For Elou. This is currently with my Beta so bear with my errors please. However, I know I said I would get these posted and it's taken longer than expected so here you are. :) Love as always to my alpha and beta!

Chapter One

Sirius was taking tea in the library when he saw her. Bounce in her step and a book in hand, he couldn't help but be reminded of the past. She is so young. So vibrant. So Gryffindor. The portrait of the Black matriarch would have taken issue with Lily Evans as well.

While the lovely woman with the ginger hair was gone, Hermione Granger was as present as ever. Perhaps she was worth paying more attention to.

Hermione stumbled over her feet in her attempt to not be late. Throwing herself into the vacant chair at the outdoor patio restaurant, she set her satchel beside her and greeted her friend. "So sorry I'm late, Harry. You know how it is getting out of that house. I swear no one wants to talk to me until I'm ready to leave and then it's trying to get everyone to leave me alone. Including that portrait! I think she spends all night coming up with things to say to me."

"Probably true. None of the other portraits will socialize with her anymore. Sirius mentioned something about a spell he heard about that will Banish her. Perhaps you can look into it."

"Oh yes, with all of my free time," responded Hermione sarcastically. Ever the over-achiever, she put in the most hours of the curse breakers for the Ministry. The only one who came close was her partner.

Harry just shrugged. "Maybe Sirius will put in a formal request."

"He'd have to or I'd never be able to fit him in my schedule." Hermione let out a sigh as she stretched her legs in the sunshine. Her very pale legs. She needed to get out more. "How long has it been since we've been able to meet up for lunch, Harry? Two months?"

"At least," he told her. "And we live in the same neighborhood."

"Sad, isn't it? And poor Ron, never in the country."

"Oh yes. Poor Quidditch star Ron."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "Oh hush, Harry. You're not jealous."

"No, I'm not. I was meant to be an Auror," replied Harry with his typical aplomb. While Harry was troubled by the role Fate cast for him as a child, he grew into his place as an adult. Shouldering his unique set of skills and status in the magical world, he was a rising star in his field. Ron was similar. He used his given assets to his best advantage. Never very studious, he now found his fame and fortune on the field instead of in the field.

"And Ron's talent's have always been a bit more athletic than academic," she responded.

"That's true," Harry agreed. After a quiet moment he asked, "You two never would have worked out, would you?"

"Took you long enough."

"I guess you and I will just have to make a go of it then."

Hermione laughed and gave a playful swipe at her friend. "Oh yes, because I obviously don't value my life. You know Ginny is still head over heels for you. Are you ever going to say anything to her?"

Harry fidgeted uncomfortably in his seat. "Eventually. Probably."

The two friends continued their lighthearted banter, not knowing they were being watched through a nearby shop window.

Sirius Black had been watching Hermione. He had watched her as she grew up, and grew close to his godson. Hermione made Harry happy, made him smile the way Lily used to with James. She was the one Harry would turn to when he needed someone to talk to, besides Sirius.

He never knew Hermione until he opened his home to the Order. She lived there for a brief spell, as did most of the Order members, and even now was frequently there to look for a book that the Ministry library didn't contain or for various gatherings. The more he got to know her, the more he knew his plan was perfect. Having Harry was like having James back again.

Now he just needed a Lily.

And Hermione would be perfect.

A light knock sounded on the solid wood door before it was quickly opened.

"Honestly, Hermione. There is no need to knock. This house is Secret Kept. If you're here, you're allowed to be. And you know the people Harry loves are always welcome in my house."

Hermione nodded politely as she stepped inside. Invited or not, she was still going to mind her manners. She was on the clock after all. It hadn't taken Sirius long at all to put in a request for her to take a look at the portrait of his mother. It seemed she was starting to badger him as well. "Thank you, but it still feels impolite, having people come in day and night without acknowledgement. This is also still your home."

"Well, I appreciate your consideration. Now, come in and I'll show you the book I mentioned."

Sirius watched as Hermione gracefully ascended the stairs to the library. Of average height, she was of slight build with pixy-like features. Her curly, chestnut hair was pulled back into a manageable ponytail, and her denims were just suggestive enough to accentuate her curves. She had become a desirable mature version of her lithe schoolgirl self.

Perhaps he shouldn't be thinking about her for Harry.

He made a discreet adjustment to the front of his trousers and followed her up the stairs.

Peering into the library, he saw her standing with her back to him, gazing up at a tall bookcase.

"Which book did you say it was in?" she asked before unceremoniously crumpling to the floor.

Sirius put his wand away before the shimmer had completely left Hermione's body.

She really would make a lovely Mrs. Potter.