Confusion and surprise flickered across Hermione's face.

"Do I know you?" she asked rather coldly but apprehensively. Talya saw that she was moving her arm to grab something within her robes. Thinking she was going to attack her with her wand she said:

"Whoa! Hey… I'm not going to hurt you, I swear I am not dangerous or anything."

"Well that's exactly what a Death Eater would say!"

Now Hermione clearly had her wand pointed at Talya.

"Look, I am unarmed", Talya emphasised this by putting her hands up. "Please put your wand down, I'm just…just confused as to where I am, I have no idea how I got here."

Hearing the honesty in her voice, Hermione lowered her wand but didn't put it away.

"What's your name?"

"Talya Marie Ra-", she stopped herself, and amended her surname, using her mother's maiden name instead, "Gilbert, Talya Marie Gilbert. What year is it?"

"It's 1995." Hermione said slowly. "Are you a witch?" she asked.

"No, at least I don't think so." At this Hermione's eyebrows furrowed. Seeing this Talya said the only thing she could think of at this moment:

"Listen will you take me to… to Albus Dumbledore please?"

xXxXxXxXxXxXx

Walking aside Hermione, Talya couldn't help but marvel at the sight of the Hogwarts corridors. After years of dreaming of going, she was finally here, dream or not she would make the most of it.

Suits of armour and portraits lined the walls; Talya stared open-mouthed at the movement of them. When they reached the staircase, she let out a squeal of glee. They were moving to and fro! But they were just walking to the other side of the hall, instead of descending.

Hermione stared in bewilderment at the noises Talya was emitting, but made no comment. The girl seemed out of place, not just her reactions to Hogwarts but her attire. She was wearing a vest top and shorts, awkward for this time in November, she had various bits of jewellery on; big, vintage rings, an owl shaped pendant on a long chain, some sort of silver, triangular sign on a shorter chain. She had 2 earrings on her left ear and 3 on her right. And she could have sworn she saw the same triangular sign tattooed inside her left wrist. She was also heaving her big cherry designed bag along, Hermione could see the tops of some books, and she was certain she saw some sort of computer in the common room before.

Talya couldn't help but compare Hermione to the counterpart she was used to: Emma Watson. Emma of course was beautiful, not that Hermione wasn't, she had the potential but it seemed she didn't bother with her appearance. Even after her Yule Ball experience. Maybe studying came first. Hermione was slightly shorter than Talya, but her figure was covered with oversized robes. Her hair was untamed, and a darker brown than Emma's. She had freckles spattered on her nose and cheeks and deep, chocolate brown eyes.

They walked in relative silence, and reached the gargoyle.

Hermione being a prefect stated the password.

"Fizzing Whizzbee."

The gargoyle jumped aside and they entered the staircase moving upwards. Hermione knocked on the door, hoping that Dumbledore would be awake this early.

"Enter."

Talya let out a long breath and opened the door.

Her first thought was the films were right on the dot with Richard Harris. He was seated behind his desk, wearing purple robes with gold designs on it. His half-moon glasses were perched on the end of his crooked nose and his blue eyes were twinkling behind them.

"Miss Granger." He acknowledged. "And I don't believe we've met, Miss?"

"Gilbert. Talya Marie Gilbert." Talya provided. She failed to notice the hint of recognition in Dumbledore's eyes.

"Sir, I happened across Talya in the Gryffindor Common Room. She doesn't remember how she got there, she doesn't seem to be a witch yet she knows your name." Hermione said. "And mine for that matter." She added in an undertone.

Talya wanted to explain everything. She didn't know where to start. "Sir…I um…well basically…" she hesitated, chancing a glance at Hermione.

"Perhaps you would prefer Miss Granger to leave, and speak in private?" Dumbledore suggested.

Talya thought for a bit, if she was in this predicament for quite a while, she wouldn't mind telling someone about it. It might help to talk about it sometimes.

"No sir, I feel I could tell Hermione. I trust her." She smiled at Hermione and was surprised when Hermione gave one back.

"Very well then. If you could start with your…tale." Dumbledore said.

Feeling slightly better, Talya started. She told them how she was revising in her university library and how she took a break from revision and fell asleep. And that when she awoke she found herself somehow transported to the Gryffindor common room.

"Well that seems simple. We can help you get back. Although I am surprised as to how a muggle can come into Hogwarts, unless you are a relative of one of our students."

"No sir, I don't think you understand. I'm from… from 2012."

Hermione gasped in shock.

"Hmmm, a time traveller." Dumbledore said pensively.

"That's not all sir. You see I don't think I am from this world. Not that I'm an alien. But this world is – as much as I hate to admit - a work of fiction in mine."

Now Hermione's mouth was gaping. Dumbledore still seemed calm.

Talya continued, telling them about the books centred on Harry Potter. She told them the first 5 names of them, how they had all been adapted into films, how the fandom branched into art, events, websites, studio tours, theme parks, musicals and fanfictions. Of course she had to explain a few things that weren't invented yet. During this telling, Hermione was shaking her head in disbelief while Dumbledore smiled.

"So am I right to say you know our past, present and future?"

"Yes, but I know the rules, I will not tell anyone. Not even Hermione." Talya said confidently. Little did she know that she would go back on her words in a few months.

"You can share this with a few people if you wish. If you will be sticking with Miss Granger here, I'm sure you will be meeting with Gryffindors. Your cover story for the rest of the houses can be that you are a transfer student, who was previously home-schooled and have now chosen to attend Hogwarts. I hope you will be okay in the Gryffindor house?"

"Well sir, I was sorted in Ravenclaw on Pottermore, but I guess I will be a Gryffinclaw" Talya joked. "Also, won't people realise that I am not doing any practical magic? I mean it won't be a problem in DADA, seeing as Umbitch is here…" Hermione snorted with laughter, something quite uncharacteristic.

"And History of Magic, Astronomy, Arithmancy, Ancient Runes, maybe CoMC, Herbology and Divination would be okay. Maybe even Potions. What's my story for not doing an ounce of magic?" Talya asked, rather disheartened.

"Maybe some personal problem?" Hermione suggested.

"Perhaps, also if I may Miss Gilbert, try to solve my theory of magic being performed on you?"

Talya subtly gulped but said, "S-sure go ahead."

Dumbledore pulled out his wand and pointed it at Talya.

"Tarantallegra."

Talya and Hermione both held their breath. Nothing happened.

"Sir… how is that possible? Even muggles are affected by spells. Is it because she is from another world?" Hermione questioned.

"Right you are Miss Granger. Miss Gilbert will not be affected by magic performed on her, but I think things ingested such as potions will affect her. In some ways this is a good thing, for instance Legilimency cannot be performed on you, thus keeping the secrets you hold safe." Dumbledore said.

Talya let out a sigh of relief.

"Well I guess that's a good thing, although I would have loved to perform magic, I guess it's not to be. But I will make the most of being in this world. I don't know why this happened, but I can't deny the happiness I am feeling at the moment."

Dumbledore and Hermione smiled at her enthusiasm.

"I have one more question." Talya said. "Will my modern technology work in Hogwarts? I mean I know muggle technology normally doesn't work but it's from a different time and world."

"I'm sure I could find something for you." Hermione piped up. "Shall we make our way to the common room now?"

"Yes, thank you so much Professor Dumbledore."

He smiled in return. "I hope you enjoy your time here, if you need anything I'm sure Miss Granger and her friends can help you, with school equipment and clothing. Any other worries and you know where to come." Dumbledore gave one of his subtle winks. "I will tell the professors of our new student and the problem with practical magic. Now I am afraid breakfast beckons me."

Hermione and Talya took the dismissal and made their way to the common room. Hermione had warmed considerably to Talya.

"Listen Hermione… I really appreciate this, thank you so much." Talya said sincerely.

"You seem like a really nice person, and I guess I would need someone if something like this happened to me!"

Talya grabbed her hand and gave it a light squeeze, receiving a smile from Hermione.

They were at the portrait of the Fat Lady now, and Hermione said the password and they entered.

The common room was slightly busy now, with students bustling around. Hermione craned her neck and beckoned someone over.

"Hey Hermione!" It was without a doubt Ron Weasley. He hadn't noticed Talya yet. "Harry's just on his way down."

Talya looked to the staircase and her breath hitched. There he stood… Harry Potter.