Disclaimer: I do not own most of the characters; they belong to the wonderful J.K. Rowling. The plot for the most part and some characters are mine, I'm sure you're smart enough to figure out whom.
Chapter 1: Arriving
Whispers ceased as the ancient man walked toward the circle of worn wizards. Their years showing on their faces; the terrors and wonders they've witnessed evident in their eyes. The man stepped forward into the small amount of light shinning through the crevice in the top of the cave.
It's sad, he thought, that we have to once again meet in secret, but hopefully this can bring an end to that and so much more.
Taking a look around the circle of comrades, he nodded to each and them in return. Taking a deep breath, stronger than anyone would have guessed for such a seemingly old wizard, he began to tell of his plan. He did not need to speak very loudly for his voice was stronger than most and the cave's walls helped his words to reverberate into the anxious ears.
"My friends, thank you for meeting me today; I hope you all are as well as one can be in a time like this." There were a few chuckles at this but they were quickly silenced. "I understand the hardships you have had to endure to come here today, but I assure you it was worth it. As you know the war is not going well for our side, though our courage and hope are great, our strength weakens with each battle lost. We will not last if we continue to travel the path we are on. That is why I have gathered you here, to help bring the end of this war."
"And how do you plan to do that, Dumbledore?" scoffed Snape, one of the members of the group. "We have tried everything within our power, even calling upon death himself to aid us, and it was all for naught. We have nothing left."
Various members of the present group slightly nodded their heads; some let their heads droop in defeat. Few others held their gazes upon Dumbledore, an unwavering trust shown upon their faces.
"My plan, Severeus, is something that we have overlooked in our studies. We considered so many options, but never one as simple as this. We will call through time and space to bring the greatest hero ever known and he or she shall aid us in our fight. I tell you it can work if we combine all the power we have left and summon our champion. Peace at last shall be within our sight once again." Dumbledore finished looking into his audience's eyes in attempt to give hope. "I ask you, I plead you, to help me and all of our people. We have nothing left to lose." He stepped back into the crowd and the shouts began ringing through the cave.
"Have you gone mad?"
"... Might just work…"
"We'll all die; I can't do that to my family-"
"Preposterous-"
"Absurd-"
"Absurd enough to work-"
"Enough!" shouted Severeus. "Fools, what is the matter with you? Simply take a vote on the idea, that is all; if we decide to go through with Albus' idea then we shall as soon as possible. If the vote is against, then that party better have another suggestion."
"Thank you, Severus" said Dumbledore tiredly. "Now, all those in favor raise your hands". After a pause the majority of the council raised their hands.
"Opposed?" A few hand crept their way up in vain. "Very well, with your permission let us begin". And so it was that they brought forth their combined power, concentrating on the one person that could save them all.
She was standing in a lake, clear and cool with mists that hide the surrounding area. The lake didn't even have ripples coming from where she stood, and the air seemed to have an earthly sweetness to it, but she barely noticed any of this. Her eyes were locked on the shore where a man was standing just a few feet away from her, fully clothed, his face blurry to her eyes. He walked slowly toward her, she could not retreat, feeling her breath begin to quicken and her heart pounding like mad. He had always had this effect on her but she could never get used to it. They were now a breath apart and his strong arms encircled her shaking body. With his warmth surrounding her she felt safe, protected, and maybe even…loved? His features became clearer; ebony hair fell over his eyes, which were a starling green shade like no other she had seen before. He lifted a callused hand and caressed her cheek; she leaned in and raised her hand to do the same to him, feeling him relax at her touch. Slowly, gently, they began to pull their faces toward each other. She gave a sigh of pleasure and just as their lips touched….
Beep! Beep! Beep!
Hermione Granger opened her eyes only to glare once again at the evil device known as her alarm clock. Hitting the snooze button, she fell back onto her pillow and stared at her ceiling.
It figures, she thought, exasperated; once again I have the greatest dream of my life, only to have it ruined by something annoying and obnoxious. Just once I would like to finish that dream!
Ever since Hermione had turned seventeen she had been having the same dream with the mysterious stranger who always seemed to make her heart pound a mile a minute. It was now nine months later and she still couldn't remember his face, except his eyes.
Those gorgeous emerald eyes!
Rising from bed, she prepared herself for her last day of college, preparing herself to start her new life. Going through her usual morning routine she couldn't get the image out of her head. The lake, the mist, the man, it all seemed so close and yet so distant. Arriving at school she still could not shake the dream so she went about her day, waiting for each class to end until finally…
RING!!!
Summer had arrived!
Finally! Now the only question is what I am going to do this summer.
Hermione pondered this as she walked home but a noise shook her from her daydreaming. It sounded like the wind suddenly growing stronger and then dying away. Curious, she looked around and to her amazement saw a hole. But not just any hole, this one was black and it was floating right off to her side.
What is that thing? Cautiously, she began to take a closer look until all of a sudden an unknown force had pushed her in the floating hole. She screamed but there was no one around to hear. She saw and heard nothing, and the only thing she felt was the air rushing passed her as she fell, unbeknownst to her, through time and space.
Oh my head … what happened?
A disoriented Hermione brought herself to sit up slowly while rubbing her head. Not yet speaking a word, she tried to figure out what had happened.
There was that hole, and then I was falling…so many stars…and then I woke up on what appears to be a cave floor. Okay… this is weird.
At this thought she began to take in her surroundings. A more-or-less dark and dank cave surrounded her, with some light streaming in from a crevice in the ceiling. She could make out some stones with moss on them and a dim glow coming from what she assumed to be the entrance. She slowly rose to her feet and began to make her way towards the entrance, but before she could take a step she heard a very calm voice behind her.
"I trust your journey was safe?"
She turned around slowly, ready to run if the situation called for it and saw for the first time an old man sitting on one of the rocks. His beard was down to his knees and he wore some type of robe that covered his body completely. Behind his half-moon spectacles resided knowing and kind eyes. Immediately her fear evaporated, and sensing she could trust this man she finally spoke.
"Who are you, and where am I?"
He looked at her for a moment, seemingly contemplating whether to answer her or not, in the end he merely smiled and stated:
"I am known as Albus Dumbledore and you are in the once proud land of Gryffindor. We have fallen on troubled times now, which is why you are here."
He gestured for her to sit and she did so, the pain long gone. After waiting for her to be settled, he continued his story.
"You see Ms. Granger; (how he knew her name she would never know) long ago the land of Gryffindor was a vast and kind place. Loved by all that lived within its borders and in peace with all of its surrounding lands, well, all except one but I shall get to that in a moment. In the royal house of Gryffindor there lived the noble King James and Queen Lily with their son Harry and daughter Ginerva. Just and kind to all their subjects, they were the greatest king and queen in the history of Gryffindor.
Sadly such happy times never lasted, as it was that King James passed away suddenly. During the kingdom's mourning the Land of the Death Eaters ruled by Lord Voldemort attacked, using brute force and dark magic to seize the throne. We were caught unaware and unprepared for the war that ensued. Our armies fought bravely but to no avail and so it was that Voldemort took the throne of Gryffindor, sending it into darkness. Through some small amount of luck we were able to hide the royal family, both the queen and princess, the prince had went on a crusade some months before and had still not returned, underground where they rallied the survivors and became the rebel faction.
Here we are now, in great peril, which is why you have been brought here. Our factions has grown smaller and smaller over the years, most have given up hope and live in despair as Voldemort's grasp on the nation becomes stronger. It was this that brought myself and others of my kind together to call forth a champion to help us through this time, to help us bring back the peace we once had. That champion is you, Hermione Granger."
Listening attentively and fascinated by the story just told to her it took a second to register the last thing that Dumbledore had said.
"What!? You must be joking!" Hermione shrieked, jumping out of her seat. "With all do respect, sir, I'm not a champion, nor do I know how to be one! I-I've never lifted a sword, never fought, in fact, I've never been in a physical fight in all my life!" At this point she was slightly pacing back and forth, but never taking her eyes off of Dumbledore's whose were irritatingly calm. She stopped, took a full breath to try and calm down and did what she did best: rationalize. "Mr. Dumbledore, I'm sorry but I don't think I could be this champion you want, I mean maybe you made a mistake with whatever it was that you did."
His old eyes twinkled. "No, there was no mistake, you are the one that can help us, but I understand if it is not your wish. I will not force the responsibility on you, but I'm afraid I can't send you home right now. It took a great amount of magic to bring you here, and we need time for it to replenish."
Somehow hearing about magic didn't quite strike her as odd, although it probably should. Something from her childhood still remained in her for deep down she still believed in spells, witches, and wizards but never told anyone. And this entire experience has been the most magical thing to ever happen to me.
"You mean magic brought me here, real magic?"
His eyes sparkled with laughter, "Of course Ms. Granger, what else?"
At this realization Hermione began to change her mind. Perhaps, I can help in someway; after all I can't just leave (well, not that I could anyway), especially if these people think I can help. And in the meantime maybe I can learn some magic!
"Mr. Dumbledore, sir, I guess I could try and help, though I don't know what help I might be. I still doubt that I'm this champion that you say I am, but since I'm here anyway, I guess it couldn't hurt to lend a helping hand."
At this new the old man stood up smiling, "Wonderful, now perhaps we should get you settled in and prepare you to meet the queen and her daughter," Hermione looked up at him in surprise, "oh yes, they and the others will want to meet you, sadly the prince still hasn't returned from his crusade but I have a feeling he will turn up soon, so we'll have to introduce you to him later."
And with that the wizard and girl left the cave's mouth into the fresh air and dying sun's rays. They walked for a time without speaking; he seemed to need to concentrate on something, but she was focusing on the beautiful scenery. The trees, mostly gentle willows, strapping redwoods, and sturdy oaks, stood all around with their jade leaves swaying with breeze, green grass at their base. A loquacious stream nearby bubbled and laughed as it went rushing by. The multi-colored flora in bloom sprouting where dead, cold leaves once were, surrounded her and took her breath away. In the distance, ominous mountains stood with their shadows smothering what Hermione assumed to be the besieged castle, its towers piercing the sky.
Tearing her head away from the landscapes and towards the man standing next to her, she asked "are we close, sir?"
Shaken awake from his thoughts he looked about and stated, "As a matter of fact we are, just over that next hilltop. It is rather obvious but I feel it should be said, this is a secret location so please try to refrain from speaking of it."
"Of course, I understand," she promised, and continued their walk in silence until they were over a hilltop.
"Welcome to the rebel Gryffindor camp, follow me and we shall find you some proper attire. The queen is anxious to meet with you." While he led her through the camp, she looked around at all the sites while trying to keep up.
An armory was to her left, fixing broken blades and armor while equipping others with new weapons. A hospital of sorts was off in a corner, people running in and out of it with vials of liquids and nurses bringing in new people, some with peculiar purple spots all over their body, as far as Hermione can tell, to be checked on. A feeding spot was a little further down the path, giving out bread and such with a bubbling cauldron being stirred by a cook. Further on she found sleeping quarters, corrals, and her destination; a dress tent.
I assume the camp's cloaked by magic; otherwise I don't see how they could have so many people in one place without it drawing suspicion. Later, she asked Dumbledore about it and he confirmed her suspicions. Heading inside the tent Hermione was greeted with a smile from a woman named Madame Malkin.
"Ah Madam Malkim, lovely to see you again, I was hoping you could find a spare tunic and breeches for our young friend here."
Looking over Hermione, the woman replied "Not a problem at all Albus, I've got just her size and a pair of boots to match." She pulled out a green tunic with a brown pair of breeches and boots and handed them to Hermione. "You can change right behind that curtain dear."
Hermione said thank you and retreated to the curtain to try on these new clothes. When she finished, Hermione looked at her reflection in the mirror. Not exactly the fashion statement I was hoping to make this summer, but I guess it will do. Emerging from the curtain she asked Madam Malkin for something to tie her hair back with and received a leather strap. Turning towards Dumbledore with her hair firmly in a ponytail he smiled
"You look wonderful Ms. Granger and quite ready for our next stop. Off we go then, and thank you Madame, you have been most helpful."
He bowed his head. Madam Malkin blushed. "Anything I can do to help and don't be a stranger, Albus."
With that done they headed on to a much more important meeting.
"Mr. Dumbledore, I was wondering, what should I say to the queen? I've never been around royalty so I'm rather unsure about what to do."
Dumbledore continued look forward as he replied, "Just be honest to her majesty, they aren't so different from common people, they just have an extra title in front of their name. Oh, and Ms. Granger perhaps it would be best if you would refer to me as Professor Dumbledore in the future. An old title everyone seems to prefer to call me, and I must say I have gotten quite used to it." He waved as a couple of soldiers walked by and greeted him.
"Ok, M…Professor" They continued their walk until they reached a rather large tent. Two guards stood out in front and nodded to Dumbledore and allowed him access. Upon entering the room Hermione heard greetings from all over directed at the professor. Looking around it wasn't hard to spot the queen and her daughter. Though there were only a few women inside, two women in the middle had a certain air about them that the others didn't quite possess; Hermione could only take them as the queen and her daughter. Though they were drabbed in regular clothing their beauty was unmatched by anyone Hermione had ever seen.
The older woman with flaming red hair greeted Dumbledore with a smile and a hug. "Albus, welcome back! You've been sorely missed," she said as she pulled away, giving her daughter a chance to shake his hand.
"Apologies, my queen, for I was caught up in something again, but I bring you good news."
Lily looked hopeful, "Is it he? Is it the champion, has he come at last?"
Dumbledore gave a slight chuckle at this and stepped aside, "My queen, princess, and counsel I would like to
introduce to you Hermione Granger, our savior."
The room was entirely quiet for quite a few seconds before laughter, gasps, and praises were shouted from many
mouths.
Looking from the girl that stood before her and Albus, Lily was rather shocked. But she would give the girl a chance to show what she was capable of, besides, she doubted Albus could have gotten it wrong. Composing herself quickly she looked back at Hermione and began to speak:
"Ms. Granger is it? Well, welcome to Gryffindor or what's left of it anyway. We do thank you for helping us."
Hermione was shocked, she didn't think that the queen would believe that she was the champion, she didn't even believe it! Thinking she'd better go along with this she gave a shadow of a curtsy and replied, "Thank you Your Majesty, but please don't thank me yet, I still don't know what I can do, if anything."
The queen smiled kindly, "I'm sure you will do the best of your abilities to help us regain our peace again. For now I suggest you recover from your jour-"
"What have you done Albus? What have you brought us!?" shouted Snape. "This girl is supposed to be our champion; she is what decides our fate? She probably doesn't know any magic or even how to fight properly! What good can she possibly be?"
Everyone now was focused on Dumbledore for his response. "You may be surprised, Severus, she quite the clever girl."
"Clever?!" shrieked Snape, "Cleverness, will not save us, we've tried that and it ended miserably. Bring the girl outside and we'll see how clever she is!" Immediately he stomped out waiting for Hermione.
Looking more than a little frightened Hermione asked, "What does he mean? What is he going to do?" Dumbledore kept his calm expression but now had a hint of anxiety in his eyes.
"I'm afraid you'll have to face him by yourself," he explained, "to prove to him and everyone else that you are our champion" She looked at him flabbergasted
"You must be joking, what can I do against him?!"
"You will find the answer inside yourself, if you look deep enough." The professor advised as he led her and the rest of the company within the tent outside. A steaming Snape stopped them and stood ready and waiting. Hermione took a couple of steps toward him and stood there, waiting for him to make the first move.
"Diffindo!" shouted Snape and Hermione, thinking on her feet, jumped to the side and when she recovered saw that her tunic now had a very big gash in the side.
"Impedimenta!" Snape shouted once again, and once again Hermione barely dodged it.
Growing even angrier he began to scream spells at the poor girl: "Incarcerous, Incendio, Petrificus Totalus, SECTUMSEMPRA!!!" It was all Hermione could do to continue dodging these sure to be painful attacks. She thought she might not make it until someone in the audience decided to lend a helping hand.
"Hermione, catch!" Catching the sword thrown to her, she saw the princess give her a good luck sign and she went back to dodging curse after curse. She had fallen after taking a few swipes and laid there upon the ground, waiting for Snape to finish her off.
"You pathetic little thing, I knew you couldn't possibly be the champion." A curse was on the tip of his tongue when suddenly something stopped him.
With the threat made, Hermione felt something pull in her mind. Growing stronger by her anger, she collected the last of her strength and shouted the first thing that came to her mind:
"STUPIFY!"
Looking around after a couple of moments she noticed that Snape had not made his final attack but was falling to the ground. She slowly rose, forgetting her pain for the moment, and pointed the sword tip at his throat. Cheers were heard from all around and laughter as well as congratulations were shouted as well. Walking over towards the princess she bowed her head and handed back the sword.
"Thank you for the help Your Highness, I'm sorry I could not use it better." Ginerva, or Ginny as she likes to be called, chucked at this.
"Don't worry about it. I'd be glad to give you a couple of lessons; it would be my honor after seeing you beat such annoying man like Snape."
She smiled up at her new-found friend and turned to Dumbledore as he began to speak.
"Friends, victory will soon be at hand!" stated Dumbledore with a proud smile on his face. For months the whole camp began to work with renewed strength and Hermione was taught magic along with swordplay. Though it was rough at first she seemed to have a hidden talent for both. It wasn't long until the rebels were ready to make the final preparations on what would possibly be their last battle.
****Author's Note****
I know that it's usually Harry that gets to act the hero all the time but I figure why not give Hermione a chance. I hope you can bear with me on its AUness and I promise you that some sweet love is on its way. There will be some serious H/Hr in later chapters so please just hold on.!! Reviews help by the way.
* I need one more review to bring up chapter 6. If no one no longer cares then I don't feel rushed.
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