WHEN MY TIME IS UP

Chapter Two

Author's Note: For the purposes of bulking out the classes, just like the films, some of the characters from different years have been merged into Harry's year group. I'll try to keep changes like this to a minimum, thank you for your understanding and support!

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o.O.o

Monday 2nd September 1996

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry: Gryffindor Dormitories

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There was nothing quite like it, waking up feeling the duvet cuddling her in a warm embrace, the soft feathers of her pillow beneath her head, and the sun's gentle rays dancing across her skin. There was something magical about waking up in Hogwarts. Although, hearing Lavender Brown's out of tune humming did dampen her mood a bit.

"Good morning, Hermione. I hope you don't mind, I got your uniform ready for you, it's on your trunk." Katie Bell greeted with a soft smile. The girl had always been incredibly kind and considerate regarding her fellow room mates. She was almost like a Mother hen in some respects, making sure they all had everything they needed before setting off, and having practically everything ready for them before they'd even woken up.

"Thanks, Katie, that's really sweet of you." Expressing her gratitude, Hermione climbed out of bed and grabbed her neatly folded uniform, then walked over to the bathroom. Inside, Lavender was styling her hair in front of the mirror, still humming to herself.

Part of the perks of being a sixth-year student? Because there were more of them crammed into one room, the school deemed it fair to give them their own bathrooms. Five girls per room did make things a bit cramped after all, and trying to beat the younger years to the common room's shared bathroom in the morning rush hour? Yeah, that wasn't going to happen. So it was quite handy being able to wake up and just waltz straight in the bathroom without having to walk down a cold set of stone stairs or wait in a line to pee.

"Morning Hermione, it's such a beautiful day, isn't it? It's like the world is smiling at us!" Lavender grinned, practically glowing as she looked at Hermione through the mirror. The girl's overwhelming cheeriness did cause Hermione to raise a brow, but she quickly shrugged it off and responded with a nod and a smile of her own, turning around the corner to climb into the shower, placing her clothes down on the counter top, ready to change into them once she was out.

It wasn't long before Hermione was dressed and ready to start the day, descending down into the common room where Harry and Ron were waiting to escort her to breakfast like they always did. Yes, the Dark Lord was back. Yes, there were Death Eaters trying to break in the school constantly. And yes, the future was uncertain. But she took comfort in this little routine of theirs, it gave some semblance of normality to her life. Even if the word was coming to an end, at least she'd be able to have breakfast with her two best friends.

"I'm a little disappointed that you won't be joining me in potions, Harry." Hermione sighed as they sat down amongst their fellow Gryffindor students. It was going to be odd, not having at least one of her two companions with her during potions. She was so used to their company, the idle chit chat that passed between them during brewing. Not having that was definitely going to be a strange experience.

Regardless, she was still looking forward to taking the topic with a new teacher no less. Maybe this one wouldn't be as harsh to her as Snape was. From what she could gather, Professor Slughorn was quite the enthusiast for intellect and education. Several of his students had gone on making quite the accomplishments with their lives. There was Barnabas Cuffe, editor of the Daily Prophet. Not to mention Gwenog Jones, Captain of the Holyhead Harpies. From what Harry had also mentioned, Slughorn had taught his Mother.

"Me too. But, Snape was very clear on the standards that needed to be met for me to take it at N.E.W.T level. Yours truly only got Exceeds Expectations, not Outstanding." Harry shrugged, taking a sip of the orange juice that was resting within his goblet.

"You'll be gran', 'ermione, we'll be dare ter keep yer company!" The voice of Seamus Finnigan suddenly chuckled, patting the back of Dean Thomas who had his arm wrapped around Ginny Weasley. The pained look in Harry's eyes was not lost on Hermione. She knew and had known for quite some time, that he had feelings for Ginny. But out of respect to Ron, his best friend and the brother of his crush, he'd said nothing. In that time, Ginny had found comfort in the arms of Dean, while Harry was left broken-hearted.

It upset her deeply, seeing her best friend so hurt. But getting between Ginny and Dean was wrong. If things were meant to be, then they would be. But if not, things just wouldn't pan out, and maybe after some time and healing, then Harry could make a move on Ginny and tell her how he really felt. For the time being, he just needed to keep his distance, as hard as that would be for him. Somehow, Ginny always seemed to linger around Harry.

So she swiftly decided to distract him by bringing up the Quidditch try outs. Of course, it worked like a charm. It was quite amusing how easy it was to distract a man by bringing up the sport he liked. It was easy with her Father, the mere mention of cricket had him rambling for hours on end. Her Grandfather was quite fond of golf. Just bringing it up by accident would result in endless conversations about techniques, all star players and all the fond memories they had recreating the sports in their youths.

"Jaysus, luk at de time! We'd best be gettin' aff before we git caught in ter stampede for first period. Come on Dean. Git aff yer arse an' let's git movin! Yer comin' 'ermione?" Seamus exclaimed, all but grabbing Dean by the scruff of his neck before dragging him out of the Great Hall. Laughing softly, Hermione grabbed her bag and put it over her shoulder.

"I take it that's my queue to leave. I'll see you all later. Don't get into too much trouble on your free period." Hermione smiled with a playful grin, giving Ron and Harry a quick hug each before following Dean and Seamus, books clutched firmly in her arms.

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Not ten minutes later, halfway into Slughorn's explanation of the lesson plan, the door to the potions class swung open and in waltzed Harry and Ron. Hermione couldn't help but frown. Not because Harry turned up, she was overjoyed to see him. Maybe Slughorn was a bit more lenient as to what grades were accepted for N.E.W.T level potions? No the reason she was frowning was that Ron was there. While she cared for him, she knew he had no interest in potions, and he was no doubt going to complain about being there incessantly.

But it was then she noticed the rather excited and flustered look spreading across Lavender's face when the two boys walked in the room. She was looking at Ron. No. Could she have a crush on him? It would explain all the lovey-dovey behaviour that morning.

"Harry m'boy! I was beginning to worry! And I see we've bought someone with us..." Slughorn grinned, clearly as overjoyed as Hermione was that Harry had shown up.

"Ron Weasley, sir. But I'm dead awful at potions, a menace really, so I probably should just be going..." Ron started, attempting to flee from the room only to be grabbed by Harry.

"Nonsense, we'll sort you out. Any friend of Harry's is a friend of mine. Right then, books out..." Slughorn continued, turning his attention back to the group of students who were gathered around the workbench, studying the cauldrons on there curiously.

"Um, sorry, sir, but I haven't got my book yet. Nor has Ron, you see..." Harry started, only to be cut off with a dismissive wave from Slughorn as he gestured to the cupboard.

"Not to worry, you can get what you need from the cupboard. Now, as I was saying, I've prepared a few concoctions this morning. Any ideas what these might be? Yes, miss…?" Slughorn explained to the class, looking out among the students, hoping one of them would answer. Hermione's hand shot straight up of course.

As she stepped forward, she caught a glimpse of Harry and Ron fighting over something in the cupboard. Rolling her eyes, she focused her attention back to the matter at hand.

"Granger, sir. That one there is Veritaserum. When taken it forces you to tell the truth. And that would be Polyjuice potion, it's quite tricky to make and can take considerable time to brew. This is Amortentia: the most powerful love potion in the world. It's rumoured to smell differently to each person, according to what attracts them. For example, I smell freshly mown grass, new parchment and spearmint toothpaste..." Hermione explained, listing through most of the potions that were laid out upon the workbench.

But when it got to the Amortentia, she could feel its effects beginning to work on her. Blushing, she stopped herself and retreated back to the crowd of students, feeling her heart beating frantically in her chest for a few moments before it slowly began to calm down. While her exposure to the potion was mere fumes at best, it was still enough to have an effect, one that didn't seem to be lost on her classmates apparently. Several of them had turned to look at her, some sceptically, others in amusement.

One person she spotted staring at her was none other than Draco Malfoy. As soon as he caught her gaze, he looked away, back down at the floor where his eyes had seemed to be firmly planted throughout the entirety of their lesson so far.

Looking away from him, Hermione watched as Harry and Ron approached the group, Hermione couldn't help but notice how Slughorn eye's shifted to her raven-haired friend, and how Harry nodded in a form of confirmation. Moving his attention back to the cauldron, Slughorn's eyes widened slightly when he noticed the mass of female students suddenly marching towards it. Grabbing the lid, he swiftly shut it.

"Now, Amorentia doesn't create actual love, of course, that's impossible. But it does cause a powerful infatuation or obsession. For that reason, it's probably the most dangerous potion in this room." As he explained its effects, Hermione noticed the girls who had approached the workbench return to their original places, rather flustered. Lavender still seemed to have a dreamy expression about her, one that was directed at Ron.

"Sir, you haven't told us what's in that one." Katie suddenly piped, causing everyone's attention to turn to the final vile, a see-through container which played host to a golden looking liquid. There was no doubt in Hermione's mind as to what it was.

"What you see before you, ladies and gentlemen is a curious little potion known as Felix Felicis. But is more commonly referred to as..."

"Liquid luck." She couldn't help it. The words left her mouth before she had a chance to even think them. The interest of all the students seemed to rise at that moment, even Draco Malfoy, whose gaze lifted off the floor, eyes awake for the first time in the lesson.

"Yes, Miss Granger. Desperately trick to make, disastrous should you get it wrong. But brewed correctly, as this has been, it has remarkable powers. One sip and you will find that all your endeavours succeed, at least until the effects wear off." Slughorn explained.

"But then why don't people drink it all the time?" Katie asked.

"Because taken in excess, it causes giddiness, recklessness and dangerous overconfidence." Slughorn stated, looking at the vile in his hand with a rather contorted expression as if he were reliving a painful memory of said experience.

"Have you ever taken it, sir?" Blaise Zabini inquired, picking up on Slughorn's expression as well. The Slytherin was probably looking for some kind of weakness to use against their teacher, Blaise had a reputation for being quite manipulative, so she'd heard.

"Twice. Once when I was twenty-five, once when I was fifty-seven. Two tablespoons taken at breakfast, two perfect days. So. This is what I offer each of you today. One tiny vile of liquid luck to the student who, in the hour that remains, manages to brew an acceptable Draught of Living Death, the recipe for which can be found on page ten of your textbooks. You should know that in all the years of my previous tenure at Hogwarts, not once did a student brew a potion of sufficient quality to claim this prize. In any event, good luck." Slughorn explained, a knowing grin on his face as he set the vial upon his desk, shimmering in a shaft of sunlight.

Not wasting a second, Hermione worked over to one of the tables and got to work gathering all her supplies. Opening the cupboard, she reached up to grab some vials from the highest shelf, having to stand on her tip toes to reach. Losing her balance, she stumbled forwards and hit her head against one of the lower shelves, wincing in pain.

"Here." A soft, but cold voice muttered. Looking to her left, she saw Draco Malfoy's hand extended out to her, two vials resting on his snow white skin. Malfoy was being nice to her? What had happened to the boy who mocked her for failing? The child who had called her a Mudblood more times than he'd rode a broom?

Well, she couldn't really call him a child now could she? He'd grown up, into quite the handsome young man. What what?! Where had that thought come from?! Blushing furiously, she took the vials from him, extending him a quick thank you before scuttling back off to her desk like some kind of confused crab.

"What the bloody hell was that all about? What did he say to you, Hermione?" Ron asked, sending daggers in Malfoy's direction, assuming her red cheeks were the result of anger from a spiteful comment in comparison to having inappropriate thoughts about the blonde haired Slytherin. Shaking her head, Hermione dismissed him and got to work on the Draught. Having a vial of Liquid Luck would be quite beneficial, not that she would ever use it for her actual exams, that would be essentially cheating. No, she had it more in mind for The Dark Lord. Maybe if a time came where she was captured and needed to escape, having some luck on her side would be reassuring.

As the minutes passed, brewing this particular Draught soon proved to be quite challenging. Sopophorous beans were flying across the room left, right and center. Ron's bean shot across the room and bounced off Katie Bell's head, causing her to look up in a mixture of confusion and pain. Barely managing to catch her own, practically having to launch herself across the table to grab it, Hermione's eyes widened in shock as she noticed Harry holding the defeated legume over his cauldron, squeezing the juice out of it.

"How did you do that?" She demanded, not meaning to sound as shocked or as confused as her tone had aired itself. Normally she was the one to help Harry and Ron when it came to this kind of thing, so to see him taking a step ahead of her was quite unusual. There was no denying Harry was very skilled when it came to potions, but she'd always been just that little bit better. It was not pride or smugness fulling her surprise. She'd just got so used to being their go to for help when it came to classes. She rarely went a lesson without them begging her for help, so it was somewhat a breath of fresh air.

"Crush it. Don't cut it." Harry offered, looking over at her with eager excitement.

"No, the instructions specifically say to cut." Hermione protested.

"No, really..." Harry started, only to have her cut him off as she swatted him on the shoulder with her textbook and continued trying to cut the bean.

More time passed, more students were struggling to complete this Draught. Cauldrons were overflowing, the liquids were turning into sentient slime, Lavender seemed completely oblivious to all the chaos going on around her, absently stirring her empty cauldron as she eyed up Ron for the tenth time in the lesson so far.

Hermione was becoming more and more frustrated with each passing minute. Her hair had become bushier from all the vapour coming out of her cauldron, glowering at Harry as he seemed to breeze through the potion without a single hiccup. Dragging her hands down her face, she took a few steps back from her work station and headed to the cupboard to gather the next set of ingredients.

As she walked past the Slytherin dominated table, she witnessed Draco Malfoy's hand slip whilst holding a knife over some ingredients, the falter in his movements causing him to cut himself in the process. Cursing under his breath, Malfoy dropped the knife and grabbed his wand, casting a quick healing spell to get rid of the little cut.

"You alright Draco?" Blaise asked, looking up from his cauldron, assessing his friend with a calm, but concerned and calculated gaze. A brief nod from Draco was all the confirmation Blaise seemed to need before he returned back to his work. Once more, Malfoy's gaze seemed to turn to her, their eyes accidentally locking for the third time since arriving at Hogwarts, but this time he didn't look away. Averting her gaze, Hermione grabbed a handful of random ingredients, not even thinking as to what she actually needed before heading back to her workstation.

Their hour to brew the Draught was over in what felt like the blink of an eye to Hermione. Slughorn began wending his way amongst the cauldrons, nodding with sympathy at the fiascos before him. But when he got to Harry's he stopped dead in his tracks, staring in disbelief at the pearly sheen of the bubbling potion. Pulling out a leaf, he dropped it into the cauldron, watching as it disappeared from existence within mere seconds.

"Merlin's Beard! It's perfect. So perfect I daresay one drop would kill us all! Your Mother was a dab hand at potions, but this! My, my, what can't you do m'boy? Perhaps you will save us all in the end..." Slughorn mused.

Hermione's heart tightened in her chest when she noticed his smile falter. That had been unfair on Slughorn's part. All this fuss and drama over Harry being the Chosen One was something she expected amongst students? But coming from a Teacher, during a class no less in front of impressionable young minds? It was highly inappropriate.

"Here you are then, as promised. One bottle of Felix Felicis. Use it well." Slughorn grinned, offering out the vile to Harry who slowly reached out and took the glittering vial. Reluctant claps followed from his classmates, standing on ceremony rather than sincerity.

The lesson ended shortly afterwards, Harry and Ron going their separate ways whilst Hermione planned on spending her free period in the library, studying for her next potions lesson. Taking her time to gather her belongings, Hermione didn't notice it was just her and Malfoy left in the classroom until she started heading towards the door. Once again, he seemed completely lost in thought, staring off into space as he had in the Great Hall.

"Mr Malfoy? Is everything alright, m'boy? You look a little pale." Slughorn asked, placing a hand on Draco's shoulder. The contact was enough to snap him out of his trance and send a look of venom towards his potion's Professor. Without saying a word, Malfoy grabbed his bag and stormed out of the classroom, barging past Hermione in the process, causing her to drop all of her books on the floor. Taking a moment to close her eyes and take in a deep breath, Hermione decided against yelling at him and calling him a prick. It wasn't worth it.

Instead, she knelt down and started gathering her discarded items one by one. But after a few moments, she heard footsteps travelling back towards her, and a pair of shiny black shoes soon appeared before her. Looking up, she found the owner of said shoes was none other than Draco Malfoy. Silently, avoiding eye contact with her, he knelt down in front of her and assisted her in gathering her belongings.

For a few moments, she just sat there, completely bewildered until he offered her the objects he'd collected, hands extended out just like before with the vials.

"O-Oh. Thank you." Hermione muttered, taking the books from him before tucking them safely into her bag. The ones that didn't fit would simply have to be carried in her arms.

"I'm sorry." It had been so faint, so soft, that Hermione wouldn't have believed she heard it if she hadn't seen the apologetic look on his face. But before she could have responded, he reached out and removed something from her hair, a Niffler feather from the looks of it. After he tucked it into his pocket, Hermione blushed, stood up and ran to the library.