CHAPTER 2:

And I would give anything I own

I'd give up my life, my heart, my home

I would give everything I own

Just to have you back again.

-"Everything I Own", BREAD

September 3, 1991

(The present)

Hermione could feel someone was staring at her back. She sat at the Hufflepuff table, facing the wall – facing away from the staff table, Slytherin table, and everyone. But she could feel a different and uneasy sensation on her neck, down her spine.

Someone was indeed watching her.

Yesterday, on the first day of classes, she sat at the other side of the Hufflepuff table, facing everyone. But she caught Professor Snape's eyes, and he was poking at her mind. She had not Occluded in a very long time. She didn't feel the need to put up her walls when she was with her parents. She lived with them like a normal child.

But now, she was back at Hogwarts. She forgot that Professor Snape was a Legilimens, and so was the headmaster. She really didn't want to draw Albus Dumbledore's attention, afraid that she might confess her knowledge and she would be another pawn in his game of chess, just like in her previous life.

Yesterday, when she felt Professor Snape trying to probe more in her mind, she gave him just a quick image: Professor Quirrell running at the Great Hall, screaming there was a troll in the dungeons, then she shut her mind again.

"Why does Malfoy keep on looking here?" came Justin Finch-Fletchley's voice, Hermione's fellow Hufflepuff first-year and Muggle-born. He was very chatty, and Hermione quickly warmed toward him. It was hard not to. He was also intelligent, and he was, in fact, accepted at Eton. They also had something in common: the medical field. Hermione's parents were dentists, Justin's mother was a nurse, and his father was a surgeon.

In her past, Justin was one of the people whom she regularly met one or two times a year because of Dumbledore's Army reunion and Neville's birthday. He was close friends with Neville Longbottom's wife, Hannah Abbott, after all.

"Are you sure he's looking this way? Maybe he's looking at the Gryffindor table, trying to taunt Potter or Weasley," said Ernie Macmillan across from Hermione.

"No. When he entered the Great Hall, he was looking for someone at our table," said Justin.

"Maybe he's just trying to figure us out. We don't share any classes with the Slytherins this year," said Susan Bones beside Hermione.

"So, are you guys ready for Potions with Professor Snape?" asked Hannah. "The third-years said he was nasty yesterday."

"He always is, according to my cousin," quipped Wayne Hopkins, another fellow Hufflepuff first-year. "He doesn't favour anyone other than Slytherins; completely biased if you ask me."

"So, he doesn't award points?" asked Justin.

"No," Leanne shook her head. "My friend Katie said he only awards points to Slytherins, and he often deducts points from other houses. How he became a teacher is beyond me."

"Why would you say that?!" gasped Megan.

"Because he's horrible!" whispered Leanne. "That's what my friend told me."

"And your friend isn't the same year as us?" asked Ernie.

"She's a second-year student, over there, Gryffindor, Katie Bell," said Leanne, gesturing at the Gryffindor table.

Hermione almost flinched at what her black-haired roommate said. Katie Bell. Only one thing came to Hermione's mind at that time: a cursed necklace Draco wanted to be delivered to the headmaster. Due to Katie Bell's accident, she had the chance to speak to Leanne for the first time, even though she was also a member of Dumbledore's Army. Seeing her roommate now reminded her of Katie Bell. And Katie bell reminded Hermione of Draco's horrible fate in the other time and universe.

Hermione finished her porridge, pushed her empty bowl and gathered her satchel and Potions book. "I'll go ahead. I need to check something in the library," she told her classmates politely.

"As busy as a bee already?" grinned Susan. "Go. See you later, Hermione.

But she didn't go to the library. She might be late for her first Potions class if she would. She went down to the dungeons instead and sat on the stairs leading to the classroom and read her copy of Magical Drafts and Potions by Arsenuis Jigger. She wanted to read Advanced Potion Making. She already brought a copy last summer, but others might say she was bragging or too ambitious for a first-year to read such a book. And she might draw Professor Snape's attention. Again.

So, she settled with her textbook. A first-year textbook. Anyway, she needed to refresh her mind with the potions they learned in the first year.

.

He had never seen someone who did nothing but reading. Even Theo, who was extremely introverted and preferred reading to playing Quidditch, did not read all the time. But this witch…

When she was having a meal, she would read. When she was finished with her meal, she would read. While waiting outside a classroom, she would read.

Was she that daft that she had to always prepare for every single class? Draco wondered.

Hermione. He heard her name from her fellow Hufflepuffs.

Hermione Granger.

What an unusual name.

He just couldn't keep his eyes off her, even with her back to him. He still could not stop himself from glancing at her head from time to time, especially with that Slytherin scrunchie she had. He wanted to approach her just to hear her voice. He was curious.

He saw her getting up and leaving the Great Hall. He checked the time. They still had twenty minutes before the first period. He followed her silently and to his surprise, she went to the dungeons and sat on the stairs with a book in her lap.

Remembering that Theo was still in their dormitory, Draco sat on the other side of the stairs, the same level as hers, but leaning against the wall, so he was facing her and opened his Transfiguration book. In his peripheral vision, he saw her look up and glance at him, but he ignored it.

"What, is this the new library?"

Draco looked up and saw Theo coming toward them. He turned to Hermione and saw that her eyes were fixed on his friend. She looked in awe, and Draco felt a little envious. He knew that he was more handsome than his friend. While Theo was tall, lean, had fair skin, brown hair and eyes, Draco was slender with sleek blond hair, grey eyes, and pale skin. People would always say he was a handsome boy. Clearly, he was more good looking than Theo, so why was Hermione looking at him in awe?

"Just waiting for you, idiot," Draco said good-naturedly, and he saw Hermione smile a bit before looking down at her book again. "Come on, get some toast, or you'll be late for Transfiguration."

.

September 5, 1998

(Hermione's past)

Hermione was alone again in the library. Luna said goodbye earlier, saying she needed to go home and help her father. She promised to make it up to her on weekdays.

She was supposed to be studying for Ancient Runes and Arithmancy, but when she went to the Ancient Runes section near the windows, she stopped in her tracks upon seeing some students on their brooms, flying around the Quidditch pitch.

Her heart ached. She missed Harry, Ron, and Ginny.

More than three months ago, in May, after the Final Battle, funerals, trials, and sitting down with the Goblins for the damage they caused at Gringotts Bank, Hermione said goodbye to Harry, the Weasleys, Neville, and Luna to find her parents in Australia. She was able to track them and restore their memories quickly. But after that, things were not easy. They were outraged and did not forgive her right away. They were furious that their only daughter 'toyed' with their minds and 'manipulated' them. They told her to leave them alone.

She went back to Britain, heartbroken. She sought solace at Grimmauld Place, where she knew Harry was living. But everything was just different. They barely talked and saw each other. Harry focused on comforting Ginny, who was still in pain from losing Fred. He slept every night at Grimmauld Place, but most of the time he was at the Burrow. Ron wouldn't talk to her after she admitted that the kiss was a spur-of-the-moment act. She couldn't see a future with him other than a best friend. And Ginny… she was not happy with Hermione for 'breaking up' with Ron.

It felt like she didn't have her best friends anymore, even though one of them took her in.

They didn't know she was hurting deeply as well.

There were nightmares – the Snatchers capturing them; Scabior carrying her like a sack of potatoes, whispering dirty words in her ear, touching her cloth-covered body; Bellatrix Lestrange casting the Cruciatus Curse on her and branding her left arm.

She screamed almost every night. Harry would wake up and stand in front of her bedroom door, but he wouldn't – couldn't comfort her. Hermione understood somehow. She refused to be hugged one night after the battle when they were in Hogwarts. She refused to be touched by any man after seeing Scabior in her dreams.

So, even if she wasn't alone, she still felt lonely. Crookshanks, brought by Harry from the Burrow one day, was the only one who comforted her.

After a week, she received a letter from Tom, the barman at The Leaky Cauldron, telling her that Dr and Mrs Granger came by, asking for help to contact her. She instantly went to her parents' home, and they welcomed her back in open arms.

There were tears, apologies, and promises that they would move on together as a family. Hermione finally found solace in her parents. She felt at ease, happy, and contented. The nightmares were still there, and her parents took her to a psychotherapist. They had to write to Kingsley to seek his advice if it was wise for her to talk to a psychotherapist about the war. Kingsley replied with comforting words and a name of a psychotherapist he recommended.

After five sessions, she was so much better. She felt ready to see her friends, but Harry and Ginny were still the same – quiet, grieving, staying away from everyone. Ron was avoiding her. Hermione hesitated to visit the Burrow.

And so, all she had were Neville and Luna. She was able to meet them twice in July and August in Diagon Alley for catching up. Hermione learned that Ginny got the position of Seeker for Holyhead Harpies.

She heard from Kingsley that the Ministry offered for students who didn't wish to go back to Hogwarts to sit for their N.E.W.T.s at the Ministry. And that was what Ginny was planning to do. Neville would be joining Harry, Ron, and the others who were in D.A. in the Auror training program. Kingsley recruited them, even without N.E.W.T.s. Hermione, of course, got a letter from Kingsley, too, but she politely declined. She wanted to go back to Hogwarts one last time to finish her education. It was one of the promises she made to her parents.

She exchanged letters with Harry. He said Ginny didn't want to go back to the castle; to the place where Fred and their friends died. He also asked Hermione to just join the Auror training program, but she explained why she couldn't.

And they seldom saw and wrote to each other.

Hermione wished she could just be with them in Hogwarts one more time. She would give anything just to walk around the castle again with Harry and Ron. Hell, she would even take it if Draco Malfoy were there, too, insulting them. She would give anything to have her best friends back again.

"Excuse me, Granger," came an unfamiliar voice.

Hermione turned in the direction of the voice. She saw Theodore Nott standing three feet away from her. He was probably the only Slytherin who came back for the eighth year. She heard that after their sixth year, Theodore Nott left the country to hide from everyone – from his father, Voldemort, and the Death Eaters; from the Light side who might suspect he was a Death Eater. He came back to Britain in May, during his father's trial, and took over as the Head of Nott House.

"If you're not going to use that book… I'm wondering if I can borrow?" came his voice again. He was looking at the Ancient Runes book she was clutching to her chest.

"Oh." She handed him the book. "Here, you can have it."

Theodore Nott reached out his hand to accept the book. "Thanks. Are you alright?" He sounded hesitant.

"Yes, I'm fine," she replied, trying to sound normal.

"Are you sure I can have this?" he asked, holding up the book. "I don't think you're done with your work."

She forced a smile. "You can have it first. I'm not in the mood to translate anything… or study," she admitted absent-mindedly, leaning towards the window, eyes still on the flying figures around the Quidditch pitch.

To her surprise, Theodore Nott chuckled. "Hermione Granger is not in the mood to study? Shall I alert the Daily Prophet ?"

Unexpectedly, she laughed, too. It had been a while since she spoke to someone like this. "Just don't tell Rita Skeeter anything."

Theodore Nott grinned. "You know what? Maybe all you need is a few drinks at The Three Broomsticks ."

She raised an eyebrow. "Are you asking me out?"

But her Slytherin classmate laughed again and shook his head. "No offence, Granger, but you're not my type. Besides, I have a girlfriend. But you could use a drinking buddy."

She smiled genuinely and nodded. "Sure. It's the weekend and we're allowed to leave the castle, aren't we?"

During the Welcoming Feast, Headmistress McGonagall announced that eighth and seventh-year students were allowed to leave the castle on the weekends after classes and return on Sunday night so that they could apply for jobs, go back to their families, or just simply do whatever they wanted. And that was what Luna planned to do: go home to her father every weekend. The war changed people. It changed them all, and Xeno Lovegood was no exception. Luna had been very eager to check on her father and help him the best way she could.

Nott rolled his eyes but smiled. "Owe it to the war, according to McGonagall. Come on…"

She went back to her desk to gather her things, then they walked out of the library side by side.

"By the way, I never got to thank you," he suddenly said when they reached the Entrance Hall.

She looked up at him. Theodore Nott was very tall – taller than Ron. "For the book?"

He smiled. "For putting an end to the war."

Hermione smiled back. "Thank you as well, for not choosing to be like them."

He laughed. "You mean, for being a coward and fleeing the country?"

"Minus one dark wizard," she mused.

"You're welcome, then."

.

When they reached The Three Broomsticks, Theo – he insisted she called him that – went to the counter to order drinks for them. Hermione admired the wizard's gentlemanly manner. He even offered earlier to carry her bag –to her astonishment because Harry and Ron never did that for her – but she politely declined. He opened the door for her and pulled a chair for her.

Theo came back with a flyer in his hand. "I ordered fish n' chips for us, and Rosmerta said it'd take fifteen minutes. Told her to serve the drinks with the food. Hope it's all right with you?" he asked, sitting across from her.

She nodded. "No problem, thanks. What do you have there?"

Theo handed her the flyer. "Gringotts Bank's recruiting for Curse-Breakers," he said as she read the flyer.

She smiled and looked up at him. "This is wonderful. Bill Weasley was a Curse-Breaker for, maybe seven years, before he took a desk job at the bank to join the Order."

Theo slightly frowned as if remembering something. "I heard he was bitten by Greyback the night Dumbledore died…"

Hermione nodded and shuddered at Greyback's name. The memory of when she last saw him came into her mind – the Battle of Hogwarts. Lavender.

"I'm sorry," he whispered. "I heard about what he did during the Final Battle…"

Hermione nodded curtly. "The night Dumbledore died, Greyback wasn't in his werewolf form because it wasn't a full moon. Bill has some wolfish traits now – like a strong sense of smell, a penchant for raw meat, being overprotective with his wife… but apart from those things and his scar, he's totally fine."

"What about you? What do you plan to do after Hogwarts? Done fighting dark wizards?" he grinned which made Hermione smile, too.

"I'd like to work for the Department for Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures," she admitted.

Theo grinned. "House-elves. So, you're going to push S.P.E.W."

She frowned but smiled, giving him a questioning look.

"Oh, please, Hermione. Just because we didn't care didn't mean we were unaware of the house-elves liberation front," he chuckled.

" We ?"

"Slytherins," he replied simply.

"Yeah, you lot made fun of me, right?" she teased.

"Not really. I actually find it very brave of you. I remember those badges you made, especially in Ancient Runes class."

She raised an eyebrow and smirked. "I never knew you were my classmate."

Theo placed a hand on his chest and faked a hurt look. "Ouch! That hurt, Granger. I know I'm not prominent, but we've shared Arithmancy and Ancient Runes for years."

"Of course, I'd noticed you back then. You were the only one in our year who was interested in reading as much as I was. And in my honest opinion, you're brilliant. There's no doubt you'd get this job."

Grinning, he snatched the flyer again. "Thanks. This has been my dream."

She raised an eyebrow. "Really? Have you really dreamed of becoming a Curse-Breaker? But you're the Head of Nott House. Shouldn't you be doing something else, like doing charity work or running your family business?"

Theo shook his head. "Not my thing. I just wanted to do something good for the world, just like the Great Hermione Granger."

She laughed. "Oh, please!"

.

September 18, 1998

(Hermione's past)

"So, Hermione, Hogsmeade tomorrow? Same time?" Theo asked as he sat beside her in Arithmancy.

For the past two Saturdays, they went to The Three Broomsticks and studied together on weekdays. On Sundays, they would do their own things. She would either spend time with Luna or tutor younger students, especially those who were preparing for O.W.L.s. or just simply rest.

"Sure, before I go home to my parents," she said with a smile.

Theo frowned. "You're going home for the weekend, then?"

"It's my birthday tomorrow, and since it's a Saturday, I promised my parents I'd spend the time with them."

"Oh, happy birthday, then," Theo grinned.

.

September 3, 1991

(The present)

Potions class was with Ravenclaws. Hermione recognized all of them, especially Padma Patil, Terry Boot, and Anthony Goldstein. They were active members of Dumbledore's Army. There was Michael Corner, too, which reminded her of Ginny. Too many memories.

Sometimes, Hermione wished she could have her own Pensieve, so she could store some memories of another life. They entered the Potions classroom together, and she shared a desk with Justin. She didn't mind having him around. He was very friendly and nice.

When the door banged open and Professor Snape entered with his billowing robes, everyone almost jumped from their seats, except for Hermione. She just sat there, expressionless. Professors didn't scare her. Not anymore.

Professor Snape delivered his usual speech.

No foolish wand-waving.

I could teach you to put a stopped to death.

She inhaled sharply and kept her eyes on the board, avoiding any eye contact with the professor.

"What do I get if I mixed infusion of wormwood to the powdered root of asphodel?"

A few hands were raised, all Ravenclaws, Hermione noticed.

"No one from Hufflepuff?" the professor drawled and raised an eyebrow. His eyes scanned the room. "Miss Granger?"

Hermione stood up and turned to look at the professor, but on his forehead, not his eyes. "Infusion of wormwood and powdered root of asphodel, if mixed, could be used to make an extremely powerful sleeping draught, the Draught of the Living Dead, Professor."

The professor stepped closer to her and Justin's desk, and Hermione saw that her fellow Hufflepuffs were at the edge of their seats. "And why do you think witches and wizards need the Draught of the Living Dead, Miss Granger?"

"In my opinion, Professor, witches and wizards think that this potion will come in handy in times of mortal peril. Say, for example, if someone wanted them dead, they could take the Draught of the Living Dead to fake their death, to avoid being captured or hurt by their enemies," she replied politely, without her bossy tone.

To everyone's surprise, Professor Snape nodded. "Five points…"

Her fellow Hufflepuffs gasped.

"To Hufflepuff."

And they all sighed in relief despite being surprised. After all, every Hogwarts upper-class student they met warned them that Professor Snape never awarded points to other houses; not, especially to Hufflepuff.

.

"Hey, Granger!"

Hermione groaned as she was about to take a bite of her roasted beef sandwich. It was lunch, and the news that Professor Snape had awarded points to Hufflepuff was everywhere by the time Charms (Hermione's second class for the day) was finished. Even the Ravenclaws were telling everyone about it. Some of them were hoping they would also be awarded points by the sour-looking Potions Master.

Hermione looked up and saw Cedric Diggory coming her way. He was grinning from ear to ear. "Cedric Diggory, Susan's cousin." He offered his hand, but Hermione held up her sandwich. Cedric dropped his hand but smiled. "Congratulations for being the first Hufflepuff to be awarded points by Professor Snape!"

Hermione forced a smile. "Er, thanks, but it wasn't that much."

"But Hermione, how did you do that?" asked Susan, still amused.

She shrugged. "I don't know, honestly," she replied before taking a bite of her sandwich.

"Are you related to the Dagworth-Grangers?" asked one of Cedric's friends.

"Not a chance. She's a Muggle-born like me," smiled Justin across from her, looking proud.

"Well, whatever you did, continue doing that, please, so we can have more points from Professor Snape," said another girl from Cedric's year, sitting not far from them.

She smiled. "I'll try." Godric, do I have to show him a glimpse of my past he thought of the future? From time to time? So, help me, Merlin.

.

"I heard about what you did today, Severus," Pomona said in a way of greeting when he sat at the staff table for lunch.

Severus said nothing.

"He had awarded points to my Hufflepuff!" Pomona said jovially.

"It's true, then?" came Minerva's voice. "You awarded Miss Granger points? She looks like a smart young witch! I remember visiting her home; it was like a library! She must really be brilliant!"

"Too bad she doesn't raise her hand even if she always knows the answer," quipped Filius. "She was the only student who successfully performed the Wand Lighting Charm at the first attempt!"

"You're already making your students practice spells on the first day, Filius?" Pomona mused.

"Well, it worked with my Ravenclaws, so why not to students from other houses?" the tiny wizard reasoned.

"So, when no one knows the answer, what, call Miss Granger?" chuckled Minerva.

"I think she's an extremely introverted child. She doesn't speak up 'til she's asked," said Pomona.

.

"Have you heard? Professor Snape awarded points to Hufflepuff!" said Daphne during lunch. Draco saw her speaking to Pansy Parkinson, another childhood friend in his year. Pansy's father was Draco's father's associate, just like Mr Nott.

"Unbelievable!" exclaimed Pansy.

"Well, Michael Corner from Ravenclaw was telling everyone," said Daphne. "It was that Granger girl." Daphne turned her head to look at the Hufflepuff table. "The one with curly hair."

Draco simply looked up since he was already facing the Hufflepuff table. He saw her; hair held together by a scrunchie with green stones. He noticed she was looking down, focused on her lunch, but then, three older male students came to her. The most handsome among the three offered his hand to Hermione, but she didn't take it. Eventually, Pretty Boy dropped his hand, but he still looked happy.

"Salazar! Who's that handsome boy talking to her?" asked Pansy with interest.

"That's Cedric Diggory," replied one upper-class Slytherin. "Pure-blood, handsome, smart. Perfect pure-blood, eh?"

"You should introduce yourself to her before someone else beats you," whispered Theo to his ear.

He frowned at Theo. "What are you talking about?" Theo simply smirked. How dare he?

"She was the reason why you were sitting on the dungeon stairs this morning, wasn't she?"

"I don't think she will ever notice me," he replied. "She's always too busy reading, just like you ."