Hermione only stopped for a second. Almost immediately, she came to her senses and continued what she had been doing several years ago and dragged her trunk on board, finding a seat as quickly as she could.

She was in shock, quite disbelieving. Time-travel had already been established and understood, and this wasn't how it worked, not at all. Her extensive use of the time-turner in third year had taught her that and the meticulous research into time-travel hadn't hurt either.

On the other hand, this couldn't possibly be only an illusion. It was far, far too extensive for that. Wasn't it? Well, she was brainy, but admitted, now that she older, that she did not know everything.

An illusion? Madness? Or was that woman truly a god, as she said?

She wanted desperately to know, but concluded even if there was a way to, getting out of it wouldn't quite work – if this were, in fact, just a massive illusion, the power required would be astronomical. It would be a power she couldn't comprehend and certainly not overcome. If she failed to act at all and this was as it seemed, than that was deeply needed time lost.

Sitting in the noise of so many students buzzing around in excitement felt strangely still. She couldn't bear trying to talk to anyone yet, she was far too flustered. And a little too busy considering the consequences of this being 'real'.

Voldemort was alive again. Or... not yet. Not fully. He was attached to Quirrel at present. When to prioritize taking care of that? Hm, not now. His severely weakened state would be an advantage to her. Horcruxes first, killing Voldemort second.

But if this were real, as she was unabashedly believing, then she could safely assume the other things that woman had said to be real as well. That meant if Harry didn't kill Voldemort... she didn't want to consider that. That woman, that goddess, that who-knows, was clearly some kind of mad. Maybe psychopathic enough to go through with her threat. Hermione wouldn't risk it. So Horcruxes first, give Harry the killing blow.

Was there more?

She was eleven again. Would be twelve on the nineteenth of September. A child. And Harry was a child too. A child who'd have to go back to the Dursley's every summer and a child far too weak to defend himself.

Even as an adult, he hadn't fully succeeded there, she thought bitterly.

She was his friend from the start. Had she changed that much since first year? She had – the hardships of this last year, especially shaping her new mindset. And Harry, too, had changed. Still, if she was to do what she was thinking of doing, she'd need to make friends. Now was best.

She was nervous, slightly. Or very much. There was a catch in her throat. It was frightening.

But Hermione was not going to squander this chance.

She opened the door with a swishing sound half a moment after her knock.

He was sitting there. Living. So very, very alive. So alive, so obviously alive, in fact, that she did not need to force on a friendly smile.

This impossible time-travel was unexpected. It had happened very fast and because Hermione didn't like those kinds of surprises, she'd been negative about it. Especially since the threat of failure loomed over her. But maybe this really was a gift.

"Do you mind if I sit here?" She asked him. He was the only one in the cabin. Ron clearly hadn't arrived yet, so perfect timing in that regard. In their first meeting, Ron had been a little awkward. She might have been a little at fault for that situation, but still.

"No, not at all," Harry said fairly quickly, shaking his head.

Hermione had never felt such nostalgia. He was utterly himself, just the way he used to be. Her spirits were swelling, she felt optimistic. She could save everyone. No one at all would have to die. Bless that frightening goddess. Things were going to be all right. Be better than they ever had been.

She smiled even wider. "Thank you," She said, pulling her trunk inside and shutting the door. Harry helped her lift it onto the shelf. She was weaker than she'd been before. That was to be expected – she was only eleven.

Her magic reserves would be smaller too. She'd have to remember that.

With her trunk up out of the way, she turned to Harry, smiling at him with the buckteeth that so sadly had to return with the rest of things.

"I'm Hermione Granger. Thanks for letting me share your cabin." She offered her hand to shake.

Harry smiled back at her and took her hand, "Harry Potter. Uh, good to meet you."

A little awkward. Perhaps children wouldn't be so... proper? Or maybe Harry was just still a little shy. He was still being introduced to the magical world. A train full of children he didn't know. Remarkably little direction, she remembered him telling her about how he wasn't told the way to get onto the platform at all.

"I'm a muggleborn. Still new to magic at all." Hermione said, sitting down, "Though I have read quite a bit since I first got my letter."

Harry seemed almost... relieved? "Me too. The, uh, new thing, anyway. My letter came late though, so I haven't even been able to read about it or anything yet."

"I'm excited for you!" Hermione said honestly, "Though I suppose you might not be as into reading as I am – I'm mad about it – it's still so exciting to learn about all this new stuff. It's like a whole new world, like fantasy books have come to life."

Harry nodded enthusiastically, "Exactly! I -"

He was cut off when the door slid open with a whoosh. Ron, of course, needing a place to sit since "everywhere else was full".

He looked to Hermione curiously, than to Harry.

"Hi, again." He said to Harry. Different line from last time. Notable? No, not at all, really.

"Everywhere else is full. Do you mind?" He asked the two of them.

Hermione smiled broadly. She refrained from speaking. She'd let Harry say yes. Boost the friendship between them, like it had last time.

"Don't suppose I can," Harry said, also smiling, "Since everywhere else is full."

"I didn't mean it like that," Ron said, apparently taken aback, "I can find somewhere else. It's not, like, full full."

"What?" Harry asked.

"He didn't mean like that." Hermione said, speaking about Harry. There seemed to be some miscommunication going on here. Ron gave her a bit of look – quick, nervous.

"I can just go sit with my brothers or something. I don't want to interrupt or anything. Listen, I'll just go. Sorry to bother you." Ron sounded disgruntled and quickly left.

Had Hermione changed something drastic? But she'd hardly done anything at all. Butterfly effect, maybe? Her presence was enough to change something, just like that? Human nature wasn't predictable enough for her to tell what her unconscious mannerisms and such did. Maybe she'd made Harry more comfortable with their short conversation, which had Harry comfortable enough to make a bit of a joke in his reply, which Ron misunderstood...

Dear god, this was going to be more difficult than she thought.

"That was... odd." Harry said. "Do you think he's mad at me, or something? What did I say?"

"No," Hermione said, "I don't think so. And, uh, he hardly looks like the kind of person to stay mad about that, I think. I mean, I'd think he'd forget soon."

Yes, she knew Ron. Very thick-headed, if still brave. Their relationship hadn't worked out last time. And there wasn't a second shot for that. Hermione was much older than he was now. It wouldn't work. Too creepy, to awkward, and they were too different. Still, her efforts to be friends weren't lost yet.

Harry shrugged, "Whatever. I'm not too worried about it, I guess."

Oh no. If Harry and Ron didn't end up becoming friends, all because of her, then – then what? Nothing would happen. She liked Ron. Liked him quite a bit. Did Harry need him? They got along, most of the time. But each of them could probably find different friends. She and Harry could get close to Neville earlier. Meet Ginny and Luna next year. All their other friends too... Ron wasn't forgotten. Certainly not. But he wasn't a priority either. So long as Harry was happy, and Ron was happy, maybe it didn't matter. Friendship could come later. That would be okay.

"Harry, I've just noticed your glasses," Hermione said, returning to conversation to alleviate the slight tension in the air. "I learned a spell for that. I practiced it. My dad wears cheaters too. Can I see?" She asked, holding out her hand.

Harry nodded, then took them off and gave them to her.

"Oculus Reparo," She said, just like last time. She was happy to note a stronger finesse and greater ease – she might be lacking in power as a child, but she had maintained her skill as well as her knowledge.

"Wicked," Harry whispered, taking them back. "I can't wait to learn how to do that."

"You could learn right now," Hermione said, "Well, maybe not that one. Try this – just a minute."

Hermione removed a a piece of paper from her bag. Her sorting habits certainly hadn't changed, that was for sure. She used Wingardium Leviosa to levitate it. It was one of the first spells they'd learned. Within his abilities, she felt, and quite safe, so long as you weren't Seamus Finnigan.

She didn't know why she wanted to teach him that right now. Maybe she didn't at all. But she wanted to be there, and talk. She was remembering her friend in a more vivid way than her mind ever could. More than remembering. Like saying goodbye... but the opposite at the very same time.

Harry was delighted, but as expected, failed to lift it on his first try.

"Pronunciation is actually really important here." Hermione said, making sure not to make the same mistake she did last time with 'Leviosa, not Leviosar. "I'd do it again: Wingardium Leviosa."

"Wingardium Leviosa." Harry said.

"Close!" Hermione said. She was having a delightful time, and Harry seemed happy too, even if she was lecturing him. "Do you remember what happened when you choose your wand? That feeling? That's important too. Once you do it for the first time, it's easier. For now, try to recreate that feeling. Only instead of the wand drawing magic out of you, you draw magic from yourself. Push it into the world. It's difficult to describe, but it's just like that. Wingardium Leviosa."

"Wingardium Leviosa," Harry said, and lifted the paper off the ground. It was only for a second, he lost concentration when he realized he had done it. Still, it didn't take much to do it again.

"Wow, Harry!" Hermione said, "I'm impressed! You learned it faster than I did."

Harry blushed. "Maybe. But you had to discover that stuff yourself, didn't you?"

She had, actually. The magic part, anyway – she'd needed to, to cast that mending spell the very first time around.

Hermione just shrugged, not wanting to be boastful. "Do you want to learn anything else?" She asked.

"Yes, please!" Harry said, making her laugh. The air was so light and carefree. So happy. Like she really was a little girl again.

They spent the rest of the train ride talking and practicing. When the cart came round, Harry didn't buy anything – instead, he shared Hermione's snacks packed in her bag. The little things that changed seemed so strange – why didn't he choose not to buy a cart-full of candy, like last time? She knew her healthy snack wasn't nearly so delicious. Still, he seemed so happy... so as with Ron, she let it go. They took turns in the cabin changing, cleared up carefully any mess they made, and were cheerfully prepared to disembark.

"The first years get to take boats up to the castle." Hermione said, "I read that -"

"In Hogwarts, A History?" Harry finished. Both laughed. She'd said it all last time, and admitted she'd been saying it even more this time. She needed an excuse for knowing the things she did, and that book was very extensive.

"Yes," She said, when they calmed down, "But anyway, it's four to a boat. So we'll need two more people. I'm just saying now so we can keep our eyes out. See if anyone's alone."

Harry nodded, "That's good of you. Wow, now I'm excited for that as well. This almost seems more like an amusement park than a school."

Hermione had to agree with him, though she did have slightly different ideas of fun, maybe. "Well, the castle is supposed to be absolutely huge and magnificent and the grounds around are gigantic. Everything is really old and of fine quality. And honestly, I find learning new things to be fun already – especially magic things."

Harry nodded. She was proud that he agreed with her. The Butterfly Effect... would he maybe take classes more seriously? Do his homework, all that? Ron had certainly contributed to the whole procrastination thing too. She couldn't be sure, so far she'd been rubbish at proper predictions. She'd never expected doing the same thing over again to be at all different – and certainly not so enjoyable.

It was clear. Young Harry was already her friend. That was like painting smiles on her soul.

When the train finally arrived, Harry and Hermione were efficient getting off. They were at the front of the group, right next to Hagrid, who greeted Harry cheerfully. A half-second introduction acquainted Hermione with the wonderful half-giant. Harry introduced her as 'new friend' and Hagrid seemed very happy about that.

Hermione spotted Neville quickly and took Harry by the arm to go say hello to him and invite him abroad. Ron, she saw, had already made friends with other first-years. Gryffindors, perfect, she wouldn't have to worry about having ruined things for her friend.

Everyone besides the three of them seemed to find a set just fine and they were allowed to go as three. The boats, to Harry's delight, of course paddled themselves, so it wouldn't be an issue.

Neville seemed uncomfortable. Probably because he thought they had just taken pity on him. Hermione had been unpopular before. She knew that was sometimes almost as bad as being left out.

"Thanks for joining us, Neville." Hermione said, "You look really cool. Harry and I would be alone otherwise, so I'm so glad we weren't."

Neville seemed to relax somewhat. Yes, Neville, Hermione thought, we are your people!

"This is pretty amazing," Harry said, regarding the self-propelling boats.

"Oh, yeah, I guess so," Neville replied. "I grew up with all this, so I guess I don't always notice."

"Magic is pretty great," Hermione said, mostly just to keep conversation flowing.

"What was it like growing up with magic?" Harry asked.

Neville knitted his eyebrows together. He was still very shy, but Hermione remembered the brave soul he had – that was sure to bloom very quickly.

"Um, I don't... really know. I don't know what it's like without, so... I guess easier? It doesn't feel like it, but I imagine life without magic would be hard."

"Sometimes," Harry said, seeming a little introspective.

That conversation was going nowhere. "What house do you think you'll be sorted into? It'd be nice if we were all together."

That brightened Neville up considerably – but only for a moment. "Oh, I'll probably be a Hufflepuff." He said, sadly.

"Why is that a bad thing?" Harry asked.

"I guess it's not," Neville said, "But my family has always been Gryffindors. My gran really wants me to be there too. I don't want to disappoint her, you know?"

"Neville," Hermione said, "I've got a feeling – and don't ask me how – that you'll be in Gryffindor. Not because of your family. Because you seem brave. What would you do if your friends were breaking the rules, for instance? And, hm, putting themselves in danger doing it?"

"I'd stop them," Neville said, not hesitating. Hermione smiled. She was getting better at this, she felt.

"That's a really brave thing," Harry said, "Standing up to friends is tough."

Neville blushed, but it seemed to ease his mind, if only a little, "What about you guys?"

"We talked a lot on the train," Hermione said, "But we're still not fully sure. I think I'm probably Gryffindor too."

"I really don't know at all," Harry said, "They all sound good."

"Even Slytherin?" Neville asked.

Harry nodded, "Yeah – I might not get along with people in there. Hermione told me about the tendencies and the reputation, but the traits celebrated are still admirable. Though I think... Gryffindor is probably the best of all, for me. I just don't know if I suit it yet."

"Try asking," Hermione said, gentle, "I'm sure they wouldn't place you where you don't want to go. Ask the Hat about it, when it's your turn. And you too, Neville – telling it where you want to be is a brave thing, definitely."

They chatted amicably for the rest of the ride. But the boat reached the dock, Hermione took Harry's right hand and Neville's left. It was a spontaneous movement, just because she felt like it. Neither seemed to mind. They were friends quickly, even though Miss Hermione Granger was clearly one weird girl.

Draco didn't come speak to Harry this time. Weird, what on earth could she had done to change that? Wait... this time around, no one knew Harry was Harry Potter, right? Just her, and she'd said nothing. This time, Harry wasn't standing out on his own, very apparent next to Ron Weasley. For one of these reasons, Draco either didn't know Harry was here or didn't know this black-haired boy was Harry Potter.

No matter. That certainly pleased her. Draco was a real brat in first year and she'd rather not deal with him right now. Save that for later.

The sorting proceeded as last time – until Hermione herself was on the chair.

"Doing all right, love?" Asked the voice of that woman from deep inside her skull.

Hermione paled considerably.

"Sorry about this," The woman said, "I'd neglected the whole mind-reading thing earlier. We couldn't have the hat knowing what you know, could we? Would ruin all your cute little plans. In fact, I'm surprised you didn't think of this. So I took over here. Hooray! Gryffindor, I'm assuming? You already seemed to have decided where you're going."

Hermione spoke back to her through thoughts, continuing the conversation this way. "Gryffindor, yes. Before you go, -"

"Oh, don't worry about little things like questions. You'll be fine! I've got some questions for you though. Hope it isn't too awkward having a conversation while the whole school stares at you. I was wondering if you're looking for any kind of romance? Do answer me, please – oh, and don't be so frightened. Like I would ever hurt you! Hurt you permanently, anyway – I'm a nice person, really."

Hermione swallowed. Should she just answer? She supposed so.

"No, no romance. That would be too awkward, no matter in what case. Can't with anyone physically my age – that would be too creepy. Can't with anyone mentally my age either – they would have to be some kind of deranged, since to them I'm a child. And I'm not interested in romance right now anyway."

"Oh, but it makes things so much more fun to watch. I'll be bored if you're nothing but strategy and work. I want fun! Uncertainly and confusion, emotional turmoil, all the delights. It's no good if you're perfect. It's no good if everything works out. There has to be... suspense. You know what I'm saying? To keep things interesting."

"What are you planning?"

"Oh, you already know me so well. We've only ever spoken twice. I want to take you back a ways – leave the knowledge, but start over. You know. Make you really a child again. That way you'll make mistakes. Wouldn't that be fun...?"

"That would be ripping away my personality," Hermione said, "I don't want you to do that – that at all."

"Geez, you sound just like all the other gods. Blah, blah, blah, you can't go ripping people apart for your amusement, blah, blah, blah. And I certainly don't want anything out of character – I mean, don't think that. I just want... a little more fun, you know? I don't plan to go meddling all the time. That would ruin the setup. Just this once? And maybe... I'll limit myself to once a year after this, promise. Yeah, that's fine, isn't it? So I'll take you a step back or several. Have more fun that way."

"Wait!" Hermione shrieked, surprising the hall by doing it out-loud. Already people were curious that it was taking so long, now they gave her far stranger looks.

"Hermione..." Said the woman. Her voice was deep now. Serious. Unsettling. "Don't forget that I'm the one in charge here. Let's. Have. Fun."

Hermione felt it happen. It was anguish. Like loosing a part of herself – because that's exactly what it was. She was ripped back. And then she forgot. Forgot who she was. Somehow, even though she didn't understand. Her lessons, the battles, and her precious memories... they were all still in her head. But now... they didn't feel like hers anymore.

It was like she'd lost her memory, but every piece of it was still in place. She was amnesiac, but knew her name. She was unsure, even though things were planned. She was nervous – the students around her stared. She was alone. Even the memories she shared with Harry and Ron... they weren't hers anymore.

Completely silently, she started to cry. There was a hush from the people close enough to see the tears. That probably hadn't ever happened before.

She was lost.

What was she supposed to do now?

"GRYFFINDOR!" Shouted the hat.

So Hermione shook her head, wiped the tears quickly before anyone else could see, and made her way to Gryffindor. Sat next Neville. She tried to watch the sorting and wait for Harry. But she couldn't make herself. She was completely drained emotionally. Slowly, she twirled around her plate, turning it in circles on the table.

"Hermione?" Neville asked. She looked up at him. He was clearly concerned.

She choked out: "Sorry – the hat – memories..." Hermione shook the daze from her head, she couldn't tell him. If she did, she was sure that woman wouldn't be pleased. She did not want to displease her. "Ahem, sorry. The hat just... brought up some bad memories."

She forced a smile at him, then realized something. Everyone around was staring at her. It didn't take Hermione's genius brain to realize they'd probably been doing that for a while. And now they were whispering.

She was embarrassed. Humiliated. Why should she be? That didn't matter. That didn't matter at all in the long run. Only it did... and she knew why.

She wasn't herself anymore.

She was Hermione Granger. The little girl about to turn twelve.

Neville took her hand under the table and squeezed it. She smiled at him to say thank-you.

Within a few minutes, she'd mostly shaken the gloom out of her head. Harry had been sorted and had come to sit with them. Neville whispered something to him, at which point Harry nodded. They both seemed a little concerned, but not nearly so much.

"I'm hungry," She said, filling up space. Her voice sounded weak, even though she hadn't been hurt – not physically, anyway, "You guys hungry?"

"Yeah." Harry said. Neville nodded.

It was very awkward and quiet between the three of them for a little while, then when dinner began after the speeches (unchanged) the tone lightened somewhat. Hermione 'met' the other people in her house and everyone chatted and enjoyed the feast. Hermione could spot Ron a ways down the table, chowing down like he always did. The made her smile.

Things might still be okay. She still felt lost, but at least she had a chance to make new memories. What should she do... with her life? Even after all the Horcruxes and Voldemort, what would she be? She had never really decided that last time around. Too busy with war to do that.

"I'm really glad we're all in the same house. I like you guys already." Hermione said, alleviating some melancholy.

"Yeah, me too." Neville said. Harry also agreed.

Hermione was thankful when everyone went to the dorms at the end of the feast. She was so, so tired. She took a moment to re-introduce herself to Parvati and Lavender, unpacked some of her things to be ready for the morning and finally went to sleep.

Things had been so sure on the train. Or so she remembered them, anyway.

Now she wasn't sure at all.

She wanted her mum... just a little bit.