Disclaimer: I've just realized I haven't added a disclaimer in my first two
chapters, so here it goes: All things belonging to the Harry Potter book
belongs to J.K.R. All things unrecognizable are mine.
* * *
"You! Girl, what are you doing here?"
Though the black haired witch had a naturally soft voice, it was at the moment quite harsh as she approached the student that was still sitting on the floor.
"I'm sorry Mrs. but where did everyone go?" Hermione didn't realize her voice would've come out as small as it did but she was still very perplexed about what had just happened and at seeing an unfamiliar face a small dread was beginning to grow inside her.
"Well, everyone is in bed aren't they?! And you should too, it's long past curfew and with the racket you're making you'll wake the entire floor! I better take you to your head of house. What house are you from?"
After that question she seemed to notice that Hermione still sat on the floor and turned to look at her with a much softer expression, "Are you okay? Can you get up?" And before the girl could answer the stout teacher had gently took her arm and helped her up. "Maybe I should take you to the infirmary instead." The witch continued pensively, only to be interrupted by Hermione's now steadier voice.
"Could you take me to Dumbledore instead?" Hermione took a good look at the lady who still held her arm and noticed for the first time that her hair was in disarray and her robes seemed to have been hastily pulled on, perhaps over her pajamas? wondered the girl. She also noticed that while the teacher was looking at her, her eyes didn't really seem very focused, as if she was having a bit of difficulty seeing her.
"Oh, is that where you were wondering to at this time? Well then I suppose it must be important, I guess he'll be the judge of that. Come along then." And turning once to see if the girl was following her, the brunette began walking the familiar way to the headmaster's office.
The plump witch stared at the gargoyle for a few seconds, squinting at it before uttering the password; Charlie's Chockies.
As the gargoyle moved Hermione wondered why she'd never heard of that candy, or chocolate more likely, anywhere before. She'd always thought Honeydukes certainly had every sweet invented in the wizarding world.
Maybe they're one of his old favorites, from childhood or something. The thought of a young Professor Dumbledore made Hermione smile as she ascended the stairs to the office she knew so well.
"Ah Mona Munchkin, a bit unexpected but as always, a pleasure!"
Hermione stifled a snigger at the sight of the Headmaster in a long night clothe with a pattern of flying hippogriffs and a pair of slippers that curved at the point and looked as though they belonged to one of Santa Claus' dwarfs. She noticed the witch beside her; Mona Munchkin apparently, was also trying to stop the chuckle that threatened to break out.
"Professor Dumbledore I have just caught this student out of bed and she says she wanted to talk to you."
The Headmaster's blue eyes turned to look at Hermione and the confused look in them did nothing to stop the smile that covered his face. Nor did his next words do anything to stop the trepidation that was now decidedly growing within Hermione.
"And who might the girl who is wearing the Head Girl badge be?"
Hermione was speechless, which wasn't by any means a normal occurrence. The girl stopped and stared at her Professor searching for, praying for a sign that he was joking. Finding none she tried explain, what should I explain? He's known me for years. Suddenly everyone goes missing and he can't recognize me?
Hermione opened her mouth and finding no words quickly closed it only to repeat the procedure a few more times as she tried to find words to convey her cluttered thoughts. Her fish impression was cut short as Mona Munchkin exclaimed,
"Thank Merlin, I'm not as blind as they say so. You see I hadn't recognized her too. but then again I wasn't wearing my glasses and I noticed by her." At this point the fleshy lady began moving her hands first in curves and then moving them vertically while she stuttered, "her umm. her. shape!" she called out triumphantly, ". and her height that she was from fifth year up, or maybe a very developed fourth or third year. I mean kids these days, they're twelve and look almost twenty. When I was younger I was about as developed as a wooden board and then suddenly I began to grow and I never did stop did I? Well I preferred to being back to as thin as a stick."
At this her rambling was interrupted by Dumbledore, "Mona, I don't think you've every looked lovelier!"
She blushed before resuming her story, "Right, and I was going to ask her for her name but then I was afraid, I mean what if it had been someone I have taught for years and suddenly I ask her for her name. It's enough that the students mock me for my glasses but my memory too would be too much. And they think I don't know, probably think I can't hear them in lessons, think I'm deaf too."
Hermione's mind was in turmoil, being usually an attentive person, the girl hadn't heard a word the professor had said after, Professor? Students who she'd known for years? The Head Girl definitely knew she did not recognize the lady standing beside her. The fact that she could've been a professor hadn't even crossed her mind. Dumbledore would've introduced her in the welcoming feast like the new DADA professor. Thinking of the headmaster the girl was harshly reminded the fact that he hadn't recognized her any more than the Professor Munchkin.
"Professor Dumbledore," started Hermione glad that she had finally managed to say something, even if it was only the headmaster's name. She didn't notice that she had interrupted the Potions Professor nor did she think about what she would say next.
Both adult eyes turned to Hermione expectantly, "sir, it's me, Hermio." at the persistence in the headmaster's questioning look she trailed off.
"We'll start at the beginning, why don't we?! Mona, here, says she found you and you wanted to talk to me. so we'll leave introductions to where I personally thing they belong; the end, and instead you'll tell me why you were looking for me." The Professors soft voice helped Hermione calm down and she took a deep breath before starting, all the time wondering if the wise man before her would understand what she told him.
"I was just on my way to the Great Hall for lunch after potions," the girl ignored the look Mrs. Munchkin gave her which clearly stated she was not in her Potions class, "and the corridor was really crowded so I didn't see when somebody knocked into me and so I fell. Then suddenly I found myself in the same corridor I was in except that it was empty and apparently it was nighttime. Then Mrs... Munchkin came and I asked her to bring me here, to talk to you; the headmaster I've known for a little over six years."
"Well, mass disapparition is most unlikely." Although that was obvious the Headmaster refrained from telling her so and ignored the comment that came from the stout witch as he continued to think of other possibilities.
"You can't apparate or disapparate from Hogwarts" was the girl's almost mechanical answer as she unconsciously went back into her know-it-all mode. She then realized that had been directed to a member of the staff, even if an until-recently-unknown one, and sent her an apologetic smile which the professor couldn't help but return.
"Do you think it's possible that our Head Girl has traveled through time? You seem to know Hogwarts and myself."
Once again Hermione's mind began to speed through a number of thoughts; well she did find herself alone in what was once a packed corridor, it was definitely another time of the day (as she had been on her way to lunch and was now apparently breaking curfew) and she didn't recognize the lady who found her and was claimed to be a professor.
So that was definitely a possibility. Hermione hoped that had she gone to the future, Professor Dumbledore would still remember her so this was probably the past. Now, it was just a question of when in the past?
Her question came out very slowly, "So, what year is it?"
"1984" was the Professor's answer, at Hermione's widening eye he asked the question she should've expected, "what year are you from?"
"I came from2007."
Professor Dumbledore was amused to see the student's expression mirrored on the Potions Professor as that answer was given.
"I sure hope you enjoy your stay here," he was about to go on but Hermione quickly interrupted.
"Stay? But sir, I thought. um. can't you just send me back?"
"I'm afraid not yet, I can't say I know what time-turners are like in 2007 but we haven't yet invented one with much accuracy for long distances in time. It is best to keep you here then to accidentally send you to a future ahead of your own. Perhaps we could research the Horas Powder from your own probably broken time-turner and."
Once again the Headmaster was interrupted. Hermione knew she would usually frown upon that behavior but at the moment she had worse matters to be concerned with, "But I never had a time-turner, I mean I did have one back in my third year but that was something else, I had to return it and I didn't have it with me anymore. And I didn't see any time-turner remains in the corridor where Mrs. Munchkin found me so whoever I bumped into couldn't possibly have one too, it should've come back with me, shouldn't it?"
Dumbledore turned to look at Mona, who at the mention of her name had seemingly come to life again, before answering, "Well, that is most interesting Miss. I think now would be the time for introductions."
"Excuse me sir, but considering I'll meet you again in the future," Hermione didn't even think of the possibility of not going back, she trusted Dumbledore, "wouldn't it be best if I didn't give you my name, not my real one at least."
Dumbledore beamed at the girl in front of him and pretended he hadn't thought of that himself as well, "Quite right, Miss?"
Hermione did not hesitate before answering with a smile on her face, "Anne!" She wasn't really lying; ever since her first few years in Muggle school, Hermione Anne Granger had never quite forgiven her parents for the initials they gave her. But now she was glad; Anne is such a common name, she was sure that as soon as she went back they'd forget all about her.
"It's nice to meet you Miss Anne." With a wide smile Dumbledore shook hands with Hermione who then repeated the formality with her new Potions professor.
"But, we still need to get you a last name. I was thinking somewhere along the lines of Munchkin." Both females turned to stare at each other before turning to Dumbledore and blinking owlishly.
"But Albus, the students would have known if I had a seventeen year old daughter, what with the fact that when it comes to gossip this castle is never big enough. If we said that it would be all over before I even reach my quarters! Who knows what kind of crazy thing these students will say?"
"As true as that is, Mona, I was not considering announcing Anne here as your daughter. Something like niece would probably be more suitable." Said the bemused Headmaster who had witnessed Mona's rambling and Hermione's furious affirmative nod.
Both ladies stopped to ponder and after a while both readily agreed. After setting certain fine points, which included Anne's previous schooling (a small lesser known english school of witchcraft and wizardry called Silverwood) Hermione was free to return to Gryffindor tower where the headmaster thought it best to place her as that was her previous, current, House. Free that is, except for a minor detail, "Miss Munchkin? Anne Munchkin?" The old professor specified after both ladies answered, "I'm afraid you'll have to remove you Head Girl badge while you're here as 1984 Hogwarts already owns a Head Girl."
The professor's expression seemed to be bordering somewhere between compassion and bemusement as the girl reluctantly, very reluctantly removed her badge and placed it in her pocket before giving him a weak smile and exiting.
* * *
Author's Notes: I'd just really, really like to thank kishkitten36, RainySunshine, JellyBellys, kayte, tradilien (I've gotten reviews!!!) and especially Kristy Mac8 whose advice I tried to follow as: It is obvious (to anyone who has read her story "The Law of Grace") that she definitely knows what she's doing. She's is the sweetest person ever!
* * *
"You! Girl, what are you doing here?"
Though the black haired witch had a naturally soft voice, it was at the moment quite harsh as she approached the student that was still sitting on the floor.
"I'm sorry Mrs. but where did everyone go?" Hermione didn't realize her voice would've come out as small as it did but she was still very perplexed about what had just happened and at seeing an unfamiliar face a small dread was beginning to grow inside her.
"Well, everyone is in bed aren't they?! And you should too, it's long past curfew and with the racket you're making you'll wake the entire floor! I better take you to your head of house. What house are you from?"
After that question she seemed to notice that Hermione still sat on the floor and turned to look at her with a much softer expression, "Are you okay? Can you get up?" And before the girl could answer the stout teacher had gently took her arm and helped her up. "Maybe I should take you to the infirmary instead." The witch continued pensively, only to be interrupted by Hermione's now steadier voice.
"Could you take me to Dumbledore instead?" Hermione took a good look at the lady who still held her arm and noticed for the first time that her hair was in disarray and her robes seemed to have been hastily pulled on, perhaps over her pajamas? wondered the girl. She also noticed that while the teacher was looking at her, her eyes didn't really seem very focused, as if she was having a bit of difficulty seeing her.
"Oh, is that where you were wondering to at this time? Well then I suppose it must be important, I guess he'll be the judge of that. Come along then." And turning once to see if the girl was following her, the brunette began walking the familiar way to the headmaster's office.
The plump witch stared at the gargoyle for a few seconds, squinting at it before uttering the password; Charlie's Chockies.
As the gargoyle moved Hermione wondered why she'd never heard of that candy, or chocolate more likely, anywhere before. She'd always thought Honeydukes certainly had every sweet invented in the wizarding world.
Maybe they're one of his old favorites, from childhood or something. The thought of a young Professor Dumbledore made Hermione smile as she ascended the stairs to the office she knew so well.
"Ah Mona Munchkin, a bit unexpected but as always, a pleasure!"
Hermione stifled a snigger at the sight of the Headmaster in a long night clothe with a pattern of flying hippogriffs and a pair of slippers that curved at the point and looked as though they belonged to one of Santa Claus' dwarfs. She noticed the witch beside her; Mona Munchkin apparently, was also trying to stop the chuckle that threatened to break out.
"Professor Dumbledore I have just caught this student out of bed and she says she wanted to talk to you."
The Headmaster's blue eyes turned to look at Hermione and the confused look in them did nothing to stop the smile that covered his face. Nor did his next words do anything to stop the trepidation that was now decidedly growing within Hermione.
"And who might the girl who is wearing the Head Girl badge be?"
Hermione was speechless, which wasn't by any means a normal occurrence. The girl stopped and stared at her Professor searching for, praying for a sign that he was joking. Finding none she tried explain, what should I explain? He's known me for years. Suddenly everyone goes missing and he can't recognize me?
Hermione opened her mouth and finding no words quickly closed it only to repeat the procedure a few more times as she tried to find words to convey her cluttered thoughts. Her fish impression was cut short as Mona Munchkin exclaimed,
"Thank Merlin, I'm not as blind as they say so. You see I hadn't recognized her too. but then again I wasn't wearing my glasses and I noticed by her." At this point the fleshy lady began moving her hands first in curves and then moving them vertically while she stuttered, "her umm. her. shape!" she called out triumphantly, ". and her height that she was from fifth year up, or maybe a very developed fourth or third year. I mean kids these days, they're twelve and look almost twenty. When I was younger I was about as developed as a wooden board and then suddenly I began to grow and I never did stop did I? Well I preferred to being back to as thin as a stick."
At this her rambling was interrupted by Dumbledore, "Mona, I don't think you've every looked lovelier!"
She blushed before resuming her story, "Right, and I was going to ask her for her name but then I was afraid, I mean what if it had been someone I have taught for years and suddenly I ask her for her name. It's enough that the students mock me for my glasses but my memory too would be too much. And they think I don't know, probably think I can't hear them in lessons, think I'm deaf too."
Hermione's mind was in turmoil, being usually an attentive person, the girl hadn't heard a word the professor had said after, Professor? Students who she'd known for years? The Head Girl definitely knew she did not recognize the lady standing beside her. The fact that she could've been a professor hadn't even crossed her mind. Dumbledore would've introduced her in the welcoming feast like the new DADA professor. Thinking of the headmaster the girl was harshly reminded the fact that he hadn't recognized her any more than the Professor Munchkin.
"Professor Dumbledore," started Hermione glad that she had finally managed to say something, even if it was only the headmaster's name. She didn't notice that she had interrupted the Potions Professor nor did she think about what she would say next.
Both adult eyes turned to Hermione expectantly, "sir, it's me, Hermio." at the persistence in the headmaster's questioning look she trailed off.
"We'll start at the beginning, why don't we?! Mona, here, says she found you and you wanted to talk to me. so we'll leave introductions to where I personally thing they belong; the end, and instead you'll tell me why you were looking for me." The Professors soft voice helped Hermione calm down and she took a deep breath before starting, all the time wondering if the wise man before her would understand what she told him.
"I was just on my way to the Great Hall for lunch after potions," the girl ignored the look Mrs. Munchkin gave her which clearly stated she was not in her Potions class, "and the corridor was really crowded so I didn't see when somebody knocked into me and so I fell. Then suddenly I found myself in the same corridor I was in except that it was empty and apparently it was nighttime. Then Mrs... Munchkin came and I asked her to bring me here, to talk to you; the headmaster I've known for a little over six years."
"Well, mass disapparition is most unlikely." Although that was obvious the Headmaster refrained from telling her so and ignored the comment that came from the stout witch as he continued to think of other possibilities.
"You can't apparate or disapparate from Hogwarts" was the girl's almost mechanical answer as she unconsciously went back into her know-it-all mode. She then realized that had been directed to a member of the staff, even if an until-recently-unknown one, and sent her an apologetic smile which the professor couldn't help but return.
"Do you think it's possible that our Head Girl has traveled through time? You seem to know Hogwarts and myself."
Once again Hermione's mind began to speed through a number of thoughts; well she did find herself alone in what was once a packed corridor, it was definitely another time of the day (as she had been on her way to lunch and was now apparently breaking curfew) and she didn't recognize the lady who found her and was claimed to be a professor.
So that was definitely a possibility. Hermione hoped that had she gone to the future, Professor Dumbledore would still remember her so this was probably the past. Now, it was just a question of when in the past?
Her question came out very slowly, "So, what year is it?"
"1984" was the Professor's answer, at Hermione's widening eye he asked the question she should've expected, "what year are you from?"
"I came from2007."
Professor Dumbledore was amused to see the student's expression mirrored on the Potions Professor as that answer was given.
"I sure hope you enjoy your stay here," he was about to go on but Hermione quickly interrupted.
"Stay? But sir, I thought. um. can't you just send me back?"
"I'm afraid not yet, I can't say I know what time-turners are like in 2007 but we haven't yet invented one with much accuracy for long distances in time. It is best to keep you here then to accidentally send you to a future ahead of your own. Perhaps we could research the Horas Powder from your own probably broken time-turner and."
Once again the Headmaster was interrupted. Hermione knew she would usually frown upon that behavior but at the moment she had worse matters to be concerned with, "But I never had a time-turner, I mean I did have one back in my third year but that was something else, I had to return it and I didn't have it with me anymore. And I didn't see any time-turner remains in the corridor where Mrs. Munchkin found me so whoever I bumped into couldn't possibly have one too, it should've come back with me, shouldn't it?"
Dumbledore turned to look at Mona, who at the mention of her name had seemingly come to life again, before answering, "Well, that is most interesting Miss. I think now would be the time for introductions."
"Excuse me sir, but considering I'll meet you again in the future," Hermione didn't even think of the possibility of not going back, she trusted Dumbledore, "wouldn't it be best if I didn't give you my name, not my real one at least."
Dumbledore beamed at the girl in front of him and pretended he hadn't thought of that himself as well, "Quite right, Miss?"
Hermione did not hesitate before answering with a smile on her face, "Anne!" She wasn't really lying; ever since her first few years in Muggle school, Hermione Anne Granger had never quite forgiven her parents for the initials they gave her. But now she was glad; Anne is such a common name, she was sure that as soon as she went back they'd forget all about her.
"It's nice to meet you Miss Anne." With a wide smile Dumbledore shook hands with Hermione who then repeated the formality with her new Potions professor.
"But, we still need to get you a last name. I was thinking somewhere along the lines of Munchkin." Both females turned to stare at each other before turning to Dumbledore and blinking owlishly.
"But Albus, the students would have known if I had a seventeen year old daughter, what with the fact that when it comes to gossip this castle is never big enough. If we said that it would be all over before I even reach my quarters! Who knows what kind of crazy thing these students will say?"
"As true as that is, Mona, I was not considering announcing Anne here as your daughter. Something like niece would probably be more suitable." Said the bemused Headmaster who had witnessed Mona's rambling and Hermione's furious affirmative nod.
Both ladies stopped to ponder and after a while both readily agreed. After setting certain fine points, which included Anne's previous schooling (a small lesser known english school of witchcraft and wizardry called Silverwood) Hermione was free to return to Gryffindor tower where the headmaster thought it best to place her as that was her previous, current, House. Free that is, except for a minor detail, "Miss Munchkin? Anne Munchkin?" The old professor specified after both ladies answered, "I'm afraid you'll have to remove you Head Girl badge while you're here as 1984 Hogwarts already owns a Head Girl."
The professor's expression seemed to be bordering somewhere between compassion and bemusement as the girl reluctantly, very reluctantly removed her badge and placed it in her pocket before giving him a weak smile and exiting.
* * *
Author's Notes: I'd just really, really like to thank kishkitten36, RainySunshine, JellyBellys, kayte, tradilien (I've gotten reviews!!!) and especially Kristy Mac8 whose advice I tried to follow as: It is obvious (to anyone who has read her story "The Law of Grace") that she definitely knows what she's doing. She's is the sweetest person ever!