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Chapter Text

“Happy Birthday Hermione!” Her father, Almond Trelawney smiles at her. “Now, can you tell us what the day will bring? Close your eyes and open your inner one.” This was a normal request in the house of the Trelawney's, especially since it was Hermione's 6th birthday. As a female, she was expected to be born with the inner eye, and it should open around the age of 6. Her sister, Sybill, had opened hers two years prior.

After six years as a Trelawney, Hermione knew what was expected of her, and begrudgingly closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She still had no idea how she ended up here, or how her past life even ended. Her latest memory was of her working in the Department of Mysteries. Something there must have gone terribly wrong, she could only assume.

“I see a cake?” She went for what she thought was a safe guess.

“Cake… it's not that far from a cat, right? Cake-cat?” Her mother, Annie piped in. She was a muggleborn witch and an artist. Mostly painting flowers and sunsets. She had the same chestnut hair as Hermione. While Almond and Sybill both had dirty blond hair. If there was one thing they all had in common, it was that none of them cared, or knew anything whatsoever about well groomed hair.

“Right you are, Annie. Seems like our Hermione has opened her inner eye. Of course it is to be expected. I have seen a great future as a seer for Hermione” Came from the portrait of Cassandra Trelawney, Sybill and Hermione's great-great-grandmother. In her lifetime, she had been a famous Seer. Now, she took up most of the wall in their living room, and offered comments of wisdom, mainly in regards to fate and other omens.

They were currently sitting on a blue velvet carpet in the living room. The living room was vibrant and diverse. Every surface was covered in some kind of knick-knack, and the walls were decorated with carpets of blue and purple, and of course Annie's flowers and sunsets paintings. It was messy but undeniably magical. A far cry from the strictly tidy, but practical organized, living room of the Grangers.

Hermione's past life felt more and more like a distant fever dream. She hadn't quite given up finding a way back, or at least she wanted an explanation. A logical one, preferably. However unlikely that seemed. She was trapped in the heart of divination nonsense. If she wanted a way out, or an answer to her questions, it was likely through divination.

Sybill, who had stormed off as soon as the word cat was mentioned, was now back with a black kitten in her arms. “Look Hermione! She is a half kneazle and her name is Crystal”

“If you raise her well, you can bring her with you to Hogwarts.” Her father smiled as Sybill put the kitten down. Hermione forgot all her confusion and irritation as soon as the kitten made its way towards her.

“She is beautiful. Thank you” She said earnestly and let Crystal sniff her hand before she stroked her tiny head.

The rest of the morning was spent learning about Cartomancy (reading tarot cards), and eating breakfast, before Almond had to head off to work. He worked as a journalist in the Daily Prophet. He mainly wrote about obscure magical findings and other happenings in the wizard world.

After he left, Hermione went out to look for a book. There were a great many books in their home, passed down from generation to generation. Albeit no library. You had to go on a hunt through the house to (hopefully) find the book you were searching for. She had found books in the most obscene places; under the sink, behind portraits, and worst of all; books used as a plant stand. Whenever Hermione made a comment about this, and politely offered to make some sort of system, she had been told that as seer, she didn't need a system. Let the inner eye guide you!

She picked up a book from a pile in the living room, about Heptomology, finding the truth from number seven. Interesting enough. Something in the back of her mind tickled, but she couldn't point out why. She sat down with her book in an armchair, and not long after, Crystal made its way over to her. She picked her up and placed her gently in her lap.

“Are you afraid?” Sybill asked as she sat down on the other armchair.

“Afraid of what?” “The inner eye. Don't worry, it took time for me as well to fully understand. I kept confusing it with what I wanted to see, rather than what I truly saw.” Sybill said seriously as she adjusted her way to big spectacles.

“No, I'm not afraid. I'm sure I will learn in time, I just want to know more about the logic behind it.”

“Logic? The mechanism behind the art of divination is too complex for most to understand.” Cassandra interrupted. The plump and proud lady continued: “Now, can anyone truly understand the logic behind magic, behind wands and magical objects? Magic is a living and vibrant thing, just like fate. You can study it for years and years without being able to explain and fully grasp the logic behind. You can only learn to respect it, and within respect comes a better understanding.”

Hermione considered this. It was true, at least partly, that she couldn't understand the logic behind most magic. But divination was still too vague for her liking.

“Now don't look so distraught, child. You have plenty of time to learn more about fate and your inner eye.” Cassandra said solemnly.

“Do you like her?” Sybill asked. Hermione looked at her with a confused expression.

“The cat, Crystal. Father wanted to give you a crystal ball, so I made a suggestion to give you a Crystal cat instead, well sort of. Anyhow, I thought she would be more to your liking.”

Hermione thought this was actually rather sweet of Sybill. “You were right, I love cats and especially Crystal.”

“Of course, hopefully you will be able to make just as good decisions, with help from your inner eye, in time for my birthday.” Sybill said as she stood up and walked out of the living room. Hermione took a deep breath and started to skim through her book while she absentmindedly petted Crystal.

For Hermione's 9th birthday, she was actually gifted a crystal ball. She was expecting it, not because of her inner eye, but because Sybill had let it slip. The crystal ball was resizable, so she could always have it with her. Her parents also brought her a necklace for it, It was rather pretty. Silver strands twinned with purple silk.

It was only her parents, Crystal, and of course the portrait of Cassandra, in attendance for Hermione's birthday this year. Sybill had just started her first year at Hogwarts. Everyone thought she would be a Hufflepuff, like both of their parents, except Hermione. She already knew that Sybill would be a Ravenclaw, and of course told them so. To say her parents were ecstatic of Hermione's seer abilities, would be an understatement.

Over the years she had not made any progress in finding out what exactly she was doing in the past, and as a Trelawney. But she would not give up. If the answer was to be found, it was within a book. That she was sure of.

“Now Almond, be a dear and fetch my present for Hermione, thank you.” Cassandra ushered Almond.

“Yes of course, I will be right back” Almond sprang from his seat and went to grab it. He handed the rather sloppy wrapped present over to Hermione, who opened it carefully. Inside was a book along with some trinkets she couldn't recognize.

“It's a book about fire omens. Forgotten by most. It's a very rare ability, but I sense fire in you child. I do think you will make good use of it.” Cassandra said with a smile.

It was indeed a book about fire omens and divination through fire. Something Hermione had not heard a lot of. It would probably be an interesting read, and she did possess some talents when it came to fire. For as long as she could remember, she had been able to conjure blue flames.

“Thank you, Cassandra. I think I will enjoy reading this” Hermione gave the painting a smile.

“Oh and here is the birthday cake” Annie said as she placed down, well, something on the table. “We ran out of eggs last night, after practicing Ovomancy. But who needs eggs in a cake” Her mother was not known for being a very talented cook, but no one ever mentioned that. She liked to experiment in the kitchen, and follow her intuition. If the result was at least edible, Hermione considered herself lucky.

Ovomancy was the practice of telling the future through eggs, and observing the way the yolks fell. It took a lot of patience, but Annie was adamant to get it right. Even though she was a muggleborn, and not a seer in any way, she wanted to learn all there was to divination. Not only because she was fascinated by the subject, but to be able to support her daughters in the best way.

Hermione took a bite of the cake. It was rather dry, and way too sweet, but at least it was edible. She gave an approving smile to her mother, who beamed back at her.

“Not long until you will celebrate your birthdays at Hogwarts” Her father tells her. “What house will you be sorted into? Ravenclaw as your sister perhaps?”

Hermione had in fact thought a lot about this, and the conclusion was that Ravenclaw was probably her best choice, if the hat would listen to her that is. She didn't want to be a Gryffindor, too many confusing memories. She also didn't want to be close to people who reminded her of her previous life. Hufflepuff and Slytherin were out of the question if there was anything left of Hermione Granger in her.

“Yes Ravenclaw. I'm quite sure of it.” She said with great confidence.

“Oh but of course! Don't forget that I was a Ravenclaw myself, and Hermione already has the sight, of course she knows where she will be sorted.” Cassandra stated.

Hermione was still convinced that their conviction of her “sight” was only wishful thinking. She knew that she did not have any secret powers to see into the future. Everytime her family asked her to open her inner eye, she just gave them a random answer. And every time, they manage to somehow connect her answer to the actual truth, no matter how far-fetched it was. It drove Hermione insane on most days.

Still, she had gained some respect for divination. It was more complicated than mere reading tea-leaves. It was also the oldest branch of magic. There were books about everything under the topic of Divination in their house. However, she did prefer Arithmancy and Runes.

Later that day, Hermione was sitting in the living room, looking through the book of fire omens. She was still rather miffed about her family's sure belief that she had the sight.

“Cassandra, how are you so sure that I have the sight?” She asked the portrait.

“But don't you have the sight? Can't you tell certain facts about the future?” Cassandra answered back.

“Of course not, I-”
“Not any insight to the future at all? Are you sure?” Cassandra interrupted.

Something in her tone made Hermione pause. Of course, she did have some knowledge of the future, but that was because she had lived it, not because of her inner eye.

“How did you know for certain that Sybill would be sorted into Ravenclaw?”

Hermione was at loss for words. She didn't want to admit to being from the future. It made her feel like an imposter and a liar.

“Past, present and the future, it all goes hand in hand. Time is not linear, dear. There are many ways to see the future, or the past. Some well known, but vague. Some dark ones, they usually demands a sacrifice. Some old ones, like rituals. And sometimes new ways occur. Fate works in mysterious ways. Don't take your gift for granted, fate has given it to you for a reason. So be smart about it. Now, I think it is time for you to go to bed, it has been a long day.” Cassandra ushered Hermione to bed.

That night Hermione could not sleep. For the first time in this life, she reflected on what her purpose here was. Had Fate truly sent her here to change the past?

Chapter Text

It was the summer before Hermione was to leave for Hogwarts. The Trelawneys were currently stumbling through the floo to arrive in Diagon Alley. They were a bit behind on their shopping for school supplies, to Hermione's absolute horror. Even though she would get most of her supplies handed down from Sybill. But it was a matter of principle.

It was a sunny Saturday, so Diagon Alley was packed with all kinds of wizards and witches. Hermione wondered for a minute if all of wizarding Britain had decided to come to Diagon Alley today.

“Okay, let's see. Why don't I go to Gringotts, while you take the girls to Ollivanders. Then I will meet you there before we continue our shopping together?” Almond had to almost shout in order to be heard over the noisy street.

Her mother answered with a smile and a thumbs up, before she took Sybill and Hermione's hands, and guided them over to Ollivanders.

There was a small queue outside the store, with what Hermione could assume would be her fellow classmates. She scanned the other first years, and tried to find someone she recognised. Suddenly she found herself locking eyes with a boy about her age. He had neatly dark brown hair and huge brown eyes. He was now crossing his arms in a determined gesture, as he continued to stare at Hermione. They were now in a staring match. Or that was until an older blond witch guided him inside the store, as the queue moved.

Hermione looked at Sybill and her mother, who were discussing where they would go after Ollivander. Sybill needed new robes, and wanted to meet up with some friends while Annie wanted to go treasure hunting, whatever that meant.
The queue moved slowly but steadily, and it was finally time for Hermione to find her wand. A young Ollivander greeted them with a smile as they walked inside, and the scent of rich, smokey wood hit them.

“Welcome Mrs Trelawney, how do you do?”

“All is well. We are here to buy a wand for my youngest, Hermione. She is going to Hogwarts soon, as a Ravenclaw. She is a seer, you see.” Her mother said proudly. While Hermione was usually very fond of praise, she was not yet comfortable with being praised as a seer.

“Oh my, two young seers. How extraordinary. And how is your wand working for you Miss Trelawney? Hazel and unicorn hair, 9½ inches, no?” Ollivander looked at Sybill as he gathered his measuring tapes.

“Very good, thank you.” Sybill answered rather shyly.

Ollivander then gestured for Hermione to come over so he could take her measurements. While Ollivander was working, Hermione's mind was wandering. She could hardly wait to finally have a wand (again). She was also immensely curious to see if she would have the same wand as her old self.

“Now, try this one. It is a Mahogany and Troll Whisker, Exactly 13 inches.” Not long after he handed it to Hermione, a loud crash could be heard from behind her.

“No, not that one.” Ollivander said hastily. After three more unsuccessful attempts, Ollivander came back from his storeroom with a beautifully carved wand box. “Let me see, this could be interesting. I have just finished this one. Now let's try. It's a Cedar with Thestral tail hair, about 11⅖ inches.”

Hermione's magic reached out as soon as she touched the wand. It felt right, and it felt special.

"Ah, very well. A great match. Cedar users have a huge potential, a powerful wand, and the Thestral hair is great for duelling and invincibility. You have a lot in store for you, young lady.” Ollivander said as he gave Hermione a knowing smile.

Hermione's feelings were a little conflicted. On one hand, the new wand felt right, and perhaps a new wand and a new start was exactly what she needed. On the other hand, she had hoped for her old wand, something to remind her of her past.

When they got outside, they found Almond waiting for them. It was then decided that Almond would take Sybill to Madam Malkins, while Annie took Hermione to Mr Mullpeppers Apothecary.

Inside the Apothecary, Hermione left her mothers side to go look for her potions supplies. Luckily it didn't take long before she had found everything she needed.

“Hermione, come here. There is someone I would like you to meet”.
Hermione looked up to see her mother standing with a blond witch, with perfect coiffed curls, and what she presumed was her son. He had his mothers hair, and big angelic blue eyes.

“This is Mrs. Ona Lockhart, an old school friend of mine. And this is Gilderoy Lockhart, he is also starting his first year at Hogwarts.”

Gilderoy Lockhart. Hermione could hardly believe it. About this age, in her past life, she had harboured a big crush on him. Of course then she had been led to believe that he was some sort of hero. The boy standing in front of her was probably the most innocent looking boy she had ever seen.

“Hermione Trelawney. Nice to meet you” Hermione introduced herself and gave a small courtesy.

Gilderoy just stood there, smiling and staring at her. It unnerved Hermione a little.

“Oh Annie, she looks just like you! I am sure Hermione and Gilderoy will be great friends, just like us.”

“Yes, Hermione can probably already tell, she is a seer”

Oh my, was her mother really going to say that to everyone they meet and their mother? It would be easier to just tell Almond to print it in the Prophet, not that she wanted to give her any ideas.

It took Hermione a second to realize that all three of them were staring at her expectantly.

“Ah yes, great friends, right” Hermione stumbled over her words.

Ona Lockhart clapped her hands together, while Gilderoy's smile only grew.

“You hear that Gilderoy, not even started Hogwarts yet, and already made a great friend, and a seer! How marvellous!”

Hermione just stood there, slightly uncomfortable, while Mrs Ona Lockhart and her mother said their goodbyes. Well, she wouldn't read too much into it, it was not like she really had to be friends with Gilderoy Lockhart from now on. She got chills down her spine just from the mere thought of it.

Outside, Annie guided Hermione through the sea of wizards and witches, until they came to a street that was slightly less crowded.

“Knockturn Alley, isn't it full of dark eh..objects and so in there?”

“Oh did your inner eye tell you that? Impressive, really. Well, yes, some dark objects can indeed be found here. But not all dark objects are inherently evil. Actually, I believe nothing ever is inherently evil, or almost. Nevertheless, a lot of rare and fascinating things can be found here.” Her mother prattled on while she entered Borgin and Burkes.
The chill inside the shop was a stark contrast to the warm summer weather outside. The shop was more or less how Hermione remembered; dark and grimly looking. By the counter, a family of four were standing, talking to the owner. They were all impeccably dressed in dark, old fashioned robes. All of them had the same aristocratic features that carried a bored, almost haughty expression. They were the picture of pureblood elites.

The two young boys didn't even offer her a glance as she passed by them. Still, they made her feel slightly tense and judged. She tried to ignore them as she looked around the shop. She had never liked pureblood snobs, who thought them better only because of their blood lineage. No, to Hermione, one should be judged based on one's accomplishments and morals.

Hermione was so lost in her own thoughts that she didn't notice that one of the boys had snuck up behind her. As she turned around and saw the boy, she jumped and let out a little yelp. The boy, who thought himself much sneakier, didn't expect Hermione to notice him, and he in turn stumbled back towards a shelf full of odd trinkets. One of the trinkets fell down and made a loud noise, but not nearly as loud as the screeching that followed.

“Sirius Black! What did I tell you about touching anything in this store!?”

The portrait that Hermione remembered of Walburga Black didn't do her justice at all. She was much, much worse in person. Nothing could have prepared her for the sheer horror her voice inflicted.

In a combination of shock and nostalgia, upon seeing Sirius again, Hermione quickly picked up the grim looking bauble that fell to the floor.

“It was me who knocked it down, I'm sorry” She said as apologetic as she could.

“You will have to pay for that now, girly” Said the shop owner.

“Oh, let me have a look, Hermione! I'm sure it was your inner eye who guided you to it. Come on, let's go and pay for it” Her mother was suddenly beside her and took the bauble from her hands.

“Inner eye?” Walburga Black said sceptically.

“Yes, my daughter is a seer” Her mother said proudly for the umpteenth time that day. At this point, Hermione actually considered just letting her father print it in the Prophet, it would be less embarrassing.

As Hermione walked behind her mother to the counter, she heard Walburga scoff loudly.

She still couldn't believe that she had just met Sirius Black. He was completely unrecognizable. The Sirius she had once known, was nothing like the aristocratic looking boy she had just briefly met. Of course she knew that he was a Black, and that they were pureblood elitists, but seeing it with her own eyes was still shocking. The changes he would go through, all the hardship, both from his family and the war. If Hermione had the power to change the future, she vowed to make Sirius's life a little better.

She had spent countless hours trying to figure out what her purpose in this time was. Could it really be Fate that had sent her here? She had tried to read all she could about Fate, past life and purpose, from the books at home. But she was not much closer to an answer to all her questions, even so she would take Cassandra's advise; to make the best of her gift.

She had invaluable knowledge of the future. Knowledge and facts that could save lives. Exactly how, she still wasn't sure of. She had toyed with the idea of becoming a famous seer, like Cassandra. Perhaps people will listen to her then, and not question her on where she got her information. But the Trelawneys didn't have much clout in the Wizarding Word, although her sister, Sybill, would end up giving Dumbledore a prophecy that changed the tide of the war. Actually, the prophecy had a central role in both wars. Perhaps divination really was the way to go.

Because she had to do something. She couldn't sit back and watch the past repeat itself. Wouldn't let Harry grow up without a family and the fate of the world hanging on his shoulders. No, he, along with the rest of the Order of Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army, deserved a normal, happy and peaceful life. Where their biggest worries were quidditch and other brainless nonsense. That thought made her feel a little lighter, and a little bit more hopeful.

“I think it's time for us to meet up with you father and sister. We are meeting them at Florean Fortescue.” Said her mother as she made her way out of the shop.

The rest of the day was spent eating ice cream and listening to the others' findings. Apparently, Almond and Sybill had met Sybills boyfriend, Webster Higglebottom. A sophisticated young chap, if you could take her fathers word for it. Annie recounted their meeting with the Blacks.

“Both of you should stay far away from any Blacks, they are nothing but a nasty bunch with a superiority complex.” Her father concluded.

Hermione was still thinking about the vastly different Sirius Black she had met today. She would never have recognized him if his mother hadn't called him by his name. The rogue refuge, covered in tattoos, with a cheeky smile and taunting comments, was nothing like the overly polished boy from today.

That evening, Hermione dedicated her time to do what she did best; planning. One way or another she would change the future by changing the past. She knew very well that meddling with time was dangerous, but this was different. She was living in the past! No way she would waste an opportunity like this.

Chapter Text

It was the 1st of September and everyone in the Trelawney family, Cassandra included, was in a stressful rush. She had a lot of last minute wisdom and advice to share.

“Do remember to read your tea leaves every morning” “And don't forget Astrology, there is no limit to what the night sky can tell you” “If you're ever in doubt; ask your crystal ball. Always wear it around your neck in case of emergencies”

Hermione had of course finished packing days before, but the thought of going to Hogwarts made her jittery. She stood before the bathroom mirror and tried to make herself presentable. After a few failed attempts at smoothing down her frizzy curls, she decided on a french plait. Good enough, she nodded to her reflection. She had more important matters to worry about than her hair.

“Are you nervous? I'm sure you will be fine. You will fit right in after all, lots of Ravenclaws who love to read, well, maybe not as much as you do, but you will be fine” Sybill rambled on as she toyed with her enormous spectacles. It was slightly strange to see Sybill without her glasses, her eyes looked now comically small.

“More excited than nervous. How about you? You sound a little anxious.” Hermione said in a slightly harsher tone than intended.

“Oh no, not anxious. Perhaps only a little. It's only that people have certain expectations of us, being seers and all. I may have told a couple of friends and professors about your abilities, and that you already know that you will be a Ravenclaw. My inner eye tells me that it might be slightly embarrassing for you, if you get sorted into another house” Sybill said as she put her glasses back on and quickly walked out of the bathroom before Hermione had time to berate her.

Great, not even arrived at Hogwarts yet, and her reputation was already at risk.

“Now girls, time to go” Her mother yelled from down the hall.

Hermione quickly went to her room, where Crystal was sitting readily on top of her luggage.

“Come now Crystal, I'm sure you will love Hogwarts” She told her cat as she picked up her bags. Over the years, Crystal had shown herself to be a very loyal and intelligent companion, albeit a little secretive. Often she would sneak away for days, but she always came back in the end. Most of the time she spent curled up on Hermione's lap or lazing in front of a fireplace.

Hermione was the first one to enter the floo. Before she could even straighten out her clothes, her arms were seized by none other than Ona Lockhart.

“There you are, my dear. Gilderoy and I have been waiting for you all morning”

Hermione looked over at Gilderoy who was smiling from ear to ear, showing all of his pearly white teeth.

“It's great to see you both again” Hermione said as she racked her brain for a way to escape.

“Now, quickly, what house will Gilderoy be sorted into? I heard from your mother that you will be a Ravenclaw. I, myself was a Hufflepuff” Ona Lockhart said rapidly.

It immediately dawned on Hermione that Gilderoy was in fact a Ravenclaw. Perhaps it wouldn't be too bad to be sorted into another house after all. Even though it meant that she would be humiliated in front of the whole school, and her reputation as a seer would be in the trash. No, she would have to stick to Ravenclaw, even if it was alongside Gilderoy Lockhart. He couldn't be that bad, could he?

Hermione looked over at him again, he was still staring at her with his big smile plastered on his face. Merlin help her.

“Ravenclaw” Hermione finally declared. “I'm quite sure he will be a Ravenclaw, just as myself”

Both Ona and Gilderoy looked ready to burst from happiness. Ona clapped her hands together. “Marvellous, just.. Marvellous”

It was then that the rest of the Trelawaneys came stumbling out of the floo.

“Sorry we are a bit late. Cassandra just had some advice for Sybill regarding her electives this year.” Her father told her. He looked a bit out of breath.

“Hurry hurry, you will probably not find a free compartment now. Oh hello Ona! And hello to you too Gilderoy!” Her mother ushered them in the direction of the train.

“I see Webster over there! I will just go and say hi. Bye mum and dad” Sybill rushed away.

“Okay. Hermione and Gilderoy, you should stick together and take good care of each other. Hogwarts is a big place, it can be a bit overwhelming” Annie told them.

It was now time to say goodbye and enter the train. While Mrs Lockhart gave her son a tearful goodbye, Hermione's parents were busy repeating all the advice Cassandra had given.

“And don't forget to write,” Her father said as Hermione entered the train.
The train was buzzing with energy. Friends who were catching up after a long summer, and first years full of nerves and awe. Most of the compartments were indeed full. After a few moments they found a compartment with only one other occupant.

“Hello, I am Hermione Trelawney, and this is Gilderoy Lockhart. Can we share this compartment with you?”

The boy inside looked up. To Hermione's surprise, it was the same boy that she had a previous staring match with outside of Ollivanders.

“All right, you two are also first years? I am Bartemius Crouch Junior by the way. But you can call me Barty”

Hermione was lucky that she was currently busy with her luggage, so Barty couldn't see her face. The shock on her face was brief, but quite alarming. She really had to get used to meeting people from her past life, even Death Eaters.

Hermione took a look at Barty as she sat down on the opposite side of him. Crystal followed soon after and made herself comfortable on Hermione's lap. She had to remind herself that he was just a boy, not yet a Death Eater.

“Thanks, Barty. Yeah, we are also first years” She answered him.

“So, what house do you hope you will be sorted into? Both my parents are Ravenclaws, so I reckon that's where I will end up as well”

“We are Ravenclaws” Gilderoy smiled.

Hermione looked over at Gilderoy as he sat down beside her. She was a bit startled to hear his voice for the first time. His voice was soft and childlike, which suited his overall innocent look. With his big blue eyes and rosy baby cheeks, it was hard to imagine that he had a single bad bone in his body.

Before Hermione could elaborate on Gilderoys comment, Barty interrupted, “You can't know that!”

“Hermione is a seer” Gilderoy simply explained.

“A seer, really?” Barty raised his eyebrows in mock disbelief.

“It's true. She also saw that she and I would be great friends” Gilderoy smiled.

“Whatever, Goldilocks” Barty shot back.

“Gilderoy. And Hermione can prove it” Gilderoy gave her an encouraging smile.

Hermione hesitated, she didn't want to do this at all.

“I don't buy it. If you really are a seer, then prove it” Barty gave Hermione a challenging look.

Hermione squinted her eyes at Barty. It was almost impossible for her to back down from a challenge. Especially from a future Death Eater. She quickly racked her brain for something to come up with.

She took a deep breath. “Give me your hand, please”

Barty reluctantly gave her his hand. Hermione took it in hers and closed her eyes. “My inner eye tells me that your father, Bartemious Crouch Senior will be appointed as the Head of Magical Law Enforcement, at the next election this fall”

“You are very close to your mother, Pearle Crouch nee Abbott. Your family also has a house elf named Winky”

Hermione slowly opened her eyes to check his reaction. Barty was staring at her with his mouth hanging open while Gilderoy was smiling proudly, he did not look in the least bit surprised.

“You are a true seer then. Merlin. I have never met a true seer before” Barty murmured.

“So, I will be a Ravenclaw, right?” He asked hopefully, after he had collected himself.

“Yes, all of us will soon be Ravenclaws”

The rest of the train ride was spent talking about upcoming classes, spells they had tried and spells they looked forward to try. Turns out that neither Barty or Gilderoy cared for Quidditch. That was a relief to Hermione. There was only so much that she could handle, and Quidditch on top of a Death Eater and Lockhart would simply just be too much for her.

It had turned dark when they walked out of the train. The platform was lit up by a dozen floating lamps. A new wave of nostalgia washed over Hermione.

“Firs’-years! Firs’-years! Firs’-years over here!” Hagrid's voice boomed.

The trio hurried after Hagrid. “He is enormous,” Barty whispered in awe.

“Yeh’ll get yer firs’ sight o’ Hogwarts in a sec,” Hagrid called over his shoulder, “jus’ round this bend here”

As the narrow path opened, they were met with the view of Hogwarts. Perched on top of a mountain in the black lake. It was truly a magical sight.

The three of them and Crystal shared a boat. As they moved closer to the castle, Hermione felt almost dizzy with nerves. Not only did she have to be sorted into Ravenclaw, but Barty and Gilderoy as well. She felt foolish for relying on her seer abilities, that was not exactly seer abilities. She was a fraud. Dread filled her stomach and she absentmindedly clutched her crystal ball around her neck. Well, there was no backing down now.

If she wanted to change the future, she had to become a reliable seer. It was ironically the most logical way. She needed to sow the seeds about her seer abilities as early on as possible. In that way, she would get the credibility she needed in order to be taken seriously, so when it really mattered, people would not doubt her.

Hermione was too busy giving herself a much needed pep talk that she almost didn't notice that they were now standing outside the Great Hall. All the first years were standing in what she assumed was an attempt at a queue.

“This will be boring, since we already know where we will be sorted” Barty said a bit too loudly for his only intention to be heard by Gilderoy and Hermione.

“What do you mean by that?” A blond girl asked.

“My friend here is a seer. Mark my words, the three of us will all be Ravenclaws” Barty proudly announced.

“Ah, I remember you! Your mum also claimed that you are a seer. Now, what house will I be sorted into?” Sirius Black pushed himself towards them.

“That's too easy. You're a Black. Everyone knows that the Blacks are all Slytherins” Someone behind him said.

“Slytherin no, not you. My inner eye tells me that you are a Gryffindor” Hermione announced with great confidence. After her little pep talk she was ready to prove herself as a seer.

It was dead silent for a moment before they all started to snicker. Even Barty seemed to have lost some of his confidence in Hermione's abilities.

“Yeah right” Sirius laughed.

It was then time for the sorting to begin. Sirius was one of the first to be sorted. When he walked towards the hat, Hermione held her breath. The hat seemed to take forever before it finally shouted:

“GRYFFINDOR”

There was a pause in which you could have heard a pin drop, before some Gryffindor gave a half hearted applause. All the first years were gaping at Hermione. Sirius gave her an accusatory glare before he walked towards the Gryffindor table.

“Brilliant” Barty muttered in disbelief.

Hermione looked at Gilderoy who was staring at her in pure awe.

Not long after, it was Barty and Gilderoys turn. Both of them were sorted into Ravenclaw, to no one's surprise.

Hermione was one of the last ones to be sorted. When it was finally her turn, she took a deep breath and walked over. She was still filled with nerves. She really wanted, and needed to be sorted into Ravenclaw.

“Interesting, not often I meet someone who can remember their past life. A mixture between past and future. How odd. I can see that you are set to make big changes for the future, quite brave you are. Gryffindor would suit you well” The hat started to talk into her head as soon as it was put down on her.

“No no, not Gryffindor” She pleaded.

“Not Gryffindor? Well you are certainly cunning. You have clear goals, and you will not let much stop you from reaching them. Slytherin could do you good” The hat continued.

“No please, definitely not Slytherin”

“No, then it must be..”

“RAVENCLAW”

Hermione let out a big breath of relief as she walked over to the Ravenclaw table. She was quickly embraced in a hug by her sister.

“I knew it! I knew it! I told you so, didn't I?” Hermione wasn't quite sure who exactly Sybill was talking to at that moment.

As Sybill made her way back to her friends, Hermione sat down beside Gilderoy and across from Barty.

“That was brilliant. I can't believe you predicted a Black in Gryffindor. Gryffindor of all the houses. It's rather funny if you ask me.” Barty said rather gleefully.

“He doesn't look too happy about it” Hermione said after she had turned around to have a look at the Gryffindor table.

“Ha! If looks could kill, you would be dead, Hermione. I think he is blaming you, though” Barty said.

It was true. Sirius Black was currently glaring daggers at her.

Chapter Text

Hermione tried to the best of her abilities to ignore the death stare she was at the receiving end of. Hadn't he learned not to shoot the messenger? Well, he would just have to get over it. As soon as he befriended James Potter it would hopefully all be forgotten. That thought made Hermione pause. How could she have completely missed James Potter's sorting? And the rest of the marauders as well! Her brain must have been way too clouded with her own nerves and worries.

She once again turned around to have a look at the Gryffindor table. It wasn't too difficult to spot him, with his messy hair, spectacles, and wide gestures. He seemed to already be the centre of attention among the Gryffindor first years. From afar he looked a lot like Harry. That sent a painful ache to her stomach. She missed her best friend. As she watched him through mournful eyes, she concluded that it would be better to stay away from him. She could help from afar. It wouldn't do any good to constantly compare him to her Harry.

Next she spotted Peter Pettigrew. He was sitting beside James and watching him with rapt attention. Further down the table sat a red head with her back to Hermione. She first reminded her of Ginny, but she could more likely assume that it was Lily Evans. A cross from Lily sat a lankly and nervous looking boy. Remus Lupin. It was strange to see them all here as 11 year olds, and more importantly; alive.

“Welcome!” Dumbledore's loud voice interrupted Hermione's people watching. “Before we begin our banquet, I would like to say a few words. Hogwarts has been lucky enough to be gifted with a Whomping Willow, which is now located at the grounds, close to the Forbidden Forest. The tree can be dangerous, and slightly aggressive, so I will advise you to keep a respectable distance. The forest is as always; Forbidden for students.”

“I also believe an introduction is in order; to our new Defence against the Dark Arts Professor, Mr. Haskell Cornus”

A bald, stern looking man stood up and made a slight bow. He was dressed in dark robes and exuded a sense of authority.

As Dumbledore finished his speech, and the feast began, Hermione snuck a glance at the Slytherin table. The first familiar looking face she spotted was Lucius Malfoy. His long white hair and pointy features was a dead give away. It seemed like he was a fifth year. The second one Hermione spotted was Bellatrix Lestrange, or more correctly; Black. She looked a lot like Walburga, except that she had a head full of wild curls. While she looked less deranged than Hermione remembered, she still seemed to radiate pure evil. She was sitting at the end of the table, so Hermione assumed that she was in her seventh year. The last one Hermione recognized was among the first years. He had a curtain of black hair that hung over his face. It looked like he wanted to be anywhere but here. Even though he was very different from how Hermione knew him, it was unmistakable Severus Snape.

After the feast, Hermione alongside the rest of the Ravenclaw first years, followed the fifth year prefect up the seemingly endless stair to their common room. Hermione thought that the common room was exquisite. With a lot of natural light coming from the tall windows, sophisticated blue and bronze decoration, and most importantly; lots of shelves filled with books. The atmosphere was serene, perfect for studying and late night reading.
She could definitely see herself spending countless hours here.

“First years, please come over here!” Professor Flitwick was standing on top of a table, gesturing for all first years to gather around him. “First of all, congratulations on being sorted into Ravenclaw and welcome to the Ravenclaw common room. I am professor Filius Flitwick and the Head of this House. I will also be your professor in Charms. If you have any questions or worries, please don't hesitate to come to my office. If I'm not available, you can always seek out a prefect. They are all here to help and guide you.”

“Now please collect your timetable, and then prepare for your morning classes” Flitwick finished as he levitated the time tables to each one of them.

“Looks like we share a lot of classes with Gryffindor and Slytherin.” Gilderoy commented.

“Yeah, probably because Gryffindors and Slytherins don't get along, so they divide them between us and Hufflepuff to keep the peace, '' Hermione answered him as they went over to a sitting area by the window.

“Ha! With the way Black was glaring at you, there will more likely be a Gryffindor - Ravenclaw rivalry” Barty joked as he flung himself down on an armchair.

“Not that I'm complaining, mind you. A bit of rivalry would only make things here more interesting” He continued as he kicked his feet on the table.

“Too bad that they don't have a seer amongst them,” Gilderoy smiled and sat down in a more graceful manner than Barty.

Hermione was not convinced that her seer abilities would help them in a school rivalry, but either way, she didn't think that there would be any rivalry between them and the Gryffindors. No, her plan was to keep them at arm's length.

“We should rather focus on our classes for now” she told them in her slightly bossy way.

“You're right. We need to learn some spells and curses in order to beat them” Barty nodded thoughtfully.

“I already know a good one that my grandmother taught me. It's called Obliviate and it can…”

“No!” Hermione interrupted Gilderoy. Several alarm bells went off from the memory of Gilderoy and that spell. There was no chance she would let Gilderoy obliviate any marauder. She would rather obliviate all traces of that spell from Gilderoys mind.

“Not that spell, it's too risky. We can look up something different, if there even will be a rivalry. But I doubt it. Tomorrow all will most likely be forgotten and the house rivalry will be between Gryffindor and Slytherin. As it should be.” Hermione said in a serious tone as she crossed her arms for extra effect.

“You clearly don't know much about the Blacks. They are incapable of letting go of anything. No one can hold on to a grudge like a Black. I bet you 5 galleons that Black will retaliate within the week” Barty told her confidently.

“Retaliate? I didn't even do anything. He would have been a Gryffindor no matter what I said” Hermione grumbled.

“Try to tell him that. But to be fair, it did look a bit like you cursed him into Gryffindor” Barty laughed. Gilderoy joined in on the laugh.

“Maybe then he should know better than to mess with Hermione”

“Rational thinking? Not a Black trait as far as I know” Barty retorted.

When Hermione retreated to her dormitory, it was quite late, and her roommates had already gotten comfortable it seemed. She politely introduced herself to the three other girls before she excused herself and started to sort out her stuff. The girls seemed nice enough, even though she had forgotten their names almost as soon as they had told her.

In spite of being tired, she wanted to finish up her reading on Fire Omens. She gently closed her bed curtains and opened up her book.

According to her book, fire omens, or pyromancy, was the earliest form of Divination. In Renaissance magic, it was classified as one of the seven forbidden arts. Animal bones were often used as a ritualistic divination technique. One could also use salt, plants and laurel leaves. Rituals in general were often considered as a part of the Dark Arts. This book especially would likely be confiscated immediately if any of the Professors caught her with it, as it dived deeper into using human bones and contacting the dead.

Hermione was immensely fascinated. Although she still found divination a bit too vague, there was no denying that it could be a useful tool. She wanted to try a little experiment before she called it a night.

She found the trinket that she had been given with the book. When she took a closer look at it now, after reading about the art of pyromancy, she understood that it was a tool for capnomancy. The art of reading and understanding smoke. At the first glance, the trinket looked like a piece of worthless decoration, but upon a closer inspection, she could see that it contained several small holes. She placed the ornament in her hand and conjured some bluebell flames. After a few moments, smoke went out of the small holes of the ornament. The smoke was grey and blue as it danced around her in a playful manner. In the middle, the smoke was thick and heavy, which could indicate some kind of warning. But it wasn't as thick as her book had suggested a dangerous warning should look like. Perhaps it was more of a heads up kind of warning.

As she concentrated on analysing the smoke, the smoke divided itself into three separate vertical columns. The column in the middle was noticeably thicker than the others. Quickly she scanned her book to translate the meaning of this.

“Oh no, I refuse” Hermione grumbled to herself. Something must have gone wrong, because the book clearly stated that she could expect an upcoming rivalry in the near future. So much for giving divination a try. Utter nonsense all of it.

When Hermione, together with Barty and Gilderoy, walked down to the Great Hall for breakfast the next morning, she could tell something was off. Several students were craning their neck to look at them, and some even came to a complete stop.

“Why are people looking at us?” She asked slightly annoyed.

“No, not at us, they are looking at you. I will take a wild guess and say it's because of your prediction on Black's sorting.” Barty gleefully responded. It seemed like he was in a really good mood this morning, he had practically been skipping down the stairs.

“It's true. I heard several people talking about it in the common room” Gilderoy said a bit too enthusiastically.

While Gilderoy continued to explain everything else he had heard in the common room that morning, Hermione noticed a group of Gryffindor girls. One of them with distinctly red hair. As they passed them, Hermione could overhear part of their conversation.

“I don't get what people are so impressed about. She could have just been guessing, I mean she had a one in four chance to get it right” The red head, Lily Evans, complained.

Typical muggleborns and their lack of respect for the art of divination, Hermione jokingly thought to herself.

As they sat down at the Ravenclaw table, the same placement as the evening before, Hermione noticed an envelope laying on her plate. It had her name written on it in an exceptionally beautiful penmanship. It was a bit strange since the owls hadn't arrived yet, but she still carefully opened it. Before she could even take a guess of who it was from, she had her face covered in red and gold glitter. The glitter was everywhere and she was completely blinded. However, that didn't mean that it was difficult to point out the culprit.

“Not much of a seer are you? Can't even predict a simple prank” The unmistakable voice of Sirius Black said snidely from somewhere to her left.

“You owe me 5 galleons, Trelawney,” Barty remarked.

“I think we have time during our free period to look up some spells, or not, if you are still against it” Gilderoy offered a bit hesitatingly.

“Oh no, it's definitely on. My inner eye tells me that the Gryffindors will come to regret this soon enough”

Chapter Text

Hermione had to sit through her morning classes covered in glitter. At least she had gotten it out of her eyes and regained her sight. It was more difficult then she had thought to be blind, especially when you had to solely rely on Gilderoy for eyes.

The more the glitter irritated her, the more hungry she got for revenge.
She suspected that the glitter had been tampered with, because it was quite literally everywhere, and seemingly impossible to get rid of. Gilderoy had tried to help her, manually mind you, since she still didn't trust him enough to let him point his wand at her face. Barty, on the other hand, gave his assistance through helpful comments.

“You look like two monkeys picking lice of each others fur”

Even though it was their first day of classes, Hermione, Barty and Gilderoy had a hard time following the lectures. They were way too busy plotting. Fortunately, Hermione could still remember her previous first day of classes, and concluded that they were not missing much. They would be fine, and she could always go through the important bits with Barty and Gilderoy later.

Soon enough it was time for lunch break, and they quickly ran off to the library. Neither of them had time for food. The library was more or less empty this early in the semester.
Hermione thought it was the most glorious part of Hogwarts. How the other students did not take full advantage of an empty library was beyond her. Most of their classmates were currently wasting away their time in the sun. Hadn't they spent enough time already lazing away in the sun during summer vacation? But luckily, she and her two companions had their priorities straight. They were for the time being sitting around a small table in the middle of the library. All of them itching to figure out the best way to get even with Sirius Black, however Barty was definitely showing the most eagerness. Perhaps a bit too much, if you asked Hermione.

“How about we make him bleed glitter?”

“Too far, Barty”

“Choke on glitter?”

“Too far”

“Crying glitter then”

“Still too far”

“We need to make a statement, Hermione.”

They went on back and forth like this for a while, before they finally agreed on no permanent harm. That was something at least.

“So we want him to regret his prank, but don't want to cause him any harm. We also don't want to get in any sort of trouble with the professors, but at the same time we want Black to know that it was us behind it. Perhaps we should just set off a dungbomb in class and frame him.” Gilderoy stroked his chin thoughtfully.

Hermione and Barty stopped their bickering at once and gave each other a look. “That's a really good idea Gilderoy!” Hermione praised him and Gilderoy immediately sat up and puffed his chest out.

“Clean and simple, I like it!” Barty agreed.

“Now we just need to find a way to make sure that Black gets the blame, and a dungbomb of course” Hermione commented.

“I have some from Gambol and Japes in my room. I can go get them now so we can set them off during the Defence class later. The professor didn't look like he was someone you would want to mess with” Barty was already halfway on his way out of the library before he had finished his sentence.

“Okay, then you and I can figure a way to pin the blame on Black” Hermione looked at Gilderoy.

“I can slip it in his bag, if you distract him in the meantime”

“That shouldn't be too difficult. We can also add some Gryffindor coloured glitter, just to return the favour.” Hermione mused as she plucked some remaining glitter off her own robes.

“And I can put a notice-me-not charm on it, to ensure they don't see it coming” Hermione stated as she began to scrabble down the key points of their upcoming attack.

The plan was now fully formed, and when Barty came back with his dungbomb, neither of them could wait for the plan to take action. While Gilderoy kept his cool, Barty could hardly stand still and kept licking his lips as a nervous tick. Hermione was on one hand excited to get back at Sirius, but also a bit nervous to get caught by Professor Curnus. Barty was right that he really did not look like someone you wanted to mess with.

When they got to the Defence classroom, the Gryffindor boys were already waiting outside. Perfect, they could now place the dungbomb with Sirius without any Professor's notice. Hermione gave Gilderoy a knowing look before she called out to Sirius.

“Enjoying Gryffindor?”

He paused his conversation with his classmates mid sentence and gave Hermione a snide look. “Not much of a choice, have I? It's almost like some outside influence played a role in where I ended up. At least I can count my lucky stars that I'm not a Ravenclaw”

“It's funny how you blame me for your sorting, when your letter this morning was in full Gryffindor fashion. Seems to me that you have embraced being a Gryffindor and all their boisterous manners”

Sirius walked a bit closer towards her. “I hope you appreciated my thank you note for putting me in Gryffindor. Truly.” He took a dramatic pause and placed a hand on his heart. “It was the least I could do.”

“Yes, the glitter was a fine touch, especially for my eyes. Could almost not see the humour through it though”

“I aim to please. Had to properly show off my new favourite colours.” Sirius said with a taunting smirk.

“Make sure your newfound Gryffindor pride doesn't blow up in your face.” Hermione smirked back at him. Barty snorted and bumped her shoulder, as he was the only one who currently saw the humour in her comment.

Everyone was too busy watching Hermione and Sirius's exchange, so no one took notice of Gilderoy slipping a dungbomb in their target's school bag. Soon after, the door to the classroom opened and the trio rushed towards the front seats. The Gryffindor boys made their way to the back of the classroom, just as expected. They had set a timer on the dungbomb, so if everything went according to the plan, it would go off 30 minutes into the class. In that way, their professor would likely not blame them.

Hermione thought she would have problems concentrating on the lecture in those 30 minutes before the bomb would go off. Like earlier that day; her mind had been filled with other non class related issues. However, she was wrong. Professor Cornus was, despite his tough exterior, a captivating teacher. He was clearly knowledgeable and there was no question about his authority. Everyone was listening with rapt attention, and no one interrupted with any type of chatter, not even the Gryffindors at the back.

He went over what he expected of them, and a general idea for what they could in turn expect of him. They would go over basic duelling techniques and rules. Famous strategies, and how to defend oneself in different situations.

“Sir, eh..Professor, are we not going to learn any proper spells?” A Gryffindor girl Hermione did not recognize asked.

Professor Cornus clapped his hands behind his back and answered in his calm but stern voice. “Miss McKinnon, there is a lot more to spell-casting than just saying the incantation. We will begin with the basics and build up from there. If you don't have a solid base everything will eventually crumble down. The most skilled duelists are all…”

It was right then that the dungbomb went off. It was a loud bang, followed by some surprised shrieks, then the entire back of the classroom was covered in red and gold glitter. There was a moment where it was impossible to tell who was the most surprised by the explosion. Even Barty looked like he couldn't believe what he saw. Everyone was staring at the scene in a befuddled shock. Hermione could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She then heard Barty snicker at her side, and when she met his eyes she couldn't hold back on laughing too, although she tried to hide it with her hand. One by one, and suddenly all the students had joined in on the laughing.

“Silence!” Professor Cornus didn't raise his voice, but you could tell by his tone that he was angry.

“Never have I heard of such disrespect during a lecture. Especially on the very first day. 25 points from Gryffindor” He scowled.

“But Professor…”

“And detention Mr. Black. Am I clear?” Professor Cornus interrupted Sirius's plea.

“Yes Professor” Sirius shamefully sat back.

The rest of the class went on a bit stilted. Everyone was just as quiet as before the explosion, but it had decidedly more to do with fear rather than an interest in the subject. Professor Cornus didn't make any further comments about the prank, but it wasn't too difficult to understand that it had vexed him. Hermione decided then and there that she would lay off pranking in his classes. Or better; all classes. Even though she had gotten away blame free, she felt like the Professor had scolded her along with Sirius.

Hermione was a bit disappointed that the bomb had interrupted Professor Cornus mid sentence. She actually wanted to hear the rest of what the Professor was about to say regarding the most skilled duellists, but she didn't dare to raise her hand and draw his attention to herself. No, she would be better off searching it up in the library later on.

When the class was over, they all practically raced out of the classroom. It felt like she could breathe again when she crossed the threshold, finally having escaped the tense atmosphere in there.

“That was brilliant. I can't believe we pulled it off so well” Barty whispered between Hermione and Gilderoy. Gilderoy gave a proud smile back while Hermione gestured for them to wait until they had a bit more privacy to continue their chat, but it didn't take long before they were interrupted.

“I know that was you Trelawney” Sirius cornered them. His rage was evident on his face and his stiff posture.

“Yeah, you just lost us 25 points” James Potter joined Sirius's side and crossed his arms in an intimidating manner. He was also looking quite aggrieved.

“And detention, on the first day” Sirius spat.

“You took it too far this time, Trelawney” James continued in an unfriendly tone.

“Me? How can you say that? I was at the front of the classroom, following the lecture” Hermione said with mock innocence. She knew she should feel guilty, but it was difficult, knowing how much pranking their future self would engage in. Although she acknowledged that it wasn't fair of her to judge them for something they had yet to do.

“We heard you all right; you, making puns about bombs right before one goes off, a bit of a coincidence, eh?” James squinted his eyes at her.

“That must have been my inner eye who foresaw it.” She said in a deadpan voice.

Both James and Sirius paused at that for a fleeting moment. Then Sirius grumbled to himself and stumped away.

“I think we taught them a lesson,” Gilderoy said in a pleased tone.

“I think they will soon want to pay us back” Barty said almost hopefully. It definitely didn't sound like he had anything against the idea of a prank war. Hermione shook her head but didn't manage to fight the smile that was breaking through.

As they walked away, Hermione overheard Peter Pettigrew sighing to himself before he hurried away, trying to catch up with James. “Now he will never shut up about her again”

Chapter Text

The rest of September swiftly flew by, with lessons, homework and new friendships. Transfiguration and Charms were definitely Hermione's favourite classes, both because of the subject itself, and her admiration towards Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick. It should also be said that both their classes were shared with Slytherin, which resulted in a slightly preferable treatment towards the Ravenclaws. Fair is fair, Hermione thought. If the Slytherins spent half the time they spent on bullying on studying instead, they would receive better treatment from their teachers and classmates.

Because the blood prejudice was very much alive at this time. Not to Hermione's surprise, she already knew that it would escalate into a war in a few years. She also had the previous experience as a muggleborn being on the receiving end of such unfair mistreatment. However, she wasn't sure of how much of the unjust treatment she would have noticed if she didn't have the knowledge of her past life. Gilderoy for example, was entirely oblivious, even though he had a muggle father and two squib sisters. He would likely stay oblivious until the attacks against muggleborns were on the front page of the Daily Prophet. He had the good fortune of being a Ravenclaw, where people tend to mind their own business. Ravenclaw was also the house that was most tolerated by the other houses. A muggleborn from Ravenclaw would most likely go through some mistreatment, especially from Slytherins, but again, that would be nothing compared to what muggleborns from Gryffindor, Hufflepuff and Merlin forbid; what a Slytherin muggleborn would receive.

Barty shared her appreciation towards Charms, and he was exceptionally talented in it. Barty and Gilderoy also voiced their high opinion for Defence and admiration towards Professor Cornus. They had both announced that they wanted to become Professors in Defence Against the Dark Arts, just like Cornus. That had made Hermione put her foot down and told them flat out that neither her nor her inner eye supported that idea. The thought of either of them repeating the past and becoming professors made her shudder. No, if she was here to change the future for the better; she would at least make sure that neither of them became teachers.

Potion with Slughorn was a different matter. He had taken a keen interest in Hermione, likely due the rumours floating around her regarding her seer abilities, and her ancestor; the famous Cassandra Trelawney. Whenever he complimented her potions, he made sure to comment that her great-great-grandmother would have been proud. Hermione stopped herself from telling him that Cassandra was, in fact, still operating as the head of her family from her grave, or more correctly; through a painting.

Even though Hermione found the classes and the homework a bit too easy and repetitive, she was not bored. She kept herself busy with making sure she was at the top of the class. There was no way she would let an opportunity to be the top student slide. No, this was her time to shine. Also, she told herself that it was for everyone's best interest. Really, it was kind of selfless of her. If she was known for being the best student, she would have more influence as a seer, and more credibility as well. Which in return, would result in her being able to change the future easier, and making everyone's future better. Yes, she thought, she would be the best student Hogwarts had ever seen. Not even Dumbledore's exam results would look good next to hers. Just the thought of that made her feel giddy all over. Barty had called her out on giggling to herself a few times by now, to which she just responded with that her inner eye showed her something really funny, like him as a 6 year old, wetting his bed. That usually made him shut right up.

She was also occupying her time with a few side projects. Both regarding the upcoming war, divination, and the possibility to combine the two. She had made a list of all the dates, names, and locations she knew of concerning the war. Too many people suffered through the war the previous time around, but hopefully, Hermione was about to change that. Voldemort wouldn't even see her coming. She knew of all his secrets and plans. She could stop his every attempt at harming muggleborns. That thought made her pause for a second, if she showed her cards too early on, he would likely just change his plans, and then what? No, she had to be careful, but she had never been good at tactics. Oh how she wished she had Ron with her now. He was a master of chess and tactics, he knew how to think two steps ahead. No, three steps ahead!! He would have known exactly how to navigate this. How she missed Harry and Ron! But she just had to do with Barty and Gilderoy for now. A future Death Eater and…Gilderoy. The thought of not saving everyone she could, like pick and choose who would live or die, made bile rise up in her stomach. It made her feel sick. She definitely had to work hard, perhaps she could advise Barty or Gilderoy to join a chess club. Ah yes, when she thought of it, her inner eye would definitely advise that.

Then there were the horcruxes. Not an easy quest, but not impossible either. She had the knowledge of their location and how to destroy them. One was even here in the castle! She would have to make a visit to the room of requirement sooner rather than later. Just with destroying the diadem, she would be one tremendous step ahead to ultimately destroy Voldemort.

It was also a question about divination. She had read and reread all her books on the subject. No other attempts at experimenting with fire omens were made, after the last disastrous outcome. She somewhat blamed her rivalry with Sirius, and the other Gryffindors on her little divination experiment. Still, she hadn't completely given up divination. The facts were there; she had been sent back to the past, possibly by Fate itself, and Cassandra somehow knew of it. She couldn't ignore that. She also knew that if she wanted to be believed as a seer, she had to have some sort of knowledge on divination. Hermione thought that it was tedious, just tedious, that she had to study divination in order to save the world. No, Fate definitely hadn't made it easy for her to become a heroine.

Regarding friends, Hermione still spent the majority of her time with Barty and Gilderoy. Although she had managed to learn the names of her dorm mates by now. Avarice Juniper, Duvessa Ash, and Maura Filly. They all seemed like nice, quiet and studious girls. Although Maura Filly was the one of them she had talked to the most. She was also a halfblood, and had joined Hermione and the boys in the library a couple of times. Hermione genuinely enjoyed her company and found her to be a pleasant study partner.

Hermione, Barty and Gilderoy, also had to be on constantly high alert for any pranks. So far, the Gryffindor boys had yet to land a prank at the trio, but not for the lack of trying. Some of their attempts were too obvious, and easy for Hermione to see through. But even then, it was her inner eye who got all the credit, rather than her brilliance.
The future marauders were decidedly no prank masters yet, or the future Sirius and Remus had highly exaggerated their career as pranksters. Hermione was not impressed, and Barty was disappointed. The few pranks they had actually managed to land, ended up on the wrong targets. All they had managed to accomplish so far was to aggravate quite a few other Ravenclaws. One of their pranks had landed on Hermione's dorm mate; Duvessa Ash. After Duvessa had spent an hour with uncontrollable laughter, she swore that the Gryffindor boys should be counting their days. She had, after all, lost a whole hour of studying. Even Sybill had ended up as a target, after her oatmeal had made her hair red. To her great despair, it seemed like her inner eye had failed her to see that coming.

To Hermione, it looked like the future marauders had finally become good friends. It was like they had bonded over trying to get back at her. However, it was nice to see, especially since both Sirius and Remus looked a bit lost before. They seemed to be a lot more confident now, together in a group of friends.

There was an obvious tension between her and Sirius. They often exchanged heated looks and taunting comments in class and the great hall. He seemed to be quite aggravated that none of his pranks landed. According to Sirius, her inner eye was more like an inner demon, set on a path to make his life miserable. Hermione had even heard rumours that he had questioned different students, just to make sure there weren't any other odious oracles among them.

However, Hermione thought that an annoyed Sirius Black was in fact, quite adorable. He would frown and stomp his foot like a put out puppy. Sometimes, when he studied her, he would even tilt his head like one. And when he was happy, he could hardly sit still, his whole body would vibrate, like a puppy wiggling its tail. That was one of the main reasons it was so easy for Hermione to spot their attempts at getting back at her. His body language was practically shouting out that he was about to prank her, like some kind of warning alarm.

Remus on the other hand was a whole different matter. He seemed to be terrified of Hermione, like she was Voldemort himself. If she just so much as looked at him, he would tense up and hide. Quite literally, he would often be seemed running away from her. Hermione had tried to befriend him multiple times, by starting a casual conversation, but he had just begun to sputter and then he ran off? She really could not wrap her head around why her dear Professor Lupin ran away from her like she was some kind of deadly disease. She had actually worried for a second about her body odour.

Then, the first full moon of September rolled by, and it all made more sense to Hermione. It dawned on her that he probably thought her to be some kind of all knowing seer, and was terrified of her knowing his big secret. He was right of course, or somewhat. She knew full and well that he was a werewolf. But she also knew what a good person and a teacher he was, or would be.

Hermione really wanted to help her old Professor. It was so painfully obvious that he was a werewolf. How had he gone seven years in Hogwarts without being discovered? Did no one know a thing about werewolves? He looked so sick and pale, covered in silver scars, that Hermione decided that she had to help.

She knew how to make the Wolfsbane potion. However, could she steal the credit from Damacoles Belby? It was morally wrong, she knew that. But on the other hand, if she decided to make the potion now, it would help a lot more people. Her dear Professor, mentor and friend, Remus Lupin, had suffered so much in his life. Didn't he deserve an easier road, in this new and better future she was trying to create? Yes, yes he did, Hermione decided. So what if she got some extra credit instead of Belby? It was not like Hermione was unable to make the potion. For the greater good, Hermione thought, and she had never more agreed with that statement. Perhaps she could make some adjustments to the potion, so it would be a bit more hers. And maybe Belby could put his genius elsewhere, create something different. Yes, Hermione stealing his invention would just result in a brighter future for everyone, she convinced herself.

James Potter however, seemed to have a hard time letting her last prank go. But that didn't stop him from being intrigued by her inner eye, and he would often try to test it, with quidditch related topics. “Who will win the Quidditch cup” “Who will win that match?” Hermione had to shut him up by telling him that her inner eye was simply allergic to anything Quidditch related.

Peter Pettigrew just wanted one day where he didn't have to hear about Hermione Trelawney. He was at this point quite fed up with anything even remotely related to Hermione Trelawney. She had caught him more than once, sighing to himself when his friends would interact with her.

As September flew by, it was soon time for Hermione's birthday. She didn't have any expectations for her birthday, so she was pleasantly surprised when Barty and Gilderoy threw her a little birthday party. They even brought her gifts. Sweets they had bought from an older student who was allowed to visit Hogsmeade. When she asked them how they knew it was her birthday, they told her that Sybill had informed them, since they lacked an inner eye to do so.

From Sybill she also received sweets, she was old enough to visit Hogsmeade, and was most likely the older student who had bought the sweets for Barty and Gilderoy. She also received a long letter from Cassandra, with a lot of pent up wisdom and advice, in her fathers penmanship. From her mother, she received a card with painted flowers and a sunset.

All in all, it had been a good start to Hogwarts for Hermione. She still had a lot on her agenda, but she had time. And plans! She was constantly scribbling down notes in a book on how she could make the new future better. She would be a heroine, she would make sure of that.

Chapter Text

“No, you need to have a sharper jab with your wand movement, and it is incen-D-io, not incend-Io”

Barty gave Hermione a slightly annoyed look at her very helpful comment. They were currently working on their Charms homework in the common room, while Gilderoy was at his first meeting with the chess club. He tried the incantation again, pronouncing it like Hermione had advised him, and managed to conjure some flames. She smiled at that, pleased with the knowledge that she was a better teacher than Barty would ever be.

Her appreciation for the Ravenclaw common room was only growing. It was always occupied with other students who were studying and reading. She felt a great kinship with her housemates, who shared her love for learning. The common room was the perfect place for peaceful studying. Lots of natural light, many comfortable reading spots, and books everywhere. She almost felt bad for her past self that had to suffer through studying in the loud and noisy Gryffindor common room. No one here would ever ask her, or even allow her, to do their homework.

“How come you know all of the spells and their incantations?” Barty asked. It was not the first time she had been asked a question like that, she always answered the same. “Hard work and an all seeing inner eye” Which made Barty grumble to himself before he continued to scribble down notes for his homework. He was doing his utmost trying to best Hermione in one subject; Charms, since that's where his talents lay. Working non stop, day and night. Poor sod, because he would never best her. No one would, because Hermione was equally obsessed with becoming the best student Hogwarts had ever seen, and beating all their records. She would probably receive multiple awards for her genius, the thought of that made her feel hot and flustered, but also kept her motivated, as she continued to scribble down notes at a furious rate.

A loud sigh came from her left side. She looked up to see that Gilderoy was back from his chess club. “How was the chess club?” She asked him.

“Fine. But the only other first year there was Peter Pettigrew from Gryffindor” Gilderoy crossed his arms. “And he was a right twat, acting like he is some kind of chess genius, just because he had played chess before”

Hermione should probably have played a set with him or at least gone over the rules before sending him to the chess club. But she loathed chess. Tactics was not her biggest strength, so she had subtly advised Gilderoy to learn some instead. It would be wise to have someone who understood strategic thinking by her side.

“Remember to take extra notice of the strategic thinking, being good at tactics is a very useful skill.” Hermione told Gilderoy in a very serious tone, to make sure he got the message.

“Yeah, you already said that” Poor Gilderoy, he looked a bit defeated.

“Five times. I counted.” Barty needlessly commented.

“Don't worry, I'm sure that you will beat Pettigrew in no time. Actually, my inner eye seems to be quite sure that you will become somewhat of a master in chess, if, and only if, you practise a lot”

That made Gilderoy perk up. He suddenly sat a little straighter and leaned towards Hermione. “Really?” He asked, obviously wanting to hear more about himself becoming a master of chess.

“Definitely. They will want to write books about you. Gilderoy Lockhart the Master of Chess Tactics. People would want to study your strategies and tactics for years and years.” Hermione told him confidently while gesticulating wildly with her hands as to sell her idea. Barty looked quite doubtful as he raised his eyebrows at her, but Gilderoy looked at her with stars in his eyes. He was sold.

The next morning the trio stumbled down to breakfast at their usual time, sitting in their usual seats and eating their usual foods. Life at Hogwarts had quickly developed into a comfortable routine. Hermione picked up today's paper, and noticed that on the front page was an article written by her father, Almond Trelawney. In fact, it was an article about Barty's father and his new position as the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. Gleefully she tapped Barty on the shoulder and showed him the article.

“Oi right, the prediction you made on the train. Nice, I already sent a letter to my father, congratulating him. I didn't doubt it would happen after Black's sorting” Barty told her as he took the paper from her and started to read the article.

“I didn't doubt you for a second, Hermione, '' Gilderoy told her sincerely.

“Almost funny that it's your father who wrote the article.” Barty commented as he continued reading. “He should write something about you and your abilities as a seer. I mean, this article could have been publish weeks ago, if you had told him about your prediction”

“That could result in people changing their vote, just for the sake of it, and ultimately your father not getting the job.” She told him as she mulled over what he had just said. It actually was a good idea to have her father write something about her abilities, to gain some respect as a seer outside of Hogwarts. But she needed to predict something that could not be changed, like a natural disaster or something. She would have to do more research on that. If she was to be presented as a seer in the Daily Prophet, it needed to be carefully planned.

Suddenly, her peaceful breakfast was rudely interrupted by a group of Gryffindors.
“I wonder why your fathers name is Almond. Could it be because he is nuts, just like his daughter?” Sirius Black taunted her, and his group of friends snickered in response. Merlin they were annoying, Hermione thought.

“Really? Or should I say, are you serious? With a name like yours, I would stay away from name related puns” She taunted back.

“At least I am named after a star, and not the size of my brain.” Sirius laughed at her. Hermione let out a surprised gasp followed by a look of pure loathing. How rude, going after her sweet father like that.

Barty also looked to be completely rattled by Sirius's comment. It was likely because of Sirius' audacity to make comments towards her father. She knew that the topic of fathers was a sensitive one for him.

“We should make him pay for that comment” Barty nodded to them and Gilderoy nodded back his approval.

Often, being friends with Barty and Gilderoy, reminded Hermione a lot of having a demon and an angel on each of her shoulders, whispering in her ear about conscience and temptation. Barty, as the future Death Eater he was, would usually advise her to be more ruthless, while Gilderoy… Well, he kind of looked a bit like an angel, with his golden locks, rosy cheeks and big blue eyes.

Hermione looked over at the Gryffindor table again. The future marauders were still laughing at her. Even some of the girls had joined in. As Hermione watched the Gryffindor girls, she noticed one outlander among them. Was that really Severus Snape, sitting at the Gryffindor table, and laughing at a comment made by Sirius Black at her expense? It was indeed, and he was looking quite cheery, or as cheery as Severus Snape could look, he at least had something similar to a smile on his face, as he was sitting next to his friend, Lily Evans. It seemed like Hermione had already changed the future for the better then, to some degree at least. One less victim of bullying was a win in her book. Now that the Gryffindor boys were busy trying to get back at her, they didn't have time to care about him. Besides, she and her motley crew could handle a few pranks. Barty even thought it was the highlight of the day to prepare for revenge. Even Gilderoy said that the pranks were good fun.

Hermione stood up. She was done with breakfast and being laughed at by Gryffindors and Severus Snape. Her two companions swiftly followed after as she stormed out of the great hall.

It was Wednesday, which meant that their first class was History with Gryffindor. Great. Just great. She had already had enough of the Gryffindors for today, and Professor Binns' classes were even more boring the second time around. Her inner eye told her that this would be a trying day.

The only one who followed Professor Binns lecture with rapt attention was Lily Evans. She always scribbled down notes like her life depended on it. Hermione was convinced that she, just like Barty, was set on beating her in at least one class. Lily had often voiced her disapproval of Hermione's inner eye, and the way she used it for cheating in class. What a joke! As if Hermione would ever lower herself to such indecorous behaviour as cheating in class. No, Lily Evans needed to get used to being behind Hermione in class. It was more important that she was the top student after all, in the grand scheme of things.

As for her comments about her inner eye, she would allow Lily some leeway, only because she had after all, once been a misguided muggleborn herself.

It wasn't long before the Gryffindors had followed after Hermione, waiting outside the classroom for History. They were still snickering at her and Sirius gave her mocking looks. She scoffed, did they really have to be so irritating?

“Do you really have to be such a loud and annoying Gryffindor at all times?” She bit out to him.

“And what a Ravenclaw you are, even built a bird nest in your hair for your fellow ravens. How kind of you” Sirius shot back.

Hermione sputtered. How dare he? First he mocked her father, then her hair! Oh, he would regret that one. She ended up spending most of the History class plotting a nice way to teach Sirius Black a much needed lesson.

After a very trying day, Hermione sought out her common room for comfort. She was searching through the bookshelves with Crystal trailing her. It was like a treasure chest to her, you could find a book about almost anything here, both Muggle and magic. Apparently, it was a tradition for all Ravenclaws to leave behind a book before graduating. The more obscure and rare, the better.

The book that had currently captured her interest, was an old and battered book about fire rituals. How interesting, Hermione thought as she quickly skimmed through it. The book seemed a bit dark, but it was still useful. Allegedly, a fire ritual could destroy almost anything, if done properly. She would have to investigate that. Could she perhaps destroy the horcruxes with a fire ritual? That would likely be easier than slaying the basilisk that was now sleeping in the basement of Hogwarts. She would have to consult Cassandra, it was after all she, who had given Hermione her first book on fire omens. Perhaps she could bring the diadem with her back home for Christmas.

Speaking of Christmas, her mother had informed her through a letter that Gilderoy and his mother, Ona, would spend Christmas with them. She also received a strict note that told her that she should not ask questions about it, nor talk about anything muggle related at all. If her inner eye showed her something, she should close it at once. Being a seer was no excuse for sticking your nose where it didn't belong. That made Hermione wonder, and she became slightly concerned for Gilderoy and Ona. She knew he had a muggle father and two older, squib sisters, so why couldn't he spend Christmas with them? Well, she would take her mothers advice and stay out of it, for now. If Gilderoy wanted to talk to her about it, he would likely come to her. Perhaps she should give him a hint that she was there if he needed her.

It seemed that both Gilderoy and Barty shared a very close relationship with their mothers. Barty rarely talked about his family, but Hermione knew from her previous life that his mother would end up taking his place in Azkaban. She also knew that he didn't have the best relationship with his father. Additionally, when either of them received mail, it was always from their mothers. With Gilderoy she had just assumed that it was because he was a muggle, but perhaps it was more to it than that.

“I know how we will get back at Black” Barty interrupted her private musing and sat down on the opposite side of her.

“We can forge a letter, where we pretend to be his father, and tell him that he has been cut off from the family for being a Gryffindor” He continued with a sinister smile.

“Too far, Barty” Gilderoy said before Hermione had the chance to.

Chapter Text

The end of the term came more quickly than to Hermione's liking. Time at Hogwarts had a tendency to rush by. With so much to do it was easy to forget to stop and simply enjoy the time there. Perhaps the upcoming holiday would make it easier for Hermione to pause for a moment and simply breathe.

The castle was now nicely decorated for Christmas. Hagrid had secured a big tree for the great hall while Professor Flitwick had adorned it with blue snowflakes, stars and white doves. Professor McGonagall was in charge of the transfiguration of the armours around the castle, which was now singing Christmas carols whenever someone went past them. They were also wearing red bycokets with golden feathers.

Professor Slughorn on the other hand, had enough with his own private Slug Club Christmas party. Sybill was for her first time invited to this exclusive party, and Slughorn had dropped quite a few hints that Hermione would just have to be patient, and that she would likely get an invite herself in the near future, but she had probably already foreseen that, he winked at her.

It turned out that Christmas was a frenetic time for seers. Sybill had actually warned her about it, who again had been warned by Cassandra. Both of them got stopped multiple times a day by other students and even professors, being asked about Christmas presents, mistletoes, and other family matters regarding the holiday. On the plus side, Hermione was offered some Knuts and sweets for reading a few palms here and there, that wasn't too bad.

Gilderoy was at the same time taking chess very seriously. He would sit up late at night in the common room and read about different tactics, much to Hermione's approval. The only problem arrived when Gilderoy actually wanted to play with either her or Barty. Hermione had to tell him that it was important in a strong group of friends, to have different hobbies and talents. Her specialty was divination, to her never ending dismay. Barty on the other hand, was just in general a menace to society. It was likely better not to introduce him to a hobby where he potentially could end up harming someone. No, he was better left under Hermione's supervision. Luckily Gilderoy got the message, and managed to play by himself.

The Christmas décor around the castle was all quite lovely, Hermione thought as she walked towards the library to meet up with her two friends. And she continued to think that until she found herself trapped by one of the many mistletoes that were hidden around. A lot of the older students used mistletoes to ensnare their romantic prospect in amorous schemes. There were truly no limits to what some desperate sods would do to secure a good hand in marriage.

“Oi, look where you are going!” The familiar voice of Sirius Black said as he walked right into her.

“Me? It was you who ran into me. Now we are both trapped!” Hermione complained as she waved frantically with her hands at the mistletoe.

Sirius looked at her and sneered. “You probably did this on purpose”

“Get over yourself, Black”

“It's your fault, either way. Shouldn't your seer abilities have warned you of this?” Sirius snidely remarked. Great, now he had once again managed to irritate her. It didn't seem to be a difficult job when it came to Sirius Black.

“How dare you! I have you know that my inner eye is in the midst of a hectic holiday rush and certainly don't have time for your nonsense” Hermione stood her ground and glared at him. After a few moments of just glaring at each other, she declared. “Let us just call out after a Professor or a Prefect, they can probably get us out of this mess without risking any harm.”

“That could take hours, we are better off figuring it out ourselves. Can't you use your divine senses to see how we can solve this?”

Hermione doubted that it would take hours for a Professor or Prefect to walk by, since they were standing outside of the library. Actually, they could probably be heard by Madam Pince right now. However, she thought this would be a good opportunity to mess with Sirius Black.

“I don't know, as far as my inner eye can see, our only other option would be through the intended route for what one does when being trapped under a mistletoe.” Hermione said innocently as she carefully watched Sirius for signs of shock and anger. However, to Hermione's utter surprise, he didn't show any signs of shock nor anger.

“Then that's probably what we should do,” Sirius said thoughtfully. Hermione was confused, didn't he understand what they would have to do in order to get free from the mistletoe?

“Do you understand what we will have to do?” Hermione asked him slowly.

“Kiss of course” He confidently shot back. When he saw that it was Hermione who was the confused and uncomfortable one, his mouth grew into a taunting smirk.

“You are not afraid, are you?” He goaded her.

“No! Of course not!” She said a bit too forcefully as she could feel her cheeks heat up.

Sirius started to laugh “The great forecaster of the future, Hermione Trelawney, afraid to kiss a boy” He mocked her.

Hermione didn't know which one of them was more surprised by her next move, as she grabbed Sirius by his tie and kissed him. It was not much more than a forceful peck, but it rendered Sirius totally speechless. His smirk was wiped off his face, and replaced with a look of pure disbelief while his mouth was hanging open. Hermione didn't stay there to receive any more snarky comments from him, as she quickly scurried away as soon as the mistletoe curse was broken.

When she arrived at the library, she was still a bit flustered. Both Barty and Gilderoy asked her if everything was ok, and commented that she was acting a bit strange.

“No no I'm fine. Totally fine. It's just the holiday rush.”

The trio shared a compartment on the train ride back to London. They were conversing about their semester and trying to feed sweets to Crystal. Hermione had tried and failed to avoid any topic related to Sirius Black, after their last mishap outside the library she didn't want to talk about him. She had in the end been forced to declare that her inner eye was in dire need of a holiday break from Sirius Black, and Barty and Gilderoy had agreed on a temporary ban. They could go back to plotting and pranking in the new year.

Hermione had not only avoided talking about Sirius Black, she had also avoided thinking about him, and had instead kept herself busy. More busy than usual, she thought as she absentmindedly patted her bag where she had hid the diadem.

Visiting The Room of Requirement had been an emotional trip for her. She had many strong memories from there, like training with Dumbledore's Army and of course when it had been destroyed by Fiendfyre.

It was also a room that could be useful for her at this time around, as no one else, from this time, knew about it, not even the marauders would discover it. However, she decided to keep it to herself for now. Perhaps she could show it to Barty and Gilderoy, if they proved themselves to be loyal friends. Barty definitely had to forgo a future career as a Death Eater if he wanted to see The Room of Requirement. But it was a complicated matter, how was he supposed to prove that he wouldn't repeat the past? Hermione would just have to keep watching them both closely. She had a knack for dealing with traitorous people after all.

The diadem was placed exactly where she remembered, but she didn't dare touch it. She managed to levitate it into a secure bag. It reeked of dark magic. Although she was tempted to try it on for a second, just to experience Rowena Ravenclaw's genius. The thought of destroying the diadem was even more sad to her now, as she had come to appreciate her new identity as a Ravenclaw. Voldemort was truly a despicable, vile man, poisoning something as invaluable as the Ravenclaw Diadem.

Then there was the matter of Wolfsbane. Hermione had experienced a minor setback there. Slughorn didn't even have half of the ingredients required for the recipe. She had even asked around a bit, in case she was lucky and someone just happened to be in possession of the ingredients for Wolfsbane. She had also forgotten how expensive and rare some of the items were. She was decidedly not rich in this life and the Knuts she had earned through palm reading would not take her far. No, it would likely not be as easy a quest as previously thought.

When they arrived at Kings Cross she quickly spotted her father waiting for them on the platform. Almond informed them that their mothers were busy preparing the feast for the evening. Hermione and Gilderoy said their goodbyes to Barty as they waited for Sybill to detach her face from her boyfriend, Webster Higglebottom. Hermione thought that Barty looked a little jealous that Gilderoy would spend his holidays with her family.

“Promise to keep the ban on any topics of pranks and revenge all through the holiday” He requested not for the first time.

When they arrived at the home of the Trelawney's through the floo, Hermione greeted her mother, Ona and Cassandra. Her mother and Ona were very much in the midst of preparing, something at least. The kitchen looked worse than the back of the Defence classroom after the glitter-dungbomb had exploded. Luckily for Hermione, she had some sweets for backup, just in case.

When Hermione introduced Gilderoy to Cassandra, he acted very much like himself at their first meeting in Diagon Alley, just smiling and staring without saying much. Cassandra didn't mind, as the eccentric woman loved the sound of her own voice. She, as always, had a lot of wisdom to share.

Hermione could hardly wait to ask her about Horcruxes and fire rituals, but it would have to wait until they were alone. Maybe she would sneak up in the night while the rest of the household were asleep.

Hermione then gave Gilderoy a tour of the house, where he had decidedly regained his ability to speak, and had now an endless supply of questions and remarks.

“This is exactly as I imagined your home would look like,” Gilderoy told her. That made Hermione abruptly stop. Could that be true? Did Hermione look so well suited for the home of the Trelawney's? Has she truly changed that much? She knew that she had boasted a bit about her inner eye and so on. But perhaps she had taken it too far. Ok, she had definitely gone a little overboard on the whole inner eye ordeal. If she really looked right at home here, among the Trelawney's. Was there even anything left of Granger in her? The prim and proper muggleborn girl who always acted with logic and common sense. Hermione felt suddenly dizzy and had to excuse herself for a moment to sort out her inner existential crisis.

After she had laid down, taken a few calming breaths, and shed some tears, she was ready to move forward again, for a better future. She was again back at being her new self, that apparently was peculiar and strange enough to fit right in with the Trelawney's. Like a hand in a glove! Hermione sighed to herself, the sacrifices she made for the greater good.

Dinner was a pleasant affair, if you ignored the actual food. Hermione couldn't even try to begin explaining what it was. Some sort of casserole, that was supposed to be both dinner and dessert. Savoury and sweet. Apparently, Annie and Ona had gotten the recipe from Gilderoy's grandmother. From the little Hermione had heard of her, she sounded like a complete nutter.

Annie and Ona wanted to hear everything about Slughorn's Christmas party from Sybill. They admitted that they had never received an invitation during their Hogwarts years. However, they had both admired the people who went there. Sybill however, being quite shy,
did not give a very enthusiastic retelling of the party.

“He is looking forward to you attending his club, Hermione. I'm sure you will enjoy it more than me”

Hermione wasn't so sure about that. She had never liked Slug Club or most of its members. But perhaps the new and oddly weird Hermione would like it, she grumbled to herself. The thought of it made her shudder. She hated having to play nice with spoiled, insufferable Slytherin brats. That had not changed at least, and likely never would. No, she would stay true to herself and continue her disapproval for Slytherins. That thought made her feel a little better.

They all decided to take an early night, so they would be well rested for Christmas shopping in Diagon Alley the next morning. That suited Hermione perfectly, as she really needed to speak with Cassandra alone.

When the night fell on the Trelawney house, and all its occupants had gone to sleep, Hermione carefully made her way towards the living room with a lumos guiding her. She had with her a notebook, quill and the book from her common room about fire rituals.

“Is that you, Hermione? I had a feeling you would seek me out tonight. You looked like you were ready to explode earlier from holding in your questions”

Hermione jumped a little from Cassandra's voice. “Yes, I really need to talk to you, about the topic of the book you gifted me some years ago” She told her great-great-grandmother. Hermione lifted her wand so she could have a better look at her. Cassandra was a plump woman with the same frizzy hair as Sybill and her father. She was wearing a lot of different jewellery; on her fingers, in her ears, around her neck and arms. Sometimes, when she thinks she dont get the attention she deserves, she will shake her arms and head, so her jewellery clatters and clinks together. The noise from that usually does its job.

“Fire omens?” She continues before Hermione has the time to give her input. “It's an interesting subject. But be aware, it can also be quite dangerous. A lot of powerful seers have lost themselves in fire rituals.”

“So is it dark magic?” Hermione asks.

“Dear child, there are a lot of different types of fire rituals out there. Some could be considered light magic, some dark, but most of them just simply are. I advise you to stop seeing magic, and morals and people as well, as either light or dark. Most things in life are a shade of grey”

“But some parts of the book were about contacting the dead! That's undoubtedly dark” Hermione exclaimed.

“Hermione, dear, look at me. Do I look alive to you?” Cassandra raised her painted eyebrows at her. That shut Hermione up for a moment.

“The ritual I am looking for is likely a little dark. I need to destroy a dark object that can only be destroyed with basilisk venom and Fiendfyre.” Hermione said hesitantly, she tried to avoid mentioning Horcruxes and Voldemort.

“Not necessarily, the power of your ritual completely depends on when you perform it. Since you are working with fire, and also the “thing” you want to destroy, can be destroyed with Fiendfyre, I would advise you to execute your ritual on Imbolc, The Festival of Lights. It's undoubtedly when it's best to perform any fire rituals. Additionally, The Old Ways of Imbolc was about rituals for cleansing or purification. Which can help you further to avoid any influence of dark magic.”

Hermione thanked Cassandra for her very good wisdom and helpful advice. She had a lot to consider and plans to make. Especially if she wanted to destroy the first Horcrux on Imbolc, which was on the 1st of February. She would have to read all the books she could get her hands on regarding Imbolc! And then reread everything regarding fire rituals!. Hermione went to bed that night with her head full of books and references. When she finally found sleep, she dreamed about blue flames dancing with red ones.

Chapter Text

“Hermionee, wake uup” That morning Hermione was woken up by one smiling and overly happy Gilderoy Lockhart.

“It's time for Christmas shopping, you have to get up” He practically sang. Someone was in a good mood. Usually, Hermione was an early riser. She preferred to start the day before the sun rises in order to complete everything on her agenda. Which was usually a lot. However, she had some trouble falling asleep last night, planning to do fire rituals on Imbolc was simply too entrancing to her. Also, she had been having a weird sort of dream that had been so lucid that it had almost felt real. She had dreamed about her bluebell flames, but they were dancing and intervening with red ones. She swore she had practically been able to feel their heat.

She stumbled into the bathroom to make herself presentable for the day, but left her curly hair as the bird nest that it usually was. Gilderoy on the other hand, had combed his hair perfectly in a middle part and his golden locks were glistening with hair gel. He was wearing a light yellow and red robe adorned with a big baby blue bow tie. He kind of reminded her of a blonde Pinocchio. All he needed to complete the look was a pair of wooden shoes and a yellow fedora hat. Perhaps that was an idea for a Christmas present.

The Trelawneys and Lockharts arrived in Diagon Alley in a less than dignified manner, as they stumbled exited out. Sybill was perhaps a bit overly excited as Webster was to join them for breakfast at The Leaky Cauldron. She tripped and staggered right into another witch.

“Look where you are going” Screeched the unmistakable voice of Bellatrix Black. She was looking at Sybill with a disgusted look as her coal black corkscrew curls were dancing around her face. Poor Sybill looked quite frightened as she mumbled some excuses.

“Oh, it's the Trelawneys. Taking your family out for a holiday stroll, Annie?” Said the blonde witch beside Bellatrix in an overly sweet voice. Hermione could only assume that it was her mother, Druella Black. With her blond hair she looked more like Narcissa than Bellatrix, who was standing on the other side of their mother. Beside Narcissa stood Andromeda Black, or if history were to repeat itself; soon to be Tonks. They all looked perfectly put together with expensive looking robes and neatly coiffed hair.

“Druella! So good to see you. You look as beautiful as always, and what a beautiful family you have!” Annie said as she looked at the Blacks adoringly. It was a bit uncomfortable for Hermione to watch her mother openly admire the other witch in such an obvious manner. Didn't she realise how prejudiced the Blacks were?

“It has been ages. I must say that you look less plain then I remember from our schooldays, now with your mystifying family beside you” Druella then looked directly at Hermione. “I hear that your daughter claims to be a seer, but I told mine that could simply not be true, not with your ancestry.” Druella smiled saccharinely. Annie looked a bit uncomfortable, but tried to muster up a smile.

“Oh” She let out an awkward laugh. “My daughters are undoubtedly filled to the brim with magic and talents. They are my pride and joy” Bellatrix snickered at Annie's comment.

“How sweet,” Druella said in a sarcastic voice. “They certainly look…lively. However, I only see it as my responsibility, as former classmates, to advise you to teach your young ones to respect their betters, and also to avoid any conflict with the House of Blacks. Like what happened at the previous sorting. We do not want a repeat performance of that, now do we?” Druella's raised one immaculate eyebrow to Annie. Before Annie could muster up a response Druella continued. “Despite having the likes of you for a mother they should know how to respect the old houses” Druella's voice had gone from sugary sweet to almost threatening.

Annie looked completely defeated. “No, no we are all so sorry for the misunderstanding. We certainly didn't mean any disrespect”

“I would think so” Druella was back to smiling her confident, overly fake smile as she and her three daughters strolled out with their noses in the air.

Hermione felt truly sorry for her mother, as she looked like she was on the verge of crying. She subtly took her hand and squeezed it, to not attract any unwanted attention to her mothers hurt. Her mother squeezed her hand back and gave her a watery smile before she pulled herself together.

“Sybill, you should go and find Webster as the rest of us will go and look for a table at the Leaky. It will likely be very crowded there.” She exclaimed in a bit too forcefully cheerful voice.

No one commented on the encounter with the Blacks as they made their way over to The Leaky Cauldron, but it was obvious that Druellas passive aggressive comment had put a damper on the mood. Hermione was well experienced with being on the receiving end of racist comments, but she still felt entirely helpless in a situation where the racism was not mainly directed at her. She had never been the best at consoling people when they were sad, often she would just end up awkwardly patting their back and say: “There, there”.

Despite the earlier encounter, the group of seven managed to have a grand time at The Leaky. It was completely crowded inside, and so noisy that you had to practically shout if you wanted to be heard by someone on the other side of the table. Fortunately, Gilderoy was seated beside her, so she mainly conversed with him. Despite the noisy crowd, the atmosphere was cheerful and in true Christmas spirit, even Tom, the barman, was dressed up in a green elf costume, or so Hermione assumed. Surely he didn't dress like that on a normal day. Also, the shepherd pie tasted heavenly in Hermione's opinion, and she ate until she was well sated and then some more. After all, she couldn't depend on the same satisfaction at home.

Following their meal, the group split up to buy presents. Hermione and Gilderoy went together to find something for Barty. The first stop on their list was then naturally Borgin and Burkes. Hermione admittedly also wanted to visit the grimy shop to buy the items she needed for her upcoming ritual, and perhaps a new book, if she was lucky.

She went straight to the counter to ask for vulture eyes, raven claws, a rabbit skull and an elder branch. The man behind the counter gave her a strange look before he informed her that they only had an elder branch and a rabbit skull. She would be better off buying the rest at Mr Mulpepper's Apothecary. Hermione handed him her galleons and thanked him.

She then turned around to find Gilderoy, who seemed to be admiring himself in some ghastly looking mirror. Suddenly he let out a horrified gasp and gave Hermione a scared look.

“The mirror was fine, and then suddenly it showed me as bald and Peter Pettigrew becoming the school's chess master,” he explained in a voice filled with distress. Ah, so it was kind of the opposite of The Mirror of Erised. Hermione patted his back in a consoling way before she went to look around the shop.

She quickly scanned the bookshelf for any books about Imbolc and fire rituals. It didn't take long before she found exactly what she was searching for. She was about to take the book to the counter and pay for it when Gilderoy interrupted her.

“You shouldn't buy that one”

“Don't worry, it's not too dark, even though it looks a bit ominous. Cassandra reassured me that rituals are not inherently dark” Hermione brushed him off.

“That's not what I meant! But perhaps you will end up receiving it…soon, if you don't buy it, that is' ' Gilderoy said innocently as he looked everywhere but at Hermione. She got the message, and found it to be quite sweet of him.

Finding a present for Barty was more difficult than they first anticipated. The items in Borgin and Burkes were either entirely too dark, or dangerous. Also, they had to keep in mind that Barty's father, Mr. Crouch Senior, was a big opponent of anything remotely dark. After some reflection, they decided that they would rather gift him something from Gambol and Japes, the joke shop. Something prank related would most likely be well received.

The rest of their day was spent running from one shop to another. The streets were packed with people who were buying last minute Christmas presents. Mr Mulpepper's Apothecary was so crowded that Hermione worried that the items she needed would be sold out. Luckily, it seemed like not many others were in need for vulture eyes and raven claws for the holiday. Only things like contraceptive and hangover potions were sold out, to Hermione's bewilderment. If that was how everyone was planning to spend their holiday, there was no wonder why Fate had chosen her to save the future.

Gambol and Japes were filled with other Hogwarts students. Hermione and Gilderoy greeted a few other Ravenclaws and quickly found something suitable for Barty; a prank set that would turn the targets into 6 year olds.

That night, Hermione didn't have trouble falling asleep at all. Their day at Diagon Alley had completely exhausted her, and she ended up having a dreamless sleep.

The rest of the days leading up to Christmas Eve were filled with Christmas activities like reading omens from crushed peppermint and cinnamon, homework and owling back and forth with Barty, who always reminded them of their ban against talking about anything prank related. Cassandra also taught Ona and Gilderoy the art and importance of reading tea leaves. Which seemed to truly fascinate them both.

The evenings were spent with late night talks and stargazing. Also here did the Lockharts receive a lecture, but in this case it was Almond who spoke about Astrology. Her father was an expert on the subject, and talked about it with a lot of enthusiasm. He pointed out constellations like Orion the Great Hunter, Leo the Lion, and of course Canis Major, which was where the star Sirius was located, the brightest star in the night sky.

On the morning of Christmas Eve, it was Hermione who woke up Gilderoy with great eagerness. He was at first a bit groggy and confused, but soon joined her in on her cheerfulness. Hermione had always loved Christmas, and she couldn't wait to open her presents, especially since she had an inkling about one specific book. She could hardly wait to absorb that one.

Together they made their way to the living room, where they greeted Cassandra and wished her a happy Christmas. Not long after, the rest of the household joined them and Ona offered everyone homemade cookies that were inspired by Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans. Hermione politely declined, and was glad for her refusal when she later spotted her father and Gilderoy trying to spit out the cookies discretefully.

The first present Hermione opened was the one from Gilderoy, and she had to thank him with a big hug when she saw that it was the book from Borgin and Burkes. She almost didn't care to open any other presents, as she was ready to scurry away and start on her new book.

From Barty she received a book about voodoo. Cassandra thought it a splendid present and told her that her friend Barty must be a wise young man, since he apparently knew that voodoo was a famously useful tool among the most powerful seers. Hermione decided that she had to look more into that later.

With Barty's present however, Hermione had sent along a note that said: “If you somehow end up using it on yourself, remember not to wet your bed. My inner eye has already seen enough of that”.

To Hermione's surprise, she also received a gift from one of her dorm mates; Maura Filly. The sweet girl had gifted her sugar quills. Hermione felt a little guilty that she hadn't even thought of giving a gift to Maura. She would have to figure out a way to make it up to Maura.

From Cassandra she received a bronze frame, decorated with carved feathers. “It used to be mine, and I had a picture of me and my friends from Hogwarts in it.” She said and looked over at Gilderoy before looking back at Hermione. “The frame is very old, it used to be gold but has changed into bronze” She then gave Hermione a meaningful look.

“Oh, Hermione, look at this! It's a jewellery box with your name on it” Her mother excitedly said as she scrutinised the tiny present. “To Hermione, Merry Christmas, love. Oh how sweet! You didn't tell us that you have a boyfriend. Is this a courting gift?”

“It can't be, and I don't have a boyfriend,” Hermione said, quite confused as she took the gift from her mother. She immediately recognized the penmanship and her cheeks heated up. Oh no, absolutely not, he didn't actually think that they were in a relationship now, just because of one misfortunate kiss under the mistletoe trap?

All eyes were on her as she opened the jewellery box with trembling hands. She carefully took off the lid and then there was a loud bang and their entire living room was covered in red glitter. All thoughts of a romantic relationship with Sirius Black blew away as she spat out glitter.

“That boneheaded buffoon” She grumbled irritatedly as she wiped her eyes.

“That was certainly a strange way to propose” Her mother looked around the living room with a puzzled expression.

“Not a proposal” Hermione muttered.

“Then what was it?” Ona asked, quite bewildered.

“We cant talk about it, not until the new year when we are with Barty again. We have a temporary ban on the subject.” Gilderoy explained as he dusted off some glitter.

Her father tried to vanish the glitter while they continued to open their gifts. It was definitely tampered with this time, as the glitter seemed to be impossible to remove. They would just have to do with a red glittering living room for now. Hermione already missed their old, blue coloured living room.

Gilderoy received mainly books about chess and hair charms. Hermione couldn't understand what he was supposed to do with hair charms, as his hair was already shiny and perfect. It wasn't until they were back at Hogwarts that it dawned on her. After receiving many compliments from her classmates on her hair, she realized that Gilderoy didn't use the charms on himself. He used them on her hair, behind her back! That sneaky sod. However, she couldn't complain, because she certainly looked good.

Chapter Text

When they met Barty at the train back to Hogwarts, they barely greeted each other before they jumped right into plotting revenge. Barty was just as eager as them, perhaps even more so. He had tons of ideas, most of them to which Hermione and Gilderoy had to tell him were taking things too far. Hermione decided for them that they should go for humiliation, rather than violence. Gilderoy agreed. Barty grumbled. She also told them that they should keep it outside of the classroom, as they didn't want to risk missing any important parts of their lecture again. Retaliation was important, but not nearly as important as learning, that the trio could wholeheartedly agree on.

Barty suggested that they use the prank-set Hermione and Gilderoy had gifted him, hoping that they would do something embarrassing as 6 year olds. Gilderoy suggested that Hermione used her seer abilities, as he was even more in awe of them after spending the holiday at the Trelawney's. But the only attack Hermione had ever seen where divination had been used, was during the battle of Hogwarts, when Sybill had been dropping crystal balls at death eaters' heads.

“Hm, if we want to catch a Gryffindor, we will have to think like one,” Gilderoy said thoughtfully.

“That won't be too difficult for me” Hermione realized that she had said that out loud when she spotted the questionable looks from Gilderoy and Barty. “I mean, I do have an all seeing inner eye after all” she backtracked.

“So are we supposed to lure them into a trap with rowdy noises, since that's almost like some kind of siren song to them?” Barty laughed jokingly.

Hermione thought that it wasn't such a bad idea. After all, if anything remotely dramatic happened, like someone was fighting, or just slightly raising their voice, the Gryffindors would be at the scene before you could say hippogriff. They were like moths to a flame when it came to drama. Hermione knew that first hand, luckily she had outgrown such nosey tendencies.

“We could definitely design a kind of mouse trap for them, and just exchange the cheese with some loud drama of sorts” Hermione mused.

“Brilliant!” Barty's eyes gleamed, and Hermione was at once on high alert.

“It was a figure of speech Barty, no violence remember!” She told him sternly.

“But what happens when we have them trapped? Should we just leave them there to stew in their own misery?” Gilderoy asked.

“No, that's boring. We at least have to put them through some kind of humiliation, or give them a good scare.” Barty protested.

“Humiliation and a good scare. That could work. Perhaps we can use the prank-set and turn them into 6 year olds while scaring them, so they won't notice their changes?” Hermione suggested.

“For that to work, we need to scare them properly” Barty gave them a sinister smile while he waggled his eyebrows up and down.

While classes had started up again, the trio's main focus was on how to perfect their prank. Mainly the question was how to scare the boys who would not shy away from boasting about their brave Gryffindor qualities. Gilderoy suggested to spike their food with hair removal potions, while Barty again urged them to forge a letter from their respective fathers, saying something about disappointment and would now be removing them from the family tree.
Hermione thought that that reflected more on their own worst fears, and would likely not have the same effect on the Gryffindors. If they only could figure out what the Gryffindors were afraid of. It wasn't until Sybill and Webster sat down with them at dinner one day, that it clicked for Hermione.

“Oh, Hermione. It was horrible, just horrible” Sybill said shakingly while Webster tried to comfort her. He looked like he was trying to put up a brave face for Sybill, but was just as upset.

“It's ok now, Sybill. What happened?” Hermione tried to say in her most consoling voice while at the same time she was itching to know what had caused the couple to be in such a frightened state. It was obvious to Hermione that both Gilderoy and Barty were just as curious, as they were leaning in towards Sybill in order to hear her explanation.

“The portrait of Cassandra, on fire!” Sybill cried.

“What?!” Hermione screeched and abruptly stood up as her heart momentarily stopped.

“Not the real one, it was a boggart” Webster said hurriedly in an attempt to calm down Hermione, as he had to cover his ears.

A boggart, of course, Hermione thought as she slowly sank back down in her seat. How had she not thought of that? It was perfect, as the third years currently had one available for use in their classroom. She looked over at her two friends and noticed that they most likely had come to the same conclusion as her, since the look on their faces were of someone who had just solved a difficult puzzle.

Hermione patted Sybill on her back in a consoling way as she said: “There, there”, before she gave a subtle nod to Gilderoy and Barty.

That evening, the trio sat up until late at night in the common room, going over the final details for their prank. Neither of them could wait for the execution.

The day of judgment finally came and landed on a Saturday, as no one would likely notice the boggart missing then. They had sneaked out of bed the night before to borrow the boggart. Borrowing, not stealing, an important distinction to Hermione. She just simply didn't want to disturb Professor Cornus. And more so, they were going to return it!

Capturing the boggart had not been a too difficult quest, a simple alohomora on the lock of the classroom, then they spotted the cabinet with the boggart. It was easy to identify that the boggart was there because of the way it rattled like something on the inside wanted to come out. Barty and Gilderoy had stepped forward as they let out the boggart, while Hermione quickly banished it to a secure container with first the riddikulus spell, and then the evanesco spell. Since the boggart had been confused as to which one of them to focus on, it had staggered and changed back and forth between an older looking Barty and someone Hermione didn't recognize. The whole affair had gone over rather quickly.

It was now almost time for lunch, and most of the student body would be located at the great hall. The trio were standing outside, waiting. Finally, they received a thumbs up from Gilderoy.

“How could you? You are no longer a friend of mine!” Hermione screeched so loud that she actually wounded her own ears.

“As if I want to be friends with a weird nutcase like yourself, your whole seer career is probably just a made up sham” Barty shouted nastily back at her. Too far Barty, Hermione thought silently to herself. Too damn far.

"I'll show you a weird nutcase, you bastard!” Hermione screeched even louder than before, and decided that she should probably avoid screeching from now on as she felt like her ears were bleeding. She then shot out a stinging jinx at Barty as he started to run away, and she and Gilderoy ran after him. Following closely behind them were four very intrigued boys with red and gold ties.

Hook, line and sinker.

The trio quickly ran inside the abandoned classroom they had prepared in advance and set up with their equipment. As soon as they were inside, Barty activated the prank-set that they had placed on the threshold. 5 minutes after stepping over the threshold their targets would turn into 6 year olds.

Then they found their respective hiding spots. They didn't have to wait for long until the Gryffindors stormed inside. The four boys looked so eager for some drama, that Hermione had to shake her head to herself as she unleashed the boggart. How someone could act as such nosey busybodies was beyond her.

As the boggart would have problems with choosing a target, they had decided on helping the boggart with that and singled out Peter Pettigrew, per Gilderoy's request. Barty casted an accio on Pettigrew and the boggart turned into a cat that looked suspiciously like Crystal.

Pettigrew let out a loud squeal and hid behind James Potter. The boggart then transformed into an inferi. The sight was truly horrifying, even for Hermione, who knew full and well that the inferi was a harmless boggart.
All four boys let out panicked screams as they stumbled back before they fought their way out of the classroom. In their panicked state they didn't notice that their bodies were shrinking. Hermione quickly captured the boggart and placed it back into the secure container.

The three of them let out a huge breath before they collectively collapsed in laughter.

After they had cleaned up and put everything back where it was supposed to be, they made their way towards the great hall to enjoy the rest of the lunch. They were all giddy and couldn't stop smiling after their success.

When they sat down Duvessa Ash and Avarice Juniper told them excitedly that they had just missed the funniest thing; the four Gryffindor pranksters had turned into tiny boys and were running around in a panic, squeaking about an inferi infestation. Apparently, the whole school had a good laugh at the sight of them.

As the school year continued, the trio were busy avoiding prank attempts by the Gryffidors. Even though no prank had landed yet, Hermione felt Sirius' heated glare following her every move. A lot of their pranks had again landed on other Ravenclaws, which resulted in a tension between the Ravenclaws and Gryffindors that had never been seen before in the history of Hogwarts. On the other hand, never before had it been so peaceful between Slytherins and Gryffindors. They definitely still didn't like each other, but the Gryffindors were all too busy with focusing on the Ravenclaws.

Hermione was also busy preparing for Imbolc. If she was very lucky and successful, she could possibly manage to destroy the part of Voldemort's soul without destroying the diadem. That would likely be difficult to achieve, but Hermione was nothing if not a high achiever.

The ritual would take place on Tuesday the 1st of February, after sunset. She would have to leave the grounds of Hogwarts. However she didn't intend on going far, since she could neither apparate or floo somewhere. No, she would likely sneak off before dinner and walk by foot, so no one would even take notice of her absence. She could hardly wait as she counted down the days.

As January rolled by, it was soon time for Gilderoy's birthday. His birthday was on the Wednesday 26th of January. Hermione decided it was time to show them the Kitchen, and the trio celebrated his birthday there surrounded by the lovely house elves of Hogwarts. The house elves had prepared a cherry cake for him, per Hermione's request, which they all enjoyed tremendously. She and Barty gifted him sweets they had bought from Sybill, and Hermione even read him his palm for free. Gilderoy looked happier than ever. Actually, they all did, as they were all still riding the high from their previous successful prank. The three of them felt like they were unstoppable.

After Gilderoy's party, Hermione remembered that she had to go to the library to pick up a book she had requested. She quickly bid the others goodbye and told them to meet her later in the common room. As she walked outside the kitchen she heard some entirely too familiar voices.

“They went this way I swear”

“It has been over an hour and we have checked everywhere. Can't you just trap her outside the library like you did before Christmas?”

Hermione stood frozen in place. The audacity of him! And to think that she had almost felt bad for taking the prank a bit too far. What a menace Sirius Black was.

When Hermione was about to go to bed that night she realized that she had completely forgotten to go to the library.

Chapter Text

Monday morning on the last day of January, the Ravenclaws and Slytherins started the day in Professor Slughorn's potion class. He announced that they would work in pairs to make a wiggenweld potion. Everyone quickly looked around to find someone to pair up with.

“I have already set up the pairs based on your performance in class. Now, can anyone tell me what a wiggenweld potion is used for?”

Hermione's hand quickly shot up and Professor Slughorn nodded to her. “It is a powerful healing potion that can be used to heal injuries, or reverse the effects of a Sleeping Draught”

“Very good Miss Trelawney, 5 points to Ravenclaw” Professor Slughorn smiled.

Hermione was paired with Severus Snape, while Barty was paired with Duvessa Ash, and Gilderoy was paired with Mulciber from Slytherin. Poor Gilderoy, Mulciber was not known for being very friendly, and he looked quite intimidating beside Gilderoy, as he was much larger. 

She went to the potions storeroom to gather the ingredients; wiggentree bark, dittany, salamander blood and hornklump juice, before she went back to her desk and started to set up her equipment. Severus Snape slowly made his way towards her and joined her silently in making the potion. She found it kind of funny that she was now working alongside the one who had originally taught her how to make the potion. They didn't talk much but worked in a comfortable silence. It was clear to Hermione that Snape already had a knack for potions. She wondered to herself what would become of Snape this time. He had Lily and they were often seen working together in the library. Also, he was so far undisturbed by the future marauders. However, she knew that he did not have an easy life at home, and she also worried about the influence from his house mates. She didn't want to see her old professor end up as a miserable death eater, but was unsure how to help. Not everyone appreciated the guidance from her inner eye, and she had an inkling that Snape would be sceptical, to say the least. Especially since his best friend, Lily Evans did not approve of her inner eye.

“You need to add more salamander blood, Trelawney” The dry voice of Severus Snape interrupted her thoughts. Right, the potion. It had just turned green, so she continued to add salamander blood and then heated it up, before it turned turquoise.

Some part of Hermione wanted to befriend Severus Snape, however she had no clue on how to even talk to him. She had never been particularly good at making friends. Exactly how Gilderoy and Barty had ended up as her friends, she didn't know. Actually, when had she started to consider them as her friends? It must have been during all the time they spent together plotting. Or perhaps all the time they spent studying together. The three of them were as different as one could be, but at the same time they had a lot in common that they bonded over. Hermione was sure that with her first class guidance, both Gilderoy's and Barty's future would be much brighter than their previous ones. She certainly had a knack for guiding people in the right direction, and Gilderoy and Barty both seemed to listen to her. That's it, she thought, the reason the three of them were such good friends; they listened to her without thinking her bossy.

When their classes were finished for the day, the trio spent their time in the common room. They were seated by the fireplace and enjoyed a hot cup of chocolate, while Hermione went over her notes for the upcoming Imbolc. Gilderoy had Crystal on his lap and stroked her lovingly. He had taken a great interest in her after finding out that she was Pettigrew's boggart. So much in fact, that Hermione had started to worry about where Crystal's loyalties currently lay.

She had decided that the ritual would take place in the forbidden forest, even though it was strictly forbidden for students to venture there. The forest was a magical one, and could potentially aid her ritual. Hermione normally respected rules, quite a lot in fact, but it was more important to stop Voldemort. Dumbledore would most likely agree if he knew. Hermione had a talent for knowing just when one should follow rules, or when it was for the best to break them. In this case; it was in the best interest for the entire wizarding world!

Before dinner the next day, she sneaked away from the castle and started on her way towards the forbidden forest. She was filled with nerves and excitement for her first ritual as she trudged through the snow. It was cold, but with a warming charm it was not a problem. As Hermione was busy going over her plans in her head, she didn't take notice of the boy who was following her closely behind. 

She was a bit worried about a potential encounter with a dark creature or a centaur, but she had planned ahead for that. She would put up a ward that would prevent any creatures entering. Only wizards and spirits would be able to enter.

After she had walked deep into the forest, she found a clearing. It was flat, without too many trees, and there was a lake close by. It was perfect. She started to clear the ground for snow and then she put up her wards. After, she set up her items for the ritual and went over her notes for the last time. The night sky was visible above her and there was an eerie quiet atmosphere surrounding her. It felt a bit like it was the calm before the storm.

She drew a big triangle in the earth with the elder branch, then made an opposite triangle on top of it with salt that the house elves at Hogwarts had gifted her. At the top of her first triangle she made a small fire with bluebells. A blue light lit up her ritual site and reflected in the lake. On the two opposite corners of the triangle, she placed the rabbit skull and the raven claws. Then she levitated the diadem to the centre. She was just about to place the vulture eyes and start her ritual as she heard a voice behind her. The sound of it completely rattled her as she had been convinced that she was alone.

“Gotcha! Caught red-handed doing a dark ritual!” Sirius Black jumped out from seemingly nowhere. Hermione was momentarily speechless, couldn't she ever catch a break from the infuriating boy? He was like a dog with a bone.

“It's not dark, my great-great-grandmother assured me” Hermione stepped in front of the diadem as an attempt to hide it.

“The famous Cassandra Trelawney, who has at least been dead for half a century?” Sirius said sceptically as he raised his eyebrows and crossed his arms.

“It's complicated, the point is that it's not dark, and you shouldn't be here” Hermione was starting to feel irritated, she had to do the ritual this evening, or she would have to wait a whole year. That would surely jeopardize all her plans. She had to get Sirius out of the way. “Look, this is important and too difficult to explain. Can you please turn around and go back to the castle and pretend you didn't see anything tonight?” She tried to reason with him.

“You are not fooling me. I know a dark object when I see one, and the thing you are trying to hide reeks of dark magic!” He protested and pointed at the diadem. Hermione had to take a different route then, so she stepped away from the diadem so he could see it more properly.

“Do you know what this is? It is the lost diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw. A dark wizard has infested it with dark magic. The ritual I am doing tonight is to cleanse it for dark magic. Tonight is the Celtic holiday Imbolc, the festival for light. It is the best time in the year for a fire and cleansing ritual. So please let me continue in peace” Hermione pleaded with him in a desperate voice.

It was completely quiet for a few moments as Sirius considered what to do. “The lost diadem, how did you find it?” Before Hermione could explain he continued. “No wait, don't tell me, probably your inner eye again.” He said with a resigned tone as he sat down on the ground not too far from her ritual set up.

“What are you doing? You have to go back to the castle!” Hermione said in an impatient voice as she waved with her hands for extra effect. 

“Forget it. If you want to do your 'not dark' ritual you will have to let me watch. Look at it as a compromise, if you like.” He said with a final note.

Hermione let out a huge sigh. How someone could be so bossy and stubborn was beyond her. “Fine. Fine, but if you, in any way, disrupt this ritual I will make you permanently bald”
Sirius just scoffed at that.

It was starting to get late, and Hermione had to continue her ritual. She took a deep breath and tried to ignore the nosey brat behind her.

She placed the vulture eyes on top of the horcrux and picked up the elder branch. “Dum vita est, spes est” she said the incantations in Latin as she used the elder branch to point at the horcrux. At once she felt the magic fizzle around her. Before there had been an absence of wind, but now the leaves started to rattle.

“The Vulture eyes have found a sinner” The eyes then rotated to 'look' at the horcrux.

“Te curo. Vita excellato. Non fit injura!” She yelled as she continued to point at the diadem.

“Sacred flame, incende, macte virtue!” She pointed at her bluebell fire and it flared up. The blue fire then divided itself and followed the path over the triangle of salt.

“Raven bring forth the agent's tool” She lifted the claws with the tip of the elder branch and let them melt into the fire.

“All are equal when death comes knocking!” Then she used the branch to knock three times on the horcrux. “Video veritatem” She yelled as loud as she could.

The ghosts of the raven claws came out of the flames and grabbed the soul piece of the horcrux. The piece of Voldemort's soul became a black screaming smoke. The scream was so painfully loud that both Hermione and Sirius screamed as well. The wind was now howling around them and Hermione could feel the earth shaking.

“Death always wins!” Hermione managed to scream into the wind as she tapped the rabbit skull with the elder branch.

The ghost raven claws flew up and inserted the soul shard into the skull. She then gestured with the elder branch for the flames to follow. The soul piece continued to scream the most horrifying scream she had ever heard as it was fighting for its life. It dawned on her that she needed more power since her bluebell flames were not enough and she was starting to feel magically exhausted. She turned towards Sirius with a desperate look on her face.

“Sirius! Can you pour flames into the skull! Please, now!”

He didn't need to be asked twice as he ran towards her and poured red flames into the skull. Both their flames seemed to flare up and danced together on the outline of the triangles. Red and blue flames. She could feel her magic connecting with Sirius'. It was an intoxicating feeling. Never before had she felt more alive and powerful. Her magical core was buzzing.

Hermione screamed from the top of her lungs: “Mi glutos vian animon!” The skull along with the soul piece shattered into a million small pieces. It knocked the breath out of both them and they fell back on the ground with a loud thud. It was then back to being eerie quiet and completely dark as their flames went out. The only light left was from the stars.

Hermione felt her exhaustion down to her bones. She was drained. She looked over at Sirius who was already looking at her with a shocked expression. They both were breathing hard while they were staring at each other. Around them it looked like the aftermath of a tornado. She mustered up the little of strength she had left and stood up to check on the diadem.

Somehow the diadem looked even more stunning now, it was likely because it was cleansed. She couldn't feel any traces of dark magic coming from it. She picked up the beautiful relic and read the words that were etched upon the surface: “Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure”. It was formed as a raven made from silver, adorned with a big blue topaz on its chest and smaller crystals along its wings.

She wanted to wait to try it on until she had regained her strength, as she was currently having a hard time just to stand up on her legs.  Sirius was likely feeling just as exhausted as he still lay splayed on the ground, and for once he was completely quiet.

She packed the diadem gently away in her bag and vanished all traces of her ritual. Then she put down her wards. Next time she would put one up specifically for Sirius Black, or maybe not. If he hadn't come to her aid, she might not have made it. That much she could admit.

“Thank you” She walked over to him and gave him her hand to help him up. He took it and nodded quietly to her.

“You…I have never seen anything like that before” He told her with an honest expression.

“You understand that you can't tell anyone about it?” She looked deep into his grey eyes to convey the importance of it.

"Don't worry. You have my word. But I want an explanation for all of it. Later, now we should get back to the castle before either of us ends up passing out in the middle of the forest.” Hermione believed she could trust him as he looked completely sincere as he stared into her eyes.

They walked slowly through the snow in complete silence. The forest was covered in darkness but their eyes had more or less gotten used to it. For once, Hermione's mind was not filled with a thousand thoughts and plans. It was a strange but a peaceful feeling.

When they arrived at the castle they gave each other a small, closed mouth smile before they separated to their respective Houses. Hermione fell asleep that night before her head hit the pillow.

The next morning Hermione felt completely rested. In fact, she felt more energetic than ever. The rush of her success came crashing down on her and made her feel giddy with excitement. She had done it! Her first ritual ever, and it was a complete success. Now, she just hoped that Sirius would be true to his word and keep their secret.

She checked on her diadem, just to be sure that it had actually happened and not been a dream. Hermione let out a breath of relief when she found it in her bag. As she made herself ready for her day she could not stop smiling and even humming to herself. She didn't bother doing her hair, as Gilderoy usually did it for her before breakfast.

When she had waited in vain for her two friends for over 15 minutes in the common room, she decided that she would walk down to breakfast alone, as she was starving. Probably from her magical draining the night before.

As she entered the great hall, she spotted her two friends already seated at the table. Weird. She took her usual place across from them. Neither of them looked up when she sat down.

“Eh, good morning” She said questionably.

Barty gave her an expressionless face as he muttered good morning back. Gilderoy just took a huge bite of food so he didn't have to answer.

“Ok, spit it out. What's going on?” She didn't want their sour mood to ruin her good day.

“You tell us. Where were you last night?” Barty said as he held eye contact with her.

“I can go over the details later, but essentially I was doing a fire ritual for Imbolc”
Hermione told them gently. She was still confused.

They both gasped at the mention of ritual and their faces became a portrait of anguish. Gilderoy dropped his food and clutched his chest.

“With Sirius Black? You didn't invite us, your best friends, but Sirius Black?” Barty hissed.

It was then Hermione's turn to gasp. “Has he already told on me?” She was furious now.

“No, but he also wasn't here during dinner. His friends were convinced that one of you had abducted the other. We first thought you were pranking him without us, but this is ten times worse. You betrayed us.” Barty told her seriously as he crossed his arms. His face contorted with anger.

“I'm sorry, but it was my first ritual so I wanted to do it alone for numerous reasons. I didn't invite anyone, especially not Sirius Black. The reckless fool followed me!” Hermione tried to explain. “Look, I will make it up to you, ok? The ritual went well, so I will be more comfortable bringing someone along next time.” It looked like they were beginning to ease up a little.

“When is next time?” Gilderoy asked carefully.

“Beltane, 1st of May” She told them.

“That's too far away” Barty whined.

“No it's really not. We need to do a lot of preparations and find a way to get very specific items before that.” Hermione tried to convince them, and it looked like it worked a little. However she knew she had to work a little bit harder to earn their forgiveness.

“Ok, come with me and I will show you something. But you will have to swear not to utter a word about it” Hermione tried as a final effort.

They both quickly promised her that they would keep her secret and followed her out of the great hall. On their way out, they walked by the four Gryffindor boys, and Sirius gave her a secretive smile that she returned.

She guided Barty and Gilderoy inside the same abandoned classroom that they had used for their pranks. Perhaps the sentimental memories of their last success together would help her case. After she closed the door she opened her bag and found the diadem. She really needed to recreate her beaded bag with the Undetectable Extension Charm on it, so she could carry all her most important items with her at all times. 

Her two friends instantly recognised the diadem for what it was and froze in place as they stared at the diadem. Both their eyes widened in pure wonderment, and their faces lit up with a radiant expressions. 

She gave it to Barty first and he quickly inspected it before he put it on.

“Oh wow” He breathed out before he handed it to Gilderoy.

Gilderoy's eyes gleamed as he put on the diadem. “We will be unstoppable” He said as a smile formed on his face.

It looked like Hermione was truly forgiven for her betrayal as they all shared an exhilarated smile.

Chapter Text

Gilderoy had started to do Hermione's hair without trying to hiding it, now that he saw that her reaction was quite positive. He took the job very seriously, and Hermione would end up with a different, fashionable hairstyle almost everyday. For the first time in Hermione's life, both lives actually, she received compliments and envious looks on her hair.

Today her hair was tied together in a fancy braid with a pink ribbon at the tail. He was matching her ribbon with a big pink bow tie, instead of the standard Ravenclaw tie that he usually wore. Hermione was tempted to tell him off for breaking the school's dress code, but she didn't want to risk ruining his good mood. Because today, his mood was even more cheerful than usual.

He had also made an attempt to fix Barty's hair, not for the first time, and as always he received a big no at that. Barty preferred to have his hair artfully ruffled and looking like he just got out of bed, much different from how Hermione remembered him from their first meeting at Diagon Alley. Then his hair had been neatly combed back in a middle part, a lot like how Gilderoy currently preferred to style his hair.

On their way to the great hall for breakfast, she noticed that others were also wearing pink accessories on top of their school uniform. The great hall was decorated in a pink theme, with tiny hearts floating around in the air. Even Dumbledore was wearing a pink set of robes. It didn't dawn on her why until she read the papers and noticed the date; it was the 14th of February, Valentines day.

“Happy Valentines, my lovely valentines” Gilderoy sang and gave both her and Barty an envelope.

“I'm definitely not your valentine” Barty said stoically but there was a tiny trace of humour in his voice.

Hermione thanked Gilderoy and reached for her envelope. As expected, it was a valentines card. It smelled like it had been drowned in sweet perfume. On the card it was a drawing of Hermione with a third eye on her forehead, a somewhat grumpy looking Barty and a flying Gilderoy above them, wearing his trademark huge smile.

There was a noticeable excitement in the air that day. A lot of students were hopefully waiting for their significant other to make a romantic gesture, and others were nervous to make a first move towards their secret love. When you are cramped up in a castle for the better part of the year, who's fancying who is a huge deal. Even Hermione had to admit that she found it somewhat thrilling, but you would never find her admitting that aloud.

There was some loud noise from behind her, and Hermione, along with the rest of the students in the great hall, turned around to watch the spectacle. To no one's surprise, it was something going on at the Gryffindor table. It was four boys, three of them playing some sort of instrument, or at least it was an attempt at it, while the fourth boy was standing on top of the table and declaring his love for a red head through a song.

Hermione had to turn her back to it, it was too painful to watch. She knew James Potter had somewhat made a fool of himself in his attempts to woo Lily Evans, but she had not expected this. How could he be Harry's father? Harry had by no means been an expert at seducing girls, but he had never been close to as bad as his father. Poor Lily, Hermione thought sympathetically, she would simply have died if she was in her shoes right now.

“Hermione, don't turn around. I think Black is trying to get your attention” Barty told her.

Hermione took Barty's advice without hesitation. No way she would let Sirius embarrass her in front of the whole school.

“Oi, Trelawney!" She heard Sirius shout behind her.

She fully ignored him as she ate her porridge in a furious manner. Just keep pretending not to hear him, and he will eventually give up, she told herself.

Of course that was never true when it came to Sirius Black.

“Trelawneyyy! Have you used your inner eye so much that you have gone deaf?”

Oh if only I could go deaf right now, Hermione thought.

“Let us hear what your inner eye has shown you for today! What romantic gestures will you receive?” He yelled in a teasing voice.

When Hermione still didn't answer, Sirius continued with his mockery.

“No, nothing? Well don't be too sad that your inner eye has revealed a lack of valentines, and no; your two dim-witted shadows don't count.”

That's enough, Hermione thought as she threw her spoon at the table with such force that it bounced away. Both Gilderoy and Barty jumped from the sound of it.

“My inner eye has been too busy showing me all the ways you will regret it, if you don't shut up” Hermione turned around and looked straight at Sirius. He looked back at her and he smiled like a cat who caught the canary.

“No need to be so upset, I am simply curious to what your inner eye is currently seeing” He said with mock innocence.

“Nothing good on your part. I simply don't have the heart to tell you” Hermione said with fake concern as she turned around and with eye contact only she communicated to her two friends that it was time to leave the great hall.

That day in potions class Severus Snape was in an extra gloomy mood. It probably had something to do with the attention his best friends received from James Potter during breakfast.

“Tell your friend Goldilocks, that if he ever sends me another valentines card, I will make his golden locks into snakes”

Hermione had no idea how to respond to that or wrap her head around the fact that Gilderoy had apparently sent a valentines card to Snape. She just had to assume that he had sent a valentines card to their entire year.

“Just pass me the dittany” She said in a flat voice.

Her relationship with Severus Snape was still quite strained. They worked well together at potions and respected each other's talents in the subject. However, there was no small talk or attempt to befriend each other. No smiles were exchanged nor compliments. Hermione got the impression that he had no wish of becoming her friend at all. Fair is fair, Hermione Granger would probably never want to befriend Hermione Trelawney either.

Hermione Trelawney who was currently busy diving into divination and hanging around with Gilderoy Lockhart and Barty Crouch Jr. No, Hermione Granger would probably faint at the mere idea and then campaigned for Hermione Trelawney to be sent straight to Azkaban. Hermione Trelawney felt suddenly very grateful for not having to deal with her past self, because she sure could be insufferable from time to time. What a relief that she had put those qualities behind and buried them in the past.

Because Hermione Trelawney was happy now, no matter how absurd that was to admit to herself. Even though her family was somewhat eccentric, they were all full of love. Even though her friends were not what her first choice would have been, they never shared a boring moment. They worked well together, either it was with school or pranking Gryffindors. And more so, never before had she been praised more for her genius. She tried to not show off too much, but there was some part of the Granger girl she simply couldn't get rid off.

Then there was the Ravenclaw diadem. The magic in it was intoxicating, the way it had increased her intelligence instantly. Wearing it, she truly felt like she was at the top of the world, like facing Voldemort would be like stealing candy from a kid. Obviously, she knew it wouldn't be that easy, far from it, the diadem itself was proof of that. However, the diadem would certainly be a helpful tool along the way.

Her friends, Barty and Gilderoy, were extremely eager for their upcoming ritual on Beltane, 1st of May. From what she had read about the festival, it would also be a good time for fire rituals. The Celtic word Beltane meant 'The fire of Bel', where Bel is the Celtic sun, Belenus.

They had yet to come to an agreement of what type of fire ritual they wanted to perform. Barty wanted a shapeshifting ritual, but Hermione thought that would be way too advanced. It was, after all, only Merlin himself who was known for being a successful shapeshifter, other than Animagus, but that was a different type of magic.

Gilderoy on the other hand, wanted an elemental ritual. Specifically, calling out to the wind element. If he wanted to learn to fly or just be able to blow dry his hair, Hermione wasn't sure. However, she thought that it also would be too advanced for them. The only one she knew who could fly by himself, was Voldemort. Even Hermione had to admit that he was a magical prodigy, despite his narrow world view and evil ways. She sometimes went by the Trophy room to look at his trophies and all the records he had broken during his schooling. Hermione couldn't wait to beat all his records, that would show him.

Hermione however, wanted something that could aid her in her upcoming tasks to stop Voldemort and his followers. Exactly what that would be, she wasn't sure. She had to remind herself and her friends, multiple times, that it couldn't be too advanced or dangerous. It would be their first time after all. All they could do now was to prepare and research.

After a long tiring day, with a lot of love confessions and hearts floating around, much to Gilderoy's ever joy, and Barty's and Hermione's dismay, it was time for dinner. Hermione was almost ready to just call it an early night and skip dinner all together, but her stomach disagreed. She was looking forward to the next day, with normal classes without being disrupted by something valentine's day related at all times. Hermione couldn't fathom how anyone would dare to disturb a lecture. People needed to learn to respect class hours more!

The trio suddenly came to a halt at the sight of two older witches fighting in the hall. A lot of other students had gathered around to watch the drama, mainly Gryffindors. Hermione was about to just walk past it, but then she recognized one of the girls. It was Sybill!

She instantly pushed her way through the other students to get to her sister. Her sister was shaking violently and her glasses were laid broken on the floor.

“Sybill! What's going on?” Hermione asked, quite confused as she reached out for her sister.

“Hermione no, please leave now” Sybill stammered out as she tried to wipe her tears away.

“Ahh there she is, the girl in question. Little Miss Oracle who thinks she can mess with the House of Black.” The sickening voice of Bellatrix Black said.

“Leave my sister alone!” Sybill raised her shakingly voice and held up her wand. However, Sybill could not see much without her glasses, in fact she could hardly see at all without them, so she ended up pointing her wand in a totally different direction than where Bellatrix stood.

“Just as pathetic as your mother,” Bellatrix cackled. “My mother told me about her, how the little mudblood would trail after her and worship the ground she walked on.”

Hermione was seeing red. She was so angry that she was trembling. She stepped in front of Sybill and stared directly into Bellatrix's eyes. “You may have a fancy last name and a vault at Gringotts full of gold, but no gold can buy you the gift of the sight. You will never experience magic as pure as what the Trelawneys have, and you will regret ever messing with us.” Hermione said in a low but deadly serious tone as her face was contoured by anger.

“Soon, you will lose one of the people closest to you, as they will choose to run away with a muggleborn, over staying with the prestigious House of Blacks.” She said the last part in a mocking voice. Bellatrix stared at Hermione like she was the crazy one.

“You may never reconnect.” Hermione finished as she held eye contact with Bellatrix.

Everyone around was deadly quiet, even Bellatrix herself. It looked like she was in doubt whether she should laugh it off or simply kill Hermione then and there. A few moments went by before a Slytherin boy took hold of Bellatrix's shoulders and guided her away from the crowd. Hermione went over to pick up Sybill's glasses, and fixed them with a repario, before she gave them back to Sybill.

“You defended me to her, didn't you?” Hermione asked so quietly that only Sybill would be able to hear her.

“She is really nasty that one” Sybill neither confirmed nor denied, but Hermione was convinced.

“Thank you, sister” Hermione gave a grateful smile to Sybill, which she returned.

Sybill turned around, probably to look for Webster, at the same time Barty and Gilderoy walked up to her.

“I don't know if I hope your prediction will come true or not, as you will be in a lot of trouble either way. You have likely started a blood feud between your Houses” Barty said gravely.

Now that Hermione had calmed down, she had to agree with him. What has she done? Such rash behaviour, it was the Gryffindor in her, which should be long buried in the past. Her emotions had completely taken control of her.

She knew her prediction would become true, likely in the next few weeks. Andromeda Black would run away with Ted Tonks and never look back. What that would mean for Hermione, she wasn't sure, but likely nothing good. They would probably blame her. Had she truly started a blood feud? A sense of panic shot through her and she could feel sweat forming on her brows. She would figure a way out of this, she had to. The lightbulb is never at fault for the roaches in the basement, however the Blacks likely knew nothing about electricity. No, they would more likely put the whole blame on her.

That night when Hermione was about to go to bed, she spotted something laying on top of her covers. It was an envelope with her name written neatly on it, along with a small chocolate from honeydukes. She instantly recognized the penmanship.

Ha! As if she would fall for that again. Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice...Well at least she would not be fooled a third time, she thought as she threw away the envelope and chocolate. Nice try, Sirius Black.

Chapter Text

Sometimes, Hermione would experience moments where it was extra difficult coming to terms with her new identity and new life. The normally confident witch would let her doubts seep in from time to time, and question herself and her abilities. She felt like she was carrying the weight of the world, while she only had two hands.
There was simply too much to do, to plan, to calculate, to consider and to examine. Did she really have what it would take to prevent the war and stop Voldemort?

One of those moments was happening right now, as she was seated at the Ravenclaw table for breakfast the morning after Valentine's day. Or more precisely, the morning after she had thoroughly enraged none other than Bellatrix Black. She was at present receiving deathly glares from the older witch across the hall.

Hermione pushed around the food on her plate, her appetite completely absent. Why did she have to lose control of her emotions like she had yesterday? If there was one thing from her past life that she didn't want a repeat experience from, it was being on the receiving end of Bellatrix Blacks wrath. She would have to practice taking deep breaths from now on. Bury her inner rashful and emotionally charged Gryffindor, and embrace her inner peaceful and tactful Ravenclaw. Thinking of Gryffindors, the four Gryffindor boys were noticeably absent from breakfast that morning. That worried Hermione, because it could only mean trouble. Something she wanted to avoid, today more than usual.

A loud screech that was eerily familiar to Walburga Black's, interrupted Hermione's thoughts.

“Sirius Black! You will regret this. Just wait till your mother hears about it!” Bellatrix yelled as she stood up, wand in hand, and ran out of the great hall. She was covered in a green slime from head to toe and it was leaving a trail after her.

Hermione's eyes followed her outside, where she saw the four Gryffindors running away, laughing. Bellatrix was at their heels, casting spell after spell in their directions. Luckily, none of them seemed to land. Most likely because her face, eyes included, was covered in slime.

Hermione was speechless as her mouth was hanging open. This couldn't be an attempt to shift Bellatrix's attention from her? A warm feeling blossomed in her chest. She had truly misjudged Sirius and his reckless bravery. Gilderoy and Barty also looked like they couldn't believe their eyes as they watched the scene.

During the rest of the day, both Gilderoy and Barty watched over Hermione with hawk eyes. They were persistent on avoiding anywhere they could potentially be backed into a corner, and always had an escape route planned. They would also test all her foods and drinks before she ate it, in case of poisoning. Hermione first found it to be very endearing, but after a little while it was starting to get tiresome. Therefore, she excused herself and told them that she would lay down for a bit in her dorm.

In her dorm, she sat down on her bed and admired the bronze frame she had gotten from Cassandra. In the frame, she had put up a clipping of Rowena Ravenclaw that she had found in an old magazine. A true heroine and genius, Hermione thought as studied the witch in her frame. Rowena Ravenclaw had managed to make something as priceless as the diadem and the Room of Requirements. She was certainly something Hermione only could aspire to be like.

With thoughts of the inspiring witch filling her mind, Hermione sneaked away from her dorm, and made her way towards the Room of Requirement. The room transformed itself to be a comfortable looking office, decorated in blue and bronze. It was perfect, as Hermione needed to sit down and sort through her plans. Hermione sent a quick, silent thank you to Rowena as she put on her diadem and started to scribble down notes.

First off, it was the matter of the horcuxes. The obvious problem was that she didn't know where all of them were currently placed. The only one she was vaguely sure of was the ring, which was placed in the Gaunt shack in Little Hangleton.

Lucius Malfoy had most likely not been given the diary yet, and as far as she knew, his father, Abraxas Malfoy, had never been a Death Eater. The same goes for Bellatrix and the Hufflepuff cup. Also Regulus Black and the Slytherin Locket. The snake, Nagini, was probably around Voldemort at all times, and Harry wasn't born yet.

Well, first thing first, she would start with the ring and take it from there. Preferably during the summer vacation. Thinking of summer vacation, she needed a job. Waging war against filthy rich purebloods would likely not be free of costs. No, she needed galleons, and a job was the most obvious solution. Only problem was that she was 12 years old, and not many would want to hire her because of that tiny inconvenience. She would have to go to Professor Flitwick to plead her case, or as a last resort, her father. She could probably get a job doing something at the Daily Prophet.

Then there was the matter of Beltane. She had promised Gilderoy and Barty to come with her and participate in the ritual. She would be true to her words, but she still was unsure of what ritual they should be performing. Barty and Gilderoy wanted to achieve something they could show off. Hermione didn't want anything flashy and useless. She wanted to go for something practical in the long run, like expanding one's magical core, fire abilities, strength or patience. Hermione was eager to become more intune with her emotions, and able to keep her head cool at all times. Rowena Ravenclaw was probably the most serene witch of all times. However, Gilderoy and Barty vehemently disagreed with her suggestion of a tranquillity ritual.

But no matter what ritual they decided on, they would have to prepare for the dangers and possible consequences. There was a reason rituals were not as widely used as regular magic with wands. First and foremost, it was quite vague. A spell from a wand was more direct. Furthermore, a normal spell depended on three things; the wand, the caster and the spell itself. A ritual however had a lot more factors to consider, like where it was placed, what time of the year, the magic around, who did the ritual, the items that were used etc. And lastly, rituals had more permanent results than spells. Especially if the ritual was grounded through runes.

Ritual magic was often considered dark because of the many disastrous outcomes that had occurred through history. The history books at Hogwarts never made examples of the successful rituals, in contrast to the books in the Trelawney house. Most likely to discourage students from experimenting with rituals.

She felt much better now, as she walked on her way back to the common room. Her head was cleared; making logical plans often had that effect on her. The Room of Requirement and the diadem had also been a good help. Hermione looked up to the sky and quickly sent another silent thank you to Rowena Ravenclaw.

She was not too far from the Ravenclaw Tower when she spotted the four Gryffindors. As she walked closer to the group, she made eye contact with Sirius and gave him a grateful smile. He smirked back at her and walked over to her.

“You shouldn't be walking alone now that you have my dear cousin Bella hunting after you” He told her with his teasing voice, but she could pick up the traces of concern in it.

“About that, I wanted to say thanks for shifting your cousin's attention from me.” She told him sincerely but she avoided looking into his eyes. She was suddenly feeling nervous and started fiddling with her hands.

“I have no idea what you are talking about Trelawney” He answered teasingly.

Hermione smiled and raised a sceptical brow at him. “Sure, Black.”

He then came a little bit closer as he leaned in towards her. “When are we going to do our next ritual?” He asked quietly, so only she would be able to hear.

A momentary confusion washed over her. “What do you mean about 'we' and 'ritual'? It was my ritual that you sneaked in on!” She told him sternly.

“Semantics. But I want to join another one, and I think you owe me that much after I saved your arse the last time.” He whispered the last part to her. “And don't forget that you still owe an explanation for what you were doing with those kinds of dark objects.” He finished and crossed his arms and raised a brow at her.

“Fine, fine. Just let me think about it, ok? I will figure something out.” She probably wouldn't even have considered the idea of doing a ritual with Sirius if it wasn't for the stunt he pulled that morning. But it was hard to say no to him when she knew she owed him, and pranking Bellatrix with slime was not something to take lightly. She would have to talk to Bary and Gilderoy and ask them what they would think of Sirius Black joining them for Beltane. That was not a conversation she was looking forward to having.

She then bid him goodnight, not wanting to stay and become complicit in any type of nefarious plans he and his friend were up to.

Hermione had to sneak past the common room area, since Gilderoy and Barty were sitting there. They seemed to be deeply concentrated over a game of chess. It was the first time she had seen Barty play with Gilderoy. Perhaps she also owed it to Gilderoy to join him for a game, she thought.

After classes were finished the next day, Hermione headed towards Professor Flitwick's office. She gently knocked on his door and it swiftly opened for her.

“Miss Trelawney, how good to see you. How can I help you today?” The small professor greeted her as he finished sorting out his bookshelf and walked behind his desk. “Please, have a seat” He gestured for her to sit down across from him.

“Thank you professor” Hermione took a seat and observed the office. It was filled with books everywhere. His bookshelves looked like they were seconds away from collapsing. Must be magic holding them up, she assumed. On every surface there were books and parchments. He even usen books as plant stands, much to Hermione's horror.

“How do you find your classes so far?” Her professor asked as he levitated a tea set on top of his desk. “Tea, Miss Trelawney?”

“Yes please. I find them all very enjoyable and interesting, especially charms” Hermione was not above kissing up to her Professors with some blatant flattery. Professor Flitwick smiled and gave a small laugh as he poured them both some tea. “Yes you and your friend Mr Crouch are especially talented in Charms”

“Thank you, Professor.”

“Now, how can I be at your assistance?” He asked.

“I was wondering about the possibilities of a small job over the summer. Perhaps something regarding Charms.” Hermione said before she took a small sip of her tea.

“Normally it would be difficult for a first year, but with your talent it could be possible. I will ask around with some friends of mine.” He smiled at her.

Hermione gave him a grateful smile back. “Thank you Professor! I really appreciate that.”

“Now, if that was all, it's almost dinner time, so you should go down to the great hall.” He told her. Hermione knew she was being dismissed and bid her goodbye.

When Hermione arrived at the great hall, all eyes were immediately on her. The air seemed to still, and a hushed silence settled in, heightening her awareness of the penetrating gazes directed her way. She stumbled a little in her step before she rushed over to the Ravenclaw table where her friends were sitting.

“What's going on?” She asked nervously. Neither Barty or Gilderoy were meeting her eyes. It was Maura Filly who finally answered her.

“Your prediction, it has come true. Andromeda Black has run away with a muggleborn, Ted Tonks.”

Chapter Text

“If you repeat a lie often enough, people will believe it, and you will even come to believe it yourself.”  - Unknown.

The days after the news about Andromeda Black broke out was not easy for Hermione. Nor any other Trelawney. The morning after, Hermione and Sybill received a letter from their father, telling them that their mother was accused of assaulting Druella Black. She would be held for trial and possibly sent to Azkaban. The witness was Walburga Black.

Everyone who had ever met Annie Trelawney would know that this could not be possible, it was more likely that a Goblin would willingly give up his gold. And everyone who had met Druella would know that this was something she had cooked up. However, with Druella coming from one of the oldest pureblood families, and Annie being a muggleborn, things was not looking well for the Trelawneys.

Hermione had been in constant distress since she got the news about her mother. It was impossible not to blame herself. She tried her best to ignore the guilt and focus on a solution. After all, her drowning in guilt wouldn’t help her mother. Luckily, Gilderoy and Barty were constantly helping her brainstorm, especially Gilderoy as he was also troubled by the situation.

Sybill was even worse for wear than Hermione. She had hardly eaten all week and was in a constant frantic worry. She was also blaming herself for talking back at Bellatrix and not managing to protect her sister.

Her mother even had an alibi; Ona Lockhart, Gilderoy's mother. They had been in the Trelawney house painting together.
But even though she was a pureblood her word wasn’t worth much. Especially not against the Blacks. Ona had married a muggle and taken his muggle-name. Something a lot of purebloods saw as a worse crime than being muggleborn.

The whole ordeal was extremely unfair. Not only was Annie Trelawney completely innocent in all of this, but she was unable to defend herself, as her words were treated like they were worthless. 

Sirius Black had tried multiple times over the week to talk to her, but Hermione had avoided him. It was too difficult to speak to him now, not when his family was behind her mothers upcoming trial. It was actually Barty who pointed out the hypocrisy of that to Hermione.

“First of all, he went against his cousin for you. Secondly, aren’t you going on about other people's prejudice, and the unjust in all of that? But now you are judging him, for his family’s faults.”

Hermione felt kind of stupid as she couldn’t disagree with that, and she knew how much future-Sirius hated being compared to the rest of his family.

“You are right. This has nothing to do with Sirius” She told Gilderoy and Barty.

After classes the next day, Hermione gestured for Sirius to talk. He didn’t look apologetic or nervous as Hermione had expected. In fact, he looked eager as he guided her to an abandoned classroom.

“Trelawney listen” He said as soon as the door behind them closed.

“My mother is the only witness for the trial, also her worst fear is that my brother, Regulus, ends up in Gryffindor with me. She believes that it's your fault that I ended up in Gryffindor. So if you threaten her about sending him to Gryffindor she will likely withdraw her statement. “ He said all in one breath and eager eyes. 

Hermione was shocked, for numerous reasons. She blinked and tried to gather her thoughts.

“It's not a too bad idea, only that it’s highly illegal and I could end up being sent to Azkaban”
She finally managed to say.

That made Sirius take a step back and an alarming look contoured his face.

“I…I didn’t realize” he muttered.

“I could threaten her myself then!” He suddenly bursted out.

“No no, forget it. But perhaps we could negotiate with her. I can guarantee her that Regulus will end up in Slytherin, if she tells the truth at the trial.” Hermione told him as she paced back and forth.

She then turned to face Sirius. “By the way Sirius, thank you again, and I know that you are not at fault for what your family has done.”

It seemed like the ever confident Sirius Black didn’t know how to handle gratitude, as he rolled his eyes while his cheek’s reddened.

“Just cleaning up after my dear mother, that’s all.”

Hermione laughed. That was the first time she had felt any sort of hope in this past week. All thanks to Sirius Black. She suddenly felt the urge to hug him, but stopped herself. He would likely not appreciate that, and only end up becoming more uncomfortable.

“If this all goes well, I want you to join Barty, Gilderoy and I for Beltane. We are doing a ritual.” She said instead. She hadn’t actually asked her friends yet, but she was sure they would understand. Eventually.

That made him grin. “Brilliant” He went over to a desk and sat on top of it. “I will write a letter for my mother tonight. Put some veiled threats in it, after all, she was the one who taught me the art of that.”

“No, absolutely no veiled threats. We can’t risk it backfiring. You can sketch a letter, but let me have a look before you send it.” She told him gravely.

“All right, but my mother is fluent in subtle threatening. She would have an easier time understanding that than a nice negotiation. The word nice isn’t even in her vocabulary.”

“We will figure something out,” She said with a final note.

“Yeah we will. Azkaban is not a place you want your mother to end up. It's possibly the worst place on earth.”
He said as he shuddered.

When Hermione recounted her conversation with Sirius to Barty and Gilderoy, they were both overjoyed. If Walburga withdrew her statement and Ona acted as a witness, Annie Trelawney would have a much better chance. It was still not guaranteed to be a success, but at least they had a chance.

Hermione thought that this would be the best opportunity to ask them if it would be okay for Sirius to join them on Beltane. She was right, as they happily agreed. They both also wanted to read over the letter to Walburga, as everything was depending on that letter to do its job. The letter had to be perfect.

The trio and Sirius skipped breakfast the next day in order to work on the letter. Barty was on Sirius’ side that a subtle threatening tone would send a more clear message. Gilderoy however sided with Hermione; they couldn’t risk the possible outcome of that.

After some back and forth, they agreed that the message must be clear, without any risk of backlash. It was worded in an almost friendly tone. Like a salesperson, who made it out to be you who were lucky to be able to buy their product. 

Hermione was, not for the first time, admiring Sirius’ penmanship. It was so neat and pretty, that she could imagine it well suited for anything, even tattoos.

After they had owled the letter to Grimmauld Place 12, they all felt like some weight had been lifted from their shoulders. Now all they could do was to wait.

To avoid to just sit and twiddle with their thumbs while they waited for a response from Walburga Black, the trio and Sirius spent their time planning the upcoming ritual. To Hermione’s dismay, it was even more difficult to try and have them agree on a sensible one, with Sirius added to the group. In fact, Sirius was very vocal that he favoured a boastful and grand type of ritual. Hermione had to roll her eyes to herself so much that she ended up with a headache. 

Hermione’s solution for her headache was to have most of the planning take place in the Ravenclaw common room, where no Gryffindors were allowed. 

The days ticked by and finally Sirius came to them at breakfast with a letter in hand. They eagerly followed him outside the great hall.

“She says that if I come home during the Easter holiday we can discuss it then.” He said as soon as they were out of earshot for any passer-by's.

Hermione didn’t think that sounded too hopeful, and it must have shown on her face, because Sirius quickly added: “Really, it's the best we could hope for. I know my mother.”

For Hermione, Easter holiday would be spent supporting her family at her home. Her mother was currently in house custody, as she was not allowed to leave their home before her trial. Her father had taken some time off work so he could be there for her.

There was a sombre atmosphere in the house. Even Cassandra was rarely speaking. Everyone was on edge, either pacing around or looking out the window to see if any owls were coming with news. The trial was set to be held on May 15th, which felt like it was too far away and not long enough at the same time.

Hermione tried to the best of her abilities to comfort her mother. She made her tea, made sure she ate something and read for her. However, as usual when Annie was faced with any hardship, her first instinct was to put on a brave face for everyone. Although Hermione could see through the cracks, as Annie's smile was a little too strained. In fact,  Annie ended up being the one to comfort the other Trelawneys. 

On the third day of the Easter holiday Hermione received a letter from Walburga Black. It was pretty straightforward; an invitation for tea the next day at noon.

To say that Hermione was nervous would be an understatement. She found her best looking robes and even had to owl Gilderoy for his expertise in hairstyling.

He and his mother were there not even an hour after she had owled. Ona ran straight to Annie and started to fawn over her. Commanding her to sit down and relax, she would take care of the house now. Hermione observed her mother tried to weakly protest, but secretly were relieved.

“What do you think Mrs Black is going to say?” Gilderoy asked as he put hair charms on her. He had decided on a sleek low bun, as he thought that would look the most proper.

“Probably see if I can really guarantee Regulus being sorted into Slytherin, and if it’s an actual risk that I will send him somewhere else if she goes through with witnessing.” Hermione said thoughtfully. She had of course gone over every possible direction the conversation could take. But it was still impossible, even for Hermione to be completely sure.

“Probably." Gilderoy agreed, "You will have to put on your best act, if she doesn’t like you she won’t collaborate. From what I’ve heard, she is very peculiar.” Gilderoy continued solemnly.

“She is likely a little nervous about his sorting, since this is her last chance to have a son in Slytherin. I will try to strike a deal that she finds lucrative, and avoid coming off as threatening.” As much as Sirius and Barty had tried to convince her that threats were the way to speak to Walburga, Hermione wasn’t convinced. She wanted to go the safest route, and this mess all started becuase of her recklessness after all. She would have to play nice, even though the idea of being all chummy with Walbura turned her stomach.

When Hermione arrived at Grimmauld Place 12 through the floo, she was quickly escorted by Kreacher, their house elf, to the drawing room.

Stepping into the luxurious drawing room was like stepping back in time, and that was not a small feet coming from Hermione, who was well versed in that notion. The room was something out of a history book, unfortunately is also smelled like one. 

The room was adorned with rich, dark hues, exuding a sense of sophistication and grandeur. Plush, velvet armchairs and sofas in a deep emerald colour. A majestic fireplace commanded her attention, its mantelpiece adorned with works of art, vintage clocks, and candelabras. But even with the crackling fire, the atmosphere in the room was extremely cold. 

She didn’t have to wait long before Walburga entered. She was wearing a black robe with a high neckline and puffed sleeves. It looked like something from a Gothic nightmare.  Hermione made a deep courtesy before Walburga. The older witch didn’t say anything but gestured with her hands for Hermione to take a seat.

Hermione was unsure of who should speak first, as she was not used to this type of etiquette and mannerisms. She decided to wait for Walburga to make a move or any type of gesture that could clue her in. The older witch scrutinized her for a long moment, before she finally gave Hermione an approving nod.

“Hermione Trelawney. I understand that you are in possession of certain rare abilities.” Walburga finally said. Good, Hermione thought, right to the point.

“I am Mrs Black." Hermione said in a calm voice, even though her nerves were eating her up. “I think there has been a few misunderstandings regarding those abilities and your family, for that I am sorry. “

“A few misunderstandings, yes. Perhaps we can come to an agreement of sorts. My son, Sirius, tells me that you can guarantee his younger brother, Regulus, to be sorted into Slytherin, is that correct?” Walburga gave Hermione a piercing look. 

“You are correct Mrs Black. I want nothing more than to make peace with your family, and put those misunderstandings in the past.” Hermione rushed to say a bit too eagerly. 

Walburga waited a little while before answering, something she likely did to make Hermione uncomfortable. “My sister-in-law can be quite high-and-mighty. She is not a Black by blood you see, she is actually a Rosier.” She pronounced 'Rosier ' like it was something beneath her. It didn't surprise Hermione that it was a strict hierarchy even amongst the oldest pureblood families, and that the Blacks considered themself on top.

“However, she likes to take full advantage of being a Black now. Something I don't always approve of. Especially when private matters are aired in public. It's quite typical nouveau riche behavior that the Rosiers are known for.”

Hermione gave a slight nod at that. “Private matters should stay in private.”

“I am glad we agree. And if things turn out well for us both, perhaps we could stay in touch and help each other with future matters.” Walburga gave Hermione a closed mouth smile while she continued to study her. 

Hermione had a guess what future matters Walburga was refereeing to, but she could hardly disagree with the witch.

“I would like that very much, Mrs Black.” Hermione gave a polite smile in return.

“And before you take your leave, are you by any chance promised to another wizard?”
Walburga surprised Hermoine greatly by asking.

“Uhm no, I guess that is a matter you should take up with my parents, my mother specifically.” Hermione stuttered.

“I see, it will likely be quite difficult for her to manage if she is sent to Azkaban.” Walburga said thoughtfully, more to herself than Hermione, before she called for Kreacher who guided Hermione back to the floo.

“It's to the right over here” Hermione told the other three.

“You have been saying that for the last 15 minutes. We are going in circles” Sirius complained as they were walking in the Forbidden Forest, trying to find the spot Hermione had used for her last ritual. It was after dinner, but still lighter outside than it had been the last time.

It was finally the 1st of May, and time for Beltane. They were all heavily anticipating their ritual. It was especially good for Hermione to have something to obsess over and take her mind off the drama with the Blacks. She had not heard anything more from Walburga, which worried her. Even if she sounded somewhat agreeable during their tea meeting, she could easily change her mind, or even trick her; give her a false sense of security only to keep her from doing anything. Sirius however, was confident that his mother was on their side. Not only because she was quite paranoid, especially when it came to Regulus, but also because she despised Druella. Sirius told her that even though Druella had been a Black for almost two decades, and given birth to three Black children, Walburga refused to refer to her as anything but Rosier.

“Aren’t there any spells to navigate easier?” Barty asked. That made Hermione halt in her steps. Yes, there certainly was a spell like that, in the future, that none other than herself had invented.

She at once casted a Point-Me with the intended ritual spot clearly visualized in her mind. Small golden arrows sprung from her wand at once, hopefully guiding them to the right destination.

“Nice one, you will have to teach me that.” Barty gave her an approving look.

“I knew you were wrong about going right” Sirius commented while he observed the arrows, that were clearly pointing to their left.

“Alright sorry, but you were there as well. You could focus on trying to find the way instead of just correcting me.” Hermione shot back, not liking to be called out for being wrong.

“Thought you had it under control, clearly I was wrong.” Sirius said flippantly.

Luckily they were not too far away from the spot. The clearing still looked like it had been hit by a heavy storm, and Hermione could see traces of her former ritual. She really must’ve been tired, and more so, it had been completely dark. She quickly went over and started to clean up and prepare for their ritual. She sat up the same wards as last time, hoping to avoid being interrupted by any nosey prats.

After plenty of discussion in the previous weeks, they had come to an agreement to do a protection ritual. The purpose was to achieve heightened senses of danger, and stronger shielding. They would also be connected in case of emergency. If one of them were in mortal danger, they others would be able to feel it. Hermione had also wanted for them to be able to aid the others more easily, but that would perhaps come at a later time.

The boys had started to pile up wood for the Beltane bonfire, while Hermione set up their altar. The altar was made up of foods from the Hogwarts kitchen, candles, flowers, ribbons and crystals. On the top of the altar was a wreath made of sticks. Inside the wreath was a pentagram, to represent the five elements and spirit. Under the wreath Hermione placed antlers, as they represented Cernonnus, the antlered God, part man and part stag, and married to the Goddess Beltane.

Gilderoy and Hermione had picked flowers and herbs, lilacs, hawthorn and dog roses. The lilacs, which were Gilderoy's favourite, represented protection, healing integrity and even the notion of planning goals. Hawthorn promoted emotional healing and spiritual renewal. Lastly, dog roses, which has a strong association with magical and divinatory abilities.

Hermione then drew a big circle on the ground with the same elder branch as she used the last time. Inside of the circle she drew another pentagram so it became a pentacle. Where the pentagram and pentacle intersected she placed candles, five in total.

Once the bonfire, altar and pentacle were in order, they were ready to start their ritual. They had all spent a lot of time preparing and practicing beforehand, so Hermione hoped everything would go over smoothly.

“May the fires of Beltane light your path and warm your heart, as you welcome the bright and beautiful season of summer.” Gilderoy started the practiced speech as they all lit the bonfire together. When the bonfire was lit with all of their magic, they formed a circle outside the pentacle, holding hands as they started to chant.

“Grata terra,
grata sol,
grata ventus,
grata ignis atque flammarum,
grata cineres occurit iterum”

The magic around them reacted instantly; flowers blossomed at the ground while the heat in the air seemed to rise. Hermione could also feel the magic inside her, as she felt warm and powerful. It seemed like the spirit welcomed them back.

“We offer you this altar as a token of respect, Beltane. We transform it with the purifications of fire and in turn we are offered protections. Let us not walk in danger alone. Let us have each other to call upon.” Sirius continued with a clear and strong voice.

“Bright as fire shall it glow” They all chanted together.

The fire glowed even brighter and the magic around seemed to progressively get stronger. However it was much different than Hermione's previous ritual. This ritual made her only feel warm and strong, while the other had left her feeling empty and drained. Likely because of the dark object involved.

“Elemental fire wild and free. Hear me now as I call to thee. Reside here now deep within me. Forever burning, forever with me.” Barty said loudly. The heat that then radiated from the fire was intense, yet comforting.

“I summon thee. I call upon thee. To protect me. So shall it be.” They chanted at the top of their voices.

Hermione could then feel her magical core throbbing, and her magic connecting with the others. It was thrilling and astonishing. She couldn't identify which one each of them were, it was more an abstract knowledge. She accepted silently the protective binding that was forming between them. They instantly gave her a sense of security and protection. 

“Hoc ego tuebor. Bono malum superate, coniunctis viribus” Hermione finished their chanting with a feeling of pure happiness. The four of them continued to hold hands while they could feel their bindings still forming. The bonfire was dancing and flickering with otherworldly radiance, casting a glow over each of their faces. She met their eyes, one by one, and they all gleamed with pride and joy.

Tiny sparks burst from the fire and illuminated the surroundings. Each spark carried a hint of magic, twinkling and sparkling before fading into the air, leaving a trail of wonder in its wake.

Chapter Text

“If your reputation is already in tatters, you'll find how little further embarrassment matters.” - Wilhelm Busch (assumed)

The days leading up to the trial were fraught with tension and anticipation. Hermione and Sybill spent long hours in the library, trying to make sense of the law system. But the more they read about it, the less it made sense. Hermione vowed to herself that when she was done with Voldemort, she would fight to change and better the law system. She would get rid of all the ridiculous laws and establish new, more sensible ones. Like for example, how could love potions be legal, which were essentially date-rape-drugs, while underage use of magic outside Hogwarts was highly illegal? It seemed to Hermione that anything that could potentially expose the magic world to the muggles, and murder, was the worst possible crime according to the law books.

Then there was how unjust the Wizengamot operated. The Wizengamot was made up of around 50 members; the oldest pureblood families. It acted as a combination of court and parliament, serving both as the main legislative body of the Ministry of Magic, as well as its highest tribunal. The old purebloods were known to have each other's backs, and the fact that no wizarding lawyers existed, made it all more corrupt. The word of a pureblood from an old family acted as law, while the word of a muggleborn or squib was worthless.

Unfortunately, it would be impossible to change the system before Annie Trelawney's trial. It all came down to the Wizengamot and Walburga Black. Hermione hated having to rely on Walburga Black, the notion of that was almost laughable. The worst possible outcome for Annie Trelawney was to be sent to Azkaban. The best case scenario was that Druella withdrew her false accusation, but the likelihood of that was practically none existent. Both she and her daughter seemed gleefully vindictive over the whole ordeal.

All this served as a huge reality-check for Hermione. Not long ago, she had believed herself to be all-powerful, invincible and unstoppable. She thought her third eye could help her out of any situation, not be the cause of her problems, like the mess she currently found herself in. She had to reevaluate her plans and whole purpose, and from now on act with more caution.

She was still planning on visiting Little Hangleton during the summer, but she would take extra effort on not being recognised. She would also travel by muggle means, so nothing could be traced back to her.

Then there was the matter of a summer job. Professor Flitwick had offered her a position as a help at a goat farm that was known for producing parchments and cashmere among other things. The family who owned the farm were good friends of her professor, and also offered Hermione a room for the summer. Hermione had declined the room, as she actually looked forward to spend time in the Trelawney home.

The family who owned the farm was called Eaglet, and had all been Ravenclaws as well. Hermione found the offer to be very interesting, it was a part of wizard culture she was not familiar with. She had to shamefully admit that she took it for granted that she could buy parchments in Diagon Alley, and not give it a second thought as to where it came from. Flitwick had warned her that the job was very demanding, both physically, mentally and magic-wise. But her talents with charms would come in handy.

When Gilderoy found out about her summer job, he immediately wanted one as well. It didn't take him too long until he had gotten an offer from her father, Almond Trelawney, to work at the Daily Prophet. Hermione was a little conflicted about Gilderoy working with any sort of writing. While there was no denying that his future self had a talent in it, his expertise was certainly not in true events. Perhaps this way he could learn a thing or two about plagiarism.

Barty refused to be the only one in the trio without a summer job. He had a tendency to view everything as a competition, so Hermione wasn't that surprised. However, he didn't have much luck finding a job. He had hoped his father could hire him for a ministry job, but when that didn't happen, his mother helped him get a job in a wizarding day-care. Hermione worried how she would be able to sleep at all this summer, with the knowledge that a group of innocent kids would be trusted under Barty's care. She could only hope that Barty, pre Death Eater and Azkaban, would be kinder to kids than she remembered from her past life. Perhaps he also could learn a thing or two from his summer job. Hermione had in a desperate attempt to prepare him for his job, having him care for Crystal. Much to both Barty's and Gilderoy's dismay. Gilderoy was getting quite attached to Pettigrew's boggart, as he called her lovingly.

The end of the year was coming to an approach with rapid steps. Which for the trio meant spending most of their time preparing for exams. Hermione was just as obsessed with studying as her two friends, even though she was less nervous than she had been in her previous life. This time Hermione wanted to beat the records. Put herself on the map of the greatest geniuses. That of course wouldn't happen by itself, so she put in the work, and then some.

Gilderoy was also occupied with chess. He had an upcoming chess tournament that he was constantly stressing over. Hermione could often hear him mutter things like: “e4 to e5” or “d4, d5, c4”. At least she had played a few matches with him by now, all which she lost. She had to remind herself not to take the losses too hard, after all, she wanted Gilderoy to become good at chess. Barty, however, thought the best way to prepare his friend for his tournament was through chess puns. Much to Hermione's annoyance as she didn't find them even remotely funny.

“Take down those peasants!” Barty said as Gilderoy killed yet another of Hermione's poor pawns. She was again losing, and it was still just as difficult for her to go through. It didn't help that Barty constantly made terrible puns that only fuelled her annoyance.

“Don't be a square, Hermione. Chess be yourself and lighten up; it's a fair game.” That was enough for Hermione as she abruptly stood up, ready to call it a night.

“I must get some sleep, we have a lot to do in the morning.” She told them.

“Like writing chess-ays?” Barty said as Hermione grumbled and started to walk away.

“Good-knight then.” He yelled after her.

The morning of the 15 of June, Hermione was a right mess. She had not been able to sleep, only turning and tossing around all night in cold sweat. She woke up with dark circles under her eyes. Her dorm mates watched her warily, probably afraid that she would snap at them, again. To her defence, she had only snapped once, and that was because they were having a fight over a sweater while Hermione was trying to rest. A rest she had needed badly. She also apologised and explained herself after. To which her dorm mates accepted and actually showed great sympathy for her and her situation. She had even found her bed smelling of lavender and vanilla after. First she thought it was a kind, if not a bit weird gesture from her dorm mates. Until she found the perfume bottle, which was actually a calming draught meant for people prone to hysterical fits. 

When Hermione walked down to the common room, Gilderoy, Barty, Sybill and Webster were already waiting for her. They all wore a serious look on their faces.

Hermione had to take small steps in order to not throw up from anticipation. Sybill held her hand as they walked in silence to the great hall, which was a great comfort and told Hermione that no matter what happened; they would go through it together.

Hermione had told herself not to look at the Slytherin table, but her eyes refused to listen, as she watched Bellatrix give her gleeful and taunting looks.

Breakfast that morning had been a sombre affair. Most of their group just pushed food around their plates as they looked towards where the owls would fly in. Sirius and James had also decided to join the Ravenclaw table that morning. Peter had tried, but abruptly stopped and turned around after noticing the look Gilderoy was giving him. Hermione suspected that Remus still felt that his werewolf secret was best kept as far from Hermione's inner eye as possible.

Sirius was visibly nervous as he drummed his fingers and foot. The noise was driving Hermione insane, but she kept her mouth shut. It helped closing her eyes and taking deep breaths. Also visualising herself hexing him.

James Potter was trying to start up a conversation about Quidditch. However, the sport was not a popular conversation topic among the group of Ravenclaws, so it resulted in James having a long-drawn-out monologue about everything from brooms to beaters. 

Finally, as breakfast was almost finished, a brown owl landed on their table with a letter. Sybill carefully opened it while Hermione read it from over her shoulder. It was from their father. He told them in short that Walburga had withdrawn her statement, and while Annie wasn't sent to Azkaban, she had to pay a fine. He didn't say anything about how much the fine was, but Hermione was suddenly even more glad for her summer job at the goat farm.

A wave of relief washed over all of them as the news settled in. It was as if a weight that had been pressing down on Hermione's shoulders had suddenly been lifted. A smile broke across her face, which spread to everyone around the table.

“I knew my mother would withdraw. Now you just have to keep your promise of Regulus sorting. Druella is bad enough, but going against my mother is a whole different matter.” Sirius told her with a satisfied smile. Hermione did not let herself worry, she hadn't even met Regulus, so there was no way that his sorting would change from her previous life. Unless the sorting hat wanted to make her life hell.

The rest of the day Hermione took in her classes with newfound energy. She even played more chess with Gilderoy, and didn't mind Barty's terrible jokes.

It was finally time for exams the following week. The trio were more than ready, as they had been constantly preparing and quizzing each other. The days before the exams had started, there had been a high tension in the whole Ravenclaw Tower. It was not by coincidence that the Ravenclaw students were by far the palest of the Houses. As the other Houses knew how to take some breaks and enjoy the sun outside.

Some Ravenclaws had even taken it a bit too far if you asked Hermione. Throwing hissy fits and temper tantrums if someone were even thinking too loudly. She had to shake her head to herself, while thinking that she had done a good job of becoming a more calm and serene person. She didn't even need the calming draught her dorm mates had poisoned her with anymore. No, she had made sure to tell her dorm mates exactly what she thought about that, to avoid them ever trying that again.

The trio spent their time after each exam going over every single question, before preparing for the next one. They spent so much time talking and working on their exams, so that when the exam week came to an end, they were almost at a loss for what to do. Luckily, it was then time for Gilderoy's chess tournament.

The tournament was hosted by Professor McGonagall in a grand chess-themed room, that Hermione didn’t even knew existed before. The walls was made of white and black chequered stone, with torches lined up and lightened the room in a dramatic fashion. The plaques of previous winners' names were adorned in gold, almost covering one of the walls.

The final match would be played out on a life sized chess board, which gave Hermione some flashbacks to her previous first year ending.

The other matches would be played out on different grey stone tables that looked like it had seen better days. Each table were a square stone slab that was lifted up by a dragon statue. The whole room had a medieval theme. 

The chess tournament was not half as popular as Quidditch was, but it was still a good crowd gathered in the room. From the first year, it was only the trio from Ravenclaw and the four Gryffindor boys.

“Welcome everyone” Professor McGonagall spoke loudly through a Sonorus. “Thank you for coming to the Chess Tournament of '72. You are all welcome, either you are here as a competitor, or to cheer for a friend. I will go over the rules shortly.” Hermione drowned out as soon as McGonagall started listing all the chess rules. If she ever had trouble sleeping, she would make sure to ask Gilderoy for a copy.

Hermione lightly bumped Gilderoy's shoulder. “Nervous?” she whispered. When she took a look at his face, she understood that it had been a stupid question. He looked like he was 10 seconds from fleeing the room.

“No. Not nervous. Pettigrew should be nervous. Why would you ask that? ” He whispered furiously back.

“Sorry, just checking in, mate.” Hermione whispered back.

Barty snorted at that. “Good one, Hermione.” As he bumped her shoulder. It took Hermione a moment to realise that she had unintentionally made a chess pun. She could have slapped herself.

“And now, it's time for the contestants to take their seat at their chess table. Good luck everyone.” Professor McGonagall ended her speech.

Gilderoy continued to stand still, so Hermione lightly dragged him towards his table. “You can do this Gilderoy, I know you will win.” Hermione tried to whisper some motivational words to him.

Gilderoy looked at her with his big blue eyes. “Please don't be disappointed if I lose.” He said with a vulnerable voice.

“Don't be stupid, then we will just come back better prepared next year.” Hermione rushed to say as she felt a little guilty for putting too much pressure on her friend. Gilderoy nodded at that as he took his seat across from Peter Pettigrew.

Peter Pettigrew looked confident and completely unfazed. He had after all won over Gilderoy before, but that was before Gilderoy had spent countless hours studying chess with Hermione breathing down his neck. Hermione was certainly good at motivating, she thought with a gleeful smile. Pettigrew wouldn't stand a chance.

“You can have white, Lockhart.” Pettigrew said in a self-assured manner before they shook each other's hands.

“The timer goes off in 3..2..1…Now!” Professor McGonagall spoke loudly from across the room.

Gilderoy made his move at once; a Double King's Pawn Opening, e4 to e5. Pettigrew's confidence seemed to falter a little at that, but he quickly gathered himself before making his own move.

They both spent a long time thinking before making their moves, and Hermione was struggling with concentrating on the match. She took a glance at the Gryffindor boys, and realised that she wasn't the only one. However, they were doing a poor job at hiding it.

James was playing with his snitch and randomly giving comments like “Good one.”, “Clever thinking. “ and “This is going well.”, without it even being Peter's turn. Sirius couldn’t even stand still, as he was pacing around and looking everywhere but the match. Remus was probably the worst of them all; as he had made himself comfortable with a chair and his nose deep into a book.

Barty however was watching the match with rapid attention. What a great friend, Hermione thought before she noticed that he had his wand up his sleeve. Cheating bastard! Hermione couldn't believe he would do that after all the time Gilderoy had spent practising. She quickly scanned the board, and saw that Pettigrew was in fact winning. Okay, so perhaps Gilderoy needed a helping hand to turn the tide, she could accept that.

A confused look crossed Peter's face and he then made a move that made his Queen vulnerable. Gilderoy quickly took advantage of that, and the tide was turned. Hermione met Barty's eyes and she raised her brows at him, to which he just gave a slight shrug.

“Good one” James Potter commented.

It didn't take long after that before Gilderoy said: “Check-mate” and then his Knight crushed Peter's King. Hermione and Barty both beamed at him proudly. Barty then shook his hand before Hermione gave him a big hug.

Professor McGonagall was quickly there to congratulate him and direct him to his new match against the second year winner.

It took less than 20 minutes before the Slytherin second year won, but that didn't put a damper on Gilderoy's mood. He was very much still ecstatic as he went on and on about his victory, all the way to the Ravenclaw Tower.

“I should mention it in the Prophet when I start working there” He said thoughtfully.

Hermione quickly told him that it was better to come across as an underdog, so his opponents would underestimate him. After a little convincing, at both Hermione's and Barty's part, Gilderoy agreed.

“Maybe I can do some chess commentary, or interview previous chess masters!” He suggested, and Hermione told him that it was a much better idea.

They celebrated Gilderoy's victory in the kitchen among the House Elves instead of going to the great hall for dinner. Hermione had clued them in on the chess tournament beforehand, and they had prepared a chess themed cake with chocolate, liquorice and vanilla. The House Elves was eager to serve the cake and congratulate Gilderoy, which made Gilderoy puff out his chest proudly as he thanked them.

“We only did one prank this semester.” Barty said with a mournful look on his face.

“We have the whole summer to plan something new. Perhaps you learn a trick or two at the day-care.” Hermione told him.

“I doubt I will learn anything from a bunch of 5 year olds.” He shot back. Hermione started to cough as she had gotten cake stuck in her throat. She hadn't realised they were that young. Merlin help them, she thought.

“The Gryffindors will likely plan something over the summer.”Gilderoy said through a mouthful of cake.

“Maybe they will plan a few pranks, but not likely against us. I think we showed them.” Hermione said and desperately hoped that she was right.

Neither of the boys answered straight away but Barty gave her a doubtful look. “We better plan something, just in case.”

“Just to be on the safe side.” Gilderoy added.

On the train back to Hogwarts, the trio quickly found a free compartment and made themselves comfortable. As they chatted eagerly about their plans for the summer, someone knocked on the compartment door.

“Hello, can Severus and I sit here?” Lily Evans asked in a slightly nervous tone. “All the other compartments are taken” She quickly added.

The trio looked at each other. “Sure, it's room here.” Hermione said as she placed Crystal on her lap in order to make room for Lily.

Lily took the seat beside Hermione while Snape sat down across from her, beside Barty. It was a few minutes where no one said a word.

“How did your exams go?” Hermione tried to break the ice and Lily looked at her gratefully.

“It went well.” She smiled. “Especially History and Potions. How about you?”

“It went well I think.” Hermione said as she looked at Barty and Gilderoy, who still hasn't said a word since Lily and Severus had entered. Barty looked quite annoyed for having to share the compartment. He usually preferred it to only be the three of them, and had a tendency to not be subtle about that fact. He was likely the reason why Maura Filly had stopped studying with them in the library, or sitting with them in the common room.

Severus Snape also looked reluctant to say anything as he sat as far away from Barty as possible.

Lily snorted at Hermione's comment. “You will definitely be the top of our year, in all of the classes” Barty grumbled loudly at that and crossed his arms.  “I have come to peace with it but I will make sure I am the top Gryffindor in our year.” She continued with a great determination in her voice.

Hermione beamed at her. “I think you will manage that quite easily.”

Hermione and Lily spent the rest of the train ride chatting about classes and their plans for the summer. Lily also told her about muggle things, to which she just had to nod and pretend to never heard of before. It seemed like Lily enjoyed being the one most knowledgeable for once where Hermione was concerned. Hermione thought it was just delightful to hear about the muggle world from a muggleborn for the first time in her new life.

Chapter Text

Ona Lockhart greeted them with a strained smile at the platform when they arrived in London. She looked even more dolled up than usual, with her golden curls neatly arranged, red lipstick and an almost formal looking burgundy robe. There was a nervous energy coming from her, and she seemed to be in a hurry to leave the King's Cross station.

Hermione and Gilderoy took notice of it and gave a rushed goodbye to Barty before they followed Ona and Sybill towards the floo.

Once they arrived at the Trelawney house Ona released a huge breath and her shoulders slumped down.

“People are so nosey nowadays, everyone wants to know everyone's business, just because of a tiny misunderstanding.” She said to no one in particular. Hermione could only assume she meant the conflict regarding Druella Black.

Hermione didn't waste a second before she greeted her mother, father and Cassandra. All of them were in a much better mood than they had been during the Easter holiday. Especially her father and Cassandra, they were very talkative and wanted to know about everything that had been going on at Hogwarts. Cassandra was practically vibrating with happy energy, making her jewellery jingle so loud that it sounded like a whole orchestra had taken up the living room.

Ona and Gilderoy were staying for dinner, to celebrate their homecoming from Hogwarts. A large feast was planned that Annie and Ona were currently working on in the kitchen. When Hermione walked in to offer her assistance, she spotted the two of them talking to each other in hushed whispers. At first, she didn't think too much of it, but then she noticed that her mother was using a tissue to dry her tears.

Before Hermione had time to turn around in order to give them some privacy, they both looked up and spotted her. Her mother gave her a watery smile.

“Oh, hi Hermione, I didn't see you there. Something I can do for you?”

Hermione, who was decidedly not the best at comforting others, felt suddenly awkward. She tried to summon her inner Rowena Ravenclaw, who she assumed must've been very sympathetic and great at comforting people.

“I'm sorry if I'm interrupting, I just wanted to see if I could help with anything.” Hermione started to fiddle with her hands. “Also, are you okay? Do you want to talk about it?” She continued slightly nervous as she looked down to hide her awkwardness.

It took her mother a few moments before she answered, probably just as surprised as Hermione for her newfound comforting skills, or attempt at least.

“Thank you Hermione, but it's nothing for you to worry about.” She smiled and shook her head slightly before she changed her mind. “I guess I just feel so stupid. I know Druella and I never were actual friends, but I thought we respected each other. Or at least I respected her a great deal.” Annie took a heavy breath as she looked outside the window and with a forlorn voice she continued.

“She wasn't always like this, you know. At Hogwarts, when she was still a Rosier, she used to have problems fitting in with the other Slytherin girls, and she would seek out us Hufflepuff girls instead. Ona and I would be there for her and listen to her complaints.” She paused for a second and turned towards Hermione before she continued.

“And it's not that I expect anything in return, but it still hurts that she could do such a thing without a second thought, just because she is a Black now…and I am nothing but a muggleborn.”

Hermione's heart broke for her mother and she at once rushed over to her and wrapped her in a hug. Annie gladly accepted the hug as Ona sniffled. Hermione realised that her mother usually avoided talking about anything muggle related, likely because she was ashamed of her roots. She had no contact with her muggle relatives, and Hermione wasn't even sure if they were still alive.

“Don't call yourself 'just a muggleborn' ever again” Hermione told her in a both stern and comforting voice. “Druella has nothing more in her life than her last name, that's why she clings to so desperately. You, however, are loved by your husband, children and friends.”

Annie dapped her tissue at the corner of her eyes as she laughed quietly. “We better get going with the feast. You can help if you want to. We are planning to make a vegetable pie and salad.”

Hermione thought that actually sounded quite good. “Sure, I can chop vegetables.” As they prepared the meal they chatted about mundane things, like plans for the summer, the weather and idle gossip. Anything but the conflict with Druella.

The feast was set in their garden, surrounded by bushes and flowers that desperately needed a trim. The portrait of Cassandra was placed under an oak tree, so she could also be present. She and Almond often ended up talking over each other as they both had a lot to say. Overall it was a happy and energetic atmosphere. Even the food wasn't too bad, if you enjoyed a really spicy pie with chilli as the main ingredient.

Gilderoy made a proud recapitulation of his victory in the chess tournament, and how the dreary Peter Pettergrew didn't stand a chance. Hermione had to admit that he had quite the talent for storytelling, if only he was more mindful with separating the truth from pure fiction.

Their parents however, all looked at Gilderoy with prideful eyes as they smiled and clapped.

“Marvellous, oh just marvellous.” Ona even had to use a tissue to dab away her tears of joy.

Hermione joined in on the clapping and gave Gilderoy a genuine smile. He looked like he was seconds away from bursting from happiness and pride. 

After the meal, Cassandra demanded to be left in the garden, she was sick and tired of the living room.

“Either you redecorate or burn it down”, she told Almond in a stern voice that left no room for arguments. 

When the started to go down they said their goodbyes to Ona and Gilderoy. Hermione then returned back outside to talk to Cassandra. She wanted to tell her all about her rituals, without anyone else listening in.

“Hello my dear child, coming out to stargaze?” Cassandra said as soon as she spotted Hermione making her way over. She sat down across from Cassandra on the grass, it had started to get a little dewy as the sun had gone down.

“I wanted to tell you about my rituals, both for Imbolc and Beltane.” Hermione said eagerly.

“I am all ears.” Cassandra smiled.

“Well, first off, I did the fire ritual for Imbolc in the Forbidden Forest. I used my bluebell flames and managed to get rid of the dark magic from the object, without destroying it.” Hermione decided that she didn't want to mention Sirius, nor that the dark object actually contained a fraction of a soul.

“That's very good, especially since it was your first ritual. But you should really practise with smaller, less dangerous ones. Rituals are tricky and very dangerous magic. If you mess up, there is no way to remedy or cure you. Ritual magic is permanent, because you essentially make a deal with the spirit and Gods.” Cassandra told her in a serious but kind voice.

Hermione then retold the event of her last ritual with her friends, about how it felt much better, the bonding, and protection alarm. Cassandra went silent for a moment after that.

“Be very very careful who you bond with. When you bond with someone, you give up a little of yourself, and gain a little piece of someone else. If they end up being someone that you cannot trust, they will still always be a part of you. As mentioned earlier, ritual magic is irreversible, and the consequences can be dire when bonding with someone who wishes you harm.” Cassandra said sternly.

“I suggest you make a small ritual, on Lughnasadh, perhaps only take me with you. I think you should do a ritual where you only thank the Gods and spirits, without making a deal with them. That way you will connect more with them, and future rituals will be easier.”

Hermione stayed up that night, thinking and analysing her friends. Could she really trust them? On one hand, their future self was not very trustworthy. But on the other hand, they had given her no reason for not to trust them in this life. Perhaps she just didn't know them well enough in her past life.

Hermione received a letter from Pearle Crouch a few days later, inviting her to their home for Barty's birthday, on the 9th of July. She should dress for the weather, as they would be outside if the weather permitted it. They would also be served tea and cake.

Sunday, the 9th of July, Hermione made herself ready to celebrate Barty's birthday. It was sunny and warm outside, so she dressed in a light, blue summer robe. She gave up trying to manage her hair after 5 minutes, and ended up with a messy half bun. She had really started to rely on Gilderoy to fix her bird nest.

When she arrived through the floo, she was at once greeted by Mrs Crouch. She was a wispy-looking witch, with mousy brown hair and dressed in traditional robes that looked way too warm for the current weather.

“You must be Hermione Trelawney. It's so nice to finally meet you.” Mrs Crouch said in a feathery voice as she gave her a pleasant smile.

Hermione gave her a courtesy before she responded back. “Thank you for inviting me, it’s very good to meet you as well, Mrs Crouch.”

“It's my pleasure. Come, I’ll show you to the garden where the boys are.” She said as she guided Hermione through the house and into the garden.

When she got outside she noticed that their house was a classic styled brick mansion. Both their house and garden were in pristine condition, everything was spotless, much in contrast to the Trelawney house.

The smell of lavender hit her as she walked through the garden. She soon spotted a large table filled with all kinds of delicious looking foods. She could spot at least three pies, a whole turkey, fruits and multiple cakes. A little more than tea and cake, and certainly more than what three 12 year olds could eat, Hermione thought. The table was also decorated in a blue and bronze theme, with a dozen balloons floating around in the air.

Gilderoy and Barty smiled and waved at her as she walked towards them. Gilderoy’s smile faltered a little when he took notice of the state of her hair.

“Happy birthday, Barty” Hermione wrapped him in a hug before she handed him his present. He looked like he was in an especially good mood today, even though his hair was neatly styled, much like it was the first time she saw him.

Barty thanked her as he made quick work of the wrapping.

“Wow, gloves. Did you knit them yourself?” He asked as he held up the blue and bronze gloves with his initials sewn on them.

“Yes, I also used some charms on them, both for protection and warmth. Figured you would need it for your summer job. Kids bite.” Hermione told him teasingly.

Barty looked a bit horrified at that before he laughed. “Well, I always bite back.” It was then Hermione who looked horrified, which both Gilderoy and Barty laughed at.

Hermione noticed there were two empty chairs around the table. “Expecting more guests?” She asked and nodded towards the chairs.

“My father promised he would join us for a little while, after he finished work.” Barty smiled happily.

“And the other? Is it for your mother?” Hermione asked.

“Ehm about that. My mother is good friends with Mrs. Rosier, so she invited her son, Evan Rosier. He is a bit of a twat, but not too bad. I hope it’s okay with you.” Barty looked a little uncomfortable as he licked his lips in a nervous tick before he hastily added: “They have barely been in contact with Druella after she got married.”

Hermione didn’t have time to answer before Mrs. Crouch and a boy, assumingly Evan Rosier, approached their table.

He had a head full of dirty blond and messy curls that hung over his very dark eyes. Barty made a quick introduction of them, and when he said Hermione’s name, Evan’s eyes widened slightly. He obviously recognised her name from the dispute with his aunt. However, he didn’t make any comment about it.

The trio tried to include Evan in their jokes and conversations, however, Evan Rosier seemed to be a bit shy, or he was perhaps just the quiet type.

“Hermione, can you tell which house Evan will be sorted into? Perhaps he will be a Ravenclaw with us.” Gilderoy asked her eagerly, as Evan was going to attend Hogwarts this September.

“Fat chance of that. Evan wouldn’t open a book even if his life depended upon it.” Barty snorted.

Evan didn’t look too happy with that comment, but he stayed quiet, only sending Barty a dark look.

Hermione didn’t want to ever again involve her inner eye with any Rosier, so she hesitated for a bit. It must have been obvious for the others as Barty quickly shot in: “Don’t worry, Hermione. Evan is nothing like his aunt, and it can just stay between the four of us, right? You won’t go tattle, will you?” Barty turned towards Evan and sent him a serious look.

“Course not” He told Barty, a little affronted by the mere idea, before he turned towards Hermione. “Can you really tell? I promise not to make any trouble.” He said earnestly.

Hermione had to think for a minute to remember what house he actually was sorted into in her previous life. He had been a Death Eater, alongside Barty, and she was quite sure he had been a Slytherin.

“I’m pretty sure you will be sorted into Slytherin.” She finally decided to tell him with a gentle smile. She figured that it would be best to make peace with at least one Rosier..

Evan gave her a relieved smile. “Thanks,” he said quietly.

“I knew it!” Barty exclaimed. “No way you could’ve been a Hufflepuff or Gryffindor.” Evan looked a bit conflicted on whether he should be insulted or flattered by Barty’s comment.

As the four of them stuffed their faces with all kinds of delicious treats, Barty repeatedly looked over his shoulder to watch the back door to the house. Time went by, and he went from looking at the door with a hopeful expression, to longingly.

Soon, when the sun went down and it was started to get dark, Mrs. Crouch came outside to tell them that it was time to go home. Barty then looked at her with a desperate expression. “But?” He muttered. Mrs. Crouch only silently shook her head and Barty was left looking dejected. 

Hermione went over to him and whispered quietly, so only he would be able to hear her. “Fathers can be stupid, but you will always have me and Gilderoy to rely on.”

Barty turned his head towards her and stared deep into her eyes with unshed tears. Hermoine had never seen him look so vulnerable before. “Yeah? You promise?” He whispered back with a trace of hope in his voice.

“I swear on the Ravenclaw Diadem.” Hermione told him solemnly. Barty nodded and quickly wiped his eyes before anyone else took notice of his tears. Hermione went over to Gilderoy and Evan to distract them, and to say goodbye before she floo'ed home.

The next morning was the first day of her summer job. She was feeling excited as she got dressed in an old robe she didn't mind dirtying. She quickly grabbed a bite before she rushed through the floo.

She arrived in an open foyer and quickly scanned her surroundings as she waited for someone to greet her. It looked like a cosy and rustic cottage, with white washed stone walls and a pallet of earthy hues dominating the decor. Ceramic pots in all sizes were found both on the floor and on the shelfs, some empty and others housing green plants.

“Oh hello there. You must be Hermione Trelawney. Filius' knew favourite student.” A large man with a weather worn face and a scruff beard said. “I am Corvin Eaglet, and welcome to the Eaglet farm.” He gave her a rueful smile.

Hermione gave a small courtesy that Corvin only laughed at. “No need for such formalities here. You will soon be knee deep in mud, among other things.”

She gave a nervous laugh at that. “It's nice to meet you, Corvin. And I am very grateful for this opportunity.” Again Corvin only laughed at her attempt at politeness, and she suddenly felt very awkward.

“You wont thank me after a week of hard work at the farm. There is no lazing around here.”

“Oh don't scare her away already” A woman with brown hair with grey streaks and a freckled face shot in. “It's nice to meet you, Hermione. Excuse my husband, I am sure you will like it here. I am Ruth Eaglet.” She smiled warmly at her and Hermione instantly felt more at ease.

“It's nice to meet you too” Hermione smiled back.

“There are some other young ones working at the farm during the summers, mainly from the neighbourhood, like the McKinnons. They have a girl your age, Marlene. Do you know her?” Ruth asked her as she brushed her hands on her working robes.

“I know of her. She is a Gryffindor while I am a Ravenclaw, so we haven’t talked much, but we share some classes.” Hermione explained.

Ruth hummed lightly. “Then you will have the chance to make some friends from different Houses while working here.”

“Her brothers also work here, they are a bit older than you though. And then there is Benjy Fenwick. He works here all year and will be your supervisor.” Corvin added as he crossed his arms and leaned against the wall in a relaxed manner.

“He is not here today, but you will meet him soon. I think I will show you around now, then you will start working tomorrow.” Ruth said as she opened the door and gestured for Hermione to follow.

Hermione obliged and followed after Ruth. Outside, the farm looked very picturesque. The cottage was surrounded by fruit trees, flowers and plants. There was a coop close to the house with chickens running around it.

She spotted a big oak with a swing attached to it, and a little girl with strawberry blond hair, joyfully perched on it. The scene was quite idyllic.

“That’s the youngest McKinnon, Eloise. She usually comes over to play with the hens or to use the swing.” Ruth told her as she saw that Hermione had taken notice of the girl on the swing.

Ruth continued to walk towards where the goats were located. “You will mainly tend to the goats, then help with making parchment. It’s not a too difficult process, and Benjy will show you the necessary charmworks involved.”

There were probably ten goats outside the small farmhouse. However, once they entered the farmhouse, she noticed that it was much bigger on the inside. The inside actually looked like it replicated the outside, with a floor of grass and ceiling of glass. There was even a waterfall that connected to a lake. It was a lot like the charmwork on most magical tents, Hermione assumed as she took in the sight before her. It was quite extraordinary and Hermione had to suck in a breath as she gazed around. There were probably over hundreds of goats in there, all looking quite happy as they played around in the lake or jumped among the grass. 

“Here are the goats, we make the parchments in the other farmhouse. We usually refer to it as the craft house, while this is the goat house.” Ruth continued to explain as they walked among the goats.

Hermione breathed in the distinct smell of farm animals, and hoped she would get used to it quickly.

“They can be very stubborn but once you get to know them, they are quite sweet.” Ruth said as she lovingly scratched the head of one of the goats.

Hermione tried to mimic Ruth by scratching another goat’s head, but it made a loud “baa” and she jumped back. Ruth only laughed. “You will get used to them soon enough.”

When they got outside the goat house through the opposite end, she saw a large man, looking a lot like Corvin. He was pushing a wheelbarrow and only gave them a gruff nod as he walked by them.

“That’s Mortimer Eaglet, Corvin’s older brother. He is a man of few words, and can seem quite intimidating. But don’t let that scare you, he has a heart of gold and wouldn’t hurt a fly.” Ruth explained fondly.

On the rest of the tour Ruth showed her the fruit garden and pointed out different flowers and how to tend them. She told her that they had prepared a room for her, just in case she got too tired, and that she was always welcome to join them for dinner. Hermione thanked her again and told her that she looked forward to meet everyone and to start working. When she floo'ed home it was with a hopeful expression on her face.

Chapter Text

“Over here you can see the skin of a still born goat being stretched. It takes several days before it's done. This one will likely be sold for a good amount of gold, since stillborn goats are prized for its smoothness.” Benjy pointed at the wooden frame they referred to as the stretcher.

Benjy had greeted her as soon as she had entered the foyer through the floo, and not wasted even a second before he was lecturing her about everything and anything related to goats and parchment.

He was a tall lanky young man, with shoulder length dark hair. Hermione assumed that he was just out of Hogwarts.

“Just remember to do the acid charm I showed you earlier, both before and during. That way the skin will end up smooth and thin.” He continued as they walked through the craft house.

The craft house was divided into three parts; one for parchment making, one for cashmere, and one for food and milk. Ruth was in charge of cashmere and Mortimer for foods and milk. Benjy was currently in charge of parchment, while Corvin looked over the entire farm. The McKinnons however usually helped where they were needed, but mostly tended to the goats and garden.

There was a strong cooling charm placed on the whole building, which felt very nice the first five minutes, compared to the warm summer weather outside. However, it quickly became too cold and Hermione made a mental note of bringing a sweater for tomorrow, since any type of warming charm was strictly forbidden.

It smelled strongly of goat cheese, a tiny upgrade from the goat house, Hermione thought. Perhaps she could find a smell cancelling spell.

Benjy had shown himself to be very calm and softly spoken. He didn't mind explaining things twice or answering Hermione's never ending questionnaire. In fact, he seemed amused by her thirst for knowledge and curiosity.

“How long have you worked here?” She asked him as they exited the craft house and walked towards the goat house.

“Since I was about seven, I think. I grew up here, just across from the McKinnon's.” He nodded towards the road that was leading towards the McKinnon estate.

“And what else, other than goat farming do you do?” Hermione had tried to subtly inquire about the Order of the Phoenix the whole day. So far with no luck, either Benjy wasn't a member yet, or his lips were sealed tighter than Gilderoy's robes.

“I like to cook, go to the pub with my mates, and watch quidditch.” Benjy answered and Hermione didn't manage to hide her disapproving sigh at that.

He looked at her quizzically. “And you, what do you do then, when you are not at the Eaglets?”

“Read.” She stated flatly before she continued. “Ever thought about doing something, I don't know, Auror related?”

“Nah, don't think I'm cut out for that sort of thing. Thinking about becoming an Auror? Lots of things here that can prepare you for that, like knowing when a goat is about to charge you. Or when it's time to water the plants.” He said sarcastically.

Inside the goat house, they spotted three other workers, tending to the animals. One of them was Marlene.

“Heya Trelawney. Heard rumours about you joining us for the summer. How's it going?” Marlene smiled at her as she brushed her strawberry blond hair away from her freckled face.

“Good. Benjy just gave me an introduction to parchment making. How are you?” Hermione tried to make her way toward her but the goats continued to stand in her way. Hermione sighed, such difficult animals.

“Nice. This is my brothers by the way. Armenus and Leo.” The boys in question were standing a bit further away, and gave her a slight wave as a greeting.

Hermione tried to find something else to say to Marlene, but came up empty. Marlene however, turned out to be quite outgoing.

“It will be nice to have a witch my age working here. The boys can be quite bossy.” She smiled and Hermione noticed the gap between her teeth.

“You are quite the talk at school, with your inner eye and all that.” Marlene continued as she petted a goat.

“Yeah, unfortunately not everyone is too fond of prophecies.” She joked as she tried to also pet a goat, since that seemed like the natural thing to do around here, however the goat quickly scattered away from her. Hermione sighed again.

“Hm, that's true, especially when it comes to one of the boys in my House.” She said knowingly.

Hermione desperately wanted to change the subject then so she started to ask about the goats. She suddenly found it very interesting to know all about how one took care of goat hooves.

“Really, a special cleaning charm only meant for goat hooves, how fascinating. What about cutting?”

As Benjy answered all of Hermione's many questions with admirable patience, Marlene walked away with a herd of goats in tow. Not everyone could be gifted with the same patience as Benjy.

Hermione had her first day off work on Friday. After three days of hard work and a lot of new experiences to process, she was ready for a day of relaxing. If it only wasn't for her friend, Barty Crouch Jr, and his new job at a wizarding day-care. How could she, with a clear conscience, be able to relax, knowing that those children probably needed her? No, it was time for Hermione to do a little inspection. Only so she would be able to sleep peacefully at night.

Her father apparated her outside the Brown estate, where the day-care was located in their garden. It was easy to spot, as it was surrounded by swings, slides and climbing structures on the trees. The exterior of the building was adorned with colourful murals and playful decorations. It was quite charming, Hermione thought as she took in the scene with great curiosity, as she had never seen a wizarding day-care before.

Children's laughter was spilling out of the doors, and it piqued her curiosity as she quickened her steps towards the day-care.

Upon entering, Hermione was met with a scene of children laughing and giggling, and Barty standing in the middle, trying to order them around like a conductor for an orchestra. She had to let out a little laugh herself, which drew Barty's attention to her.

He looked shocked for a split second before his face changed into a playful smirk. “Here to check up on me or just laugh at my expense?”

“Look like you are doing well enough, no limbs missing?” She teased back as she closed the door behind her. The day-care was smaller on the inside than she expected, probably because she was now so used to the goat house at the farm.

The inside was decorated with artwork made by children, toys and school equipment like desks and maps. The walls looked like they had once been white, and most of the furniture looked like it had survived several wars. But overall it was a cosy and comfortable room.

It was around five children, all more or less the same age, three girls and two boys, Hermione quickly counted. “This is my friend, Hermione Trelawney” Barty introduced her as he walked towards her, before he looked expectantly at the children. One by one they introduced themself, Hermione only recognised the name Greengrass and Parkinson.

Hermione then noticed a fourth girl, sitting stubbornly in the corner by herself. For a split second she reminded her of a young Hermione Granger, keeping to herself amongst the books.

“And you Dolores, come up and introduce yourself.” Barty called out to the girl clad in pink from head to toe.

A sense of dread filled Hermione as she recognised the girl, but some part of her refused to accept that this was the same Dolores that she used to know once upon a long time.

The girl reluctantly made her way towards them. “I am Dolores Umbridge. Nice to meet you.” She said flatly.

Hermione thought she made a good job of hiding her shock and managed to mutter a greeting back. She quickly turned towards Barty. “So, how's it going here?”, in a desperate attempt to move the conversation along.

“So far so good, unless you give them anything with sugar. But they are quick learners, a stinging hex here and there, and they act like angels.” He said as he looked around the room nonchalantly.

Hermione gasped and lightly slapped him on his shoulder. Barty started to laugh. “I'm kidding, their parents would have my head if I so much as touched a strand of hair on their heads.”

Hermione had to remind herself that Barty had a terrible sense of humour as she shook her head to herself.

“Do you teach them anything, like to prepare for Hogwarts?” She asked him as they sat down on a way too tiny sofa. By

“Only a little, they all have private tutors, so they are only sent here to play with other children, and so their parents get to have some time off.” Barty said as he crossed his legs in order to be able to fit on the tiny sofa.

In the background, the kids were running around and laughing hysterically. The Greengrass girl had managed to take one of the boys lunch, and he was chasing her as an effort to get it back.

Suddenly the Parkinson girl was at Hermione's side and poking her arm. She had the same curtain bangs as Pansy.

“Today is my lucky day.” The girl simply uttered.

“Yeah? That's great. How's that?” Hermione smiled politely at the girl.

“Yup, my lucky day.”

“So, what happened today?”

Parkinson only stared at her, and Hermione stared back, waiting for a response.

“None of your business.” She told her and walked away.

Hermione gave Barty a questionable look which he only shrugged at.

Her eyes drifted toward where Umbridge was sitting by herself. She looked exactly like she would have imagined a young Umbridge to look like, wearing her trademark pink outfit and sour disapproving expression on her face. She hated to be judgemental towards a five year old, but it was a difficult challenge not to where Umbridge was concerned.

“And what about the girl in pink?” Hermione whispered to Barty.

Barty looked over his shoulder to watch Umbridge for a moment before he answered. “She doesn't do anything outright wrong. Always in a mood though. She seems to like cats a great deal, so maybe you could bring Crystal for your next visit?”

“Sure” Hermione muttered with no real intention of ever letting Crystal near a young Umbridge.

“Hey, Dolores! Come here for a second.” Barty said loudly over his shoulder, much to Hermione's horror.

Little Miss Dolores gave out a loud huff as she stood up and straightened her pink skirt.

“Yes Mr. Crouch?” She asked with distaste dripping from her voice. Hermione thought that she looked like a 50 year old woman trapped inside of a 5 year old.

“I told you to call me Barty. However, Hermione here has a cat, Crystal, half kneazle. If you act good, she will bring it next week.”

Both Hermione's and Umbride's eyes widened at the same time. Then Umbridge turned towards Hermione with a hopeful look on her face. “Really?” She asked innocently, or as innocently as a five year old Umbridge could.

Hermione however was stunned. The audacity of Barty, he really had no clue of what horror this little girl would be able to conflict upon poor little Crystal.

Both Barty and little Umbridge looked at her exceptionally as they waited for her response.

“Yes.” Hermione finally managed to mutter. It seemed like all her previous Gryffindor bravery had evaporated, and she suddenly didn't know if that was a good thing or not.

“I love cats.” Umbridge announced proudly as she straightened up and stood a little taller. “Especially kittens. But all cats really. My aunt has a cat and he loves me.”

Hermione only nodded with a comical smile on her face.

“And for your information, Lea took your lunch earlier.” Dolores told Barty as she turned around and skipped towards her corner. Barty and Hermione could only look at each other, trying to hold back their laugh.

Hermione shared the lunch that her mother had made for her with Barty. He had to spit out a few pieces, but did not comment on the fact that salmon, cheese and sugar was a strange combination.

However, as a thanks for the lunch, Barty decided to make an announcement. “Kids, rascals and youngsters, gather around, please. I have some exciting news. What I forgot to mention earlier is that my friend here is in fact a Seer.” Barty’s eyes gleamed mischievously at her.

“She can tell you your future.” He finished and all the kids gasped.

Before Hermione had time to protest, all the kids jumped around her and grabbed her robe, demanding to know something about their future.

“My inner eye doesn’t work like that. It needs a vacation as well, you see.” Hermione made a few attempts at some half cooked excuses.

“Please, I need to know, will I get married.” The Greengrass girl begged her as she clutched her robe.

“Yes, you will be married.” Hermione tried to free her robe from her grasp.

“And me!! Will I?” Parkinson yelled.

“Yes.” Unfortunately Hermione added silently.

“Will I become a professional Quidditch player?” One of the boys asked eagerly.

“No.” Hermione told him, without any knowledge of his actual future. But Hermione thought it was a smart move to guide the young boy towards a more meaningful path right away.

The boy looked a little dejected, but better that he moved on from Quidditch sooner rather than later.

“Will I really have to marry my cousin?” The other boy asked.

Hermione had to do a double take at that. Some purebloods were out of their minds. “The future is in your hands. Your path is ever changing, depending on the choices you make.” She awkwardly mustered up her inner Cassandra as she stood up, ready to flee the scene. She had spent enough time with these kids and obviously they were in no immediate danger, so she was good to go.

“My inner eye is currently telling me that I am needed elsewhere.” Some of the kids were still holding onto her robe as she tried to leave.

“However, my inner eye is also telling me that Barty always has a stash of chocolate frogs hidden somewhere.” Hermione said as a desperate attempt to leave the day-care.

At once, all the kids screamed as they ran towards Barty. The last thing Hermione saw before she left was the furious glare that Barty sent her, screaming of retaliation.

Chapter Text

“Do something for yourself that your future self will thank you for.” Gilderoy Lockhart read from one of the many décor quotes his mother had placed around their home. This one he thought was especially fitting for his summer, as he was spending the days working for the Daily Prophet.

Working from 9 to 5 made him feel like a fully grown wizard. He had even attempted to copy his father's shaving and coffee routine, something his mother had been horrified with.

He looked over at another quote for some extra motivation, ‘Carpe Diem’ it read. He would definitely seize the day. Because Gilderoy had plans. Plans that would undoubtedly impress his friends. He couldn’t help but to smile at his own reflection in the mirror. His hair was perfect.

His grandmother had gifted him with a lilac cravat that was currently tied around his neck. She had been so proud of Gilderoy, spending his summer working. “You should’ve been a Slytherin like me with ambitions like that.” She had told him.

Gilderoy didn’t care much for Slytherins, although he didn’t harbor the same contempt for them as Hermione did. Sometimes she made him a bit worried, as she seemed incapable of simply walking past them without glaring daggers. It was likely because of something her inner eye had shown her, so Gilderoy thought it best to just follow her lead and stay away from the Slytherins as well.

Barty however seemed to have some friends from Slytherin, like the Rosier boy. He hadn’t been too bad, Gilderoy thought. Likely because he hadn’t actually been sorted into Slytherin yet.

Gilderoy worried that Barty would prefer Rosier’s company over his and Hermione’s. No, that was absurd, he thought and shook his head to himself. Barty detested it when either of them so much as talked with anyone outside their trio.

He took one last glance in the mirror before he floo’ed to the Daily Prophet. He had to smile to himself as he looked at the fashionable gentleman in the reflection. The cravat was just the cherry on top.

“Good morning, Gilderoy” Almond Trelawney greeted him without much enthusiasm, as he walked out of the floo. It seemed like Mr. Trelawney wasn’t in the best mood, which was understandable with the state of his hair. The Trelawneys had been gifted with a lot of things, but great hair was not one of them. Gilderoy had to suppress a shudder caused by the mere thought of how Hermione’s hair was likely fairing at the goat farm.

“You are 15 minutes late, again.” Almond told him sternly from behind his desk.

It was no easy feat to suddenly have to worry about being on time, after having Hermione as a personal alarm clock for a year. She valued punctuality above anything, and it seemed like her father was the same.

“I’m sorry Mr Trelawney, the traffic was heavy.” Gilderoy tried to copy what his own father usually said whenever he was late to something.

It seemed to work. Almond’s mood visibly improved as he gave him a tight lip smile before he stood up and shuffled through some parchments at the shelf behind him. Gilderoy let out a breath of relief that his lateness was quickly forgotten. He had to start practicing how to tie the cravat faster. Luckily Almond Trelawney seemed incapable of holding a grudge, unlike his daughter. He couldn’t even imagine him and Mrs Trelawney fighting other than an occasional thumb-war.

“I have a mission for you, one I think you will like.” Almond said as he turned around towards Gilderoy with a parchment in his hand, and Gilderoy’s interest piqued.

“I understand that you had a wish to do celebrity interviews.” Almond smiled at him.

This was perfect, Gilderoy thought. Perfect for his plan. Gilderoy had for as long as he could remember held an interest towards celebrities, and the interest had only intensified after he befriended Hermione Trelawney. He wanted her to become a celebrity, a star. The world needed to be aware of Hermione Trelawney and her inner eye. Gilderoy would personally make sure of that.

He would be the one to present her to the world, and by meeting other celebrities and learning the inner workings on how to portray them, he would be ready.

“I do.” Gilderoy confirmed with a big smile.

“Great. Then I will trust you with this mission. We will apparate to the stadium after lunch.” Almond said and gave Gilderoy the parchment he had been holding.

Gilderoy looked over it and felt his good mood slowly deflating.

“Quidditch?” He asked dumbfounded. After a beat of silence he looked up an noticed that Almond Trelawney had already left the office.

Gilderoy hated Quidditch. He had never even watched a single game. Something he was proud of since Hermione had told him and Barty that their dislike for Quidditch was the reason why she gave them a chance. Gilderoy hadn’t given much thought to the sport prior to meeting Hermione, but now he hated it, and nothing could change that.

The parchment stated that he would have to watch an entire match between the Montrose Magpies and Puddlemere United, and then interview some of the players. Gilderoy grumbled to himself, he hoped Hermione’s inner eye wouldn’t see his betrayal.

When he had told Almond that he wanted to write about celebrities, he had meant more important ones. Like Celestina Warbeck. She had a style and grace that Gilderoy couldn’t help but to admire. 

Gilderoy spent his time before lunch walking around the building and chatting with his colleagues. He even went for a little scroll through Diagon Alley. There was a sale on wizard robes at Madam Malkin’s, and Gilderoy then knew where his salary would go.

He was supposed to prepare for his mission, but how can one prepare for a match that hasn’t happened yet? It was better to fuel his energy, he thought as he finished his second ice cream from Florean Fortescue’s.

Gilderoy’s energy was well fuelled and his mood had improved in time for Almond to apparate him to the stadium. It was outdoors, so at least Gilderoy would be able to enjoy the good weather if nothing else. His mother always said that he was her flower, and needed sunshine to blossom.

In his bag he had packed a notebook, self-inking quill, a camera and a badge that proved his employment at the Daily Prophet.

The stands were less than half full and Gilderoy was the only journalist seated in the box reserved for reporters. Which meant that it was extra important for his commentary to be good. Although, no one would likely notice if he took some creative liberties here and there.

Gilderoy took a look at his watch. Almond had brought him here 15 minutes early, so now he just had to sit and wait.

“Lockhart, is that you?” A familiar voice yelled.

Gilderoy looked over his shoulder towards the box next to his and spotted James Potter standing there. He was leaning against the fence that separated them and wearing a gold Puddlemere sweater. Was he one of the ‘celebrities’ Gilderoy was supposed to interview? Gilderoy groaned to himself.

“What are you doing here?” James Potter asked.

“I am a reporter for the Prophet.” Gilderoy pointed at his badge.

Potter nodded thoughtfully. “Really? Well, I guess it’s good that smaller matches like this also gets some publicity.”

Gilderoy was a little insulted by the suggestion that his mission was insignificant. “This match is very important.” He proclaimed and folded his arms.

Potter gave him an impressed look. “I agree.” He said slowly as he surveyed Gilderoy. “Didn’t know that you were a Quidditch fan. What’s your team?”

“Montrose Magpies.” Gilderoy blurted solely because they were playing against Potter’s team, which he guessed was Puddlemere, judging by his sweater.

“Really?” James looked at him with slightly narrowed eyes. “I hope you know better than to write a biased commentary.”

Gilderoy couldn’t care less which team won, but just because of that statement it was already 1-0 to Montrose Magpies in his book.

“Are you questioning my integrity as a journalist?” Gilderoy glared, and Potter held up his hands in mock surrender.

“Easy mate. I’m just making sure. It’s an important match for us both after all.”

Gilderoy nodded at that before he turned around and opened his notebook to make some doodles. It was meant as a dismissal but Potter didn’t seem to get that. He jumped over the fence and dropped down in the seat next to Gilderoy.

“Can’t wait to tell Sirius that Hermione is a Quidditch fan. He will lose his mind.” He smirked to himself and Gilderoy made a wry face.

“She is not a fan.” He stated.

“Really? I was under the impression that the three of you shared one brain cell.” Potter quipped.

Gilderoy gave him another glare. “Funny coming from someone who is more or less attached to Sirius Black’s hip.”

“Touché.” Potter laughed and bumped his fist against Gilderoy’s shoulder. He was confused if it was supposed to be in a friendly manner since he did it so hard that Gilderoy worried that it would bruise. “You know, you’re not so bad after all. Even with that purple thing around your neck.” Potter continued with his confusing snark with a hint of friendliness.

Gilderoy scowled and crossed his arms. “It’s a lilac cravat.” He was not surprised by Potter’s lack of fashion knowledge with the sweater he was wearing.

“I mean it!” Potter protested. “Here, I brought some snacks we can share during the match.” He rummaged through his backpack and held up some liquorice wands and fizzing whizzbees.

Gilderoy reached out for the fizzing whizzbees, his favorite, but his hand got slapped away before he could reach them. Potter clucked his tongue with a disapproving ‘tsk, tsk’. “I said during the match.”

Gilderoy caressed his hand and wondered if Potter was set on hurting him or just always this brutish.

“They should have started by now.” Gilderoy sighed as he checked his watch and admitted to himself that the Trelawneys were onto something when it came to punctuality.

“They are always a little late to matches like this. They will not start the match before at least 10 more minutes.” Potter told him with confidence.

“What? Are you an expert or something?” Gilderoy asked.

“As a matter of fact, I am.” Potter stated proudly while he leaned back and placed his feets on the seat in front of him. “My dad got me an annual pass. Been to all of Puddlemere’s matches this summer.”

Gilderoy snorted, one match was more than enough for him to suffer through. Now he could even join Hermione on her ranting of why Quidditch was so bad.

“What? Not everyone can get free access from their prestigious summer job.” Potter scowled.

“Sounds like your father had to resort to clever tricks to keep you away from your house. Tell me, have you even been home this summer, or are you camping here?” Gilderoy made a show of looking around.

“Good one.” Potter laughed. “But great idea. A summer spent camping on different Quidditch fields doesn’t seem like a bad idea. Bet the others would want to join as well.”

Gilderoy could only guess that by ‘others’ he meant the rest of the Gryffindor boys, but before he had time to ask, the game started.

Potter swiftly placed his feets down and sat up straighter, while Gilderoy leaned back and continued with his doodles in his notebook. Occasionally he scribbled down notes, like when the commentator yelled that someone had scored.

As Gilderoy observed the game he felt, not for the first time, very lucky to have been sorted into Ravenclaw with Hermione and Barty, rather than Gryffindor with the sport’s fanatics. The match didn’t hold his interest and was too confusing to follow.

“What do you say to a little wager, to make things more interesting.” Potter suggested mid through the game.

“I don’t know.” Gilderoy answered dismissively. He regretted choosing the Montrose Magpies as his team as soon as he saw that Puddlemere United wore his blue and bronze house colours. He felt tricked by Potter and his more gold than bronze coloured sweater. 

“Oh come on, the Magpies are in the lead with 50 points.” Potter goaded him.

“Really?” Gilderoy asked and quickly scribbled it down in his notes. So far his notes were a bit feeble, but nothing some creative writing couldn’t fix.

“Yeah. If Puddlemere wins you would have to.. let me think.” He said thoughtfully “Set Hermione’s hair on fire!” He exclaimed.

“Forget it!” Gilderoy shot forcefully back.

“Alright, alright.” Potter backtracked. “What if you secretly helped me and the others with a prank against your two friends, and if the Magpies wins I will secretly help you prank my friends.” He suggested with a gleam in his eyes.

That didn’t sound like a bad idea. He knew that his friends would definitely like to play another prank on the Gryffindors, especially Barty. If Barty had the option to play a prank on the Gryffindors he would not even spare the Slytherins a second glance. “Alright, I’m in.”

“Nice.” Potter said gleefully as he reached out his hands in order to shake on it. “You have yourself a deal.” He smirked.

As the game went on the score between the two teams evened out, and Gilderoy found himself more invested in following the game. When the snitch was spotted both Potter and Gilderoy were sitting at the edge of their seats. In the end it was Puddlemere who won after they caught the snitch.

Potter jumped up and started to cheer. “I knew it, Wood never misses, best seeker in Britain.”

Gilderoy felt a little deceived by that fact, but still scribbled it down in his notes.

“I will let you know when the prank is happening.” Potter said gleefully when he had calmed down his loud cheering. “And remember that you can’t tell your friends.”

“Alright.” Gilderoy said as he thought about the hopeful possibility that Hermione’s inner eye would show her.

When he stood up and started to gather his things, he noticed his camera and remembered that he needed to take a picture. He quickly snapped one photo of the almost empty stadium with James Potter in the background, devouring the last liquorice wand. 

“I have to go and interview the players now.” He said as he took his leave. James looked a little jealous of that but waved him goodbye.

Gilderoy had no idea where he was supposed to interview the players, so he followed someone from Puddlemere into their locker room. He got some curious glances as he entered, they probably mistook him for a fanatic fan. He couldn’t blame them, as they had likely spotted him sitting next to James Potter.

“I am from the Daily Prophet, and here for an interview with the seeker, Mr. Wood.” He declared loudly. Thanks to James Potter he knew the name of one player.

An older boy with short chopped hair and a freckled face stood up. “Don’t think I have ever been interviewed in the locker room before.” He said with an amused smile as he observed Gilderoy.

“There is another room right here that is better for privacy.” Wood said and gestured for Gilderoy to follow.

They entered a small messy office, filled with used coffee mugs, parchments and diplomas on the wall. Gilderoy looked around for a few seconds for a place to sit, but after taking in the filthy state of the room he decided against it and continued to stand.

“Hello Mr. Wood. I am Gilderoy Lockhart from the Daily Prophet. I am honoured to be interviewing you today.” He tried for a polite opening, as this was his first interview and little to no preparation had been done beforehand. He just had to hope for the best and freestyle his way through it.

Wood snorted a laugh. “Please, call me Henry.” He gave Gilderoy a boyish smile that showed his dimples.

Gilderoy lost his focus for a split second but quickly gathered himself. Something about Henry Wood made him nervous. “Ehm, so I hear that you are the best seeker in Britain, is that true?” He asked after looking at the notes he had written from Potter’s commentary.

Henry leaned lazily against the desk while he crossed his arms, forcing Gilderoy's attention to his biceps. “It certainly is my goal, but whether or not I’m there yet is hard to say.”

“Humble.” Gilderoy commented as he scribbled down in his notebook. “You were very impressive today.” He blurted and his cheeks heated.

“Thanks kid. How come someone your age works for the Prophet by the way?” Henry asked as he regarded him.

“My friend’s father works there and he vouched for me.” Gilderoy told him while he pretended to look through his notes. “Now, over to the questions; if you didn’t play Quidditch, what would you do instead?” Gilderoy started to regret not having any questions pre planned. He had no idea what journalists usually asked Quidditch stars.

“Hm, can it be Quidditch related?”

“No.” Gilderoy stated flatly.

“Then I guess a chef. I love cooking. Maybe opening a new restaurant in Diagon Alley that's focusing on healthy foods.” He mused.

Gilderoy nodded thoughtfully. “Excellent idea, my mother loves to experiment with food and wishes to one day open a restaurant as well.”

“Really? Is she interested in healthy foods too?” Henry asked and gave Gilderoy a hopeful look.

“Occasionally, she likes variation.” Gilderoy said and thought about how his mother loved to add Bertie Botts Beans as an extra spice. Variation guaranteed.

“Variation is good. More restaurants should focus on serving healthy options. It can be difficult for an athlete on a strict diet to have a normal social life and eat out.”

“Understandable.” Gilderoy said and scribbled it down. 

“So, where do you want to spend your next vacation?” Gilderoy asked the first question that popped into his mind.

“Hm, must be Bulgaria, as they are hosting the next world cup.” Henry nodded to himself.

Trust a Quidditch player to turn every conversation into sports. Which in this instance was a good thing, since Gilderoy lacked any knowledge on the topic. Most of his notes were direct quotes from James Potter, and the rest were useless doodles. But that hardly mattered when he could ask Henry anything and he would effortlessly turn it into Quidditch. It definitely made his job a lot easier.

“What was your favourite subject at Hogwarts?” Gilderoy tested his theory.

“Must have been flying, or Quidditch if that counts.” Henry answered and Gilderoy coughed to hide his laugh from how predictable he was. Henry didn’t seem to notice as he gave another smile that showed his dimples. Gilderoy sighed, at least he was pretty.

He cleared his throat. “Okay, last question; who is your biggest inspiration?”

“Celestina Warbeck.” Henry said and Gilderoy’s head snapped up so fast that his neck cracked. “Come again?”

“Don't act so shocked, it's not like I said Grindelwald or something.” Henry defended with a scowl.

“No,no. I agree with you, Celestina Warbeck is a great inspiration. Good answer.” Gilderoy gushed and Henry’s easy smile came back.

“The first time I was at the World Cup she was there, and I watched her perform for England. We won and I could've sworn that it was partly thanks to her. Since then I always listen to her songs before a match as a pre-game ritual.” Henry said with a dreamy look on his face.

Gilderoy looked at Henry with new eyes, and felt that a deeper sense of understanding passed between them. “No one can motivate like Celestina Warbeck.” He said earnestly as he stared into Henry’s green eyes. He had absurd long eye lashes. 

Henry nodded his agreement. “Well then. This was a different but surprisingly fun interview. I usually only get asked about Quidditch tactics or my dating life. Good job kid.” He praised. 

Gilderoy blushed and felt a flutter in his stomach, while at the same time he wanted to smack his head, why hadn't he thought of tactics and dating life?

“Thank you for your time.” He managed to say after he had composed himself.

“It was my pleasure, and good luck with your future career as a journalist.” Henry winked and Gilderoy returned the sentiment before they said their goodbyes.

Gilderoy might not ever end up as a fan of the sport, but the players were a different matter, he thought as he watched Henry Wood leave the office. Carpe Diem indeed.

Chapter Text

The more time Hermione spent working alongside Marlene McKinnon, the more she liked the outgoing Gryffindor girl. Unfortunately, she could not say the same for the goats.

Marlene had proved to have a wild and reckless nature, just like the goats. But at least she didn't knock Hermione down multiple times a day. At this point she would even consider babysitting Umbridge rather than dealing with the varmints.

“They sure seem to have a problem with you.” Marlene laughed while petting the culprit of her current position in the mud.

“You don’t say.” Hermione grumbled from the ground.

“I think they are confusing you with the scarecrow, which used to be their constant target before we had to remove it. The goats would charge against it like they were bulls after a Gryffindor.” Marlene teased.

“Very funny.» She muttered as she stood up and dusted mud off her dirty robes.

«Can’t blame them, your hair is very similar to the scarecrow’s hay hair.” Marlene continued her teasing while playing with her own soft, strawberry blonde braid.

“Oh please, go on.» Hermione rolled her eyes

The scorching summer day had been spent taking care of the goats outside. The Eaglets were under the belief that fit goats made better parchments, something about making their skin more elastic. Therefore Hermione had joined Marlene in exercising the goats, or if constantly running away from them counted. On the upside, the sun had started to set and they were almost finished with today’s work. Hermione was more than ready to head home and forget all about goats, before starting a new day at the goat farm the next morning. 

She wasn’t usually this miserable at her summer job. Most days were actually pretty enjoyable and the surroundings were idyllic. However she had an inkling that Marlene had something to do with today’s misfortunes. It was true that the goats were difficult around her, but today they had been impossible, which seemed to have really entertained Marlene. Hermione scrutinized the other girl, she was sure that Marlene had somehow egged them on.

Either way, it was safe to say that Hermione preferred to work in the craft house. The goats there were undeniably less annoying, for reasons she would not say out loud. When she worked in the craft house, she was also able to gather and bring home some goat remnants she could use for potions and rituals.

As today was the 1st of August, she and Cassandra would celebrate Lughnasadh together. Hermione had managed to collect a fine goat skull with two big, curled horns, that she would use for tonight’s ritual.

Amusingly, muggles had throughout their history used goats' heads to symbolize Satan. They were the antithesis of sheep, who often were used as a metaphor for the faithful, obediently following the shepherd. As Hermione noticed a couple of goats borderline glaring at her, she couldn't help thinking that the muggles were possibly on to something.

“But seriously, you had such gorgeous hair in school, what happened? Did someone curse you?” Marlene interrupted Hermione’s inner musing.

She absentmindedly touched the messy bun on top of her head. Either it was full of hay or the texture had become alarmingly similar. The thought of her hair ever being considered ‘gorgeous’ felt like a distant fever dream.

“All thanks to Gilderoy. He tended to it everyday, the saint.” Hermione confessed.

“Wow, he must be really talented.” She said and Hermione knew that she should’ve been insulted but she could hardly disagree. Having to deal with her own hair again had made her appreciation for Gilderoy grow tremendously.

“I read his commentary on the recent Puddlemere win the other day.” Marlene said while she easily herded the animals back inside the goat house, like the goat whisperer she apparently was.

Hermione watched them from a safe distance with narrowed eyes and her wand in hand. “In the Prophet? I must’ve missed it.” She said and thought of poor Gilderoy having to attend sport events he had no interest in. She would send him a letter congratulating him regardless.

“Yeah, he mainly wrote about how athletes struggle with their social life due to all the restaurants in Diagon Alley being so unhealthy. Followed by how Celestina Warbeck unites Wizarding Britain with her inspirational songs.» Marlene told her while she pushed the last goat inside and locked the door to the goat house.

While Hermione was not surprised by the fact that Gilderoy had written about the famous singer, his apparent newfound interest in healthy eating did. She had never heard him mentioning anything on that topic before. Nevertheless, the thought of Gilderoy turning a Quidditch commentary into a health debate did amuse her.  

“Sounds like Gilderoy.” She simply said. 

“How did the two of you become friends? You seem very different.” Marlene asked her while they walked over towards the main house.

“My inner eye foretold me.” Hermione meant it as a joke, even if it was somewhat true. However, Marlene seemed to take it seriously.

“Ah, it must be useful having an ability like that. Although I heard about your spat with Bellatrix Lestrange. Nasty witch, she left my brother in pieces.” Marlene frowned and her eyes darkened.

Hermione gasped in shock. She thought that all the McKinnons had been killed at the same time, years from now. For a split second she worried that the entire timeline had changed.

Marlene took notice of Hermione’s disturbance. “Oh yeah, kind of embarrassing to admit that my own brother briefly dated and got his heart broken by Bellatrix Black.” Marlene shook her head disapprovingly.

Hermione let out a breath of relief, she still had time to save the McKinnons. Not from heartbreak apparently, but hopefully their lives would be adequate. 

“It was my third brother, Lucien. He doesn’t work at the farm, too busy with politics and bureaucracy stuff. He’s the only Slytherin in my family.” Marlene continued to explain.

“A Slytherin and the former beau of Bellatrix Black?” Hermione gave Marlene a disbelieving look.

“Yeah, you are probably not left with the best impression of him now, but he is not that bad, I promise.”

“I will just have to take your word for it then.”

“You know, if you ever need a helping hand dealing with her, I wouldn’t mind teaching her a lesson for the way she treated my brother.” Marlene gave her a conspiratorial smile, before they reached the floo and said their goodbyes. 

Hermione had recreated her beaded bag from her past life, and packed it with everything that was needed for tonight's ritual, including the portrait of Cassandra.

They had chosen a spot that Cassandra was familiar with, as she had used it for rituals before. It was located within walking distance, at the edge of the forest behind the Trelawney house. Hermione didn’t mind the extra exercise, thanks to the goats at the Eaglet farm, she was in the best shape of her life.

It was fitting that Cassandra would accompany her on the Lughnasadh ritual, since it was the day to honour your ancestors and remember the dead. Tonight would be the first ritual Hermione did without gaining anything directly, but rather give her gratitude to the spirits and learn more about rituals.

Cassandra guided her through the process of preparing the ritual and setting up the altar. The altar was made up of hay, candles and fruits, with the goat skull on top. Cassandra was persistent that the ritual would be kept simple, so Hermione could learn more about the basics, before moving on to more complex techniques.

After she lit her candles, she drew protective circles on the ground. They would not only protect her, but serve as a container for her energy.

“Now, breathe in the earth and clear your mind. Meditation is an important part of rituals. A clear and open mind will be more adept to connect with the spirits.” Cassandra informed her.

Hermione had never been good at clearing her head, as it was constantly running at full speed with a dozen plans that demanded her attention. Cassandra must’ve taken notice of her frustration, because she was quick to guide her further.

“Relax, mediation is a skill that takes practice. Try to close your eyes, and concentrate on the things you can hear, feel, smell and taste.”

Hermione did as she was told and closed her eyes. She could hear the leaves on the trees lightly rustling in the wind and crickets chirping in the background. She could feel the cool and heavy evening breeze against her skin. A faint smell of smoke from the candles was mixed with the musky scent of the forest. The taste of peppermint and dark chocolate was still dominating her mouth from the peppermint toad she had eaten when she left her house.

“Very good, my dear. Now you can call upon the four quarters.” Cassandra continued to guide her.

Hermione turned her face towards the north. “I call to the North, to the elements of the Earth. I give you my gratitude for the strength you have granted me.” She stood up and sprinkled salt on the altar.

Then she turned towards the east. “I call to the East, to the element of Air. I thank you for the creativity and intuition you have granted me.” She levitated a feather that hung in the air above the altar.

She turned towards the south. “I call to the South, to the element of Fire. I owe you for my passion and energy.” The feather caught on fire while it was still floating in the air.

At last, she faced the west. “I call to the West, the element of Water. I appreciate the empathy and emotions you have guided me with.” She conjured a goblet filled with water and placed it under the burning feather.

“Now raise your energy, feel your magic and call upon Lugh.” Cassandra told her.

Hermione took a deep breath and let her magic pour out of her and into the protective circle around her. She could feel the air becoming electric, fizzing and crackling with magic. 

“I call upon Lugh, the God of light, war and divination. I thank you for my sight, please accept my gratitude.”

Hermione sat down cross legged in the centre of the circle, facing the goat skull. She concentrated on her magic and kept her mind open.

“Dear Spirit guides and Ancestors I call to thee,
Show me all I need to see,
Cross the veil and be free,
To walk this earth now with me,”

She repeated the chanting three times, each time she felt the magic around her grow stronger and more potent. The warm, dizzying feeling she remembered from her previous ritual came back, in an almost overwhelming way.

“That’s it, we will keep it simple for now. You can end the ritual by drinking the water and extinguishing the flames.” Cassandra advised.

The water was fizzling, like sparkling water, and tasted almost like citrus and something else that Hermione couldn’t pinpoint. The flames went out, and the feather, that was undamaged by the fire, slowly dropped to the ground. After a few moments the air was back to normal. 

“That went well, I would say. A simple ritual to honour the great God of divination, Lugh. It’s possible that you will feel a stronger connection to your inner eye from now.” Cassandra told her positively.

“I thought you said that I wouldn’t gain anything from this ritual.” Hermione still felt full of energy from the ritual and started to pace around in the circle, as she couldn’t stand still.

“Now, that’s not what I said. I told you that you shouldn’t ask for anything directly, but to focus on your connection with the Spirit and Gods. Lugh is known for being a trickster of sorts, and often favours Seers, as he was one as well. He is the God of war, and often referred to as The Sacrificial God, or the God of rebirth.” Cassandra divulged. 

That made Hermione stop in her tracks and she felt her blood freeze. “Rebirth?” She muttered.

Cassandra gave her a piercing look while she slowly nodded. Hermione had for some time now suspected Cassandra to know more about her past life than she had told her, perhaps she even knew more than Hermione.

“I believe he will take a liking to you, my dear, if he hasn’t already, and he will be very pleased with the goat head you honoured him with.” Cassandra told her knowingly and Hermione felt chills going down her spine.

Before she could further investigate, an alarming feeling of dread consumed her. Her muscle tensed, like if preparing for an attack and her mind was spinning. She couldn’t understand why she was feeling so frightened, before she recognised the pulsing magic inside her.

“The bond.” She breathed out.

“Hermione, what is happening?” Cassandra asked with a hint of worry in her voice.

It was clear to her now, one of the bonds she had formed during her previous ritual was active. It felt almost alive while it tried desperately to warn of a danger. She closed her eyes and concentrated on trying to figure out which one of her friends who needed help.

“Sirius Black is in danger.” Hermione opened her eyes abruptly and looked to Cassandra for help.

“My bond with him is telling me that he is in danger.” She repeated distressed.

“Calm down and breathe. You will not be able to help him if you cannot keep your head cool.” Cassandra warned her.

Hermione tried to the best of her abilities to calm down, but it proved to be even more difficult than usual. She needed to find a way to get to Sirius. In a moment of clarity, she searched through her beaded bag and found the Ravenclaw Diadem.

As soon as the diadem was placed on her head, it became a little easier to breathe. “I need to get to Sirius Black, but I can’t apparated or even go to Grimmauld.” She looked towards Cassandra for any advice.

“Use divination. You don’t have to reach him in your physical form. Lughnasadh is the perfect time for scrying.” Cassandra urged her.

“Scrying? Will you help me?” Hermione asked.

“Of course my dear. Now, do you have your crystal ball and censer with you?” Cassandra wanted to know.

“I- censer?”

“Yes, the tool I gifted you alongside the book of fire omens.” Cassandra explained calmly.

Hermione searched through her beaded bag and after a few moments she found the censer. The crystal ball was on her necklace, and she carefully took it off and enlarged it to the size of a goat head.

“Now you need to listen carefully. The key to scrying is deep concentration. Focus on the bond you have with him and use it to guide you.” Cassandra told her.

Hermione sat down and tried to clear her head while she took deep breaths. She told herself that with the help of Cassandra and the Ravenclaw Diadem, she would manage to help Sirius.

“Fill the censer with flames and then hold your crystal ball with both hands.” Cassandra instructed her.

Hermione conjured her bluebell flames and filled the censer with them. After a few seconds, grey-blue smoke went out of the holes on the censer.

“Very good. Your crystal ball will absorb them, now concentrate on your friend and your bond with him.” Cassandra continued.

Hermione thought of Sirius Black. His dark wavy hair and aristocratic features. The way his grey eyes seemed to glint with mischief and his overconfident grin. She thought of the tired man she used to know in her previous life, and the energetic boy she currently couldn’t get rid off.

Their bond continued to pulse and vibrate in a frantic manner. She hoped that the bond was exaggerating in the way it desperately called out.

The smoke inside the crystal ball cleared up and images slowly began appearing. She thought she could recognise the interior of Grimmauld.

“It's working.” Hermione gasped.

“Keep focusing on your friend and your bond.” Cassandra reminded her.

The images became clearer and soon Hermione was able to see Sirius. He was standing in a corner looking directly into the crystal ball, as if it was a camera.

“Can he see me?” She wondered.

“No, he cannot, but there is a chance that he can sense you through your bond.” Cassandra informed her.

Sirius looked terrified. He was visibly shaking and shielding his body with his arms. His eyes were wide with terror and a pang of panic went through Hermione. She couldn’t see what he was afraid of, but it was clear that he needed immediate help.

“Someone is hurting him, I need to do something!” Hermione screeched so loudly that her ears started ringing. By this point, Cassandra had given up any hope of calming her down.

“Repeat after me; Vade retro inimicus. Oderint dum metuant. Custodia amicus meus.” Cassandra ordered her.

Hermione did what Cassandra told her to do without second guessing it. She was so desperate to help Sirius that the fact that she put all her trust in divination went over her head.

“Now, pour all your energy into your bond!” Cassandra told her.

As Hermione poured her energy into the bond she felt it calm down. The images in the crystal ball became blurry and after a moment it went up in smoke. Hermione was breathing heavily and started to shiver from the cold summer night. She closed her eyes and took a minute to gather herself.  When she opened them again she looked up to the night sky. The stars was twinkling down on her, and she suddenly felt very small. She searched for Canis Major, before she recalled that is was the wrong time of the year. The only constellation she recognised was Orion. 

“Did it work? Is he safe?” She finally asked.

“Yes, I do believe so.” Cassandra reassured her.

She would just have to trust Cassandra, as a feeling of tiredness enveloped her body and mind. She was completely drained, both from stress and the magic she had performed. At least the bond had gone silent. 

Chapter Text

The summer was slowly moving towards its end, and Hermione had a few things on her agenda that needed to be done before the return to Hogwarts. The gold she had earned from working at the Eaglet farm would be carefully spent on various potions ingredients, and a little weekend trip to Little Hangleton.

She had spent a lot of time reflecting on the moral aspect of creating the Wolfsbane potions before Damocles Belby, and her conclusion was that the needs of many outweigh the needs of few. She would follow the Utilitarianism philosophy, which focused on creating the greatest amount of good for the greatest number of people, even if it impacted someone negatively in the process. In this scenario, it would be to ‘steal’ Belby’s invention, in order to help victims of Lycanthropy before its original time, and the amount of good triumphed over the bad.

While none of the ingredients for Wolfbane were illegal, some of them were expensive and rare. Hermione had visited Borgin and Burkes and asked the shopboy there for the ingredients, but it turned out that what she needed wasn’t nefarious enough for Knockturn Alley. He told her that she was better off trying her luck at Exotic Alley or Tote Alley instead. Or, if she was extra fortunate, maybe she would stumble upon Tempor Alley, which was a street that came and went at random times.

Hermione had opted for Exotic Alley, which was known for its huge market with items from all around the world. She had woken up extra early on a Saturday morning in order to avoid the biggest crowd, which turned out to be pointless. When she arrived, well before 9 o’clock, it was already jam-packed with busy witches and wizards. Loud voices of negotiations, and the smell of spices and fragrances hit her like a Bludger as soon as she stepped over the wards around the market, and into the bustling maze of stalls and displays.

The market overflowed with a kaleidoscope of products, and Hermione worried briefly how she would be able to find what she needed. She noticed objects that she didn’t even knew existed as she wandered through the labyrinthine pathways. Sphinx fangs, flying carpets, fanged frisbees, jewellery with different beauty enchantments, wands with cores made of vampire toenails and dementor cloaks, and much more.

Hermione was so engrossed with observing everything around her, that she almost forgot that she had a purpose coming here. A merchant interrupted her gazing and asked her if she was looking for anything in particular.

“Yes, would you be able to help me find aconite, pulverised Black Quicksilver, giant moonwart, dittany, valerian root, moonstone and moonseeds?” She listed up the ingredients for the original Wolfsbane potion and a few more she could experiment with.

The helpful merchant didn’t bat an eye at her abnormal request. He was likely used to it, as people tended to go to Diagon Alley for their usual daily needs, and Exotic Alley if they wanted something unusual. Hermione observed him with rapt interest as he yelled to another merchant while he did a spell that gave him some numbers in different colours. It only took a few minutes before the merchant lifted up her items from a cauldron. Hermione nodded approvingly to herself of their efficiency. 

“It will be a total of 140 Galleons, 8 sickles and 15 knuts, Miss.”

Hermione gave the merchant her hard earned gold and placed the potion ingredients in her beaded bag. She wondered briefly if she had more time and gold to look through the bookshop, but decided against it. In spite of the fact that she wanted a book on magical bonds and ritual, she had other plans for the day. Furthermore, she could probably find one at home if she took the time to search.

The bond she had formed during Beltane with Sirius, Barty and Gilderoy had started to worry her. Cassandra had mentioned a few consequences that could occur, especially if one were to exploit the bond. Hermione berated herself for not having all the information about bonds before making one. It was quite unlike her, but at the same time; taking divination seriously also was. Lesson learned, she thought to herself. 

On the other hand, the bond had already proven to be useful. She had hopefully been able to help Sirius on the night of Lughnasadh. Although she couldn’t be completely sure, since her letters to Sirius had gone unanswered. She had been careful not to mention anything that could potentially cause him troubles, and simply asked how his summer was going.

To say that she was worried about him would be an understatement. However, Barty and Gilderoy had eagerly answered all her letters. It turned out that they had also felt the bond calling out to them on Lughnasadh. Barty was impressed that she had managed to scry inside of Grimmauld, and suggested that she could do that again. However, Hermione thought that it was an invasion of privacy when there was no immediate danger.

Gilderoy advised her to try Ovomancy. He held the art in high regard after the lessons Cassandra had given him during Christmas. After Hermione had wasted over two dozen eggs, she conceded defeat. Not every aspect of divination was equally appealing.

Since Hermione was at loss for what to do, she sought out Cassandra. Her great-great-grandmother was eager to help her as usual, but insisted that they had managed to help Sirius during their scrying. Although Cassandra wasn’t a fan of Hermione making permanent bonds, she was firm that one needed to trust them. It had informed her of danger, and then calmed down when the danger had passed.

Hermione hated not knowing for sure, and ended up suspecting the worst. He had looked so small and scared in her crystal ball, and her heart bled for him. She suspected that it had been an older family member who was the offender. Even though she didn’t have much knowledge on old pureblood houses like the Blacks, it wasn’t hard to imagine them being harsh and barbarous with their punishments. All she knew from her previous life was that Sirius had run away from home at the age of 16. But if he was currently living in an abusive household, she didn’t want him to continue to endure it for four more years.

She wanted to find a way to help him in a permanent manner. Either with convincing him to run away to the Potters earlier, or through divination or rituals. At least they had a bond that informed her when he was in danger, and potentially served as a link that made it possible for her to help him. Learning more about their bond needed to become a top priority, right under hunting down the Horcruxes, on her list of most pressing matters.

Hermione felt overwhelmed with everything she had to do. Although she had the advantage of having the knowledge of a previous life, she lacked the cooperation of the Order of the Phoenix. On her previous Horcrux hunt she had Harry and Ron by her side. As it was now, she was on her own against Voldemort and all of his supporters, which was ridiculously ambitious of her, when she thought about it.

But she wasn’t completely alone, not really. She had friends and family around her that she trusted more and more each day. The problem was asking them for help and potentially involving them in the upcoming war. It was also important that the Horcrux hunt was kept secret, as it was the last time. If Voldemort found out that someone had taken them, he could potentially make new ones, or make sure the rest was kept even more hidden.

However, there was one person in particular that Hermione wanted to discuss Horcruxes with, Cassandra. Her great-great-grandmother had been famous for a reason, and her knowledge on certain topics was invaluable.

“And you managed to destroy one during Imbolc?” Hermione had taken the portrait outside to the garden, in order to inform Cassandra on the soul splitting topic in a private setting. Cassandra had turned grave as soon as Horcruxes was mentioned. There were only a few rituals that were as dark as Horcrux rituals, and although Cassandra had a liberal view on most dark rituals, she strongly disapproved of Horcruxes. 

“Yes, and its vessel, the Ravenclaw Diadem stayed intact.” Hermione answered with a hint of pride in her voice. 

“That was reckless of you, a ritual with such a dark object can be extremely dangerous.” Cassandra scolded her. “However, I understand the importance of destroying them. At least you did it on Imbolc, where your fire through the rituals are at its strongest. I fully advise you to wait until the next Imbolc to destroy another one. In the meantime, you should continue to practise with smaller rituals on the full moons. Perhaps even Samhain, although you must be aware of fairies. Many extraordinary witches and wizards have fallen victim to them during Samhain rituals.”

“How does one guard themself against fairies?” Hermione wondered.

“Fairies are mysterious creatures. Powerful, but cunning.” Cassandra told her in a serious, but not unkind tone. “The best way to stay safe from them is through shape-shifting, or that was the way Merlin did it. He is probably the most famous Seer through the history of our time, master of divination, and also necromancy. Therefore he often did prodigious rituals during Samhain, when the veil is at its thinnest. Which led to a few disputes between him and the fairies of Tuatha De Danann. He avoided them by changing his form into an animal.”

“Like an Animagus?”

“Animagus is a type of shape-shifting, yes. However Merlin possessed the ability to change into more than one form, both animal and human. In the end, no one knew exactly what he looked like. To this day, some even believe that he is still around.” Cassandra informed her with amusement clear in her voice.

While Hermione prepared herself for her weekend trip, she reflected on her conversation with Cassandra. She had originally planned to destroy the Horcrux ring during this summer, but it seemed like it would be better to wait for Imbolc. She didn’t have any basilisk venom, and Fiend-fire was dark and turbulent. Therefore she concluded that a ritual at Imbolc was the safest way.

There was a knock on her door that brought Hermione out of her inner musing, and Sybill made her way inside her room.

“You are packing.” She said as she sat down on her bed and adjusted her glasses.

“I am going away for one night.” Hermione told her as she finished up packing.

“Where are you going, and with who?” Sybill asked.

“Little Hangleton, it’s a muggletown, and I am going there by myself.” She answered but paused when Sybill abruptly stood up and walked out of her room. Hermione just shrugged to herself before she went over her plans. She would floo to King’s Cross and take the train from there, the muggle one, so nothing could be traced back to her. Then she had reserved a room at a Bed & Breakfast on the main street in the small town, not too far from the Riddle Manor. The shack where the ring was located would likely be in walking distance from there. She had a good amount of Muggle money she had exchanged from Gringotts, all in all she felt well prepared.

Hermione was about to enter the floo when Sybill came rushing towards her with a suitcase in hand.

“I’m ready, we can go now.” She announced breathlessly while dabbing her forehead.

Hermione was momentarily taken back. “Sybill -“ She started.

“No, forget it, Hermione. My inner eye told me that I must come with you. There is nothing more to say on that matter.” Sybill interrupted her in a firm manner that left no room for arguments.

Hermione was not used to Sybill being this unrelenting, thus she only shrugged and gestured for Sybill to enter the floo. “After you then.” She said and Sybill smiled triumphantly.

Luckily, Hermione had enough muggle money for them both. They would have to share the room she had reserved, but that was alright. However, Hermione was a little unsure on how much she should tell her sister about the Horcrux quest.

“I have never been to a muggle town before, which is way overdue since we have a muggleborn mother.” Sybill said excitedly from her seat on the train to Little Hangleton.

“Do you think I will blend in amongst the muggles?” She asked.

Hermione nodded but thought to herself that Sybill rarely blended in at all. With her enormous glasses and eccentric style, she had a tendency to stand out, muggle or magical. She was currently wearing a blue and brown tiered summer dress with a series of overlapping layers, complemented with a green crochet headband. Earthy colours for better camouflage, she had explained.

Hermione spent the train ride giving Sybill a brief overview of her plans, but Sybill interrupted her. “You don’t need to tell me everything, my inner eye will tell me what I need to know. Also Cassandra gave me a quick rundown.”

“So that’s why you insisted on coming along? Cassandra told you?” Hermione voice turned a little high pitched as she was bit upset that her great-great-grandmother had informed Sybill on the confidential matter.

“No, she told me not to ask, and to trust your judgement and my inner eye.” Sybill explained and Hermione let out a breath of relief and her shoulders slumped down. 

When they arrived in Little Hangleton, Hermione felt that they both stood out like sore thumbs. They were given weird looks from people who passed them by, and first Hermione couldn’t fathom why. Although this was her first time venturing into the muggle world in this life, she still felt well versed with muggle culture. Surly it couldn’t be that different from the 90’s.

Apparently, it could. Little Hangleton turned out to be a very conservative town, where everyone dressed in neat, white or grey, plain clothes, and looked down on their nose when passing by. Which in comparison made the two sisters look like two bohemian nutcases. Sybill in her layered camouflage outfit, and Hermione in her best replica of muggle 90’s fashion; skinny jeans and a pink hoodie. Along with both their frizzy hair, which resembled the hairstyle of a cliché mad muggle scientist. Fortunately, neither of the Trelawney sisters cared too much about other people’s opinions on their appearances, so they continued on their way with their heads held high.

The Bed & Breakfast was at first glance quite unassuming, with an exterior that reflected the town’s modest sensibilities, but upon entering they were greeted by a rustic and cosy interior. It was almost like an oasis from the more traditional-valued town. Sybill observed it all with entranced eyes behind her huge spectacles, and nodded eagerly when the staff informed them of the church service that would be held the next morning.

The staff was welcoming and polite, until Hermione asked them about the Riddle Manor. Their faces seemed to freeze over as they re-examined the two sisters. Before they could pass their new judgement, Hermione dragged Sybill out of the Bed & Breakfast.

“I don’t think the Riddles are very popular here.” Sybill commented when they were outside.

“Good observation, luckily we are not joining them for tea.” Hermione said as she searched for where to go. It didn’t take her long to notice the big Manor on a hill looking down on the city centre. She pointed it out to Sybill and they collectively agreed that it must be the Manor they were looking for.

“Looks well kept but hunting.” Sybill remarked when they got closer to the Manor.

“I don’t think anyone lives here, only the care-taker.” Hermione told her as she confirmed that they were in the right place by spotting the manor sign with ‘Riddle Manor’ written on it in an elegant script.

“Hm, It’s dark here. Bad things have happened.” Sybill’s voice had gone dramatically grave, and Hermione wanted to scoff at it, but she knew that her sister was right. Frightfully so.

“We need to find the shack, it should be close to the Manor.” Hermione said instead.

They spent the next hour searching around the Manor, before they found the shabby shack in the midst of overgrown plants. It was a stark contrast to the immaculate Manor, with its cracked windows coated in dust and eerie atmosphere. Even from a distance, it reeked of dark magic.

The door was guarded by a snake that was nailed to it. After a few failed attempts on opening the door with magic, they settled for levitating away the cracked glass from one of the windows and climbed through it. Hermione reminded Sybill not to touch anything, and noticed that her sister had gone pale.

“I don’t like it here, Hermione. It feels like we are being watched by something very dark.”

Hermione had to agree, as she also felt the weight of unseen eyes upon them, and a cold shiver ran down her spine. “Let’s just find the ring and get out of here.”

The inside of the shack was even more grim than the outside, and a foul smell of rot, musk and dark magic overwhelmed her. The half rotten floorboards creaked with each step they took, and the whole structure seemed so decayed that Hermione worried that the roof would fall down on their heads.

She casted Homenum Revelio, but swiftly recalled that no spell had an effect on Horcruxes. They would have to find the ring without magic.

“The ring, it is very dark, right?” Sybill asked with a strained voice.

“Very dark, can you sense it?” Hermione asked as she tried for herself to feel where the dark magic was centred. She took a big inhale but soon regretted it as the revolting magic made her choke on air.

She blinked back her tears and pointed down at the floor. “I think it is under one of the floorboards.” She wheezed out.

Sybill gave her a serious nod before she inspected the floorboards more closely.

“Wait.” Hermione instructed as she searched through her beaded back and handed over a pair of oven mitts and a fire poker to Sybill. She didn’t have any fancy dragon-hide gloves, so the mitts would have to do.

The two witches had to remove three floorboards before they found the ghastly ring. It was not that ugly looking, it was quite simple in fact, but the dark magic that leaked out of it was nauseating.

Sybill abruptly stopped in her movement and looked ready to throw up. “Can you hear that?” She stuttered.

“No, hear what?” Hermione asked worriedly.

“It’s talking. It’s saying my name, telling me that I am a fraud.” Sybill hesitated.

Hermione briefly wondered why she wasn’t able to hear the Horcrux while she used the fire poker to place the ring in a small chest. When the ring was safely placed in the container, the two girls wasted no time before climbing out the window. Once outside, they both took deep breaths of the fresh night air, before they walked back towards the city centre in a serene silence.

Chapter Text

Hermione felt anticipation dancing in her veins as she entered Platform 9¾ on the 1st of September. Although her summer had been highly productive, she was looking forward to going back to Hogwarts and falling into a familiar routine with classes and schoolwork.
When she reunited with her two friends, she also had to admit to herself that she had missed them. All the way to Scotland, the three of them were talking over each other, overeager to share everything from their summer. While Barty and Gilderoy were not too impressed by her tales from the goat farm, her ritual with Cassandra certainly captured their attention.

“But shape-shifting? There is no way that we will be able to become Animagus in time for Samhain.” Barty was usually not one to back down from a challenge, and she was glad that she didn’t have to convince him of the dangers with shape-shifting and fairies.

“What about Polyjuice?” Gilderoy suggested.

“No, it doesn't work at all with animal transformation.” Hermione visibly shuddered as she recalled a faint memory of herself as a half-cat, best to let some memories stay buried in the past.

“That’s because it is meant for humans only, we could try to alter one.” Barty proposed and Hermione’s mind immediately started racing with the possibilities of altering a Polyjuice potion. It could be possible, perhaps if they added Mandrake leaves or Death's-head Hawk Moth? After all, both herself and Barty were quite adept with Polyjuice in her past life.

“We would have to start experimenting now, a regular Polyjuice takes about a month to brew.” She thought out loud and the two boys grinned.

“But how do we do a ritual in animal form?” Gilderoy wondered and Hermione had to admit that it was a good question.

“By setting up Runes beforehand.” Barty told them and Hermione shot him a surprised look.

“What? I read some books about rituals over the summer. Mind you, my father doesn’t approve of such magic, but Evan lent me some.” He explained.

Hermione’s interest piqued. “Really? You think he would let me borrow them as well?”

Barty smiled. “If your prediction of his sorting goes true, I think he would be more than happy to.”

Despite the fact that Hermione’s reputation was up for question, much like it was for the previous year's sorting, she was not overly nervous. In fact, it seemed like her two friends were a lot more anxious about the outcome. In the great hall, Barty constantly licked his lips while Gilderoy ran his hand through his hair so many times that it ended up with Hermione having the neatest hair among them. 

“Take some pumpkin juice and relax” She said as she pushed two goblets towards them. “Please.” She added when neither of them complied and continued with their nervous ticks. Gilderoy took the glass she offered while Barty looked at it with narrowed eyes. “Pumpkin juice makes me moody.”

Hermione snorted as an image of him being very ‘Moody’ flashed through her mind.

The sorting started and Hermione turned around to look at the Gryffindor table. Her eyes immediately found Sirius’, and he quickly looked away. Unlike the sorting - that sent a nervous shiver through her.

He did look a bit different from the last time she saw him, actually, he looked more like the first time she saw him. Like a proper high-and-mighty pureblood, with his neat uniform and his dark hair that gleamed almost blueish under the lights from the floating candles.

It looked like he was ignoring the people around him, even James Potter, who had gathered an audience with his tales of what she assumed was about Quidditch, judging by his wild gesticulations.

“Regulus Black” Professor McGonagall called out.

Sirius met her eyes again with a slightly challenging look, which she returned with a confused hand gesture.

Regulus Black looked confident and impassive as he walked towards the hat. It seemed like he had acquired the infamous haughty-Black-expression since the last time she saw him. There was no denying that he was Sirius’ brother, as the similarities between them were jarring. Although Regulus looked more innocent, he at the same time looked  like a more cruel version of his brother. He had a slighter build and younger features, but he radiated privilege and arrogancy. 

“SLYTHERIN” The hat yelled out and both Barty and Gilderoy sighed in relief. Hermione gave them a savvy look.

Evan was one of the last to be sorted, and after he as well ended up in Slytherin, Barty and Gilderoy finally began to ease up. Hermione on the other hand, felt a little uneasy after the look she had received from Sirius. She turned towards him again and tried to catch his eyes, but he was busy glaring at his plate.

“We should give him some space.” Barty followed her lines of sight. Hermione gave him a confused but slightly appraising look for his consideration.

“He likely won’t tell us anything, so we are better off finding out on our own. Perhaps we can test out our Polyjuice and question him.” That was more like Barty, she thought and shook her head to herself.

“You think Sirius will spill all his secrets out to three random animals?” Gilderoy asked amused.

“To be fair, it wouldn’t surprise me if Black did that, but what I meant was testing the regular Polyjuice before we start to experiment. We could take the form of his three friends.” Barty chuckled. 

“No, I think we should stay away from the Gryffindors for now.” Gilderoy said in a tense tone. Barty gave him a suspicious glance but Hermione was relieved. She didn’t want to explain to them why the potion wouldn’t work on Remus Lupin.

“We have a lot to prepare for with the Samhain ritual.” Gilderoy added in a whisper. Barty still looked suspicious but made no further comment.

Hermione debated silently with herself if she should reach out to Sirius. Judging from the way he avoided her eyes, he probably wouldn’t appreciate it. Perhaps she could reach him in a more subtle way, like with a letter. At least now she would be sure that he received it.

She told her friends that she would ask Professor Slughorn for a potion room and some supplies, to which they highly approved. The truth was that she not only needed it for their Polyjuice, but also the Wolfsbane. Since she now had all of the ingredients on hand, she had no time to waste. She took one last glance towards the Gryffindor table, but this time her eyes sought out Remus. ‘Don't you worry,’ she thought to the poor boy.

Slughorn was not hard to convince. His eyes gleamed when she mentioned her desires for experimenting with potions.

“Miss Trelawney, I am very impressed. I usually don’t invite anyone under third year to my special gatherings, but perhaps I have to make an exception for you.” He smiled and gave her a wink.

“Tell me, what sort of potion do you intend on making?” He asked.

“Something a bit similar to the draught of living death and the draught of peace. I want to make a healing potion that protects one’s mind by forcing it to stay calm.” Hermione tried to explain vaguely.

Slughorn looked thoughtful as he stroked his moustache. “That’s some very advanced potions, and you are planning to use aconite? That could be risky.”

Hermione looked at him with pleading eyes. “I promise to be very careful and I can assure you that I have done plenty of research.”

After a moment of consideration Slughorn relented. “Alright, but under one condition; I will have a prefect supervise you.”

“Is that really necessary?” Hermione said weakly but Slughorn didn’t seem to hear her as his eyes were searching among the great hall.

“Ah! I know exactly who would be perfect for the job.” He exclaimed with a gleeful smile and a wink.

Before Hermione could protest further, Slughorn made a beeline to the Ravenclaw table. When he came back he was accompanied by a dark skinned wizard.

“This is Kingsley Shacklebolt, 5th year prefect and a very skilful potioneer.” Slughorn introduced him. “And he has agreed to supervise and help you out on your project.” Slughorn beamed.

Kingsley gave her a nod which Hermione returned with a small smile.

“I will let the two of you sort out a schedule, just let me know when it’s ready.” Slughorn left them with a wink, and Hermione worried if he had something stuck in his eye.

“A very formidable and secretive potion project? Colour me intrigued.” Kingsley raised an amused brow at her.

Hermione let out a small chuckle. “We will see.”

“Oh? So, it’s related to your sight?” He asked.

“Oh, no. Nothing like that. It’s supposed to be a healing potion.” Hermione explained but Kingsley looked unconvinced.

“When will you be available to meet up for the potion?” She asked instead of explaining further. 

“I haven’t looked too closely at my schedule yet, but since this is my first year as a prefect, I’ll likely be busy during the weeks, so perhaps we could meet during the weekends?” Kingsley suggested as his fingers played with his Prefect badge that was displayed proudly on his chest.

“Weekends sound good. What about Saturdays, then if necessary, Sundays as well?”

Kingsley gave her a brilliant smile. “Perfect, I look forward to seeing how your sight will guide you with potions.” 

“I-” Hermione stuttered, but she didn’t have time to protest before Kingsley gave her a nod and walked away. How annoying if her inner eye ended up taking all the credit from her hard work, or in this case, Damocles Belby’s hard work. She let out a frustrated huff before she walked over towards her friends.

Outside their common room they waited for the eagle door knocker to give them a riddle.

“What room do ghosts avoid?”

Hermione immediately thought of a desert, or somewhere new and modern, without any history of people living or dying there. Perhaps Azkaban, since they seemed to be frightened of Dementors. Hermione didn’t have time to voice any of her theories before Barty shot in.

“A living room.”

She was about to berate him on the fact that many ghosts frequently ventured in living rooms, but to her surprise; the door opened.

“It was a joke, Hermione.” Barty told her after he had noticed her confused expression.

“But it doesn’t make sense. Ghosts are often seen in living rooms.” She protested as they went over to one of the sitting areas close to the windows.

“It was a pun. Rowena Ravenclaw was famous for her wit after all.” Barty slouched down on the sofa.

“It once asked me how to tell when a vampire is sick, the answer was that it depended on its coffin.” Gilderoy piped in.

Hermione grumbled, she preferred it when things made sense. “It has never given me a joke before.”

“That’s because you would answer the joke with a logical response, which would work, and the joke would’ve gone over your head.” Barty told her with a teasing smile.

“Excuse me?” She spluttered and sat up from her seat.

Barty half raised both of his hands in mock surrender. “I am not calling you stupid, just that you tend to look at everything in a logical manner, which is a little ironic when I think of it. However, the door opens as long as the answer makes some sort of sense, a creative answer or a joke can work just as well as a logical one”

Hermione mulled over what he said. His words hit a bit close to home. “So, it only requires reasoning?”

“Exactly.” Barty gave her an approving nod.

“But that means that our common room is practically open to all the houses.” Gilderoy shot in.

“I don’t think that’s a problem. They tend to believe that they have to find one single objectively-correct answer. But for Ravenclaws, the point of learning is not to memorise the right answer, but to get you thinking. If you find a path that makes sense it shows that you thought it through. We seek understanding.” Barty theorised, and left Hermione speechless.

She had for a long time wondered why she was not sorted into Ravenclaw in her previous life, although the hat had considered it. Logic and facts was something Hermione highly valued. She took great pride in her work ethics and memorising textbooks. However, going outside the textbooks was something she had never been comfortable with. Being creative and experimenting was outside her comfort zone. Yet, she had changed since she arrived at Hogwarts for the first time as Hermione Granger. Being surrounded by the Trelawneys had forced her to take another look at the world around her.

“But speaking of ghosts, perhaps we could ask the Grey Lady about shape-shifting?” Gilderoy brought Hermione back from her inner identity crisis.

“I don’t think she knows much about that.” Barty interjected.

“Maybe not, but I believe she went to school with Merlin. Perhaps she knows something about his ways.” Gilderoy continued.

“It’s worth a try, I guess.” Barty still looked a bit doubtful.

Gilderoy abruptly stood up. “I will get her, just wait here for a moment.”

As Gilderoy left in a hurry, Barty and Hermione shared an amused look. “Did you have any idea that he apparently knows the Grey Lady?” He asked.

“No idea.” Hermione shook her head and tried to hold back a laugh.

Gilderoy must have known exactly where she was, because it didn’t take him long before he returned with the Grey Lady floating behind him.

“Thee seek knowledge regarding Merlin?” She said in an ethereal and haunting voice that carried echoes from the past centuries.

“Eh, yes. Did you know him?” Hermione fumbled with her words as she felt a bit uncertain on how to talk to the ghost.

“In days of yore, I was acquainted with him, a time long past. A most astute and talented youth, he was. He held no belief in the constraints of magic upon his being; and if any dared to inquire, he professed his inner eye had verily assured him so.”

Both Gilderoy’s and Barty’s eyes snapped to Hermione, and she flushed profoundly. “Oh, I see, I mean - yes.” She stuttered. “Do you know anything about his abilities as a shape-shifter?” She finally managed to ask after gathering herself.

“Of certain fragments only am I privy. He, a bold and venturesome soul, did stir the ire of the fair folk with his rites. E'en in his days in Hogwarts, he sought to transmute his semblance into creatures, as if to escape their notice. Bargaining with werewolves for their shape. How, this knowledge eludes mine understanding.” There was a certain sorrowful elegance to her voice, as if she was a guardian of forgotten stories.

“Bargaining with werewolves?” Barty asked with intrigue clearly evident on his face.

“They did grant him leave to don their likeness for the night, on the condition that he would pay them back in kind.”

“But he became a shape-shifter that could take almost any form, was that thanks to werewolves?” Barty asked.

“For such inquiries, thou must turn to him, for I am devoid of such knowing.” She told them solemnly.

“There is a painting of him?” “Through necromancy?” Gilderoy and Barty asked at the same time.

“I know not the means to reach him, for he hath ever been elusive to make contact with.”

The Grey Lady’s words had left Hermione deep in thought, she barely managed to give the ghost an absentminded thanks. She wondered how Merlin had managed to make some sort of deal with the werewolves, and if she could do the same. Perhaps the deal was more of a ritual or potion?

“Isn’t she graceful?” Gilderoy said admiringly when the Grey Lady had floated away.

The next morning at breakfast in the great hall, a big, regal black owl landed gracefully on the Ravenclaw table in front of Hermione. She hesitantly untied a letter with her name written on it, before the owl flew towards the Slytherin table. Her eyes followed the majestic bird, and she locked eyes with its owner, Regulus Black. The haughty look he gave her sent a cold shiver down her spine.

Chapter Text

"I beseech the honour of presenting my gratitude, on behalf of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, for your services in ensuring the placement of my cherished progeny, Regulus Arcturus Black, within the appropriate House of Hogwarts.
Your prowess as a Seer has not escaped our notice, and thus, we deem it most fitting to establish a connection between our esteemed Houses.

It is with great enthusiasm that I extend to you, along with your great-great-grandmother, the venerable Cassandra Trelawney, a cordial invitation to the annual Black Christmas gala. This event shall transpire on the 24th day of December at 6 o'clock in the familial abode known as Grimmauld 12. I entreat you to favour us with your presence, that we may formulate this auspicious union of our Houses. Kindly apprise me of your intent at your earliest convenience.

In the interim, I am inclined to offer you an overture on behalf of my progeny, Regulus Arcturus Black. An afternoon repast of tea shall be hosted within the exclusive environs of the Slytherin common room, a realm reserved for those of discerning tastes. This gathering is slated to transpire on the 8th day of October, at 4 o'clock. I anticipate your favourable response.

Respectfully,
Walburga Black”

Gilderoy read the letter out loud from over Hermione’s shoulder, while Barty was listening intently from across the table. Hermione’s first response to the letter was relief. She had already experienced first hand the ire of the proud House, and would very much like to not have a repeat performance of that.

Her second reaction was confusion with a hint of dread. Why on earth would the rigid and traditional Walburga Black want to ‘establish a connection’ with the most eccentric family in Wizarding Britain? Hermione couldn’t help feeling a bit cynical about the letter, and suspected an ulterior motive. However, her hand was tied; if she declined the invitation it would be a slight against the House of Black, something Hermione couldn’t afford.

Hermione looked over at the Slytherin table and locked eyes with Regulus Black, who frowned and blushed before he looked away. She shook her head to herself and concluded that the tea invitation was something his mother had plotted without his agreement.

“So, you are supposed to bring Cassandra’s portrait to the annual Black gala?” Barty’s face looked like a canvas of befuddlement; his brows knitted together and his eyes looking back and forth between the letter, Hermione and Gilderoy.

“I am sure that she will appreciate an outing, as she seemed a bit tired of your living room this summer.” Gilderoy said thoughtfully.

“Yeah, she usually likes an adventure, as long as the Blacks don’t plan on keeping her.” Hermione told them flatly.

“She could probably do some good, hanging on the wall in the Black’s parlour, giving them advice on how to ease up their stiff upper lip.” Gilderoy commented.

“Do you think that this has something to do with your ritual on Lughnasadh, and interfering with what happened to Sirius?” Barty asked.

“Interfering? He was in danger!” Hermione snapped and placed both of her hands flat on the table with a loud ‘smack’.

“Like some kind of trap?” Gilderoy asked Barty and ignored Hermione’s outburst.

“Yeah, I just find this very suspicious, and why would you have tea with Regulus Black?” Barty sneered at the last part.

“You can ask your friend Evan, they seem chummy.” Hermione muttered, still a bit upset with the whole situation.

The three of them turned to look at the Slytherin table, and Regulus Black was indeed sitting beside Evan Rosier, talking amicably together.

“This can be good. Evan could be our eyes among the Slytherins..” Barty said slowly in a pleased tone, and Hermione and Gilderoy shared a confused look.

“Like a spy?” Gilderoy asked.

“Precisely”

“But can we trust him?” Gilderoy gave Barty a doubtful look.

“He knows me, and wouldn’t dare to cross me.” Barty said with such confidence that left Gilderoy looking a bit uneasy. His face became pale as he started to fidget with his tie, and avoided his friends' eyes. Hermione worried that he might be sick and would miss their first day of classes.

“You okay Gilderoy?” Hermione asked him.

“Yeah, yeah. I just - never mind. We should go to class.” He fumbled with his words as he stood up.

Hermione looked at Barty who raised his brows at her in confusion, before they also stood up and walked out of the great hall.

Their classes flew by in a comfortable breeze, and Hermione didn’t have to pay too much attention to them. Although, she still participated and took great pleasure in answering their Professor's questions with ease. Sometimes, she would give someone else the chance to answer, but she would be quick to give them her helpful hand with her input and correction. Their class probably ended up learning twice as much because of her, something she was too humble to ever admit out loud.

Barty was adamant that they should pay extra attention to Potions and Transfiguration this year. He was convinced that they could come up with something that would transform them into an animal for the Samhain ritual. Hermione, on the other hand, wasn’t too convinced, but wouldn’t dare to discourage her friend in his academic pursuit. From time to time she even fed him some nonsense to motivate him and keep him occupied.

“Hermione, that’s genius!” Barty exclaimed.

Hermione smiled at the praise before she had to pause and actually remember what she had suggested. “Uhm, I don’t think so. Actually, I'll take it back.”

“If we alter the Polyjuice to work on werewolves, we could do the ritual in human form and the fairies would leave us alone, as they can’t stand the half-breeds. It is probably what Merlin did!” Barty’s eyes gleamed with excitement and Hermione regretted ever opening her mouth.

“Barty, no - where are you going?” Hermione tried to rear him back as he stormed away.

“Have to check something in the library!” He yelled from over his shoulder and Hermione let out a frustrated sigh.

Gilderoy was once again noticeably absent, probably at a chess practice or something. He had been acting more nervous than usual, but Hermione chalked it up to being about the upcoming tournament. Rumours had it that Pettigrew had been visiting his uncle, a former chess master, over the summer.

Kingsley Shacklebolt had proved to be a very pleasant supervisor and often gave her some tips with her potions making. He usually had his own projects that he was working on, and didn’t pay too much attention to what Hermione was up to, which suited her perfectly.

Her memories of Kingsley from her past life were only positive, and she felt that she could trust him in this one as well. As he was an Order member, an Auror and a Ravenclaw on top of that, it was impossible for Hermione not to admire him. A few times she had even given him hints of his future, and told him that he would reach far. Kingsley seemed to be quite amused with her sight, and often wanted to hear more. However, Hermione preferred to keep everything about her inner eye as vague as possible, divination was a cloudy subject after all.

The Wolfsbane potion turned out to be more difficult to brew than Hermione had anticipated. Not only was the potion very difficult in itself, but she also had trouble with remembering all the correct steps. The most stressful part however, was the possibilities of any fatal consequences if she messed up the potion. Wolfsbane was infamous in her past life for inflicting both the brewer and the consumer with harm, only because of a tiny mistake. Therefore she spent a lot time researching and experimenting with the ingredients, before she would attempt brewing the final potion. Her goal was to not only make it correct, but to improve it.

During the weekdays, when Kingsley didn’t accompany her in the Potion room Slughorn had provided them with, she worked on the Polyjuice. Often with Barty as he was very eager with their ritual project. Gilderoy however, claimed that the humidity in the Dungeons messed up his hair.

If they were not working on their potions, they were looking up runes. Barty had lent her the book about ritual runes on behalf of Evan Rosier. The subject was highly intriguing and Hermione quickly became absorbed with the book. The runes would undoubtedly make their rituals more powerful and centre their magic. However, Hermione knew that Cassandra would not be pleased with her for jumping into such advanced rituals, and she respected her great-great-grandmother’s authority. On the other hand, it was Cassandra who had mentioned shape-shifting and Samhain, so perhaps she wouldn’t be too upset.

There was also a big Transfiguration test coming up. Professor McGonagall wanted to test what they had learned the previous term and check if they had done their summer homework. The trio took this very seriously and often quizzed each other in the common room or the library. Hermione was in the middle of cross checking some facts in a book when Marlene McKinnon interrupted her.

“Hiya Trelawney” The outgoing girl greeted her.

“Hello McKinnon” Hermione gave a half smile as she was a little annoyed with the disruption.

“Heard you are going to the Black’s Christmas party.” Marlene raised her eyebrows in a challenging way.

“Seems like I am” Hermione said flatly, and waited for the other girl to elaborate.

“Just a bit surprised that you are invited after your spat with Bellatrix. However, my brother, Lucien, is going there as well.” Marlene told her as she absentmindedly touched the spines of the books on the shelf beside her.

“Well, I’m a little surprised that he is invited after his fall out with Bellatrix.” Hermione replied dryly.

Marlene smiled. “Seems like you have that in common then.”

“I guess it does, and that Walburga Black doesn’t care much for Bellatrix.” Hermione said amused.

“Maybe, she sounds kind of twisted, judging from what Sirius has said about her.” Marlene mused. “Anyway, I wanted to let you know that I told Lucien that you will be there, and he promised to look after you.”

“That’s really kind of you, thanks.” Hermione was a bit surprised by the girl's consideration, but appreciated it nonetheless.

Marlene waved her hand as to brush it off. “No problem. Just thought that you could need someone in your corner in that snake pit. Sirius will be there, but you never know with him.”

“Well, I look forward to meeting the last McKinnon brother.” Hermione grinned and Marlene smiled back, looking a bit uncomfortable with receiving gratitude.

Marlene looked over at the books Hermione was reading. “Preparing for the Transfiguration test? Seems like everyone is stressing over it, even the boys in Gryffindor who usually never bother with any schoolwork. I have even seen James and your friend, Gilderoy, studying for it together in our common room.”

“Huh?” Hermione couldn’t imagine Gilderoy and James Potter studying together. Although she knew that they had met during the summer. She hoped that Potter hadn’t corrupted him with his Quidditch nonsense.

“Yeah, I thought that was weird as well. However, I have to go, don’t want to waste the last part of the summer in the cold library.” Marlene said before she strolled out.

Barty joined her soon after, and Hermione considered sharing what Marlene had told her about Gilderoy. In the end she decided against it, as Barty had a tendency to be quite suspicious of everything, especially Gryffindors. Instead she went back to reading her notes for the upcoming test.

The test turned out to be a bit challenging, but Hermione still felt confident that she had excelled. The first part was theory about the basics of Transfiguration, and the second part was practical. They had to first transform a match into a needle, and then beetles into buttons.

As usual after a test, the trio were engrossed in questioning each other to make sure that their answers matched. They relished in debating all the possible answers and coming up with even better ones. It was during this debate that a first year Gryffindor interrupted them and told them that he had a note for Barty and Hermione from Professor McGonagall.

Barty and Hermione looked at each other with a questionable look, before they looked at Gilderoy sympathetically. He seemed uncomfortable as he feigned interest in the suit of armour that stood against the wall. Poor boy, he had probably not done as well as them, and therefore wasn’t invited to their Professor. McGonagall was likely going to give them some sort of award, or perhaps a trophy for their brilliance.

“It’s okay Gilderoy.” Hermione tried to comfort him, and decided to pat his back for extra effect. “There, there” She added.

Barty cleared his throat. “We better get going, see you at dinner then?”

Gilderoy only nodded before he scurried away.

It was a bit of a walking distance to the Gryffindor Tower, and a lot of stairs. At least as a Ravenclaw she didn’t have to deal with the moving staircases everyday. Even after seven years and a magical map that helped out, they had always been a great annoyance to Hermione in her past life. Especially when walking back from the library late in the evenings, with her head filled with interesting facts and theories. Hermione had walked right into the invisible missing step more times than she could count.

Their footsteps echoed in the empty halls, and Hermione wondered where all the students were. It was early afternoon, and the corridors should’ve been packed with students. Had people still not moved on from their summer vacation? Hermione shook her head disapprovingly to herself.

“Do you think there is a Quidditch game going on?” Barty asked as he looked around, also confused about the empty halls.

“No, not you too.” Hermione groaned.

“What do you mean by that?” Barty frowned at her.

“First Gilderoy starts to show interest in Quidditch, thanks to James Potter, and now you too!” Hermione shot him an accusatory glare.

“Wait what? First of all, I have, and never will be even slightly interested in Quidditch. I would rather adopt Umbridge. What I meant was that it is probably a Quidditch game going on right now, since the halls are so empty.” He stopped to explain.

“No, that’s not it. Professor McGonagall is the Quijudge for all the matches. If there was a game right now, she would be there, and not inviting us to her office.” Hermione solemnly explained, but her explanation left Barty with an alarmed look on his face.

“Tell me, what did you mean when you said that Gilderoy is interested in Quidditch ‘thanks to James Potter’?” Barty placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her, but Hermione quickly brushed it away.

“We don’t have time for that now. Look, we are here.” Hermione said as she knocked on the door to the Head of the Gryffindor House, and Barty sighed behind her.

“Come in” Professor McGonagall said as she magically opened the door. Her office was much like Hermione remembered from her previous life; neat and homey. Decorated with red and gold, and some Quidditch trophies and photographs.

“Hello Professor McGonagall, you wished to see us.” Hermione greeted her politely.

“Yes, please have a seat.” Their Professor said curtly.

As they took their seats from across McGonagall, Barty and Hermione shared a confused look at the lack of warmth in her tone.

“Do you know why you are here?” She asked coldly.

“Uhm” Hermione suddenly got the feeling that something was wrong, and she started fidgeting with her sleeve. “The last test in Transfiguration?” She asked weakly.

“That's right.” Professor McGonagall said and gave them both a hard glare. There was a tense moment of silence before she elaborated. “It has come to my attention that the two of you cheated.”

“Professor, I-” Hermione tried to protest but McGonagall held up her hand for her to stop.

“I am very disappointed in the both of you, and I will hear no excuses. As Hogwarts has a zero tolerance policy on cheating, we will have to send a letter to both of your parents, and have a meeting with the board to discuss whether you will be allowed to continue your schooling here.”

They gasped in unison, and Hermione felt like someone had thrown a crystal ball at her stomach. She looked over at Barty and noticed that he was white as a ghost.

“But, -” He tried but was also immediately stopped by McGonagall.

“No excuses I said. You will have to face your consequences.” She scolded him harshly. “I believe that Mister Crouch Senior will not take this lightly” She said with a hint of a small smile dancing at her lips.

“Professor, this is absurd. I refuse to believe such nonsense!” Hermione snapped and stood up from her seat, while Barty was visibly shaking in his seat.

“Sit down young lady!” McGonagall yelled. “Your inner eye has caused enough problems already, and now you use it for cheating. You should be glad that we are not throwing you to Azkaban.”

Hermione was about to protest more, but before she could she noticed that her Professor’s skin was bubbling, like there was boiling water underneath it. She took a step forward to look more closely, and saw that her brown hair slowly turned darker. McGonagall started twitching and Barty gasped behind her.

“Polyjuice!” He yelled.

It was no longer Professor McGonagall who was sitting in front of them, but Sirius Black.

“You!” Hermione spat out in a menacingly.

Sirius Black smirked at them before he threw his head back and barked out a loud laugh. In an instant the office was filled with Gryffindor boys and…Gilderoy.

“You!” Barty spat out and pointed his finger at Gilderoy.

“I can explain…please?” Gilderoy pleaded as he stumbled backwards.

“You should’ve seen your faces, I have never seen anyone so terrified before.” Sirius sniggered.

“This was well worth missing a Quidditch match for.” James Potter had to keep himself up by gripping the desk with both hands. Even Remus and Peter had trouble breathing from the way they were laughing.

Hermione stood frozen in place while Barty was visibly trembling with rage. Gilderoy had somehow fled the scene. She looked over at Barty, his rage was so immense that she could somehow feel it. For a moment she was confused, until she realised that it was their bond that let her feel his rage. Sirius must’ve felt it too because he abruptly stopped laughing and looked at Barty uncomfortably.

“Eh, I think we should go now.” He said as he dragged his friends after him.

The door slammed shut with a massive crash that left a vacuum of silence behind. The tension in the room was filled with rage, and the only sound was their breathing.

“Hermione, do you remember the book I gave you for Christmas, about Voodoo?”

Chapter Text

“Don't bend; don't water it down; don't try to make it logical; don't edit your own soul according to the fashion. Rather, follow your most intense obsessions mercilessly.” - Franz Kafka

Barty was furious. He was also hurt, but it was easier to focus on his anger.

It consumed him. His anger sank into his bones like poison. He was used to dealing with deep emotions, and even when he felt nothing, he felt it completely. He spent tremendous energy on pushing it down to merely appear normal, and no one seemed to notice. Sometimes it worried him that he would one day go mad.

He fought and fought to keep the cruelty out his head, and for what? He was tired, and wanted to surrender to the blissful relief of letting go. The relief of giving in to destruction.

He picked up the blue chest he kept under his bed and placed it on his lap. His fingers played with the ornaments that decorated the top. It was a beautiful chest, one that his mother had gifted him before he went to Hogwarts. Apparently, his grandmother had gifted it to her when she started Hogwarts as well.

There were things that he kept secret, things he wouldn’t tell anyone but his friends. There were also things that he would not reveal even to his friends; but only himself. Lastly, there were things he was afraid to tell himself, and instead he stored them away, where they could stay hidden.

He whispered the password that unlocked the chest; 'amor fati', love of fate. Inside the chest were piles of letters. Letters written in anger, in sadness and in happiness. All of them were left unsent, even though the name of the intended addressee was scribbled neatly at the top. He slammed the chest close and threw it against the wall. There was no point, he told himself. No point, no point, no point.

Barty thought that Gilderoy understood his feelings towards his father. They had never actually had a conversation about it, but it was the lack of talk that made him think so. When Hermione talked about her father, it would follow with a silence from Barty and Gilderoy, unspoken words that hung heavy in the air.

Had he been wrong? He had assumed that Gilderoy’s father favoured his squib daughters. Perhaps it didn’t matter to Gilderoy, since he was a muggle.

But Barty’s father was not unimportant, and although he was easily ignored by him, it was not an easy feat to ignore him back. His presence was too big, even when he was not there.

Hermione had told him that fathers could be stupid, and that he would always have her to rely on. He believed her then and he still believed her now. Hermione would never betray him, he didn’t need an inner eye to know that.

She was easy to read with her emotions on constant display. One could effortlessly tell from a mile away whether she was having a bad day or a good one. Even her hair would come alive and crack with magic when she was mad. Or if she was nervous, she would bite her lip and be unable to stand still. However, he preferred her when she was happy or beaming with pride. Like when she answered every single question in class, or corrected their fellow classmates. The others would of course get annoyed by her behaviour, but no one dared to say anything, since Barty had made it clear what would happen if anyone did anything to discourage her. He was quick to shoot down even the slightest dirty look or frustrated sigh that was directed to her.

Then there was Sirius Black. Barty didn’t like him, partly because he was a Black, partly because he was a Gryffindor, but mostly because of his obsession with Hermione. The Blacks were infamous for their obsessive tendencies, and Sirius seemed unable to leave Hermione alone.

Barty had actually started to ease up on Sirius after they performed the ritual together, and also after he was informed of the danger he had been in during the summer. He sympathised with him, and assumed that he didn’t have an easy life at home. Something that shouldn’t be a surprise, he was after all a reckless Gryffindor stuck in The House of Black.

But then the prank had happened, and it had left Barty feeling vulnerable and exposed. He had a feeling that Sirius had been the mastermind behind it, wanting them to feel as vulnerable and exposed as he probably did during the summer.

Gilderoy apologised again and again, blaming it on a bet he made with James Potter during the summer. He was a mess, with constant dark circles under his eyes and even his hair was not done to its usual perfection. Barty knew that he was afraid to sleep, in case Barty attacked him as soon as he closed his eyes. He had initially wanted revenge on Gilderoy, perhaps doing a Voodoo ritual that would permanently damage his hair, but he decided against it. The anticipation for retaliation was much worse.

He knew that Gilderoy regretted his involvement with the prank, but neither him or Hermione was ready to forgive him. Sometimes Barty worried that Hermione would forgive him, and leave Barty behind.

But Hermione had reassured him. “He needs to learn about loyalty. If we forgive him too easily, he will only repeat his mistakes.”

Barty had, of course, agreed, as he valued loyalty above all. Loyalty was sacred. It was something stronger than anything but at the same time so fragile, and could easily be destroyed beyond repair.

Barty had spent some time with Evan Rosier after the prank, and again he was bothered with the presence of a Black. Regulus Black would often accompany Evan as they seemed to have become good friends. Barty thought that Regulus was the epitome of snobbery, and even more vain than Gilderoy, as his hair was always too neat and gleamed with excess use of hair gel.

However, after spending time with the other Black brother, Regulus turned out to not be that bad after all. He had a dry sense of humour and a thirst for knowledge. He took his studies seriously, something Barty could respect. But regardless of how he slowly started to warm up to Regulus, he did not trust him alone with Hermione, and Barty was sure that he, together with his mother, were scheming something nefarious. Therefore he insisted that he would accompany Hermione for their tea party.

Hermione just rolled her eyes but relented eventually, she had likely gotten used to Barty being extra careful and protective of her after the prank. However she had put her foot down when Barty suggested to spike Regulus’ tea with Veritaserum.

Regulus, much to Barty’s surprise, did not have any interest in Hermione. Whenever she was brought up in conversation he would sigh and rub his temple, claiming that he had to constantly listen to people talking about her at his home. Either it was his mother, brother, cousin or aunt.

Mostly the three boys played Gobstone or cards together, since only Regulus liked Quidditch, and Evan didn’t like to study. Sometimes they would walk around on the grounds, on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest. Regulus took a special interest in magical creatures, and would often bring food to feed them. He would even bring chunks of meat to feed to some invisible animals that he claimed that only he could see. Typical Black-snobbery.

Among the animals in the forest, Barty preferred the foxes. They were clever and crafty, always acting on guard. Not naïve like nifflers, but also not constantly scared like unicorns. They treated everyone with light suspicion, something Barty could relate to.

“Look, the gamekeeper has brought a Hippogriff, never seen one before.” Evan Rosier pointed at Hagrid with a small Hippogriff in tow.

“It’s a foal, come let’s go over and say hi.” Regulus said in an uncharacteristically enthusiastic tone. Barty snorted to himself but followed after without a comment. He didn’t like Hippogriffs, too proud for their own good and bound by their vanity. They also reminded him of someone he didn’t want to think about.

“Hello there, lads! Fancy meetin' little Louboon? He is just a wee bit over a year old. Mind, though, he's a tad skittish, so go easy, now. No need to rattle his nerves.” Hagrid greeted them and Regulus carefully made his way over while Evan and Barty stood back.

“He has gorgeous feathers.” Regulus commented and the small foal seemed to beam with pride.

"Aye, he's a right dapper fella, this one. A bit of a proud spirit, I'll admit. But let me tell ya, a few kind words and a compliment work wonders with him, they do." Hagrid said, clearly proud of his bird.

The foal turned towards Barty and looked at him with his ridiculous innocent eyes, like he also was begging him for forgiveness. Barty sighed, everything seemed to remind him of the horrible betrayal.

Barty stopped and gazed in the direction that Hermione, Gilderoy, Sirius and himself had held their Beltane ritual. It had at the time felt so adventurous and exciting. Like they were doing something impossible and slightly illegal. Magic had surrounded them, filled them and consumed them. Creating a permanent bond between them. A bond that was now broken.

Hermione had expressed her concern about the bonds. That she had overlooked the possibilities of someone taking advantage of them. Barty didn’t worry, but Sirius and Gilderoy should.

Thinking about the upcoming ritual at Samhain made his anger flare up again. He had looked forward to it, prepared and researched. Wanted to do the impossible again. Of course he and Hermione could still do it together, but it wouldn’t be the same.

It was Gilderoy’s fault. Why did he have to be such a disloyal fool? It was like he changed his mind with the wind. Usually the wind would be Hermione’s direct, so the fact that he had gone completely against her unsettled Barty.

Hermione and Barty spent a lot of time researching Polyjuice. He wanted to make one that worked on werewolves, the only problem was that he would need to obtain hair from one. When Barty voiced his concerns, Hermione gave him a funny look that instantly made him suspicious.

“Something you want to share?” He asked as he observed her. She quickly looked away and feigned deep interest in her book.

“Uhm, no.” She mumbled into her book.

“Hermione” Barty said her name in a flat tone, and when she looked up and met his eyes, he raised his brows in a question.

“Alright, but I don’t want to elaborate, and I can’t guarantee anything, but I might be able to find some werewolf hair.”

Barty grinned at her. Of course Hermione would be able to stumble upon some werewolf hair. If he didn’t know better, he would’ve suspected her for befriending one.

“Excellent. The Polyjuice should be ready soon, and then we can test it out and see if our alterations work.” Barty leaned back in his seat, and envisioned how their potion would work.

It seemed like Hermione was also envisioning it, but her reaction was to visibly shudder. “Ugh, I don’t look forward to testing it out. What if we end up sick or boils all over our bodies.”

“Well, there is no way around it, unless we find someone else to test it on.” Barty stated.

“Forget it, Barty.” Hermione quickly shot back, like he knew she would.

There was a small sound of someone clearing their throat behind them. Barty turned around and saw a guilty looking Gilderoy.

Hermione let out a frustrated breath. “What do you want?”

“I just want to apologise, please, I never thought that the Gryffindors would take it that far.” He pleaded with his huge innocent eyes.

“I don’t know Gilderoy. You clearly know nothing about loyalty and friendship.” Hermione told him sternly.

Gilderoy looked dejected. “Please, I will never do anything like that again, I swear it.” He tried.

“And how can we be sure of that?” Hermione crossed her arms stubbornly.

“I - I will do anything, just please give me another chance and let me prove myself.” He begged.

There was a moment of silence where Hermione and Barty looked at each other. Perhaps there was something he could help them out with.

“Anything?” Barty asked Gilderoy.

Gilderoy didn’t even hesitate. “Yes, yes please. I don’t care how risky or dangerous it is. It has been horrible to not be friends with you, and I have never felt so guilty before.”

Barty and Hermione looked at each other again, and seemed to come to a silent agreement. “There is something you could do for us, but I must warn you; it could be fatal, especially for your hair.” Hermione told Gilderoy.

“I will shave my head if you ask me, just please give me another chance!” He pleaded desperately.

Barty’s anger faded a little at that, and both he and Hermione gave him a small smile. He had missed Gilderoy after all.

Chapter Text

“Talk nonsense, but talk your own nonsense, and I’ll kiss you for it. To go wrong in your own way is better than to go right in someone else’s.” - Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment

Hermione had never felt more regal in a ridiculous sort of way, as she sat on a throne-like chair in the middle of the common room, with Crystal perched on her lap, and a hairstyle that looked like one of Marie Antoinette's wigs. It was only thanks to Barty's threatening glare that no one dared to laugh.

Gilderoy had truly outdone himself, as it was his way to make amends. Hermione’s hair seemed to be his top priority, partly because of guilt, partly because Barty didn’t let him touch his, and partly because he didn’t have much hair to work with on his own head at the moment.

Hermione had initially thought that it would be a good idea to replicate what she did to Marietta Edgecombe, back in her past life, but she decided against it and settled for a less permanent punishment. Barty had given Gilderoy muggle scissors, the sadist, and they together had watched a tear-stricken Gilderoy cut off his golden locks. One by one. When the golden locks had all fallen down to the floor, it immediately eased up a lot of the previous hostile tension.

Hermione was a firm believer that no crime should go unpunished, it was the only way to make sure people learned from their wrong doings. Gilderoy needed to be taught to separate right from wrong the hard way, or he would end up as a selfish fraud like he did in her past life.

As for the marauders, no apologies had been offered. James and Peter still seemed gleeful and would often snicker at them when they walked by. Sirius and Remus at least looked a little guilty, or perhaps they were only wary of retribution. Usually they scurried away from her with their figurative tails tucked between their legs.

Some part of Hermione was glad that the Gryffindor boys targeted her with their ‘pranks’, at least she could handle it, unlike some. She was also not alone, four against three was vastly different than four against one. There was no wonder why Snape had ended up bitter, if he had to deal with this kind of behaviour for years by himself. So far Snape had gone unnoticed by the marauders, and Hermione intended to keep it that way. The future already seemed brighter without a resentful Professor who even bullied their students' too big teeth.

Hermione felt that it was her responsibility to teach the Gryffindors how wrong bullying is. But how could she teach a group of selfish, immature teenage boys their wrongs, when they didn’t even listen to any authorities? There really was only one way; she would have to fight fire with fire and bully their bulliness out of them. If they wanted pranking, Hermione would show them pranking. She had after all a pretty repertoire of vengeance from her past life. But back then she had Harry and Ron by her side, who tended to disapprove of her ways of retribution, like with the whole Rita Skeeter spectacle. In this life, she had Barty and Gilderoy, who only edged her on. The marauders had no idea what was coming their way, and it would come when they least expected it.

“You are doing it again, the mad cackling.” Barty gave her a questionable look and Hermione rolled her eyes. However he had a point, she did need to stop cackling when she was lost in her thoughts.

“Looks like you are plotting out your next guillotine victim.” Gilderoy joked, and followed it up with a nervous laugh and a full body shudder.

“Please share with us if you are.” Barty gave her an encouraging smile.

Hermione ignored their comments as she stood up and handed Crystal over to Gilderoy. Crystal had proved to be very loyal, as she had fully ignored Gilderoy after his stunt. It was clear that she had missed him, because as soon as Hermione started to talk to him again, Crystal was once again constantly by his side.

“It was a full moon yesterday, right?” She asked them.

“Yeah, I think so, why?” Barty crossed his arms as he waited for her explanation.

“I will explain later.” Hermione brushed him off and walked swiftly out of the common room. Behind her she heard Gilderoy telling Barty that she was probably going to raid the kitchen for cake. She snorted, too bad Barty wouldn’t take the Marie Antoinette reference.

Hermione walked in determined strides towards the Hospital Wing, while her hair bounced with each footstep. It was soon curfew, and not many students were wandering the halls. If she was lucky, she would be able to return to the common room before curfew.

“Hermione! Wait up.” Hermione turned around and saw Lily Evans and Severus Snape walking towards her.

“Hey, I am sorry, but I am in a bit of a rush -” She tried to excuse herself before Lily interrupted her.

“It will only take a moment, please, I have been trying to find you all day.” Lilly pleaded with her too familiar emerald green eyes that Hermione couldn’t say no to. She gave in and gestured for her to continue.

“Severus and I have started a study group with the main focus on potions. It was Slughorn that gave us the idea to form a group with the best students in class, so we can improve and help each other. We have named it; A Potion Education Needs Independent Study.” The redhead beamed proudly.

Hermione wondered if she should point out the unfortunate acronym, but decided against it after seeing the grim look Severus gave her.

“That sounds great.” Hermione forced a smile, which made Lily grin even wider while Severus kept his stone face in place.

“Wonderful, we will meet up later this week. I think we will try to make a Confusing Concoction or a Wideye Potion, even though they are part of the third year curriculum.” Lily told her with a glint in her eyes, while Severus still hadn’t moved a single muscle in his face. If he ever got petrified, Hermione worried that no one would be able to tell the difference.

“And maybe we can make some improvements, Severus is very good with altering potions.” Lily continued excitedly and clapped her hands together.

Hermione smiled at the other girl before she made her excuse to leave. The redhead wouldn’t let her go before she promised to join A Potion Education Needs Independent Study. Hermione gave her word, and as she left she heard Lily going on about making badges for their group, while Severus grunted in response. Hermione smiled to herself as she envisioned Snape walking around with a badge with ‘P.E.N.I.S.’ written on it. If Harry knew how terrible his mother was with acronyms, he would never have teased Hermione for S.P.E.W.

The Hospital Wing was dark and quiet, with only one patient sleeping peacefully, Remus Lupin. Hermione's eyes zoomed in on her former Professor. He had disappointed her greatly with how he laughed and teased during their prank. He had made her encounter her worst fear, again. She had, after all, witnessed a fake Professor McGonagall telling her how she wasn't good enough for Hogwarts once before; in his class! How they had known her worst fear was impossible to tell, she wasn’t that easy to read. She couldn't be, not with all the secrets she harboured. Hermione snorted to herself as she thought about just how mysterious she actually was. 

She tip toed carefully over to his bed and took up a vial from her bag. She knew that what she was about to do was morally wrong, but after their last prank, all bets were off. The marauders had made their bed, and now they had to lie in it. After all, they had taken Professor McGonagall’s hair, presumably without her consent.

Slowly, she plucked out a few strands of hair from the sleeping werewolf. He didn’t even stir, and Hermione breathed out a breath of relief. Her hands were slightly shaking as she placed the hair in the vial. Done. She imagined her friends' shock, when they would turn into Remus Lupin, and she let out a cackle at the mental image.

Remus’ eyes flew open and he let out a high pitch scream, and Hermione stumbled backwards. With the way he screamed, one would think that she was his boggart. Well, that was ridiculous.

“I am sorry, I am sorry! Please don’t hurt me.” He pleaded and Hermione found herself slightly insulted, what did he think of her?

“Relax, I am not going to hurt you.” She told him. “For now.” She added after a moment, when she remembered that he should, in fact, be wary of her.

Remus watched her with huge, terrified brown eyes that peaked up from the blanket he had drawn up to his chin. The sight was pitiful, and Hermione let out a frustrated breath.

“Calm down, I have no intention of hurting you.” She said in a more gentle tone and held up her empty hands in surrender. Proving that she was no axe murderer or whatever he thought of her.

Remus seemed to relax a little. “Then what are you doing here?” He asked with a trembling voice.

Hermione stared at him while she desperately racked her brain for a possible excuse, but she came up blank.

“You know, don’t you? I knew that your inner eye would see it!” He said accusatory. “Are you here to put me down?” He added with a whisper.

“What? No, no, Remus!” Hermione rushed to say as her heart dropped.

“Then why were you cackling over my bed, while I was sleeping, like some French executioner?” He glared at her and his tone was full of suspicion.

“Oh, the hair, it’s just Gilderoy’s way of apologising. Apparently Marie Antoinette was his inspiration for today. Hopefully it’s back to Celestina Warbeck or The Grey Lady tomorrow.” Hermione explained to him, but Remus did not seem to find it amusing.

“That doesn’t explain the rest. Or anything at all, really.” He said flatly while he sat up in his bed. When Hermione stayed silent he sighed. “You know, right?” He added in a defeated tone.

Hermione held eye contact with him and nodded slowly. “But I want you to understand that I have nothing against…werewolves.” She whispered the last part. “In fact, I once knew one. He was a respectable wizard, and a great teacher.”

Remus looked at her with a hint of hope evident in his eyes. “He was a teacher?” He asked in a whisper.

“Yeah.” Hermione smiled. “He was a great friend and mentor, exceptional duelist, and knew everything about Defence Against The Dark Arts.”

Remus gave her a small smile before he yawned. “Defence Against The Dark Arts?” He asked sleepy.

“You should go back to sleep, don’t worry about me knowing your secret.” Hermione told him in her most gentle tone.

Remus’ eyes dropped heavily before he leaned back in his bed. Hopefully he would convince himself that this had all been a dream, and if not he would definitely think twice before he messed with her again. Either way, she would make up for all her sins with the Wolfsbane potion.

On the 19th of September, Hermione was woken up by Maura Filly who wished her happy birthday and gave her a message from Gilderoy to hurry to the common room, so he could do her Birthday-hair. She was pleasantly surprised when he left it in a simple updo, that even Barty approved of.

It was a weird feeling to be thirteen years old, again. Not that she could remember all too much from her last time. Her memories from her previous life had in general started to become more and more foggy. Of course she still remembered all the important details, like the main points of the war, and the people closest to her. However, the smaller things, like how she felt, her muggle relatives, apart from her mother and father, her day to day life and so on, had become rather difficult to remember.

As for her age, Hermione had always felt more mature than her peers, so that was nothing new. Especially being surrounded by the marauders made her feel like an old soul. Like when they occupied their time with childish pranking, she was busy saving the world.

At breakfast she received birthday letters from her family, along with one she immediately recognised by the immaculate penmanship. Hermione frowned as she held up the envelope without opening it, and turned around so she faced the Gryffindor table. As soon as she made eye-contact with the sender, she conjured blue bell flames and the letter crumbled into ash. She had no intention of finding out whether it was an attempt at a prank or apology.

After the Charm class, Professor Flitwick asked her to stay back. And Barty immediately asked if he could stay back as well. Hermione gave him a funny look, but he just shrugged in response.

“I only wanted to deliver a birthday present from the Eaglets.” The tiny Professor gave her a warm smile. “They told me how much they appreciated your help at the farm, and that you are more than welcome to come back next summer to work, or just to visit.”

Hermione opened the brown package with a vanishing charm they had recently learned in his class. He beamed and awarded her with five house points.

The present was, not very surprisingly, a book about goats, “You Goat This; All You Need To Know About Goats, The Good And The Baaad, by Ruth Eaglet.”

“Corvin tells me that you trained the goats well, and that they have never been in better shape.” Professor Flitwick told her and Hermione had to hold back a snort. That ‘training’ had solely been because those varmints had been hunting and knocking her down all summer.

Nevertheless, she always delighted in some praise from her Professor. “Oh, that’s good to hear, I do hope that they will turn into extra good and stretchy parchments.” She smiled innocently. Professor Flitwick gave her an amused look as he stroked his moustache, while Barty snorted and covered it up with a cough. He had heard all about Hermione’s true feelings regarding the goats.

After the gift was received and some more pleasantries were done, Barty dragged Gilderoy and her out towards the grounds. Apparently, he had something to show them.

They walked all the way to the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, not too far from Hagrid's hut. It was a pleasant, and much needed walk, as Hermione had recently spent most of her time cooped up in the dungeons or the library. At some point the season had changed from summer to autumn, which shouldn’t have surprised her, if she only had gone outside for a break or two. She marvelled about how fresh the air was, compared to the dungeons, as she gazed at the sight of freshly fallen leaves on the ground, that looked golden in the strong autumn light. She much preferred this season, as it was not too warm, or too cold, and perfect to cosy up inside with a good book and a cuppa.

“It was actually Regulus Black that showed me, but I thought you would like it as well. He is some kind of expert on magical creatures.” Barty told them as they entered the Forest.

“Regulus Black?” Gilderoy asked with an edge to his voice.

“Yeah, he is not that bad if you give him a chance, and if you can look past his snobbish tendencies.” Barty defended. “He is also nothing like his brother.” He hastily added.

Gilderoy and Hermione shared a doubtful look, but didn’t comment further.

“Look there it is! Can you see it?” Barty pointed at a tiny golden bird. “It’s a Golden Snidget, very rare.”

Despite the small size of the bird, it was easy to spot because of its golden feathers that gleamed in the autumn sun and its blood red eyes.

“How adorable.” Hermione commented while watching the bird. It stood almost still in the air, before it changed direction with an impressive speed.

“They are almost extinct due to being hunted by wizards for their feathers.” Hermione told them, and looked around to see if the Snidget was alone. It was indeed, which saddened her, as they were famously known for preferring the company of a flock. The Golden Snidgets were quite mysterious, as little research had been done they almost went extinct.

“Also, because they were used as snitches in Quidditch” Gilderoy added and Hermione shuddered.

“Yeah, I thought they were extinct actually, before Regulus showed me and Evan. He also talked a lot about some invisible creatures that only he could see. Didn’t believe him at first, but then he fed them chunks of meat that got eaten mid air.” Barty said amused.

“Thestrals? They are only invisible to those who haven’t witnessed death.” Hermione told them frankly, before she realised the implications. “Oh..” She added weakly.

“Oh..” Barty looked uncomfortable at the ground. “Can you see them?” He added after a moment of silence.

“No” Both Gilderoy and Hermione said at the same time.

“Yeah, me neither.” He said as he kicked a pile of leaves with his foot.

“Perhaps we should go back, so we don’t miss the feast.” Gilderoy broke the slightly sombre silence.

The Golden Snidget watched them with curious eyes as they walked out of the forest, before it flew back to its owner.

Chapter Text

“It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

Regulus Black was everything Barty had described him as; stiff, snobbish and nothing like his brother. He seemed bored to death as he sipped his tea, before he gently dabbed his napkin at the corners of his mouth. He didn’t look the least interested in getting to know Hermione. It looked more like this was just a tedious Sunday chore his mother had forced on him. Which probably wasn’t that far from the truth.

Hermione sighed and gave Barty a pointed look. He had persisted on coming along, so now she expected him to act as a buffer between them.

He took the hint and cleared his throat. “So, Hermione was wondering how you are faring at Hogwarts so far?”

She gave him an irritated look before she turned towards Regulus and Evan, who also had decided to join them, with a timid smile.

Evan was leaning back in his chair, not actually slouching, but it looked that way since he was sitting next to Regulus. Who had such a straight posture that Hermione worried if he had needles on the inside of his collar. Instinctively she sat up a little straighter herself.

“It’s fine, some of the classes are interesting, some of them are not.” Evan said simply, looking slightly less bored than Regulus, but not much.

Hermione looked at Regulus, awaiting his response. He took his time, sipping his tea, before he answered. “I have no immediate complaints.”

“And what about your classmates?” Hermione asked.

“The other Slytherins are fine.” Evan said and Hermione waited for him to continue. “And?” She asked a little annoyed when he didn’t, as she really had to drag every word out of them.

“I haven’t talked to a lot of people outside Slytherin, except the three of you.” He said as he looked at Hermione, Barty and Gilderoy. Gilderoy had also decided to tag along, mainly because he didn’t want to be left out.

When Regulus didn’t answer, Hermione sighed. She had never been good at small talk, and they didn’t make it any easier for her. “I heard that it was you who found the Golden Snidget. Barty showed us, it was a very interesting sight as I have never seen one before.”

This seemed to perk up Regulus' interest. “Yes, they are quite rare indeed.” He nodded.

“How did you find it?” Hermione asked, glad that they had finally found something they could talk about.

“It found me when I was wandering the grounds. They are usually shy and afraid of wizards, but he didn’t seem afraid at all. I also found it quite odd that it resided in this forest, sandwiched between a school full of children and a busy town. Normally they seek out more deserted places.” Regulus spoke with more enthusiasm than Hermione had initially thought him capable of.

“Yes, that is quite odd. Also the fact that he was alone, usually they tend to stay in a flock.” Hermione added and Regulus nodded thoughtfully.

“I thought that as well. Perhaps he is lost.” He said in a sombre voice and gazed towards the window. The Slytherin common room was located under the water, which gave the room a cold and eerie green glow that made the luxurious interior seem haunted. It was pretty, but in a sort of way that screamed; ‘you can look, but you can’t touch’. 

“So, Trelawney, are you going to read our tea leaves?” Evan asked as he finished his tea, and Hermione laughed lightly at his joke. But after a minute she realised that he was serious, and that all four of them were staring at her expectantly.

“Uhm, I don’t know,-” Hermione tried to excuse herself but Regulus interrupted her with a small hand gesture, as if he was her Professor. “I really must insist, on behalf of my mother. She has a special interest in Divination, as you probably have realised by now.”

Walburga’s interest in Divination shouldn’t have surprised Hermione after all the attention she had received by the older witch, but it was still hard to imagine. Walburga Black seemed way too traditional and rigid for the eccentric ways of Divination.

When Hermione still hesitated, Regulus continued. “She recently fired her old Seer, as she failed to see or do anything regarding her latest troubles.”

Someone snorted loudly, and they looked at each other confused, no clue where it had come from. But after a few moments they dismissed it to have likely been someone of the other Slytherin sitting close by.

Regulus turned his attention towards Hermione, scrutinising her, and she suddenly felt like she had entered an unwilling job interview. “So, she usually has a personal Seer?”

“Of course, as her mother had before her. The Black’s have always held Divination and Astrology in the highest regard. The stars and the Blacks are connected, and they will always guide us.” Regulus stated proudly. “And we pay our respect to them by naming all our children after stars and constellations.”

Another loud snort could be heard, and Barty abruptly stood up. “What was that?” He said with narrowed eyes and his wand in hand. When no one answered he sat back down, still looking suspiciously around. Regulus looked insulted and put down his teacup, slightly harsher than he had before, but the effect was the same as if he had slammed a door shut.

Hermione cleared her throat and tried to muster up her best impression of Cassandra. “Alright, let me have a look then.” She said in an attempt to lighten the mood, and the four boys eagerly handed over their tea cups.

Gilderoy’s cup was the one she started with, as she thought that his would be the easiest. She took a long look at his tea leaves. It only looked like dirt, randomly splattered around. Still, she tried to come up with something that would at least sound reasonable, like how muggles managed to talk about modern art, which also didn’t make any sense to her.

“I see…trials. You will be tested. You will also need to own up to your mistakes.” Hermione thought that it was a good idea to use this opportunity to motivate her friend in the right direction. “And there is some danger, regarding…a sport or something.” She added in hope that he would take the hint and steer away from Quidditch.

Gilderoy nodded gravely, as he reached for his teacup.

Next up was Barty. Again, she couldn’t make any sense of it, so she decided to improvise with some advice, as she was sure that it was what Cassandra would’ve done as well. “I see a lot of hard work and experimenting, but be careful and cautious. So keep up the hard work.” She nodded to herself, pleased with her own predicament. “Especially in school.” She added, to make sure that he would continue his studious path alongside her.

Hermione then took Evan’s teacup. She looked at the dirty blond boy and realised that she knew very little about him, except from his unfortunate doom as a Death Eater in her past life. Well, she couldn’t exactly pass up an opportunity to guide someone away from a path like that. “I see a potentially dangerous path, but it’s not too late for you to avoid it. Stay clear from politics and violence, especially when the two are combined.”

Barty chuckled. “No one cares less about politics than Evan.”

Hermione silently hoped that it would stay that way as she reached for Regulus teacup. The tea leaves at the bottom of his cup looked a lot like a dog, but Hermione refused to play into anything as ridiculous as the Grim. The death Omen had its tendency to make people stupidly dramatic.

She settled for something similar but more safe instead. “I see…a house elf.”

Regulus' eyes widened slightly at that, but he stayed silent, waiting patiently for her to continue. 

“An old house elf, uncommonly loyal even for a house elf.” She continued and she saw that Barty nodded his approval. “Its name, it starts with a ‘K’?” She attempted to imitate a stereotypical muggle fortune teller.

Regulus nodded, and waited for her to go on. “Could it be …Kreacher?” She asked with fake hesitation.

Regulus’ eyes widened even more. “Yes, but why is he in my tea leaves? What does it mean?”

Hermione knew that she had to tread carefully, and pondered for a moment how to best respond in order avoid the past to repeat itself. “Keep him from danger, and never let anyone borrow him. Or the consequences will be …death.” She said the last part gravely. Regulus made a dramatic gasp that made Hermione glad that she had managed to make up something less dramatic than the Grim.

Someone, who was definitely not Hermione, started to cackle, before it muffled out. This time it could not be ignored, and all five of them stood up with their wands in hand, looking suspiciously around.

“Show yourself.” Barty commanded.

Hermione had a feeling that she knew what was going on, and she angrily shot out white powder from her wand. The powder fell to the floor, except for one, previously assumed empty spot, where it revealed a very familiar looking cloak. She grabbed the material and exposed to view two shocked teenage boys. Sirius Black and James Potter.

Barty was quick to point his wand at Sirius’ head. “You are done, Black.” He hissed angrily.

“Look, we are only having a laugh. Nothing to be too upset about.” Sirius tried to backtrack, but it was definitely the wrong thing to say as it only made Barty visibly angrier. Red sparks shot out from his wand as he hexed him with the Knee-Reversal Hex.

Sirius yelled furiously and tried to launch himself at Barty like a rabid dog, only to fall to the floor, as his knees were on his back.

“Calm down, it was just a prank.” James Potter said and Hermione felt her anger boil at those words. She shot him with an Instant scalping Hex. All of his messy, black hair fell off and joined Sirius on the floor. James’ hands instantly flew up to his now bald head, and he gave out a loud shriek.

“What have you done? You evil witch!” He cried out.

“Calm down, it was just a prank.” She shot back.

“That’s not the same!” Sirius yelled from the floor.

“Are you a vampire, as you clearly lack any self reflection?” Hermione retorted.

Barty and Gilderoy sniggered. “And unlike your idea of a prank, this was an actual funny one.” Barty commented.

James narrowed his eyes. “Our pranks were not permanent. I will have to grow out my hair from scratch, it can take years!” He complained like a sullen child.

“Not our problem.” Gilderoy stated as he crossed his arms. “But I will recommend you getting a hat, your skull shape is not the most flattering.”

Hermione looked over at Gilderoy. He looked gleeful and she believed that he had, in the heat of the moment, forgotten about his own bald head.

“If you two don’t leave now I will show you an even funnier prank.” Barty threatened and shot out some red sparks from his wand to show how serious he was. James jumped and used his hands to shield the area below his belt, likely afraid of what would fall off next.

Regulus was staring coldly at his brother, who was still struggling on the floor, while Evan was watching everything with light amusement.

“Leave.” Regulus ordered in a low, but commanding voice that left no room for argument.

Sirius tried, and failed once again to stand on his hexed legs, so James had to help him up and practically carry him out of the common room.

It was only when they had left that Hermione realised two things. Firstly, that they had drawn an audience with their spectacle. Secondly, that she still had the invisibility cloak in her hand. She refused to think of it as James’, but rather Harry’s, as he had definitely used it for better things. Even if he, or actually they, had also sneaked inside the Slytherin common room, and used Poly Juice a few times. However, they had their reasons, like saving the world for example, so thought that they were excused. James and Sirius however, clearly only used it for wrecking havoc, with no plans on saving anyone. Hermione shook her head to herself, the father had a lot to learn from his son.

“We need to teach them a proper lesson. They can’t continue to go around and think that they can mess with us.” Barty said and all four of them nodded their agreement.

“It has to stop.” He continued and searched their faces, one by one. The five of them were standing in a circle, and continued to express their agreement with nodding and words of encouragement.

“Actions have consequences.” He said with a finality.

“Yeah!” Gilderoy cheered.

“But we can’t have anything leading back to us.” Hermione said thoughtfully, as she doubted that she would be able to save the word from a cell in Azkaban.

“We can be subtle.” Evan smirked.

“Perhaps Kreacher can help us, no one is better at being subtle than house elves.” Regulus suggested.

“And if he does it, we can make sure that we have an alibi.” Gilderoy shot in.

“Winky can also help, she is also unusually loyal, even for a house elf.” Barty proposed.

“Or the house elves at Hogwarts. They know all the ins and outs of the castle, and they are in charge of all the chores. Most people don’t even know that they clean their dorm everyday.” Hermione added.

“We could steal their uniforms or have them stop cleaning their dorm.” Gilderoy suggested.

“Or; poison their food.” Barty said and the rest of them sniggered.

“What are you Ravenclaws doing in the Slytherin common room?” A familiar voice drawled from behind them.

“They are my guests, Snape.” Regulus told him as he clasped his hands behind his back.

“Oh, my mistake, I didn’t see you there, Black.” Snape backtracked but before he could go, Gilderoy commented on the badge he was wearing.

“A penis? Why are you wearing a badge that says that?” He asked.

“A potions education needs independent study.” He muttered angrily and swiftly fled the room in a gliding manner that only Snape could.

They looked at each other before they burst out laughing.

“It’s Lily Evans’ new study group, I am invited as well.” Hermione tried to explain.

“The mudblood?” Regulus asked but before he could even finish saying the slur, Hermione’s wand was digging into his cheek.

“If you ever, and I mean ever, use that slur again, I will rip you to pieces.” She said ferociously.

“Okay, okay, I won’t.” He held up his arms in surrender while Barty and Gilderoy took one of her arms each, and dragged her away from the scared boy.

“I think the tea party is over.” Barty said while Hermione was still seething.

“Yup, time to go back to the Ravenclaw tower.” Gilderoy added.

While Hermione stomped out of the common room, she turned to give one last threatening glare to the two Slytherins. They both looked like they had encountered a boggart for their first time. Good, she thought, better to straighten them out right away.

Chapter Text

Hermione loved rules. It didn’t matter what lifetime she was born into or what last name she bore; rules were the pillar stone for any civilised civilisation. They brought order and structure into the society. Kept the classroom under control. They were a clean line between right and wrong. But the most important part of rules was to know when to break them.

See, it wasn’t hypocrisy, far from it. Hermione wasn’t a rebel for the sake of being a rebel. No, she always had selfless motives. And that was the first rule of breaking rules; to do it for someone other than yourself. If you happen to gain something along the way, then that was just an added bonus, like if people choose to see you as a heroine, then that was their choice, and their choice alone.

But rules had no effect if there wasn’t a punishment in store for breaking them. Therefore, punishment was crucial. Not only so the culprits could learn to not repeat their misdeeds, but also to set an example for everyone else. That was what Hermione had in mind when she planned the punishment for the marauders.

The marauders had to learn things the hard way. Simply telling them off and throwing some spells at them weren’t enough. They would only see that as an invitation to continue. No, Hemione would have to make them regret.

She had a feeling that the marauders knew that something was coming, because they definitely seemed afraid of the Ravenclaw trio now. Well, except for Sirius, but he…something was wrong with that boy.

Her plan had two parts. The first part was simple, but effective. All the wizards Hermione had ever met, in both her lifetimes, had immense respect for their mothers. Well, except for Sirius, but again, something was not right with him, or his mother for that matter, so they didn’t count.

Hermione Granger had promised herself not to tattle on her friends again, after the disastrous outcome when she had told Professor McGonagall of her concerns about Harry’s Firebolt gift. She had been sure it had come from Sirius, and she had of course been right. Only that he wasn’t the evil murderer they all thought, and the Firebolt wasn’t tampered with. She had been ignored by Harry and Ron for months, and dealt with a loneliness so bad that she had swore to never tattle again.

But that was Granger and not Trelawney. It was Harry and Ron, not the marauders.

So Hermione had watched the horrified look on James Potter’s face with gleeful satisfaction, when Euphemia Potter’s voice rang loud in the great hall. The howler even put Mrs Weasleyl’s howler to shame.

Of course it had been tempting to keep the invisibility cloak for herself. She would probably use it for a lot of good, but ultimately, it was not hers. It was the Potter’s, and therefore she had sent it back to them. However, it was extremely important that they protected it better, so Hermione had included a little letter with her thoughts on their son’s use of the cloak. Also, she had let them know that her inner eye knew exactly what this cloak was, and that it had warned her of the horrific outcome that could happen if the cloak fell into the wrong hands.

She may have gone a little overboard, hence the extreme yelling the marauders had to face from Euphemia Potter in the middle of breakfast.

The next part had been even more satisfying. It had taken some good planning, careful calculations, and some teamwork with two Slytherins and a few house-elfs. Kreacher had been more than happy to help his great master Regulus and to put bad master Sirius in his place. Barty had brought along Winky, and together Winky and Kreacher had convinced the rest of the elves at Hogwarts to put some sleeping draught in the four Gryffindor boys tea.

Their plan was brutal, but Hermione told herself that the only one to get hurt from it was the boys’ pride.

It was a beautiful autumn Saturday. The sun was shining, and most of the students wanted to go outside to enjoy the weather.

Gilderoy had been in charge of styling, and chosen a pillow case for each of them to wear. Evan Rosier had brought along four wooden pillories. Exactly why he had four pillories at his disposal, Hermione never questioned. Some things were better to be unaware of.

So, on the glorious Saturday afternoon in October, the marauders woke up outside on the grounds, groggy and confused, with their hands and heads locked in the wooden frame of the pillory. Dressed in nothing more than a pillowcase, and students throwing tomatoes and eggs at them. Yes it was utterly mediaeval, but oh so satisfying.

Everyone laughed and threw tomatoes eagerly at the four boys. It turned out that the marauders had pranked more students than Hermione and her friends, and they took great pleasure at getting back at them. Even the caretaker, Argus Filch, laughed and threw eggs at them. The boys had tried to protest, but the laughter from other student’s drowned out their screams.

Until Professor McGonagall stormed out and put an end to the party. She had been furious, especially at Argus Filch, who shamefully started to clean up the mess while Professor McGonagall freed the boys.

The four boys trailed behind Professor McGonagall with their heads hanging low. Covered in tomatoes and eggs, and shivering from the cold autumn weather while only wearing a pillowcase. They were the picture of why revenge was a dish best served cold.

Everyone had known that Hermione and her friends had been behind it, but no one had tattled. In the hallways, people had given them winks, claps on their backs, and even offered them chocolate. After all, it wasn’t only Hermione who loved rules and justice.

Hermione let out a breath of relief; hell would freeze over before the marauders would ever consider pranking her again.

“Do you want us to make an unbreakable vow or something?” Barty asked after Hermione had explained, not for the first time, how important it was that they never shared the secret Hermione was about to tell them to anyone.

“No, no, nothing that drastic, just promise me to never tell anyone, and sign your name here and here.” She said and pointed out where they should sign their names. Hermione had enchanted the paper with the same jinx she had used for Dumbledore’s Army’s parchment. Not because she doubted their trust, but if, and only if, they decided to not keep their word; Hermione would be aware of it immediately. Constant vigilance, Hermione thought as she looked at Barty, and laughed to herself.

Barty and Gilderoy both rushed to sign the papers, without any hesitation. “So, you are finally going to tell us how we will be able to perform the Samhain ritual?” Barty asked.

“Yes, as you know, we need to hide from the fairies, and as we found out, the best way to do so is to Polyjuice ourselves into werewolves.” Hermione started to explain.

“Yes, and you managed to find werewolves' hair?” Barty wanted to know.

“That is the secret I need you to keep. The werewolf is a student among us.” Hermione told them and looked closely at their reaction. To her befuddlement, neither boys seemed that surprised.

“And?” Barty said impatiently.

Hermione rolled her eyes. “His condition can never be used against him, is that clear?”

“Yes” Both boys said simultaneously.

“The student is Remus Lupin, and when we drink this altered Polyjuice, we will all turn into him.” She said and held up the potion.

“Ha, I should’ve guessed.” Barty chuckled.

“Ugh, I had hoped it would be Pettigrew.” Gilderoy commented.

“Really, you want to turn into him?” Barty asked.

Gilderoy shuddered and made a light grimace. “No, forget I ever said that.”

“I thought it would be Sirius, it would explain a lot.” Barty remarked.

“Like his canine behaviour?” Hermione joked.

“Yeah, and the way his friends have been terrified of us the entire month, while Sirius has practically begged for ‘the valkyrie’s vengeance’.” Barty and Gilderoy snickered while Hermione blushed and rolled her eyes furiously. Something was definitely wrong with that boy.

“For how long does the potion work?” Barty asked Hermione.

“That’s a good question that we will have to find out. My guess is that it will at least last for two hours. If it ends sooner, we will just have to stop our ritual and run back to the castle.” Hermione told them matter of factly.

“So, we could end up having to run from the fairies?” Gilderoy asked.

“Hopefully not.” Hermione said as she filled three cups with the potion. “Ready?”

“Wait! We should at least bring a broom, if we happen to end up being chased by fairies.” Gilderoy said.

“You still haven’t moved on from Quidditch I see.” Hermione grumbled, not wanting anything to do with brooms and flying, but rather than admitting her tiny fear of that, she blamed it on Gilderoy’s interest in Quidditch.

“No, I- That's not what I meant.” Gilderoy sighed and rubbed his forehead. “You know I hate that sport. Let me get a couple of brooms, I will be back shortly.”

He didn’t take long, and Hermione reluctantly hid the three broomsticks in her beaded bag. Hopefully her potion would work perfectly, and there would be no need for brooms.

They clinked their cups and forced down the disgusting potion. Disgusting was actually an understatement, it tasted like death.

While the three of them coughed and retched, their skin started to bubble and their hair turned into mousy brown curls. Suddenly, two Remuses were standing before her, or so she assumed considering how difficult it was to actually see through the tears that filled her eyes.

“Oi wow, I never thought it would be this strange to Polyjuice.” One of the Remuses said.

“He’s only limbs and bones. It’s like walking on stilts.” The other Remus commented as he walked with large testing steps around the classroom.

"Ah, I missed having hair, even if its this dull hair." Most likely Gilderoy said. 

“We have to hurry up. We can’t be seen together when we leave the castle, so we have to leave one by one.” Hermione told them.

Gilderoy left first. They had decided to meet on the outskirts of the Forbidden Forest, close to Hagrid’s Hut. After ten minutes it was Barty’s turn. Then, Hermione counted down the minutes while pacing nervously around.

The castle was dark and empty when it was her turn to leave. It was long after curfew. The school had celebrated Halloween, and the remains of the feast was still visible on the stone floor. Even the paintings were asleep, which was quite fortunate, so they didn’t risk them tattling to Dumbledore about three Remus’s walking around past bedtime. They would probably blame it on sleepwalking either way, he was a Gryffindor after all.

Outside, the air was cold and crisp. The wind was still, fortunately, since they would’ve to light a lot of fires for their ritual. Hermione found the two Remus imposters at the promised spot, and walked over to them with hurried steps.

“How far into the forest do we have to go?” Gilderoy asked, or likely Gilderoy, judging by the way he constantly touched his hair.

“We will have to go deep, so the Professors won’t discover the traces from our ritual.” Hermione told them as they entered the forest.

She lit some bluebell flames that floated in front of them, lighting up the pathway. They walked in silence, constantly watching over their shoulders. Hermione wasn’t afraid of the forest, but tonight it felt more…alive.

She went over the plan for the ritual while they went into the forest. As it was Samhain, the veil between the physical world and the spiritual were at its thinnest. Hermione had been hesitant to explore rituals that were considered dark. However, Cassandra had assured her, and even Merlin was known for doing ‘dark’ rituals. It was time for Hermione to dive deeper into Divination, especially if she wanted to find answers to why and how she was sent back in time.

Their ritual for tonight would be different from their previous rituals. No Latin words or incarnation, no thanking the Gods or Spirits, and no altar with fruits and flowers.

Instead they would use Egyptian hieroglyphs to call up on Anubis, the ancient God of the dead. The canine headed deity acted as a judge who guarded the underworld, and he could allow them to get in contact with the dead.

Necromancy. The ritual had a bad reputation for being dark. Something Cassandra had only laughed at, wizards were constantly in contact with the dead through portraits after all. The only dangerous part of the ritual was the fairies, but that wasn’t a problem as long as the potion worked.

When they reached an open space deep into the forest, Hermione signalled for them to stop. The other Remuses nodded and they started to prepare in silence.

Hermione drew a large pentagram on the ground with salt. In the middle, she placed a goat skull, and drew the Egyptian symbol, The Ankh, which represented eternal life, or the key of life.

The boys placed five torches on sticks at the end of each tip of the pentagram. When they lit them up, the magic surrounding them shifted, and became heavier. 

Underneath the pentagram, Hermione drew the hieroglyphs for Anubis, or Anpu as the Egyptians called them. She wrote each symbol down vertically, first a drawing of a vulture, then a zigzag that represented water, then a quadrat block, and lastly a chicken.

Inside the triangle of the pentagram that pointed towards the east, Hermione drew the symbol of the Ouroboros snake. The serpent symbolises rebirth, a new beginning, and an eternal cycle. In the triangle that pointed towards the west, she drew the symbol of Amenta, the land of the dead.

The three Remuses went to stand before the pentagon, holding hands and humming lightly. The magic around them grew, while the temperature sank. The fire from the torches flickered and turned black, which meant that Anubis was there with them. The black flames represented the soil of the Nile River and the discoloration of the corpse after embalming.

Hermione let go of their hands, and fished up a rat from her beaded bag. While it was still inside its cage, Hermione stunned it. "Sorry" She whispered before she killed it with a slashing spell. She then used the blood to write down the name of the one they intended to speak with. Merlin. The name was written in English, as it was his native tongue.

While Hermione wrote down his name, the boys started to drum on a tar Hermione had made from wood and goat skin. The drumming, along with the humming, was their way to communicate with Anubis, and to ask him for permission to speak to Merlin. 

The black flames flickered violently, and it was now freezing cold. Hermione waited with bated breath for Anubis’ judgement. If the fire turned gold, then they were allowed to speak to Merlin. If they turned blue; they were denied.

After a few, but long moments, the fire turned white. The three Remuses looked at each other confused, neither had read anything about white flames.

The white flames turned back to black, and Hermione worried that they had messed up their ritual.

“What does white flames mean? It’s not blue, so he didn’t deny our request.” One of the boys asked.

Hermione racked her brain for any explanation, she didn’t want the ritual to go to a complete waste. She found the Ravenclaw Diadem from her beaded bag, and as she placed it on her head, an idea started to form.

She worried if they still had time, but decided to risk it. 

“Start to hum and play with the tar again.” She told the others.

While the boys complied, she vanished Merlin’s name from the ground, and replaced it with another one, using what was left of the rat's blood. Then she joined the boys humming while waiting for Anubis' verdict.

The black flames flared even more dramatically than before, and when they finally turned into gold, Hermione's shoulders sagged with relief. 

“Hermione, my dear child, I guess this is your doing.” Cassandra Trelawney’s familiar voice came from the goat skull. Hermione had wondered if she would remember her, but since her soul was intact, the memories Cassandra had gained from her portrait seemed to be with her.

The goat skull suddenly gained a pair of eyes, or more correctly; Cassandra’s brown eyes.

“You certainly look different from the last time I saw you.” She chuckled.

“Yes Cassandra, it’s me, Hermione. And this is Gilderoy and Barty.” Hermione said excitedly, glad that the ritual worked.

“It’s good to see you again, Gilderoy. And of course it’s nice to finally meet you, Barty. I have heard a lot about you from your friends.” Cassandra greeted them. “You are the one that gifted Hermione the book about Voodoo, no?”

One of the Remuses looked nervously around and scratched his head. “Uh yeah?”

“Clever gift, I always try to motivate Hermione to dive deeper into Divination myself, and Voodoo is an excellent way of targeting enemies.” Cassandra told them and the nervous Remus relaxed and smiled proudly.

“Look, when we first contacted Anubis, we asked for permission to speak to Merlin, but the flames turned white. Do you know what that means?” Hermione asked a little impatiently, they were on a strict time schedule after all.

“White flames, really? I knew it!” Cassandra laughed while the three Remuses waited for her to elaborate.

“White flames means that he doesn’t belong to the underworld.” She told them.

“Does that mean that Merlin is still alive?” Hermione asked.

“Yes, that old coffin dodger has always been a trickster. Doesn’t surprise me the least that he has found a way to avoid death. Probably spending his days alongside animals, he always loved them.” Cassandra chuckled. “But you need to leave now, before the fairies come. I can already see your Trelawney curls coming back.” Cassandra’s playful tone turned more serious.

Hermione touched her hair, and her curls were indeed coming back. She looked at the two other boys, and she could now tell them apart. Barty’s hair turned darker, while Gilderoy’s hair simply fell off. “We need to hurry.” She told them vigorously.

“Light out the flames and vanish the pentagram, and don't forget to take with you the goat skull!” Cassandra ordered them.

They did as she told them as quickly as they could. The flames went out and the goat skull’s eyes disappeared. Hermione vanished all the salt from the ground, and they were soon ready to go.

“Eh, Hermione?” Gilderoy poked her shoulder as he said her name nervously.

Hermione looked up, and saw what she assumed must be a fairy, staring at them from a distance. 

The fairy was beautiful, tall, with long white hair and pointed ears. She was wearing a dress made of flowers and moss that barely covered her.

She started to walk towards them, and Hermione felt as if she was frozen in place. Behind her, hidden behind the trees, were other fairies, all tall and impossibly beautiful. Their beauty was captivating, even though all their features were too much for human standards. Their cheekbones were too sharp, their eyes were too bright and their legs were too long.

They walked towards the trio with measured steps, like predators moving in on their prey.

“Run!” Hermione whispered furiously, but they didn’t get far before the fairies surrounded them.

The fairies moved silently with an inhumane speed. Up closer they looked less beautiful and more beastly. Their smiles showed a row of sharp thin teeths, and their nails were like claws.

Hermione realised that the only way to escape them was up. Desperate times calls for desperate measures, she thought as she rushed to find the three broomsticks from her beaded bag, and handed one each to Gilderoy and Barty.

“We need a distraction!” Barty told them seriously, while the fairies closed in on them.

Hermione racked her brain, but the truth was that she, and wizards in general, knew little about fairies. They were mysterious creatures, and most who encountered them didn't live to tell the tale.

She didn’t want to potentially anger the fairies, so she avoided shooting spells at them, and instead aimed for one of the trees behind. Barty and Gilderoy followed her lead as they jumped on their broomstick to fly away.

Hermione set one of the trees on fire, which caught the fairies attention briefly, before they turned toward the trio again with their vicious smiles.

The fairies unleashed their wings and flew towards them, slowly, as if they were playing with them.

“Help!!” Gilderoy screamed. Hermione turned towards him and saw that one of the fairies had grabbed his foot. Before she could help him, Barty shot spell after spell at the fairy, and the fairy finally let go of Gilderoy’s foot.

“We need to fly higher! So we can see the castle!” Hermione yelled.

Hermione clutched her broom as hard as she could while it shot upwards. One of the fairies tried to grab her foot while another flew past her while laughing and taunting her. “Confringo” She yelled at the top of her lungs while pointing her wand at the fairy behind her.

The fairy blasted away from her, but it didn’t take long before another fairy had taken its place.

“Locomotor Mortis” She threw the leg-locker curse at the fairy, while trying to steer the broom in the right direction. Finally, she had reached the treetops and could see the caste in the distance.

She turned towards the boys and saw that they were each battling with their own fairies.

“Confringo” She shot the blasting curse again and followed it up with an Expulso. 

“Come on! The castle is this way!” She called out.

The boys managed to fly after her, and together they flew full speed towards the castle. In spite of the speed, and the fact that they were flying on some shaky brooms, Hermione managed to turn her head in order to check on the fairies.

They had stopped chasing them. Instead they were laughing and flying playfully around. Hermione shook her head to herself and thanked their lucky stars. 

Straight after reaching the gates of Hogwarts, the three friends landed, or more like crashed, on the ground.

They laid side by side, breathing heavily, while staring up at the night sky. The stars were twinkling down on them, and Hermione recognised the Pegasus Constellation that represented speed, adventure and strength. Hermione let out a small laugh at that.

“We should definitely become Animagus” Barty commented.

“Yeah, don’t want to encounter those fairies again.” Gilderoy shuddered and scratched his leg where the fairy had grabbed him. 

Hermione snorted. “Don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

Barty sat up and used his arm to lean on. “Why? Afraid of the animal you will turn into?”

Hermione was in fact afraid of the potential animal she could end up turning into, but she would never admit that out loud, so instead she rolled her eyes. “It will take too much time.”

“What? Don’t tell me that you are actually afraid of what kind of animal form you will take!” Barty teased her. “I am sure Gilderoy will be a Hippogriff or a peacock.” He continued.

Gilderoy seemed to like the idea of that. “Then I could fly without a broom.” He mused.

“And what would you turn into?” Hermione asked Barty.

“A fox, I think.” He said, and Hermione could see why he would think that. A fox was clever, cunning, and passionate. Just like Barty.

Hermione had no idea what kind of animal her Animagus form would take, but considering her luck, it would likely be a goat or something. A stubborn goat, even Hermione could see the irony of that.

“I think you would be an owl.” Barty stated. “An all seeing owl.”

“Or a dragon.” Gilderoy piped up and Hermione snorted while Barty laughed.

“We better get back to the Ravenclaw tower.” Hermione said as she stood up and watched where the sun was starting to rise in the east.

“Mhm, maybe not a dragon, but a Phoenix perhaps.” Gilderoy suggested while they walked back to the castle.

“Or a Chimera.” Barty teased and Hermione smacked him lightly on his arm.

“Now you are just being rude.” She told him while she tried to hide her laugh.

“No, it would be rude if I pointed out all your similarities with a dementor.” He mocked and Hermione slapped him on his arm once again.

Gilderoy yawned. “Nah, I think a Phoenix is actually fitting.”

Chapter Text

The Ravenclaw common room was warm and cosy, a stark contrast to the rainstorm raging just beyond the windowpane. Hermione huddled closer to the fireplace and took a sip of her tea. The room smelled like sweet cinnamon and apples, thanks to the house elves who had made them Chelsea Buns.

“Okay I am ready now, pick three cards.” Sybill placed the last tarot card down on the table and looked expectantly at Hermione. She was sharing a large chair with Webster, who gave her shoulder an encouraging squeeze before he took a big bite of a pastry.

Hermione was sharing a sofa with Barty and a sleeping Gilderoy. She gently picked three cards from the circle Sybill had arranged them in, and handed them over to her.

Sybill took the first card and turned it around. “Past.” Next, she took the second card and placed it under the first one. “Present.” Then she turned the third card and put it at the end of the row. “Future.”

Hermione was by now used to tarot reading and other divination pastimes, and listened to her sister with only half an ear as she sipped her tea. Her mind was currently down in the dungeons, working on the last bit of the Wolfsbane potion. She was almost done with her altered version, if she could only figure out how to…

“Hermione! You are not even listening.” Her sister accused her and pouted, while Webster gave her an annoyed look.

Hermione shook her head. “Sorry, I will listen now.”

“As I said, the card for your past is The Chariot. The card of will power and overcoming difficult obstacles.” Sybill said and Hermione nodded to show that she was paying attention.

“Hm..” Sybill continued as she stared at the card. The Chariot card showed a princely figure holding a wand, and sitting in a chariot pulled by two sphinxes. “The hardship and losses you’ve suffered have made you better and more prepared. There is a lot of value in experience, and you are not so far behind as you may think.”

Barty’s elbow bumped her gently on her side. She looked over at him and he mouthed ‘fairies’, as he gave her a knowing look. She snorted, of course he would immediately connect it with the fairies, as he hardly talked about anything else these days. Fairies and Merlin.

The trio had spent a great amount of time speculating on where, and who Merlin was. If they could trust their ritual, Merlin was still alive. It was a thrilling thought, and Hermione wondered what he was up to. She wondered if she had met him, either in this life or as Hermione Granger. Or if he had been involved in the war.

“The card for your present is the Page of Pentacles.” Sybill's eyes looked thoughtfully around behind her huge spectacles. “Hm, just give me a moment.” She said and picked up her divination book. She mumbled to herself as she dragged her finger down the pages of her book.

Hermione leaned forward and grabbed a pastry. As she reached them Barty nudged her with his elbow again, and she picked up a pastry for him as well. He mumbled his thanks through a mouthful. Hermione took a bite as she looked over at Gilderoy, who was snoring lightly in the corner of the sofa. His mouth was hanging open, and Hermione felt sorry for his neck. He was sure to suffer for that angle when he woke up.

“Ah! Here it is. Okay, this is a good one, a very positive card I think.” Sybill said and Hermione redirected her attention towards her sister.

“You are entering a new phase. Now is the time to be excited and eager, and you will be able to take advantage of your skills.” Sybill, Webster and Barty gave Hermione encouraging smiles.

“Sounds promising.” Webster said and downed the last bit of his pastry with some tea.

“Advantage of your skills..” Barty mused. “Hopefully it has to do with memorising books rather than tending to goats.” Barty laughed as Hermione gave him a sharp nudge with her elbow.

“Oh, the Trelawneys are doing tarot reading. Let me watch.” Kingsley Shacklebolt said as he walked towards their sitting area. He scanned the table of cards, but his eyes quickly settled on the plate of Chelsea Buns. He smiled as he reached for a pastry.

“Delicious” He said after he had swallowed his first bite. He sat down in the vacant chair next to Sybill and Webster, and bumped his knuckles to Webster’s shoulder. “So, who is the reading for?”

“Sybill is doing my reading. We are just done with the second card.” Hermione told him with a smile. She had enjoyed spending her weekends with Kingsley in the dungeons. They hadn’t become very close, as they were usually too occupied with their own projects to socialise. Also, not many fifth years were too interested in befriending second years.

“Ah, so next up is the future. Hopefully it can tell you how to finish your potion project, so I can have my weekends back.” He told her with a playful wink.

Hermione laughed good natured as she knew that Kingsley would likely spend his weekends working on potions with or without her presence. According to Slughorn, he spent more time in the dungeons than the average Slytherin.

The sound of thunder could be heard from outside, and a small thud brought her attention to the end of the sofa. Crystal, who had been sleeping on Gilderoy’s lap, was dropped on the floor and gave Gilderoy an accusatory glare.

Gilderoy looked around confused while he mumbled something unintelligent, before his head fell back and he continued with his light snoring.

Barty snorted. “Don’t understand how he can sleep through this thunderstorm.”

“Like some bad weather is going to get in the way of his beauty sleep.” Hermione said and Barty snickered.

“Okay, so the last card.” Sybill drew their attention back to her as she held up the third card. “For the future.” She said gravely, and Hermione had to hold back a snort from her dramatics.

“Knight of Sword, this is an interesting one.” She looked around and made sure that she had everyone’s full attention before she continued.

“The card for conflict, destruction, loss and the unexpected.” She told them slowly, and her face lit up in a flash, before another thunder rumbled through the walls of the castle.

Hermione gulped down, but blamed the unsettling feeling in her stomach on the storm outside, and perhaps too many pastries.

“Doesn’t sound too good for your project. Usually, destruction and potions mixed together is a recipe for disaster” Kingsley gave a small laugh.

“Sounds fine to me.” Barty said as he gave her a conspiracy grin.

“There are many ways to become successful and even more paths to reach this end.” Sybill spoke loudly. “Beware the paths that others promise are easiest; not everyone is your ally.” She said and stared hard at Hermione.

Hermione felt a chill go through her. She didn’t like the thought of doubting her ‘allies’. She preferred clear lines between enemies and friends. Right or wrong. Black or white. Grey was so confusing, like divination often was. Too vague, and so easily twisted. Everything could be interpreted differently from different angles, and mean something completely contrary in another context.

Hermione was almost finished with her altered version of the Wolfsbane potion. Her goal was to decrease the days needed to take the potion before the full moon. In that way, less potion was needed for each werewolf, and so the cost for each would also decrease quite a lot. One of the main problems with Wolfsbane was the high cost, and since werewolves were often struggling to find work, the portion was too expensive for the average werewolf.

She had finished making the original one, and used it to compare with her altered versions. Right now, there were around dozens of goblets scattered around on her table and the floor. All containing a different version of the original Wolfsbane, but none had the same blue smoke and distinct foul smell. She felt like she was going mental, trying to solve the impossible riddle.

Kingsley was humming on a happy melody in the other end of the classroom, while stirring his potion in a joyful manner. Looking infuriating put together and at ease, while Hermione looked like a rumpled mess. Her tie was hanging loosely around her neck and her shirt and hands were covered with smears. She let out a loud huff, and tried to tie back her frizzy hair in a messy bun.

There was a gentle knock on the door before Lily Evans and Severus Snape entered the classroom.

“Oh, wow look at you!” Lily's eyes went wide when she caught the sight of Hermione, surrounded by dozens of goblets in the back of the classroom.

Hermione gave her a sheepish smile and greeted Severus with a polite nod, which he returned. She and Severus had lately become something close to friends, or at least more friendly with each other. After she had convinced Lily that it was a better idea to make their study group a secret study group, and therefore drop their badges, Severus had warmed up to her. Lily had been excited with the idea of a secret society of sorts, and even changed the name of their study group. Severus and Hermione had been thrilled, even though their new group was called ‘Potion Independent Secret Study’. At least they didn't have badges.

Kingsley greeted them with a warm smile and a wave, before he went back to his happy humming.

Lily made her way over to Hermione while Severus glided behind her. “Looks like you need some help. Good thing we happened to walk by, and thought we should say hi.” Lily said and made a slight grimace while looking at the mess Hermione had made.

She was about to protest and tell them that she didn’t need any help, but a second glance at her failed attempts at altering Wolfsbane changed her mind. She let out a defeated sigh and forced down her pride. “Yeah, I guess I could use some help.”

Severus snorted and Lily beamed at her. “Tell us more about your project, you are using aconite to prevent the transformation from affecting the brain, right?”

Hermione had during their previous group meeting explained part of her project. Both Severus and Lily had looked intrigued, and she guessed that’s the reason they ‘happened to walk by’ today. While Hermione explained more about the potions and her project, Severus lifted up the original Wolfsbane and sniffed it.

“So one needs to take this one, seven days before the full moon?” He asked with his dry voice.

“Yes, the goal is to cut down the days, so it’s more accessible.” Hermione said.

“Have you tried to use more aconite and moonstone?” Lily asked.

“Yes some, but too much moonstone messes up the black quicksilver.”

“You need to let the black quicksilver stew properly before you gradually add the moonstone, preferably for a couple of hours.” Severus said.

“I think more aconite is necessary, and it should be added at the beginning of the brewing instead of adding it later.” Lilly said.

From then on, they worked together in full concentration. Drawing up charts and equations, while mixing and experimenting with different ingredients. It didn’t take too long before Lily and Severus matched Hermione’s rumpled look. At some point, Kingsley had left the classroom, but neither of them took notice. They didn’t stop working until they had reached their goal.

“I think we got it.” Hermione said as she held up the altered potion and observed it carefully. It had darker smoke coming from it than the original, but if their equations were right; it should be perfect.

“I am sure it is good.” Lily said as she used the back of her hand to dry her forehead.

“It’s perfect.” Severus said.

They were standing close, staring at the potion intently before a smile broke out on their lips. They looked equally dishevelled and tired. Hermione checked the time and saw that it was way past curfew, and her empty stomach rumbled loudly. They made quick work of cleaning up the classroom, while they agreed on meeting the next day after a late breakfast.

The next day, they met with Professor Slughorn, Professor Flitwick, and Professor McGonagall, to explain their potion. Hermione was more than happy that she had included Lily and Severus in her project, and didn’t mind sharing the glory with them. Slughorn was probably the most excited of the Professors, and was more than ready to send an owl to his connections in order to have them published. McGonagall stopped him from reaching out, and told them that it needed to be carefully tested before anything got published. Flitwick had agreed with her, but it didn’t stop Slughorn from promising them that they would be famous before Christmas with a conspiracy wink. Even Severus Snape had smiled at that.

Their Professors didn’t include them with the testing of the Wolfsbane, but promised to get back to them after the next full moon.

The full moon fell on a Monday at the end of the month, but their Professors didn’t call on them before Thursday.

On Thursday morning at breakfast, they each received a note from their respective Head of House, to meet with them after class.

Their Professor told them happily that the potion had worked flawlessly, and they each received 20 House points and an invitation to Slughorn's Christmas party. Slughorn told them that he had already contacted some of his friends who would help them get published, hopefully in time for his party.

Even though Hermione had worked alone on the Wolfsbane since the beginning of the semester, she insisted on sharing the patent ownership equally with Lily and Severus. Their talent and help had been invaluable, and she wouldn’t have been able to reach her goal this fast without their help.

Their Wolfsbane needed to be digested three days before the full moon, instead of seven, which was a huge improvement in Hermione’s eyes. Apparently, the taste was just as foul as the original one, and Slughorn concluded that little could be done to improve it, after doing some tests himself. The potion needed to be done with precise measurements, and if anything were added it messed up the whole equation.

Hermione wondered who the test subjects had been. The Professors had been secretive about their identities, but had let them know that it had been tested on werewolves in different ages.

Different ages. Hermione speculated if that included a certain Hogwarts student. She had tried to observe him subtly during class, but Remus Lupin was difficult to read. He usually kept his head down when he wasn’t laughing at Sirius’ and James’ antics. It didn’t help that he avoided Hermione like the plague.

It wasn’t until the weekend that she got an answer to her question.

She was on her way walking towards the library when she was hit by such a strong smell of cologne that it could put the entire country of France to shame.

“Trelawney, we need to talk.”

She tried weakly to protest while she was dragged by her elbow towards an empty classroom. When the door was locked behind them, Hermione freed herself from his grip and stepped away.

“What do you want, Black?”

“You knew.” He said.

Hermione crossed her arms and waited for him to elaborate.

Sirius stared at her. His grey eyes held no anger or contempt, which made Hermione relax her posture.

“You knew about Remus’ condition, and not only didn’t you go tattle, but you created a potion to help him.” He said.

His stare was so intense that Hermione felt her face go warm. “Uhm, I had help.” She mumbled. “Couldn’t have done it without Lily and Severus.”

He shook his head and ran a hand through his hair. His black hair was on the longer side now, and reached below his ears. It suited him better than the neat haircut he sported after each holiday.

“I tried to find a way to help him as well. Not by inventing something new, mind you.” He chuckled. “But there will be no need for that now. Peter is very relieved.”

Hermione released he was referring to their Animagus project, and the thought of Sirius not becoming an Animagus didn’t sit right with her. “Are you sure you want to give up on your project? It might come handy in the future.” She tried her best to play coy.

Sirius looked thoughtful before his face broke out in a grin. “It might. Maybe it can benefit you as well. You should join.”

Hermione laughed, this was probably the closest Sirius Black would ever come to asking for help, or saying thank you. “Sure.” she told him with a smile that Sirius returned.

“So, have you accepted the invitation from my mother to attend our Christmas gala?” Sirius asked as he leaned back against the door.

“Yeah, both Cassandra and I are looking forward to it.” Hermione only half lied.

It looked like Sirius wanted to say something more, but stopped himself. Hermione was tempted to ask him about what he was about to say, but she hesitated as well.

“Well, I guess I should go now.” He said without making any move to leave.

“Yeah, I guess I should go to the library now.” Hermione said, but the thought of going to the library wasn’t too tempting.

They stared at each other for a moment before Sirius cleared his throat. “I’ll see you around, Trelawney.”
He said before he turned around and left the classroom.

Chapter Text

Professor Slughorn stayed true to his words, and it didn’t take long until every wizard in Britain had heard about the new fantastic potion that would save the wizarding world from werewolves. Slughorn got his fair share of praise alongside Hermione, Lily and Severus, as people could hardly believe that three second years had invented the potion by themselves.
Hermione was glad that she shared the glory, as it would’ve been impossible to explain the making of Wolfsbane by herself.

Rumours and speculations floated around, but the story that most people went with was that the Wolfsbane was made by three potion prodigies with the help of their skilful and generous Professor. There were also some whispers about an inner eye that had guided them.

Hermione could not have been happier with the outcome, even though she had received some hateful letters. Not everyone liked the idea of helping werewolves. However, Hermione didn’t let it bother her, she was used to receiving unpleasant letters, both in her past life and this one. Although the letters she received following the Wolfsbane were a bit more threatening than the glitter bombs from Sirius Black.

The most important part was that she had planted the seed of her inner eye in the wizarding society. Also helping a lot of werewolves, of course.

People all around the country were whispering about the great-great-granddaughter of the legendary Cassandra Trelawney. Which would hopefully give her the credibility she needed in darker times. Now, Hermione just had to play her cards right; if she showed all her cards, or changed the future too much, she would lose her upper hand. It was a fine balance, and she had already seen changes being made that she hadn’t directly planned for. Like the Wolfsbane potion led to the marauders losing their motivation to become Animagus. And her existence here led to Severus Snape not being bullied by them. Luckily, none of the changes had been too fatal, for now. But every small change had a domino effect of changes that ended up out of her reach.

Her father, Almond Trelawney visited Hogwarts on behalf of the Daily Prophet. He interviewed the four of them with the assistance of Gilderoy. Gilderoy had been more than happy to help and assured Hermione that he would paint the prettiest picture of her.

The article ended up containing so much praise that Hermione went beet red while reading it. She had always loved being praised, but the amount of praise in the article made it difficult for her to finish reading it.

The Daily Prophet was not the only paper that wrote about them. The Quibbler wrote a story where they also mentioned Cassandra. They wrote a small article about her life, accomplishments and the myths surrounding her. They pointed out certain parallels between Cassandra and Hermione. Like her name, Cassandra, was of Greek origin, and could be translated into ‘oracle’. Hermione was also a Greek name, which meant ‘messenger’, derived from the Greek messenger God, Hermes.

Hermione found the article both amusing and comforting. It made her feel like she belonged with the Trelawneys, and that her existence here was more than just a fatal mishap of fate.

As the weeks rolled by, it was soon time for the well known Christmas party hosted by Professor Slughorn. Hermione, Lily and Severus were the only second years with an invite. Hermione wasn’t looking much forward to it, she had after all been to Slug Club in her past life, and she assumed that it would be mainly filled with pretentious Slytherins this time around as well. Fortunately, Sybill and Kingsley would also attend, so at least a few of the attendees would be bearable.

Slughorn had not so subtly let it slip that a few celebrities would be there at his party. This information left Gilderoy half in hope, half in agony. He gave Slughorn some not so subtle hints that he would very much like an invite as well.

Hermione hoped the celebrities wouldn’t just be Quidditch players and pureblood fanatics, but some actually accomplished and interesting ones. Rumours floated as usual around the castle with whispers of speculations. Hermione heard some being convinced that the Minister for Magic would be there, and others who thought Celestina Warbeck would attend.

Barty, much to Hermione's surprise, was not above speculating. He was sure that Merlin would be there, disguised by his secret identity. Hermione had first scoffed at the idea, but then relented and promised him to keep her inner eye open for anything suspicious.

On the day of the Christmas party, Gilderoy and Hermione’s dorm mates helped her get ready. Avarice Juniper lent her some expensive looking robes, and Duvessa Ash insisted that she borrowed her jewellery. Gilderoy put her hair up in a fancy updo, while Maura Filly did her makeup.

Hermione didn’t want to be ungrateful, but when she looked at herself in the mirror she couldn’t even recognize herself. Never had she felt more like an imposter. She didn’t look like Hermione Trelawney nor Hermione Granger. Instead she looked like a wannabe pureblood princess. A mix between Pansy Parkinson and Rita Skeeter.

When Sybill entered her dorm room, Hermione envied her. She was wearing a floor-length purple dress made from mismatched patchwork of fabrics, with a fur vest on top. Around her neck, she wore a multitude of beaded necklaces in varying lengths. Her hair was just as frizzy as usual, but for tonight's occasion she had adorned it with some feathers along with a green headband.

Sybill had taken one long look at Hermione, and suddenly her huge eyes behind her ridiculous spectacles looked too knowing.

“You can’t wear that.” She said.

Her dorm mates tried to protest, but Sybill interrupted them. “My inner eye tells me that if Hermione wants to be taken seriously as a seer, she needs to look the part.”

The others could hardly argue with that, and Hermione failed to hide her grateful smile. She mouthed a ‘thank you’ to her sister as she began to unclasp the borrowed jewellery.

She ended up with a look that was somewhere between her original outfit and her eccentric sister’s. She wore her own simple, light blue robe with wide sleeves, and one of Sybill’s feather necklaces. Her hair was down in soft curls and she kept in place the makeup Maura had done. It would’ve been a shame to wash away her friend’s hard work after all, and her skin and lashes had never looked better.

“You look like a true Ravenclaw. Too bad you can’t wear your diadem tonight.” Barty whispered to her, and she beamed at him. It was exactly the look she had gone for.

Hermione, Sybill and Kingsley exited the Ravenclaw tower together. They had agreed to meet Lily in the courtyard and walk from there to the dungeon, where they would meet Severus.

The courtyard was covered in snow and only lit up by the clear night sky. Sybill took the opportunity to give them a quick lesson in Astronomy while they waited for Lily, since neither Hermione nor Kingsley took the class.

While Sybill talked about constellations and asterisms, Hermione spotted a tiny golden bird that quickly flew by. It was gone before she had the time to tell the others. It had to be the same Golden Snidget that Barty showed her. She smiled and made a mental note to herself to tell Barty later.

It didn’t take long before Lily arrived, looking beautiful in a green dress that complimented her red hair.

Lily linked her arm with Hermione’s as they walked towards the dungeon. She admitted to being nervous, and hoped that she would fit in. Hermione assured her that she would, and that she looked great.

Severus was waiting for them outside the door to the party. He was clad in black from head to toe, and his stony expression lit up when he spotted Lily.

He even greeted Hermione with a lukewarm smile. It was decidedly not a warm one, but Hermione still saw it as a win, at least it wasn’t as cold as she recalled it being in her past life.

Both Lily and Hermione let out a tiny gasp as they entered the room to Slughorn’s Christmas party. He had truly outdone himself with the decorations. The first thing Hermione spotted was an ice statue of a mermaid, surrounded by a floating champagne tower. Crystal chandeliers dangled from above, and the walls were draped in rich, velvety red and green fabrics. There was a live band playing in the corner, and people were dancing around them. The room was packed with wizards and witches, all dressed to their nines.

“Do you think Professor Slughorn has put up an Extension Charm on the room? I thought those were illegal for personal use.” Lilly asked.

Kingsley snorted. “Half the Ministry is here, so I don’t think he has too much to worry about. But with that said, I better go and mingle, I’ll see you around.” He gave them a smile as he walked away and disappeared in the crowd.

Sybill excused herself soon after, and walked over to a group of Hufflepuffs Hermione had seen her with before.

Hermione gazed out on the crowd and tried to spot some familiar faces. She saw a blond couple dancing in front of the band and looking very much in love. Lucius Malfoy and Narcissa Black. Close by stood an older version of Lucius, watching them intently. Hermione assumed it must be his father, Abraxas Malfoy.

Beside the buffet stood the host holding court. Professor Slughorn’s cheeks were dark red and it looked like he was drinking with both hands. Next to him stood Mr. Crouch Senior. Hermione frowned, she highly doubted that he had informed his son that he would be here.

Lily nudged her arm. “Should we go over to the dancefloor?”

“Sure.”

As the three of them made their way over to the band, Hermione spotted another familiar face. She had to do a double take to make sure that she had seen correctly.

“I just saw someone I want to say hi to, just go to the dancefloor, and I’ll meet you there shortly.” She told Lily and Severus.

Hermione made her way over to the lonesome wizard, standing at the outskirts of the crowd and looking like he wanted to be anywhere but here.

“Mr. Eaglet!” Hermione greeted Mortimer Eaglet, the older brother of Corvin Eaglet. He was dressed in a simple, dark green robe, and he didn’t look too happy about being spotted by Hermione. She had hardly talked to him during the summer, and when they had she found him a bit grumpy. Ruth had told her that he was a man of few words, but it didn’t stop her from saying hello. She was curious about what he was doing here.

“Miss Trelawney.” He gave her a curt nod.

“It’s good to see you.” Hermione said and Mortimer only grunted in response. Neither he nor herself seemed too convinced by her statement.

“How are you?” She asked.

“Good, good.” He grumbled.

“Is Ruth and Corvin here with you?”

“No, they are back at the farm.” It looked like he envied them for that.

“I see, is everything good at the farm?”

“Yes, we are well prepared for a long winter.”

Before she could continue their fruitful conversation, Professor Flitwick interrupted them. Hermione tried not to take the grateful look Mortimer gave him personally. She stayed for a few more minutes, making small talk with her Professor. Apparently it was him who had convinced Mortimer of attending the Christmas party. Exactly how he had managed that without resorting to something akin to death threats was beyond her.

Hermione made her way through the crowd, and when she reached the dance floor she saw Lily and Severus dancing together. Lily looked like she was having a grand time, while Severus looked a bit more ill at ease. However, Hermione had to admit to herself that she was impressed by the way he was gliding around.

Someone poked her shoulder, and she turned around to see who it was.

“Hermione Trelawney?” An older boy with strawberry blond hair asked.

“Uhm, yes?”

“I am Lucien McKinnon, older brother of Marlene.” He smiled at her. “My sister has told me a lot about you.”

“Oh, hello! It’s nice to meet you.” She smiled back at him. She could see the similarities between him and the rest of the McKinnons. He was tall and quite good looking, dressed in dark blue and white robes.

“I wanted to express my admiration for the Wolfsbane you have been a part of creating. Very impressive.”

“Thank you, I appreciate it.”

“Care for a dance?” He asked. Hermione knew that he was only being polite, and was likely ordered by his sister to look out for her. But she still blushed as she told him yes and accepted his hand. He guided her to the floor where they danced and made small talk over the loud music.

After a couple of songs they exited the dance floor. Before Hermione could spot where Lily and Severus had gone, a wizard approached them. He had brown, short chopped hair and looked to be approximately the same age as Lucien.

“Lucien! Good to see you.” He said and squeezed Lucien’s shoulder.

“It’s been a long time.”

“You should come by the field sometime. Can hardly remember the last time you joined us for a game.”

Lucien laughed before he looked over at Hermione. “Let me introduce you to Hermione Trelawney.” He said. “This is Henry Wood, an old school friend of mine.”

“Hermione Trelawney, I have heard about you. Friend of Gilderoy Lockhart?” Henry greeted her with a warm smile.

“Yeah, do you know him?” She asked.

“Sure. We exchanged a few letters after he interviewed me about Quidditch during the summer. He talks a lot about you.”

Hermione smiled at him as she thought she figured out where Gilderoy’s sudden interest in Quidditch had stemmed from. “Nothing too bad I hope.” She said.

“Not at all, he seems very fond of you. Let me take you for a spin around the dance floor.”

Before Hermione could respond, she found herself being dragged by the Quidditch player towards the dance floor. She hastily turned her head and gave a sheepish smile to Lucien.

Henry danced with a lot more energy than Lucien had, and she laughed along while he spun her around and lifted her up. She was quite exhausted when they were finished, and excused herself to go and get some refreshments.

At the buffet table she downed a glass of pumpkin juice and ate a couple of canapés. They were delicious and she picked up another while she gazed at the crowd, trying to spot a redhead and a black haired boy.

“Miss Trelawney!” Slughorn smiled while he beckoned her over.

Hermione made her way over to where he was standing among a small group of people.

“My guest of honour! Let me introduce you to my other guests of honour.” He laughed at his own joke. “This is Hector Dagworth-Granger, the founder of the Most Extraordinary Society of Portioners. You will likely receive an invitation in future.” Slughorn laughed again while he gave her a wink.

“It’s so nice to meet you.” Hermione gushed, feeling a bit in awe of meeting the famous portioner. Hector Dagworth-Granger looked like he was a few years older than Slughorn. He had brown curly hair that reached his shoulders and a long beard.

“The pleasure is all mine, Miss Trelawney. And Slughorn is not wrong, I hope to see you join our society one day.” He told her and Hermione worried that she was going to faint on the spot.

“This is Perenelle and Nicolas Flamel. Both famous alchemists and the maker of the Philosopher's Stone.” Slughorn introduced the old couple. They both had the same hairstyle; white, shoulder length hair with a middle part. Additionally they were dressed in identical off white robes. Which could probably come in handy if they lost each other during the night. They were quite old after all, Hermione thought.

“It’s an honour to meet you.” Hermione greeted them nervously.

“Likewise.” Perenelle Flamel smiled at her.

“We have just been giving our praise to Slughorn for the creation of the Wolfsbane potion, while it’s you that we should’ve been praising.” Nicolas Flamel said.

Hermione blushed, feeling at a loss of words.

“Oh indeed, indeed. One of my best students.” Slughorn said loudly while he swayed slightly from side to side. “The potion couldn’t have been made without Hermione, or her inner eye.” He winked at her while he said the last part. “Did I tell you that she is the great-great-granddaughter of Cassandra Trelawney?”

“Yes, I think you mentioned that.” Hector Dagworth-Granger chuckled.

Perenelle Flamel turned towards Hermione. “I met Cassandra a few times. She was a remarkable witch.”

Hermione perked up. “Oh, really! When was that?”

“I can’t remember the exact year. All the years seem to blend together when you reach a certain age.” She laughed. “But I do remember meeting her here at Hogwarts, and a couple of times in France.”

“And once in Greece, no?” Nicolas Flamel said.

“That’s right, in Athens during Beltane.” Perenelle nodded thoughtfully.

Hermione wanted to ask more, but Slughorn interrupted with his loud voice, telling them about the time he met a Spanish seer in Prague. Hermione’s gaze wondered, and she finally spotted Lily and Severus. Lily looked flushed and waved her over, so Hermione excused herself from the group and walked towards them.

“You will not believe who we met!” Lily said. “Eugenia Jenkins, the Minister for Magic!”

“Where?” Hermione asked while she frantically looked around.

“She left earlier, before we could talk to her.” Lily said and Hermione let out a disappointed sigh. “But we did talk to our Defence Professor from last year, Haskell Cornus.”

“Oh, how was he?” Hermione asked.

“He was more pleasant and less scary than I remembered.” She laughed. “Likely preferring his Auror duties over teaching.”
“I can imagine that.” Hermione said. Professor Cornus had been stern, but Hermione thought that he had been a good teacher.

“I think we should go back to our common rooms now.” Severus said.

Lily looked a bit reluctant to leave, but she still nodded her agreement to Severus. The three of them walked out of the party together. Hermione said her goodbyes to them at the courtyard, while Severus walked Lily to the Gryffindor tower.

When Hermione reached her dorm she realised how tired she was. Her dorm mates were sleeping soundly, and Hermione made quick work of getting herself ready for bed. Before she reached her bed she noticed an envelope on top of her bedside table. It looked like one of the hate mail she had received lately. She was ready to burn it to ash, but she stopped when she saw who it was addressed from. A cold chill ran down her spine. Fenrir Greyback had sent her a letter and somehow been able to place it in her dorm.