A/N: I am so sorry that I haven't updated lately. I did just get out of the hospital a few days ago with a brand new baby, so I've been a little distracted haha. Two chapters this week to make up for my forgetfulness

Disclaimer: I do not own the Harry Potter series, WB or any of its characters.

That night at the Sorting Ceremony, Dumbledore shot me a look before standing up to give his opening remarks. He started off with the usual welcome, the rules, and before he announced dinner to begin, he smiled my way.

"We also, have a new student. One who has returned to her mother's homeland from America. A Seventh Year, and she chose to be sorted during the summer when she arrived. Miss Hermione Ross, previously of Ilvermony, Gryffindor," He gestured towards me, "Please make her feel welcome. And now, tuck in."

"Did you have Houses at Ilvermony?" Alice asked as the food appeared and people began filling their plates, "I don't know much about America's wizarding community myself."

"Yes. Horned Serpent, Wampus, Thunderbird and Pukwudgie," I explained grabbing a leg of chicken, a dollop of mashed potatoes and a scoop of green beans. After months on the run, I was taking advantage of someone else cooking my meals. I felt like Ron during the summer here, when I would continuously eat as I trained.

"Which were you?" Lily asked.

"I was a Thunderbird," I smiled, "Really, it would be the equivalent of Gryffindor, so I wasn't surprised by my sorting here."

"It just means you were meant to be here," Mary beamed.

"Do they have a sorting hat?" I heard Dorcas ask from across the table.

"No, actually. We stand on a Gordian Knot on the floor, and the carved totems would choose you by glowing or moving. Sometimes, multiple houses can choose you and you get to pick which one you'd like. I was chosen by Wampus, Horned Serpent and Thunderbird. It was quite a difficult choice," I explained, "But then we got to be chosen by our wands in the Great Hall, which is equally as exciting."

I chatted with my new friends about my fake old school, giving them just enough information to satisfy their curiosity, while keeping a watchful eye around the room.

Constant vigilance, Moody's voice rang in my head.

A note appeared next to my plate, and I quickly plucked it away before anyone saw, reading it when I thought no one was looking.

Your hair looks lovely.

I felt heat rise in my cheeks, and I quickly stuffed the note up my sleeve, not wanting to look around to see who sent it. I knew the penmanship from Harry's letters from a certain Animagus. Lily beside me gave a questioning look, as I set my jaw and straightened up in my seat, doubling my concentration on the conversation about Dorcas's summer vacation to Germany.

As the Feast was finished, Lily had to go help direct the First Years, with the rest of us going straight to the portrait. The Fat Lady greeted me with a soft smile as I gave the password.

"How did you know where to go?" Peter's voice asked me, as I stood in front of the fire a moment.

"Oh, I've been here all summer. I learned all the little intricacies of the castle. I even found a few shortcuts to my classes. Timed myself too, so I knew how long it would take me," I smiled at him. He nodded, "Were you serious, about helping me?"

"Of course I was Peter. You are my friend now, and my friends don't get left behind," I voiced honestly.

"Thank you, Hermione," He beamed.

"You are welcome, Peter. Now, it's been a long, exciting day, but I feel quite drained. Goodnight," I bid him, as Sirius flopped onto the couch with James.

"Oh but Kitten, we were going to play a game of Exploding Snap, won't you join us?" Sirius smiled, giving me a little wink.

"Thank you, but no. I am quite tired. Goodnight, you three."

"Goodnight," James smiled, pulling a deck of cards out of his bag as I moved to the stairs.

"G'night," Peter nodded, sitting in an armchair.

"Until tomorrow, fair Hermione!" Sirius proclaimed loudly and dramatically dropping to one knee, scaring the group of First Years that Lily and Remus were directing into the Common Room. I locked eyes with Lily and crossed my own in exasperation, making her giggle, before pulling myself up the stairs. McGonagall had already transfigured the room to appear bigger, a sixth bed already made for me, with my trunk at the end of it.

The girls were already getting ready for the night, and I suddenly remembered that I had to take a Dreamless Sleep potion tonight, lest I wake everyone up with my night terrors. As I pulled my sleepwear out of my trunk, I quickly downed the potion when I knew no one might be watching. I brushed my teeth, as Marlene came into the washroom, humming to herself.

"So, Hermione," She started, pulling her hair up into magical rollers, "Are you ready for your first Rubies sleepover?"

"I believe I am. I watched you all stuff your bags with sweets at the feast, so I assume there will be an assortment," I teased. She laughed, "Of course! Now, can I set your hair for tomorrow?"

"Alright, do you want me to get it wet first?" I asked, unsure. I'd never used curlers before.

"No, I have a quick spell. I can do it in the room while we all talk," She waved me off, "I won't keep you in here."

"Alright," I nodded, grabbing my things to put back in my trunk. My beaded purse was tucked carefully under my pillow, where I could keep it close during the night. I didn't believe one of the girls would go snooping, but after months of looking over my shoulder and having it attached to my side, it felt wrong to not have it next to me.

"I swear they get smaller and smaller each year," Lily sighed as she came into the room.

"Ah, the joys of us growing. Everyone gets smaller," Mary quipped, and Dorcas snorted.

"You know what I mean. They were so small and cute," Lily cooed, "I wish I had a younger sibling."

"No, you don't they are the worst," Marlene commented as she walked in, "My older sisters were a nightmare, but there is a special word for my little brother. Satan."

The girls all laughed, probably knowing exactly what Marlene was talking about, making me chuckle as well.

"I wish I had siblings too. But my Mum and Dad decided I was enough of a handful for them," I smiled, as I sat down on my trunk. Marlene sat behind me on the end of my bed, setting up the curlers.

"Sometimes I wish I had younger siblings," Dorcas nodded in agreement with me, "My older brothers are awful. Especially disgusting growing up."

"Well, I want my children to have siblings," Lily announced, flopping onto her stomach, facing the rest of us.

"How many kids do you want?" I asked, wanting to know what her plans had been, before her demise in my timeline. Reckless, but my curiosity did get the better of me at times.

"I wanted 3 for the longest time. But maybe just two," She smiled, looking wistfully at the ceiling, "How many kids do you want Hermione?"

"I liked the thought of two as well, but right now… I can't make plans. The future is uncertain and I'd rather just let things fall where they may. Whatever happens, happens," I shrugged. I was lying through my teeth, as I knew what was going to happen and how to prevent things. As well as, I clearly had made a decision to jump back in time and fix things, effectively not letting things fall where they may.

"That's a good outlook," Mary smiled, "I want two."

"Three for me!" Dorcas spoke up, finishing setting up our treats for the evening.

"I'm partial to one, but I don't know. I may end up having a whole brood," Alice teased, making Mary giggle, "A house full of Longbottom's."

"Don't tease! But I really like the name Neville for a boy," She admitted.

"That's a wonderful name," I smiled at her. She blushed, "Thank you, Hermione. Frank likes it too."

"I don't think I want them," Marlene said behind me and I asked, "Why is that?"

"A lot of work. I can be the fun Aunt, but I'm not really maternal," She admitted, "I'd rather travel without dragging along children everywhere too."

"I guess asking you to babysit is out of the question," Lily teased as she grabbed a few treats.

The girls talked about a million different things that night, and Marlene had rolled my hair up tightly, giving me instructions for the next morning if she wasn't up yet. She had smiled and said, "A certain Black won't be able to take his eyes off of you tomorrow."

Of course, the girls giggled as I blushed and told them I wasn't interested and gave the lame excuse of my studies. In truth, it thrilled me in a very secret part of my heart that Sirius found me pretty.

It had always been a sore subject for me, not being a conventional beauty like Marlene, Lily or even Ginny. My life as a witch had been devoted to learning and research for Harry. Now I had a small window to prevent him from being an orphan, to prevent Sirius from going to Azkaban, and to bring down Voldemort once and for all.

I had no time for romance. He was too dashing for his own good.

The next morning I awoke at my normal time, my body clock falling back into a schedule with the familiarity of my surroundings. I pulled out the curlers, leaving them on Marlene's trunk, dressing quietly before brushing my teeth and collecting my bookbag.

I carefully left the dorm, tiptoeing down the stairs and towards the portrait door. I saw the Fat Lady was sleeping, so I closed it quietly, before taking off towards the kitchens. I didn't encounter anybody yet, and I was quite happy that I was the first one up. It would give me a chance to gather my thoughts for the day.

"Miss Hermione!" Mipsy smiled as I walked into the kitchen.

"Hello Mipsy, how are you today?" I asked, placing my bag down at the small table.

"Mipsy is well, Miss. How can Mipsy help you today?" She asked excitedly.

"I am wondering if the boys already came to see you?" I winked.

"Yes Miss, last night. Gave me a little potion to put in everyone's drinks," She nodded, "Even the teachers. Mipsy does not feel good about that."

"Okay, well, can you please exclude the girls in my year and house, and the teachers? They don't fancy having colored hair the first day of classes."

"Oh Miss! We play a prank on them," She jumped in anticipation.

"Yes, why not give us the boys' untainted drinks, and they get a taste of their own medicine," I smiled.

"Sounds like fun Miss. Shall Mipsy send yours up now?"

"Just a cuppa for me please," I nodded, "And thank you. I should love to come see you tonight and make some desserts together."

"Mipsy would like that very much Miss," She nodded enthusiastically.

"Wonderful! I will see you tonight then," I promised, grabbing my bag, "Oh drat."

"What is it Miss?" Mipsy asked.

"I just forgot I have to go grab something," I sighed, "Goodbye Mipsy. I hope you have a good day!"

"Goodbye Miss!" I heard as I exited the kitchen. Sneaking my way up to the 7th floor, I passed by the wall three times, thinking about my secret space and needing something from it.

"Ah, home sweet home," I sighed, flopping down on the couch for a second. I looked around the room, I knew I wouldn't be getting much use out of it the first few weeks. I had to be present around people, not sneak off. Another thing that would be awful would be working around the Maurader's Map. There were two in this time, one in the boys' care and the other, in my beaded purse along with a duplicate (or original if you thought about it) of the Potter family invisibility cloak.

If the boys were out and about, and saw me on the map, but didn't see me, they would get suspicious.

"I cannot wait to take this stupid leaf out," I muttered to myself, still tasting it every time I swallowed.

Huffing once, looking at my potions table, I knew I had to be patient. I would just have to wait for the next electrical storm, after the full moon at the end of the month, before I could finally become an Animagus. Stealing out of the RoR, I made sure that the coast was clear, before walking towards the Great Hall.

I was the first there, sitting down near the usual spot I would sit with Harry and Ron. A note appeared on my empty plate along with my timetable, and I sighed as I saw Dumbledore's handwriting.

Miss Ross,

Your first meeting is tonight. Please be at the top of the Astronomy Tower at 11 pm. I trust you'll be able to sneak past your dorm mates easily with that remarkable bag of yours. I know you'll have a few people you will recognize there.

I quickly burnt the note, not wanting evidence lying around in my bag, making myself a reminder at the bottom of my timetable, scratching A.T. 11 after my last class. Humming a song to myself, I began loading my plate with good food, taking the hot cup of tea that appeared and smiling, as it tasted like my mother's blend.

"That elf is too good to me," I whispered to myself. I couldn't afford to go S.P.E.W. crazy at this time. True, there were house elves that were abused, but Hogwarts was not that place. If I found myself with free time after Voldemort, then I would go into Law at the Ministry and fight for their rights, but not today. For now, I would do my part, by using my manners and treating them well.

"Hermione!" I heard Remus call, and I turned to smile at him and Lily heading my way.

"Good morning," I greeted them.

"Why didn't you tell me you liked to be up early? I'd have walked with you," Lily admonished me. I smiled wryly, "Well, I don't know about you, but it's rude to wake someone just to ask if they want to get up."

"Well, that's true. But you could have said something last night," She sighed exasperatedly, sitting down beside me as Remus sat across from us. I chuckled, "I know. I just wanted to gather my thoughts for the day. Everything just feels… foreign in a sense. Familiar, yet different. Not seeing my friends… Well, while I had the summer to get used to being alone, it still feels strange not seeing them stuffing their faces when I walk through the doors."

"Male friends, I take it?" Remus smiled as he grabbed his food.

"Yes. One is a complete sweetheart, the kindest boy who ever lived, though when you got him angry you better have a good shield. The other sometimes was as dense as a stump, but a heart of gold and a quick temper," I pressed my lips together, holding back the urge to cry.

"You must miss them," Lily stated, touching my shoulder gently.

"Terribly, yes. One of my friends… well, he died. And the blood purists that came after my parents… if I had stayed, my other friend would have died. So I had to come here, so he could be safe," I answered. It was as honest an answer as I could give them.

"I'm sorry Hermione," Remus said, gently laying a hand over my own, from where he sat across the table.

"Thank you, Remus," I smiled.

More students filed in as we talked about our classes, and the girls joined us shortly. Sirius and James came into the hall, an arm each around Peter as they sang, "The boys are back in town!"

"Ugh," Lily groaned, making Mary and Dorcas snicker. I smiled at Remus conspiratorially, and he nodded at me, before taking his plate to move to where the boys sat.

"Good morning ladies," James announced to the girls.

"Potter," Lily snuffed, and I watched him purposefully redirect his attention to Remus, asking what classes he was taking. Lily stole a quick glance at him in confusion, and I mentally kept a tally as I smiled into my teacup.

Reverse Psychology: 1 Lily Evans: 0

"Hermione, my sweet angel, grace me with a smile," Sirius got down on one knee beside the bench I was on, as I ignored his pleas.

"Black, go eat your breakfast," Lily huffed.

"Please 'Mione," He said a little quieter, still on his knee. My back straightened and I grabbed my bag as I swung my legs over the bench.

"Sirius Black, you listen to me," I growled lowly, "There are only two people in my life that hold… held, the privilege to call me 'Mione, and the next person that does without my permission will feel my wrath."

I pushed past him, marching out the doors and towards my first class, hearing people's shouts of protest as their hair started turning colors.

The first day of classes felt like a review to me, nothing I hadn't heard or seen before. In fact, our textbooks had been revised in my time to include updated information, so I knew more than I should have. It wasn't as much of a challenge as I was led to believe, but it would keep me busy during the year while I waited to graduate.

"Hermione, wait up!" Lily called as we left our last class.

"Hi," I greeted her, moving my book bag to a more comfortable position on my shoulder.

"Are you okay? I didn't want to ask at lunch because we were so close to the boys. Black can be a prat."

"No, I just… remember when I said things felt familiar yet different?" I asked, and she nodded, "Of course."

"Hearing the nickname my old friends gave me, entirely against my wishes might I add, just hit a chord. It hurt because I'm never going to see them again. Everything since coming here in the summer has felt surreal and odd. But that name... felt like a bucket of cold water to the face and ice in my veins."

"Like waking up from a dream suddenly," She surmised.

"Yes. I snapped at him a little harder than I should have," I sighed gently.

"Nah," She shrugged, "Black needs a woman to snap at him every once an awhile. It reminds him that he isn't God's gifts to women."

"You know, it's okay if you think he's handsome," Marlene spoke up from beside us.

"Sweet Circe, when did you get here?" Lily held a hand to her chest.

"I was right behind you, Evans!" She laughed.

"Well, you could at least wear a bell or something. I need- Damn," Lily huffed.

"What is it?" I asked.

"I left a book in Divination," She moaned, "And I have a Prefect's meeting in fifteen minutes. Professor Heisted doesn't stay on school grounds and leaves after her last class."

"I'll go get it for you. I need the exercise," I offered.

"Would you? You are too good to me. Do you remember how to get there?" Lily smiled.

"Yes," I nodded, "Now go, you can't be late, Head Girl."

"Evans, come on! James will start the meeting without you," Remus called her from further down the hall.

"Coming! Third row up, on the right-hand side as you walk in!" She called as she ran.

"Don't worry, I will find it," I chuckled. Marlene bid me goodbye, catching up with Dorcas and Mary. I followed the unusual path up to the Divination classroom, finding it empty. Tracking down the book quickly, I turned as I studied the cover, only to have to hands grasp my shoulders. I gave a quick scream, seeing the only Professor I hadn't met, looking through me.

"A Muggleborn shall rise from within the place she calls home. Her mind vaulted with the power to bring the Dark Lord to an end… Her spirit worn from grief but steadfast in her quest… She who brings with her the power to end the Dark Lord will change the fabric… rewrite the future… Nothing shall be as it was when the battle ends… for neither can live while the other survives," Her echoed voice stopped as her hands dropped from my arms. She looked dazed a moment as I stared at her wide-eyed.

"Homenum revelio," I whispered in a moment of clarity, as the Professor looked around. If that had been what I imagined it was, an actual prophecy, then I couldn't afford anyone else to know it. Not a single movement outside the door and I sighed in relief.

"I'm sorry dear, did you need something?" She focused on me.

"No, I was just collecting a friend's book for her. I'll be going now," I smiled tightly, "Have a good night, Professor."

"You as well, dear," She called, as I rushed from the classroom, down the stairs and towards the common room.

"Hermione, where's the fire?" James called out as I rushed to the stairs inside.

"Nothing, just need to leave Lily her book," I stopped, out of breath.

"We were about to walk down for dinner. Did you want us to wait for you?" Peter asked, smiling at me. I managed to catch my breath slightly and nodded, "Just give me a minute to put my bag down."

Doing as I said I would, I placed Lily's book on her bed, before stuffing my book bag into my trunk. I would get started on the homework shortly after dinner. On second thought, I could put what I needed in my beaded purse, and take that to the kitchens after dinner.

"Okay, I'm ready!" I called down the stairs. As I got to the bottom, I saw a very morose looking Sirius.

"Hermione, I would like to apologize."

"No, Sirius. I overreacted," I smiled weakly.

"I understand why though, as Remus told us how you lost your friend. I keep forgetting we only met you two weeks ago, not years like the rest of us. I pushed your boundaries, without thinking. I was a prat."

"Okay, who are you and what have you down with Sirius Black," I joked. He smiled lightly, "We would like to give you a nickname, like we have with this lot."

He motioned to Peter and James on the couch, "We already see you as the next Marauder, love. It's inevitable for you not to get a nickname. But I promise, we'll let you nix any that you don't like."

"Kitten," I smiled, watching Sirius's face fall, "Oh, you don't like that one?"

"No, that's your nickname for me. I don't mind it. But we'll have to come up with something else for the guys, because I don't think Lily would take too kindly, once they are together, to James calling me 'Kitten'."

James nearly busted a gut laughing, "Too true. We could call you Goldie, after your hair? Or shall we wait for… other things before considering all our options."

"It's not horrible. But keep thinking. I'm sure the Marauders can come up with a smashing name for me," I teased, "Now, I am quite famished."

"Well, you hardly ate at lunch," Sirius pointed out, before looking slightly bashful.

"Watching my eating habits?" I teased him.

"Just making sure you have enough energy for the day. I heard from Mipsy you like to frequent the kitchens in the evenings," He shrugged off my teasing as we all walked to the portrait.

"Not every night. I did promise her I would bake tonight. Actually, that's the perfect study zone for you, Peter. I'll bake while you review and when you get stuck, I am there to help. Plus, you gets sweets for the right answers," I smiled. He laughed, "That sounds wonderful!"

"What about me Kitten, do I get sweets?" Sirius smiled flirtatiously.

"You get the pleasure of my company Black. Don't push your luck," I smiled, bumping into his shoulder.

"Your company is all the sweetness I need, for now, Kitten," He teased. I rolled my eyes as James chuckled, "Should we implement a new rule about dating another Marauder? We haven't needed to until now."

"Sirius Black would need to do a little growing up, like you, before I would even consider it," I teased. Dinner wasn't a grand affair, but the girls had already started planning their Hogsmeade trip in three weeks' time. The boys were incredibly excited to see what sweets I made tonight, as I asked Peter which subjects he had trouble with. While 'All of them!' was not a specific answer, I knew it was his self-confidence more than anything. Much like Neville, whose grades improved drastically after getting his own wand the summer before Sixth Year, Peter had to realize he was capable of great things outside of his friends.

But not by following Voldemort.

When Lily asked if I was heading to the Library, I shook my head, "No, I found a little spot that works perfectly for tutoring. Madam Pince wouldn't like it very much if I taught Peter with these three as surplus. Can you imagine the racket they would cause, even just discussing Quidditch?"

"Hey, we can behave in a library," Sirius replied indignantly.

"Downright angels," James added.

"Don't throw me in with them!" Remus scoffed.

"She better, you are the sneakiest of the lot. Thrown us under the Knight Bus more often than not," Peter teased him, "Plus I think Prongs needs the help in D.A.D.A."

"Take that back sir, or I will be forced to challenge you to a duel," James replied arrogantly, although I could see he was acting.

"I will not!" Peter huffed, standing up with an air of confidence.

"You four!" I turned on them and pointed to the doors, "Out, now!"

"Fiery," Sirius smirked, getting up, "Do as the lady says Gents. Wouldn't want to be on her bad side."

"Quite right," Remus replied in a pompous voice, but also looking a little apprehensive of me.

"I'll see you ladies later," I smiled sweetly to my dorm mates, who were snickering after the boys.

"You have to teach me how to get them to shut up. It's a miracle," Lily smiled, and I laughed once, "I can't reveal all my secrets in the first week."

I walked quickly, to make sure the boys had waited for me outside the doors of the Great Hall, before we made the trek down to the kitchens. We did pass a couple of Hufflepuff's on the way, but they paid us no mind. I tickled the pear when I was sure there wasn't anyone watching but the boys, and opened the door.

"Miss Hermione! Master Black, Master Potter, Master Lupin and Master Pettigrew," Mipsy smiled, coming towards us.

"Hello Mipsy, how are you this evening?" I asked the House Elf.

"Mipsy is well Miss. Will you be needing anything?"

"Not right now, I want to see where Peter needs help first and then I can get started on the sweets. May we please use the table?"

"Of course Miss," She bowed her head and cleared off an area for the boys and their books.

"Right, you lot," I turned around, "Sit down. Peter dear, why don't we take a look at what you struggle with the most."

"That's D.A.D.A," He replied, and I nodded in understanding.

"What from last year did you have trouble with?"

"A couple of spells."

We ran through them, and I felt like Harry when he was leading the D.A., trying to get through a simple spell. After a bit of practice, Peter was feeling more confident, so we moved onto the coursework. The boys attempted to do their own work, more goofing off than anything, but Remus was very dedicated to his studies.

I moved to start my sweet making, Mipsy, working beside me, handing me things or mixing certain ingredients with her magic.

"So, how come Evans and the rest of you Rubies didn't get affected by our prank this morning Hermione?" James asked as I placed the brownie batter in a pan.

"Yeah, our hair turned pink. Girls wouldn't stop laughing at us," Sirius mumbled.

"Well, simply put, I wanted to prove my friendship to the Rubies. Plus, I don't believe turning Lily's hair pink would have won you any favors with her," I pointed out, "You're meant to be maturing and ignoring her. She'll see that you aren't trying to rile her up, and she'll wonder why you aren't."

"Isn't that like… manipulating?" Sirius questioned and I shrugged, "It's psychology."

"What?" James, Peter and Sirius asked.

"The muggle science of the brain and its behavior," I sighed, "It is one of my hobbies outside of magical learning."

"Where do you keep all this information?" James asked, and I shrugged, "I've always loved learning. My father read anything he could get his hands on and passed on that love of knowledge to me."

"That's not something that should be ashamed of Hermione. You have a gift," Remus smiled, and I blushed slightly, "Well, some would call it a curse. I have to teach some pretty dense boys. Isn't that right, James and Sirius?"

Peter laughed as the boys sputtered indignantly.

The boys were upset when I wouldn't let them have the brownie until after we got back to the dorm, saying it wasn't fair for them to smell like baked goods around the other kids. Of course, they grumbled, but they weren't watching as I added a little vial to the frosting.