Chapter V - ...extended.

Hogwarts trully is the best place to live. She was fulfilling her life-long fantasy of staying at the castle during summer, have it all to herself, in all its greatness.

Its secret passages begged to be explored, and Hermione complied. The first few days were spent simply roaming the desert hallways, running at full speed, going through all the places she only dreamed of exploring when she was a student, and reliving some of her most fond memories of sneaking around with Harry and Ron. Honestly, she felt like a little kid, and she wasn't ashamed of indulging that side of her. There was no one there to judge!

The guilty part of her consciousness that realized that the elves would not have vacation with her there, led her to spend time with them in the kitchen. From day one, she didn't allow them to cook for her, making her own meals, and conversing about their routine.
It didn't matter that hundred years of servitude made that inate to them. She would never feel comfortable with abusing their good disposition. She wasn't supposed to be at Hogwarts, so she convinced them that it was also in her nature to do things for herself during summer. That it was as important to her, as it was for them. That they could accept, without feeling offended at her dismissal of their work.

It was a good part of her routine, talking to them. They knew so much about the castle and its secrets, at least a dozen other secret passages that she had never dreamed of encountering. When they started seeing her as their own, instead of another master, Hermione discovered their delightful sense of humour, and was included in it. They weren't wary of joking around anymore. Never again tried to stop her from doing things for herself, and help them clear up things. It felt good to be accepted.

In a way, her trip to the past allowed a clean slate with the house-elfs, and she was glad for it. Now they let her help, because she was one of their own, a friend. She basked in it, this was one of her greatest accomplishments. When she was young, her bulheaded approach to house-elf rights did the oposite of what she wanted. She alienated them, and ended up on their bad side. It hurt more than she cared to admit. It wasn't about pride, it was about being shunned by folks she cared about. She wanted what was best for them, and they hated her for it. She didn't understand before, she was young, naive, and stubborn. She would make sure to leave instructions to little Hermione.

- Don't treat them as if they don't know any better, your good intentions are still condescending. Just be kind, and befriend them.

Her journal was a good way to keep track of all the things she was changing in this past. So far, the only huge change had been the D.A.D.A. position. Now that it wasn't cursed, the next person who occupies it once she leaves would have a long-lasting carreer. But not only that, this nondescript black notebook was a gift she would leave for herself. Along with her treasures.

She didn't expect to live after her past self was born. Even if she did survive, she is sure that by the time she reaches her 'present' she would disapear. Because she wasn't the one that belonged in this timeline. At least, that's what she would work for. She wouldn't hope for another outcome. It felt wrong, to have her other self disapear after she lived her life blissfuly unaware that she was simply a temporary existance. No, this Hermione would find a way to leave existence herself.

So, all her thoughts, the things she did in her life, her researches, and plans... She wrote it all down, before she started documenting her day to day life.

- i got a gift for dad! He won't ever know it was me, but you do now. If you ever wondered who left the Revolver LP signed by all members of the beatles... Yeah, it was me. Neat, huh? You would have done the same, I'm sure. Don't tell him, though! I'm sure he loves the mistery. She planned on leaving the gift in her father's office, once her parents start their practice.

It was selfish of her, to let her past (future?) self aware of everything she had done in her life. Who she is, what led her to this moment... But she couldn't help herself, she simply wanted to be remembered. Not by the ones she was bound to meet now. No. She wanted her life to have meant something to herself. Whoever she turns out to be. Hermione Granger wants her past/future self to know the ultimate adventure she lived. Going back 41 years in time, alone. She missed Ginny, Harry, Ron, George, even the ever elusive presence of Fleur when she and Billy weren't on their crazy summer vacation adventures. She wanted to let herself know, even if she doesn't meet them, how important they were.

- It's not that I took them for granted... I most certainly cherished, and appreciated their presence in my life. But looking back, I feel like there was so much left unsaid... So much I wish I had done too. I guess... what I'm trying to say is... Don't ever hesitate to share your feelings. Least you find yourself in a situation like me, regreting not saying enough. I miss them so much, Hermione. So much.

- I hope that my meddling won't actually affect the birth of our best friend. Seriously, this is one of my greatest fears. Harry Potter was a constant in my life. I honestly can't imagine my life without him. Or yours, for that matter.

"Am I interrupting, Miss Granger?"

She looked up from her notebook - makeshift journal - and smiled at the Headmaster. "No. I'm just writing some thoughts. Do you need me for anything, Sir?"

"I was wondering if you're up for another night out?" His kind smile was engaging. She found herself nodding along, even before fully registering his suggestion.

"Where?" She asked, when she realized that he hadn't really said what they would be doing.

"Since I already showed you 'Smoke and Fumes', I was thinking about showing you 'Snail's pace', it's a lovely restaurant owned by a good friend of mine. Ever went to it?" At Hermione's sad expression, he assumed: "I imagine that his business will be one of Riddle's targets, in the near future."

Hermione nodded with an apologetic look "How do you do that, sir?"

"Do what?" He smiled, mischievously, knowing very well what she ment.

"Assume things. Always correctly. I didn't feel you in my mind, you didn't use legilimency."

If he was surprised that she knew about this particular skill of his, he didn't show. "Ah. It's simple guessing, dear. My good friend is a squib, married to a muggleborn. You're from a future which I assume will already have gone through the war I see it brewing in the shadows. If you don't know this restaurant... "

"Then it most likely was destroyed." She concluded, then nodded to herself. "It's no use hiding anything from you"

Dumbledore chuckled "Of course there's a use. It makes me work on guessing."

Hermione shook her head with another smile, and used the charm to hide the content of her journal "I know enough" was the password to make the words disapear, it matched the revelation key: "Show me what you know". She left it inside a warded drawer, with her picture and time turner. No one but her could open it, since it was made with her blood, and specified to respond only to her touch. But, in case someone blasted her desk open, it was good to have it password coded. "Let's go" She said once she secured her things.

Thank goodness for floo network. Thinking that the restaurant was just a fireplace away made the idea more appealing. Otherwise, she might just have refused Dumbledore's offer. She was just too cozy in her own office. "I'm glad you agreed, Minerva is usually the person to accompany me for some leisure time, I don't really like going to public places on my own."

"I know the feeling." Trully. It felt like such a hassle to leave the comfort of her home, especially since she would have no one to enjoy her time with.

They walked towards his office in confortable silence, it impressed her the ease with which the Headmaster got used to her presence. He treated her as though he knew her for years, even though - for him - it had been a matter of weeks. Days, actually, since he doesn't even interact with her everyday.

There was the day she arrived, then two days later he helped her get documentation to actually exist in this time, they celebrated her 'birth' with him showing her the very famous bar she didn't know, - Apparently Smoke and Fumes was a hit, and it surprised Dumbledore that she didn't know it in her time - and now, three weeks later, he was taking her out for dinner. Probably to have someone to chat about his latter work related problems. He clearly missed Minerva.

She did, too. Her mentor was a great listener, and advisor. She was very tempted to just go around announcing she is from the future, so she could have her and Fillius as friends... But no good came from that. And it was not like they would actually be familiar with her just by knowing that they had - or would have - a relationship in a distant future.

"Muffins" The gargoyle slid, and granted them passage. "Snail's pace" He announced to the fireplace as soon as they entered;

Burst of green, he allowed Hermione to step through first and, as soon as she arrived at the restaurant, she had to pick up her jaw from the floor. That place was fancy. She didn't expect much from a restaurant that had snail in the name, but damn if it wasn't a five star Michelin restaurant.

To begin with, it was spacious. The tables were at least five meters apart from one another, she wouldn't need to use muffliato to have a private conversation. The tables were made from solid wood, some were long enough to fit large families, and the red table cloth matched the chair's padding nicely. The floor was polished to the point of seeing her reflection on the cherry wood. The walls were a pleasant shade of cream, almost light yellow. A color that otherwise had no glamour on its own, but it brightened the place along with its tasteful artwork lining the walls, and cristal chandeliers.

And the smell. Lords, it seemed like the place was enchanted to waft the scents going around in the kitchen. It immediately made her hungry.

"I see that you like it. I can put a word for you, so you can have a table at any moment's notice." Dumbledore said, as he exited the fireplace. She hadn't even realized that he already joined her.

"No, no, that would be hardly fair to other people..." The place was full, and it clearly looked like the kind where one would have to go through a long list to have a reservation.

"Ah, if you do not abuse the power of being influential, I see no harm in indulging a bit. That's how I got us here today, after all"

She looked at him with surprise, then suspicion "Whose spot did you take?"

"No one's. I have a table reserved just for me. That's what I meant by putting up a word for you. My table can be yours at any moments notice" He smiled "Marcus is an old friend. I helped him in the begining, when he had but an idea, and a wife to encourage him."

Hermione nodded, accepting that much better than the idea of kicking someone who could have been waiting months to have a chance at eating delicious food. The hostess, who didn't look twice in Hermione's direction while she gawked, imediately made her way over once she saw Dumbledore standing next to her. Her hair was tied in a ponytail, high on her head. Some chestnut locks were loose on both side of her face, framing it pretily, in waves. "Lord Dumbledore, Sir. Welcome back! Your table waiting for you." She had a nice smile, her light blue eyes were also warm as she directed it at her "You're new! Welcome to Snail's Pace. The best restaurant to explore flavours from all over the world. Our menu is divided in countries, and you'll soon realize that there's nothing we don't serve here."

"She means that." Dumbledore said, sitting at the table closest to the windows, where they had an amazing view of london's city lights. She gasped when she realized what kind of enchantment were on these windows... It was to show as though they were floating above the city. And it was breathtaking.

"Why did he have to destroy such a nice place?" She couldn't help but say it out loud.

She blushed when the hostess gave her a strange look. Thank God, she didn't coment on it. "The waiter will be here shortly. Feel free to explore." She said, giving her a menu, with a wink that made her blush for another reason. She is so cute.

"Thank you." She gave the hostess her best smile hoping it would encourage more of that... was the girl flirting? She was flirting, right? Or was it a friendly wink? Ugh, why do I have to be so bad at this? Her thoughts ran wild as she watched the woman's retreating back. Her ponytail bounced from side to side, as she walked back to her position as if she was walking down a runway.

When she looked back, Dumbledore was smiling amusedly at her, as if he could read her thoughts.

"Sorry to discourage you, but Lindsay is very much taken. Last I heard, her marriage was due to next november."

Hermione groaned, and let her forehead touch the opened menu she held still closed between her hands. "Was I that obvious?!"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Were you trying to be subtle?" She groaned again, Great! Just another faux pass to keep me up at night replaying it. Dumbledore's laugh did nothing to ease her burning shame "Don't worry, I'm sure that Lindsay didn't notice a thing. She only has eyes for her fiancée, after all."

She brought the menu down to smile gratefully at Dumbledore "Really? She didn't notice?"

His kind smile and shake of head made her feel better imediately. Relief doesn't begin to describe what she felt at that moment Thank goodness... "I'm really off my game," Not that she ever had any "I didn't see any ring!"

"You were lost in her eyes" He teased her, effectively making her laugh, and relax enough to really have a look at the menu.

And Lindsay really wasn't lying. In alphabetical order were all the countries of the world. The menu was HUGE. And ok, maybe it was an exageration to say that they served everything but, come on. With that much variety, it was almost as though as they did.

Dumbledore was using his wand to go over the menu. When she copied his actions, she realized that a picture of the food showed as soon as her wand taped the name. "Sweet and sour pork seems good." She said, as she went over the food in China section.

Dumbledore went back to C, found China, and hummed in agreement "Indeed it does" He said once he taped his wand on top of the food she mentioned. "I'm curious. I think I'll go with that. My usual is italian food. I have a weakness for pasta."

"Pasta is good, too... Now you made me unsure of what to order."

"There's so many options!" He said with a chuckle, and childlike glee that made Hermione imediately let out a giggle of her own.

Yes, too many. She might just take him up on his offer, and go back every weekend to explore this options thoroughly. "But I think I'll stick with the pork. Maybe we can come back another night for good pasta?"

"That is a great idea, Ms. Grey." Aware of their surroundings, he switched to her alias.

She had completely forgoten about that.

"Are you ready to order?" The waiter arrived, and Hermione was grateful that Dumbledore reminded her of who she was supposed to be. She had been on the verge of giving her real name to that hostess. Not that she would, anymore, but still. She should remember that to the public she wasn't Hermione Granger. She was Jean Grey. Just like that marvel's caracter.

Jean was her middle name already, then there was the fact that she liked the psychic heroine, so decided to take her surname. It was perfect, really. Easy to remember... except when she forgot.

As soon as they ordered, the waiter sent it to the kitchen where she imagined it would be immediately cooked. Efficient. She thought. It had been a long time since she went to a magical restaurant, she had forgoten how quick things happened in these places. The smooth wine Dumbledore asked was conjured and served, without any wait.

Once the waiter retreated to tend to other tables, she allowed her eyes to wander the view of muggle london in the sixties, at night time.

She never expected such a place to exist in the wizarding world. She assumed that, since Voldemort had so much support, the majority of the population would avoid places with such muggle influence. But this place was incredibly popular. And not only thrived, It fed the connection between both words that her own future lacked. Until they started the technological advance, that is.

"Beautiful, isn't it?" Dumbledore's voice took her from her own musings.

She looked at him, and noticed that his eyes were locked on the london bridge. "I had no idea a place like this could exist here." She said, giving her thoughts real voice.

"What do you mean?" He looked at her.

She drank, trying to think of a way to explain it. Hermione was unsure if she should change anything. Making a mess of things was a huge risk she didn't want to take. But the more time she spent in the past, the more she is convinced that she should stop Voldemort before he caused too much damage. Especially when Dumbledore was the very person who was most prepared to face him. The only person Voldemort feared. And with no profecy... Maybe Harry would have a better future. Maybe all of them would have a better future. One without the horrors of war. Just a bunch of friends having fun, being kids, enjoying life, and frivolous things like who is going to date who, quidditch matches and school tests.

She would build a better world for her friends, and for herself. She decided then: Dumbledore should know the whole truth.

But maybe after dinner, during desert? She smiled at him and shook her head "I mean... When anyone mentioned the past, it was always to talk about the war, and how awful it was. This place..." She motioned around them, still unsure how to explain properly "is something that I never imagined it would exist in such a dark past. The people seem incredibly happy too... Happier than they were in my time even."

"Ah, but the war hasn't yet started, in truth." Dumbledore said, with a small cryptic smile "We fight in the shadows. I know of his narratives, and the people he's rallying to his cause. Just as I am gathering allies, defending my points of view."

"...Sir, would you be against the idea of using my knowledge to help in your efforts?"

He regarded her differently. His eyes were calculating, and - for a moment - she didn't recognize the man sitting across from her. It was like watching a general analyzing battle plans, and possible consequences. At that moment, she felt like a pawn he was deciding if he should move or not. She was equally scared, and impressed.

"It is too high a risk... But one that might be worth taking." He smiled at her, finally breaking that intense, serious moment. "I am willing to use your knowledge, Ms. Grey. I believe that your presence here is an anomality in itself. We might as well try to avoid greater cathastrophies by mitigating damages we can foresee, yes?"

Herminone's smile couldn't be bigger. "Of course, sir. That's just what I had in mind."

The waiter arrived at their table with their order, and right then there was no more space for words. The flavour was simply-

"Marvelous!" Dumbledore exclaimed, promply devouring his food with as much class as he could. He managed it, somehow, to look refined even when he was obviously not thorougly chewing.

But Hermione had to agree. Dinner was marvelous.