"Accept the things to which fate binds you, and love the people with whom fate brings you together, but do so with all your heart."
Marcus Aurelius
XI
On a sunny and bustling day at Platform 9 3/4, numerous young witches and wizards eagerly awaited their departure on the Hogwarts Express. Among the crowd were the Blacks and the Princes, two families who had been close friends since the end of the war against Voldemort.
Nearly a decade had passed since Voldemort's defeat, and the wizarding world had undergone significant changes. One of the most notable shifts was the revelation of Dumbledore's past involvement with Grindelwald, the dark wizard who had brought terror to Europe in the 1930s.
As a consequence of this revelation, Dumbledore had been stripped of his Order of Merlin First Class and many of his titles. He had resigned from his position as Headmaster of Hogwarts and now served as a Supreme Mugwump at the International Confederation of Wizards headquarters in Paris, keeping much of his work outside of Britain.
In Dumbledore's absence, Minerva McGonagall had assumed the role of Headmistress at Hogwarts. She had appointed Severus Prince, along with his wife Lily, as the new Potions professor and Magical Theory instructor for advanced students. The couple, along with their children Harry and Eileen, spent most of their time at the school.
Harry, who bore a striking resemblance to his father James Potter, possessed his mother's vibrant green eyes. Eileen, on the other hand, shared her mother's red hair but inherited her father's piercing blue eyes and sharp features. At eleven years old, Harry was about to embark on his first year at Hogwarts, while Eileen, at nine years old, had to wait two more years before joining her brother.
Eileen clutched Hermione's hand tightly as they eagerly awaited the arrival of the train. Hermione, a beautiful woman in her early thirties with curly brown hair and hazel eyes, was married to Regulus Black, Sirius's younger brother. They had a daughter named Stella, who was roughly the same age as Eileen.
Hermione, who hailed from an alternate timeline, often reflected on how drastically things had changed. Through the aid of a mysterious device, she had traveled back in time and altered the course of history. She had saved Regulus from his demise in the cave and prevented Sirius from being sent to Azkaban. The witch had also played a role in reconciling Lily and Severus and averting Harry's destiny as the Chosen One. Though she had sacrificed much, she had gained a loving husband, a wonderful daughter, and a happy life. Still, she felt a twinge of guilt for altering the fates of others and occasionally longed for aspects of her original timeline.
"Eileen, please stop pulling my arm. It's starting to hurt," Hermione said gently.
"Sorry, Aunt Mione, I'm just so excited. I can't wait to see Harry off to Hogwarts. Do you think he'll be in Gryffindor like you and Mommy?" Eileen inquired.
"I don't know, sweetheart. Harry could be sorted into any house. He's intelligent and brave, but he also possesses loyalty and cunning. No matter where he ends up, he'll thrive," Hermione reassured.
Stella, who walked alongside them, voiced her complaint. "I hope Harry ends up in Slytherin like Uncle Sev and Father." Stella Ophelia Black, slightly smaller than Eileen, possessed waist-length black hair and bright grey eyes reminiscent of her father's. The young witch was just as clever as her mother, with a mischievous streak inherited from the Blacks, much like her godfather, Uncle Sirius.
"But it's not fair that he gets to go first, Ellie. And you only want him in Slytherin because you'll probably be sorted there," Eileen replied.
"I want to go to Hogwarts too. I already know so much magic. I can levitate things, change their color, and even perform simple spells," Stella blushed, her secret crush on Harry no secret at all.
"I know, darling, but you have to be patient. Your letter will come soon enough. And remember, you can still visit Hogwarts anytime you want. Aunt Lily and Uncle Severus are there," reassured Hermione.
"Yeah, I guess. But it's not the same," Stella sighed.
"I want my own wand, my own robes, and my own friends," Eileen expressed her desires.
"You have friends, girls. Look, there they are," Hermione pointed to a tall woman approaching with two young girls. It was Selena Prewett, née Fawley, and her two daughters, Flora and Hestia. Selena was married to Fabian Prewett, the older brother of Molly Weasley, who was deceased in this timeline. Selena had lost her first fiancé, Augustus Rowle, a Death Eater who chose to end his life rather than face Azkaban. Flora and Hestia, twins, shared the same age as Harry. They possessed long blonde hair, blue eyes, and exuded cheerfulness and friendliness.
Eileen and Stella ran to meet their friends, embracing them warmly. "Hi, Flora. Hi, Hestia. Are you ready for Hogwarts?" Stella eagerly inquired.
"Hi. Yes, we are. We can't wait to board the train. It's going to be so much fun," Flora responded.
"We've packed our trunks with everything we need: books, quills, parchment, cauldrons, ingredients, clothes, and, of course, our wands," Hestia added.
"Wow, you have your own wands? That's so cool. Can I see them?" Eileen asked with curiosity.
"Sure, here they are," Flora presented her wand, crafted from cherry wood with a unicorn hair core. "Mine is ten inches long, and it's particularly effective for charms."
"And mine is nine and a half inches. It's made of ash wood with a dragon heartstring core. It's perfect for transfiguration," Hestia showcased her wand.
"They're beautiful. Can I try them?" Eileen inquired.
"Sorry, Eileen, but you know the rules. You can't use someone else's wand. It won't work properly for you," Flora explained.
"Besides, you'll have your own wand soon enough. Then you can join us at Hogwarts. We'll be just two years apart, you know," Hestia assured her.
"I understand... It's still two years away, and that feels like an eternity. I wish I could join you at Hogwarts right now," Stella expressed her longing.
"Don't worry, girls. We'll keep you updated through letters, and we'll share everything that happens at Hogwarts. Plus, you can always come and visit us whenever you want. Remember, Uncle Sev and Aunt Lily are professors there," Flora reassured.
"Yeah, I suppose so. But it's just not the same. I want to experience my own classes, have my own dormitory, and embark on my own adventures," Eileen expressed her desire for independence.
"You will, Eileen. You will. And we'll be right there with you to share those experiences," Hestia promised.
As they conversed, Regulus and Sirius approached Hermione. Regulus, a handsome man with black hair and grey eyes, worked as a healer at St. Mungo's and excelled in his profession. Sirius, his older brother, bore a striking resemblance to him, but possessed a more mischievous and rebellious nature. He worked as an auror alongside their friend, Fabian Prewett.
"Hello, love. How are you holding up?" Regulus greeted Hermione with a kiss on the cheek.
"I'm doing well, thank you. Just awaiting the arrival of the train," Hermione replied.
"Where are Stella, Eileen and Harry? Are they excited?" Regulus inquired.
"Eileen and Stella are over there with Flora and Hestia. They're feeling a bit envious that Harry gets to go first, but I'm sure they'll be alright. Harry is with Lily and Severus. They'll be here soon," Hermione informed.
"Good. It's hard to believe our nephew is starting his journey at Hogwarts. He's grown up so quickly," Regulus remarked.
"I know. It feels like just yesterday he was born. Harry is an exceptional boy, and I have no doubt he'll achieve great things at Hogwarts," Hermione expressed her pride.
"Speaking of great things, have you seen the latest issue of the Daily Prophet? They featured an article about your research on time travel. It's truly impressive," Regulus complimented.
"Thank you. It's not much, really. Just some theoretical work. Nothing practical yet," Hermione humbly responded.
"Don't be so modest, Hermione. You're a genius Unspeakable. Your contributions to the field of time travel surpass anyone else's. You've even journeyed back in time yourself and made positive changes to history," Regulus praised.
"Not without consequences, Regulus. You know that. There are things I miss from my original timeline, things I can never regain," Hermione acknowledged, reflecting on the complexities of time travel.
"I understand, Hermione. I truly do. And I apologize for any pain that may have caused. But let's not forget that this new timeline is far superior to the previous one. Voldemort's defeat came much sooner, Dumbledore's true nature was revealed, and we now live in a world of peace and justice. We have each other, our daughter Stella, and our loving family. We have so much to be grateful for," Regulus expressed sincerely.
"Yes, Regulus. I know. And I am grateful for all of it. I love you, Stella, and our family deeply. Yet, sometimes I question whether I made the right choice. Whether I had the right to alter the destinies of others. And if I am truly happy in this new reality," Hermione confided.
"You did the right thing, my love. You saved countless lives and brought happiness to many. We have a bright future ahead, and I will always stand beside you," Regulus assured, embracing her and planting a tender kiss on her lips.
"Thank you. Thank you for your understanding, support, and unwavering love. You are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I love you more than words can express," Hermione reciprocated, returning his affectionate gesture.
The witch glanced at the clock and realized she needed to hurry. Regulus had already left with Stella and Eileen. Just as she was about to apparate, a familiar voice caught her attention.
"Hey, Hermione! Wait a minute!" She turned to find Andromeda Tonks approaching, with her daughter Nymphadora, who sported her usual bubblegum-pink hair. Following close behind was Remus Lupin, carrying a suitcase, and a young boy with platinum blond hair and grey eyes, Draco Malfoy – the son of her former enemies and Andromeda's nephew.
"Hello, Andromeda. Hello, Tonks. Hello, Remus. Hello, Draco," Hermione greeted them politely, her curiosity piqued. She had heard that Draco had been adopted by Andromeda after his parents were killed in a raid by Voldemort's followers. The witch also knew that the young wizard was nothing like his cruel and arrogant father, Lucius, who had been a Death Eater. Draco possessed kindness, humility, and a deep love for magical creatures.
"Hi, Hermione. We're here to bid farewell to my nephew," Andromeda explained, her smile warm. "He's starting his first year at Hogwarts today."
Hermione nodded, scanning the platform and noticing another girl boarding the Hogwarts Express. With wild brown hair, hazel eyes, and a grey scarf, she bore an uncanny resemblance to Hermione herself. Shock and disbelief washed over her, unable to fathom that there could be someone who looked so much like her.
Draco also spotted the girl, his face lighting up. He said his goodbyes to his aunt and rushed over to help the girl with her luggage, their smiles mirroring one another. Hermione observed them with a mix of curiosity and envy, wondering what it would be like to have a friend like the young Malfoy, someone who cared for his family and friends so deeply.
Hermione overheard the girl introducing herself as Hermione Granger. Confusion surged through her. How could this girl have the same name as her? And how could she also be a witch? It baffled her to see someone so happy and carefree.
"Hello, I'm Draco Malfoy. It's nice to meet you," the young wizard greeted, extending his hand.
Blushing, the girl smiled back and replied, "Hello, Draco. I'm Hermione Granger. It's nice to meet you too."
The older witch watched this exchange with disbelief, wanting to approach her doppelgänger. But before she could say anything, Regulus grabbed her shoulder and pulled her back. She turned to see him looking at her with concern.
"Hermione, what are you doing?" he whispered in her ear.
"I... I don't know. I just saw her, and I..." she stammered, feeling lost.
Regulus hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead. "It's okay, love. It's okay. She's not you. She's just a girl who happens to look like you."
Hermione shook her head. "No, Regulus. She's not a coincidence. She's a sign. A sign that I'm in the wrong place. A sign that I don't belong here."
Black sighed and locked eyes with her. "Hermione, we've discussed this before. You can't go back. We've altered the past, and we have to live with the consequences."
Hermione looked away, feeling conflicted. Regulus stood by her side, reassuring her that she was exactly where she needed to be and that their encounter was nothing but a blessing, a benediction. Just then, Sirius approached the couple with Stella and Eileen. In that moment, Hermione knew she was home.