So I was reading a Tomione story that had Cygnus Black crushing on Hermione and the idea intrigued me. I went to the archives to find any stories of this odd and random pairing… zero, zilch, nada. I'm going to fix that.

Disclaimer: As much as I like the thought of living in England I'm Texan not British, if I created/owned Harry Potter it would be bad. American HP would be bad not even gonna think of how bad a southern one would be.

The war dragged on and on while the death toll climbed higher and higher. There was no where safe to hide unless you had a way to get to the western hemisphere and even then it was only a matter of time before the war followed.

The Golden Trio never stayed in one place. Constantly migrating from one place to the next all while trying to stay safe and useful in the war took a toll on the teens. One day Harry convinced his friends to go back to Hogwarts.

"Dumbledore always knew what to do," he said, explaining his reasoning to Hermione and Ron.

"But he's dead," Ron reminded him.

"Do you really think Dumbledore didn't leave a back-up plan? He knew he was going to die he had to have left something!"

Hermione just sat there for a moment in their tent contemplating the plan. "Might as well, we have no idea where the next horcruxe is, maybe we'll find a clue there."

And so with that the three teens packed and went back to the castle they had called home for the past six years. With the help of the invisibility cloak, Marauder's Map, and a perfectly timed prank by Peeves-thus distracting Snape and Filch- the three got into the castle. Once in they went to the only teacher they knew they could trust: McGonagall.

When they revealed themselves to their Head of House she was both surprised and relieved that they were well. She led them to her quarters where she sat them down and gave them the first real meal they had had in a long time."I assume you are here because you need help?"

"Yes Professor," Harry answered, "Did Dumbledore ever leave anything? As a back-up plan?"

The woman sighed, "Yes but only if there was absolutely nothing else to be done." She was gravely serious and the trio wondered what the plan possibly could be. "Dumbledore found a way to enhance the time turner, allowing the user to go back decades not just mere hours. However going back that far would create a parallel universe. There is no guarantee that the user could ever come back to this dimension. If the user planned on coming back it is advised you change as little as possible so Dumbledore's plan was to have someone spy on Riddle and his followers at school and try to come back with the information or give up their life here and simply kill Riddle."

"Either way we'd probably end up stuck in World War II, right?"

"That is correct Ms Granger."

"No bloody way!" the red head exclaimed, "There has to be another way."

"Not that I can think of right now Mr Weasly. Now I'd suggest you hide in the Room of Requirement for the night before someone catches you."

The teens thanked her for her help and did as they were told. As the boys got ready for bed Hermione started thinking. Her friends left her in her own little world assuming she was coming up with a plan. She was indeed doing just that, she was thinking of going back in time.

xxCBHGxx

"Professor McGonangall?" Hermione whispered as she crept into the teacher's quarters again. She was careful hoping to not awaken the older woman too rudely but her caution was unnecessary. The professor sat in the living room with a package in her hands. She fingered the brown wrapping and twine knot tenderly and looked up at her student with sad eyes.

"I had a feeling you would come back." She waved Hermione over to sit down next to her. "Dumbledore did too, he always knew you would be the one willing and able to do it."

Hermione couldn't speak for a few minutes, she was too nervous. "Make sure the boys don't do anything too rash when they find out I'm gone, please. My parents are already obliviated so you won't get any trouble from them."

"Of course Hermione," McGonangall reached over to her coffee table and picked up some envelopes. "Here is your paper work, you'll be called Hermione Grim from America where you have been homeschooled your whole life. Grim is a rather common American wizard family name like Smith. Your mother has fallen ill and is bedridden, no longer able to teach you. She and your father who works at a book store has decided to send you to Hogwarts because of the reputation. You are listed as a pure blood but if for whatever reason you want to be listed as a half blood you can easily change the papers along with any other information. However being a pure blood would make things easier for you as would being sorted into Slytherin house if you can manage it. Go to Dumbledore first; he'll make things easier for your entering into school since transfers are pretty much unheard of."

"Thank you Professor," Hermione's voice was tight and controlled.

"You do know this does not have to be done, we could wait-"

"And let more people die? What are the chances of my coming back?"

"If you impact people as little as possible and are powerful in magic, which you are, there is a good chance you can come back."

"Good and then if it fails I could kill him while he's weaker then there will be at least one dimension free from fear." Hermione's voice was stronger now and she was firm now in her choice. She just knew that this was something she needed to do.

"If you are sure. Just remember: keep a low profile, go to Dumbledore if you have any trouble, and remember that you are the best student and bravest young woman I have ever met." Both women got teary eyed as McGonagall summoned a black duffel bag filled with clothes and school supplies that Hermione would need. The teen changed into a simple olive green day dress that buttoned from the waist up and had a black belt and matching black heels. Next McGonagall cut and styled her hair to fit the era and helped with her make-up. It was simple and natural other than the bright red lipstick. With a wave of her wand Hermione shaped her eyebrows to complete the look and a spell to give herself an accent from the American Midwest.(AN that's the one actors and newscasters use) Hermione looked into the mirror and saw a girl straight from a vintage fashion magazine.

Hermione felt more tears coming and did her best to hold them back and mumbled to herself, "Deep breathes girl, you can do this. You are a Gryffindor." Head held high she took the bag and slung it over her shoulder and walked into the Transfiguration office, this would be Dumbledore's office in the forties and would be the safest place to appear. Hermione hesitantly opened the package and found inside a time turner like her old one but larger with three rings labeled 'day', 'month', and 'year.' On top was a window the date.

"Turn each ring until you've reach the desired date and the press down on the top."

"Thank you Professor, I'll be back soon."

"I hope." The elder woman waved goodbye as the younger turned back the rings and traveled through time.

xxCBHGxx

Hermione had always been too busy and too responsible to ever get drunk but right then she was pretty sure she knew what a hangover felt like. She held her head and moaned as the room slowly stopped spinning.

"Miss, I believe school does not start for another two days." Turning around quickly Hermione looked into the twinkling eyes of her late Headmaster.

"Professor!" She ran and tackled him in a big bear hug, completely forgetting the situation.

"Excuse me but I don't believe I have met you before? Or," Dumbledore looked at the time turner around the girl's neck, "should I say 'yet'?"

Hermione backed away and blushed, "I am sorry, sir. It's just after what happens…"

"Please don't tell me, as much as I would love to hear the story we must think of the mission you are obviously on. Now I assume there is some information you should be giving me?"

Hermione nodded her head and relayed her alias' information. She was then told to stay in the Room of Requirement, just like before, as he went to get her enrolled. She stayed there preparing her story and herself for her first day of school in the forties.

The days past by rather quickly and soon Hermione found herself being introduced by Headmaster Dippet along with the first years to the student body awaiting her second sorting.

She was the last to be called up. She was more nervous this time than last, back then where she ended up was not part of a plan to save the future. This time she had to convince the hat that she needed to be in Slytherin, it was hard enough the first time convincing the hat she should be in Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw. The hat was placed on her head by Dumbledore who gave her an encouraging smile.

"Interesting, very interesting. Brains of a true Ravenclaw and bravery of a true Gryffindor, a hard decision this would be except you seem to have made the choice for me. You are determined to fulfill your mission and after all you've been through I will not deny you that. Besides you will need some Slytherin cunning to accomplish your task. SLYTHERIN!" Applause filled the hall as the last student was sorted and the feast appeared. Hermione felt horribly awkward not knowing where she should sit at the snakes' table, she could not sit with the first years and doubted the older years would give her a seat. But to her surprise a group of seventh years waved her over to sit with them.

"Hello," greeted a pretty but snobby looking girl with blonde hair, "My name's Druella Rosier and this," to two rather unattractive brunettes, one with watchful eyes and the other looked empty headed, "is Cynthia Goyle and Eleanor Crabbe."

"It is very nice to meet you," Hermione said while thinking 'Should have known, they can't be direct ancestors but there is a resemblance.'

Crabbe decided to take over the introductions, "Those are my cousins, Cygnus and Orion Black. Next to them is Abraxas Malfoy, a prefect, and our new Head Boy Tom Riddle." Crabbe continued to introduce some more future Death Eaters and other students with recognizable pure-blood names while just smiled and tried to be polite to future monsters. Hermione had to admit she was surprised by Voldemort's not only normal but handsome appearance. Orion Black looked like his future son Sirius did as a student and was friendlier than his companions but not by much. It was still obvious he thought he was better than everyone else, the same mindset as everyone else at this table. Malfoy gave her the same condescending gaze that his grandson did, in fact the resemblance between them was uncanny. Sitting between the two was Cygnus, the only one who didn't appear to be completely full of himself. He was tall and had a lean build with black hair and dark blue eyes that almost looked black, a strong jaw and prominent cheek bones. His nose was a little on the large side but overall had a handsome face. Hermione looked between Cygnus and Abraxas, the two future grandfathers of Draco Malfoy and briefly wondered how the supposed to be recessive genes won out.

After answering a few questions as vaguely as possible the Slytherins began to ignore her and return to their food and gossip. Hermione did not mind, she was not here for friends but for work and she planned on leaving as soon as possible. However unknown to her Riddle had some other plans in mind. 'Grim is a rather large and influential pureblood family in the States, it would be nice to have some foreign followers.'

xxCBHGxx

Hermione Grim was a recluse. To everyone around her she was a loner who kept to her books and hardly ever spoke. She never raised her hand in class despite the strong urge, she didn't go to Hogsmeade with anyone, she didn't even study with anyone despite some pleas. When no one was around, which was quite often, she would disappear and spy on Riddle and his followers. However she couldn't get too much information and what she gathered was very vague. They were secretive to the extreme and the only way someone could get the information she needed was to be part of the group itself. Finally in October Hermione realized staying here was useless, she was terrified of not being able to go home and she could not do what she needed so she packed her bags and took up her time turner.

"Goodbye 1945," with those mumbled words she pressed the button and… nothing. She tried again and nothing happened. "Okay, don't panic, I'll just go see Dumbledore and be on my way." Hermione tried her best not to sprint all the way to the transfiguration classroom.

The stressing teen only took the time to make sure the classroom was empty before yelling "Professor! Professor!"

"What is it Ms Grim?"

"I have to go back but the time turner…"

"Give it here child." Professor Dumbledore examined the magical object and found a small almost invisible crack in the glass. "It appears the jump back was too much for the material. I'd have to make a new one but I have far worse news."

Hermione's eyes widened, "What could be worse?"

"Miss Grim I've been doing some research and I'm afraid that despite your efforts you cannot go back to your time. You have been here too long, the damage is done I'm afraid there is nothing I can do." Seeing the young girl begin to break down he placed a comforting hand on her back. "Now now, do not give into despair. I'm sure you have a plan b. Fulfill your mission and begin a new life. Hermione Grim has the potential to become the brightest witch of this age." Hermione's tears were held back long enough say her thanks for the support before running out. Out of the room, out of the castle, out to the Forbidden Forest in search of fresh air and solitude.

The now hysterical teen crumpled underneath a tree and just cried. She went through every good memory she had and cried for the loss of her friends and family. Hours passed and Hermione lost track of time, her sobs had quieted just enough to hear that she was not alone. She pushed her honey brown curls out of her face and wiped her eyes before sneaking around the tree to get a look.

Hermione looked around the tree and saw Riddle, Malfoy, and the Blacks. They had obviously heard her and were all looking in her direction. She was about to sneak away when Riddle called out, "Is someone there? Show yourself!"

'I don't really have a choice do I? Since you are standing between me and the castle.' Hemione held her head high and walked out, planning on walking right past them and to a new hiding spot to finish her grieving. But the boys had other ideas.

"Something wrong Grim?" the deep voice belonged to Cygnus Black and, to Hermione's surprise, sounded genuinely concerned.

'Must be some sort of act.' "Sorry but that's none of your business," she snapped. Her emotions would not allow for any tact tonight.

Orion walked up to her with one of his smooth smiles, "I'm sorry for my cousin's nosiness but he meant well. We just want to know if are alright?" Hermione walked around him, determined to ignore them before she could pull herself together.

"I guess what they say is true, Americans have no control over their emotions." Malfoy's condescending tone made her snap. She turned on her heel and whipped her wand out of her arm holster before holding it against his throat.

"I'm not in the mood for your attitude or your insults and I am telling you right now that I am not someone you want to mess with." Hermione's voice was cold and scarily calm. Her actions were scaring the crap out of Malfoy, shocked the Blacks, and Riddle just looked pleasantly surprised.

"So quiet little Grim has a bit of a temper does she? My apologies we will leave you alone." Hermione knew better than to trust Riddle but she really didn't need to be expelled for hexing Malfoy to kingdom come. So she withdrew her wand and went back towards the castle. The boys just watched her until she was out of earshot, "Cygnus follow her and make sure she doesn't see you."

xxCBHGxx

Hermione hurried out of the forest, checking over her shoulder every once in a while only to see nothing. She tried to think of somewhere where she could gather her thoughts and calm down but she also needed someone. She needed someone to listen to her and make her feel at home. At home she always had the boys or… Hagrid! He should be back by now. With a new hope that she may not be so lonely Hermione ran to Hagrid's hut.

Not far behind Cygnus followed after her and soon had to begin running also just to keep her in sight. When he realized she was running to that oaf's hut Cygnus was very confused. 'The fool owns murderous pets, surely she's heard about what happened to Myrtle. Then again she does keep to herself. Is this where she goes whenever she disappears?'

Cygnus snuck into the bushes and watched Hermione knock on the door. A minute later the half giant opened the door and asked who she was and what she wanted.

"My name's Hermione Grim, I know this sounds weird but I do know you, I was hoping if I could come in. My parents just *sniffle* died and I…"

"Well o' course you can come in Miss Grim, I ave some tea on the stove if you would like some. You'll ave ta explain ow you know me though."

"Please call me Hermione. I would love some tea and I'll try to explain." As Hagrid let the girl in Cygnus snuck up to the window trying to hear their conversation. "Well you see Hagrid I I sometimes have visions, not very clear but I have seen you before..." Cygnus could tell she was lying even if the oaf couldn't and her lies just confused him even more. 'What is she hiding? And what else could she be lying about?'

A few hours past and the two inside were talking away as if they were the best of friends while the poor outside was freezing in the England's October weather. Words cannot describe how relieved he was when he heard Hagrid taking his guest to the front door.

"Well 'ermione it's getting close to curfew, you need to go back to your dorm. Feel free to come by anytime, it was a pleasure getting to know ya."

"Thank you Hagrid and I promise to come back. You are probably the only friend I have here," Hermione said forlornly.

"Now I can't believe that, nice pretty girl like you I'm sure everyone wants to know ya better, 'specially them boys. It's a wonder ow ya got into Slytherin." Hermione gave the large man a hug and a dazzling smile before saying good bye one last time and heading to the castle. She reminded herself to tell Dumbledore about her 'dead' parents, she had a feeling she'd need to use that story quite often now that she was stuck here.

Cygnus continued to trail her undetected but she made no other detours on her way to the dungeons. Inside the common room his companions from earlier who he joined as Hermione went up to the girl's dorms.

Orion and Malfoy were playing wizard's chess while Riddle just sat in his chair thinking about something. The Head Boy heard Cygnus walk up to him, "What did you find out?"

"Her parents are dead and she went to Hagrid for comfort. Thing is Hagrid has never seen Grim before despite the fact she claims to know him. She tried telling him she had visions of meeting him before, the fool bought it I didn't."

"Do you think she's telling the truth about her parents?"

"Yes but I think there's more to it than that."

The other two boys were listening now and Riddle addressed them all, "Ms Grim's family could be very helpful to our cause. We should comfort her in her time of need don't you think gentlemen?"

"Of course milord, except I think Malfoy should sit this one out, Grim might try hexing him again," Orion snickered.

Malfoy growled, "Shut up."

"That incident proves she could be useful in our group in more than just connections. She looked like she knew what she was doing and how many girls do you know with wand holsters? Or anyone for that matter? Malfoy will help if he's careful not to insult her."

"I will try my best sir."

"But Riddle," Cygnus ignored the slight narrowing of his leader's eyes, "shouldn't we learn more about her? There is something different about that girl."

Riddle thought about this for a moment, "Okay then you can gather all the information you want on her. One of us is going to end up spending more time with her than the others perhaps you can ask her to Slughorn's dinner he's having in about a month, hmm?"

Cygnus didn't look too sure but said, "Alright if you think that's best."

xxCBHGxx

AN: So how was it? Did I scare people away from this pairing forever or just from my writing? Please review and if you're going to criticize be constructive.

I was going to make this one long chapter but I'm running out of time and unfortunately have homework to do and I think it might be easier to read in three parts. Tell me how to improve for the second third :)