A Second Channe Through Time

CHAPTER ELEVEN

Page count: 20

The Burrow - Monday 21st December 1981

"Thank you for watching him, Molly," James said gratefully as he handed Harry over. Molly accepted the toddler with practised ease, already bouncing him on her hip while Ginny cooed curiously from her cot.

"Oh, it's no trouble at all, dear," she assured him warmly. "I imagine whatever you're doing is important—and Harry shouldn't be anywhere near danger."

"It is important," Hermione confirmed. "It's the next step in taking down undesirable number one."

Molly blinked. Arthur paused mid–buttoning his cloak. Charlie, halfway through peeling an orange, froze.

"What?" four confused Weasley voices chorused.

Hermione snorted. "Inside joke. You wouldn't get it yet."

Sirius clapped her on the back. "Just trust us, Molly. Bureaucratic nightmares and questionable Ministry lists exist in the future."

"That does not make me feel better," Molly deadpanned.

Hermione smiled at her. "We'll only be a few hours."

"Take all the time you need," Molly said, softening. "Good luck—and be careful, all of you."

The four Marauders straightened instinctively, sharing a look that was half mischief, half determination.

They snapped into identical mock-salutes.

"Yes, Mum," Sirius said with exaggerated seriousness.

Hermione elbowed him; Remus sighed through a smile; James nearly snorted.

With that, they turned on their heels in perfect sync—four cloaks sweeping dramatically behind them—and headed out the Burrow's front door toward the Apparition point, ready to take on the Room of Hidden Things.

~000~000~000~

Hogwarts

Hermione and the Marauders stepped through the tall wrought-iron gates leading into the grounds, frost cracking beneath their boots as they made their way up the familiar sloping path toward the castle. Snow drifted lazily from the pale grey sky, settling in Hermione's curls, on her eyelashes, and across the shoulders of her cloak.

There were no students about—only the quiet hush of winter. The school term had ended on Friday, leaving the school eerily still.

Hermione slowed... then stopped entirely.

James paused mid-step, turning back when he realised she'd fallen behind. "You okay?"

She didn't answer right away—her eyes fixed on the castle, as though she were staring through time itself.

"Yes," she murmured eventually. "It's just... the last time I saw Hogwarts, it was in pieces at my feet. Surrounded by bodies."

The men exchanged grim looks, cursing themselves for not considering how hard returning would be.

"That won't happen again," Remus said gently, his voice soft but unwavering.

Hermione nodded, though her shoulders were tight.

James moved to her side without hesitation, sliding an arm around her and pulling her against him. She let out a slow breath, leaning into him as he guided her onward.

Sirius smirked to himself as he followed.

Prewett Twins don't stand a chance, he thought smugly.