The Arrival [invite]

[michelle]

Small fingers slipped on a large necklace-like thing. The pendant that hung from the chain was a small hourglass. Most people would think it looked queer to wear it. But Michelle had a reason for this. She grabbed onto Matthew's hand. She didn't want to get this messed up. She scanned her surroundings. The lake, which Michelle assumed was once sparkling, was now dark and uninviting. The remains of a wooden structure was to her far right and on the other side was what might have once been a park. The entire place seemed to reek of despair. Michelle knew, because her mother had told her, that this place had once been full of life and happiness, but not anymore. Michelle couldn't see how it ever had been.

Behind her, Michelle knew there were the ruins of a great castle. It was just before dusk and a tad cold. She shivered slightly. "Here goes nothing, Mattie," she whispered softly. She used her free hand to clutch the time turner. Taking a deep breath in she rotated the time turner. She began feeling a change after the second or so rotate, by the fourteenth, things where whizzing around her and Mattie. It was all a quick blur and it made Michelle a tad queezy. She closed her eyes for a moment. When she opened her eyes, things had stopped spinning.

Michelle's eyes widened and her jaw dropped slightly. The place was alive and happy. The wooden remains where no longer wooden, but built up and people where sitting up there, playing happily. Where the abandoned park had been where people playing and running happily on clean play sets. The lake was a glittering blue and a few people where actually sticking their feet in it. All around Michelle people were happy.

This was so unlike home. She couldn't remember Hogwarts ever being so happy. So many people, as well. Not a care in the world for them. And she thought of Mom. Hermione Potter must have been happy at this point. And herself! She must have been only five or six months old. She wished this could have been where she had grown up. What a wonderful place.

Letting go of Matthew's hand, Michelle turned to him. "It worked," she said, grinning, "It worked Mattie."

[mattie]

Matthew stood twisting his fingers in nervous knots as Michelle played with the time turner, "This is a bad idea," He muttered. "A very bad bad idea." When Michelle had told him of her plan he'd tried to talk her out of it, what good could a couple of kids do? That was if it even worked, which it couldn't right, Michelle was good but was she that good? Well look at her mother!!! Matthew groaned at his inner turmoil.

He knew it had to be done, he didn't have to like it though.

Matthew looked around as he waited trying to imagine this place as anything but a ruin. He just couldn't see it, his Father had told him how amazing Hogwarts had once been, warm and inviting he'd said just like home. Thousands of smiling faces swarmed the grounds, echos of laughter bounced from the towers and the Castle itself had been a magnificent sight. It had clearly fallen hard.

Matthew sighed, looking over at the gloomy lake, he vowed that if Michelle actually made this work, he was going to go swimming. If he got the chance that was.

It seemed like only seconds had passed when Michelle was grabbing his hand, their icy fingers intertwined and suddenly Matthew was feeling a deep tugging somewhere in his belly. It made him feel a tad ill. He thought about letting go of Michelle's hand but then what kind of friend would he be? They were in this together, and when he heard her whisper his nickname he knew there was no going back.

Mattie tried to keep his eyes open as Michelle turned the time turner, he watched for a few seconds but the spinning and the changes were making his eyes blur and his stomach queasy. Snapping them tightly shut he kept the image of the castle re-building itself firmly in his mind, gone was the wooden structure and in its place was a truly magnificent sight.

After a few minutes the feeling of what Mattie imagined the world shattering in to a thousand tiny fragments would feel like, subsided and his legs although a little shaky didn't give out under him. He tentatively opened his eyes.

He gasped, he couldn't believe it, it was like all the stories he'd heard growing up. The castle was amazing, lights flickered in the tower windows, the great oak doors were standing regally in place, the lake shone a crystal blue and the air was warm and buzzing. He could hear the laughter just like his Father had said he would. Looking around he could understand why this had been his Mothers favourite place to be.

He looked at Michelle admiration in his dark brown eyes, "I cant believe you pulled that off." Was all he could think to say.

[michelle]

I can't believe you pulled this off. That was all? That was all he had to say. Michelle frowned a bit, but not much. "That's all?" she said, "nothing else? No, good job? No, we did it! Come on Mattie, we did it. We're gonna fix everything." She grinned. She didn't really want to dwell on the fact that she wasn't sure what was going to happen to them once they fixed everything. What would happen to their world? She didn't know. But it didn't really matter. She didn't care at this point.

What where they to do now? She supposed she should get her Mum and Dad. Mattie's parents too. But how? She knew her Mum should be at the school, as well as Mattie's dad. Maybe she should just ask for her Mum. Yes, that would do. Michelle scanned the ground. All she had to do was ask for someone to get the Headmistress. She scanned the ground. Her eyes stopped on a nearby boy. "Oi!" Michelle said, "boy! Would you go get my Mu- I mean the Headmistress, immediately, tell her Michelle Potter and Matthew Slughorn are out here. Do it quickly! Like, now!"

Michelle wondered if the boy new that the Headmistress had a daughter. Or if Horace Slughorn had a son. If he didn't, he'd be in for a shock. If he did... He'd still be in for a shock, as they'd be very young at this point. This was all very odd. She wondered how her Mum would react? Would she not believe them. Michelle probably did not look much like her baby self.

She sighed and played with her fingers a little. Then she turned to Mattie and offered a small smile. She was getting a tad nervous. She hadn't really thought about this part much at all. She was going to see her Mum, only fourteen years ago. How odd would that be? Very, very, odd. Michelle sighed slightly, not really prepared for what was about to happen, but ready all the same.

[Holden J. Caulfield]

Today had to be the worst day even in Holden's life. Since Friday he had been sick and now it had even gotten even worse. From the bottom of his spine to his shoulders hurt terribly. Many times throughout the day he had tried popping his back but couldn't do so; he couldn't even pop his neck. The joints of his fingers wouldn't even bend. Coughing and the spitting of mucus had started. Sleepiness and dizziness had even began to form.

The Hufflepuff covered his mouth as a cough came from his mouth. The day got even better. Today would be his first day of work. How great was that going to be? Washing tables and taking orders like crazy while being sick. Holden had also went to three classes this morning which didn't help matters much. All he wanted to do was sleep.

Holden walked outside to get a breath of fresh air. He thought that it would do him some good to get some cold air into his lungs. Maybe it would help him. His hand through his dark brown hair as he walked down toward the lake. A long walk would give him justice. Would it not?

Another event would also start. One that Holden had not known was coming. Something that would question his sanity. It would make others question his sanity. If Holden had known what this day would hold he probably wouldn't have gone outside. He wouldn't have gone to the lake. The Hufflepuff would have started on his homework or gone to work already. But you have to take life one step at a time.

The lake had always been magical. Mer-people lived in the lake. A giant squid would often come out in the summer to get food. Grindylows would come to snatch ankles of students and pull them down a bit for a bit of humor. But today something that was even more magical was happening. Maybe if Holden had been paying attention closely he would have noticed that two people shouldn't have been at Hogwarts.

A girl's voice snapped him out of his deep thoughts and drowziness. Holden looked to the girl then to the boy before she stated their names. A gasp came from his lips as he took a step back. Michelle Potter and Matthew Slughorn? What? Michelle wasn't even a year old yet and Matthew wasn't born yet! No. He had seen Anya Slughorn a couple days ago. She was still pregnant. These kids were screwing with him.

"What? No. Michelle is just a year old. Matthew is it? Matthew isn't even born yet." What was wrong with them? Holden had never seen them before. I shouldn't have listened to Professor Black. I should have gone to the Hospital Wing. I'm getting all screwed up in the attic.

Did that girl just command him? Holden raised an eyebrow at her. "If you wish," he said questionably and began walking back from which he came. Did she just tell him to hurry? A curse word went through his head as he began walking back into Hogwarts. Then he ran. His sanity was at stake. Anya knew him well.

Walking up to the Headmistress' office he began banging on the door with his fist. "HEADMISTRESS! HEADMISTRESS!" His voice was still hoarse, a squeaky voice that was no higher than a whisper. "OPEN UP THE DOOR! SOMETHING IS GOING ON!" Holden banged the door harder and harder trying to get her attention.

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[mattie]

Mattie smiled sheepishly, "That was incredible Michelle, your right I'm sorry." He hadn't meant to hurt her feelings he had just been so amazed they had managed it. Well he thought they really it had been all on Michelle.

He sighed at her excitement, he really hoped it was that simple, fixing things, he wasn't convinced it would be though, they had to convince people who they were and then why they were here and then there was the whole task of changing the course of History. But if anyone could do it he sure hoped it was them.

Mattie hadn't even noticed they weren't alone until Michelle called to the boy, he winced at her directness, there was probably better ways to handle it but he didn't say anything although he thought the boy might have something to say on his return, that is if he returned, he didn't look happy, he also got the impression he thought they were nuts. He was probably right.

Wait, Mattie wasn't even born! Great just great how was he going to convince his Mum he was Mattie if Mattie wasn't even Mattie yet. He frowned as his thoughts took a confusing turn.

"Well." He said, "Here goes nothing," He smiled at her warmly hoping to reassure her, was it him or was she looking a little nervous all of a sudden.

[Professor Hermione Potter]

It had been a pleasant Sunday afternoon and I was visiting with one of my closer friends, Anya Slughorn. It was getting close the time where she'd have to be out for a few weeks to prepare for the birth of her son. So while there were definitely elements of just a social visit, it was definitely a business meeting.

However, our meeting was soon interrupted by shouting. Confused, I walked to the door and opened it up. I was a little surprised that the usually unflappable Holden Caulfield was so agitated. Hurridly, he told me about some strange events going on about the lake. The names he mentioned picqued my interest especially since one look to my side showed Michelle playing in her basinette in the corner.

"We'll take care of this Mr. Caulfield. Thank you for bring it to my attention." I didn't really want to risk Michelle, but Harry was at work and this situation needed to be taken care of and nor could I just leave Michelle alone. Hoping I wouldn't regret it, I grabbed Michelle out of her basinette and looked at Anya.

"We have a bit of a situation. Apparently a couple of kids are out there claiming to be our children. I could use your help." I left my office, hoping Anya wasn't far behind despite her pregnancy being progressed so far. Mindful of Michelle, I hurried through the corridors and out to the lake where the two mystery teens were. Why would someone want to impersonate our children. It doesn't make much sense.

Finally, I approached the location that the two were standing around at. I will admit the girl looks familiar, but from where I don't know. Best approach this cautiously. "I'm Headmistress Potter. I hear you requested to see me."

[Deleted]

For once Anya was able to spend some time to chat up a bit with Hermione this afternoon. Normally she'd be back at her home, but Horace was literally driving her bonkers and thankfully she had Hermione to reside in. As they conversed for a little while, their meeting was so rudely interrupted, and Anya had nearly toppled out of her seat.

She watched as Hermione went to answer the door, seeing that it was one of her own students from her house, Holden Caulfield. Anya didn't hear very much since the boy's voice sounded rather rhaspy, but as Hermione returned to my attention, I suddenly felt fear. Children claiming to be ours? "That's impossible," she murmured as she hoisted herself up from her chair.

Following as quickly as she could behind Hermione and Michelle, Anya wheezed a bit. It wasn't that easy power-walking in her condition, but she did the best she could when they finally exited through the castle doors and went to the location the two were standing. Anya looked at the both of them, not recognzing them, but sort of having that familiar sense like she's seen them before.

Impossible since she's known practically everyone she's met. But sometime familiar in their facial features caught their attention. This just isn't possible. She assured herself as her hand rested on her swelled stomach.

[michelle]

"Mum..." Michelle muttered as her mother stopped in front of her. She stared at the woman in front of her. She looked a lot like her own mother, only much younger. Her face wasn't lined with wrinkles, and her hair was a wonderful brunette, as opposed to the grey, with streaks of brown, that her Mum in her own time had. A gasp of shock was issued from Michelle's mouth. This was her mother. What she had looked like in her former glory.

"Ohmigod, Mum," Michelle said. She noticed the lady next to her. This must be... Anya Slughorn. She could see the resemblance to Matthew, "Its me, Michelle, your daughter." She knew how weird that must sound. But what else to say?

"Let me explain," Michelle added, quickly, "I grew up in a horrid world. My dad, your husband, Harry, he died, and I this evil guy, he, he took over. Hogwarts, it's not the same. Its all gloomy. But me and Mattie here, we stole the time turner, and we made a few adjustments to it. Then we came here! To stop the dark lord. So the world will be all better. We have to stop him."

She looked at Anya Slughorn, "oh, and Ms. Slughorn, this is Mattie, I mean Matthew, your son!" She pushed Matthew forward a little. This must be amazing for him. Meeting his mother for real. Michelle wondered if she'd get to meet her own father. Then she spotted a baby, being held by her Mum. This must be... Herself. How odd. She stared at the baby, and it gazed back up at her. This was all to strange. She was looking at herself, minus thirteen and half years. Wow.

[mattie]

Mattie's eyes widened as Michelle's mum approached, this was not the Hermione Potter they had left behind in their time. She was so . . . so . . . young! The Hermione they knew wasn't exactly old but time had taken its toll on her, you can only take so much heartache before it starts to show.

But this Hermione was so vibrant and full of life. Speaking of full of life Mattie couldn't believe his own mum was beside her, he recognised her from a picture he had found hidden away in his dads drawer. There were non on display in their house, to painful his father had told him when he'd mentioned it. Mattie had stolen it and tucked it safely away in a box under his bed, whenever he felt sad or had questions he knew would never be answered he'd take it out and gaze at her smiling face.

He couldn't believe her face was actually in front of him, alive and well. If Mattie had felt strongly about changing history before he was packing extra ammo now, he had to get his mother back. He hadn't realised how much he had missed out on until he saw her standing before him. He wanted to run and throw his arms around her but something held him back.

Mattie's eyes widened as he spotted the baby . . . Michelle . . . in Hermione's arms. Now this was just too weird he looked back and forth between the two, trying to make sense of it all, If he was having a hard time adjusting he could only imagine what everyone else was going through.

He groaned as Michelle mentioned the stolen time turner, could she not have said borrowed it or that it was already theres he didn't want to give their mothers any reason not to trust them, plus they had been told time and time again not to mess with such things and here they were admitting they'd broken the rules, he wondered if she would punish them considering the circumstances.

He smiled awkwardly as Michelle pushed him forward so his mother could get a good look at him, "Hey erm Mum," the word sounded foreign to him he'd never had much use for it, "I know it seems crazy but Michelle's telling the truth." He threw her a sheepish smile and looked at the ground, wondering what would happen next.

[Deleted]

No, this couldn't all be true. Anya looked to Hermione for some kind of response to these children. They were playing mind games. It's just... impossible. Or was it possible to travel back in time? All that they have said about the future, Harry dying, and some dark lord taking over Hogwarts, was it all true? Anya felt very uncertain about things, especially in her condition, and she wasn't taking it well.

The girl then pushed the boy forward and Anya took a long hard look at him. But how could that be? Matthew was here beneath her hand. "Hermione.. this ca-cannot be possible, right?" She gulped as she looked back to both of the children. Their features were so distinct. Michelle's vibrant green eyes and Matthew's smile that almost.. just almost reminded her of Horace's.

This was just too much for Anya to handle. She wasn't thinking about what happened in the future or how they got here, but that this boy was Matthew, her son. There had to be some way to validate all they were telling them. Some way for Anya, and maybe Hermione to believe that these kids were really their children from the future. "This is nonsense..." she whispered.

((OOC: Well I don't know about anyone else, but this thread has been way too inactive to let go. Especially for the plot.))