The first sensation that Hermione registered as she began to come to was pain. A dull throbbing pain behind her right ear.
With a groan she reached behind her head and felt a large bump. She winced while opening her eyes to thankfully soft light. Opening her eyes wider she looked around to find herself in a small bedroom and the one person she had been hoping had been just a hallucination
"Ah Ms. Granger. I'm glad to see you're finally waking. I'm afraid that you took a rather hard knock to the head when you fainted." Professor Dumbledore was sat at the edge of her bed smiling down at her. In his hand he held a vial which he handed to her once she slowly sat herself up. "Here's a pain potion for your head. I'm afraid the knot will remain and will be sensitive for some time but this will take away the immediate pain you are feeling."
After she downed the vile tasting liquid she looked around the room to find that she and the professor were not alone. When Dumbledore noticed where her eyes were he cleared his throat as he waved the two others forward. "Please allow me to introduce you to Professor Dippet, the current headmaster of Hogwarts School of witchcraft and wizardry."
An elder man with long flowing white hair and equally long and white beard stepped forward. His large robes billowing as he gave Hermione a short bow with a smile.
Dumbledore turned to the woman behind him next. "This is Ms. Ottaline Gambol, the current Minister for Magic."
The woman moved around to the opposite side of the bed and sat beside Hermione, taking the girl's hand into her own. "I know that your present situation must frighten you very much so my dear. Professor Dumbledore has informed us of your sudden appearance in his chambers, as well as the broken time turner that was found in your possession."
Hermione nodded her head slowly at the woman. "Yes, I found it while I was helping the headmistress clean up the debris in her office. I had a cut on my hand and when I picked up the time turner some of the sand got into the wound. I dropped the time turner when I felt the sting of the sand in my cut but I didn't know that the chain was on my wrist. The next thing I know the hourglass was spinning and I found myself here."
Professor Dippet curled his finger around his long thin beard. "Well now…that explains how you have traveled so far back in time."
Hermione's brow creased as she looked at the forlorn expression on the three faces. "I don't understand. How have I traveled to this time? I thought a time turner only allowed one to travel back a few hours."
Dumbledore nodded his head solemnly at her. "That is true Ms. Granger. Typically the most one is able to travel back in time is one full day however when the time sands entered your blood stream the time projection was magnified by tenfold for each grain of sand. Half of a second equaling a full year, two for a full second and so on. My guess is that it took you no more than forty seconds to stop the hourglass from spinning thus sending you back eighty years into the past."
Hermione looked down to the cut on her hand, it was bandaged with a soft cloth now. She clenched her fist and closed her eyes. "How do I go back to my own time then? Is there a way to reverse this?"
Ms. Gambol looked kindly at her as she frowned. "I'm afraid not my dear. At less none that we know of."
Professor Dumbledore placed a hand on her knee and gave a slight squeeze. "We will search for a solution none the less however. If there is a way to send you back to your time we will find it."
Professor Dippet nodded in agreement as he pulled a long pipe from his inner robe and used the tip of his wand to light it. "In the meantime however we will need find a way to…well…hide you in plain sight so to speak."
Dumbledore waved his wand towards the door and a moment later a teapot and four cups levitated into the room. As the tea began to pour itself Dumbledore stood and moved to the foot of the bed. "What our dear headmaster means Ms. Granger is that since we do not know the length of your stay, for the time being we will need to provide you with a false identity while you are here. Tell me Hermione, how old are you? Were you a student in Hogwarts when you left your time?"
Hermione took a hold of the teacup that hovered in front of her. She could only stare blankly into the cup, she felt so numb. This was all too surreal and Hermione wasn't sure if she wanted to scream or cry her eyes out. "I'm nineteen sir. The date was May 5 1998 when I left my own time. I would have been graduating from Hogwarts in June if it hadn't been for the war."
The minister's back straightened as she frowned at the girl. "The war?"
Dumbledore held a hand up to Hermione to stop her from saying more. "No no Ms. Granger you must not tell us anything of the future. Nor anything about our future selves for that matter. I had seen the look in your eyes when you first appeared in my chambers, you looked like you had seen a ghost. I know that somehow in your time we are acquainted, but I must ask you to share no more vital details. To do so could drastically alter future events and we cannot risk any interference in the timeline."
Hermione bit her lip, if only he knew that right at that moment she thought that perhaps altering the future wouldn't exactly be a bad thing. The young woman nodded in agreement never the less to ease the professor's fears.
Dumbledore bowed his head in thanks before looking over to the headmaster. "Well Armando? I think Ms. Granger will be able to pass for a student in the following year wouldn't you say?"
The older wizard rubbed his chin as he examined her looks. "I believe so. We will need to change your name however. Granger is most definitely not a pureblood name and though most here do not hold much prejudice over muggleborns, which I assume you are, there are those who unfortunately still hold onto old family tradition and beliefs. The less suspicion there is of your background the less likely the rest of the students will try to harass you." With that he looked over to the Minister.
The witch smiled as she walked over to a chair in the corner of the room where a messenger bag was sat. "I took the liberty of having my elf bring me some files of people from other countries that have recently passed away and had no living family. When Dumbledore told me about the means of your arrival I had a feeling these may come in handy. I perused the files as you slept and I believe I have found the perfect alias." She hand a few scrolls over to Hermione who opened them and began to read the description of her new persona.
Genevieve Duchamps, born in 1801 in Lyons France to Francois Duchamps and Evangeline Lourdane, a wealthy pureblood family that met with an unfortunate end. Monsieur and Madame Duchamps were the victims of a tragic accident involving a sphinx while visiting Cairo.
The girl was ten when her parents died and she was sent to live with the only family member she had left, an elderly great great uncle of her father's family. He lived in Australia for work during the fall, winter and spring of each year and in England during the summer. She lived with him and attended an Australian wizarding school then spent the summer in a small cottage in the English countryside.
Her uncle passed away from natural means when Genevieve turned seventeen while finishing her sixth year. Genevieve herself passed away only a week ago while in the summer home, murdered by nothing more than a burglar.
Ms. Ottaline took a sip of her tea while watching Hermione read the scroll. "No one knows of the girl's death yet. You will assume her identity for the time being and attend the following school year at Hogwarts. Since there are no more members of the Duchamps family left you will be able to use the inheritance left to Ms. Duchamps to buy school supplies and clothing with none the wiser."
Hermione winced at her words, the whole thing sounded so cold. The poor girl had just died and here she was taking the girl's life and her money like some vulture.
Dumbledore resumed his seat next to her on the bed and took Hermione's hand. "I know that this all sounds rather heartless Ms. Granger. Ms. Duchamp's life was cut so short and with such a sad history. But it is a necessary evil I'm afraid." He patted her hand in sympathy before turning towards the Minister.
"Minister Gambol, I think for the time being perhaps Miss Granger should come to stay with me at my home since there is still a full three months till the new school year begins. I will acquired some clothing for her and inform her of our time's most current events so she is well prepared before classes begin."
Professor Dippet blew a puff of smoke out of his mouth while raising an eyebrow. "Um…Albus? Aren't your niece and her friend coming to spend the summer with you while their parents are abroad in America? Is Miss Granger staying there truly wise my friend?"
Albus grinned up at the headmaster. "I believe it is the best solution Armando. The girls will not be arriving until the first of June. That will give me a week to acclimate Miss Granger to our time and once they arrive she can befriend the girls, providing a more solid background to her story once the school year begins."
Hermione squirmed uncomfortably in the bed as she looked at her former headmaster. "I have to confess sir that while I have numerous friends in my time now they mostly became my friends due to circumstance. I seem to have trouble making friends. Most of the time in Hogwarts I was teased for being a know it all. Even my own house teased me for the fact that I'd rather spend the day reading than playing Quidditch."
The professor smiled that twinkling smile of his. "Well I think that you'll find a comrade indeed in my niece's best friend Min. She has a deep love of knowledge as well."
Hermione bit her lip as she took a deep breath. "Thank you for allowing me to stay in your home sir. It is truly kind of you." Tears were forming in her eyes but she did her best to hold them back.
Dumbledore moved closer to her and pulled Hermione into his arms. "Do not thank me my dear. I think that it will benefit you best to be around a familiar face right now."
Hermione nodded into his shoulder and she began to sob. The minister and the headmaster quietly left the room to give the girl some peace.
The shock of the day's events and energy used in her grief left Hermione exhausted and she found herself being lower down onto her bed and covered with the duvet as she succumbed to sleep.
One week later
Roland Hooch was reclined against the headboard of a large four poster bed flipping through the latest Quidditch articles in the daily prophet, much to the annoyance of her best friend.
Minerva was busy packing the last of her things while Ro was lazing about, her face hidden behind the newspaper. "You know could help me pack instead of just lying there useless like a wart on a toad's arse."
Roland folded the corner of the newspaper down enough to peek over it at Minerva. "I could but we both know that you can't stand the way I pack a suitcase and you'll start yelling at me that I'm doing it all wrong before I've put even a single pair of your knickers in it."
Minerva arched a brow at her with a frown before she nodded with a smile. "Aye this is true. Well you could at least talk to me while I'm packing."
The brunette folded the paper up and placed it on the bed besides her then sat up straighter. "You're a right pain sometimes you know? I still have trouble figuring out how we ever became friends."
Minerva smirked at her as she began folding up her unmentionables and placing them in the luggage. "It started because you were more interested in Quidditch in our first year than you were in studying for potions and had to come to me to tutor you."
Roland nodded in agreement. "Oh right. That's why I keep you around."
The darker haired young woman took the item in her hand and bunched it up before throwing it at the other. Rolanda found herself with a face full of silk and lace and laughed as she pulled the chemise off her head.
She held the article of undergarments up to view. "Whoo hoo, are you going to be using this to win our wager this year? Because I think you'll need to cut a slit in the sides if that's the case." Her laughter increased as Minerva smacked her leg before taking her chemise back.
She stuck her tongue out at her friend while refolding it and placing it with the others. "I'll have you know that I don't need anything to help me win our wager. I have my wit and charm, or did you forget that it was me that won last year?"
Roland scoffed as she waved the other off. "That's only because Marjorie got that rejection letter from the ministry about joining the department of mysteries. She was vulnerable and you got to her first."
The corner of Minerva's mouth quirked. "Like I said…I won."
Rolanda rolled her eyes as she leaned back against the headboard again. "Yeah yeah. Well…who are we picking for our competition this year? Lord knows that the choices of lovely ladies to woo into our bedchamber this year will be rather slim."
Minerva thought hard as she closed her suitcase and placed it on the floor next to the others. She looked over her shoulder at Ro as she moved to her bookcase and desk. "How about Mary Edgecombe?"
The other girl grinned as she blew on her nails then buffed them against her shirt. "Already had her during the Halloween feast in fifth year." She had a smug smile as she turned her head back to Minerva. "How about Sarah Pinkellet?"
Minerva grimaced as she pointed her wand to her books and shrunk them all. "Absolutely not! That girl is far too clingy."
The two continued to make suggestion for the next fifteen minutes as Minerva finished her packing. When the ebony haired witch had finished she moved her luggage downstairs and the two went into the parlor room to say goodbye to both their parents who would be leaving the following day to do some studying of new dragon hybrids in both north and south America.
After their hugs and kisses the two walked to the entrance room and took out a feather that Minerva's parents given her a moment ago. The feather was the portkey that would bring the girls to the front door of Rolanda's uncle, Albus Dumbledore.
Uncle Albus wasn't technically her uncle per say, his father was actually her maternal grandmother's brother. Rolanda had always referred to him as uncle Albus though or sometimes Uncle Al to his amusement.
"You know I'll never be able to thank your uncle enough for letting us stay with him while our parents are away. I don't think I could've stood to spend my whole summer in America." Minerva shrunk all of her luggage and placed them in her pocket before holding out the feather for Rolanda to get a hold of it.
Rolanda curled her lip in disgust. "Neither could I. Imagine no fish and chips, that Merlin awful accent and I heard that they've completely changed the way Quidditch is played. I would have never survived."
Minerva cuffed her on the back of the head with a smile. "You are such an idiot."
A second later the portkey activated and the two girls felt themselves being pulled into a void and spit back out. They landed safely in the beautiful front garden of Uncle Al's large country cottage.
The two walked through the garden towards the house. Ro looked sideways at her friend. "How about Holly Ingleside?"
Minerva gave her a strange look. "That sixth year with the caterpillar eyebrow? I thought we were supposed to pick the prettiest girl in Hogwarts to get into bed?"
Rolanda laughed as they approached the front door and knocked. "Alright I'll take that as a no."
The door opened to reveal a smiling Albus Dumbledore. Rolanda hugged her uncle and placed a small kiss on his cheek. "Hello Uncle Al, what has my favorite uncle been up to hmm?"
Albus hugged the girl back then nodded to Minerva. "Oh you know me my dear. Always causing a bit a mischief where ever I go." He laughed. "Well come in, come in and make yourselves at home. Merlin knows it's not the first time either of you have been here." He waved the girl's in.
As the trio made their way into the entryway they heard footsteps coming down the stairs. Albus turned towards the sound and smile. "Ah Miss Duchamps please come down and joins us so that I may introduce you to my two favorite students."
The wizard turned back to his niece who gave him a questioning look. "I'm afraid that I have an additional guest who will be staying with us for the duration of the summer my dears. Her name is Genevieve Duchamps and she will be joining you in your finally year at Hogwarts. Please make her feel welcomed, she has been through a rather difficult time."
The two girls nodded as they heard the newcomer making the final steps that would bring her into view. Albus moved over to Rolanda's side and revealed the young woman who descended the stairs.
Both Rolanda and Minerva could feel their hearts beating faster. Minerva swallowed a hard lump in her throat and Rolanda's jaw dropped.
There, coming down the steps was absolutely the most beautiful young woman that the best friends had ever seen in their lives. The two whispered below their breath as she approached them. "Holy Merlin"
"Miss Duchamps I would like you to meet my niece Rolanda and her best friend and my star transfiguration student Minerva."
Hermione's jaw dropped in awe as well when she first saw the two witches. She knew them instantly and Dumbledore's introduction confirmed her suspicion, Professor McGonagall and Madam Hooch.
The young woman managed to school her features quickly however and she smiled at the two as she gave a brief curtsy. "Please call me Gen. It's a pleasure to meet you both, I hope that we can become good friends before we begin our school year together.
The other two witches could only smile and nod back dumbly, unable to actually form words.
Albus clapped his hands together. "Well girls you know where your rooms are. Why don't you go and bring your things up then meet us in the dining room. Dinner should be ready very soon."
Minerva and Rolanda once again could only nod in response.
Albus held his arm out to Hermione and lead her towards the dining room.
The two witches still stood there slack jawed even after the two had left. They slowly turned to look at one another and both smiled wolfishly at each other. "I think we found the most beautiful witch in Hogwarts." Ro smirked and held out her hand.
Minerva took Ro's hand and shook it while smiling herself. "May the best witch win."