Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It was early in the morning, the sun was barely peaking through the windows, when a sudden slam of the door and shrieking noise found its way barreling into the boy’s dormitory. Fred and Lee both sit up, wands at the ready. Both men were gaping as Hermione Granger ran to George’s bed.

“Georgie! We did it! It worked!” She stands to jump in his bed over him. The redhead grins like a loon at her antics before he glances over to see Fred watching them curiously. He nearly knocks Hermione to the floor trying to get to his twin.

He tackles Fred off the bed, each getting stuck in a tangle of sheets but George never relinquishes his hold. Fred finally gathers enough of his wits to quietly ask, “Georgie?”

George sits back on his heels only to be immediately knocked over by Hermione, who is still squealing in excitement.

“You brilliant witch, I knew you could it!” George exclaims happily.

“Me? You did this, you genius!” She laughs, wrapping herself around him in a hug that he quickly returns.

“What in Merlin’s name is happening?!” Lee screeches. “Granger and George? Have I gone to sleep and woken up in another dimension?”

George and Hermione both still, neither moving to release the other. They blink owlishly at him for a long moment before turning to each other and breaking down into complete hysterics. Going as far as to wipe tears from their eyes.

“George, have you or Granger tested any products that we should know about?” Fred asks worriedly. This had to be the most insane display he had ever seen from his twin. And that was really saying something.

“Of course not, Fred!” The curly haired witch huffs as she stands, pulling George up with her. The younger twin throws an arm around Fred’s shoulders. “We can’t just be excited to see each other?”

“No.” Lee deadpans. “How did you not wake the whole tower with that racket?”

“Silencing charm.” The witch’s brow furrows like that is the dumbest question he could’ve possibly asked. Even though the little lion is a mere fourth year who shouldn’t know that spell nor how to do it nonverbally.

“It’s too bloody early for this.” Lee drags a hand down his face. He grumpily makes his way out the dorm to presumably get some extra sleep in the common room.

At his exit, Hermione nonverbally throws the silencing charm back up causing Fred to gawk at her magic.

“Five galleons on five minutes!” The curly haired girl quickly calls out with a pointed look at George.

The younger twin shoots her a sly smirk while his brows raise.

Fred was starting to wonder if Lee might’ve been correct in his alternate universe theory. Because Hermione and George are communicating silently, about him. This is the strangest morning of his life.

Don’t be mistaken, the older boy has no problems with Hermione Granger. They are friendly enough and he will always look out for her like family. But they’ve never genuinely gotten friendly because they were very different people.

George clicks his tongue and pulls his brother tighter against his side. “You’re betting against me? About my very own twin, whom I know like the back of my hand?”

“It’s been so long since we had anything good to bet on! And I’m loving the fact that I, Hermione Jean Granger, am confusing Frederick Gideon Weasley. It’s never been done before. I mean look at his face!” She laughs brightly and George quickly follows as his twin scowls at the pair.

“Okay, twin-o-mine.” The younger twin placates, holding his hands up in surrender, “We are from the future.” 

Hermione hasn’t seen George grin that wide since before the war. The witch practically vibrates in excitement at the sight. Even if their plan fails and all they could save was Fred, their trip is worth it.

“The future?” Fred repeats doubtfully.

Both his twin and Hermione stand in the middle room beaming as if Christmas had come early as they nod.

“Of course. The future.” Fred scoffs as he gestures towards the door. “Let’s go, mate. We need to see Poppy.”

George frowns. Fred always trusted him. Sure, their words were outlandish but his brother had never not believed him before.

Hermione, of course, has a plan, “Weasleys’ Wizard Wheezes!”

Fred pauses halfway to the bathroom, turning to narrow his eyes at the younger girl. He looks to George betrayed. Their shop was still in the early phases of planning. The brothers agreed not to tell anyone. Yet, here was Gryffindor’s biggest swot, who openly disagrees with their pranks, with knowledge about their dream.

“Don’t look at him like that.” Hermione scoldes Fred while taking hold of George’s hand. “He didn’t tell me anything in the original timeline. However, we have lived through it already. You open the shop the summer after your seventh year.” She smiles proudly at both boys. “It is a massive success.”

The elder twin shifts his gaze to George.

“She’s right Forge. We came back from the year 2002.” George confirms.

Horror fills the twin, “Do we loose?”

A long silence follows and Fred feels nauseous.

Hermione looks to George for permission. At his nod she steps closer to Fred, only an arms length away. “We won, but it was at a terrible cost.”

“If you won, why would you risk coming back?” Fred asks frantically. Although, with the grim eyes of his twin, he already knows. “I don’t make it, do I?”

“You will this time.” George vows.

“Georgie, I get why you felt you needed to come back. I can’t even imagine what I would do if the situation had been reversed, but you’re risking everything we fought, or will fight, for by coming back.” The redhead looks to Hermione, “You are supposed to be smarter than this.”

“No, you don't understand. You died Fred. Half my soul gone in less than minute. I was never going to move on from that.” George's voice cracks.

Fred swallows harshly against the lump in his throat. 

“It’s not just you, Fred. We lost so many. The war was terrible. Innocents were tortured, slaughtered or experimented on like animals. We may have won, but we were merely survivors.” Hermione offers sadly. “We know what needs to be done. We can save so many people, you included. We’ll ensure the Wizarding World doesn't only survive, but that we live to thrive.”

The Weasley twins weren’t ones to follow the rules. They were different from their siblings - creating their own path through mischief. Their bond was strong. Fred trusted no one in the world more than he trusted George. If he and Hermione deemed it worth the risk to come back to change the fate of the war, then he was all in.

“What do we have to do?” Fred eagerly asks.

Hermione smirks at George, “I win.”

Chapter Text

“Our plan has many phases. We came this far back with hope to destroy Voldemort at a battle that occurs next school year. It all depends on how quickly we are able to gather the items we need to collect. We’ve also elected to tell one person each our plan, outside of you.” Hermione begins.

Fred nods along. A battle next year felt surreal. Voldemort was only resurrected at the end of the tournament a few days ago.

“What are the items we need to collect?” 

“We need to locate four horcruxes, a few Basilisk fangs, complete a ritual, and then kill his pet snake.” Hermione lists off on her fingers.

“What the bloody hell is a horcrux?” He asks.

That was a very odd list of requirements to destroy a Dark Lord.

“Voldemort severed his soul multiple times and placed them in different items. All of these are currently hidden, but I know the location of almost all of them. One has already been destroyed by Harry. Although, we didn’t know what it was at the time.”

What person would willingly cut out part of their soul? Dark magic is well practiced throughout the wizarding community. However, a soul is sacred. It’s as sacred as one’s magical core. To intentionally maim it is an abomination to magic.

“Alright, I take it we are starting that this summer?” George hums in confirmation.

“Who else are you telling?” As much as he cares for them, Fred honestly wasn’t sure if Ron or Harry could be trusted with this kind of information at their age.

“Sirius Black and Professor Snape.” The twin’s jaw drops. “I know what you must be thinking, but he’s truly on our side. I trust him.”

Fred doubts he will ever trust the dungeon bat, but he’ll go with it for now. He needs a lot more information before he starts offering suggestions.

“Fred, it’s incredibly important that Harry does not know anything about this mission. Voldemort has a connection that allows him to see inside Harry’s mind. We can not risk him finding out.” The brunette warns.

Hermione knows George trusts Fred more than anyone else. And she trusts George with the same level of confidence. So while she doesn’t know Fred very well, she trusts him more than he realizes.

“Of course, I’ll do whatever you need.” He swears.

“Honestly we just need to act normal until we go home in a few days. I’ll inform Professor Snape of our time jump before we leave, allowing him time to prepare. George can inform Sirius when you both go to Grimmuald since you arrive a few weeks before me. Then once I’m moved we’ll collect what we can until we return to Hogwarts and wait for the battle.”

“Well now that the basic information is settled, lets go eat. It has been far too long since I got to have a decent breakfast.” George playfully adds.

Hermione huffs indignantly, “Are you complaining about my cooking?!”

“Don’t pretend you didn’t know, darling. You are positively dreadful in the kitchen.” George teases.

Fred is, once again, questioning the dynamics between his twin and the witch they annoyed for the last four of his years. He isn’t sure he can get used to their attachment. Hermione scowls at George, who is grinning at her.

“Go ahead. I need to get dressed before I meet you in the Great Hall.” Hermione grumbles.

“You’re not going to sit with Harry and Ron?” Fred questions.

Shouldn’t she be insisting they not mess with timeline too much? Perhaps the tiny witch outgrew the swot he knows her to be.

“Absolutely not. I get my best mate for our first day back at Hogwarts.” George ruffles her curls.

The younger twin knows Hermione is nervous about returning. She originally suggested they not alter the timeline too much, but he refused to pretend she didn’t matter to him. In their time, he was the one to help her through her self-consciousness, trauma, nightmares, the loss of her parents, her post-war issues with Harry, and the catastrophe of a relationship with his git of a younger brother.

In turn, Hermione kept him from drowning in his grief. She dragged him out of bed to fix up the shop and even perfected a few of their products that were in development. She stood by his side through every bit of rage, drink, falling out with a family member, and nightmare. They shared many of their darkest moments together, but their friendship bloomed and saved them both. Now they were forever bonded. Even if no one in this timeline knew why.

Hogwarts could get used to the Gryffindor Princess being part of the Weasley Duo.

She smiles fondly at the tall wizard as she pushes away his hand, “Don’t get into too much trouble without me, Weasley.”

“I’d never dream of it, love!” He calls out as she closes the dormitory door.

Fred stares at the two unabashedly. This morning is getting more and more unbelievable by the minute.

“So... You and Granger?” Fred questions as he crosses his arms. George is still George, but he isn’t the George he fell asleep next to last night. George is apparently now George and Hermione. The elder twin is nervous to discover new boundaries when there wasn’t many before.

“You’ll love her, Freddie, give her time. I remember how we used to see her but she’ll prove you wrong. When that happens, you won’t want her to be anywhere else either.” George squeezes his twin’s shoulder as he passes for the loo.

----

Hermione is already sitting at the twin’s usual section of table by the time they arrive. Katie and Lee watch her curiously as she reads her book in front of them. George chuckles at the witch. Of course she would avoid small talk until he arrived. A twin sits on each side of her.

“Fancy seeing you here ‘Mione.” George teases as he fixes both their plates while she makes their tea. It’s become such a habit that they didn’t realize the oddness of it until their three companions were watching them with furrowed brows.

Hermione blushes at the attention she gathers. Glancing down the table, it was more than just the three observing her new seating placement. Harry and Ron were whispering to one another heatedly as they watch her..

George, noticing where her attention landed, wraps his arm around her shoulders. Ignoring the looks for now, they eat their breakfast. They were foolish to not have discussed some sort of cover story for their newfound closeness. Although, to be honest, they didn’t think many people would take interest in their friendship.

The group eats in silence for quite possibly the first time since the twin’s arrival to Hogwarts. Hermione squirms and is close to coming up with an excuse to leave. She doesn’t know this version of Lee and Katie well enough to converse, but she knows too much also.

It isn’t until a throat clears behind them that the silence breaks. George’s eyes nearly pop out of their sockets as his ex, or well, current girlfriend glares at the arm that lays across Hermione’s shoulders.

The curly haired witch places a hand across her mouth in an attempt to hide her humor at her friend's predicament. Oh, how her and Angelina hated each other, but in their timeline it didn’t start until after the war.

“Angie! Good Morning.” George coughs awkwardly as he slowly pulls back his arm.

How in Godric’s name did he forget that he had girlfriend at this moment in time? To be fair, there was an abundance of more important topics to focus on when planning their time travel to save the wizarding world.

“Good Morning George.” Angelina bites out.

This will definitely be an argument later.

“I better to get to the library. I’ll meet up with you boys later?” Hermione asks Fred instead of George.

The younger twin looks extremely uncomfortable as he dips his chin, “Sure. We’ll find you.”

The brunette is gone before George can shout for her, the traitor.

Angelina takes Hermione’s place at the table, “What the bloody hell was that?”

The younger twin digs into his breakfast with a speed that rivals Ron’s best day, “Hermione’s my friend. She’s having a rough go of it and I was trying to be comforting.”

Angelina’s jaw juts out as she seethes. Fred watches the tension grow more pronounced in his twin’s hunched form. As far as he knows, George wanted to marry the witch one day. That clearly didn’t happen in the future. And from the way his brother is looking, he’s willing to wager they parted on bad terms.

To save his favorite person, Fred stands, “Gred, we’ve got to set the dungbombs now if we want to get Filch before classes.”

His brother gives him an appreciative look as they collect their bags and leave the Great Hall. George feels the burning glare in his back the whole way.

As soon as they are in the hallway Fred asks, “You want to talk about it?”

“Not yet, we need to go the library.”

The pair walk through an endless maze of shelves. George finds Hermione’s private study table quickly. If Fred is ever sent here alone, it will take him hours to find her.

“How do I break up with her this time?” The redhead barks as he drops roughly into the empty chair.

“Are you sure you want to?” Hermione questions with a tilt of her head.

Perhaps their relationship isn’t quite what Fred thinks it is.

“You know what she did to me!” George whisper shouts.

“She hasn’t done anything in this timeline.” Hermione points out. “If we have our way, it won’t happen again. You can be happy with her.”

George turns desperately to his twin for support as though he somehow understands this conversation. From Fred’s eyes, this breakup would be completely random and without good reasoning. The couple was sickeningly smitten yesterday. Seeing he has no words to offer, the younger brother turns his glare to the table.

The elder twin thinks Hermione will return to reading her book, but she sits to observe the redhead lose himself in his thoughts, too. 

Eventually, George turns to witch, “You once told me you couldn’t love someone who doesn't love you enough to stay. She left me before I even got to my worst. Even if she doesn’t have the opportunity in this timeline, that’s still who she is. I need someone who cares enough to stay.”

In a way, Fred feels like he’s mourning. He wants every detail of George’s life from the differing future. He needs to understand his twin. George is his other half. Up until this morning, they lived every moment together, shared every thought. Now they have eight years of memories between them that he doesn’t know. Is he still the person his twin leans on? Will he be able to read George as easily as he did yesterday? He might survive the war, but will their bond?

“You do what's best for you, Georgie. I want you to be happy.” Hermione speaks encouragingly. 

He narrows his eyes at his best friend, “So if I decided to give her another chance, you’d suddenly like her?”

Hermione crinkles her nose. “No, I think you deserve better than her. But if she makes you happy, then I am happy. You are my best friend. I love you. That’s all that matters to me.”

He looks to his brother, “She’s one of your best friends, Freddie. She may never speak to you again.”

“I am always on your side George. Angie’s a strong girl, she’ll be okay.” His twin nods at him. “I know I didn’t live whatever happened with you, but I’m here if you ever want to talk about it.”

“I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”

Chapter Text

“Did something bad happen in your lives to spark the idea of coming back?” Fred asks cautiously.

George and Hermione share a glance. Hardly anyone wanders this far back in the library but she casts a silencing charm around the table just in case. 

“It’s not that our lives were bad exactly, they were fine.” Hermione responds.

“They should have been different is all.” George shrugs.

“Care to elaborate? What did you do? Where did you live?” Fred tried again.

“We buy the joke shop with a flat above it during seventh year. We lived there together until we had to go into hiding before the Final Battle.” George pauses, Fred understands that’s when he must’ve passed. “I lived at Burrow for a while to help with the repairs at Hogwarts and then the shop. I moved back into the flat about the time Hermione graduated her eighth year.”

Fred furrows his brow in confusion.

“Harry, Ron and I don’t attend our seventh year since we were hunting the items we are looking for now. Many muggleborns and half-bloods go into hiding around the same time. After Voldemort’s defeat Headmistress McGonagall allowed an eighth year for students to return and complete their education.”

His mind whirls wildly. Obviously Dumbledore dies at some point between now and this eighth year. Despite not fully understanding he gestures for George to continue.

The younger twin’s shoulders stiffen slightly, showing his nerves. “Hermione moved into your old room a few months after graduation.”

They both wait anxiously for his reaction. George knows Fred is struggling to understand his bond with Hermione but he can’t see his life without her now.

“You lived together? Until you decided to come back?” The elder twin drawls slowly.

Hermione, expecting conflict, steels her shoulders. George notices and bumps hers with his hoping to alleviate some of her tension, but even he isn’t sure how his twin will respond.

Fred glances between the two waiting for a response when Hermione finally mumbles, “Yes.”

The redhead furrows his brow further, “In different rooms?”

George’s eyes widen comically and Hermione lets a loud laugh escape, covering her mouth, before remembering the silencing charm.

“Did you think we were together?” Hermione asks, clutching her stomach as her laughter continues.

“Are you not?” Fred asks unamused at their reactions.

“Absolutely not.” George answers quickly. “She’s my best mate.”

“You’re a lot more touchy feely and cute namey with her than with anyone else I’ve ever seen.” Fred remarks curiously.

Hermione’s expression sobers. Her chestnut eyes darkening as she ponders that. Even George sits back, fingers tapping on the desk as he contemplates the right response.

When the witch looks at Fred, her face is pinched, slightly forlorn. “We’re all the other had for a long time. We both had serious issues after the war. So we became everything to each other. Not in a romantic way - but our friendship is more than friendship. I don’t even know if there’s a proper word for it. Perhaps sibling-like would be more appropriate. But even that doesn’t do what George is to me justice.”

The younger twin sits forward, linking his fingers together on the table. “We’ve seen the absolute worst of each other and didn’t leave. We’ve guided the other through nightmares, panic attacks, Death Eater trials, family disputes, even horrible relationships. We’ve helped pick up the pieces of the other's destruction on the worst days. We know each other, as much as you and I know each other.

“So it’s easy to offer comfort with a touch. I can call her pet names, while also being able to yell and scream at her and know she’ll return. I know how to push her without crossing the boundaries, and vice versa. It’s a type of security I suppose. But it will never be more that what we currently are.”

Fred grows more muddled every time one of the time-traveling duo speaks. Honestly, he needs to lock himself in his dorm for a solid week to process all the information he’s learning. But every sentence causes him to have more questions.

“You say you were alone, but what about Mum, Dad and the others?” The Weasleys did not abandon one another lightly. Their family was woven together in the most intricate ways, even when one disagreed with the other.

His twin shifts in his chair uncomfortably. For the first time, Hermione shows concern about answering. However, they all know George will never lie to his brother.

“I struggled a lot after you...” Fred nods encouragingly. He leans across the table to be closer to his brother. Fred understands, he refuses to even think about losing George.

“I lashed out at a lot of people who didn’t deserve it. They were great for while, kept coming back and trying to help, but they handled everything a lot better than I did.”

Fred’s stomach drops, was George insinuating he wasn’t missed?

Seeing the panic on Fred’s face, Hermione takes over, “They missed you dearly! But, they all had someone to help. Ginny and Harry were inseparable. Ron and Percy bonded really well. Bill had Fleur and Charlie. Molly and Arthur had one another. George was grieving in a way they weren’t because you were his twin.”

The elder twins posture visibly relaxes, that made sense.

“But the separation wasn’t as noticeable until I moved in.” She answers despairingly.

The younger twin’s rocks in his seat to combat his growing frustration. The young man runs a hand over his face in a failed attempt to disguise it.

“It’s not Hermione’s fault.” George bites out. Fred’s eyes widen fractionally at the tone. “Ron and Hermione dated for about a year after the war. It didn’t end well.” The twins look to the witch to find her staring at her book on the table.

“Our friendship had been growing throughout the year and when she had no where to go after her and Ron split, I let her move in. It wasn’t taken well by the rest of the family. Everyone was fine with her as long as he wasn’t around, but during holidays or celebrations, she wasn’t very welcome.

“Honestly, the whole thing was ridiculous. Despite Ron being the reason the relationship failed, after loosing you they did anything to keep the family together. Since she moved in with me after they broke up he assumed she was swapping brothers and was pretty awful after that.”

The petite witch was still staring at the book. Fred wants to offer her some sort of comfort but is unsure how to. He always thought she would be part of the family, marrying Ron one day.

“So we hung to ourselves most the time.” Hermione remarks with a sad smile.

“What about Harry? Surely he wouldn’t -” At George’s look the elder twin quickly shuts his mouth. He is starting to understand why they wanted to come back and change the timeline.

“Harry refused to choose between Ron and I. He becomes like my little brother, and all siblings have their issues.” She shrugs. “But George and I went to Harry’s place for dinner once a week and he always made sure I was invited to the Weasley events.”

The brothers share a look. That certainly sounded like Harry was still involved in her life but there was clearly more to story. Fred nods anyway, hoping he could learn the rest the later.

“So other than that we work at the shop. That’s pretty much our life.” George concludes .

“We?” Fred’s eyebrows nearly hit his hairline.

Hermione is grateful to finally be easing into lighter topics. A smug grin spreads across her face.

“This brilliant witch is responsible for some of our best sellers.” His twin answers proudly.

The elder twin stutters. “But SPEW?”

The duo laugh at her previous house elf efforts. “I do that as well. I work, or I guess worked, part time at the shop and also the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures.”

It’s official, Fred needs an entire month away from everyone and everything to grasp the concept of Hermione Granger assisting in pranks.

Suddenly, a charm sings. The trio pack up their belongings and begin to leave the library.

Hermione looks over her shoulder to the brothers, smirking. “Just wait until he learns about Percy.”

This time George laughs so loudly he earns a glare from Madam Pince. The wizard responds with a wink.

Fred beams at the sight, perhaps everything hasn’t changed after all.

Chapter Text

Exams are cancelled due to the tragic ending of the Triwizard Tournament. However, teachers ask to meet for their classes once more to offer condolences and support. Though most of the professors dismiss their students early.

It provides the perfect opportunity for Hermione to meet the twins in the common room after lunch. Lee flinches as the witch saunters up to their coveted corner and takes a seat next to him. Thinking the witch is going to hex or lecture the trio he immediately leaves the table claiming to have forgotten something upstairs. George watches, amused, as his friend quickly vacates the room.

“You used to fear me like that.” Hermione giggles.

George gasps loudly, “I never displayed such cowardice.”

She places her elbow on the table to rest her chin in her hand. “Want to come with me to talk to Professor Snape then?”

Fred coughs in an attempt to hide his glee as pure horror consumes his brother’s face.

“I said I wasn’t a coward, but I’m also not stupid. Snape’s going to take a while to convince it’s true and then he’s going to hex his office into smithereens once he realizes what happens.”

Hermione rolls her eyes before turning to Fred, “Do you want to join me?”

Fred can’t hide his surprise at being asked. He didn’t think she would include him so readily in her plans. As much as he doesn’t want to face the Slytherin Head of House it will provide him more details of the future.

“Sure. If you don’t mind?”

Hermione shrugs. “Of course not. You’re part of this. If you want to be anyway.”

“Really?” George rubs his brow. “You don’t get me so you take my twin?”

Hermione innocently twirls a curl around her finger, “Perhaps I want the chance to get to know the better half of the dynamic duo?”

Fred guffaws at the witch’s cheekiness. This version of Hermione is nothing like the uptight, rule-abiding one he’s known for the last four years. She still seems focused, intense and bookish but there’s no question she’s different. Despite the little information he knows about their other lifetime, she seems lighter. Happier.

George on the other hand, shoves his product notebooks across the table in faux-outrage. But by the twinkle in his eyes, Fred knows his brother is enjoying her teasing too.

“Fine. I’ll join you. Only so she can’t poison you against me.” George stands, putting his books in his bag.

This time Hermione laughs so heartily that people throughout the room stop to take in the rare sound. “As if I’d ever be capable of that.”

Fred grabs his book bag, and Hermione’s - much to her pleasant surprise, as they follow the younger twin. “I have a feeling you’re capable of quite a lot.”

George turns to walk backwards at the odd statement from his twin. The redhead is radiating happiness, and he is sure it shows on his face. He knows Fred wants more information regarding his friendship with Hermione. That his brother is internally compiling a list of questions that will be asked as soon as it is safe to do so. But for now, he’s thrilled they are so easily accommodating of one another. “You have no idea, twin-o-mine.”

The trio are so focused on their good moods as they leave through the portrait hole, that they don’t notice the burning gaze of a lover or the curious eyes of old friends.

They chat amicably throughout the castle. Not being able to discuss much of importance due to students and portraits listening in. Sooner than the two gentlemen would like, they find themselves standing in front of the potion professor’s office door. George scoots Hermione forward a step giving the twins a little distance behind her.

She looks at him curiously over her shoulder, “This is all you, love.”

Shaking her head at the wizards she confidently knocks on the door. The sourly professor charms it open, not looking up from his desk where he shuffles papers.

“I am busy.” He drawls.

Hermione walks in, takes a seat in the chair directly in front of his desk. The twins stand, arms crossed, in the background. She nonverbally locks the door and casts a Muffliato charm, knowing it will peak his interest.

The raven haired professor finally looks up. Nothing about the wizard’s demeanor gives away his surprise of the odd collection of students before him.

“Where did you learn that?” He drawls.

“The Half-Blood Prince.”

Her gall is admiring to watch. Fred glances at George to see if this is normal behavior, and he’s smirking proudly.

Through clenched teeth the professor asks, “What do you want?”

“Forgive me, Professor. But I believe it this would go faster if I just prove it first before I tell you all the details.”

Not having any idea what the witch was referring to, he gestures for her to get on with it.

“Your patronus is a doe. After Lily Evans of course. You knew her before Hogwarts and fell in love with her. It’s one of the reasons you despise Harry so much, which is honestly quite childish and unfair if you would allow me to say so.”

Fred jaw drops comically wide and George snickers before Snape cuts him off with a deadly glare. He’s about to tell everyone to leave or suffer severe consequences when she continues.

“You make an Unbreakable Vow to Dumbledore in return for saving the Potters, only he fails. You’re still required to serve him anyway. Now that Voldemort is back and you being a marked Death Eater - ”

Professor Snape stands suddenly, “That. Is. Enough.”

“I don’t mean to insult you, Professor. Quite the opposite really.”

“What do you want?” He’s perfectly capable of dueling three teenagers. However, he needs to know more before he can decide what to do with them.

“You might want to sit for this.” The complicated man continues to stand. “Okay then. George and I are from the future. December 7th, 2002.”

Severus narrows his eyes at the witch, “Nothing you said proves that.”

“We win the war in May 1998. Many people die that day, including you. We all thought you betrayed the Order. We know now that you were a pawn as much as the rest of us. You give Harry the information he needs to destroy Riddle.”

“Even if I was willing to entertain this nonsense, if you really won the war you are foolish to come back and jeopardize it all.”

Hermione stands and walks around the desk so they are arms length apart. She carefully wraps her hand around his wrist to lift his wand to her temple. “Look for yourself. I won’t hold anything back, so no need to be harmful.”

George’s arms fall to his side as he steps closer to the pair. He didn’t know this was her plan. Fred stands shoulder to shoulder with his twin. He doesn’t fully understand whatever is happening, but he can piece together that their professor is inside Hermione’s head.

Severus went through everything. Grimmuald Place, Umbridge, Dumbledore ignoring the torture of students, the fallout of the Ministry battle, Potter’s suspicions about Draco becoming a Death Eater, the Battle at Hogwarts, watching himself leave the castle with Bellatrix after killing Dumbledore and his own painful death.

Harry gave Hermione Snape’s memories so she could help clear his name. So, she showed the Professor those too. The witch even offers bits and pieces of how her and George put together the Time-Turner.

George began pacing, muttering something about stubborn bloody witches when Hermione collapses to her knees. The witch’s body is covered in a small layer of perspiration from the concentration. Severus, who is far more experienced with Legilimency, is able to sit comfortably in his chair.

The Slytherin massages his temples, “You bloody Gryffindors. You can’t come back and try to save everyone! It’s a miracle you win as it is!”

Both twins wrap one of Hermione’s arms around their shoulders and help her back to her seat.

“Well we did, so we are.” George snarks.

Fred grimaces, expecting a detention for the tone.

Hermione feels infinitely better sitting down. She gives a reassuring squeeze to both twins’ hands. “You can’t tell Dumbledore.”

“Obviously.”

Fred raises his brows in question to his twin. That has not been mentioned yet and it seems like a rather important bit to know. To his ever growing frustration, George gestures later with his hands.

“We’re telling Sirius this Summer. He’s the only one outside of this room that will know the truth.” George remarks.

Snape curses under his breath. “Do you have to tell the mutt? Four people knowing is too many as it is.”

Hermione rolls her eyes at the childish behavior, “Yes. We need his help specifically and I’d like to keep him alive for Harry’s sake. I’d like your help because of your double agent status and because I trust you.”

The potion professor barely contains his surprise. The surly man purses his lips. Even though he viewed Hermione’s memories and she knew he was on her side, it wasn’t normal for people to trust him so completely.

“However, if you choose not to help or if you think you can’t be trusted due to your vow with Dumbledore then I can oblivate you. It’s your choice.”

“As if I’d let you meddle with my mind.” Snape scoffs derisively.

“I’m quite proficient with mind charms. But I gathered a few snake friends in the future. Should I take that as the Slytherin answer for you’re going to help us?” Hermione smiles. 

It’s one of her personal goals on this mission: To see if she can remove the masks of those around her, Snape included. While she didn’t forgive him for his behavior over the years like Harry did, she could see he deserved more. The Professor was a pawn, just like everyone else. Hermione hopes if they could solve this war earlier, and hopefully with as few children in the mix as possible, he can find peace.

“I certainly won’t leave this solely in the hands of the Mutt and three teenagers. You were dim-witted enough to come back at all. Without my help you’re bound to muck it up before the end of summer.”

The witch is almost certain she hears George growl behind her. “I was going to ask for a Wizard's oath. However, I know you've sold you soul twice now and out of respect at your future attempt to save my friend, I won't. Please don't make me regret it. I've only shown you parts of what I'm capable of. We’ll see you at headquarters, Professor.”

The Gryffindor trio leaves without another word. Leaving the Slytherin man to grumble about joining yet another cause. 

Chapter Text

The next day and a half pass uneventfully. As horrific as it is to think, Hermione doesn’t have to worry about Harry or Ron noticing too many of her differences since they are so focused on Cedric’s death and Voldemort’s return. However, she does sit with them at dinner. The witch is oddly thankful that the morose mood over the school stifles many conversations.

In contrast, Fred and George appear happier than ever. Hermione knows it’s due to their reunion. Her best friend hardly goes anywhere without his counterpart. From the way Fred often bumps shoulders or squeezes George’s arm, she suspects he notices and wants to show he’s not going anywhere anytime soon.

It isn’t until the witch is boarding the Hogwarts Express that she realizes she’s going to see her parents, memories in tact.

She knew the memory spell she cast on them after sixth year was irreversible. Yet, the witch hoped she could study or research enough to help them remember parts of their lives together. Unfortunately, nothing worked. Watching her parents move on with their happy lives in Australia destroyed the last whole piece of her.

The information leaked in the Daily Prophet and it was one of the first ways her and George connected. Drowning in the grief of their loved ones, they found solace in one another.

Hermione is unusually silent in the compartment with Harry and Ron. A book is propped up in her lap but she hasn’t turned a page in at least twenty minutes. Her two oldest friends are playing exploding snap on the floor.

She’s grateful that working in the shop took away her aversion to loud noises after the war. It took months, if not a full year, to stop pulling her wand every time something popped or a potion reacted badly.

There was a time in her life when she felt most comfortable, most safe, with these two boys. Looking at them now, there is a clear disconnect she isn’t sure how to overcome. In the future they both hurt her, horribly. These versions don’t know that. Now, she had to pretend they didn’t.

However, even in this age these boys turned on her for so many reasons. Her studious nature caused Ron to make fun of her in first year. Then the issues with Scabbers and the bloody broom in third year made them ignore her for months. This year at least she had Harry when Ron thought him a liar. Will she allow them to walk all over her as she did in the past? Will she continue to prepare their assignments, plan the D.A. Meetings, ignore Ron’s taunts or play owl whenever they bicker? Will they even like her if she stops?

Her friendship with George is incredibly different to the boys before her. She doesn’t blame them, no friendship is identical. But they need her in a way that’s significantly different from how the younger twin wants her. They taunt and tease, and while George does as well it’s done in fondness. He’s never made her feel less than because of who she was.

Her and George promised each other early on in their friendship that they’d never pretend with one another. It was hard at first. But once they started admitting their issues, sleeping without silencing charms, screaming and shouting to get the anger out, and not glamouring their faces it grew easier. They saw one another and figured out the best ways to help. Were their methods the healthiest? Probably not. But progress was made.

What is she supposed to do now?

Casting a tempus charm she’s relieved that they’re only a couple hours away from London. She quickly gathers her belongings and tells the boys she wants to talk to Neville but she’ll be back later.

Her and the twins agreed to meet up one last time before having to part for a few weeks. The younger twin argued that she should just sit with him and Fred but Hermione insisted Harry and Ron would ask questions if she never came around. Their unusual group doesn’t need to be drawing unnecessary attention from the duo who never knew how to let things go.

The witch boarded the train early to cast a Notice-Me-Not charm and privacy wards on a compartment towards the back of the train. She’s thankful to have beaten the brothers, it gives her a moment to collect herself.

Resting her forehead against the glass she braces herself for returning. The brunette is facing the ghosts of her past and it’s more heartbreaking than she anticipated. Fred is alive, and she will do anything to ensure it stays that way for George. Traveling back breathed a new life into the twin and she isn’t completely sure what that means for her now.

Even seeing Professor Snape alive and well fractured her heart. Would he ever get the life he wanted? Would Sirius survive and live to be exonerated? The curly haired witch spent weeks working on his case before they traveled back. Now Hermione understood Dumbledore’s manipulations about Harry’s living arrangements but she wants him out of the Dursely house as soon as possible. 

Can she truly be with her parents for three weeks and pretend as if nothing had changed? As if it isn’t the first time they hugged her in years. Can she face them, smiling, while knowing she ripped herself away from them?

Hermione is so caught up in her thoughts she doesn’t hear the compartment door open.

Both twins falter as they take in her appearance. The small witch has her head and both hands pressed against the window, wishing she could disappear. Fred looks to George to take the lead.

His twin doesn’t say anything before turning her to pull her into his chest. She responds immediately, wrapping her arms around his waist. George isn’t sure what happened, but he regrets not trying harder to get her to sit with him. He knows his best friend is trying to give him and his twin space to reconnect. And while he adores her even more for the opportunity, he never wants her to feel alone.

Logically, he knows this Harry and Ron aren’t to blame for the actions of their future selves, but Hermione is burdened with remembering. Emotionally though, he wants to bludgeon them with his broom for the pain they caused her.

Trying to ensure she won’t resort to self-punishment for the next year would be difficult. Once this war is over, again, they can resume their happy lives. In the meantime, he will make sure she knows she has true friends and that she laughs at least twice a day.

His hug has an almost instantaneous effect on her mood. No matter what happens she knows she will always have George to lean on. Having Fred means she gains another friend, not that she will loose one. She repeats that in her head a few times.

When she releases the twin she doesn’t allow him enough time to ask any questions. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

George understands she doesn’t want to talk now, but he’s definitely bringing it up later. Playfully rolling his eyes he enlarges the money bag Harry gave him earlier with the Tri-Wizard Tournament prize money.

“Wow.” Hermione’s eyes widen. “To think, this starts it all.”

Fred beams at her. George takes the money back and shrinks it for his pocket. Then he expectantly holds out his hands.

The witch summons Rita’s jar out of her trusty bag with the undetectable extension charm. Both twins step closer to examine the beetle as she frantically flies around the small space.

“Godric, it’s true.” George whispers in awe.

Hermione’s eyes narrow. “You thought I’d lie?”

“Of course not, love. This is one of your more famous stories after all. I’d just never gotten the pleasure of seeing it before. You really held on out on us the first time.” As he twists the jar to view every angle.

“Would someone care to explain?” Fred drums his fingers against his legs, unsure if touching the jar is allowed.

“Fred, this is Rita Skeeter. She is an unregistered animagus. It’s how she heard all those private conversations for her articles. That and Malfoy was giving her false information. So I’m keeping her in a jar until she learns some professionalism. She should think about what she writes from here on out.” Hermione taps the jar at her last statement.

Fred’s jaw drops as he gasps sharply. “So you’re kidnapping and blackmailing?”

Brown eyes meet green. “Are you suggesting you and George haven’t blackmailed a Ministry employee this year?”

The elder twin stutters and blushes under her questioning gaze while the younger laughs.

“Hermione, do we need to be concerned about her hearing anything?” George asks, suddenly stiff.

She shakes her head before placing the jar carefully back in her bag. “No, the silencing charms are covered. We’re fine.”

The witch sits in the center of the bench on the left while the twins sit on the other. They keep a wide enough gap between them to lift their feet to rest next to Hermione.

“You gonna be okay this summer?” George knocks her knee with his shoe.

“It’s three weeks, Georgie. Believe it or not, I am capable of living without your marvelous presence every day.” She’s smiling, but the glow in her eyes isn’t right.

He clicks his tongue against his teeth. “I don’t believe it. Three weeks is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since the end of the war.”

Fred squirms uncomfortably in his seat. What is he supposed to offer in this conversation? Is he supposed to be listening in or pretending to ignore the time traveling duo?

Hermione rests a hand on each twin’s shin. “I know. But we’ll manage. We always do.” She smiles softly. “Besides, you won’t even know I’m gone. You have Fred. You’ll be cleaning Grimmauld and working on products for the shop. Convincing Sirius you’re not barmy. Dealing with Kreacher’s insults. You won’t even have a chance to miss me.”

George sit up pin-straight to look her in the eye. Now he knows something is wrong. While they’ve always been honest with one another about their issues before, he isn’t sure if he can press her while Fred was in the room. Yet, asking his twin to leave feels wrong too. He wants his brother to know them as they are, problems and all. Not the mask they occasionally have to wear.

Hermione’s too fast though, she stands with a clap of her hands. “We should get back before anyone gets curious.”

Fred is more than fine to leave whatever awkwardness is occurring so he stands as well.

George doesn’t want to leave her like this. The redhead doesn’t really want her to leave at all. He is going to be separated from his best friend for three weeks and he hates it.

The younger twin is undoubtedly happy that she gets to spend time with her parents. He vividly remembers the devastation their memory loss caused. Their memory haunted every holiday, every celebration, and casual conversation between friends who forgot. George is very familiar with the way the light leaves her eyes at the mention of the Granger parents. Will seeing them on the platform unravel everything? He vows to himself that he will not let her obliviate them this time. They will work something else out.

Feeling like this moment was some sort of test he makes no effort to move. Hermione shakes her head fondly and pulls him up by the hand. Wrapping her arms around his neck she whispers, “I promise I’ll be okay. You’ll owl, won't you?”

The ginger squeezes her tight before releasing the witch. “Of course. It’ll be just like you’ve gone back to Hogwarts.”

Her smile grows harder, more forced. “Just no apparating to the flat or Hogsmeade visits.”

Fred is trying to discreetly observe every detail about the pair. He’s growing infinitely more frustrated that he can’t get a proper read on his twin. Something important is being left unsaid. At the first available opportunity, he’s locking himself and George in a room and getting answers.

George’s grassy green eyes flicker between her chocolate ones. Eventually Hermione shoves him towards the door. “I’ll see you in three weeks.”

He resolves to write her about it tomorrow. Fred moves to follow his twin when she catches his sleeve. George halts in his step as his lips purse.

“Go on. Fred will be with you in a minute.” She pushes George through the barrier before throwing up another section of wards blocking his magical signature.

“You wanted privacy?” The elder twin smirks at the witch. Desperately hoping he looks more confident than he feels about being singled out.

Hermione clutches her arms across her chest nervously. “This summer...”

Fred dips his chin, signaling her to continue.

“This summer things are... difficult.” Merlin, she doesn’t want to have this conversation. But she worries about George being surrounded by his family again after years of living on his own.

“Difficult?” Fred repeats.

“A lot of unwelcome pressure is put on you and George.”

The elder twin understands immediately. “So Mum gives us a hard time this summer?”

Hermione nods.

Fred laughs disparagingly. “Don’t worry yourself over it, ‘Mione. You may think it starts this summer, but it’s been forever. We can handle it.”

He starts to leave when she catches him again, an odd look in her eye. “I know you can. You’ve done it before. It’s just...

“She’s not a very big fan of me either this summer. At least not until Harry comes and clears up a few things. I don’t know how George is going to react to that this time around. Just don’t let him make it worse for you both okay? He’s chosen me once already.”

Fred flounders. How in Circe’s name is he supposed to respond to that? He can’t even really grasp what she’s talking about or how this summer differs from the rest of his mother’s disappointment. Before he can think of an adequate response she lowers the wards and slips past a glowering George.

The twins lock eyes. Fred’s unease and George’s anger meet uncertainly. These three weeks are not going to be easy.

Chapter Text

George frantically twists and turns as he searches the platform for Hermione after they get off the train. His heart is beating erratically in his chest. The mere thought of parting on unpleasant terms makes bile crawl up his throat. He just needs a couple minutes with her to fix whatever is wrong.

Fred bumps his shoulder and tilts his head in the direction of their parents. Molly and Arthur are waving their hands at the pair. George groans and continues to search when he hears their names being called.

“Fred! George! We don’t have all day!” His mother’s voice screeches.

Gritting his teeth in defeat, he drags his trunk towards the growing group of redheads. As soon as they’re in reach Molly holds onto the twins’ sleeves.

“You can let go, Mum. We’re not two.” The younger twin says with a weak grin.

“With how much trouble you lot get into, you might as well be. We have to hurry today so I don’t want any of your antics.” The short woman states as she looks through the thinning crowd for Ginny. 

Fred watches George swallow the words that want to come pouring out of his mouth. The twin takes a deep breath before continuing his search for the curly haired witch.

“Georgie.” Fred whispers under his breath as not draw their mother’s attention. Barely lifting his hand he gestures in the direction of the barrier. “There.”

Most of the magical families have apparated away and a few remaining muggle-borns are in line at the barrier. The twin grins when he sees her.

Hermione is standing by a bench, last in line for Muggle London. She’s staring straight at them. George beams and the curly haired witch waves shyly. It tentative and child-like in a way that hurts his soul. The gesture causes his smile to falter because it’s so at odds with the fierce witch he’s come to adore.

Because they know one another as well as they do, she can tell instantly that he’s picked up on her peculiar behavior. In an effort to reassure him, she glances around to ensure no one is watching. With a wave of her hand three canaries appear. They flutter and chirp their way over to the Weasleys.

Now that the crowd has thinned considerably, Molly releases the trouble-making twins. George laughs loudly as he playfully swats at the canary nipping at his hair.

“Come along now!”

George turns to his Mum who has Ron and Ginny on each side of her. When the boy glances back to his best friend he only catches her curly hair disappearing as she runs through the wall. As he steps to follow his family, Fred grabs his shoulder hard.

Bringing their heads close together, he whispers, “Did Granger conjure those birds wandlessly?”

“Yeah.” George gleefully whispers back. Happy to have someone else realize Hermione’s potential. “No one does magic like ‘Mione.”

Before the older twin can respond their dad apparates them to the Burrow.

“Now, we’ll be staying here tonight but keep your bags packed because we’ll be moving to a safe house for summer.”

“A safe house?” Ginny asks worriedly.

Arthur pulls his little girl into his side, “It’s just a precaution, love.”

All the Weasley children run up to their rooms. George collapses in his bed as soon as he’s able. The mental quidditch from the day tiring him out. 

“Are you ready?” Fred questions seriously.

With a chuckle, the younger twin pushes himself up against the head of the bed, “I was wondering how long you’d last.”

His brother rolls his eyes so George says, “I’ve already told you I’ll answer any question you have.”

The twin runs his hands through his shaggy locks. A rare display of his anxiousness.

“There’s so many.”

“We’ll have years, Freddie.” George whispers fondly, reverently. “Whatever you want to know we have plenty of time to answer.”

“Right.” Fred nods. “I guess - Hermione?”

The younger twin bites his lower lip to keep from smiling. “I travel back in time to defeat the darkest wizard alive and you’re most curious about me befriending Gryffindor’s swot?”

“Well when you put it like that.”

“I don’t know what to tell you, Forge. She’s amazing. Once you have Hermione’s loyalty nothing is more important to her than you. She helped me more than anyone else after the war.”

Fred sits on the edge of his bed, leaning forward to rest his arms on his knees. It’s ridiculous, the questions he wants answers to are quite possibly the least important. But he can’t help himself. “What went wrong with Harry and Ron?”

George inhales roughly before meeting his brother’s gaze. “I will never hold anything back from you. I will never lie to you. Hermione is the most important witch in my life. You are the most important wizard in my life. Nothing would make me happier than you two becoming good mates. So if you really want to know, I’ll tell you but I think all of us would appreciate it more if you asked her those sorts of questions.”

The older redhead drops his gaze to the floor, shame churning uncomfortably in his gut. He dips his chin in agreement.

“Can you just tell me - is she always like that?”

“Like what?”

“How she was with Snape?”

George hums, warm and tender. “No. Hermione is a right terror when she wants to be and stronger than anyone else I know. But not always. She can be…” The twin smiles to himself. “Hilarious, goofy, and kind. Of course she’s brilliant and wonderful. There are odd days when she’s shy or overly paranoid. The bloody witch can also be dreadfully stubborn, a horrid cook, and she has a terrible habit of leaving half full tea cups everywhere. At this point, I’m not sure if it’s a lost cause or if she does it intentionally to annoy me.”

“But you don’t…” Fred holds his arms out wide at a loss for words. 

“Don’t what?” The wizard says innocently though his brow raises in amusement.

The redhead stands to pace as he wildly waves his arms around. “You know… fancy her?”

George folds his fingers together in his lap. “Brother-O-Mine, is your confusion because you think Hermione is worthy of being fancied or because she isn’t?”

“No!” His answer is louder than necessary.

Fred fidgets as George studies him with critical eyes. The twins tone is carefully measured when he responds. “No, she’s not fanciable?”

“That’s not what I said!”

“So she is fanciable?”

The older twin huffs as he runs his fingers through his hair. He’s not sure how the conversation got to this point. He just doesn’t get George and Hermione even if he doesn’t understand why. Fred’s never had a reason to look at the witch past being Ron’s friend and now he can’t not notice her. Everything about her is a contraction to what he knows and he isn’t sure what to do with the new information. Like his brother said, he’s confused. He just needs more time to piece it together in his head. 

“Why don’t we trust Professor Dumbledore?” Fred asks in a desperate attempt to change the conversation.

George grimaces, “He’s not bad, per se. But Hermione really doesn’t like him. Dumbledore manipulates the three of them a lot. He has it in his head the war has to play out one way, his way, in order for us to win. A lot of people get hurt because of it.”

“Professor Snape though?”

“He’s a great spy, honest. Almost everyone in the Order hated him but he was played as much as the rest of us. Snape is still a complete git but he won’t betray us.”

Fred sits back down, rubbing a hand over his face. His voice is quiet, simultaneously doubtful and hopeful, “You really think we can do this?”

George quickly closes the distance to sit next to his brother, embracing him he says, “We wouldn’t have come back if we didn’t have contingency after contingency in place. I won’t lose you again. Hermione wont lose the war. We’re going to defeat the bastard before he gets too powerful. Between the five of us, Moldy Warts won’t know what hit him.”