the_debt_of_time

"Then I ask that my teeth be fixed now. If I can expect my scars to all return to me
one day, I'd like to have this one thing, I suppose." Hermione looked up pleadingly at
Madam Pomfrey, remembering the many times that the mediwitch had treated her injuries
and dried her tears. "If I had my wand, I'd do it myself. Can you... Can you shrink them
for me, please?"
The older witch finally relented and approached the bed. "Of course dear, you just
tell me when." She handed a small mirror to Hermione, who choked out a gasp as she
looked at her reflection.
Eleven-year-old Hermione, almost twelve. Buck teeth and bushy hair, a smattering
of light freckles across her nose and cheeks. She smiled sadly and nodded, opening her
mouth to allow Madam Pomfrey to begin the spell.
Wincing a bit as she felt her teeth shrink, Hermione kept quiet until they felt and
looked exactly as they had before. Then she nodded, running her tongue over each tooth.
"Thank you. I feel a little vain about it, but.. ."
Madam Pomfrey smiled and gently squeezed her arm. "We've all got our own
insecurities, dear. Think nothing of it."
"Now, Miss Granger, if you're feeling up to a Floo trip, I'd like to bring you to meet
your new adoptive family," Dumbledore said. "Though none, save for the family in
question as well as Madam Pomfrey and myself, will know any details of your true identity.
I will ask all involved to take an Unbreakable Vow to protect your secret."
Hermione smiled gratefully. "Yes, sir." She stood up and almost fell off the bed,
forgetting she was a few inches shorter now. The front of her dress fell off one shoulder,
and Hermione grasped the fabric quickly, embarrassed as she looked with wide eyes at
Madam Pomfrey. "You wouldn't happen to be willing to do a little more altering for me,
would you?"
The mediwitch gave a soft chuckle, waving her wand over Hermione's dress,
shrinking it to better fit her form.
"Not sure what I'm going to do without you, Madam Pomfrey."
"I suppose I'll see you in a month, my dear. Feel free to come by if you need
anything once you've returned to Hogwarts."
"I will." Hermione nodded. "Thank you again."
Dumbledore stood at the door, holding it open. "Come, Miss Granger."