A/N: Wow, I keep getting more and more surprised by the amazing feedback! 31 favorites, 63 follows and 21 reviews! You guys are awesome! I wish everyone that followed would also review but I digress haha. Just remember: if you review, you get a PM with a hint from the next chapter! Enjoy! (P.S. Please ignore the weird pagebreaks. Microsoft Wore threw them in and I couldn't figure out how to get rid of them. I tried EVERYTHING! My page breaks will always be the dashes and periods. Anything else is to be ignored.)
-.-.-
Tuesday. August 26, 1975.
It had been a quiet day at Potter Palace. James had spent most of the morning rushing to finish his holiday homework, "So I can concentrate on perfecting the Gryffindor Quidditch team's victory!" he claimed. Hermione laughed at his passion and studied in the massive library in the west wing.
She had missed lunch, and with no idea what time it was Hermione decided to venture back to the main part of the house. Opening the door to the living room, she was startled to see Professor Dumbledore sitting, quite nonchalantly on the couch, having an animated conversation with Charlus.
"There's the girl of the hour!" exclaimed Charlus. Dumbledore stood to greet her formally and she saw it: The Sorting Hat.
It was looking at her...or at least she thought it was. Did it really have eyes? It always kind of made her squirm a bit.
"Are you ready to get Sorted, Hermione?" Dumbledore asked, his blue eyes twinkling.
Hermione felt her nerves acting up, and she had to remind herself she had already been through this once. It'll be fine. She nodded to the old wizard. Nothing to worry about; just calm your mind, like last time…
Dumbledore summoned a stool for her and she sat, trying not to look anxious.
It took a few seconds for anything to happen, and she realized the Hat was looking into her mind.
Ah, hello again, Miss Granger
You… you remember me?
Well, no, but you remember me. And I see everything that you see.
Oh. Right.
A Gryffindor, eh? I see the bravery in your heart, but I also see the knowledge in your mind. You are quite the Ravenclaw aren't you?
If it had been a conversation, Hermione wouldn't know what to say. Now, Hermione didn't know what to think. She just wanted this to get over with, and fast.
Although your loyalty is strong as well. You are quite a sight, hmm? Well, either way, I don't see how you will change anything.
What?
I see your mission, Miss Granger. And I fear there is nothing you can do.
But I have to! I have to change history! I have to because…because this is the most important thing in the world! I can't fail. I refuse.
That must be the Gryffindor in you talking.
Had Hermione noticed, she would see the bemused expression on Charlus and Dumbledore's faces. Instead, she concentrated on what the mysterious hat was trying to tell her.
I will be happy with wherever you put me. I was happy in Gryffindor before, and I trust you to put me wherever you see fit. But please, tell me why you don't think I can change history?
The hat chuckled, You poor child. You have no idea what you're up against. Either way, you'd be best suited for…
"Gryffindor!"
Hermione physically deflated with relief, but felt puzzled. Has that old hat gone mad? Or can he see the future?
"I'm so proud of you, Hermione!" Charlus said, placing a warm hand on her shoulder. "I was in Gryffindor myself, you know, as is James!"
Hermione forced a smiled at the eldest Potter before glancing at the Headmaster.
"Well done, Miss LaBaugh. I'm sure you'll be quite happy with your Housemates, wild as they may be," Dumbledore said.
"Thank you, Professor. And thank you, Charlus. I'm sure I'll be fine as well," she replied.
"Albus and I have been talking for quite some time before you came back to Earth," Charlus teased, "You'll ride the Hogwarts Express and take the carriages with James to the castle."
Hermione silently nodded, happy with anything they had agreed upon. Oh, to be at Hogwarts again, she thought wishfully.
The men continued to talk for a few minutes, and Hermione stared intently at the Sorting Hat. The Hat returned the eye contact until Dumbledore placed it in a travelling case and excused himself from the home.
"Thank you again for having me, Charlus. I hope you are adjusting well, Miss LaBaugh."
Charlus shook the Headmaster's hand and Hermione nodded with a smile.
"Oh! Almost forgot. As per your wishes, your parent's home in France was sold, along with the furniture and such. The proceeds have been put into a Gringotts account for you." Dumbledore reached into his pocket and pulled out a golden key and slip of parchment. "Here's everything you need. I'll see you September first then, Hermione," he added before Disapparating with a faint pop.
"I think we'll have to celebrate then!" Charlus said happily.
"Celebrate?"
"Why yes! You're a Gryffindor now! A true Potter! This is a perfect reason to celebrate. Why don't you go find James and tell him your great news? Tell him to invite the other boys, we can all have a nice dinner together, whatever you want! Name your favorite foods and you shall have them!"
"Mr. Potter-"
"Charlus."
"Charlus… I really don't need a big dinner or anything. I haven't even done anything yet."
"Oh Hermione. You didn't have to do anything! We will be celebrating what's inside you! Being a Gryffindor is something to be celebrated. Now no more backtalk," Charlus teased again, "Please find James and tell Mopsy what you want for your celebratory dinner."
-.-.-
"Alright, I've owled Sirius, and Floo'ed Remus and Peter. Sirius is going to stay for the rest of the summer. Remus can stay the night but Peter's on restriction, so he can only stay for dinner."
Hermione quirked an eyebrow in interest, "Why is Peter on restriction?"
James simply shrugged, "Didn't ask."
Of course not Hermione thought bitterly. She let her thoughts wander as she waited for dinnertime to arrive. Could she ever get over her disgust for Peter Pettigrew? Could she prevent his betrayal and, in turn, save the Potters? She wasn't sure about the first, but she was determined to accomplish the second.
With a whoosh and a green flash, James eyes lit up. "Sirius is here!" he shouted and ran from her bedroom.
Pushing her aggravation aside, even for just the meal, Hermione followed after at a slower pace. When she entered the living room and saw the two best friends talking energetically, she longed to see Harry and Ron again. They were never particularly loquacious, but they had a bond very similar to James and Sirius: strong, brotherly love that nothing could come between and Hermione felt a pang of saddened jealousy. The closest she ever had to that kind of relationship was with Harry, but it was so incredibly different, it didn't compare in the least. She wanted that kind of bond. She wanted to laugh and joke and wrestle… Okay, maybe not wrestle, but she definitely wanted to feel that kind of love.
-.-.-
"We have all gathered here tonight to celebrate the arrival of a new member into the proud house of Gryffindor," Charlus said, standing at the head of the table in the formal dining room.
The Marauders cheered, stomping their feet, and either clanging spoons on their glasses or drumming on the table. Dorea's face was alighted with happiness, easily inferred by the sparkle in her eyes and large smile. Charlus bowed gracefully and the raucous boys quieted.
"Every Potter that has ever attended Hogwarts was a Gryffindor – except my lovely wife, sorry dear – and I am a very proud man today. As everyone here knows, Dorea and I had a difficult time conceiving, and an even more difficult time with her pregnancy," Charlus stared pointedly at James, a teasing gleam in his eye, "Nonetheless, I am pleased to announce that my new daughter will follow in the Potter's footsteps and join the noble house of Gryffindor!"
The boys cheered again, and even Dorea joined in this time. Hermione blushed but couldn't stop, even laughing at their excitement.
"Welcome, Hermione, to Gryffindor!" Charlus added, looking down at her with a smile and a glint in his eye. Hermione beamed, standing to give him a proper hug. He kissed the top of her head and gave her one last slight squeeze. "I'm so proud of you," he whispered in her ear. She nodded silently, trying not to cry in happiness. She sniffled back her emotions and returned to her seat, Charlus doing the same.
Mopsy served the first course of Stilton salad and the group of seven chatted excitedly. Hermione munched on her salad, glancing at Peter as inconspicuously as possible during the louder bits of conversation.
After the main course and everyone was a bit fuller, the talking dwindled into small talk. Hermione enjoyed watching James, who was to her left, and Sirius, sitting across from James, pick on each other before transitioning to planning a prank under their breath.
Dessert filled everyone to the brim and everyone was excused to the sitting room. Hermione had been lucky so far; she only had to acknowledge Peter's presence when they were introduced at the beginning of the night, as he had made no effort to speak to her in the least.
Charlus and Dorea found comfort in the loveseat, while Hermione sat in a wingback and the Marauders squished onto the couch, sans Peter who sat on the floor in front of them. They told stories of pranks they pulled, particularly one where they tricked the Captain of the Slytherin Quidditch team to forfeit a game.
"That one took special ingenuity!" Sirius exclaimed enthusiastically.
James chuckled, "Yes, and we have Remmy to thank for that part! He's brilliant, ya know!"
'Remmy' blushed and hid his face in a throw pillow. The grandfather clock in the corner chimed, signaling Peter's time to return home.
"It was nice meeting you," Hermione said politely, a false smile playing on her lips.
"You too. And...uh...welcome to Gryffindor." Peter replied, giving a small wave to everyone else and disappearing into the fireplace.
James, Sirius, Remus, and Hermione gathered in James' room, decked out in pajamas of t-shirts and cotton pants for the boys, and a soft lilac set for Hermione. She taught them Muggle games like Truth or Dare, Twenty Questions, and Never Ever Have I Ever. Hermione and Remus tied as the winners, or "Most Innocent" as Sirius and James called them. They joked, talked, and drank past the late hours of the night and into the early hours of the day.
-.-.-
Long after their mini-party, and well before Sirius and Remus would wake, James and Hermione sat talking in her room.
"What's wrong, 'Mione? You were awfully quiet at dinner."
Hermione shrugged, refusing to make eye contact, and instead found interest in a loose thread dangling from her shirt.
"C'mon… You can tell me. I'm your brother now. What is it?"
The bushy-haired witch reluctantly met his eyes. She stared into the face that would eventually belong to Harry and physically shuttered. James' eyes flashed with worry, "This is something serious, isn't it?"
Still unable to speak, she simply nodded.
"Is it my parents? Did they push the dinner too far?" Hermione shook her head. "Is it Sirius? Did he say something that bothered you?" Hermione shook her head again. "Is it Remus?"
"No, of course not!" she replied, finally finding her voice. Perhaps a bit too defensive,she thought, He doesn't know that I know. I'm not supposed to know Remus' secret.
"Then what is it? Is it Peter?"
Hermione's voice failed her again and her eyes dropped to the floor. The pair sat in silence for a moment: Hermione hoping the topic of discussion would change and James waiting for his sister to elaborate.
"Well?" he pushed softly.
She sighed through her nose and closed her eyes. Playing with the thread on her shirt again, Hermione shrugged a second time. "I don't know, James. It's not even something he did, or said. It's just…him. There's something about him I don't like."
The raven-haired boy scrunched his eyebrows and twisted his lips in thought. "What do you mean?"
Hermione sighed again, more aggravated now. "I don't know, James! It's just something about him I can't quite put my finger on."
He couldn't push the subject anymore, he knew that much. Hermione had come so far in the little time she had been with them at Potter Palace, and he didn't want to jeopardize a relapse in her recovery for something as silly as being uncomfortable around Peter.
"Alright… but you're okay with Remus?" he asked, seemingly innocent.
Hermione choked out a laugh, "Yes, I like Remus. He has been nothing but kind to me, and we share a taste in books. And he's not as obnoxious as you," she teased, elbowing him humorously.
James smirked and elbowed her back, soon tickling her sides until she fell over in fits of giggles and cried, "Mercy!"
-.-.-
Monday. September 1, 1975.
"Oh good Merlin, James! We're going to be late!" Dorea shouted up the stairs. Hermione at her side with her trunk, the women of the house were ready and waiting on the boys.
"We're coming, Mum! I swear!" a voice echoed down.
"Well I suggest you hurry up! If you miss the train, I will shove you through the platform whether it's closed or not!"
A moment later, Sirius and James ran down the stairs, pulling their trunks behind them. Charlus rushed into the room, checking the watch on his wrist. "Let's Side-Along, Dorea. We can't afford the time it takes to Floo."
Dorea took Hermione and Sirius' hands while Charlus grasped James. Two pops later and they were in an alley next to King's Cross. "Hurry along, now!" Dorea urged, scooting them into the station.
Once through the platform, with a brief explanation from Charlus, Hermione reveled in the sight of the students and parents rushing onto the train.
"That's the Hogwarts Express, dear," Dorea explained.
"And it's about to leave, so give hugs and be on your way. Make sure you write, keep your grades up, try not to get too many detentions," Charlus joked. Dorea elbowed him in the stomach and he clutched it with a smile.
"I'll write. And keep my grades up. But with James around, I'm not sure if I can keep myself out of detentions," Hermione said with a laugh. James glared at her mockingly before bursting into laughter.
The train horn blew and the three of them clambered aboard. Finding Remus and Peter was easier than she anticipated, and soon all five of them had a quiet compartment near the middle of the train.
"Hey Hermione, hey guys," Remus said with a smile. Peter offered a tight-lipped grin and sat in silence.
"Scoot over, will you?" Hermione asked Remus, even though there was enough room between him and Peter. Remus cocked an eyebrow in confusion and James caught his eye, giving him a look. Remus did as he was asked, and Hermione took a seat.
Sirius, James, and Peter started a game of Exploding Snap, while Remus and Hermione read quietly.
"So what's the first prank of the year?" James asked.
"I was thinking something along the lines of a potion, slipped into the Slytherins' morning pumpkin juice. Perhaps turn their hair into lion's manes," he said with a smirk.
Hermione smiled at the thought, but couldn't help the roll of her eyes. "You guys are so immature," she said, still grinning.
"Oh, don't tell me. You think pranks are immature and stupid, don't you?" Sirius responded. "Looks like we've got another Evans on our hands."
"Hey, I can take a joke! I just think your time could be spent doing better things-"
"Like Quidditch?" Peter piped.
"Like studying," Hermione said pointedly. Peter squirmed in his seat. "Or changing the world."
"Changing the world?" James asked incredulously.
"Yes, changing the world."
"You realize we're only 15, right? No 15-year-old students ever changed the world," he said laughing.
Hermione's eyebrows furrowed. By the time she was fifteen in her old life, she had escaped a troll, been petrified, saved Sirius and Buckbeak (her stomach jolted), helped Harry through the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and started both S.P.E.W. and Dumbledore's Army. Couldn't these brilliant boys put their time and effort into something like S.P.E.W.?
An hour later, the door to their compartment opened and Lucius Malfoy had a smirk that would eventually be passed down to his son.
"Ahh, here are the Gryffindorks," he drawled. "Oh look, they brought the new Mudblood." The two boys behind him chuckled.
James, Remus and Sirius were on their feet faster than Hermione could blink.
"Take it back, Malfoy!" James said, barely being held back by Remus.
Hermione tugged Sirius into his seat, "It's not worth it," she warned harshly. "Just ignore him."
"I mean it, Malfoy. You can't talk about my sister that way," James added, glaring fiercely at the blond Slytherin.
"And what are you gonna do about it?"
Rolling her eyes, Hermione stood up. "No one was bothering you. You came here and bothered us. I recommend you continue to another compartment," she said, like a politician.
"How dare you speak to me, Mudblood! Who do you think you are?"
Sirius was on his feet again, Remus and Peter were holding his arms to keep him from attacking. James, on the other hand, was face-to-face with Lucius and he pulled out his wand. Malfoy was just as quick, and soon they were staring each other down, threatening each other with magic.
"Apologize," James said through gritted teeth.
Lucius glared, and Hermione wasn't sure what to do.
"James, it's not worth it. He's not worth it," she said, placing her hand on his elbow. He loosened his grip on his wand, nostrils flaring in anger, but slowly lowered his arm.
Malfoy followed suit. "Looks like she's already got you whipped."
"Just leave, Malfoy!" Hermione shouted, eyebrows furrowing in annoyance. She'd saved his arse once already, she wasn't sure she'd do it again.
Lucius lowered his wand, "Better watch your back," he said, and promptly strolled down the hallway and out of sight.
James was regaining control of his breath, although his face still seemed to be fuming, and he took his seat.
"Hermione's right. He's not worth it," Remus piped up. Everyone looked at him. "Well, he's not. What's a few spells going to do, really? Get us in a lot of trouble, that's what. And we haven't even got to school yet."
Hermione gave him a small smile in appreciation. He returned the gesture before reaching into his trunk. "I'm going to get my school robes on. I have a Prefect meeting, then rounds. I'll be back afterwards, if there's time," Remus said before leaving the compartment.
She didn't particularly want to sit next to Peter, but it seemed there was no choice. James was out of his mind and Sirius seemed too preoccupied with his thoughts to move.
"I can't believe you just let him call you that," Sirius muttered, staring out the compartment window.
Hermione shrugged, looking to the floor as if it were suddenly the most interesting thing on the planet. "It's nothing new to me, Sirius. People have been calling me that for years. You get used to it."
"You shouldn't have to get used to it, 'Mione. It's a disgusting word, and Malfoy deserves to get his mouth washed out with soap!" James shouted.
Peter was strangely quiet, and Hermione chanced a glance at him. He shrugged his shoulders sheepishly, "It is a nasty word," he mumbled, and his watery eyes gave Hermione the chills.
She tried to hold back a roll of her eyes. "It doesn't bother me anymore. Honest. And it shouldn't bother you, either. Has anyone ever called you that before?" she waited for an answer. No one spoke. "That's what I thought. So you don't know how it feels. Malfoy's just being a… a prick. Don't let him get to you; it's what he wants," she added, finality in her voice.
Eventually, the three boys started a new game of Exploding Snap and the trolley came along. Dorea must have slipped money into her pockets during their hug, because the four of them had a handsome helping of snacks, and even Remus, who stopped in during his rounds, enjoyed a Chocolate Frog before returning to his duties.
-.-.-
"So when am I going to meet the infamous Lily Evans?" Hermione asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips as she and the Marauders climbed into a carriage. She still couldn't see Thestrals, not that it bothered her. James' face broke into a grin.
"Oh, I'd say fairly soon. I wouldn't be surprised if you shared a dorm," her brother replied.
The ride to the castle was bumpier than she was used to, but enjoyed the company of the only friends she had. She let her mind wander to her new dormmates. Would they be nice, like she'd always imagined Harry's mother to be? Would they be prissy and dramatic, like Lavender and Parvati?
Before she knew it, they were exiting the carriages and walking into the Great Hall. James was pointing things out to her, while Peter struggled to keep up with their larger steps.
"It's not really the night sky-"
"It's only enchanted to look like it. I know, James. I read about it in Hogwarts; A History" she said, grinning.
"You read during the holidays?" Peter asked, nearly shocked.
Hermione tried not to laugh, "Yes." Peter's eyes grew wide.
"I wish I had that kind of motivation," he mumbled under his breath.
They found their seats at the Gryffindor table and waited for the Sorting to begin. When the last of the last of the first years were called and Sorted, the Headmaster made his usual beginning-of-the-year speech. He introducing the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher, Professor Dawson, and the feast began.
James piled food on his plate as if it was his last meal. Hermione watched, incredulously. How very 'Ron' of him she thought sadly.
"Oi! Potter!" a female voice called from the left. James and Hermione looked over to see a brunette girl sitting next to Lily Evans. "Is that her?" she asked, pointing to Hermione with her fork.
James nodded, mouth too stuffed with food to respond properly.
"Hello. I'm Rose. Rose Capulet," the girl said, her chocolate eyes smiling.
"Capulet? As in-?"
"Yes, as in Shakespeare. I love Shakespeare. My dad let me change my name for my eleventh birthday present. I chose Rose, as in 'A rose by any other name would smell as sweet,' and Capulet as in…well, that's a bit obvious I think," she said with a smile.
Hermione returned the gesture, "I'm named after a Shakespeare character as well. A less-known one though, of course."
"Oh, you're muggleborn, then?" asked another girl. She had a darker complexion with a golden afro. "Fantastic! Not enough of them in the school, I say. Lily's a muggleborn as well," the girl said, elbowing the redhead next to her. Lily looked up, and Hermione saw the emerald eyes she had been both dreading and anticipating for the past month and a half. Lily offered a warm smile.
"I'm Jubilee," said Afro-girl, "and this is Lily Evans. That's Marian Whittle," she added, pointing to a blonde girl across from her, only a few seats down from Hermione. Marian waved happily, sipping from her goblet of pumpkin juice. "We'll be sharing a dorm with you. I wasn't sure if Dumbledore would be filling the fifth bed, at least not after what happened to…-" Jubilee stopped, a worried expression on her face. Hermione's curiosity kicked in.
"To..?"
Marian leaned back to see Hermione, "Jacquelyn; she sent us all an owl over the summer, saying she wouldn't be coming back to school this year. Said she'd be out for at least nine months…" she explained, a very thoughtful look spread on her face. Hermione's eyebrows shot up, and Sirius' attention was caught.
"Jackie was…?-"
"Is," Jubilee corrected.
Sirius looked sad and Hermione felt awkward. Did her arrival in this timeframe change Jacquelyn's life to fit Hermione in? Did the universe kick Jacquelyn out of Hogwarts, just to fit Hermione into it? A pang of guilt hit her stomach, and suddenly she didn't want to eat anymore.
Jubilee sent Sirius a smile of pity and went back to eating. Soon, she was chatting animatedly to Lily and occasionally trying to strike up conversation with Remus, who sat two seats away from her. It seemed everyone brushed off this discover of information, and Hermione was ready for bed. It had been a long day.
-.-.-
"Gather round, everyone, gather 'round!" James shouted from the top of a table. The Gryffindor Common Room was alight with life, as students from every year were listening to him.
Hermione, having never seen a spectacle like this in her time at Hogwarts, listened intently. Remus sat in a chair at the table, his face propped by his elbow and shaking his head. Sirius gleamed his most charming smile and the girls gathered close to him.
James pretended to straighten his tie. "It's that time of year again, and we must place our money on what we truly believe in. We must use the magical intuition Merlin gave us to the best of our abilities and finance what we as wizards and witches can wholeheartedly agree upon."
The group of girls near Sirius giggled and twitted their girly whispered comments to each other. They have no shame, Hermione thought.
"Oh first years, my dear first years. Pull the knuts, sickles, and galleons from your pocket! Raise your hand high! This is where we place our wagers on our new D.A.D.A. professor! Come one, come all! Come place your bets on how he will go!"
Hermione's jaw dropped, "He takes bets on the outcome of the Defense teacher? That's completely barbaric!" she said to Rose.
The brunette nodded, "I know, but also kind of interesting. People will put their money on the craziest things: bludgeoned by a troll," Hermione hid a smirk, "drowned by the Mer-people, caught in bed with a student…" Rose trailed off, naming the most ridiculous outcomes for the poor DADA professor.
Eventually, everyone said their good nights.
"We'll wait for you for breakfast, Hermione. Don't want you to get lost in the castle. It's bigger than it looks," Remus said thoughtfully. She smiled, knowing too much.
"More like I'll wait for you. Knowing James, he'll sleep right through breakfast!"
Remus and Sirius burst into laughter, Peter following along, not quite getting the humor in it.
Hermione made her way up the girls' staircase and found the dorm she slept in a year prior. It looked the same, except for the people she would be sharing with.
The girls silently changed into their pajamas, brushed their teeth and climbed into bed. Exhaustion overcame her, and Hermione fell asleep easily.
-.-.-
(Published 12/13/12)
