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Chapter Text

2nd May 1998

How was anyone expected to go on now? Hermione felt her heart shatter into a million pieces, with the confirmation of what she most feared. The remnants of Voldemort's announcement to the entire castle ringing in her ears. Harry Potter is dead.  If Hermione was being completely truthful with herself her heart had been on the precipice of collapse for as long as she could remember. 

The countless horrors that had been expected of her, each one cracking it a little bit further; from watching her best friend bring back a lifeless body during the Triwizard tournament, facing fully grown adults in an ambush that they weren’t ever expected to make it out of, watching her brother in all but blood loose the only family that had ever brought him any comfort, months of camping and half starving to death whilst on a mission from a dead man who thought it fun to play god and only ever share half truths in riddles. That’s before she even thinks of her most recent ordeal, her torture and mutilation at the hands of a madwoman. Each sacrifice, each loss making it inevitable that there would be irreparable fall out. 

But its this, having Hermione’s worst fears confirmed, that keeping the Godric damn savior of the wizarding world, the ‘Chosen One’, alive all this time was only to ensure that he was led to slaughter at the right time. She was ready to bring Albus back from beyond the veil and damn him to hell herself, she would have to settle for blasting his portrait into as many shattered pieces as her heart. 

To make matters all the worse she was not only trapped under the weight of her grief, she was physically trapped in the headmasters office. Harry, when it’s conveninent to himself, could be rather cunning and swiped not only her wand but locked the door so he could go off on his little suicide mission alone. Hermione, in all her overachieving glory, had mastered the wand-less Alohomora spell back in third year so under normal circumstances she would have been able to follow him, but the complicated protection wards, that she had bloody taught him whilst on the run were another matter entirely meaning that she was trapped until someone came across her. 

“You know, don’t you? You know what I have to do'' Those were the first words Harry spoke to her after returning from watching Snape’s memories in the pensive. She could feel the defeat in his voice. Hermione never thought to tell him her suspicions because she knew that as soon as he heard it, he would be completely resigned to his fate. Her courageous, kind, and funny best friend had a mile long self sacrificing streak on the best of days but if he knew that the only way to save everyone would be to die, he would do it over and over again. The tears marking her filth covered face with clean tracks wouldn’t stop, 

“I didn’t want to believe I was right, I wanted to find another way Harry” she was surprised that her voice was so strong. Harry just nodded and pulled her into his arms holding her as tight as humanly possible. 

“I’m going with you Harry, we will face this together as we always have. you are not going to be alone” she felt him nod into her shoulder, she let out a breath that she didn’t realise that she was holding, she was sure he would fight her on that,

“You know there is no way I would have been able to do any of this life without you, I’m so grateful to that bloody troll and your unwavering faith in me for bringing us together. I love you Hermione” she felt his own tears seeping into her shoulder which only made hers come all the faster,

“You will forgive me for this one day” she felt movement from her back pocket where she had stashed Bellatrix’s wand and before she had a chance to react,

“Petrificus Totalus” He caught her before her rigid body smashed into the floor, she was sure her skin must have been bright red because the level of rage she felt for Harry was at an all time high. It must have been a cold day in hell for Harry to catch Hermione off gaurd.

“You will live, Hermione. You will live on for Ron and for Me. And eventually when you forgive me for this you could name your first born son to honor me yeah?” He chuckled through his tears, bent down and kissed her forehead, with a final smile he turned away from her and left quietly to meet death.

Her tears had stopped due to the spell that Harry had placed her under, but as soon as it broke the sobs ripped through her once again, because she knew if the magic had fallen then Harry had fallen along with it, He didn’t even give her the chance to tell him she loved him, or to argue that she had no desire to live if she had to live with the empty space where both of her best friends should be. The lingering smell of smoke in her hair brought her right back to the terror of Ron’s screams as the room of requirement was engulfed in cursed flames.   

“Miss Granger, I implore you to Occlude the undoubtable grief you must be feeling” she snapped her head up to find where the voice came from, because it could not be possible that she heard that particular voice. But with magic of course it is possible, the dead never truly leave, annoying sentient portraits are a constant reminder of that.

“How dare you, How dare you choose to show up and give advice now. You….YOU!  You old coot” the rage that she was feeling towards Harry quickly redirected towards the Portrait of Albus Dumbeldore that had been conveniently empty up until now.

“Now Miss Granger, everything that has happened has happened because it was set in motion many years ago, believe it or not this was the best case scenario according to my many arithmancy calculations” Hermione scoffed, she felt herself questioning how people ever thought this man a fit leader of anything.

“Forgive me Professor, you have given me every reason to never trust your judgment ever again” she felt tears of anger and frustration welling in her eyes she blinked rapidly to dispel them.

“If you think for one second that I would ever again take your word on anything, you would be sorely disappointed. Why show up now? Why not half an hour ago and face the boy that you have raised for slaughter?” Tears of anger pricked at the corners of her eyes and she could feel the blood pooling in her hands from how her fingernails clawed at her palms. 

“Because dear girl you need me now, there was nothing left to be done for Mister Potter, his fate was sealed when the prophecy was spoken. Your fate however is now up for manipulation” The portraits' eyes somehow managed to portray Albus’s signature eye twinkle, of course the old man was still pulling their puppet strings beyond the grave.

“That I do believe professor, there has never been a situation or life that you couldn’t manipulate for the sake of your cause” Hemione made very little effort to keep the distaste out of her tone, she didn't really care to spare a dead man's feelings.

“Miss Granger, your contempt for me, whilst well earned and justified, will not help you at this moment. It would do you well to let me inform you of the contingencies that I have put in place”

Hermione felt the fight leave her, logically she knew arguing with a portrait would not undo the deeds of the flawed man, but her feelings on the late Headmaster had been festering for quite some time and Harry would never hear a bad word in regards to his beloved Professor. 

“And what would that be? I find it hard to understand how any said plan would not have been put in motion yet. Especially when the only plan you left us with was three teenagers running around the countryside searching for unknown objects made of the most pure evil and destroying them without the proper means to do so.”  Her voice rose with each word ending with her screaming at the portrait, so much for not fighting with a portrait. She could feel the static of her magic crackling in the tips of her hair, Albus looked resigned to accept the fact that she may light his portrait ablaze wandless or not.

“You have always been quite the remarkable witch Miss Granger, as you have been told many times The Brightest Witch of your age, however most people fail to see past your vast intelligence and are blind to not only your heart but your magical strength. Tell me Miss Granger, has there ever been a case documented when a person has kept their mind whilst being held under the cruciatus curse for longer than an hour?”

Despite her anger towards the man she automatically skimmed through her memories of her research on the topic. Hermione had spent a considerable amount of time looking into it during fifth year when she found out about Nevil’s parents, she wanted to better understand what they had gone through and possibly help if she could. Even in her own opinion she was still a swot who couldn’t pass up an opportunity to prove herself.

“No professor not that I am aware of” it was barely a whisper, the realisation hitting her like a cold bucket of water that she now had more understanding than she ever wanted to of their suffering.

“So why do you think Miss Granger that you left Malfoy manor with your mind still intact?”

She seethed at his words, there were many things that she took with her from Malfoy manor that day, an insurmountable amount of trauma being the main thing. It left room for negotiation of how the former Headmaster actually wanted to define ‘functioning’. She loathed that the dead Professor’s words brought her straight back to the drawing room floor of Malfoy manor, her hands twitching with the phantom pain of the cruciatus curse ricocheting through her body. 

“I see Snape must have been keeping you up to date on your favorite pet projects movements.” She couldn't bear to meet the portraits gaze, she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of seeing her squirm. 

“Your strength to endure is a marvel Miss Granger, and for that very reason is why you will be left in charge of how things will go forward now, or should I say how things will be going backwards” His voice was softer than it was before, almost akin to showing remorse for what the wizard had done. 

“Sir, I would appreciate it if you would just get to the point, we are well past the time for skirting around the truth” Hermione hoped her confusion was evident on her face, because the old stodger had lost her completely.

“You will find a trunk behind my desk that has been warded to only be opened by yourself, it contains everything that you will need. Severus has spent the last 5 years developing a potion to enable you to fix the wrongs of the past. Wrongs that have lead to the deaths of good people, deaths that even in the name of the greater good should never have happened.” The portrait sighed heavily, the weight of the conversation finally showing on his two dimensional face. 

“The reason this plan has yet to be acted upon, Miss Granger, is because you needed to know exactly how to destroy Voldemort, you needed to have confirmation on what his Horcruxes are, but most importantly you need the research that you have been doing to be able to ensure that the events that lead to the prophecy never occur in the first place” all at once Hermione connected the dots, arriving at the conclusion that it was in fact insane to be following a plan given to her by a glorified picture frame. 

“Forgive me sir but if I’m understanding correctly you are asking me to change the past?! You, the very wizard who taught me the fundamentals of time travel in my third year are asking me to do the one thing that you ought not to do whilst going back in time? what happened to ‘terrible things happen to wizards who meddle with time Miss Granger’?” Hermione was quite proud of her imitation of the headmaster, even if she did over exaggerate his tendency to be aloof.

Dumbledore looked thoughtful for a moment, Hermione was sure that she was only moments away from trying to avada a portrait, 

“Ah yes, well you will not be using a time turner this time Miss Granger, you will be using a potion specially developed by Severus, the secrets of which would have died alongside him tonight. When you leave you will be erasing this timeline, for better or worse there will be no coming back.” 

Hermione considered his words and let out a humourless laugh

“There is nothing or no one left for me to come back for” the thought sobered her slightly, given how much has happened in the past hour Hermione was surprised she hadn’t completely broken down yet. 

“Which makes you the ideal candidate for the task” his tone was cold, like he was simply stating a fact, not giving an inch of understanding or sympathy.

“I’m glad my tragic circumstances are convenient for your scheming”

She stormed her way over to his desk and opened the inconspicuous trunk and was completely underwhelmed with its contents. It seemed to mostly be a collection of note books, copies of the daily prophet and scrolls, there was a small oak box sitting atop of the papers, Hermione opened it to see what must be her means back to the past.

“Miss Granger you misunderstand me, you will have the power to change what happens, save your friends from their tragic ends and ensure a brighter future without Dark Wizards taking hold”

The hardest part of all that was being presented to Hermione was that she knew that he was right, which was the only reason she was entertaining the will of a dead man. She eyed the potion vile, it was a single dose of a deep blue color, It shimmered as she held it up to the light. She pocketed it before doing a quick inventory of the room, pleased to know her brain was working fast despite the shock of her situation. Her eye caught the pensive in the corner of the room, she knew that it would come in handy, such a rare artifact would be invaluable with whatever challenges were waiting for in the past. She quickly made her way over to it, shrinking it, and placing it in her beaded bag alongside Snapes memory viles. She figured it was better to have them and not need them than wishing she had of grabbed them whilst she had the chance. She made her way back over to the portrait, Dumbledore just raised a single eyebrow with a quizzical look on his face, obviously thinking better than questioning Hermione’s plans. 

“How positive was Snape that this will work?” She could hear the shake in her own voice, she knew going back so far in the timeline would mean that she would be erasing everything, there would be nothing for her to come back to, and that's the best case scenario if the potion actually worked.

“Quite” she could tell that he wasn’t going to elaborate any further.

“Well that’s reassuring” she rolled her eyes and tried to put as much sarcasm as she could manage given the circumstances. 

“You will see all of the documents and records of The Order of the Phoenix in that trunk as well as a letter that you are to give to my past self as soon as you arrive. I have left instructions on how to integrate you into the past in the best possible position for you to be able to carry out your mission, It will also answer any of the questions that I may have for my reasoning for sending you back” talk of his own intentions for her journey made Hermione bristle.

“Let me be clear Albus, I will be in charge of the information that I take back with me. I have first hand experience with the ways in which you use it, I will not let you have that kind of power over me, or anyone else ever again.” 

“I understand your reasons, Miss Granger and I fully encourage you to keep as much of your knowledge as you can close to your chest. There is too much sensitive information that needs to be contained to ensure that you don't risk tipping off the wrong people”

 Hermione started to empty the contents of the trunk into her trusted beaded bag, she was glad that Harry hadn't tried to take it when he left her stranded in the Headmasters office, knowing that she still had all of the funds that the two withdrew before going on the run, not to mention the invisibility cloak and Marauders map. She noticed a notebook that was significantly different to the others, as she opened it Hermione recognised the handwriting immediately as the same as that had been on her potions essays for the first five years of her schooling, it was clearly Severus Snape’s. It seemed to be his personal potion notes, this would no doubt prove useful, she sent a silent prayer that he had notes on the wolfsbane potion in there, placing it with everything else and the sealed letter addressed to the Headmaster.

“Is there any other prudent information in regards to this mission?” She had the potion vile in her hand again fiddling with the stopper in the top. 

Hermione knew that there was no room for doubt now, she knew that she had to at least try. The faces of all the people she had lost flashed before her eyes Sirius, Madeye, Remus, Tonks, Fred, Ron, Harry, even bloody Lavender Brown. She was positive that there was more that fell tonight that she would never know if they had survived or not. She furiously wiped at her face to clear as much of the evidence of her weakness as possible, as there was not much else to be done about her current state she squared her shoulders and hoped to Godric that she could pull this off.

“Only that you don't have very long Miss Granger, the Death Eaters are back in the castle and it will only be a matter of time before they make their way up here.”

“No time like the present Dumbledore” she knocked back the potion in a fluid motion, she gripped her beaded bag close to her chest, praying that it would be brought back with her.

“Good luck Miss Granger, although this is not goodbye I’m sure my past self will be seeing you shortly” 

The potion tasted awful; it burned the entire way down and it took everything in her to fight coughing it back up. At first she felt as if nothing was happening but her entire body began to warm and suddenly the room was spinning, she felt a familiar tug at her naval that she often associated with apparition. It was the most awful combination of being sucked through a tube and spun on a spinning top like using a portkey. She just hoped that if she did vomit on her way back to the past, it would be  all over the headmaster.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Chapter Text

1st August 1977

Hermione felt like her entire body had been turned inside out, but she assumed that was to be expected given that she was just ripped through a hole in space to land in a time that she didn’t belong. That’s if the potion actually worked. She looked up to find the headmaster’s office, to see that it was mostly the same. The only clue that she noticed was the absence of Dumbledore's portrait, so she was sure that she had traveled somewhere. 

The door to the headmasters office flew open, a younger looking Albus strode through, his head sprouting more ginger in both his hair and his significantly shorter beard, it seemed he dressed the same in this time as he did in the 90’s sporting traditional wizarding robes of a lilac shade. He faulted his step when he noticed that Hermione was standing behind his desk.

“Interesting, I didn’t think I was expecting any young visitors this evening, Miss?” Dumbeldore hid his confusion well but that blasted twinkle in his eye gave away his intrigue. That look of his always made the hairs on Hermione’s arm stand on edge, she immediately averted her eyes feeling the telling signs of someone nudging her Occlumency barriers. 

“Granger sir, my name is Hermione Granger” her own voice sounded foreign, she wasn’t sure if it was from all the crying and shouting or whatever toll the time travel had taken on her body. 

“And I would prefer it if you didn't help yourself to my memories” she wasn't going to allow this Albus to walk all over her, she was going to control the narrative this time around. She cleared her throat a couple of times and waited for Dumbeldore to continue.

“Curious, what brings you here this evening Miss Granger? I must say it is not often that I’m surprised or caught unaware of someone in my office, what’s even more surprising is that you didn’t set off any of my wards.”

“That would be one of your own brilliant ideas, Headmaster, you sent me” she pulled the letter out of her beaded bag and handed it to the younger Headmaster she hoped the sarcasm was apparent in her tone. “This will probably explain things better than I can” he took it from her and wasted no time in ripping the seal and devouring the contents, he must have re read it three times before addressing Hermione again. 

“Things must have been truly bad for me to have sent you back, What time are you from Miss Granger?”

“When I left it was the 2nd of May 1998. This whole crazy plan was one of the fail safes that you left in place for the worst case scenario” she felt the tears coming again and tried to stop them from taking hold, she didn’t want to appear weak in front of the imposing man.

“So yes Sir, truly bad seems like a bit of a understatement”

He nodded, and paused, seemingly considering his next words carefully.

“What is the date Sir?” Hermione cut off his train of thought, 

“I didn't tell you when I was sending you?”

“Of course not Sir, you have a tendency not to provide all relevant information when it comes to life or death scenarios in my experience” her tone was bitter and Dumbledore almost flinched at her words.

“Its the 1st August 1977”

she nodded, it was enough time for her to prevent most of Riddle’s reign of terror and devastation, quickly her thoughts went to the key people that she would need to make contact with to ensure that.

“I assume the Order is already in the process of being formed?” Hermione was extremely reluctant to share any information with just the Headmaster, a lot of her very rushed plan was based around not letting Dumbeldore hoard all of the relevant intelligence for himself. He needs to be held accountable for the decisions that he makes going forward and Hermione needed all the help that she could get in that department.

“It just so happens I was on my way to an Order meeting, given my own words I am to trust you explicitly so I would assume you would like to accompany me?” Hermione was thrown off with how accepting Dumbledore was, given that she wasn’t exactly showing him the respect that one should their elders. Whatever he had written in that letter must have scared his past self so much that he isn't bothering to question her further. 

“Yes, that would be best. Forgive me Sir, but I expected more push back from you, I don't know what exactly is in that letter but I have come here from the middle of a battle where the light was losing. The information I have is the only thing that will stop the rise of  Tom Riddle, so I know why you should trust me but why are you so quick to accept it?” He looked at her thoughtfully for a moment, shifting his stance slightly, he seemed reluctant to share his thoughts with her.

“I must admit Miss Granger this isn't normally how I would handle a situation such as this, and I am going against what I would like to do, but it would seem that the magic’s surrounding life debts are not dependent on a linear timeline. I have warned myself of my death and in such have created a life debt against my own person. So I am magically bound to trust you and do as you say” She could sense that he was fighting against the words that he was saying, 

“Well isn't that helpful, I'm assuming I don't have time to clean myself up?” she looked down at herself cringing at her state. Her clothes were bloody, ripped and covered in filth, her hair held the scent of battle and was mostly completely wild. Her curls had become more manageable since it had grown significantly whilst she was on the run but she was sure it looked a right state now, having fallen out of the braid that she had put it in what felt like days ago.

“Unfortunately no you don't, we are already quite late” her mouth formed a thin line, she nodded.

“Lead the way Professor”

Dumbledore strode towards the fireplace in the corner of his office, he took a handful of floo powder and dropped it in,

“Potter Manor” he spoke clearly, disappearing in the green flame. 

Hermione quickly followed after him. 

The green flames gave way to show a massive entrance hall where Dumbledore was waiting for her to come through, she didn't bother to brush the soot off herself knowing it would be a futile attempt. He led the way down the ornately decorated hallway. The whole manor seems to have been designed with the Gryffindor common room in mind, deep reds and gold accents made Hermione feel instantly at home. Her heart ached not knowing what would become of Potter manor, she hadn’t heard of it in her timeline so she assumed that it wasn’t spared from the Potters violent ends.

As they approached what seemed to be their destination for the meeting, they were somewhat halted in their steps by four boys, each trying to have an ear pressed up against the double doors. Hermione had to stifle a laugh at how ridiculous they all looked whilst wrestling and whispering at one another to get the best spot. 

“Pads would you get your elbow off me-”

“Moony, surely you can hear without needing your ear pressed up against the door-”

“Ah Prongs that's not my elbow-”

Professor Dumbledore took one look over his glasses at the boys, his damn eyes sparkling like a Christmas tree and cleared his throat. The Marauders threw themselves off the door so quickly that they ended up in a pile of limbs at the Headmasters feet.

“Now boys whilst I applaud your enthusiasm, I suspect if Euphemia or Fleamont was aware that you were trying to eavesdrop on our gathering I’m sure they would be most disappointed” the amusement in Dumbledore’s voice was evident as he looked down at the boys,

They all fumbled to their feet, all looking rather sheepish for being caught in the act. Hermione tried to avoid eye contact with them, angling herself behind the professor knowing that she was not ready to face these ghosts so soon. 

“Professor, we were just, ehrm” James started,

“making sure you were greeted at the door” Sirius finished always quick with a somewhat plausible excuse, both Remus and Peter making every effort to look anywhere but at the headmaster.

“How thoughtful of you, well we certainly feel welcomed” The four boys all looked towards Hermione at the Headmasters' gesture as if they hadn't realized she was there before. Sirius flashed a shit eating grin, Peter and Remus both gave her a slight smile and as her eyes met James Potter’s she felt a shock go through her body, not at his similarities to Harry, no this boy radiated pure joy in a way that his son never learned, Hermione tried to tear her gaze away, not wanting to analyse the way his deep hazel eyes seemed like they saw down to her very soul, He tilted his head as Hermione was staring, a smirk forming on his lips. She quickly looked away feeling her cheeks heat with embarrassment from being caught. 

“We should really be going in” Hermione quickly suggested, wanting this interaction to be over as soon as possible as she shifted her weight from foot to foot nervously.

“Quite right, off you go boys. I will see you all at the welcome feast when you return to school” Remus and Peter dragged the other boys away much to their dismay. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief as Dumbledore led her into the meeting.

The large slightly ostentatious doors opened to the biggest formal dining room Hermione had ever seen, every seat at the table seemed to be filled with the original Order members. Some she recognised, albeit significantly younger than the last time that she saw them; a young Kingsley Shackelbolt, the two people that were as good as Hermione’s adoptive parents Arther and Molly Weasley. Alastor Moody stood off to one side, his younger self clearly just as paranoid but he was still in possession of all of his limbs, and there was of course Minerva McGonnigal sat primly at one end of the table. She also noticed a few people that she recognised from the others stories, there were two matching ginger heads facing away from her that could only be Gidion and Fabian Prewitt, Molly’s younger brothers, Hermione had heard a great deal about them from both Sirius and Remus, it seems their mischievous ways were somewhat legendary to the pair of pranksters, with them often finding inspiration from them. 

The head of the table sat the commanding presence of the Lord and Lady of the manor, Harry’s grandparents, Euphemia and Fleamont Potter. The Potter genes must be strong because both Harry and James shared the messy mop of black hair and need for glasses that could only have been handed down from Fleamont, he had a mischievous look in his eyes that made Hermione believe that he most likely was partial for trouble just like his son and grandson. Eupheima looked every bit the well bread pure-blood witch that she was. From inspecting the Black family tapestry at Grimmold place, Hermione knew that Euphemia was born a Black and she carried herself as such, she was a striking beauty that was somewhat reminiscent of Bellatrix, except her long black hair was groomed to perfection and perfectly placed in a delicate french twist, she held a timeless elegance that Hermione could never hope to replicate. 

Dumbledore spoke as he made his way to the head of the table, taking his seat.

“Sorry for the delay, It seems the answer to all our problems just appeared behind my desk earlier this evening” 

All eyes in the room turned on Hermione stood behind the Headmaster as he took the only available seat, there was a range of shock and apprehension gracing most of their faces. Moody looked at her with a hard glint in his eyes, one that she recognised from the many training sessions that the older Auror had forced upon her. She saw his hand go for his wand and she was quick to throw up a wandless shield just as the minor curse Moody threw at her hit, there were a few gasps heard from around the table. 

“Auror Moody, whilst I respect your diligence, I am unarmed so if you would refrain from testing my reflexes untill I am able to procure another wand I would be most grateful.” She smirked at him as he shook his head and huffed his displeasure, clearly disbelieving of the fact that the young witch was able to produce a wand-less shield.

“May I introduce Miss Hermione Granger, she is here with information that will bring forth the downfall of Tom Riddle.” Dumbledore spoke with a firm voice most likely trying to distract Alastor before he could try attacking Hermione again. Whispers broke out around the table, it seemed that they all had a lot of opinions about this but it was Minerva that spoke aloud first.

“Albus she is just a child! And she very much looks to be in need of medical attention. Did you even think to bring her to Poppy before parading her in here?” This made Hermione smile. In her time McGonnagal was the only person that she ever saw stand up to the Headmaster's unorthodox decision making. 

“There was no time for that Minerva, she appeared moments before I was leaving to come here. And upon her insistence she needs to share the information that she has with the Order as a whole” Hermione scoffed at his response, and under her breath muttered something about wanting to change first, this to her surprise this gained a chuckle from the regal looking witch sat to the left of where she was standing. Euphiemia looked at her with a smirk that reminded her of James’ earlier, the traits that she gave him obviously more discreet than that of his father. 

Hermione cleared her throat, obviously she needed to take control of the conversation going forward. She needed these people to respect what she said, most of their lives literally depended on it. 

“I am not a child, I am in fact 18. My birthday is the 19th of September 1979” there was stunned silence in the room once more and Hermione used this to her advantage.

“I arrived here this evening from 1998 in the midst of a battle, a battle that the Order was losing. Dumbledore created a fail safe before he died that resulted in me being sent back with all the information that we need to bring down Tom before it's too late” Everyone in the room spoke at once, Hermione could barely make out what anyone was saying. 

“1998?!-”

“Dumbeldore dies?-”

“Why are children fighting in a battle?!-”

“Wicked.” She could have sworn that it was the Prewitt twins speaking in tandem, reminding her instantly of the red headed twins from her own timeline. She raised her voice to get the room's attention again. 

“I apologize for being blunt, but there are many faces here that I recognize only from photos and stories. Within the next two years many of you will die unless I change the timeline.” She looked around to see the horrified expressions of the current order members. Alastor looked furious, ready to charge her with the full force of his arsenal.

“How can we believe this story that the girl is sprouting? How can we know she isn't a spy for the death eaters?” Moody spat the words with understandable doubt, 

Hermione rolled her eyes, honestly she would have been worried if Moody didn't put her through his paces, a trusting Alastor Moody would mean that she ended up in a different dimension. She simply pushed up her left sleeve displaying her momento from her time at Malfoy manor. The cursed blade had made it almost impossible for the wound to heal properly, not to mention their lack of medical supplies whilst on the run. Mudblood hastily carved into her arm forever branded with her blood status. The wound looked as ugly as the word itself was, it was bloody most likely reopening during the battle, her skin welted and bubbled around the word, the wound just as angry as the witch that inflicted it. More gasps filled the room as they all took in the brand on her arm.

“Sorry to disappoint you Alastor, but they don't tend to accept my kind within their ranks. And despite my current appearance, I do possess a modicum of self preservation.” Moody looked pale, Hermione was sure she had never seen the man shocked before.

“I have personally verified Miss Granger’s story, and I trust her motivations to bring the end of this war before it begins. In my own words from the future she is the only one who would be able to accomplish this mission” Dumbledore seemed more somber than he was earlier. It was one thing to know that the war was still going on so far into the future but to see such blatant evidence of it was another thing entirely.

McGonnagal recovered from the display first,

“Albus, are we to believe that you sent a 18 year old witch back with the fate of wizarding Britain on her shoulders? This is simply preposterous” she was clearly fuming with the Headmaster, Hermione laughed, 

“Trust me professor, this is better than his plan the first time around. In a few years he will be placing that responsibility onto a 1 year old boy's shoulders, all due to a bloody prophecy. A prophecy that won't even be spoken this time around if I succeed” Hermione roughly pulled her sleeve back down not wanting to have it out in the open any longer. The reminder sent a tremor down her arm. 

She glanced towards Mrs. Weasley, she had tears streaming down her face, although this woman had yet to accept Hermione as a part of her family she was still first and foremost a mother that would do anything for a child in need. It warmed Hermione to know that some things never change. 

“Now we need to talk specifics. I have all of the Orders records of attacks and movements for the next 20 years. We need to move quickly before too many changes are made to the timeline. I can't be sure how my interference will manipulate things.” Hermione spoke with a conviction well beyond her years. It almost made all the adults in the room forget she was supposed to still be in school. 

“Where should we start?” It was one of the Prewitt twins that spoke up, Hermione wasn't sure which one,

Hermione finally sank into the empty chair that had somehow appeared for her, this was going to be a long night and Hermione was already beyond exhausted.

“What do you know about Horcruxes?” The room broke into uproar once again.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

The order meeting ran well into the night, where Hermione brought everyone up to speed on the most crucial aspects of taking Voldemort down. Dumbledore was uncharacteristically quiet, Hermione was sure that the other more senior order members would see through his calm facade and know that he was less than pleased with how the events would be unfolding with himself far from the center of Hermione’s plans. 

Hermione was careful to keep specifics to herself, not sharing the amount of the Horcruxes or their locations knowing that this was her one advantage. She wanted the Order to be  focusing on being able to understand exactly the kind of enemy they were all facing, she just hoped it was enough to persuade them all to head her warnings. Hermione really didn't want to start collecting up the Horcruxes until they had a guaranteed way to destroy them all at once. She would have no hope if  Tom was tipped off to what she was up to before they had a chance to destroy them all.  

“There are only two known ways to destroy a horcrux, Basilisk venom and fiend fire, I personally have seen them destroyed by both, the later I believe too unstable to rely on.” Hermione was feeling the extreme exhaustion of her situation. She hoped that this would lead to the end of the meeting really needing to find a bed and pass out in it, 

“And do you happen to have a basilisk in that bloody beaded bag of yours?” it was clear that Moody was not warming up to her anytime soon. She noticed that he tried to hide the impressed look on his face when Hermione began pulling the copious amounts of documents out of her beaded bag, she was surprised by his reaction given that the undetectable extension charm wasn't exactly legal. 

“Unfortunately I used my last basilisk fang earlier tonight” she met Alistor’s stare with a level gaze, the man's gruff exterior matching his stoney expression perfectly. He was quite the intimidating man in his Auror robes, he was not as beat up as Hermione remembered him in the future, he had yet to lose his leg and his eye, but his face still bore scares, showing that he had faced many a foe. 

“Well where in Godric's name are we going to find a Basilisk? and are we going to what, ask it nicely to lend us one of its fangs?” This came from one of the twins, Hermione hoped that she would be able to find a way to tell them apart quickly because she was sure they would try and pull off the same tricks as her favorite red headed twins from her time, they were after all their namesakes.

“Well the chamber of secrets is the most logical first step” her statement was met with stunned silence, she rolled her eyes and continued, “did anyone ever question how Moaning Myrtle ended up haunting a bathroom? and that she just so happened to die whilst Tom Riddle was a student at the castle, who I might point out earned an award for special services to the school for ‘catching’ Hagrid in the act with the ‘beast’ that killed her?” Hermione watched the shocked expressions of the room all settle on Albus, Boy was she dumping a big stinking pile of truth on the old wizard. And for what felt like the hundredth time that evening the room broke out into chaos.

It’s hard for Hermione to decipher what is being said as nearly every order member attempts to speak their outrage at the same time, however she does hear the low voice next to her, 

“Godric help us if the boys find out about this” Hermione chuckled at Fleamont, whispering this to his wife, Hermione was quite sure if the boys knew of a secret chamber at Hogwarts they would absolutely go in search of it.

Hermione raised her voice again, “Yes there is a basilisk in the school and yes the chamber of secrets is real. Tom Riddle is the only living heir of Salazar Slytherin so unless anybody else speaks parseltongue there is no risk to the students of the school as the chamber cannot be opened without it” she smirked at Fleamont at that who nodded at her appreciatively.

“Now I think that is enough excitement for one night, we shall pick this back up next week and make a plan for obtaining the venom, We should really deal with the Basilisk before the children return to school” as soon as the words leave Dumbledore’s mouth he is surrounded by concerned order members all demanding answers to some of his more questionable decisions that had been brought to light. It was good Hermione thought, It would keep the old man distracted whilst she made her escape, not wanting to have to entertain his curiosity further whilst she was still covered in her friends blood.

Hermione left the meeting quickly, not wanting to have to speak to anyone personally tonight. She was surprised to see McGonagall quickly follow behind her through the flu into the headmasters office. When they both found their footing out of the floo. The older woman gave Hermione a knowing look that seemed to convey her sympathy, to which Hermione fell apart at. Minerva wrapped the small girl up in an embrace whilst the reality of her situation crashed down upon her. Hermione let out gut wrenching sobs that had been contained throughout all of the events of the night, not able to contain her grief any longer. 

Hermione would have never thought that her stern teacher would be such a comfort, but the presence of the older witch provided Hermione with the only relief she had felt in what felt to Hermione like years. She waited for Hermione to let it all out, not wavering in her soothing ministrations.

“Now my cub, why don’t we get you too Poppy and all healed up?” Hermione nodded and allowed the Professor to lead her to the hospital wing. Their walk through the castle was a quiet one, Hermione taking the time to appreciate the fact that at this time the castle had yet to see the devastation of where she had come. 

Once she was settled in a bed in the hospital wing, Minerva turned to go wake Madam Pompfry, Hermione stopped her,

“How did you know Professor?” Her voice cracked raw with emotion

“Know what dear?”

“That I am one of your lions?”

Minerva chuckled at this, 

“My dear girl, you are the epitome of a Gryffindor if I have ever seen one. I’m willing to bet my wand that you are a valued member of my house” She smiled down at Hermione, not lingering any longer leaving to fetch the Mediwitch. 

Hermione felt the edges of her vision turning black, her breakdown following the events of a day that seemed to last decades. Hermione finally felt safe enough to let herself succumb to the darkness.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Chapter Text

1st September 1977

Hermione could not believe that she had agreed to this, she wanted to protest the fact that she had to take the Hogwarts Express, given that she was already living in the castle. Both Dumbledore and McGonnigal insisted that it was paramount that they didn't draw any further attention to her situation. Hermione would admit that they had a point, it wasn't like there were many seventh year transfer students, or any sort of transfer students to Hogwarts at all for that matter. 

It was decided in the days after the Order meeting that Hermione needed a cover story for being in this time period. McGonnagal offered, given the fact that her brother had just died, it would be an option for Hermione to pose as her niece. She knew that despite being 18, technically she needed a guardian, and if it was to be anyone she was grateful to the witch for volunteering herself. She had been staying in the Professor's private quarters at Hogwarts, it was quant but perfect for her. Hermione had enjoyed spending more time with her most trusted Professor, McGonnigal was a fantastic sounding board for a lot of Hermione’s planning and liked to remind the young witch to make sure she also took time for herself. She had her own space for the first time in over a year, and she didn't realize how nice it was to not share her space with two messy teenage boys. 

So here she was, now Hermione Ross, ready to take on her 7th year at Hogwarts. She tried to be excited about it, since she was forced to drop out the first time around. No matter how hard she tried she couldn't find that knowledge hungry bookworm excited about her studies, she was long gone, replaced by a traumatized young girl with a mission to bring down, as Ron would say, Lord MoldyVoldy and save the wizarding world from bigots on a whole. She knew that it was important for her to be at Hogwarts for the sake of the mission, but honestly if she was given the choice she most likely would not have returned to Hogwarts ever again, after the horrors that she witnessed during the battle and not having her best friends by her side she had no interest in it at all, not that she had interest in anything anymore, well except for bringing an end to Voldemort. 

The platform was exactly the same as it was in the 90’s. Hermione fought the urge to start looking for a mess of black hair and a towering ginger amongst the crowd. Hermione didn't want to think that she would be embarking to Hogwarts without them by her side, even though she had been in 70’s for a month. It felt different now that school would be starting, it made everything feel more real. Planning for her mission and actually experiencing the reality of it are two different beasts. 

The train’s whistle pulled her out of her thoughts, as Hermione began to drag her trunk to board the handle snapped, that is what she got for buying second hand supplies. Despite having all of the savings that both she and Harry had withdrawn before they were forced on the run, and it being more than enough for her to live comfortably, she wanted to make sure it lasted as long as possible given that she was now stuck in the 70’s without any family or financial support. She was struggling with her broken trunk by the bright red door of the train when she felt a hand on her shoulder. 

“Would you like a hand with that?”

At the sudden sound of the voice she dropped her trunk, probably breaking it further, she whirled around only to come face to face with the hazel eyes that had been haunting her thoughts since the last Order meeting. As James was smirking down at her she noticed that he must be at least 6’2 towering above her 5’4 frame, much taller than Harry. As he caught her gaping up at him for a second time his smirk grew into a full blown smile showing the most adorable dimple on the right side of his face.

“It’s you again! Hello, I don’t believe we actually had time for introductions the last time we met, James Potter at your service” He dipped down into a sweeping bow, and for the first time since arriving in 1977 Hermione laughed, it was a completely unbecoming snort and surprised her so much that she didn't even register that the ungodly noise had come from her.

Hermione cleared her throat trying to regain some composure, her first passing with the boy was less than impressive being brought directly to his house from battle, at least she knew she looked better this time. She was wearing a simple white dress with her beloved weasley jumper that actually belonged to Harry over the top, it swimmed on her but the preserving spell that she had cast on it had it still smelling of Harry, it was almost like he was with her. She finished her look with a pair of converse, she was struggling to acclimatise to the 70’s fashion so finding comfort in wearing things that she would have worn in her time made it a little less jarring. 

“Well sneaking around your own home spying on your parents didn't leave much room for introductions now did it?” Hermione tried to keep her tone light and teasing, not wanting to give away any of her unease with the young man’s attention.

“Touche, seriously let me help you with that, we should probably get out of the way. '' He reached down across her body to collect her trunk, and began maneuvering it onto the train for her. 

“Uh thanks I guess” he turned and flashed another smile her way, and by Merlin he needed to stop doing that or she was going to have a heart attack. Thinking of things that were going to give her a heart attack, James could have walked out of a male modeling catalog. He had a plain black t-shirt that was just tight enough to  make his arms look incredible, a long sleeve flannel was tied around his waist. Not to mention he looked as if he was made to wear muggle jeans, his legs especially benefiting from all of his quidditch training not to mention his - Hermione shook her head, willing the thoughts of how perfect James' ass was as far out of her mind as possible. She needed to get a handle on herself, because there was no way she should be looking at her best friend's father like that.

“It was my pleasure, truly how could I deny a damsel in distress” his voice was husky but sweet, nothing at all like Harry’s. Hermione tried to stop comparing the two of them, but it was so hard not too. Harry always had so many questions about his dad, and in result made Hermione curious as well.

“Please, I was hardly in distress, I think you just wanted an excuse to interrogate me” she laughed at the put out look on his face, becoming evident that it’s exactly what he intended to do. She didn't blame him for wanting to know what his parents are up to, with the Death Eater activity picking up it was only natural for James to want to be in the thick of it, ever the bloody Gryffindor. 

“So how was the rest of your summer? it looked like you had a rough start” James winced at his own words, yes it was less than tactful of him, but she didn’t really mind. It didn’t mean she was going to give him any more information about it.

“I don't know what you’re talking about, I spent my entire summer sunning myself along the french riviera” she deadpanned as they continued to walk down the train car, supposedly looking for an empty compartment. 

He laughed, a full belly laugh and Hermione repressed the need to join in, this boy radiated pure joy, maybe that was why it was so hard for her to see the similarities between him and his son. Where Harry is all stoic and serious James is all laughs and charm. Hermione scolded herself. Was, Harry was all stoic and serious, her Harry is dead. Hermione tried to numb the sting of that fact but it was still just as jarring as it was a month ago. It hurt a deep buried part of Hermione to think about who Harry could have become with James’ influence and without all of the trauma from his horrible upbringing, would he be tall like james? would she see more of that matching dimple that they both have? The horrible truth was Hermione would never know. She tried to shake the darkness away, not wanting to seem suspicious, but the emotions on her chest were too heavy to lift.

“You, my friend are going to fit in with the Marauders perfectly” James shook his head in mirth, Hermione had to remind herself that she wasn't alone wallowing in her room, there would be time for her brooding all she had to do was make it through this train ride, and her re-sorting. James placed his hand on her lower back and guided her into the compartment that he had deemed acceptable, his small action shocking her like an ice bucket being dumped on her head, effectively snapping her out of her

“The Marauders?” Hermione questioned, playing dumb. Of course she knew exactly who James was referring too but he didn't know that. 

“Only the best group of pranksters that Hogwarts has ever seen” it wasn’t James that replied, she turned to see that the compartment wasn’t in fact empty. Sirius Black was spread out taking up most of one of the benches, lying down with his head in the lap of a lanky boy with sandy blonde hair, that could only be a young Remus Lupin. 

Sirius dressed like a typical punk, his perfectly messy black curls hiding most of his face although Hermione thought that she could make out some smudged eyeliner around his silver eyes, a ripped sex pistols t-shirt underneath a leather jacket although the weather was way to warm for one, ripped distressed jeans and some well worn doc martin boots finished off his outfit. Remus dressed a lot more casually, in a white t-shirt, knitted red cardigan, blue jeans and black converse, Hermione felt like it was an accurate representation of both the boy’s personalities. Sirius sat up and was suddenly stood in front of her, he made a show of looking her up and down,

“I’m Sirius Black and this here is Remus Lupin, also fellow Marauders. and you are?” He took Hermione’s hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it in a proper pureblood greeting. It was quite the juxtaposition considering how he was dressed and his entire personality,

“Regretting letting James here take my trunk hostage” she laughed at the faux hurt expression on Sirius’ face as he slumped back down next to Remus. Hermione took a seat opposite him by the window as James kindly stowed her trunk for her. 

“Hey now, no trunks were harmed in the process of me getting you to sit with us, I was just taking my job of Head Boy seriously, ensuring that all new faces receive a warm friendly welcome” the handsome smirk on his face made shivers run down Hermione’s spine, she tried not to focus on the way her entire body reacted to him, it was something that she had never experienced before. It was by no means normal and Hermione needed it to stop. 

“How you ever made Head Boy will remain a mystery to us all”  Remus’ tone was light but the words had an edge to them, making Hermione think that there was a possibility that he had been passed up for the prestigious role. 

“Honestly Moony I have no idea what good old Dumbles was thinking” James was laughing, as the train started to move they all settled into the compartment further. The boys talking amongst themselves, Hermione pulled out a book, she still refused to go anywhere without her beaded bag, she was sure that the need to have it with her at all times would not go away. She had already extensively warded it so that no one other than herself could open it, it contained too much sensitive information, there would be catastrophic consequences if it fell into the wrong hands. 

“How did you do that?” it was Remus that questioned her, pointing to her bag that was significantly smaller than the large book that she pulled out of it, Hermione chuckled

“Honestly Remus? you’re a wizard! Are you going to ask me next if I can pull a rabbit out of a hat?” Remus laughed, clearly understanding her. The other two boys just looked at her with abject horror,

”Why would you pull out a rabbit?”

”Have you got a rabbit in there too?” The two pureblood’s spoke at the same time and the same level of distress, causing Remus and Hermione to laugh harder at their ignorance to her clearly muggle reference.

“I just mean that isn't the undetectable extension charm illegal?” Hermione was glad that this younger version of her most favored professor seemed to have the same sense of humor. The two of them always got along in her time, and she was relying on the fact that they would now.

“I have special permission” She didn’t really, however there was no one to question it, all of the adults within her direct orbit were all in need of her assistance too much to question her.

“From who?” It was Sirius that asked, his interest clearly peeked at the mention of illegal activities,

She leaned over the space between the benches towards him and indicated for him to do the same. When his face was mear inches from hers, she delivered in a stage whisper

“That's need to know information, and you Sirius Black do not need to know”

“Oh come now Kitten no one likes a tease” he smirked at her clearly amused that there was someone that would give back just as much as he would put out, little did he know that she was practically raised by his older self from the age of 13, most of her formative years being spent with his sarcastic childish arse definitely left a lasting impression. It was not lost on Hermione that younger Sirius had adopted the same nickname for her as his older counterpart. Her heart clenched at his use of it, no longer hating it, she missed him so much that she would take whatever little pieces of him were in front of her now. 

“Something tells me that you do enjoy a good tease Padfoot” she sat up abruptly as she said it, noticing her mistake immediately, but by the will of Godric himself the others didn't seem to notice her slip up too busy laughing at the expense of their friend. 

The door to their compartment flew open violently, and Hermione felt the temperature drop, the ghost of a memory from her third year train journey jolting her into action. She was on her feet in an instant, her wand raised and hex on the tip of her tongue. She couldn't make much sense of anything, her sole focus on the figure in the door, she felt her breath coming in fast and the edges of her vision darkening, all she could see was the mocking glit of a silver death eater mask. The whooshing in her ears was the only sound she could focus on whilst her heart was ready to burst out of her chest. She was completely frozen until she felt a strong arm wrap around her, she looked up to see the concerned gaze of James, she could see that he was talking to her but she couldn't make out the words, as her heart rate started to slow she realized her major overreaction. James started to make soothing motions on her arms, she wanted to disappear into thin air. Hermione was always the rational one, she always had complete control and the longer she was in the 70’s the clearer it was she was unraveling, thread by thread.

“Now Kitten I know her hair is terrifyingly bright but it’s only Evans, she has a worse bark than bite I assure you” Sirius laughed it off but the hard glint in his eye gave his concern away,

“Shut up Black, I was just coming to get Potter for the prefects meeting, but clearly I’m interrupting something” Lily Evans was nothing like Hermione expected, She was beautiful and her striking eyes were in fact identical to her sons but they held a hard edge to them, Hermione saw none of the kindness that she had grown accustomed to seeing when looking at them, but maybe it was because James Potter was currently practically suffocating Hermione with affection, Hermione quickly stepped away from him,

“I'm Lily Evens, Head Girl, and you are?” Her tone was bitter and Hermione didn't miss the emphasis that she put on her title, clearly very proud of it. Hermione cringed thinking if that's what she would have been like in her position. It was all too much, Hermione felt her breathing pick up as the walls started to close in on her again, she needed to get out of there otherwise she was going to have a full blown breakdown, something that she has become familiar with in the last month,

“Im so sorry” she breathed out as she pushed past Lily, rushing out of the compartment not listening to the voices that called after her. She desperately needed air so she went to the only place that she knew she could get it whilst stuck on the moving train. Hermione couldn’t remember if she had passed any other students on her way to the small outside ledge between carriages, she collapsed unceremoniously onto the railing taking gulping breaths of air like she had just run a marathon. 

“You look like you’ve had a rough journey” she snapped her head up at the deep voice and faltered, there is no way that Sirius could have followed her this quickly but when she took note of her unwanted companions perfect wizards robes she quickly  realized that this was not Sirius,

“Yeah well PTSD will do that to you” she choked out the words and laughed, despite the situation. The one student that she needed to make contact with and tread extremely carefully around was thrown into her path in the middle of a breakdown, fan-bloody-tastic. Regulus extended an arm and held out a packet of cigarettes to her, her knee jerk reaction of declining already on her lips, but on a complete whim she took one, lighting the end of it with her wand. This was not the first time she had smoked, no matter how much she was painted as the perfect Gryffindor princess there were a lot of sides to Hermione that no one knew. She felt the burn travel down her throat and into her lungs, relishing the feeling using it to further ground her in the moment.

“Thanks, I didn’t realize how much I needed one”  Her voice was shaky but she was able to form words so that was an improvement from moments ago. She smiled at him, and really looked at Regulus for the first time. He was a spitting image of Sirius, although more put together with his hair gelled perfection not a single strand out of place. If not for their fashion sense they really could be twins. 

“Nothing like a death stick to make you feel alive” Regulus really was as charming as his brother, more reserved maybe but the slight tilt to his head and his confident posture was screaming womanizer. Hermione laughed at his observation, noticing that he was also hiding out here, clearly avoiding some of his own demons. 

“So what has you in need of reprieve then? you know why I’m out here, it's only fair I know why you are” she watched as his demeanor changed, the cheeky glint to his eyes disappearing completely. His answer throwing her off

“Do you ever get tired of the show you have to put on for other people?” His outright admission shocked her. Hermione never expected him to open up to her so quickly or at all with little to no prompting from her,

“All the time” She didn't elaborate or ask him too, right now they weren't two teenagers with the ability to completely change the tides of the war. They were just two teenagers feeling the immense pressures of their retrospective lives. So she just stood there in silence enjoying the company of misery. 

Hermione wasn't sure how much time passed, they had both smoked two more cigarettes watching the magical view of the Scottish countryside as they waited to arrive at Hogsmeade. Hermione was sure this was most likely going to be her last chance for peace and quiet before the chaos of the year swept her up. She noticed Regulus fidgeting with a pocket watch, not saying a word when Regulus made to move,

“Well I'm sure I will see you around witch” he paused before turning, flashing her another smirk to which she responded with her own,

“I’m sure you will, I hear the astronomy tower is a good place to get some not so fresh air” she veiled her intentions, knowing that there would be no use outright inviting him. He nodded laughing to himself as he made his way in the direction from where Hermione had come. 

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Hermione made her way back through the train car. It was only moments ago that they had pulled into Hogsmeade but she hasn't gone back for her trunk until now. She was too scared to face the Marauders after her episode, Hermione wondered how that would affect her upcoming sorting. She was no longer the brash and brave Gryffindor that she once was, She couldn't even face 3 teenagers after embarrassing herself for Godric’s sake. The way she was going she would need to get used to swearing to another founder. 

She was relieved to find the compartment already empty and promptly began to change into her plain coloured school issued robes, It was strange not immediately donning the crimson and gold that she had become so accustomed too, she didn’t know where she wanted to end up, the thought of wearing any of the other house colours horrified her but she wasn’t sure if the thought of going into the common room and not finding any of her own housemates was worse. 

Once she was dressed she made her way out onto the platform and towards the carriages, The one argument that she had won with the headmaster and ‘Auntie Min’,   As she had so insisted Hermione call her, was that she would not be taking the boats with the other first years. Honestly it was a ridiculous request on the Headmaster’s behalf and she insisted that she would rather swim the entire way than set foot on one of those rickety boats. She was jolted out of her thoughts when a small arm linked into hers, Hermione turned to see a long mass of white blonde hair and a pair of bright pink iridescent glasses, they where on upside down but Hermione supposed it didn’t hurt anything given she was sure that the young witch probably couldn’t see out of them anyway. 

“Hello, My name is Pandora, and I believe you are a friend of my Luna’s?” Her voice was so sickly sweet it made Hermione’s teeth ache. She of course knew exactly who the young witch was, Luna was a spitting image of Pandora in both looks and personality it seemed. 

“I… ah.. How?… you know then?” Hermione tried to hide her fluster, she wasn’t ready for anyone to know who she really was, not yet at least and here Pandora was blowing her cover before she had even said a word to the witch, 

“I do, or at least I will. It's all a bit confusing this time business. I just wanted to come and say hello so you know that you always have a friend here. I can be quite perceptive but people tend not to listen to me because they think I’m strange” Hermione chuckled at the similarities between her and her daughter, clearly cut from the same cloth. 

“Pandora!” A voice belonging to a gruff looking teen called out, he was wearing his robes in complete disarray and his hair unkempt. The lanky boy stood with two others, a blonde that Hermione didn’t recognise and the tall imposing presence of Regulus Black, the three clearly waiting for their eccentric companion to stop talking to the stray. Regulus raised a single questioning eyebrow at her, clearly interested in how she had captured Pandora’s attention

“Well thank you Pandora, I appreciate it. Let’s just keep this between us for now, I can’t risk the wrong people finding out about me” She patted the hand that the blonde still had linked through her arm, genuinely happy to have met her if not slightly concerned about the fact that she knew her biggest secret, well maybe not her biggest secret. 

“I assure you no one would believe me anyway. '' She smiled a toothy smile and began skipping in the direction of her waiting friends, looking like she had not a single care in the world, she watched as they all piled into a carriage departing quickly. Hermione wished that she could be more like that, not holding onto every single heart wrenching truth of her life, she supposed she was never built to be like that, even as a child she held herself with the utmost seriousness. 

“Well look at you Kitten making friends everywhere you go” as if just thinking of the word made Sirius appear from thin air, she turned to see the Marauders all stood waiting by one of the last carriages. Hermione sighed and made her way over to them, walking up to the castle no longer an option if she didn’t want to miss her sorting, well now that she thought about it that wasn’t such a bad idea.

“You know me just a ray of bloody sunshine and all” she tried to forget about their last encounter, choosing not to focus on the embarrassment heating her cheeks.

“Glad you actually made it, we weren’t sure you had given the fact that you disappeared on us” it was James that spoke next eyeing her with a different level of scrutiny than he had before, She noticed another boy stood to the side, he was significantly shorter than the others only a head or so taller than herself. His dirty blonde hair overgrown so much that it seemed to block some of his vision he was wearing an army style jacket with denims and converse, Hermione blanched when she realized who it was, this young boy would grow to be the repulsive, spineless man that she met in the shrieking shack all those years ago. Peter. Bloody. Pettigrew. 

Hermione failed to hide her grimace when looking at the boy, she tried to remind herself that he had yet to betray his friends and send them all down the road of misery and despair, this boy will be the cause of all of the suffering that her best friend had ever experienced and she didn’t know how to quell her rage. She knew that she was going to have to find a way to co-exist with the boy without strangling him. Something she felt the need to do deep in her soul. 

Peter looked her up and down, clearly unsure of why the witch already seemed to hate him. “So this is the mystery girl then?” His voice was more jovial than she would have ever thought possible, he really was completely opposite to the quivering man that she once knew.

“Yes and we are going to be late if you all don’t hurry up and get in the carriage” she tried to smile through the interaction, but she was sure it was more like a forced sneer.

“Ladies first,” Sirius black extended his arm to help her up the steps, she promptly ignored it and prayed that she wouldn’t fall up the stairs. She positioned herself facing away from the front, not wanting to acknowledge the fact that she can now for the first time see the thestrals. Hermione was beginning to become adept at avoidance techniques, she knew in the long run that it would all catch up to her but today was not the day to deal with it, not when she had already had to face so many demons. 

The boys were as boisterous when they were all together as she would have expected, laughing and joking with one another. She tried to tune them out focusing on what she still needed to accomplish tonight, unlike the first time around, Hermione relished in the fact that the decision about her house would not be her responsibility, she remembered being so anxious at putting her fate in the hands of a old crusty hat and now it was something that brought her peace. The truth of the matter was that there was no impact on her mission wherever she ended up, all she needed was a plausible cover for being in the school. 

As the carriage began to slow Hermione began to ready herself, she noticed the boys all watching her, waiting to see her reaction to seeing the castle, for what they thought was the first time. She tried to find the wonder that Hogwarts once brought her but came up empty, she smiled at them softly. 

“Let’s get this over with then” she said dramatically and pushed past them to exit the carriage first. She didn’t turn back before making her way up the steps. Yes she thought, let’s get this over with indeed.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Chapter Text

1st September 1977

(James)

The great hall was as magnificent as ever as the Marauders made their way to their table, it was their last welcome feast and they all seemed determined to enjoy every minute of it. James couldn’t quite shake the inexplicable nerves that were dancing around in his stomach, He was thrown off his usual carefree persona by the mysterious new witch, ever since he met her there was something that he couldn’t shake about her. She never seemed to be far from his thoughts, he assumed that it was because the first time he saw the young witch she was in such a state, and arriving to his parents meeting like that given his suspicions about what they were up to he was sure she had quite the story to tell. Peter nudged him in the side breaking his thoughts.

“James?” He looked at him like he had grown another head,

“Sorry, what did you say?” He shook his head to try and rid it of the persistent thoughts circling.

“I said that we should go straight to the kitchens after the feast if we want to get everything in place for the morning” Both Sirius and Remus where looking at James expectantly, obviously concerned about what had him so distracted when there was pranks to plan and people to plot against,

“Too right Wormtail, we don’t want people getting too comfortable now do we?” James chuckled, at least with no matter what was going on in the world outside these walls, he could always count on his friends to be A plus mischief makers. 

“What’s going on with you Prongs, you have been out of sorts all day” Sirius was whispering over the Headmaster that had begun his welcome speech, 

“Padfoot zip it Dumbledore is speaking” Remus nudged the boy that held his affections, James knew it whether the two of them were ready to admit it or not.  

“Forbidden forest is forbidden, no magic in the hallways and Filch has banned the use of Zonko’s products blah blah blah you’ve heard it once you’ve heard it a thousand times, now out with it Prongs what in Merlin's saggy balls is wrong with you?” Sirius might have said the last of that sentence a little too loudly, the four of them collectively wincing when they earned one of Minnie’s trademark glares. 

“Yes but I want to see if I’ve won the bet about the new defence professor” James had no idea how Remus always knew about the betting pools that were going around the student body, but if there were galleons to bet he could always be sure that Remus knew about it. 

“Nothing is going on with me Pads just drop it” James was maybe a little bit more blunt with his delivery than he intended, he didn’t want to discuss his worries with the Black son, well aware of how much of the current state of the world was reflected within his own family. Family maybe was a bit too strong of a word, life givers?

“Now before we get to the sorting of the first years I have two more thing to discuss” Dumbledore’s voice droned in the background 

Life givers implies that they want him to live so after last year’s ordeal he couldn’t really think that. Maybe blood donors?

“I would like you to give a warm welcome, or rather welcome back to our new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, Gideon Prewett” The hall broke out into applause, Gideon was a recent graduate along with his twin brother Fabian, James was sure that the two of them had gone straight into Auror training, he wondered what had brought him back so soon. Remus was smiling clearly pleased with the Headmasters revelation, he was sure that his friend would be a few galleons richer in the morning.

Sirius’ parents would probably be too excited about that thinking it a term of endearment with their views on their precious blood,

“We also have a transfer student joining the seventh years, I’m sure you will all make her feel most welcome, now let's get the sorting underway” James’ tangent came to a screeching halt when he heard what the headmaster said, The Headmaster clapped his hands and Minnie made her way to the podium with the sorting hat ready. James’ interest suddenly peeked. 

 “Hermione Ross” Minnie’s voice rang throughout the hall and everyone seemed to collectively hold their breath. You could have heard a pin drop, the entire school clearly flabbergasted by the appearance of an older student being sorted. 

“So that's the mystery girl's name then” Sirius was nudging Peter who was already trying to discreetly nick food on his plate. Whilst the rest of the school watched with bated breath for Hermione make her way up to the sorting hat. 

“Alright Marauder’s, where do we think Kitten is going to be sorted?” Sirius was rubbing his hands together looking like a damn court jester ready to entertain his court. 

 “My money is on Ravenclaw, did you see the size of that book that she was reading on the train” Remus was clearly hoping that he had found another fellow intellectual in Hermione. Hermione, James thought the name suited her, Pretty but not superficially, beauty with depth. James was starting to see what Sirius was on about, what the hell was going on with him?

“Nah I say Slytherin, she looked like she had swallowed a lemon with the sour faces she was making” Pete seemed a bit salty towards the girl and honestly James didn't blame him because she didn't seem to be taken with him either. It wasn't all that surprising as Pete seemed to have a way with women, a way that resulted in them avoiding him at all costs. 

“I bet James wishes she swallowed his dic-” Sirius didn't get the chance to finish what he was going to say before Remus kicked him underneath the table. 

“Bloody hell Padfoot could you think before you open your mouth” Remus looked like he was ready to have an aneurysm but James wasn’t paying any attention to his friends any longer, his eyes where firmly fixed on the curley haired witch that was having the sorting hat placed on her head. 

“Do you think she has something to do with what's going on with the war?” James questioned to no one in particular,

“I don't know mate, but when she showed up at your house for your parents ‘gathering’ she looked like she had been dragged through a battlefield backwards and that's being generous” Sirius made a display of adding air quotes when he said the word ‘gathering’ because as much as the boys where sheltered from the brunt of what was currently happening in the Wizarding World they were far from naive and they all had a suspicion that James’ parents are involved in it all somehow. 

“I could smell the blood and the dark magic coming off her in waves, I’m almost positive that she has something to do with it all” Remus seemed to already have a soft spot for the witch, and most of the time Moony was rarely wrong about theses things,

“I’d guess Gryffindor, seems like a fighter she does” and Sirius looked like he meant it. James would agree, she looked like she was the type to take on a fully grown mountain troll unarmed. She exuded a level of power that was never seen in someone so young, and her eyes looked like they had seen too much suffering for someone that was still in school. Miss Ross seemed to be a puzzle, a puzzle that James was rather keen to solve. 

“Prongs close your mouth otherwise your going to start drooling on your plate” Sirius leaned over and tipped his chin up, James hadn’t even noticed that his mouth was wide open, He also hadn’t noticed the daggers that a certain red head was shooting him from down the table. He was on the edge of his seat praying that he and Sirius were right about the   

“It better be, GRYFFINDOR” 

“Well our year just got a lot more interesting” James could only just hear Sirius’ over the cheers that followed the hat’s announcement, and honestly it took everything in James to resist the urge to cheer the loudest, he would be cool and collected this time, he wouldn’t be making the same mistakes he did with Lily. Yes this year just got a lot more interesting indeed.  

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

(Hermione)

Hermione tried to wipe her sweaty palms on her robe, considering she had faced exponentially worse things in her short life she was unreasonably nervous about having a hat placed on her head. 

She heard Aunt Min’s voice call her name over the ringing that was in her ears, She felt every set of eyes in the great hall on her as she made her way up to the sorting hat, clearly the whole school was interested in where she would end up.

Min gave her a small smile and affectionately pinched her shoulder as she placed the hat on her head. The first thing that Hermione noticed was that the Hat was a lot smaller now, during her first sorting the hat completely obscured her vision, she was wishing that it still would now so she didn’t have to see everyone watching her with bated breath. As she scanned her eyes across the hall they fell onto Regulus, he was sitting towards the back of the Slytherin table, there was clear space between him and the others sat around him, she wondered if this was his choice or he was already starting to be ostracized by his own house. He flashed Hermione a smirk that completely flustered her; she no longer knew where to look so she just closed her eyes instead.

“Interesting, very Interesting, Miss Ross, or should I say Miss Granger? You and I have already met, although that is in the future and I am yet to know you, Hmmm this is a tricky one indeed” The hat spoke into her mind. Hermione tried to take a deep breath determined not to interfere with the hat's decision. 

“You have all the qualities of a Hufflepuff, your kindness, loyalty and heart resilient enough that they have stayed intact during the many trials you have faced”

“Don’t you dare” as soon as Hermione had the thought she regretted it, so much for not influencing the hats decision, It's not that she had anything against Hufflepuff, some of her favorite people are Puff’s, she just knew that if she was placed there she would be ripping her hair out by the end of the evening,

“Quite right you are dear, although your hair could do with some thinning” the cheeky hat chuckled, can sentient hats chuckle?

“Rude” hermione thought pointedly, 

“You seem to have made a friend in Slytherin already, and share their values of cunning and ruthlessness in your mission. Your brains make you a great candidate for Ravenclaw but I know your studies are not your reason for being here. Miss Granger, you quite clearly have strong attributes from all of the houses, so I will ask you, which house will give you the best advantage for your mission”

“No this is not how it was supposed to go, you were supposed to make this decision, I can’t, it doesn’t matter where I go I just need to go somewhere!” she felt the frustration leak out of her, she hoped the damn hat would take the hint before she burst into tears in front of the whole school.

“alright Miss Granger no need to get so worked up” The Hats presence was suddenly gone from in her head.

“It better be, GRYFFINDOR!” It wasn’t until Hermione looked down to see the familiar red and gold tie around her neck did she let out the breath she was holding. She would have never admitted it to herself or to the hat for that matter, but having a little piece of her old identity with her in the 70’s was a relief. It gave her a little boost that no matter how broken she felt she still belonged with the lions. 

Minerva gave Hermione a big smile, clearly proud that her charge was in fact a member of her beloved house, she took the hat from Hermione’s head freeing her to go and join her new housemates as they all celebrated their new arrival. As she made her way over she saw James pushing Peter down the table further to make room for her, she quietly took the now empty space. She smiled at the boys all still making a show of clapping for her, she rolled her eyes at their antics, knowing that it would probably become a regular occurrence.

“Red looks good on you Kitten, who would have thought that you would be joining us again so soon” Sirius laughed to himself, 

“ah that would be you Padfoot you bet that she would be a Gryffindor” it was Peter that called him out and Hermione covered her smile with her hand. She told herself that she would make an effort with Peter but the last thing she wanted was him getting too comfortable with her. 

“Hush now Pete the big kids are talking” Hermione winced at Sirius’ outright dismissal, no, she stopped herself she would not feel sorry for the rat.

“Welcome to Gryffindor Hermione” It was Remus that offered her a warm smile from across the table, Hermione knew that Remus was more reserved than his friends so it warmed her heart to know that he was already getting comfortable with her around, She smiled back at him as the moment was ceremoniously ruined by the boy sat next to her

“Hermione is quite the mouthful, do you have a nickname?” James looked so shocked by his own words that his hand made its way up to his mouth to cover it as Sirius Black broke out into a hysterical fit of laughter, Hermione caught the strong glare in their direction from McGonnigal as she continued to sort the rest of the 1st years clearly perturbed by Sirius’ interruption,

“Um no, there is not really a short version of my name that I like” Hermione tried to hide her amusement but clearly failed at James’ cheeks got considerably pinker. The conversation died between them as the houses were all cheering for their new members. Hermione wasn’t really paying attention, just trying to focus on getting through the rest of dinner, she had already decided that she wouldn’t be staying in the dorm that night, she wasn’t in the right headspace for it, it was probably better that she face it after her inevitable breakdown that she was due to have. 

Hermione gripped her new wand in her robe pocket, The hard edges of the wood biting into her palm, it was one of the only things that brought her comfort when her thoughts started spiralling, even though when Olivander first asked her to try the wand she almost threw it back at him. 

“I think if you have a 10 inch vine wood with a dragon heartstring core we should really try that” Hermione practically begged the wand maker, she just wanted her wand back, she had no Idea if it had even been made yet but she was hopeful nonetheless. They had already tried 10 wands and none of them responded to her at all,

“Next my dear, let’s just try this one first” he opened the box and Hermione wanted to snap it back shut, That was not her wand, there was no way she would be picking it up. 

“No” she outright refused to even try it, 

“Please dear just give it a go and if not I’ll see about a vine wood,” he looked at her pleading with her common sense to not draw any further attention to herself. She tentatively picked up the wand  already feeling the familiar pulse, the wands response was immediate every item on the front desk floated in a perfect leviosa, Hermione cursed under her breath.

“Curious, very curious, eleven inches-” Hermione cut the wand maker off

“Holly wood, phoenix feather core” she breathed out her response, too stunned to elaborate further. Olivander looked at Hermione shocked, 

“That’s exactly right, it is a twin of a wand I have already sold years ago. The Phoenix that supplied that feather only ever gave one other” 

“I’m aware of its origins, I guess I will be taking it then?”  

“The wand chooses the witch Miss Ross, and this wand has clearly chosen you” Hermione tried to quell her emotions, This was not her wand, This was Harry’s wand, He would be coming in to Olivander’s in 14 years and need this wand, how was she supposed to tell the old wand maker that. 

“You not hungry there Kitten” Sirius once again the person to break her from her thoughts, she was so preoccupied that she hadn’t realized the sorting had ended and everyone had already moved on to their deserts, she smirked at him and took a modest amount of apple pie on her plate, she wasn’t hungry but she wasn’t one to back down from a challenge, she made a show of taking her first bite, and Sirius cocked an eyebrow at the way she held her spoon in her mouth,

“You know if its a mouthful you are after I am always happy to volunteer” the cheeky bugger was clearly feeling like stirring the pot because both James and Remus coughed violently on their own mouthfuls, spluttering their food all over the table. Hermione had been on the receiving end of McGonnigal’s disapproving stares more tonight than her entire Hogwarts career, and it was all Sirius Black's fault.  

“Sorry Black your not my type and I’m pretty sure I’m not yours” she shot him a knowing glance,

“Please I’m everybody’s type, I’m irresistible” he puffed out his chest and swished his hair dramatically, Hermione noticed students from the other houses getting up to leave so she took her chance to escape. 

“More like irritating, well boys this has been lovely but I am exhausted, I’ll see you around” as she got up to leave she leaned over the table and ruffled his perfectly messy hair much to his displeasure,

“Merlin Black how much product do you put in your hair?” she left the spluttering animagus and laughing boys too it, she thought she heard Remus ask if she knew where she was going and she shook her head, finding the thought of her not knowing her way around this castle unreasonably funny for some reason.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Chapter Text

2nd of September 1977

Whoever decided to have the first day of the school year on a Friday needed to be sacked according to Hermione. After another sleepless night she glamoured the dark bags that seemed to be taking up permanent residency under her eyes, she already felt like shite, the last thing she needed was to see a physical manifestation of that every time she looked at a reflective surface. She fastened the necklace that she wore every day without fail around her neck, tucking it safely into the collar of her shirt so that no one other than her would ever see it. It was a small comfort to know that she had a little piece of him with her now. Hermione had decided to skip breakfast in the great hall instead fending for herself in the small kitchen in her shared living quarters with McGonnigal. She gave up searching for something edible rather quickly opting to make herself a cuppa, it was most likely for the best as she wasn’t sure that she could stomach any more than that anyway. 

“I see you have decided to skip breakfast as well as barely eating anything last night, you are never going to put on all that weight that you lost if you refuse to eat” The sudden presence of her guardian startled Hermione so much that her freshly made tea went flying, the only thing stopping it from going down the front of her school robes was Minerva’s quick wand skills stilling the liquid and eloquently scooping it back up into her mug. Hermione sighed, not used to having an adult in her life that was paying any attention to her wellbeing. Minerva just smirked at Hermione peering over the daily prophet that she was previously reading. 

“Prof-Aunt Min, I’m fine it was just a bit much yesterday as all” Hermione knew her excuse was pathetic, but she didn’t know how she was expected to respond. 

“Hermione, I’m not judging you dear I’m just concerned, as I’m also concerned that you chose to sleep here last night and not in the dorms. Whilst I will never turn away your company I worry that you will miss out on making the right connections with your peers not to mention draw unwanted attention to yourself” Hermione knew that her guardian had a point, she just didn’t know what would cause more suspicion her sleeping in her guardians quarters or waking up the entire dorm with her relentless night terrors. 

“I know, I just need more time” again a pathetic completely non Gryffindor response but Minivera nodded at her charge. Hermione had not opened up to anyone about her struggles but she knew that her Aunt Min was more than aware of them.

“How are your meditations going? You’re remembering to do it every day?” whilst Hermione had taken on the brunt of her current task alone her professor worked out rather quickly what she was up to and stepped in offering assistance where she could, 

“Yes everything is on schedule” Hermione smiled thinking about what her Sirius would say if he knew what she was up to and that Professor McGonnigal of all people was helping her. 

“It’s probably best you skipped breakfast dear those troublesome boys are always known to try something on the first day of school” Hermione swore that the older witch chuckled to herself as she got up from her seat to leave, she handed Hermione a sheet of parchment,

“Your schedule dear, I will see you later in the day for transfiguration, do me proud” she squeezed Hermione’s shoulder as she left the small kitchen, most likely off to clean up whatever mess the Marauders had made this morning.

Hermione took a deep breath, looking at her schedule she saw that she had potions first up, It seemed that despite the 20 years difference the school still divided the classes the same way, she would be sharing all of her core classes with Slytherin. She sighed dramatically, If she thought it was odd meeting her friend’s parents, it was going to be even stranger having to meet a young Severus Snape.

Hermione was one of the first to arrive at the dungeons, waiting for Professor Slughorn to unlock the door. She stood arranging all of her parchment in preparation for the class, not paying attention to the students moving around her.

“If you are waiting for Slughorn to open the door you will be waiting a while” The deep voice sent chills up her spine, the drawl of his voice almost identical to that of his older self. Hermione looked up to see a tall lanky boy staring down his ridiculously large nose at her. Severus was literally identical in every way to his older counterpart, from the greasy hair to the perfectly polished albeit very worn shoes, his frown lines still prominent and extenuated due to the permanent scowl on his face. 

“Alohamora” Hemione performed the spell with her want still stowed in her pocket her hands full from the copious amounts of parchment she had somehow accumulated before classes had even started,

“After you” she gestured to the now open door whilst Severus eyed her wearily, clearly not sure how to comprehend the young witch’s use of wandless magic. It was a tactical move on Hermione’s part, she wanted to make it clear from the get go that she wasn’t to be messed with, and given her experience with this potion enthusiast in particular it didn’t hurt to be on the offense right away.

Snape made no further effort to talk to her or introduce himself, Hermione guessed that this was most likely due to her house, and it suited her just fine, seeing the younger version of her prickly potions Professor made her skin crawl. 

She made her way to the opposite side of the classroom, right at the back. She wanted to fly under the radar and that meant acting in the exact opposite way to how she normally would in class, sitting at the back, never raising her hand and absolutely not showing off. Hermione was self aware enough to know that everyone used to think of her as an insufferable know it all as Snape liked to point out, she just didn’t care, all that mattered was that she proved to herself and the world that she belonged here, she would have read the entire contents of the library back to front if it meant that she would never have to leave the wizarding world. 

“There you are! We were beginning to think that you left us” It was Sirius making his way over to the table she found herself at. She was surprised by him, she would have assumed him to be one of the last people to show up to class. James was trailing behind him, the other half of the Marauders clearly missing.

“And deprive you all of my world class wit? Never” Hermione’s eyes didn’t leave her notes not wanting to have to face the two of them so early in the morning,

“Morning Hermione” James seemed sheepish as he pulled out the chair next to her, clearly still feeling awkward after their last interaction, Hermione felt a wash of pity for the boy, she looked up briefly from her notes throwing him a bone, 

“Morning Potter” she smiled and quickly looked away before James had a chance to affect her further. She really needed to get a handle on her hormones because this school girl crush was starting to become a real inconvenience.

“Where did you get to last night? The girls said that you didn’t sleep in dorms” it was Sirius that asked, James still too bewildered from Hermione acknowledging his presence. 

“I was with my lover” Hermione deadpanned, James made a noise between a squeak and cough clearly shocked by her blatant response, Sirius grinned at her,

“My, my, Kitten day one and already shacking up, that might even beat my record!” He laughed to himself, James frantically whispered something to Sirius that Hermione couldn’t quite make out, but she was sure she heard the cheeky animagus reply “she can’t be, I’m Sirius” Hermione laughed to herself at the ridiculousness of the conversation.

“Breathe Potter, I was joking, If you must know I slept in my own room, I’ve been living here for a month with my Aunt and I didn’t feel like moving into the dorms last night” Hermione wasn’t sure why she needed to specify, maybe it was the defeated look on James’ face or maybe it was just because she didn’t want to risk anyone calling her a slag.

“Oh that makes sense” James looked reproachful, she wasn’t sure how she had such a knack for making the boy embarrassed, but clearly she was very good at it. 

“Who’s your Aunt?” Sirius always seemed to fixate on the details, Hermione wasn’t sure whether to be impressed or concerned 

Hermione sighed knowing that the boys will most likely have a field day knowing this, “Professor McGonnigal” Hermione watched the boys expressions change a mile a minute, shock, horror, and glee the most discernible.

“That might come in handy Prongs, having an in with Minnie could open up so many opportunities for us” the scheming look on Sirius face was not lost on Hermione, but right as she opened her mouth to deny any favors to get the boys out of trouble, Professor Slughorn made his appearance.  

“Welcome back students” Professor Slughorn bellowed to the class, she noticed that he paid extra attention to both Snape and Lily as he passed their respective tables. She laughed quietly to herself. It was good to see that he was always opportunistic with who received his attention. 

“Today we will reviewing some of the more difficult potions that you will need to know for your N.E.W.T’s” the professor gestured to the cauldron’s sat in front of him “would anyone like to come up the front and hazard a guess at what these potions are?” Hermione didn’t even have time to process his words before Lily’s hand shot up in the air and at the potions master’s enthusiastic wave she got up from her seat. 

It was almost like Hermione was having an out of body experience, seeing a first hand account of what she used to be like. She can see why she reminded Remus so much of Lily, she seemed to share the passion and enthusiasm for learning that used to be trademarks of Hermione’s personality,

“That’s Veritaserum, once ingested the person can only speak the truth it's often used during Auror interrogations, This one here is Amortentia it's a powerful love potion or lust potion, evident due to the way that the steam spirals and its mother of pearl sheen” as lily smelled the potion she looked in the direction of Severus, Hermione eyebrows shot up to her hairline, given the implications of what one smells when near the potion, she had not expect that. 

“Very good Miss Evans, continue” Slughorn gestured back to the potions,

“This one is Draught of the Living Death, sending the person that takes it into a deathlike slumber” Lily clearly done with her observations made her way back to her seat. The potion master praised her as she went.

“His lessons are exactly the same as in sixth year” in her complete bewilderment Hermione didn’t realize she had whispered her thoughts aloud,

“What?” James clearly had heard her and looked at her expectantly,

“Nothing, she just forgot one that’s all” she whispered back to James trying to distract him from what she had slipped out, before she had a chance to react James hand shot up in the air. Hermione made to pull it back down to no avail, she flinched when her hand made contact with his toned arm, she didn’t have time to admire it before Slughorn spoke,

“Yes Mister Potter?” He looked surprised that James was so enthusiastic to participate in his class,

“I believe Miss Evans missed one” James had an easy charm about him, his confidence making quick work of any situation that involved being the center of attention, Hermione was too focused on James to notice Lily turning an unnatural shade of purple,

“Quite right Mister Potter, would you like to come up here and give it a whirl?” 

James looked at Hermione and then where her hand was, she let go in a fluster, as James made his way out of his seat. She was just relieved that he didn’t volunteer her for the task. It would be hardly fair given that she had already sat through this exact lesson. James leaned in to inspect the final small cauldron that was sat off to the side, he looked up at Hermione, she could feel her eye twitching, the need to show she had the right answer was overwhelming, all of her plans to not be noticed flying out the window. James raised a single eyebrow at her, she sighed dramatically and mouthed as obviously as she could the words Liquid Luck. 

“That professor Slughorn would be Liquid Luck also known as Felix Felicis” James had a pompous look on his face, clearly proud of his efforts, 

“That is exactly right Mister Potter, one sip of Felix Felicis or as its more commonly known Liquid Luck, and you will find all of your endeavors succeed. It is desperately tricky to make and disastrous should you get it wrong” Slughorn continued on an exact rendition of the same speech he gave on it in her sixth year as James made his way back to his seat,

“Since when are you a know it all?” Sirius smacked his shoulder as he walked past,

“Since I have a potions partner that can apparently identify potions from all the way across the classroom” James looked at Hermione as he sat down,

“Lucky guess” was all Hermione said in response, she had already dug herself into enough holes this morning, she didn’t need to risk anymore slip ups,

“Sure it was” The sarcasm dripped off James’ words making his clear disbelief in her flimsy excuse evident. 

“I will be offering one vile of Liquid Luck to the student that can brew an acceptable Draught of the Living Death, Instructions to which can be found on page 10 of your books. Good luck to you all” as Slughorn finished he retreated back to his desk, busing himself with Godric knows what, Hermione was positive it wasn’t new lesson plans, she snorted at her thought. The action caught both the boys' attention, she shook her head and made her way to the potions store, thanking every god that she had Snape’s potion notes with her. If Harry could cheat the first time around she wasn’t above giving herself the extra advantage, screw fairness she needed that potion. She wondered what life or death problem in her future she was going to use the Liquid Luck on as she got to work on brewing a perfect draught of the living death. 

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Both James and Sirius pestered Hermione for the entire journey to transfiguration on how she had managed to win Slughorn’s little competition, it was almost as annoying as her now unruly hair was a bird's nest after being subject to the humidity of brewing for an hour. Hermione cringed knowing she had now gained the professors attention, but the benefit of now having the liquid luck outweighing the inconvenience of having to avoid his invitations to join the slug club, Hermione had learnt that lesson the hard way in sixth year, it wasn’t worth the inevitable headache that it caused. As they reached the classroom Sirius and James left her to join up with Remus and Peter both coming from their magical care of creatures class, Hermione was genuinely sad to miss it, she was curious if she would have enjoyed it more with a teacher that was a little bit more prepared than Hagrid, as much as she loved him his lessons where infuriating. 

She watched as the Marauders all found their seats to one side at the back of the classroom, Hermione made her way in the opposite side, wanting to put a bit of distance between them and enjoying the peace and quiet. That was until a red flash of hair practically whipped her in the face Hermione spluttered as she was sure that some had gotten in her mouth,

“Oh I’m sorry I didn’t see you there” Lily turned to face Hermione from were she had sat in front of her, the sickly sweet voice she put on didn’t suit her at all, it was about an octave to high and made it obvious that she had in fact seen Hermione.

“Don’t worry about it” Hermione tried to keep her voice level not wanting to give away any of her unease, She would have never guessed that Lily would be so hostile towards her but then again maybe she should give her the benefit of the doubt seeing as she had pulled a wand on her during their first encounter. 

“How are you settling in Ross?” The blonde girl next to Lily had also turned around, Hermione was pretty sure that it was Marlene McKinnon, she recognised her from some of the earlier order photos that Sirius had shown her.

“Fine, thanks” she smiled warmly at the witch remembering how fond Sirius had been of her. 

“Sorry I’m so rude, I’m Marlene, and this is Cas, Alice & Lily. We didn’t see you last night in the dorm to make introductions” She gestured to the friends sitting around her, both Alice and Cas smiling, It was funny Hermione thought how every adult that had ever met Lily always used to tell Harry she had his mothers eyes, When Nevil had the exact same smile as his mother, it was warm and inviting. Cas must be Dorcas Meddows, Hermione had heard stories about how ruthless the witch was, being taken out by Voldemort himself, although you never would have guessed it by looking at her, she looked like a pixie her beautiful dark skin and braids making her look all the more ethereal.

“It’s really nice to meet you all” Hermione directed most of her attention to Lily with a soft smile hoping to smooth over their rocky start. Hermione just hoped she hadn’t already done too much damage. 

“Well you will only be sharing the dorm with them, as I am in the Heads suites” Lily tipped her chin up in the air and turned to face the front of the classroom. Hermione sent a silent prayer to Circe to give her strength this girl was a world class - Hermione didn't have a chance to finish the thought before Cas cut in,

“Yes well if you're not above slumming it with us peasants Lily, we were still hoping you would join us for girls night” It was Cas that responded, she already seemed to be over the witch throwing her position in their faces. 

“Girls night?” Hermione enquired, She was never particularly close with her dorm mates, often being too caught up in her boys' messes to have time so she had little to no experience with what they could possibly mean. Hermione had a hard time relating to the girls, never really having any interest in the trivial teenage dramas or boys. 

“Yeah we try to do it a few times a term, it will be a good way for us to all get to know each other” Marlene filled her in, 

“Sounds good” Hermione didn’t want to risk upsetting anyone by declining, although she had little desire to join in on what she was sure was a treasured tradition between the long time friends.

“Well I can’t tonight, I have prefect rounds” Lily stated to no one in particular, not even bothering to turn around and rejoin the conversation. Dorcas rolled her eyes and Hermione did her best to stifle her laugh, 

“Okay great we will see you tonight then” Marlene said ignoring Lily’s dismissal. Hermione was relieved to see that their Professor had arrived just in time to stop what could have been another confrontation with the redhead, 

“Welcome back students, I expect you have all completed your summer reading and are prepaid for what will be an intensive year in the lead up to you completing your N.E.W.T’s” 

“I think we should start a drinking game where we do a shot of fire whiskey every time one of the professors mentions that it's our N.E.W.T year” Hermione just about fell out of her chair when Sirius Black leaned over and whispered in her ear, she had no idea how or when the sneaky animagus found himself in the seat next to her but clearly she needed to start paying better attention to her surroundings,

“Where in the bloody hell did you come from?” Hermione whispered back clutching at her chest to try and slow her beating heart. She was just glad that with his surprise intrusion she managed to keep her wand stashed and not pointed at his throat. 

“Whilst my dear mother’s womb is as close to hell as you can get on this earthly plane, I actually just came over because you looked lonely” Hermione didn’t want to laugh at his joke, she really didn’t, but she found herself doing so anyway gaining the attention of the Professor. 

“Problem Mister Black?” Professor McGonnigal, clearly unimpressed with him already causing interruptions in her class

“Not at all Minnie just making sure your niece was paying attention” the smirk on his face was only rivaled by the glare shot his way from James, who was still sitting on the other side of the class room where Sirius had left his friends. 

“I’m quite positive Miss Ross is more than capable of managing her own attentions” Aunt Min had a knack for scolding people with little words actually uttered and Hermione vowed to keep more of a distance from the troublesome boy, not wanting the second hand embarrassment that came from a McGonnigal dressing down. 

“Now today we will be starting to look into human transfigurations, Specifically that of Animagus” Hermione tried to hide her eye-roll at the way that Sirius sat up straighter in his seat, she knew him to be somewhat of an expert on the topic, his older counterpart helping Hermione with the beginnings of the meditations in her fourth year. 

“Now can anybody tell me the process in which one needs to start to begin the transformation” It was a toss up between Lily and the four Marauders as too who was able to raise their hand first, Minerva eyed the class walking to the front of her desk to perch on it, when she leveled her gaze to Hermione and crossed her arms Hermione audibly gulped,

“Miss Ross?” Hermione took in the surprise from the rest of the room, considering Hermione didn’t have her hand raised she wasn’t surprised. 

“Well one would first have to want to begin the meditations to find the animal within so to speak, once you have started one would then hold a mandrake leaf in their mouth for an entire month, full moon to full moon. Once this has been completed successfully you place that leaf in a crystal vial received in clear view of the moons rays along side a strand of your hair, a silver teaspoon of dew taken from a place that had not seen sunlight or human feet and a chrysalis of a death-heads hawk moth. The resulting mixture should be stored in a quiet dark place not to be disturbed until the next electrical storm. Until this time you would need to perform the incarnation “Amato Animo Animato Animagus” with your wand at your heart at sunup and sundown every day” If McGonnigal was surprised by her textbook definition of the process she didn’t let it on, Sirius Black on the other hand was looking at her with awestruck intrigue

“And then what would one need to do?” Aunt Min prompted Hermione to continue

“During the electrical storm you retrieve your vial which at this stage will contain a blood red potion, you would need to repeat the incarnation with your wand at your heart and drink the potion to complete the transformation” Hermione finished her answer, feeling a hint of the rush that she used to when being able to show off her knowledge, 

“Hypothetically speaking the month with the mandrake leaf is much easier to complete if you take a vow of silence” Sirius added on, to which the entire class laughed at,

“Actually a sticking charm works better” Both Hermione and McGonnigal spoke in unison wearing matching smirks directed at Sirius.

“Very good Miss Ross, 5 Points to Gryffindor. In the future when you know the answer to a question I will expect you to at least attempt to participate” she leveled a knowing look at Hermione further chastising her before continuing on with her lecture and the importance of not attempting the transition without help. They were about halfway through the lecture when there was a knock at the door. 

“Professor Prewitt, what can I do for you” Hermione turned to see the DADA Professor poking his head through the door, 

“Sorry to interrupt Minerva, I was just wondering if I could possibly borrow Miss Ross for a moment?” Hermione’s shock was not alone, the rest of the class all turning to look at her with Sirius muttering “oohhh you’re in trouble” she elbowed him as she got up from her seat gathering her belongings.

“I suppose that’s fine. Hermione, I expect 12 inches on the Animagus transformation on my desk next lesson” Minerva nodded at her going back to writing on the chalkboard. 

Hermione could not think of one good reason that the Prewitt twins would need to summon her from the middle of a lesson and her heart was in her throat. She started scanning through every single one of the documents that the Headmaster had given her in her head, she had memoized every single one and came up empty with an explanation, which could only mean they were already veering off the timeline, and that was not good at all.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Chapter Text

2nd of September 1977

(Hermione)

“Fabian I swear to Godric you better have a good reason for pulling me out of class or I am going to Hex you into next week” Hermione could feel her panic rising with each step that they took in the direction of his brother's office. 

“Merlin, calm down Witch, How is it you can always tell us apart anyway? No one has ever been able to before” Fabian looked genuinely upset by the fact.

“It’s a skill of mine, it was the same with your nephews they could never pull their switching stunts on me. Plus you’re wearing your Auror robes” Hermione gestured to his maroon robes, laughing when he looked down and realized that he wasn’t wearing his aura robes but just completely gave himself away. 

“Ok one that was a nifty trick, and two, My nephews? You don’t mean?” The look of pure joy on his face was the opposite to the utter horror on Hermione’s realizing that she had let slip details she hadn’t meant to.

“Yes, shit, forget I said that and please don’t say anything to Molly” It was strange for Hermione to call Mrs. Weasley by her first name, something the younger version insisted on. Hermione had received several owls from Molly since the first order meeting, insisting that Hermione consider her a friend and ally in her cause. 

“My lips are sealed Miss Ross” he said as he led her into the office, to a waiting Gideon.

“Did Minnie buy it?” The look of mischief coloring his face, 

“Of course she did, she never could tell us apart, unlike this one” Fabian gestured to Hermione.

“If you two are quite done, would you mind telling me what was so important that you pulled me out of class for?” Hermione was bursting at the seams, her magic ready to start manifesting her unease outside of her body,

“Relax Hermione, we just thought you would want to know right away. We found it. Well I found it, Gid’s been too busy playing Professor. I tracked down a dark artifacts dealer that was linked to a string of illegal dragon breeding rings, anyway one of them had a proclivity for magical reptiles on a whole and had an entire library worth of restricted texts.” The utter relief that Hermione felt with the news not being dire but actually helpful was immense,

“You‘ve found it?” Hermione was stunned, it was a long shot but it was the best plan that she had for dealing with their little snake problem.    

“You want to tell us what you plan on doing with it?” Fabian asked as he handed her an ancient looking text, it was massive but Hermione was sure that she would devour it in one sitting, she grabbed it instantly flicking through its pages, too eager to find out if it held the information that she needed.  

“I liked that idea you had at the first meeting” She replied with a shrug,

“What idea?” It was Gidion that asked her clearly not remembering the off hand comment that he had made.

“I want to ask it nicely” she said with a wicked glint in her eye, both Gidion and Fabian looking like they had seen a ghost clearly realizing what the ‘it’ she was referring to was.

“and this is how we are going to do it” She said, turning the page she was inspecting to show the two of them.

“You’ve run this plan past Dumbledore right?” Fabian asked and Hermione outright laughed at him

“The day I start running my plans past Professor Dumbledore is the day we are all doomed to repeat the mistakes from my future. You both have to make a decision on whether you are loyal to the order or to Dumbledore, because in my eyes they are very far from the same thing.” 

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

It took a little convincing on Hermione’s part but as she made her way down to the dungeons for the second time that day she had the request slip from ‘Professor Prewett’ firmly in her hand. Her plan was a little bit crazy, ok well it was completely barmey. But she felt a lot more confident in her ability to smooth talk a basilisk than slay one, and this way she wouldn’t have to kill an innocent creature, no matter how deadly and dangerous it might be. They had already attempted to go down to the chamber once and failed miserably, Hermione wasn’t able to replicate the right sounds to even open the bloody door. However Ron had managed to, would forever baffle Hermione. 

Peter storming his way out the potions classroom broke Hermione from her thoughts, She had assumed that most of the students would be in the great hall for lunch not expecting to see anyone whilst she made her little request of Slughorn. He looked like he was angry about something and Hermione tried to catalog all of the reasons that he may have for being down here that didn’t directly track to him being a traitor, given the fact that she was positive that he wasn’t taking potions she came up empty. 

“Peter! Hi, what are you doing down here?” Hermione broke the boy's concentration, trying to sound casual. The deep frown left Peter’s face as he stopped to talk to her. 

“Hermione, I was just, well you see, I was…. Ok so don’t tell the others” as Peter stammered over his words Hermione smiled now being able to see the similarities between the older Peter she once met. She knew there wasn’t any point into trying to save the Rat from his own bad -

“So our opening prank failed miserably this morning, we were going to put a color changing potion in the breakfast, but somehow McGonnigal intercepted it, anyway I think it was my fault, so I was trying to get some more past the elves to try again” His words came out a jumbled mess at a million miles a minute,

“Put it in the pumpkin juice” she wasn’t sure what made her want to help him, maybe it was the guilt for preemptively condemning the boy assuming that he was up to something inherently evil.

“What?” Peter also seemed shocked that she was offering her advice,

“Aunt Min knew the lot of you would try something. So I would guess she probably tested everything, If you stick to one thing you have better odds of getting it past her. Everyone drinks pumpkin juice but it’s not the first thing she would think to check. Also make sure you each have a glass of orange juice and people see you drinking it, they will assume it’s pumpkin juice, you’ll lull them into a false sense of security and no one will think twice about it.” By the time Hermione had finished her rant she had even surprised herself with how quickly she was able to switch her scheming into pranking, Peter looked at her like he hadn’t ever seen her before, clearly re-evaluating his opinion of her. 

“That’s actually really smart, thanks” Hermione scoffed at his assessment of her, she was pretty sure that she wasn’t ‘ the brightest witch of her age’ for coming up with mediocre pranks but who was she to tell him that. 

“don’t mention it, seriously please don't. I really don’t want your friends getting any ideas of me helping you with whatever mischief you get up too” Hermione laughed as Peter nodded and headed back in the direction of the kitchens.  

Hermione turned her attention back to what she originally came to the dungeons for, promptly knocking on Professor Slughorn’s door. 

“Why Hello Miss Ross, Back again already, It’s always nice to see students so eager to forge worth while connections” Hermione resisted the urge to roll her eyes,

“Right… well actually I was coming to ask if you had anywhere I could start some independent brewing? I have a signed request from Professor Prewett, I’m completing some extra credit work for him” Hermione smiled sweetly at him hoping he wouldn’t turn her away, She didn’t want to tell him how much the future of the wizarding world depended on her ‘extra credit’

“My, my extra credit on the first day you are an ambitious one aren’t you. I really shouldn’t be that surprised you take a great deal after your Aunt. I’m sure there should be some room in the lab off the main classroom, help yourself, and feel free to share whatever you come up with. I would be happy to give you extra credit also” Hermione sighed in relief. 

“Thank you Professor” She wouldn’t be sharing her results with the eager potions master as what she was brewing was highly illegal and crossing well into the gray area of magic, not inherently dark but not entirely light. 

“Whilst your here Miss Ross I would love for you to-“ Hermione cut him off,

“I’m so sorry professor I have to get this started before my next class otherwise I’ll be behind before I have even begun. Thanks again” She waved him off as she set off for the potions lab, praising herself for being able to get out of declining whatever his offer was. 

The small Lab was empty when Hermione arrived much to her relief. It would seem that starting this on the first day of classes was actually a good idea given that no one else had thought to start any independent studies. She opened the book that Fabian had tracked down for her and started to gather the ingredients that she would need. 

“What are you doing here?” Hermione hadn’t even heard the door open but turned to find Severus at the threshold, clearly surprised by her presence. 

“Slughorn said that I could use this space for some personal brewing” Hermione wasn’t sure what authority Severus had to question her, but this was a battle that she had no desire in fighting,

“Right, well keep your stuff organized and do try to keep out of my way” He looked down his nose at Hermione as he passed her to find his own work station,

“Of course, I wouldn’t dream of upsetting Slughorn’s top student” Hermione scoffed turning back to her attention back to her notes, Hermione scratched at her arm through the nerves of having the pompous young boy so close to her work, she really didn't need him questioning what she was up to. They worked in silence, each doing their best to ignore the other's presence. 

Hermione had a good start to the unbelievably complex potion, all that was left to do was stir it clockwise 5 times daily for the next two weeks. Whilst she was down here Hermione figured she may as well try her hand at the other desperately tricky potion that she had been meaning to make. She took out Professor Snape’s book being sure to glamor it just in case a certain someone managed to get a look at it and could recognise the handwriting. She cast a quick tempus charm to check the time, she had just enough time before she had to be back upstairs for Ancient Runes. She just hoped that she wouldn’t mess it up.  

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

(James)

The Great Hall was filled with students getting their lunch, all except for the one Witch he was looking for, oh and Peter.

“Where is Pete?” He turned to Remus who was busy loading his plate with any sweet treat in sight, 

“He said something about going to the kitchens, Said he would be here in a bit though” Remus spoke through a full mouth not caring in the slightest about table manners, James was far from a pure blood snob but somethings where so ingrained in him that he found it hard not to wince. 

“Anybody see Kitten?” Sirius was looking around the hall just as James did moments ago, he tried to quell the urge to get his back up at how interested his friend was in Hermione, He told himself it was because he knew that the wizard was just avoiding dealing with the elephant or should he say werewolf in his love life. 

“Not since she left Transfiguration, What do you think Prewett wanted with her anyway? We haven’t even had DADA yet” James queried aloud,

“Professor Prewett” Remus corrected “and I don’t know, you said it yourself that she has been living in the castle for the last month, they probably crossed paths a couple of times” Remus finished clearly not as concerned as the other two boys, 

“I don’t know, weren’t the twins at your parents ‘gathering’ over the summer?” Sirius asked

“Yeah now that you mention it I’m pretty sure they were, although I saw that many redheads pass through the floo I lost track of them” They all laughed,

“What did I miss?” Peter slumped onto the bench next to Remus grabbing a sandwich and putting it straight into his mouth,

“Nothing we were just all wondering where Hermione was” James replied, His friend taking his time to chew his food before answering, at least Pete had more civility.

“I just saw her in the dungeons, also we are all set for dinner” Pete said continuing on with his lunch, James trying to fight the urge to be suspicious of what she could have possibly been doing down there, it was hypocritical of him given one of his best friends had just been down there causing trouble of their own.

“Also for the record its not ‘we all’ it’s just you two lovesick idiots seem to have a fascination with her” Remus added,

“I’m not a lovesick idiot”

“I do not have a fascination with her” Both Sirius and James objected simultaneously.

“Sure” It was the other half of the Marauders now also speaking in tandem, 

James knew that he did indeed have a fascination with Hermione, he wasn’t in that much denial. It was deeper than a superficial attraction to her, although it didn’t hurt that she was the most intriguing beauty that he had ever come across. 

“Potter,” The demanding voice broke him out of his daydream. He looked up to find Lily looking down her nose at him with her arms crossed. James had no idea what he had done to make the Witch so angry, he hadn’t paid her any attention all day and that was usually what she would get her knickers in a twist about. 

“What can I do for you Evans?” He grinned at her hoping that it would soften the inevitable blow of whatever she needed to yell at him about,

“I’m just checking.. Well I was wondering if you are still available to perform rounds tonight” Lily’s tone is what caught James off guard, she never seemed nervous to talk to him or more often than not lay into him but here she was tripping over her own words. Today was just too weird, James thought to himself. 

“Yeah of course, I’ll meet you at the portrait at 9pm” he tentatively replied, not sure what to make of her change in demeanor. 

“Great see you then” and then the Witch completely shocked him again by smiling at him before turning to join her friends further down the table. James’ mouth gaped open and close trying to find words.

“Does anyone know what in the bloody hell just happened?” He furiously whispered to his friends. 

“I believe that your precious Lily flower may finally be softening towards you Prongs” Sirius was rolling his eyes as he said it, clearly unimpressed with the whole situation. 

“She was nice,” James said clearly with a horrified look on his face given his friends reactions,

“Isn’t that what you want mate?” Pete asked clearly perplexed as to why his friend wasn’t getting ready to dance on the tables in celebration. 

“No, that was scary” Sirius seemingly agreeing with how James was feeling, 

“I think we have somehow traveled into an alternate dimension, One where Lily is nice, has competition for being top of the class and someone beat Snivillus in one of Sluggie’s little games” Sirius supplied. 

“That’s it, no more comic books for you” Remus, supplier of said comic books announced getting ready to leave for his next class.   

“What in Merlin’s name is happening today?” James asked as he was getting up from the table, discreetly nicking an apple and pocketing it, before the others noticed. The others just shrugged, also not able to come up with an explanation. 

“Come on we are going to be late otherwise” Remus said as he shepherded his friends out of the great hall.  

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

(Hermione)

Hermione was running to make it to her class on time, She had been held back waiting for Severus to leave first so that he wouldn't be left unattended with her precious brew’s. Dedicating every spare second she had to her mission was taking a lot of juggling, she couldn’t let her cover slip on the first day of classes, she would be screwed. As she flew around the corner of the hallways she ran head first into a solid object. She would have been completely knocked off her feet if it wasn’t for the two strong arms grabbing her wrists to keep her upright. She locked eyes with her savior, cursing under her breath as to how she kept ending up in situations that found her staring into the hazel eyes haunting her. 

“You right there Ross?” James smirked at her before releasing her to stand on her, she was both immensely relieved to have his hands off her and disappointed with their absence, 

“Yeah I’m just running late, sorry for bumping into you” she smiled at him, shifting her feet feeling nervous as she always did when she had his full attention.

“Don’t worry about it, actually I was hoping to run into you, maybe not so literally” He said as he reached into his robe pocket, the action having an already on edge Hermione reaching into her own for her wand “Here” Hermione blinked at his outstretched hand not comprehending what he was doing, 

“What is that” Hermione balked at him

“It’s an apple Ross I thought you would have been able to reach that conclusion on your own” he rolled his eyes at her,

“Obviously I know it’s an apple, Why are you giving it to me?” She questioned not knowing what to make of it,

“I noticed you weren’t at the Great Hall for lunch so I figured you could use something to eat” he said waving the apple in her face to emphasize his point. 

“That was..” He cut her off

“Very thoughtful of me I know, I am just such a stand up guy” He smirked his eyes light with amusement, 

“And very humble too” Hermione mused,

“The most humble, so are you going to take the apple or not Ross?” James was clearly unimpressed with how difficult Hermione was making this for him.

“It’s not going to put me into a sleep that only true love's kiss can break or anything?” Hermione laughed at her own joke and the look of confusion on James face, “What?” He questioned,

“It’s a muggle fairy tale” Hermione answered, taking the apple from him biting into it as they both made their way in the direction of the classroom. 

“Sounds disturbing” James said as his eyes seemed to be fixed on Hermione’s lips as she chewed she self consciously lifted her hand to cover them,

“Most of them are,” Hermione said as they took the last two empty seats next to Remus. 

“Most of what are what?” Remus questioned joining their conversation. 

“You know the story of Snow White right?” Hermione asked back,

“Yeah” Remus admitted not knowing what it had to do with anything,

“See James Remus would have laughed at my joke” James rolled his eyes at her just as Professor Babbling made her way to the front of the class,

“You two are strange,” Remus observed. If only he knew how strange the whole situation was. 

“Hermione you're bleeding” James said as he pointed at her arm, Hermione's hand reflexively covering it despite the fact that she knew her robes and the extensive bandages where covering her cursed scar from view, She could see the blood running down her hand even with this fact. She hadn’t even felt the wound reopen; she was so numb to the constant pain that it made this a frequent occurrence. 

“Its fine, just reopened a cut as all” Hermione tried to brush off his concern, 

“I can cast an episky if you want” He said as he went to reach for her arm. She snapped it up to her chest protectively,

“No it's fine, just leave it Potter” Hermione said dismissing his concern. 

Hermione found herself for the second time that day trying to get James’ hand out of the air,

“Yes Mister Potter” Professor Babbling hadn't even had a chance to address the class yet,

“Hermione has hurt herself, I think she should probably go and see Madam Pompfry” He said ignoring Hermione’s desperate attempts to get him to shut up. 

“Yes that's fine, do you mind escorting her” Babbling, clearly bored with his antics already, the whole class's attention turned to them. Hermione found herself wishing that she was a wall flower for the hundredth time that day, Lily was shooting daggers at her again and she suddenly found herself desperate to get out of the room.

“Not at all Professor” James said as he gathered both of their bags, flashing her a pointed look that said get your ass up now, Hermione quickly obliged practically running out of the classroom. 

Her arm still bleeding heavily as they made their way to the hospital wing, She kept pressure on it hoping that it would slow it. Hermione prayed to every God that he would ask her any questions about it. 

“You look really pale” James observed,

“Yeah well it’s a nasty cut” Hermione tried to be blunt, doing anything to discourage his interest in her arm and herself. She could feel the tremors come on as they did everytime she was aware of the slur on her arm, she tried her best to ignore it, scaring them away with sheer will power. 

“Why didn’t you heal it?” His voice sympathetic, Hermione laughed

“I don't know Potter, maybe I have a requisite for pain?” Clearly conveying sarcasm.

“You know if you ever need to talk to someone…I would always be happy too.. you know so you don't…” he gestured to her arm, Hermione tried to repress the embarrassed feeling at his implication, and instantly regretted what she had said previously. She was surprised that he could possibly think that she would have done this to herself, She reminded herself that he had absolutely no idea what she had been through, and most likely couldn’t think of another reason a Witch would be walking around with an unhealed wound. 

“I’ll keep that in mind Potter but I promise you that's not what this is” she tried to smile at him as she felt a wave nausea and her vision swimming. She stopped in her tracks trying to regain some control of her body,

“Whoa there, Hermione are you okay?” James put a hand on her shoulder to steady her, she felt herself lean into him rapidly blinking begging her eyes to work. 

“Yeah I’m fine” she nodded right as she felt the consequences of her poor decisions the last couple of days catching up to her as everything went black.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Chapter Text

2nd September 1977 

Hermione

The utter disbelief that Hermione felt as to waking up yet again in the hospital wing was palpable. She avoided opening her eyes whilst she tried to piece together exactly what had happened. 

“I know you're awake so you may as well begin explaining yourself” the firm voice of her guardian broke through the embarrassment she was feeling once she realized she must have fainted in front of James.

“There is nothing to explain” She paused as she gingerly sat up in the bed, carful of her freshly bandaged arm “I reopened my wound and must have fainted whilst I was on my way to have Madam Pompfry redress it” Hermione mumbled as she watched the frown of Aunt Min’s face deepen,

“And why do you think that you fainted due to an injury that you won't even admit has been causing you pain for the last month?” McGonnigal chastised her further, Hermione mumbled her response so much that McGonnigal prompted her again,

“Sorry I didn't quite catch that” she eyed Hermione knowing exactly the reason that the minimal amount of blood loss caused her to pass out,

“It might be because all I’ve had to eat in the past twenty four hours was an apple” Hermione supplied. She looked down to her arm like it was about to fall off, feeling a spike of panic when she realized what James could have seen.

“Did James leave, please tell me he didnt see my arm, It would raise to many questions given that I am supposed to be your pure blood niece, It would say blood traitor if my fake family where actually attacked by death eaters-“ McGonnigal cut her off mid anxious meltdown,

“Breathe Hermione, No luckily Madam Pompfry had the foresight to send him outside once the boy carried you in here and then sent for me. Although he has refused to leave since insisting he be here when you wake up” Aunt Min eyed her, appraising her state of panic, as soon as Hermione had heard that there was no way that James had seen her arm she seemed to settle. 

“Do you want to tell me what is going on there? He already seems to have quite the attachment to you?” she smirked at her charge, obviously amused that James refuses to quit following her around like a lost puppy.

“He’s just a nosey boy, I’m pretty sure he is suspicious of his parents and considering the state that I showed up to his house in on the first night and he is convinced that he can get the answers he wants from me” There was no way that Hermione was kidding herself thinking it anymore than that, the Wizard was besotted with the mother to his future child and that's exactly what Hermione wanted, well it was at least what she was telling herself that she wanted.

“Well Euphimia did mention that he was asking questions” Hermione was glad that she accepted her explanation and didn’t push the issue further, she looked out the window noticing that it was already dark. 

“Can I leave now or does Madam Pompfry want me to stay overnight? I was hoping to make it to the Library before it closes, I need to check some things” Hermione was mostly talking to herself by the end, already cataloging the books that she needed to check,

“Absolutely not Hermione, you are allowed to leave however you will be going straight to the Great Hall for dinner and then I believe you have made a commitment to spend some time with your dormmates” Hermione was surprised that McGonnigal knew this, but not so surprised that she had completely forgotten about it. Hermione admitted defeat, mostly ashamed that she couldn't even keep the priority on her health whilst she was laid up in a hospital bed. She got out of bed trying to fix her appearance somewhat, she had a feeling her over protective Head of House was going to personally escort Hermione to dinner and beggin shoveling food down her throat if she didn't comply.

“Is James still outside?” Hermione questioned hoping she could send McGonnigal out like a guard dog to shoo the boy away. 

“Yes, like I said dear he refused to leave” she said stressing the point with a look, 

“Are you not his Head of House? Can’t you just make him leave?” McGonnigal just shrugged at the witch leading her out of the room, and into what she was sure was going to be an inquisition to rival that of the Spanish.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

James

He felt like it had been hours since Minnie had come flying into the Hospital wing, well it most likely had been. She had questioned him upon her arrival trying to get the full story out of James, but honestly he had no idea how things had escalated so quickly, One second the Witch was assuring him that she was fine and the next she was limp in his arms. James was sure he had never sprinted so fast in his life trying to get Hermione to Madam Pompfry as quickly as possible, he was grateful for his quidditch training providing him with the strength and stamina for it. 

James was broken out of his thoughts by the Witch in question stepping out of the doors, McGonnigal close on her tail. She looked considerably brighter and there was no longer a drop of blood in sight much to his relief. He found it difficult to find any words, kicking himself for not working out what to say whilst he was waiting for her to wake up. 

“Sorry for fainting on you Potter, Thanks for making sure I made it here” Hermione was sheepishly looking at him trying to make light of the situation with her tone, he couldn't work out why she was acting like passing out from blood loss wasn't something serious, but here she was in front of him doing just that.

“What were you thinking?” he blurted out,

“Excuse me?” she questioned him, clearly caught off guard by his harsh tone. He hadn't really wanted to take this approach, but now he could see that she was alright the anger he had to the situation pushed past his worry.

“You heard me, what were you thinking? It clearly wasn’t just a little cut that reopened Hermione and you weren't even going to come to the Hospital wing! Not to mention the fact that the only thing I have seen you eat since being at school was a bloody apple, which you wouldn't have eaten if I hadn’t practically made you!” he was out of breath by the time he had finished his rant, raising his voice more than he had meant to. He felt the blush color his cheeks at the surprised look his professor gave him, he had forgotten that she was still there. His eyes widened at the look on Hermione’s face,

“I was thinking that I could make it through one day without being put under a microscope and practically stalked by someone who doesn’t even know me” Hermione exploded at him before turning on her heel and storming away, James was shocked not anticipating her to have just as much anger about the situation that they both found themselves in. McGonnigal cleared her throat, reminding him again of her presence.

“You will have to forgive Mister Potter. She has been through a great deal of adversities as of late and seems to be feeling the effects now more than ever” James was stunned figuring that his Professor was going to lay into him about the way he had handled himself. 

“Thank you for paying such close attention to my niece and forcing her to come here, she can be rather stubborn and doesn't like to admit when she needs help.” James averted his eyes and nodded at the heavy implications she was making with her words he cleared his throat before responding, 

“Just taking my duties as Headboy seriously, couldn't have a member of my own house passing out in the middle of a class” James did his best to try and convince both himself and Minnie that his intentions ended at his responsibilities as Head boy. By the knowing look on her face he wasn’t doing a very good job of it. 

“Come now Mister Potter, otherwise we will miss dinner entirely” McGonnigal said as she led him in the same direction that Hermione had taken off in.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Hermione

In her anger Hermione took the first available seat at the Gryffindor table and began aggressively stabbing food onto her plate. How dare James ‘left his wand on the couch’ Potter judge her self preservation skills, she hadn’t paid any attention to those sitting around her until she heard an almighty screech. She looked up to find an irate Lily Evans marching over to where three of the Marauders where sat. Only then realizing the source of her disturbance, her usual fire red hair was fluorescent green. Hermione resisted the urge to snort, the comical display almost enough to shake her from her horrible mood. She had completely forgotten about how she had assisted Peter in his little plan and quickly gulped down a glass of pumpkin juice just as the rest of the Great Hall started breaking out into startled cries and laughter, Rainbow colors gracing the heads of all the other students. 

“WHAT DID YOU DO?!” Hermione was sure that Lily’s scream could be heard all the way across Scotland, muggle repelling wards be damned.

“I don't know what you’re talking about Evans” Sirius replied with all the innocence of a five galleon hooker. 

“Come off it Black this has your name written all over it” Lily seethed getting progressively redder in the face, 

“Well that can't be true, if that was the case wouldn’t everyone’s hair be Black?” the cheeky anamagus was smirking at the fuming witch, clearly enjoying winding her up further. Hermione could no longer resist the urge to laugh and started cackling to herself catching the attention of the feuding pair, Peter winking at her clearly proud that he was able to pull off the prank.

“I don't know what you’re laughing at Ross, you look like a flamingo that has been electrocuted” Lily practically shouted just as both James and McGonnigal made their way into the great hall. Hermione couldn’t help but laugh all the harder, struggling to breathe. Lily clearly unimpressed that her insult didn’t have the desired effect, 

“MISS EVANS!” McGonnigal bellowed, “That is hardly the behavior I would expect of a Head girl! I trust you in my absence to be able to handle these types of situations with maturity and professionalism. 5 points from Gryffindor.” McGonnigal clearly scandalized by Lily’s actions, Lily’s mouth was gaping open seemingly shocked that she was the one getting reprimanded. 

Aunt Min turned to the rest of the Hall, Projecting her voice above the chaos “Now if everyone that has seemed to be affected by this little..” she paused trying to find the right words “prank would kindly calm down, I’m sure that the effects should wear off by the morning. Everyone is to take their seats and finish their dinners” she watched as the entire student body was frozen in place, “now!” The whole hall moving at once, completely silent, a stark contrast to that of only moments ago. McGonnigal made her way up to the front to go and sit next to the Headmaster who was seemingly happy to watch the chaos and not do anything about it, blue hair and beard included. Hermione rolled her eyes, she really hated that man. Lost in her thoughts she didn’t notice James had sat down across from her.  He looked at her with his head tilted, holding his hand out across the table,

“Truce?” Hermione contemplated his offer, staring at his hand like it was about to take a bite out of her. She tentatively reached out and took it to shake, doing her best to ignore the electric shock that his touch seemed to cause her. 

“Truce” she agreed, letting go of his hand to resume eating her dinner,

“You know you do look ridiculous right?” He said, clearly amused by her apparently flamingo pink hair. 

“Yes, well I wonder how that happened? you wouldn’t happen to know anything about it would you?” She smirked at him,

“I have no idea what you are implying Miss Ross? Such an immature prank would hardly be behavior of a head boy now would it” Hermione laughed as he parroted McGonnigal’s previous words. He started to fill the plate in front of him, Hermione cocked an eyebrow at the sheer amount of food he was planning on eating. 

Hermione smirked again, ready to take the Marauder down a few pegs, picking up the pitcher in front of her and pouring a fresh glass, 

“Pumpkin juice?” She offered, hoping that Peter hadn’t had a chance to fill him in on what the potion actually went into,

“Oh yeah thanks” he said as she handed him a glass, he took it downing most of it instantly. The action caught Peter’s attention as he began furiously signaling to James to stop drinking, the oblivious boy didn’t even notice. Hermione watched as  James’ hair started to change color whilst they both continued to eat their meals. By the time they were finished they walked out of the Great Hall with matching Flamingo pink hair.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

James

“Ah Prongs, mate, your hair is pink” Sirius informed him as he made his way into the dorm,

“Yes Pads I’m well aware of that fact” James shook his head flicking his fingers through the now very bright mess of hair on the top of his head. Hermione thought she was being discreet with her attempt at pranking him. James thought that it was kind of cute and given the fact that the Witch looked like she was going to kill him earlier tonight he would have done just about anything to see her smile. When he walked in the Hall with Minnie and heard what Lily had said to her he was ready for a full blown dual to break out, but much to his surprise all he heard was her melodic laugh, it made him smile even now remembering it. There was nothing quite like seeing one of her rare genuine smiles. 

“Prongs are you ok?” It was Remus asking now, the three boys all looking at him like he was a three headed dog,

“Yeah Moony you could say I’m peachy” James smirked and pointed to his hair, laughing at his own joke, “By the way Wormtail, excellent work getting the potion past Minnie. How did you do it?” James enquired. Peter beamed at the praise as James slumped onto his bed. James had flat out refused to move into the Heads suite not wanting to give up his last year in the dorm with his best mates. 

“Well it was actually Hermione’s idea” he said, causing all three of the boys heads to shoot up, 

“What?” The three of them said in unison, all clearly baffled as to how he had managed to wrangle the prickly Witch in on their shenanigans. 

“Well when I bumped into her in the dungeons she was able to get it out of me, and then just out of the blue told me what she would do. Honestly it surprised me too, I didn’t think she liked me that much” the boy shrugged,

“Way to go Kitten, didn’t think she had it in her” Sirius added, 

“I think she needed a bit of fun tonight” Remus was staring at the ceiling lying on the floor. The werewolf could be quite dramatic at the best of times but James was surprised by what he said.

“What makes you say that Remus?” James enquired, he absolutely agreed with him but was curious to how he had come to that conclusion,

“Did you manage to see her arm when you took her to the hospital wing?” He asked his friend,

“No Madam Pompfry kicked me out before she took off the dressing, but it looked bad, it was soaked through” James omitted telling them about how she passed out, he didn’t think she would appreciate him sharing such a vulnerable moment.

“Yeah well I smelled it as soon as the two of you came into the classroom, I didn’t want to say anything because you know, with girls…” He visibly shuddered when he said it “But after you saw the blood I, well I guess I paid closer attention to it and it smelled like dark magic, I don’t know exactly how to explain it but it smelled dark. Like a wound from a werewolf” the last bit barely coming out as a whisper. 

“You think she was attacked by a werewolf?” Sirius asked, James didn’t want to show the horror that he felt if that was actually the case. They had all been working so hard with Remus and his issues with the wolf that he didn’t want him to get the wrong idea,

“No, I just meant it was like it. I would have been able to scent the wolf that had done it the first night we saw her. I don’t know what it is, but whatever it was, it’s not healing” James felt his dinner churning in his stomach, the thought of whatever happened to Hermione making him physically ill. James had no idea why his body had such a visceral reaction to her. Every touch, every time she paid him any attention it was like she was the only other person on the planet. He tried to shake it off, readying himself for rounds. 

“I have to go, Lily will Hex me if I’m late” James said as he put his robe back on, 

“I have to go too, It’s girls night” Remus added, James had no idea how Remus managed to always get invited to girls night and the Wolf flat out refused to tell them all how he actually makes it up to the girls dorm. That hadn’t stopped James and Sirius from flying up on their brooms in fifth year. 

“Just you and me then Wormy, want to go down to the kitchens?” James rolled his eyes, they had just gotten back from dinner and they were already going to eat more food. 

“Just make sure you take the cloak, if Lily and I catch you I will have to listen to her moan about it for the rest of the night” 

“Eye, eye captain” Sirius saluted him with a snap of his ankles. James laughed as he made his way down to the common room. He found it empty apart from Lily standing by the portrait hole. She had covered her green hair with a winter beanie, but unfortunately it did nothing to hide her eyebrows now perfectly matching her eyes. James used every bit of self control to not burst out laughing at the sight, it had already been a long day and the last thing that he wanted was to have to spend two hours with the temperamental witch pissed at him. He cleared his throat as he made his way over to her,

“Are you ready to go, Evans?” She looked up at him as he spoke,

“Yes I’ve been ready for the past ten minutes, I’ve just been waiting on you” although her words were snippy her tone held no animosity. James cast a quick tempus charm, it showing that it was only 8.59pm, He raised an eyebrow at her,

“I’m not even late I’m a minute early” he exclaimed,

“Potter, if you haven’t worked out by now that if you’re on time you’re actually ten minutes late then there is nothing left to be done to help you.” She turned on her heel and headed out the door, James following close behind her. 

“I’m not even going to bother arguing with that, there is no logical reason for me to have been ten minutes early for rounds when it quite literally requires no preparation” Lily looked at him with a side eye, 

“Well we could have talked, made a plan for patrol now we just have to get started” James tried his best not to scoff, there was literally no reasoning with the Witch.

“What did you want to talk about?” James enquired trying to change the topic less he have to listen to her moan about it for the rest of their patrol

“Well, I was going to ask you if you had any plans for the first Hogsmeade weekend?” James stopped in his tracks when she said that, he had been trying to get the witch to agree to a date in Hogsmeade since the very first one in third year, he quite literally couldn’t believe what he was hearing. 

“I’m sorry what? It just sounded like you were asking me to go with you” James laughed expecting her to deny it, to say that she was simply making small talk, except she didn’t, she just stared at him as his laughter died down,

“Oh, well I don’t. Have any plans that is” James said hoping that his disbelief hadn’t offended her too much.

“Well I was going to ask you if you wanted to get a butterbeer at the three broomsticks, but if the thought is that hilarious then don’t worry about it” she flicked her hair as she started walking again, James was relieved that he no longer needed to maintain eye contact. 

“No, it’s not. It’s just I have wanted to take you into Hogsmeade since third year and every time I asked you would turn me down.” He paused wringing his hands nervously hoping she wouldn’t be offended by what he said next, “and I would like to, I just think that with our responsibilities this year we shouldn’t start something that will only complicate that” James honestly couldn’t believe what he was saying, if this where last year he would have been down on one knee proposing. But he really didn’t know what it was, if it was he was finally seeing Lily without rose coloured glasses on or just that he had grown up a lot in the last six months, But he really had little to no interest in pursuing the witch anymore. 

“That’s actually really grown up of you James, and I agree. I have worked too hard for this position to let anything get in the way of it.” James was relieved that they could now drop the conversation and continue the rest of their rounds in silence. But he couldn’t shake the unease that he felt, now not knowing where they stood with each other. 

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Hermione

Hermione waited at the door to the seventh year girl’s dormitory like a person awaiting execution. She had stalled as long as she could, gathering enough of her belongings to appear like she had moved into the dorm, with the full intention of sneaking out each night to the sanctuary of her private room. 

She didn’t know if she should knock or whether that would make it weird since it was supposedly her room too, 

“You know they don’t bite” The deep voice from behind her made her jump out of her skin, she clutched at her chest realizing that it was only Remus,

“Merlin Remus, what are you doing here?” Hermione paused considering where they were, “actually how are you here? Boys aren’t supposed to be able to get up the stairs” She questioned him narrowing her eyes,

“It’s girls night” he said with a shrug before pushing the door open and making his way into the room pointedly ignoring the other half of her question.

“Found this one at the door looking a little lost” Remus gestured to Hermione as he plopped himself down onto what appeared to be Alice’s bed, clearly at home with the girls in the room, Hermione levitated her trunk over to the only empty bed assuming that it was for her, and perched herself on the side, 

“Hi” she said awkwardly, not really knowing what to say as she looked at the three other girls on their retrospective four poster’s, all sporting rainbow hair.

“Glad you could make it Ross, are you feeling better?” It was Marlene that spoke, Hermione could tell already that she was the most outspoken of all the girls taking charge in most situations,

“Yeah I am thanks” Hermione tried not to wince at the fact that everyone was aware of her little trip to the hospital wing on the first day of classes. Marlene reached under her bed, pulling out a bottle of fire whiskey, 

“Cheers to the first girls night of the year” she said as she opened the bottle and took a sip before handing it to Cas as she did the same. 

“Oi, you need to save some for the rest of us” Remus chastised as Cas took another long sip, she was clearly very thirsty. Cas just rolled her eyes at him before holding the bottle out in front of the impatient boy only to pull it out of his reach as he made to take it,

“Have you made good on the deal we made?” Cas smirked at the boy, 

“You will be proud to know I not only hooked up with a random guy, But I also went out on a date with him” Remus puffed out his chest clearly pleased with himself, Marlene started slow clapping, Alice was practically jumping up and down on her bed,

“Ooh Remus you dog!” Cas said handing him the fire whisky in reward, Hermione trying not to laugh at the close truth of her statement, 

“but most importantly did HE see?” Marlene asked, Hermione didn’t need to be a rocket scientist to work out who the He was that she was referring to. Hermione had always known that there was something going on between her favorite professor and the oldest Black sibling, she just never had any proof. She smiled, hoping that this time around she would make sure the two would be able to have a happy ending, 

“Yeah he was there, didn’t get much of a reaction though” Remus said defeatedly, Hermione couldn’t stop the words from coming out her mouth,

“Just give him some more time, He’s a bit slow that one” Hermione had to physically restrain her hand from making its way to cover her mouth in her shock at her slip, Remus looked at her with a raised eyebrow clearly curious as to how she had been able to put two and two together when she supposedly just met them, she scrambled to try and think of an excuse,

“Please Remus, don’t insult the girl you two are about as obvious as a niffler in a vault with how you practically eye fuck each other” Alice said as she took a swig of whiskey, Hermione couldn’t help the laugh that escaped, she would have never guessed that the sweet looking Witch would swear like a sailor. They were all laughing now as Alice handed Hermione the bottle, she was aware that she needed to be careful, but she really needed to loosen up, this whole thing was so far outside of her comfort zone that she needed some liquid courage, she took a rather large pull of the amber liquid, relishing the burn as it trickled down her throat. She was well past coughing at the feeling, having become quite familiar with it during her sixth year. 

Remus was the one to change the topic off of his love life, 

“So Hermione, how is it that you have found yourself at Hogwarts this year?” Hermione felt the small buzz from the whiskey leave her at his question. She had rehearsed in her head what she was going to say when asked, however she still felt uncomfortable with the blatant lie, 

“Well my family was killed by Death Eaters, I was tortured but I was able to escape. Aunt Min was the only one left to take me in so here I am” Hermione shrugged as she tried to keep the emotion out of her voice, although it was a lie the emotions behind it where all too real, she looked up to see four very shocked faces, Remus looking guilty for being the one to have asked. 

“I’m so sorry Hermione” Alice was on her feet in an instant walking over to hug Hermione, She stilled not expecting the show of affection. Hermione felt the tears welling in her eyes, she felt like all she did nowadays was cry. Alice released her, but settled on the bed next to her, Hermione took another sip of the whiskey before handing it back to Alice, replacing the burn in her chest with the sensation of the alcohol blinking away her tears,

“It’s getting worse out there, first Mary and now this” Cas said off handedly, looking to Marlene in concern,

“Who’s Mary?” Hermione asked, she recognised the name from the Order records, however had yet to meet her, Hermione would have assumed that she should be here.

“Mary McDonald was a muggleborn in our year. She got attacked last year by one of the vile pureblood fanatics. She chose not to come back to Hogwarts” Remus answered looking down at his hands, 

“I found her after, she had been obliviated so they could never prove who did it, of course we all knew who it was” Remus scoffed, reaching for the whiskey taking another large gulp.

“That’s awful” Hermione said, suspicious as to why there was no record of the attack that she had seen, the only information she had was that her whole family was killed towards the end of the first war.   

“Poor Mary refuses to have anything to do with the wizarding world now, Won’t even reply to my owls” Alice added. Marlene clapped her hands together before stealing back the converted whisky bottle,

“Okay that’s enough of that, Girls night is supposed to be fun, especially because Prefect Evans isn’t here” Marlene said swirling the whiskey bottle in emphasis,

“Does she not approve of the contraband?” Hermione smirked not in the least bit surprised, Cas laughed, 

“Not in the slightest. Don’t get me wrong we have grown to love her, but we are also completely aware of her shortcomings” The others all nodded in agreement, Hermione felt awash of defeat she was sure that Lily Evan’s would surely never warm up to her, 

“Don’t take what she says personally, she’s not used to having any competition in the class rankings and on day one you are already showing her up” Alice added sensing Hermione’s discomfort. At least she now knew that she wasn’t imagining Lily’s animosity towards her,

“She’s also not used to having competition for James Potter’s attention and you seem to be taking up quite a bit of that too” Marlene winked at her as Hermione blushed furiously, 

“He does seem rather taken with you” Remus added, Hermione shook her head, 

“Not like that at least, it’s just because he thinks that having an ‘in’ with my aunt will somehow prevent you all from getting in trouble for your little pranks” she pointed to her still bright pink hair, even though it was Sirius’ words from earlier today she was sure he most likely thought the same,

“I have no idea what you are talking about” Remus said with a smirk,

“Okay then smarty pants why is it that we are all sat here with crazy coloured hair and yours is still it’s perfect sandy blonde?” Alice questioned him,

“How is it an admission of guilt to prefer orange juice to pumpkin juice? is that really such a crime?” Remus laughed,

“Yes!” All the girls yelled in unison all throwing their pillows at him, all bursting out into laughter as he was completely pommeled by them. Hermione couldn’t explain why she was so at ease with the girls already, she had expected the experience to be akin to having teeth pulled, but if this is what girls night was actually like, Hermione could get used to it.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Chapter Text

4th September 1977

Hermione

She could feel the little control that she had over her life running through her fingers as if it was water. Hermione watched the first rays of light hit the waters of the black lake like skimming stones, dancing across her vision. She wasn’t sure if it was the exhaustion or the cold morning air but her chest was tight, her breath labored as she lent on the railing of the astronomy tower. She had made it sort of a morning tradition to come up here when she was undoubtedly woken by her night terrors. Hermione couldn’t make sense of what exactly compelled her to do so, she had always disliked the space, her crippling fear of heights always preventing her from being able to see the beauty of the Hogwarts grounds from this vantage point. However now it was the only place she wanted to go when she felt utterly trapped in her reality. She took a deep breath, reminding herself that she has the power to make the changes needed. She just needed to keep control of the temperamental people surrounding her at every corner. 

The sudden sound of footsteps alerted her to another’s presence, she spun around to find none other than the youngest Black brother cloaked in the little shadows that remained of the night sky. 

“It’s a bit early for Sunday morning Black” Hermione turned her back to the boy continuing to look out over the lake, she would be lying if she said that she was upset by his appearance, but she was far from ready to be dealing with the delicate situation so early in the morning. 

“Well I could say the same to you Ross, However I happen to know that you are here most mornings” Regulus emphasized her last name, it made her question if it bothered him that she constantly referred to him by his. She would have assumed that it was proper pureblood customs and all that nonsense. 

“And prey tell how you know that?” Hermione wasn’t naive, She was aware that given the fact that they had only been back at school for a total of four days there were already quite a number of rumors going around about her. However she thought she had been thorough covering her tracks when it came to her movements. Well she had been mainly focusing on staying away from a particularly nosey bunch of Gryffindor boys, so maybe she had neglected the other eyes watching her.

“I have my ways.” His arrogance made Hermione laugh. She could tell that the boy fought to keep any humor out of his voice and she smiled to herself. She hadn’t known what to expect of Regulus Black, she was never brave enough to ask Sirius about him knowing how much the loss of his younger brother contributed to his constant drowning in grief and guilt. After finding out that the youngest Black died a hero, all Hermione ever wanted was to have the ability to tell Sirius that he hadn’t lost his brother in the ways he thought that he had. She was happy to see that there was more than just a resemblance in their features, Regulus was clearly putting on a persona to the world, but Hermione could see that deep down he was more like Sirius than anyone would ever believe. Hermione wasn’t sure why she was so positive about this fact. Maybe it was the amount of time that she had spent with the older Sirius, and how much of those memories got her through the past two years. 

Whilst Hermione was lost in her thoughts, Regulus had made his way over to stand next to her, wordlessly handing her a lit cigarette. She tutted as she took it from him,

“Regulus, how could you? This is hardly behavior of the heir of the ancient and noble house of Black, not to mention a prefect of the prestigious and superior Slytherin house” Hermione mocked a gasp, coughing as the smoke went up her nose. To Hermione’s utter surprise Regulus laughed, and Hermione had to hold in her visible shock. She hadn’t spent much time around the boy but a raised eyebrow was the most outwards expression she had ever seen from him,

“Oh don’t worry about that I happen to know someone who has a guardian on the staff, a head of house in fact.” Hermione chuckled, 

“Now you sound just like your brother” Hermione’s response seemed to sober Regulus quickly, she wanted to kick herself for obviously bringing up such a sore topic, that was before Regulus shocked her for the second time that morning. 

“How is he? My Brother?” The desperation in his voice broke something in Hermione, she took a drag of the cigarette in front of her pondering if it was too soon to start crossing these lines, her overwhelming need to give the normally stoic boy some sort of comfort suffocated any sense of self preservation,

“He’s ok,” she paused looking over to the boy who was avoiding any sort of eye contact, his head hung low with his normally perfectly spelled hair covering his eyes “I know he misses you and I know that he feels guilty for leaving you alone to deal with everything.” Hermione held the smoke in her lungs, hoping that the burning sensation would counteract the anxiety she felt about revealing how much she knew. If it made Regulus suspicious he didn’t let on. He just nodded to himself seemingly trusting whatever insight Hermione could give him on the matter, she let out her breath with a large exhale. 

“You know, there’s a rumor going around that you are a marked Death Eater?” Regulus stated with a flat voice, Hermione knew that the boy wouldn’t believe it, or at least hoped that he wouldn’t. 

“Yeah I have heard that one, I must be a pretty lousy death eater getting sorted into Gryffindor.” Hermione tried to laugh it off, she knew that she wasn’t ready to have any sort of conversation like this, but she could sense the boys need to be able to express what he was really feeling. It was a gift from Morgana that he felt comfortable enough with Hermione to do this. 

“But you do somehow know more than you should.” He didn’t phrase it as a question and it made Hermione nervous. She hoped that it was just Regulus’ cunning perceptive skills making him think this,

“If only you knew how much.” Hermione paused mid thought, second guessing her words “and yet you trust me?” She was walking a fine line but he had not given her any reason to believe she was pushing him too quickly.

“Turns out you seem to make quite the impression with everyone that you meet” Hermione raised an eyebrow in his direction, Regulus just swept a hand over his already slicked back hair, seemingly refusing to elaborate any further. Hermione reached into her robe pocket, plucking out a galleon and tossing it in Regulus’ direction. His seeker reflexes acting on instinct, snatching it from the air. Hermione saw the look of confusion on his face as he registered what it was that she had thrown to him.

“Ross, I know you are new, but I am hardly hard up for galleons?” He laughed making to throw it back to her. Hermione shook her head to stop him,

“You’re going to want to keep that, I’m guessing the reason I haven’t seen you since the train is because of the little watch dogs that have been tracking your every move?” Hermione had been paying attention, and it was obvious that Regulus was clearly being kept on a tight leash, there was always another more sinister Slytherin close behind him wherever he was. 

“What’s your point?” He said holding up the galleon to inspect it further,

“If you ever need to talk to me, or get in touch you can send me short messages through it.” Hermione paused, feeling awkward, hoping that the Black heir had enough foresight to know that it would definitely be useful in the near future. 

“It’s charmed so that if anyone were to find it in your possession they wouldn’t be able to tell that it's anything other than a galleon” Hermione added quietly a bit embarrassed about her presumptions that the boy could possibly have any reason to contact her. Hermione tried to concentrate on the fact that her plans were dependent on him needing her help but all she could feel was the immense pressure of not wanting to mess it up. 

Regulus inspected the galleon further as Hermione sent a test message through to show what would happen, she could see the realization dawn on his face when the galleon warmed, 

“How did you do it? The charm?” He wasn’t giving any indication of how he felt away, 

“I modified the protein charm. You could say that I was inspired by some unsavory sources.” Hermione cringed remembering how Harry had reacted when he had realized that she had modeled them off the dark mark, she was sure if they wasn’t in such desperate need for them the the DA he would have refused to consider it based on the moral implications, 

“It’s genius Granger, you could make some serious galleons with this, you need to patent the spell and sell them.” Regulus finally looked up at her and she could see the tiniest glimmer of excitement in the young boy's eyes, for someone so young he hardly ever seemed to be able to express any sort of emotion other than boredom. 

“Thanks, but I’ve got a few other things that I need to focus on right now.” Hermione wished that she could just skip over the small talk and just come outright and tell him everything, It was in that moment it dawned on Hermione what he had called her, 

“What did you just call me?” Hermione was utterly panicked, there was no way he could possibly know of that name unless there was already a mole in the order, she felt her breath falter and she pleaded with her nervous system not to go into a full blown panic attack.

“Relax Hermione, whilst your Occlumency shields are near perfect, they tend to crumble when you are panicking and you seem to like to do that in my presence.” Hermione stilled, she thought back to their limited interactions trying to work out if she could remember any glimpse of someone trying to enter into her mind, suddenly it dawned on her a memory from her own Occlumency training.

Sirius was sitting opposite her in the grimmauld place library, she felt the tears of frustration welling in her eyes, the only reason she was so aware of it was the sting from the salty tears going into her swollen, split eyelid. 

“Focus Kitten, you need to concentrate on keeping me away from the important memories.” Sirius’ tone was gentle, but she could tell that he was getting as anxious as she was. If Hermione wasn’t able to keep people out of her head they would all be screwed. 

“I can barely feel your presence though, It feels like I’m shielding from nothing.” Hermione moaned, she was so used to being able to pick up things with ease but this was not something that came naturally to her,

“That’s because the Blacks are naturals to mind magic, I had to work on it more because I tend to reject the family magic. The truth is you will never feel a natural Legilimens entering your mind so the idea is to never leave your mind open for attack” Sirius looked wistful as he spoke, 

“Well how am I supposed to learn to do this with a natural Legilimens?” Hermione questioned taking her frustrations out on the man sitting in front of her,

“That’s what I’m saying, Kitten, I’m not. I’m close enough that we can do this without causing you pain but not so much that you can’t learn what is working to keep me out.”

Hermione pushed the memory away realizing that Regulus must have a better grasp on the family magic than her version of Sirius ever had. She looked over to the boy, he seemed to pale significantly leaning the top half of his body over the railing as if he were about to be sick. This made her fairly certain that he had witnessed the memory that she had just recounted. Hermione sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that morning, resigning to the fact that whether she liked it or not she had basically given herself away to Regulus and she just had to trust that he had already made the mental shift to the side of the light.

“If you want to make a difference you should probably find a way to help Sirius accept the magic that you already seem so adept in.” She was confident enough in her assumptions that she didn’t need to add context, after all he had just had a front row seat to her mind. Hermione knew that giving Regulus space right now was probably the best course of action, so she made to turn and leave the astronomy tower. Before she could even make a single step Regulus grabbed at her wrist. She froze, not sure what kind of reaction the boy was about to have.

“Should I trust you?” His voice was small, no hint of the usual false bravado. The question wasn’t demanding her to prove her loyalty more the scared response from a boy that is in well over his head.

“With your life.” Hermione simply replied hoping that it was enough to stop him from asking any further questions. She didn’t stick around to find out, as soon as he released her she bolted for the exit. Praying to the gods that she hadn’t just blown her only chance at carrying out her mission. 

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

“You need to be quicker in your attacks. You’re never going to make it out of a skirmish when your only hope is fending off their spells” Fabians voice carried through the room of requirement. They had been going at it for a while and Hermione was getting tired. Her training with Moody was so rushed the first time around they could only really focus on defensive spells, It make Hermione’s skin itch that they had literally only been taught the bare minimum to be able to survive in the worse case scenario, the reality that they never had any hope was dampening her already tempestuous mood. 

She had set up the room of requirement exactly as she had remembered it from her fifth year. As much as it was a necessity for them at the time, Hermione could now only associate it with what led to Harry losing Sirius. They surely would have all died in the battle that broke out in the department of mysteries that day had they not taken their learning into their own hands. 

A little piece of Hermione would never forgive herself for allowing Harry to believe that Sirius had been taken, Hermione knew that it was a trap but her own dependency on Sirius pushed her to not want to risk it. Hermione hadn’t picked up her new wand to practice combat since arriving in 1977, It scared her. Now knowing that what was waiting for her out there was far worse than anything within this room could throw at her. It was the twins that pushed her to start a regular practice schedule, there was no use in not utilizing the time that they had now whilst they waited for the timeline to catch up for preparation. 

She had been feeling off since her interaction with Regulus earlier that morning, She wanted to be able to trust in the fact that he wouldn’t share what he had learned from snooping in her mind however not knowing exactly what Regulus was able to find out was making her question whether she needed to let someone know that her cover was blown.

Hermione re-focuses her attention to dueling with Gideon, Fabian paced around the two of them observing their movements. Hermione felt like a cat playing with a mouse. It never failed to surprise her how much she is always underestimated, she ended the duel with a sequence of silent spells resulting in Gideon being held in a full body bind on the floor.

“Good enough for you?” Hermione questioned turning to face the shocked Fabian, clearly unsure where those kind of attacks were only moments ago,

“That will do it I guess.” Fabian went over to release his brother from the spell. Hermione watched for a few moments whilst he attempted the usual reversal spells to no avail. She waved her wand in Gideon’s direction, her spell instantly releasing the now very flustered DADA Professor.

 “What was that?” He demanded, clearly perturbed that one of his students was able to beat him so easily. 

“I worked it out during third year, it’s a slight variation on protificus totalis” Hermione shrugged, not really sure how a set of aurors hadn’t been able to work it out,

“What do you mean by slight variation?” It was Fabian that questioned her, Hermione was genuinely surprised at their shock, 

“Just that you would need my magical signature to be able to reverse the spell.” Hermione shrugged as the twins just looked at her with stunned expressions. 

“You just changed the fundamental components of the spell? Just like that?” Gideon was laughing now, barely able to get the words out.

“Do you even realize how difficult that is? And you did that as a 14 year old?” Fabian clearly not seeing the same humor as his brother,

“Clearly I don’t because it’s really not that big of a deal.” Hermione was not in the right headspace to appreciate anyone acknowledging her intelligence, they really had bigger things to be dealing with.

“You really should be teaching us, not the other way around.” Fabian was shaking his head as he said it, and Hermione laughed,

“It’s concerning to me that you are only just working that out. Now, do you want me to show you how I do it or not?” Hermione made her way over to the two of them to begin her demonstration just as an airy voice broke her from her concentration. 

“This is truly marvelous, I had always heard of the come and go room but never found it until today.” The three of them turn to face the front entrance to see the small figure of Pandora making her way into the room. 

“Pandora, what are you doing here? How did you get in?” The panic in Hermione’s voice obviously gave away her surprise to the twins both looking at her with raised brows. 

“I was just looking for Nargles around the castle and a little bird told me that I should stop in.” Pandora’s, like that of her daughter, ability to completely avoid a direct thought process was uncanny and entirely unhelpful. She was twirling around as she took in the entirety of the room in her usual carefree manner.

“This looks like the perfect place to be able to practice defence. Do you mind if I join you?” She looked to Hermione her large blue eyes boring into her,

“Pandora I’m not really sure,” Pandora cut her off before she had a chance to finish,

“It would be perfect Hermione, besides we should all have the opportunity to be ready for what is coming.” Hermione shivered at the small girl's ability to go from whimsical to haunting in mere moments. Hermione looked to the Prewett twins hoping for some sort of reassurance that this was in fact a bad idea but the two of them looked completely baffled by the small blonde's appearance. 

“Okay fine, but you can’t tell anyone about this. Not any of your friends, okay?” Hermione tried to stress the seriousness of the matter, but the small witch just smiled brightly clearly pleased with her persuasive skills,

“Don’t worry Hermione, they will only know when they need to know.” 

“No Pandora they cannot know about anything this” Hermione tried to be gentle in her delivery but the idea of any other people getting closer to her truth set her on edge. Pandora skipped her way into the room clearly done with solely addressing Hermione.

“They won't know at all, right Pandora?” Pandora completely ignored Hermione’s panicked tone as she got out her wand to be able to participate in whatever they were going to be doing. 

Hermione shook her head, resisting the urge to scream her frustrations. The only thing that Hermione was sure of was that she absolutely had no control, and she had a feeling that it was only going to get harder from here.

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Chapter Text

19th September 1977

James

James had decided that today was going to be a good day. He had woken up on the right side of his four-poster bed, there was treacle tart at breakfast and he had already caught sight of Hermione three times that morning. She was leaving the great hall as they all arrived, she begrudgingly sat next to him during potions and then now was waiting outside of the transfiguration classroom that appeared to be locked. He was well past denying that he was slightly obsessed with the witch, no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t get her off of his mind. She was a puzzle that he couldn’t solve, the underlying darkness that seemed to follow her didn’t in the slightest deter him. James knew of darkness, despite his picture-perfect upbringing he had more insight into what it was like living with a troubled mind than most. 
“Ah Kitten, settle a debate for us would you?” The boisterous voice of his best friend pulled him from his silent staring. Whilst he had surrendered to the acceptance of his infatuation with Hermione he wasn’t ready to start engaging in casual conversation with her, He shifted uncomfortably as his best friend dragged him over to most likely bother the witch with trivial nonsense. 
“Black I have asked you numerous times to stop calling me that.” she shifted the massive tomes that she seemed to carry everywhere in front of her body like a shield, 
“Never going to happen, Kitten, besides I know you secretly love it. I can tell.” Sirius's cocky tone never failed to surprise James, he wished that he had half of the natural charm that Sirius had. James knew that if he opened his mouth right now he would undoubtedly scare the flighty witch away. 
“Anyway, that is beside the point, If you were hypothetically going to try to spell all of the suits of armour to do the can-can on the professors' table in the great hall, would you use a variation on Piertotum Locomotor or simply transfigure them into dancers from the Moulin Rouge?” Sirius looked rather proud, James wasn’t sure if it was because the witch hadn’t hexed him into oblivion yet or the fact he had obviously noticed that their transfiguration professor was now making her way to stand behind them. James held his breath hoping that Hermione wasn’t about to come out and help them with a nonsense prank in front of their head of house and her head of family. 
“Honestly what gives you the impression that I would help you with your silly pranks?” Hermione started, a look of pride gracing their professor’s face from behind her, she was clearly pleased that Hermione was upholding her own love for the rules. James coughed sensing that Hermione wasn’t finished trying to indicate that she should be, not even the jab in the ribs from Sirius causing him to splutter caught her attention. 
“But I wouldn’t use either. Hypothetically, you would be better to transfigure the silver wear into dancing suits of armour, there would be less mess, and better results and you run the chance of impressing your head of house with the use of her speciality so she might go easy on you in terms of punishment.” Hermione was clearly oblivious to the shocked expression of her guardian, James could have sworn that he saw a flash of a smirk on Minnie’s face right before her usual indifferent glare replaced it.  
“Mister Black, twenty points from Gryffindor for conspiring to cause mischief” The firm voice of McGonagal made Hermione pale slightly, showing her displeasure with the fact that her guardian had clearly overheard their conversation,
“Honestly Minnie if that is the cause you should just preemptively take off at least five hundred for the rest of the term. I also fail to see how I am the one responsible for losing the points when it’s Miss Ross’ cleaver insight that the prank would have been formed on.” James buried his head in his hands, there had been many times in recent history that James had wished that he had the foresight to cast a Silencio on his best mate to stop them from digging their proverbial graves deeper, but in this moment James was more desperate than ever. He and Hermione had settled into a silent agreement that they would peacefully co-exist and until James figured out a way to get them on more friendly terms it needed to stay that way, nothing of which was supported by his troublesome friend's big mouth. 
“Ah yes, I almost forgot. Five points to Gryffindor for Miss Ross’ vast display of transfiguration knowledge and common sense.” The professor didn’t even look at her charge before making her way into the classroom. Definitely not staying long enough to see the indignant look cross Sirius Black’s face seeing that he was unsuccessful in his attempt to tarnish the golden girl's appearance in her aunt's eyes.
“You’re both a bunch of numb sculls.” Hermione huffed as she pushed in between the two of them to enter the classroom. James swatted Sirius over the back of his head,
“How is it that you are the idiot that can’t keep his mouth shut but I am lumped in as a numb scull?” James kept most of the sour tone that he felt out of his voice, he was annoyed but not annoyed enough to risk causing his friend to have a Sirius Black meltdown and retaliate even further. 
“I don’t know Prongs, how is it that I am deducted points from conspiring to prank yet Kitten gets five for providing the foundations for said prank? Girls are mental.” He said with a shrug not in the slightest acknowledging his own actions that caused the witch to be upset with them. James shook his head making his own way into the classroom without waiting to see if Sirius was going to follow him. In a split-second decision, James decided to make his way over to the empty seat next to Hermione. She didn’t react as he put his books down, she just continued looking ahead to the front of the class.
“I’m sorry, It’s not entirely your fault that your friend needs to cause trouble.” Her sudden words almost caused James to fall out of the chair that he had just sat in, in sheer shock. She kept looking ahead, her voice a far cry from the usual authoritative tone that she typically addressed him with. James felt his mouth move up into a smile before he caught himself, the tightness in his chest easing at the realisation that she wasn’t going to hold it against him.
“I don’t know Ross, some would say that I have a proclivity for causing trouble myself so maybe we should just right it off as your one numb-scull ahead for future disturbances?” James could see Hermione fighting to keep a smile off her face at his words and suddenly James felt the urge to do or say whatever he needed to for her to smile. It was a blinding reminder to him that she spent too much time without one. 
“Numb-scull.” She muttered as she let a chuckle escape just as McGonagal began her lesson. At that moment James didn’t care if he was a numb-scull in her eyes, so long as she was looking at him. 

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Hermione

Hermione had come to the conclusion rather quickly that today was a very bad day. She had gotten little to no sleep due to her relentless night terrors, so bad that she had scratched her cursed scar completely raw resulting in a trip to the hospital wing before the sun even rose. The only positive being that it was a perfect opportunity for her to hand off her freshly finalised wolfsbane potion to Madam Pompfry, Hermione was surprised to see the tears in the medi-witch’s eyes as she told her about what the potion could do for a very deserving young man that just so happened to be burdened with lycanthropy. Hermione was grateful that the potion master who had devised the potion to send her back to this time period had enough maturity to let schoolyard rivalries go and include very detailed instructions on how to brew the notoriously tricky potion. 
Many instances allowed Hermione to forgive the older Severus Snape for his actions as a young man, It almost made him tolerable in this time period. However it didn’t change the fact that she was forced to move the location of where she was brewing her potions as the nosey boy had tried to bypass her protection wards on three separate occasions, so she had opted to move into the room of requirement for more privacy. She was frustrated with herself for not thinking of it earlier but it was a better option given the fact that it could be equipped with whatever she needed.  
She made her way down the hall as fast as she possibly could, Hermione didn’t want to risk being held up with more ridiculous interactions with the marauders and couldn’t risk them catching wind of the room since it was now central to so many of her current projects, plus she needed to attend to her potion that would solve all of her issues with a certain scaled problem. She had considered pulling out Harry’s invisibility cloak to ensure that she wasn’t interrupted, but Hermione was doing anything to avoid thinking of her friends today, their absence even more noticeable on a day like today and she couldn’t afford to fall into a puddle, which would be made inevitable if she spend more than a second thinking about it. As she was rushing she didn’t have any time to stop before she crashed into a blonde silhouette making its way around the corner turning to the seventh-floor corridor. 
Hermione looked down to see the dazed expression of Pandora now splayed out on the floor. The two are now on more friendly terms after she gatecrashed the last training session with the twins. Hermione reached down to help the small girl up,
“I’m sorry Pandora, I didn’t see you there,” Hermione rushed out trying to have this interaction over as soon as possible, once Pandora was firm on her feet again Hermione made to let go of the girl's hand. Pandora tightened her grip almost to the point of it being painful, Hermione looked up panicked by the girl’s action only to see Pandora’s eyes roll back into her head. A white fog dulling her eyes as a voice so unlike Pandora’s began to speak through her.   
“The one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord approaches… The sacrifice marked by Death, equipped with weapons from histories untold. Feathered with the weight of repeating mistakes bearing the cost of Death whilst their magic is matched. When the snow falls she fails and the dark lord prevails. The one with the power to defeat the Dark Lord approaches… The sacrifice marked by Death.” As she finished Pandora’s neck collapsed her head falling with it, Hermione had no idea what to do to help her friend through this, it was something out of one of the muggle horror movies that she had seen in her time. 
“Pandora, are you alright?” Hermione gripped her arm watching her rapidly blink her eyes as they returned to their normal cerulean blue. Hermione would deny the fact that Pandora’s words had a chill running down her spine even though she had always known that this was a possibility. Forging the changes to the timeline that she already had she was more than aware that there was a high chance that the prophecy would come to fall on her shoulders. Hermione had just categorically chosen to deny it any power if it ever came, but hearing the words made it all the more real. 
“Hermione-“ Pandora started but Hermione didn’t let her get very far. 
“No. Absolutely not, no one else will ever hear this. I adore you Pandora and fully acknowledge your gift but I have seen firsthand the consequences of people blindly following prophecies and I will not allow it. No repeating mistakes” Pandora nodded, seemingly thinking better than trying to fight Hermione on the matter.
“I can’t always control when it comes out though, It wouldn’t be the first time that I’ve repeated one, although it would be the most serious. They used to come about breakfast a lot” Hermione smiled at seeing her friend return to, well not normal but normal for Pandora, the colour coming back to her cheeks and her smile returning.
“No one will ever know how much you have sacrificed for us Hermione, You are far braver than I.” Pandora’s dreamy voice didn’t match the seriousness of her words and Hermione tried to will the tears out of her eyes. It was official now, she was the chosen one and as much as it terrified her, she was more than a little bit relieved that the burden would no longer fall on that of her infant best friend, so as much as the tears were that of fear they where also of relief, It was evidence that she was going to take some of Harry’s suffering away and that was more than enough for now. Hermione smiled at her friend, not noticing the shadow of another walking away after seeing the scene before them. 
“Are you headed to the come-and-go room?” Pandora asked, oblivious to the internal battle of emotions warring inside of Hermione. 
“ah yes, but this you can’t join in on Pandora. I promise I will let you know when I’m meeting with the twins again, okay?” Hermione made to walk away from the young girl when she nodded acknowledging her words. Before she could get very far the young girl called after her, loudly.
“Oh, I almost forgot, Happy Birthday Hermione!” Hermione cringed internally, not wanting to know how the witch was aware of this fact. Hermione had been confident that she was going to be able to make it through the day without having to acknowledge what the day meant to her. Trust Pandora to deliver the most depressing birthday present of the prediction of her death. Yes, Hermione thought to herself, Happy Birthday to me. Somehow she struggled to appreciate the irony of the situation. 

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

James

“All I’m saying is that she wouldn’t expect us to go through with it since she has already deducted points for us planning it.” Sirius was well and truly living up to his animegus form acting like a dog with a bone. The three boys have had to listen to him all afternoon go on like a broken record about whether or not they should go through with the can-can prank. James was ready to start pulling his hair out in frustration, both Peter and Remus seemingly ignoring Sirius leaving James his only audience. James handed the boy a plate of chicken hoping that he would take the hint and start filling his mouth with food instead of going over the same problem for a millionth time. 
The great hall was filled with students for dinner. James kept sneaking glances further down the table to see that Hermione was still sitting where he had seen her come in earlier. He could tell that she wasn’t eating, her plate still full as she moved her fork through it. It seemed like Cas was trying to make conversation with her, Hermione only engaging minimally, James didn’t know why but he was positive that something must have happened to cause her to be so withdrawn since he last saw her in transfiguration. He felt the now familiar pressure whenever he was worried about her in his chest. The flapping wings of owls delivering the evening mail broke his concentration. A rather ruddy-looking owl that James didn’t recognise dropped a parcel in front of Hermione, she didn’t make to open it simply placing it in her beaded bag that was seemingly attached to her hip at all times. The approach of his family's gigantic eagle owl took his attention off of Hermione, James wasn’t expecting any mail from his parents although it wouldn’t surprise him if it was actually for Sirius as more often than not it was. The bird flew right over the boys not pausing in the slightest, James shot a questioning look at Sirius who just shrugged his shoulders in response, his eyes widening as he followed the flight path of the bird. Memphis had landed directly in front of Hermione, waiting patiently as she untied the parcel from his outstretched leg. The bird's usual insufferable demeanour was clearly absent as Hermione fed him a piece of sausage in thanks, the bloody bird preening under Hermione’s attention. Great, James thought, now he was jealous of his family owl. James was completely baffled, he couldn’t think of a logical reason as to why either of his parents could have any need to send her anything, even with her link to the strange meetings that they had been hosting over the summer, even then James struggled to come up with a plausible reason for them to be writing her, given the secrecy of it all. 
James would have to write to his parents tomorrow to find out why. A cacophony of clangs from the professor’s table had James spinning in his seat only to see the carnage that was the result of Sirius trying to execute the can-can prank alone, but not in any way that they had discussed. No, he was now standing in Professor Sprout's soup bowl wearing a suit of armour grinning sheepishly at the professors that were now glaring up at him. 
“We are going to have to talk to him about whatever is going on because this is getting out of hand.” Remus mused just as James’ head hit the table in defeat. He knew the wolf was right, they were all headed directly for a Sirius Black meltdown if they didn’t interfere soon. 
“MISTER BLACK!” Minnie’s screech made his skin crawl making James positive that this was not going to end well. 

*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ

Hermione 

“You called.” Hermione’s tone reflected the weight of the day perfectly, she was beyond tired and when she felt the galleon warm in her pocket to see that Regulus wanted to meet, she had only sighed in resignation. Of course, he had felt the need to extend Hermione’s hellish day even further. She felt that this was most likely a conversation that would need more privacy than the astronomy tower could provide so she sent instructions through the galleon for him to meet her on the seventh-floor corridor by the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy and his dancing trolls. Just as she began pacing in front of the blank stretch of wall Regulus had approached her, he raised a single eyebrow in her direction. 
“Well yes, I felt as though you owe me some explanations.” His matter-of-fact tone caused her to bark out a laugh, she was sure that if she were in his position she would be demanding answers as well, she just hoped that she would have more tact in getting them than the boy before her. Hermione opened the newly appeared door to the room and indicated for him to follow her. She noted the look of hesitation on his face but Regulus didn’t say anything as he made his way inside.  
“This is a secure room, you can speak freely.” Hermione didn’t know how to start this conversation so she opted to let Regulus take the lead with his questions. 
“What is this place?” Regulus’ voice was full of hesitation as he took in the room, Hermione hadn’t even realised that she had created the room to be a replica of the black library until seeing the clear recognition on Regulus’ face.
“It’s the room of requirement, It changes to the needs of the user.” Hermione was doing her best to conserve her nerve for the rest of the conversation, she knew that he would probably have further questions about the room later but they both needed to focus on the matter at hand. 
“So when are you from?” Regulus seemingly agreeing with her previous thought and getting straight into his inquisition. Hermione settled into one of the reading chairs whilst Regulus started to pace the room like a caged animal. The desperation of his actions alerted her exactly how anxious the boy was to get answers.
“1998.” Hermione didn’t elaborate any further, 
“And you knew my brother in the future?” 
“Yes.” 
“Did you know me?”
“No.” Her short replies seemed to be irritating the wizard further,
“The war was still going on then?”
“Yes.”
“Would it trouble you to answer my questions in more detail?” Hermione rolled her eyes,
“Yes Regulus it would, The fewer details you know the better. You know you are in a precarious position and it would be catastrophic if the information that I have made it into the wrong hands.” She paused adding,
“If you want better answers, ask better questions.” She smirked at the snake knowing he would be doing the same thing that she was in this situation. Slytherin’s were nothing if not masters at avoiding showing their cards. Regulus paused his pacing turning to face her fully his face falling completely. 
“I die defecting? Don’t I?” His broken voice sent a pang through her heart, 
“Not exactly, your defection is never known until much later. We only found out a few months ago. You go missing presumed dead at Christmas. No one knows you are working against the death eaters.” Hermione tried to be clinical in her delivery. She knew that was how she would want it if she was him. He nodded to himself before doing a double take,
“How is that possible? I have been passing Dumbledore information since I was marked last year.” His voice was barely above a whisper and it instantly made Hermione freeze. Hermione’s heart practically stopped. She felt like she had just had a bucket of ice water thrown over her head. Of course, Albus fucking Dumbledore knew. Hermione’s head fell into her hands she was rapidly blinking the tears away so Regulus didn’t see. If this was the case, Dumbledore was more of an evil mastermind than she ever could have guessed. Hermione felt strongly that she didn’t need to know why the man was doing what he was, just that he was purposely causing pain to people that she cared about. Enough was enough, and if Hermione had to be the old man’s judge, jury and executioner she would gladly take up the responsibility, at this point she wanted his head on a pike as much as she wanted Voldy’s. She tried to calm herself, willing her brain to come up with the appropriate next steps. She was going to need even more of Regulus’ help than she was already anticipating, she could have kicked herself for not being prepared for there to be so many missing pieces to the farce of a story that she was told. She took a deep breath raising her head to meet Regulus’ stare. 
“Ok, new plan. You tell me absolutely everything, and I mean your entire life’s story because if what you said is true, we are not only attempting to bring down one dark lord but two.” Regulus slumped down into a chair, the realisation of exactly how dire the situation was weighing heavily on his features. 
“Do you think this room could conjure up a pensive? This is going to be a long night.” Hermione was surprised with the fact that Regulus had no objections, she nodded making to pull out the pensive that she had stashed in her beaded bag a month ago, she also grabbed two vials of pepper up potion, tossing one to Reggie, an all-nighter called for some assistance, Hermione was sure that whatever information Regulus had was going to change a considerable number of things for her, including exactly how far she was going to have to go to be able to rid the wizarding world of evil dictators.