Green light illuminated the dark sky, with its contrast to the black. Red light intertwined with the green, and I was careful to avoid both. I didn't want to suffer the pain of the Cruciatus again, not die without my friends. I shivered, but quickly returned to the battle, fighting off the Death Eaters from all sides. Defense definitely wasn't my strong suit - it was Harry's - but my weapon was my brains.
"Harry!" I rush over to him and whisper my attack plan while he shielded us. Harry grinned at me, and passed it on to Ron. I darted around Colin and Ginny, then cast a Disillusionment Charm on myself. I then performed a disguise charm, so I looked like another Death Eater. Ron was duelling a Death Eater, and Harry was anxiously looking around, his wand loose. Everything was working out well.
"Expelliarmus!" I aimed slightly to the right of Harry, so it didn't hit anyone. We'd saved me - the second most in danger, with my blood status. We just had to save Ron, but the same trick wouldn't work again.
I thought furiously hard, so hard I almost got hit by the Killing Curse. Blue light flashed around me, and I knew the Death Eaters were doing the time spell incorrectly. But never mind that. One of them hit me in the chest, and immense pain seared through it, almost as bad as the Cruciatus. Images ran through my mind - a steam engine, a cab, a man tipping his hat, a woman holding up her long skirt.
I found myself in my tattered clothes on a street in Muggle London, yet something felt different about it. I suddenly realized my wand was still in my hand, and I quickly slipped it in my pocket. Everything was eerily quiet and abandoned, except for the distant sound of a cab and a man crossing the road. I hurried up to him, holding up my skirt like the woman in the image. "Excuse me sir, but would you mind telling me the date?" I asked, minding my manners. I didn't want to be impertinent, especially if it wasn't 1998. "July 24th," he replied, smiling kindly. "And the year?" I ask hesitantly. I sincerely hoped it was still 1998, and we had won the war, and Voldemort was dead, and my best friends were still alive. The man looks at me in a way I conceive that he thinks this question slightly strange, but answers anyway. "1879, young miss." "Thank you, sir," I say hurriedly, and scurry off.
I was one hundred years before my birth year - I had to resolve this problem. Perhaps I could be a maid, or live at one of the destitute orphanages. I could use my Arithmancy skills to create a counter-curse, send myself to the 1940s and prevent the wizarding and Muggle wars. I could change the course of history, manipulate time. Yes, it would be dangerous, but surely saving the world from severe destruction could be excused?
I huddle in the Leaky Cauldron, shivering. "Goodness me, child, let's get you a shawl," a man with twinkling eyes says. "Th-thank you, sir," I reply. "My name is Orion Dumbledore," he tells me.
Dear Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry,
I am a foreigner from France and I am writing to you to request to be a student at Hogwarts. I am turning nineteen in September, but never got to finish my magical education. It would be very kindly of you to accept me. Thank you for considering.
Yours sincerely, Hermione Jean Granger.
I still couldn't believe that this man was the father of Albus Dumbledore. He had given me the ink, parchment and quill and was now fetching an owl for me. So kind.
As morning dawned, a reply from Hogwarts awaited me. I nervously tore open the envelope, and read the letter.
Dear Miss Granger,
We are pleased to let you know you have been accepted. Certain situations do have to allow for bending of the rules. You will receive the general Hogwarts letter for seventh years shortly, and I hope you have a wonderful time at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. It is indeed a fine institution.
Sincerely, Draconis Redley, Headmaster.