A Desire That Became Destiny

A Harry Potter Fanfiction by CreativeCursedChild

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter Series, but I do have all of the books.~

((A/N: Hello Everyone! Thank you so much for stopping by my story. Now, I have been thinking about putting a Harry Potter FF into the works for a bit now but never got around to it. However, I woke up this morning and realized there was nothing to do. Then it came to me. I was like "Brain" and my brain asked me "What" and boom,, new story. Now, I won't bore you with needless details and the like. This will be based around separate characters and I will claim early in that their personalities and such might be perfect. However, I have a high respect for these people whom were created by such a talented author and I strive to do them justice. I hope you will sit back and enjoy my story, let us take a journey together? Shall we? Somewhere that might not have happened but perhaps could have if things had been different.~))

(Also, as a cautionary note: This is before any of them had children and might not stick perfectly to what the final book decided happened between the characters. The pairings will be different and I have things in store. But, in this version, no kids. There might be at some point in the story itself but where we start is before all of that. I hope this suits your tastes.)

Story explanation: Hermione is not happy with her life. She works hard and spends every day helping others. She still reads her books and practices elementary spells to perfect them. But, something is missing. Along the line, things changed and it all went wrong somewhere. But, when our young heroine gets a second chance on how to do things... What will happen? Can she make the vitals choices and cause the genuine differences which can shape her future into something she actually desires? What about fate and the laws of time and space? This is not her normal time turner taking her back. With every choice she makes, something changes and it is not always for the better. Will she save friends only to lose others? Will she fall in love, but with the wrong man? Intelligence and her heart have always guided her... But, that might not be enough this time.

Chapter One

Like Sand Through The Hour Glass

It was weird in a way. Most of her day was filled with magic. From the time when she arrived at St. Mungo's to work and until she left. If she stopped at Diagon Alley or even on her walk home. Always was there someone or something which held magical properties or whom was doing something fantastical. When she got home, the same could be said. From the broom which continuously swept her floors to the song bird which could whistle show tunes if she beckoned it to. Yet, somehow, perhaps it was her Muggle blood. Hermione always found herself watching these sappy soap operas on her television.

Things had been this way for a while, a sort of repetitive routine which had suited her for a while. Work, Be social for a brief while and then home to watch the dramas of the Muggle World. Something which she had been a part of as a child and now avoided at all costs. If she did visit someone, it was for a only the absolute minimal amount of respected time. Usually, the person whom she met with was random. Either Luna, to have a cryptic conversation while walking around. Then there could be Neville, whom usually invited her over for tea. Ever since Agatha passed he seemed lonely. Also, she enjoyed stopping by the joke store and visiting with George Weasly. Though, things had been awkward between the two of them concerning her divorce from Ron.

Yes, she had divorced. It was something she was not proud of and yet a factor which had been necessary at the time. She had loved Ronald Weasly, in fact, at one time he had ruled her heart. But, the fighting became too much in the end. She threw herself into her work, became respected and admired by the people whom were around her. Then, one night, actually during an off day, everything had gone to hell.

Harry and Ron always worked closely together. The two had become Aurors and it was a widely known fact that by certain measure, Weasly hung on Potter's coattails. It wasn't that her ex-husband lacked the talent, he just seemed to lack the initiative. There had been more than one occasion when she had received the Patronus or Magical Letter stating he had been injured and saved in the nick of time by his best friend. Where Harry stood confident, he had sank into the shadows once more. Though, she had never lost faith. Even during their rough times she had always pushed him and Hermione had felt this was the appropriate thing to do. How could she have known he had messed up again? Something about an ex-death eater whom had been using Necromancy. The man had gotten away and their shared friend had saved him once again.

Ron had exploded in a fit of anger. He had stated she was forcing him to do too much and that everything in some way had to be her fault. Hermione was not the type to accept this and had thrown her own assessment at him. That, perhaps if he believed more in himself and stopped being so foolish and reckless things might work out better. But, he had left in a huff and naturally, she assumed her would be back the next day with his tail between his legs. Often, during their fights, he would rush off to one of the bars and become utterly the drunken fool before either staying at Harry and Ginny's or being delivered upon her doorstep by the two. However, this had no taken place.

He had run off to his family home. When she learned this, from Cho oddly enough whom worked with her at St. Mungo's, she had known their would be problems. Mrs. Weasly had always been a kind person. In fact, Hermione owed her a lot and always sought to show the most respectful side she could. But, the woman often stuck her nose in where it did not belong and while there moments where she rang true, her children usually won her favor. She had come home to find both Ron and his mother sitting in the kitchen with expectant looks on their faces. It was as if she had done something wrong!

Yes, Yes, Hermione would always be the first (at least, when her pride could be set to the side) to admit that she did not always read social situations great. But, when did supporting and caring for someone become the wrong thing to do? Mrs. Weasly had tried to help mediate things. But, Hermione had read between the lines and knew what was going on. Ronald had ran home and then shot off at the mouth to anyone whom would listen. The idea that he would paint her in such a horrid light (something she could tell from the cautious way his mother attempted to handle her) left her blood boiling. Before the night was out, yet another horrid fight had broken out. One which had ended with Mrs. Weasly shoving her son out the door and Hermione having it slammed shut behind them. The burst from her wand had nearly broken the entrance apart.

Things probably could have been fixed. In fact, during those last few days of their marriage, Ron had tried to contact her and do romantic things. But, they fell with a deadened tone. The actions which he took, meant to soothe the wrongs he had done, only served to prove their union was one of improper thought. Flowers, which were not her favorites. Candies, when he had known she was on a diet. Then, of all things, the bastard had actually sent her a joke card which had just ran her up the wall! Literally, it caused arms to spurt from her back and carry her up the damned wall! She had filed for divorce that day. From that moment on, everything changed.

Ron was the first to be divorced out of his siblings, only four of which had been married. George just seemed to lose a certain zest for life after his twin had died and though he brought different dates around for family gatherings, none of them had stuck. He was the mourning man which was accepted with open arms and Hermione had been titled the evil she-devil which had broken his heart. It taught her a lesson. The Weasly's had been the wrong family to choose. Yet, she had not expected the decision to have such an impact on her friends.

So few seemed to understand her motivations for the divorce. Many stopped talking to her in the first few weeks and others vanished as time came to pass. It had been two years and now she only met with Neville, Luna and George. Harry did come around at times and Fluer made the odd visit to inquire about her, but there were no others. Potter knew what had to be between them. Ron had always depended on him and he was exactly the type to shout that a decision needed to be made. She had not waited for such a thing to come to pass and instead released her dear friend and ignored him from that point on. They still met, mainly just at odd points during the past year when he sought her out. But, often it was for but a short time. Either Ginny would disrupt it, acknowledging Hermione like the supposed devil she was. Most of the time though, it was her own decision to end things early. It was just better that way.

For two years she had done the same routine. But, these dramas were beginning to leave a bad taste in her mouth. There was so much nonsense and she had always prided logic! When was the last time she had read a book that did not concern her work at St. Mungo's? There was one on her night stand which was an intermediate level educational book concerning new charms which had been developed over the past decade, but she had barely opened it. Often, when she reached the bed, she was exhausted and didn't even think to read.

Simply put, Hermione was unhappy. But, how was one to fix this? When she reached out to people, they became too busy. She was not the sort to beg attention. Both Luna and Neville had their own lives. There was her co-workers but mixing friendship and her career just seemed like a bad idea. Perhaps, it was her? Maybe she was avoiding making friends after the divorce which had left her rather bitter and tired. Such a thought left a bad taste in her mouth and yet rang true. She HAD been avoiding growing too close to people. Perhaps, it was time she took some initiative?

Hermione suddenly jumped up from her chair, forcing herself from her own thoughts of the past few years as she rushed from the quaint living room to her kitchen. There, on the counter was an address book which she flipped open. If social activity was what she desired then all she must do is take it, right? That made sense. She thumbed through the different pages, glancing over her well done hand writing before a frown creased her lips. Every name in this book was either a business contact, an old friend she no longer spoke to or the aforementioned people whom she already had an excuse not to hang out with. Damn it.

However, coming to one name made her pause. She stared down at the paper, her brown eyes focused on it before she sighed softly. Professor Minerva Mcgonagal was highlighted by her fingertip as she raised an eyebrow and then shook her head. Really, girl? Calling a teacher and asking for tea time would be highly inappropriate. She had not seen the woman in years and sending a message out of the blue was highly inappropriate. She dismissed this at first, leafing through the rest of the address book before coming to the stomach churning realization that there was no one else.

There was her old co-workers from the Ministry of Magic, which she had left after a year and a half of employment when she realized that her determination to help the house elves would never receive the desired outcome. She still championed these efforts for the unfortunate race but few seemed interested in aiding her and the young woman's radical views and determination had earned her some rather harsh enemies. When she had ran into Cho, whom had explained how under staffed St. Mungo's was, it had seemed a natural decision. Besides, after some training the healing and cure making now came naturally and proved to be a good talent to have when one had an Auror husband. Had an Auror husband, that is.

Once again, she flipped through the book and once again her eyes lingered on the woman whom had taught her so much. Profesor Mcgonagal (she could probably call her Minerva but the thought left a weird taste in her mouth) had given her the time turner which had allowed her expansive studies and determined ways of learning to actually be a possibility. The woman had offered leadership and was on the forefront of powerful witches. Sexism was not overly prevalent in the magical society but the days of Rowena Ravenclaw and Helga Hufflepuff were long past. If you were not a member of a Quidditch team or popular, some might overlook you entirely. But, that could not be said for her teacher and the head of her house.

Gryffindor had a new head of house, someone whom had displaced Neville after a short one year reign in the position. It had been a shock to everyone when their dear Professor admitting to desiring retirement. It had even been more shocking when she had gifted the position to Mr. Longbottom whom had stuck around to fill the open Herbology teaching position and married Hannah Abbot. The man seemed about as surprised and everyone else had. But, then he caught his wife cheating. The following few months, Hermione had been there and labored with him through the divorce proceedings (a process which had proved useful when her own break from union took place) then, when a young upstart by the name of Timothy Bankerdill emerged, Neville gave the position to him and even quit his position as teacher at Hogwarts. He lost all the confidence and belief which he had gained upon coming to the school of witchcraft and wizardry. The man simply ran a little shop now, selling unique plants which he bred. Sometimes he smiled, but it wasn't often.

Luna often came around and spent time with Neville. In fact, most days she could be found at his shop either helping tend the plants or absently talking about creatures and such. There were times when Hermione grew curious, she wondered if the two might have something. But, it seemed their established friendship (and Luna's rather eccentric personality which could be too much for even a saint to stomach) had kept the two from ever growing too close. Yet, perhaps it was the secretive romantic inside her... There was always that "What If..." thought which came to mind. The two friends were oddly compatible and yet seemed to avoid the concept at all costs. Neville, she could understand why, yet Luna had always been such a free spirit. Perhaps, it was just not meant to be.

There were a few others, perhaps. Relationships which she could nurture and try to expand upon. Yet, her school friends had always been the ones which Hermione felt the most comfortable with. In fact, everyone whom she bonded with during her student years. Yet again, she came to the name of her old professor and yet again she felt nearly pathetic for even considering it. Surely Minerva was busy. The woman, while retired, must hold some position in her community which insures that they keep her full of responsibility and vigor. Yet, oddly, she doubted it. Mcgonagal had always been a very resolute figure and if she desired her peace, then she would have it. So, would a random old student coming for a visit disturb such a peace?

She sighed and then in an irritated fashion closed the address book shut before raising her chin and glancing out the window. Her home was a simple building, off on its own and away from the hustle and bustle of the magical township. Yet, it was close enough to reach a decent pub or for shopping purposes and with the aid of a broom her ex-husband often got to work only a little late. It had been an area which they had negotiated on and a decision which she had given in to. Why on earth would you purchase a place to call home because it was in walking distance to a pub? Made no sense.

Hermione was hesitant to return to her dramas which still played in the living room. This feeling of loneliness and lethargy would not dispense herself if she did so. It was time to take action and she knew just the fashion on how to do so. The woman rushed upstairs, shaking off the medical robes which she had not removed upon leaving work and tossing them onto her bed. She had three exact copies so if these robes got rumpled or wrinkled than so be it! She let her hair down, grabbing a brush while looking into her reflection and then opening the small makeup box which sat there. It had been decided, the divorcee Granger was going to out and see whom she could find. Cho often spent time at one of the pubs not far from where she was and perhaps George might like a more proper visit. Screw what Ron might think!

Their divorce had been a joint failure and it had been a while. If her ex-husband still had a chip on his shoulder than let him say something about it. In her current mood, she was likely to cast a hex on him and just deal with the Ministry when it showed up at her door to question why an Auror (possibly soon to be ex, if he kept frustrating his superiors) had been "attacked" by her. His brother had always been a tease and rather frustrating at times but the man was nice and always had a small smile to give to her. Perhaps, if she encouraged him some that big smile he had when his twin was alive would return?

She flourished her wand easily, an action which came natural to her after the years she had trained. She glanced to the makeup and scrunched up her nose at it before placing the tip of the channeling rod to her lips. Instantly, what had been pale and withdrawn became two dark red pouty lines as she smiled and then touched it to her hair. A brush was no comparison to what a quick spell might do. Just like that, her hair was braided back in a respectable and yet (at least by her consideration) a flashy manner. She reached back, tossing the braid over her left shoulder as she slipped on a pair of loafers and pulled on a basic black robe. After a moment, she finished and looked at herself in the mirror. Then... She groaned.

"Hermione Granger, never a more boring being has existed" She told herself, staring at her brown eyes which were reflected back at her. She had known times when the beauty which (once again, by her opinion) eluded her. There had been the ball and other times, like her wedding day. Granted, that had been a bit of a mess. But, she had looked nice. However, right now she looked tired. The robe did little to accentuate any curves and even with her hair done and the lipstick on she seemed to cast an air of boringness. Which she knew was not a word and yet it just seemed to be what radiated from her.

This was how she knew she had failed Ronald in some certain measure. That zest for adventure she had developed during their younger years vanished the minute she turned twenty one and instead at some point she had become boring and frumpy again. Their sex life, hell, she did not want to even think of that. They had not slept together for nearly a year before their eventual breakup. But, Ron just had never inspired that sort of fire in her. The heart had skipped a beat but the blood had never boiled as Luna had put it on one intrusive occasion where she felt the need to try to comfort her after the divorce. Had anyone ever made her blood run warm? She thought back and realized she might never have allowed a man the chance.

There had been those she had dated or spent time with. Viktor Krum had been one of them. He had been attractive and she still swore he had an intelligence to him that so few others could see. The man had unfortunately died a few years ago after falling from his broom during a tournament. The news had saddened her. At one time, Fred had tempted her. Which was something George and no one else could ever know. But, that had been for such a brief period it seemed like it never existed. Of course, there was also Harry Potter. Not that she had ever harbored any perverse meanings toward her once close friend but the boy had grown into an attractive man. There had been... Moments. Brief ones, just like with Fred. But, it would never have worked out. Just like with Ron, things would have gone to hell for one reason or another.

Hermione was tired of throwing herself a pity party and tore herself away from the mirror, quickly moving down the stairs before flicking her wand at the television to turn it off. She always got a little odd twinge of excitement from using magic on muggle items. She grabbed her bag and paused once more before tossing the front door open and stepping outside. The plan was to go out and enjoy herself, meet with Cho and try to garner the beginnings of a friendship before stopping by George's Joke Shop in the closing hours when they were less busy and having a nice conversation with him. It seemed very formulaic, but that was fine. Anything which made her feel better.

The street was sparsely populated, a few people going to and fro and a person on a broom whizzed by overhead. The town Ron and her decided to live in was known as "Little Hollow", it was a new magical community which was quickly sprouting up and had portal connections to anywhere one might desire to go. It was one thing that Weasly had done right, he had located the place first after all. The sidewalk was made of cobblestone and the buildings were simple and yet had little personalities. A small bush of whispering willow root sat in a gardener's box outside her living room window. Neville had given it to her as a present earlier in the year and they were beginning to get old enough to hold conversation. It was quite interesting and she stopped to listen to the little bushes whisper back and forth before continuing on her way. They didn't trust her yet but would in time.

'Come on, Granger, keep your chin up and exude confidence' She mentally coached herself as she turned and ventured on down the sidewalk. She gazed at the house which she passed, all decorated in different manners to reflect the occupants inside. It made her curious to whom lived in such abodes. There was one which was a Herbologist's dream, every type of plant hung from the windows and even the roof itself. Another was such a bright shade of purple it nearly hurt her eyes and as Hermione passed one of the large windows she ventured a look inside. Even the interior, from the carpet to the plush love seat was a nearly horrendous shade of purple! Goodness, it made her head hurt. Perhaps, she didn't want to know that person even if she was feeling lonely.

A group of the neighbors had actually attempted to become friends with Ron and her when they had moved in. But, he had never seemed interested and she had been far too busy with her career. Now, she regretted not taking the time to get to know these people. Of course, it would be inappropriate and strange now because many knew of her divorce, whether they cared to admit it or otherwise. She had risen to an unexpected fame while fighting alongside the great Harry Potter and then she had delved down into infamy when her political aspirations had become too much. Somehow, the papers had written her off as a lunatic that believed house elves deserved more rights than the people themselves! It was ridiculous and also one of the factors Ronald used against them during the divorce.

Spineless coward he had been, hiding behind his family the entire time. It didn't matter whether they had hired lawyers or met alone for they were never truly as such! He had done everything from bringing his mother to court and getting his sister to drink a transformative potion to hide in plain sight when they met at a diner to discuss things. It was honestly quite pathetic, did he truly believe she wouldn't see the signs of masking magics when she had done so much transforming herself in school? Of course, it was the harsh names she called him in her head which made Hermione wonder whether she had been too hard on the man. But, bitterness was not easily solved now did it easily release the soul. They had failed each other and she refused to heap the blame onto herself.

She glanced up in surprise upon reaching the pub, her eyes falling onto the sign which hung overhead before she glanced inside through the large window. It seemed that this was a running theme, her seemingly spying on how normal people lived. But, immediately the first thing which had been noticed was Cho. The woman was standing there with a happy smile on her face and conversing with a few of their other coworkers. Their cheeks were a little red which hinted the crew had probably been drinking a good bit, enough to have fun and not enough to be worn out the next day. This is what she wanted and yet, why did she not go in?

Well... Because Cho noticed her.

The woman, possibly her closest thing to a female friend other than Luna glanced up and frowned. It was immediate, like noticing Hermione there had been an unwelcome surprise. Just like that, she turned on her heel, not caring about her own loneliness or the jolly scene inside. Granger was not as brave as she used to be, she was tired and that had taken the cake. She wasn't welcome in there, in fact, she wondered where she truly was welcome. Just like that, it was as if the floodgates opened. Warm tears stung her cheeks as she brushed them away in an irritated manner, trying to force off the emotions which she had been so able to put to the side. But... It was impossible now and as she reached her home, throwing open the door before slamming it shut behind her the woman simply collapsed to the ground. She sat there for a while, indulging herself in the tears and sobs which wracked her being.

She missed Ron. She hated to admit it but she truly did. At least he had pretended to find interest in what she spoke on. At least his family had pretended to accept her. Back then, it had been so easy to pretend she was surrounded with friends. Now, looking in on her own life, she realized the utter isolation and the impending fear that this was what her days would be filled with. Work then home, no in between and no one to fill the void. She knew her actions had been rash, that she had no idea what Cho was thinking when the woman had seen her. Hermione did look tired... Could it have possibly been concern? But, that didn't matter right now. She had convinced herself that she had to be strong throughout the divorce. Hell, even before that she had always tried to be the level-headed, calm and intelligent one. Because so, ridicule had always been tossed at her.

Hours past as she made no move from where she sat in the open entryway, her back to the wall as tears kept pouring down her cheeks. The sobs were gone now leaving her in a strangely calm and yet still highly emotional place. When had she come to regret her life so much? Everything had been so well put together and she had worked so hard for solidarity and what she thought would be a clear future. St. Mungo's had not been in her plans, neither had a divorce. Every part was out of order and she honestly didn't know how to repair it. What was the first action to take? What move would set things back into order?

Magic was still an ever fickle thing, its might and forces often meddling in the most subtle of ways. However, what took place as Hermione wiped her reddened cheeks of the now dried tears was not magic, per say, as it was that of a guardian angel she had no idea existed. A startled gasp escaped her when suddenly the address book she had been observing before plopped down on the floor in front of her. The woman watched with wide eyes as it opened and the pages fluttered quickly before falling upon the name she had so easily dismissed just hours ago. Professor Minerva Mcgonagal.

"Oh, come off it now, can't you see how pathetic that would look?" Magic always took place in the world she lived in. Strange things happened and they were rarely cause for alarm. Besides, she necessarily didn't have many enemies. There had been Death Eaters and the likes which had attempted to search her out at odd points but they had mainly been after either Harry or Ron. It was surprising how many people seemed to forget she was ever a part of their trio. Of course, it did not stop Hermione from clutching her wand and then doing a quick sweep of the house. The defensive and security charms were in place so... It could have been a spirit? There was no telling, honestly.

Hermione hadn't seen a ghost in years and yet sometimes, she expected one might have followed her home from Hogwarts. Strange things often happened when she was at her lowest, small moments which aided in helping her to recover from the rougher times. She stared down at the open address book and then with a mixture of ire and resignation picked it up and walked over to the large fireplace. She could send a letter and inquire as to how her old professor was doing, perhaps inviting the woman over for tea wouldn't seem too desperate or pathetic on her part. They would converse and some of her loneliness could ebb away. Okay, that was a perfect plan, one which made her feel a little better about the entire situation.

Parchment was always kept above the fireplace for when the need arose and she quickly snatched a quill that was there as well. In easy method which she had perfected in her younger years she had a properly written letter in no time. However, as she stared at it a few complex emotions swelled into her chest. She could write a letter and speak better than most but what did that matter? Where had been the other connections she was meant to make in Hogwarts? Her "Close" friends were nowhere to be seen less enough time pass and they show up to just tend to a tired relationship for but a day. She was not the strongest fighter nor the most intelligent mind to come from that place, despite what she told herself. But.. Well, now, that didn't matter!

She raised her chin and then tossed a little Floo powder in the fire place, watching as the green flames kindled before bringing the letter to her lips. She whispered its destination and then tossed the piece of parchment in before she could second guess herself once more. Okay, so she hadn't been the most kind and gentle person that she could have been. Maybe she was overly prideful and maybe that had been why people didn't gravitates towards her like they often did the boys. But, she could change that. A well place smile and some sweet words would go along way.

It had been a day wrought with emotion which also included some hard work at St. Mungo's earlier in the evening. Hermione found herself growing tired from it all and with a sigh, ventured upstairs. By this time in the evening, the Professor was probably resting and she would receive no word until the morning. That was, if she received any actual word at all. Minerva could be done tending to the young people and perhaps, not desire such company. After all, she probably reminded the older witch of more difficult times. But, the deed was done and a retrieval spell would only make Hermione seem confusing and silly. So, she retired to her bedroom in hopes that the morning would bring better tidings and a more appropriate way of thinking.

Little did she know, that a series of events had been set in motion which would allow the young woman to discover much not only about herself, but the past and those whom come to change it...

Everything has it's costs...

-Chapter End-

(A/N: There we go! Lovely little chapter that took me a good bit to get out there. I hope you all enjoy this beginning and that you stick around to see more. I have such plans for this story and, while I realize it is portraying a slightly darker sense of the series, fun things will come to pass. Anywho, I won't keep you all with my ramblings, have a great day and I shall see you in Chapter Two!)