Author's Note:
This story is incredibly AU. Yes, Hermione fought in the war, and, yes, she does have the scar.
Although Hooch and Pomfrey did graduate in different years, for the sake of this story I have chosen to keep them as classmates.
Reviews are definitely helpful!
I hope you enjoy.
Chapter One: The Wire And The Loop
Hermione sat with a few stray books laid out before her in the library. She peered at them questioningly, as though one might leap up and give her all the answers she was secretly hoping to find, yet, they didn't flinch. And she didn't have much time.
She was left on her own on this one.
Replaying in her mind like some sick montage were the past few hours and the meeting with the Minister, his aids, and some of her closest friends. Although the war had been won and life was just beginning to return to a state of normalcy, the discovery of a rather sinister plot had been uncovered by none other than Neville, Luna, and Ron. It had been a year. There were still a few wizards left, seduced still by Voldemort's persuasion, who sought to destroy the peace the wizarding world had begun to once more rebuild. It was a terrible thing. But the most unsettling piece of all the information that had been brought forth was who was being targeted and when... Hermione couldn't wrap her mind around any of it.
"We heard rumours about a dark wizard operating out of a hideout not too far from Godric's Hollow, naturally, we were a little weary about taking advice from a drunk in a pub but... It was true." Neville explained to Minister Kingsley, and the rest seated at the circular table in the Great Hall. With school out for summer, the Great hall was always emptied to accommodate only one large lacquored table for the staff that remained for meals. This is where they sat for the duration of their meeting.
Headmistress McGonnagall's stern gaze watched Kingsley, and only him, for she knew already the information being presented. She was curious how he would choose to take action. She trusted in him, but, still, she was filled with trepidation.
"We found the place, it was ransacked and nearly destroyed, but we did manage to find a lot of notes left behind by Lockesly, Brin, and Mister Kay." Luna continued, her spacy eyes focused more so on the table than the other faces then aimed in her direction. She shifted uncomfortably, clearly not enjoying the attention she was receiving in these times. Hermione, who was seated beside her with Harry on her other side, found herself reaching a hand over and laying it on top of the arm Luna hand on the table. The blond girl only moved it slightly to take Hermione's hand for support. Though there were some officials there, regardless, the majority of the people seated were close friends; a family. No attention was paid to the touch.
Ron sensed that neither Neville, or Luna, wanted to take the time to explain the rest, the three eyed each other for who was to speak next. It was disturbing enough being the ones to have discovered it, so he cleared his throat lightly and all attention was turned onto him. He chose to focus on Hermione and Minerva.
"They found a time turner, I only knew what it was because I'd seen one once before, it was drawn over and over and pieces of paper. When we finally found other scraps of parchment with proper words, we realized that they plan on using the time turner to go back to Hogwarts. Not in our time but when the Headmistress was in school, 1953 approximately, to abduct and to murder her. We have to assume this is because they think if they change the past they have a fighting chance of being able to win the war, change our history... That's their plan." Ronald finally turned his sights upon the Minister, an almost pleading look on his face. "We have to try and stop them."
"Of course, we are going to stop them." Kingsley immediately replied to the young ginger man. The Minister's mind was already spinning to weave a counter-plan of their own. But how... who...
"Why they believe that this would work, I don't know. But I am willing to help in anyway I can." Harry said as he leaned forward, his elbows coming to rest on the table as he folded his arms. He'd always liked, respected, and felt some affection toward his Head of House. She had always been there for him in times of need and fought bravely the day the fighting ended. He assumed he'd be a major piece of the plan, he'd always been. But no... Kingsley had other ideas. Minerva could see it in his eyes as he peered across the table at Hermione. Another, equally as talented, individual. Her wand work and her cleverness could be legendary.
"Unfortunately, Mr. Potter... I think this situation requires another strategy." The Minister replied while glancing between Minerva and the Hermione. He was thinking on his feet, it could very well be a disaster, not to mention the implications of using such a volatile piece of magic for great lengths of time. Minerva was growing impatient.
"With all due respect, Minister... What exactly are you thinking?" The ebony haired woman asked with a bit of heat lacing her Scottish lilt. Hermione was equally as curious. She still held Luna's hand, which seemed to calm the blond woman as she'd stopped fidgeting so much, but she looked on at Kingsley who peered back at her. Though they were staring from one to the other, she could see his mind racing for conclusion.
"She will go." The Minister replied simply.
"She will go?" McGonnagall questioned as though she didn't quite understand. Harry, Neville, and Ron shared glances while the Ministry officials shared their own. Surely, they weren't understanding properly.
"You have a time turner in your possession, do you not, Miss. Granger?" In fact she did... Hermione's lips formed a grim line but she nodded her head to answer the Minister's question. "It would raise too much suspicion for their to be a great many people infiltrating Hogwarts some forty years ago. She will go alone and detain the three. As it would be, I have all the faith that a clever woman such as Hermione Granger can get close to a much younger Minerva McGonnagall. Be a protector of sorts, a friend. She will go alone."
"THAT'S PREPOSTEROUS!" Minerva shouted at the man, horror writing itself upon her features. Green eyes flashed in anger between the officials and the Minister. Was this seriously the best he could do? Did he realize it could very well be a death sentence?
"With all do respect, Kingsley, I don't think you've thought this through..." Harry immediately interjected as he leaned forward in his seat, readied to argue his case.
"Surely, you can't expect a girl to do this job..." Hermione's head snapped towards the woman who spoke, a nameless woman, a ministry lacky. How DARE she insinuate that Hermione was a child... She could easily understand Minerva's and Harry's concern, however, this woman... She knew nothing of what she'd been through.
Around the table people began to argue, however, a pin drop could have been heard the moment the palm of Hermione's hand made harsh contact with the surface of the lacquered oak. More than a few people jumped at the loud sound reverberating off the walls, and eight pairs of eyes trained themselves upon the brunette. Hermione was red faced and furious, and peering at the nameless woman across the table.
"Girl... You say? Really?" Hermione spat, her hand slipping from the one belonging to Luna. She was almost shaking from rage. "I was a child when I entered this hall eight years ago, and since then I have fought tooth and nail with my closest friends, other 'children', students, month after month, year after year... WHILE YOU PEOPLE SAT BEHIND DESKS AND PUSHED PAPER AROUND!" Unbeknownst to her, she'd began to creep up and out of her seat, her palms pressing into the table as she leaned over it to yell at the woman. "IF THE MINISTER THINKS I CAN DO THIS, THEN I'LL DAMN WELL DO IT REGARDLESS OF BEING A 'MERE GIRL'."
How they fought around the table for some hours against the plan that she go on her own back to another time to protect their Headmistress. They tried to persuade her against it, even McGonnagall, Kingsley and Minerva had been relentless. Harry disagreed with the Minister so fervently that he was forced to leave the room. He threw up his hands, muttering about the ridiculousness of it all, and left with Ron chasing after him. The Minister knew that it was an incredibly risky mission, for anyone, but he'd seen the way Hermione fought and knew that she could easily blend at Hogwarts, it was the best laid plan. All he had to do was convince them of this.
Eventually, things did settle. They kept asking if she was capable, if she wanted to, if she knew the consequences of the jump she was planning to make and for the length of time she'd have to spend in that year... The return could very much kill her. Age her until she was dust. She knew it. She'd already gained a year or so having used the time turner in school, what would this do to her body? Not only that, but what could it do to history? If she slipped, one false move or phrase could change the trajectories of events for certain lives. That is why working with time was so delicate, it had to be precise. She was careful enough, smart enough, that she did eventually begin to believe she was nearly the only person who could pull it off. Kingsley placed his trust in the right woman.
In the end, she kept repeating 'I can do this'. It wasn't a question. Finally, the wizarding world had a leader they could trust in Kingsley Shacklebolt. And she did trust him. If he thought she could manage this, saving their dear friend, and possibly not die in the process... Then she believed it. And she would do it. Without questions asked.
Hermione left the meeting needing some time alone. Their had been so many emotions, not only presented by her but her friends, her mentor, even Kingsley. They were all passionate, adamant, yet, from the moment the words 'she will go' parted lips and fell out on the table, she knew, she had to do it. He was right, there was no other way. She was a brilliant witch, she could easily defend herself now more than ever, if only against men and not terribly large monsters... She was capable. But having to go back and see Minerva, to try and get close to her, that was an entirely different story.
In the beginning, what had developed was only a small school girl crush. It happened sometimes when a person of authority, one whom a person could true respect, became more friendly. All the admiration and the closeness could create a perfect storm of feelings and attraction during a time when hormones ran rampant. It happened in her third year when Minerva was tasked by Dumbledore to assist her with the time turner. Minerva was appreciative and gracious, and needlessly to say impressed, by the ambition Hermione presented. Over time that year, the pair would meet nearly biweekly, growing to be less like pupil and professor, and more like friends. There was still that authority, yet, the conversations they'd have... They were remarkable.
As Hermione was terribly attracted to intelligence and wit, Minerva fit the bill in her entirety. Her age was just a number, the woman was still incredibly beautiful, but her mind... Her thought process... It drove Hermione over the edge.
The years progressed and the feeling, the attraction, deepened immeasurably. She felt so much for so long that she realized the night before the battle that her heart did, and would, remain the property of the Headmistress. She was absolutely taken. Harry and Ron knew it, everyone knew it, everyone that mattered; being her closest friends. She didn't have to say a word and people still seemed to figure it out. They never made mention of it, perhaps because they respected both of the women so much, but Hermione knew that they could easily tell that Minerva had bewitched her. It may have been in the way she fell over herself around the woman, or maybe in the way that she held a longer glance when Minerva entered the room, she wasn't exactly the most discreet. Nearly having died multiple times over the course of seven years would do that to a person. You never really knew when your time was up.
The only thing was, even despite her obvious displays of worshipping the ground the other woman walked on, Minerva was oblivious. Thankfully, so. Hermione appreciated her friendship so deeply that she wouldn't have ever wanted Minerva to know, for the sake of their current standings. If she were discovered, it could possibly have been the end. She couldn't take that.
Maybe someday, when she had finally aged a little more and didn't look like she still belonged in school robes, maybe then she would tell the woman about her affection. Maybe she wouldn't be turned away or rejected, maybe there was a chance... Until then, she would do all she could to ensure that was still an option. She'd return to Hogwarts, befriend the woman, and save her from the fate that could rip them apart.
That was the plan.
A few hours of alone time was all Hermione needed. She collected herself as best she could then sought to find Minerva for a final audience before her departure. She was wasting time still being in the present when the problem was in the past.
She managed to make it to the Headmistress's offices and stared at the statue for a few minutes. While she gathered her thoughts, the stone grew impatient.
"Forgot the password? Fine, just go in." It parted for her to reveal the stairs. It shook her from her reverie and caused a slight frown to tug at the corners of her mouth. The thing could be a real piece of work sometimes. Regardless of whether or not she was ready, and after a deep breath, Hermione ascended the stairs to knock on the door she was presented with after the short climb.
"Enter." Was the short reply her quiet taps were met with. The voice sounded gruff, and after opening the door she could easily see as to why.
Hermione entered in cautiously, her gaze bouncing from Minerva to the two other women also within her office; Madame Hooch and Madame Pomfrey stood on the other side of the desk, on either side of their friend. Both turned to look at the younger witch, and both seemed to wear small sad smiles upon her entry. They inclined their heads briefly by way of greeting, though it didn't distract from the fact that Hermione could clearly see Minerva quickly wiping a few stray tears from her cheeks. The older woman looked awful... Worried.
"Forgive me, professor... For the intrusion. I just need to ask a few questions before I depart." Hermione spoke in a softened tone, she spoke as though speaking to a dear friend, despite using the all familiar title rather than the woman's name. Minerva's emerald eyes cast themselves upon her and Hermione's lips curled into faint smile. She couldn't show fear.
"Well, we'll be taking our leave then, leave you both to your business." Rolanda said as she motioned for Poppy to lead on towards the door Hermione stood in front of. Poppy met her eye and gave a nod, she was nearly about to take a step toward the exit when Hermione closed the door behind her.
"Actually, it may be best if you both stay." Hermione could see the women exchanging brief glances, most likely a little confused, although they remained silent sensing that she was not quiet yet done explaining as to why they were required. Minerva simply remained silent, her reddened eyes watching Hermione quite closely. "I vaguely remember seeing the three of you in a picture, a school picture, in Minerva's chambers a few years ago... We'd been discussing a rather curious book and the photo was on the shelf when I grabbed it. It was mentioned that you attended Hogwarts together."
Minerva couldn't ever wrap her head around Hermione's ridiculously acute memory. The young woman was more than brilliant, it amazed her still. Finding her voice, at long last, the Scottish woman parted her lips to speak.
"Indeed, we did. We graduated together." Still thick with some emotion Hermione couldn't quite put a finger on, Minerva's voice was a bit more rough than she was used to hearing. The younger witch merely nodded as she took her seat.
"Some of the best years of our lives." Poppy added as she placed a hand on Minerva's shoulder, offering it a squeeze. Minerva reached with a hand and gently patted the one offering her the comfort.
"With that being said, I don't need to know specifics, but I do need to know a little about that year and how I may be able to include myself within your... Well, your friend group. It'll make the transition much easier if I know what I'm getting myself into." Hermione explained further, making it all the more clear as to why she requested that the other women stay. She needed some answers. If they were as close as she assumed they had been, and had remained over the past forty some years, it would be hard to just show up in that time and try to include herself. She had to get as close to Minerva as possible for this all to work.
"I think that is understandable, makes perfectly good sense to me, so... Let's try and figure this out, shall we?" Rolanda was all business, straight to the point, Hermione appreciated that.
Much to Minerva's surprise, and she was quite thankful for it, Rolanda and Poppy took it mostly upon themselves to give the younger witch the answers that she needed. Minerva only had to make some small additions here or there. It took every ounce of will not not to become a mess of tears in front of her star pupil, her friend, because she knew exactly the gravity of what Hermione was about to attempt. There would be no way to make contact with Hermione, no way to know until she returned whether or not she was successful, and she questioned Kingsley's judgement on this call.
Hermione had only just begun to resemble the person she had been a few years ago. She'd only just begun to stop having nightmares... And now here she was, uprooting herself to do it all over again. All because a couple of deranged lunatics were threatening the life of a mentor. She could tell that Hermione was trying mightily not to let on that she was, in fact, just as terrified as the rest of them. Probably more so, considering. She knew the girl well enough to have a pretty decent read on her now. It made her feel all the more guilty.
It was inappropriate for a professor to fall in love with their students. Morally unacceptable. Minerva could never deny that the young woman had fascinated her for many years, but she never allowed herself to feel attraction. It was wrong. She was a person of authority, she needed to be trusted, that was that. However, when Hermione returned just before the battle began, that very day, watching on as Hermione utterly annihilated any enemy which tried to take her down with grace and poise, Minerva couldn't help but to fall in love with the woman. She was all the things Minerva craved in a person, she was made up of what Minerva admired most. Sincerity, strength, intelligence, ambition... Passion. She was the most brilliant mind of her time. There wouldn't be another quite like her.
For a moment, Minerva remembered that day. Here and now, she watched Hermione speak to Rolanda and Poppy, hungrily clinging to any piece of information they offered which may have helped aid her on this death mission. She tried not to think that way, but the odds were stacked against Hermione. One witch against three practised Death Eaters. She had to remember the way Hermione had fought... And that had to give her hope that she could take them as she had the others. She had to be safe... Because she had to return. It was her life Hermione was trying to save.
"Well, I think I have everything I need," Hermione's voice drew her back to the present and Minerva watched the young woman rise from her seat. "In case I don't get the chance to tell you, thank you... Thank you for everything. Learning from you, Madame Hooch... And being healed frequently by you, Madame Pomfrey, has been a pleasure." Minerva's brow furrowed as she listened and watched Hermione extend her hand to Rolanda. She had to replay the words a few times. Rolanda did take Hermione's hand and give it a shake, but even Rolanda could tell by the way Hermione had worded herself that the young woman was implying she might actually not return. Apparently without fear... Rolanda's mouth twisted in a frown.
"Miss. Granger, the only way this will be a success is if you live..."
"You mustn't think of the alternative..."
Poppy and Rolanda tried to comfort her, but realistically, Hermione knew, she very well may meet her end.
"Let's be honest, I will do everything in my power to make sure Professor McGonnagall is just fine. If she lives, that's all that matters now." Hermione allowed Poppy's hand to be released once she had taken and given it a small shake. She turned to view Minerva once more and saw the woman's shoulders were shaking, her breathing implied that she was fighting back a fresh wave of tears, Hermione couldn't let it effect her. Instead, she gave Minerva a brief nod and as honest a smile as she could muster.
"It's been a pleasure, Minerva McGonnagall. Thank you." With that, the young woman turned from the three and moved to the door... Minerva wanted to call for her to wait so she could give a proper farewell, as she should have done, but her voice couldn't be found. Hermione would leave, living in uncertainty, and may never know that she was so deeply loved... So cared for. The minute the young woman was out of sight, Minerva lost all sense of composure, leaving her friends to comfort her and make false promises that Hermione would return and be fine, that she'd return at all, nothing they could say made it any easier to say good bye. She regretted not being able to the minute Hermione had left the office.