Timeless Charm (Tomione fanfic)

Chapter 6: Awakening

Hermione stirred from her slumber, her senses gradually awakening to the familiar surroundings of her room. As she blinked away the remnants of sleep, her gaze fell upon the calendar hanging on her wall, its pages marking the passage of time with crisp precision.

Slipping out of bed, Hermione made her way to the living room of Gryffindor Tower, where her friend Luke awaited. "Luke, what's the date today?" she inquired, a note of urgency creeping into her voice.

Luke glanced up from his book, his expression thoughtful. "It's February 12th, 1943, a Saturday," he replied, his tone laced with curiosity at Hermione's sudden interest in the date.

A jolt of realization surged through Hermione as she absorbed Luke's words. February 12th, 1943—the very day she had accidentally kissed Tom Riddle in the lake. A wave of regret washed over her, mingled with a tinge of disbelief at the cruel irony of fate.

Inside her mind, Hermione cursed herself for the moment of folly that had unwittingly linked her to the future dark lord. How could she have known the consequences of that innocent encounter? Yet now, faced with the repercussions, she couldn't help but rue the day that had altered the course of history in ways she never could have imagined.

Hermione's footsteps echoed softly as she made her way through the winding corridors of Hogwarts Castle, her mind filled with a swirl of thoughts and questions. She ascended the spiral staircase leading to Professor Dumbledore's office, the familiar sense of reverence settling upon her as she approached the gargoyle guarding the entrance.

"Chocolate Frogs," she uttered, recalling the password that would grant her access to the headmaster's sanctum. With a rumble of stone against stone, the gargoyle shifted aside, revealing the staircase that led to Professor Dumbledore's office.

As she ascended, Hermione couldn't shake the feeling of trepidation that gripped her. She had sought out the wise headmaster for guidance on a matter of utmost importance—one that weighed heavily upon her heart.

Reaching the top of the staircase, Hermione hesitated for a moment before rapping gently on the ornate door of Professor Dumbledore's office. A voice from within bid her enter, and with a steadying breath, she pushed the door open.

The office was bathed in warm, golden light, shelves lined with ancient tomes and curious artifacts. At the desk sat Professor Dumbledore, his piercing blue eyes twinkling with kindness and wisdom as he regarded Hermione with a gentle smile.