July 30th, 1981 The Dark Lord has secured alliances with the werewolves, giants, and dementors. At his command, they will come to his aid. He is releasing Fenrir on those that keep their children from becoming Death Eaters. The victims have been terrible to see once they are brought in and informed what has happened to their kin. The Dark Lord is well pleased with how things are progressing. He is gaining more and more support as his examples are published in the news and rumor is spread about what happens to those who go against his might. I can only hope it does not drag out much longer. I will be meeting with the Malfoys tonight about being Draco's god-father. It is quite the honor. I am eager to spend a night with a glass of firewhiskey, a friend, and a warm fire.
August 1st, 1981 The light has gone out of my life.
Eight days left until she was to begin her mission left Hermione feeling like an overstuffed toy. She had never really enjoyed History of Magic and memorizing so many dates, times, and places was beginning to grate on her. Wading through Severus' ledgers, the Prophet, and general news for the time all hours of the day had her pushing away from her kitchen table that had become the base of her operations and in search of a strong cup of coffee. Tea was fine most times but Hermione had discovered that little kept her going through long hours of tedious work like coffee.
Pouring herself a generous amount, she surveyed her home. The space was modest, nothing too extravagant but it was functional. A place that after years living in the dormitories with so many people crushed around her at all hours had seemed like a beacon of freedom. Glancing at the clock she was pleased to note she still had three hours before she was due to meet with Harry and Ron, plenty of time to accomplish what she had been putting off for so long. Watching the pensieve memory of the Divination interview was something she had pushed to the very bottom of her priorities for going back in time. She still thought Minerva and Albus were greatly mistaken about what would best afford herself to know past events but could little argue it would keep from The Prophecy from being uttered and the Mauraders from suffering their fates as it had played out. Sadly, with just over a week left she was forced to set her coffee down to fetch her pensieve basin and watch the memory.
Plucking the vial from her satchel where it had safely rested since her meeting she uncorked it and took a large drink of her coffee. Best to be caffeinated when around her most disliked teacher. Pouring the memory in, she leaned forward and was swept into the memory.
She was in the Hog's Head, above the bar in the long hallway with rooms sprinkled along. Dumbledore was walking with purpose towards one in particular, not bothered by the state of disrepair the building was in as it creaked beneath his footfalls. To Hermione's assessing eye it seemed that The Hog's Head was in better shape in 1980 than in her current time, no doubt magic kept the building together enough to prevent being declared unfit for habitation.
Dumbledore's crisp knocks against a door drew her from her perusal of the peeling wallpaper to see the youthful visage of her former professor pop out of the doorway.
"Ah, Headmaster Dumbledore, please come in. I am most grateful you have decided to interview me, of course with my Inner Eye I knew it would be so." Chortling at how barmy the woman sounded, she followed Dumbledore in.
"Thank you, Ms. Trewlaney. It is, of course, my pleasure. As it is the school year I'm afraid we will have to keep it rather short. While the cat is away the mice will play, or students, as it were." Gesturing to the small table tucked in the corner, Dumbledore seemed to be in more control in the woman's space than she was. Sybill quickly seated herself, arranging her large shawl to drape over her thin frame.
"In your letter of inquiry, you stated you were the great-great-granddaughter of the celebrated Seer Cassandra Trelawney, correct?" At the mention of her relative, Trelawney seemed to draw herself up; gaining a look of superiority that was at odds with the squalor she was surrounded by.
"Yes, my family is possessed by the Fates. My great-great-grandmother simply listened to her natural calling. Since then, my family has thought our gift too powerful to bestow on this realm." She pontificated, each syllable wispy and deliberate. "I have decided the world is in need of my Inner Eye. Given this, it seemed the most natural thing to teach to spread the gift of Sight."
"Ah, a noble calling, indeed. Have you ever taught children?" Not pausing her let her answer he conjured a piping hot pot of tea and two cups. "I hope you'll join me for some tea." With a wave of his wand, the tea pot had poured itself and settled back onto the table.
"Tea, tea would be wonderful." Trelawney agreed hesitantly. "I have not taught children before such a precious gift. It has only been recently that the Fates have informed me that it is my calling to do so." Hermione could not help but roll her eyes even knowing that the woman actually was a Seer and not a charlatan.
"I seem to be in need of some romantic advice, would you mind giving me a tarot reading?" He pulled a deck from his sleeve and passed it over to the woman opposite him that looked like she would rather throw up than predict Dumbledore's future.
"Well yes, of course I do not normally See through the use of cards but for such an esteemed guest I will see if the Fates are in a mood to assist." Making note that Dumbledore was likely to throw any and every means of divination at her for the interview, Hermione resolved to dig up her copy of Unfogging the Future in case he decided to be particularly exacting.
Hermione couldn't help but wince at how terribly the reading had gone. One of the cards had been The Fool which Trelawney had encouraged the Headmaster to court individuals who dressed in unkempt clothing and showed a lack of rational thought. Her next task of reading the tea leaves from Dumbledore's cup proved to be too much for the poor woman who after declaring she saw a grim had looked ready to burst into tears.
"I want to thank you for your hospitality but I really must be going," Dumbledore rose and began to walk towards the door only stopping to look back when he heard her speak.
"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives..."
To Hermione, it seemed as if for a few moments, something had scooped out Sybill Trelawney, used her body for a lark, and then stuffed her back in to sway on the spot. Dumbledore looked as if he himself was about to feint from pure shock before he collected himself.
"I'm sorry, did I just nod off?" The nervous woman asked, looking frantic at the idea.
"No, no you did not. As a matter of fact, I would be pleased to offer you the job of Professor of Divination at Hogwarts for the 1980/1981 school year."
Before she could as much as blink, she was back in her kitchen leaning over the basin. Collecting the memory back into the vial left Hermione to wonder how she was going to emulate such a strange performance. Bustling to the closest mirror she tried to affect a similar voice. It came out far too deep and her face looked more shocked than devoid of expression which she was going for. After a half an hour of twisting her face every which way and repeating cryptic phrases she gave it up in favor of a shower before going to see her boys.
Flooing in to the Potter household was a dangerous task. With James a highly mobile toddler, a very pregnant Ginny that swung between loving everything and ready to verbally eviscerate whatever upset her, and a harried Harry running about trying to manage the madness Hermione usually tried to stay clear of the household. Not that she had anything against children in short bursts but spending longer than half an hour and the screeches got to her. Not to mention, as godmother, the Potter's believed that meant she was willing to change diapers and mop up other unfortunate body fluids. She had been very eloquent on the matter the first time they had asked and had staunchly refused to reconsider her position when they had asked later. Thus, house visits were reserved for minor things and outings or social gatherings were for more substantial catch-ups. With limited time remaining and her boys both being busy with work, she was left her with no other option.
Exiting the fireplace into the Potter household to see Ginny smiling at her from the floor as she and James played with miniature quidditch figures made Hermione grin. Ginny had been made for motherhood, it seemed. She was naturally nurturing and had infinite patience with children. These things coupled with her love of large families had set her firmly on the road her mother had been on before her.
"Ginny, you look marvelous!" Rushing to help her friend up from the floor, Ginny favored her friend with a delighted smile.
"Thank you Hermione, it's getting harder and harder. Shouldn't be long now and he should be out instead of playing beat the bludger with my bladder." Chuckling ruefully, Ginny rubbed one hand along her swollen midsection. "It's good to see you Hermione, it's been ages!"
Following her hostess to the kitchen, Hermione couldn't help but ruffle her god-sons hair on the way. "It's been far too long. The ministry never stops though." Catching sight of Harry at the table with papers spread around him and looking like death made her nervous. Harry rarely took his work home and when he did it was a high level case that involved loss of life.
"Can I get you anything, Hermione?" Ginny was already off, heating the kettle and grabbing the tea leaves.
"Tea would be lovely. Harry, you look terrible!" The Auror had perked up upon hearing the two women enter the kitchen and had quickly swooped in to give her a hug.
"Why thank you, Hermione. How nice of you to come into my home and tell me how horrible I look!" Harry joked, giving her a lopsided grin as she playfully punched him in the arm.
"Honestly, you've got Ginny looking after you and you still worked yourself into a state! What happened?" Sitting down at the table Hermione tried to catch a glimpse of the files as Harry scooped them up.
Setting the freshly brewed tea down in front of their guest, Ginny excused herself, "I think it's time James and I took our nap. It was wonderful to see you, Hermione." Dropping a kiss on top of her husband's head and giving Hermione's shoulder a light squeeze, she exited the room.
After seeing that his wife had scooped up his son and went upstairs, Harry resumed where he had left off, "I can't let you see the files, Kingsley would have my head. But, have you heard any whispers recently?" Resisting the urge to exhale loudly, Hermione mentally confirmed that she had heard a great many whispers and would be leaving soon to deal with them.
"I've read about the disappearances in the Prophet. They seem to be trying to keep it hush-hush." Seeing Harry comb his fingers through his unruly hair didn't bode well in her book.
"Yah, that's because it is being covered up. We haven't had this many cold cases since the end of the war. It's maddening. It's not like they all just got up and walked away. The people who have been reported missing are described as dependable, grounded, and important in their respective fields. Not the people who usually decide to drop everything and make a go of it in Morocco." He explained, placing the papers in his briefcase and carefully closing it.
"What do you think is behind it?" She asked eager to get more information out of one of those most intimately acquainted with Voldemort.
"It seems there is a rising power, we're getting rumors of people gathering. When we go to interview those who might have information on the disappearances they're being unusually tight lipped. Not outright unhelpful, then we could do something about it. Just, they seem nervous. The families of those that disappeared are starting to leave town when we come calling. It's like they know something we don't. It's frustrating, really frustrating. It's all pointing to some group. Not organized crime, that would be easier to pin down to economic interests. The people that are disappearing are researchers, notable people in their fields. Just yesterday a prominent potioneer just walked out of their shop. Middle of the day. Got a call from her significant other that she had never come home. A week before there was a wizard known as the leading source on what we would consider mythological creatures that went to the loo in the middle of a book signing and hasn't been seen or heard from since. We've checked out their backgrounds, all law-abiding citizens with no known enemies. It just doesn't add up." He deflated, as if divulging so much had drained him.
"I hadn't heard of the researchers, they're not in the Prophet." Drumming her fingers on the table Hermione resisted the urge to tell Harry of her upcoming journey, instead taking a fortifying sip of her tea.
Leaning back in his chair, he regarded his friend, "Yah, didn't want to create a mass panic. You have the old wards on your place, right?" The "old wards" were the high level wards she had cast on their camp site while on the run. They had been reinforced over the years and added upon but her warding was infamous in their friend circle, something that had caused her to be the unofficial warding expert called upon whenever Harry or Ron moved in to a new place.
Waving her hand dismissively she continued to sip at her tea, "Of course they're up, I'll look into what I can add to them though if it will make you feel better. I'll let you know if I find anything you and Ginny could use. I really don't think they would be interested in my research though, there aren't more than a handful of people that even know what I do anyway. "
Harry's skeptical look clearly showed he thought differently. "Hermione, you were a big part of bringing down Voldemort, you're brilliant, and you work on top secret research for the government. But, you're right, no one with nefarious purposes would be interested in you."
Plowing through his concerns Hermione continued on, "Who is working on the case?"
"Ron, Kingsley, Anders, and myself. We're trying to keep it to a minimum that way it doesn't get out to the press. Ron is there right now, he really wanted to come but the four of us are rotating with two hour overlap time to catch the next person up on what we've figured out. Or, as it has been, what additional questions we're trying to figure out." Humming her understanding Hermione couldn't help but feel disheartened. She wouldn't get to see Ron before she left and the way Harry looked it would soon be time to end her visit in favor of letting him get some sleep.
"Any theories on why they would be taking the researchers they have taken?" Hermione could think of a few herself. Voldemort was known for his use of potions in reclaiming his body, but the mythical creature expert would require more research.
"We can't be sure if it's a weapon or something else that they're developing but whatever it is, it's not good." Feeling as if someone had punched her in the gut, her mind raced. Of course Voldemort wouldn't settle for the way he had done things. He was effectively on his third try, having all the knowledge and experience from his first two attempts. He wouldn't settle for just coming back to life. He would be using new ideas, people, and routes to secure his position. Not only would she have to find out what else he had done to himself she would also have to be on the lookout for Voldemort using different tactics and ways of thinking she had never seen.
Feeling like she would need an eternity of studying and research before she would be anywhere near ready for her mission, she couldn't help but lunge across the table to give her best friend a hug. His sputtering and bemused expression only made her hug him more fiercely. "Ah, Hermione? Are you okay?"
His awkward pats to her back sent her over the edge into watery laughter, "Fine, Harry. Just fine. I think I've been missing too much sleep recently. I should probably go and let you rest before you have to be back in at the office." Reluctantly, she released him and slid back into her chair.
"Hermione, I've known you for forever and I know when something's not alright and something is not alright. What is it?" Allowing her hand to be caught in his, she could feel her willpower fail her.
"What… what would you do if it was Voldemort that was back?" Not daring to look him in the eye, she waited.
"Fuck. I don't… Merlin Hermione, I have no idea. You're gonna give me nightmares!" Dropping her hand, Harry leaned back and looked at her as if he had never properly seen her before.
"I mean, don't you worry, sometimes? That he'll come back?" Anxiously rubbing her hands together, she still couldn't bring herself to look at him directly.
"Yah, of course I do. It scares the shit out of me. I've got a family now and if he came back I would be terrified. I couldn't just run off to the forest, I'd have to protect my family. It keeps me up, sometimes. Gin is great at talking me down though. Hermione, did you... you know. Ever deal with it? Did you talk to someone about it?" His honest concern forced her eyes up to meet his.
Giving a hoarse bark of laughter she mulled over the question, "I dealt with it as well as can be expected. I mean, it was hard, really hard at first. But, it all got easier over time. I don't dream about it much anymore and work is good. Keeps me busy. I just wonder, sometimes. What would happen if he did come back? Would we win?"
"We did what we did so we would never have to answer that question Hermione; we ended it once and for all. We took care of the Elder Wand and the Resurrection stone. There's no way he could come back. We still have loonies out there that believe him but they get to be less and less every day. We made the world safe for the next generation. They don't have to grow up in fear like we did. They won't have to fight in a war that started before they were born. We did that Hermione, we did it. Knowing that helps me get through those nights." Fearing that her voice would break, she nodded dumbly.
"Hermione, I think you're stretching yourself too thin. What's going on?" Feeling suffocated, she began the process of occluding her mind. Locking up the thoughts that screamed out he was back and it shouldn't be. Clamping down on the sadness before it could creep into her voice. Harry was already worried enough. He would be sure to check in on her and she couldn't afford that. The hours were burning away, turning to ash in her hands.
"You're right, Harry. I really haven't been sleeping. I'm going to go and catch a nap. it'll do me a world of good." Hoping beyond hope he would leave it be, she stood up, draining the last of her tea.
"Alright, alright. Keep your secrets but if you need help we're always here for you." Collecting his friend into his arms, he gave her a long hug. Walking her to the floo, he watched his friend disappear.
Striding out of the fireplace and to her kitchen table she was determined that what Harry said would be true. By hook or by crook, the next generation would not have to fight in the war that had taken her childhood. Even if it took her losing everything she had ever known she would make Voldemort suffer and finally, finally, die. Shoving her journals aside, she opened up her books on divination and began formulating the prophecy that would spare the late Potters and by extension the young family she had just visited.
This chapter was not my friend. But, at least we're getting closer to time-travel! Also, more info on Voldemort! Duhn dun DUN! On another note, I got a few questions on why I'm making Hermione Indian, which is a very valid question. Here's why: I wanted to make it something she would have to work at, I've read a lot of fics where she just changes her name and calls it a day which seems a little flimsy to me. I think she needs a more drastic change in identity so when Mini!Hermione comes along, people won't start asking questions. I also lived in India for three months so I'm a bit biased. Updated Sep. 30, 2013