The Leaky was going to be the best bet for getting a bed without too many questions while still avoiding the more grey if not flat black areas of the wizarding world. First she had to make a stop at Eeylops to send an owl to Dumbledore. Hermione had to get into Hogwarts and even she wasn't clever enough to make that happen without him being suspicious. She might as well tell him what she could of her situation while implying it wasn't her that sent herself back in time. An accident maybe? Oh better envite McGonagall as well. She'll at least be another set of eyes on the old man's scheming. As much as she looked up to Dumbledore and the amount of knowledge he held she had no doubt as to his tactics. Dumbledore would do whatever it took to win this war and put the spotlight on "the greater good".
She was here to change things, make this war take the turns she wanted and nothing was going to stop her. Dumbledore was too much of an unknown. It could go one of two ways if he knew she was as knowledgeable about Voldemort as she was. Either he would milk all her knowledge and try to run the game or he would tell her meddling with time was unthinkable. She didn't really like either option. He wasn't exactly winning the war where she came from and the first was merely put on stand-by at best. That wasn't even something he could take credit for.
Once the owl was on his way she made straight for the Leaky. It was comforting to see Tom working behind the bar polishing glasses the same as he would be in 20 years time. Some things are never meant to change. You just have to find the small comforts. Self imposed pep talk in mind Hermione straightened her spine and made her way to the bar.
"Hello, I'll be needing a room until I can find a flat for rent. I just got into town. Is anything available?"
"You've come to the right place love. I can start you off for three days and see what you need from there. You're galleons are due at checkout and your meals are extra if you want 'em. Second floor up third on your right." Tom handed over her key with a kind smile and a hint of intrigue in his eyes. The best thing about Tom though, even if he was curious he would never ask. She took her key with a quiet "thank you" and a polite smile.
She made quick work of getting to her room and warding the door behind her. After setting her cross body on the slightly dusty bed she waved her wand and watched as all her clothes hung themselves in the armoire. Her window gave a perfect view of Diagon Alley. At least she would know if something were to happen. The disappearances had just started back home and she didn't want to take any chances of anything being swept under the rug before she noticed. The first war started long before the reports came out in the Prophet not unlike it did in 1991. Voldemort was working on coming back without anyone taking any notice. Harry could attest to that, Hermione and Ron as well seeing as how they always managed to get into the thick of it right beside him.
This was going to prove to be a tragically long summer if all she did was sit around and wait. Even with the plans she still had to carry out she wasn't sure if she could keep busy for two months before school was back in session. She had brewed enough polyjuice before she left to last maybe 6 hours. She would have to sneak some hair off a muggle in London. Her goal was to buy several books on dark magic from Flourish and Blotts. While she still held onto Dumbledore texts on Horcruxes she hoped to find more to help broaden her research. She didn't fully trust Dumbledore had given them all the information available, sure he had only provided what he thought would be the best course of action.
Deciding she was too tired to deal with anything else for today she waved her wand to clear the bed of dust. Watching as it all spiraled off the bed into a tornado and flew out of the now open window. One more flick of her wand shut the winder and a wave of her hand dimmed the sconces along the wall. Crawling into bed Hermione closed her eyes and willed sleep to come before her mind could go into overdrive.
Hermione awoke to a tapping on her window. Throwing open the drapes she saw two owls waiting to be let in, one looking far more ruffled than the other. After taking the letter from each she had to give the owls an apologetic look, "I'm sorry fellas but I didn't buy any treats at Eeylops. It completely slipped my mind." After they shot her a glare they flew back out the window, ready to return to whoever they came from.
The first letter was from Gringotts informing her of her vault total. It was more than enough to see her through the next five years with comfort. While it was a relief to see a firm number on paper it wasn't anything she didn't already know really. The second letter is what set her heart rate through the roof. She would recognize that slanted writing and emerald ink anywhere. Dumbledore had received her letter and thought it was worth a response. Being careful to break the seal without ripping the scroll she slowly unrolled it, doing her best to level her breathing. This letter was imperative, she had to get into Hogwarts or her entire plan would unravel.
Hermione,
I have received your letter and must say you have me intrigued. I will not let you in Hogwarts and if what you have to say is as important to keep secret as you say it is I would feel uncomfortable meeting in public. If you would meet me in Grodric's Hollow later today at noon I will take you someplace we can have a real conversation.
A.P.W.B.D
A glance at her watch showed Hermione had overslept. It was already a little after eleven and she was still dressed in yesterday's clothes. A scourgify would have to do to dispel with the stagnant smell hanging on her and her clothes and a quick mouth freshening charm was probably necessary. Opening a drawer in the armoire Hermione pulled out a pair of denim hot pants, a t-shirt with The Clash across the front, and some white Chuck's. Waving her wand to take down her wards Hermione left her room and made sure the wards were put back on her room before making her way downstairs to find Tom.
Of course he was just behind the bar. It might as well be his permanent resting place with as much of his life he spends there. "Hello, I never did catch your name. I have to meet a friend in Grodric's Hollow. Seeing as I've never been I need to floo. What is the best destination to ask for?"
"St. Jerome's Church would be what you're looking for love. The name is Tom. Just come find me if you need anything, I don't go far."
"Thank you Tom. I will keep that in mind." Smiling politely and giving a small wave Hermione made her way to the fireplace in the back of the Inn. Taking a pinch of the powder off the mantel she threw it in the flames and stated her destination loud and clear. Floo travel wasn't her favorite. She would never get use to the disruption of her equilibrium it brought with it. Taking deep breaths with her eyes closed she counted to 10 before stepping out of the fireplace. A pass of her wand rid her clothes of the ash from her travel, checking her watch Hermione found it to be ten till.
Walking down the center isle of the pews Hermione made for the big oak doors leading to the square. Stepping into the sunlight it wasn't hard to find Dumbledore. He stood in front of the church in the most insured teal robes Hermione had ever laid her eyes on. His matching pointed shoes were peeking out under the hem.
"Ah, Hermione I presume? May I?", The twinkle was present in Dumbledore's eyes as he held his arm out in her direction. "I'm afraid I might have fibbed as to our final destination for today."
She couldn't quite hold back the eye roll at his normal silly games. She would find out where they were going soon enough. Was it truly so hard to simply let her make her own way there. Taking his arm Hermione immediately felt the pull of apparition behind her navel and the sucking void of travel. Looking up at the mansion there really is no other word for it in front of her, she didn't feel any sense of recognition.
"Welcome to Potter Manor Ms. Granger."