Notes: Firstly, I'd like to express my gratitude to all of you who have followed or commented on the first three chapters. My intention is to release a new chapter every week, but this may be subject to my university classes and work commitments. English is not my native language, so please be patient and in case of grammar mistakes, let me know. Thank you all 3
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters of the Harry Potter world. I do not profit from the story and its characters.
Chapter IV - Countdown
3 months
"Horrible things happen to those that meddle with time." Hermione whispered the words to herself as she stirred the cauldron, her eyes fixed on the swirling potion. The past three months had been a relentless battle against uncertainty. The library of Grimmauld Place had been her sanctuary, a place where she pored over the recipe for the time-travel potion, seeking answers that remained elusive.
The lack of information in the ancient books gnawed at Hermione's insatiable curiosity. She was a scholar at heart, someone who thrived on knowledge, and the gaps in her understanding were like thorns in her side. What did the potion's consequences entail? Would she step into the same timeline or a parallel one? The ambiguity was maddening.
Harry, who had been a constant presence during the potion's preparation, could sense Hermione's growing unease. He placed a gentle hand on her shoulder and looked into her eyes, concern etched across his face.
"Hermione, are you alright?" he asked softly, his voice filled with genuine worry.
Hermione sighed, her stirring slowing as her thoughts swirled in turmoil. "I don't know, Harry. It's just... the lack of information is driving me mad. I like to have all the facts, to know what I'm getting into. But with this, it's like stepping into the unknown."
Harry nodded, his understanding deep. "I get it, Hermione. It's a big leap of faith we're taking here. But we trust you, and we believe in this. We'll face whatever comes together."
Hermione offered a small, grateful smile. "I appreciate that, Harry. It's just hard not to let my mind wander to all the things that could go wrong."
Their conversation was interrupted by the clinking of glass vials as Ron entered the room, a worried furrow on his brow. "Everything alright here?"
Harry glanced at Hermione, then back at Ron. "Hermione's just a bit anxious about the lack of information in the books."
Ron sighed, joining them by the cauldron. "Yeah, it's frustrating. But we've come this far, and we can't turn back now."
Hermione took a deep breath, her determination resurfacing. "You're right. We've made our decision, and we have to see it through. For the sake of the wizarding world and all those who have suffered."
Harry's concern for Hermione was undeniable, but a deep, underlying worry about the state of magic itself weighed heavily on his mind. As he gazed at the bubbling potion, his thoughts wandered to the troubling changes he had observed in the world around them.
He turned to Hermione, his voice tinged with unease. "Hermione, I can't help but feel that what we're facing right now is more than just the consequences of meddling with time. Magic itself... it's different. Weakening. I don't feel the same connection to it anymore."
Hermione paused in her stirring, her brow furrowing as she considered Harry's words. "You're right, Harry. I've noticed it too. It's as if the very essence of magic is fading. The thrill, the power we used to feel when we cast spells—it's not the same."
Ron, who had been quietly listening, chimed in, his voice solemn. "It's like life is being drained out of magic. Like it's punishing us for the crimes committed against it."
Harry nodded, a heavy sense of responsibility settling on his shoulders. "Lady Magic... it's like she's taking back the gift she gave to magical beings. Punishing us for all the wrongs that have been done."
The trio exchanged a somber glance, their shared understanding weighing on them. They were not only fighting to change the past but also to preserve the very foundation of their world—the magic that had defined their lives.
As the potion in the cauldron continued to simmer, their resolve strengthened. Their journey wasn't just about rewriting history; it was about redemption, about healing the wounds of the magical world. With each passing moment, the stakes grew higher, but they remained steadfast in their determination to confront the unknown and make things right.
And so, amidst their concerns and the daunting uncertainty of the future, the trio pressed on with their preparations. As the potion neared completion, they steeled themselves for the momentous leap into the unknown, driven by their unwavering bond and a shared determination to change the course of history.
Ϟ Whispers of Time Ϟ
1 month
Harry standed nervously outside Hermione's closed bedroom door. He prepared himself for the conversation that he knew they had to have taking a deep breath, knocking softly, and entering when she invited him in. The room was cozy, with shelves filled with books, a comfortable reading chair, and a warm, inviting atmosphere. She was sitting on her bed, her back against the headboard, and a book in her hands. She raised her eyes, tilting her head to the side while looking at him.
"Harry? What brings you here?" She inspects his face, as if looking for the answers if something bothers him.
Harry closed the door behind him and took a seat on the edge of Hermione's bed. He looked at her with a mixture of gratitude and concern. She waited for him, she did not pressure, just waited, while marking the page at her book and closing it, putting beside her in the bed.
"I wanted to talk to you about the potion, Hermione. About everything we're trying to change." Harry's voice came out softly, with a small smile on his lips.
Hermione sensing the seriousness in Harry's voice moved close to him, sitting close, and enveloping his hand on hers.
"Harry, is something wrong?" The concern in her voice was palpable.
Harry takes a deep breath, his emotions bubbling to the surface. He looked in her brown eyes, and gave her a side hug. He could not say what he needed looking in those eyes and seeing all the concern she had for him. They have known each other for over ten years now, and most of the time she passed worrying about him.
"No, nothing's wrong, but I need to say something. I need to thank you, Hermione. For everything." His voice almost broke and he tried to keep his eyes from watering. He could cry after, he had to say how much he appreciated and loved her. Hermione's eyes glisten with understanding.
"Harry, you don't have to thank me for anything. We've been through it all together." She sounded just as emotional as he was.
"That's exactly it, Hermione. You've always been there for me. You've saved my life more times than I can count. You're like the sister I never had." He left her hand and gave her a side hug, leaning his head into hers.
Hermione's eyes welled up with tears, and she enveloped his waist with her arms, tucking her head under his chin. She did not want him to see her tears.
"And you mean the world to me, Harry." She barely managed to say the words. Just the thought that she would not have him besides her broke her heart.
Harry takes a deep breath, composing himself for the difficult part of the conversation. He had an objective this night, and he would accomplish and let his friend know what he never said before.
"I know we're trying to change the past, to save our loved ones, but Hermione, even if my parents survive, I know time will change. Things might not end up the way we want them to. And that 's okay."
Hermione looks at Harry, her heart heavy with the weight of their mission. Her eyes filled with tears, barely keeping them from falling.
"Harry, I worry about what might happen. I worry about losing you. I can't live in a world where you do not exist."
Harry smiles through his own tears, cupping Hermione's cheek with his free hand. Hermione leaned into Harry's touch, tears streaming down her face.
"Hermione, the most important thing is for you to live your life, to be happy. I would rather have my parents alive and risk my existence than see you sacrifice your happiness."
"I love you, Harry." If they were not so close, he probably would have missed her words, a barely audible whisper.
"I love you too, Hermione. And no matter what happens, we'll face it together. I just need you to promise me that you will do whatever it takes to be happy. Do not try to stick to a history that we know failed all of us and led us to this world."
They stay in that comforting embrace, finding solace in each other's presence and the unbreakable bond they share.
Ϟ Whispers of Time Ϟ
One week
The three of them were in the room that they were using to brew the potion. The silence accentuated the noise of the potion's bubbles. It was ready, all that was left was to add the last ingredient and let it boil, stirring at short intervals for a week.
"So, whose blood are we gonna use?" Ron's voice broke the silence.
Hermione looked at the vials of blood on the table, contemplating their options.
"We have to consider the pros and cons carefully. My blood isn't a viable choice, given the risk of me being born a Muggleborn." She frowned her browns.
Harry nodded in agreement, understanding the limitations of using Hermione's blood. He weighed her words, in his thoughts about his own blood and family.
"I know mine could make her be born in the Potter family, but there's also the risk of her being born in the Evans family."
"But if we use my blood, it increases the chance of her being born into a magical family since I'm a pureblood." Ron concluded their thought, and Hermione nodded, acknowledging Ron's point.
"Alright, I think we should go with Ron's blood. The Weasleys are an old family, it might give me a better start in life." Hermione said with conviction, a conviction that did not manifest within herself.
Harry and Ron exchanged determined glances, their trust in Hermione's judgment unwavering.
"You're right, Hermione. Let's do it." Harry said and smiled at her. His smile did not reach his eyes, Hermione could tell that he was trying to be supportive and strong for her.
"We're in this together, no matter what." Ron said while pushing Harry and Hermione to a group hug. "We got this. It will work."
With their decision made, Hermione carefully added seven drops of Ron's blood to the bubbling cauldron. The mixture reacted, emitting a soft, radiant soft blue glow as the blood blended with the potion. The room filled with a warm, magical light, and they couldn't help but feel a sense of hope and determination as they watched their creation take form.
Now, all they could do was wait for a week, tending to the potion and hoping for the best, as they embarked on this daring journey to change the course of their history.
Ϟ Whispers of Time Ϟ
Two days
The library was a sanctuary of dusty books and faded parchment, where the faint smell of old paper lingered in the air. Hermione sat at a large wooden table, surrounded by a maze of books, scrolls, and articles about the First Wizarding War. She was meticulously gathering information, trying to imprint the grim details of the past into her mind.
As she sifted through the faded news clippings, Ron entered the room and quietly took a seat beside her. He could see the intense focus in her eyes and the furrowed brow that indicated her deep concentration.
"Hermione."
Startled, Hermione looked up from her research, blinking away the harsh library lighting. She smiled at him.
"Ron, I didn't hear you come in."
"I didn't want to disturb you, but I needed to talk to you."
Hermione closed the old, brittle newspaper she had been reading and turned to face him, curiosity in her eyes and a small smile on her lips.
"What's on your mind, Ron?" She tried to ascertain his emotional state, after all, it was rare for him to act like that, he was not the one to talk. Ron took a deep breath, his gaze earnest and filled with regret.
"I want to apologize, Hermione. For all those times I didn't value you enough, for the mistakes I've made." His voice filled with sincerity.
Hermione's expression softened, and she reached out to place a hand on Ron's arm.
"Ron, we've all made mistakes. What matters is that we're here now, fighting for a better future."
Ron nodded, gratitude shining in his eyes. "That's true, but I also want to thank you. For your friendship, your unwavering support. You've always been there for us, for me. Even when I was a git." He let a shameful laugh escape his lips.
"Ron, you don't have to thank me. You're my friend." Emotions welled up in Hermione's eyes, and she felt her throat tighten.
Ron smiled through his own tears, then leaned closer to Hermione, enveloping her in a warm and comforting hug. She embraced him back, holding onto him as if to never let go.
"Hermione, there's something else I want to say." He whispered.
"What is it, Ron?" Hermione pulled back slightly to look at him, curiosity and warmth in her eyes.
"Please, promise me something." Ron met her gaze, his expression serious and tender.
Hermione nodded, tears still glistening in her eyes.
"Don't forget to live, Hermione. Yes, we have this mission to save the world, but don't forget to break a few rules, seek happiness first and foremost. Life is short, and you deserve to be happy."
Hermione smiled through her tears, her heart swelling with gratitude and affection for her dear friend.
The tears found their ways through her face, she squeezed him in her arms, before whispering. " I promise. Thank you, Ron. I needed to hear that."
They shared a moment of profound understanding, knowing that the path ahead was uncertain and filled with danger. But in that library, surrounded by the echoes of the past, they found solace in each other's presence and the unspoken bond that had kept them together through the darkest of times.