Chapter 2
Until We Meet Again

Author's Note: I am well aware exactly how pivotal to Ron's character it was when it came to the whole Deluminator thing. His return speech was one of his greatest moments. I know this. However, I picked the Deluminator's ball of light as his cause of death, because I feel it was the most believable and canon-possibility when it came to him during the time period. Believe me I have plenty of good Ron moments to come that will be just as good as his return. On that note, however, I must warn you. There are some things Rose and Hugo are going to do that will upset you when it comes to Ron, or even Harry. It is all part of their plan, when it comes to certain events.

Parts of this chapter have semi-graphic detail of the emaciated figure of a beloved character. Reader discretion is advised.

(Rose)

August 31st, 2024

Rose Weasley, age 16, was sitting on one of the two beds in a room in the Three Broomsticks, staring at her mother who lay asleep on the other bed a few feet away.

Hermione Weasley's steady, but slow breathing was the only assurance for Rose that her mother was still alive. Her skin resembled the color of bones, and she was extremely thin, almost skeletal. Her once bushy, vibrant brown hair was now thin, stringy and grayish in places. She looked forty years older than she was – in Muggle years.

Rose tore her eyesight from her mother and looked across the room where a large copper cauldron sat on a counter, a blue-orange fire hissing underneath it. The contents of the cauldron made hissing and popping sounds.

It had been nearly nine months since she, her brother Hugo, and their mother had made a life-changing decision. But she could still remember the discussion as if it had happened an hour ago… she could remember her grieving mother's voice as she said some of the most haunting words Rose would ever hear, and the following discussion that cemented the deal…

"There's a way," Hermione said, "But you need to understand something. It will take months to plan out – no, don't interrupt me, Hugo." For Hugo had opened his mouth to do that exact thing. "It will take months of planning to be precisely correct. You are not going to like the steps it will take for the two of you to go back in time."

"What do you mean, Mum?" Rose asked.

"You two don't exist in that time period, Rosie," Hermione said, "In order for you to actually exist, so that you can be seen and heard… it requires a sacrifice. A sacrifice of blood and life. My blood. My life."

"Mum, no!" Rose said, "We couldn't let you do that. We don't want to hurt you."

Hugo nodded his head furiously in agreement. Rose could see in his eyes that even though he wanted to do this crazy, insane plan of his, he'd never want to intentionally hurt his mother.

Hermione walked over to Rose's bed and kneeled on the ground in front of her children. Each of her hands clasped one of her children's.

"My loves, you would not hurt me more than I am hurting right now, I promise you," she said, "I've never been so proud of you than I was listening in on your conversation just now."

"Conversation?!" Rose echoed, "Even I can admit, I was shooting down everything Hugo was saying."

"Yes, but in the end you agreed to it," Hermione said, "Which tells me you believe in this."

"Mum," Hugo said, his voice breaking, "I'd never want to hurt you. I really do want to try this, but there must be some other way –"

"None that would work out as well as this would," Hermione said. "Years ago, when this was just fantasy to me, I was doing research on different means of time-travel. You were correct about the time-turners. They would only let you come back hours at a time. But this process I have in mind… it is the strongest means of time-travel I have come across. Because of the sacrifice of blood and life, there would be minimal, if any, dangers of your journey. Whatever day of whatever month you are traveling, that is the date you'd go to, only it would be a different year - you would show up at the precise year you wished, as long as that year was implanted firmly in your mind with no regret. Also, if you succeeded in your journey, and you wished to return to your time period, you would return. Mind you, when you return, it will be different. If you succeed, your father, and I will be here to greet you. When you return, you would remember everything in this time period as if you had lived it all along."

"But, Mum," Rose said, "If it doesn't work out –"

"Do not dwell on that, Rosie," Hermione said, "I have faith in you. We will figure out a precise date in which it would be perfect for you to start, and I will tell you everything I can remember, and we can work out what to change. Sounds like you already have some plans, yes, Hugo?"

Hugo sniffled and nodded. "But… if we could find another way, you could come with us, Mum."

"No, my boy," Hermione said, "I could not do that. The chances of a paradox, of me meeting my other self – it might compromise your task. Do not worry about me, Hugo, Rose – this is a gift. To know that I could see Ron again… to know that he could live and our family can be whole… I'd do anything for that. But you must promise me this one thing."

"Yes, Mum?" Rose asked.

"Anything, Mum," Hugo said.

"From this point on, if you agree to go forth," Hermione said, "You cannot take it back. Once we really get a move on in the process, there will be a point of no return for me…"

Rose chanced another glance at her sleeping mother. Even though she had supported this idea of her insane brother's, it had taken Rose quite a few days after the initial conversation for her to completely support what they were doing. Sure, she and Hugo had told Hermione right away they agreed with it, but Rose was still haunted by the thoughts and voices in her mind asking her what the hell was she doing.

The "point of no return" as Hermione had called it, had taken place nearly two months ago. That was when she had started the 'sacrifice' part of the process, taking generous portions of her blood and dropping it into potions, that would gradually turn into the potion that was now boiling in the cauldron across the room. Blood Replenishing potions only sustained Hermione Weasley's life. The sacrifice she was giving her children did not allow her to become healthier, even with potions.

However, those first few months after their father had died, and they were in the process of planning – which in itself was difficult since their mother had made them return to Hogwarts to continue their education - Hermione was as healthy as she had been before her husband's death. She was eating complete meals, talking to friends and family again, working eight hours a day – only she and her children knew that this was a mask, an act she was playing out.

Even though Rose and Hugo wanted to tell their extended family what they were doing, their mother insisted that they did not – at one point after a heated argument about the subject, she had even threatened them with an Unbreakable Vow. It was only then that Rose and Hugo saw exactly how dedicated their mother was to this task, and they vowed to dedicate themselves just as hard from thereon in.

Over the past couple of months when the grueling process of the 'sacrifice' had started, things became more difficult. In order to keep up appearances, Hermione had transfigured her own appearance to look as healthy as she had once been, even though underneath, she was gradually beginning to lose weight and her skin became pale from loss of blood. She, Rose and Hugo had attended family parties - birthdays, Sunday dinners, etc. – and no one but her children were the wiser.

Then just the previous evening, they had rented out the room in the Three Broomsticks, and had even paid extra for assured privacy. What they were doing was dangerous enough without anyone coming in and discovering them.

Rose nearly fell off the bed in shock when she heard the door to the room open, and was relieved – and a tad angry – to see her brother Hugo, now 14, standing there.

"You startled me!" Rose whispered furiously.

"Sorry," Hugo muttered, then his eyes trailed over to their mother, "How is she?"

"She's still breathing," Rose said.

"I'm fine, my loves," Hermione said, her voice frail and low, "Don't worry about me. I would kill for a glass of water however."

"Mum, you need to rest," Hugo said.

He walked between the two beds, and gave her the glass of water that had been sitting on the bedside table nestled between the beds. Hermione sat up slowly against the pillows, took the cup in her hand, and drank from it slowly. Rose was amazed how strong her mother was still, even though she looked so frail.

"What time is it?" Hermione murmured, her voice no longer as rough thanks to the water.

"A little after nine in the morning, Mum," Hugo said, "August 31st."

"Mmm, it is nearly time," Hermione said.

Rose and Hugo shared a look of worry and fear. Neither were ready to say goodbye to their mother. Not yet.

"You need enough time to go shopping in Diagon Alley when you go back," Hermione continued.

Rose shivered at the thought of Diagon Alley. Sure it was vibrant in the present time, but her mother had described in gruesome detail of how the wizarding marketplace looked in 1996.

"Are you sure that is still a good idea, Mum?" Hugo said, apparently on the same mind-set his sister was, "You said Diagon Alley was –"

"The marketplace was safe enough that your Grams allowed myself, your father, Uncle Harry, and Aunt Ginny to go on the shopping trip with her," Hermione said, "It was safe enough for Fred and George to tend to their shop. You know if Grams allowed it, then it is safe enough for you."

Rose chuckled softly. Grams was Molly Weasley, their father's mother. She was a strict, motherly lady. Rose remembered when she was young – six or seven, when Grams had baby sat her and Hugo, that she had given her quite a lecture when Rose had stayed outside much too long once. Grams didn't know where she was, and Rose had been on house arrest for the rest of the day. If Grams thought Diagon Alley of 1996 was safe, then it was definitely safe enough.

"Besides, it will be risky enough for you to travel with as much as I am allowing," Hermione continued. "You will not be able to take many belongings. Your wands, money - four-hundred galleons should be plenty enough to last you for quite a while – and the clothes on your back."

Rose frowned and looked at the coin purse on the bedside table. It had an Extension Charm on it, so that the purse looked as tiny as a chicken egg, though it could hold plenty.

"Do you still have your little booklet of ideas and plans, Hugo?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, Mum," Hugo said, patting his pocket.

"That should be safe enough as well," Hermione said. "I gave you two the lists of books and supplies for your new years, yes?"

Rose would be starting her sixth year at Hogwarts, and would be classmates with her parents, Uncle Harry, and other close friends of her parents. Hugo would be in his fourth year.

"Yeah, Mum," Hugo said, "It is all here."

"Do you remember what you need to do when you first arrive?" Hermione asked.

"Mum, we got it," Rose said, "We'll probably arrive here in Hogsmeade, so we'll get a room with some of the money, then Floo to the Leaky Cauldron, buy our supplies and return. We'll stay in the room until tomorrow – err – tomorrow in 1996 or whatever – and then –"

Rose sighed. The following part of the plan would be their first difficult task.

"Then you will travel up to the school before the other students arrive on the Hogwarts Express," Hermione urged, "And –"

"Talk to Professor Dumbledore," Hugo said, "Tell him what you told us so he will believe us."

"How are your Occlumency shields?" Hermione asked.

Over the past few months, Hermione had taught Rose and Hugo Occlumency, so they could block their most guarded secrets from people like Albus Dumbledore and Severus Snape. Even though they had planned on revealing to Professor Dumbledore that they were from the future – they would not reveal too much to him right away.

"Good," Rose said, and Hugo nodded, "Mum, don't you think Dumbledore will try to Obliviate us?"

"Not if you do exactly what I told you," Hermione said, "Now, I know we have discussed this, but have you had any new decisions on what to do about myself and your father – when it comes to you two?"

"You mean should we reveal who we really are to them?" Rose asked.

"Even if you decide to put that on hold," Hermione said, "In time, you need to tell them – us. Especially given future events."

"Maybe we'll tell them when they become a couple?" Hugo asked.

Hermione smiled. "I think that would be best. I know if I was my sixteen, seventeen year old self, and you told me you were the future children of me and Ron, I might have put up a fuss, especially since I was not with your father at the time – even though I was in love with him."

"We'll make sure their relationship is solid first, Mum," Rose said.

"Good," Hermione said, "I'm sure it will be difficult – since we decided that you will originally pose as long-lost cousins of your father's – with that adorable red hair of yours, who would ever doubt you're a Weasley?"

Rose grinned, and Hugo chuckled.

"We'll go with that story for those who are not 'in the know'," Hugo said, "It does sound the best way to do it."

"It will be difficult because you'll be the new students," Hermione said, "But the younger versions of me, your father, Uncle Harry, Aunt Ginny – everyone - we'll be just as friendly. Trust us."

"We will, Mum," Rose said, "We're still family. No matter what."

Hermione gave a weak smile and tears leaked out of her eyes, and rolled down her pale cheeks. Rose was on the verge of crying, and Hugo had tears in his eyes.

"I know I've told you this many times in the past year alone," Hermione said, "But I am so very proud of the two of you. You are everything I've ever dreamed of long ago when I thought of what my children would become. Fierce and loyal as your father, and just as cute."

"Mum," Hugo said, embarrassed, but Rose could tell he was choking back a sob.

"And as smart as me," Hermione said. "I love the both of you so very much."

"I love you, Mummy," Hugo said; he hadn't called her Mummy since he was a little child.

Rose felt the tears come down her cheeks as she watched her brother slowly lean toward their mother and gently hug her. Rose followed in suit and hugged her mother, then kissed her cheeks.

"Love you," Rose sniffled, as she backed away and wiped the tears from her eyes.

"Mum," Hugo said, "I –"

"Hugo, I know what you will say," Hermione said, "We passed the point of no return months ago, baby. Look at me, baby – if you backed out now – you'd lose everything, including me."

Rose choked back a sob. "We won't back out. We're going to do this."

"Don't grieve for me, children," Hermione said, "You'll see me – the younger me, but it will be me – and your father, tomorrow evening."

"It won't be the same," Hugo said.

"It will," Hermione said, then slowly raised a hand to his chest, over his heart, "In here, baby. Believe me, you'll know when you see me and your father. I know this."

Hugo nodded. "Okay."

The cauldron behind them gave a loud hiss, making Rose and Hugo jump. Rose, who excelled at Potions, had taken up the job of brewing the potion when her mother could not. She hurried over to the cauldron and lowered the fire down.

Rose swallowed a bit of bile that was threatening to come up to her mouth as she looked from the cauldron to Hugo, who looked as if he was on the verge of crying again – his expression told Rose he knew exactly what she was going to say.

"It is ready," Rose said.

"It just needs the incantation and last ingredient?" Hermione asked.

Rose sniffled and nodded. "Yes, Mum."

"Fill up two cups, Rose," Hermione said.

"What? Now?!" Rose asked.

"You two are ready," Hermione said. "These last few minutes have been my final preparations for you."

"Final goodbyes, you mean," Hugo said, sniffling.

"It is not goodbye, Hugo," Hermione said, "What did I tell you?"

"Goodbyes sound too permanent," Hugo and Rose recited the mantra they had heard from their mother for so long, and so many times over the past few months alone.

"Not goodbye," Hermione said, "Instead, it is 'until we meet again'."

Rose was truly in danger of crying, and so was Hugo. Her brother sighed and looked at her. The look in his eyes told her he was ready. Rose controlled her shaky hands and filled up two glasses with the potion. It was a strange color – a golden-red of sorts. She then slowly walked across the room and gave one of the glasses to Hugo. He took it as he looked deep into her eyes.

A humming sound came from their mother, and Rose instantly recognized it – a lullaby she had sung when they were younger, usually when they were sick. Rose swallowed yet another sob and walked over to the coin purse, then attached it to the belt of her jeans.

"Do you have your wands?" Hermione asked, "Everything you need?"

"Yeah, Mum," Rose said; she could feel her wand pressing into her hip in her pocket.

Hugo nodded silently. Hermione took her own wand from the bedside table.

"Bring the glasses here," she said.

Hugo walked over to her mother, who dipped a bony finger into the cup. Her eyebrows twitched and she closed her eyes for a few moments.

"Mum?" Hugo asked.

Hermione opened her eyes. "I'm fine, baby. Rose?"

Rose offered the glass to her mother, who, again dipped her finger into it. Rose did her best to avoid her mother's expression, so she looked at the glass.

Was it her imagination, or did the red color of the potion turn a deeper hue?

Hermione inhaled and exhaled, as Rose backed away. Her eyes went to both of her children and she smiled.

"I love you, my precious babies," she said, "I will see you very soon. We will all see your father soon, yes?"

"Yes, Mummy," Hugo said, "I love you."

Rose nodded. "I love you."

"Drink, my angels," Hermione said.

Rose and Hugo looked at each other and nodded. Rose put the glass to her lips, and Hugo mirrored her. Hermione begin singing a long incantation as the two children drank deeply from the cup. The potion had a varied difference of tastes – sweet, but coppery. When she finished the potion, she dropped the glass, which fell to the floor with a bang. She could feel it working, and she hardly registered Hugo's glass falling as well.

Hermione continued her incantation as she waved her wand around in a strange pattern. Suddenly, Rose was blinded by a great golden light and the last thing she saw before she blacked out, was her mother collapsing on her bed, and going very, very still.

Oh god, the tears!

I had chills sweeping up and down my body as I wrote much of this chapter, especially the last portion starting with the potion. I knew these first couple of chapters were going to be difficult (and shorter than my usual length in chapter!), but I needed to have a good, believable reason for them going back in time, and a good process of how they went back in time. I've seen a few stories where there were sacrifices allowing others to go back in time, and decided to use that.

Next chapter – a very different Diagon Alley then Rose and Hugo are used to, but also a sense of familiarity when it comes to Weasley's Wizard Wheezes. Will they be able to handle their first small test of mental strength when they encounter their long-dead Uncle and his "unholy" twin? Depending on the length of chapter, the arrival at Hogwarts might happen as well. I'm not really a fan of short chapters such as this one!

Additional Note: For those of you who read my Bonds of Time Series, read my new message about that story and this on my profile. I will be updating that story, and this story in intervals, so do not fear, my lovely readers.