Chapter 3 – Going back in time
George took the time turner out from his pocket and handed it Hermione. She placed the necklace around her and George. As George was unsure of how to use the time turner, he knew it was best that Hermione should be the one to turn them back in time. After all she was able to use it when she was only 13 years old to take more classes and to save Buckbeak and Sirius Black.
"Are you definitely ready for this George?" Hermione asked.
"Yes lets do it. I need to save Fred." George answered. "And as many other people as I can."
"Once you save Fred, you need to hide George, you can't be seen or people will think you are an imposter." Hermione squeaked. "And they'll try and kill you."
"Can we not meet somewhere and then turn the time turner back again?" George asked.
"No we can't George. It's far too risky. We just have to let the rest of the events of that evening unfold like they did. We're going to have to meet somewhere and hide out until everything is over." Hermione answered. "I've got our DA coins with me. We can use them to communicate once we're done."
"Hermione you really do think of everything." George commented.
"Right once you save Fred and know we're all safe, you've got to run off. I'd suggest our common room. I can't imagine anyone will be there." Hermione stated. "Unless some younger students have decided to hide out in there or in their dorms."
"And you'll go to find the other me and Lee and keep us from running into me while I save Fred and then you'll try and save Lupin or Tonks or both." George said.
"Right are we definitely ready now?" Hermione asked, uncertainty evident in her shaking voice.
"Yes. I think I am." George answered. "I'll put a message on our coins once I'm done."
"And I'll meet you in our common room. If you've any issues or problems let me know." Hermione answered.
The two of them had taken refuge in a classroom across from the Room of Requirement. Hermione began turning the egg timer in the necklace the right amount of times. Nothing began to happen until they returned to the moment of the battle. There were bangs and crashes and screams outside the classroom as the battle raged on around them.
"We need to go George!" Hermione demanded. "And good luck."
"You too Hermione. Maybe we can save more than one innocent life tonight." George spoke, his heart pounding loudly in his chest.
The two quickly left the classroom, Hermione throwing the cloak over herself as she legged it down the corridor. George had hid behind a suit of armour until he spotted Percy and Fred. He jumped out and legged it down the corridor to join them. George had to stop himself from flinging his arms around his two brothers, especially Fred and it took him a lot of courage to stop himself from crying too.
"What are you doing here George?" Percy asked.
"I thought I'd come and help my two favourite brothers." George answered.
"Since when have I been one of your favourites?" Percy asked.
"Oh since now." George answered.
Ron, Harry and Hermione then came dashing down the corridor looking battered and bruised. They were being followed by Thicknesses.
"Get away from the wall and quick." George shouted. "NOW!"
"Why what's wrong?" Fred asked.
"Just do what I say, please." George pleaded.
"PROTEGO!" George shouted, casting a shield charm around his three brothers, Harry and Hermione.
"What on earth are you doing?" Fred wondered.
"Please just trust me!" George pleaded.
"Hello there Minister." Percy grinned at his boss.
"What are you doing Weasel?" Thicknesse asked.
"Did I forget to tell you that I've resigned?" Percy questioned.
""You're joking, Perce! You actually are joking?" Fred quipped. "I don't think I've heard you joke since you were –"
"FRED MOVE QUICK!" George shouted. "STUPIFY!"
George cast a stunning spell right at Rookwood, sending the death eater flying. There was a massive bang as the wall exploded, debris flying everywhere as a high pitched scream filled the air. George's heart leapt in his chest. He couldn't see anything for dust.
"FRED, PERCY, RON!" He shouted. "WHERE ARE YOU ALL?"
"Over here." Percy shouted back.
"IS EVERYONE ALRIGHT?" George shouted, fear filling ever inch of his body.
"We're fine George." Hermione called back. "Ron, Harry and I."
"FRED WHERE ARE YOU?" George shouted. He couldn't see Fred anywhere.
"I'M HERE, I'M HERE." Fred shouted back from behind a pile of rubble.
"Is everyone alive?" George asked, looking around.
Harry, Ron and Hermione had been thrown by the blast but were all thankfully alive. Fred and Percy too were alive, although Fred was separated from the others.
"Get away from the wall. I'll blast it apart!" Fred shouted from the other side.
The others moved away to let Fred do what he needed to do.
"BOMBARDA!" He shouted and the rubble went splintering everywhere.
"Oh thank heavens you're alive Fred." George shrieked, pouncing on Fred to hug him.
"You're not getting rid of me that quick, you muppet." Fred laughed at George's eagerness to hug him.
"We need to get out of here and fast." Harry demanded.
"We're still in the middle of the battle here." Percy stated.
"I've got to go and find Lee again. I'll see you all in the Great Hall." George stated. "And please stay safe. I don't want any of you dying on me."
"You two George." Percy answered. "Be careful."
"What was that all about?" Fred asked, with a slight laugh.
George ran off as fast as his legs would carry him, watching for any unsuspecting death eaters, his wand held out at arms reach, ready to shoot spells when needed. George could not afford to get himself killed. He did wonder what would happen to the other him, if he got himself killed. He shook his head to rid himself of those horrible thoughts. He had to think straight and couldn't get himself distracted by stupid thoughts.
He ascended the stairs, taking two at a time in a bid to get himself to the Gryffindor common room. A Ravenclaw student was struggling against a burly dark cloaked man who had her cornered.
"Stupify!" George shouted, pointing his wand at the cloaked man.
He shot a few more spells at the obvious death eater so that the student who was sobbing could get away.
"Thank you." She squeaked.
"Get yourself to safety and quick." George pleaded.
Fred may be alive but will it stay that way? Will Hermione and George be alive too? Can they save Lupin and Tonks?