A Second Channe Through Time

CHAPTER THREE

Page count: 17

Unknown Location - Sunday 8th November 1981

Hermione landed on her feet—then immediately slipped and fell flat on her back with a yelp.

Four pairs of amused eyes looked down at her. A beat of silence... then all of them burst into laughter.

Hermione groaned and pushed herself upright, brushing dust from her jacket.
"Apparently, you're still rubbish at Apparition," she muttered. "And here I thought you'd just gotten worse with age, Sirius. Turns out you actually improved."

Sirius scowled. "Yeah? Well—" He stalled, clearly finding no comeback.

Remus snorted. James barked a laugh. Even baby Harry squealed in amusement. Hermione allowed a smug little smirk.

"Let's go inside," Remus chuckled, tapping his wand against the door in an intricate sequence. It swung open with a soft hum of protective spells.

The interior was stark—windowless white walls, polished wooden floors, and a long table surrounded by chairs. The air shimmered faintly with layered security wards. This place was meant to be safe. Impenetrable.

Faces turned as they entered. Some she knew instantly—Arthur and Molly Weasley, Kingsley, McGonagall, Snape, Moody. Others she recognised only from photographs and history books.

Her gaze snagged—and her breath caught.

Two red-haired men sat near Molly, identical down to the set of their shoulders and twin sharp grins. Fabian and Gideon Prewett.

Alive.

Hermione's heart twisted painfully. Molly's brothers. They lived. She swallowed hard. The twins in my time grew up with no uncles. Not this time.

Molly noticed her staring and followed her gaze, pride softening her features.

Hermione forced herself to breathe. Focus.

Several Order members eyed her warily. Arthur offered a warm smile; Moody looked ready to hex her on sight.

Remus took a seat beside James, who settled Harry on his knee. Sirius dropped into the chair nearest Hermione. She took the seat opposite Dumbledore.

"Now that everyone is here," Dumbledore began, "we can begin."

Moody's magical eye spun toward James. "Why'd you bring the kid?" he growled.

Before James could answer, Hermione spoke. "Because I need him here."

Moody's head snapped toward her. "And how, exactly, do you know anything, girl? We're sure she's not a spy? I bet she's a Death Eater plant. Who are you? Why are you here? Plan to betray us? What's your interest in the boy? Potter here destroyed You-Know-Who—want revenge? Planning to take the lad hostage?"

Hermione stared at him, unimpressed. Then she sighed. "If you'd stop frothing at the mouth long enough to let me speak, you paranoid muppet, I could explain."

A ripple of laughter moved around the table. Moody's magical eye whirred furiously.

Fabian and Gideon exchanged grins. "I like her," they said in perfect unison.

Hermione dipped her head in greeting, warmth blooming in her chest despite the tension. They lived. They're here.

And now, she would make sure they stayed that way.

Silence settled over the room as Dumbledore rose.

"Miss Granger has critical information regarding Voldemort."