It was an unusually windy night, the crisp air of September running through the breezy air. The cold air-filled through the school, everyone finding notice. September the first, oh what a long day it was, was a fine normal day. At least not for five students, whose day were calmly yet strangely crazy, all stuck with a secret. A very important, dangerous secret.

"How ghastly," giggled a very hyper Hermione Granger. It was a long night, and Hermione and Lily were talking about whatever came up. The conversation never got boring. Lily informed her about everything she would need to know. To Hermione's knowledge, Hogwarts was still the same. The same distinct aura was still her. The fun, enthusiastic air was still definitely here. She was so happy that it was.

Lily had shown great intrest in talking with Hermione, and she was happy so. It was a surprise how much in common both girls had. It was like they were made to be best friends, made to one day meet by a silly accident. Lily had introduced Hermione to the other seventh Gryffindor girls, telling them she was a transfer. Neither asked questions, which pleased them both.

One, named Rae, had short pink hair, tall, and had two friends in Slytherin. She was very … outgoing. That was a mild way of describing her. The second one, named Lina, had dark hair and was plump. She was shy and quiet, but could be loud and fierce. They were nice, but hadn't made much of an impression to Hermione. Now, they were sitting in their room, talking about whatever came up. Luckily, Rae and Lina were out, apparently some students from Slytherin were throwing a potluck, if you know they mean, and Rae and Lina were invited. They had the dormitary for themselves, and couldn't be happier. It was nice to get to know Lily, through out all the bizarre events she got to meet Lily. The mother of her best friend. She wondered what else they had in common.

Lily was definitely a keeper. She was so warm and trusting, she had amazing mothering skills. Putting all the awkwardness aside, she enjoyed being with Lily. She enjoyed talking to Lily, more than she would admit. Tt was easy to talk to each other, surprisingly Hermione found trust in her and even found it in her heart to tell her about something she hadn't dared tell anyone.

"Ron's a great guy! I mean he's amazing. Funny, makes me smile.." She looked for the right words. "It's just..I don't know about us." She uneasily looked down, afraid to admit something she couldn't even admit to herself. She always denied it."I always see him looking at other girls, mostly her," (she had told Lily about Lavender, and about her and Ron during the awkward sixth year where they were not on speaking terms,), "it's just, does he still like me? Am I too, oh I don't know, boring? Is that what it is?" Her chin began to tremble; Hermione was on the verge of tears. She knew she was never the prettiest girl, but she knew that looks were not everything.

Lily softly touched the hem of her hand, giving Hermione a meaningful look. "Trust me, you're not boring Hermione. You're probably the most intruiging person I've ever met. You're interesting, not boring. There's a difference."

Hermione made an unsure look, with slight discomfort. "You met me, what, two hours ago?" The words spilled out of her mouth so easily, she hadn't bothered to think and plan it out.

It wasn't in her position to ask something as rude as that to someone who just gave her a compliment, but she had to get it out of her way. She wasn't the one sticking out in a crowd, and she knew it. Sure, sometimes she would be because of headlines like 'Harry Potter, and Two Sidekicks Save The Day!'. Other than that, she was plain, unoticed. It never really bothered her, but it sometimes stung. Even with her new sleak hair, no one bothered to notice her.

Even if she were noticed, it would never be for good things. Always, the 'mudblood', the 'smart freak' and more. No one bothered to take mention of Hermione's accomplishments, always Harry's. She knew he deserved it, but, damn it, Hermione deserved some recognition too! It was about time she got what she deserved, and be first best for once.

"So?" Lily did not look offended, but looked amused. She dryly smiled. "You're amazing, Hermione. You ought to know that," she said sincerely. Lily eye's watched Hermione's, waiting for a reaction.

"Thank you," mumbled Hermione, a sheepish smile spreading from her lips. "That means a lot to me, Lily. No one's ever been that sincere to me before," she mumbled, knowing that Lily could here her. "

I'm not going to lie, Hermione," said Lily shakily, "I was a bit suspicious when you told us your story. Unsure. But honestly, you're intelligent, kind, funny, witty, and beautiful. Don't let anyone tell you, you're not worth it. Especially those pure-blood prats," she said under her breath. The dislike in her voice was clear.

Hermione let out a shaky laugh, her lower lip twitching. "Trust me, back at home the purebloods are the same. Well not all, but the typical purebloods. They think they're better, smarter, and wiser than me. There's this one bloke, his name's Draco, he always calls me mudblood. He picks at my friends and I, like it's just another day in the park. God, I wonder when they'll realize, the logic they use is about the dumbest thing ever said. Then again, if they think they're better than us, they're nuts."

Lily grinned, a laugh escaping her mouth. "He sounds like an idiot."

"He is," Hermione gleefully admitted. Before she could think, curiousity got the best of her. "You and James. What is it with you two?" She asked, her voice turning to a high pitch shrill. It felt odd, referring to Harry's father as that, but she had no other option.

Lily forced a laugh. "James? He's an annoying git, that's what it is." She said between shaky laughs. "He's obnoxious, self centered, arrogant-"

"Why, thank you love."

Both girls spun their head around. Standing before them, was a pleased looking James and a smirking Sirius, standing in front of the door. Dangling from Sirius's index finger was a blank piece of parchment. He roughly shoved it into his pocket, strolling over to the bed Hermione was sitting on. He plopped down onto the bed, not waiting for permission.

"If I may ask," Hermione began dully, "why are two prats, such as yourselves, here?" She asked, smirking at the sight of their distraught looks. Lily giggled, cautiously watching the boys with careful glances. It looked as if she was confused of whether to laugh or not.

James opened his mouth to speak, but Sirius cut him off. "Well, dear, seeing as we wanted to see you two lovely ladies," (Lily grumbled at this, crossing her arms in rage), "we decided, why not? And we came here." His voice was unnaturaly bright, which irratated Hermione. James barked out a laugh, looking absolutely delighted at their looks. He immediately stopped, after seeing both Hermione and Lily glare.

"Do us both a favor," Lily said strongly, "and leave. Just leave. Don't bother coming back in," she said coldly. Hermione raised a brow, shocked that she would say something so cruelly. Sirius looked rather amused, but James looked almost upset.

"C'mon Evans, you don't mean that," said an uneased James. "You weren't saying that when I wrapped my arm around you." Lily furiously grumbled something, hiding a smile. James did not seem to notice this.

Lily took a second or so to find the right words, then began. "Maybe because you guys weren't complete arses at that time. But things change, hon." She simpered, her tone was playfully mean. She had a tiny grin on her face, letting him know that she wasn't being serious. He looked relieved, heaving out a huge sigh.

"She's right," piped up Sirius. He turned to Hermione. He took in a deep breath, finding the energy to speak as if it were something important. "I was thinking.." Hermione peered over to see James and Lily, while Sirius was still speaking. They were having their own conversation. James mumbled something to her, and she broke out into a huge grin.

"What d'ya say, brown eyes?" Ended a smiling Sirius. He looked at Hermione with twinkling eyes. Something about him suddenly changed. He looked hopeful, determined. She did not know what changed, but didn't care. It was if he wasn't that sadistic, notorious player that he came off as, but a sweet, witty, clever fellow who actually liked Hermione Granger for who she was.

"Er.." Hermione did not know what to say; she didn't even know what he had said. She didn't want to sound rude, or thoughtless by saying she hadn't been listening to him. She would've listened, but her attention was elsewhere.

"C'mon, Granger." He persisted, his fingers trailing over to hers. "All you have to do is sit with me during Potions. Is that too hard? Will you need Evans over there, or will you be fine?" He teased, a finger clawing at the opening of her palm.

Hermione let out a relieved sigh, her hand clutching her chest. She slyly smiled, flattered he'd ask. She held two fingers up to her head, pretending to think. After a moment of pure turture for poor old Sirius, she spoke, "sure. I'll sit with you. Just don't be a git while you do so."

Sirius grinned, his eyes darting to James and Lily. Both were laughing. Lily reached for James hand, who instantly grabbed her hand in happiness and shock.

"Damn. Prongs is getting it tonight," said a taken back Sirius, still watching the pair in amazement.

"What's with it with James and Lily?" She pondered aloud. "Bickering in the hospital wing, then laughing and holding hands here? You're his best mate, you should know, right?" She was truly curious, she wanted to know why. Unsure of whether or not the question was too personal, she blinked at Sirius.

"To be honest, I don't know." He sighed. "Well, Prongs over there chased Lily around since third year. Lily used to ignore him. She hated his guts. Cold remarks, screaming and shouting at him, even hexed him once.

"Anyway, Lily hated him. But, around the end of sixth year.. I dunno. She hasn't been annoyed by him as much. I think," he said in a whisper, "she came to the compartment today was to see James. But alas, it's a guess. But I bet you ten Galleons Lily's starting to like him. I can just tell, he's growing on her. And she's not too keen in hiding it. I saw her staring at Prongs today, and her eyes were filled with lust. What d'you think, 'Mione?"

"First of all," groaned Hermione through gritted teeth, "do not call me 'Mione. Second of all, I have to agree with you, Sirius. I think she's in denial. She's trying to process the fact that James-annoying-Potter could actually be someone she was fond of. Then she might be feeling confused, as to why all of a sudden she liked him. What's changed? Then she'll feel all warm inside, thinking about how he makes her laugh and how he she makes him smile everytime she speaks. It's all overwhelming for her. Just give her some time; she'll deal with it when she's ready."

"I guess so 'Mione," Sirius sighed. He had forgotten that she didn't like being called 'Mione', causing her to glare at him. "What? Don't blame me. The name is catchy. 'Mione. Get used to it, brown eyes." He said calmly.

"You are impossible, Sirius Black." Hermione shook her head, looking down so she could hide her smile.

"I try, I try." He grinned back, lacing their fingers together. They both remained quiet for a moment, the giggles of Lily and James echoing in the room.

After a moment, Sirius leaned back into the bed. He crashed onto the bed, moaning in comfort. His head caused the pillow to make a triangular shaped curve. He shut his eyes for a moment.

Hermione leaned back into the bed aswell, moaning in comfort. Her back ached. Sirius took notice too; he wrapped his arm around her shoulder. "D'ya mind?" He asked politely, giving her a concerned look.

"Not at all," she managed, looking very flustered. She shut her eyes for a moment, feeling tired. It was still September the first, and they had their first day of school tomorrow. She was tired but didn't want Sirius to leave. Having him there, though he weren't allowed, was a thrill. She knew that Lily enjoyed having them come over, and was happy about that too.

Desperate to change the topic, she said rather brightly, "How on earth did you manage to come here?" Hermione leaned forward, a mischievous smile forming from her lips.

"We knew a way here." He murmured, not properly answering her question. It was a clear lie; Hermione didn't need him to tell her that. The map of course, the ruddy map was how they'd manage to come through. It was interesting seeing them lie, though. At least to Hermione anyway."You tired, brown eyes?" He turned his head to face heres.

She rubbed her eyes, fighting the urge to yawn. "Shush." She hissed, a yawn escaping from her mouth.

"So you are tired. You don't have to lie to me, Granger. I can see right through you."

"Please," she scoffed. He raised a brow. "Fine then. If you can see past me, than what am I feeling right now?" She knew he wouldn't be able to decipher her feelings, but it'd be fun to see him try.

"Fine." It took him a few moments. "You feel weird. You can't believe this is happening, but at the same time you find this strangely fun. You've met some alright people, and you don't really mind this place much. Am I right?" He eagerly asked, grinning at her.

Hermione's cheek turned into a flattering red. "Shut up, Sirius," she grumbled, an amused smile planted on her face. Sirius couldn't help but adore her cute red cheeks. When she was flustered, he thought it was the cutest thing.

"'Aye aye captain." Sirius weakly raised his hands in defence, grinning down at her. "Hermione?" The tone in his voice changed, scaring her a little. "Are you, worried about tomorrow? I mean, starting school in the past and what not. D'you think it'll be hard?" He looked down. "'Cause you"ll be fine, 'Mione. You'll be alright," he slurred, his voice quieting down.

"I know I will, Sirius. I know." She wondered whether she'd truly be able to get back to her time. Would she? What if she were stuck in this time, forever? If I were, thought a hazy Hermione. I'd want Sirius with me...

"Night, 'Mione," mumbled Sirius, shutting his eyes, his arm still around her.

"Night, Sirius."