Conversations with Hermione

A/N : Sorry guys, It took a bit longer to complete this chapter. If you like the story, be sure to follow and click on the heart icon. Please!

Chapter 6) Conversation with Hermione

I alongside side the other first years who were sorted into Gryffindor followed Percy to our dormitory. Pevees, the poltergeist tried to scare us but was stopped by Percy. He scared off Peeves by mentioning the Slytherin house ghost named Bloody Baron.

After reaching the end of the corridor, hung a portrait of a fat women, who asked,

"Password?"

"Caput Draconis" Percy said. The portrait swung forward to reveal a round hole. It was big enough.

After passing through the entrance, we found ourselves in Gryffindor common room. It was round. There were lots of squashy looking armchairs.

Then Percy directed the boys and girls into separate dormitory.

The beds were already designated for everyone. Our trunks were also brought earlier. All the other first years excluding me were very tired and sleepy. They just changed into pyjamas and fell into bed. They slipped into sleep pretty quickly.

I was not at all tired. This was because probably because of my magic reserve. I was basically a powerhouse of magic. Even I didn't know my full power because I couldn't test it in the non-magical world without being found. Small burst of magic was alright but if I had used larger mana burst, then it would attract a lot of attention. It would've caused a lot of ruckus which I didn't want to deal with.

When I noticed that everyone was sound asleep. I took out some blank parchments and a fountain pen. Fountain pen was better and more efficient than quills.

I copied down everything knew about Occlumency and mindscape building, basically what the mystic library compiled.

I was going to help Hermione learn Occlumency. I also warded the parchment, so that if anyone without my permission tried to look at it they would only see simple text Now taht I was in Hogwarts I could use magic freely without being detected.

The next morning, during breakfast in the great hall. Hermione was sitting beside me, eating her food.

"So when will you tell me?" She asked quietly.

"After lunch, come to seventh floor, left corridor. Make sure that no one followed you." I answered in a similar quiet voice.

"And don't tell anyone. It is very important. Okay?" I added.

She nodded.

Then I sensed Micasa's flying visage moving toward me. She was in her dragon fly form. She landed on my shoulder, her favourite spot and transformed back to humanoid form.

"So, what did you found?" I whispered.

"Sir, Professor Quirrell is indeed possessed." She replied quietly but clearly.

"Okay, then you keep a close eye on him. If he plans anything drastic, inform me."

"Sure."

Then she was off to her spying.

Our first class was Transfiguration. When I arrived at the class, all eyes fell on me. They were staring at me. Some girls were even ogling at me like I was a piece of meat, except for Hermione who looked excited to learn. I noticed a cat sitting on a stand near the class entrance. I knew it was Professor McGonagall's animagus form.

Ron had arrived at the class about five minutes late.

"Phew! At least, Professor isn't here."

The cat sitting on the stand jumped and transformed into professor McGonagall.

"Mr. Weasley, five points from Gryffindor for your tardiness." She said in stern voice.

Then she distributed parchment entailing the basic theory on transfiguration, to each student.

She flicked her wand at wine glass, a white light shot through the wand and the glass transformed into a bird. Everyone looked impressed.

"Transfiguration is a complex and dangerous art taught here at Hogwarts," she said sternly, "Anyone messing around in my class will leave and not come back. You have been warned."

The class was boring. She taught us how to transform match into needle. Nobody could do it except for Hermione and me. She rewarded us a total of ten points for our performance.

The charm class was funny. Professor Flitwick was really short. He used books as stool to stand on. His way of teaching was funny.

After having lunch, I transformed into my demiguise form in an empty classroom and became invisible. Then I travelled to the seventh floor, left corridor. I was standing in front of the wall opposite to the tapestry depicting the attempts of Barnabas the Barmy to teach trolls ballet. I wished it to be a room to talk in private. Few seconds a door appeared, but I didn't enter. It was just a test. I was waiting for Hermione.

After few minutes, she came. She looking nervously all around her, probably a little scared. She finally noticed me.

"Okay. Now tell me all you know." She demanded.

"Shush. Wait for a few seconds." I shushed her as I looked toward the wall and concentrated

Then again I wished for a room to talk privately.

A door appeared. It was huge.

Hermione gasped in surprise.

I opened it and extended my hand toward Hermione.

"Well - coming or not?" I asked.

"Y-yes." She stuttered as she rushed into the room.

The room looked like our common room. Hermione and I sat on the armchairs opposite to each other.

"You see, Hermione, you and I have met before. As you said earlier, it was indeed in a Hospital. Your parents found me injured on a street... after I recovered a little you and your parents came to visit me. We had a long conversation on - "

"Shakespearean literature. But why can't I remember clearly?" She asked instantaneously.

"That's the main problem. I can't tell you about it until you master occlumency."

"What is occlumency?"

"Its magical protection from mental intrusion. It also helps in controlling emotions to certain extent. It's very advanced." I answered.

"So, how will I learn?" She asked.

I then pulled out a parchment from under my robes. It was the same parchment on which I had copied my knowledge on Occlumency and mindscape building. She looked at me with speculative eyes.

I gave it to her.

"Here is the perfect and most effective method to learn Occlumency and how you can build your mindscape. I am sure you would be able to finish it within two to three weeks. After two weeks meet me here at the same time. Okay?"

"And don't share the knowledge with others, especially not the teachers, okay?" I said.

"But, knowledge should be share - "

"Shared by everyone, right?" I interrupted her.

She nodded. I smiled.

"Hermione, do you think government should share how to make atomic bomb with public?" I asked her.

Her face had a look of realizations.

"You see, mind magic is both complex and dangerous. Once mastered, it can be used in various nefarious purposes, most likely memory alterations. Sometimes it is mistaken as dark arts. As it is very advanced, teacher might confiscate it." I cautioned her.

"Although, it's not complete. There's nothing about legilimency in it," I added as I looked at her questioning look, "Legilimency is the opposite of Occlumency. It is the art of prying into a person's psyche to see his or her memories. Professor Snape and Professor Dumbledore are both master Legilimens."

She looked a bit horrified.

"Okay! That's all for now. We will talk after you complete learning occlumency," I said as I stood up, "You go first, if others see us together this often, they may become suspicious."

I couldn't say it was Dumbledore that was the main problem. And if he notices my friendly relationship with Hermione, he might try to exploit it or he might try to separate us. I also didn't tell her about the function of Room of Requirement. If she knew, she would come here often and others might become aware of it which I didn't want.

I followed Hermione in my demiguise form, invisibly to see if anyone followed her or not.

On Friday, during breakfast, I got a letter from Hagrid saying that as I was free Friday afternoon, He would like me to come to his hut. He wanted to show me something. I knew what he wanted to show.

After breakfast we had a potion class with Slytherin.

When I arrived, I noticed most of the students being nervous except for some. Draco was looking smug. Crabbe and Goyle had the same expression, they had during our first meeting. Draco was confident probably because of his relationship with Snape. After all, Snape was his godfather. He might've taught him earlier. Hermione looked excited. Neville was shaking a little. Padma Patil was whispering to the girl beside her and giggling a little.

Then Professor Snape entered bellowing his cloak. He looked as if he was in sour mood.

He started the class by roll calling. He paused at my name.

"Ah, yes," he said, "Harry Potter, our - new celebrity."

Draco sniggered at his remark.

"You are here to learn the subtle science and exact art of potion making," he began. He spoke in barely more than a whisper, but they caught every word - like Professor McGonagall, Snape had the gift of keeping a class silent without effort. "As there is little foolish wand-waving here, many of you will hardly believe this is magic. I don't expect you will really understand the beauty of the softly simmering cauldron with its shimmering fumes, the delicate power of liquids that creep through human veins, bewitching the mind, ensnaring the senses... I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even stopper death - if you aren't as big a bunch of dunderheads as I usually have to teach."

I was amused. He probably gave the same speech to every first years, who knows? Hermione was on the edge of her seat and looked desperate to start proving that she wasn't a dunderhead.

"Potter!" said Snape suddenly. "What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?"

"Sir, asphodel and wormwood make a sleeping potion so powerful it is known as the Draught of Living Death." I answered with no hesitation.

Hermione's hand had shot into the air.

Snape was surprised a little. He really didn't expect me to answer. Did he know about Harry's upbringing before I inhabited Harry's body?

He ignored Hermione's hand.

"Let's see a second one, Potter, where would you look if I told you to find me a bezoar?"

Hermione stretched her hand as high into the air as it would go without her leaving her seat.

"A bezoar is a stone taken from the stomach of a goat and it will save you from most poisons, sir." I answered correctly without any hesitation.

Snape clearly looked stumped. He was probably hoping to humiliate me in the class. It was probably to fulfil his sick desire to tale revenge on James Potter's son for his father's bullying.

Snape was still ignoring Hermione's quivering hand.

"What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?"

At this, Hermione stood up, her hand stretching toward the dungeon ceiling.

"They are the same. Sometimes they are also known as aconite." I answered again.

A few people laughed.

"Sit down," he snapped at Hermione. "And why aren't you all writing down the answers."

Hermione's face fell. She looked as if she was going to cry. Snape was really a git. He took out his anger of me on others.

After that he paired us up and told to make potions to cure boils according to the instructions on the board. I was paired up with Hermione.

When I was preparing the potion ingredients differently than what was written on the books, she complained. But after seeing that the end result was better, she asked me where I learned the methods.

"After you learn Occlumency, I will tell you." Was my answer.

I also stopped Neville from making mistakes. But despite my interference he was able to cause explosion in his cauldron. He was very clumsy.

Seamus had to take him to hospital wing.

When Professor Snape checked our vial which contained the finished potion. He looked very surprised and furious at same time. I knew the reason. Cause it was better than other boil cure potions, even ones made by him. I was sure it would hurt his pride, that son of his bitter rival was able to beat him, in the only thing he was very good at.

"Acceptable, Potter," he said as he took our vials, "probably because of miss Granger."

"Might be, who knows?" I smiled.

"Five points from Gryffindor for your cheek, Potter." He said sharply.

Some students at the Slytherin side including Draco and his goons, snickered a little. I really wanted to just obliterate Snape into smithereens. He was starting to get on my nerve.

In the afternoon, I visited Hagrid with Hermione. Ron tried following but I confused his sense of direction with a confoundus charm. It was for a short time, just enough for me and Hermione to lose him.

Break-in at Gringotts!

Hermione noticed the headline on a paper. I realized that it was one of Dumbledore's attempt at manipulating me into finding about what was hidden in the third floor corridor. Hagrid let slip something about the break-in happening in the same day as I went to Diagon Alley.

It got Hermione curious about what was in the vault that Hagrid had withdrawn. One word slipped from Hagrid - Nicholas Flammel. Hermione was determined to find out about him. Well, at least it will keep her busy.

Wednesday, we had flying lesson. Neville was very nervous. Hermione was as well.

We all were standing with the brooms on the ground in front of each students. Madam Hooch asked us to extend our major hand and say "UP". My broom flew to my hand at first try.

When we were told to ride the broom, Neville's broom malfunctioned. I had silently casted cushioning charm on the ground minimizing his injury. Still, Madam Hooch took him to the hospital wing. I had already picked up Neville's remember ball before Malfoy could. But he couldn't keep his mouth shut.

"Hey, Potter, did your parents teach you to fly? oh! I forgot you don't have parents. You live with your filthy muggle relatives." He tried to taunt me.

"At least, my parents didn't have to buy their way out of Azkaban." I argued back.

"What did you say about my parents, Potter?" He flew toward me with his broom.

I jinxed his broom which caused it to tumble and he fell on his bum with a thud. He was injured only slightly because he was near the ground level when he fell.

"Seems like you weren't taught to fly very well." I said.

All the students laughed including some Slytherins. Hermione was complaining how we shouldn't fly in the absence of Madam Hooch.

In a similar fashion, two weeks passed by. Professor Quirrell aka Voldemort hadn't planned anything yet. Hermione had mastered occlumency to a acceptable level. Now I was thinking the reason I was able to master it so quickly might be my mental age. It took Hermione two weeks because of her young age. Others might take longer. The more a person ages the less chaotic their thinking becomes. It also has major drawback. With age creativity decreases.

Hermione cornered me in the common room. She was very excited. Occlumency helped her boost, her already good memory. She was very grateful as well.

I took her to the Room of Requirement. This time I explained her the function of the room. She was so excited that she immediately started listing all the things that could be done with it, forgetting the main reason why we were here.

"Okay, okay. I know this room is useful but we are forgetting our purpose of coming here." That got her attention.

"You and your family were obliviated by someone, someone you probably think as a great person. But before I say anything else, what else do you remember about our encounter?" I asked.

"I remember you face, you hair didn't have the white streaks probably and you looked very small compared to now. Other details are little fuzzy. I can't remember them correctly." She explained with uncertainty.

"Hmm... at least you remember me. This will be lot difficult to convince you than I thought," I mumbled to myself, "Right! Do you know wizard's oath?"

"I don't know." She answered awkwardly.

"Well, basically you have to swear that you are speaking truth, on your magic. If what you say us false, you lose your magic and probably life. It's very dangerous. You have to word your oath very carefully." I cautioned her.

"I, presently known as Harry James Potter, swear on my life and magic that, what I will say to one, Hermione Jean Granger, is what I perceive to be the truth, so mote it be. LUMOS"

Now you have to accept my oath by saying, "So, mote it be."

"So, mote it be." She repeated.

"I think, It was Dumbledore who erased your and your memories of me," I said as I noticed the shock on her face, "I am not just accusing him randomly. I have, in fact, have solid reasons for doing so."

"B-but he is the headmaster of Hogwarts. People says he is leader of light. He even fought against you-know-who. Why would he want us to forget about you?" She asked.

"I don't know about his exact future plans but he needed me lacking in confidence and starved for affection before coming Hogwarts. He even left me to my awful relatives. He knew about their treatment of me at home. My cousin used to bully me regularly and I was reminded of my worthlessness every second of my childhood. He kept a close eye on me. I had even complained to headmaster of my primary school but it didn't bore any result. Do you know how I was injured in the first place. It was my bully of a cousin and his friends, they were chasing me. I apparated in mid air and fell. I would've died if your parents didn't find me. Even in the hospital he used compulsion charm on everyone, so that no one ask any question about my intensive injury. I was unaffected by his spell, I saw him. That's how I knew he was the one behind my predicament." I explained to her.

She looked conflicted. I could understand that it was very difficult for her, as she practically worshipped any authority figure from childhood.

"You see, the magical world isn't that different from mundane one. In both worlds people with lot of political power becomes corrupt or similar circumstances lead them to become corrupt. I think it's the same case with Dumbledore. After he defeated Grindlewald, he was granted a lot of political power. He became the Supreme Mugwump of the International Confederation of Wizards (ICW) and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. I don't exactly what type of person he is, perhaps nobody can. But I think he is becoming senile. Who tells a bunch of children that if you go to the third floor, you will die a painful death? And even why would he keep something that could cause death, in an educational institute? If we assume what he says is truth?" I voiced my opinion.

Hermione had a thoughtful expression.

"Well, that's enough about him. Even if you are not sure what to believe, just believe in your shelf. Don't blindly believe in anyone cause you know 'to err is human', magical or not." I advised her.

"But how do you know all about him - I mean Dumbledore?" She asked me.

"A lot of research. You know, you are not the only one who loves to research. I just stepped it up a notch." I said cheekily.

"You are hiding something, something pretty significant, aren't you?" She was very observant.

"Well, I have something unique, something which makes studies or research very easy and efficient."

"What is -?"

"I can't just share everything with you, you know. We aren't that close." I said.

She blushed.

"No, no. I wasn't talking about that kind of relationship, I was saying we aren't best of friends, right? We can be considered friends. Well, I consider you a friend but that doesn't mean I will share every secrets of mine with you, right?" I said hurriedly.

"I suppose so." She nodded. She looked a bit sad.

"I can't tell you about it but I can help you with other things, like the method to master occlumency, I had given you earlier. Well, normally it requires years of practice before you can build a proper occlumency shield around your mind. But following the instructions written on the parchment, you were able to master it within two weeks to an acceptable level. It will take about... hmm... six months, before you could master it to Snape's level."

"Professor Snape, Harry." She scolded me.

"Yeah, yeah. "Potter!" What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel... blah... blah..." I mimicked Professor Snape.

She was having hard time controlling her laughter. Still she managed to say, "Harry, you shouldn't make fun of Professors."

"Miss Granger, five points from Gryffindor, for holding your laughter." I said, again mimicking Professor Snape. This time, she could not hold her laughter.

"Okay, that's enough laughing. I think we should return. Others would probably looking for us." I said.

- scene change -

Time passed slowly, Halloween arrived. In the last month, I had absorbed lot of books from Hogwarts library. As there were various nasty curses to ward off non-permitted students, on the books in the restricted section. I had to make special gloves that would soak the curses and turn it into pure mana and store it in crystals, I found in the room of hidden things. With the help of the gloves I was able to copy lot of books on various topics like blood magic, blood rune, soul magic and so on, without getting cursed. I was especially interested in soul magic because it was both obscure and powerful and I wanted to know if it was possible to glue back all of the Voldemort's hocruxes and destroy it. It would reduce lot of inconvenience. Yes! I was powerful enough to consider Voldemort, a nuisance.

There was not a lot of books on soul magic, so mystic library couldn't compile a flawless book on this topic but it did point out the flaws.

With all the advanced magical knowledge, I was able to make Micasa's body practically indestructible both physically and magically, except I could destroy due to my insane magical reserve. I also installed special extendable needles in her limbs. It was made out of goblin steel, which I found in the room of hidden things. After analysing the vanishing cabinet, I destroyed it. With all the knowledge of runes and charms, I could now make my own teleporting device probably better than vanishing cabinet. Unfortunately I couldn't find anything on time turner. Well, looked like I would be visiting Department of mystery, pretty soon. The other knowledge I got was vague theories on multiverse. That got me curious, if I could complete the research, I would want to return to my original world. But it would take time, as there was so little information to work with.

The Halloween was same as in the original timeline. During our charm class, we were being taught the levitation charm. Ron was pronouncing the spell wrong. Hermione corrected him in her usual bossy manner. To satisfy his hurt ego, Ron insulted Hermione.

"She's a nightmare," Ron said loudly, "No wonder, she had no friends."

Hermione heard him. Her eyes moistened. She ran past him pretty fast.

"I think, she heard you." Dean said awkwardly.

I was behind them. Ron's thoughtless speaking might hurt others one-day.

"You should keep your mouth shut. And if you can't take help from others, you should just say so, no need to insult them," I said loudly, "And for your information, She has a friend and that is me."

I then went after Hermione. I didn't want to risk Hermione's life, as I didn't how much this timeline diverged from the original one. It was the girl's bathroom she qas crying in.

"Hermione..., Hermione..." I called out to her from outside.

"Harry...wh-why are you here?" She asked quietly. I could hear her ragged breath.

"I know you're upset. Ron said something stupid to you. But do you really think you got no friends? Or did you already forget about me?" I inquired.

"It's not that. It's just... during primary school, I couldn't make friends. I didn't have any thing common with others. Whenever I tried talking to others of my age, they would make fun of my teeth and hair and also call me weird because I read most of the time. Am... am I weird, Harry?" She asked.

"No, you aren't weird. You are unique, we are unique. We have our own interests which is different than norms. People fear or frown upon anything they don't find normal." I said.

"Just forget about what Ron said, okay? You shouldn't listen to such nonsense. Let's go, you don't want to miss today's class." I tried coaxing her.

"You go first. I'll come later." She said.

"No. We'll go together. I'll remain here until you come out." I insisted.

"Well, okay. Give me a minute." She said. She sounded happier.

After five minutes, she came out of the bathroom.

"Let's go." I said extending my right arm.

"You know, I don't have any significant friend except you." I said.

"Its true for me as well." She replied.

"Let's become best of friends from today, okay?" I suggested.

"Okay." A radiant smile bloomed on her face. She looked self conspicuous about her pair of front teeth. I decided to ease her awkwardness.

"Your appearance doesn't matter to me much, you know. But if you want, I can make your teeth shorter. Its pretty easy with magic." I offered my help.

"Really. But my parents are dentists and they don't like me playing with my teeth." She replied.

"With magic, its easy you know. Just a simple spell. I'm sure your parents won't mind." I encouraged her.

"O-okay." She hesitantly agreed.

I pointed my green wand (vine wood) at her front teeth, whispered "BREVIARE". Her teeth started to become short. I stopped when, they were of appropriate length. Hermione had her eyes closed throughout the whole process.

"You can open your eyes." I said.

She opened her eyes and started checking her front teeth with her tongue.

"Here." With a flick of my wand, I conjured a mirror and gave it to her.

"You... you just did conjuration. It's supposed to be really hard and it is taught in seventh year!" She exclaimed, "How did you do it?"

"You see, I can do much more. I can pass my NEWTS level exam anytime I want, but sadly there is age restrictions," I said, "But I can teach you, you know, way better than any teachers in Hogwarts or probably in the world both in magic and mundane studies."

"Yeah, yeah. You are the great Harry Potter, boy-who-lived, chosen one or whatever." She mocked.

"You don't believe me, do you?" I asked. She nodded seriously.

"Well, who do you think wrote the instructions in the parchment about Occlumency, earlier?" I asked.

Her eyes widened with realization.

"Well, I can teach you, if you want." I said, "You'll just have to acknowledge me as a teacher. A private one. It would be awkward if you call me sir or sensei. People might get the wrong impression."

She nodded.

"So, it settled then. I will be reaching you everything starting from transfiguration to DADA. It would take about three to four year to get you to NEWT level. I can also help you master any particular branch of magic you want. Mastering multiple branches of magic can take longer. Well, we have lots of time in our hand." I said excitedly.

- scene change -

During Halloween feast, I was relieved to see that no student was missing. In the middle of feast, the door of the great hall burst open. Professor Quirrell came running. Everyone's attention were on him

"Trolls - trolls in the dungeon," He said with wobbling feet, "thought you ought to know." And he fainted.

The hall descended into chaos. The students were running and shouting like headless chickens. Similar to what shown in the movie, It took several purple firecrackers exploding from the end of Professor Dumbledore's wand to bring silence.

"Prefects," he rumbled, "lead your Houses back to the dormitories immediately!"

Percy was in his element.

"Follow me! Stick together, first years! No need to fear the troll if you follow my orders! Stay close behind me, now. Make way, first years coming through! Excuse me, I'm a prefect!"

"Micasa, are you with the trolls?" I asked mentally. I had earlier used some runes and protean charm for communication. It was similar to the dark mark but pretty advanced with no drawback. No wards could stop our communication.

"Yes, sir. They are heading toward the great hall." She replied.

"Kill them and make sure no one notices you." I commanded.

"Okay, sir." She replied coldly.

Then I heard two simultaneous sound of knife piercing through thick skin followed by thuds of large bodies falling on the floor.

"It's done. Do I get rid of the carcasses, sir?"

"No. Let's wait for the teachers to discover them. It'll be fun to watch them, as they try to solve the mystery behind the killing of the trolls. And after that trail behind professor Quirrell. If he somehow gets past the trap door in the third floor before Professor Snape stops him, kill him and burn his dead body" I mentally commanded. I didn't want him to get his hands on the philosopher's stone. It could be fake or real but its better safer than sorry.

"Let's go Hermione." I said as I grasped her hand tightly and followed behind Percy.

to be continued...

A/N : So, how was it? Let me know in the comments.

And sorry guys, I had promised you in the previous chapter that there will be some hints about our OC's mother in this chapter but I couldn't include it because I didn't want to hamper the storyline.

But, in the next chapter that will be titled "Quirrell's downfall and knowing my mother's real Identity.", the mystery behind our protagonist's mother will be revealed, as you can clearly see in the title.

So stay tuned!