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August 31, 1896
James wanted to disappear at that moment. He fully knew how he ended up in this situation and why his father had called him to his study. He had caused many troubles in the past, but this was beyond his control. Who could have foreseen that Regulus and Sirius would end up breaking the rule of no magic outside Hogwarts? He kind of hoped that his father wouldn't know what happened yesterday, but being summoned to the study meant trouble. He knew the only thing he could do was damage control. Besides, it wasn't entirely his fault (though he might have contributed a little due to his indifference), and it was an ACCIDENT! He fidgeted in his seat. His father entered the study and placed the two newly bought Cleansweep brooms in front of him. He gulped, ducked his head, and resolved to appear as remorseful as possible.
"I warned you, James Charlus Potter! I have warned you!" Charlus Potter said while pacing around James. "I've trusted you to get yourself out of trouble. I ordered you to chaperone your cousin, but you didn't follow my instructions and left Hermione alone in a bookstore just for you to buy these twigs!"
"I... I... I'm sorry, Father. I didn't know it would turn out this way. I'm really, really, really sorry," James pleaded.
"I am disappointed in you, son! Not just because you disobeyed my orders, but because you didn't tell me what happened! If not for this blasted newspaper, I wouldn't have known!" His father then threw the newspaper in front of James. He silently read the news.
"Brothers Continue Feud – Previously Over Inheritance, Now Over the New Heiress' Hand?
Wizarding World's Hottest Scoop!
By: Rita "The Quill" SKeeter
Love Triangle Alert: The Black Brothers and the Enchanting Lady Fleamont !
"It seems that someone can't help but be on the front page."
It's a tale that reads like a story from the pages of an epic romance novel, and the wizarding world is buzzing with excitement! In a shocking turn of events, the normally elusive and mysterious Black brothers, Regulus Artucrus Black and Sirius Orion Black, have thrust themselves into the public eye, and it's all thanks to the captivating Lady Fleamont!
August 28, 1896: The Wizengamot approved the petition for the revival of House Fleamont, a move publicly supported by none other than the Head of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black. A surprising alliance, or is there more to the story than meets the eye?
Forbidden Magic and Mysterious Duels: Just yesterday, at 4 o'clock in the afternoon, a clandestine magical duel unfolded right outside "Winnaman Apothecary Express." The duel involved none other than the two enigmatic Black brothers, both of whom are still students at Hogwarts, and technically too young to wield their wands outside the school grounds.
What Really Happened?: We conducted exclusive interviews with credible witnesses who were on the scene to uncover the secrets behind the mysterious magical showdown. "I've never seen wizards draw their wands so fast," one witness exclaimed, describing the lightning-quick exchange of spells that left onlookers baffled.
A Love So Enigmatic: As if this tale couldn't get any more intriguing, it appears that Lady Fleamont, the apple of the Black brothers' eyes, was the focal point of the confrontation. The trio's interaction sparked rumors of an undeniable attraction, as these young witches and wizards were caught in an intimate moment just before the duel.
A Lady Who Enthralls: The enchanting Lady Fleamont is turning heads in the wizarding community. Witness accounts describe her as a breathtakingly beautiful young witch, and it's no wonder that she has cast her spell on not one but two Black brothers.
Forbidden Love or Fated Romance?: The heart of this tale lies in the question of whether this budding attraction will be blessed by the Black and Fleamont families. With Lady Fleamont's mixed heritage, which includes a Muggle grandmother, it remains uncertain whether her love story with the pureblood Black brothers will face insurmountable hurdles. Will the star-crossed lovers prevail, or is this a forbidden love affair in the making?
What's Next?: We're determined to uncover the truth! Our sources are working around the clock to get the scoop from Lady Fleamont and young Lord Black themselves. Will their love story defy all odds, or are they destined to face a future filled with challenges?
Stay tuned as The Daily Gossip continues to bring you the juiciest, most tantalizing wizarding world rumors and mysteries. You won't want to miss a single update on this spellbinding saga!
'Bloody Skeeter!' James thought. "Wow. Skeeter is really good at weaving stories. If I didn't know Hermione, I might have believed this," he said.
"Indeed! So you know what this entails, right? The entire wizarding community might already believe this news! If you had told me yesterday, I might have been able to do some damage control," Charlus said.
"Relax, Charlus." He turned to the door where the voice came from. His grandfather, Henry, approached him, and his father gave up his seat to his grandfather. "James, please call Hermione and Sirius in here. I have things to say," James nodded and exited the study.
He then proceeded to the living room where Sirius and Hermione were talking.
"Hermione, mate, we're busted," he said. "Apparently, The Daily Prophet got wind of what happened yesterday," he sighed.
"What!" Hermione exclaimed. "Oh, don't tell me it's Skeeter?"
"Nailed it," he replied.
Hermione grunted and murmured something he didn't quite catch. "What did you say?"
"Nothing," she immediately said.
"So no Quidditch for us, I guess?" Sirius asked.
"No! I mean, it's not official yet. There's no decision yet from Father because we were interrupted by Gramps. And, oh, he called you, by the way. Both of you," he pointed to his two friends or cousins.
Hermione and Sirius exchanged a worried glance and made their way to the study.
Meanwhile,
"Father, you cannot overlook this. Although I ultimately blame myself for letting this happen, I should have made them return home. I underestimated the magnet of trouble that James and Sirius attract," Charlus said.
"I assure you I would not. However, what we need to do now is assure the kids and gain their trust. We are in this situation right now because the kids didn't trust us enough to relay to us what happened. They might have believed that by not telling us what happened, it would all just go away," said Henry.
Charlus sighed. "It might be my fault again. I warned the boys to stay away from trouble or no Quidditch at all. That must be the reason they decided to keep it to themselves." A pregnant silence settled between the two men before Charlus spoke again. "I'm afraid that with this, the timeline would change?"
Henry chuckled. "Oh, the timeline has long been changed. Time is a fragile and vacillating element. I believe all of this is fated to happen."
The arrival of the three young wizards and a witch interrupted the conversation of the two older Potters.
"I'm sorry, Gramps, Uncle. It really is my fault," Sirius regretfully admitted.
"Don't worry, Sirius, child. Charlus and I are not angry at you," the Potter patriarch glanced at the other teenage relatives. "As for the rest of you..." Henry trailed off. "I commend you, Sirius, for protecting Hermione. From what James has relayed, it's only proper to get Hermione away in that situation." Henry turned to Hermione. "As for you, Hermione, I also commend you for handling the situation rather well. You have appeased the Black Patriarch. And lastly, you, Jamie... I commend you for taking responsibility when you know that you committed a mistake. However, what we are angry about is not trusting us to fix the situation. It really upset our feelings that you didn't tell us what happened. Children, we are family, and a family sticks together. Don't be afraid to let us know right away anything that you know would lead to a bigger problem. Do you understand?"
The three affirmed in chorus.
"I do hope we are in mutual understanding on this matter. Please promise me that you will inform us of anything that troubles you, okay?" Henry asked again, and the three nodded.
"Gramps, I promise it will not happen again," James said. "But, I don't quite understand why what happened seems to be a very, very, very big deal. I know we're still forbidden to use a wand outside the school, and we really made trouble, but not everything in the news is true, and we didn't even care what is said in it before. So why?"
"Son, these are troubled times. Indeed, we don't care what the newspaper says, but that is not the case with other people. Public opinion is a fickle thing, but being on the wrong side of the public is disastrous. As Slytherin as it may sound, it's better to steer a boat in calm waters than in a violent storm," Charlus explained.
"So, what you're saying, Dad, is that Hermione being linked to Regulus or Sirius is like steering into a violent storm?" James asked.
Charlus let out a frustrated sigh. "That is not entirely what I mean. There is really no problem with whoever Hermione chooses in the future—"
"Oh please! Let's not talk about my future love life!" Hermione complained.
The two older Potters chuckled. "Okay, forgive me, young lady. Regardless, what I mean is that public opinion is more significant than you think. Public opinion is a dangerous but powerful force. A truth will be a lie, and a lie will be a truth in public. I know it sounds crazy, but that's how society works. Son, you've seen how the news painted Sirius as some kind of disturbed child when it's not the real truth. I assure you, Sirius, that we will not believe whatever rubbish that article wrote about you, but that cannot be said for other people. Others will believe it and will say horrible things to you. That's how dangerous public opinion is. Do you now understand? James, Sirius, and Hermione?" Charlus asked, and the trio again affirmed in chorus. "Very well, I hope you'll mind your actions in the future. Think before getting yourself in trouble."
"Certainly, Father," James replied. Sirius approached Charlus and hugged him, then Henry.
"Thank you, Gramps, Uncle."
"No problem, boy," said Henry, and Charlus just smiled in acknowledgment. "You may go now, except Hermione. I have things to say to her first."
"Uhmm. Before that, are we banned from playing Quidditch?" Sirius asked.
"We will let this slide for now. But there will be no more next time," Henry said.
The two boys jumped and gave each other a high five, then they gave Hermione a reassuring glance before exiting the study room.
"I believe I will also see myself out and make sure those two rascals are not eavesdropping just outside the door," Charlus said, then left the room.
Hermione watched Charlus leave the room.
"Please tell me I didn't change the timeline," she asked. She had been so worried after the events yesterday. She had already encountered Regulus Black twice, and based on his reaction yesterday, his obliviation must not be that powerful.
"Hermione, you know the basic concept of time travel. The fundamental rule is that you shouldn't be seen. But in your case, it's inevitable. So don't fret too much, for the timeline has already changed. And no, it's not your fault. I have refrained from asking you about your time, but I have a fair idea of what happened. You'll be returning to Hogwarts tomorrow. Are you excited?" Henry said while smiling at her.
"Don't change the subject, Uncle! This is a big deal! Change the timeline? Does that mean that I created a time paradox? Oh my God! I'm not going to be reborn this time, right? I'm... I'm going to cease to exist!?" Many things were running through her mind. What if in this time Harry would not be born or Ron? Or anyone she knows in her time? Even if it was Draco Malfoy, she would be concerned! She loathed the guy, but she couldn't bear knowing that she is the reason he or anyone she knows will not exist! It's like killing someone!
"Hermione..." She woke up from her reverie. Henry kneeled in front of her, wiping the tears from her eyes. She didn't know that she was already crying. These past few days, she'd been strong and determined to face what would become of her in this time. But she'd been lying to herself! All she planned was to research about time travel at Hogwarts and avoid creating too much of an impact in this time! She had already failed big time without even knowing what led her here in the 1970s in the first place!
"Hermione. Do not worry. Please trust me. Nothing good will happen from worrying. I do think your arrival has already changed the timeline. But I do not think it would be something big that would result in your nonexistence or in the nonexistence of anyone you know. Or perhaps, the events that were supposed to 'happen' will still happen. You've experienced time traveling before, right?" Hermione nodded. The old man heaved a sigh and sat in the seat across from her. "Then, you should know that time has this odd way of fixing any abnormalities. Dear, don't you think that your arrival here in this time has a reason?"
Hermione contemplated. That thought had already crossed her mind, but she was too afraid to cause anything that would change the timeline. For all she knew, bad things happened to those who meddled with time. "I do, but it might also be just an accident that wasn't meant to happen. Because, if my arrival here is predestined, then Sirius would have known me in my time or anyone that I would meet tomorrow at Hogwarts, and I would really hate the possibility that my arrival here is the reason why all those things happened in the future. Then, if I'm meant to change the past, that would mean I will not be able to return to the future, for the future I came from no longer exists. That would ultimately create a paradox. Besides, even in the future, time traveling is supposed to be possible for only a couple of hours or days, not a decade! I... I want to return to the future, Uncle. My life is there! However tumultuous the future has been, it's where I belong. My parents are there, and my friends."
"I understand your dilemma, dear. I also experienced time traveling when I was a student at Hogwarts before. It was a great adventure that I will never forget. Time is very tricky, just so you know," Henry again smiled at her. "But, before I forget, I have not yet told you the reason I called you here." Hermione waited for Henry to finish. "You are Hermione Fleamont in this timeline. I know Dorea already informed you of customs and traditions here in this time, but I would just like to remind you that you need to be extra careful in your actions, especially towards any purebloods. I know many things have already changed in the Muggle world, but the wizarding world is still conservative up to this day. I'm not telling you to always act prude or so ladylike, but there's no harm in being cautious. You've already received many marriage proposals, but that is not the end. Many in your year, or perhaps a year above you at Hogwarts, will take extra interest in you as a possible wife. Many of them you will find repulsive, but be civil in your approach as long as possible. If any indecent acts occur toward you, feel free to show how good your wandwork is." Henry winked at her, and she slightly chuckled. "And lastly, I do hope you will enjoy your time here, especially at Hogwarts, because based on what you said just earlier, the future is in a tumultuous time."
"Yes, I plan to spend my time here wisely," Hermione said. "Thank you, Uncle, for the advice, and I am really thankful that you're helping me." Then she frowned. "It still puzzles me, though, why you're helping me. You don't know me at all."
"Well, you're a member of the Order in the future. I am just following Professor Dumbledore's orders," Henry said.
Hermione threw the old man a suspicious look. As if she was going to buy that. "Did you really?"
Henry chuckled. "I know." Then he stood, tapping her shoulder. "That is all, dear. You may ready yourself for tomorrow's journey."
Hermione abruptly stood and blocked the door. "No! You can't get away just like that. I know there is more to it. I do not believe you would just follow Professor Dumbledore's orders."
Henry frowned. She watched him contemplate, then return to his formerly occupied seat. "Will you believe me if I told you I just felt like it?" Hermione shook her head. "Would you believe me if I told you I just pity your circumstance and am also very curious how you ended up in this year?" Again, Hermione shook her head. "Then, would you believe me if I told you that you remind me of an old friend of mine?"
"That is too cliché, and how will I remind you of your old friend when, in fact, you don't know me, I mean, really know me?" She retorted.
"So you see, nothing I will say will appease you regarding how I just accepted you into this family," Henry pointed.
"Nothing except the truth," she responded.
The old man massaged his temple. "You are really stubborn."
"I've been called that many times," she said.
Henry studied her for a long time. "Very well, I will tell you the reason." She brightened up and waited for him to tell her. "Although not today."
"What?" She couldn't believe it. "Why not?"
"Hmmm. I just feel that it's not the right time," Henry said, quite amused at how she looked at that moment.
"You're infuriating!" she exclaimed.
The old man burst into laughter. "Oh, that's new. I have been called many names, but never infuriating."
"You really won't tell me, will you?" she relented.
"I will, although not today," Henry smiled. "Now you better get yourself ready and pack your things. The beginning of the new school year is tomorrow. Now go!"
She sighed. "Okay."
The old man walked to the door. "Oh, I almost forgot. You'd better write an apology to Orion and Regulus. I know you can handle that."
She hesitated. "Are you sure? It might further affect the timeline?"
"The future will one day be the present and will seem as unimportant as the present does now. So for the nth time, do not worry," Henry said. With that, he left her in the study.
As Hermione sat alone in the study, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions churned within her. She couldn't help but reflect on the conversation with Henry Potter, the man who had welcomed her into this unfamiliar era. There was so much at stake, and her predicament seemed to teeter on the edge of paradoxical possibilities.
She couldn't help but think about her life in the future, the life she had known so intimately. Her parents, her friends, the familiar streets of her hometown, and the safety of the modern world. Her friends, Harry and Ron, and the adventures they had shared, were like beacons guiding her back to the future she had left behind. Those were the constants in her life, the pillars that had defined her existence. And now, she was contemplating leaving all of that behind.
But the past few days had shown her a glimpse of a different reality, one filled with magic, secrets, and traditions that were foreign yet strangely intriguing. She couldn't ignore the growing bond she felt with the people of this time, particularly the Potters. Their warmth and acceptance were comforting, even if their customs and expectations were a challenge.
The fear of altering the timeline weighed heavily on her. The very essence of time travel had always been to observe, not interfere. Yet here she was, a living, breathing paradox, a walking enigma with the power to change the course of history. Her mere presence in the past had likely already set off ripples through time, and she grappled with the consequences of her actions.
And then there was the mystery of why Henry Potter, a man who didn't know her, was going out of his way to help her. She couldn't accept the simple explanation that he was following Dumbledore's orders. It seemed there was a deeper connection, one she was determined to uncover.
But the most pressing dilemma of all was whether she should return to her own time. Her life was there, the world she knew, the people she loved. The very idea of not returning was terrifying, as it meant abandoning her family and life. However, if it meant stopping all the bad thing happening in the future... She can't help but wish she can be the hero for once. She does not envy the troubles that Harry experiance, but she heard the comments. She love her friends. But, somehow her accomplishments and intellegence are sidelined. Life she was just a side character in Harry's story.
Also, the chance to experience magic in its prime, to witness the lives of characters from the history books she had grown up with, was undeniably enticing. She wanted to explore this era, delve deeper into its secrets, and be a part of the wizarding world in a way she never could in her own time.
As she wrestled with these thoughts, Hermione knew she stood at a crossroads, torn between two worlds. The past was beckoning her with its enchanting mysteries, while the future whispered promises of a life she once knew. With a sigh, she realized that the decision was hers to make, and it would be one of the most profound choices she'd ever face.