Hello hello! I am publishing here as well as AO3 because I know that I started reading here, so I wanted to give y'all a chance too! If you go to the AO3 version of this there are tons of cute graphics and additions to the story! :) Please let me know what you think, I'm still looking for a beta for this so let me know if you're interested!
Summer 1999
Hermione Granger huffed in frustration at the steam rolling off the potion in front of her. George sighed next to her for what had to be the tenth time that hour. She couldn't blame him though. They were stuck, by choice, in this tiny potions lab for hours and hours every day, creating the potions that sustained the Order. Today they were working on the Wiggenweld potion to increase stamina on the Battlefields. Tomorrow they would have to move on to the next step of the Essence of Dittany.
The hours that they were locked in their tiny lab were the only ones that Hermione saw anything resembling the old George. Every so often he would look to his left excitedly, ready to share something with his twin, only to find empty space. The first few times Hermione caught his eye only to watch him shut down, she'd since learned to not draw attention to his small lapses.
"Mia," George said slowly.
"Yes, George?" she asked, looking up from the text on Healing Potions on her station.
"Do you ever wish we could go back and… change things? Like Fred's death, or even like Harry's parents, or just the rise of Voldemort in general?"
"Of course I wish it," she said with a sigh, "there is nothing I'd want more, but messing with time is so dangerous, George, and I'm not even sure how you would go about something so grand. Did you know that I had a Timeturner in my third year? It could only go back hours, but it was dead useful to get everything done. Unless we get our hands on some long jump device we're pretty stuck here at this time."
He looked up at her with a curious glint in his eyes, "We knew you were up to something that year, but whenever we questioned Ron, he said he had no idea!" At this he turned to his left and she watched his shoulders sag, "Anyway it was just an idea, I know that some of the families have some pretty intense Grimoires that have all sorts of rare magics. I've looked through the Weasley and Prewitt ones a few times thanks to Bill and Charlie, they're quite helpful when building some of the products for the shop, but neither the Weasleys nor Prewitts messed with Time Travel." With that he went back to cutting up ingredients for his next batch of Wiggenweld.
Hermione looked back down at the book in front of her, but couldn't seem to focus on the text. Instead her mind began to race with all the things she would change if only she had the opportunity. There had been another Horcrux made before the final battle, but even a year afterwards, they couldn't figure it out. No matter how much research they'd done, losing their spy had crushed their planning. It was the only explanation she could come up with.
If she could track down exactly what he'd used they could end this. Well that wasn't totally true, she'd also have to convince Harry to use any deadly spells. He was unwilling to "stoop to their level." Which seemed a bit like a Muggle soldier wanting to use a lasso and water gun during World War II. She'd given up trying to convince him that he had to expand his horizons months ago, although Ron certainly hadn't.
Her mind continued to spin on all the things that she'd change if only they could go back. She'd have started up with Ron right after the battle, it had been almost a full year and all they'd shared was that one single kiss. Not too long after he'd taken up with Parvati and Hermione didn't quite know how to feel. Yes, if she could go back she'd claim Ron, destroy the mystery Horcrux, and save everyone she could, namely Tonks, Fred, Ted Tonks, Lavender, and Professor Flitwick..
The day continued in the same manner, Hermione and George quietly working, with short breaks to talk about their plans for their brewing. One of the walls of their lab was covered in a massive list with potions, how long they would take to brew, their start and end date, how many batches they were planning to make and how many they had made. After some clever spell work she had lifted from one of Severus Snape's files a running list of potion ingredients would automatically adjust based on their list.
The orb above their door flashed purple, signalling it was time to eat. "I'll bring you some food from the kitchen after I'm done," she said to George, "this batch only needs the last two steps, and it is done." He nodded mutely as she removed her gloves and made her way to the door. "I'll let them know we're at an integral part of our brewing and we both couldn't leave," she called over her shoulder as she shuffled out.
Lunch, as always, was boisterous. Ron and Ginny were arguing over the latest Quidditch match and Harry sat in intense conversation with Dean. Luna sat on the opposite side of the table, staring out the window behind Hermione's right , Remus, Arthur and Kingsley sat at the head of the table discussing tactics and their next moves. Hermione settled in a seat between Ron and Andromeda. Ron barely glanced her way, while Andromeda gave her a sad smile and squeezed her hand.
She looked down at her plate and saw a bowl of stew, definitely not her favourite meal. It made her long for her mother's spices and the quiet meals she would eat with her parents. Molly was bustling around the table and raised an eyebrow at Hermione when she didn't see George shuffle in behind her. Hermione shook her head softly, and watched as Molly seemed to deflate a bit. She picked up her spoon and listened in on the conversations around her.
Andromeda turned to her, "I'm glad you came out, dear." Hermione and Andromeda had connected shortly before she decided to obliviate her parents. Professor McGonagall had introduced them, as Ted had been particularly adept at Charms work. The Tonks' had gone with Hermione to her home at the end of term and helped her remove herself from their memories. After that, Ted and Andromeda had sort of adopted Hermione. She'd spent the rest of the Winter Holidays with them until it was time for her to go back to school. Dora had popped in and out, always ecstatic to see her "new baby sister."
When the year had ended, Hermione made her way to the Tonks' house where they'd laid out a room especially for her. She'd embarrassingly cried until Andromeda had come and wrapped her in a hug and rocked her back and forth, whispering "You're not alone, my dear," over and over again.
Not going to Ted when they'd heard him in the forest was one of the hardest things she'd ever done, and something she truly regretted. He shouldn't have left their little country home in Somerset. After the final battle, when she'd learned that both Dora and Ted had died, Hermione and Andromeda's bond had solidified even further. She'd returned to her room at the Tonks house and helped with Teddy as much as she could although all three joined the rest of the Order at Headquarters almost every day.
As the meal wrapped up, Kingsley turned to her, "How are the potions coming, Hermione?" he rumbled.
"Well as can be expected," she said quietly, "we're working on Wiggenweld today and should have 50 batches completed by the end of the day. Tomorrow we'll work on the Dittany and the following day the Veritaserum should be completed." The four adults nodded thoughtfully, continuing to eat their stew.
After the meal was completed, Molly declined assistance to clean up from Hermione and Andromeda, while her friends disappeared with Remus and Kingsley to continue their training without even offering. Molly had moved off into the kitchen to start the dishes and make a tray for George..
Hermione was left with Andromeda and Professor McGonagall. "How are you really doing, Ms. Granger?" asked McGonagall, peering over her glasses at Hermione.
"As well as can be expected, I suppose," she said back with a grimace. Arthur ducked out of the room toward the office. "Professor-"
"Please call me Minerva, my dear girl, I am not your professor anymore."
"Alright, Minerva," Hermione said feeling strange calling her favourite professor by her first name. "I have a question about family grimoires."
Minerva and Andromeda perked up and nodded encouragingly, "Obviously I don't have access to one but George and I were talking about them earlier today and they sound fascinating. But because he's not the Head or Heir of the house I doubt he'd be able to get the Weasley or Prewitt ones. I would love to see some of the spells that are passed down. Do you know how I could get my hands on one?"
Minerva tilted her head thoughtfully. "I could bring you mine, and I can see if Mr. Potter can access his and I'm sure Andromeda could get you the Black's." her pseudo-mother nodded fondly, "Give me some time, and I will see what I can uncover for you." As she walked away she patted Hermione on the shoulder fondly. "You really are a most impressive young woman, Ms. Granger."
"Please call me Hermione," she said with a chuckle, "and thank you, I always want to learn more about as many things as I can."
As Minerva swept from the room, Andromeda gave Hermione a hug and went to find Teddy, "Find me before dinner and we'll get some take away from the Tanzanian restaurant by your old house." Hermione nodded excitedly, "I can always tell when you're homesick, and Teddy and I have quite enjoyed getting to learn more about your culture."
Molly handed her George's tray and turned quickly to continue cleaning the dining room and kitchen. Hermione turned pensively toward the lab and after knocking twice, stepped inside and handed George his tray.
That weekend, Minerva dropped off her own Grimoire, and Andromeda handed hers off. Harry was working with Remus to find the Potter grimoire, but they still hadn't been able to find it. When Bill and Charlie heard about the Grimoire, they sent along the Weasley and Prewitt ones as well. Hermione tried to ignore the look of distaste on Molly's face as she held the pile of Grimoire in her hands, but felt a pang that she didn't want to identify. Unlike with Andromeda, Molly had never made Hermione feel welcome in her home. She'd always felt like a strange tag-along that was accepted because the children liked her.
With her pile of books in tow, Hermione made her way to the lab. She placed the books on her desk in their lab and turned to George. "I've been thinking about your time travel idea, George. I didn't think we could do it alone, so the Order agreed to let us look at their Grimoires so that we can 'look for new potions.'" she snorted, "I figured we could maybe catch two Nifflers with one coin?"
George looked up at her quickly. "You- I thought you didn't like the idea- I-I was going to look into it myself once I was feeling up to it."
She grinned at him, "George you are one of the most brilliant people I know, even if I don't always agree with your ideas, I usually think they're genius. And we know Time Travel works, we just need to figure out how it works." The rest of the day was spent in a flurry of research through each of the Grimoires. They created two lists: Promising Potions, and The Excursion. Unsurprisingly, the potions list grew much faster than their time travel endeavour.
As she went through the lists, she began to find herself noting down things that she wanted to study further. Unsurprisingly, that list was even more extensive than the Promising Potions or The Excursion lists.
After a few days of this, she'd decided that she needed her own Grimoire, if possible. She was the first Granger after all, so why not start compiling spells. After George had encouraged her, she asked McGonagall how exactly one went about crafting their own grimoire, McGonagall handed her a very old scroll with a soft chuckle, "I wondered how long it would take you to ask, Hermione."
She devoured the scroll.
It was simpler than she expected. The more pieces that she could make herself the stronger the magics would be. She needed the physical book, her own blood, and the incantation. Hermione loved magic.
Clan Grimoire
The crafting of a clan grimoire is no easy feat. It requires significant sacrifice and much time. It must receive blood magic every generation in order to keep its potency. It is one of the most private things a clan has to their name and should only be shared sparingly.
The first step is to gather the materials. The more pieces that are handcrafted by the clan, the stronger the magic will be. As the clan chooses the materials for the grimoire, take note, each piece added will affect the clan magic. While possible, it is exceptionally difficult to change the clan magic once it is created.
Once the pieces of the physical grimoire are selected, clan blood must be used in the bindings of the artefact. The greater the sacrifice of the gift the stronger the magics will be.
After the physical manifestation of the grimoire is completed, and the Sacrifice is given, The following chant should be repeated until the ritual is complete:
Hoc artificio praeterita, praesentia, et futura familiae dedicamus. (Insert the three virtues of the clan magics here) Matri igitur Magiae promittimus nos scientiam nostram communicare cum iis quos idoneos videmur donec linea finiatur.)
"George," she said after a few hours of study one morning, "would you like to help me imagine my grimoire? You're infinitely more creative than I and…" she saw him light up.
"Mia, are you sure?" he asked, "A grimoire is deeply magical and personal and no matter how hard you try, some of my magic will rub off on it if I help."
"George, I would be honoured to have some of your magic as part of the Granger Grimoire. There are so many parts to consider, what to make the cover out of, what to use to make the pages and the bindings, what are my three primary family virtues. I don't think this is a task that is meant for one person."
George flushed lightly. She could see his brain start spinning on how to craft the Granger Grimoire.
The weeks rushed by, the pair found that they had to schedule their days so that all of their tasks could be completed. Most of the morning was spent on the potions, after lunch they spent a few hours on their research unless they were at a crucial point of the potion, after dinner, they discussed the best ingredients to use in the grimoire creation.
In addition to their rigorous study schedule, George began to have lunch with the family again, putting himself between Ron and Hermione. When Teddy was up, he'd bounce between Hermione, his godmother, Harry, his godfather, and George, who claimed to be Teddy's favourite uncle, much to the one year old's delight. Hermione tried her hardest to ignore Molly looking between George and her. She didn't like the calculating look in her eyes and tried her hardest to ignore what she anticipated was a marriage scheme.
Finding herself so deeply entrenched with her work, Hermione tried to ignore how her friends seemed to be drifting away. She watched as Harry had mellowed out after the Horcrux in his head had been destroyed. She tried to talk to him about how he should consider some or the spells she'd found, but "I won't use dark spells," he'd spat at her.
Ron and Pavarti were almost as gross as Ron and Lavender had been. They were constantly breaking apart from heated snogs whenever someone entered the room. It made Hermione quite glad that she lived with Andromeda and Remus and not Headquarters. Of course living apart also meant that Hermione was noticing who sought her out to spend time together.
Unsurprisingly, Dean and Luna became her confidants in many things. Dean would often drag Luna along for their Tuesday Takeaways. He'd convinced them to alternate between Jamaican food (like his mother made) and Tanzanian like Hermione's mother made. Luna, always up for adventure, was the perfect guest. The four (and a half if you counted Teddy) were always talking about their vastly different upbringings. Hermione and Dean were constantly educating Luna about Muggle things and Andromeda often discussed being in a "Mixed Blood" marriage while Remus talked a lot about being a Halfblood. Tuesdays quickly became her favourite day of the week.
On Fridays Harry came by for fish and chips and time with his godson. Occasionally he'd bring Ron along and it almost felt like how it had before the Horcrux hunt. She could tell that Ron felt a bit awkward about not having pushed their relationship, but she wasn't one to step on anyone's toes. Parvati and him were together now, and she'd respect that, even if she didn't like it.
All of that didn't include the nightmares. Almost every night Hermione found herself tossing and turning, reliving her night in Malfoy Manor. She was lucky that Bellatrix hadn't been able to really use her blade, although the tremors from the Cruciatus didn't seem to want to go away. When she found herself screaming awake, Andromeda would come and stroke her hair until she fell asleep again, often bringing Teddy along so that Hermione had someone to cuddle. It almost made Hermione feel like she was home.
Although Order of the Phoenix was worried about Hermione and George, they couldn't argue with their results. Not only were they pumping out potions, they had started to send along offensive and defensive spells from the family grimoires. The summer was flying by as the Order continued to lay low, training and preparing for the next skirmish in their war.
The week before Harry's 18th birthday, George cleared his throat, "Mia, I think we need to take a break." she looked up at him blinking quickly, before she could respond he continued, "We've been at this for almost two months. Our potions are ridiculously stocked and we haven't found anything promising on the time travel front. I don't think F-Fred," he choked and cleared his throat, "would approve of how little time we're spending with the others."
Hermione smiled softly at him, "I'm not sure if I remember the last time I talked to someone when it wasn't a meal time," she said begrudgingly. She looked over at the clock on the wall, seeing that it was almost dinner time. "Let's finish up early for the day, maybe we can see if someone is interested in a game of Exploding Snap?"