Rewritten Destiny

Sitting in the dimly lit Slytherin common room, Hermione pondered the intricacies of her mind. The flickering flames in the fireplace cast long shadows, creating a comforting yet solemn atmosphere. She had always been able to control her emotions, a skill honed by the traumatic experiences of her past life. She remembered the isolation, the pain of betrayal, and the ultimate terror of her murder. These memories were not just scars but the foundation of her remarkable mental resilience.

 

However, not all her past memories were accessible. Significant gaps were locked away in the recesses of her mind, making healing more challenging. These forgotten pieces haunted her, like shadows just beyond her reach. She could only work with the fragments she did remember, using them to strengthen her Occlumency.

 

Earlier that day, after her last class, Hermione summoned her courage and took a bold step. She approached Professor Snape, waiting until the classroom had emptied before walking up to his desk.

 

"Professor Snape, may I have a word?" she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.

 

Snape looked up from his papers, his expression as inscrutable as ever. "What is it, Miss Granger?"

 

"I've been reading about Occlumency," she began, her determination shining through her words. "And I understand it is essential for protecting one's mind. Given personal circumstances, I believe I need to learn it."

 

Snape raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued despite himself. "And what circumstances would those be?"

 

Hermione hesitated for a fraction of a second. "It's a personal matter sir." She hoped the hesitation she faked would be enough to make him connect the dots on his own.

 

Snape studied her for a moment before nodding. "Hector I presume, very well. Occlumency is a difficult art to master, but I will guide you. Be prepared for a challenging journey."

 

"Thank you, Professor, however I don't need a guide, I already have some rudimentary shields, I need advice." Hermione replied.

 

Snape raised an eyebrow; he should have known Miss Granger had already made such shields; she was far too advanced to settle for mediocre. "And what advice would you be looking for?"

 

"Occlumency: An Introduction, provides a rather basic outline of the skill, however from my own experience into building my defences and clearing my mind, I've discovered I have some natural talent at distancing myself from emotions, I wondered if the subject has ever had much of a study done on it as to why some people are naturally able to do so, while others fail."

 

Snape looked at her, his eyes assessing her before he sighed. "I am surprised you have already realisedrealised that there is a reason behind it rather than just being naturally talented, the misnomer "natural occlumens" is a pretty way of hiding the truth, only those who have suffered trauma, usually in their childhood, learn the skill in the way you are describing." He paused momentarily, considering whether he should be brave, asking: "I, am concerned that you would have such a skillset, understanding how it comes to materialisematerialise in young witches and wizards."

 

Hermione didn't respond immediately; she hadn't expected that for an answer, and it threw her plans off kilter. Is that why she was so good at this? "Thank you for your insight on the matter sir, I presume no one ever thought to consider Muggle Psychology texts?" pointedly, ignoring the silent question.

 

Snape seemed to consider her before answering, obviously unhappy she had bypassed the issue. "No, most Wixan are narrowminded about the resourcefulness of Muggles."

 

Hermione nodded, "Thank you, sir. I believe that gives me the answers I sought. Have a pleasant day."

 

As she returned to the Slytherin common room, Hermione knew that to truly master Occlumency, she needed more than just magical instruction. Her Muggle upbringing and scientific background had always been her most significant assets. She decided to draw on that knowledge, turning to psychology to complement her magical studies.

 

That evening, she penned a letter to her mother detailing her need for books on trauma and mental resilience. Her mother, a dentist interested in psychology, would undoubtedly have some recommendations.

 

Dear Mum,

The past few weeks have been relatively calm compared to the rest of the year. My classmates are nearly tearing their hair out, preparing for the exams. You know how much I struggle with small talk, so I'll get straight to the point. I need your help with something meaningful.

I've been studying a magical discipline that requires a deep understanding of the mind and emotions. Could you recommend some books on trauma and mental resilience? Since you are interested in the magical world, I hope you can help.

I'm also concerned about losing touch with my old life and want to keep you and Dad involved. I know it's a bit jarring for you, and I genuinely appreciate how you've tried to shield me from that to prevent any hurt. However, I'd prefer to find a way to keep you involved and learn with me so you'd feel more comfortable in my world.

Thank you so much. I look forward to your reply. Really looking forward to girls' night this summer!

Love, Hermione

 

She sent the letter off with her owl and returned to her studies. A few days later, her owl returned carrying several books; she appreciated the expansion charm on the carry pouch, which had four books inside.

 

• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
• Dissociation in Children and Adolescents: A Developmental Perspective.
• Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment of Borderline Personality Disorder.
• Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror.

 

As she read about psychology, she understood that this magical discipline was more than just shielding one's mind; it was about creating an impregnable fortress, a sanctuary that no one could penetrate. Most wizards and witches had to train extensively to achieve this, but it was almost second nature for her. She had been protecting her mind long before she knew there was a name for it.

 

Closing her eyes, Hermione began to meditate. She envisioned her mind as a fortress, its walls high and unbreachable. This mental exercise was familiar, akin to the grounding techniques she had used in her past life. Grounding, she remembered from her studies, involved focusing on the present moment to detach from emotional pain. It was a coping mechanism for trauma survivors, a way to reclaim control over their minds.

 

In her studies, she turned to the works of psychologists to understand her trauma. She recalled the theories of dissociation, a mental process where a person disconnects from their thoughts, feelings, memories, or sense of identity. It was a survival mechanism to protect oneself from unbearable pain. Studies have shown that individuals who experience severe trauma often develop a heightened ability to compartmentalise their emotions and thoughts. This, she realised, was the psychological foundation of her natural Occlumency.

"Trauma survivors often develop unique mental defenses," she thought, recalling the works of Bessel van der Kolk and Frank Putnam. "Occlumency is just a magical extension of that."

 

In "The Body Keeps the Score," Bessel van der Kolk detailed how trauma affects the brain, changing how individuals process stress and emotions. He explained that trauma could lead to dissociation, a state where a person feels disconnected from their body and surroundings as a way to cope with overwhelming experiences. Hermione found this concept fascinating, recognising it in her ability to detach from her emotions when necessary.

 

"Trauma leaves an indelible mark on our minds and bodies," she thought. "But it also equips us with unique defenses."

 

Frank Putnam's "Dissociation in Children and Adolescents" delved deeper into how young minds respond to trauma. He described dissociation as a developmental mechanism that allows children to escape from traumatic situations mentally. This resonated with Hermione, who had experienced dissociation not as a child but as a young adult facing extreme stress. Her ability to compartmentalise was a testament to her mind's resilience and adaptability. This also supported Professor Snape's thoughts on "natural occlumens."

 

Drawing from her scientific background, Hermione began to rationalise Occlumency in terms of physics. She likened the mind, not the brain, to a complex network of neurons firing electrical signals that could be tuned like radio frequencies. By adjusting these mental frequencies, she could create barriers against external intrusion. It was like tuning a radio to block out interference, an analogy that made perfect sense to her scientifically inclined mind and would create a somewhat insurmountable roadblock to most Legilimens.

 

"Magic and science aren't so different after all," she mused. "Both are about understanding and manipulating the natural world."

 

With each meditation session, she visualised her thoughts as particles and waves, adjusting their frequencies to create impenetrable shields. This unique blend of scientific rationale and magical practice made her approach to Occlumency innovative and highly effective. She could feel her mental defences strengthening, becoming more sophisticated and resilient.

 

Marsha Linehan's work on cognitive-behavioural treatment, especially for individuals with borderline personality disorder, provided Hermione with additional tools. Linehan's techniques for emotional regulation and distress tolerance were invaluable. Hermione adapted these methods to reinforce her mental barriers, practising mindfulness to stay grounded and focused. She knew that maintaining emotional balance was crucial for effective Occlumency.

 

"Mindfulness isn't just a Muggle practice," she thought. "It's a universal tool for mental strength."

 

Despite her natural talent, Hermione knew mastering Occlumency required more than intellectual understanding. It required emotional healing. She had to confront the trauma that had given her this ability. But with so many memories locked away, this was a challenging task. She could only work with what she remembered, trying to piece together a coherent picture from the fragments of her past.

 

"Pain is a part of me, but it doesn't define me," she reminded herself. "I am stronger because of it."

 

In the library, surrounded by ancient tomes and magical artefacts, Hermione found solace in the works of Muggle psychologists who wrote about the healing power of acknowledging and processing trauma. Judith Herman's "Trauma and Recovery" was a particular favourite. It spoke to her deeply, reinforcing her belief that facing her past was crucial for building a secure future.

 

"To heal, we must first understand our pain," she reflected. "Only then can we truly protect ourselves."

 

Hermione's journey with Occlumency was not just about defending her mind from intrusion. It was about reclaiming her sense of self, about transforming her pain into strength. It was a testament to her resilience and intellect, blending the worlds of magic and science in a way that only she could.

 

As she progressed, she realised Occlumency was more than a magical skill. It was a profound form of self-awareness and control. It was about building a fortress to keep others out and create a safe space within, a sanctuary where she could be genuinely herself.

 

"Magic is in the mind as much as it is in the wand," she thought. "And the mind is a powerful thing."

 

With each day, her mental defences grew more robust and intricate. She needed to build on them each day to make them natural and automatic, but each defence took time to develop, so it wasn't something she could master in an afternoon.

 

"Let them try to invade my mind," she thought with a determined smile. "They'll find nothing but an unbreakable fortress."

 

As the days turned into weeks, Hermione's practice of Occlumency became more refined. She incorporated Linehan's strategies for managing intense emotions, using mindfulness to anchor herself in the present. She would focus on the sensation of the cool stone beneath her feet, the gentle flicker of the candlelight, or the rhythmic sound of her breathing. These practices helped her maintain a state of calm, which is crucial for maintaining her mental barriers.

 

Van der Kolk's insights into the physical impact of trauma also played a significant role in her practice. She understood that her body held onto stress and that by engaging in physical activities like running or practising yoga, she could help release some of that tension. Physical exercise became another tool in her arsenal, allowing her to keep her mind clear and focused.

 

Hermione also explored the concept of integration from Herman's work. She knew her Occlumency needed more than a defence mechanism to be effective. It had to be a part of her everyday life, seamlessly integrated into her identity. This meant not only protecting herself from external threats but also nurturing her mental and emotional well-being. She theorised that with brain processes focused away from strong emotions, they would then be focused more on cognitive tasks and would accelerate learning or recall; as her recall was already perfect, she wondered if this would improve or speed up her understanding of tasks, or whether it would allow her to focus on multiple tasks at once.

 

"Occlumency is about balance," she realised. It's about being strong enough to protect myself but also gentle enough to heal."

 

She thought this supported her theory about Wards being like Radiowaves and frequency. It was at this point she realised her happy accident; by tuning each pathway into a frequency, she had effectively made wards inside her own mind, rudimentary wards at best but based on a similar concept; she wondered if this meant that any attacker would also have to be a ward breaker, exciting idea and would require testing, but who could she trust to test them that was also skilled as a ward breaker? No one.

 

As she sat in the library, lost in the depths of her books, Hermione was absorbed in her studies on advanced Arithmancy. The quiet of the room was occasionally interrupted by the soft rustle of pages and the scratch of quills. She felt a tap on her shoulder and saw Blaise Zabini standing beside her, holding a thick Potions textbook.

 

"Hermione, can you explain the properties of moonstone in the Draught of Peace in relation to its stabilisingstabilising effects?" he asked, flipping through his book.

 

Without looking up from her Arithmancy notes, Hermione answered, "Moonstone works by moderating the reaction between powdered porcupine quills and powdered unicorn horn, which can otherwise become volatile. This stabilisationstabilisation is crucial in ensuring the potion induces a calm and dreamless sleep without adverse side effects."

 

Blaise's eyes widened in surprise, and another voice chimed in before he could thank her.

 

"Hermione, what's the incantation and the wand movement for the Fire-Making Spell?" asked Pansy Parkinson from a nearby table.

 

"Incendio," Hermione replied automatically, her quill still scratching across her notes. "The wand movement is a simple swish and flick towards the target."

 

A few Ravenclaws had overheard the exchange and approached her with their questions.

 

"Hermione, can you explain the theoretical principles behind the Wand-Lighting Charm?"

 

"Lumos. The charm relies on the basic principle of focusing magical energy through the wand tip to produce light, which is akin to channeling raw magical force into a visible spectrum," she answered, not missing a beat.

 

"Hermione, what's the best way to counteract the effects of a Shrinking Solution when it's applied to a living organism?"

 

"A Growth Potion will counteract the Shrinking Solution, but it must be administered carefully to avoid causing the organism to grow beyond its original size. Alternatively, a general Counter-Shrinking Spell can be used for immediate relief," she responded, her focus unwavering.

 

The questions came in rapid succession, covering a range of subjects from Transfiguration to Herbology. Hermione answered each one flawlessly, occasionally adding extra tidbits of information that weren't in the textbooks, impressing everyone around her.

 

A Ravenclaw student asked, "Hermione, could you explain the significance of the Golpalott's Third Law in antidote creation?"

 

Hermione didn't pause as she answered, "Golpalott's Third Law states that the antidote for a blended poison, that is, a poison that combines several ingredients to create an effect, will be equal to more than the sum of the antidotes for each of the separate components. This means that an antidote must counteract the combined effects of the poisons, not just their individual properties."

 

Another Ravenclaw said, "Can you discuss the practical applications of Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration, particularly the exceptions?"

 

Hermione glanced up briefly. "Gamp's Law dictates that there are five Principal Exceptions to the rules of Transfiguration, which means certain things cannot be created or transformed. The most well-known exception is food. You cannot create food out of nothing, but you can summon it if you know where it is, transform it, or increase the quantity if you have some to begin with. The other four exceptions are more obscure but include money and true love."

 

Blaise Zabini, impressed by her depth of knowledge, leaned forward. "What about the theoretical basis for using the Draught of Living Death? How does it achieve such a profound effect?"

 

Hermione hesitantly replied, "The Draught of Living Death is a powerful sleeping potion that induces a near-death state. Its effectiveness is due to the synergy of its ingredients—specifically the Sopophorous bean, which enhances the potency of the potion's sedative properties, and the infusion of Wormwood, which affects the central nervous system, slowing bodily functions to a near standstill. Proper brewing technique, such as crushing the Sopophorous bean instead of cutting it, releases more of its juice, ensuring maximum potency."

 

Ernie Macmillan, who had been listening intently, asked, "Hermione, can you explain the magical theory behind apparition and the reasons why it can be so dangerous?"

 

"Apparition involves the magical transportation of oneself from one location to another, and it relies on the principles of magical focus, determination, and destination," Hermione explained. "The danger lies in the precision required. Miscalculations can lead to Splinching, where parts of the body are left behind. The key is maintaining a clear mental image of the destination, remaining calm, and focusing your magic sharply. Factors such as distance, familiarity with the location, and the wizard's experience level all impact the success of an apparition."

 

Another Ravenclaw seventh-year, Terry Boot, asked, "Hermione, can you break down the Arithmancy principles behind casting complex charms and why precise calculations are crucial?"

 

"Arithmancy provides the numerical foundation for understanding and crafting spells," Hermione explained. "Each spell has a magical signature composed of numbers, and these must align perfectly for the spell to work. In complex charms, even a minor miscalculation can lead to unintended effects or a complete failure. Precision in Arithmancy ensures that the magical energy flows correctly and that the spell's structure is stable and effective."

 

"Can you explain the unique properties of dittany and its application in advanced healing potions?"

 

"Dittany has powerful healing properties. When applied to wounds, it not only promotes rapid healing but also prevents infection and scarring by stimulating cell regeneration. In advanced healing potions, it's often combined with essence of murtlap and powdered silver for enhanced efficacy."

 

A Ravenclaw seventh-year chimed in, "Why isn't she in Ravenclaw if she's that smart? She'd fit right in with us."

 

Draco Malfoy, quietly observing the entire scene, smirked and said, "That's because Slytherin is where the truly smart and ambitious end up. Ravenclaw might have its share of bookworms, but we have the ones who actually know how to use their brains to get ahead."

 

Pansy Parkinson nodded, smirking, "Yeah, it's not just about knowing things. It's about how you use that knowledge. Slytherins are known for being strategic and cunning, not just walking encyclopedias."

 

Hermione looked up, sensing the tension between the houses. "Knowledge and ambition aren't exclusive to any one house," she said calmly. "But I chose Slytherin because I believed it was the right place for me to grow and achieve my goals."

 

Theodore Nott, a 1st year, asked ""Hermione, everyone knows there's no known counter-curse for the Imperius Curse. It's one of the Unforgivable Curses. How would you counter it."

 

The library fell silent as all eyes turned to Hermione. The Imperius Curse was notorious for its difficulty resisting, let alone counteracting.

 

Hermione took a deep breath and nodded. "It's true that the Imperius Curse is incredibly challenging to counter because it floods the victim with overwhelming euphoria and a sense of happiness, making them compliant to any command. However, I've been exploring a theoretical approach inspired by Muggle science, specifically a drug called Naltrexone."

 

The Ravenclaws looked intrigued but sceptical. Anthony Goldstein crossed his arms. "How would a Muggle drug help with a powerful magical curse?"

 

Hermione continued, her voice steady and confident. "Naltrexone is used to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders by binding to the body's endorphin receptors, blocking the effects of those substances. Since the Imperius Curse likely works by flooding the victim's brain with endorphins or similar magical chemicals, a spell based on the same principle could theoretically block those effects."

 

The students exchanged astonished glances, and a few Ravenclaws looked genuinely impressed.

 

"So you're suggesting a spell that mimics Naltrexone's action?" Terry Boot asked, leaning forward.

 

"Exactly," Hermione confirmed. "The spell would need to bind to the same 'magical receptors' in the brain, blocking the euphoric effects of the Imperius Curse and allowing the victim to regain control of their mind. It's still a theory, but it offers a new direction for developing a counter-curse."

 

The library buzzed with excitement and disbelief. The idea that a student, even one as brilliant as Hermione, could devise a theoretical solution to one of the most feared curses was astonishing.

 

Blaise Zabini looked at her with newfound respect. "That's... incredible, Hermione. If you manage to develop this spell, it could change everything."

Hermione hummed to herself. "Yes, but it would also remove it as a possible defence in the future because it would become common practice to stop unwilling spies. Also it wouldn't break the curse entirely, but it would unfog your mind enough for you to want to fight back, that's how the spell works, it's a 2 part, one part control one part submission, by removing the submission, it's still a battle of wills, but you'd now be constantly fighting instead of intermittently."

 

The students were silent around her. Everyone was somewhat surprised that a first-year student was this advanced. Some of the seven years felt inferior after hearing this 12-year-old girl answer NEWT-level questions that were supposed to be taxing for 17-year-olds with seven years of magical education under their belt, and she did so with barely lifting her eyes from her book!!

 

"Hermione, can you help us form a study group?" Daphne Greengrass asked, her voice a mix of admiration and desperation. "We really need your help to prepare for the exams."

 

Hermione finally looked up from her book, scanning the eager faces around her. She saw their genuine need for assistance and respect for her knowledge and skills. With a sigh, she closed her book and nodded; she was a bit bored anyway and could use the change of pace.

 

"Alright," she agreed, a small smile forming. "Let's form a study group. We'll meet here every evening until the exams. I'll help you all, but you'll need to put in the effort too."

 

A chorus of relieved and grateful voices echoed around her. "Thank you, Hermione!" "You're the best!" "We'll work hard, we promise!"