Timeless Charm (Tomione fanfic)

Chapter 7: On the Ice

As Hermione entered Professor Dumbledore's office, the old wizard looked up from his desk, surprise flickering briefly across his features as he registered her presence. "Miss Granger," he greeted, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity. "To what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?"

Hermione met his gaze with determination, a small smile playing at the corners of her lips. "Professor Dumbledore," she began, her tone confident, "I hope you don't mind that I've learned the password to your office. It seemed rather important."

A twinkle of amusement danced in Dumbledore's eyes as he regarded her. "Indeed, Miss Granger, resourcefulness is a quality I've come to expect from you," he remarked, his lips quirking into a knowing smile.

Before Dumbledore could inquire further, Hermione's attention shifted to a corner of the room where a birdbath-like statue stood, its surface shimmering with an ethereal glow. "Professor," she said, her voice tinged with urgency, "may I request a moment to use this statue?"

Dumbledore's brow furrowed slightly, but he nodded in acquiescence. "Of course, Miss Granger. Feel free to use whatever resources you require."

With a determined nod, Hermione approached the statue, her wand poised and ready. Blue and white liquid began to coalesce within the basin, swirling with an otherworldly energy.

As Hermione placed her wand to her temple, Dumbledore's eyes widened in understanding. He moved closer, his expression a mix of concern and curiosity.

"Hermione," he began, his voice gentle yet firm, "what are you planning to do?"

Hermione met his gaze, her resolve unyielding. "I need to perform a memory extraction spell, Professor," she explained, her voice steady. "There are truths that need to be uncovered, for the sake of all."

Dumbledore's gaze softened, his trust in Hermione unwavering. "Very well, my dear," he said, placing a hand on her shoulder in a gesture of support. "May your endeavors bring clarity and peace."

With a steady hand, Hermione pressed the tip of her wand to her temple, her brow furrowing with concentration as she focused her magic on the task at hand. A sharp intake of breath escaped her lips as she began to slowly withdraw the wand, a long, silver strand trailing in its wake. The pain was intense, a searing agony that threatened to overwhelm her, but Hermione gritted her teeth and persevered. This pain, she knew, was a small price to pay for the truth that lay hidden within her memories.

As the silver strand emerged, it began to coil and twist, forming intricate patterns in the air before solidifying into a shimmering pool of liquid silver. Blue and white wisps swirled within the pool, transforming into a mesmerizing display of silver light.

With trembling hands, Hermione stepped back, allowing Dumbledore to peer into the depths of the memory she had extracted. The scene unfolded before them, a vivid tableau of chaos and destruction.

In the birdbath, the liquid silver shimmered and shifted, casting flickering images upon its surface. The battle of Hogwarts erupted in all its fury, the clash of spells and the roar of dark magic echoing through the air. Voldemort's forces surged forward, their dark figures blotting out the moonlight as they advanced upon the castle walls.

Five minutes passed in tense silence as Dumbledore watched the events unfold, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. The magnitude of what he had just witnessed left him reeling, his mind struggling to comprehend the enormity of the struggle that lay ahead.

Slowly, Dumbledore raised his head, his eyes meeting Hermione's with a somber intensity. "I cannot believe what I have just seen," he murmured, his voice heavy with emotion. "But I thank you, Hermione, for showing me the truth."