A/N: Hi everyone! Thank you for being patient with me over the holidays! I DO have a bit written, but I have to type it all up. I was going to have this bit be part of the rest of the chapter, but since I'm finished typing it, I'll make it separate so you have something to read while I type! I know it's short, but more is coming, promise! 3
Hermione gasped and stumbled forward, grasping at the air as she pitched into the present. Except it wasn't the present, or at least, not the one she had left. She was in a kitchen, burnt umber floor tiles, herbs lining the window sill that overlooked a snowy day. Hermione spun around, confused. Where was she? When was she? A timer beeped on top of the stove and a woman came bustling into the room, her hair braided and flung over one shoulder, an apron wrapped around her front. She stopped and smiled, and with a jolt Hermione realized she was staring at an older version of herself. A quite pregnant older version of herself.
"Sit and close your mouth, you're like to swallow a nargle," the older Hermione instructed, laughing as he walked to the oven and turned off the timer. Hermione sat at the dining table, three chairs and one high chair standing at the ready. She glanced around the corner of the room, trying to find the rest of the people for whom the table was set.
"They're outside," older Hermione said bringing a warm pie over to the table. She set it on a hot mitt and then brought over two small plates and forks. She served Hermione first and then herself. "Go ahead," the older Hermione urged, "It's mum's recipe." Hermione took a bite. Oh it was. The best cherry pie ever, just like mum made it.
"So why am I here?" Hermione asked after a few more bites.
Older Hermione shrugged, "I don't really know. Perhaps just to have the confidence, to know it will all work out."
"It will?" Hermione asked, leaning forward, not daring to ask the questions she really wanted to ask.
Older Hermione smiled, "Yes, it will." She laughed, examining Hermione's face, "I know what you want to ask, and you know I'm not going to answer you. Some things are not meant to be known. Some you must live, and struggle for. It makes them that much more precious." Hermione nodded, though by being here at all a few of her questions were answered. She obviously lived, and went on to have a, well what looked like at least, a happy life. "It's going to take more than concentration though," older Hermione warned, "What you have planned will work, but Voldemort is powerful. You are going to need more than just concentration and a group of wizards." Older Hermione picked up the dishes and took them to the sink.
"I wasn't done!" Hermione protested as the remainder of her pie went into the trash.
"Yes you were," older Hermione said smiling. Hermione felt the Time Turner start spinning and she looked up at older Hermione amazed. She had known exactly when Hermione would leave. "Good luck!" the older Hermione called before Hermione was whisked out of the future.