A/N: Sooo.. I did a thing. I got hit with a lot of inspiration and started a new fic.

And I shouldn't have because I need to finish my other fic.

But I really wanted Hermione/Newt

So here we go.

(December 1926)

Harrison Scott was at his wits end.

His auror partner called in sick and left him will all the paperwork from their last case. His wife's latest potions experiment ruined the walls when it exploded. They'd had a bit of a row and she wasn't speaking to him. His children woke him up that morning screaming about a broken toy. The accidental magic that followed was hell to clean up. He hadn't had his cup of coffee yet because his son spilled it, and he didn't have time to make another cup. And on top of that his boss wanted to meet him that morning to discuss something.

With how his day was going so far, it would be his luck that he'd get fired.

He sat back in his chair with a heavy sigh and rubbed his hand across his tired face. One look at his watch showed that not enough time had passed since he came in to work. He rolled his head back and stretched the muscles in his neck from his previous bent posture over his desk.

He looked at the photo on his desk. He smiled thinking back to that day with his family at the beach. His wife's parents owned a house in Brighton and let them use it for a weekend holiday. His wife's smile was as radiant as it was when he asked her to Hogsmeade that first time. His daughter was beautiful in her day dress and tiny bows in her hair. His son was so young, barely over two years old and his hair was flying in different directions.

He couldn't think of a reason he'd ever give any of them up. No matter how difficult his morning had been.

He stood from his chair stretching out his back. It was time to go see what his boss wanted. He adjusted the suspenders on his shoulder and put on his waistcoat. He desperately hoped he wasn't about to be fired. His wife's potions haven't been selling too good lately and with two growing children.. He knew his wife would sooner duel a dragon than ask her parents for financial help. He felt much the same.

He walked down the corridors smiling at his coworkers and trading pleasantries. He could tell the other aurors were bored and restless. It had been too quiet lately. They all felt it. Something was going to happen. Soon.

Walking into his boss's office he had to stop and do a double take. He had never seen the man more harried than in this moment. And that was including when his prodigy took off to fight the muggle war against the law and became a war hero. Harrison resented Theseus Scamander a bit for that.

No, whatever had this man in such a state was big. He wondered if it had anything to do with that upstart dark wizard parading around Europe.

And if so, why was he here?

"Scott, good to see you. How's the wife?" Head Auror Shafiq said as he stacked papers that were already neatly aligned.

"She's quite well. Nearly blew up the house this morning." He said with an exasperated grin.

"Potion not agree with her I take it? How's the kids?"

"I look forward to the day I see a Hogwarts letter on the horizon." He said in jest.

His boss chuckled. "Don't wish it away, son, they'll be out of your hair before you know it."

He had calmed some since his arrival. Now the man had a fond smile on his face, most likely reminiscing about his own children who are now grown.

Harrison had relaxed as well. It didn't seem like he would be fired after all.

"What did you need to see me for, sir?" He asked.

The door handle turned and the man lost that calm that had settled over him. He was once again harried his a nervous look in his eye. Like a spooked horse. The Minister of Magic walked in with two figures in unspeakable robes and a young couple holding a baby.

The two unspeakables got to work. They waved their wands placing privacy and protective wards around the small office. One began pulling various potions out of their robes. They placed a strange double hourglass contraption on the desk. Harrison was paying more attention to the couple.

They were young. Couldn't have been older than their mid-twenties. The man was tall and thin with intelligent brown eyes and the woman had a mass of dark curls about her head. They looked unhappy but resigned.

The baby in their arms had a light pink blanket wrapped around her small form. A smattering of dark brown peaked out from the safety of the blanket. She couldn't have been more than a few weeks old.

The mother was clutching her to her chest, fingers bone white as they curled around the baby.

What was going on? Why was he there?

His boss and Minister Fawley were having a whispered discussion off to the side. His boss didn't look happy and neither did Fawley. Whatever the Minister said must have convinced him, because a second later they were walking over to the couple.

"What you are doing is very brave. A sacrifice for the good of our people. We will not forget this." The Minister spoke, eyes downcast avoiding eye contact.

His boss had no such qualms. He made a point to look them in the eye.

"We will begin by administering the potions." One of the unspeakable said as they approached the baby.

For a short moment, the mother's grip tightened around the little girl. Then, reluctantly, her arms relaxed and she uncovered the little one's sleeping face.

They poured a potion into her mouth and Harrison looked to his boss who was watching with distaste.

"What is happening?" He whispered, horrified and curious.

"Grindelwald's becoming a bigger threat than we originally realized. They are sending the child to gather information on how to apprehend him and put a stop to it before it gets out of hand." He said in a low voice, almost a growl.

"How can a child gather information? And are we sure Grindelwald is this big of a threat? Why send a child?"

"You saw the reports. Just last night he killed five aurors in a single blast. No one has managed to bring him in. He's a threat."

"That doesn't justify sending a baby." Harrison frowned.

"I know." He sounded sad then.

"Where are they going to send her?"

"To the future." The unspeakable not administering potions said startling Harrison.

At his confused expression, they continued. "The girl will be sent forward to a time where she can gather knowledge about the coming events. Then, we will bring her back here where she will be instrumental in aiding us."

Harrison looked even more horrified.

"What of Eloise Mintumble? She died when she came back. Aged hundreds of years in a moment and ruined the timeline."

"What you don't realize is that Mintumble went backwards in time then forwards. In this case, the girl will go forwards then backwards. Much like that muggle toy- what was it? Oh, a yoyo." The unspeakable gave a little sound that resembled a chuckle. "It will happen instantaneously for us, but she will have lived a life up to her twenty-fifth year."

"And what if she grows younger when she comes back? What will be the consequences then?" Harrison's boss asked.

"Then she will cease to exist and the timeline will not change." The unspeakable said simply.

The mother gave a small noise in the back of her throat, but when Harrison looked over, her face was blank. She did hold on to the infant tighter.

Harrison was angry. How could a parent do this? "You're alright with this?" He asked them.

They looked at him with sad frowns and resigned features.

"It's for the good of the public. If we can stop the wizard before a war starts-"

"War? What war?" Harrison cut the Minister off.

"Don't be daft, Scott." His boss grunted. "Grindelwald is riling up anti-muggle sympathizers. If he gets enough of a following, we'll be at war with the muggles. And you remember their Great War, the technologies they have. It would be the downfall of the wizarding world."

Harrison remained silent. Even at the threat of war, sending a child to do their work is inconceivable.

"Why a child? Why not send an auror or an unspeakable?"

"They would not have the capacity to retain much information and would stand out. A child can assimilate and grow in the new world. With the potions we gave her, she will have above average intelligence and an extensive mental capacity." The unspeakable explained as they picked up the device.

"And why am I here?" Harrison asked.

"We needed an unbiased, neutral witness." Minister Fawley stated. "Legalities, you understand."

And Harrison was actually beginning to understand. And it made him sick. He shared a look with his boss. Each thinking about their own kids.

The two unspeakables got to work on the device. Whirring and clicking filled the air. One hourglass began to spin while the other was placed on the floor unmoving. A chain connected the two, and sand was rushing to one side. The unspeakable moved to place the chain around the infant when the mother stepped back.

"Wait." She looked to her husband and when he nodded, they looked to their baby. "We wanted to give her something." She pulled out a necklace with a word on it. "A name. Hermione. After the messenger, Hermes." She placed it around the infant just as she was waking up.

A tear fell down the mother's cheek as she caressed her daughter's face. The father smoothed back the little girl's hair.

The unspeakable wrapped the chain around the bundle. The hourglass spun faster. The unspeakable stepped back. In a flash of white light the mother's arms were empty and something heavy landed on the floor.

(September 2004)

Hermione Granger was content with her life.

Even if her friends didn't agree with her.

"Ginny, I appreciate the offer, but I am simply too-"

"Busy. Yes, yes. I get it." The redheaded woman looked at her friend a moment. "You know we were happy for you when you got the promotion. Even mum, which was a shocker to be honest." Ginny rolled her eyes. "But that was almost a year ago now. Don't you think you can slow down? A little?"

Hermione sighed and used her napkin to wipe her mouth. The little muggle café they were at was one of their favorites. It was where they met every time they went for lunch. Which wasn't as often as they would like considering Ginny's quidditch schedule and Hermione's dedication to her work.

"My work is never done. Even if I pass every law I can, there will still be some poor creature out there being mistreated or misrepresented or any number of horrible things." Hermione said as she blew on her spoon, cooling the soup she was enjoying.

Ginny took another bite of her salad. "I know. And it's amazing. The amount of change the department has had since you became Head," She paused. "But you realize that you can still help others but also take time for yourself right? You haven't really stopped to breathe since the war ended." She said gently.

Hermione sat back for a minute and thought. Perhaps her friend was right. When the war ended, she threw herself into her studies trying to get the highest marks she could. Then, Kingsley asked her to help root through legislation and the deep roots of corruption and prejudice within the ministry. Which eventually led her to the Department of Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures where she spent time battling the Wizengamot on laws and restrictions. Her favorite parts of her job were when she was able to work out in the field helping creatures. She was able to work her way to being the youngest head of the department in only a few short years.

She really hadn't taken any time to breathe.

She had a relationship with Ron that ended a few years ago because of her workaholic tendencies and insensitivity to her work. Molly still held a grudge, but luckily the other Weasleys understood. She and Ron were tentative friends again. Either way, a few dates here and there didn't really give her a true break.

Harry and Ginny's wedding was a wonderful night she enjoyed immensely a few months back. But moments like that are few and far between.

"Alright, you win. You can throw me a birthday party." Hermione said.

She ignored Ginny's delighted squeal as she brought her trash to the bin.

Looking back on her life had her wondering where all the time went. One minute, they were broken and exhausted with a broken castle around them. But now, Harry and Ginny are thinking of trying for children, she's head of a department and Ron is a co-owner of his brother's store.

The scar on her forearm itched and she turned sharply heading back to their table.

She looked at her watch and sighed. "I have to get back to the office, Gin."

"Alright, as always, it was wonderful having lunch with you." Ginny said as she got up. "I'll see you this weekend. Wear that blue dress, you know the one." Hermione nodded as they hugged. "And happy early birthday, 'Mione."

Hermione walked through the atrium of the ministry, her low heels clicking on the hard floor. Still caught up in the past, she marveled at the changes. No longer did the statue support muggle oppression, but instead depicted an abstract sculpture of a spell. Hermione didn't really understand art, but at least it was all inclusive.

The ministry was a much happier place, people smiled and talked to each other. People wore more colorful clothing styles- some muggle even. The atrium was hardly ever empty.

She walked into the elevator and waited for her floor. As she avoided paper airplane missives, she thought of how many times she'd been in that very elevator since she was polyjuiced next to Umbridge. She reached up and tried to free a missive that had gotten stuck in her hair.

"Again, Granger?" A voice laughed. "It's like your hair has it's own gravitational force. Hopeless."

Two pale hands reached over to help get the poor paper airplane out of her curls.

"At least I have hair, Malfoy."

That was another thing that had changed. For the better, of course.

He gave her a mock wounded look. "Ouch. Really, that hurts. Brutal, truly."

She laughed and smacked his arms away. The airplane was free by now, darting out of the elevator and toward it's recipient.

"Did you get the revisions I sent you about the new Goblin Liaison regulations?"

"Found them on my desk this morning. I'll make a trip to Gingotts later today and confirm, but as long as the Wizengamot is on board, it should pass." He gave a smug grin. "You do have all the Malfoy seats behind you, so I see no reason why it shouldn't."

She gave him a mock glare and was about to retort when the lift opened on her floor. The emergency lights were blinking red, and people were running to and fro. She put her palm to her face.

"Looks like you've got your work cut out for you." He commented lightly.

She sighed. "Give Astoria my best. I'll see you both Saturday, correct?"

"Weaslette finally convinced you then? Yeah, we'll be there."

"Brilliant, see you then." She said as she stepped out of the elevator and gave him a halfhearted wave over her shoulder.

She looked over the chaos before her and took a moment to take a deep breath. She quickly walked over the front desk and asked the first person she saw what the emergency was.

"There's a chimera loose near muggle Cardiff. We suspect a trade deal got out of hand."

"Well that's certainly no reason to panic." She said as she turned around and walked to the middle of the floor.

She cast a sonorous. "Stop what you're doing right now. Nobody moves, listen to my instructions."

She waited until she had everyone's attention. People paused mid-step and turned to look. The only sound came from the emergency alarms.

"You there," She pointed to a short thin man. "Get me a brief on the situation immediately." He ran off to do just that.

"I want a team of fifteen ready to head out in ten minutes. Wayland, get me your best." She said to the head of the Beast Division. He nodded and began gathering people.

She turned around and looked at the secretary she just spoke to. "Get me a team of aurors waiting to take care of possible smuggling and illegal trade."

She turned back to her floor. "Every one of you know what to do when there is an emergency. This display is not it. I don't care how dire the situation is. I expected better of you. So do better." She said icily.

She cut the sonorous charm and cut through the crowds and down the halls toward her office. A silent wave of her wand cut off the alarm system, her heels sounding through the room in her wake. She has spent years battling older men from the Wizengamot and winning. She knows how to demand respect and get things done. She made it to her office, closed the door, and let out a small giggle. It never gets old, she loves her job.

She walked over to her desk and pulled out a change of clothes. She learned the hard way that you can't do field work in a pencil skirt and sensible heels. She pulled on trainers and her jacket with faux dragon hide armour built in.

She looped her leather purse over one shoulder and stuffed her old beaded bag inside. That same beaded bag that helped them through so much that year on the run now holds much of the same things. Potions, books, tent, clothes, etc., etc. The only difference is that it's geared more toward creatures than basic survival. Potions for healing, nutrients, and other things that help beasts. Books on creatures that she'd never go in the field without. A tent and clothes and other items for her as well. Just in case.

She made sure her wand was secured to her arm holster and walked back out of her office. She met up with her team of fifteen and gave them the basic instructions on how they were going to approach the situation and how not to screw this up.

She took a deep breath and quelled her excitement. She loved field work. They turned on the spot and disapperated.

A few days later, she was pulling on the blue dress Ginny picked out for her. It truly was stunning. She gasped when the strap pulled on her bandage. She was trying to reach behind her to zip the dress up, but the movement of her arm was causing the wound on her shoulder to burn.

Thankfully, Ginny walked in and, seeing her struggle, helped her out. Hermione sighed a breath of relief and smoothed the edges of the bandage.

"I would say I don't know how you can put up with such a risky job, but that would be hypocritical considering a bludger broke my arm last season." Ginny laughed.

"Then you understand that I don't mind the pain or the scars or the definite possibility that it will happen again." Hermione said with a grin. She reached up to smooth her hair and winced. "Okay, maybe I mind the pain a little bit."

Ginny laughed. "Come on. Let's get going. The boys are probably going mental by now and your cake won't eat itself." She paused. "Well if we let George near it, it might."

Hermione chuckled and pulled on a white cardigan. She looped her leather bag over her shoulder, carefully avoiding her wound. They made their way through the flat to the floo.

Dust in their face and green flash had them stepping out into a crowded living room. The noise got louder as people turned to see Hermione and cheered raising their glasses. She was immediately pulled into a hug by Harry and Ron then passed around to receive hugs from the rest of their friends.

Sometime later, after they'd cut the cake and opened presents and everyone had had their fill of firewhiskey, guests were leaving giving Hermione parting hugs and congratulations. She'd just said goodbye to the Malfoys with a promise to Astoria for tea the following week when Harry came up next to her.

Hermione sighed, content. "This was lovely. Thank you for offering up Grimauld. It brought back memories."

"Only good ones I hope." Harry laughed.

"Oh, of course." Hermione chuckled, reminiscing about time spent as a teenager in that old house.

Harry had renovated since then, and while it still kept its charm, it looked completely different. Happier. Though Hermione knew, without ever officially asking or exploring, that Sirius's room was left untouched.

"So how does it feel to be twenty-five?" He asked her.

Hermione yawned. It was close to midnight, she'll probably leave soon. "No different than twenty-four." She smiled. "Although, I am a little closer to twenty-six with all the time-turner business. But of course this timeline moves in a straight line, if you ignore the multiverse theory, so while my physical body is older, officially I am twenty-"

"'Mione, how on earth do you know so much?" Ron interrupted. "It's like your brain has an infinite expansion charm on it. It's mental."

Hermione decided that Ron was a little intoxicated at the moment so she would take this as a compliment. Harry shot her an apologetic look.

She said nothing and she and Harry watched as Ron ambled back over to where Ginny was cleaning up. Ron knocked over a cup of firewhiskey and Ginny sent a stinging hex his way. He yelped and Hermione and Harry laughed.

Hermione threw her bag over her shoulder, stretched and yawned. "I think I'm going to head home, Har-" She stopped, eyes going wide.

"Harry." She turned and Harry sensed something was wrong.

She held her fluttering stomach. Something was pulling. Her skin didn't quite feel right.

"Harry, I don't- What's-"

Harry grasped her forearms trying to stabilize her. By now, Ron and Ginny were looking over realizing something was wrong.

"Harry I-"

A flash of white and Harry's arms were empty.

There was a knock at the door.