August 20th, 1998
Headmistress Office, Hogwarts
Minerva McGonagall, the new headmistress of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry was sitting in her office, having come into her office after the rebuilding the castle was done for the day. She was overseeing the rebuilding. It was a slow and long process, but was a process that needed to be and everyone was willing to do. Hogwarts was built over a very powerful and magical land. Its bricks had magic in them and the way they were arranged gave Hogwarts its magic, both metaphorically and literally. One brick placed wrong could have terrible and unimaginable consequences. So, the rebuilding was being done carefully and meticulously. But majority of work was already done and at the rate the rebuilding was being done, Minerva felt that the castle would be completely rebuilt by the end of August and could be reopened by September 1st.
Her thoughts were disturbed when she heard the portrait behind her speak. "Tiring day Minerva?" She looked at the portrait. It was the portrait of Albus Dumbledore, who was the headmaster before her. He was also her mentor and a close friend. She said, "Just another day Albus. You know how it is." Dumbledore nodded. He then said, "There is an important thing I need to tell you Minerva." She said, "What is it Albus?" He said, "What do you remember about the DADA professors of 1977?" She said, "Weren't there two assistant professors that year? A man and a woman?" Albus nodded and said, "What else do you remember Minerva?" She said, "The man had long messy hair and had green eyes. The woman meanwhile was a redhead. What is your point Albus?" He said, "Do they not look very similar to how Harry and Ginny look right now Minerva?" Her eyes widened as she realized what Albus was saying. She asked, "Weren't the professor's names Harry and Ginny as well? How can that be Albus? It can't be possible." Albus said, "You are right Minerva, for their names were Harry and Ginny as well. And as for how, that is a question that I had been thinking for a long time as well. How can they be in that year, when they weren't even born yet? Why would have they come back to that year? But after researching for a bit and thinking about the situation for a long time, I realized there was only one possible way. Harry and Ginny had travelled back in time to 1977. but then that lead to another question. How? It was after researching all the ways time travel was possible that I found out that when time-turners were first being made, a special type of time turner was made which sent the user back to years instead of hours. That time-turner however was hidden somewhere due to the problems travelling years back in time brought with it." Minerva said, "But how would have they found it out in the first place Albus? And why would they specifically go back to 1977? Why not any other year?" Albus said, "Alas, that is a question I wasn't able to find any answer to, Minerva. But by sending them back in time now, we are making sure that the event happens and thus the loop continues. If you remember, that is the year when Voldemort attacked Hogsmeade. It must have something to do with them being in that year." Minerva said, "So you want to send them back to 1977 using this time-turner?" Albus nodded and said, "I have already found it Minerva. It is in this office. Go to the Headmistress quarters and check behind the castle's map. A safe is there and inside it is the time-turner."
Minerva said, "Albus, I understand why we need to send them. But, don't they deserve a break? They just fought a war against Voldemort. They have lost so many people close to them. Don't they deserve a chance to mourn and grieve? Don't they deserve a chance to be alone for a while and come to terms with the deaths of their loved ones? They just fought Voldemort. The memory of the battle is still so fresh in everyone's mind. Is it really fair to Harry and Ginny to send them back to fight Voldemort again?" Albus eyes lacked that signature twinkling and were full of understanding and pain. He said, "I know Minerva. I too want that for them. If I had the chance or the choice, I would never send them back in time and fight that battle myself. But the situation demands this, for the ages of the professors were 18 and 17. We can't take any risks here because time is at play here. We don't know what may happen if we break the loop by not sending them. Catastrophic things may happen Minerva. Without Harry and Ginny there, we would have no chance winning that battle. And that will make changes to our present." Minerva reluctantly agreed and said, "I will talk with them Albus. I will tell them what you have told me." Albus said, "Thank you Minerva. If you need any help from me, you always know where to find me." Minerva nodded and went to the headmistress quarter. She found the time-turner where Dumbledore said it would be. She then started writing a letter, asking the Weasleys if she could come to their house the next day, while thinking how she would break this news to them.
Author's Note
So starts this new story. New chapters will be uploaded once a week. If you have any suggestions or any interesting ideas, please share them.
