A/N: Please note that this story has undergone a re-write. While the essential plot line remains the same, some small details have been changed. It is recommended that you re-read all chapters.
A new chapter at last! Sorry for the extremely long delay! The next chapter won't take nearly so long.
A Chance in Time
By Annie Dumbledore
Chapter Seven
Remus had agreed to meet Hermione at twelve o'clock, in the small park near his house. She was already there when he arrived, sitting on a bench with one leg underneath her, the other dangling. Clutched in her hands was a tattered, dog-eared book, the title of which Remus couldn't make out. He crept close, taking advantage of the fact she was totally engrossed in the book. Once he was close enough to read the title, Remus groaned, causing Hermione to look up.
'Pride and Prejudice again? Don't you get sick of that book?' he asked as he kissed the top of her head.
'Remus! Someone might see!' she exclaimed, looking about anxiously, 'And to answer you question, no, I don't get sick of this book. It's a muggle classic.'
Remus flopped onto the bench beside her and prized the book from her hands. 'Muggle classic? Didn't you realise Jane Austen was a witch? I'm surprised you didn't find that out in muggle studies.' Remus flicked through a few pages then deposited the book back into the hands of a surprised Hermione.
'Jane Austen a witch? No way!' Hermione laughed.
'It's true. She based her stories on wizarding families and made them muggles. I think the real Mr Darcy's original objection to the Bennets was that they were muggle borns.'
Hermione's jaw dropped open 'You mean Mr Darcy was real?'
'Of course. And Eliza Bennet. Pemberley is real as well. Uplottable, though, so muggles can't find it.'
'Wow. I'd love to see it.' Hermione breathed, her eyes glazing over slightly as she imagined the grandeur of Pemberley.
'They get thousands of wizard tourists through there.' Remus glanced at Hermione's battered copy of Pride and Prejudice. 'I suppose you haven't read Austen's first version of the book then? The version for wizards? Didn't sell very well so she re-wrote it for muggles and never looked back. I think Madame Pince may have a copy stashed somewhere. Lily used to borrow it all the time.' Remus looked sideways at Hermione and noticed with amusement that her gave was fixed on the many towers of Hogwarts Castle in the distance.
'You know, I have some things I really should take care of. You don't mind, do you?' he asked, grinning.
'Oh no, of course not!' Hermione answered quickly. 'I needed to go to the library anyway.' She unfolded her legs and jumped up from the bench. 'I'll owl you.' She pecked him on the cheek and strode in the direction of Hogwarts. Remus watched her with an amused look on his face.
**
'Pride and Prejudice? Goodness, no one's borrowed that for awhile. Now where is it?' Madame Pince said as she perused the literature shelf. Hermione tapped her foot impatiently, and finally drew out her wand.
'Accio Pride and Prejudice!,' she commanded. A small leather-bound book soared from a nook on the shelf and into Hermione's hand. She scrawled her name on the borrowing card and raced from the library with a quick 'thanks' over her shoulder.
**
'Good book?' Hermione tore her eyes from the page and glared at the person who'd had the audacity to speak to her while she was reading.
'Yes, Harry, it is, and I'd like to continue.' She snapped.
Harry screwed up his nose in distaste as he read the title. 'Pride and Prejudice? Haven't you memorized that yet?' Hermione glared over the top of the book. 'I mean, surely once you've read it, the whole "Darcy is actually a good guy under that stiff exterior" plot line wears thin? Maybe you should try Oliver Twist. I'm convinced the Dursleys got some ideas about treating orphans from that-'
'Silencio!' Hermione cried, pointing her wand at Harry. He clutched his throat and glared at her. 'Now maybe I can read.' She muttered.
The portrait hole swung open and Neville walked in. 'Hi Hermione. What are you reading?' he asked as he peered over her shoulder.
Harry blinked, trying to decide whether or not he was imagining the smoke coming out of Hermione's ears.
**
The morning found Hermione curled up on the window seat in her dorm. The window was open and a delicious breeze blew through. She'd sat up the previous night and had read and re-read portions of the wizarding version of Pride and Prejudice. Hermione had come to the conclusion that she wouldn't have wanted to mess with Elizabeth Bennet, who'd hexed Miss Bingley and Lady Catherine with some hexes even Draco Malfoy wouldn't have used. Mr Darcy reminded Hermione of Draco; they had the same beliefs about keeping wizarding blood pure, but somehow Hermione couldn't see Draco declaring his love for a muggle born.
As Hermione looked through the wizarding portraits featured in the book, a tawny owl flew up to her window and soared past her into the room. The owl dropped an envelope in her lap and then flapped past her to the outside. Hermione eagerly ripped open the letter; she'd recognised Remus' distinct handwriting.
Dear Hermione
I trust you liked the book. I thought we might go for a little road trip. Meet me outside Honeydukes at ten. Muggle clothing is a necessity!
Love Remus
Hermione checked her watch; it was almost ten. She quickly grabbed a jacket and shoved her wand in her pocket. The clattering of her shoes on the stairs alerted Harry and Ron to her approach. Neither was really speaking to her; Harry was still annoyed about being silenced the night before, and Ron was still seeing red about the whole Remus situation. Ginny was in the common room as well. She glanced up from her muggle studies book and gave Hermione a warm smile.
'Heading out?' she asked.
'Yes,' Hermione replied 'Remus is taking me on a little road trip.' She looked sideways at Harry and Ron to try and gauge their reaction. Neither moved.
'Well, have fun.' Ginny squeezed Hermione's hand. 'I'll see you later on.'
'Yep. Bye.' Hermione gave Ginny a quick hug and exited the common room.
'Honestly, are you two ever going to get over yourselves and be happy for your friend?' Ginny chastised. Harry and Ron looked up sulkily. 'I think you're both jealous that Hermione's getting some.' With that, Ginny gathered up her books and climbed the staircase to her dorm.
'Well, she'd obviously missed the point!' Ron spluttered.
'Obviously.' Agreed Harry.
**
The dark green MG convertible Remus had borrowed from a friend surprised Hermione, but the fact he claimed he could drive it surprised her more.
'I learnt after Hogwarts. Being a werewolf makes Apparition a little tiring at times, and I'm not fond of heights so brooms aren't good.' He told her as he held the door open for her to slide in.
'Well, I'm impressed.' She grinned 'But I'll be even more impressed when you tell me where we're going.' Remus shook his finger at her.
'Uh-uh. No you don't. That's a surprise. You'll love it, though.'
Remus started the car and smoothly drove it away from Hogsmeade and the shadow of Hogwarts Castle. The breeze tossed Hermione's hair about her face until she conjured a scarf to keep it in check.
About an hour or two after leaving Hogsmeade, Remus pulled up beside a simply enormous tree in the middle of a green. A smithy was hard at work with ancient looking tools, giving Hermione the feeling she'd stepped back in time.
'Where are we?' she asked Remus. He gave her an impish grin and pointed to a nearby sign.
'Lampton.' Hermione read. Her eyes grew wide with realisation. 'You're taking me to Pemberley!'
Remus nodded. 'I knew the present Mr Darcy from Hogwarts. He was a Ravenclaw, awfully nice fellow.'
'I can't believe I'm actually going to Pemberley. Thank you so much.' She leant over and kissed him.
'Just wait until we get there. It's only five miles off.' Remus kicked the engine into life and pulled away from Lampton.
**
The MG sped smoothly towards Pemberley, magnificent woods covered the land on either side of the road. At last they reached a slight hill; Remus slowed down as they reached the top.
'Close your eyes.' He commanded. Hermione did so. Remus braked gently as he pulled off the road, near a clearing in the woods.
'You can open them now.' He told her. Hermione opened her eyes and gasped at the scene before her. Through the clearing sat a grand house – Hardly a house, Hermione thought, It's probably got as many rooms as Hogwarts – with a stream in front, just as described by Jane Austen.
'Oh my,' Hermione finally breathed aloud 'It's truly wonderful.'
'Shall we go take a closer look?' Remus asked. Hermione nodded her head vigorously.
**
They were met by the housekeeper who, upon hearing Remus' name, went in search of her master and mistress.
Sir Charles and Lady Emilie Darcy were, in Hermione's opinion, the most charming couple she'd ever met. Sir Charles was a tall, handsome man with sparkling dark eyes. His wife, Emilie, had lived in France until the age of ten, when her parents had moved in order for her and her twin brother to be able to attend Hogwarts. She was a pretty, slight woman with hair that rivaled her husband's for darkness.
'Remus!' Sir Charles exclaimed, embracing Remus warmly. 'It's been a long time.'
'It has, Charlie.' Remus replied. He turned to Hermione. 'May I introduce my girlfriend, Hermione Granger? Hermione, this is Sir Charles and Lady Emilie Darcy.' Hermione smiled brightly and shook the Darcys' hands.
'My, my, Remus. She is entirely too young and lovely to be with an old fuddy-duddy like you.' Charles teased.
Remus laughed 'I think I said something similar to you when I met Emilie.'
'Touché.' Grinned Charles.
'Hermione,' Emilie took Hermione's hand. Her accent still bore some traces of her original French. 'I will show you the wonderful portraits of my husband's family. I know you will love them.'
Hermione asked Remus and Charles if they would come.
'No, we'll meet you later.' Remus replied.
**
Hermione and Emilie climbed a grand staircase and came to an upstairs gallery. The first portraits were recent ones, which showed Charles and Emilie with a young boy and two girls.
'Our children, Edward, Marie and Elizabeth.' Emilie smiled 'They are away at school at present. Edward will go to Hogwarts next year.'
'They are very beautiful children.' Hermione told Emilie. Emilie blushed with maternal pride.
Further along the gallery were the portraits Hermione had most wanted to see.
'This if the famous Mr Darcy and Elizabeth,' Emilie explained 'you can see that Charles inherited Elizabeth's "fine eyes".' Emilie and Hermione giggled, but it was undoubtedly true. Elizabeth Darcy was an extremely beautiful woman, her finest feature being her lovely dark eyes.
'I've always wondered what they looked like,' Hermione told Emilie 'Mr Darcy's just as I pictured him, but Elizabeth is far lovelier.'
Emilie showed Hermione several items of interest, including the pianoforte once owned by Georgiana Darcy, and several tapestries worked by Elizabeth. Half an hour later, they met the men on the rolling lawns in front of the house. Charles suggested Remus showed Hermione around the grounds, which he agreed to.
**
The magnificent rose garden enchanted Hermione, it was encircled by a high stone wall and was situated at the rear of the house.
'It's so lovely here,' Hermione wrapped her arms around Remus' waist 'Thank you so much for bringing me.'
'You're welcome.' Remus replied.
'So, you knew Sir Charles at school?' asked Hermione.
'Yes. Back when he was just Charlie Darcy. He was a year above me, and used to tutor me in Charms.'
Hermione sat down on a nearby stone bench, taking in the wonderful sights around her. Remus sat beside her and took her hand in his.
'You know, I did have an ulterior motive for bringing you here.' he said.
'Really? What's that?'
He knelt down on the grass beside her. 'Hermione, you know I love you. I have done for many years, and I would be honoured if you'd consider becoming my wife.' Remus produced a band of twisted gold studded with several small diamonds.
'Oh, Remus,' she breathed 'I would love to.'
Remus' face cracked into a wide grin, and he slipped the ring onto Hermione's finger, then leant forward to kiss her.
'I think we should probably visit my parents soon.' Hermione said a few moments later.
Remus looked slightly embarrassed 'Er, actually, I went to see your father last night to ask his permission to marry you. I hope you don't mind.'
'Of course not. Dad really liked you when we all had dinner awhile back, and he'd appreciate the fact that you asked his permission.'
'When shall we tell Harry and Ron?' asked Remus.
'I'm not sure.' Hermione sighed 'Neither of them is speaking to me at the moment. I think we should wait awhile.'
'Whatever you think.' Remus said, kissing her forehead 'We should get going.' He stood up, pulling Hermione to her feet, and together they walked back to the main house.
**
Sir Charles and Lady Emilie were overjoyed to hear the news of Remus and Hermione's engagement, and offered the use of Pemberley for the wedding if they wished.
'That would be wonderful!' Hermione exclaimed.
'Well, you're more than welcome to use Pemberley for the ceremony.' Sir Charles smiled.
**
Soon, Remus and Hermione were back in their car, driving back towards Hogsmeade.
'I forgot to mention,' Remus began 'There's a charm on the ring that only allows people who know about our engagement to see it. That way you won't have to worry about taking it off all the time.'
'Brilliant. I was afraid I might have to wear it on a chain around my neck.' Answered Hermione.
Remus dropped Hermione at the gates of Hogwarts, and bade her farewell with a kiss.
'We won't see much of each other now that your NEWTs are coming up.' Remus said sadly.
'I know. But I'll see you the moment my last exam is finished.' Hermione promised. She got out of the car and waved as Remus drove away.
Anxious to share her news with Ginny, Hermione ran all the way up to Gryffindor Tower, and had to pause for a breather before she could give the Fat Lady the password.
Upon entering the Common Room, Hermione spotted Ginny sitting in a large chair with a book in her lap. Harry and Ron watched Hermione walk over to Ginny, neither speaking to her.
'Ginny,' Hermione whispered 'Come up to my room with me, I've got some wonderful news.'
Ron and Harry's ears pricked up at the mention of news, and they exchanged glances. Hermione led Ginny up to her room, and shut the door, performing a locking charm and casting several silencing charms.
'That's so Harry and Ron don't find out.' Hermione explained when she saw Ginny's puzzled expression.
'So, what's this all about?' Ginny asked from her perch on the end of the bed.
'Remus took me to Pemberley today.' Said Hermione.
'Wow, I've always wanted to go!' Ginny exclaimed. 'What's it like?'
'Wonderful. Remus knew Sir Charles Darcy from Hogwarts. The entire place is beautiful. But I expect you'll see for yourself in a few months.' Hermione's eyes twinkled mischievously.
Ginny wrinkled her nose in confusion. 'Why would I be going to Pemberley?'
'Because that's where Remus and I are going to be married, and you're going to be my bridesmaid!' gushed Hermione.
Ginny's jaw dropped open and she stared at her friend for a moment before squealing and throwing her arms around Hermione.
'Oh, 'Mione! I'm so happy for you!' Ginny cried. She pulled away momentarily. 'Show me the ring.'
Hermione held out her hand. 'It's charmed so you can't see it unless you know we're engaged.'
'It's lovely.' Ginny breathed, examining it. She looked up at Hermione 'When are you going to tell Harry and Ron?'
Hermione frowned 'When they stop actin like gits.'
'So you're never going to tell them?' Ginny said slyly.
