Chapter 1
“Thank you, Professor McGonagall.”
Hermione exclaimed as her eyes fell on the hourglass medallion sitting neatly in a box on the older witch’s mahogany desk, “I’m so glad the ministry approved the proposition, I can’t wait to-”
“Miss Granger-” McGonagall’s voice interrupted her excitement, her tone was serious and her eyes sharp. “This is a huge responsibility; a time turner is dangerous if it falls into the wrong hands. I trust you will keep it safe and not use it frivolously.”
Hermione bowed her head slightly, avoiding the intensity of the professor’s gaze.
“I’ve read all I can about time turner’s since you and Dumbledore first suggested the idea to me. I know the risks, but I do want to have a complete magical education.” Hermione looked up again to meet the piercing cat-like eyes again with determination.
McGonagall sighed “Why Albus puts these wild ideas into your young heads I’ll never know. Miss Granger, you know that a regular class timetable will give you a rounded education, why put this additional pressure on yourself? I’m sure Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter will need you to help them with whatever mischief they manage to get into this year too - ” The professor started wringing her hands absentmindedly her gaze wandering, a look of worry flittered onto her face until she snapped back gaze resting on the young witch before her again. “What I’m trying to say is – are you sure? When this was suggested before the summer holidays last year I had my doubts but I had faith in you my dear. My faith hasn’t wavered but, we have a killer on the loose now.”
Hermione sighed, she had expected this – how could she not. The murderer, Sirius Black, was all everyone talked about these days. His escape from Azkaban was a massive shock, with his face being plastered on the front page of the daily prophet and muggle news reports for the weeks leading up to the start of term. During the summer, Hermione had been afraid of not being able to come back to Hogwarts due to this new threat but now that she was here, she wasn’t going to allow an escaped criminal to dictate her ability to learn. “Professor, I’ve considered that too. However, Hogwarts is the safest place on earth to be! And, that being said I’ve determined the best course of action would be to keep my new learning tool a secret. Even from Harry and Ron.” Hermione’s mind drifted back to the brush they had had with the dementor on the carriage. She had an inkling that the school year would be plenty of exciting for her friends without the addition of her time turner in the mix.
McGonagall looked her up and down, a satisfied smile lifting the corners of her mouth. “Very well, Miss Granger. You and your time turner may take your leave.”
The candles danced as the young witch left the professor’s study in a flurry of cloaks and excitement.
“Are you happy Albus?” McGonagall stated to the empty room with a snort of annoyance. The headmaster stepped into light, his disillusionment charm melting back into the shadows behind him.
“Very” he said, eyes twinkling.
McGonagall rose from her seat at the desk and followed Hermione out, not before casting an exasperated glance at the headmaster.
“You’d best hurry then, the welcome feast awaits your presence.”
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The Gryffindor table was a bustle with chatter over breakfast the next day prior to the start of classes and everyone was pursuing their timetables with audible groans emanating from disappointed students. Hermione’s eyes lit up as she poured over the parchment in her hands, she was feeling almost giddy with delight. A presence loomed over her shoulder as her timetable was suddenly snatched from her grasp.
“Hang on, Hermione, that.. that can’t be right. Ten subjects? Like, I know your good but that is bloody brutal – maybe it’s a mistake.” Ron gasped, mouth agape eyes squinting at writing before him.
“Give it back!” Hermione snatched the parchment from his hands hurriedly. “It’s alright McGonagall has explained it to me, and my schedule is fine. Besides you should be more worried about double potions with Snape.” She said pointing at the block on his own parchment. “Oh, and it’s even with your favourite people.” Ron’s eyes followed where her finger pressed upon the paper, and he sighed dramatically hanging his head in his hands.
“Bloody brilliant, Snape and those Slytherin idiots. Please sit with me and Harry, we’ll fail if you don’t help us again.” He looked up at her with puppy dog eyes pouting his bottom lip.
“Ugh fine, but I’m not letting you copy my homework this year – practical help in class for potion making only.” She said playfully shoving Ron’s pleading face back away from her, almost making him topple off the bench. “Well, it’s better than nothing.” He grinned back at her. “Oi, Harry we have divination first come on! You too Hermione.”
“Oh!” the young witch looked at her watch and leapt to her feet. “Sorry Ron, I’ll meet you there – I have to talk to Professor McGonagall before class starts.”
Ron gave her an inquisitive look then shrugged. “Suit yourself, I guess.”
Hermione hurried out of the great hall towards the grand staircase until she was fully out of sight. Saying she was going to talk to McGonagall had been an excuse, she silently cursed herself for Ron’s deduction on her abnormal schedule. She would have to be a lot more careful in future if she were to survive the year undetected, however right now she had a more pressing matter – her first class.
Opening the parchment in her hand she looked back again at her timetable – her first classes Arithmancy, Muggle Studies and Divination starting at 9:00, 9:10 and 9:15 respectively. Arithmancy it is. Hermione thought to herself as she hurried down the corridor, hoping she wouldn’t be late.
Hermione burst through the double doors of the Arithmancy classroom, her curly hair wild, cheeks flushed and slightly out of breath.
“Professor Vector I’m so-”
“Stop” Professor Vector rose from her desk at the top of the class and walked towards Hermione – dark blue robe swishing as she did.
“Miss Granger – endeavour to be on time in future. I’ll accept that first class of the year being located on the 7th floor is relatively inconvenient, therefore I shall overlook this. Please be seated so we may begin.” Vector gestured to an empty chair in the back. Hermione collapsed into seat and began pulling out her quill and parchment embarrassed by the whole ordeal.
“Quite an entrance Granger – feeling lost without Weasel and Potter?” Sneered a voice beside her. Hermione felt her blood run cold as she turned slowly to face her seatmate.
“Malfoy”