Rewind for Reprieve

June 30, 1997

"I just did a little spell" 

"DOES A LITTLE SPELL MEANS CUTTING SOMEONE AND GETTING THEIR BLOOD? THAT WAS A WHOLE BLOODY RITUAL, GRANGER" 

Looking at Malfoy, there’s a little part of her that’s now starting to regret it. The snake she caught intends to bite her.

But she cannot save him if he disappears like he did after the day Dumbledore died, Harry even told her that Malfoy was saying, "I don't want to do this," to Dumbledore.Another thing was, after the news of the headmaster dying, she saw him at the astronomy tower for the last time…crying. 

"Look at me when I'm talking to you!" 

She snapped her head back in Malfoy's direction. Her eyes met his, then her attention moved to his hands that were shaking with anger. She felt little at that moment. 

"I had to do it" 

She finally admitted, a sentence that seemed to trigger him. He shoved her against the wall, his face a few centimeters to hers. Then he asks with intensity, "Did Potter send you here to finish me off, Mudblood?" His breath carried a hint of mint.

He called her Mudblood again, strangely, the derogatory term didn’t hurt her as it used to. Rather, she fought back, "Is that your way of an insult? How childish of you, Malfoy" 

"Answer the question!" He said while emphasizing the words, Hermione thought of a way to explain it to him. 

She realized then her impulsive behavior must be the reason why she’s in Gryffindor rather than Ravenclaw. She did not prepare herself to answer his questions. 

"I heard you were planning to let death eaters inside the castle, I had to stop you" 

His eyebrows furrowed at her answer, yet he couldn’t help but to scoff, "And how are you planning to stop me?"

Hermione smiled defiantly, "I already have."

There again, he pushed her against the walls, gripping her chin to meet his furious gaze. However, as she looked longer into his eyes, she couldn’t help but remember Narcissa's expression when those same eyes lost their color. She was not able to say it out loud, but perhaps her actions were influenced by Narcissa. 

"You're going to undo the thing you just did, understand, Granger?" he demanded. 

"No"

His fist then brushed off against her cheeks and through the wall, Hermione touched her cheek and saw that there was a trail of blood.

"Undo it, NOW!" 

"I SAID NO!" her voice was matching his. She then raised her wand and pointed it at his chest, "MOVE."

Their chest was rising and falling from the pressure of their argument. Both were refusing to accept defeat.Mimicking her, he points his wands at her. "How did you know about the plan?" he says, changing his demands. 

The tension between them continues to escalate as they both stand with their wands aimed at each other. The air was thick with the weight of their confrontation, and the question about the plan hangs in the air, waiting for her response.

"I saw you in Borgins and Burkes" That was the only answer that could come up from Hermione's mind.

Malfoy was taken aback, it seems that her words have surprised him. That gave Hermione a chance to sprint off. But she fled, not to escape him, but to draw him away from the vanishing cabinet.

It appears that Malfoy didn’t know her plan as he proceeded to chase her. She hurriedly moves to the nearest path towards the doorway but it’s clear that he is faster and slowly, he catches up. Their wounds were also affected by them sprinting as the more they moved, the more blood was now visible through the bandages.

After he bridged the gap, he pulled Hermione’s hair and forced her to look at him, “Legilimens.”

All at once, she felt a severe headache followed by an eye piercing through her mind. She felt exposed for the first time in her life, she knew about legilimency and occumulency through Harry. However, she had never suspected that Draco Malfoy was capable of it.

Out of the blue, a flashback from her childhood was shown. She found herself together with her muggle classmates. She wanted to join them with their fun but instead the girls bullied her for being ‘weird’. Driven from the anger, one of those girls' hair unexpectedly caught on fire.

“Tsk” A voice beside her remarked, Hermione quickly whipped her head towards her side and saw Malfoy wearing the most sour expression she had ever witnessed.

It was as though the memory was not good enough for him that another memory comes into view. It was her dancing with Harry inside a tent, then a wave of sadness overcame her. This was the time that both of them felt most hopeless as Ron left them.

“Even as a mudblood, I would never have thought you were capable of two timing” Malfoy remarks, observing her and Harry. “But I can’t blame you, Potter’s much superior than weaselbee”

“You know nothing” She snapped.

The memory was taken out of context. No one will understand it unless they were with them during the war. That little moment with Harry was something memorable for her as it showed that they were just kids yearning for a little freedom amidst the battle.

And then the courtyard of Hogwarts came into view, causing Hermione to let out a small gasp. Malfoy regarded her suspiciously, his attention fixated on the unfolding memory.

“NO! Not this” She cried out in a panicked tone, then tried to build walls into that memory. She never realized that she was already doing occumulency, however, that felt short as Malfoy’s experience was greater and that allowed him to break the walls she had constructed.

Then, a haunting wail echoed, “Draco please! Don’t leave me!”

Malfoy looked with horror, eyeing her mother who was hysterically crying. “Is that me?” He pointed at the body his mother was cradling, and looked at her for confirmation, she gazed at him with sadness in her eyes and slowly nodded.

Malfoy proceeded to walk towards his mother. His eyes briefly lingered on his own body then to Narcissa. He crouched and attempted to wipe his mother’s tears, but with each touch, the figure of Narcissa vanishes.

She slowly trailed behind him, “How is this possible, Granger?” he asks.

“Will you believe me if I show you?”

He stood and with one last look to his mother, the memory vanished and now replaced with her walking towards the room of requirement. As she looked at herself, she knew that the girl was still not recovering from the war, that’s why she needed to change it. 

Following that, she sees herself curiously examining the hourglass before deciding to flip it. As a result, they were transported to her dorm. She had expected Malfoy to say something about her impulsively using the hourglass, but he stayed silent and observed quietly. A minute later, her argument with lavender was shown.

At that point, Malfoy withdrew from her mind, causing her to slump back and clutch her head, massaging it in an attempt to ease the ache.

"Why did you imply that Lavender was supposed to be dead, and why am I even deceased in your memory?" he demanded, seeking an explanation.

She finally gave an honest answer “I came back from the future, Malfoy. The hourglass was a portkey and it brought me back to the past”

He stopped for a good minute. Their breathing is the only thing that can be heard throughout the room. If he never saw her memory, she knew that he wouldn’t believe her. 

“Whose side won?” He finally inquired. 

“Ours”

"Then why are you attempting to alter the past when you were victorious?" Malfoy questioned.

Hermione pondered the question. She was already aware of the locations where the horcruxes are hidden, she also knew how to destroy it. She has the ability to reshape the future to something she can fully declare as ‘a victory. So, she decided to use that advantage.

“Because now I have the upper hand, and I’ll use that to lessen the losses.”

It looks like Malfoy was so overwhelmed with information that his anger subsided. Instead, he bombarded her with questions. He was analyzing everything that happened, his finger pressed to his lips and his gaze at the floor.

“What did you do to me earlier?” he asked, his eyes now returning to her.

She bit her lower lip, prompting him to notice, and then admitted, "I bound us together."

"WHAT?!" His anger flared up once more.

“Merlin Malfoy, I believe you have bipolar disorder," she remarked.

"Why on earth did you think that was a good idea?!"

She exhaled deeply and looked at him angrily, "Would you stop if I asked you nicely?" 

"No"

"See?!" She says furiously.

Being Malfoy's subject to bullying, and a classmate made her familiar with his behavior. When he is thinking, he always presses a finger on his lips. She also knows that he is a confrontational person, if he doesn't like something or someone, he will make it known. Therefore, she did all that research in the library because she knew that he would not do the things she told him to. The solution needed to be appropriate to him, it’s extreme because HE IS extreme. 

“If I’ll be stuck bounded WITH YOU” He gazed and looked at her from head to toe, “I need to know how this” His fingers pointing to him and her, “works”

She felt conscious as he eyed her like she was a type of monstrosity that did not deserve to be near him. However, she did not show it, “Well you can’t get away from me for more than 30 feet”

“WHAT?! I DON'T WANT TO BE NEAR YOU” 

“AND YOU THINK I DO?”

“YOU SHOULD'VE JUST KILLED ME!”

Hermione, taken completely aback, reacted instinctively and delivered a resounding slap to his face. He clutched his reddening cheek and shot her a furious glare.

“Who do you think you are, Mudblood?!” 

But her anger surged. "No, who do you think you are? Have you not seen the state of your mother when she saw you dying? She's a complete wreck! Even at the trial, the woman wailed just by hearing your name. How dare you demand that of me, after witnessing all that unfold?"

She was palpitating from rage, but continued “I am here to give you a chance to redeem yourself, Malfoy! You were killed by you know who because you threw your wand at Harry. If you will eventually change your allegiance then do it now.” 

Hermione was out of breath from the speech she gave to the man standing in front of her. The man however stayed still, observing everything. For Draco, this was the first time other than his father that someone gave him a piece of their mind. 

They stood there, staring at each other, until he finally relented. “What’s your plan, Granger?”

As if the world finally gave her something good, she calmly exhaled. “I know how to defeat him, just trust me right now, I will explain it to you later” 

Then she felt a sudden sting from her head and legs. She looked at it and gasped as she saw how much blood she had lost. Due to their discourse that she was oblivious to the pain, but now that the argument is done, Hermione suddenly felt everything. 

She kneeled and removed the bandages, and the wound was even more deep that she had anticipated. 

Why did I have to overdo it? 

“You said you didn’t want to kill me, yet you give me this wound in my legs” 

Hermione scanned him, and his legs were in the same condition as her. She felt guilty that she was so caught up with the situation that now she has injured them both more than what she anticipated. She remained silent. 

“Do you know any healing spells?” He inquired while looking at his wound. 

“I’ve read many, but I haven’t been able to practice it” 

During the war when Ron got injured from their escapade at the ministry, she healed him using the essence of dittany. She brought potions because she knew that she was not an expert at healing spells. 

“Let’s just go to Madam Pomfrey, Malfoy” she continued. 

The young man grumbled but she only rolled her eyes at him, he continued to say “Madam Pomfrey’s gonna kill me, you know that? It’s only been a week since Potter gave me a fucking scar and now his little mudblood friend gives me this” and pointed his leg. 

“Look, I apologize for that. So stop whining before we both die from blood loss and can you please stop calling me mudblood?” 

“Tsk” 

She casted a ferula spell again on her leg because she doesn't want blood spilling out while they walk towards the hospital wing. And it looked like Malfoy had the same idea and casted the same spell. 

“What will happen when you don’t let death eaters inside Hogwarts?” She finally asks the question that has been bugging her since she decided to stop him. 

“They will kill my father” 

She’s left wide-eyed by his statement. A clutter behind her was knocked over as she involuntarily stepped back. Her voice quivered as she says, “Maybe they won’t, your father is very loyal to you know who, maybe he’ll forgive him”

“That does not matter now, Granger. Your side will win anyway, he will probably just rot in prison so there’s no use to save him now”

Indeed, he was right. She found herself pleasantly surprised by his ability to guess what would happen to his father based on her memories. It was the moment that challenged her about her previous judgment about his intellect, as she had initially been skeptical when he ranked second amongst their year. 

“What about Narcissa?” 

His jaw hardened as she mentioned his mother. That was then she realized that it was a sensitive topic for him. Instead of answering her, he stood up towards the door but before leaving, he murmured and pointed his wand at the vanishing cabinet, “Bombarda Maxima.” 

The pieces of the vanishing cabinet were the only thing left in the room of requirement. Draco Malfoy’s first step towards redemption. 

She followed him, maintaining some distance to avoid drawing attention as it was an unusual sight. Both of them were limping as they walked, she can only silently curse when people accidentally bump into her. 

Eventually, they arrived at the Hospital Wing. As Malfoy was the one who walked in first, Madam Pomfrey inspected his legs. She was livid and lectured him. Hermione can only listen at a distance as she sat into the nearest vacant bed. 

“Mr. Malfoy, tell me why you are back here again?” The woman asked, her nose flaring as she scan his wound. 

“Just heal me woman, I’m already turning white from losing so much blood” 

“Don’t be dramatic, Mr. Malfoy”

Madam Pomfrey then aimed her wand at his legs and softly casted, “Vulnera Sanentur”, the spell caused the wound to stop bleeding, and to stitch itself. 

“Fortunately, this wound isn’t as deep as the other one, so it should heal quite quickly,” Madam Pomfrey assured him before leaving him alone in his hospital bed. Malfoy seized that opportunity and immediately closed his eyes before he plops into the bed. 

Hermione bit her lip as Madam Pomfrey noticed her and walked towards her. The woman will be suspicious because of her having the same wound as Malfoy. When Madam Pomfrey finally scanned her, she looked at her legs and into her eyes. 

I knew it.

However, the woman stayed silent as she casted the spell she did for Malfoy earlier. After she's done, the woman finally spoke, “Ms. Granger, can you explain how you got this wound?”

“Umm, just from an accident”

Malfoy sneered which prompted both of them to look at his direction, she rolled her eyes at him. Madam Pomfrey only shook her head before leaving them to rest on their own beds. 

“Really, an accident? How convincing, Granger” Malfoy mockingly said.

Hermione then groaned and pushed the curtain to not see his face. Before replying, “Shut up, Malfoy” 

A silence followed, she looked at the clock to confirm the time. 4 PM, there’s still a little time before Harry and Dumbledore return back to Hogwarts. She closed her eyes, and drifted to sleep. She can finally rest knowing that everything will be fine. Even if Malfoy tries to go back to the room of requirement, he can’t. 

.

.

A commotion woke Hermione. Two people were shouting with each other, and as she stirred awake, she realized that those voices were Ron and Malfoy. 

She pushed the curtains and saw Ron gripping Malfoy’s suit. His face flushed with anger, while Malfoy sported a mischievous grin.

“What the fuck did you do to Hermione, you despicable ferret!” 

“Ask her” Malfoy then pointed his head to her which caused her to be startled. She figured that he is extremely observant. Ron did not even notice her until Malfoy pointed her out. 

“‘Mione” His face softened, he pushed Malfoy and gave him a nasty look which Malfoy returned. Ron then approached her, and held her hand. 

“Are you okay?” 

“Yes, I’m fine. Thank you for asking, Ron” She smiled at him and he smiled back. It seemed that Malfoy was looking at them and scoffed, which made her friend dash to him again. However, Hermione caught his hand on time.

“Stop Ron, It’s not his fault but mine” She admitted. 

Ron looked at her with disbelief but eventually states,  “He must have pushed you, that’s why you did that” 

“He didn’t do anything, it’s entirely on me” 

Ron stood motionless, his stare locked onto her. It seemed as if it were a shock to him that Hermione admitted fault. Eventually, he closed the curtain to block Malfoy's view and settled on her bed. Hermione checked the time and it was already 8 PM, she had managed to sleep for four hours. Her energy was returning.

Wait, that must mean Harry has already returned from his trip with Dumbledore. 

“Where’s Harry, Ron?” She asked, but he averted her gaze, raising her suspicion. Determined to get answers, she pressed the topic further.

“Ron?”

The boy exhaled and met her eyes, “Harry and Dumbledore still haven’t come back from their trip, Hermione”

She quickly rose from her bed, but Ron stopped her. It’s not possible for Harry and Dumbledore to not return because in the original timeline, they did. 

Hermione's breathing increased, causing her to grip her chest. Ron looked at her anxiously, not knowing what to do. She felt that she’s going to have a panic attack again. She was shaking and her vision blurred.

Why is he still not back?

Then a theory crosses her mind. The butterfly effect. Her trying to change the original timeline may have caused change to this current one. She felt helpless, the tears that were welling up earlier finally fell. She sobbed uncontrollably. Ron patted her back and hugged her. 

Questions began to pop up. What if we don’t win this time because of me? The pressure was high, now she doesn't feel as happy as she did before. She regretted meddling with the timeline. 

“Stop the crying, Granger. Potter’s like a cat, having nine lives and all” 

Hearing his words made her breathing come back to normal. It was comforting even though the intention was different. She felt a little hope, she knew that Harry is skilled in battle. He will always try to find a way to survive.

Hermione wiped her tears, Ron’s face was sour until he looked at her and he finally says, “‘Mione, it’s still early, maybe he’ll come back later” 

Although Ron’s words were not as comforting as Malfoy’s, she smiled. “Thank you” she made sure that her words were loud enough for Malfoy to hear.

“You’re welcome,” Ron replied. 

June 31, 1997

It was already 12 AM. Hermione waited all night at the astronomy tower for Harry’s figure to appear, however, to no avail. 

It was the time that she finally regretted her actions. Her trying to stop the war may have caused her best friend's demise. 

"Do I have to always watch you cry, Granger?" 

She stayed silent, not paying attention to him. Instead, she looked at the sky and stared at it. 

Harry please be alive. 

Malfoy groaned and kick a broom nearby, she even heard him murmuring, "Fucking mudblood, can't even live without saint Potter" 

When Ron left her at the Hospital Wing to go back to Gryffindor tower, she stood and went to the astronomy tower. Malfoy trailed behind her as she left. When she notices him, she asks, "Why are you following me?" 

"I'm LITERALLY stuck with you, Granger. I don't want to know the consequences of being away from you for more than 30 feet" 

"Oh yeah.." It was the only thing she said before continuing to walk. 

His presence at the back was strange, she felt vulnerable exposing it. During the war, showing your back means death. Therefore, she requested for Malfoy to lead the way which was not easy. He nagged everytime he had a chance to. That was the time she wished that there's a spell to cover one's ears.  

Coming back to the present, she glanced at him. His skin complimented the night, and his eyes were like the moon. His black suit was a good choice, it screams Draco Malfoy. 

"You like what you see, Granger?" 

She quickly avoided his gaze. She thought to herself, she was merely examining him. 

"Dream on," he added. 

She looks back at him, offended by what he said. "Excuse me, but you're not my type" 

"Likewise" He stated as he looked at her from up and down, critiquing everything. 

"Good"

Then silence enveloped them. However, it only made her overthink about Harry and Dumbledore's condition. 

"Why are you so angry with Harry?" She queried to avoid her mind from thinking of the worst possible outcomes. 

He stays silent for a minute but eventually answers her, "Because when he does something wrong, everyone turns a blind eye to it" 

"That's not true, everyone were angry at him during the triwizard tournament"

"And that were the best fucking days of my life" 

"You're bitter" 

She gazed at him and he sneered at her. She smirked at his reaction and shifted her attention to the sky. 

Hermione has decided to stay there all morning to wait for Harry to come back and Malfoy maintains a distance within them and decides to sleep at a corner. 

Hogwarts castle remained quiet and every student slept with peace. No death eaters invaded the castle walls, but in exchange, no Harry Potter came back.