Ginny lay on the floor with no wand, wearing nothing but her necklace, unable to move anything but her eyes.

As she looked up at Hermione–now fully dressed, standing with wand pointed down at her–Ginny admitted to herself she might have lost the initiative in controlling the direction of this conversation.

Hermione shut off the water with a flick of her wand, then looked at Ginny's chest and frowned.

Rude, thought Ginny. This was hardly the time for Hermione to be evaluating her development.

"Accio Ginny's dangerous magical object," Hermione cast. She nodded to herself when Ginny's amulet didn't move.

Oh. Right. That made more sense. She'd told Hermione the amulet was magical, but not what it did, so of course she would check for a weapon.

Hermione picked up Ginny's robe and searched the pockets until she found Ginny's wand, which she moved to her own pocket.

She draped the robe over Ginny, who took this as a positive sign. If Hermione was being considerate of her modesty, she probably wasn't planning on summary execution.

Hermione looked at Ginny's face, but avoided direct eye contact. "My first instinct was to go to Professor McGonagall or the headmaster and tell them everything, so they can find an expert to determine what Riddle might have done to your mind, and then try to fix it."

She paused and chewed her lip. "I can't be sure what will happen if I do that. Ron told me how the wizarding world treats people with mental health issues. I don't want to get this wrong, so you and I are going to talk first. When I cancel the binding spell, you can put on your robe, but don't do anything else. Don't get up from the floor, or move towards me. You're going to answer my questions, and you better not lie. Finite."

Ginny sat up. Getting the robe on was awkward while sitting on the floor, but she managed. "What do you want to know?"

"Have you used Legilimency on me?"

"No."

"Harry?"

"No! I would never. You know how much he's done for me."

"The headmaster?"

"Merlin, no. That would be a terrible idea. I'm sure he must know Occlumency."

"Who then?"

"I haven't used the spell at full power on anyone. I couldn't."

"Expand on that, please."

"Everything Riddle taught me was to make me better at carrying out his plans–mostly how to avoid getting caught. I can't do much without the incantation and a wand, but that would give me away."

"What can you do without giving yourself away?"

"If I look someone in the eyes and concentrate, I can get a sense of their general attitude. It's hard to explain if you haven't experienced it."

"Try."

Ginny considered how to put such shifting, formless magic into words.

"For example, I can tell if someone is suspicious of me. If I give an excuse, I can tell if they're buying it. I don't know how to explain what another person's suspicion feels like. It's not the same as feeling it yourself, but it has the same shape. It's like the words aren't the same, but they sort of rhyme. Same with other emotions."

"You've done that to people then."

"Yeah, last year, when prefects or Filch caught me out after hours. It doesn't do any harm, and it's not even that invasive."

"You haven't changed anyone's memories? Made them forget things they saw you do, or remember them differently?"

"Legilimency doesn't do that. It can make people see things that aren't real, but not force them to believe it. You can learn to see through it, if you can get past your emotional reactions."

"Are there other spells that do change people's memories?"

"Are you sure you want to know this? The way you reacted before…"

"I need to know this."

"Okay, okay. The Confundus Charm is the mildest. You know how you can go to another room to grab something, but get distracted on the way, and forget what you wanted? The Confundus Charm puts a person in a similar state, but more so. It's uncomfortable, so if you suggest a plausible explanation, they'll want to believe it, because it removes the discomfort of feeling fuzzy and confused."

"That seems bad enough. And that's the mildest?"

"You can't suggest anything too outrageous, because it has to make sense to the person you're trying to convince."

"You've used that?"

Ginny looked at her for a long moment.

"Don't try to read me!"

"I wasn't! Not magically anyway. You won't even make eye contact with me."

"Who have you used the Confundus on?" Hermione demanded. "How many times?"

"I used it on Filch when he caught me out after curfew. But that was the one time, I swear."

"What other types of mind magic are there?"

"Are all these questions necessary?"

"Yes. What other types?"

"You already know about memory charms, from Lockhart."

"Can someone do those by eye contact alone?"

"I don't think so. I certainly can't. Lockhart had lots of practice, and even he didn't try it on the guys until he got hold of Ron's wand. Maybe a top Ministry Obliviator could. And no, I haven't used those."

"Keep going."

"The Imperius Curse is the big one. It's one of the Unforgivable Curses–life sentence in Azkaban, no questions asked. It lets you actually control someone. I've never cast any of the Unforgivables."

"One Confundus Charm and some mild Legilimency? You must have felt tempted to do more. You had all those options and didn't use them?"

"All those spells leave traces. When Riddle was in school, he couldn't go around doing whatever he felt like–not while living in the same castle as Albus Dumbledore. When he didn't dare to use magic, he relied on manipulation. I was in the same situation, so Riddle taught me other tools besides spells, like how to read tiny changes in people's expressions."

"Why did you need to get me alone and isolated? What magic were you planning to use on me?"

"Nothing! I did it this way because of your secret. I could tell you didn't want Ron and Harry to know about your Time-Turner, but I thought it would be different with just the two of us, once you realized I already knew."

"It's not that I don't want them to know. McGonagall told me to keep it secret."

Ginny shrugged. "Either way, we needed to talk alone."

"If you wanted a private conversation, you could have found me in the library."

"You still might have denied everything, if you were able to keep it hidden. Plus, I needed to get you to share it. I knew I'd never be able to out-argue you, but I thought if I was bold and brash enough, I could catch you off-guard."

"Then what?"

"I figured once I had the upper hand in the conversation, I'd make up the rest as I went along."

"How'd that work out for you?"

"Could've gone better. Which proves I was right to come to you for help. I don't mean just the Time-Turner either, but everything we're going to need to do to fight Riddle. You're smart, and good at planning, and you're willing to fight if you have to. You proved that this morning."

"Knock it off. I want the truth from you, not flattery."

"That was the truth, same as everything else I've said. What else do you want to know?"

"Anything else you think I should know?"

"If this is my trial to decide whether you send me to Azkaban, you at least have to let me defend myself."

"Go ahead."

"I understand why you're worried. I had Harry's worst enemy in my head. But if I meant him any harm, I could have done it when we were in the hospital wing. I had plenty of opportunities when he was asleep in the next bed."

"True, but I don't pretend to understand the complex plots which Dark Lords seem to favor. Or Dark Ladies. You might be playing a long game. Or Riddle might be, with you playing your part without even realizing. You just told me both of you are good at being subtle and manipulative, getting away with stuff right under Dumbledore's nose. If you want me to trust you, you've got to do better than the fact you haven't done anything terrible yet."

Ginny had no idea how to put together the right sort of clever argument to sway Hermione. Trying to avoid that was how she wound up in this predicament. She decided to keep it simple. "Harry trusts me."

Hermione regarded her for a long moment, then pulled out Ginny's wand and handed it to her. "Okay. You can get up now. Thank you for your honesty."

"That's it?" Ginny rose, trying to avoid sudden movements, and watching Hermione the whole time.

"Was there something else?"

"No, I mean… You believe me now? If I knew saying Harry would vouch for me was all it took, I would have led with that."

"Harry's opinion counts for a lot, but I like to be thorough. Your answers matched what I turned up in my research."

"You've been researching mind magic? I thought you didn't know it existed."

"I only knew about memory charms. When you told me there are other types, I went to the library. Before I started questioning you, I already knew the answers. If you had lied, I would be handling things rather differently right now."

"Oh. I'm glad I didn't then."

Hermione nodded grimly. "Don't make me regret my decision. I don't believe you would, but if you hurt anyone I care about, I'll find a way to make you regret it more."

"I won't," Ginny promised, then decided to switch to a safer subject. "Is the library even open this early?"

When Hermione hesitated, Ginny exclaimed, "Did you break in? Have you done this before?"

"It's the library. Of course I need access at all times. I can't always plan in advance for when I'll need to know something. Like this morning, for example."

"Can you get into the restricted section?"

"No. Madam Pince sets an alarm spell on that section when she closes, ever since an incident our first year." She looked at her watch. "Speaking of the time, I have an errand to take care of. I have to get these clothes and bring them back here for myself."

Ginny blinked. "Those sounded like English words, but–Oh, right. More time travel. Before you go, what do you think about what I asked you?"

"I want to learn Occlumency. I'm not so sure about Legilimency."

"It's not Dark."

"Invading people's privacy is wrong, whether it technically falls under the Dark Arts or not."

"Like slipping potions to Slytherins to knock them out, so you can use Polyjuice to sneak into their common room and spy on private conversations? Wrong like that?"

"That was different."

"Exactly my point. Whether something's wrong or not depends on whether you're doing it to your friends or your enemies. With the enemies we face, we can't afford to pull our punches, even if it means picking up the enemy's weapons and turning them against him."

"Mixed metaphors aside, that sounds like a dangerous path to start down."

"Learning Legilimency doesn't mean you have to use it outside our practice sessions. My Occlumency sucks. I guess Riddle didn't want me to get good enough to keep him out. To improve, I need someone to test me with Legilimency. If not you, I'll have to find someone else. I don't want to do that. I trust you."

"You barely know me."

Ginny grinned. "Barely? That's a good way of putting it, after this morning. We know each other totally barely now."

Hermione didn't look amused, so in a more sober tone, Ginny said, "I know which side you're on. That's enough."

"Why not ask Harry? You're much closer with him. Or Ron?"

"I'd rather try it with you first, for several reasons. I've never tried teaching it, and I think you have the right temperament to pick up the basics quickly. Then you can help me convince the guys it's worth the time and effort it takes to truly master it, and help me get them started. I was also hoping to avoid the question of who I learned it from, at least for a while."

Hermione gave her a sharp look.

"Not because I'm plotting against anyone!" Ginny clarified. "I'm just not ready to talk about that part yet."

"You admitted it to me."

"I didn't intend to. This morning didn't go quite the way I'd hoped. Besides, look how well you took the news."

Hermione winced. "I may have overreacted. Sorry for that."

"It's okay. I get it. You should be afraid of Riddle's ability to turn even friends against each other. He did plenty of that during the war. You had to be sure. But can we keep that part between us for now?"

"It's not my place to share your secrets, as long as they're not dangerous. I think you're underestimating both Harry and Ron though."

"I'm just trying to put last year behind me as much as I can, and be a normal girl for a while."

"I guess I can see that."

"We'll ask Ron and Harry to join us soon, but no one else can know. If people find out you know Occlumency, they assume you have something bad to hide. You know how much scrutiny Harry is already under because of who he is. That's why the Time-Turner would be so helpful–not just for finding time to practice, but so people won't miss us."

"Okay, but while we're on the subject, the Time-Turner needs to stay secret too. You can't tell anyone, not even Ron and Harry, at least until I think about this some more. McGonagall could take it back if she finds out anyone else knows. Agreed?"

"Agreed."

Hermione looked at her watch again. "Listen, this errand I've committed myself to is kind of nagging at me." She picked up her bathrobe from the hook where she'd left it.

"Are we okay?"

"I said I believe you," Hermione answered distractedly.

"I meant the way I ambushed you. It's not a big deal, right? Since we're both witches?"

"Oh. That."

"You and your roommates must change in front of each other."

"Yes, but we're all discreet about it. We don't just wander around with nothing on, and nobody stares or makes comments. And we aren't right in each other's faces. These showers are clearly meant to fit one person at a time. It's not the same at all."

"I'm sorry. You've tried to make me feel welcome around you and Ron and Harry, and I'm grateful. I just need that Time-Turner so much. You have to understand that sort of need. I know you do. I've seen it in you."

Seeing Hermione's expression shift, Ginny hastened to add, "Not with Legilimency! Sorry, poor choice of words. Anyway, I tried to make you uncomfortable, and I explained why, but I wasn't as comfortable as I acted either. Since we were both in the same situation, can we call it even?"

Hermione considered this. "No. Take off your robe."

"Er, what? Why?"

"We're going to walk back to our rooms, and you'll be going without a robe, like I thought I was going to have to do. If you genuinely want us to be even, you have to do this one thing to prove you mean it. Since the stairs won't let boys come up our side, the only people who might see will be other witches, so it shouldn't be a big deal. That is what you said, isn't it?"

"Yeah. I suppose I did," Ginny admitted.

"It's unlikely we'll run into anyone this time of the morning anyway. If we do, you'll tell them you're being punished for… Let's say, for not taking your studies seriously enough. I think that's a positive message to send."

"No. Not the last part. Walking starkers down the hall will be embarrassing, but I'll do it if that's what it takes to square things. I won't act like your bitch though."

"Language."

"Fine, put it this way then. I can't have people thinking they can treat me like a victim. We'll tell people it's a dare. In Gryffindor, you can do anything for a dare, and no one will think twice. People's respect for me might even go up."

"You don't have to convince everyone how tough you are. You know this is a school, not a prison, right?"

"You saw the Dementors surrounding the place, right?"

Before Hermione could think of a response, Ginny whipped off her robe and tossed it at Hermione. "Catch! Okay, ready to go?"

Hermione frowned. "When you put it that way, it sounds like I'm bullying you. And it wouldn't be fair, since no one else saw me. I figured out a way to get myself clothes." She tossed Ginny's robe back to her. "Never mind."

Ginny caught the robe, but didn't put it on. "Awesome. Friends, then? Hugs?" She held her arms out wide.

"Alright, but robe first, then hugs."

Ginny laughed as she put on her robe, then stepped forward. Hermione felt stiff and reserved against her, and pulled back after the briefest squeeze. It wasn't at all how she'd seen Hermione hug Harry. Still, she considered it progress, relative to being held at wandpoint earlier.

Ginny said, "You know, I think I'm going to be a good influence on you. You need someone to help you loosen up."

"Won't that be lovely. Don't get too carried away with pushing boundaries. I'm not someone you can treat as a victim either."

Ginny inclined her head in acknowledgment. "Got it. I'd say you made that quite clear this morning."

Hermione gave a short nod in return, and headed out into the hall. Ginny followed her.

In a quieter voice, Hermione asked, "How would you get away with it in the other houses?"

"Get away with what?"

"You said you could get away with anything for a dare in Gryffindor, even walking around with nothing on. In Ravenclaw, maybe you could say you were conducting an experiment to see the effects of different fabrics on spell-casting, and your control case was no fabric at all."

Ginny grinned. "Oh, I get it. In Slytherin, you'd hint at some fiendishly intricate plot. Everyone would be afraid to admit they weren't important enough to be in on it, or weren't subtle or crafty enough to figure it out. They'd give each other knowing nods, then say nothing more about it."

"I bet it would involve a lot of raising one eyebrow at each other. What about Hufflepuff?"

"Probably one person would do it, then the rest would strip down in a show of solidarity, no questions asked."

Hermione laughed, then covered her mouth with her hand, not wanting to wake anyone in the rooms they passed. "Ginny. That's too mean. Being a Hufflepuff is just as valid as getting Sorted into any other house."

Ginny shrugged. "I don't have a problem with the badgers. You have to admit though, it would be pretty funny to see the look on Sprout's face when she walked in on that scene."

Hermione had to cover her mouth to stifle another laugh.

Ginny asked, "Aren't you rather young to start on your Hogwarts Menagerie though?"

"My what?"

"You know. Before you graduate, collect one from each house–one lion, one eagle, one badger, one snake."

"Collect them?"

"Sleep with one person from each house. I assume that's why you're asking."

"What? That's awful. I would never!"

"Shhh."

"People don't actually," Hermione said in a shocked whisper. "I certainly wouldn't."

Ginny smirked. "Well, what was I supposed to think? If you're not trying to attract the attention of suitors, why are you planning on running naked through all four common rooms?"

"I'm not," she hissed. "It's just a way to think about how the different houses see the world. Don't you and your friends in your year ever pick a topic and go through the four houses like that?"

Ginny's smile faded. "I didn't make a lot of friends last year. I was a little preoccupied."

"Sorry. I wasn't thinking."

"It's fine. In fact, I'd rather not have people always think about all that whenever they think about me."

Hermione gave her a sympathetic smile, then frowned and asked, "You were kidding about that Menagerie thing, weren't you?"

"I don't know how many actually do it, but people talk about it. At least seventh years do."

"How do you know about it?"

"Older brothers."

"They talk to you about that?"

"Nah. I picked it up the only way I ever find out anything interesting at home–the proud Weasley tradition of eavesdropping."

Hermione shook her head, but offered no further comment.

They reached the corner where they needed to go separate ways to reach their rooms. Ginny said, "See you at breakfast?"

"Okay. We'll talk more later."

"Yeah. In the meantime, don't make eye contact with Lupin. You know, with the whole Defense teacher thing."

"You'll have to explain that to me soon."

"I will. The same goes for Snape."

"You have a problem with Potions teachers as well?"

"The way Harry and Ron tell it, Snape had a problem with Harry from day one, when the only thing Snape knew about him was that he defeated Voldemort. It's hard not to draw conclusions."

"Their first meeting was rather confrontational. Alright. It's a small thing, and a sensible precaution. Any other disturbing revelations for this morning?"

"Can't think of anything."

"I'll see you later then."

"Yeah, see you."

~*~

Back in her room, Hermione opened her closet to find the same clothes she was wearing, but at a different point in their timeline. She felt a sudden dread at the thought of touching the garments. The whole thing was so uncanny.

She pushed the feeling aside as irrational, and gathered the clothes into a bundle, along with a book to pass the time. She sighed. This was going to be a long day.

When she got back to the showers, she checked her watch, set the Time-Turner, double-checked it, and used it to travel back.

She felt strange looking around the empty room. So much had happened there this morning, but from another perspective, none of it had taken place yet. She didn't think she'd ever be comfortable with these trips, no matter how well she understood the subject analytically.

Once she put the clothes in their proper place, so they'd be there at the proper time, she let out a satisfied sigh. Carrying out the action she'd committed herself to had relieved a quite particular sort of existential tension.

Though was time travel any more disorienting than the ways magic could make you doubt even your own mind? How were you supposed to trust people here when identity and autonomy were so subject to manipulation?

She'd been guilty of such manipulation herself. She hadn't given a thought to the ethics when she'd brewed and used Polyjuice the year before. At least she'd never interfered with anyone's mind.

She thought about Ginny, and what Riddle had put her through. Her mind started to generate scenarios of how she might punish Riddle some day, but she forced herself to stop. She knew from experience that such dark thoughts tended to spiral out of control.

Be a good person, she told herself. You can be, even in a world with such cruelty. You have to. It's the only way to make things better.

~*~

Ginny lay down on her bed without bothering to change from her bathrobe into sleeping clothes. She'd have to get up soon anyway.

She'd seen a different side of Hermione today. In more ways than one, she thought with a smirk, before blushing at how brazen she'd been with her own exposure. Ah, well. All for a good cause.

Ginny had been trying to figure out Hermione for a while. She hadn't been able to reconcile the studious witch–who seemed better suited for Ravenclaw than Gryffindor–with the 'brilliant, but scary' girl from the stories she'd wheedled out of Harry and Ron.

Hermione had a temper, sure, but setting a teacher on fire, stealing potions ingredients, drugging and impersonating other students? Well, she supposed Snape and his Slytherins could bring out the aggression in anybody.

She reviewed the morning's encounter. At first, things had gone according to plan. Sure, the hungry way Hermione had come at her in response to the promise of new magic to learn had been alarming, but at that point, Ginny still had the upper hand. She had something Hermione wanted.

But then… Then Hermione revealed an aspect of herself Ginny had never seen. When Hermione identified Ginny as a possible threat, she didn't hesitate. She struck with whatever means she had at hand, and didn't let up until satisfying herself that Ginny wasn't dangerous.

Well, not dangerous to Harry, or anyone who had the sense to choose the right side in what was coming.

Ginny broke into a grin and wrapped her arms around her body to hug herself as she lay on her bed. She tensed the muscles in her arms and legs to stop herself from shivering with excitement. Hermione was even more beautifully terrifying than in the stories Ron and Harry told about her.

That was a witch she needed on her team. That was someone she could be genuine friends with.