The Potter Timeline
Chapter 51 - Telling Fortunes, Turning Time
After arriving at Hogsmeade Station, Harry and Hermione hauled Hermione's trunk, with Crookshanks' cage on top, out of the train and onto the platform. Four other passengers exited the train as well. One of them was the thin witch with the frazzled hair and thick glasses from the compartment next door.
As the pair waited for James at the middle of the platform, the woman passed by with two enormous trunks floating behind her. Her chestnut hair was held back with a colorful bandana. She wore a purple, long-sleeved blouse with a blue skirt covered in gold floral patterns. She also wore large, shiny gold earrings, at least three beaded necklaces, and had numerous bracelets on each wrist with several rings of varying sizes and colors on each hand.
Harry and Hermione glanced at one another in amusement - the witch looked like a sideshow fortune-teller from a muggle carnival. As she walked by, she was gazing attentively at a set of tarot cards in her hands and muttering to herself in a dreamy voice.
"...The Moon, a terrible secret revealed...Justice, a wronged soul righted...The Tower, danger is imminent..."
"Hmm," she said. Her brow furrowed at the last card and she was so focused on it, she nearly ran into a light post.
"Oh dear!" the woman muttered wide-eyed while abruptly halting and gazing up at the post, pushing her fallen spectacles back onto the bridge of her nose.
The teens suppressed a laugh. This whole scene, with the oddly-dressed witch and her oblivious manner, was like something from a comedy show on the telly. But she continued on, absorbed once more with her cards, her trunks floating behind her as she disappeared through the exit into Hogsmeade village.
"I wonder who that was," Hermione mused with a scrunched up face.
"No idea," Harry shrugged.
"That's Hogwarts' divination teacher, Professor Trelawney," James replied as he suddenly appeared beside the two.
"Divination?" Hermione asked.
"Yes," the Auror responded, "I had one class with her my final term of seventh year."
Hermione and Harry exchanged amused looks. Harry didn't doubt she was thinking the same thing he was: nixing divination was indeed a good idea, by the bizarre looks and behavior of its professor.
"She's a bit of an oddity, as you could probably tell," James said with a smirk, "she predicted my best friend, Giles Brandon, would die from Dragon Pox during term, and that I would lose all my hair by graduation. But thankfully, my friend is still living, and I..." he said while running a hand through his thick, light brown locks "...still have my hair."
The teens chuckled.
"Anyway, ready to head up to the castle?" he asked.
"Definitely," Harry replied, looking at Hermione who appeared as tired as he felt.
Hermione pulled out her wand and used the hover charm on her trunk. As it rose with Crookshanks on top, the cat walked around inside his cage glancing about him in curiosity. James took the lead and the three headed into Hogsmeade.
On the way up the dirt road leading to Hogwarts, the pair asked about Tonks. James informed them she was with a group of fellow Aurors-in-training at a remote location on the Outer Hebrides. As it was the beginning of her third and final year of training, she and her compatriots were practicing for the "Iron Gauntlet": a series of wizarding trials covering dueling, search and rescue, as well as several strenuous exercises that tested both magical and physical endurance. The teens asked James to convey their best wishes to her.
After the Auror saw them to the main entrance and bid them farewell, Harry and Hermione entered and headed up to Gryffindor Tower. When they stepped inside the common room, they found Nearly Headless Nick hovering above the sofa while speaking in a dramatic voice.
"...and so, my fellow Hogwarts ghouls, in conclusion, I feel that we should...well, hello, Hermione!" he uttered with huge grin.
"Hello Sir Nicholas!" the girl replied pleasantly.
"Nice seeing you again!" the ghost continued, "I imagine you've come to keep dear Harry here company. It's been a joy having him haunt Gryffindor Tower along with myself, but I've no doubt he could stand the company of a living soul."
"Sure," Hermione said with a smirk at Harry. He chuckled then looked at the spook.
"Were you practicing a speech just now?"
"Oh yes!" Sir Nick said while flying down closer to the two, "this year I'm to preside over the Hogwarts Ghost Planning Committee meeting to be held in room three, second level dungeon."
"The ghosts have a...planning committee?" Hermione asked, trying not to laugh. Harry snickered nevertheless.
"Why, of course! Every summer, prior to first term, we decide on all haunting activities throughout the castle and determine who is responsible for what. And this year we'll also be planning a special occasion: Filch's very first Deathday Party! Though the old grouch didn't seem too thrilled at the idea when I presented it to him."
Harry and Hermione exchanged amused looks. Sir Nicholas continued.
"Anyway, I should be off. The meeting is tomorrow and I need to make sure everything is in order in the dungeons. Be seeing you both around the castle, then?"
"Of course," Harry said. The ghost bowed politely then flew through fireplace. The teens looked at one another.
"Well, I had a blast today, despite our...scary encounter on the train," Harry told the girl.
Hermione nodded and then threw the boy a soft gaze.
"So did I. Diagon was a lot of fun, and...thank you for Crookshanks, Harry. He's perfect."
Harry grinned.
"You're welcome. Happy birthday in advance. And Crookshanks seems very happy with his new situation too," he said while reaching his fingers into the cage and scratching Crookshanks' back, the cat purring contentedly.
"He does," she replied while gazing at the ginger feline.
"Well, goodnight then," Harry told the girl while stepping back, "see you in the morning."
"Goodnight," she responded.
Harry turned and headed for his dorm. But he wouldn't get two steps in that direction.
"Harry!" Hermione called out.
The boy spun around and she came up to him, taking both his hands in hers. They stared at each other momentarily before Hermione leaned up and gave him a soft kiss on the lips. She then stepped back, staring at him with those pretty doe eyes. Harry grinned from ear to ear. Hermione squeezed his hands affectionately then let go and headed for her trunk. Harry watched the girl hover it once more and push it, along with Crookshanks, up the stairs to the third-year girls' dorm. The last thing he saw was that pretty smile and those soft eyes of his girlfriend. He simply glowed inside. He then headed upstairs and after entering his own dorm room, dressed in his pajamas and crawled into bed. Within mere minutes, Harry was fast asleep, a smile still etched on his face.
~HP~
The following morning, the two met up in the common room and then went, hand in hand, to the Great Hall for breakfast. Hagrid came in after and joined them for the meal before starting his rounds. They regaled the half-giant of their day in Diagon and their harrowing encounter with the Dementors on the WizEx.
"Thank Merlin James showed up, then," Hagrid said with a concerned look.
"Indeed," Harry responded, "we had no idea what to do."
The caretaker frowned then glanced around the hall as though making sure no one else was listening, despite the fact only the three of them were present inside it. He then leaned in close.
"Yeah, well, jus' teh warn you two, and keep this between the three of us, mind yeh, I overheard Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall discussin' Minister Fudge's decision teh send some o' those nasty creatures here teh Hogwarts fer firs' term."
Harry and Hermione exchanged wide-eyed looks then turned back to Hagrid.
"Really?" Hermione asked, "doesn't Fudge know how dangerous they are?"
"O' course he does. But apparently, he figures Sirius Black is more dangerous."
"But why would Dumbledore agree to the Dementors coming?" Harry asked, "surely he understands the problems they could cause. Our encounter on the train is proof of that."
"Well, Dumbledore probably has no choice in the matter, Harry. Fudge seems teh think Black on the loose is an emergency of the highest order and as minister can simply override him. Though why he thinks that dirty rat will come here is beyond me."
Hermione and Harry exchanged knowing looks.
"Um, yeah, Hagrid," Harry started, "according to James, Fudge says he's coming here...for me."
The caretaker's eyes went wide for a moment as he sat back on the bench in surprise. But then an angry look appeared on his face as he nodded. He then slammed his enormous fist on the table which rattled the dishes and caused the teens to jump.
"Comin' after you, is he? Comin' teh finish what his master couldn't, I imagine. Well, I'd like teh see him try, jus' so I can get my hands 'round that scrawny neck o' his."
Hagrid clenched his fist and shook it at these words. Harry and Hermione both gulped at the wizard's ferocity. But then he relaxed.
"Well, don' neither o' you worry a bit. If Black is intendin' teh show up at the castle, ol' Hagrid here'll be waitin' fer 'im. An' I'll make sure the ghosts are on the lookout too. Dementors or not, we'll snag that traitor. He ain't gonna hurt no one this time 'round. You mark my words."
After breakfast, Harry and Hermione headed for Professor McGonagall's office. As they made their way down the main corridor, both were in thought over Hagrid's warning.
"This isn't good news, if the Dementors are coming," Harry mused, "what if they try to attack either of us again, like they did on the train?"
Hermione thought for a moment.
"It sounds like we could use some lessons on the Patronus Charm, the one James used. If we're successful, it could save our lives and perhaps others too."
Harry thought about this.
"I wonder if Professor Dumbledore would teach us. When we talk to him, I'll ask."
"Good idea, Harry, though Hagrid did tell us about the Dementors in confidence. I hope we don't get him in trouble."
"Neither do I. But this is serious, and no doubt Dumbledore will have to announce it to the school at some point anyway. If Fudge has overridden his objections, surely Dumbledore is willing to do whatever it takes to keep all of us safe from Black and the Dementors."
Hermione nodded with a frown.
"You're right. We'll definitely have to ask him."
Upon arriving at McGonagall's door, they knocked.
"Enter," the witch spoke from inside.
They did so and then sat down before her desk.
"Welcome back, Hermione," she told the girl with a pleasant smile.
"Thanks, professor. It's good to be back," she replied.
McGonagall clasped her hands on top of the desk.
"Now, I assume you both discussed which classes you'd like to take this term?"
"Yes, ma'am," Harry answered. He looked at Hermione.
"We'd like to take all except divination," the girl stated to the professor.
McGonagall nodded.
"I see. Any particular reason why you don't wish to take divination?"
The teens again exchanged glances.
"Well, it seems like the...least useful class, to be honest," Harry answered.
"The least useful," the woman said, "I'd say that's an understatement, young man. While it is a bonafide field of study, divination is a very imprecise art. All that use of crystal balls, tea leaves, and tarot cards...well, let's just say, I'm a skeptic. And our dear professor of divination, Sybill Trelawney, can be a bit overdramatic. She's predicted the death of at least one student per term, which, most fortunately for said students, has yet to come true."
Harry and Hermione chuckled, glancing at each other in amusement, recalling what James told them about his best friend.
"What's so funny?" the professor queried with a furrowed brow.
"We happened to see Professor Trelawney on the way here," Harry informed her, "she was on the train and got off at Hogsmeade."
"She even looks overdramatic," Hermione added.
McGonagall smirked.
"I see. Yes. Well, there you have it. And I suppose it is the right time for her arrival."
"The right time?" Harry asked.
"Sybill likes to arrive in Hogsmeade precisely one month before term. She then spends precisely one week with her friend, Madam Rosmerta, at The Three Broomsticks. I've never been privy to their conversations, but knowing them both, I daresay Rosmerta is anxious to receive a prediction from Trelawney on how well her tavern will do this year, as she's a bit superstitious. And Trelawney no doubt enjoys the company of a true believer and receives an adequate supply of sherry, which the professor can be quite fond of on occasion. After that, she comes to Hogwarts and disappears into that attic of hers for the term."
"So, that's why we've not seen her before now," Hermione noted.
"Precisely," McGonagall stated, "Sybill rarely ever comes down even for faculty meetings in order to, as she puts it, keep her 'Inner Eye' pure."
The teens smirked. The professor went on.
"Anyway, you've obtained the textbooks you need for the other classes, correct?"
They both nodded.
"Very well. As to how you will be able to take classes occurring at the same time..." she said while opening a drawer in her desk and retrieving something out of it, "...you can do so with the aid of this."
McGonagall held a small jewel box covered with maroon, velvet material. She placed it on her desk and opened the lid. The woman then pulled out a gold-plated necklace which at first glance seemed a bit large for a single person to wear around their neck. But the pendant on the necklace was intriguing. A miniature hourglass sat framed within a thin circular band. The woman closed the lid and held the necklace forward.
"What is that, professor?" Hermione inquired with a scrunched up face.
"This is a Time-Turner, Miss Granger. The hourglass contains a very powerful hour reversal charm which allows the wearer to step backwards in time based upon the number of inversions."
Harry and Hermione stared at one another in astonishment. They then leaned closer to get a better view of the supposed time travel device. McGonagall continued.
"You invert the hourglass once and it will take you back precisely one hour. Invert it twice and you travel back two hours, and so on. As this only works for the person wearing the necklace, the pair of you will need to wear it together, hence the lengthened size of the strand."
The professor's face became very stern as she lowered the Time-Turner and gazed pointedly at the pair.
"Now, I must warn you. This device is not to be trifled with. And abusing it could cause serious injury to both you and time itself. According to Professor Croaker, an official at the Ministry of Magic, five hours is the maximum one can turn back time before terrible consequences ensue. This is why the Time-Turners are kept in a very secure location at the Ministry and are governed by numerous laws to prevent their use except under the strictest of circumstances.
For us to allow you to use it in this present case, I had to obtain all kinds of permissions and convince the minister himself that you are both model students and would only use the Turner for the purpose of taking multiple classes. As such, Professor Dumbledore and I expect you to take on this responsibility with the upmost care. If we discover that you have used the Turner for any purpose other than your studies, you will be immediately suspended pending investigation and could possibly find yourselves expelled. Is that clear?"
The seriousness of McGonagall's words coupled with her severe expression caused the teens to both gulp.
"Yes, ma'am," Hermione and Harry both uttered with a nod.
"Very well. One further thing concerning its use. You must not reveal its existence to anyone and you must not, under any circumstances, be seen using it. The results could be disastrous, as you might well imagine. Therefore, I suggest you prepare in advance how you will get to each class and where in the castle you might utilize the Time-Turner undetected. Understood?"
They nodded again.
"The better prepared you are, the less possibility something can go wrong."
McGonagall placed the Time-Turner back inside the box and handed it to Hermione.
"Do either of you have any questions concerning this?" she asked.
"Will the other professors know about it? That we'll be using the Time-Turner to attend extra classes?" Harry asked.
"Yes. Professor Dumbledore will inform them prior to start of term, and they will be asked to keep this a secret from the student body at large. Anything else?"
The teens looked at one another and shook their heads.
"Very well. I wish you both the best of luck. Taking on the extra load is going to be a challenge, I'm sure."
McGonagall then leaned forward on her desk.
"Now, Hermione, did your parents sign the Hogsmeade permission form included in the letter I owled to you?"
"Yes, professor," Hermione replied.
"Excellent," the teacher responded with a smile.
Harry's face scrunched up.
"The Hogsmeade...permission form?" he asked puzzled.
"Yes," McGonagall said, "starting your third year, you will be permitted to visit Hogsmeade on certain weekends outside of the one day Christmas visit Professor Dumbledore grants to all students. But permission from a guardian is required to do so."
Harry frowned and looked at Hermione who returned the same expression.
"So, how do I obtain that?" he asked, "I haven't been to Privet Drive since last summer."
The professor smiled at Harry, retrieved a sheet of parchment from her desk drawer, and handed it to him.
He read it out loud.
I, Vernon Dursley, hereby give my nephew, Harry Potter,
permission to visit Hogsmeade on weekends.
Harry threw a surprised look at McGonagall.
"How did you get this?" he asked with astonishment.
The woman clasped her hands together and grinned.
"You may not be aware of this, Harry, but your remaining at Hogwarts for the summer also required permission from your guardian. As such, before the end of last term, your relatives were visited once more by Mr. Albert Dumpling and his assistant, Ms. Miranda McGovern."
Harry lit up. The professor continued.
"Your uncle and aunt were presented with a long list of punishable offenses by the 'Board of Inquiry' at the Department of Child Welfare Services. Suffice it to say, that great oaf of a man was quaking in his boots. However, Mr. Dumpling and Ms. McGovern informed your relatives that punishment would be deferred if they agreed to full cooperation with the Department and would, in the future, treat their nephew humanely and with respect. They hastily agreed to this, Harry, as you might guess, and your uncle not only gave his permission for you to remain here this summer, but he also signed your Hogsmeade permission form. I've never seen someone sign their name so quickly in my life, in fact."
Harry laughed.
"Thank you, professor!" he said excitedly. She smiled back.
"Yes, well, at the very least, you deserve this after what they put you through last summer. And I dare say that we'll have full cooperation from your relatives from now on. If, Merlin forbid, you ever have to go back to that odious house, I think you'll find their treatment of you to be much improved."
At this, Hermione took his hand and gave him a warm smile. He smiled back. McGonagall continued.
"Now, unless the pair of you has any further questions, I need to work on my transfiguration lessons for the upcoming term."
The teens glanced at one another.
"No ma'am," Hermione said.
"Very well, then. Good day," McGonagall finished.
"Good day, professor," Harry said.
They got up from her desk and headed back into the main corridor, closing the door quietly behind them. They then headed back to Gryffindor Tower.
"Time travel. I would never have imagined that being the way for us to take classes at the same time," Harry uttered with an intrigued look.
"Neither would I," Hermione replied, her face mirroring his, "but it does makes sense, though how we'll get from class to class without being seen might be tricky."
"Right," Harry added.
Hermione bit her lip in thought. But then her face lit up.
"Harry, the class list McGonagall gave us has the location of each class on it. So..."
"...we can make a map and plan our routes accordingly," Harry finished. They grinned at one another.
"And then practice it several times," the girl resumed.
"Definitely. And I think we should also practice using the Time-Turner in advance, to see how it works exactly and what effect it might have on us," Harry said, gazing at the floor in thought.
Hermione beamed at him.
"What?" he asked puzzled.
"That's a very smart idea," she told him, "you really have graduated from Troll Level."
They both laughed. The girl wrapped her arm around his as they trod the stairwell in Tower Hall. She continued.
"The question is, where's the best place to practice using it without being seen or causing any unforeseen ripple effects?"
Both of them thought for a moment before a light came on in Harry's head. He looked at Hermione who looked at him at the same moment. They uttered the words together.
"The Spellroom!"
~HP~
After securing the Time-Turner in Hermione's trunk, the two decided to take a hike around the school grounds as it was a fine July morning with beautiful clear skies. A walk around the Black Lake was followed by a trek along the edge of the Forbidden Forest and Harry regaled Hermione of what Hagrid had showed him in those foreboding woods. A pass around the Whomping Willow, which seemed to be sleeping, and the pair arrived at the waterfall Harry promised to show Hermione.
The tall but thin cascade fell into a small black pool which emptied into a stream disappearing through the hills below. The water from the falls was dark caramel colored, no doubt from the peat moss in the heather-covered hills above. As they stood by the pool and listened to the drone of falling water and felt the cool breeze from it, Harry pointed to a crooked path that wound its way up along the side of the falls.
"I've hiked a little ways up that path and I believe its the same one Professor Dumbledore mentioned to me - the one that leads to the site where we destroyed the Horcrux. I got the impression he wanted me to know about it for some reason."
Hermione thought about this with squinty eyes.
"Maybe we'll need to use it one day," she said, "perhaps that's why he took you there."
"Perhaps so," Harry replied while gazing at the top of the path.
After sitting on a large boulder by the pool and taking in the serene environment for a little while, they headed back to the castle for lunch. While they sat at Gryffindor table and partook of roast beef sandwiches with chips and a glass of cold cider, a tawny school owl dropped down from out of a window and left a letter on the table in between them. Hermione picked it up, opened it, and read it out loud.
Miss Granger, Harry,
Please come by my office when it's convenient.
Yours Kindly,
Albus Dumbledore
The teens looked at one another.
"This is our chance to mention the Dementors, Harry," Hermione said.
"Right. But I'm also hoping to hear about something else from the headmaster too. Maybe it's why he's summoned us."
"What do you think he wants to discuss?"
Harry threw the girl a serious expression.
"Marvolo Gaunt's Ring..."