This story is fan-inspired by the book series Harry Potter written by J.K. Rowling who owns all Harry Potter references and the story. This story is made for entertainment purposes only and the publisher does not gain profit in any shape or form.
This is a Fleur x Hermione story, mind you. I've been attempting to figure out how the [_] works because I normally do not write romance but as a writer and a human being I'm trying new things. That's why Fleur's name wasn't listed before as I can only fit so many words in the description.
Don't like, don't read - simple as that.
Chapter Two
Second Chances
Everything was silent, even the feeling of pain seemed to have vanished as though it were never there to begin with. There was never once a day to have passed where Hermione didn't wake up with a prolonging ache or pain. The feeling of hurt had become as normal in life as breathing itself.
She felt like she was floating yet at the same time too exhausted to be comforted by the fact. Hermione just wanted to let the weight pushed against her entire body disappear and forget all the pain that has wrapped itself around her like a cocoon. Another part of Hermione just wanted to open her eyes from its blanketing blindfold and find herself back in the Sanctuary: lying on a cot of fur with the sound of sewer water and dueling practices around her.
When the weight began to lift, Hermione wanted to sigh in relief only to feel something agonizingly ice cold burn her throat and suddenly the witch realized she couldn't breath. Dark brown eyes flashed open only to close immediately as the same effect burned her eyes. When she regained her bearing and opened her eyes again Hermione struggled to keep her eyes open against the cold and instead focused on her hands, which still gripped her wands tightly.
It felt almost as though she were frozen in place.
Something passed by her suddenly and Hermione caught sight of glistening scales and a fin before whatever it was disappeared from sight. Hermione forced her fingers to move and felt goosebumps across her arms and a chill race down her spine from the attempt.
Something sharp dragged across her skin in the side suddenly and Hermione quickly looked to the side and found a familiar creature she had seen only in books. Grindylows. The mer-creature glared at Hermione before letting out a screech of anger that made the witch wince before thrashing her body to the side in a threatening manner. The action felt like it drained all her energy alone but the creature felt cautious nevertheless.
Suddenly more of them came along with all other species of mer-people along with a leader of sorts standing with them. She could hardly make sense of what was going around her when the leader spoke. "You have trespassed unto our territory. You're life is now forfeit if you do not leave now, human."
The circumstance Hermione found herself in that she could hardly move was clearly not recognized by the mer-people and with a single gesture all of them were released upon her with unconcealed fury. Quickly, as though her survival instincts finally kicked in, Hermione cast a nonverbal spell on herself allowing a pink glow to cover her mouth allowing the veteran to take in a pained breath, allowing some feeling of energy to return to her.
Hermione used one her wands and cast a quick aqua eructo to manipulate the water around her to push the mer-people away from her knowing that if she took offense, these mer-people would not be any less than merciless. Their attacks were not light but Hermione was certain that they could do worse (if her research was anything to go by) even though more often than not, combat proved that something was wrong with the information in books.
"Baubillious!" Hermione shouted using her other wand, closing her eyes as white light flashed in front of her and heard a distinct screech as the mer-people were temporarily blinded by her spell.
Taking advantage of her opportunity, Hermione then cast a simple engorgio with the cascading jinx on the mer-people's tridents causing them to become to thicken and become too heavy to carry and were promptly released leaving the mer-people to attack with only their teeth and claws.
Hermione then cast a strong Everte Statum causing all of the mer-people to be thrown backwards as though in slow motion from the thickness of the water while Hermione took their distraction to swim upwards. The witch pushed her limbs desperately as she found herself slowly descending upwards towards the glistening surface of the water where she was beginning to just make out the golden rays of the sun, when something wrapped around her leg.
She hissed in pain but didn't look back as she cast a switching spell with the mer-creature and a rock. It took three more strong kicks before her head broke through the surface and the bubble-head charm dispelled as the witch took some fresh Scottish air into her lungs. She looked wildly for the shore and found it not too far away and began to swim towards the shore as fast as she could, unsure whether or not the mer-people would follow her in her haste to leave.
To her relief, Hermione was able to drag herself to shore without any further attacks from the mer-people and all but collapsed on the soothing texture of the sand and allowed her body to final take a break from her exertion to survive. Hermione knew she had to be more wary but she could hardly breathe without coughing from aching lungs. Shivers assaulted her body from the cold of the air and the agonizing pain which followed in acknowledgment as a numbing sensation with her goosebumps returned full-swing.
The witch sighed as she lay in the sand for a few minutes longer before accepting that if she remained there any longer would be dangerous, especially in a state that was limited in defense from her current situation.
Hermione slowly made it to her feet despite her shaking body and exhaustion. She idly glimpsed at her hand which was cut open with a zig-zag like pattern where blood slowly leaked out and Hermione distantly wondered if her body was in shock.
The witch stumbled when she took a step forward but after years of experience in battle and training, Hermione managed to find balance and steadily began to walk forward through a light forest where sunlight struck through the leaves in a manner Hermione hadn't seen since the war began. Living underground for so long deprived Hermione of that and the time Hermione traveled outside was when she was walking through destruction or valleys of rock.
As she walked out of the forest she found herself frozen in her place as a familiar castle loomed over her, basking in the light rays of the sun. She wondered how she was still at Hogwarts only to suddenly spin around where the edge of the lake could be seen where she had just dragged herself out of.
"Black lake," Hermione whispered to herself as realization hit her.
The bridge, Antonin Dolohov and the explosion. She remembered the heat blazing against her body as the roaring flames desperately tried to reach out and touch any life. So, that was how she ended up in Black Lake, Hermione decided after connecting the pieces of where she was.
"The time-turner..." Hermione quickly looked around wondering if the Death Eaters would suddenly jump out of nowhere. She had set it back three minutes, hadn't she? Then where was he? And why did she appear in the Black Lake rather than where she had been dueling Dolohov?
Suddenly she glanced down at her untouched hand and flipped it over slowly and gazed at her palm which was now embedded with glass and stained red sand. Hermione knew there was only one way to find out if time had changed much at all. For all Hermione knew, she had sent herself to the future because one thing Hermione could tell for sure was that Hogwarts wasn't in the ruins Hermione had come to recognize.
It was a strange sense of feeling. The Hogwarts she fought in during the war was dark, crying out, and the magic inside was nonexistent - lifeless.
"Point me," Hermione whispered. If anything could give Hermione a clue as to where she was, it would be the bridge she had blown up with an overpowered Bombarda. She hadn't seen any of the Death Eaters in the waters of Black Lake nor the shore as far as she could see. Hermione wasn't so sure that she went three minutes ahead or even three hours as it were meant to be, but possibly much more. She was certain it wasn't three days because one of her comrades would've found her by that point.
Broken time turners were as much a mystery as the work the Unspeakables swore to never speak of.
As she reached the pathway that lead to the bridge Hermione took in everything from the color of the grass to the color of the rocks. The veteran had been trained to analyze the details around her to pick out the month/season, recent whether, and possible signs of battle. Due to the lack of trails and footpaths Hermione knew that no one had been through the pathway to the bridge in a while.
The grass indicated that it was autumn and the rocks didn't appear to have been moved recently which meant there hadn't been any activity in a while whether human or other. Hermione doubted it had been covered up. Trails may be covered up but everyone forgets the rocks, especially the arrogant Death Eaters.
When she found herself at the bridge Hermione found it whole and unscathed from battle. Even the roof was intact which had been blown during the escape when she was fifteen. "Perhaps..." There was a chance that it was repaired in the future but that still didn't add up to why there wasn't at least a trace of scathing. It didn't even feel like there were shields around the bridge which would have no doubt been used for the repairs.
Or maybe the people who reconstructed the bridge were idiots waiting for the bridge to be destroyed again.
Hermione walked to the side where looked at the outside of the bride and noticed that it was perfectly straight, and was certain even the repairs couldn't have straightened the bridge to that standard.
Some part of the witch nagged her that she could be wrong but Hermione decided the best way to find out more information was by heading to Hogwarts. She knew she would find out something more then.
Hogwarts looked as beautiful and enchanting as the first time Hermione set her eyes on the school the first year she discovered she was a witch. History practically radiated from the castle itself and Hermione wondered what happened to the Hogwarts that radiated death and tragedy. Ever since her fourth year she never saw Hogwarts the same but now things are different.
Why, Hermione had no idea.
A cold chill swept over her arms and down her spine the moment she stepped into Hogwarts and Hermione realized she must've appeared as though she just stepped out of a battle (which she had in fact, did) and cast a drying spell on her clothes which were left cold but at least they were dry. Hermione would've used the charm earlier had she not been so distracted with time.
Because she had used the last time turner in existence, not much had been known about it. Unlike the common time turners that could only go back a few days at most the one she had used had an unknown amount of time it could go back.
She quickly sheathed one of her wands before taking the other to cast a quick episkey hiding the blood from the more visible wounds. They were scabbed over now but she knew it would only last for so long. Long enough to explore, at least.
She pulled the glass from her hand and cleaned the wound with a quick Aguamenti and an Evanesco for the glass. She didn't bother with much else knowing she couldn't just stand in the doorway. She appeared well-enough.
As she walked through the hallway the witch kept her wands just barely touching her hands and walked one step in front of the other slowly. Her shoulders were tense and her body was shifted so she would be ready for a quick defense without coming across that she would take the offense.
The sudden echo of heals clicking down the hallway caused Hermione to straighten as a familiar women walked into her line of sight. The women herself immediately stopped her purposeful stride and gave Hermione an inspecting look before firing questions at her. "Who are you and how in Merlin's name did you get past the wards?"
"Uh..."
The woman sighed and gestured for Hermione to fall in step with her as she spun on her heel. "Follow me. I imagine if you meant harm against the school you would've attacked me by now and Hogwarts would have felt it. You'll need to speak with the Headmaster however at your sudden arrival."
Hermione gave the slightest of nods and walked beside her old Head of House doing her best to not thing about her current predicament.
When they reached the gargoyle professor McGonagall said 'butterscotch' before swiftly going up the staircase with Hermione following right behind her as they stormed through the doors where the Headmaster sat at his desk with Fawkes perched to his left.
The deputy charged up to the Headmaster and Hermione gave her professors a good look. Her Head of House oddly looked exactly as she did the last time Hermione saw her when she was fifteen. Of course, she referred to before the war when the transfiguration wasn't being cut down with curses by Death Eaters.
"This is professor Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry."
Hermione nodded. "I've heard of you, although I never thought I would ever meet you in person. It's a pleasure."
The witch made sure her mind was guarded as she had heard stories from the masters at the Sanctuary about professor Dumbledore. He was famous for his legilimency and Hermione wouldn't put it past him to try and look into her mind (despite how wrong it was, and illegal) because she was an intruder. Hermione cleared her thoughts and kept her line of thought steady as she looked at the Headmaster but avoided his eyes at the same time.
"Ah yes, professor McGonagall tells me that you go past the wards of Hogwarts. If I may ask how you have?"
Hermione tried not to shrug as she answered.
"I was being chased and apparation was my last resort. I wasn't thinking of a specific location and ended up in a lake."
Professor Dumbledore nodded in acceptance.
"That's not-"
"It is, in fact. Minerva. I believe miss..?"
Hermione nearly smiled at the prob for her identity and had never been so relieved that she had changed her name.
Two months after the war began the city her parents had lived in was raided by Death Eaters and burned to the ground. She had to be physically restrained and sedated to prevent her from apparating to the city. She later realized had she left she would have been killed because of her unstable emotions. Within the year, hundreds of muggle families had been killed by Death Eater raids and dozens of cities had been burned to the ground.
Even worse the Death Eaters invented a tracking spell. Every name has a magical signature and they would trace magic through a name. Hermione, like other muggleborns were killed on sight as well as everyone else that wasn't an ally to the Death Eaters or even liked. She, along with just about everyone else that knew of the tracking spell had changed their names which became invaluable in surviving. Even more valuable during her horcrux hunt.
The raids had forced many people, including muggles, into the Sanctuary. In a sense, the mass genocide had birthed the Sanctuary so many had come to call home.
It had become a safe haven and a school all in one.
"Desrosiers."
"I believe Ms. Desrosiers had fallen into the Black Lake outside the wards and was swept inside Hogwarts's wards. It is something I had been unaware of and we'll need the stretch the wards as soon as we can."
Hermione inwardly sighed. Muggleborn families were warded by professor Dumbledore to disguise any strange activity to muggles. When Dumbledore was killed the wards had fallen and Voldemort took advantage of this fact. The muggleborn families could be found by their surnames and every muggleborn family was unknowingly defenseless against all attacks.
The witch knew the professor wasn't all-knowing after that. There were just some things the Headmaster needed be unaware of.
"Headmaster, if its possible I was wondering if I could stay here. At least until I can find a place to stay." Hermione somewhat hesitantly asked.
Professor Dumbledore looked thoughtful of the request. "Unfortunately the only way someone could be at Hogwarts is if they are a professor, a ministry official, or a Hogwart's student. By your age I doubt you have a mastery and because of your circumstance I know you're not a ministry official."
"I see," Hermione said.
"Of course, if you do chose to become a Hogwarts student you will need to take the O.W.L.s so you can acquire your classes and be sorted into the correct age group. I will also need your full name for roll."
Hermione knew that giving her name was a sign of accepting to be a Hogwarts student. She also knew that giving her first name would help pinpoint her location as well. Her first name wasn't exactly common, in fact she was pretty sure it was one of a kind type of name.
The witch wasn't sure what else she could do but say yes, after all there was no way back to the future. And if there was a chance she could change the future, she would take it. Rules be damned. After all, her life wasn't the same if she didn't do something considered illegal or against the rules.
"Hermione. Hermione Lavigne Desrosiers."
Professor Dumbledore only nodded his head. Hermione wasn't sure if that was good for her or not. She at least knew that her middle and surname was unrecognizable. The few times her family traveled to France, they would stay with a family. They were non-magical and couldn't be traced which is why Hermione used them.
"Any previous school experience?" This time professor McGonagall asked this.
"I was home-schooled until my guardians died. But I'm sure I can handle your O.W.L.s on my own, well enough."
The Gryffindor Head of House made a questioning sound in the back of her throat that Hermione was far too well accustomed to before the Headmaster clapped his hands in what Hermione could only assume was cheer. "Well then, we'll have you sorted to your house when school starts. Minerva.."
"There are four houses at Hogwarts. Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Slytherin. Students will be arriving at Hogwarts on September first and classes begin the next day. You will be sorted with the first years, if that is what you wish," professor McGonagall finished.
Hermione hesitated. "If its possible I would prefer to be sorted before school begins. It would help me become familiar with Hogwarts in the long run."
The Headmaster nodded slowly seemingly in thought.
"Albus, I don't see what's-"
The Headmaster dismissed her sentence with the wave of his hand. "Nonsense. We'll have you sorted immediately. Just a moment." He said before walking to a table in the back of the room where she recognized a ratty old hat that was none other than the Sorting Hat.
"This will just take a moment. Depending on the House you'll be staying and what year you are will decide where you'll be staying. If you wish you may visit Poppy in the Infirmary. Professor McGonagall can guide you there if you wish to go. We'll be having dinner at while Breakfast and Lunch are at."
"Thank you for the offer, but I don't need any aid," Hermione denied the offer.
"Well, if you're certain." The Headmaster said as he placed the Sorting Hat on top of a stool in front of Hermione.
Slowly Hermione approached the stool knowing what was coming but not comfortable with being practically blind and open to the people in the room. She sighed and knew it was unavoidable.
The witch slowly took the Sorting Hat, refusing to sit and placed the object on top of her head.
"Well, I see that you have been through quite a lot. I can see that I've sorted you before, although if you wish I can sort you again and you may or may not find yourself in a different home."
I've haven't been in Gryffindor for over three years. Houses become irrelevant in the war, as you can see in my memories.
"Yes, I can see that. I'll take that as permission to resort you."
Go ahead.
"You are very brave, courageous, and prepared to take action. Perhaps a bit impulsive but I imagine in war every day counts."
Every second.
"You are very intelligent, not only in your academic years. You had searched for horcruxes with a detailed plan knowing that you wouldn't know what to expect yet taking action in the best ways you could. Even with your situation with that horrible witch you proved an undeniable loyalty and bravery by withholding valuable information she required from you.. You know how to get your own way and you will take any means necessary to achieve it. You are extremely loyal, protecting people you don't even know and always giving them their best chance."
"You qualify for all the houses but the question is which trait stands out the most. If one of your allies were captured by the enemy, someone you were close to, what would you do?"
I would find out everything I could about where she had last been, who was with her (because we never go alone), what time, and how many enemies there were. After that I would go to where I last saw her and try to track her. I wouldn't stop looking for her until I had found her and I would go through hell to reach her.
"Very loyal to your friends. You will fight and you will manipulate to reach them but most of all you think things through. You research the information and you will study it until you know exactly what to do. Gryffindor had been good to you but you'll find your real home in..."
Wait, everything you've seen in my mind. Can any one else see it?
"The moment I am removed from your head, everything I had seen in your mind is forgotten. I exist to sort, not to remember."
Alright, that's good.
"I imagine for you it is. Now as for what house is best for you in all ways to be.. better be-"
"RAVENCLAW."
Hermione removed the Sorting Hat with a pensive expression before handing it to professor McGonagall who handed it to professor Dumbledore. Professor McGonagall approached the newly sorted Ravenclaw and handed her a letter. With a confused expression she opened the envelope and removed the parchment paper which revealed a Hogwarts Letter.
Hermione smiled in reminiscence as she read through the familiar letter and found that she had seventh year books. "I look my age?" Hermione asked to which her former Head of House smiled ever so slightly and professor Dumbledore chuckled. "I'll be eighteen in September," Hermione supplied with a slight grin.
"Well Ms. Desrosiers.. your Head of House: professor Flitwick, can be found, no doubt, in the Charms classroom. Professor McGonagall will give you a tour of the castle before you go to your Head of House to show you where the Ravenclaw Tower is. Knowing the professor, he will have you set up within an hour."
Two hours later and one exhausted witch led Hermione Desrosiers up a spiral staircase with her new Head of House standing in front of a bronze knocker in the shape of an eagle.
"You want to give it a try?" Professor Flitwick asked her. Hermione nodded, and approached the eagle.
Alive without breath,
As cold as death;
Never thirsty, ever drinking,
All in mail never clinking
"I suppose it's a fish, then," Hermione answered.
"Clever answer," the eagle said before opening the door. Professor Flitwick walked through first and Hermione couldn't help but look at the common room in wonder. Similar to the Gryffindor Common Room, the Ravenclaw Common Room was decorated in House colors of blue and bronze. In this case, there were blue and bronze silk wall hangings, a midnight blue carpet decorated with stars (that Hermione swore glinted), and the room was wide, circular, and very airy, with a domed ceiling painted with stars, and walls with graceful arched windows that provide a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. There are bookcases, tables, and chairs, and opposite the entrance is another door leading to the dormitories. Beside that door is a plinth on which stands a life-size statue in white marble of Rowena Ravenclaw wearing her diadem.
Hermione wondered if The Grey Lady, who was the Ravenclaw Ghost and also the daughter of Rowena Ravenclaw, never came into Common Room because of the sight of her mother - even if a marble statue.
Hermione found herself approaching the bookcases which took the shape of a half-moon circle at the side of the room. The bookcases were large towering many strides long and went up to the ceiling.
On the tables lay candles and chairs that practically radiated comfort towards anyone who wished to just sit down and read, or maybe even study. Her eyes were drawn to the many appealing chairs and sofas that Hermione found rather inviting but turned her eyes back towards her Head of House who was smiling at her awed expression.
"Many people underestimate Ravenclaw or prejudged the students but when you stand in this Tower, made by Rowena Ravenclaw herself, the students remember who they are and can relax enough to be themselves."
Hermione smiled a smile that hadn't been allowed to be seen for many years. "It nice," she allowed, her voice soft.
"Well, as for where you'll be sleeping Ms. Desrosiers, since you are enrolled at the last notice you'll have your own room which located at the very top of the tower. You'll find the prefect's room a floor below, which is off-limits. The view is pretty nice in your room, from what I've heard. It'll be a rather large room since we usually room three or four students together but I suppose that will benefit you, this year."
"My books need their own room after all, professor," Hermione replied causing her professor to chuckle.
"Dinner will be in an hour and at eight o-clock sharp Professor McGonagall will be escorting you to Diagon Alley to pick up your school supplies. I believe you'll be taking your O.W.L. exams later in the evening and will receive your results. You may speak to her further about the classes you wish to take because your schedule will be handled out during breakfast with your House on the second of September."
Hermione nodded. "If I'm not at supper I'll probably asleep. I haven't slept for at least a week but I will try to make it to supper. If not, I'll be sure to be at breakfast, sir. Thank you," Hermione told the half-goblin with a smile before walking up the spiral stairway until after about a minute and a half she reached the very top floor and found there was only one door in sight which was at the end of the hall.
She opened the bronze door slowly and drew her wand as she slowly walked into the room and analyzed the entire room for anything amiss. Finding nothing she let out a breath and sheathed her wand in its holster. Withdrawing her enchanted bag from her jacket she laid it on the single bed made of bronze and black frames and a blue and black comforter.
There was a large circular window with silk blue and bronze curtains at the side letting in the light of the sunset leaving Hermione breathless at the mix of gold and pink, purple and black.
Hermione removed a half-empty vial of dittany and a rag before tugging the curtains closed over the window to begin undressing. When she was left only in her underclothes did Hermione really look over herself and wet the rag with dittany where she applied it to smaller cuts and gashes scattered across her body.
Slowly, patiently, Hermione brushed the dittany over her splinched limbs and hesitantly touched the wounds on her back only to hiss in pain and nearly fell on top of her bed. She held her tongue as she pressed more force unto her wounds made by Fenrir Greyback and wondered how bad the claw-marks really were. After her wounds had either scarred over or vanished completely did Hermione dress herself in a clean pair of jeans, a white button-up shirt, and a black jacket.
She put a comb through her hair before turning to the mirror where her reflection stared back at her. It was only because of the Sanctuary that she wasn't just skin and bones. Her training taught her that if she didn't eat enough than her muscles would vanish and she would be severely weakened. Hermione would eat anything from lizards to locusts, anything that kept her from starving.
Hermione pulled the curtains back revealing a much darkened sky that wasn't quite night but where the sun had already set.
The witch sighed to herself before pulling the covers back and slowly eased her aching body into the bed knowing that the only way she could re-energize and heal her body properly was with sleep, not even food outweighed that.
When her head hit the soft white pillows Hermione nearly moaned having been robbed of this kind of luxury for many years. She wondered if her body would welcome it but as her mind resisted falling asleep her body fought against staying awake too hard and suddenly the witch let herself go and allowed herself to fall into a silent, dreamless sleep.
At six in the morning Hermione awoke to the first rays of sunlight and a warmth the witch hadn't known for far too long. Pulling the comforter away Hermione stumbled out of bed and picked up her enchanted bag. Removing a towel and scentless soap the Ravenclaw left to the showers and in fifteen minutes she was dressed and back in her room.
Pulling on her nightwear from the previous night and after pulling her hair up, the witch found herself presentable and with a quick tightening of her wand holsters, Hermione left the dorm half-past six.
A quick look around the common room and Hermione found herself heading towards the miniature library when the books practically called out to her. Hermione wondered if someone like Professor Flitwick or Rowena Ravenclaw had charmed the books with a compulsion charm or if it were just Hermione's excitement.
When her fingers skimmed over a blue covered book that appeared to be over potions Hermione removed the volume and after dropping it into her enchanted bag with the intent to return it within a day the Ravenclaw left the Tower and headed towards the Dining Hall.
Realizing that it wasn't so much as seven in the morning but even an hour away before breakfast, Hermione took a turn to explore and see if the castle was anything what she remembered it to be. Since the Ravenclaw Common Room was on the fifth room she could either go up the rest of the three floors to explore or work her way down.
Continuing her stride Hermione decided to go to the place she knew best, the space that had become like a second home...
With no librarian in sight.
A twitch of a smile and the Ravenclaw found herself not so much as hesitating as she strode into the Restricted Section and with a flick of her wand checked to see if there were any trace spells or wards on the books. Last thing Hermione needed was unwanted suspicion for borrowing books she planned to return later on. She doubted there were any books on the labeled "dark" aspects of magic because she knew that there was a high risk that other students would act on their curiosity.
The Headmaster already had one student blemish his school, Hermione doubted that he would want to happen again.
But, since he allowed professor Lupin in Hogwarts as a student while knowing he was a werewolf, Hermione doubted the Headmaster would restrict volumes of books over dark creatures. Or perhaps even blood magic, as she knew the elder man fully believed in the "power of love".
It was quite strange to Hermione, a wizarding world that hailed themselves above the non-magical world yet when it came to murder and the use of a killing curse, they immediately hail an infant that was hardly so much as a year-old as some sort of Merlin. Even Merlin wasn't great until he was older, just like the Founders. Lily died protecting her son, but not by the power of love.. at least not alone.
Lily Potter had used Blood magic. She was a master in Runes and had no doubt study runes as well, considering she had known about Blood magic yet was muggleborn. The only reason she knew about such magic with her heritage was because of a blood ritual conducted inside the Sanctuary. It was used in case of anyone was captured or if their blood was taken by Death Eaters.
The Death Eaters would've learned Blood Magic from their master because she knew that Voldemort wouldn't allow himself to be outsmarted by a muggleborn with ancient and frowned-upon magic. He would learn it himself and use it against them. Anyone against him.
The Blood ritual they conducted was used specifically so that not only their name was untraceable but also their blood - which was essentially their magic. It was a rather tiring ritual with a lot of blood and carefully laid steps.
If she was going to Diagon Alley today she may as well head to Gringotts to see just how far her name now stretched. There were countless of species and races and people that had stayed in the Sanctuary and they all shared blood with each other. Blood dilution and family magics meant nothing at the point. All that mattered was survival and a means to have an advantage over the Death Eaters and their Master.
Trailing her fingers across the smooth and old spines of books, Hermione hardly scanned the titles of the books as she focused on finding a specific book but rather just went with whatever book was basically calling to her; whatever felt right.
Checking her watch the witch found that breakfast would be starting within ten minutes and Hermione knew even then that was early. Deciding to take three for the visit Hermione grabbed one on what she hoped was over forgotten magic, one over dark creatures (which she hoped wasn't biased, and another book she wouldn't bother hoping for that was over muggleborns. That last book had thrown Hermione, knowing the Headmaster's stance on muggleborns but his library tended to keep volumes of books preferred not to be deeply analyzed.
She wondered if it could be covered for a Muggle Studies assignment. Sighing, knowing she would find nothing more by simply wishing to know more, Hermione decided to begin her trek down to the Great Hall where the witch would enjoy her breakfast. The food at Hogwarts was legendary and Hermione wished to thank the house elves the next time she saw them (as they were difficult creatures to find that never wanted to be seen).
She used to find it strange that they willingly acted as slaves for witches and wizards because they enjoyed it however after spending years around creatures and people that were different and mislabeled by the people she once considered as her people. Wizards and witches.
By her blood, as she would see at Gringotts.. Hermione was now everybody's people. There was no separation anymore. The only differences were the ones that biased people set them apart from each other. Hermione was determined not to be one of those people.
While Hermione had thought that hardly anyone, if anyone, would be at Breakfast right on the dot of seven thirty she found herself surprised to nearly run into professor Snape, her old potions professor.
She saw a multitude of expressions graze the man's face. Surprise, distaste, curiosity, irritation, and lastly exasperation before the potion's master continued his way up to the staff table where only professor Sprout sat with a rather odd smile on her face despite the time of morning.
Exhaling a breath she didn't know she was holding, Hermione looked around at the Great Hall in wonder. The Head Table appeared as it always had, with Dumbledore's chair in the center but empty. The Hogwarts banner hung in the center of the wall behind the Head Table and wall behind her still had the banners of the Houses, each draped above each table.
Recognizing the one with the eagle along with the streaming colors of red and blue, Hermione took a seat at the end closest to the door, hating how her back would be exposed to Hufflepuff and Slytherin depending on what side she chose to sit on. Knowing that the Hufflepuff house believed in fair fights Hermione would prefer her back exposed to that side rather than the Slytherins.
Especially if she angered them any time soon or if they found out her blood status.
She could defend herself easily and take out her opponents even better but she rather not do it in the Great Hall, with everyone eating, and-
And she was over-thinking things again. Hermione sighed only to smile a moment later when some food appeared in front of her. There was a variety and it contained enough food for three people - more food Hermione had seen in a long time.
Sitting in the Great Hall as a Gryffindor and eating a portion of the many foods that decorated the tables and dining in a luxury as she had once then (even if no one really saw it that way) it was all like a phantom dream. Another life, where she was a ghost surrounded by forgotten memories.
Hermione dreaded what year she would discover she was in. Considering her professors appeared the same as Hermione had last seen them, and their lack of seeing her as a serious threat made Hermione believe it was definitely before the war... and she doubted she was in more than a decade before when she had begun Hogwarts when she was eleven.
Perhaps she was in - no, that shouldn't be possible.
Then again, Hermione's circumstances weren't legally possible either. The witch knew that she would find out soon enough what year it was and she wasn't looking forward to it, either.
A half an hour later Hermione found herself in Professor McGonagall's office with a handful of powder and a fireplace in front of her of where she was going to take the Floo.
"I imagine you've done this before yes, Ms. Desrosiers?"
Hermione nodded in understanding.
"For future preferences Ms. Desrosiers you will respond with Ma'am, Professor, or Sir, depending on who you're talking with."
The stern Transfiguration Professor looked at Hermione sternly giving a wave of deja vu to the Ravenclaw. "I understand," the witch replied. She wondered if she tolerated her own House only or if it was because she was the Professor's favorite pupil. She knew it wasn't because of her friendship with Harry as the Professor wasn't biased in the slightest.
The woman was just very loyal.
The professor studied Hermione for a half a second before turning back towards the Floo. "Then I trust you'll pronounce Diagon Alley clearly, as that's where we are going," she told Hermione before doing just that and disappearing into the colorful flames.
A chill swept done Hermione's spine as she thought of using the Floo. The last time she used it was during a side apparition inside the Floo. It occurred in a panic when a Death Eater grabbed ahold of her partner who was holding unto her. They couldn't allow the Death Eater to follow them, so, without thinking (not having time to think) Hermione apparated all three of them in a clearing in the woods.
Hermione was unscathed however her partner... it was a sight that would scar her for life. Too much of him was left behind in the apparition. Worse, he was still alive. Hermione imagined it was by will alone because she read that when it came to fires... people didn't die from being burned alive: they died from the pain of it.
Her partner couldn't speak, his lungs... weren't there, he was trying to breath and he was reaching out. Movement caught her eye and Hermione quickly bound the Death Eater before he could try anything and with a quick stupefy turned back to her partner only to find his movements still.
The witch closed her eyes at the memory.
She tried to help him, see if there was something she could do. She cast as many healing spells she knew but she didn't have any dittany. There was nothing Hermione could've done and it was a fact she hated to admit. She hated being unable to do anything and after that she always carried dittany with her. She memorized the formula and made it as often as she could.
Hermione learned something about magic that night. If you don't know the outcome of something you know is dangerous, you better be ready to pay the consequences for other people. The witch imagined that is why she became a Ravenclaw. Impulsiveness didn't always end up saving lives like it did with her and the troll when she was twelve.
Her bravery may have been indefinite however she rather know what she could be facing while knowing as many possibilities as she could before taking action.
She didn't think she would be able to stand seeing someone die because of her mistakes a second time.
So, she just had to make sure it didn't happen again.
"Diagon Alley," Hermione said as she tossed the powder on the fireplace while stepping into the fireplace at the same time. The familiar vortex met her as she flew through the Floo Network at the speed of light before landing roughly unto the floor of the Leaky Cauldron. She looked around and tensed at the many people around her, though none of them were paying attention to her, and kept her wands at her finger tips.
She spotted the familiar tight bun of the Professor outside the door and immediately stepped out, enjoying the take of fresh air into her lungs, and Hermione smiled hesitantly at the women who was giving her a look of exasperation (though not at the same level as Professor Snape's). Another reason why she detested the Floo: she felt as though she were suffocating.
"Well, now that you've arrived Ms. Desrosiers we can begin retrieving you school supplies. However I have my own errands to make and I trust that you can make your own errands without me. You have your Hogwarts letter with the school letter, yes? Good, here take this," Professor McGonagall handed Hermione a key and a letter that had a seal on it that Hermione didn't recognize.
"Take that to Gringotts, Professor Dumbledore has allowed you to take what you need from his vault. You appear to be a responsible witch Ms. Desrosiers, I am sure you won't abuse this privilege. The letter is for the goblins."
Hermione nodded in understanding, "Yes, ma'am."
Professor McGonagall nodded satisfied. "Good then, I'll meet back with you at twelve and we'll Floo back to Hogwarts. I imagine you'll have everything you need by then Ms. Desrosiers. If not," the woman sighed. "Then I'll wonder why you weren't sorted into my House."
Hermione couldn't suppress the grin that graced her features and even the stern witch gave a chuckle before striding down Diagon Alley, leaving Hermione to go about her own errands. The Ravenclaw studied what the Professor had given to her before turning her eyes towards the direction she knew the Wizarding Bank to be at.
She now had the opportunity to get that Blood Trace she had been meaning to see.
A/N: Author's Citations - The Riddle above was in "The Hobbit" by J. R. R. Tolkien
I apologize if this chapter seems rushed, my internet had failed as I was saving the document.. and I lost all my work. I've rewritten it and edited it but even I'll admit it seems a bit rushed but perhaps that is just a trait of being an author. Nevertheless let me know what you think of the chapter or the building story, as I'll probably reply through PM or the chapter itself.
Huge thank you for everyone's support of this story! This is the only story where I've written chapters as long as these and am pleased to see the results in the many words that I try to describe what's going on.
This is an AU story as I'm sure you've noticed and I will point out the obvious differences between the canon and alternate universes.
Sincerely,
- Gothic Rain
P.S. I'll be taking some time off this story in order to read through the books thoroughly. The movies have really left out a lot of details and I'll try my best to prevent any neglect of the canon major/minor details that wasn't included in the movies. I wish not to be a hypocrite of my "that wasn't in the book!" memes.