Chapter SEVEN
Hermione awoke to the soft nudging from what she presumed was Crookshanks. Looking up at the orange cat squinting she wondered when she had gone to sleep. Her eyes wandered around her surroundings as she realised she was in the hospital wing, had she tripped over the bear or something? Good Heavens. If she had, she would never hear the end of it from Harry and Ron.
For the first time since she had opened her eyes she heard the muffled murmuring from which she presumed to be Madam Pomfrey.
As she women came into view Hermione realised she was incorrect. Fail. Not Achieved. Wrong. Well, there had to be a once for everything she supposed. Well maybe more then once, but hey.
Wondering whether Hogwarts had suddenly gotten a new intern or nurse she surveyed the woman. No she was too old to be an intern. Her thoughts were interrupted when the woman spoke.
"Ah! Your awake, I shall have to go and get Professor Dumbledore since Dipet is out of the school at the current." She ranted as she turned swiftly out the door.
Dumbledore for tripping over a teddy bear? What, a lecture on how soft toys can be dangerous and to keep them securely on the shelf where they belong.
She chuckled softly to herself when she realised the other half of what had been said.
Ah poor delusional old witch thought the Headmaster was still Dipet, no wonder Dumbledore had kindly given her a position at the school, of course. Hermione made a mental note to remember to be nice to her.
And of course, as fast as the nurse had departed, she had returned with a very young Dumbledore behind her. Confusion hit as she reasoned with herself. Perhaps he decided to… For once in her life, Hermione was without an answer.
"Miss, How are you feeling today?"
Hermione opened her mouth to speak before just nodding silently.
"Ah good. I was wondering whether you could tell me why you are at Hogwarts, and how you happened to come across it?"
Hermione frowned.
"Well… I've been here for 6 years, and the train usually seems to know where it is going…"
It was Dumbledores turn to frown.
"The train?"
"Yes… the Hogwarts express."
"Hogwarts has no train miss."
Hermione rolled her eyes.
"So who has replaced the Weasley twins, and what did they do to you? As the Headmaster, you could make them stop you know." She smiled.
"I am Deputy, not Headmaster, you know, you were in quite a mess when Hagrid found you, he was quite upset when he brought you here. You are quite lucky that he is as strong as he is, for no normal 17 year old could have managed to drag you up to the castle on his own."
Hermione was silent as she turned the daily prophet beside her over slowly.
"Sir, is it the 5th of November 1953?"
"No…" Hermione sighed in relief "That was yesterdays paper."
She froze in realization, clinging the time turner around her neck. Her breathing came out rapid as she began to hyperventilate. She had fell on the time turner. The time turner that only sent people back. She was stuck.
In the meanwhile Dumbledore was in shock himself. The girl had not only brought her cat to Hogwarts, but an awfully familiar bear layed beside her. Merlin.
"Miss Granger is it?"
This seemed to calm Hermione down enough for her to nod in confirmation.
"You have somehow managed to find yourself back in our school once again, I take it you remember Hogwarts in your future?"
Once again she nodded.
"Ah, well that's good then." Dumbledore smiled warmly. "At least we won't need to wipe your memory again.
"Again?" She managed to ask between sobs.
"Do you remember Maggie?"
Hermione nodded at the mention of her old nanny.
"When you were younger, you were touching some of her stuff, when you were sent back here, however we managed to get you home."
Hermione calmed realization hit.
"So I can get home?!" Excitement crossed her face as she realised it was more simple then she had thought.
"Technically, you could Miss Granger except for the fact that since the war with Grindlewald has meant that all devices related to time travel, time stopping, and redirection have been banned and are held by the ministry."
Hermione face dropped. "But that will take another year at least!"
Dumbledore raised one eyebrow. "That soon, that's good to hear."
Hermione gasped placing her hand over her mouth. "You told me not to tell anyone about the future incase it changed it!"
"Oh did I now, good to see I'm in the future then." He smiled.
Hermione sighed as she realised it had happened again.
"How do you suppose you got here?"
Sighing she dug out the chain.
"This is a time turner, but it isn't supposed to take the wearer back anymore then a month… I think something happened when I fell I suppose."
"Fell?"
"Well… I'd say that's what happened, one minute I was leaning over to pick up a object and then I ended up here I guess, I think that would mean I fell."
"Were you picking up your cat Miss Granger?"
"No… that bear over there."
"Are you sure that it was the time turner?"
"What else could it be?" Hermione frowned.
"I'm not quite sure Miss. However, do you have any idea on what you are going to do in this time period until you can get back? Or forward should I say?" He smirked at his own joke.
"Well…. No, I hadn't finished year 7 at my… school." She commented looking around. Ironic. Her school and this school was the same thing. She held up her Head girl badge to show her connection with Hogwarts.
"Ah, well. I would offer you the position here but I think it may be best to not. It seems that Hogwarts in this year, may only have a Head boy."
Hermione cocked her head to the side. "Why is that?"
"Because. Every offer has been declined, or they have resigned because of Dipets choice for Head Boy"
Hermiones blood froze.
"Riddle?"
"Ahhh familiar with Hogwarts history are you, I don't suppose if I could ask how you know Tom?"
Hermione shook her head vigorously. "It could alter time, as much as I would love that to happen, it could turn out to be worse."
Dumbledore nodded with understanding.
"Well then, rest Miss Granger, headmaster Dipet will be back tommorow morning, and from what I hear he is eager to meet you."
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