A/N - Hope everyone enjoys this chapter and thanks for reading and reviewing.

Chapter 11

12 July 2003

Hermione stared in shock at Kingsley. He was the last person she had expected to see. She was married to the bloody Minister of Magic? Well, if he was the Minister in this universe. She supposed it was possible he wasn't.

"I know Jinx told you I would meet you downstairs but I have something I wanted to give you." He hovered in the doorway and held out a flat, square velvet box.

Hermione took it, hoping her hands weren't shaking. How the hell did she end up married to Kingsley of all people? Opening the box, she gasped at the sapphire and diamond necklace inside.

"When Jinx told me what color your dress was, I knew this would look perfect. It was my mother's. Her birthday was in September as well."

Hermione ran a finger over the large sapphire that hung from the strands of diamonds and smaller sapphires. He was right. Her dress robes were cobalt blue with silver accents; the necklace would look perfect. She'd known that the Shacklebolts were part of the Sacred Twenty-Eight but she'd had no idea they had this kind of money. Kingsley had never presented himself that way at least. In her world anyway.

"May I?" he asked, gesturing to the necklace.

"Oh, of course," Hermione said and handed him the box.

Kingsley took the necklace from it and tucked the box under his arm. Hermione turned and he put the necklace around her neck, then carefully fastened the clasp. His fingertips lingered on the back of her neck for a moment and she fought the urge to shiver.

When she turned back around, he smiled at her. "Perfect."

She took a few steps forward to look in the mirror over the vanity. "It's beautiful."

"It is," Kingsley agreed as his eyes met hers in the mirror. He still hadn't taken more than a step into the room.

Hermione felt herself blush. "Thank you."

He tipped his head in acknowledgement. "I'll wait for you downstairs."

She looked again at the shoes waiting for her. "Actually, I think I might need a bit of help on the stairs. Maybe walking in general."

He chuckled then drew his wand, casting a few charms on the shoes. "Stabilizing and cushioning charms. I'd shorten them for you but Jinx would likely have my head. She very much enjoys having a mistress to dress again, as you have discovered."

Hermione managed to smile. She assumed Jinx was his House Elf and had been the one to help her with her hair and make-up. Mother of Merlin, she needed to figure out what was going on. She didn't even have the familiarity of her own flat this time. How would she even find her way downstairs? She had no idea where she was.

Kingsley, possibly sensing her distress, spoke again. "I'm sorry that this event has fallen so soon after our wedding. I know we haven't had much time to get comfortable with one another and now you already have to suffer through a political function. Unfortunately, as the Minister I have no choice but to attend."

"It's all right, Kingsley. I understand." But she didn't understand. At all. Why did they need time to get comfortable with one another? They were married for god's sake! What was going on here?

"Shall I meet you downstairs then?"

Hermione looked dubiously at the shoes, despite the charms Kingsley had cast on them. He laughed, a rich, deep baritone that did something to Hermione's insides.

"I'll be happy to escort you. Are you ready then?"

Hermione grabbed her wand from the vanity table, as well as a clutch that matched the color of her dress. It was much too small to hold her wand, however, and she couldn't just carry her wand in her hand all night. Nor would she ever leave it behind.

"I'm sure Jinx has a hidden wand sleeve somewhere," Kingsley said.

Hermione examined the dress and found a small hidden pocket just wide enough for a wand on her left hip. Sliding her wand into it, she smiled up at Kingsley. He held out his arm and she slipped her hand through it. He led her through the large house, Hermione paying close attention so she could find her way back later, to what appeared to be a sitting room.

He went through the Floo first, thank Merlin, and Hermione followed. He held out a hand to help her from the fireplace in his office at the Ministry.

Kingsley kissed the back of her hand. "Ready?"

Not even a little bit, Hermione thought to herself. "Yes," she said aloud.

Kingsley tucked her arm through his and led her from the office, towards what she had no idea.

Hermione smiled mechanically as yet another Wizengamot member approached Kingsley for a chat. They'd all greeted her politely but she could see the hint of disdain in some of their eyes. No matter that Voldemort was gone, blood prejudice would likely exist forever.

"And you, Miss Granger, pardon me, Mrs. Shacklebolt," the man said. "The recentness you understand." Kingsley nodded politely but Hermione was quite sure it hadn't been an accident to remind her of her birth. She was more surprised that the man had spoken to her at all. Most of the men had ignored her completely after greeting her and solely spoken to Kingsley.

"I'm sorry that the Wizengamot will not be hearing another one of your wonderful proposals."

Hermione stared at the smug smile on the man's face. He was anything but sorry, she was certain of that. Kingsley's hand was at the small of her back and she felt it form into a fist. She had no idea what career this Hermione actually had, but given what the man said, it was entirely possible that this Hermione worked for the DRCMC as well.

"Thank you. I'm glad that you appreciated my hard work," she said with a smile. There was a shift in the man's posture, the only indication that he was upset that his jibe hadn't hit its mark.

Before he could say anything else, Kingsley spoke. "If you'll excuse us, Giles, I believe I would like to dance with my lovely wife."

Giles Selwyn, Hermione thought, that was who the man was. She gave him a tiny smile and then allowed Kingsley to lead her to the dance floor.

"I'm sorry," he said immediately as he took her in his arms and began to lead her in a waltz. He was an excellent dancer.

"It's hardly your fault that some people still lean into their prejudices," Hermione said with a laugh.

"Well, no, although I apologize for that as well. No, I was talking about what he said about your proposals." Kingsley shook his head. "I know that it was difficult to give up your position with the DRCMC, especially when you were working so hard on changing the rest of the werewolf laws."

Hermione remained silent. The other Hermione had quit her job and not by choice it sounded like. Although, Hermione understood the conflict. She was married to the Minister of Magic. She couldn't very well be proposing changes to laws that he would have a say in. And even if he recused himself, anyone could argue that he still held influence over other members of the Wizengamot.

"It's all right, Kingsley. I'm sure my research is in good hands."

"I meant what I told you before we were married. I will support anything outside the Ministry that you wish to do."

"I know you will," Hermione said but her mind was reeling. It sounded as if the other Hermione wasn't working at all right now. She really wished she knew how long she and Kingsley had been married. Not to mention how on earth they ended up together in the first place.

Hermione wouldn't deny that she'd had a bit of a crush on the Kingsley of her world. She'd spoken to him a few times after Order meetings at Grimmauld Place and had ridden and fought with him the night they'd collected Harry from the Dursleys. He was extremely intelligent, he'd been in Ravenclaw while at Hogwarts, and had a great sense of humor as well. Not to mention how attractive he was.

She didn't have any contact with him through the DOM; Croaker met with him regularly, Hermione knew, but the rest of the Unspeakables had no reason to. They had spoken at a few Ministry functions and a couple of gatherings of the Order after the war and they had often engaged in discussions on more academic topics, along with the usual small talk. She always enjoyed talking to him.

But they didn't really know one another, at least they hadn't in her world. It was entirely possible things were different here but his comment while they were still at his house made her think they weren't. So how had they ended up married?

"Have you thought anymore about Healer training?" Kingsley asked.

Healer training? This Hermione was thinking about becoming a Healer? She could honestly say that healing was one career she had never considered. She wasn't sure she had the stomach for it, actually. Remembering Ron's splinching while they were on the Horcrux hunt still made bile rise in her throat. She was quite sure it was the pure adrenaline that had allowed her to heal him without losing the contents of her stomach. Perhaps this Hermione was different.

"I'm still considering," she said.

Kingsley nodded. "I feel as you've gotten the short end of things in this marriage."

Hermione didn't know how to respond to that. It was sounding increasingly like they had some kind of arrangement or agreement instead of being in love with one another. She didn't understand it.

"May I cut in?" a voice behind Hermione said. She turned her head to see Harry standing next to the two of them with a smile on his face. She hoped that the sheer relief at seeing her best friend, even if he wasn't her best friend, didn't show on her face.

"As long as Hermione agrees," Kingsley said.

"If you don't mind," Hermione replied.

"Of course not," he said with a smile. He kissed the back of her hand and then released her to Harry.

"How are you?" Harry asked as they began to dance. He was less fluid than Kingsley but still managed well enough. She wondered who'd taught him.

"I'm fine," she said. "You?"

"I'm fine, Hermione. But I want to talk about you." He glanced over at Kingsley who had already been pulled into conversation with someone. "Is everything going all right with Kingsley?"

"Of course, Harry. Why do you ask?"

"Why do I ask? Why do you think?"

"I don't know, that's why I asked," Hermione said with a huff.

Harry's eyes narrowed and she realized that this was a question she should have not only anticipated but also had a ready answer for.

"In the last few weeks, you've been forced to quit your job and marry someone you barely know and you want to know why I ask how things are going?" Harry stared at her incredulously.

Forced to marry? Hermione didn't swear much but what the fuck? How could she be forced to marry anyone? She wasn't, oh Merlin, she wasn't pregnant, was she? Had she and Kingsley slept together and she'd ended up pregnant? Hermione would never feel the need to marry someone for that reason, especially if it had been a one-night stand or something.

But the wizarding world had an antiquated view on such things, especially Purebloods. And she could definitely see Kingsley, in his capacity as Minister, wanting, no needing, to appear to do the right thing. But gods, how on earth could she have ended up pregnant? Contraceptive potions were basically full-proof and Hermione had been taking one for years. And even if this Hermione wasn't, the charm was nearly as effective. She couldn't imagine herself sleeping with someone without using it. She doubted Kingsley would have either, given his position as Minister.

But wait, no, she couldn't be pregnant. Kingsley himself had given her a glass of champagne when they first arrived. She'd had a second glass as well. If she were pregnant, surely, he wouldn't have let her drink alcohol.

"Hermione?" Harry prodded.

She looked up at him, completely baffled. Why had she been forced to marry Kingsley?

Harry's eyes widened. "He's not, he hasn't, he hasn't forced you, has he?" Harry looked murderous. "I don't care if he's the Minister, I'll kill him."

"Harry, no," Hermione said immediately. "Of course not." No matter what the reason they were married, that was something Kingsley would never do. Hermione was positive about that.

"Then why won't you answer my question?"

Because I have no fucking idea what is going on, Hermione thought to herself. Not to mention I'm not who you think I am.

"Things are fine, Harry. Kingsley has been a perfect gentleman. He's actually been rather sweet to me," she said aloud. And he had been. Today at least.

Harry relaxed a bit but continued to throw furtive glances at Kingsley.

"I thought you liked Kingsley," Hermione said.

"I did, I mean I do, it's just, he's so much older than you, Hermione."

"Remus was older than Tonks and you didn't have a problem with that," she said with a shrug.

"What do you mean, 'was'?" Harry asked in confusion. "He's still older than her."

Hermione barely kept her mouth from dropping open. Remus and Tonks were alive? They hadn't been in any of the other universes she'd been in. She felt tears pricking the back of her eyes but forced herself to remain in control. It would do no good for Harry to think she was crying over her marriage or something. "I just meant when they got married, he was older than her."

"It's not the same," Harry said seeming to accept her explanation.

Hermione snorted. "Oh, so thirteen years is all right but eighteen is too many?"

"Yes, I mean, no, I mean," Harry shook his head, obviously flustered. "I mean it's you."

"I think I know what I'm doing, Harry."

"I know you do, it's just," he sighed. "Fucking Ron. If he'd just stepped up none of this would have had to happen. I know he's my best mate but I'm still furious with him. Ginny still isn't speaking to him."

She wondered if that meant Harry was with Ginny in this universe. She glanced at his hand that held hers while they danced and saw the wedding band on his ring finger. He must be then. She felt a little sad for him after seeing how happy he'd been with Luna in the last universe. Not to mention how happy he had apparently been with Daphne in the one before that. But maybe things were different here.

Hermione said nothing; she had no idea what Harry was talking about and there was no way to fake her way through it. Hopefully, he would take her silence for anger or sadness or something.

"I'm sorry, Hermione."

"It's not your fault, Harry."

"I should have pushed him harder."

"Ron has to make his own choices."

Harry sighed then looked up at Hermione earnestly. "You'll tell me if anything's wrong, won't you?"

"Of course, I will."

"Promise me, Hermione."

"Harry, I hardly think Kingsley is going to hurt me or something."

"I know, I know he won't," Harry said blowing out a breath. "I'm just upset that you had to make this decision. I mean you had to quit your job. You loved your job."

As much as she loved Harry, she needed to get out of this conversation. She had to find some way to figure out what was going on before she said anything else. "I know. I should probably get back to Kingsley though. Minister's wife and all that."

"Yeah, all right," Harry agreed. "You know I love you right?"

She smiled. "I love you too, Harry."

He squeezed her hand and then walked with her to where Kingsley stood. Kingsley smiled as soon as he saw her, and the man he had been talking to took his leave after greeting Harry and nodding to Hermione.

"Harry," Kingsley said.

"Minister," Harry replied.

Kingsley chuckled. "I thought we were beyond such formalities."

"Ministry event and all that, I figured I'd better use proper protocol." Harry smirked but his eyes were serious. "Hermione and I were just discussing her job prospects."

Hermione glared at him. They hadn't discussed it at all, beyond the fact that she'd had to quit her job, the prat.

"Yes, I'm sure that Hermione will be successful in whatever she decides to do," Kingsley said.

"Oh, I know she will," Harry replied.

"I'll support her anyway I can," Kingsley continued.

"I certainly hope so," Harry said.

The two men stared at one another for a few moments before Kingsley inclined his head. Hermione rolled her eyes. Harry had always been protective but Merlin, this was Kingsley they were talking about. It wasn't like she was married to a Death Eater or something.

"I'm standing right here you know," she said, glaring at Harry once again. Her mind was still whirling, however. She had been forced to marry Kingsley, according to Harry anyway, for what reason she had no idea. Remus and Tonks were apparently alive and Ron hadn't done something that Harry thought he should have, something that obviously had to do with her and her marriage to Kingsley. Which made absolutely no sense whatsoever. Gods, her head was starting to hurt.

"I'd better get back to Ginny," Harry said. He looked at Hermione. "We'll talk soon, yeah?"

"Yes, Harry," Hermione said with a sigh.

He gave her an apologetic look and then kissed her cheek. "Kingsley," Harry said.

"Good to see you, Harry," Kingsley said with a smile.

Harry took his leave and Hermione shook her head as he left.

"He cares about you very much," Kingsley said.

"I know," she replied. "He's also an overprotective prat."

Kingsley chuckled. "Well, I'm glad he looks out for you." He smiled down at her and Hermione returned it. She honestly couldn't stay mad at Harry for long. "Shall we get something to eat?"

Hermione thought that was probably a wise idea since she'd already had two glasses of champagne. There were various appetizers and finger foods on a table on the other side of the ballroom. Kingsley placed his hand at the small of her back again and began to guide her across the room. They'd only made it halfway when he was waylaid by yet another member of the Wizengamot.

"I'll just fix you a plate, shall I?" Hermione asked at Kingsley's apologetic expression.

"Yes, thank you."

She squeezed his hand and then continued on her way to the table. Just before she reached it, she saw a familiar figure standing off to the side, drink in hand.

"Padma," Hermione said in relief.

"Hermione, how are you? It's been ages, hasn't it?"

They weren't friends here then either. Hermione had figured as much when she found out that she worked for the DRCMC in this universe. Of course, she had no idea if Padma was still an Unspeakable but at least she knew Padma worked at the Ministry. Or was there with someone that did, Hermione supposed.

"It has," Hermione agreed. "How've you been?"

"All right," Padma said. "Things have been rather mad lately, as you know, I'm sure."

"Right," Hermione said, smiling slightly.

"How are things going for you?" Padma asked, eyes flicking to Kingsley.

"Oh, they're fine," Hermione said. "Trying to decide on a new career and all."

Padma nodded. "It's too bad Davidson didn't offer you an Unspeakable position when she had the chance. You probably wouldn't have had to quit then. We don't have to deal with the Wizengamot."

Oh, thank Merlin. Padma was still an Unspeakable. And Davidson was obviously the Head, which wasn't what Hermione had wanted to hear. She wondered if she'd ever end up in another universe where Croaker was in charge.

"I don't know, I think any job at the Ministry might be questioned. Appearances and all that."

"I suppose," Padma said.

"Listen, there's something I wanted to ask you about," Hermione said.

Padma looked at her expectantly.

"But not here. It's rather…private. Can we meet tomorrow?"

"Hermione, I," Padma began looking nervous. "You know there's nothing I can do about, well…recent events." Her eyes flicked towards Kingsley again.

"I'm not asking you to break any vows you've taken," Hermione said completely confused. What did Padma mean about recent events? "This is personal. It has nothing to do with the Ministry." Not this Ministry, anyway.

"I can listen I suppose," Padma said still looking uneasy.

"Can you meet me in Muggle London?"

"Are you," Padma glanced around and lowered her voice. "Are you in some kind of trouble?"

"No, it's nothing like that," Hermione said, lying through her teeth. "As I said, it's personal and you know the press. I'm sure they track my every move."

"You're not wrong about that," Padma said with a half-smile. "All right, where do you want to meet?"

Hermione quickly gave Padma the details. Hermione had no idea if she and Kingsley had any plans for the following afternoon but she supposed she could always reschedule with Padma if necessary.

"Thank you, Padma."

"Don't thank me yet. I've only agreed to listen."

"That's enough," Hermione said with a smile, then moved towards the buffet table to find something to eat.

Another couple of hours had gone by and Hermione was exhausted. Despite the charms on her shoes, her feet were starting to hurt and if she had to smile and be polite to one more bigoted Pureblood, she was sure she would scream.

She'd danced with Kingsley a few more times, whenever he needed to escape from one of the particularly snide arseholes on the Wizengamot. Hermione had figured out his game after the second dance and she'd been thoroughly amused by it. He'd given her a bit of a sheepish grin when he realized she knew what he was doing and she'd just laughed.

She'd danced with Arthur, who had also asked after her well-being and apologized for Ron. What Ron had done; Hermione still didn't know. Arthur made sure to let her know that she was always welcome at the Burrow and that he and Molly still considered her a daughter. The sentiment had made her eyes glisten and he'd just smiled and hugged her after their dance was over. He had wanted her to come and speak to Molly but Hermione had made an excuse, knowing nothing good could come of talking to the Weasley matriarch until Hermione knew what was going on. Molly was far too perceptive. She had promised to drop by the Burrow soon though.

Hermione had seen plenty of people that she knew, those she'd worked with at the Ministry in her own world as well as former classmates and people she'd met in the last universe while working in the DRCMC. Thankfully, she hadn't had to speak to anyone for more than a few moments, exchanging pleasantries and nothing more.

What she really wanted to do was escape to the Ministry Archives and try to figure out what was going on. Besides Ministry business and documents, they also kept back issues of the Daily Prophet. Hermione was sure that her marriage to the Minister of Magic had been covered by the press. Besides a trip to the loo, however, there was no possibility for her to escape the ballroom long enough to do some research. Hopefully, Padma could help explain when they met tomorrow. Or, maybe this Hermione kept a journal as the last one had. She'd look for one when she got back to Kingsley's.

"I think we can safely make our escape." Kingsley's voice rumbled in her ear, his breath warm on her neck. Hermione held back a shiver. A man's voice had never affected her before but there was something about Kingsley's deep baritone that just, well, she wasn't going to think about that right now.

"Thank Merlin," she said instead.

Kingsley chuckled. He slipped her arm through his and they began to make their way towards the exit. Of course, they were stopped no less than fifteen times by someone just wanting a moment of the Minister's time. It took nearly another hour for them to finally leave the ballroom.

"I'm sorry," Kingsley said as they walked down the corridor to his office.

"It's all right," Hermione said, giving him a smile. "It's part of the job."

"Yes, well, it's not your job."

"It's what I signed on for when we got married, isn't it?"

He smiled softly at her. "Something for which I will be forever grateful." He lifted the hand that rested on his forearm and kissed the back of it. Something, Hermione noticed, he seemed to do quite often. She had understood why when they were at the party. Wizarding society looked down on public displays of affection, especially from the Minister. But they were alone here in the corridor. She wondered why he hadn't just kissed her on the lips or at least on the cheek or something. He was oddly formal with her, even when they were alone.

They reached his office and Hermione was extremely glad he threw in the Floo powder for her and called out the name of his house once she stepped in. She would have had no idea where to go otherwise. Pureblood etiquette did have its uses sometimes.

"Would you like something else to eat? Or another drink?" Kingsley asked once he'd followed her from the Floo.

"Actually, I'm a bit tired. Would you mind if I just went to bed?"

"Not at all," he said, then took her arm again and led her to the bedroom.

He stopped at the door, which Hermione thought was odd but she opened it and stepped inside. Kingsley didn't follow her, however. She turned around and looked at him.

"Thank you for your patience tonight," he said. "I know that parties like this aren't really something you enjoy. I'm sorry that you're going to have to attend more of them."

"Kingsley, it was fine, honestly. I could have done without the subtle bigotry, or not so subtle in some cases, but it's not like I haven't experienced that before."

He sighed. "The war didn't change everyone's opinion, unfortunately."

"Do they ever?" she quipped and he chuckled. He still had not come into the room.

"You don't have to stand in the corridor all night, you know," she said with a laugh.

Immediately, the atmosphere changed. "Are you inviting me into your bedroom, Hermione?" His eyes had darkened slightly and Hermione found herself swallowing reflexively.

"Oh, I, erm-" she trailed off not knowing what to say. They didn't share a bedroom? She knew that some Pureblood couples had separate bedrooms, usually when the marriages had been arranged. She never would have expected that Kingsley followed that custom.

He took a step closer towards the door but didn't cross the threshold. Hermione found herself taking a step forward towards him. She couldn't look away from him.

"I told you when we were married that I would never pressure you, that you were free to change your mind whenever you wanted, that you would be the one to decide what type of marriage we had. Have you decided then?"

"I, I-" Hermione could only stare. She was completely flustered.

He smiled softly, then leaned forward and her eyes fluttered shut. He pressed a soft kiss to her cheek, catching the very corner of her mouth. "Good night, Hermione."

Her eyes snapped open as he turned and made his way down the corridor to a door at the opposite end. It wasn't until the door shut with a quiet click that Hermione pulled herself from her stupor.

"Good night," she whispered, then stepped back into the room and closed the door behind her. She leaned back against it and blew out a breath. She had a feeling she was going to have a difficult time getting to sleep. And not only because she had no idea what the hell was going on.

13 July 2003

Hermione lay awake in her bed, staring up at the canopy above. After Kingsley had left last night, she spent some time searching her bedroom for anything that might give her some clue as to why she was here in the first place. Actually, she couldn't call it a bedroom, it was a large suite. She hadn't noticed before the party; she'd been so focused on where she was and why she was with Kingsley. But through a connecting door in the bedroom, there was a sitting room with a small seating area, a few bookshelves, all of which were full, and a desk in one corner.

The bedroom held a huge four-poster, flanked by side tables, the vanity table, and a small wardrobe. The ensuite bathroom was enormous, dominated by a huge soaking tub that probably could fit four people. She also had a separate shower, as well as a large walk-in closet full of clothes and robes that she would never have chosen in her other life. Being the Minister's wife required a certain level of dress, obviously, but Hermione wondered who had helped her other self shop. Or maybe this Hermione was more fashion conscious than Hermione was.

She hadn't found a journal or diary, unfortunately. There were a few lists in one of the desk drawers – one of charities that the other Hermione had likely been asked to join or was contemplating joining, a list of what Hermione could only assume were possible careers her other self might be interested in, and a list of upcoming events that she was supposed to attend. Hermione was glad to see that there was nothing on the list for the next few days. There had been no other useful information, however.

She wondered, again, why the other Hermione had married Kingsley. And Harry and Arthur's statements about Ron still bothered her. She had no idea what Ron had to do with anything. It was all extremely frustrating.

Sighing, Hermione sat up. It wouldn't do her any good to just lie here all morning. She wasn't going to get any answers from the canopy of her four-poster. She supposed she should try to find her way to the dining room for breakfast. As she and Kingsley had walked to the Floo last night before the party, Hermione had mentally catalogued the rooms they'd passed. She hadn't seen the dining room but she knew it was likely on the main floor. She would just go the opposite direction they'd gone last night and hopefully she'd stumble upon it.

She rose and went to the bathroom to shower and dress.

It took her a bit of time and a few wrong turns but Hermione finally found a small dining room. Kingsley was already seated at the table, Prophet in hand as he sipped a cup of tea.

He looked up as she entered and smiled. "Good morning, Hermione."

"Good morning," she replied.

"Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, thank you."

A House Elf appeared at her elbow. "What can Jinx be getting for Mistress?"

"Oh, I, erm," Hermione glanced at Kingsley from the corner of her eye. He was eating what looked like a full English but she was hesitant to make too much work for the elf.

"Just some toast and tea would be fine, thank you."

Jinx's eyes narrowed as she looked Hermione up and down. "Mistress must be eating more than toast."

Hermione just stared at Jinx in astonishment. She glanced at Kingsley again but he had hidden his face behind the newspaper.

"Jinx will be bringing Mistress a proper breakfast," and then she disappeared.

Kingsley cleared his throat but Hermione still heard the small chuckle. He finally dropped the Prophet, looking at her in amusement. "I thought you'd gotten over that."

"Gotten over what?"

"Trying to spare Jinx work. She won't let you, you know. She takes it as a personal insult."

"Clearly."

Kingsley laughed. "It's better to just go along, I've learned. We'll all be much happier." He smirked at her.

Hermione couldn't help but smile back. She was glad there wasn't any awkwardness from the night before. Her heart still sped up a bit when she remembered the look in his eye when he'd asked if she was inviting him into her bedroom.

It had become clear to her that they had married for a reason other than being in love with one another. It was either for convenience, some kind of political move, or something else entirely. She had a bad feeling that whatever the reason was, she wasn't going to like it when she found out. Glancing at the Prophet on the table, Hermione remembered the stacks of old Prophets in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place. She wondered if they had any here. Although, the little she'd seen of Jinx so far, she doubted it. It was obvious she was a much different elf than Kreacher.

Jinx reappeared at that moment with a plate of food – eggs, toast, bacon, and a small dish of fruit. She set it in front of Hermione and gave her a look that said Hermione had better eat it. Hermione thanked the elf and then picked up her fork, taking a bit of the eggs as Jinx watched. Jinx nodded and popped away again.

"Do you have any plans for the day?" Kingsley asked a few moments later.

"Yes, actually. I spoke with Padma Patil last night at the party and we decided to meet for lunch."

Kingsley's brow furrowed in thought. "She's an Unspeakable, isn't she?"

"Yes," Hermione said. "We were in the same year at Hogwarts. She was in Ravenclaw but we did a few projects together in Arthimancy." That wasn't even a lie. Well, in Hermione's world anyway. She realized she had no idea if this Hermione had even taken Arithmancy. "She was in the D.A. as well and we haven't seen one another for a while."

Kingsley nodded, seemingly unfazed by anything she'd said. Hermione held in a sigh of relief. This Hermione must have had similar school experiences.

"That works out well, then. I have to go into the Ministry this afternoon for a couple of hours. A few issues that were raised last night." He looked like he wanted to do anything else besides go into the Ministry and deal with whatever problems had arisen.

Hermione reached over and put her hand over his, giving it a squeeze. He looked a bit surprised for a moment, then turned his hand to clasp hers and returned the gesture. "I will be home for supper, however."

"All right," she said, then returned to her breakfast.

A few hours later, Hermione Disapparated to an alley near the Muggle café where she intended to meet Padma. She could have Flooed to the Leaky Cauldron and walked but didn't want to risk anyone following her. Hermione was sure that Rita Skeeter would have plenty to say about the Minister's wife having a secret meeting in Muggle London had she got wind of it.

Thankfully, the alley was as empty as Hermione had always remembered it being, as she'd used it a few times in her world, and she walked the short distance to the café. Padma was already waiting for her when she arrived and had gotten a table in a far corner, much to Hermione's relief. There were only a few other tables that were occupied and they were all a good distance away from the table where Padma sat. They wouldn't want to cast any privacy charms here so as not to alert the Ministry to magic in a non-magical area.

It definitely wasn't a perfect situation, but Hermione didn't think that Padma would have agreed to meet her at her flat. Hermione sat down across from the other woman, setting her handbag which contained the Universe Hopper on the table next to her.

"Thanks for meeting me," Hermione said.

"I promised that I'd listen but I still don't know how I can help you. There's nothing I can do about your situation."

Hermione knew that Padma was talking about her marriage to Kingsley. Why she called it a 'situation' Hermione had no idea but she needed to discuss the Universe Hopper first. Hermione waited until the server had taken their orders before speaking.

"I have something to tell you, something that you're probably not going not believe at first but please just hear me out," Hermione said. She glanced around the café again but no one was paying them any attention.

Padma looked at her warily. "All right."

"I'm not who you think I am," Hermione said quietly.

Padma's wand was immediately palmed into her hand and she pointed it at Hermione under the table. Hermione didn't think she would cast anything, given their location, but she wasn't going to test that theory.

"Please," Hermione said, putting her hands up, palms facing Padma to show her she wasn't a threat. "I am Hermione Granger, just not the Hermione Granger of this universe."

"You're not making any sense," Padma said, not putting her wand away.

Hermione put her hands flat on the table. "In my universe, I'm an Unspeakable. You and I work together and are very good friends. Our department head gave me a device to investigate. No one knew what it was or what it did. During my assessment, there was an accident and I jumped universes. I've been trying to get home ever since but haven't been successful."

"There's no proof that parallel universes even exist, let alone that you could travel between them."

"Consider me proof," Hermione said. "Because this is my fourth."

Padma stared at her in shock. "Four?"

Hermione nodded.

"No," Padma said shaking her head. "That's not possible."

"I never thought so either, but here I am. And there's more," Hermione said.

Padma looked at her, still clearly not believing a word she said. Hermione took a deep breath knowing that if anything was going to get her hexed, it was this. "In the first two universes, I arrived wherever the other Hermione was. There were two of us and she and I, along with the other Padma, worked to try to figure out the device and how to get me home. When I jumped into the last universe, I still arrived where the other Hermione was, but there weren't two of me."

"The other Hermione got sent to your universe?"

"No," Hermione said. She met Padma's eyes. "I jumped into her body. Just like I did this time."

Padma stared at her for a moment and then moved forward. Hermione felt the tip of Padma's wand digging into her thigh.

"Tell me why I shouldn't call the Aurors right now."

"Because the other Hermione is all right. She isn't dead, we're just sharing a body and it's my consciousness that's controlling it."

"How do you know that?"

Hermione proceeded to explain what Luna had said to her in the last universe, as well as all the feelings Hermione had had that weren't exactly hers, the actions she'd taken that she wouldn't have if she were in her own body, the agitation she'd felt the last couple of days before jumping again.

"I haven't been here that long but it feels the same as it did the last time."

Padma moved back and they sat in silence for a few moments. Finally, Padma spoke. "Let's say I believe you. What do you want from me?"

"Your help," Hermione said simply. "In every universe, the Padma there has either helped decode or discovered something new about the device, and I have tried something different to travel home. Nothing's worked yet, of course, but I'm hoping that maybe we can figure out something new. Something that will actually get me home this time."

There was silence again, this time lasting much longer. Finally, Padma slid her wand back into her sleeve and sat back in her chair. "I want to see the device."

Hermione nodded and reached for her handbag. She glanced around once more but no one was paying them any attention. She removed the box, then slid it across the table to Padma.

Padma opened the box and studied the device inside. "Looks similar to a Time-turner."

"I don't travel in time though. I reappear in the new universe at the exact time I left the previous one."

"Have you translated the runes and symbols?"

"Yes," Hermione said, then noticed the approaching server from the corner of her eye. She stopped talking and waited.

Padma closed the box and slid it onto her lap as their food was delivered. Once the server had left, Hermione gave Padma a broad overview of what they'd discovered about the device.

"It's been dubbed the Universe hopper," Hermione finished with a smile.

Padma snorted. "Appropriate I suppose."

"You believe me then?"

"I didn't say that," Padma said. "Although, it would be an awfully elaborate ruse after everything you've told me. And for what purpose? Unless you're hoping to use this whole 'alternate universe' thing to somehow get out of your marriage."

"Why would I, or the other Hermione rather, want to do that?"

Padma looked at her incredulously for a minute, then seemed to remember that Hermione had just arrived the night before and had no idea what was going on in the other Hermione's life. She took a deep breath and met Hermione's gaze. "What do you know about marriage laws?"