A/N: Well I am surprised that I got this out so fast, I finished chapter 4 when I was procrastinating... but hey I'd rather write 10 pages of this than an 8 page Biology paper any day! :) But here is chapter 2!

"They... threw themselves into the interests of the rest, but each plowed his or her own furrow. Their thoughts, their little passions and hopes and desires, all ran along separate lines. Family life is like this - animated, but collateral."
- Rose Macaulay

Chapter Two

Hermione had spent one week at the hospital before she was finally allowed to leave. By this time the horrible bruising that had marred her skin had been healed my Mrs. Reyna, the healer that was assigned Hermione's case. During the past week Hermione had gotten to know her family and discovered many things about them, like as much as James looked like her old friend he was nothing like him, the bright and funny boy that was her brother was like no other. Her mother was the kindest woman Hermione had ever met; she had the gentlest way to handle every situation and loved to run her fingers through Hermione and her brother's unruly hair. Her father was a man's man, he was head Auror and at age fifty he had no plans of retiring anytime soon, but as manly as he was he had a soft spot for his family, the loving way he caressed his wife's face and how he ruffled James' hair could attest to that.

At the beginning her family had walked on eggshells around her but soon they loosened up and Hermione couldn't be happier, though she missed her parents from her time, they had never loved her like the Potters did. The unconditional love that flowed through the Potter family was palpable to anyone who saw the family before. Hermione was happy to be part of something so pure, a real family.

It was the beginning of December and winter was showing its true colors when the family of four left the Hospital that afternoon, a small amount of snow was falling from the slate grey clouds but seemed to melt as soon as it touched the sidewalks. Hermione held her father's hand as they walked down the street to the safe apparation spot. They rounded the corner to the apparation point and finally stopped their trek. Steeling herself for the feeling of apparation Hermione was not surprised when she and her father disappeared with a loud crack.

Hermione opened her eyes when they landed to see a beautiful antique mansion that stood before her. The house was at least two stories high and was covered in a climbing vine that was sprouting purple flowers, at the top of the house on the roof sat a statue of a phoenix standing at the ready. The house was gorgeous and Hermione couldn't wait to explore the inside.

Hermione was shaken out of her thoughts when her father picked her up and set her on his shoulders as he walked to the house. Hermione giggled as she grabbed Mr. Potter's face to stay balanced. When they walked in the front door Hermione's mouth fell open as the grand staircase that opened before her. The staircase went in two directions with a door in the center that was opened showing a grand sitting room most likely for entertaining guests. Setting Hermione down Charlus kissed her hair before letting her run off to explore the house James hot on her heels ready to explain anything if necessary.

After an hour of exploring and another of playing hide and seek with James Hermione was happy to go down to dinner when Dorea called for her children. Hermione was proud to say that she had explored all seven bedrooms, three offices, two ballrooms, eight bathrooms and the library. To say she had fun was an understatement; she was elated to be in Potter manor.

Walking into the kitchen Hermione was startled to see a house elf assisting Mrs. Potter with carrying the dishes to the table. When the house elf noticed Hermione her large brown eyes widened comically and she quickly put the plates down before throwing itself at Hermione.

"Oh Miss Hermione is back! Tinkie is so happy to be seeing her young Mistress! Tinkie has missed her Mistress dearly!" the elf wrapped her arms around Hermione before breaking down in sobs. Hermione patted Tinkie's back before looking at her parents for help.

"Hermione this is our house elf Tinkie, just give her a minute to calm down and she'll leave you alone." Mr. Potter said chuckling before kissing his wife soundly on the lips. James looked at Hermione and pretended to gag before he came over to pull the distraught house elf off his sister and pulling her to the seat beside his. The family plus one house elf sat at the table ready to tuck into dinner.

Hermione had been staying with the Potter's for a little over three months now and she was the happiest she had ever been. Over the last couple months Hermione and James had become as close as twins could be sometimes finishing each other's sentences and sharing their dreams and secrets as they gazed up at the sky in the Potter's quiditch pitch. She was already daddy's little girl and was loving the affection she got and enjoyed their bonding time when she sat on Mr. Potters lap and read the Daily Profit with him. She always helped Mrs. Potter in the kitchen and love when they gardened together; Mrs. Potter was the ideal mother, someone who loved without question.

On the morning of March 27th Hermione walked down the stairs to the dining room rubbing sleep out of her eyes as she heard her twin mumbling excitedly on the other side of the door. Hermione pushed open the door only to be knocked back as she was jumped upon by her brother.

"Happy Birthday to us Herms!" he exclaimed picking himself up off of his sister and giving her a hand to get up. Hermione looked at her brother in wonder.

"It is our Birthday isn't it? We're going to get our letters today!" Hermione said with a small smile as her brother heaved her up off the ground. 'Hogwarts all over again, Merlin help me!' Hermione thought to herself.

James pulled Hermione with him to the table where their dad was reading the paper and Mrs. Potter was setting out plates for the family.

"Happy Birthday Princess, my baby girl is getting so big!" Her dad said looking over the news paper with a large smile on his lips making his eyes wrinkle around the edges.

Hermione was surprised when her mother came up behind her to hug her, whispering 'Happy Birthday' in her ear before going over to James to do the same. The family of four were about to start their meal when two large barn owls swooped in through the open dining room window.

"Merlin's beard they're already here Hermione! We're going to Hogwarts!" James said running up to the owls who immediately took to the air before the eleven year old could barrel into them.

"James Charlus Potter you sit down this instance you are scaring those poor birds!" Their mom said leaping out of her seat to grab the energetic child.

After sending James to his seat Mrs. Potter waited for the owls to land again before removing the letters from their legs and handing each bird a piece of bacon before sending them off again.

"Alright one letter for Hermione, and one for the child that will lead to more gray hairs." Mrs. Potter said handing the two letters to the children as James let out a loud 'Oi!'.

Hermione looked at the letter before her as a small smile flitted onto her face. The front or the letter read:

'Ms. H Potter

17 Godric's Rd.

Godric's Hallow,

England'

Hermione's smile grew as she turned over the envelope ready to tear the letter open. She slid a finger under the envelope flap and tore the letter open, and then unfolded the heavy parchment that was in side. Hermione mouthed the words as she read the first page:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL
of WITCHCRAFT and WIZARDRYHeadmaster:Albus Dumbledore
(Order of Merlin, First Class, Grand Sorc. Chf. Warlock,
Supreme Mugwump,International Confed. of Wizards)Dear Ms. Potter,We are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted atHogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Please find enclosed a list of all necessary books and equipment.
Term begins on September 1. We await your owl by no later than July 31.Yours sincerely,Minerva McGonagall
Deputy HeadmistressHermione grinned as she reached for the second page, she scanned the page quickly:

HOGWARTS SCHOOL

of WHICHCRAFT and WIZARDRYUNIFORM
First-year students will require:
 sets of plain work robes (black)
 plain pointed hat (black) for day wear
 pair of protective gloves (dragon hide or similar)
 winter cloak (black, with silver fastenings)
Please note that all pupil's clothes should carry name tags.COURSE BOOKS
All students should have a copy of each of the following:The Standard Book of Spells (Grade 1)
by Miranda GoshawkA History of Magic by Bathilda BagshotMagical Theory by Adalbert WafflingA Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration by Emeric SwitchOne Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi
by Phyllida SporeMagical Drafts and Potions by Arsenius JiggerFantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them
by Newt ScamanderThe Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection
by Quentin TrimbleOTHER EQUIPMENT
1 wand
1 cauldron (pewter, standard size 2)
1 set glass or crystal phials
1 telescope
1 set brass scales

Students may also bring and owl OR a cat OR a toad.PARENTS ARE REMINDED THAT FIRST YEARS ARE NOT ALLOWED THEIR OWN BROOMSTICKS

Hermione let out a small laugh as she read and re-read the letter a couple times trying to absorb that she was truly going home, back to Hogwarts for seven more magical years. Hermione looked up at her family smiling as James caught her eye shaking his letter to show that he too got one as if to prove that he was actually going to the magical school.

"Well," Mrs. Potter said grabbing everyone's attention, "I guess we'll need to plan a trip to Diagon Alley to get your equipment! Now let's eat then we'll mail off your replies alright?" the twins nodded then immediately started to shovel food into their mouths so they could be done faster.

The parents chuckled as they viewed their children, before smiling sadly; their kids were growing so fast.

The Potter parents decided that they would go shopping for the Hogwarts gear at the end of July and it was met with groans when their children heard the news. At the end of the almost five month wait the Potter twins were almost ready to pull their hair out but finally the day finally arrived.

On the morning of July 29th James and Hermione Potter were up and dressed at the crack of dawn eating a hearty breakfast that their faithful house elf whipped up for them, they sat discussing what they were most excited for at Hogwarts.

"I'm telling you James the spells were going to learn are going to be amazing!" Hermione said with a small smile on her face as she recalled all of her training in the school.

"No way Hermy! All the potential for pranking that is the greatest!" James said around a mouthful of toast.

The two eleven year olds continued laughing and chatting and didn't even realize that their parents had entered the room.

"Look at them Charlus; they've gotten so big so fast." Dorea said grabbing her husband's arm for support. "All the birthdays and first words, it seems like it was only yesterday that we gave birth to them." Alone tear trailed down Dorea's cheek as she reminisced. Charlus wiped away his wife's tears before pulling her into a hug.

"I know Dee, but that's life." Charlus whispered to his upset wife, "We are good parents and they are growing in to fine young adults." D orea sniffed and pulled away from her husband and the couple stared at their children with bittersweet looks upon their faces.

Hermione looked up from her conversation with her brother at that moment and saw the looks on her parents' faces. To break the sad moment she put a smile on her face and chirped a 'Hello' at her parents breaking them out of their reverie.

"Morning Mum and Dad, can we go to Diagon Alley now?" James asked excitement overflowing in his voice.

"In a moment sweetheart, let your father and I get some breakfast before you drag us to our death by shopping." Dorea said while her husband chuckled. The Parents sat at the table for five minutes before the children dubbed them finished a dragged them to the sitting room where the Floo powder was located.

"Diagon Alley!"

"Okay we've got your books and potion supplies, next is Madame Malkins for your robes come on!" Dorea potter was leading her family like a mini army as they trouped through the infamous Diagon Alley.

"Dee dear, how about I take James here to Quality Quiditch Supplies," Charlus asked his wife with a nervous chuckle at the thought of clothes shopping, at the look on his wife's face he added, "you know his measurements right?"

"Oh alright but you better meet us at the pet store in twenty!" Dorea said as she rolled her eyes, she watched as her son pointed to the newly opened joke store and her eyes widened' "And no stopping in Zonko's I don't want your son blowing up the house!" she tacked on a little hysterically.

"They'll be fine Mum, and you know I'll keep James out of trouble." Hermione said as she grabbed her mothers' hand and pulled her in the direction of the clothing shop.

Hermione was happy to be in Diagon Alley but she was immensely surprised to see how alive the alley was, the war had not yet taken root and it was obvious. That wasn't to say Voldemort wasn't around, he was, but his hold on wizarding Britan wouldn't begin for a couple more years if she remembered correctly, which she did. Hermione looked around at the happy faces and wondered which wouldn't be there in only a couple years, whose families would be torn apart during the war?

Hermione was forced out of her thoughts as the bell on the door of Madame Malkins jingled alerting all in the store of their presence. Hermione was immediately ushered to a measuring table next to a boy about her age and she stared. There was no one else that this boy could be and her thoughts were proven correct when he stuck out his hand to introduce himself.

"Sirius Black, are you going to Hogwarts too?" the young Sirius Black was cute, and it was obvious that in year's time he would be a heart breaker.

"Hermione Potter, and yes me and my brother are going to be first years." Hermione was doing all she could not to tackle the boy in a hug and tell him of the horrors he would go through. Sirius smiled and it nearly broke her heart, it was the same smile that hinted at the prankster within that he had in the future.

"Potter? Mother never has a nice thing to say about your family." Sirius said looking at her out of the corner of his eye. Hermione almost strangled him when she remembers that he had always had a love/hate relationship with his parents.

"Oh?" Hermione simpered holding her arms out for the young witch that was measuring her.

"Yes, but Mum has always been slightly off her rocker if you know what I mean?" He said with a slight smile curling at the corner of his lips.

Hermione cracked a smile and turned to check out his visage. The young Black had a regal air about him, a straight nose, high aristocratic cheekbones and curly dark brown hair that would darken and loose its curls as he got older. But the most striking feature about him was his eyes, they were a glowing grey, almost silver and they did not yet have the haunted look that twelve years in Azkaban would give them.

"So, what house do you want to be in Ms. Potter?" Sirius said catching her eye and making her blush at being caught staring.

Hermione cleared her throat and pushed her curly hair out of her face before answering. "Um, I was thinking either Gryffindor or Ravenclaw are my best bets." Hermione said looking everywhere but at the boy beside her.

"Oh I want to be in Gryffindor, just because everyone in my family has been Slytherin." He said with a laugh, "Maybe I'll go for Hufflepuff to be extra cruel." He added with a smirk.

Hermione giggled at his comment and opened her mouth to reply when Sirius' Mother came and grabbed him by the arm and pulled him out of the clothing store with his purchases on her arm.

"Well that was rude." Hermione murmured to herself.

"You're all done dear! You purchases will be at the counter" the young witch said as she tapped the magical tape measurer with her wand.

Hermione hopped off the table and skipped over to her mother who was waiting by the door.

"So who was that cute boy you were talking to my little rose?" Dorea said with a sly smile on her face. Hermione immediately blushed and looked away from her mother.

"His name was Sirius, and he wasn't cute!" Hermione mumbled as she walked ahead of her mother. Dorea laughed again and caught up to her daughter before she lost her in the crowd.

Hermione and her mother maneuvered through the crowd and to Eeylops Owl Emporium to meet the rest of her family. When they got to the shop Hermione found her brother and father looking at the fierce looking eagle owls that sat proudly in their cages.

James looked over as if sensing their presence and a bright smile broke out over his face.

"Mum! Herms! Dad said I could get an eagle owl!" Hermione looked over at her Dad who had a Sheepish look on his face at his wife's glare.

"We'll look at the prices honey." Dorea said to her son in a final tone.

"But Mum we're rich! Why do we have to worry about that?" James asked sounding a little haughty to his sister.

"We may have money but that does not mean we will spend it on every whimsical thing that catches our fancy!" Dorea said chastising her son. James looked down ashamed of his actions. A couple of kids that were looking at the snakes in the store snickered making James flush at being yelled at in a public setting.

In the end James got his owl and Hermione got a black Kneazle cat that looked like it was related to her beloved Crookshanks from the Magical Menagerie.

Leaving the pet store with their pets the family of four headed to their last stop of the day, Olivander's. When they came upon the shop Hermione was surprised to see how relatively new it looked compared to then she went in 1991. As they entered Hermione looked around at the shelves that weren't covered in dust yet.

"Ah the Potter twins! I was expecting you on your birthday like most wizarding children but oh well you're here now." Hermione looked over at the younger Olivander and was surprised to see that he had long blond hair and his stare wasn't as creepy yet.

"Ladies first, come-come Ms. Potter!" Hermione stepped forward to the counter and only jumped a little when the magical tape measurer popped into existence in front of her face.

Olivander was going up and down the rows of wands with a wondering look on his face, he grabbed several boxes and brought them back to the counter as the tape finished its job and fell to the floor lifeless.

"Here we go, Holly and Unicorn tail, eleven inches, good for transfiguration." He said handing her a wand that most definitely wasn't hers. A vase shattered and Olivander snatched the wand from her hand.

"Maple and Dragon Heartstring, 12 inches, good for charm work." He said handing her the wand, but alas Hermione had barely touched the wand when it was taken back. This went on for a couple more wands when finally Olivander brought out a familiar wand to Hermione

"Vine and Dragon Heartstring, 10 3/4 inches, a well rounded wand, good for just about any subject." Hermione grabbed the wand and was glad when the wand warmed in her hand and shot out gold and silver sparks. Hermione grinned and turned to her parents excited to show off her new wand.

Hermione did a little happy dance where she stood and finally stepped aside so her brother could get his wand.

When the family of four finally left the shop the two eleven year olds had smiles that reached from ear to ear.

A month after their trip to Diagon Ally found the Potter family hurrying through Kings cross station headed for a magical barrier that would lead them to platform 9 ¾.

"It is your fault we are late Charlus Xavier Potter! I told you not to take our son to Zonko's but you still did, and what happened? His trunk exploded! I am so furious with you!" Dorea potter wasn't in a particularly good mood after her sons trunk exploded in fireworks as he brought it down the stairs. With only fifteen minutes till the train left she felt a little frazzled.

"Mom can we worry about this later we'll miss the train!" James potter interjected as she pulled along a trolley that had his trunk and owl aboard it.

Finally reaching the barrier the family didn't have time to pause as the practically ran through the seemingly solid brick wall. Opening her eyes after closing them in preparation of hitting a wall Hermione was happy to see the familiar scarlet train. Hearing a warning whistle Hermione and James quickly said their goodbyes and hopped aboard the magnificent train that was to take them to Hogwarts. Finding an empty compartment Hermione and James ran to the window so they could wave goodbye to their mother and father.

As the train took off Hermione had one thought

'Here I come Hogwarts!'

Well there you go! I'm sorry for jumping around so much but I had to get through this so I can get through to the good stuff! I mean the ideas floating around in my head for this story are great if I can say so myself! I have the whole story outlined right now but you never know when the muse will whisper!

Well thanks for reading!

Also if anyone knows a Beta that would like to help that'd be amazing! I mean I can only catch so many of my own mistakes...