Disclaimer: I own nothing but the order these words are in, everything else belongs to JKR :)
A/N: Italics are the memories...Okay, enjoy :)
September 19, 1977
Hogwarts ~ The Transfiguration Classroom
3rd Person POV:
*Trigger Warning: Abuse*
It was Monday, and Hermione was not in a good mood. She had woken up at 3:00 in the morning from nightmares, and she hadn't been able to go back to sleep after that. Instead, Hermione had gone to the library and tried to research more about the Destiny Turner, but she hadn't found anything. Afterwards, she went to the Room of Requirement for the first time since she had gone back in time. Over the weekend, she had made a list of things she had to do in this time:
Join the Order
Become friends with Marauders (not Peter), Lily, Severus, and Regulus – earn their trust
Try to reconcile Sirius and Regulus
Try to reconcile Severus and Lily
Get Lily and James together
Expose Peter (at some point, it doesn't have to be this month) (will he be useful?)
Get diadem {and secure it in a safe place}
Get diary (Malfoy Manor? Or their vaults?)
Get ring (Gaunt Shack)
Get locket (with Regulus)
Get cup (Bellatrix's vault?) (vault number ~ 711)
Don't get caught!
Hermione decided that she would try to find at least one horcrux a month. Hermione thought it would be easiest to find the diadem first, since it was hidden in Hogwarts. However, the room was so big, and she only had time to search a small part of it – her attempts had been fruitless, so far. She remembered that it had sat on top of a bust, but she couldn't find it anywhere.
Then, instead of going down to breakfast, she had taken a walk along the edge of the Forbidden Forest. Hermione had come across some Thestrals and had spent the remainder of the morning with them, promising to return after dinner. As she headed to her last class of the day, she thought, Jeez, Hermione, you must really be losing it if you're talking to Thestrals, now. Hermione had found the animals comforting, though – they were gentle and sweet, and they reminded her of Luna and the other friends she had lost, but not in a sad way; more bittersweet. She had relished in that feeling; being with the Thestrals made her feel better.
Hermione got to Transfiguration and took a seat in the middle of the classroom, avoiding eye contact with her professor. She was starting to worry when class started and neither Sirius, Remus, nor James were there yet. Just as McGonagall started talking, the three barged into the room, "We're here! Don't worry!" Cried Sirius taking his seat next to Hermione, who rolled her eyes.
"That's wonderful," Minerva replied dryly, but Hermione could tell she was trying not to smile.
"It is, isn't it, Minnie?" James grinned.
She shook her head in exasperation and turned to the rest of the class, giving them the assignment for the day, "Today, you will be filling out a packet on the steps to successfully transfigure multiple objects at once. Turn them in at my desk," she paused and as an afterthought, added, "and please, do not forget your name and the date. I know that it's the beginning of the school year, but it's quite annoying, and if you do forget, I'm going to give you only half credit."
Hermione sighed to herself, this day just keeps getting longer, apparently, however, she had said this aloud, and the Professor had heard, "Miss Granger."
She jumped in her seat, "Yes, Professor?"
"It'll be an even longer day if you keep that attitude up because I will not hesitate to give you a detention."
"I'm sorry, Professor," Hermione felt like crying – she missed the Minerva from her time desperately.
Minerva's face softened when she saw Hermione's expression, and she gave her a small smile when she handed her the packet.
Hermione kept her head down for the rest of the class, working quietly and not talking to anyone until she had finished, "Hey Sirius?" She tapped on his shoulder, and he looked up.
"Yeah?"
"What's the date?"
"Wow, are you done already?" She nodded, and he replied, "It's September 19th."
He watched as all the color drained from her face, and she stammered, "A-Are you sure?"
"Yeah, pretty sure. I mean, yesterday was the 18th, so today's gotta be the 19th."
"O-Okay," Hermione's hands were trembling and as she turned to write the date on her parchment, she knocked over the ink bottle. The ink got all over her and Sirius' papers, and all over the desk. She looked up, horror struck as McGonagall made her way over, waving her wand to clean up the mess, "I-I'm sorry Professor, I didn't mean to-"
Minerva cut her off, "That's alright, Miss Granger, just see me after class."
The class murmured in surprise – the Deputy Headmistress rarely punished people for small things – and Hermione had barely done anything.
Class ended sooner than Hermione thought possible, and she soon found herself standing in front of McGonagall's desk as the teacher graded papers. She seemed to have forgotten that Hermione was still there until Hermione whispered, "Professor?"
She looked up, "Miss Granger? Can I help you?"
"Um, you asked me to see you after class."
Realization filtered over Minerva's face, and she nodded, "Yes, of course, I'm sorry."
"It's not a big deal. So, um, what did you want to talk to me about?"
"Why don't you come into my office."
Hermione followed her into the familiar office, feeling the tears well up as she saw the familiar walls. The exact same, except these didn't have any pictures of the two of them. She fought the melancholic feelings creeping up her throat and took a seat across the Professor's desk.
"Are you feeling alright, Miss Granger?"
"Yes, o-of course." It felt like she was being choked.
"Are you sure? Because you can talk to me if anything's going on - I understand how scary it must be in a completely different time, but you're not alone."
Hermione was silent.
"What's going on," Minerva tried again.
"It's my birthday." Hermione trailed off at the end, as tears threatened to take over.
"Happy birthday, then, Miss Granger," Minerva was rather confused.
"Thank you, I suppose."
"What's wrong with your birthday?"
"I forgot."
"Ah, I see," and Minerva did see – there was no one in this time to wish her, or for her to celebrate with, she felt alone and lonely, "well then let's celebrate, shall we?"
"I-I-What?"
"It's your birthday, so we should celebrate," she repeated.
"I-I can't," she murmured.
"Why ever not?"
"I have, uh, work to do."
"Surely it can wait for your birthday?"
No, Hermione thought, it can't, and I can't get close to you, or else I'll probably ruin everything. I'm not even supposed to be that close to anyone – including the Marauders. And Severus. Her heart clenched at the thought.
"Miss Granger?" When the girl didn't respond, Minerva tried her first name, "Hermione?"
Hermione jumped about three feet in her chair when she heard Minerva use her first name, "Y-yes?"
"You may leave if you wish, but I want you to know that my door is always open to you."
That was all it took for the dam to break. Suddenly, to Minerva's shock, Hermione was sobbing, covering her face with her hands.
"What's wrong?"
Hermione only cried harder.
"Please, child, tell me what's going on."
"I-I just – I just," she found herself unable to explain, and Minerva led her into her quarters, sitting her down on one of the couches.
When the young woman saw where she was, she only cried harder.
What is going on? Minerva felt helpless, until she realized that Albus would probably be able to help. She hurriedly flooed him, telling him to come over immediately.
After a minute, the Headmaster stepped through the fireplace, "What's the matter, dear?"
Minerva gave him a warning look, nodding at the still sobbing Hermione.
Oops, he mouthed. Albus sat down next to the student, "Hermione?"
"Head-Headmaster?"
"What's happened?"
"It's my birthday."
"Well congratulations, then," his eyes twinkled, "I didn't know that one's birthday was something to cry about. Have I been doing it wrong all these years?"
Hermione laughed a little, her tears slowly beginning to dry up.
"Now," said Albus, "what's the matter? Other than your birthday, of course."
She paused, trying to find a way to word it, "I'm-Uh-I just miss my mother."
Albus studied her for a moment, "We could find a way for you to meet her without them knowing."
She gave an odd laugh, "I have met her."
Minerva quirked an eyebrow at this, she hadn't left the castle since her arrival, "But- Aren't you muggleborn?"
She looked at Minerva, "Yes, I am. Well, I suppose I haven't met my birth mother. But I have met the woman I consider to be my mother. You see, my parents didn't like magic – my biological parents. They – well, they ignored me most of the time, but they technically didn't break any laws so I couldn't be taken out of their custody. When I was at Hogwarts, in my time, well-uh, this woman took me under her wing, and we became rather close. For all intents and purposes, she was my mother, and I was her daughter."
"Ah," said Albus, nodding, "I see."
"Are they students right now?" Questioned Minerva.
She gave a funny smile, "No, they aren't."
"But…But that would mean it's a professor."
"You are correct."
Minerva took a seat in surprise, "Who is it?"
Hermione looked at Albus, and he nodded, "You can tell us, I don't think it will change anything."
"Are you sure?" She looked concerned.
"Yes, I mean – why not?" Replied Minerva.
"O-Okay." She took a deep breath. looking down at her hands, "It, uh, it was you, Professor McGonagall. When you found out about my situation with my parents, you, well, uh, you took care of me and, you know, stuff." Hermione trailed off, not knowing what to say.
They were both shocked, clearly – neither of them said anything, and after a few minutes of no response, Hermione stood up, "Well-um, I'll be going. I-I shouldn't have said anything, I'm sorry. Just-Just forget about what I said. I'm sorry for taking up your time, Professor. Goodbye."
By the time Minerva found her voice to call her back, she had left.
"We ought to find her – you should tell her that you were just really shocked," said Albus, standing.
"Yes," his closest friend agreed, "you're right.
Neither of them moved until Minerva broke the silence, "A daughter, Albus. I-I had a daughter. I've always wanted a child. Can you believe it?"
"I can," he smiled, "you would – and will – make a wonderful mother."
Minerva looked at him nervously and whispered, "Oh, I hope I can make things alright with her." She paused, "Merlin, what if I'm a terrible mother? What if-"
Albus cut her off, "Nonsense, Minerva, you'll do just fine. Besides, she is a fully grown woman now, she will only need your guidance and love. You won't be changing nappies, or any of that." He smirked playfully.
Minerva rolled her eyes and let out a small laugh, before saying, "We need to find her before anything happens."
Albus nodded, and they set out, "Where do you think she would have gone?"
"I don't know." They walked along in silence for a moment before Minerva saw Peeves up ahead, "Peeves! Have you seen Miss Granger?"
"Yes! Peeves saw her running outside just a minute ago! She was cryin' like a baby!" He cackled and zoomed away.
Minerva and Albus cast each other worried looks and hurried outside. It was raining and Albus cast warming and drying charms over both of them so they wouldn't get wet.
"I hope she doesn't catch a cold," muttered Minerva.
The Headmaster nodded – Hermione was nowhere in sight, "Do you think she could be in the forest?"
Minerva looked worried, "Maybe. We should probably check."
They hurried along the edge of the forest, keeping an eye out for Hermione. After 20 minutes of looking, they were about to go back inside the castle when they came across a clearing full of thestrals. In the center stood Hermione, petting one and talking to it softly. She was soaked from the rain and was still crying; the thestral was gently butting its head on her shoulder and she broke down, wrapping her arms around its neck and sobbing, "She doesn't want me. She doesn't want me anymore. Hell, she doesn't even know me. I don't have anyone." The thestral neighed softly; a comforting sound to Hermione, "I'm all alone again." She cried even harder, "I don't want to be alone."
Minerva's heart broke at the young woman's words, and she quietly walked over to her, "Hermione," she murmured, putting a hand on her shoulder.
Hermione jumped at the touch and looked at Minerva, wide-eyed and in shock.
"I'm sorry, Hermione, I was just shocked – after all, I had thought that I would never have children," she paused, "I had given up hope. And the thought that I did – I would – have a child came as a surprise to me."
"It's okay," muttered Hermione, wiping away her tears quickly, "It's not that big of a deal, it's okay if you don't want me. I-I understand." After all, Minerva hadn't said anything about wanting to keep her. Well, not keep. Just love, I suppose, thought Hermione, sighing to herself, I am a fully grown woman, now. She gave a small sigh.
"No, Hermione," Minerva gently turned Hermione towards her, cradling her face, "I do want you. I can't guarantee I will make a good parent, but I can guarantee that I will try – I'll try my best. I promise."
Minerva hugged Hermione, who immediately relaxed when she felt the familiar warmth and comfort radiating from her mother. As they walked back to the castle, Albus had an idea, "Hermione, maybe you could show Minerva of your memories to help her understand what happened between you and your parents. Plus, it would show her how things were between the two of you." He paused, thinking, "Oh! I bet I was the best uncle!" Albus grinned excitedly as Minerva rolled her eyes.
Hermione let out a watery laugh, "Yeah, you were the best," she paused, her face falling a little bit, "but if I showed you my memories, then I would have to show you things that happen in the future."
"I think it'll be alright," replied Minerva, "It'll only be Albus and I, and we won't talk about it with anyone else."
"Yes," agreed Albus, "I think it'll be okay."
"Okay," smiled Hermione as they made it to Albus' office.
"Do you want to show them to us today?" He asked.
"Um, I-I guess I can show you a few today, but I'd like a few days after that to gather them and figure out what's most important and what I want to show you."
"That makes sense," agreed Minerva.
Albus waved his wand at a cabinet and the pensieve slowly emerged, "Whenever you're ready, Hermione."
The young woman nodded and took a deep breath, pulling out her wand and extracting the first few memories: Her first bout of accidental magic – when the abuse first began.
Hermione slowly deposited the silver liquid into the basin, trying not to let her hands shake.
"Are you ready?" Asked Albus.
Hermione swallowed hard and nodded.
The three put their heads in and landed in the Grangers' spotless living room, 6 years later. It was Hermione's birthday; her presents and a stack of pancakes sat on the coffee table. Her parents were sitting on the couch, cups of coffee in both of their hands – waiting for Hermione. A little girl with brown, frizzy hair and buck teeth bounded down the stairs, a big smile on her face, "Hey Mum! Hi Dad!"
Her father smiled at her, "Hey kiddo, Happy birthday!"
"Happy Birthday, baby!" Her mum engulfed the small child in a warm hug.
"Thanks, mum, dad," Hermione grinned.
"Presents or breakfast, first?" Daniel, "Dan," Granger as he pulled his daughter onto his lap.
"Uhhh," Hermione thought for a moment, "can I do both?!"
"Okay," her parents laughed, smiling at her enthusiasm.
Minerva turned to the 19 year old Hermione, "How old were you turning?"
"Four," Hermione kept her eyes on the scene before them.
"You were very well spoken."
"Thanks," Hermione said quietly.
Minerva wondered what had happened to make Hermione's parents hate magic. She shook her head, clearing her thoughts and turned back to the scene before them, watching silently as the younger Hermione reached for her first present. She ripped off the wrapping paper, giggling in delight when she saw a stack of books that she had seen in the bookstore just a few weeks ago.
"Thanks, mum! Thank you, daddy!"
"You're welcome, honey," they chorused.
Hermione reached for the plate of pancakes, standing up with them in one hand and a book in her other, she shakily made her way over to the couch and as she was about to sit down between her parents, the plate slipped from her hands. Her parents simultaneously winced, waiting for the crash of the plate and the mess of the syrup, but instead, they stayed in the air, levitating in the air. The older Grangers froze, watching in shock as their young daughter stood with her hands outstretched, seeming to control the plate. Hermione looked as shocked as they were. Her hands shook for a moment, and the plate fell to the floor, shattered.
Time seemed to freeze as Jean and Dan stared at their child.
"Hermione," Jean finally spoke up, "go to your room. We will talk to you later."
Tears welled up in the girl's eyes, and she ran upstairs.
Dan exploded the moment they heard Hermione's door close, "What the hell was that?!"
"I have no idea!"
"Has this ever happened before?"
"I've never seen it happen before! Do you think Hermione's been hiding it?"
"She's four years old, for God's sake, Jean, be reasonable!"
"Well, maybe we should just ask her!"
The couple argued for a few more minutes before calling Hermione down, "Hermione, have you ever done that before?" Jean asked.
Hermione trembled and opened her mouth to answer, but she didn't say anything.
Dan reached for her, and a loud crack filled the air. He flinched, and next thing the Grangers knew, Hermione was standing on the other side of the room, crying.
"What the fuck?!" Dan roared, "Hermione get over here! What was that?"
"I-I don't know, daddy." Hermione shook visibly.
Minerva winced, looking at the older Hermione, who stood beside her, jaw clenched, her hands in fists, watching the scene with a blank expression.
Jean stepped towards her daughter, "What is going on, Hermione? Have you done these things before?"
"I-I-"
"Answer your mother!" said Dan, his voice dangerously low.
Hermione cried even harder, "Yes," came the whisper from the child.
"Yes, what?"
"I-I have done these things before."
"Why didn't you tell us!" Cried Jean.
"I-I…I don't know."
"Goddammit!" Hermione's father yelled, slamming his hand on the kitchen counter.
The scene before Albus, Minerva, and the older Hermione was swept away, only to be replaced by one that took place a few months later.
Hermione stood on a stool, cleaning the dishes, Jean and Dan whispering behind her.
"We should have figured this out months ago." Jean muttered.
"Yeah," her husband agreed.
"I just can't believe it."
Dan nodded.
Since Hermione's 4th birthday, the incidents with accidental magic had increased substantially, and the fact that her parents had begun to ignore her only made it worse. It was obvious from the clothes that Hermione wore – they were dirty and some of them were torn. She was also a lot skinnier, and her eyes had lost their sparkle. The Grangers might not have hurt her physically, but they had clearly been neglecting her.
A moment later, Albus, Hermione, and Minerva were swept away. Different memories flashed before their eyes: Hermione being starved, Hermione crying, Hermione being locked in a closet. The memories continued for another few minutes before Albus turned to the older Hermione, and when he saw the tears streaming down her face, and he knew it was time to leave. Even though what had happened with her parents happened years ago, it still hurt to see the two people who were supposed to love her the most treat her like dirt. He grabbed both witches' arms and took them back to his office.
Immediately, Minerva pulled the younger woman into her arms, cradling her and stroking her hair, "Shhh, Hermione, it's going to be okay, everything's going to be alright."
Hermione clung to Minerva's robes, it felt like forever since her mother had hugged her.
"Hermione," Minerva tilted Hermione's tear-stained face towards her, "how old were you when you started staying with me?"
"14."
"My god," whispered Minerva, she had to suffer for 10 years before anyone helped her.
Albus wrapped his arms around both women, "Hermione, if you want, she might be able to adopt you in this time. It might be hard, though, since you don't have any records out here. However, I want you to know, even if Minerva can't adopt you, you will still have a family here."
Hermione looked up, wiping the remainder of her tears away, "That's okay, you don't have to adopt me. As much as I would like it to be legal, there would be too many complications – I don't want a lot of attention."
"Yes, that makes sense," Minerva smiled.
"B-But I still want you to be, my, uh, mum," she added hurriedly.
"Of course, dear," Minerva kissed her daughters' forehead, hugging her even tighter.
"Thank you," whispered Hermione, her voice dying down at the end.
"That's what parents – and uncles – are for," Albus grinned, his eyes twinkling.
Hermione stayed with her mum and Albus for the next few hours, talking about things that had happened in the past.
After they had eaten dinner in Albus' living room, Hermione remembered how much homework she had, "Minerva, Albus, thank you so much for everything, but I have a lot of homework, and as much as I hate to go, I have to."
"Okay, darling," Minerva pulled her into another hug, and Albus kissed her temple as he said his goodbyes.
"I'll see you later," Hermione called out as she left their rooms, "goodbye!"
As she walked back to the Gryffindor common room, she couldn't help but smile – she was going to have her mum in this time! It had been a pretty good birthday. She wasn't going to be alone, and it made her feel like everything would turn out for the better.
A/N: How was it? Review pretty please :) Constructive criticism welcome
Also, sorry about the ending, it's kind of abrupt but I just wanted to upload the chapter. Thanks for reading