Wow! I haven't updated in a while—so I guess it is two weeks in the story, and roughly in real life! I have had a CRAZY week—but only 2 weeks left of school!

I don't know usually how often to expect these updates to be, but we'll just hope sooner than this!

Here is the next chapter!

Two Weeks Later- September 16, 1977

Hermione couldn't believe it had already been two weeks. 1977 Hogwarts wasn't too different than its 1996 counterpart. The people acted the same… and considering the apple doesn't fall too far from the tree it was easy to see how.

The marauders had already kicked off the school year with a bang—in the most literal sense—by enchanting some Filibuster Fireworks to follow the Slytherin Quidditch team around. Of course, with the big game coming up Sirius, the captain, was almost as crazy as Oliver Wood—demanding practices around the clock. It didn't help that the Head's tower was the nearest to the field... meaning that if Lily and Hermione didn't wake up to the boys talking Quidditch in the common room, they were doomed to hearing noises from the pitch…all…morning…long.

Hermione had gotten into a habit of going to Breakfast early and taking a nice walk around the grounds before her first class of the day to avoid the crazy Quidditch talk, and today was no different. As she neared the great hall, a hand reached out and grabbed her. She tried to scream but a curse had been placed and she was pulled into an empty classroom. Trying to see who the captor was, she struggled. A body bind curse was placed on her as she became aware of her surroundings. In the corner of the room sat Regulus with a mix of a smirk and a smile on his face- not quite sinister, yet not quite nearing the status of genuinely caring. Snape stood with a wand pointing at her, and although she couldn't move she knew Severus was taking all precaution.

"Hello, beautiful.", Regulus jauntily said. "Wondering why you're here? Well…let's see…. Your sudden appearance was very intriguing to some in this castle, so much in fact as to say… Severus and I decided to do some research. And… with the connections we have… we know you are not who you say you are." Hermione nervously glanced from side to side… knowing she was busted. Hermione pretty much had known for sure who their 'connections' were, considering the two's ultimate allegiance. Regulus continued "And, we knew that a situation as…peculiar… as yours, well it obviously has a back story to it. And that very back story and knowledge… could give you safety in these months ahead."

"I'm just gonna cut to the chase, Regulus." Snape said with that same bored tone he'd use when talking to Harry. So, that's what they wanted—and edge on the war. It was obvious to them that Hermione held a valuable secret, and something very worthwhile for Voldemort.

"No need to, Severus . I know exactly who your connections are, and I know what you want. And I will not help you." Hermione blatantly said. She couldn't believe it… the Dark Lord was on the rise, and probably knew she was a muggle. But her knowledge put her in their good graces.

"Then we are all settled here, Miss Thomas. However, may I warn you… the Dark Lord will not accept no for an answer. He will win, because he always does." Regulus said with such conviction she could see the clear difference between Sirius and him at that moment.

"And you will speak none of this to anyone," Snape continued with his wand pointed at Hermione's heart. "Because if you do, the consequences will be most severe." Her breath was rapid, going down her neck. Hermione's thoughts were scarce. Hermione nodded repeatedly, knowing that Snape was not joking in this matter. His allegiance was undetermined after Umbridge, but it was clear where he stood now… "You may go now," Snape said with a sweeping motion towards the door.

Just as Hermione was leaving the room Sirius was coming down the stairs- two by two. Tears were streaming down her face, and she tried to hide them from him. But she couldn't, Sirius saw the look of anger, despair on her face and rushed over to check on her.

"Hermione? What's wrong, Mione?" Sirius legitimately looked concern as he grabbed her hand and guided her to an empty corridor where they could talk. Hermione didn't know what to do, she was so scared… but needed to talk to someone badly. So she tried her hardest to stop sobbing… and couldn't. But she unleashed her story to Sirius, releasing every detail. Her fear, of Voldemort, of everything. 'Screw what will happen to the future' she thought…she had already changed it enough.

"Hermione. That's awful." Sirius felt a protective sense flood into his body. A monster roared to life inside of him, he gripped tighter to his hand. He just wanted to protect her. To protect Hermione, as if she was the only thing that mattered in the world. A price was on her head, and if it meant using his blood status to protect her- he would. Whatever it meant, he would do. He loved her he'd known for two weeks, and he barely knew what she thought of

"Listen, everything will be okay. Don't you worry. I will help you, protect you—if it is the last thing I do." Sirius found himself telling Hermione. He put his finger on her chin, pulling her face up so he could see her eyes. He held her tight, looking her straight in the eyes. He took a breath and kissed her. Soft, but just enough for her to know he was there.

Hermione was delighted, but bewildered. She didn't know how what she was doing would affect the future. But she did know she liked feeling safe in Sirius' arms and she knew that she liked the way he was kissing her. So she kissed back, first soft—then more and more passionately.

Sirius pulled back, looked her in the eyes and whispered "And I want to tell you something." Hermione blushed, looking down—embarrassed about what just happened. "I want to tell you, that you're an amazing person. And I really like you."

"Me too," She whispered back, hugging him tighter. And so, an awful morning had a ray of sunshine.

Sirius Black-

September 16, 1977

By that afternoon, all of Hogwarts knew about Sirius Black's new girl. They didn't know how, or why—but they knew that it was something for Sirius to chase Hermione, not the other way around. They knew that for once the great player Sirius Black was caught… in some sort of daze. And quite a few rumors were traveling involving a love potion.

And, the thing is, Sirius didn't care what the others thought. Because he knew what was true, and so did Hermione. And that was all that mattered- the two of them together, safe, and in love. Well…. He didn't want to call it love yet. Although he was enamored with the bookish, brown haired girl…. And there was nothing he could do about it. The captain of the quidditch team reduced to nothing over a girl who was just too kind—too goody goody—to even let a fight break out on a train. And for that, he was lucky, because for that he had gotten the chance to meet her.

On their way to Charms, he reached out and gave Hermione's hand a little tug. She tugged back and looked at him with a broad smile on her face. Her satchel was bulging with books, and her robes were hanging loosely on top of her jeans (scandalous for Hogwarts!) and a grey sweater with Gryffindor tie. Her bushy hair half pinned back, and her wand stuck hastily in her back pocket made her a marvel to his eyes.

Remus and Peter were walking behind him, no doubtedly cracking jokes at his case of the love bug. James was in Care of Magical Creatures, a class that Sirius had given up once he'd mastered the art of being a dog. James however, was elated to have an O in a class—due to his stag—and therefore continued the Care of Magical Creatures for merely credit's sake. Probably a wiser decision, but Sirius wasn't known for his judgment.

As they sat down, Flitwick wrote on the board 'Fidelius Charm'. "Anyone know what this charm is?" Hermione's hand instant flew into the air, answered by Sirius' roll of the eyes and Flitwick gesturing to Hermione to go ahead.

"A Fidelius charm is a highly complicated charm that conceals a building, or place, from those who do not know—or need to know—of its whereabouts for safety purposes. The location is kept by a Secret Keeper, and those whom the Secret Keeper confides in may find it." Hermione spouted out on whim... she was a walking dictionary.

"Correct again, Ms. Thomas."Sirius heard Flitwick say as he tuned out.

Hermione Granger

Hermione couldn't believe it, and she didn't know how much she wanted to. A reality check on life wouldn't be too useful. With everything she'd been through recently 'life' was only a mere word to describe the indescribable.

Today was going to be hectic for her, between combinations tests and Double Charms… along with her first meeting with Dumbledore. She already knew about Fidelius Charms, so after Flitwick started getting into the logistics of the charm, she tuned out. It would be important for the rest of the class to know (especially the future Potters)… but she had other things to think about in her oh-so-precious time.

"Like Sirius…." Her heart was telling her. But, no… now was not the time to think of his rough, dark hair. It wouldn't lead to a very productive day. No, she didn't know if they were dating or what.. with what she knew about Sirius she could never be sure. She knew he felt something, but she also knew of his reputation. And Hermione wasn't someone to rush into a relationship. Viktor was different… he had wooed her—but she knew in her heart that he would never be the one. And her relationship with Ron… although technically considered non-existent, both of them knew something had been brewing ever sense the big "LevioSA" debacle.

So, bringing her back to Sirius. She didn't want to rush into love and loose… especially with the delicate predicament of the situation. And, with the whole school talking… well she needed to get out of that limelight. That meant a talk with Sirius was in order to figure out where things stood.

"With the rising security issues…", Flitwick brought Hermione back to the 'real' world. The wizarding world in terror. Ahh… she should probably pay some attention. Hermione looked at the clock (or rather an enchanted globe with weather and time, worldwide) on Flitwick's desk. 11:30. They were due out within the next 10 minutes. Flitwick continued "It is vital to understand the necessity of a Fidelius Charm during these times of warfare. You may not always know who to trust, and in this kind of secrecy one can be protected from unwanted visitors." Hermione looked at carefree Lily. Then to foolish James. Yeah, they should be listening. But instead Lily was working on Head Girl papers and James was …well who knows what… with Sirius. By the looks of the elaborate plan, it would be quite the mess for Lily, and probably Hermione, to clean up within the next few days.

Flitwick went on describe a 2 foot essay on the uses of Fidelius Charm due the next class period, while Hermione continued to ponder the events that would unfold in front of her eyes within the next year. 'Year?', she questioned to herself. It was unsure if or when she could ever return home. But she knew she would sometime or another…hopefully.

Ginny Weasley

September 16, 1996

Ginny glanced at her brother, who was sitting with Harry on the other side of the Gryffindor table. Ron had fallen into a depression, and although he wouldn't admit it to himself she knew it was because of Hermione. The boys had had the past few weeks hard, seeing as Hermione wasn't there to do all of their work. Draco Malfoy's ego had only inflated, without Hermione there, he was now the top of the class.

With very few leads as to what Hermione had really gotten herself into, and with the rate of gossip at Hogwarts, it was hard to know what really had happened unless one was really there. That night, Dumbledore had called a meeting with the Order, Harry, Ron, and Ginny. He had already met with Malfoy on the matter and being Malfoy, had not learned much.

Ginny knew that Hermione had been sent back to the late 70's, when James and Lily were at Hogwarts… and she knew that Hermione would be freaking out, considering the fact that she could be changing history. Although no major events had changed, Ginny knew that there was some serious potential there.

So, Snape and Lupin were rounded up... and were being put through memory tests, while Dumbledore worked with Flitwick and McGonagall to find a solution to the problem. The worst part about it was covering up the truth from the public. If the Ministry got involved, all hopes of successfully doing anything would be doomed. Although Scrimegeor was better than Fudge, it wasn't by much. Overall things remained at a need-to-know basis, and Ginny counted herself fortunate for being included.

Which, brought her back to Ron. Ever since the accident he'd refused to play Quidditch, a sport everyone knew he loved. Harry was practically the only one he'd talk to outside of his family and to make matters worse he was barely eating. Ginny hated to say it, but she never thought she'd see the day! Ron's usual semi-muscular, although lanky body was now a twig… an awkwardly tall and ginger twig. In fact, the only thing Ron seemed to be paying attention to was his schoolwork and Prefect duties. The two things that reminded him of Hermione.

"Ron." Ginny called out across the table. She waved her hand in front of his eyes, snapping him out of his trance. "Alright bud, come on, Hermione may not still be here, but you are."

"Bloody hell Ginny! You don't understand" Ron shot back, mad that Ginny had figured out his brooding mood. Ginny laughed to herself thinking 'someone's PMS-ing'.

"I do, Ron. She's my best friend…and I want her back just as much as you do." Ginny persisted.

"You didn't hurt her. I did. You didn't send her to God knows when and God where. I did. You didn't let your stupid effing temper get in the way. You didn't hurt the one girl you were just getting up the courage to ask out. You didn't do any of that Ginny." Ron shot back angrily.

"Ron, it's fine. Our tempers all get the best of us sometimes…" Ginny was trying to console her brother. But he just huffed around and stood up. At that moment, thankfully, Harry stepped in.

"Ron. Chill. We got it, and it's all of our faults for not stepping in. But it's the past it's the effing past and we can't do anything about it now. Nothing. We just have to keep moving forwards and finding a way to get to her." Harry practically yelled. Thank goodness the Great Hall was relatively quiet at this point in time. Ron took a sharp intake of breathe and sat back down.

"Okay… I got you…. .sorry." Except Ginny knew Ron wasn't going to be sorry… he was still distraught. And would be. It just gave Ginny another reason to worry. She turned to her bother…brother….and said "Well, we'll figure something out. We're meeting with the Order soon anyways." Well, technically they weren't, but Ginny could arrange the much needed meeting really anytime necessary. And right now… well it was way necessary.

Ginny started thinking of ideas, things they could do to fix it. And suddenly, it came to her. Her face lit up and she ran out of the Great Hall straight to Dumbledore's office. As she approached the office, she ran straight into Professor McGonagall.

"Goodness me, Ginevra! Where are you going?" McGonagall questioned her.

"Sorry! I was heading to the Headmaster's office! I need to talk to him about….well, about Hermione." Ginny exclaimed, expressing the great urgency in her tone.

"Ahhh," McGonagall let out a sharp breath. "I understand indeed. Well, follow me. I'll let you in." Ginny followed McGonagall to the gargoyle and up the stairs where she rasped on the door. Dumbledore answered the door within seconds saying "Ginevra, Minerva—ahh the essence of rhyme. Welcome, welcome to what do I owe the pleasure?"

"Miss Granger's particular case." McGonagall said—with a stern manner.

"Ahhhh… alas we have not had any progress in coming up with a solution. And, trust me, we have been trying our hardest in the Order." Dumbledore said to Ginny.

"Yes, well actually yeah… I think I might." Ginny responded. Dumbledore, intrigued, sat down and said "Enlighten me, Miss Weasley."

"Harry has told me about your…er… pensieve. I hope you don't mind." Ginny gave a glance to Dumbledore, and he nodded saying 'go ahead'. "Well, I was thinking. There must be some way to take a potion. And well, turn the pensieve into some sort of a time-turner-like-thing. Where, perhaps, you could alter your memory. Thus altering what happened. The logic seems spotty..but given the right potion it could really work."

McGonagall looked eager to explore the idea, but Dumbledore…well his excitement was radiating off his elderly face. "Miss Weasley what a peculiar…although fascinating idea. I've studied the art of time turners, as has Professor Snape been on the for front of time travel potions. That might give us some….communication…. if nothing else with Hermione." He leaned over his desk, grabbing a quill and parchment scribbling a note to Snape and sending it with Fawkes. "We will begin working on it immediately, although I do believe it won't take too long to figure out."

Ginny thought to herself that if anything, they would have word of Hermione. From Hermione. They might not be able to see her, or touch her, or have her with them. But this would be the first step back to Hermione. To her best friend.

Thanks for reading!

Once again, so sorry about the time lapse between updates, but PLEASE REVIEW!