The Secret Life Of Hermione Granger

By Calder Lynch

Chapter 2: A Thousand Years or More Ago...

Harry gawked at Hermione. He couldn't quite place it. She looked older, wiser. But these thoughts were expelled from his head, as he saw a resolved look flash across her face, and then heard a squeal of delight before she embraced him in a tight hug.

"It's OK, Herm. I know it's been a while. What is it? 12 hours...?"

She looked up into his face and laughed, "You're right, I am being silly." Then her expression turned more serious and she looked up at Dumbledore, queuing Harry to do the same.

"Something tells me you guys are not just here for hugs. And what was that thing you did to the Dursley's?" Harry asked, a curious expression in his face.

Dumbledore sighed and replied, "No, I am afraid there is a grave situation at hand. And the spell I used is ancient magic, and is very complex, and I am afraid we do not have the time to discuss its intricate properties. Now, Harry. It has come to my attention that the wards we placed around the Dursley's many years ago, while still strong, are not powerful enough to protect you from a full-strength attack from Voldemort and his followers. I would bring you to Hogwarts, but I am afraid the castle is rather desolate and empty, and would not be safe if you were pinpointed. I am therefore suggesting that we send you two somewhere were Voldemort can not find you. Somewhere very far away. Are you familiar with the properties of time-travel?"

Harry gaped at the wise headmaster and sputtered, "Wha... me... Vold... time... what?"

A bemused expression played across Dumbledore's features. "I see. Well, I am sure you recall the experience with the time turner in third year?"

Harry nodded numbly.

"Good. Now please understand that wizards do not grasp many details about the workings of time travel. We know that there are some witches and wizards, though extremely rare, who have been able to wield the powers of time somewhat successfully. Going back in time is usually not a problem for these individuals. However, traveling to the future is very risky, as it is extremely difficult to pinpoint a moment in time and land there successfully. There have only been a few successful attempts. Hermione is here because she is not safe at her home, as her parents are not magical and could not protect her from a magical attack. I am proposing to send you two very far back in time, before Voldemort could even touch you. You will be brought back at the end of the summer. The same amount of time must pass there as it does here for the return trip to be successful. Understand?"

Harry looked dazed. He noticed Hermione did not look fazed by this at all. Harry just figured it had all already been explained to her. "I think I understand, Professor. Where... I mean when are we going too?"

Dumbledore beamed, "Well, to meet your ancestor Harry."

"M..my.. ancestor? Who on earth could that be?" Harry was looking at Dumbledore and did not see Hermione step behind him and perform an incantation. Dumbledore smiled, with a twinkle in his eyes. "See you in two months, Harry. Oh, and say hello to Godric for me."

Harry's jaw dropped, but before he could say anything, Privet Drive dissolved around him in a swirl of color.

This was worse than a portkey. Harry felt as though his body was flying back at the speed of light. And as suddenly as it began, it stopped. Harry's feet thudded on the ground.

"Whoa... that was some ride," Harry said. "Where are we?"

Hermione smiled. "Look up."

And he did, and smiled. He was home. "Hogwarts. Boy, it hasn't changed a bit in a thousand years, has it?"

Hermione suddenly became misty eyed and looked nostalgic. "No, no it hasn't."

Harry frowned, "Are you OK?"

She seemed to snap out of her reverie. "Yeah, of course. I am fine."

"What do we do now?", asked Harry, looking around in awe.

"We go to the school," said Hermione, with a determined glint in her eye.

"Oh yeah, and what do we say, 'Hello. We're from the future and we were wondering if we could stay here. They'd throw us in the loony bin."

"Not necessarily," was all Hermione said.

So, they began walking up the walk to the castle doors. But when they got there, they discovered somebody waiting. She was a beautiful witch, with long dark hair that cascaded over midnight blue robes that swayed in the gentle breeze. She looked so familiar to Harry, but he couldn't quite place it.

"Hello there," she said. "May I ask what business you have here?" She looked startled and was gazing at Hermione in confused disbelief. Harry turned his view to Hermione and noted that she wore a similar expression. Something strange was definitely going on here.

"We are here for protection. Harry here is the heir to Godric Gryffindor. In our time, many years in the future, a very dark wizard is seeking to destroy him. That cannot be allowed to happen, so our wise and powerful Headmaster has sent us to the past to be safe for the summer months. May I ask what date is it here today?"

Harry gaped at Hermione. She exhibited a level of wisdom and power he had never seen before. He also noticed the resemblance between Hermione and the witch standing there, very strange.

The witch stood wide-eyed looking at them. Then a since of recognition came over her face. This must be my descendent! And the boy... he looked just like Godric did at that age. Perhaps history was repeating itself...

"Certainly, it is October 9^th."

"I see, that makes things slightly more simple. I knew we wouldn't land on the exact date we left, but as long as we stay the length of time that is needed to pass in the future, everything should be all right. I can calculate our departure date tonight. I presume you are Rowena Ravenclaw?" Hermione said, with a slight smile on her face.

"Certainly", she said beaming. Harry gaped at her. THIS was ROWENA RAVENCLAW! She continued, however, "And you must be..."

"Hermione. Hermione Granger. And this is Harry Potter."

Rowena finally focused on Harry. "Godric will simply be thrilled to meet you. I don't doubt the two of you will find many things in common. I imagine the best thing to do is pretend you two are new students, who have been home-schooled up to this point. This is a common occurrence. We can say you are brother and sister. That will explain your coinciding arrivals. We should keep your first names for convenience, but it might be best to fashion new last names. Any ideas?"

Hermione beamed, "Anything would do. Would Robinson be sufficient."

"That would do nicely."

Harry just stood to the side and surveyed the conversation. Something strange was definitely going on here. But he didn't have time to ponder it as Professor Ravenclaw led them to the Great Hall.

A/N Will Harry figure out Hermione's secret? What will "just-founded" Hogwarts be like? Next chapter: More founders, more teachers, classes, and some new classmates!