April 25, 2002
The preparations for the time travel had been finalized, but I decided to take my time getting ready. In the end, it was decided that only I would be the only one who would time travel because having more than fifteen companions involved complications. Since it was impossible for me to capture and transport all ten Death Eaters alone, the Department of Defense created a tool called pyxis. It was designed so that objects and people can be stored at the will of the wielder. However, pyxis shortened the user's lifespan by month per item or person stored so Department of Magical Equipment Control set strict guidelines.
Various people, including Ginny and other Weasleys, came by to say their final goodbyes. I checked to see I had gathered everything. Wand, clothes, pocket watch, and some spare change. I doubted I needed much money though. I was lost in thought when Hermione finally walked over with an enhanced time turner and a pyxis.
"How are you feeling?" she asked.
"Little queasy. Other than that, I'm fine." I replied with a sheepish smile.
"You know you'll be fine. You always manage to find yourself in trouble yet wiggle out of it with minor injuries."
"Haha. You know trouble finds me, not vice versa."
Hermione managed to crack a smile. She held up the time turner and started explaining. "Remember, turn counterclockwise to travel to the past and clockwise to travel to the future, a year per turn. Three taps on the time turner with your wand to return to the present. I inscribed the instructions and tucked it into your spare robe just in case."
She paused for a moment, so I took this chance to fish out three small boxes and a letter from his pocket.
"Umm… I want you to do me a favor. One's for you, and other is for Ron. The letter and the last box and the letter are for Ginny. I-I didn't have the guts to give it to her when she came by. I didn't have a chance to give it to Ron without her noticing."
"Look. If it's an engagement ring, you know you should give it to her yourself." Hermione lectured as she made a face at me.
I gave her a sheepish smile and replied, "Then can you at least tell her I have something special to give her after I get back? But I don't know if I'll-"
Hermione stopped me midsentence with a tight hug. "Don't be an idiot and say such things. You'll definitely survive and come back. You know you will. Who else can pull this off?"
When she let go, she was full of tears. I hugged her back and whispered, "I promise, I'll come back alive."
After I secured the pyxis in my pocket, I took the time turner in one hand and my luggage in the other. I waved my hand and turned the time turner.