Use of Magic Office, Auror Headquarters, and Wizengamot Administration Services," the female voice announced after the lift had ascended two floors.
Hermione exited the lift, followed the corridor down, turned a corner, and walked through a pair of heavy oak doors. When she emerged through the doors, she found herself in a cluttered, open area divided into cubicles. A sign (which was a little lopsided) on the nearest cubicle read "Auror Headquarters." Just then, a hefty man appeared from one of the cubicles, his arms filled with several pieces of parchment.
"Hello, Mr. Robards," Hermione greeted the man politely.
Gawain Robards, current Head of the Auror Department, gave Hermione a broad grin.
"Granger! Good to see ya!" he called. "What can I do for ya today?"
"I was looking for Ron," Hermione stated with a sweeping glance over the room. "I understand he and Harry have an important task today, so I don't want to interrupt if they're bu–"
"Nonsense, Granger! You're a bright one; I know you won't give me any trouble!" Mr. Robards roared before he turned and nodded toward the far corner of the room. "Last door on the left, my dear."
"Thank you, Mr. Robards," Hermione said with a polite nod before continuing past him.
A few moments later, Hermione came to the "last door on the left," as Mr. Robards had directed her. Hermione knocked lightly, then entered the tiny room and closed the door behind her, where she found Harry and Ron standing on opposite sides of a decently sized table.
"Hey, Hermione," Harry said with a smile and a little wave.
"Hey, Harry," Hermione answered, returning the smile. "Hey, Ron."
Ron stepped forward and greeted her with a swift kiss to her forehead, earning him a beaming smile from Hermione.
"My meeting with Mr. Scamander was cancelled at the last minute, so I figured I'd pop in and see how the Time-Turner destroying was coming along," Hermione explained. "Hope you two don't mind."
"Not at all," Harry said with a nod. "We were just discussing what to do with this last one."
"Little git is giving us some trouble, ya see," Ron grumbled as he gestured toward the single Time-Turner that sat on the table between the two men.
Hermione nodded thoughtfully and spared a glance around. The room the three stood in was painted in various shades of gray and was barren, with the exception of the table that sat in the middle. A cardboard box filled to the brim with demolished Time-Turners sat on the floor near Ron's feet.
"Why is this one giving you trouble?" Hermione asked as her eyes fell back on the lone survivor of the Time-Turner massacre.
"Not sure," Harry shrugged. "The Ministry gave us specific directions on how to get rid of them, but this one won't break down."
"Is it a different model, maybe?" Hermione inquired.
"Looks the same," Ron said with a shake of his head. "Come on, Harry, let's just blow the thing up."
"Ronald Weasley," Hermione gasped. "I have known you for nearly twelve years and that is the daftest idea you have ever had!"
"You have a better idea?"
"Anything that doesn't blow a hole in time! I mean, honestly!"
"She's right, Ron," Harry sighed. "We have to destroy them properly or we could do something stupid, like bring Voldemort back from the dead."
At this, all three shivered slightly at the dramatic yet horrific thought.
"Well, have you considered destroying it manually, like without magic?" Hermione reasoned as she tapped her wand against her lips in thought.
"Like with a hammer?" Harry laughed.
"Maybe," Hermione said, her forehead scrunched in thought. "I don't see how that would be any better than blowing it up, though."
"Guess we'll just have to ask Kingsley what to do with it," Ron shrugged as he picked up the Time-Turner.
The three departed the room, Ron in the lead, the Time-Turner in his hand. Ron was in the middle of making an inappropriate joke to Harry when he stumbled over his own feet.
It happened too fast for anyone to do anything. The Time-Turner tumbled from Ron's grasp and fell to the carpeted floor and before Hermione could register the Time-Turner's new location, she treaded across it, the timepiece crunching under her right sneaker. A loud bang shook the floor and the room flooded with a brilliant white light. Hermione stumbled backwards. She then shut her eyes and instinctively brought her arms up to shield her face, her wand still in her right hand's grasp. She distantly heard Ron yell something, but she couldn't quite make out what was said. Suddenly, Hermione felt her entire body jolt backwards, as if an invisible force were violently pulling her away from the scene.
Then, everything was quiet.