Once the girls were dismissed from the office and on their way down the winding gargoyles steps, the redhead introduced herself properly.

"I'm Lily. Lily Evans."

Hi everyone this was edited by Thornweed, show her some love she has been amazing. Now on the the edited chapter.

Allons-y

PS I own nothing

As the girls walked the hallowed halls towards the Gryffindor common room people around them stared, whispered, and pointed at the girls and the state of Hermione's clothing. It was something that had clearly slipped her mind give the events of the day. As if sensing Hermione's self-consciousness, Lily took off her cloak and handed it to Hermione without a word. It was plain to see in that moment that Harry had inherited more than just his mother's eyes. Hermione smiled at the red head. Lily reassured Hermione in that moment.

"Pay no attention to those people, Hermione. Honestly they have nothing better to do," Lily said. She was an excellent tour guide pointing out the places that Hermione would need to know. It is such a pity that she felt like she was being deceptive to Lily. Lying had never really been her strong suite.

Hermione felt a strange sense of loyalty to this girl whom she had just met. She narrowed it down to the fact that she was really feeling loyalty for Harry, not so much his mother. It had not felt like the entire journey had taken entirely too long as they reached the portrait. Before they had the chance to enter, however, two girls shouted to Lily.

"Lil! Hey, wait up!" called a girl who was, in Hermione's opinion, simply gorgeous. "What was so urgent that you left potions? You should have seen Slughorn. He was practically beside himself!"

The girl had an old Hollywood look. Her wavy honey blonde hair fell to her shoulders, framing her delicate features perfectly. Her full lips and crystal blue eyes were enough to make Hermione self-conscientious. Hermione had always put more stock in her intelligence than beauty, but still Marlene was a knock out.

"Yeah, for a minute there we thought he was going to cry," said the other girl. This girl was a different kind of beautiful. Her sculpted cheekbones and heart shaped face were strong features on their own, but paired with her hazel doe eyes and light blonde pixie cut made Hermione think. Although not a classical beauty per se, this girl was more than that. Her beauty was in her uniqueness.

"Hermione, this is Marlene McKinnon and Alice Prewett our other roommates. Girls, this is Hermione Granger, Gryffindor's newest member," Lily introduced Hermione.

The girls gave her a once over. Marlene with her delicate features seemed to be taking in every movement Hermione made while Alice was warm. It was just as they began talking that the Fat Lady asked if they were ever going to enter the common room because they were blocking traffic. The girls apologized and said the password in perfect unison followed by a chorus of giggles

"Cor dracones."

The scarlet and gold circular common room was a hive of activity not unlike in Hermione's time. A number of students sat in the same squishy armchairs by the fireplace that she remembered, while others sat the tables writing essays after a long day of classes. The sun was starting to go down and the last fragments of the day were streaming through the large windows that overlooked the school's grounds. It was hard for Hermione to stand here remembering the countless hours she, Ron, and Harry had spent together. Harry had his first kiss with Ginny here, Dumbledore's Army and S.P.E.W were both created here, as well as the various quidditch and Tri-Wizard parties. It was something that Hermione missed and if she was honest, this was where she fell in love with Ron all those years ago…to come. Good gracious she would have to figure out how to refer to herself both past and present. Lily linked her arm through a distracted Hermione's arm and practically dragged her up to dormitories.

"Oh look, they have already added your name to our door," Marlene chimed ahead of them all. The room was unchanged and equipped with the same four-poster with scarlet curtains flanked by a set of windows, storage spaces for personal belongings, and a centrally located stove.

"It's not much, but it's home." Lily sauntered past Hermione and through the open door. So many things went through Hermione's mind at that moment. The highs, lows and indifferences that came with her boys. Hermione knew someone was speaking to her but she could not seem to snap back into her head until the last sentence.

"So, Hermione, the bathroom is through those doors there. Your bed is sandwiched between myself and Alice. Here is your uniform." Lily handed Hermione a neatly folded pile of clothes. " We will wait for you and go to dinner together. Are you ok with that?" Lily asked. She seemed genuinely worried by the lack of communication that Hermione was exhibiting.

"I am really sorry it… it is just a lot you know?" Hermione spoke. "The new home and new people, it's all just overwhelming, but I think a shower will make me feel more human. Most certainly make me look more human." Hermione smiled nervously at the room of girls. Unhooking the robe, she returned it to Lily. An audible gasp came the other girls whom were seeing Hermione's clothes for the first time.

"Hermione, do you mind me asking what happened to you?"

Alice's face was paler now. It must have looked abnormal and alarming to see Hermione's disheveled state and for that she was sorry, especially because of their fates in her own timeline. They had not yet seen the devastation that would occur in a few short years. Hermione would do everything in her power to make sure they would never have to suffer such a horrible fate. While away in her own head, the entire room awaited a response and Hermione noticed she was have a Luna moment drifting away with her own thoughts.

"I will explain everything in time. Please accept that, but for now I am going to shower." As she turned and shut the door she heard her name followed by only a few words.

"Hermione…pity… poor thing."

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The shower was glorious and Hermione felt like a human once again. She was half expecting to see Lavender and Pavarti as she opened the bathroom door, but she soon remembered that this was not her time and those girls were not even born yet. The sadness constricted Hermione's chest unpleasantly.

True to their words Lily, Alice, and Marlene were waiting for Hermione. She crossed the room wordlessly as the girls watched, waiting for her to break like a fine china plate.

"You look fresher, more revitalized even." Marlene's smile beamed over at Hermione. Those whom had known her had understated her beauty. Even the old Order photo had not done her any justice. Politely Hermione responded, not really knowing exactly what to say. Alice must have noticed Hermione's discomfort and rather than sit in an uncomfortable silence, suggested they make their way down for dinner.

"Shall we go to dinner? I am simply ravished."

Marlene whispered something in Lily's ear which made both girls laugh. With raised brows both Alice and Hermione looked from each other to the giggling mess that were their dorm mates. It was a moment before Marlene spoke sporadically between chuckles

"Yeah cause ogling at boys all day will do that to you, hey Alice?"

"Marlene McKinnon! You'll pay for that," Alice screamed as the girls ran from the room Hermione could faintly hear the old muggle rhyme about K-I-S-S-I-N-G, only some of it was in the wrong order or not in the rhyme at all.

"I tried teaching them both some muggle rhymes and unfortunately for Alice that one stuck," Lily said. "Well at least I sort of taught some. Rock-a-by-baby was not at all fun to explain."

Hermione and Lily laughed before linking arms once again. As they were about to step through the portrait Hermione's feet froze. It was all too fast. Hermione was not proud of her actions, but she could not face the great hall. At least not tonight. Breaking away from Lily, Hermione retreated to the dorm and silently cast Colloportus. She could hear Lily on the other side asking her to please come out. Instead with her back to the door, Hermione slid down and putting her head to her knees she let herself feel the weight of her choices and cried.

As the knocks and Lily's kind voice subsided, Hermione unlocked the door. Retreating to her bed she drew her curtains and let herself cry, eventually drifting off to a dreamless sleep.

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Hermione awoke groggily the next morning. She could swear someone had slipped her the draught of living death potion, however, that would be impossible given the fact that she had not eaten or drank a drop since arriving in this time. As if it could sense the mention of food, Hermione's stomach let out a rather large grumble and she resolved that she could not stay in her room forever. She would have to eat eventually and that eventually was today. Opening her curtain, she could see some new clothes in her cubby. They were nothing special just a pair of jeans, a white V-neck t-shirt and a red button up cardigan. On top laid a simple note.

"For sleeping beauty. See you at breakfast."

Hermione would have to get permission soon to get clothes of her own. Making a mental note, Hermione dressed quickly. The clothes fit fine with the exception of the jeans being fractionally long. They must have belonged to Marlene. Hermione took a final look at herself in the mirror before leaving the sanctuary that was her room. The person looking back at her was just a young girl too thin, pale, and overrun by brown hair. Keeping her head down as though not too attract more unwanted stares, Hermione made her way out of the tower, through the corridors, and down the stairs to the Great Hall.

Standing outside the ominous doors of the Great Hall filled Hermione with the same unease she felt the night before during the final battle. Given that the last time she had entered, she was counting the dead and seeing Ron, Luna, Fred, Lupin, Tonks, and Colin. It was still so fresh to her, but it had not even occurred yet in this time. Hermione's internal struggle was real and present. She had wondered if it had occurred to past Dumbledore… wait future Dumbledore that the transition from war to normality would be difficult and this troubled Hermione greatly. However, before she could think further on the situation Marlene was waving at her over like a mad woman.

Going to the girls, Hermione sat and apologized for her actions of the previous night. Not only did they accept, but also they understood. Hermione had never really had female friends, but she could honestly say she was enjoying more the just the food that morning. Hermione thought it was fair to tell the girls about why she had arrived so disheveled and began telling them the story she had worked on with Dumbledore before Lily's entrance

"I ran after my parents were murdered by death eaters. They said I had some power that was valuable to them. It scared me so much. Dumbledore found me no more than a week later thanks to my trace. My parents had given me a private education before…before. Now I am here and hope that I will carry our name with dignity and make them proud."

The girls were patient and kind when they heard Hermione's "life" story, but Lily was the first to speak.

"Now I know why you were so…distraught yesterday this must all be so new to you. I'm sorry. I didn't even think," she said, her emerald eyes were filled with compassion and sorrow for Hermione.

Once again Hermione felt that she was cheating her friendship with Lily by not telling her the truth, but Hermione rationalized her lies. She could not say anything yet since this was all so new to her. She was here to save them and for that reason she had to keep them safe from the information about their shared fate. She had only known Lily a day.

The girls did not ask questions about Hermione's past, rather they talked about getting to know her better by asking the trivial things like her favorite color, book, song, band, her birthday, and astrology sign. As they were making a joke about Hermione being a Virgo, a boy with black hair sticking up untidily and dressed in full quidditch protective gear complete with circular glasses came up and slumped into the empty space next to Lily.

"Hey Evans. Would you be my number one cheerleader today?" His tone was flirty and confident, and even though it was not directed at Hermione, his blatancy made her blush. It was obvious that this boy was muscular. Through his uniform Hermione could make out the definition of his arms. Lily rolled her eyes responding to the hazel-eyed boy.

"Not today nor ever will I be a cheerleader for a toe rag like you, Potter."

Whoa. Wait did she just call him Potter? Looking closer at this boy, Hermione internally groaned at her oversight. He looked so much like Harry that this Potter had to be James.

James was undeterred by Lily's obvious rejection as though he had heard them all a million times before. Instead, he stood and began to make his way to the door. Just three steps away from the girls he turned.

"But I bet you would look sexy as hell in one of those skirts though."

Winking and laughing he barely had time to duck out of the way as a piece of toast was thrown at him like a Frisbee. With a final laugh he left the Great Hall.

Hermione could not wrap her head around the physical similarities between James and Harry. She had seen photos of both Lily and James together before, but they were older. Everyone had said Harry looked like James but this was a little excessive. Tt was as though someone had simply cut and pasted James.

It was not until Marlene snapped her fingers in Hermione's ear did she realized Marlene had been talking to her while Hermione had been staring into the space where James had once stood.

"And that fine piece of ass that keeps flirting with Lily is James Potter. Just so you know," Marlene winked across at Hermione who blushed…again.

Honestly, Hermione thought to herself, he is just a boy. Actually no, he is your best mate's dad and that would just be wrong. So wrong. She inadvertently pulled a disgusted face and Lily and Alice laughed. Lily playfully joked that someone finally understood her, only making the girls laugh harder.

Alice asked timidly if they should go to the quidditch match to show support for the boys playing in the cup final. Reluctantly (and with a small amount of manipulation from Alice's puppy dog eyes) Hermione, Lily, and Marlene agree to go.

Trying to keep her cover as a new student was going to be harder than Hermione thought if she was going to have to pretend to be interested in Quidditch. Alice and Marlene practically skipped down to the field ahead of Lily and Hermione.

"So, you were staring an awfully long time at James," Lily said with a smirk. "One day here and already pining after a boy?"

Hermione knew Lily was playing with her, but how could she deny the fun?

"Oh yes, Lily. One three minute meeting and I want him. I need him. Oh baby, oh baby," Hermione deadpanned, rolling her eyes as Lily looked shocked at her humor.

As they reached the top of the stairs of the quidditch stadium, they realized looking for Alice and Marlene was going to prove to be difficult. The stands were full to the brim. As Hufflepuff and Gryffindor took the field, Hermione finally spotted the girls over the far edge of the stands closest to the goals.

As the balls were released, the match began. Marlene and Alice, both obviously passionate about the game cussed and yelled as Hufflepuff scored the first three points. The match was actually quite thrilling and Hermione was not one to say that about any quidditch match. The Hufflepuff team was putting up a ferocious fight to gain the upper hand against the Gryffindor team. Hermione found herself on the edge of her seat in the final moments of the game as the Hufflepuff beater immaculately aimed a bludger at the Gryffindor seeker. It was all in vain however as the seeker feel to the ground with the golden snitch clutched firmly in her hand. Winning the match by a mere thirty points.

A deafening roar erupted from the Gryffindor stands as the team did their victory lap. Marlene was going berserk with her display of house pride, screaming and shouting that they had done it and take that Hufflepuff! Her insults were to the same caliber as young children calling each other poopy heads or dibber dobber, and for that reason the three other girls could not help but laugh.

Hermione was not sure where or who shouted the next statement but it was sure to bring mischief and mayhem to Gryffindor tower.

"VICTORY PARTY!"

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The party toasting the team's victory was in full swing by the time the girls returned to Gryffindor Tower. The sheer number of bodies that were crammed in the common room astounded Hermione. The music played at such a decibel that it vibrated Hermione's ribs. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, Hermione took Marlene's hand and they danced on the makeshift dancefloor. In her time Hermione had never truly enjoyed parties all that much, but she was not in her time. This was her chance to be different. After dancing for two or three songs Hermione and Marlene found Lily and Alice talking.

"So what do you think of the party? Can Gryffindor throw a good one or what?" Alice shouted over the music.

"I must say that this is quite the hoorah, but what do you expect when the Marauders have a hand in the planning? After all, half of them are on the team," Marlene added.

"What is a marauder?" Hermione knew whom Marlene was referring to, but it was better for her cover if she asked questions.

Lily was the one to supply the answer.

'Not what. Who. James, Sirius, Remus, and Peter. Referred by some as the Marauders and by many the hottest Gryffindor guys. If you are into Neanderthals, that is. James you met this morning and the others... well I am sure you will meet them soon enough."

Marlene tsked Lily and asked Hermione if she wanted to dance again. Hermione said she needed some air and excused herself for a moment. Making her way to the portrait hole, she looked back and saw Marlene dragging the other girls to the floor.

Distracted Hermione did not notice someone coming through the door and she bumped into a boy. For a moment they scuffled as they tried to catch their balance before they both went fell back and she fell forward landing on top of him with a groan.

With a guttural hearty laugh the boy looked up at her with his grey stormy eyes.

"I usually like a girl to buy me a drink first, love, but for you I will make an exception."

Hermione jumped off him quickly, blushing at his implications. Just like James, his forwardness took Hermione by surprise. The blush in her cheeks felt like an inferno. Honestly, what was she thinking? This is the second boy today to make her blush.

"I'm so sorry," she stammered, "I should have been watching where I was going. I am Hermione, by the way, and you are?"

Extending her hand to him he shook it and introduced himself. His introduction could have knocked Hermione over with a feather.

"Sirius Black and if you ever do want to buy me that drink let me know," he said winking as her blush intensified.

The young man standing in front of her was Harry's godfather. She should have known such a thing was possible. This was what he had referred to the best times of his life before the betrayal and death of his friends, before his twelve year stint in Azkaban.

The young Sirius was full of life and his physical appearance had not escaped Hermione's attention. His tall, masculine frame was well built and defined. Hermione was unsure of how long they had been standing there but it was long enough that their respected groups missed them both.

James came out first looking utterly ridiculous and disheveled as he had taken it upon himself to use a Gryffindor tie as a headband around the circumference of his head. Bidding her a farewell, Sirius bowed and winked to Hermione and with a power beyond her control, Hermione curtsied.

Laughing the boys entered the common room as Hermione face palmed herself. Lily came and found her a moment later asking if she was ever coming back inside. Smiling at the closest person to a friend Hermione had in 1975, Hermione re-entered the party where she and her girls celebrated until the parties end.

So what did you think? Hope you liked it and in case anyone were curious the password was Latin and it translates (according to google) to Dragons Heart.

Please R&R have a fantasic day, night or afternoon no matter where you