August 21st, 1971

Applying the finishing touches to her hair, Hermione wrinkled her nose at her reflection. She didn't think she would ever get used to her blonde locks and honey brown eyes. Although Hermione Granger had brown eyes, they were definitely a darker shade and a bit plain. But, now, now her eyes had a sparkle to them that kind of freaked her out a bit.

Shaking her head, Hermione walked away from her mirror to her bed and reached for the beaded bag that she placed underneath her pillows. As much as she longed to take her bag with her she knew it wasn't a good idea. Not only would her mother have questions as to where she acquired such an ugly thing but for a pureblood witch to actually carry it around would draw unwanted attention and that was the last thing Hermione wanted.

She could transfigure it, even charm the bag, but Hermione didn't want to risk losing it. The mere thought brought on emotions she would rather not deal with. It was best if she left it at home where it was safe until she left for Hogwarts.

Pulling out Harry's glasses and slowly placing them on her face, Hermione laughed aloud, her vision suddenly going blurry, then quickly pulled them back off. Observing the spectacles while rotating them between her fingers, Hermione pursed her lips as she went through ideas to change the lenses. She needed to wear something of Harry's that would give her comfort.

It would be nice if she had a little piece of her old life on her at all times and what was better than her best friend's glasses perched upon her nose? It was also something that no one would question. She could easily say her eyesight went to shite since her birthday.

Hermione chuckled at the poor excuse but at this point, she really didn't care at the moment. She had her work cut out for her and to even think of what she would be going through— she shivered as she quickly placed the glasses on top of her head. She would figure out how to change the lenses later. It would be difficult without a wand anyhow.

Of course, she had to get past the sorting if she wanted to go through with her and her twin's plan. The sorting— Hermione was going to demand the hat to place her in Slytherin and if the blasted thing didn't… Well, she was sure she could break into the headmaster's office and set it aflame.

"Ayla Hermione Shafiq, for Salazar's sake, hurry, please!"

Startled out of her thoughts, Hermione rolled her eyes dramatically. Merlin forbid, she took her time assuring her appearance was up to par.

As Hermione stepped out of her room, her brows furrowed, her thoughts automatically returning to that checklist in her mind. She wanted to make sure everything was in order and that she wasn't forgetting anything. They began their journey at Hogwarts in less than two weeks and she couldn't have anything blow up in her face. She needed to prove herself to everyone in Slytherin and especially to Tom half-blood Riddle. She scoffed at how much of a hypocrite he was.

She'd guessed she still had to go over the plan with her sister but how many times could one go over everything? Hermione snorted; that was saying a lot considering who she was. But still. Something didn't feel right and she couldn't quite place what was giving her such a bad feeling.

Maybe she was overwhelmed with everything going on. That had to be it and hopefully it would come to her sooner rather than later for her sanity's sake.

"Goodness, Ayla," her mother chided right as Hermione reached the foyer. "We have a schedule and you are throwing us off." She tisked, shaking her head as she threw her hands up in exasperation, "and what are those on your head?"

"Apologies, mother, for the tardiness," Hermione replied, biting back the sarcasm that screamed to be let go, "and they're my glasses."

"Glasses?" Her father and Ava asked simultaneously.

Refraining from rolling her eyes, Hermione nodded, "yes, I need them."

"Oh, no," her mother breathed, horrified, as Ava began snickering. "You have your grandmother's sight, don't you?"

Taken aback, Hermione slowly shook her head and then began nodding suspiciously quickly, a sudden plan forming even though she didn't know much about her mother's mom. "Yes?"

"Oh, no," her mother turned to her father, "'Xander, please!"

Her father sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "Ayla, do you really need them?"

"Yes!" Ayla shouted, refusing to back down. "I'm blind!"

Ava lost it as she bursted into giggles causing Hermione to swiftly turn a glare her way. She was surprised that her stupid twin didn't recognize the frames remembering how she and her goons teased Harry quite mercilessly for wearing them.

"Ava, hush!" Her mother hissed, her breathing increasing at an incredible speed. "I can't— no, she can't—"

"Calm down, darling, please," her father pleaded with furrowed brows, "is it such a bad thing for—"

"Yes!" Her mother wailed, shaking her head. "Do you know how bad this will look for Ayla, Alexander?! They will think her magic is dwindling! They will think she's weak!"

Horrified, Ayla stated, "Wait, what? Why on earth would they think that?"

"Because your eyesight was fine until now! Rumors will begin to spread!" Her mother answered with a gasp. "They will say it's diminishing and you're incapable and—"

"Mother," Ava ventured calmly as she interrupted her mother's spewing. "Don't you think you're being a bit—"

"How about I take the girls to Diagon, darling, and you stay and rest for a bit." Her father spoke up, cutting a sharp glance at Ava who snapped her mouth shut.

Her mother gaped, shaking her head, "tell me you're joking, Alexander, because I swear—"

"You've been up all night and I don't mind, Amelia, honestly."

Hermione watched as her father hugged her mother close to his chest, rubbing soft circles into her back as he whispered soothing words into her ear. Her mother calmed instantly, nodding her head as she agreed with her husband.

Turning to her sister, she gestured to her mother with a questioning look.

"I don't know," Ava whispered in reply.

Her father then took her mother's hand and led her out of the foyer and up the stairs to lay her down.

"What was that all about?"

Ava shook her head, "ask father when he gets back but what I want to know is why the glasses?" Before Hermione could respond, she added, "I know who they belong to, I would recognize them anywhere."

Sighing, Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. "I figured they would help me in Slytherin." She snuck a glance at her sister. "You know, to keep me grounded."

Her sister gave her a small smile with a nod. "That's an excellent idea, Ayla."

"I'm just not sure any more because of mother—"

"She'll get over it." Ava cut in with a shake of her head. "I'd rather have you wear them if they give you comfort than mother freaking out about appearances."

"But what happened?" Hermione murmured again, confused by her mother's outburst. It wasn't normal for her mother to go into fits especially over her eyesight. Something must've happened between last night once they baide one another good night until this morning. "I can't remember mother ever freaking out like that."

Shrugging, Ava said, "like I said, we're going to have to ask father when he returns."

Before Hermione could reply her father came downstairs, his lips pinched and a crease between his brows.

"Father?" Ava questioned with worry. "Is mother alright?"

Glancing at her, their father nodded. "She just needs rest, is all."

"I've never seen her so distraught before," Ayla added. "Did she speak with anyone last night after dinner?"

Her father shook his head, "I—" he sighed heavily, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't know. I was in my office…" he snapped his head up, chuckling softly. "But it's fine, your mother is fine, nothing for you to worry yourselves over. Let's go, yeah? I'm sure you both are excited to purchase your school stuff."

Sharing a look with Ava, both girls slowly nodded, following their father to the fireplace in the dining room. Something was going on and as soon as she came back with her wand, she'd run a quick diagnosis spell to make sure everything was alright with her mother.

. . . .

It was a bit different shopping for her Hogwarts supplies so early before the term began. Not only was it a bit slower than what she was originally used to but there were shops that hadn't even existed when she had first began her journey at Hogwarts in 1991.

It was as if she was viewing her surroundings with new eyes. It seemed so much more than what she was familiar with, which should've been impossible but here she was, gaping like a fish at how vibrant the small Wizarding town was.

There were shops Hermione never knew existed such as Gambol And Japes Wizarding Joke Shop and Whizz HardBooks, that she would definitely be taking a look around, and Rosa Lee Teabag that seemed interesting enough. Restaurants besides The Leaky Cauldron were crowded beyond capacity; The Spotted Toad being one of the restaurants.

She smiled as her family passed Magical Menagerie and paused near the front window, her mouth hanging open.

"Ayla," her father called out and paused as he glanced at what she was staring at. "Are you interested in purchasing a familiar?"

Shaking her head, Hermione cleared her throat, turning away from the window. "No, I don't think so."

"Ayla," her sister murmured quietly. "If you want—"

"No," Hermione cut in with a small smile. "I don't need one. I just thought he was adorable, is all."

Her father chuckled, scratching the back of his head. "You think that orange kneazle is adorable?"

Cutting a glare his way at the tone of his voice, Hermione responded, "you don't think so, father?"

Clearly uncomfortable with the look on his daughter's face, he laughed it off. "You know they're brilliant creatures—"

"And are capable of guarding homes. They also have the uncanny ability to detect untrustworthy individuals," Ava stated proudly. She then turned to Hermione. "Maybe you should see if you have a bond with her, Ayla."

"I don't think—"

"What an excellent idea, Aves." Her father exclaimed proudly. "But let's purchase your school supplies before we head in, yeah?"

"Father, wait," Hermione chuckled nervously. "I really don't need a familiar."

"But look at him, Ayla!" Her sister pouted. "He looks like he needs a home." She then furrowed her brows, her eyes glistening with fake tears. "Are you really going to leave him there forever? Who knows when he'll find a new owner! Maybe not until 1993!"

"That's very specific, Ava," her father said with mild amusement. "If Ayla really doesn't want to adopt the ginger cat I'm sure he'll find a home sooner than that."

Glancing over her at her sister, Hermione resisted rolling her eyes at the pointed look she was throwing her way. Her attention back on the ginger cat, Crookshanks, she felt a bit nostalgic about her past. She wasn't even sure if it was a good idea to even have a familiar this time around. Although she loved her Crookshanks dearly, it just wasn't meant to be.

"It's okay," Hermione whispered, swallowing down the bile that threatened to ensue. No… it wasn't a good idea to have Crookshanks by her side this time. "I really don't need a familiar."

"Fine," her sister snapped, storming towards the shop. She grabbed the handle while glancing over her shoulder. "If you don't want him, then I'll take him!"

Taken aback, Hermione watched as Ava stormed into the shop, leaving her and her father staring at her disappearing form.

"Well," her father sighed heavily. "Let's go purchase this furry hairball of a cat, yeah?"

Blinking, Hermione watched her father follow after her sister, still a bit confused at Ava's sudden hostility. Was it that important to her to buy the beast? She furrowed her brows thinking if Pansy ever had a familiar in their old life but couldn't remember if she did or not.

Sighing loudly, Hermione followed, dreading the long day they would spend in Diagon Alley.

. . . .

"Well, come in, come in!"

Hermione beamed as she rushed into Ollivander's, her father and Ava right behind her. She had been waiting for this moment since she became Ayla Shafiq and to actually have a wand she could pull out and use— it was a reassurance she needed since she was unable to bring her own from her past life. Severus had mentioned how it would be impossible for her to use it since it existed in this timeline and would be useless. As if you're holding a plain stick with designs etched into the wood.

Glancing around with a huge grin, Hermione bounced on her toes, waiting to see what type of wand her match would be. To have her wand again— to feel that magic flowing within her unlimited and untamed. She missed it more than she realized.

Of course, she could feel her magic inside her but having a wand heightened that magic and she needed it as much as she needed a limb.

"Mister Shafiq," Ollivander greeted with a smile. "Oh, how good it is to see you." He then glanced at the twins, "oh, and your daughters! Is it that time already?"

Her father chuckled. "You know what they say about time, Garrick."

"Mister ollivander," Pansy curtsied with a smile. "It's a pleasure."

"Well, I'll say." Ollivander commented with a grin. "Now, who will go first?"

"Ava should," Hermione said with a smile and a quick nod for her to step forward. "I don't mind."

Ava pursed her lips and slowly moistened them with the tip of her tongue. "Are you sure?"

"Yes," Hermione chuckled, pushing her forward.

Her father came to stand next to her, placing an arm around her shoulder and hugging her to his side. "My sweet Ayla," he teased, beaming down at her. "Fortescue after?"

"Yes, please," Hermione answered excitedly. "I've always wanted to try the chocolate banana."

Wrinkling his nose, her father shook his head. "That doesn't sound tasty at all, Ayla."

"And what would you rather have, father?" Hermione asked although she knew what his answer would be.

"Vanilla," Ava and her father answered simultaneously, the three sharing a laugh.

. . . .

"Do you mind, Ayla, if father and I wait outside?" Ava asked with a guilty expression as she lifted the animal cage with the orange kneazle laying inside. "I want to take Crooks out for a walk."

Hermione rolled her eyes. She was a bit annoyed that her sister went through with purchasing the half kneazle but couldn't really do anything to stop her and felt a pang of sadness when she named the cat Crooks.

"I promise we won't be long." Ava went on, looking hopeful.

Sighing, Hermione shook her head. "Go on, then. I'll meet you at Fortescue once I'm done."

"I don't know about that—"

"Oh, come on, father!" Ava said with a laugh. "I'm sure Ayla can handle herself." She then turned to her sister, looking a bit doubtful. "You can, right? I just want to make sure I'm not overstepping."

Lifting an eyebrow, Hermione replied, "do you even have to ask?"

"See?" Ava exclaimed, turning back to father. "She'll be fine!" Crooks meowed, gaining her sister's attention. "Let's go, father, I'd like to get Crooksy out for a bit." She began making her way towards the door, lifting the cage to her face so Crooks was nose to nose with her, "isn't that right, Crooks? You're so adorable, aren't you, boy? Yes, you are."

Her father sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "How does that little feline have both my daughters thinking he's adorable?" He looked up, shaking his head. "He's the most ugliest—"

"Father!" Ayla snapped with disapproval. "You're being rude!"

Ollivander laughed, startling Hermione. She had forgotten he was still waiting on them. "Oh, to be young again, aye, Alexander?"

Sheepishly, Hermione looked down. "Sorry, sir."

"Oh, no, Miss Shafiq," Ollivander chuckled. "You're quite alright."

"Alright, Ayla." Her father placed a hand on her shoulder, causing Hermione to face him. "Once you are done, you come straight to Foretescue, yeah?"

"Yes, father."

"No dawdling, understood?"

"Yes, father," Hermione repeated.

With a firm nod, he baide ollivander goodbye and walked out of the shop, catching up with Ava, no doubt.

Facing Ollivander with a bright smile, Hermione nodded excitingly. "I'm ready, sir."

He chuckled, "okay, okay, let's see, shall we?" He crossed his arms over his chest as he narrowed his eyes in attentiveness. "Your sister's wand is certainly unique and not many people have the honor to behold one…"

Hermione nodded. She had never heard of a poplar paired with a phoenix feather as its core… to be honest, she couldn't really remember if anyone had poplar wood as their wand. There was walnut, obviously, also resin and cherrywood; cypress and her own, vine wood— but poplar? She furrowed her brows but nothing came to mind.

Not to mention it took almost an hour for Pansy to find her match. But once she did, the magic swirling around her twin was intense and her expression— Hermione knew her sister felt relief at finding her match even if it wasn't one she was used too.

She still wondered how wandcraft worked. How was Ollivander able to find the right wood and meld it with its core? What did it take to wander out into the world to learn magic, old and new, and be able to create something so wondrous that a witch or wizard depended on such an object so fiercely?

It wasn't often she thought such thoughts but Hermione remembered reading a bit about it in her previous life and hadn't had the chance to actually dig into it a little deeper. Maybe she could this time around? It always amazed her and when her curiosity peaked— she just had to ask.

"Sir," she began, nervously, but then chuckled. "Never mind."

"What is it, dear?"

Pursing her lips, Hermione knew she didn't have the time to delve into such topics but her curiosity was literally suffocating her. No. Best not dive into that just yet. Quenching her thirst for knowledge, she smiled as she shook her head. She would have to ask him that later when she had time.

"It's nothing."

"Let's begin, shall we?"

Finding her wand was a nightmare. Ten Wands, ten!, and nothing. Nothing worked. She was beginning to feel frustrated with herself and with Ollivander for not even knowing what her match was and tried to take deep breaths as each one failed— reminding herself it really wasn't his fault.

"Peculiar, you are," Ollivander murmured as he swiftly removed the vine wood from her hands that had caused her hair to unbound from it's braid and spring out like Medusa's snakes, and quickly shoved it in its box and placed it back on the shelf.

He then slowly glanced over his shoulder, his eyes narrowed. "I wonder…"

She really did try to refrain from rolling her eyes but it couldn't be helped as she let out a heavy sigh and then apologized once he began to chuckle.

"I can't imagine this being easy, Miss Shafiq, but I do promise we will find your match." Ollivander smiled and continued, "and I'm sure it will be quite wondrous."

Smiling softly, Hermione slowly nodded. "Okay," she said, determined. "What were you wondering?"

Mister Ollivander cleared his throat and quickly walked towards her as he leaned over the counter between them. "What I'm about to suggest is clearly madness but I'm a curious person by nature."

Furrowing her brows, Hermione asked, "and what made you so curious that you're whispering in your own shop?" She then glanced around to assure they were alone, turning back to him with a lifted brow because, well, they were alone.

"This wand, Miss Shafiq, isn't for the faint of heart and I daresay," he leaned in even closer and whispered, "illegal."

Blinking stupidly at the wizard in front of her, Hermione wasn't sure if she wanted to slap him for his audacity or ask him to continue— the former appearing quite appealing, if she were honest with herself, as she continued to stare at him.

He slowly leaned back and cleared his throat, scratching the back of his head. "I know I'm in no position—"

Tired of hearing his ramblings, Hermione cut in with an exasperated grimace. She didn't really remember Garrick Ollivander being so chatty. "It's fine, Mister Ollivander. What do you have in mind?"

As his face quickly morphed into one of excitement, Hermione lifted her brows as she watched him scurry off to the back of his shop, suddenly nervous of what he had in mind. A terrible feeling began to surface within her and she wasn't sure if entertaining this mysterious man's theory was such a good idea.

Mister Ollivander shouldn't have been that excited about searching for this illegal wand. Why hadn't she thought to question him more about that, anyway? She was so quick to just agree and dismiss his explanation because she had been in this shop longer than her sister had when she purchased her own wand.

Which left her quite confused because her father hadn't checked on her in some time. Wasn't he worried that she still hadn't met up with them at Fortescue?

And why was her knowledge about wandlore so minuscule? And what of the elder wand? Shouldn't that wand be illegal for being the most powerful? Hermione snorted, a thought of Ollivander gifting her the elder wand for her to use.

Pursing her lips, Hermione began to think of the Deathly Hallows. She definitely needed to do a bit of light reading on Gellert Grindelwald and his crusade for The Greater Good.

Shaking her head as her thoughts began to wander, Hermione crossed her arms over her chest and began to tap her feet impatiently. This wand he was going to present had better be the best illegal wand he had ever come across.

"Here we are!" Ollivander exclaimed excitedly with a bright smile alighting his face.

He placed the rectangular box that looked ancient onto the counter, his face morphing into determination. "Now, Miss Shafiq, do I have your word that whatever is said in this room shall remain confidential?"

Sinking her teeth into her bottom lip, Hermione glanced between the wizard and the box, her mind a whirlwind. On one hand, her curiosity peaked and at this point she wanted to know what was so special about the wand. It also gave her an opening to ask him whatever she wanted to know about wandlore, knowing he had to answer because she could use this against him.

But on the other hand, she knew it was wrong to go through with this— not to mention the bad feeling she had felt earlier resurfacing with a clarity that frightened her a bit.

Wasn't it a bit odd that he was dealing with an eleven year old? Putting his trust in such a young person? But then again, this was what he was an expert in— wandcraft and finding a witch and wizard with their matched wand. She should trust him that he knew what he was doing and if it was really that dangerous… Hermione doubted Ollivander would put her life at risk intentionally.

She'd like to think they liked each other in her past life and that he, at least, respected her a bit for rescuing him once he was captured by Voldemort. Hermione didn't have reason to doubt… Did she?

"Well, Miss Shafiq?" Ollivander queried.

Rolling her shoulders in anticipation and straitening her spine, Hermione answered, "call me Ayla."

Mister Ollivander beamed brightly, his eyes twinkling a bit, reminding her, for just a passing moment, of Dumbledore and gave Hermione a nod of approval. "I promise… Ayla, you will not regret it."

Deeply sighing, Hermione nodded. "What do you have for me, Mister Ollivander?"