Chapter 16: Time and Magic


"I told you!" Ron hissed at Hermione as she stared down at the article. "I told you not to annoy Rita Skeeter! She's made you out to be some sort of — of scarlet woman!"
—Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, J.K. Rowling


Warming rays of morning sunlight poured through the opened oak front doors of the castle, casting a cheerful glow throughout the Entrance Hall. I smiled as I glanced out at the school grounds. The weather outside was glorious—absolute perfection. I began to mentally plan an afternoon spent reading by the lake as I pushed open one of the heavy double doors of the Great Hall.

Strange, I mused to myself as the hinges creaked to a stop. It was time for breakfast to be served. Why were the doors closed? Had I somehow overslept?

The room was pitch black except for a solitary candle at the far end of the Gryffindor table. An uneasy feeling washed over me as I peered inside. The unnatural darkness was ominous, suffocating. I turned to leave, but was met with nothing but solid wall. I ran a trembling hand over the cold stone.

The doors of the Great Hall were gone.

What on earth was going on?

I took a timid step into the dark hall. "Hello?" I called, my voice cracking slightly with fear.

I felt a sudden gust of icy wind swirl throughout the hall. My skirt fluttered around my thighs. Goose pimples erupted across my skin. A shadow shifted within the light emanating from the candle flame.

"Ottie?" a female voice answered from the across the room.

I froze, my racing heart leaping into my throat.

Only two people had ever called me by that name.

It took a moment for me to find my voice. "Mum?" I managed to squeak.

Ever since my first outing to the London Zoo when I was a toddler, my favorite animal had been the otter, hence my parent's pet name for me—Ottie.

The figure at the end of the table moved out of the shadows so that the golden light of the candle illuminated her face. Even from a distance, there was no mistaking her.

"Mummy!" I cried, all caution forgotten as I sprinted down the row between the house tables. She wrapped her arms around me, her soft skin warm against mine. In her embrace, I felt safe for the first time in ages—a cocoon where worry disappeared. I began to cry as the familiar fragrance of her preferred washing powder and the earthy, floral scent of her garden engulfed me.

Roses. My mother always smelled of her prized roses.

"Mum," I sobbed. "I've missed you so much."

"Oh, Hermione," she cooed, squeezing me tightly to her. "I'm here, my sweet girl."

I stiffened.

Here…

"But Mum…" I whispered, pulling away to look her fully in the face. She smiled and kissed my forehead tenderly as I continued. "How are you here? At Hogwarts? You're supposed to be…" I gasped as the memories returned. "Oh God, you and Dad should be in Australia!"

"We know," a deep voice boomed behind me.

I released my mother and spun around. Another candle had appeared, allowing me to see the long-missed face of my father. Richard Granger smiled down at me from behind the high table, standing in the very center where the Headmaster's chair should have been. He was exactly as I remembered—a tall, straight-backed former naval officer with flawlessly swept back salt-and-pepper hair.

"Dad? What—"

"We went, Hermione," said Mum, placing a hand on my shoulder. "We went to Australia, just as you planned. You kept us safe."

"But how do you know who I am?" I asked softly. The connections and synapses in my brain seemed to be in knots as I struggled to process what was happening. "You aren't supposed to remember me," I murmured.

"We joined a dental practice in Melbourne and began our new lives. We were happy, but we both felt as if something was missing. Like we had left a piece of us behind in Britain…" she trailed away, looking to her husband as if for help.

"You were always so brilliant," said Dad, eyes blazing with pride. "We knew you were different, even when you were just a small child. It was obvious that we could expect great things from you."

There were tears forming in his eyes now. I'd only ever seen my father cry once before—the day Professor McGonagall had delivered my Hogwarts letter.

He blinked and a tear fell down his freshly shaven cheek. He didn't brush it away.

"We just didn't know how great."

"We don't blame you," my mum whispered, squeezing my shoulder firmly. "We're so proud of you, little Ottie. You were in an impossible position. You did what you had to in order to keep us safe."

She enveloped me in another hug, and as I pulled away, I noticed that the flickering of the candle seemed to be growing brighter. The golden light felt familiar, but for some reason, I couldn't place it.

"We both love you so much, poppet," said Dad, his voice gruff. I turned to him, but the outline of his form had begun to blur.

"Daddy?" I called to him. I rubbed my eyes in an attempt to clear my vision.

"We love you," he and Mum said together. His features grew muddled until he was completely unrecognizable. The aureate candlelight expanded, illuminating the entire hall.

I turned back to face my mother, but something wasn't right. Her features were rapidly changing—distorting perversely into my worst nightmare. Graying brown curls grew into deep black locks. Kind brown eyes shifted to heavily lidded, malevolent silver. Her smile transformed into a sinister sneer.

"Oh my sweet, sweet little Mudblood. I was hoping we'd meet again."

Reality seemed to shift to fast forward.

Pain.

Fiery, agonizing pain.

"You tried so hard, didn't you? You, that filthy blood traitor Weasley, and precious fucking Potter."

The flash of green colliding with red—

Ron.

Warm, thrilling magic traveling down my arm, the lethal curse leaving my wand.

"No!" shrieked the unmistakable high, cold voice from the front of the hall. Where my father had been only moments ago stood the horror I'd been dreading.

The speeding jet of green light—

The Time Turner exploded.

Blinding golden light, pain nearing unbearable.

Make it stop. Oh please, make it stop.

Too fast—

"Hermione! Come on, love, wake up."

My body was folding in on itself from the pressure. The pulsating light was now almost white, tinged scarlet with blood.

I was going to die too, just like Harry and Ron.

'Time and Magic, Hermione,' Tom Riddle hissed inside my head—half lovingly, half venomously. 'You are now forged of Time and Magic…'

Too fast—

"Hermione!"

A pair of hands were grasping my upper arms tightly, shaking me awake. My eyes snapped open as my mind was wrenched violently from my nightmare. My breath came out in short, wheezing pants. My throat felt raw as if I'd just been screaming. My hands were clutching my face, fingernails digging painfully into my cheeks. I wasn't sure if the wetness there was tears or blood—or both.

Red hair flashed in front of me.

"Ron?" I gasped, throwing my arms around his neck and burying my face into his shoulder.

Merlin, I loved him so much.

I needed him so much.

"Oh God, I just had the most horrid nightmare! I saw my parents, and somehow they remembered me. But then we…" The words seemed to catch momentarily in my throat. "We lost, Ron. We lost it all. Voldemort killed Harry, and then you—you…"

Something wasn't right.

This person didn't feel like Ron—where Ron was all bones and sharp angles, this person was broad and muscular.

I started to pull away, but the man wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.

"Shh, Hermione, it's okay," he said, stroking my hair soothingly. "Ron isn't here, but I've got you."

Gideon.

Ron wasn't here.

Because Ron was dead.

'Time and Magic, Hermione…'

A shiver ran down my spine.

"We lost, Gideon," I whimpered pitifully, voice muffled by his jumper. "We lost. We fucking lost…"

"I know," he whispered, sounding heartbroken at my pain. "But not this time, okay? I promise, we won't this time."

I curled up beside him on the sofa, and he allowed me to sob into his shoulder for a few minutes before I finally found the strength to pull myself together.

"I'm sorry," I muttered, face ablaze with shame. "The nightmares… I didn't think—" I sniffed loudly and mopped my cheeks with the sleeve of my jumper.

There was blood there.

"Fuck, Hermione, don't apologize," said Gideon. It felt odd to hear my professor swear, especially in the light of day. But then again, Gideon wasn't just my professor.

He was my friend—practically family.

"If I were in your shoes, I'd be a bloody basket case," Fabian chimed in groggily. I glanced over and saw that he was awake, still snuggled deep beneath his blankets, his head the only part of him visible.

"You've been through something awful," Gideon said, nodding in agreement. "No one else here could possibly understand. You have nothing to apologize for."

I nodded mutely.

"Here," he said gently. "Let me heal those scratches."

He tapped his wand to both of my cheeks in turn. My face grew warm and I felt the queer sensation of my skin knitting itself back together.

"Thank you," I whispered, voice still rough and raspy. I hoped he knew that I wasn't just thanking him for the healing spell, and I could tell from the affectionate smile he gave me that he understood.

"It's a little past six," he said, checking his watch. "What time is your first lesson?"

Only three hours of sleep?

No wonder I felt like rubbish.

"Actually, before Uncle Albus left last night, he excused me from lessons today."

Gideon chuckled. "Well, you may be able to nap all morning, but I need to prepare for my third years at nine o'clock."

"Oh, so you're going to ditch your only brother in his time of need?" asked Fabian with a look of false-hurt.

"You're feeling better, yeah?"

Fabian nodded.

"Then go back to sleep," said Gideon, rolling his eyes. "Molly will be back soon anyway."

"Fine," said Fabian, scowling slightly. Suddenly, his face softened. "You'll let her know, right?" he asked quietly.

"Of course," Gideon promised his brother.

I approached Fabian's bedside. "Fabian—" I began.

"Don't worry, Hermione. I won't tell anyone," he said gravely, blanket still tucked beneath his chin.

"I was going to say that it was really nice to meet you," I said, biting back a smile. "But I appreciate it. Honestly, if you're anything like Molly, I have no reason to not trust you."


Gideon and I walked through the double doors and into the reception area of St. Mungo's.

"Are we going to Floo to Hogwarts?" I asked him.

"No, the Floo Network only works for outgoing travel within the castle without special permission from the Department of Magical Transportation. Well, except for the Headmaster's fireplace. We're going to Apparate to the village. You have your license, right?"

"Well, I did—" I lowered my voice. "I don't have one here," I said pointedly.

"Noted," he said, understanding. "I'll side-along you. You know, I don't have any lessons after three this afternoon. Want me to accompany you to the Ministry for your license?"

"I appreciate it, but—"

"Gideon!" a frantic voice called from the opposite side of the room. I fell silent as I spotted a strikingly pretty witch with short blonde hair rushing toward us. She looked exhausted—dark circles beneath her red-rimmed eyes, curls frizzed and tousled, still in her rumpled Ministry robes.

"Elise," he said as he gave her a small hug.

"They won't let me see him," she said, voice anguished.

"He's fine, Ellie," he told her kindly. "Just a little beat up."

Gideon used a nickname to address her, so I supposed they must be friends—maybe from school? They looked to be near the same age.

"How did you know he's here? I was planning to send an owl as soon as I got back to Hogwarts."

"Sharon," she answered. "Office gossip. She sent me an owl a few hours ago. Apparently she's seeing Dawlish."

Ah, John Dawlish. I wonder if he's a better Auror now than he will be in twenty years?

"Bloody hell, Dawlish knows? It'll be all over the Ministry before the start of business…" Gideon muttered. His forehead wrinkled worriedly.

"So he's really okay?" she asked, relieved.

"Nothing he can't handle," he reassured. "I think it's almost visiting hours, so you'll be able to see him soon. Sorry I can't do more." He gave her another hug and bestowed a kiss to the top of her head. "We've got to get back to Hogwarts. See you soon, Ellie."


"You up for Rosmerta's full English?" Gideon asked as we both righted ourselves after Apparating to Hogsmeade. "We still have about thirty minutes before the Great Hall begins serving."

"Sounds great," I replied.

I wasn't quite ready to return to the castle and run the risk of seeing Sirius.

We made our way down the High Street and into the Three Broomsticks. The pub was deserted except for an old warlock at the bar drinking a cup of tea over the most recent copy of Transfiguration Today.

"Morning, Rosy," Gideon said as we entered, a tinkling bell announcing our arrival.

Rosmerta glanced up from her seat behind the counter where she appeared to be balancing the books. "Gideon, I assume? What brings you in so early? I know my fry-up is top-notch, but certainly not better than Hogwarts."

"Hermione and I visited my sister yesterday evening," he replied, delivering the half-truth with ease. "You remember Molly, right?"

"'Course I remember Molly. That booth in the corner was practically reserved for her and Arthur for years," Rosmerta said, eyeing me with curiosity. "Good to see you again, Hermione. Grab a table and I'll be over in a tick."

"Merlin, I'm exhausted," I yawned as I slid into a booth. "I don't know how you're going to function in lessons today."

"I'll manage," said Gideon, unconcerned.

Rosmerta brought us both coffees and took our order.

"So… Elise?" I asked Gideon as Rosmerta retreated to the kitchen.

"Er—" he said shiftily.

"Oh come on, Gideon," I said between sips of coffee. Rosmerta's Italian dark roast was superb, as always. "I shared my secret. Can't you trust me with a few of yours?"

"Well when you put it that way," he acquiesced with a smile. "It's Fabian's secret really, but I doubt he'll mind. Elise McKinnon. She and Fabian are sort of dating. They're keeping it pretty hushed for now. His decision, mostly—you know, the dangers of being an Auror and all."

"Wait, McKinnon?" I asked, surprised. "Is she related to Marlene?"

"Older sister," Gideon said, nodding.

"But aren't the McKinnons—" I glanced around. The old warlock was still the only other patron in the pub, but I lowered my voice anyway. "Members of the Order?"

"Mr. and Mrs. McKinnon are," replied Gideon. "They're trying to keep their children out of the thick of it for now. I don't know how much longer they'll manage to, though. Elise works in the Department of International Magical Cooperation, and we really need more contacts within the Ministry."


I returned to the Gryffindor common room around seven-thirty, hoping everyone would already be in the Great Hall for breakfast.

No such luck.

Sirius was sprawled on the sofa, still in his clothes from yesterday, arm thrown over his eyes to block the bands of sunlight streaming through the windows. He was jolted awake by the creaking sound of the Fat Lady's portrait closing behind me. He sat up quickly, rubbing the remains of sleep from his eyes.

"Hermione," he breathed, eyes raking over me. He stood and strode across the room to stand in front of me. Apparently someone had taken advantage of his open slumber to draw an offensive doodle on his forehead. "What happened? Where have you been? I'm sorry if I overstepped, but—"

I was far too exhausted for this conversation.

"Not now, Sirius," I said wearily. "I'm sorry, but I really don't have the energy for this." I turned to leave, but I realized that it would be unkind of me not share the prank with him. "You might want to shower before breakfast, by the way. There's a penis on your forehead."

Ignoring the guilty feeling my gut, I left him standing there—scowling and scrubbing his face vigorously with his hand—as I headed in the direction of my dormitory for a nice, long nap.


The Great Hall, Hogwarts


AUROR INJURED, MINISTRY MUM

Fabian Prewett, Junior Auror in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, was admitted to St. Mungo's Hospital for Magical Maladies and Injuries late last night. The Ministry for Magic has declined comment, however, our very own Daily Prophet columnist, Betty Braithwaite, spotted Auror Prewett arrive at the central London hospital, accompanied by famed Senior Auror Alastor Moody.

"Looked a right mess, he did," says Ms. Braithwaite. "The poor lad was out cold and slashed to bits like he came off the wrong end of a Nudu mauling."

Auror Prewett, 21, is a recent graduate of the Eldritch Diggory Academy for Aurors and joined Britain's elite Auror unit a mere three months ago. Ministry spokeswizards have yet to confirm rumors regarding how Prewett sustained his possibly critical wounds, the least of which involve the failed apprehension of dark wizards or witches unknown.

One certainty, however, is that Auror Prewett has a strong support system to assist in his hopeful recovery. According to Ms. Braithwaite, Prewett was met at St. Mungo's Hospital by his sister, Molly Weasley, his brother and fellow Auror, Gideon Prewett, as well as none other than the Headmaster of Hogwarts himself, Albus Dumbledore, and his niece, Hermione Granger-Dumbledore.

"Oh yes, Albus's niece was in quite a state when Prewett showed up," confides Ms. Braithwaite. "Positively sobbing over his unconscious body. They must be an item."


Lily's eyes widened and she choked on her morning coffee as she reached the end of the front-page Daily Prophet article.

"No wonder Hermione wasn't in the dormitory last night!" she said loudly. The conversations around her ceased immediately and everyone looked up from their breakfasts. "Her boyfriend is in St. Mungo's."

"Wait, I thought she was out with—" Mary began, but the rest of her sentence was drowned out.

"WHAT?" yelped Sirius, knocking over Remus's cup of tea as he reached across the table and snatched the newspaper from Lily's grasp.

"Sirius," growled an annoyed Remus as the scalding liquid dripped into his lap. Mary, who was sitting next to Remus, offered him her napkin.

Sirius, however, was too engrossed in the article to respond, his eyes moving down the page like lightening. He froze when he reached the final line, his face stony as he stared down at the newsprint. His three best mates watched him in silent apprehension.

"Padfoot—" James said quietly.

Sirius stood abruptly, clutching the crumpled newspaper tightly in his fist, and left the Great Hall without another word.

The group of Gryffindor seventh years sat in stunned silence for a moment, exchanging looks ranging from confusion to concern.

"Did anyone know that Hermione even had a boyfriend?" asked Mary finally.

Lily and Alice both shook their heads. Marlene simply stared down into her half-drunk cup of tea, brows furrowed.

"Shit," James muttered under his breath.

"Who's got the—" began Peter, but he was cut off by a swift kick to his shins from James.

"I've got it," said James, standing and giving Remus and Peter a significant look. "I'll catch up with you lot later."

"Don't forget about our Heads meeting at seven tonight!" Lily shouted to his retreating form. She watched as James exited the Great Hall, her eyes unblinking until he was out of sight.

"I'm going to see if Dorcas has a copy of the Prophet I can borrow," said Remus, standing as well. "I need to read that article." He shouldered his school bag and headed in the direction of the Ravenclaw table in search of his friend and fellow Prefect, Dorcas Meadowes.

"Mar," said Lily quietly, nudging her best friend.

Marlene shook her head, determinedly avoiding eye contact with everyone remaining. "Leave it, Lily."


Hermione:


I slept peacefully—and thankfully, dreamlessly—until almost lunchtime. I tried to sleep a bit longer, but was disappointingly unsuccessful. Sighing grumpily, I rolled out of bed for a much needed shower.

"Hermione?" Lily called as I finished rinsing the last bit of conditioner from my hair and turned off the water.

"Lily?" I asked, poking my head out of the curtain and clutching my towel.

"I was just making sure you're back. Find me when you're done?"

I nodded and retreated into my cubicle to dress. That was strange, I thought to myself. She didn't even ask why I wasn't in class this morning.

"What's up, Lily?" I asked as I entered the dormitory, toweling my hair dry. She was sitting cross-legged on her bed, chewing on the edge of her thumbnail.

"How are you?" she asked, eyes brimming with concern.

I perched on the edge of my four-poster facing her. "Er, fine?"

She raised her eyebrows, apparently thrown by my reaction. "Well, it's just that we saw The Daily Prophet this morning. We were worried about you."

"Worried about me?" I repeated, bewildered. "What in the Prophet would make you—"

But then it hit me.

"Do you have a copy I can borrow?" I asked, much more calmly than I felt.

She reached into her school bag and pulled out a crumpled copy of today's newspaper. "The article is at bottom of the front page. I'm so sorry, Hermione."

I didn't answer her.

'Auror Injured, Ministry Mum'

"Oh, shit..." I muttered under my breath.

"I hope he's okay?" she asked anxiously as I read.

'Positively sobbing over his unconscious body. They must be an item.'

I tossed the offending paper to the ground the moment I finished reading. Merlin, the Prophet managed to turn a serious article about a wounded Auror into a commentary on his fucking love life?

"I'm not dating Fabian," I told her quietly. "I actually just met him last night."

She looked at me in surprise. "You're not?"

"Lily, you should know better than to believe any gossip printed in this rag. I was certainly not crying over Fabian. If anything, I was comforting his sobbing sister. Molly and I are friends. That's how I ended up there."

"Oh," Lily said in a small voice. She was quiet for a moment, thinking. "You should probably let Sirius know."

"What?"

"Sirius seemed pretty upset when he saw the Prophet this morning. Is there—" She bit her lip worriedly. "Is there something going on between the two of you?"

I sighed as I began to plait my damp tresses. "I honestly don't know," I replied slowly. "He er—" I paused and looked down at the floor. "He might've kissed me yesterday afternoon."

"Might've kissed you?" she repeated. "I don't think a kiss is really something a girl can miss."

"Fine, he kissed me. But it doesn't matter now. I'm sure it wasn't a big deal to him anyway, and even if it was—" I sighed again. "I completely spoiled it."

"How on earth could you possibly spoil a kiss?"

"I kind of freaked out on him halfway through, and um—Disapparated. That's why I was with Molly. I just needed to escape for a bit. God, he must think I'm absolutely cracked now."

"I really don't think that's the case," said Lily. "Remus said he didn't come back to their dormitory last night. I think he was waiting for you."

"Fucking hell," I muttered as I tied off the end of my plait. "Why am I always rubbish at this sort of thing?" I chafed my hands up and down my arms to stave off the unnatural chill that had swept over me. "Wait, why aren't you more angry?"

"Angry?" she repeated, taken aback. "Why would I be angry?"

"Didn't Sirius and Marlene just break up? You're her best friend, right?"

"Oh, right. That. Obviously I'm not exactly thrilled with the way things worked out for them, but honestly, they weren't meant for each other anyway." She looked at me thoughtfully. "So if I shouldn't trust the Prophet, then what actually happened last night?"

"I think it's best if I don't talk about it. Can I borrow this?" I asked as I picked up the newspaper. She nodded. "Thanks."

I walked to the vanity and examined my reflection. Even after my morning nap, my face showed the evidence of my near-sleepless night. Ignoring the dark circles, I used my wand to apply a bit of rouge to my pale cheeks and a swipe of mascara to my tired eyes.

"So," Lily said, looking a little sheepish. "How was the kiss, at least? Before you Disapparated, I mean."

I sighed and looked at her through her reflection in the mirror. "Bloody wonderful," I admitted.

She grinned. "I thought it would be. You know, Sirius has matured a lot over the past year. He—"

I turned back to her, folding her copy of the Prophet up neatly and tucking it under my arm. "I'm sorry, but I've got to go," I said, cutting her off. I retrieved my school bag and slung it across my body. "I need to see Gideon before his next class."

"Gideon?" she questioned as I left the dormitory.


I knocked on the door of Gideon's office, hoping he had already returned from lunch. I heard the rustling of parchment and the sound of footsteps against stone, and a moment later, he opened the door.

"Hermione? What are you doing here?" he asked, raising his eyebrows. "I can't go with you to the Ministry yet. I have classes until three."

"Have you seen this?" I asked, brandishing the abused copy of today's paper at him.

He sighed, looking drained.

"Sadly, yes," he said, opening the door wider and waving me inside. Once the door had closed behind him, he gestured for me to sit in one of the leather armchairs in front of his desk. He continued as he sank into the chair next to me. "But honestly, it could be worse."

I cast the Muffliato charm on his office door before rounding on him.

"Worse?" I repeat, scoffing. "I wanted to keep a low profile, but now the whole bloody wizarding community knows about me! And they think I'm dating your brother!"

"Hermione, if you wanted to keep a low profile, using Dumbledore as your cover was a poor way to go about it."

I gaped at him.

"You're—you're right," I murmured. "I know he probably didn't have many options, but Dumbledore must've known that this story would draw attention…"

"But it also makes you seem more trustworthy to the right people. Think about it. If you weren't Albus Dumbledore's niece, do you really think Molly would have invited you in last night? It helps gloss over your strange behavior."

I frowned slightly. He had a point.

"Anyway," he continued. "Yes, the article could have been worse. The Prophet didn't know where Fabian was when he was injured nor any details of his duel with Rabastan. If a rumor of a bogus relationship is our only problem, I think we're doing just fine."

I deflated even more. "You're right, I suppose. I still don't like seeing my personal business in newsprint, fabricated or not."

"I don't blame you," he said with a snort. "But there's nothing we can do about it now." He checked his watch. It was similar to Fabian's, but a heavy silver rather than gold. "I've got a class in five minutes. You know where to find the kitchens, yeah?" I nodded. "Why don't you go down and have a spot of lunch? Ask for Mipsy. She'll take care of you."

"Well I was planning on going to Herbology…"

He shook his head. "There's no way you'll make it to the greenhouses before the bell." He studied my face carefully for a moment, then added. "And no offense, you still look completely exhausted. Just enjoy your day off. Meet me in the Entrance Hall at quarter past three and we'll go to the Ministry."

"Gideon, there's really no need—"

"Yes, there is," he said seriously. "You absolutely need your Apparition license." I opened my mouth to protest again, but he quickly shut me down by leading me toward the door of his office. "And I'm not taking no for an answer. I'll see you then."

I rolled my eyes at him before turning to leave, and as he closed the door behind me, I could still hear him chuckling softly.


The visit to the Ministry was much more difficult than I could have imagined. The last time I'd entered the Atrium of the Ministry for Magic, I had been a wanted witch—an unregistered Muggle-born and accomplice of Undesirable Number One. Although the long, impressive hall looked very different than the grim place of my future, the moment I set foot on the darkly polished wooden floor, my entire body began to tremble.

"Have you been to the Ministry before?" asked Gideon conversationally, glancing over at me as we made our way closer to the Fountain of Magical Brethren. He stopped walking abruptly when he noticed my panicked expression. "Hermione, are you okay?"

I closed my eyes and took a steadying breath. I focused my attention on the cheerful tinkling and splashing of the water falling from the fountain. When I opened my eyes again, Gideon was staring down at me, brows furrowed with concern. For a brief moment, I thought he was going to reach out and grasp my hand, but he seemed to think better of it. It was a very public place after all, and although the gesture would have been purely for comfort, rumors were already flying. No need to make the situation worse.

"I'll be fine," I whispered to him. "This place—" I shuddered. "It brings back some unpleasant memories."

'Seal the exit! SEAL IT!'

Yaxley's bruising, vice-like grip on my forearm—

I shuddered again.

"Well let's hurry then," said Gideon, compromising by placing a reassuring hand on my back and steering me toward the security desk next to the set of golden gates.

"Afternoon, Wade," said Gideon as we reached the desk. A wizard in peacock-blue robes looked up at us over the top of his Muggle novel.

"Prewett," said the wizard with a nod. He dog-eared the page and laid down his book. "How's your brother?"

"Oh, Fabian'll be just fine," Gideon replied airily. "He's already on the mend."

Wade the Security Wizard gave me a once-over.

"Visitor?" he asked.

Gideon nodded and answered for me. "Hermione Granger. Here to take her Apparition test."

Wade stood and fetched a long golden Probity Probe from behind the desk. He gestured for me to come closer, and when I reached the side of his desk, he passed it up and down my front and back.

He stowed the instrument away before holding out his hand and grunting, "Wand, please."

I froze.

"Wand?" I squeaked.

What would happen if this man inspected my wand?

Would he somehow know that this wand hadn't originally been mine? That I had taken it by force? That it had come from the future?

Gideon glanced sideways and gave me a short, encouraging nod.

"Yes, your wand," replied Wade, somewhat annoyed. "Just need to weigh it."

I produced my wand from my pocket and passed it to him with quivering hands. He placed it on a strange, scale-like brass instrument. The scale began to vibrate before emitting a strip of parchment from an opening at its base.

He read aloud from the parchment, "Walnut, twelve and three-quarter inches, dragon heartstring core, been in use…" He looked up at me in surprise. "Less than one week?"

I released the breath I hadn't realized I'd been holding.

"Er—yeah. Brand new, actually," I fibbed with a relieved smile.

"Right-o," said Wade as he handed me back my wand. I pocketed it. "Good luck on your test."


I passed the Apparition test with ease, just as I had my first time. After all, before my unexpected blast to the past, I had been Apparating across Britain on a daily basis for almost a year. I was grateful to Gideon for accompanying me. I honestly couldn't have managed it without him.

"So," began Gideon as we strolled along the dark, deserted lane leading to the castle. Night had already fallen and the only light illuminating our path came from the last quarter moon shining above us. "What exactly did you mean earlier by 'unpleasant memories'?"

I paused, considering how best to explain.

"Well, like I said last night, the war had reached its peak during the year before I arrived here," I said quietly. He began to walk closer in order to hear. "Voldemort had taken over the Ministry—not publicly, mind you, but he made sure his puppets were in charge. The Ministry had become one of the most dangerous places in Britain for us. As a Muggle-born, I was wanted for questioning, and my best friend had a ten-thousand Galleon price on his head. As his suspected accomplice, I'd become one of the most wanted witches in Britain. I can't really give specifics, but there was an object inside the Ministry that we needed. Our only choice was to break in."

"You broke into the Ministry for Magic?" he repeated, flabbergasted. "How in the name of Merlin did you manage that?"

"A combination of trick-sweets and Polyjuice Potion," I replied. "We found what we needed, but the Polyjuice wore off before we could escape. We almost didn't make it out. If they had caught us, all three of us would've been chucked into Azkaban—or, more likely, killed."

"Bloody hell, Hermione," he muttered, shaking his head. We walked in silence for a moment before he asked, "And why didn't you want to give up your wand?"

"Ah, so you noticed that," I said with a small grimace. "That's also a complicated story. But to keep it simple, this isn't the wand I bought from Ollivander at eleven. I took this wand from a witch during the final battle."

"Is it a wand that someone might recognize?" he asked, his voice a mixture of curiosity and concern.

"No, not really. Well, Sirius recognized it, but I trust him completely."

He stopped walking abruptly, even though we were only feet from the castle steps.

"Sirius recognized it?" he repeated, giving me a hard stare.

"Er—yeah. It belonged to a member of his family."

"Your wand belonged to a Black?" he said as we began walking again. "Merlin, Hermione, you're just a magnet for trouble, aren't you?"

I shrugged.

Yep, basically.

"I doubt I need to warn you, but the Blacks are a dangerous lot," he said as we climbed the steps leading to the castle. "You should consider getting a new wand."

"I've thought about it," I admitted. He opened one of the oak front doors of the castle and placed a hand on the small of my back as we entered. "But honestly, this one just feels right."

Although still appearing uncertain, he replied, "Well then let's just hope no one else notices."

I decided not to tell him that Regulus might have recognized it as well. I wouldn't put it past Gideon to drag me to Diagon Alley himself if he knew.

"We should get something to eat before all the good stuff is gone," he said, closing the door behind us.

"Good idea," I replied. It felt like ages since Mipsy's cheese toastie and tomato soup.

As we reached the doors of the Great Hall, Gideon and I nearly collided with someone leaving dinner. As Gideon helped me catch my balance, I gasped in recognition.

"Sirius!" I said brightly. "I've been meaning to talk to you all day."

Sirius was looking from me to Gideon in slight confusion. As his eyes landed on Gideon's hand, which was still placed on my lower back, his face transformed into a hostile glare. I quickly shrugged away from Gideon's touch.

"I see you're going for the set then," he said nastily. "And a professor to boot. Merlin, when I'm wrong about a witch, I'm really, really wrong."

"What are you—" I began, but Sirius interrupted.

"I'll see you around, Granger," he said flatly before turning around and walking swiftly up the marble staircase.

I stared open-mouthed until he vanished from sight. I turned back to face a completely bewildered Gideon, but he wasn't the only one there. James, Remus, and Lily were standing in the doorway of the Great Hall—James glaring mutinously, Remus frowning in confusion, and Lily grimacing sympathetically.

My face flushed scarlet.

"Oh, bugger me," I groaned as I covered my eyes in embarrassment.


(A/N): Finally updated! I'm so sorry for the long delay, but I hope it was worth the wait. As always, please leave a review and let me know what you think! Anything specific you'd like to see in the future? Just let me know!

[Update, 03/07/17]: I am so sorry that it's taking me ages to get the next chapter out! There's many reasons why, which I won't bore you with. However, I have gone back through and revised/edited a few chapters to help myself get a feel for the direction of the story again. As of now, I've made a few adjustments to chapters ten through sixteen. Nothing huge, just a few little things to get me back into the groove of writing. There's also a possibility that other chapters will be tweaked a bit too. Like I said, no drastic changes, just small improvements and additions. Also, I promise that this story will never be abandoned! It just may take longer between updates :)