KinkyJAC, thanks! This little puzzle will soon have all it's pieces put together, I'm happy you're having fun with it. XD
Powerful Hermione is a delight to write. Thanks for the feedback, Guest! Well... I'm not on AO3. I've thought about making an account, but the waiting list kind of put me off... Maybe I will... someday.
AlsethGosia, hahaha Hermione will have some good use for it ;)
It's hard to imagine the wizarding world working forever the way it was, some changes had to come, and it's kind of attonishing how humanity manages to repeat history from time to time isn't it?
Now a question for you... how are you sure that they're sure? xD hahah
One day we'll have an answer for that.
Let's all have faith on Hermione, shall we? xD
Tristetzu, OMG hahahah that's such a good idea, I actually might do it as an alternative ending. Seriously, that's Avengers: Ultimatum epic battle. Made me want to see that stuff.
Chapter XIX – Butterfly Effect
"So... She's not against the dark arts." The playful voice remarking the obvious did nothing to distract Bellatrix from the disquieting feeling that was eating her up ever since the class ended.
She felt exposed. Whoever that woman was, it was as though she knew Bellatrix her whole life... She is either a very skilled legilimens, or a very reasonable person. Everything she said – from the way dark magic really was perceived for the ancient families, to how it should be used – It matched everything the young witch believed. She needed time to process what was said... How it affected her...
Which is why Rodolphus Lestrange's presence was annoying. She doesn't know why suddenly he had this idea in his head that they were friends, but she wouldn't suffer his idiocy any longer than she had to. She gave him a warning glare, then quickened her steps just slightly to show that she wasn't up for company.
To her utmost misfortune, not only did he quicken his steps, but his stray pup also flanked her left side as if they had any business walking with her. "Did you see that Avada?" Francine asked sounding half-impressed, half scared.
I felt it. And she wondered how that was even possible. "Much too powerful." She begrudgingly admitted. Realizing that – unless she wanted to cause a scene in the middle of the hallways – there was no getting rid of them.
"Professor Grey is clearly someone not to be messed with..." It sounded like a warning coming from her roommate, but Bellatrix wasn't about to heed that. I have to know what this woman is up to! Now, more than ever!
"What are you going to do now?" Rodolphus asked eagerly, as if they were playing a silly game. Does he not understand what's at stake? It was irritating how he didn't seem to take that mission seriously.
"Stick to the plan. Are you going to back out?" She spared him a well-practiced side-glance, using every bit of her facial muscles to send the perfect judgemental stare. She'd never admit this out loud, but his appearance was an armour she'd be glad to wear it. This was a war... The more protection one could get, the better. His simple shake of head was the perfect answer for her.
Know your enemy, she said. Bellatrix couldn't deny she was anxious to take full advantage of her little infiltration plan. The more she learned about Ms. Grey's tactics, the better she could defend herself, and her family. Now it wasn't power for the sake of power, determination to protect everything she held dear guided her actions.
It was a fact that pure-blood wizards would eventually be outnumbered... Every year the marriage market was getting smaller and smaller, and she figured that it was one of the reasons why her father insisted on her 'fulfilling her pureblood duty', to strengthen her family line and secure their future. It wasn't the kind of thing she worried about until she learned their twisted plans to forbid her from growing stronger with dark magic. Numbers wouldn't matter as long as she strong enough to control them.
The most noble and ancient houses of the wizarding society had one advantage: Their ancient knowledge passed through generations... Their power. It was insulting to imagine a mudblood attempting to perform the kind of magic destined to people of pure blood. It threatened her way of life.
If more and more people believe this fool's notion of equality, it will be only a matter of time until the statute of secrecy is broken with wizards on the losing side! The amount of knowledge that traitor had about the muggle world allowed her to pass perfectly as a muggleborn... She was convincing.
Bellatrix absolutely hated seeing how excited that filth Campbell got with their professor's whole talk about studying dark arts. Comparing it to muggle firearms... whatever that means. The thought of that Gryffindor frustrating herself trying to learn something beyond her capabilities was the only bright side to this absurdity. Disappointment will hit harder if her expectations are high.
Everything else, Bellatrix took as a personal attack.
If those filthy mudbloods felt entitled to the power that rightfully belonged to those of pure ancestry, it would be the end of the world as they knew it. They'd probably find a way to weaken ancient spells to use according to their capabilities. That's even worse than not using it at all!
"We have to discuss that plan, Black." Francine said, finally revealing what her idiotic husband-to-be wanted by accompanying her like this.
Bella's glare couldn't be more fulminating if she tried. "We have no plan, Canyon. I have an arrangement with the guy holding your leash, but the plan is mine. I'll not have you two meddling in my affairs and mess everything up for me. Now would you be so kind as to leave me the hell alone?"
Not phased at all by her aggressiveness, Francine simply raised both her eyebrows and asked: "Are you insane? What do you think she is going to do with you if she even suspects you've found out her plans?"
The reminder of dangerous eyes, and a threatening self-satisfied smile made Bellatrix' stomach flip in its place... she did fear for her life. "I'm not going to be found out... Am I?" She stopped in her tracks, forcefully taking hold of that insolent half-blood's left arm "After all, there's no reason for that woman to suspect anything." Her eyes flicked between those mismatched ones searching for signs of fear, guilt, or anything that could tip off what was going through that daring Half-mud's head. It struck her that maybe it was a good idea to learn legilimency... "I'm not above obliviating you two." She stared at the girl accusatively.
Francine snorted, forcefully pulling her arm back, getting rid of her strong grip with ease. Fucking Quidditch player... "I'm offering my help. Quit with the paranoid act, Black. We all know that Rod and I have nothing to gain by snitching on you."
With a vexed look that kept people going out of their way to avoid them, she started walking ahead again. Once more, those two flanked her as if she wasn't clear about wanting to be left alone.
Any other time she would have laughed at the sight of a group of firsties staring at them as if they were their boggart, but the frustration she felt with those two kept her from even smiling. How she wanted to hex them, but there was too many people passing to stand witness.
"Fine. What do you want to discuss?" She asked not really trying to play nice but accepting that it was better to have useful entourage than annoying obstacles. Since they insist so much...
Rodolphus and Francine looked at one another, the first tilted his head to left as if saying something without saying a thing, the second simply nodded and smirked. What the fuck is this about? Bellatrix frowned as she watched the unusual interaction. "Come on, we have to find a place to start preparing the potion, don't we?" Francine had a mischievous smile as she said that.
"Let's grab some lunch, and scout!" Rodolphus said, once more, acting like they were about to play a fun game, instead of preparing for a recon mission. He raised his right arm above his head pointing up towards the ceiling, then bringing it down to point towards the direction they should follow, now leading the way.
Unbelievable... Bellatrix stopped on her tracks and stared at his back, unable to hide her incredulity. Francine nudged her with a playful smile before following her fucking master. What do they think they are doing?
- It's none of my business who you spend your time kissing. Don't worry, I won't breathe a word. But I'd be more careful if I were you. I'm not the only one who have noticed your little affair, you're not being as discreet as you think.
"Heey... Rabs..." At least the other person who knew about her secret owed her one... Technically...
The common room was mostly empty, people made their way in and out to leave some of their stuff in their rooms, then go to the great hall for lunch. The boy was sitting at the sofa reading a book on the nature of intent. Andromeda stopped in front of him, doing her best to fight her urge to fiddle with the strap of her bag.
"Hello, Andie. How are you doing?" His small smile was a sight that brought her little comfort. Inadvertently, she was reminded of her father's favourite saying...
- You want to know who you can trust? Trust me. People wear masks all the time... Behind every nice smile there's poison. Never trust 'well intended' people.
Of course, Andie didn't trust her father anymore. For every bad experience and broken heart, she found amazing people who changed her life and gave her new perspectives. The reason why his voice echoed in her mind like that was because she was painfully aware that Rabastan could make her life hell if he so wished.
"Fine, fine... Thanks, and you? Do you need me to send off any more unwanted admirers?"
It was good to remember him that she could be a good friend... If he found it in his heart to spare her, a lot of trouble could be avoided. She didn't want to let go of that handsome, understanding, calm, easy-going, wonderful boy she was dating... Andromeda wanted to enjoy this relationship for as long as it lasted... She needed time. She needed to make Bella understand that muggleborns weren't any different from them before she revealed everything...
Given that the taciturn boy rarely showed any sign of amusement, Rabastan's booming laughter served to calm her down better than his previous smile. Andromeda felt comfortable to assume that, since she cut him some slack the other day, he would return the favour.
"You already do. People seem to believe that we are in a relationship." As if to confirm his statement, some envious girls passed them by, glaring in Andromeda's direction. Oh...
"I had no idea! It's been like this since that day?"
He nodded, showing his teeth "I thought you knew. I'm sorry, I didn't correct anyone because it works in my favour. I don't really want anyone bothering me about relationships... Do you want me to call it off?"
"NO!" He was surprised by her sudden outburst, but then a knowing smile took over his face. Way to make it obvious... If he wasn't sure, he certainly is now. "You know it, don't you?"
"Me, professor Grey... Don't think she didn't catch you and Ted making heart eyes at one another." If he had an opinion about her dating a muggleborn, he didn't show it. His small shrug of indifference mirrored Francine's reaction. Little by little, Andromeda felt reassured by his apparent lack of judgement. "You should really be more careful about that. Right now, the novelty of having a muggleborn professor is keeping people from paying attention, but once it wears off you might get in trouble."
Andromeda sighed and sat on the sofa, just beside her 'fake boyfriend'. "So I've heard..."
He winced, and closed his book, giving her more space to get comfortable if she wanted. His sympathetic smile was almost a grimace. "Who else figured out?"
She turned her torso to completely to mirror his position on the couch "Francine... She saw me kissing him. I..." She shook her head, trying to shove away the panic she felt when she imagined someone else catching her in the act. "I shouldn't be this careless, you're right."
His smiled at her as if he could really comprehend where she was coming from. "I get it. Don't worry though, Francine isn't the type to go around talking about other people's lives. She'll probably pretend she never seen it..."
Suddenly, the dismissive attitude she received from the seventh-year star seeker made more sense. "How do you know that?"
"Just a hunch." His amused smile wasn't an answer, and it fed the mystery that was the Lestrange Brother's relationship with the half-blood.
Speculations came and went, but no straightforward answer ever came from them to confirm or deny the rumours surrounding their relationship.
Andie believed they admired her skills in quidditch and took her seriously because of it... But the more they acted like there was an inner joke between them whenever their relationship was into question, the more she felt inclined to believe the rumour mill, where most of the people assumed Rodolphus and Francine were in a relationship...
It isn't my business either now, is it? She let go of the curiosity and focused on her own little problem... If Francine hadn't seen her kissing Ted, Andie wouldn't want Rabastan to keep up this pretence. But now she feared what they could possibly do with the information they had. They were slytherins, knowing that Rabastan was mutually benefiting from this made her feel safer. So, she wasn't about to call it off. But what if Ted finds out? What if this spread outside of Slytherin's little rumour mill? Will he believe that this is all so we can keep our own relationship?
"You're worrying about him, aren't you?"
She only realized that she was staring unseeingly at her hands when Rabastan's voice got her out of her reverie. She looked up, coming face to face with another knowing smile. "How-"
"Been there." She never imagined he ever dated anyone, and it was a wonder how he managed to hide whoever he had a relationship with. "Look... Andie... You don't remember, but I'm not the only one who has a debt with you. And that other person is very dear to me, so... I'm here for whatever you need. And I might have a plan that will give you the perfect excuse to tell your boyfriend why people speculate about us and back up our false relationship."
"Ok... What is it?"
His mischievous smile made her nervous once more. He had the kind of look people give before trouble came to bite them in the ass... She didn't like it at all... "How well do you fly on a broom?"
Minerva and Fillius were one huge constant in Hermione's life, especially after she went back to Hogwarts to start her career as a professor. Dumbledore summoned them as soon as the last classes of the day were through, with the intention of including them in his apprentice's new life. There was no need for her to suffer the pain of being alone in a startlingly familiar world. There was no reason for them not to know what was happening to her right now. Not when Dumbledore knew that those two would carry any secret he told them to their graves.
"Is something the matter, Albus?" Minerva's sharp eyebrows were pulled together in worry. It was impressive how his good friend seemed always aware of his moods, even when he tried his best not to make them obvious.
Dumbledore was not the headmaster who got to meet Hermione, but the memories that girl shared made him feel as though he knew her personally. There was a certain attachment he built with that woman, as he went over her memories over and over, and the more he got to know her, the more he felt that familiarity grow.
It astonished him that even now... Even after everything she went through because of his future self's errors in judgement... She admired him. The fact that she still trusted him with her life made the old man feel all the more protective towards her. And it was time for him to finally honour that trust.
"Just something I think you should be aware of." The left corner of his lips went up slightly, the best he could do now with how sad he felt with his latest discovery.
He got up from his place behind the desk and made his way to where he left the pensive. "Where is Fillius?"
"He was discussing some details for the duelling club with Ms. Grey. Such a pleasant, bright woman that one. It's a shame she'll leave by the end of the year... You should have hired her to substitute old Bettina, she's been talking about retirement for ages! That was a missed opportunity, Albus..." Her expression showed the regret he felt, although certainly for a different reason. "I just hope nothing too bad happens to her."
"Nothing bad will happen to her..." Not because of the job, at least. The ritual they performed had been showing splendid results, her luck turned out to be his luck, as a result of their shared goal. If their objectives were aligned, he would have success in whatever he wanted. The tides of the war were turning in his favour... His spies inside the ministry managed to convince some of Voldemort's supporters that the man he wanted for minister was a weak choice. He bought time before even talking to Hermione about his counterattack. If this aspect of her luck worked, there was no reason to believe that the rest wouldn't.
But her days were counted. She didn't belong in this world, and he knew that Hermione was also aware of that fact. She was trying to leave her memories alive, after all... "Not this year." He frowned once more; his heavy heart was a burden he felt too difficult to keep it hidden.
Attentive as she was, McGonagall caught the meaning of what he meant. "Is she in danger?"
"You could say that." He motioned towards the pensive "Let's just wait for Fillius. It's easier to show than to explain..."
Minerva wouldn't just suddenly become the master who took that girl under her wings, neither would Fillius suddenly become the research partner Hermione was used to. But just the knowledge that came with those shared memories would make a difference. They would understand. They could help him make this world a place where Hermione would feel comfortable to call home...
Until she's gone...
Minerva stared transfixed at the silvery waters of the pensieve, she got so distracted that Fillius' voice startled her. "Sorry, I'm late! Ms. Grey had some amazing ideas for today's lessons. Oh, it's such a nice change of pace! Finally, someone who values the intricate art of duelling!" He carried the excitement of a person who just received good news. "You should have hired her to substitute old Bettina, Albus. I'm going to miss this one when she leaves..."
Dumbledore had to laugh at that mirrored reaction. "So I've heard." He shared a smile with Minerva, who was also amused by Fillius excitement. "But not to worry she won't be going anywhere so soon."
Fillius confusion was visible in his face "But the position-"
"Is not cursed anymore." He motioned towards the pensieve once more, this time the short professor noticed the bench placed near its basin for him to stand on.
"Did you find a way to break the curse?" His excitement was almost palpable.
"I believe there are some things you two should know... Regarding Ms. Grey..."
Sometimes, to tell a story, it's more useful if you go backwards. He started with her last memory of her future. And watched not what he already seen, but his friend's reaction.
Minerva gasped at the sight of herself, entering an empty classroom and facing an embarrassed Hermione Granger. The knowing look she sent to that young woman, and the lack of stern posture, was very telling for everyone who knew the Transfiguration Professor.
Present Minerva stared at memory Minerva, closely analysing her own posture. She understood, easily, that a future version of herself had a close relationship with the person she thought it was Jean Grey. "Are you ready for this summer's project, dear?"
"Of course! Is Fillius already there?"
The short professor shared a shocked look with Minerva, while the memory disappeared like ink on water, shifting around them to form another scene...
"Albus... What is this?" Minerva asked, not as curious as Fillius who went to see the calculations being made for the rune his memory self was double checking with his student.
"This... Is Hermione Jean Granger's memories. You know her as Jean Grey but..." He motioned towards the memory version of Minerva, and the excited look she had on her face while two brilliant minds worked. "As you can see, she came from another time. A distant future..."
Minerva was quick to follow up on what he meant... "She's stuck..."
He nodded with that same sad smile.
Fillius looked up from the place he'd been analysing the calculations and approached them again. "So, Hermione Granger..." He smiled at the memory version of the girl now going by Jean Grey in their present. "Was she my pupil?"
"Minerva's. But you did steal her for a few years after she started her career at Hogwarts." Dumbledore joked, making both Professors raise their eyebrows in surprise.
"Seriously?" Fillius seemed much too excited by the prospect of being that girl's mentor.
"...I had an apprentice?" Not many people impressed Minerva enough to make her want to take apprentices. Those who did... never wanted to go deeper into transfigurations. Plenty of talented students were happy to settle with their common knowledge. Minerva was surprised that she finally got the chance to pass on to someone everything she learned. "Why not you?"
"Well... Now, this will take a while. Do any of you want to eat or drink something-"
"Albus!" Both said, with different levels of exasperation.
"Alright! Now, if you'll be so kind to wait while I get the memories of her first year at Hogwarts..."