Disclaimer: JK owns HP. Always.

1989

Chapter 5

Hermione stepped through the floo only about a minute after Charlie, but he was already nowhere in sight. The only person in the room was the headmaster accompanied by Fawkes, who was currently perched upon his shoulder. His feather's were a rather stunning shade of red at the moment, due to the morning light shining in through the window.

"Did Charlie already leave?" She asked Dumbledore, before abruptly covering her mouth with one hand. She had rather surprised herself for caring that he hadn't waited on her.

"I sent Mr. Weasley ahead so we could talk in private." He answered. "I have news about the time-turner."

"Really?" She suddenly forgot about her travel companion. "Is your friend going to be able to fix it?"

"We do not know yet." He held back a chuckle at her impatience. "Though I have heard back from Mr Harper; the friend of mine who retired from The Department of Mysteries. He said he can visit here in my office on Saturday afternoon and I told him to floo in around one."

"I'll bring the broken time turner and meet you here then." She agreed.

"Wonderful; Now, were you able to acquire a satisfactory wand?" He asked.

"Yes Professor, I was." She held up her new one. "I'm not quite as attached to it as my old one yet, but it will do."

"Perfect." Dumbledore clapped his hands together.

"If you don't mind me asking, why does Mr. Ollivander have a set of wands he is sure won't sell? I found my younger self's future wand in his supposed non-sell-able stack. I had to talk him into selling it to me in the future."

"His family has passed that shop down generation to generation for several centuries." Dumbledore explained. "Over the years there just seemed to be some that never choose anyone, so they eventually stopped bringing those out to test."

She nodded in understanding. "And that's how he knew he wouldn't be selling them in the next few years."

"Precisely." He said as he adjusted his spectacles. "So what was it you wanted to tell me about?"

"How did you know I…" 'wanted to tell you something' Hermione started to say, but realized Dumbledore was always this perceptive about everything. "It's just that I'm worried I've already changed things just by being here at all. You see there are lots of people currently at this school that I know in the future."

"I figured that was a possibility, but most of them would be in their early years right now though wouldn't they?" Dumbledore asked. "It's very unlikely that they will remember Jean Walters by the time you meet them in a few years. And the professors have already been notified and instructed to ignore you as much as possible."

"That's what I originally thought too." She explained. "That people wouldn't remember me. But it just so happens that one of my two best friends in the future is the youngest Weasley brother."

"I see." He seemed to understand. "So you worry that when the current four Weasleys meet you in a few years they will be confused as to why you look just like the transfer student from this year."

"If it was only Fred and George I wouldn't be worried, I could easily avoid them." She continued to explain. "But Charlie is another story. He seems to want to be my friend, and since he is one of my friend's brothers I have actually already met him a few times before. If we get close now, there is no way he won't recognize me when he meets a younger version of me five years from now."

"I'm not going to lie to you Miss Walters, that could cause unforeseen challenges. We are in uncharted territory here, what with you being stuck here as an undercover student from the future." He placed a comforting advisory hand on her shoulder. "I cannot tell you what to do, only advise you of what I would do in your position, and that is to follow your heart. Your time spent here might be much more pleasant and much less conspicuous if you make a select few trustworthy friends. I know I advised you against getting close to anyone while you are here yesterday, but now that I know you already know Charlie, maybe he could be one of those few people you let get close to you. Just be mindful of protecting the future as you let him in."

"Are you sure?" She questioned, unconvinced that it was a good idea. "Couldn't getting close to him possibly change something drastically?'

"I'm not saying to go crazy, In fact you should be very very careful." Dumbledore turned to look out the window. "But...Since you are already friends with the Weasleys, I am sure you know deep down that Charlie is a good man. If there is someone here that you can trust, and also help you keep a low profile, he is a fine choice."

"I feel bad enough about revealing where I come from to you and the other professors, do you really think it's wise to tell anyone else?"

"The Weasleys are some of the most loyal people currently in the wizarding world, Miss Walters. I'm not suggesting you tell him everything, in fact you should tell him no more than you've told me." He turned just his face to look at her. "Besides, I'm not even suggesting you worry about telling him anything today, or anytime soon for that matter either my dear. I'm merely telling you as a precaution that if you do become friends, maybe at some point it would be wise to tell him rather than let it shock him the first time he sees you years from now."

"I'll consider it." She said simply.

"That is all I suggest." He responded. "You should try to catch your next class now. I'll see you on Saturday."

Hermione nodded and turned to head to the exit.

"One more thing, Miss Walters."

"Yes?" She stopped abruptly.

"Do try and control yourself in classes." He teased her. "Nothing will draw attention to you quite as much as answering every question."

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

All day Hermione had gone to her classes as scheduled; though only at the very last second. She would slide into the farthest back chair to avoid being questioned yet. Several people had looked at her, confused as to who she was, but luckily the teachers did not bring her up in front of everyone. She had taken Dumbledore's advice and kept silent all day.

It had turned out that she only had two classes left after returning from her morning excursion, both of which she shared with Charlie. He had sent her a reassuring smile at the start of both Transfiguration and Defense Against the Dark Arts, which was currently taught by Professor Quirrell's older brother. She briefly wondered what would happen to him to cause him to stop teaching by the end of the year, but thought better than to warn the man.

For dinner she transfigured her bowl from that morning into a large tupperware container before filling it with all of her favorite things. She once again got some funny looks from her fellow students, but she rushed off to eat in a hidden section of the Library before anyone could question her.

It was now just past eight o'clock in the evening and she knew it was time to go in and face the crowd. She was currently standing in front of the portrait of the fat lady trying to muster up enough courage to go inside.

"Don't tell me you are too nervous to go in?" A familiar voice asked from behind her.

She turned away from the entrance to confirm that it was Charlie.

"A bit." She admitted. "I mean I know I have to go in eventually and face the inquisition, but I'm worried."

"It's just a bunch of silly students. You are only here for a year. There is really nothing for you to worry about." He tried to assure her as he stepped in close.

"That's easy for you to say."

"A bit shy are we?" He asked.

Hermione laughed at him, causing him to grin.

"No, you don't seem to be the shy type. More like the private type who wants to be left alone."

She let out a single grunt in response.

"Face it Jean. I have you pegged." He placed a single finger under her chin and turned her face to look up at him. "I'd like to get to know you, but you seem hellbent on keeping me at arms length."

She bit her lip in a thoughtful silence for a moment before replying. "Charlie, I'm a very complicated person. You don't understand the trouble being friends with me could get you into."

"Well it's a good thing trouble is my middle name then, huh?" His grin returned full force.

Hermione couldn't help the snort that she released in response. There was something about him that seemed to both calm her nerves and rile her spirit up all at the same time. It was both a comfort to be in his presence and a nuisance.

"Alright, Fine. I'll stop trying to keep you at a distance completely." She agreed, after remembering Dumbledore's advice from earlier. "But I reserve the right to keep my past private."

"I guess that's as good as I'm going to get from you for the time being." He dropped his hand from her chin so he could grab her hand instead. "Now would you like me to help you with your current predicament?"

"Sure." She agreed apprehensively. "But what are you going to do?"

His smile turned very Fred and George reminiscent as he began to drag her closer to the fat lady. "You are just going to have to trust me Jean!"

"I don't like that look!" She struggled, but laughed at the resemblance. "Charlie!"

He cackled as he dragged her into the very full Gryffindor common room and in front of the crowd. She suddenly stopped smiling and got very nervous that she had made a mistake in trusting him.

"Listen up everybody." He shouted loud enough for the whole common room to hear, their hands still joined and in plain sight.

The room went silent. Everybody stopped what they were doing and looked to see what the seventh year would say. It was obvious that his presence had demanded their attention and respect, mainly in part to the fact that he was not only a prefect, but their Quidditch captain as well.

"This is Jean Walters. Yes she is new. Yes she is a seventh year. And yes, just transferred here." He said loudly. "She was sorted into Gryffindor privately last night. Now she is a little shy, so don't everyone go bugging her at once."

Soft murmurs began to pass between a few of the older students, mainly the women. As Hermione looked at all the unfamiliar faces she noticed a girl with medium blonde hair glaring at her with both distaste and curiosity. How someone could already have an issue with her when she had only been here for twenty-four hours was baffling.

"That means respect her privacy please." Charlie continued. "Now onto what you are really interested in: Quidditch tryouts are Saturday starting at nine a.m. at the Quidditch pitch. We need a new keeper and a new chaser, and possibly two alternates depending on how tryouts go. Anyone who wants to participate can either be there or be square. Goodnight!"

As he stepped away, pretty much everyone returned to what they were doing before Charlie had made his speech, and he dragged her into a more secluded spot by the fire. The loud chatter was back in full bloom within seconds of their exit from center stage.

"Why did you do that so publicly?" She asked, mortified.

"You wanted to be inconspicuous didn't you?"

Hermione's face turned red. "You call that inconspicuous?"

"Yes, I do." He explained. "If you had tried to sneak in, people would have wondered where you came from and asked you a whole bunch of questions, and you would have had lots of people bugging you at different times. Now everyone knows all at once, and only what I just told them. I controlled the situation, and then diverted their attention at the end with Quidditch talk. Now people won't wonder who you are later, and most of them aren't even thinking about you anymore anyway."

This answer surprised Hermione. What he had done had actually been quite clever, and he was likely right that this would keep most people from asking questions about her arrival. People in general were very self absorbed, and would likely not notice her after this.

"Oh." She finally responded. "Thank you Charlie. That was quite helpful." Once the realization of what he had actually done sank in, she felt rather like a jerk for how she'd been treating him. "And you're honestly being a lot nicer to me than I deserve."

"Nonsense." He scooted slightly closer to her. "You must have reasons for wanting to keep to yourself. You don't know me or anyone else here really, so I understand you not knowing who to trust yet."

Hermione's heart fluttered, and she gulped a little. She was going to be in more trouble than she initially realized. Charlie Weasley was turning out to be everything she liked about Ron plus so much more.

She knew her face must be pink from her thoughts so she turned her head to look away from him and back at the bustling common room. "I think I'm starting to trust you at least. It's nice to have an ally."

"Ally? You sound like a spy, you know?" He said as he held out his hand, acting as if wanting her to take it. "But I will ignore that for now. The way I see it, you will let me in when you are ready. Now would you like to meet my brothers?"

"Sure." She replied as she took his hand so he could guide her. She wasn't thrilled about conversing with more people who would know her later, but she figured it would look even stranger if she refused.

"Oi!" Charlie called. "Percy. Fred. George!"

They approached the tabletop the twins were sitting on, as Percy was scribbling away on some parchment feet away. Upon closer inspection, Percy was trying to ignore the mischievous brothers as they kept making paper airplanes dive at him.

"Okay boys, cut it out!" Charlie grabbed Fred, who was nearest to him, and put his elbow around his neck. He began rubbing his knuckle in a fast circle on the top of his head. "You know better than to annoy Percy while he is studying."

"But he's always studying!" Screamed Fred.

"Yeah Char." Piped up George. "When are we supposed to bother him? He was busy all summer on 'homework'."

"Jean, these are my eleven year old brothers Fred and George." He introduced them. "Now you are going to want to keep an eye out for them. Remember I warned you about what pranksters they are. Do not, under any circumstances, trust them."

"Nice to meet you, pretty lady." The young George smiled and held out his hand.

Hermione went to grab it, but Charlie stuck his own hand out to block her. "I wouldn't do that if I were you."

"Aw you ruined it!" Cried Fred as he tried to smooth his hair back down from the noogie. "Why do you have to ruin all our fun? First you tell us we can't try out for the quidditch team, and now we can't even annoy Perce, or give people minor shocks to the hand."

"Yeah mum told you to watch out for us." George added, as he took the shocking device off his hand. "You are supposed to be helping us, not hindering us!"

"No, mum told him to keep an eye on the two of you." Percy finally looked up from his book. "Because she knew you would be getting into a lot of trouble if he didn't!"

An argument broke out between the three younger brother's and Charlie took the opportunity to drag her away again. "So that's my family. The ones here at school anyway. Hope they didn't scare you off from me too badly."

"Not at all. I think they are fun actually." She grinned, not being able to help it after seeing the younger versions of Gred and Forge up to their usual tom-foolery.

"Glad you think so, we are quite a handful when we all get together." He remarked happily. "The other more serious brother was Percy. We all seem to have quite a range of personalities."

"I'm sure." Hermione said casually, not wanting to add anything in case she slipped up and commented something he hadn't told her yet. "Anyway I am still exhausted from my travels to be honest. I know it's early, but I think I am going to go ahead and go to bed."

"Oh. Alright." He looked slightly disappointed. "Goodnight then Jean."

"Goodnight Charlie." She gave him a small genuine smile. "Thanks for everything today."

"No problem at all." He smiled back as she headed up the winding staircase to the seventh year girl dorms.

XXXXXXXXXX

When Hermione arrived in the dormitory, she noticed that there were already two girls sitting on the bed next to hers. They had been laughing about something, but stopped as soon as they heard her enter the space.

The blonde stood first and soon they both approached her; luckily they seemed friendly.

"Jean, right?" The girl asked as she held out her arm.

"Yes." Hermione answered, and shook the girl's hand.

"I'm Laura, and this is Sarah." She said excitedly, while motioning to the brunette beside her.

"Nice to meet both of you." Hermione replied, trying to sound friendly as well.

She was trying to take a leaf out of Charlie's book and act normal. Keeping him at a distance had only made him suspicious of her. If she wanted to keep a low profile she needed to make herself seem like an open book.

"So where did you transfer from?" Laura asked.

"America." Hermione answered. "Ilvermorny in Massachusetts to be exact."

"Oh, that's cool." Sarah said. "But you don't really sound like a yank."

"Sarah! Don't be rude." Laura exclaimed.

"Sorry." The girl's face turned pink. "I have a tendency to speak before I think."

Hermione smiled. "No it's okay. It's a valid question. My father was transferred there for work when I was young, and we just got back this summer. I lived in muggle London until I was ten."

"See Laura, it's fine." Sarah gloated. "Welcome to Hogwarts Jean!"

Hermione talked with the two girls for a bit before bidding them goodnight. They seemed really nice and had welcomed her warmly. At least they were new faces who wouldn't risk recognizing her between now and 1998.

As she crawled into her four poster bed and closed the curtains behind her, she couldn't help but be glad for Charlie's interference. He had been right and had done nothing but be helpful since her arrival to the past. She grinned as she snuggled up in her covers thinking about him.

Her face soured when she realized that she was thinking about the wrong Weasley brother.