Lost in time

Hermione Dumbledore

If Dumbledore was shocked about what he had just been told, he didn't show it. His face had remained emotionless throughout the time that Hermione told him about what had happened to her. Dumbledore nodded his head slowly, taking in everything that he had been told before turning to face the anxious young witch before him. He didn't need any proof to believe her, something just told him to believe that she was telling the truth.

"In the time that you are here at Hogwarts, I will introduce you as my niece. If anyone asks, you have transferred from Beauxbatons in France. Do not tell anyone about how you really got here. If anyone asks, say that you were tortured because of your relation to me. Tell them that Voldemort did it to get to me." Hermione nodded as Dumbledore stood up. "Once you are discharged from the hospital wing, you can start going to the classes. Try to fit in and make some new friends. You will need them. But remember, you are not alone, even if you feel like you are. Please do not hesitate to come to my office if you need me." He began walking out, pulling away the curtain that surrounded Hermione's bed. He turned around once again to face her before speaking. "Remember, help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it." And with that he walked away to his office, leaving Hermione to her thoughts as he began thinking about possible horcruxes.

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Hermione was discharged from the hospital wing on Monday by a reluctant Madame Pomphrey after Hermione had received an owl from Dumbledore, asking to meet him in his office that morning. She was still covered in scars and cuts that were just healing and her body still ached from the pain she had felt just that previous week. Since being in the hospital wing Hermione had started to have nightmares, all of which featured Bellatrix, either torturing Hermione or any of her friends. She had tried to convince herself that Bellatrix was dead but her hyperactive mind reminded her that now, Bellatrix was again alive, even if she was nothing more than a student, just like her.

Alone, Hermione trudged through the castle, making her way to Dumbledore's office. Her footsteps broke the spell of silence that lay on the corridor which left Hermione to her thoughts again. Caught in her daze, she didn't see the oncoming figure that approached her. The figure had his head down, nose in a book and he also didn't notice the only other person on the corridor.

The two strangers walked into each other, throwing each other back. Instinctively, Hermione pulled out her wand, aiming it at the sandy haired boy in front of her. He looked familiar to her. So familiar yet so unfamiliar. Just like everything in the place. Dropping his book, the figure raised both hands with a look of panic on his face that made Hermione laugh, even if it caused pain in her stomach that was currently wrapped in bandages.

"Hi.... um.... I'm Remus. Remus Lupin." The boy said. That was when Hermione realised. This was Remus. Her professor. Her friend. Her guide. The person who had protected her so many times, who she thought to be dead, was stood in front of her, looking younger than she had ever seen him. Shaking away her thoughts, Hermione stretched her hand out to the young boy before her.

"I'm Hermione. Hermione Dumbledore." She shook Remus' hand as a look of confusion etched itself onto his face.

"Dumbledore? But that must mean....?

"I'm Dumbledore's niece. I transferred here last week. I was in beauxbatons before everything happened." A single tear ran down her face which she quickly wiped away.

"Are you okay?" Remus asked her, his face full of worry.

"That g-girl last w-week? Who i-interrupted t-the feast? That w-was m-m-me." Hermione replied, stuttering through her tears.

"Oh.... Oh my....... I'm so sorry Hermione." Walking up to her, he wrapped his arms around the young girl in front of him who was littered in scars. Hermione relaxed in his embrace, gladly hugging the young boy back. It felt like hours to her before she had calmed down enough to stop crying. Pulling away, she looked up at the sandy haired marauder in front of her.

"I'm sorry but thank you. I needed that. I need to see Dumbledore but I hope to see you later?" Hermione asked, as she cleared away any trace of the tears with her wand.

"Come and sit with me and my friends at breakfast." He stated, more like a command than a suggestion.

"Yeah. I'd like that. Thank you."

"I'll see you at breakfast Hermione." Remus replied, as he waved before turning down another corridor, nose in his book once again. Hermione stood in the middle of the corridor completely dumbfounded. That was Remus Lupin. The werewolf. The professor. Her protector. The man who she so dearly looked up to, the same age as her. She couldn't believe it.

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Knocking on Dumbledore's office, Hermione walked over to his desk, sitting down in the chair opposite. Looking around the room, she vaguely remembered it from her time. It greatly resembled the office from her time but there were less silver instruments on his desk. Portraits lined the walls, all showing the previous headmasters and headmistress' which hadn't changed since the last time she had been in here. A wide and shallow dish sat on his desk which was elaborately decorated with coloured stones. A red and gold feathered bird sat on a stand next to Dumbledore which made her feel at peace.

"Aah. I see you've taken an interest in Fawkes. He's a Phoenix. Fascinating creatures, phoenixes. They can carry immensely heavy loads; their tears have healing powers and they make highly faithful pets." He turned his attention back to Hermione. "How are you feeling?"

"Better. I'm still in pain but better nonetheless."

"Good. I'm happy to put you into classes, only if you agree?" Hermione nodded, grateful to be out of the hospital wing. The bleak, white walls could only be stared at for so long. "What house did you say you belonged in?"

"Gryffindor."

"Thought as much. I want you to learn occlumency. You are a valuable asset to us and Voldemort will be after the information you have." Hermione heartily agreed. "I think weekly sessions will be sufficient. I will send an owl to you for our first session. Now, please enjoy breakfast. I hope to see you soon." Hermione stood up, opened the boy before walking back in after Dumbledore had shouted her. "Oh, and Hermione. Remember, you are Hermione Dumbledore. Tell nobody unless you completely trust them in the near future. Now, off you go."

Thanks for reading again,

Don't let the muggles get you down,

Grangers_Twin xxx