Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters created by JKR

In the middle of Seventh Year, Hermione Granger travels back in time courtesy of the new Transfer Student. Now, stuck in the Marauders Era, Hermione discovers what it's like to fall head over heals in love, and, with the help of her new friends, she starts a tradition that will ensures that Hogwarts will never be the same again...

Mainly set in the Marauders Area.

HG/SS

AN: This story has been reposted with significant changes to the plot! If you have previously reviewed this story, I hope you can find it in your heart to review it once more! Thanks!

Enjoy, and please review!

A Step Back In Time

Chapter 2

"He will be here any second, child. Now, once more, why are you here? Did you injure yourself?" the older witch asked with concern. Hermione sighed and pulled her Gryffindor scarf tighter around her neck in a vain attempt to keep her from shivering in the early morning air. "I'm sorry, Poppy. I really must speak to Dumbledore before I answer any of your questions..."

At that exact moment, Professor Albus Dumbledore emerged from the fireplace that sat at the far corner of the large white room. Hermione jumped from the crisp bed sheets that she had been tucked into, dropping a rather large piece of folded parchment and a shimmering blue cloak that had both been stored safely in her robes. Not even bothering to gather the two fallen items, Hermione sprinted across the room and threw herself into the Headmaster's arms, and did something she never thought she'd do in front of anyone. She cried.

When the nearly hysterical girl was finally calmed, Professor Dumbledore pulled her an arms length away from him and looked into her eyes. "Tell me, child, where on earth have you come from?" the old man questioned as he moved to make her sit on the nearest bed. Sighing, Hermione did as she was directed to and eased her slim body onto the crisp, white sheets.

"It's more of a when than a where." she admitted with a growl after a few moments of silence. "I am from the year 2001, sir. There was an explosion in Potion's class... We were brewing the Wondrous Cure and some one must have done something to it, because when Professor Snape had checked mine, it was perfect! He said so himself!" she cried out, never noticing the bewildered expression nor the twinkle in his eye that he had tried to hide.

"Did you say Professor Snape, Ms. Granger...? Hm. Now, back to your situation then. If it was indeed that particular potion that caused you to travel back twenty years in time, then it just might take a while to actually find a reasonable - and lets not forget safe - way back to you current time. Tell me, what year are you in?" the old Wizard asked as an afterthought.

Hermione bristled. "Seventh year, sir. And a Gryffindor to boot! Would you like my class schedule as well?" she finished in a huff.

"Why yes, child. That would be most useful, if you wouldn't mind! But, not to worry about the House... We shall have a sorting ceremony tonight before supper. And, with that being said, I shall leave you in the care of my dear Poppy until she feels you are ready to leave her wards. Good evening, Ms. Granger. I look forward to seeing you in the ... Future..." the Headmaster replied quietly.

Even twenty years before her time, that old coot's twinkling eyes that shone through his half moon glasses were still as obvious as ever... She had noticed it almost immediately, yet was too caught up in her tale to say anything about it.

Now, what seemed like forever – which was, in reality, a mere five minutes – Hermione was released from the MediWitch's care, and was roaming the halls aimlessly.

Eventually, Hermione found herself standing in front of the large, oak doors that led into the Library. 'Why not?' she thought to herself with a grin. 'Might as well study while I'm here. Who knows when I'll be able to go back to my own time!' she reasoned with herself as she gave a mighty huff and launched herself at the heavy doors. Years or practice was the only reason that the un-oiled doors gave a squeak and slowly opened for the small seventh year.

It was exactly as she had remembered it... Beautiful. As she took a few steps into the room, the smell of leather bindings, inkwells, sand and old parchment invaded her senses. This was exactly what she needed...

After she had found an empty table near the back of the room, Hermione settled down with a book - An Examination of Transfigurations - that had not yet been replaced in it's shelf, and began to read, taking a high interest in the pieces of paper with notes that commented on errors in the book that she was currently holding. Besides that, she found a neat scrawl on the actual pages, explaining different things that the book had left out. As she was about to begin somewhere in the third chapter, a thought struck Hermione. Pulling the book closed, she caught her breath and reopened the very cover. Once again, the neat scrawl was present, informing the reader that the book they currently held, belonged to none other than the Half Blooded Prince.

Never hearing them enter the Library, Hermione was suddenly thrown from her thoughts as she heard them argue.

"James! You know bloody well that you'll never be able to get away with something as humiliating as that! Bollocks! What are you thinking, Prongs!" a whispered voice argued in agitation.

"Not to worry, Moony! I'm sure Prongs knows what he's doing! What are you always trying to spoil our fun, anyway?" a second voice asked lightly.

"Would both of you keep quiet? I'd rather Lily not find out about this. You know she's always in here! And I swear to Merlin, if she's here, and she heard you... You will be under the same spells that our dear Snivellus will be under." a third voice threatened harshly.

'Perfect...' Hermione thought as she stood from the bench, stashing the book in one of her robe's inner pockets. "Gentlemen, I should think it wiser to use the Room of Requirements for such dastardly deeds that you seem to be plotting against poor Severus."she bit back as she rounded the corner, coming face to face with none other that James Potter, Sirius Black and Remus Lupin. "Ah, and where is your dirty little Peter?" as she said that, she realized something. She had the power to change the future... With a soft smile, she continued "Just a few words of wisdom, Prongs. Don't trust Rats. You never know when you might need someone to keep a secret. I mean, you wouldn't want to put... a wife? Maybe a son too ... in danger. Heed my words, Potter. Don't let a false friendship put your family in danger. The future depends on... your son." And with that, Hermione turned on her heels, robes billowing behind her, and left the safety of the Library.

"Good Evening, students! Tonight, we will be having a Sorting Ceremony before our evening meal for a Transfer Student that has just arrived today. Ms. Granger, if you would come up to the Head Table... Professor McGonagall, the stool and Sorting Hat.." the whole hall fell silent as Hermione entered through the large doors and made her way up the the Professor's table and sat stiffly on the provided stool.

"Granger, Hermione." McGonagall stated as she carefully placed the talking hat onto the girl's bushy brown head.

"Hm... not from this time, I see... yes... ah, you've faced Voldemort! Lots of courage. Very Gryffindor of you... tops scores in your OWLS too... Good for Ravenclaw... Your loyalty to your friends is rather impressive... a wonderful Hufflepuff quality. But I see now... You're here by accident, yet you feel that since you're are here you may be able to change the devastating future you must eventually return to. Very Slytherin! But where to put you...? where to put you..." the hat stated quietly.

"But, I am sorted into Gryffindor nearly twenty years from now! Please... put me there!" Hermione pleaded desperately, all the while the wheels in her head were turning, thinking of the many ways she could help Harry's parents prepare for what was to come.

"No.. no, I think.. yes... SLYTHERIN!" it shouted loudly, making Hermione's ears ring. The entire Slytherin table stood, shouting and cheering and hooting for their gain, while the Gryffindor table rivaled their happiness with shouts of 'boo' and nasty remarks.

Hermione sat, stunned at what she had just heard. Slytherin? How did that damned hat come up with such a ridiculous notion! Before Hermione knew what was happening, McGonagall was ushering her towards her new House table for the evening meal. As she wandered the row looking for a place to sit, she noticed Severus wave her over. 'Oh, what the hell!' she thought to herself as she walked over to the self proclaimed 'Half Blooded Prince'. Sparing a glare at the second year that sat to the left of the only person she recognized at her new table, she slipped between the two boys.

"I was never able to ask how you knew my name last night. Or why you called me Professor for that matter... Please, inform me." Severus quipped as he faced her. Hermione blushed. 'I can't just tell him that I came from the future.. gotta come up with-' "I'm what they call a Seer. I have premonitions of the Future.. I saw that you would be a Professor here at Hogwarts in just a few years." she lied smoothly. "I have also had a vision that you will eventually teach James Potter's son. Please, just remember that even though he may look like your arch nemesis, he is not his father... If you treat him as the 'spawn of Potter' it will do nothing but cause you trouble." Severus quirked an eyebrow but said nothing and continued on with his meal. Across the table, two hands shot up. "What about us?" they had asked at the same time. Hermione laughed and looked closely at the couple. The girl, a pale beauty with straight chocolate colored hair and a familiar looking nose, and they boy, also pale in complexion with curly jet black hair and crystal blue eyes. Then it dawned on her. They were going to be the parents of Lacy. Hermione let a coy smile slip onto her lips as she pretended to think for a moment.

"Lorell, right?" she asked as she looked directly at the boy before her. His ill hidden surprise was enough to know that she was right. Then, turning to the girl at his side, she continued. "You two will have a fruitful life together. Anywhere from the end of graduation to the end of the following year you will bear a child. She will be a rare beauty, but please, for her roommate's sake, teach her some manners. She will have your nose and straight hair, only, it will be the color of your husbands instead, along with his eye color." as soon as it was said, a confused expression crossed her face. "Which of you have tall relatives? Neither of you are even close to your daughter's height-"

Before either could answer, a tall blond was standing behind Hermione. "Granger, right? Would you by any chance related to Michael Granger?" the youth asked with a smirk. Hermione gave a start. How the hell did this man know her Father? "Yes, how did you know?" she asked, trying to keep her composure. "The name is Lucius Malfoy. Michael was in sorted into Slytherin when he came to school here; just graduated last year. Everyone talked highly of him. The perfect Pure Blood Wizard, they used to say. It is my pleasure to meet you, Ms. Granger." he said with a slight bow. Hermione was shocked senseless. Her Father? A Pure Blood Wizard! 'What the bloody hell is going on!' she thought to herself as she inclined her head to Malfoy, indicating that she no longer wished to talk to him. He left, slightly pissed that she had the gall to 'dismiss' him like she did, but said nothing as he exited the Great Hall.

Across the Hall

"So, are you going to follow out with the plan, or wait until the new girl isn't around?" Sirius asked as he shoveled the food into his mouth. James looked thoughtful for a moment "Well, she is a Slytherin. Might as well treat her like one." he stated with a wolfish grin. Remus frowned "She's new, Prongs! What if she isn't like the others? It's possible, you know!" he shouted, angry that his friends were willing to hurt some one that they didn't even know.

"Oh Moony! She's a Slytherin! Of course she's just like the others. All Slytherin's are the same." Sirius stated with a frown. "And why are you sticking up for her anyway?" he asked slyly. Remus colored brightly "Thats none of your buisness!" he shouted as he stood from his bench and quickly exited the Hall...

James and Sirius looked at each other for a moment. "Do you think he fancies her?" James asked with a goofy grin. Sirius laughed. "She doesn't really look his type. But, you don't look like Lily's, and we all know you two have finally hit it off!"

Slytherin Common Room

"And this is the Common Room." Severus announced with pride as they climbed through the large Portrait hole. Hermione could only gasp with wonder. It had been nothing like she thought it would be. Plush green sofas were placed around a large fireplace that was roaring with orange flames with large black armchairs between them and in the corner sat a few small desks with parchment and inkwells cluttering the tops.

"This is awesome, Prof- uh.. Severus..." Hermione faltered awkwardly as she followed the greasy haired boy into the room.

"Hey Birdbeak! We were just talking about you!" the brunette from dinner shouted from her spot on one of the green sofas. Severus cringed. "How many times must I ask you don't to call me that?" he hissed angrily as he directed his scowl to the girl. "Oh! I didn't see you there, Hermione! Care to sit with us?" the Slytherin witch asked excitedly, ignoring Severus' glare.

Laughing, Hermione grabbed hold of Severus' arm and dragged him with her to another couch. "I never did catch your name, you know." she observed after she had made herself comfortable next to Severus. "Oh! Sorry! I'm A'Marie Snugg. And this," she cooed as she pulled on the black shirt of the the boy with curly black hair. "... is Trint Lorell. We're getting married just after graduation!" came A'Marie's excited exclamation. Hermione smiled. "Well, it's a pleasure to meet you two." A'Marie laughed. "I know, isn't it?" Severus groaned. "Please, Pussy! Save it for a first year, would you?"

It was now A'Marie 's turn to scowl. "If I can't use your nickname, then you can't use mine! Besides, Herms doesn't know anything about-"

"You three being unregistered Animagus?" Hermione asked, interrupting A'Marie before she could finish her sentence.

All three Slytherin's looked at her oddly. "And how, pray tell, did you come to that assumption?" Trint asked, desperately trying to keep his worry from his eyes and voice.

Hermione smiled and tapped her temple with her index finger. "I'm a Seer, remember?" 'Liar! It was a guess and you know it! Although... I would never tell them that...' she thought to herself with a smirk on her lips. "Severus, you are a Raven. Earning yourself the nickname Birdbeak. A'Marie, you're an Alley Cat, therefor called Pussy. And Trint... well, I never did see what you were..." she stated with a frown

"A Snake. I'm Lisp..." he supplied with a grin. "But what about you? Are you an Animagus also?" he asked a moment later.

Hermione nodded her head slowly. "My friends called me Hoots. Can anyone guess what I am?" Trint smirked, looking down at her chest. Before Hermione could say anything, Severus was laughing, although, trying to hide it behind his hand and A'Marie had smacked her boyfriend behind his head.

Hermione crossed her arms over her chest, trying to hide her embarrassment. "I'm an Owl, you prat!" she fumed as she stood from her seat. Holding her wand tightly, she concentrated on her transformation.

In a matter of seconds, Hermione was no more, and sitting on the floor where she had been standing was a tawny brown Barn Owl. Taking flight, the owl hooted, then lunged at the boy that had obviously offended her, grabbing at his hair with her claws as she passed over his head. Moments later, she was back to her normal 5'4 inch self and looking rather smug.

Severus eyes' were wide. "Pussy, do you remember that thing we were working on, trying to get the Marauders in trouble?" he asked with delight.

"Of course, but- oooh... you are absolutely Brilliant, Snape!" the witch exclaimed with glee. "But, how do we lure them out?" she asked, a frown marring her delicate features.

"With a note. A note that they think is rather important. A note that... Hoots... will be delivering."

"Wait! What's going on! If I'm part of the plan, the least you can do is fill me in!" Hermione whined childishly.

Severus rolled his eyes. "We're trying to get the Marauders into a little trouble. They've targeted us as their amusement since our First Year. We just want a little pay back. We had come up with a plan to lure the Marauders out of their rooms after curfew to get them into trouble, but thats as far as we've gotten. But with you here, maybe we can pull it off..." he mused, saying the last part mostly to himself.

"But what do we call ourselves?" Trint inquired. Suddenly, Professor Snape's book popped into Hermione's mind.

"Well, I know I'm a half blood... what about you three?" she asked, smirking slightly.

"Half blood." they chorused in union. Nodding her head, she walked up to the desks in the corner of the room and scribbled something down on a piece of parchment before rejoining the group.

"How's this then?" she asked quietly as she held the parchment out for all of them to see.

"Half Blooded Royalty? Thats bloody brilliant, Hermione!" Trint shouted with joy. "So, when are we going to do this? It's almost curfew now... we have just enough time to get everything situated. Lets do it tonight!" rounds of laughter emerged from the group.

"Sounds like a plan to me! Ok... anyone have a camera?" Hermione asked, trying to calm herself down.

A'Marie held up her hand, indicating that she had one. "But what do we need a camera for?" she asked a moment later.

"Well, don't you want to remember the looks on their faces twenty years from now?" Hermione hinted happily. "Now... all we need left is the note and... my cloak." she stated as she pulled a shimmering blue cloak from an inner pocked in her robe.

"An invisibility cloak? Those are bloody rare! Where did you get that?" A'Marie asked in awe.

"Borrowed it from a friend back home. We'll need this too." she stated as an afterthought, pulling a large piece of folded parchment from her back pocket.

"And what will that do?" Severus drolled. Sighing, Hermione placed the parchment on the small table that was between the sofas and the fireplace and took out her want.

With a single tap, Hermione spoke "I Solemnly Swear That I Am Up To No Good." Suddenly, ink lines began to appear on the once blank parchment. As she unfolded the top layer, her friends gasped. "It was made here at Hogwarts. I knew the students that created it. Let me loan it while I attend... It's so much easier to sneak around if you have maps that show you where the teachers are. Alright then. The Marauders are all in their common room. Thats good. I'll transform and fly out the window, and into their common room, get their attention and lure them out into the halls. Severus, you hold the Map, A'Marie, you take the picture and all three of you will be under the cloak. Sounds god?" After they nodded their agreement, Hermione handed the map to Severus. "If you fear being caught, tap the map with your wand and say 'Mischief Managed'. At that point, if anyone tries to read the map, all it will say is insults to whoever is trying to read it. Now, I'll get into the Gryffindor Common Room and fly down towards the Dungeons. Watch for me on the Map, and make sure that a Professor is near by. By the way, what will the note say?" she asked as an afterthought.

Severus thought for a moment. "Nothing. Just 'Half Blooded Royalty'. We don't want to be found out..." he stated at last. As the clock chimed nine, everyone began to laugh. "Well, are we ready then?" Trint inquired. Once again, a round of nods stated that they were. Hermione ran back to the desks and re-wrote their title on a smaller piece of parchment and handed it to Severus. "Lets get on with it then." she stated as she transformed once again.

Now as an Owl, Severus held the rolled up piece of parchment for Hoots to hold in her beak, then she promptly flew out of the common room portrait hole and into the hall. Finding a window on the first floor, she exited the castle and flew up to the Gryffindor Tower to peck nosily on one of the windows.

AN: How are my descriptions in this story? Please review with your input; I love to write and the only thing that makes it better if if I can please my readers!