Author's Note: Greetings and Salutations, Dear Readers. Yes, I know that BDL needs to be worked on, but my computer recently crashed and I've lost everything I had typed up for the next chapter, so while I'm working on recovering that, I've got this lovely new gem for you. I've been in the Harry Potter fandom for a good long while, now, written for it for some years, and I haven't done the obligatory time travel fic yet, so here's my shot at it.
Housekeeping: I'm throwing this out there now because I'm posting both the Preface and Chapter 1 at the same time. Yes, I've seen the new Pottermore. Yes, I've seen the new information regarding the Potter Family. Yes, I know about Euphemina and Fleamont Potter. HOWEVER, This story concept was birthed prior to this information's released and several plot points hinge on James Potter's Mother being Dorea Black-Potter. That said, no, I will not be using the new information from Jo for the purposes of this story. Personally, I think Jo missed a chance by not making James the son of Dorea Black. But that's my personal opinion. That said, I know there are some of you going to ignore this and still send me a message going 'but Jo said!'. Its inevitable. Ah well, there's my piece.
Disclaimer: Harry Potter and all related information, Characters, locations, and plot points are property of JK Rowling and Warner Bros. I just twist it to my own delightful pleasures.
Preface – Malfoy Manor – Late March, 1998
The Pain was constant now. The only way to recognize the day change was by the group of Death Eaters reveling in her agony. The Only constant was Bellatrix and her mad cackle. Hermione had always known the woman was mad, but the glee and pleasure she took in torturing Hermione was something beyond simple madness. There was an insanity there matched only by Voldemort's own internalized racism.
It had long since stopped mattering if Hermione screamed. They knew everything. Ron had talked to keep her safe, the fool, only to be killed and her torture resume. Voldemort had killed Harry himself after that. They'd left Hermione alive, best friend of the Boy-Who-Lived, the plaything of Bellatrix Lestrange. Bellatrix's only goal now was to see how long it took for Hermione to break.
But how could you break what was already broken? Hermione knew that her mind would eventually fracture and then the real fun for the Death Eaters would begin. Bellatrix loved to brag about how Hermione would murder each Weasley and mudblood. Bellatrix did love her psychological torture, but she tended to forget that Hermione no longer had a wand. Bellatrix had thrown it into the fireplace and laughed while Hermione watched it burn, her heart breaking.
Hermione could taste blood in her mouth as Bellatrix ended the Cruciatus curse for the final time that night. She growled. "You have a strong will, Mudblood, I'll give you that." Her cackle echoed. "It's been so long since I've had such a fun toy, but you know, even Frank Longbottom broke eventually. You'll break Mudblood, I promise."
Hermione shifted, pain blossoming through her left side, but easing the strain on the cuffs keeping her pinned flat to the floor by her wrists. Bellatrix led the others out, leaving Hermione alone with the cold and the pain. Hermione was infinitely grateful that wizards, purebloods especially, only really relied on their magic. They thought they were the biggest baddest thing out there, but muggles could do some truly horrible things.
That thought alone kept her sane.
She looked up when she heard footsteps approaching. Professor Snape filled her vision, and in his hand was a very familiar gold chain. How?
He sneered. "I'm almost impressed, Granger. A month with that mad woman and still you live." He looped the chain around her neck and held up the time turner. "How fortuitous that Dumbledore kept this from your third year, considering your trip through the Ministry."
He tapped the metal bands with his wand, three times before stepping back. "The locket in the cave, the diary in Lucius Malfoy's possession, The Ring in the Gaunt Shack, The Cup will be in the Black Vault until She marries Lestrange, and the Diadem is in the room of Lost Things. Change it, Granger, because this world is lost."
When he finished speaking the time turner started spinning. Dual sensations filled her, both easily identifiable. Falling backwards as time flowed forward around her, and the tell-tale tug at the navel indicating a portkey in use.
Professor Snape had given her a mission, she realized. Destroy him before he destroys everything. He was sending her back in time. But when? Where?
Her last thought before darkness claimed her senses was that she would save everyone, no matter what.