Chapter 28
6 August 2003
Hermione stared at Padma, unsure if she had heard correctly. Even if she had, Padma didn't seem concerned about talking to Rookwood, Death Eater and former, maybe even current, who knew, resident of Azkaban. And when on earth had he been the Head Unspeakable? Yes, he'd worked for the Department of Mysteries, but he'd never been Head in her world.
"Rookwood?" Hermione finally questioned.
"Yes," Padma said. "Do you know him in your world?"
"I know of him," Hermione said. "Never met the man personally."
"Oh, he didn't work for the DOM?"
"Yes, back during the first war. He was sent to Azkaban in 1981."
"Azkaban? For what?" Padma asked in confusion.
Hermione stared at her incredulously. "He was a Death Eater. And a spy for Voldemort."
It was Padma's turn to look shocked. "A Death Eater? No, there's no possible way Augustus Rookwood was a Death Eater."
"I assure you that he was," Hermione said. "In my universe and every other one I've been in so far."
"That's not, his wife is Muggleborn for Merlin's sake!"
Hermione could only stare at her. Not only was Rookwood not a Death Eater but he was married to a Muggleborn? How was that possible?
"I can't believe it," Padma said, sinking down into the chair in front of Hermione's desk.
Hermione couldn't believe it either. While people had certainly been different in every universe she'd been in, never had Rookwood not been a Death Eater. She supposed, though, that she shouldn't be entirely surprised. Lucius Malfoy hadn't been one in the Draco universe. Well, technically he had but not by his own choice. Still, it was odd to hear that Rookwood wasn't.
"All right, so he obviously wasn't a Death Eater here," Hermione said, finally recovering her voice. "When was he the Head Unspeakable?"
"I'm not sure exactly when he started but he was the Head the year I started working here, a year before you, well the other Hermione, did. He was a wonderful mentor. He retired right after she started and that's when Croaker became Head." Padma looked up at Hermione. "He was really a Death Eater?"
"In many worlds, yes."
"That's just," Padma shook her head. "That doesn't track at all with the man I know."
"There is one thing I didn't mention," Hermione said. "The Universe Hopper was found in a raid of one of Rookwood's properties. I knew that he was once an Unspeakable and suspected that he might have made it. In every other universe including my own, he was either in Azkaban or dead, so we were never able to speak to him without arousing suspicion. I'd actually forgotten to even ask about him when I got here because of that."
"Well, we can talk to him here," Padma said. "He and Eileen still invite me for dinner every month or so. I can send him an owl today." She frowned. "Wait, no I can't. Eileen told me she was taking him on a trip for his birthday. They won't be back until Friday."
Two days from now. Honestly, Hermione wasn't all that upset. Two more days with Harry sounded just fine to her. There was a flutter of something from her other self, that sort of felt like irritation but Hermione couldn't be sure. It was still weaker than it had been at first. She ignored it and focused on Padma once again.
"If he's not back until Friday then we don't have any choice but to wait. Was there anything else you found?"
"No," Padma said with a sigh. "Either you and all our other selves have found everything there is to find or there's something that we've all collectively missed."
"Somehow, I doubt that's true," Hermione said with a small smile.
"Right, so we wait to see what Augustus has to say." Padma frowned, looking concerned.
"What is it?"
"If Augustus doesn't have any ideas about this, I mean there's no guarantee even if another version of him did invent it, what will you do?"
Hermione was silent for a few moments. She was not about to tell Padma that she just wanted to stay. "I guess I'll just have to jump again and hope for the best."
Padma's eyes narrowed as she studied Hermione. After a few moments, she nodded but Hermione wasn't at all convinced that the other woman believed her.
"How was your day?" Harry asked when he met her in the Atrium after work.
She sighed.
"That good huh?" Harry said with a laugh.
"It was fine, just a bit frustrating."
Harry took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the back of it. "I'm sure you'll figure it out, love. You always do."
She gave him a smile that felt forced, but he didn't seem to notice. The thing was, she didn't want to figure it out. Everything she'd experienced in this universe is what she wanted. She did feel badly that they weren't on speaking terms with Ginny, but not badly enough that she wanted to leave just because of that.
"Let's just get takeaway tonight," Harry said. "Maybe watch a film or something."
"Won't Kreacher be upset about that?" Hermione asked. Plus, she wondered where they were going to watch a film. She hadn't seen a telly anywhere in Grimmauld Place.
Harry's brow furrowed in confusion. "It's Kreacher's night off."
"Oh, right. I forgot."
"You sure you're all right?" Harry said. "It took you three years to convince him to take even a few hours off a month. You never forget that."
"Sorry, just thinking about this project, I guess," Hermione said.
Her other self suddenly made herself known, annoyed and frustrated in equal measure. Hermione was relieved she supposed. She could do without the internal admonishment, but she was glad the twinges of feelings she had been getting all day were finally stronger. Mostly. Maybe.
"Well, stop," Harry said. They'd reached the Floos, and he turned towards her. "Work's over, time for you and me to relax and enjoy our night."
Hermione smiled. "All right. I promise."
Harry smiled back and her and then ushered her into the Floo.
Hermione shifted slightly and Harry tightened his arm around her. They were in Regulus' old bedroom which Harry had made into a media room. Hermione had no idea how the telly and DVD player worked in Grimmauld Place around magic, though she did remember hearing something about Justin Finch-Fletchly starting a company in her own world to make Muggle electronics function in the magical world. Perhaps he'd figured it out sooner here.
She'd cast a few surreptitious spells while Harry was busy getting the DVD ready and there were multiple charms and wards on both the room and the electronics. She wanted to ask all kinds of questions, but of course she couldn't. That would be a difficulty if she stayed. There were so many things she wouldn't know, so many people and relationships she wouldn't know the backstory on. Padma could only tell her so much.
She felt another wave of anger from her other self, but Hermione ignored it. It's not as if she were really going to stay. She was sure that Rookwood would know something about the Universe Hopper. Probably.
"All right?" Harry asked.
"Mm, yes." She snuggled further into his side, and he kissed the top of her head, turning his attention back to the film.
Hermione wasn't really paying much attention. Her thoughts were too consuming. She was still surprised by the revelation that Rookwood wasn't a Death Eater in this universe. She wondered if there were others that weren't as well or people that were that hadn't been in her world. She supposed there must be. It's not like she'd gone through the roster of who was and wasn't a Death Eater in every universe she'd been in either.
She wondered what had happened here that kept Rookwood from following that path. Perhaps it was his wife. She wasn't sure if he had even been married in her world, or if he was, to whom. She supposed it was likely that he was. He was a Pureblood, in his sixties or seventies, so it was likely he'd done his 'duty' and married a Pureblood woman and produced an heir. Hermione hadn't paid much attention to the Death Eaters' private lives. She knew some, of course, given their children had attended Hogwarts with her, but if Rookwood had any children, they would have been older and likely finished with school by the time she'd started.
She wondered if this Rookwood would have any insight into the Universe Hopper. He obviously wasn't the person who'd made it, but Hermione wondered if the thought processes of the different Rookwoods would be the same. Pre-Azkaban it was possible, she supposed. All of the Padmas she'd met thought through things in basically the same way. All of the Lunas seemed the same as well. So maybe this Rookwood would have something to contribute.
If he didn't, Hermione wasn't sure what she'd do. There was a draw to just stay here but she couldn't, obviously. Especially now that her other self seemed to have recovered from whatever had happened when she momentarily took over. Still, she didn't relish jumping blind again.
Hermione turned her attention to the film, but she was hopelessly lost as to what was happening. No matter. She rather liked cuddling on the couch with Harry, regardless of what they were watching.
She didn't feel like she was overly tired, but she felt her eyes close all the same. She opened them again a few seconds later but they fluttered shut once more. Figuring she must be more tired than she thought, Hermione gave in and drifted off to the sound of Harry's steadily beating heart.
When she woke, the film was over, the DVD back to the initial menu screen. When she lifted her head, she realized that Harry was also asleep. She also found that Harry must have shifted them at some point because they were now lying on the couch. Harry on his back, Hermione on her side pressed into the back of the couch, her head on Harry's chest. One of his arms was around her, while the other was resting behind his head.
Hermione frowned. She was normally a rather light sleeper. She was surprised she hadn't woken when Harry shifted their position. She glanced at the clock on the DVD player. She'd been asleep for over two hours. Which meant the movie had been over for nearly an hour, as she'd fallen asleep around the middle somewhere. Well, they weren't going to sleep on the couch all night.
"Harry," she said. When he didn't stir, she shook him lightly. "Harry, wake up."
His eyes opened and he looked down at her, then over at the telly. "It's over?" He yawned. "When did I fall asleep?"
Hermione's brow furrowed. "I wouldn't know. I was already asleep."
Harry looked confused. "No, you weren't."
Hermione opened her mouth to argue then closed it again, feeling of dread coming over her. Harry was still looking at her in confusion. "You were the one that wanted to lie down, remember?"
"Right," Hermione said. Except she knew that she hadn't said that. The last thing she remembered was the two of them cuddled next to one another, but they had definitely been sitting up. And then she'd fallen asleep. Or at least she thought she'd fallen asleep. Because it was looking now like it had been something else.
"Hermione, are you all right?" Harry said in concern.
"Yes, I'm fine," she managed, although she was anything but fine. It had happened again. It had to have. Her other self had taken over again. Only this time she'd made Hermione think she'd fallen asleep on her own instead of just blacking out. But why? It wasn't like the last time where Hermione had been at a loss for what to tell Harry. They'd just been snuggling watching the telly.
"Are you sure? Because you've seemed off lately."
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked, sitting up fully now so Harry couldn't feel the pounding of her heart against his side.
Harry sat up as well, taking one of her hands in his. "Forgetting things, like Teddy last weekend or Kreacher having the night off, the nightmares you've been having. You've seemed sort of nervous sometimes too, a bit jumpy or something." He studied her for a few moments. "Are you, is it, is this a reaction to trying to have a baby? Because if you're not ready-"
"No!" Hermione said immediately. "No, that's not it at all." Harry looked skeptical. "I swear."
"What is it then?"
"It's nothing, Harry, honestly. I'm fine."
Harry didn't look convinced. "Maybe you need to go back to the mind Healer. Just a time or two. Talk things out."
Hermione was trying extremely hard not to panic. She couldn't possibly go to the mind Healer as she'd have no idea what to talk to them about. It's not like she could tell them the truth about what was happening. But Harry was obviously worried. He would never force her, she knew that much, but he would strongly encourage it.
"I promise I will if I feel the need," she said. "But I don't, really. Of course I was the one that suggested we lie down. I just meant that I must have fallen asleep before you did or else I didn't realize that you had before I fell asleep myself."
Harry stared at her for a few moments before he sighed. "All right."
"Harry-"
"It's fine, Hermione." He gave her a half smile. "We should probably head to bed." Harry dropped her hand and stood. He turned off the telly and took the disc out of the DVD player, putting it back into the case.
As Hermione watched him, she searched for her other self. There was nothing, just as there hadn't been after the first time she'd taken over. When Harry turned around, Hermione walked towards him and wrapped her arms around him. "I love you."
Harry put his own arms around her and hugged her tightly. "I love you too."
She looked up at him and he dipped his head to kiss her. He smiled when they parted. "Let's go to bed, love."
She nodded and took his hand as they left the room to head to their bedroom.
7 August 2003
"I don't know what's happening," Hermione said. She had come straight to Padma's office as soon as she arrived in the DOM and was currently pacing back and forth across the small space. Hermione had quickly told her the events of the night before.
"Calm down," Padma said. "Let's go through this logically."
"There isn't any logic to it this time," Hermione insisted. "Harry and I were just snuggling on the couch watching a film. We weren't even talking! Why would she feel the need to take over?"
"Was it just for a few moments again like last time?"
"No! I was asleep for two hours! Gods, Padma, what if she just takes over permanently?"
Padma stood from her desk and walked around to block Hermione's next path across her office. She put her hands on Hermione's shoulders. "Take a deep breath, all right? Don't jump to worst case scenario. Last time, it took her a couple of days to get back to full strength or whatever. By then we'll hopefully have talked to Augustus."
Hermione nodded, although she didn't feel much better about it. She was terrified actually. So much so that she'd been thinking about jumping. It was only that Rookwood might be able to help that kept her from doing it. Not to mention that she might get to another universe and have the same issues.
"Harry's suspicious."
"How so?" Padma asked.
Hermione told her about the conversation they'd had once Hermione had woken him the night before. "I don't, what if he figures it out?"
"As good of an Auror as Harry is, I highly doubt that parallel universes are going to be his first thought."
"I don't mean figures it out exactly. I just mean what if he decides I'm not really his Hermione?"
"I really don't think that's going to happen. It seems like he's just worried about you. I mean, he mentioned the mind Healer, right?"
"Yes, right," Hermione said.
"I think the best thing you can do right now is act as normally as possible. I'll try to give you some more information to help you. I'll contact Augustus as soon as they're back and we'll go talk to him. It's going to be okay."
Hermione nodded. Yes, normal, right. It was only another day or so. She could do this.
She could not do this. She felt like she was on edge waiting for the other shoe to drop. She'd cancelled lunch with Harry because she couldn't guarantee she could act normally around him. She was certain he'd suspect something. She was going to need a Calming draught before she went home for the day. Or maybe twelve.
She kept reaching out for her other self throughout the day. Not that she thought she'd be able to feel her yet, but Hermione wanted the other her to know that just because she wanted to stay, she really didn't plan to. Maybe that was what had gotten the other Hermione to take over again. Hermione had been thinking about what it would be like to stay here quite a bit in the last few days. The other Hermione was likely worried she was serious about it. But there was no response to Hermione's repeated attempts to contact her other self.
Scrubbing her hands down her face, Hermione sighed. There was a large part of her that wished the Croaker of her world had never asked her to work on the Universe Hopper. Of course, it wasn't his fault that Hermione had ended up in this situation. That had been her own stupidity and overconfidence. She'd gotten too sure of herself and her abilities and look at what had happened.
She knew it wouldn't do any good to dwell on it. It wouldn't change anything. And she had learned a few things along this journey, namely who and what she really wanted. Could she have come to the same conclusions without going through all of this? Likely. But would she have acted on them? That she wasn't sure about. She still wasn't sure about it, despite knowing how things could be with Harry.
It wasn't the relationship with Harry she was concerned about. She was quite certain they could make a go of it in her world and be just as happy as this Harry and Hermione were. No, it was everyone else she was worried about; what it would do to Ron and Ginny, to Molly and Arthur, to the rest of the Weasleys. Would Harry be willing to give all of them up for her? She wasn't sure. She didn't even know if she could ask him to.
Sitting back dejectedly in her chair, Hermione sighed again. What good was knowing what your supposed destiny was if you couldn't have it? You could have it if you stayed, a little voice inside her head said. No, she wasn't going to think about that. She wasn't going to stay, she wasn't. She couldn't, it was as simple as that.
No matter how hard she tried to ignore it, that little voice kept sneaking up on her throughout the day. Goading her, whispering to her about what it would be like if she stayed. Surely, she could figure out a way to take care of her other self so she wouldn't interfere. Hermione was the brightest witch of her age after all. There had to be some way she could take over this body completely.
"Stop!" Hermione finally said aloud. "I'm not doing that. I have to go home." And she meant it. Really.
Hermione had taken a Calming draught as soon as she and Harry had gotten home, glad that he kept the potions in the same place here as he did in her world. She knew it was the only way she'd make it through the evening with him.
There was still nothing from her other self but that didn't make Hermione any less anxious. While she hadn't expected it the first time, it had at least been understandable under the circumstances. The second time, however, made no sense. So, she wasn't about to let her guard down in relation to her other self.
The Calming draught helped immensely though, so much so that she was able to forget about the other her for a bit and just enjoy being with Harry. Kreacher had made her favorites for supper and as she hadn't really eaten anything all day given her anxiety; she'd tucked in heartily.
"Skipped lunch, didn't you?" Harry asked with a smirk.
"Erm, well," Hermione hedged. Her Harry hated it when she didn't eat.
Harry laughed. "It's obvious that you did, love. No need to try and deny it."
Hermione's cheeks heated. "I was busy."
He grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. "I know. That's why I Flooed Kreacher to make your favorites tonight."
She squeezed his hand. "Thank you." She was a bit surprised that he didn't chastise her for not eating. Her Harry always did.
"Just promise that you'll try to remember next time you work through? It might be more important than ever soon."
Hermione knew he was referring to them trying to get pregnant. She smiled softly. "I will, Harry. I promise."
He kissed her fingertips and returned to his supper. Hermione watched him fondly for a few moments before she did the same.
She managed to make it through the rest of the evening without too much trouble. They sat on the couch in the library, Harry reviewing reports while Hermione reclined back against the arm of the couch and read, her feet in Harry's lap.
When Harry closed the last folder and tossed it onto the side table, she looked up at him, resting her book against her chest. He rubbed his eyes under his glasses with his forefinger and thumb. It was such a familiar gesture, her chest tightened for a moment. This might be her last night here with this Harry. It might be her last night with any Harry for a long time, maybe forever. She should take advantage of it.
Pulling her feet from Harry's lap, she sat up and crawled towards him. She gently plucked his glasses from his face, then threw a leg over his lap to straddle him. Harry's hands went to her hips, smirking at her.
"Done reading then?"
"Mm," she said, setting his glasses on top of the pile of parchment on the table. She wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Whatever shall we do then?" he asked.
"I've no idea," Hermione returned. "Did you have any ideas, Mr. Potter?"
"I do indeed, Mrs. Potter." He leaned forward and kissed her.
"I rather like your idea," Hermione said when they parted.
Harry grinned and kissed her again, his hands moving from her hips under her t-shirt and traveling up her sides. Hermione shifted in his lap. He groaned, bucking his hips towards her. He quickly pulled off her shirt, while she unhooked her bra. Throwing it to the floor, Harry moved his hands to her breasts, his lips following soon after.
Hermione continued rocking on his lap until she couldn't stand it anymore. She grabbed Harry's wand from the side table and vanished their trousers, his pants and her knickers, his wand then joining their clothes on the floor.
"Need you," Hermione whimpered, and Harry helped her maneuver until he was sliding inside her. Hermione bit her lip as she began to move, Harry's hands gripping her hips to help guide her movements.
He kissed her again and Hermione's eyes fluttered shut.
She sat up with a gasp, eyes darting around the room. It was dark but she knew she was in their bedroom. Harry's bedroom.
"Love? You all right?" Harry mumbled.
She glanced down and saw him lying in the bed next to her. How had she gotten here? She had just been in the library with Harry in the middle of, no, it hadn't, it couldn't! It couldn't have happened again, not so soon. But how else could she explain waking up here with no memory of getting here?
"Hermione?" Harry said, sitting up now and looking at her in concern. "What's wrong?"
Hermione stared at him. What was happening? Why was this happening?
"Hermione, talk to me," Harry said, putting a hand on her arm.
She couldn't think of anything to say so she threw herself into his arms instead, clinging to him. Harry wrapped his arms around her, rubbing her back as he held her.
"Your heart's racing," he said. "Please tell me what's wrong. Another nightmare?"
She could only nod. This was a nightmare. One that she eventually might not wake up from.
"It's all right," Harry soothed. "It was just a dream."
She only realized she was crying when Harry pulled back from her slightly, bringing his hands to her cheeks and rubbing away the tears with his thumbs.
"Don't cry, love. Everything is all right." He hugged her tightly again. "Do you want to tell me about it?"
She shook her head against his shoulder and his arms tightened around her slightly.
"Come on," he said, lying down and taking her with him. She rested her cheek against his chest, entwining their legs, arm wrapped tightly around his waist. Harry kept his arms around her, kissing the top of her head.
"You're safe," he said quietly. "I've got you."
Hermione lay there listening to the steady beat of Harry's heart long after he had fallen asleep. While she longed to believe her, no matter what he said, she was far from safe.
8 August 2003
Hermione rose as soon as it was light, leaving Harry asleep. She went into the loo, cast a series of spells to keep Harry from being able to hear anything but allowing her to hear when he woke. Then she stared at herself in the mirror for several seconds.
"Are you there?" she finally said aloud. There was no response from her other self, but Hermione continued anyway.
"I don't know why you're doing this but please, please stop. We're going to talk to Rookwood today and he can hopefully help me get home. I swear that I'm not trying to stay, even if I've been thinking about it. I want what you have, I won't deny that, but I'm not planning to take it from you. Just please let me talk to Rookwood and then I'll go. Even if he doesn't know anything, I'll go. I promise. Please."
There was nothing. Hermione had no idea if that was because the other her had tired herself out again or if she was purposely not answering. It was the latter that terrified Hermione. She had to go, today, whether or not Rookwood could help. If he couldn't, when she went, she was going to go back to one of her earlier attempts so she wouldn't end up in her other self's body again. She couldn't do this anymore.
As they ate breakfast, Harry kept casting furtive looks at Hermione. She was sure that he thought she hadn't noticed but he was being rather obvious. He'd asked her about the nightmare this morning and she had told him she didn't want to talk about it. He'd let it go but she knew the topic wasn't closed.
"What is it?" she finally asked, unable to keep up the charade any longer.
"I," he paused sighing and running a hand through his hair. "I think you should go back to the Mind Healer."
Hermione stared at him for a moment. "I don't-"
"Don't tell me you don't need to, Hermione. Something has been going on for days now and I don't just mean the nightmares. Unless you haven't told me something, it's not work. It's not my work either, there hasn't been anything dangerous for weeks now. All of our friends and family are all right so the only thing I can think of that's different or stressful is trying to get pregnant."
"That's not-" Hermione began but Harry held up a hand to stop her.
"I'm not saying that you don't want to. I'm saying that even if you really want it, it's still a big change. And it's clear to me that you need to talk to someone about it. Someone other than me."
"Harry," Hermione began but she honestly didn't know what to say. Clearly, there was no excuse she could give him that he would believe.
"Please, love. I'm worried about you."
"I'll think about it," she said.
Harry sighed. "Hermione-"
"I swear I'll think about it today and we'll talk more tonight. All right?" It was the best she could offer him. She couldn't refuse outright; she didn't want him to worry any more than he already was. But she couldn't say yes immediately either. Knowing Harry, he'd try to get her to go today and there was obviously no way she could speak with the other Hermione's Mind Healer.
"All right," he finally agreed. "But you will think about it, yeah?"
"I promise." She smiled at him, and he returned it, leaning down to give her a sweet kiss. When he started to pull back, Hermione put a hand on the back of his neck and pulled her back to him, kissing him once more. He rested his forehead against hers when they parted.
"I love you," Hermione said.
"I love you too. Come on, we'd better get to the Ministry."
Hermione nodded and let him lead her to the Floo.
Hermione knocked frantically on Padma's office door. She hadn't even gone to her own office to drop off her bag. She knew protocol dictated that Padma was busy given her door was closed but Hermione couldn't wait. She had to talk about what happened the night before.
The door finally opened, and Padma called out. "What?"
"I'm sorry," Hermione said as she stepped inside, closing and warding the door behind her.
Padma looked up, her look of irritation changing to one of concern as she saw the look on Hermione's face. "What's wrong?"
"It happened again."
Padma blinked. "I'm sorry, what?"
"She took over again."
"That's not, that should be, how?"
"I don't know," Hermione nearly wailed, glad that she'd set a sound-blocking charm when she'd done the wards. "How could she do it again? It's too soon!"
Padma stared at her for a moment before she visibly gathered herself. "Okay, okay, calm down. Tell me exactly what happened." She gestured for Hermione to take the chair in front of her desk, but Hermione couldn't sit. She was too agitated.
"Harry and I were reading in the library. Well, I was reading, he was working. He finished his work and I, we, well, erm," her face flushed red.
"I think I get the picture," Padma said, obviously not wanting details any more than Hermione wanted to give them.
"It was, well, we were in the middle of…everything, and the next thing I know, I'm sitting up in bed and it's the middle of the night."
"So, you weren't in bed when you were…you know?"
"No, we were in the library," Hermione said.
"And you don't remember going up to bed?"
"The last thing I remember was Harry kissing me, while we were," she huffed. This was stupid. It's not as if she and her Padma hadn't talked about this kind of thing before. "While we were in the middle of having sex. I woke up in our bed, their bed, five hours later."
Padma sat back in her chair, look of disbelief on her face. "But it was only a day."
"I know," Hermione said. "And I hadn't even really felt much of anything from her in between."
"What about now?"
Hermione shook her head. "I tried talking to her this morning. Reassuring her that I'm trying to leave and reminding her that we were going to talk to Rookwood today." She paused, biting her lip. "I asked her to please stop doing it. Begged her actually. Nothing."
"So maybe she still needs time to recover."
"But why so much less time?" Hermione asked. "The first time she was only in control for a couple of minutes, and it took over a day for me to even feel anything from her again. The second time it was two hours and she's able to take over again a day later for five hours? It's like she's getting stronger every time." Hermione wrapped her arms around herself. "I'm scared."
Padma stood from her desk and walked to Hermione, putting her hands on Hermione's shoulders. "Augustus will be home sometime this morning. I'll send him an owl right now and ask to meet. We'll figure this out."
Hermione nodded, although she wasn't as confident as Padma was. Padma pulled her into a hug. "It's going to be all right."
Hermione rested her forehead on her friend's shoulder and closed her eyes, hoping she was right.
Padma's mind was racing with everything Hermione had said. She was projecting a façade of calm and determination, although privately she was having the same doubts as Hermione. What in Merlin's name had happened? How was her Hermione taking over so soon after a previous incident and most of all, why was she doing it? Padma had no idea.
"It's going to be all right," she said to Hermione hugging her.
A few seconds later, Hermione pushed out of her embrace. "You have to help me!"
Padma stood staring at Hermione in confusion. "I am helping you."
"No, not her, me!"
"I don't," Padma began before realization dawned. "Hermione? My Hermione, from this universe?"
Hermione huffed, hands on her hips. "Obviously."
"Oh, Merlin!" Padma pulled Hermione, her Hermione back into her arms. "I've missed you so much!"
"It hasn't seemed like it," Hermione said pulling away from Padma once again.
"I'm doing this for both of you," Padma insisted. "The sooner she can get back to her own universe, the sooner you can get back to your life."
"I don't think that's what she wants," Hermione said with a scowl.
"What do you mean? Of course she does."
"Then why has she continually been thinking about staying here? About how perfect things are here and how much easier it would be to just stay. She wants Harry and she doesn't know if she'll have him if she goes home. But here, she does."
"You know what she's thinking?" Padma asked, intrigued. She knew that the Hermione from the other universe had been able to communicate with her other selves by speaking aloud, but she hadn't known that the original Hermione could read her thoughts.
"I know that this entire thing is fascinating from a DOM standpoint but it's my life, Padma."
"I know, I know, sorry. Look, she may have thoughts like that, but I know she's determined to go home. We're talking to Augustus today."
"And if he can't help?"
"Then she'll just jump again, and hope that she can figure things out in the next universe. But how have you been able to do this? The first time you took over, it was only for a couple of minutes and she didn't feel anything from you for over a day."
"I'm not sure, exactly," Hermione said. "I know what's going on and it's sort of like I'm experiencing it too, only different. Kind of like I'm watching what's happening? Except I can feel everything she is." She shook her head. "It's hard to describe. Anyway, when Harry was asking her what was wrong and she couldn't answer, I just, I don't know, I didn't want him to worry or be upset so I just pushed forward and then I was there. I could still feel her, but she wasn't aware of what was going on.
It was really tiring though, and I couldn't hold it for long. I sort of drifted for a while, vaguely aware of what was happening but not able to do anything about it, or even answer her when she was searching for me.
When I felt better, I decided to try it again. I waited until she was relaxed and quiet. It was easier that time and I could hold it for longer. It didn't tire me out as much either, so maybe it was because the first time it was sort of a high-stress situation."
"And this last time?"
"I'm tired of her sleeping with my husband," Hermione said bluntly.
"Right," Padma said, pressing her lips together to keep from laughing.
Hermione huffed. "I know I can feel everything she can and it's still my body, but I really don't want someone else in there with me when I'm having sex with Harry."
"No, I suppose that would be, well, yeah," Padma said, shaking her head at the insanity of this conversation.
Hermione fell silent for a moment, then frowned.
"All right?" Padma asked.
"I, she's fighting me," Hermione said. "She's never done that before." She grimaced, putting a hand to her temple.
"You should let her back in," Padma said in concern.
"I can't, I don't," Hermione was gritting her teeth, clearly in pain.
"Hermione, let her come back. She's terrified every time you take over that she won't be able to get back. Just let us talk to Augustus and see if he can help. I won't let her stay here, I promise you. But please don't do this again. I don't want you to get hurt. Please."
Hermione nodded. "Okay, yes, okay." And then she slumped down into the chair behind her.
Padma hurried forward, kneeling on the floor next to the chair. "Hermione?"
Hermione gasped and then shot upright, staring around the room, terror clear in her eyes.
"Hermione?" Padma said tentatively.
Hermione's head swung around to face her. It was clear this was the other world's Hermione, not Padma's. "She did it again! Padma, she's, how could she, what's happening?"
"It's all right," Padma soothed. "I spoke to her."
"What, what did she say?" Hermione asked shakily.
"She was concerned because you've been thinking about staying here apparently."
Hermione's cheeks heated. "I, well, I never meant, that is-"
"It's okay, Hermione. I understand, really. But you should stop doing that. It's agitating her and making her want to keep you out."
Hermione nodded and Padma could see the sheen of tears in her eyes. "She told me she won't do it again as long as you leave after we talk to Augustus."
"What if he can't help?"
"Then we'll figure something else out. But we'll get you home, I swear." Padma cleared her throat. "And it's also probably a good idea if you don't sleep with Harry again while you're here. She's a bit put out about it."
Hermione's cheeks got even redder. "Right."
Padma chuckled, then leaned forward and hugged the other woman. Hermione sighed as she leaned into the embrace. When they parted, Padma stood. "I'm going to go send an owl to Augustus right now. Tell him it's urgent."
Hermione nodded. "Thanks, Padma."
"I'll let you know as soon as I hear from him."
Hermione gave her a wan smile.
"We'll get this sorted, I know we will," Padma said.
"I'll be in my, her office," Hermione said.
Padma watched her walk down the corridor before she headed for the Ministry owlery. She certainly hoped Augustus would have some insight into all of this.