Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any other people, names,
places that you see here that may be familiar from either the books or
another source. I claim no rights.
For everything that happens, there is a reason. Even if the reason has yet to present its self, it is there. I always found it hard to believe that, you know? Something would happen and I would be lost, if I couldn't explain it through logic and books, then...It couldn't be explained, it's just that simple. Heh. That's how I've always been too. Well. Almost always.
My name is Hermione Granger and I am one of the top Muggleborn witches to graduate from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, one of the most prominent Wizarding schools around, in some time. Clearly, I didn't get to be the top by believing whatever riff-raft came my way. I was studious. The library was my sanctuary. If I couldn't find what I needed in there…well...I didn't need it too bad after all.
But one of the greatest lessons I ended up learning my last year at Hogwarts, and it wasn't learnt through books. That's right, the know-it-all bookworm is admitting that she learned something that a book could never teach. I learned to believe that bit I first spoke on, that everything happens for a reason.
Alright, alright. I admit. I didn't learn it all on my own. I had help.
Oh, how about I just tell you the story? Can I? Please?
Good!
After Dumbledore's death, which I still have a hard time believing, all these years later, there weren't many other well-known deaths for sometime. Cornelius Fudge, yes the former-Minister of Magic, was the next 'prominent' figure to be killed. Though, we all had problems mourning his death. Not because we all disliked him during his time in office so much...well, that would be part of it, but because of the circumstances surrounding his death.
It turned out that Fudge had been all decked out in Death Eater gear, yes the Dark Mark and all, when a group of Aurors made a raid. Remus Lupin had been badly injured in that raid along with Bill Weasley and Kingsley Shacklebolt, but none of the Order members or the Aurors had been killed. From what I was told, it was actually Remus who killed Fudge only to turn around and find another wand pointing directly at him. Who? None other than that bigot known as Delores Umbrage.
Oh yes. You heard me correctly. Both Fudge and Umbrage were Death Eaters. Believe me when I tell you Harry, Ron, and the Weasley twins had a field day with that one. Anyway, Umbrage and the rest of the remaining Death Eaters who'd not been killed were rounded up and shipped off to Azkaban. It made it difficult to keep track of all the prisoners, especially after the Dementors abandoned their posts. But the guards did their bests and there were only a few breakouts here and there, nothing like they had been just after the Dementors left, though.
The Order members returned to Hogwarts to speak with Professor McGonagall who'd taken place as the Headmistress of the school. Harry, Ron, and I were allowed in the meeting, for some reason. I think it was because they knew they couldn't afford to hide much from Harry and that if Harry knew, Ron and I would most likely know. They said that the raid had come up with nothing of great value but before they attacked they managed to hear bits and pieces about another attack on Hogwarts.
"Another one?" Ron said, worriedly.
"Professor McGonagall, I think it'd be a good idea to restart the D.A., the other students need to be prepared." Harry said at once.
"I agree, Mr. Potter, but are you certain you feel comfortable teaching it?" The Headmistress asked.
"Absolutely," He answered without hesitation. "After...after last spring, I think it's mandatory that all students be prepared to fight. Last time, it was my self, Luna Lovegood, Neville Longbottom, Hermione, and Ron. Everyone else... was clueless."
"Who will be welcomed?" Tonks asked.
"Anyone and everyone," the Boy-Who-Lived replied. "Even the younger students. I'd want them in a class separate from the older students, to make it easier on all of us. First through third and fourth through seventh seems like it'd be the best."
McGonagall nodded as she considered the proposition, "And you shall be teaching on your own?"
"Well, Hermione'll obviously be helping with the research part of it," Harry said. "I had hoped, since I'm to battle Voldemort, that I would be able to get some extra training?"
"Yes, Harry," Remus said with a small nod. "I've been left in charge of teaching you."
"Would you... would you mind if I made a request?" Harry asked, hesitantly.
"What is it?"
"Those who went with me to the Ministry...Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna, I'd like them to be trained with me. I want them at my back when the Battle starts," Harry said.
Ron and Hermione were both caught off guard by the request. Hermione pulled him into a hug and smiled through her tear-glazed eyes and Ron frowned, "I thought...I thought you didn't want us there?"
"For you to come with me, even though you correctly believed I was wrong, took a lot. From all five of you. It means a lot to me and there's no one else I'd trust as much to watch my back."
Remus listened to the exchange and glanced to McGonagall before he spoke, "Harry, it's a touching idea but..."
"Remus, please," Harry said urgently. "This group is as close to a real family as I've got. I want them trained as well as I am."
The werewolf glanced to the Headmistress who gave a look that said 'it's your call'. With a small sigh he nodded, "Alright. The six of you will be trained together."
Harry smiled to his two best friends then to Remus, "Thank you."
Eventually, the conversation turned back toward the raid and the information found. Harry and Remus had agreed to meet together to begin planning the lessons for the D.A. Harry would write down what they talked about and give the notes to Hermione who would look up what was needed and organize the lesson plans.
Ron and Harry immediately suggested that they start up the D.A. once more to help prep the other students. Harry didn't say it, but I know he was worried that another attack may be more disastrous than the one that Draco Malfoy had led. We were all afraid of that though. What I remember most of that meeting is when Harry's emerald eyes stared hesitantly into Remus's and he asked quietly if they'd seen any sign of Snape or Pettigrew.
Remus had sighed heavily and glanced to McGonagall, Tonks, then back to Harry before he answered. They'd not seen Snape. Nor did they think they would anytime soon. Harry was so determined he pressed on, two other times he asked about Peter Pettigrew before some one finally answered. Tonks had seen Peter. The wizard had transformed into a rat and scurried off to warn Voldemort as soon as the raid had begun. I remember looking from Remus to Harry, both looked so furious. So desolate. Not that I can blame either of them. Peter had, directly or indirectly, been the cause of every loss the two had suffered. From the Deaths of James and Lily to Cedric Diggory, Sirius, and, to an extent, Dumbledore.
Things around the school tensed up for the last year. For the whole summer between sixth and seventh year, none of us were certain that Hogwarts would even be open this term; after all, while Minerva McGonagall was a powerful witch, she wasn't Dumbledore.
It wasn't until the day before Halloween that things really took a turn. I mean, everyone had been expecting something to happen but no one wanted to be the one who mentioned that small fact. As always, there was a Hogsmeade trip for all the students third year and up. The novelty of the small village had worn off for Ron, Harry, and myself, but that didn't mean we were going to stick around the castle and mope. Filch marked us all off the list as we past, sparing the deepest of his scowls for Harry and Ron.
The trip there was completely uneventful. Our shopping was consisted of a few things here and there. A few boxes of sweets from Honeydukes, a refill of different supplies, the usual. After that, we went to the Shrieking Shack.
"It wouldn't surprise me if some bloody Slytherins following us," Ron muttered as the Trio slipped into the dilapidated house.
"Honestly, Ron," Hermione huffed, though, she had to admit, she agreed.
Once inside the 'haunted' house they made their way up the stairs to the room where they'd first met Sirius and sat down on the dusty floor.
"Where do you think he went?" Harry mused aloud.
Neither Ron nor Hermione really had to ask whom he was speaking about, "My best guess is trailing after Voldemort. Peter's not one to attempt hand to hand combat," Hermione replied.
"You don't think he's spying again?" the raven-haired wizard asked.
"Well, it is possible, Harry, but...I don't know how probable," She frowned.
"More probable than one would think," a cold voice sneered from the doorway. In an instant three Gryffindors were on their feet wands aimed at a certain blonde wizard who leaned against the doorframe, his icy gray eyes watching them with what appeared to be detached amusement. "Constant Vigilance, Potter. What would your dear friend Moody say if he knew you were snuck upon so easily?"
"What are you doing here, Malfoy?" Ron growled.
"Manners, Weasley. You're to respect your superiors," The blonde smirked.
The redhead made to lunge forward but Hermione stopped him, giving the Slytherin a sharp glare, "I believe a question was asked of you. What are you doing here?"
"I should ask you the same. Despite the fact that my whereabouts have little to do with you, I choose to enlighten you."
"Oh really? Go on then, grace us with your intellect," Hermione said dryly.
"In actuality, I'm here because I've a message," He said as though he were bored.
"Must you stall? We've more important things to be discussing rather than listening to your nonsense," the bushy-haired witch said irritably.
"Fine," he said shortly, pushing himself upright from the wall. He glanced over the Trio before his eyes came to rest on Hermione, "The message is for you, Granger." He didn't blink when Harry and Ron tensed and stared at him full of hatred. "But for you only."
Hermione tilted her head slightly, studying the Slytherin who stared back, "Are you saying that you'll only tell me?"
Draco gave a curt nod and the smaller witch glanced to her two friends, placing a hand on either of their arms before taking a few steps forward, "What is it then?" She asked as she brushed past him and stood in the hall.
The blonde took a deep breath and turned the corner to where he was out of the line of sight from the two males, watching closely. "The message I was to give you is as follows," He said, his eyes meeting the girl's. "Despite what lays in the past, not all is set in stone."
Hermione blinked in confusion as she thought over the words, "Right. And just what is that supposed to mean to me?"
"I guess you'll have to find out," He said. Next thing Hermione knew, there was a wand pointed at her and a silver beam of light hit her square in the chest. Everything went black and she had the sickening sensation of falling from a very high place. She faintly heard the sound of an apparation and two voices calling her name, before all sound was gone.
She felt herself hit solid ground, but it felt as though she'd only been knocked backwards, not like she'd been falling at all. Hermione blinked and pulled herself to her feet, "Well that was a bloody waste of my time," she muttered as she re-entered the now empty room. "Harry? Ron?" She asked the silence. "The prats left me!"
Had the young witch paused long enough to be observant, she would have noticed the layer of dust or better yet, the lack thereof. But, she didn't. She was much too furious that her friends would leave her in such a manner, that she paid little attention to any small detail.
Slipping from the Shack, careful not to be seen, Hermione made her way back into Hogsmeade, walking purposefully toward the Three Broomsticks. When she focused on one thing, she tended to lose focus on everything else...including others around her. Which may very well have been the reason for the collision that sent her falling backwards with a squeak.
Glancing up from her place on the ground she gave a small glare at who ever it was who dared knock her over. "Merlin, I'm sorry," came a quiet but strong voice. "Are you alright?" He asked, offering a hand to help her up.
Hermione's eyes narrowed slightly but she accepted the offered hand, dusting herself off once on her feet. "I'm fine, despite having been ran over."
The boy, who looked about her age, blinked in confusion and apprehension, "I said I was sorry."
Something was familiar about him. She didn't know what, though. And that was something that irritated Hermione to no end...not knowing, that is. She pursed her lips and studied the boy who was, in turn, studying her. "Who are you?" She asked bluntly.
"Excuse me?" He said, with a frown.
"Who are you?" She repeated. "I don't remember ever seeing you around."
"Well that's a mutual feeling," he agreed before offering his hand again in introduction, "I'm Remus Lupin."
Hermione froze and her eyes narrowed. "That's not possible."
"I'm sorry?"
Damnit. She hadn't meant to say that aloud, "I--er--sorry, Hermione Granger."
"You don't go to Hogwarts," Remus said, after a brief silence.
"Yes, I do," she countered, her mind working to figure out what was going on. Malfoy. That stupid prat had sent her back in time!
"Then how come I've never seen you around before?"
"Because...Because I only just moved here. I was supposed to meet with the Headmaster today...that's why I'm here in... Hogsmeade," She lied.
"I see. Well, I can show you the way to the castle," he offered, only to be cut off by some one yelling to him.
"Oy! Moony! Where've you been mate?" Came the voice of a rather hyperactive raven-haired wizard.
Hermione took a slight step back as the one known as Sirius Black approached, "Oh. I see you've made a new friend."
"Hermione this is Sirius Black, Sirius, Hermione Granger," Remus said, introducing the pair.
Sirius grinned and threw his arm over the shoulders of the newcomer, "Pleasure to meet you, Hermione Granger."
"Get off of her, Padfoot," said a third voice, laced with amusement.
"Aw, come on, Prongs, I'm only having a bit of fun," Black said charmingly.
"I... I'm going to... to go up to the castle now," Hermione said meekly as realization set in firmly. She found herself looking at her best friend's father and godfather, both long gone in her time.
"The castle? You don't go to Hogwarts," Sirius said blankly.
"I do now," She said in an annoyed tone. "If you'll excuse me," she added curtly before pushing her way past the Marauder's.
Hurrying in the direction of the school and ignoring the calls of her name, Hermione's mind frantically slipped into over drive. This wasn't supposed to be possible. To go back in time a few hours via Time Turner, yes, but to be sent back however many years she'd been sent back? No. That wasn't supposed to be possible.
A short time later Hermione made her way toward the Headmaster's office, her mind reeling over the 'message' she'd been given before she'd been sent back. "Despite what lays in the past, it is not all set in stone," She muttered under her breath as she reached the stone gargoyle. She tilted her head slightly and glanced nervously around, "Erm...Chocolate Frogs? No. Oh. Lemon Drops? Cockroach Clusters?" The gargoyle leapt aside and she sighed in relief.
She knocked lightly on the door and entered when the familiar voice from behind the door requested that she do so. Hermione smiled inwardly as, once again, Professor Albus Dumbledore sat behind his desk. "Excuse me, sir?"
A blank expression crossed the elder wizard's face and he gave a small nod, "Please, sit down Miss--?"
"Granger, Sir. Hermione Granger," She responded, taking the offered chair. "I really don't know where to start..."
"The beginning always seems to be a good place," Dumbledore said kindly.
"That's part of the problem, Professor," Hermione said, uneasily. "There is a bit of a situation. You see...I'm actually from the...well the future. A lot of bad things have happened in my time and some one who I could hardly even begin to trust gave me the most... confusing message, said he was sent to do it. He said that 'Despite what lays in the past, not all is set in stone' then the next thing I know, I'm in Hogsmeade and Remus Lupin collides with me. The Remus Lupin who is my age."
Dumbledore listened to the young witches statement and gave a small nod, "That is a very bold thing for that young man to do. Send you into the past to fix the things that have come to be. But some one sent him to tell you... What are you wanting to do Miss Granger?"
"I don't know. I mean, I was sent back here to change things. It would be so much better if I knew who it was that sent that message to begin with," She sighed.
"Would it make a difference?"
"Well, yes. If it were you or Professor McGonagall who were to give me such a message then I would be doing anything and everything I could to take care of things. If it were L-his father, or some one along those lines, I would be adamant not to do anything that would make any change."
"Who do you think gave him that message to deliver to you?" He asked.
Hermione shook her head, "I don't know. His father is in Azkaban. There's no benefit to Voldemort if things were to change...I can't see why anyone on that side would want me to change things when they've just managed to... do all they have. But Professor McGonagall wouldn't have told me to do such a thing and you... couldn't have told me to do such a thing."
Whether or not he had managed to catch what she said his future held, she couldn't tell, he seemed to simply be in thought. "Is the person who delivered the message, perhaps, looking for redemption for an act?"
Sitting back into her chair, the bushy haired witch seemed to be considering this point, "It is...possible. Why would he choose me though? Why not Harry or Ron?"
"Perhaps he knew you would be the most sensible in the things you chose to change," the Headmaster suggested.
She fidgeted slightly as she considered the idea. Hermione sighed and shrugged, "I can see where he would have believed that. Ron and Harry...they would have done something inexplicably rash. But, sir," she said, hesitantly, "Isn't it illegal to mess with time?"
"Technically, yes," Dumbledore conceded. "However, the manner in which you were sent back wasn't on your own doing. A normal Time Turner would not have sent you this far back, thus, even had you access to the device, it would not have managed to do this."
"There's still the fact that, just my being here is going to affect my future, and yours," She frowned. "And if the Ministry finds out?"
"That is, indeed, an issue that you may face," he nodded, "Which is why, you shall speak to no one with the exception of my self and possibly Minerva McGonagall, about what is going on unless you have come to me and I agree that the person or persons you wish to be informed is reliable enough for that to be so. If asked about your history, you are a Muggleborn witch who's been forced to move due to less than favorable circumstances. Prior to this, you were tutored by a neighboring wizard who allowed you to read from his library and taught you himself."
Hermione thought over her story and nodded, "That shouldn't be too difficult to remember. I am a Muggleborn witch and where I'm from, there have been many less than favorable circumstances, one in which nearly caused the closing of Hogwarts. What's more, I tend to read all textbooks, rather thoroughly, before each term, so it wouldn't be too much of a stretch."
Curiosity lingered in the Headmaster's expression and Hermione was caught more than slightly off guard when he finally asked, "If I may, my dear, you are so much more matured and controlled than your age should allot you. There has been great loss for you, has there not?"
"There has, sir," she said, quietly. "My best friend's parents were betrayed by one of their best friend's, framing the other for the crime, but my friend's parents were killed by Voldemort and my best friend just barely escaped. Harry is one of the sweetest people I've had the pleasure to befriend, despite his understandable moodiness and depressions. Sir, he's lost so many people and he takes all the loss onto himself. His godfather was killed during our Fifth year by one of Voldemort's supporters. Then...last year...last year we lost you, Sir."
He nodded in understanding and sighed, "There is a great darkness that has started to pass over our world. I see that, even in your present, it has not ended. I'm sorry Miss Granger, I will ask you no more."
Hermione shook her head, "I don't mind telling you, Professor, I know that, if I'm to change things, I have to do it very delicately." Her eyes glazed slightly in thought as a pensive look crossed her expression, "And I think I know just where to start...maybe if..."
"I believe the rest of the students will be arriving within the next few minutes. Clearly, you are Gryffindor, I will have the dormitory arranged for another person, you may make your way down to the Great Hall for the Halloween Feast, or you may proceed directly to the Common room, I believe the current password is 'Loyals'."
The young witch rose to her feet, "Thank you, sir, good evening." With that she left the office, made down the rotating staircase and back out of from behind the stone statue, her mind still back in the chair she'd vacated.
It only seemed right, being Hermione's luck, that in her absence of mind she would find herself, for the second time that day, this time with a chubby young man with small beady eyes stumbling, nervously to get to his feet, "I'm sorry. I-I wasn't paying attention," he said.
Groaning slightly and rubbing her, now sore posterior, she shook her head, "Don't worry about it, I wasn't watching where I was going either." Yet again, something was strangely familiar about the one with whom she crashed. "I'm sorry, I'm Hermione Granger, and you are?"
The boy seemed to straighten himself and offered his hand in greeting, "I'm Peter Pettigrew, better known as Wormtail by some."
Ah. That's why. This is your chance, Granger, don't let your history repeat itself. Hermione smiled warmly and accepted his hand and shook firmly but lightly before releasing it. "Pleasure to meet you, I'm sure."
Peter frowned and tilted his head, "I know I'm not the most perceptive at Hogwarts, but, you seemed a bit...lost?"
She shrugged and smiled sheepishly, "Something like that. I've just finished speaking with Headmaster Dumbledore. I've only just arrived here today and I had to put on this weird old hat that spoke to me and told me that I'm in Gryffindor. I'm still just so confused."
"Oh! You're a Gryffindor, so am I. Come on, I'll show you to our common room and maybe try to help you figure some things out," he offered.
Hermione nodded, "Alright, that sounds like a great idea." How is it, she thought to herself, that such a sweet boy could become something so terrible? What was it, Peter? What was it that made you so cold?
"It's this way," he pointed making his way toward the staircase that would take them to Gryffindor tower, "So, what all confuses you?"
"A lot of things. A good friend of mine has basically home schooled me. He's a really sweet wizard who has a whole library full of the most wonderful book on almost any topic that you can imagine. My parents, they're both Muggle Dentists, so they really couldn't help me to study," she explained.
Peter smiled, "Oh, so you're a Muggleborn witch? Lily Evans is too; she's Head Girl and a Gryffindor, very sweet. If you don't mind my asking, why is it that you're here now?"
Hermione blinked slightly at the reference to her best friend's mother, then lowered her gaze slightly as she answered his questions, "Well, for one, Ronald just got too busy to teach me, he would never tell me what with, but he never had time anymore. Then, my parents' office burnt down when they were there. Neither of them survived. My dad did, he was still alive when he reached the hospital, but not long afterwards."
"Oh, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to pry," Peter said quietly.
"It's alright. I suppose it will be a question that comes up a lot within the next few days. It's sad, and I miss them so much, but it's not unbearable to speak of."
"I guess I can understand that," he nodded, "Here we are, 'Hippogriff'." The Fat Lady beamed and swung open to let the two through, Peter rolled his eyes, "She changed the password this morning, Remus had to let me in because I didn't' know it when I came up after breakfast."
"Remus Lupin? Yes, I met him, Sirius Black, and another boy in Hogsmeade," the witch stated.
"James Potter. Let me guess, Remus was reserved, Sirius tried to charm you, and James reprimanded him for it?" Peter guessed.
"Yep. That about sums it up. They kept telling me that I didn't go to Hogwarts, well duh, I just came here," she scowled indignantly.
The wizard laughed and shrugged as he moved over toward the fireplace and sat in one of the overstuffed armchairs, "They're all nothing short of brilliant, it's good to have friends like them."
Hermione couldn't help but hear a solemn note in his voice as she took a seat opposite him, "So why is it that you sound less that thrilled?"
Peter studied the girl, hesitantly. "Well, they're all so much better than me. Smarter, better liked, more appealing to girls, the list goes on."
"Sometimes what seems to be the best gift in the opinion of one is nothing short of a curse to the one who has it. Take myself for example: all through primary school and then into the studies with Ronald, I enveloped myself in books and in my studies. Now, my grades were always exceptional and I always got praise from the teachers, but at what cost? I had virtually no friends. Rather, I was called the 'bossy-know-it-all'. I would walk down the halls in primary school and have numerous people knock my books from my arms or shove me into mud. I had the grades, but I lacked what would make me truly happy."
"But you're so pretty!" Peter said, immediately a flush of crimson rushed over his face, "I-I mean...I don't see how people could be so mean to you, you seem so kind."
"I wasn't. I was so wrapped up in proving myself capable that I was cold to many," she admitted.
"Still, none of those things count for Sirius, Remus, and James," he sighed.
"I don't know about that," she argued, "remember I've done my research before I arrived. Sirius Black, right? What about his family? I know he's not like them, but they will still always have influence on what he does. He doesn't like them and he's determined to be as different from them as possible. He may be smart, but he's suffered for his knowledge, he forces himself to be what he is so he's liked by the people he wants to be around."
With a small frown, Peter seemed to be considering her words, "I...I guess that would be right."
"Of course it is. Like I said, I've done my research," she smiled. "They care about you, Peter. You may not be as close to them as they are one another, but you mean a lot to them and they would, literally, trust their lives to you. They know there's more to you than what others would see. They know that you wouldn't hurt or betray them like so many have already done, especially in Sirius's case."
"How do you know all of this?" Peter asked in awe.
"I'm just a very insightful person," Hermione shrugged.
It was sometime later when the rest of the Gryffindor students made their way back into the common room. Peter and Hermione had continued their conversations about this and that until Peter ended up with a lapful of a very energetic Sirius Black.
"Oy, Padfoot, must you really do that?" the smaller wizard protested.
"Of course I do, It's my job, dear Wormtail," Sirius grinned. "Hey, I know you," he said, staring at Hermione, "Hey, Moony, Prongs look who's decided to join us in Gryffindor tower!"
James came around the chairs and grinned, "Well, well, Miss Granger, if I remember right?"
"Yes, I apologize for being rude earlier," She said in earnest, "I had to speak with the Headmaster concerning my transfer to Hogwarts."
"Oh, that's alright. If you consider that rude, then clearly you've not been around Sirius for too long...after you have...then you'll know what rude is," Prongs smirked.
"Hey!" Sirius scowled indignantly, "I'll have you know that I have excellent manners."
"Only problem is, Sirius, you refuse to use them," Remus teased as he came around as well and settled himself onto one of the other armchairs not yet claimed.
"I do too!" he argued.
"I don't know, you practically tackled me upon first meeting, I don't find that too polite, Sirius," Hermione added.
"Not to mention the fact that you try to embarrass her as soon as you see her here," Peter grinned, adding his two cents.
"Alright, what is this, pick on Padfoot day?" He pouted, rather cutely, in Hermione's opinion.
"Everyday is pick on Padfoot day," Remus chuckled. "So yes, it is."
"Well then, today should be the exception," Sirius reasoned lamely.
"Just this once," Remus relented.
The laughter spread like wild fire amongst the group that sat in the Gryffindor common room. When it started to mellow down, Remus glanced to his watch then around the room as he rose from his seat, "Well, I don't' know about you lot, but I'm hungry and the Halloween Feast is about to start."