Flashback of Chapter 2
"You reckon Harry that it was more of a permanent farewell then a goodbye-see-you-soon?"
"Yeah Ron, I think it was. Odd."
With a shrug of their shoulders, they started a chess game, all thoughts of Hermione's strange behavior gone.
Chapter 3
The train ride to Hermione's parents was probably one of the longest moments of her life, as she sat there, teary eyed staring out of the window. Saying goodbye to Harry and Ron had been one of the hardest moments of her life, and now she was about to endure one more – saying goodbye to her parents.
She was curious as to what Professor Dumbledore had said to her parents explaining her abrupt arrival home. Worriedly she chewed on her bottom lip. What if Professor Dumbledore magically implanted a memory of a dying Aunty Margret? What if he told them that she had some problem at school and needed a night home to regain her bearings? How would she know how to act? Sad? Happy? Grumpy? Would her time with them be ruined by the role she was being forced to play to see them?
Her mind drifted over many other things, but before long she arrived at the station, exiting Platform 9 ¾ and pulling her luggage toward the smiling faces of her parents.
"Smiling faces?" she reflected, this was odd. Abruptly out of no where a small tawny owl landed on her shoulder, dropping what looked to be a piece of parchment. Hurriedly opening it as she recognized the Hogwarts Crest, she skimmed the letter.
Dear Ms. Granger,
Sorry about the delay of the owl, he was recently injured, so I am afraid to say has lost some of his speed. However, your story for being home at this time of the year is fairly simple: as this year's Head Girl, like those before you, you are able to take a day off in September to visit home due to the fact that the school recognizes your hard work throughout the year and knows you need a break. Furthermore, the train for you to go back to school will come at 5:30 am, with just enough time for you to meet me in my office at 7. Please make use of your time in between now and our meeting to gather any of your belongings that you will need for your trip. Best Wishes!
Sincerely,
Professor Dumbledore
Sighing heavily, Hermione heaved a smile onto her face as she rushed toward her parents and gave them a hug before getting into the car and driving toward her home.
That day was a quiet, special and yet memorable affair despite the lack of action. The Granger family relaxed in their home, watching old movies, playing board games such as monopoly and scrabble which had gathered dust over the years.
As Hermione prepared to go to bed she glanced around her room, gathering any special books or clothes that she wished to take with her. Eventually, as her eyes landed on her favorite teddy bear from her childhood – Java. Reflecting back on it, she realized it was probably the only thing from her life at all that was in essence – silly. Smiling fondly, she picked her up and placed her safely inside her luggage.
She had packed all her essentials in it the night before, including some books from the library despite the fact that she knew it was stealing, she firmly believed that in the whole of things, a few stolen books could be sacrificed in the name of world peace. Of course, all of the books had new covers created magically as well as an illusion charm so that no one would see the books except for her, a well placed safety precaution.
When the alarm clock went off Saturday morning at 4:30am the Grangers were in full action, - Mrs. Granger was in the kitchen making a home cooked meal, while Mr. Granger was placing Hermione's luggage in their car, while Hermione rushed around brushing her hair and double checking she had everything in her backpack.
Breakfast was a silent affair despite Mrs. Granger's attempts at conversation. Hermione was only coming to grasps with her situation as she sat there staring into the loving faces of her parents, wondering what they would be told when she would no longer be… in their time. When the time came to say goodbye at the train station Hermione let out a little sob, saying,
"Mom, Dad, thank you for a wonderful night. I miss those times we used to have when I'm at Hogwarts. Thanks for everything. I love you." Lingering a little bit longer in her hugs to each of her parents, she cast one last glance over her shoulder before she passed through the barrier.
Similar to the ride to her house, the ride on the train to Hogwarts were silent, tears yet again falling silently down Hermione's cheeks.
When she finally arrived at the doors to Hogwarts, she gathered her bags and brought them to Professor Dumbledore's office, hoping against every chance that no one would see her. However, as luck would have it, she was met by the cold presence of Professor Snape.
"Ms. Granger, I believe Professor Dumbledore was expecting you," he drawled.
"Yes, sir, he is" she replied firmly.
"Very well, I shall accompany you, as instructed."
Awkwardly, the two began to walk toward his office, coming upon the entrance of Professor Dumbledore's office.
"A word briefly before we enter, Ms. Granger?"
"Of course, Professor" Hermione replied.
"I admire your bravery in accepting this task. Not many people surprise me or earn my respect, but you have, as you have grown out of the classic brash bravery and selfishness of your youthful peers, and are accepting an role beyond what adulthood should hold for you. I wish you luck."
With that, Professor Snape's robes swirled as he turned around, hissed out the password, and strolled into the office.
Bewildered, yet oddly flattered, Hermione followed behind him with her luggage.
Sitting tiredly at his desk, Albus Dumbledore viewed the new comers through his half moon spectacles.
"Hello Severus, Ms. Granger. I trust your journey was satisfactory?"
"Yes sir."
At that, both sat down across from Professor Dumbledore, waiting for further instructions.
"Ms. Granger, I trust you have used these last few days to your advantage? Research, family, friends and such? Yes? Good. Today is the day you will be departing. However, Severus and I wish to impart some knowledge to you before you go, it is crucial that you memorize this. Furthermore, we must revise your identity and your appearance. It is imperative that no one knows it was you who went back in time. Do you understand and agree?"
"Yes, Professor," she replied.
"Very well. Severus, would you care to begin?"
"Ms. Granger, while hopefully if you are successful you will never need to know of the terrors which Tom Riddle otherwise known as the Dark Lord has caused. However, I realize that while this may not happen you must not – and I stress this, underestimate him. He is everything his house represents – cunning, sly, ambitious, he will do anything he can to advance. It is important that you shove aside any foolish Gryffindor bravery and inherent nobility that all have an active conscience. This is not so. For instance, look at Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom, the Dark Lord relishes in the fact that they are clinically insane. At age 16 he had murdered his own father as well as entered and released the creature inside the chamber of secrets."
Hermione nodded as she processed this information.
"You of course have his full biography as well as any other stated facts concerning him, therefore the purpose of Severus being here was merely to re-enforce what you already know. However, right now, we must revise your story. Have you decided on a name and heritage?" Albus Dumbledore asked.
"Yes, Professor, my name will be Hermione Georgas, and I shall be muggle-born. I feel that not having a pureblooded lineage will be an advantage. Not only will Tom Riddle not pay any attention to me, he may also tend to underestimate me," Hermione replied.
"That sounds logical to me, my dear. However, I must emphasize that killing need not be the only option. Something as simple as friendship or love, compassion, understanding, may sway even the hardest hearts. Tom Riddle did not have any friends throughout Hogwarts, at least not in the real sense of the word. Nevertheless, let us continue unless Severus, you have any objections?" Albus inquired.
"None, Albus," Professor Snape replied.
"Very well, any preferences for your appearance Ms Granger?" Professor Dumbledore asked.
"I would prefer to change my hair to the colour of black, and reduce its bushiness to straight. My eyes, if possible, I would like to remain the same. If there is any height or facial features you would think necessary to adjust then please do, Sir," she replied.
With a flick of Albus Dumbledore's wand, a long mirror was placed in front of Hermione, and she watched fascinated as her hair slowly lengthened and darkened before her. Resting his chin in his hands, a twinkle began to form in his eye as he made her a tad bit taller to the height of 5"6 instead of her smaller stature of 5"2.
"I think that will do. I wouldn't think you need any more changes that you will already be experiencing," Albus said gently.
Nodding her head, Hermione grabbed her luggage, sensing that it was time and stood stiffly before the headmaster and Professor Snape.
"Ms. Granger, before you leave, I want you to take this necklace, although not the most beautiful ornament, it is special as it has been in my family for ages and casts a protection charm on those who wear it, friend or family…" Albus said as he placed the necklace around Hermione's neck, "Excellent. One last thing, your uniform and extra belongings… knowing you though, I'm sure you have researched their fashion trends and lingo, however just to be safe…" and with another swish of his wand her uniform lengthened, her Head Girls badge disappeared and her shoes slightly altered.
"You'll find that the rest of your clothes have been altered as well. Furthermore, I have included a letter which you must give to the past version of myself which will explain to him that you were recently schooled in a small private school in Italy and have only recently decided to attend Hogwarts. In addition, your parents are dead, I know this may not be your ideal cover story, but it saves awkward questions. In this envelop shall be some money which will be given to you for your books and new clothes and any other belongings you want. An account will be set up which will be funded by the school for two years. I'm sure you will find this satisfactory."
"Of course, Professor," she responded.
"Very well, then take this time turner, spin it 5 times counter clockwise once Severus and I have left the room. Good luck my dear, I'm sure you will make us all proud," and with that Albus Dumbledore swept out of his office with Severus at his toe.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione spun the time turner as instructed, with one hand tightly clutching her luggage. Within seconds she felt the effects, as her stomach felt like it was being pulled out of her body and her head got dizzy. What felt like decades later, her feet slammed against the ground, forcing her backwards and her luggage went flying.