Braving the Past

Chapter 1: The Time-Turner

As you all have figured out, this is a Tomione fanfiction. Now I know that because Tom Riddle was conceived under the effects of a love potion, he can't love, but this is a fanfiction so imma do whatever I want :D I also include a couple minor details from the movies, but I promise, I try my hardest to stick to the amazing books.

I hope you guys enjoy this! It's a bit of a dark story, but hopefully not too dark for y'all. Do let me know what you think!

《 ▪ 》

In the thick of war, some things stick out to the mind more than others. The fight for life is more important than attention to detail.

Details such as thick blocks of cement that used to be part of a beautiful castle. Or the night sky that housed millions of stars covered by thick smoke. Or a lone wand on the ground, separated from its owner.

What stuck out to Hermione were the Death Eaters that far outnumbered the Order of the Phoenix, and those who fought for freedom and peace.

She didn't look to see if whoever fell to the ground was Death Eater or friend. She didn't focus on what the puddles she stepped in may consist of.

Instead, she focused on the fire that warmed the side of her face. She focused on her opponent, who cackled as he drove her back, away from the others.

Voldemort had attacked Hogwarts Castle as planned. And while they'd had a good start to their defenses, everything around her now stood in ruins. She, Ron, and Harry had been separated as soon as they had breached the front grounds.

They were barraged by acromantulas first, then encountered a wave of Death Eaters, but it wasn't until the giants came at them that they each had to throw themselves in a different direction.

She didn't know if Harry had successfully navigated the war zone to get to the docks as they had planned. But that was another worry that she didn't have room in her mind to linger on. She was fighting for her life.

Hermione now cast a stupefy barely fast enough that sent her assailant flying back.

"Ron!" she shouted, turning in circles in search of the red-head. "Ron!"

"Hermione, move!" a desperate voice shouted.

She twisted on the spot just as a curse was sent her way. It struck her shoulder and sent her whirling through the air, crashing onto the rubble-strewn ground, and rolling a few more feet.

She opened her eyes briefly to see Bellatrix Lestrange laughing loudly as she waltzed over to Hermione. A figure jumped in front of her just in time to battle Bellatrix, and Hermione's consciousness gave way to darkness.

《 ▪ 》

When Hermione next opened her eyes, it didn't seem like much time had passed as the night sky was still only lit by flames and smoke. But that wasn't what sent her heart knocking against her chest.

It was the silence.

There were no more spells shouted, no more sharp laughter or terrified screams. All was quiet except for the sparks of fire and occasional shift of debris falling from the historic Hogwarts building.

Her entire body ached, but Hermione made her limbs move and pushed herself off the ground, rocks cutting her already bloody hands. The moment her vision cleared enough for her to observe her surroundings, her hand flew up to stop the wail that would have escaped her throat.

Ron lay in a crumpled heap near her feet, slashes across his face. Had he been the one to defend her from Bellatrix? She immediately fell to the ground, her hands flying to his shoulders to shake him awake.