Tale of a Smart Witch: Rebrewed
by Teddylonglong
All recognizable characters belong to J. K. Rowling, and I am not earning anything by writing this story.
I am not a native speaker of English. Please excuse my mistakes. Warnings: completely AU. Time travel.
One day, Sirius and James cornered Hermione in the corridor. "Hermione, you're friends with Lily, aren't you?" James asked, grinning.
"Well, yes," Hermione replied with a combination of surprise and confusion. "Why are you asking?"
"Ever since our third year, I've been trying to convince her to go to Hogsmeade together, but she always refuses," James explained. "I thought that maybe you could convince her to go on a date with me."
Hermione let out a huff of exasperation. "I can try," she then said, "but no promise that she's going to listen to me. If you want my advice," she interrupted herself, giving the boys a questioning look.
"Yes please," James threw in, quickly.
"Then I suggest to stop harassing Slytherins, especially Severus, try to not get detention because of playing pranks on teachers and students all the time and spend some time in the common room studying," Hermione told the boys in a firm voice. "I'm sure Lily would like that."
"Oh okay, I'll try," James decided, causing Sirius to stare at him in disbelief.
"Ah James, you're no fun," he complained in apparent annoyance.
"Sirius, I'm sorry, but you know how much I want Lily to become my girlfriend," James replied, giving his friend an apologetic look.
HP
Later the same evening, when Lily and Hermione were sitting in the common room studying, while the Marauders spent the evening playing Quidditch, Hermione addressed Lily.
"I heard that James wants to take you on a date to Hogsmeade on Saturday."
Lily rolled her eyes. "He wanted to do that since the first time we were allowed to go to Hogsmeade," she replied, letting out a deep sigh.
"Why don't you try it out for once?" Hermione suggested. "I think that James can very well be a gentleman."
Lily gave her a thoughtful look. "Are you talking considering your knowledge from the future?" she then asked, suspiciously.
Hermione smirked. "Maybe yes."
"Hermione," Lily said in a stern voice, "don't tell me that I married him in your future?"
Hermione chuckled. "You know that I'm not supposed to tell you anything," she replied, "but well, yes, you're going to be Mrs. Potter in the future."
HP
Hermione listened with amusement how Lily for once agreed to go on a date with James.
"Hermione, you're the best," James blurted out, causing everyone in the common room to laugh, as the whole house had been following his fruitless attempts for years.
"Will you give us the pleasure to accompany us to Hogsmeade then?" Sirius addressed Hermione, who gave him a pensive look.
"I don't know if I'm allowed to go at all," she admitted. "I need to ask the headmaster."
"Why not?" James spoke up, looking at her in surprise.
"Because I more or less came here by accident, and I don't have a guardian," Hermione said, sighing.
"I could ask my parents," James suggested. "They'd surely agree to become your guardians. They've already taken Sirius in."
"Yes, let's ask them," Sirius agreed, cheerily.
Hermione could not help smiling at the boys' kindness. "I'll go and ask the headmaster," she decided and rose from her seat to leave the common room.
"I'll accompany you," Remus spoke up and escorted her to the headmaster's office.
HP
To the students' relief, Dumbledore was alone and greeted them with his eyes twinkling merrily.
"I was wondering if I could go to Hogsmeade together with my friends," Hermione spoke up after greeting the old wizard. "The problem is that I don't have a guardian in this time."
"Well, Ms. Granger, Professor McGonagall is your guardian, not only during the school year, but also over the summer, since you need a place to stay outside the school year in any case." Handing her a small pouch, Dumbledore continued, "As I told you before, we have some funds for students in need. Don't worry about it, and enjoy your visit to Hogsmeade. If you go to see Professor McGonagall, she'll give you the permission slip."
"Thank you so much, sir," Hermione replied, gratefully; however, did not accept the pouch. "Thank you, sir, but I came fully prepared for Hogsmeade visits in my time, and the coins are still the same."
On the way back to Gryffindor, she asked Remus, "Do you know with whom Severus and Regulus use to go to Hogsmeade?"
Remus remained pensive for a moment, before he replied, "I can't recall having seen Severus at Hogsmeade at all after Lily broke up with him, and I've no idea about Regulus."
"Maybe I should ask them then," Hermione said, pensively. "Perhaps they don't have anyone else to go with, while you at least have each other."
"If it wasn't for Sirius, I wouldn't mind going together with them," Remus replied, apologetically, "but Sirius will never agree to this. He doesn't get along with either of them."
"I know," Hermione agreed, smiling. "Thanks Remus. Like in my old time, you're a great friend."
HP
By the time they returned to the common room, they heard the news that Sirius was banned from the Hogsmeade visit for casting the Fidelius charm at the Slytherin common room using a Gryffindor first-year as the Secret Keeper. Unfortunately, Salazar Slytherin's portrait that was guarding the entrance to the common room had described the culprit to the headmaster, so that he had been found out before causing any damage.
Hermione gave Remus a questioning look. "Shall we go and invite Severus and Regulus to join us?" she suggested, causing Remus to nod.
"If they don't mind going together with me, I certainly don't," he said, gently, and the two friends hurried to the library, hoping to catch Severus before he returned to Slytherin in time for curfew.
Casting a silencing spell around the table where Severus was sitting, Hermione addressed her friend. "Severus, we were wondering if you'd like to go to Hogsmeade together with Remus and me."
Severus cast her a surprised look, before he asked, "Is that a trap from Black and Potter?"
"No," Remus spoke up, reassuringly. "James is going on a date with Lily, and Sirius is banned from going because of a prank. It's only the three of us, and we intend to ask Regulus if he wants to come."
Hermione had not really expected Severus to agree, however, the boy finally nodded. "All right, let's go together then. I haven't been to Hogsmeade for almost a year. Do you want me to ask Black? Regulus Black," he clarified.
"Yes please. Thanks Severus." Hermione smiled. 'Somehow, he and Regulus seem to be very much alike,' she thought, 'and I like them both.'
HP
To Hermione's relief, the Hogsmeade visit passed uneventfully, and she thoroughly enjoyed herself. She even managed to buy two of her favourite quills, which she had forgotten to buy the last time. Even if she secretly missed Harry and Ron, Remus, Regulus and Severus were good company and even got along extremely well. 'Thank Merlin Peter didn't come with us,' Hermione thought, when they were having lunch together with James and Lily at The Three Broomsticks. Even James behaved civically towards Severus and Regulus, and Hermione had the impression as if her two Slytherin friends had enjoyed the day as much as herself.
HP
Like before, Hermione and Severus worked on their Arithmancy project every free minute, and especially Hermione hoped to succeed in developing the cure. 'Maybe we can ask Remus to try it out,' she thought, absentmindedly observing Severus pack his book bag unexpectedly early.
"Are you leaving already? Why?" Hermione asked in surprise.
"Can you promise to keep a secret?" Severus asked, casting a silencing spell around themselves.
"Of course," Hermione replied, matter-of-factly.
"Black told me about a secret concerning the Whomping Willow," Severus said, shrugging. "He told me if I went there tonight right after curfew, I could find out Lupin's secret."
"What?" Hermione blurted out, feverishly thinking whether it was the night of the full moon. "No Severus, don't go there."
Her friend merely quirked an eyebrow in silent question. "Severus, please believe me. It's a trap."
"Well, let that be my decision," Severus replied and rose from his chair. "Lupin is not bad, but I'd like to know what his secret is that Black was talking about. Apart from that, Black and Lestrange overheard our conversation and are going to be there as well. I'm already late as it is."
"Severus, no, please listen. Don't go," Hermione said, urgently. "Where are you going to meet with Black and Lestrange?"
"Whomping Willow," Severus replied, shortly, as he shouldered his book bag.
"Don't go there. Let's tell the headmaster about Black and Lestrange. Maybe he can find a way to stop them," Hermione insisted. However, Severus was not even there to listen anymore. Quickly packing her book bag, she hurried behind her friend, relieved when she stepped out of the entrance doors, realising that he was not far away yet. However, Severus did not wait for her but strode ahead towards the Whomping Willow at a fast pace.
"Severus, stop. Listen to me. Remus is a werewolf, and he spends the night of the full moon in the Shrieking Shack. The Whomping Willow prevents him from getting out and possible hurting people. If you go there, he'll kill you," Hermione all but shouted in desperation.
Severus, who had so-far pretended to not be touched by her babbling and had proceeded towards the Whomping Willow, suddenly stopped dead in his tracks. "Is that true?" he asked in a dangerously quiet voice, letting out a deep sigh upon seeing Hermione's nod in the moonlight.
"Listen," Hermione suddenly said, pointing towards the Shrieking Shack, from which a distinctive howling could be heard.
"A werewolf," Severus said in clear shock.
"Yes," Hermione replied. "Do you think Black and Lestrange went inside already?"
Severus glanced in the direction of the castle. "No, there they're coming." he uttered. "Let's tell them then," Hermione said, resolutely and strode over to the two Slytherins, who were clearly shocked at her relevation.
"Thanks, Granger," Bellatrix replied, sounding sincere. "As much as Sirius is my cousin, I'm going to tell the headmaster about this."
Hermione merely nodded and ushered everyone back into the castle.
Just when they reached the entrance hall, they met James Potter, who stared at Severus with a combination of apparent shock and relief, before he headed out onto the grounds.
HP
The twinkle completely gone from his eyes, the headmaster listened to Severus' explanation before calling for Twinkle, his personal house-elf.
"Twinkle, bring Sirius Black here," he instructed the elf in a firm voice.
After a comforting nod of his head, Twinkle bowed and left.
An instant later, Hermione and the four sixth-years were sitting around the headmaster's desk.
"Mr. Black," Dumbledore addressed the culprit in a grave voice and informed him that he had almost caused three students to die by his irresponsible actions. "It would happened if Miss Granger had not saved their lives by keeping them away from the Shrieking Shack. You should be expelled and probably be taken to Azkaban."
Hermione noticed how Sirius' face turned white, as the boy finally seemed to understand the possible consequences of what had seemed to be a funny prank.
"If you swear me a Wizard's oath to never play such a dangerous prank on fellow students again, we shall keep quiet about the incident."
"Oh Merlin, thank you, Professor," Sirius blurted out and hurried to swear his oath.
"You don't deserve it," Severus growled.
"I know, but thank you, Snape, Black and Lestrange" Sirius replied, letting out a sigh of apparent relief.
HP
After lunch on the following day, Hermione went to the hospital wing to visit Remus, who was resting in one of the single rooms, which was usually reserved for teachers.
"Hi," she said in a soft voice, ignoring his surprised look when she stepped into the room. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm much better now," Remus replied, giving her an assessing look.
"Yes, I know about your furry problem," Hermione reassured him, having understood his speculating expression.
"And you don't have a problem with it?" Remus asked in a small voice.
"Of course not," Hermione promised, smiling. "Otherwise, I wouldn't be here now."
"You know," Remus said, seemingly pensive. "You probably also know that my friends use to join me in their Animagus forms," Remus continued, nodding contentedly when she confirmed, "and they always stay with me until I transform back."
"That's good," Hermione replied, smiling. "They're really great friends."
HP
"Hermione," Remus addressed her one day. "Are you still researching a cure for lycanthropy?"
"Yes, but we won't be able to have it before our OWLs I'm afraid, because I need to concentrate on studying for the OWLs now. I think I'll go and ask the professor if we may have the summer holidays in addition for our research. I need to speak with Severus first though.
"Thank you so much," Remus said, gratefully. "You'll never know what it means to me that you're trying to help me."
"Oh, believe me, I know," Hermione replied, smiling.
HP
When Hermione met with Severus after dinner, she addressed the matter of postponing their research until after her OWLs with her friend, and Severus grudgingly agreed.
"Maybe they could allow us to remain at Hogwarts over the summer to continue with our project," he replied, much to her delight, wearing an expression of hope.
"Do you not want to return home?" Hermione enquired in a soft voice.
"No," Severus admitted. "Ever since my mother died, my father seems to even hate me more than he did before. I just wished I was allowed to remain here."
"Then we'll see to it," Hermione replied in determination. "Let's go and ask Professor Vector right away."
During the following hour, the two students explained to the Arithmancy professor everything about their project and the reasons why they needed more time, preferably after Hermione's OWLs, and – to their relief – Professor Vector saw reason in their plan and promised to speak with the headmaster about having Severus stay at Hogwarts during the summer holidays. "Please ask for your father's permission and tell him that I'm willing to become your temporary guardian during the summer holidays."
"Thank you so much, Professor," Severus replied, gratefully, for once outright smiling at Hermione.
"You're going to remain at Hogwarts as Minerva McGonagall's ward anyway, is that right?" the teacher then turned to Hermione.
"Yes, that's correct," the girl replied, happily.
HP
During the following weeks, Hermione made it a habit to study in the library together with Regulus and her roommates.
"I just hope no one will tell my parents that I use to study together with a bunch of Gryffindors," Regulus said, seemingly more to himself than to her, when they waited for the Potions classroom to be opened for their first exam.
Hermione soothingly placed a hand onto his arm. "Next school year, we can ask any of the professors to make us work on a project together like I worked with Severus this year."
Regulus cast her a rare smile. "I'd like that," he whispered, only for her to hear.
'I can't believe that a whole school year has passed, since I came here to this time,' Hermione thought, surprised at how well she had adapted to her new life. 'It was easier than it was, when I first came to Hogwarts, because I have many friends, from Regulus over Severus to the Marauders. During my first two months in my first year, I didn't have anyone, before I became friends with Harry and Ron.'
HP
The OWLs passed, and Hermione felt relieved, thinking that everything had been easier than expected.
On the day when the students were supposed to board the Hogwarts Express to travel home, Severus and Regulus accompanied some Slytherins to Hogsmeade, while Hermione rode a carriage together with Lily, James and Sirius.
"Remember, you can always come and spend the holidays with us at Potter Manor," James told her what he had already offered weeks ago upon hearing that she was going to remain at Hogwarts during the summer.
"Thank you very much, James. I really appreciate it," Hermione replied, gratefully. "But Severus and I need to work on our project for Arithmancy."
"On a school project…"
"… with Snievellus?" James and Sirius sneered, causing Hermione to sigh.
"They're trying to cure Remus from lycanthropy," Lily spoke up in a small but firm voice, which made the boys stare at her and Hermione in shock.
"Oh right, then good luck with it," James was the first to respond.
"Thanks," Hermione replied, smiling.
When they reached the platform, she witnessed a similar conversation between Severus and Lucius Malfoy.
"Don't you think you should spend the holidays with me at Malfoy Manor instead of remaining here with no company than that of a mudblood and the professors?" Lucius asked in a fairly loud voice.
"We need to work on our Arithmancy project," Severus replied, his face schooled to a blank mask. "I don't think that Hermione is muggleborn by the way. Black told me how she fought in their Defence Against the Dark Arts class and said she was very powerful. She must be at least a half-blood."
"With that name?" Lucius queried in apparent disbelief. "Oh well, maybe. Anyway, I'll send you a note when I get your appointment with the Dark Lord. Be ready then."
"Yes," Severus replied, causing Hermione's eyes to widen.
'Surely, he's not going to take the Dark Mark during this summer, is he?' she wondered, trying to suppress the feeling of panic that came up in her mind. 'I must prevent him from joining Voldemort's ranks, and Regulus, too,' she thought, 'but on the other hand, I can't. It would change too much.'
HP
"Is something wrong?" Severus asked, when the two of them spent the rest of the morning in Hogsmeade after seeing their friends off at the station.
Hermione cast him a thoughtful look. "Yes," she admitted, "but I can't tell you about it here. We need some privacy, and I have to think about it first."
"All right," Severus agreed, giving her a concerned look. "Shall we head to The Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer anyway?"
"Yes," Hermione accepted.
While they spent their time at the pub, Severus efficiently turned her attention back to their project, and Hermione realised with excitement that her friend had thought up some great ideas.
"That could work," agreed, looking at him with enthusiasm.
"Don't get your hopes up," he warned her, "but I believe that it's at least worth a try."
tbc...
A huge thanks to the kind reviewers. Your comments mean a lot to me.
