A/N: Casting for this fic is as follows:

Hermione Granger - Emma Watson

Albus Dumbledore - Michael Gambon

Minerva McGonagall – Caitriona Balfe (Greying)

Sirius Black – Ben Barnes

James Potter - Aaron Taylor Johnson

Remus Lupin – Andrew Garfield

Peter Pettigrew – Jamie Bell

Lily Evans- Karen Gillan

Marlene McKinnon – Ashley Benson

Mary MacDonald – Lily Collins

Alice Fawley Longbottom - Carrey Mulligan

Frank Longbottom – Jim Sturgess

Dorcas Meadows – Nathalie Emmanuel

Molly Weasley – Alyson Hannigan

Arthur Weasley – Arthur Davill

Gideon and Fabian Prewett – Eddy Redmayne

Emmeline Vance – Emilia Clarke

Regulus Black – Kit Harrington

Severus Snape – Adam Driver

Fleamont Potter – Frank Langella

Euphemia Potter – Helen Mirren

Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black – Eva Green

Rodolphus Lestrange – Luke Evans

Narcissa Malfoy nee Black – Natalie Dormer

Andromeda Tonks nee Black – Michelle Dockery

Ted Tonks – Bradley James

Lucius Malfoy – Lucas Till

Orion Black – Tobias Menzies

Walburga Black – Lena Headey

Amycus Carrow – Iwan Rheon

Alecto Carrow – Gemma Whelan

Tom Riddle – Cillian Murphy

(Just to give you a visual of how I see these characters, versus how the movie might have portrayed them.)

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, WB Studios or any related characters.

As I suspected, I was sorted into Gryffindor, with the Hat commenting to me how odd it was that he saw in my mind that we had already met. I explained my wishes to be kept in Gryffindor and he complied with mild comments on how my talents were better suited to Slytherin or Ravenclaw. I knew where I was needed though.

McGonagall took me to Ollivander's the day I got out of the Hospital Wing. I had lost my wand at the Manor, still using Bellatrix's old one, knowing someone would surely recognize it. I hid it in the Room of Requirement, hoping never to see it again, but knowing I may sooner than I hoped.

"Professor," Ollivander greeted McGonagall as we entered, "Here with a student I see. Much older than a First Year, too."

"Yes, Miss Hermione Ross, my distant cousin. She's starting her Seventh Year at Hogwarts in September," She lied smoothly. He smiled at me, "Have you owned a wand before my dear?"

"Yes. Vinewood and Thunderbird tail feather. It was taken from me and snapped," I replied. I wasn't sure in reality if my wand had been destroyed but I did not get it back after Malfoy Manor, and I couldn't very well describe the one he had originally sold me.

"Good for Transfiguration," He nodded, still eyeing me curiously.

"Yes," I agreed, "Very good."

"Well then, first thing. We need to measure your arm. Dominant hand out," He asked, grabbing his magical tape. It flicked about and he jotted down the measurements, before bustling back into his store rows. He pulled out a few boxes, setting one down and opening it. I picked up the wand, giving it a little flick, a window break on the storefront at the motion.

"Not that one," He grimaced, handing me another. I went through 10 different wands before he cleaned up the mess, looking pensive. He pulled another box, opening it to reveal my wand. I controlled myself to not snatch it from his hand, waiting for the telltale red sparks. Instead, boxes started flying off the shelves, startling us all. He grabbed it back as my heart sunk.

"I don't believe that was it either," He sighed, as I tried to mask my disappointment. Another pensive look and he looked up suddenly.

"I wonder," He whispered to himself. He climbed up the stairs, and I looked back at McGonagall, who smiled. This was just how Ollivander was, and I knew this already. I was just unprepared for my wand to not accept me. Was my magic broken from traveling back in time?

"Try this one," He spoke softly as he returned, handing a wand to me over the desk, before studying me intently.

As his fingers slipped from the wood, I felt the magic rushing through my body, red sparks erupted from it before I had time to move it an inch. The wand itself was dark wood, polished, with an ornate spiral handle. At the end of the wand, where it sat against the part of my palm above my wrist, a gorgeous stone, polished as well, capped it and made it feel the like pommel of a sword. The stone seemed to pulse slightly, as I felt my mind touched by my magic.

"Curious," He whispered, smiling at me as I felt my magic settle. It thrummed in my chest and fingertips, pulsing with an intensity I had never felt before.

"What's curious?" McGonagall asked, speaking up for me.

"This wand is made of Blackthorn. Blackthorn, which is a very unusual wand wood, has the reputation, in my view well-merited, of being best suited to a warrior. Often they need to pass through danger, or hardship to become truly bonded to their master. At its core, a phoenix feather. Temperamental things, phoenix cores. They are the hardest to tame but hold a stronger power than one would assume. I harvested this feather myself, from the Familiar of your new Headmaster," He smiled, as my eyes widened.

"Fawkes?" I whispered, looking down at the wand. Harry's core had been taken from Fawkes, as well as Voldemort's…

"The phoenix gave one more feather, just one. It brings to light the question of why this wand chose you. When it's brother's owner, holds a darkness inside of him. Perhaps you are the light, the balance to the scales. A wand of this temperament could only be for a truly extraordinary witch," He continued as he nodded, "For only someone who is capable of great things, whose heart was pure, would have been worthy of this wand. I believe we can expect great things from you Miss Ross."

I swallowed thickly before nodding to him, "Thank you, Mr. Ollivander. But for now, I just wish to complete my education."

"For now," He nodded, still smiling as if he knew something he shouldn't about me. Was he a Seer or something? Did I have "I came from the future to stop Voldemort" stamped across my forehead?

"It's curious for other reasons though," He smiled as I got out my money.

"Why?" I asked, my head still spinning from the rush of power I felt with my new wand in hand.

"I woke up several days ago, very early morning," He waved that bit off, "And changed the core from another wand into this one. Something about my original pairing felt off suddenly. Wands are something that I am well versed in, but for some reason, I couldn't understand why I would need to change the cores. It is very unusual for a wandmaker to do so, but it was as if fate had suddenly changed."

I shrugged slightly and said, "Thank you. I have a feeling we'd have been here all day if you hadn't."

"It's also rare for you to use stones," McGonagall spoke, as we all looked to the pommel of my wand at the reminder.

"Another curious feature. I had a stroke of inspiration in the 60's, and this gemstone had only just been discovered in the 20's. It appears to be a new fad amongst the muggles now, with their beliefs in chakras and crystal healing. Labradorite clears and opens chakras, stimulating and magnifying your intention. It is a power gemstone that allows you to see through illusions to determine the actual tangible form of your dreams and goals. Coupled with the core of the phoenix feather, this wand should be a formidable force, for a warrior like yourself."

"My, I dare say we shall be expecting great things from you, my dear," McGonagall teased lightly.

We paid for my new wand, my mind still reeling as we exited the building. Why had my wand not chosen me? My wand's core was brother to Voldemort's when I knew that it should have been Harry's. Holly and phoenix feather, that was the wand meant to destroy Voldemort. How could Ollivander have known to change the wand cores days ago, when I had only just arrived?

"What's the matter dear?" McGonagall asked.

"My old wand. It feels strange to have a new one," I admitted, "And now I share… a connection… It feels wrong."

She patted my shoulder, "Perhaps you were chosen for a reason."

I nodded at her, even though, looking at my wand, I knew I wasn't chosen. I had made a choice. It wasn't fate or destiny that sent me back, it was my willingness to sacrifice my life that activated the Time-Turner.

It wasn't meant to be me.

Summer was a beautiful time to stroll the grounds of Hogwarts, also to acquaint myself with the teachers of this time. Most weren't around all summer, which was good as I wasn't sure I could keep from greeting most of them with a familiarity that they would not suspect from a brand new student. I 'got to know' the way around the castle, even double-checking the Diadem was still in the Room of Requirement.

The ghosts and portraits would be greeting me like an old friend by the end of the summer months. Hagrid and I became fast friends, and he introduced me to the Thestrals and even the centaurs. Firenze was most welcoming, and Hagrid even commended me on the respect I showed the Centaur, as I inclined my head in a slight bow.

As I was of age, McGonagall was fine with me taking small trips around the UK, collecting things I may need. I had to register my Wand and 'renew' my Apparating license at the ministry closer to term starting, but other than that, I was free to come and go during the summer months. I was able to travel with Dumbledore and the two of us took on Tom Riddle's wards for his maternal grandfather's ring.

I was very certain to tell him not to put it on his hand, because I did not want him dying earlier than his time. And as I promised his portrait back in my timeline, I did not allow him to see the ring anyways, in case he realized the stone used was indeed the Resurrection Stone from the tale of the Three Brothers.

If I was correct, the wand he used was the Elder Wand, and I would not allow him to gain all three. No one would be the master of Death this time around. I knew that his past involved Grindelwald and him searching for the Deathly Hallows. I felt good about hiding it because I wouldn't be tempted to use it, as no one I loved was dead.

They just didn't exist yet, or wouldn't know I even existed.

My new lease on life, as I was told to call it, was used to study the times. I gathered clothes from Muggle London, as well as music and books, just to re-acquaint myself with what I could talk about, and what had not come to pass. I also decided that I may need to disappear from the map a time or two without it being suspicious to the Marauders. The Room of Requirement became my haven. I had a Potions lab set up, along with a small library of my own books, a roaring fireplace that reminded me of the Gryffindor common room, and a blooming store of ingredients.

I had the Wolfsbane made, as well as ingredients for my next project. It had come to my attention that I wanted to be able to 'relate' to the boys. So, I was changing my nature to be more open to breaking rules or disregarding them. It would take some time, but I had years of George and Fred's behavior to draw on for inspiration.

For some strange reason, Harry's Invisibility Cloak and the Marauder's Map didn't disappear like I originally thought they would, so I would be able to sneak around the boys if needed. They already existed at this point in time, so why would they still be in my bag? It was puzzling to me, but I rationalized it that I didn't yet exist and I still came back.

With the term starting, McGonagall brought me to Diagon Alley to purchase my necessities for the year. I already had my potions equipment, as well my own supply of pre-made potions such as Pepper-Up, Calming draughts, a few dreamless Sleep vials and a weeks supply of Polyjuice potion. But my robes were needed, as well as setting up my own Gringotts vault. Dumbledore and McGonagall both tried to set me up with a small fund but I declined, explaining I had more than I could possibly need hiding in my purse. Even before Portrait Dumbledore gifted me with the contents of his vault, I had a fair amount of money stashed for our time on the run, so it wasn't a terrible start to my new life here.

I would also be dropped off so that I could take the train with the other students. No need to make me any more of a spectacle by already waiting in the Great Hall by myself.

"Well, who do we have here?" A voice said behind me as I looked around Flourish and Blotts for my textbooks.

I turned, seeing a familiar face and having to do a double-take. There stood a much younger version of Sirius Black, and beside him was James Potter. Young Sirius looked vastly different to his older counterpart. There were not as many laugh lines, nor any wrinkles of fatigue from his years in Azkaban. His hair fell in soft curls to his shoulders; his eyes still the same striking grey while his skin reflected more years of sun exposure. I felt my heart flutter, seeing the familiar smirk playing on his lips, showcasing the fact he wasn't sporting any facial hair, just a light dusting of stubble.

He looked very good with five o'clock shadow.

Turning my head, I quickly observed the Potter I had never met. I could not believe how similar Harry and James looked; except the eyes of course. There were subtle differences, like their jaw structure, and the shape of their noses.

"Padfoot, let the girl shop," James smirked, perusing the shelves as his friend openly ogled me.

"I suggest you put your tongue back in your mouth, if you don't want someone to step on it. Girls don't enjoy watching boys pant after them like dogs," I snipped at his suggestive smile. He looked taken aback as James laughed freely.

"Love, you've made my day! James Potter," He introduced himself after flashing me a dashing smile.

"Hermione Ross," I smiled, shaking Harry's father's outstretched hand.

"Ross, huh? Are you related to dear Minnie?" Sirius asked with his stupid smirk back in place. I rolled my eyes, "Yes, she's my distant cousin, but we decided I would call her my Aunt. It's complicated. Mom married my Dad, a Muggle from France, moved to America... and now I'm back."

"Ah, well that explains why I haven't seen you before. I would have remembered a beauty like you," Sirius flirted, taking my hand and kissing my knuckles. Honestly, if he weren't one of the people I was trying to save, I would have slapped him for his suggestive smile.

"If you are quite done drooling on my hand," I quipped, pulling it out of his grasp.

"Oh, you are exactly like dearest Minnie. Hermione Ross, I am yours!" He sank to his knees dramatically. I looked at James and asked, "How often does he do this?"

"This is new," James smiled, grabbing a Sugar Quill from his bag to munch on, as if eating popcorn, "I want to see how this plays out."

Rolling my eyes I heard a new voice join in, "Really Sirius? Do you have to make a fool of yourself everywhere we go?"

Turning around, I noticed a much younger Remus Lupin. Like Sirius, he wore no facial hair but a dusting of stubble, his face looking much more youthful and less scarred. My heart clenched fiercely at the memory of him lying beside his future wife in the Great Hall, eyes closed forever, never to see his son grow up.

"Hello, Hermione Ross," I greeted him, extending my hand, and shaking my head to rid myself of the horrible memory.

"Remus Lupin. Are you a student?" He asked, noticing my choice of textbooks.

"Yes, Seventh Year at Hogwarts."

"A transfer student, I assume? I haven't seen you before," He commented, making me smile.

"You assume correctly. I attended Ilvermony in America up until this past summer."

"Well, you will love Hogwarts. Have you been Sorted yet?" He smiled kindly.

"Yes. I have actually been staying in the school over the summer. My Aunt thought it would help if I got to know all the passageways before term started."

"You can stay in the school over the summer holidays? Where the fuck has that information been all these years? I would have never gone home," Sirius remarked as he shuffled closer to me on his knees.

"What house?" Remus asked, ignoring Sirius's begging at my feet.

"Gryffindor. You?" I asked politely.

"We are all in Gryffindor. I'm a prefect this year," Remus beamed, "James is Head Boy, though we are not quite sure how he swung that."

"Just because I'm not a swot doesn't mean I can't play by the rules," The spectacled boy sniped.

"You'll be Head Boy and still receiving detention," Remus chuckled to his friend, "Mark my words."

"Ugh, he is such a buzz kill. Hermione, my sweetest, please say you'll be mine," Sirius begged.

"Ah, you'll be rooming with my Lily-flower then, Hermione," James smirked, still watching Sirius act like a lost puppy.

"Oh, your girlfriend?" I asked in a naïve voice. Of course, I knew it wasn't true.

"He only wishes. Please, please kitten? Be mine?" He asked as I looked down on him in shock. Kitten was what Sirius had called me the summer before Fifth Year.

"Kitten? Really?" I asked, confused. In secret, I was flattered at the familiar pet name. But I had only just met the crazed teenage Sirius, not the manic, PTSD suffering Azkaban escapee.

"You remind me of a Mini McGonagall," He smirked, and I rolled my eyes again.

"Well, lovely to meet you Remus, and James. And who did you say you were?" I asked in a bored tone to the handsome young man at my feet.

"Your future husband, Sirius Black," He smirked, as he stood up once more.

"Gee, that sounds lovely. When shall we set the date?" I asked, pretending to be starry-eyed.

"Uh, what date?" He asked, confused by my sudden change in behavior.

"The date for our wedding of course, silly," I teased, changing my voice to mimic Lavender's, watching him pale. James and Remus were shaking in silent laughter as they caught on to my act, while Sirius was still shifting uncomfortably under my stare.

"Gotcha," I smiled coolly before I looked over his shoulder to give a small wave goodbye to James and Remus, "Lovely to meet you both."

"Look for us on the train, if you are taking it, that is," Remus smiled as I backed away to go pay for my books.

"I will be. Aunt Minnie says it's good to socialize," I smirked, watching Sirius's eye twitch, as the boys behind him started howling with laughter.

"I think you've met your match Padfoot," Remus snickered as I got out of earshot. Paying for my books, I quickly made my way down the cobblestone street to where McGonagall was waiting for me outside the Magical Menagerie.

"I trust you found everything?" She asked, with a small smile. I nodded, "Yes I did, Aunt Minerva."

"Wonderful. Shall we head back to the school?"

"I was wondering if Muggle records work on the Gramophone at school? There are a few I'd like to purchase and listen to while studying," I asked, eyeing the music store.

"It does, but it would have to be played low as to not disturb the other students in your dorm," She nodded.

"Of course. I can even put a Silencing charm around myself and the gramophone, so I'm not disturbing anyone," I promised.

"Be quick. I will meet you at the Apparation point," She gave a small gesture with her head. I beamed, bouncing off to peruse the record collection that I found familiar. My parents would put on their old records like ABBA and Elton John, and we'd dance around the living room.

Finding just the ones I was looking for, I paid and stole out of the shop, eager to get back to the school. I had to figure out a way to defeat the Basilisk soon. Of course, Professor Dumbledore was going to help, which would ease my troubles. I wondered if we could possibly just crush it under rocks when suddenly I was falling onto my butt.

"Woah, sorry. I got a bit distracted," A warm voice said, as hands helped me up.

"That's alright. I was daydreaming a bit as well," I smiled up at my obstacle. My smile dropped as I noticed Harry's green eyes staring back at me.

"Oh, are you an ABBA fan too?" The red-headed girl smiled at me, and I nodded, "One of my favorite Muggle bands, aside from Creedence Clearwater Revival, Elton John, The Beatles, Queen-"

"I love Queen! Aren't they just amazing?" She gushed and I laughed as I held out my hand, "They are. I'm Hermione Ross. Do you go to Hogwarts?"

"Lily Evans, and yes, I do. I'm Head Girl this year," She informed me, even though I knew. My copy of Hogwarts: A History had all the information I needed, on who was a prefect and who were top students of the Marauder's graduating class.

"That's wonderful. What house are you in? I'm in Gryffindor," I explained, watching her eyes furrow in confusion.

"I am too. Are you new?" She asked.

"I am, Seventh Year. I transferred from Ilvermony in America. And before you ask, my mother was British; it's where I picked up the accent. It usually prompts questions, so I just like to get it out of the way," I chuckled.

"Wow, I have never heard of a transfer student before. When did you get Sorted into Gryffindor?" She asked inquisitively.

"Over the holiday. My… my parents were killed and I came to Hogwarts because my distant Aunt teaches there. Professor McGonagall," I explained. Her smile dropped as I spoke and she looked sad for me, "I am so sorry."

"It's okay. It's been a few months… but I got to explore the school over the summer. It's fascinating," I offered, steering the conversation to a happier subject.

"Well, there goes my idea of showing you around," She deflated slightly, "But please find me on the train, I can introduce you to the girls in our dorm."

"I will. I have promised to find a few students so far, and from what Aunt Minerva tells me the train ride is quite a few hours. I'll have plenty of time to meet everyone in our year hopefully."

"Who have you met already?" She smiled.

"Remus Lupin, James Potter and Sirius Black. Though I'm sure Black has a few screws loose. Got down on his knees in the middle of Flourish and Blotts and begged me to be his. Bit of a drama king, that one," I joked and she laughed heartily.

"Oh yes. They are trouble by the way. They call themselves the Marauders, along with another boy in our year, Peter Pettigrew. And James Potter is an absolute toe-rag," She huffed, "Both he and Black are bullies. I would avoid them if you could."

"Ah, so that's what Sirius meant," I smiled, "James called you his Lily-flower and Sirius said, "He only wishes!"

"I'm not his. He is extremely immature. Pulling pranks, bullying my… former friend… He can take a long walk off a short pier for all I mind," She rolled her eyes.

"Well, I can help talk him down when he's being over-zealous in his love professions," I offered.

"Wonderful! Oh, the girls will love you," She beamed, "Do try to find me on the train or the platform before the boys do. I just want to hold it over their heads that you chose us first."

I chuckled, "I will try, but that Sirius Black is like a dog with a bone. I had to switch tactics on him to get him to stop drooling on my shoes."

"Do tell," She giggled.

"I have to get back to my Aunt. If you walk with me to the Apparation point, I can," I offered. She agreed and I began to tell her about my first experience with ¾ of the Marauders.

By the time we reached McGonagall, we were both in tearful laughter at Sirius Black's behavior.

"My dear, you seem to have met Miss Evans," My 'fake Aunt' smiled at us.

"Indeed I have, Aunt Minvera."

"Hello, Professor. How was your summer?" Lily asked.

"It was quiet. Though Hermione's move-in was the most exciting part. She's been a handful," McGonagall teased and I fake sputtered, "Auntie, I have been an absolute angel!"

"She has been. Quietest thing and she and Professor Dumbledore get on like a house on fire, which worries me greatly," She told Lily who giggled.

"That's wonderful. You already know your teachers this year then?"

"Yes. Professor Slughorn has already roped me into his Slug Club," I laughed, "Caught me making Madam Pomfrey a few things and wouldn't let me leave the dungeons until I accepted."

"Perfect, now I have someone to go with," She offered.

"Sounds perfect. It was lovely to meet you, Lily. See you on the train!" I smiled, quickly stepping back to follow McGonagall.

"See you then," She waved.