Disclaimer: Not Mine
A/N: Hey hey! Oh, just in case I haven't mentioned it, this story doesn't take the events of book six into account. Now without further ado, chapter four
Love Means Never Having to Time-Travel
Chapter Four: In Which We Go Back to Present-Day Hogwarts
"We promise according to our hopes, and perform according to our fears." -François duc de la Rochefoucauld
"What do you mean they've gone back to 1978?" Molly's voice was dangerously low.
"Precisely that," Professor Dumbledore replied with a twinkling smile, not at all intimidated by her. "They went back in time and took up at the school for the year. They should be back sometime next year, not to worry."
"Next year!" George exclaimed, his eyes worried. "But what about the store, and, and…and me? He's my twin."
Ginny immediately moved to his side, hugging him tightly about the waist. Fred and George were nearly inseparable, what with working together and sharing a flat. Ron and Harry hadn't moved, and were now sitting still in shock, looking at each other. What were they going to do without Hermione around? Both relied on her to keep them on task during the school year, and to keep their sanity half the time. She was the glue that held their trio together, not to mention their best friend.
"I think you will find plenty of support from your friends and family," Professor Dumbledore replied kindly. "Now, I'm afraid I can't tell you anything else, as it will be their story to tell. Just know that they are both perfectly fine. I'll see you in a few days time at the next meeting."
"They're gone," Ron just stared at the table in front of him once Professor Dumbledore had gone.
"You heard Dumbledore," Charlie clapped a hand on Ron's shoulder, squeezing it lightly. "They'll be back sometime next year."
"Exactly," Harry interrupted. "Next year. Which could mean in January or in December. We've no bloody idea!"
"Bloody annoying Dumbledore," Ron grumbled in agreement with Harry.
"Harry, Ron !" Molly scolded them, and in a move very uncharacteristic of Harry, he sent a petulant glare her way before dashing out of the room, Ron not far behind him, and up the stairs, where they heard his door slam shut, followed a moment later by Ron's.
"Don't worry Mum," Bill said softly, seeing her sadden. "They're just upset about this. We all are. But I think Harry and Ron were both just really counting on having her around to keep them grounded during everything that's going to happen."
"I know, and that's what saddens me," she said. "If she was here, she'd be up there already lecturing them on their language and telling them to be more respectful before marching them down here to apologise to me."
"This may not necessarily be as bad as we're making it out to be," Ginny spoke up hesitantly.
"Oh and why's that?" George glared at her, causing her to shrink back slightly.
"I'm going to miss them too, but think about it. You and Fred spend all your time together just about. Same with Harry, Ron, and Hermione. That's not a bad thing, but it isn't always good," she said, her voice soft and quiet, though everyone heard her in the silence. "Maybe by being apart, you'll be able to learn more about who you are. You'll be George. Not Fred and George, the twins. And Harry and Ron won't be able to hide behind their trio image. They'll have to take on the responsibilities in their group that Hermione had, like helping them with homework and research and all. And maybe it'll be good for them too. Fred can learn to be Fred, and Hermione will have a chance to be someone other than the brains behind the trio."
"Oh my little one," Arthur sighed, holding a hand out to her, pulling her onto his lap with a kiss to her temple. "When did you grow up on us?"
"War makes everyone grow up," she shrugged slightly, seeing her parents and brothers looking at her in slight amazement at the perception she showed.
"And I wish that wasn't so," Arthur sighed again as Ginny snuggled against him, closing her eyes and resting her head on his shoulder. "Too many children have already lost their innocence because of Voldemort. How many more will suffer at his hands?"
No one answered. Not that they could or would wish too. They sat there thinking, contemplating, wondering how much things were going to change as the final battle drew nearer. Everyone could feel it; no one was exempt. It was forcing everyone to grow and mature, some beyond their years. As Ginny had just proven. Bill walked over and took a sleeping Ginny from their father, and carried her up to her bedroom, tucking her in as if she were a little girl.
"Everything's going to change, isn't it?" Ginny whispered just as he was about to walk out.
"I think it already has," Bill walked back over and perched on the edge of her bed, taking her hand in his.
"I'm scared Bill," she sobbed, launching herself up and throwing her arms around his neck in a desperate hug. "I'm so worried for George, and Ron, and Harry."
"I am too," he held her close, almost wanting to cry himself. He hated seeing his sister upset.
"What if Harry can't do it without her?"
"He will," Bill said softly as he rocked her back and forth slightly. "He has no choice."
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Over the next month, Harry threw himself into his training with such vigor that he had to be forced into taking breaks. It seemed that his grief and frustration over not having Hermione around was all directed into bettering himself. Ron did the same; he threw himself into his summer homework, and when that ran out, he holed himself in the Black library, reading every book on strategy, spells, curses, hexes, and previous battles that he could get his hands on, absorbing all the information like a sponge.
Ginny found herself helping George with the shop, as he was determined more now than ever that the wizarding world needed the comic relief. She also approached Professor Snape for private instruction in healing salves and potions to help fill the long days. The house just seemed so much quieter and emptier without the sounds of the trio laughing and arguing, or the occasional explosion and unidentifiable noises coming from the twin's room.
Soon the first of September was upon them, and they found themselves on the Hogwarts Express, chugging away to the castle. A couple of people poked their heads in to say hi to them, but didn't stay for long since all three only looked up from their books long enough to say hi. Once at the school, Ginny, Harry, and Ron quickly climbed into a carriage and set off for the school. Ginny was happy to see that Harry and Ron picked up a little bit as they sat down at the table near Dean and Seamus who were debating about quidditch versus soccer yet again. The two were quickly pulled into the conversation, so feeling as if a great deal had been lifted off her shoulders, Ginny turned to catch up with friends.
"Welcome everyone," Professor Dumbledore stood up to speak once the last dessert plate had been cleared away. "I have a few start of term notices before we give you leave to head to your dorms. First off, first years, as well as some of you older students, please know the Forbidden Forest is exactly that; forbidden. Secondly, please give a round of applause to this year's head boy, Terry Boot, and our head girl, Hannah Abbot. Also, some of you may have noticed Miss Granger is not here. I am pleased to announced that she was accepted into a special programme for the year, and will be in an unreachable location in Australia. We will greatly miss her, but look forward to her rejoining us at graduation. Prefects, please lead the first years to your common rooms now, and have a pleasant evening."
Harry and Ron shared a grin at the last bit of information that was given; they would see Hermione by graduation at least. Of course, that wasn't until June 25th, but at least they now had a concrete date to look forward too. And that was all they needed to relax and help cheer them up a bit. Ginny also smiled at the bit of news, and the first thing she did upon reaching her room was write a letter to her family letting them know.
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"JAMES ALLEN POTTER!" Lily's scream could be heard throughout Gryffindor tower.
"Looks like she found the little surprise you left for her," Peter snickered as he and the rest of the marauders simply shook their heads at James.
"That's my name love, don't wear it out," he called out as she came storming down the stairs.
"Oh you're dead now," Remus hissed at him.
"WHAT is the meaning of this!" She pointed to her head.
"Well I didn't think you'd mind terribly, wanting to support your boyfriend in his first quidditch game of the year," James put on an innocent smile.
It was the first weekend of October, and the quidditch season was starting off with a bang with the first game being between Gryffindor and Slytherin.
"Supporting you is one thing," she replied, arms crossed and foot tapping in annoyance as she glared at him. "But having red and gold striped hair is another."
"Oh, well that's just too bad, as it lasts till Sirius catches the snitch."
"What do you mean till she catches the snitch?" Lily's eyes grew wide. "What if Collins catches it instead?"
"Hmm, good question," James grinned impishly before leaping out of his chair and out the portrait.
Lily immediately gave chase. After sharing a grin, the other three marauders joined in, not wanting to miss the hilarity that was sure to follow. James raced straight to the great hall and slid into a seat next to Fred and Hermione, who happened to be sitting at the Gryffindor table today.
"Something wrong Mr. Potter?" Hermione raised an eyebrow in amusement.
"Nope, just wanted to get a good breakfast in before the game today," he flashed her a charming smile as he heaped his plate full of food, one eye on the door.
"Really?" Fred laughed as Lily raced into the hall and stopped still in embarrassment, much like Hermione had that night he had chased her in.
"Nope," James shared a conspiratorially look with him. "Escaping from Lily dearest."
"Oh you changed her hair," Hermione moaned slightly as an angry Lily ran into the hall, and stopped still in embarrassment.
"Ten points to Gryffindor for the wonderful show of school spirit Miss Evans," Albus called out from the high table. He winked at Hermione, who smiled her thanks back. She knew what Lily was feeling, as Harry and Ron had done the same thing to her last year.
"Miss Evans, I think that's a great idea," Hermione pulled out her wand and added some gold streaks to her hair as she walked over to Lily.
"Thank you Professor Mya," Lily smiled gratefully at her.
"Now what do you say to a little bit of revenge?" Hermione blurted out, spur of the moment.
"But you're a professor!"
"Yes yes, but this is harmless," Hermione shrugged. "And besides, you heard Albus say it's a wonderful show of school spirit."
"Well when you put it that way," Lily grinned. "Anything for the good of the school."
"Quite," Hermione nodded, and as they approached Gryffindor table, she whipped out her wand quick as lightning and muttered a spell.
"That's dirty Mya," Fred rolled his eyes at Hermione's retaliation.
"Professor!" James groaned as he saw that he and Sirius now sported silver and green striped hair that was also charmed to move on it's own, giving a snake-like illusion.
"I must admit that I'm feeling quite left out," Albus smiled delightedly at them. "I think I should also join in, don't you?"
And with a wave of his wand, he now sported a red, gold, silver, and green chequered wizards hat. So whistling merrily, he left the great hall, leaving a gaggle of giggling students behind.
"And that," Fred said pointedly. "Is why Slytherin and Gryffindor don't mix very well."
"Point taken Professor," James nodded as he grabbed Sirius and the rest of the team and left for the locker room to get changed.
"Would you like to sit with us Professors?" Lily offered as she, Remus, Peter, Hermione, and Fred left the great hall.
"I'm afraid we can't," Hermione apologised. "Favouritism and all that. Which is why I should be changing my hair back."
"Oh leave it," Fred waved his wand, changing his hair to green and silver. "Now we can't be accused of favouritism, since as a couple we equally support both teams."
"See you later Professors!" The three students waved as the arrived at the pitch, and headed for the Gryffindor section of the stands, while Hermione and Fred headed for the teacher's section.
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"Do you have any idea how hard it is to keep myself at a distance from them?"
"I think so," Fred chuckled as he looked up from the papers he was grading in their study. Hermione was working on a few adjustments to the lesson plans. "I know I keep wishing I could be in Gryffindor tower right now, drinking butterbeer, eating chocolate frogs, and just over-all celebrating that fantastic win. 330 to 40! Still can't believe it."
"Brings back memories, doesn't it?" Hermione gave a little sigh, reminiscing over the parties that had always been held after Gryffindor's quidditch victories.
"Yeah," Fred nodded. "But hey, we're making some new memories for Harry this way too. Between the pictures we've been taking, and all the memories we've been duplicating and adding into that mini-pensieve, Harry's going to have a whole new view of his parents."
"I wonder how they're doing?"
"Probably still preparing for the final battle," Fred shrugged, a glint coming into his eyes. "I feel so helpless here."
"You're not the only one."
"Well, I suppose it doesn't do to dwell on the future, does it?" Fred stood up and walked over, holding out a hand. "So let's focus on the present. Or is it past? No matter."
"What?" She stared at his hand.
"I want to focus on the present. We've had enough depressing talk of the future, especially when we can't do anything about it," he bent down and took her hand, pulling her up and against him. "So instead you're going to dance with me."
"Oh really?" She raised an eyebrow in amusement as he moved one of her hands to his shoulder, and then placed his hand on her waist and began to do a slow dance. "But there's no music."
"Music, a magic beyond all that we do here," Fred imitated Dumbledore, before starting to sing a soft version of 'Come Away With Me' in a rich tenor voice.
"Norah Jones," Hermione smiled softly, touched by how sweet he was acting. "I like it. You've a wonderful voice. Why haven't I heard you sing before?"
"Dunno," he shrugged slightly. "I just don't feel comfortable singing in front of anyone I guess. Not even my family knows."
"Not even George?"
"Nope, just you," he quirked his lips up in a smile, spinning her out. "But hey, if I can't sing for my wife, who can I sing for?"
Hermione laughed, and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek by way of thanks. The past two months, as difficult and odd as they had been, had also been a lot of fun. She had always had a love-hate relationship with the twins, as long as she had known them. She hated them for bothering her when she wanted to study or work, but she loved them for keeping Harry's spirits up, and treating him like their brother and a normal teenage boy.
But again, the past two months had been a learning experience for her. She had gotten to know Fred and he had become her best friend and confidant; not as a prankster, and not in association with George. He was surprisingly sweet at times, like now with the singing and dancing. He always seemed to know if she was getting down, or frustrated, or angry. Of course, their telepathic connection helped with the projection of emotions, but still. He would cheer her up when she needed it, or just sit quietly and listen if she simply needed to vent and scream at someone, which she had once or twice. One thing she found herself wondering was that if they hadn't been sent back in time, would they have become such good friends? Or would they simply have continued on as they always had?
"You're contemplative again," he whispered, still dancing.
"Just wondering…if we hadn't come here, would we have become such good friends?" She asked sleepily.
"I'd like to think so," he replied after a moment. "After all, every soulmate finds their match at some point."
"Soulmate?" She pulled back, looking at him curiously through sleep-heavy eyes.
"Richard Bach said that a soulmate is someone who has locks that fit our keys, and keys to fit our locks. When we feel safe enough to open the locks, our trust selves step out and we can be completely and honestly who we are. We can be loved for who we are and not for who we're pretending to be. Each unveils the best part of the other. No matter what else goes wrong around us, with that one person we're safe in our own paradise," Fred recited softly. "I don't think it necessarily has to apply to only couples, but to friendships as well. And I think it fits our friendship quite well."
"Mmm," Hermione replied, almost asleep on her feet.
"Come on Princess," Fred chuckled slightly as he picked her up in his arms easily. "Into bed for you."
"But the lesson plan," she protested sleepily.
"It will wait till morning," he shook his head as he set her down after magicking the covers back. "Good night."
"Night Fred," she said through a yawn, and then promptly drifted off into dreamland as he climbed into his side of the bed.
He watched her a few minutes. She was quite pretty he couldn't help but think. In both forms; as Mya and as Hermione. She had also become his best friend, and a soulmate of sorts. Maybe only as friends, but if he honestly acknowledged what he was feeling, than he hoped that would also apply romantically. With the way he was starting to feel about her, he wasn't sure his heart could let her go once they got back to their time.
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"What's going on?" Fred asked as he and Hermione sat down at the Slytherin table for breakfast the next morning amidst a group of fifth years. They had walked into a cheering hall of students, and had no idea what was going on.
"Professor Dumbledore's just announced a Halloween ball!" One of the girls answered excitedly. "Starting at seven. And the first, second, and third years can stay till ten, while everyone else can stay till the ball ends at midnight. And he's arranged for the Hairy Hags to perform!"
"Well Mrs. Wilson," Fred turned to Hermione. "Will you do me the honor of attending the ball with me?"
"Why of course Mr. Wilson, I would be delighted," she fluttered her eyelashes while giving him a simpering smile. That lasted a whole two seconds though before she burst out laughing.
"Did he say if it was a masqued ball, or a costume ball or anything?" Fred directed his question to the table in general.
"Either really," Severus was the one who answered this time. "Costumes are allowed and encouraged, but if you'd rather just wear dress robes or a gown with a masque, that's acceptable also."
"I assume we're going to be in costume," Hermione looked to Fred who was already grinning as he envisioned costumes.
"Of course!" He looked horrified that she would even imply they'd attend in anything less. "The only thing that remains to be figured out is what exactly we'll be attending as."
"Well we have plenty of time to decide."
"We've only got like three weeks!" Fred exclaimed dramatically. "Not nearly enough time!"
"Oh hush you," she shook her head laughing. "We'll work on it after breakfast then, will that appease you."
"Of course love," he gave her a cheeky smile before turning to answer a question one of the students had posed.
Hermione watched him a moment. As immature as he could be, the students all respected him and valued what he had to say. If she was being honest, they did the same with her. Sitting at their tables helped also. The students felt comfortable enough to talk to them about things, and not just limited to school work. Hermione had been glad for this, as it didn't seem unusual when she talked with Lily, Sirius, James, Remus, and even Peter.
"Costume time!" Fred yelled, and grabbing Hermione, picked her up and threw her over his shoulder before running from the great hall, with her protesting all the way.
"They're so cute together," Lily laughed as she along with everyone else watched the two of them.
"Not as cute as us," James slung an arm around her shoulders. "I know it kind of goes without saying, but would you go to the ball with me?"
"Of course," she smiled. "Besides, as head girl and boy we're expected to go together to set a good example for the other houses."
"What if I'd rather set a bad example?" He gave her an innocent look that didn't have her fooled for a moment.
"Then you'll be doing it as a single man," she replied sweetly before standing up. "I'm off to the library, I'll see you later."
"Sure Lils," James waved a hand before turning back to the quidditch discussion that had started up.
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"No way!" Hermione protested, laughing hard. "I am not dressing up as an animal for the ball!"
"Oh but why not?" Fred pouted. "It'd be fun!"
"It'd be too outlandish for me, Fred," she shook her head. "As teachers, we should at least pretend we've a bit more dignity than what we've displayed. I mean, we have the student's respect, but you know as well as I do that a few of the other teachers think we're no better than the students."
"Well they're right, aren't they?"
"Fred…"
"All right, but only for you."
"Thank you, now any other ideas that don't involve animals?" Hermione asked.
"Actually yeah," he paused a moment. "How about Zeus and Hera? I like it cause Zeus is an all-powerful god and gets to chuck lightning bolts at people, with his beautiful goddess queen at his side. And it should be right up your alley what with being mythological and not childish and all."
"Perfect," Hermione nodded after thinking it over. "Now that that's settled, I'm going to finish that lesson plan from last night."
"And then we can work on our costumes?" He asked hopefully.
"Not together," she laughed at the look on his face. "I want it to be a surprise till the night of the ball."
"So I'm gonna have to wait three weeks to see you, huh?"
"Mm-hmm."
"But what if we don't match?"
"Ever hear of a little thing called colour-changing charms?" She smiled at his attempt to find out more about what she intended her costume to look like.
"All right, till the ball then," he resigned himself to wait, and as she went to their study, he stayed in the bedroom to begin work on his costume.
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A/N: Well that's it for four. Coming along nicely I think- a few more hints at romance peeking up here and there, as well as a little more strength added to their foundation of friendship. And the Halloween Ball- I know, a little cliché, but c'mon, all my other fellow writers out there can attest that balls are fun, and sometimes necessary plot devices, right? Right. And besides, my story, I'll do what I want :-) hee hee. So I hope you liked it, and if you're feeling so inclined, I dare ya to leave a review!