Hermione Snape and the Divergence Point: Volume #1

Chapter 3: Diagon Alley and the Past

Archimedes flew into the window landing on their kitchen table with pride.

"Wow, birdbrain," Hermione groaned. "I'm so impressed you can do your job!"

Her father sighed, sorting through the mail. "I simply do not understand why you feel the need to antagonise the family owl."

Hermione picked apart her toast and stared at Archimedes's narrowed eyes. "How childish do I sound if I say 'he started it'?"

"Extremely," he said, setting aside a copy of the Prophet. "You were two, I doubt you even remember it."

He was right there. She didn't remember it. The talon shaped mark on her left shoulder was barely visible and she doubted the owl remembered it either. But she had more than enough memories of him screaming to alert him or Libby to her every move. That was much more recent.

"Anything for me?" Hermione joked.

"Actually," he smirked. "Yes."

"Wait, really?" Hermione's interest peaked. "Everyone I know is here."

"Hermione," he raised an eyebrow. "How old will you be in September?"

"Ele-Oh!" she slapped her forehead and resisted the urge call herself a moron. "July 17th. Coming a little late, eh?"

"Professor McGonagall prioritised sending letters to the children who didn't know for a fact they were attending," he handed her the letter.

Hermione carefully peeled back the wax seal, delicately handling the yellow envelope feeling the weight of a heavy stone set in her chest. Years of watching everyone attend classes and control their own lives, she was finally among them! Unless...did the school send rejection letters? What if she wasn't...no, she had read everything she could get her hands on, she knew magic in and out...but when was the last time she had subconsciously cast? Something magical children were supposed to do often. Maybe she...

"I promise, it's not going to bite you," her father said.

"I have literally seen letters do that," she gingerly removed the letter and sighed in relief.

Miss Hermione Elizabeth Lilium Snape,

We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted...

Hermione combed through the letter several times to ensure it was real. It was McGonagall's handwriting, she knew each professor's handwriting intimately. The words didn't change as she re-read the letter. She was accepted. Long name and all.

"I don't think I've seen you read anything so slowly since you've learned how to read," he said suddenly leaning over her shoulder.

"Gah!" she jumped before sighing. "Why do you always do that?"

"To teach you the dangers of hyper-focusing," he shrugged.

"Lesson taught, Professor," she groaned, returning her focus to the letter.

"So it's 'Professor' now?" he sighed dramatically. "You wound me, daughter!"

"Oh, I wound you?" she smirked. "I'm such a petulant child!"

"Whatever will I do with you?"

"I'm sure Mr Filch might have some ideas."

"That he would," he rested his hand on the top of her head.

Hermione returned to the letter and began through the shopping list. "Are we expected to dual wield wands now?"

"Expected to what?"