Disclaimer: Go back to chapter one.

Eternal Wounds

Chapter 2

New Beginnings

"Hello, how may I help you young lady?" the friendly assistant asked giving Hermione a friendly, encouraging smile.

"Yes, I wanted to schedule an interview with Headmaster Dumbledore for the Defense against the Dark Arts teaching position" Hermione said politely.

"Well, the headmaster is here right now and he's not busy. Would you like to go in and get it over with?" Dumbledore's assistance asked, who's name was apparently Ms. Hanson.

Hermione stood there for a second, not really sure what to do; she felt nervous and unsure of what exactly to say. "Sure," Hermione said after releasing that whether she talked to him today or tomorrow it wouldn't matter.

"Alright, I'll inform him that you're here. What shall I tell him your name is?" The middle-aged assistance asked Hermione as she stood in front of the Headmaster's office.

"Hermione…Hermione Hume" Hermione responded in a quiet, sad voice. She liked her last name but there was no way she could keep it; it screamed 'muggleborn' in so many ways.

The Headmaster's assistant returned and told her she that she can proceed to see the Headmaster. Hermione slowly went in, not knowing what to expect from this time's Dumbledore. The Dumbledore in her time was welcoming, powerful and had a great way of knowing what people want in their life. By looking into people's eyes, he could almost see in their sols. I just hope he'll recognize what I'm here to do and allow me to do it, she thought to herself.

As she glanced around her surrounds, she noticed that not much had changed between the office in her time and this one. The only possible change she noticed was the number of portraits that hung on the wall. No surprise there, probably another one of the great contributions Lord Voldemort made to society, she thought.

"Ms. Hume, please do take a seat" Headmaster Albus Dumbledore said to the young lady across him. As she sat, he noticed the sad glint in her eyes; the determined structure of her face, the confidence she held. There was something about her that held one in fascination and commanded respect and admiration. Sitting across her, Dumbledore could sense and feel the powerful aura surrounding the witch sitting in his office. This is no girl, this is a woman, Dumbledore thought.

"Thank you, sir. " Hermione said. "I'm sorry I haven't filled out an application or didn't schedule an interview before today. I hadn't lived here until a few weeks ago," she continued nervously.

"Interesting," Dumbledore said. "Where did you reside Ms. Hume? Your accent is perfect for someone who's not from England."

"we… I had lived here. However, it wasn't in this time," Hermione answered, waiting for a spontaneous reaction from the Headmaster. But Dumbledore sat there, listening more intently to what she was starting to say.

"I'm not from this time," Hermione began. "I came from 1997, the future. I do realize that what I'm saying is very incomprehensible but it's true. The circumstances of my time travel are those of tragic loss and evil. This is the last hope I had to save my family, my friends and the wizarding world," she finished.

"Why now? Why this year?" Dumbledore asked. Although her situation sounded desperate and seemed to put some pieces together, he still couldn't completely trust her alibi.

"I can't tell you much as it could affect some thing. The only reason I can offer you is that something will happen to which I need to stop and for me to stop it, I had to come to this year. I know it must be difficult to understand, but I must implore on you to consider my request."

"And what, specifically, would that be ms. Hume?" Dumbledore asked curiously. Although he did understand her need to remain exclusive about the information she shared with him, he still need to be assured that she wasn't a serial killer or a mad woman of some kind.

"To get close to my target" Hermione replied almost mechanically.

"And do what?" Dumbledore asked.

"Affect it in a way that is least harmful in order to protect today's generations as well as those of the future" Hermione replied. Although she was willing to kill the future Dark Lord, she wasn't stupid enough to reveal that to the Headmaster. Dumbledore always believed in people no matter what their future held; he believed in second chances. He would certainly not allow her entrance into Hogwarts to kill the so named Dark Lord.

"Very well Ms. Hume" Dumbledore finally said. "I will consider your request and contact you within the next couple of days. Meanwhile, do fill out an application so that I may keep it on file. You know, logistics and all."

"of course. Thank you sir" Hermione said as she got up from her seat and headed towards the door. Even though she had a sinking feeling that the Headmaster was unsure about her reason and her ability to teach, she felt that he would still give her a position. If her mission will affect the future than he will likely want to keep her in his sight. That was always so with Dumbledore. Keep the enemy in sight. And although she's not an enemy, he was still curious regarding her odd position.

For the next few days Hermione got situated with her surrounding and prepared herself for Dumbledore's decision. On the fifth day, Hermione's new owl dropped a new letter in her lap that had Hogwart's official stamp. Hermione slowly took the envelope and opened it. Unwillingly she opened the letter and began reading.

Dear Ms. Hume,

I am happy to inform you that you are selected to be the Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher next year at Hogwarts. As you may have already known the school year begins in two weeks. I shall need you to meet me on September 1st again in order to go over logistics.

Sincerely,

Albus Dumbledore

Headmaster

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

"So Ms. Hume, I think we've covered almost everything for now" Dumbledore said, quickly adding a last note. "….oh actually, you'll need to also be in charge of the House of Slytherin." He ended in a happy tone.

"Hermione, however, was anything but happy. "What?" She couldn't believe her ears. She wanted to get close to young Riddle but not that close. "What do you mean" She asked again.

"Well, Ms. Hume, as Mr. Treadgold was the house head of Slytherin and he's left, you're the next teacher who's in position to take the role" he answered as her as he slowly guided to the door indicating that he didn't want her to argue.

"I'll be seeing you at the opening ceremony. Have a great day Ms. Hume" with that he closed the door gently.

"Oh dear…." With that said, Hermione dragged her belongings to her room located inside the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom to get situated.

A/N: I hope that gave you some kind of solid support for the story. The next chapter should come soon...if I'm not lazy. Please review if you've read :)