The Matter of Time
"Miss Granger, the fate of this man and possibly the Wizarding World as we know it depends on this task. I hope you realize why I am entrusting you with such a task?" Albus Dumbledore said.
"Yes sir, I do." The bushy haired muggle-born responded. It was clear to her why out of hundreds, maybe thousands of perfectly capable witches and wizards, the greatest wizard she had ever known had chose her to complete the task. She was no stranger to the art of time travel what with Professor M providing her with the time turner two years ago to attend all of her classes that overlapped each other. She knew exactly the standard procedure and the regulations of time travel. But this, was a highly different task that she was about to embark on. One where the rules must be broken, much to her discomfort, to succeed. It was also because within the recent events regarding her best friend Harry Potter, she knew and fully understood the delicacy of this task.
"So then the plan is set. Whenever you chose to begin is entirely up to you as well as how to succeed. The less I know the better. I have faith in you Miss Granger. But remember, You-Know-Who will not be afraid to act the second he has gained his trust. So choose your timing wisely. Any questions?"
"Just one Professor," she began. The thought had been bubbling inside her since she was first given the assignment so many nights ago. "Are you sure that I cannot tell my friends about this? I mean of all people Professor, I believe that Harry has a right to know-"
"Ah, Miss Granger, I was wondering when you perk up the courage to ask this question." Dumbledore sighed. "I am afraid that what you have seen in these past few sessions with me will greatly affect Harry's hard headedness. He will not be able to accept the truth as nicely as you have done." But what Hermione had learned over the past few weeks had in fact caused her to doubt herself and her judgement for the first time. She had never seen such things that had confused her more. What this man had been hiding for so long and the fact that he was even capable of compassion at all made the man she had known for almost five years seem like an entirely different being.
"I believe that telling Harry this would not turn out very well. Certainly you have been tempted to tell him about all of this but have you ever thought about what this would do to him emotionally? If what you decide to do while back in his time does in fact change the entire outcome of your life, it is certainly possible that it shall change the outcome of Harry and Ron's as well. Telling Harry about this will just cause him unwanted pain and anger. If you leave straight afterwards then his temper will be your last memory of him. Instead of telling him this, spend as much time with your friends as you can before it is time. Have some laughs, make new, happy memories and keep things light. It will be much better than the alternative." Hermione knew that Dumbledore was right. He was always right. Though she was not emotionally prepared herself for the ultimate changes that could lie ahead, she knew that it would be better to make the memories of her friendships with Ron Weasly and Harry Potter pleasant ones. Hermione nodded slowly and could not help but smile while the memory of the first time the three of them met flashed across her mind.
"I understand…I should probably be getting back to my dorm now." She announced.
"That you should Miss Granger. Good night." The professor said. Hermione took one last look around the room soaking in all of the smells of musty drapes and lemon drops, the way the candles caressed every book, piece of furniture and Dumbledore with a sense of warmth and understanding and the texture of the chair she sat in across the Professor's desk. As she slowly rose from her seat to exit, she glided her soft hands on every surface in her path, making a memory of the office and the wizard who occupied it. This was a happy memory despite the intense circumstances. Though the hours she spent with Dumbledore were often too much for her to handle, it was the only chance she had ever gotten, and might ever get, to be taught by the great wizard himself one on one. It seemed to her that this must be what Harry feels like, having Dumbledore pay attention to only him. She felt so special, so honored to be given this opportunity. Her fingers barely touched the doorknob when she turned to face Dumbledore once more.
"Professor?" Hermione hesitated.
"Yes Miss Granger?"
"If for whatever reason things turn out…much differently…I just wanted to thank you. For everything…you-you're a great wizard." She half whispered. Dumbledore lowered his head and looked straight into her eyes as if he was looking straight into her soul.
"As are you, Hermione Granger." Dumbledore declared with a wink and a smile. Hermione felt her cheeks heat up and a grin growing across her face. She had never heard him use her full name. And with that, Hermione smiled back at him and walked out of the oval office.