Hermione groaned, the light beaming in her eyes. She stiffly yawned, stretching her arms out. For a moment, she forgot where she was. For a moment, she forgot that she was twenty years in the past. And then it dawned on her. With a slight frown, she rubbed her puffy eyes. It was the first day of school, and she couldn't be anymore nervous than she already was. What if no one believed her? What if someone suspected her? What if she wasn't believable enough? Oh god, she thought. What if I make a fool of myself?

She scratched the back of her neck, smiling to herself. She had just remembered Sirius and James' little visit from last night. Hermione enjoyed talking to him, and she knew that Lily, though she wouldn't admit it, liked talking to him aswell. She could be herself while talking to him, and he wouldn't mind. While in her time, Hermione never really thought much of Sirius. He was rebellious, funny and he always seemed to care about Harry a lot; Hermione couldn't help but admire that about him. He made a great godfather.

She hadn't really expected what James would be like. All she really knew about him was that he was Harry's father, and many people adored him. But as she met him, he seemed … nice. He was funny, that's for sure, he was as wreckless as Sirius, and he seemed not to care about much. She hadn't gotten around to actually having a proper conversation with him, but she knew one would strike up eventually.

Although, she still had several questions. Why were they not with Peter? Where was Peter? Hate boiled up in her, knowing what scum she would have to meet. One part of her wanted to tell them about Peter, all the lies he was bound to tell, but another important part of her knew she would mess things up really badly if she did. Hermione wouldn't mess things up.

She also wondered where Remus was. Of course, being the head boy he wouldn't agree to such a thing. But, why would he let James and Sirius actually do such a thing? Why would he let them break the rules? What had gotten into him? Knowing Remus, he would never let Harry do such a thing. What on earth made a difference with those two, Sirius and James?

Ignoring her thoughts, she walked out of bed. Strolling over to Lily's bed, she noticed her face was deep in the pillow. Groaning, she shook her backside. "Wake up, you lazy prat," she whined, still shaking her.

"I'll get up … I'll get up …" Lily murmured, turning around. Her red hair was sprawled over the pillow. Her arms spread across the bed, one almost hitting Hermione in the face. "One minute … one minute …"

Not having the time to yell at her to get up, she sauntered over to the bathroom and began getting ready. Infront of her, was a puffy eyed, tangled and busy haired witch with a slouching figure. Taking in a deep breath, she picked up her tooth brush and squeezed the toothpaste packet onto the tooth brush.

It took Hermione about ten minutes to actually wake up. Whenever she woke up, she would be extremely tired and would not be able to do much. After she attacked her hair with a wet comb, she washed her face several times, truly waking her. Now, with her new cloak and wand, her timetable in one hand and her books in the other. She impatiently placed one hand on her hip, ignoring the clattering footsteps made by Lily. "Lily Evans, we have Charms in twenty minutes. That means we have twenty minutes, to eat, get to the Great Hall, get to Charms and get you dressed. If you don't come out here in the next five minutes, I will haul your arse there myself! I am not going there without you!" She cried, half-amused and half-irritated.

After a moment or so, Lily walked out of the bathroom and faced Hermione. Her combed red hair was in a neat pony tail, she had new cloak on, and she carried all of her books in one hand and her timetable in the other. Her eyes were no longer puffy, but had a nice, brightful gleam to it. "Honestly, how do you think I get by, Hermione? If I never got up, I would never be top in my class. Now c'mon, I'm starving." She grinned, then walked over to Hermione and linked their arms together. They both began walking to the Great Hall.

Hermione was beaming. She had never felt so close to someone. Well, she obviously was close to Harry and Ron, but she was never close to any girl before. Even before Hogwarts, she never fit in. She always felt different course she was different, she was a witch for crying out loud, but there was more to that. She'd always be that weird girl who, 'liked studying', and who 'loved the library, but hated recess'. Her mum always told her she was special in that way. Hermione liked to think that too. She was smart, a worthy intellect. No one else was like her. Brightest witch of her age, they called her.

Taking in a deep breath, they both embarked into the Great Hall. Both girls definitely noticed the stares, it was hard not to. Lily spotted their table, and hurried to get there, grabbing Hermione's wrist.

"Who's she?"

"Blech. Her hair is a mess, straight at first, then gets curly. What the bloody hell was she thinking? I hate her already."

"Why's she with Evans?"

"She looks like she's going to throw up. Hopefully she'll do it on a teacher. Now that would be interesting."

Lily spun around, a tiny glare forming between her brows. "Honestly, you people think you're so slick. Who do you think you are? D'you think you can say and do whatever you want? Well you can't! If you have something to say, have the guts to say it to her! Don't be a wimp and say it behind her back! I don't care if you're entitled to your opinion, because you should be smart enough to keep it to yourself," she snarled, grumpily walking to their table and sitting down.

At a sudden loss for words, Hermione followed. She sat next to Lily, a huge smile on her face. "You, Lily Evans, are great. You are amazing! I don't know what I would do without you. I'm so glad I have you as a friend." She looked at Lily, appreciation in her eyes.

Lily blushed, her cheeks becoming pink. "Thank you, Hermione. It's just, it's just.." Her eyes darted to the Slytherin table. "I hate people, who think they can say whatever they want, do whatever. They act so selfish, and it makes me sick." Her eyes filled with hate, as she attacked the scrambled eggs she'd placed on her plate, with a fork.

Hermione glanced over her shoulder, looking at the same place that Lily had. She spotted a boy. The boy looked down at his plate, while two boys, one on each side of him, talked. He said one or two words, making occasional glances at the Gryffindor table. He just so happened to look where they were sitting. He had pale skin, his eyes were dark black, he had shoulder length, greasy hair and a slightly crooked nose. Almost choking on her bread, she realized the boy there, was Severus Snape. Hermione looked back at Snape then to Lily, as she shoved pieces of the egg into her mouth.

"Do you know th-that boy?" Her gaze made it clear that Hermione was talking about Snape. She looked at Lily, trying to remain calm. As calm as she could be in this situation.

Swallowing the last bite of her egg, Lily let out a mirthless laugh. "Snivellus? That greasy, slime ball of a git? Sadly, I had the misfortune of meeting him." She said darkly. For a moment, her eyes filled with longing. That look completely vanished, as a single tear formed in her eye.

"Well," unsteadily began Hermione. "Yes. Is, is something wrong Lily?" She touched the back of her arm. "You can tell me. Even though I met you yesterday, I know you. You are a warm wouldn't call, call him something like that."

Tears flooded down her cheek, Lily using the sleeve of her cloak to wipe them off. "He, Severus, used to be my friend. He was my best friend. But then, he called me a … mudblood." She looked down, clear remorse shown in her eyes. "He's a good person, he is. But, most people don't think so. By most people, I mean James and Sirius. They came up with the name 'Snivellus'. It's just … His lot. He hangs with some of the worst wizards I know, but he thinks they're alright. I don't talk to him anymore." She said in a small voice.

"Lily. You are amazing. You are a kind, warm, loving, caring, smart, wise, intelligent and witty witch. Yesterday, I was in a horrible state. Somehow, you made me feel better. You just have this, sort of glow. You can find the best in someone, and ignore their worst. If he, Severus, can't see that than he isn't worth a single second from you. I know it was hard, but I'm proud that you don't talk to him anymore. You are so strong, Lily."

Lily smiled, her eyes filled with tears. Not sad tears, but tears of joy. She wiped them with her sleeve, her smile etched upon her face. "Tha-that's one of the nicest things someone's said to me. No one's ever been so nice, well maybe James but.." She tilted her head, scrunching her brows.

Hermione deviously grinned. "James? Oh Lily …" She trailed, still grinning. "He likes you! Doesn't he?" After seeing her red cheeks, and small awkward smile she couldn't help but chant, "James likes you, James likes you."

"Well obviously. You'd have to be an idiot not to notice, 'Mione."

With a feeling of deja vu, both girls spun their heads around only to face, Sirius. His ratty cloak gleamed in the light. He held his books in one arm, and an already ripped timetable in the other. He strutted over to the bench, and took a seat next to Hermione.

"How are you two lovely ladies doing?"

"We're fine. Could be better without you, but we're fine." Hermione said coolly. Lily chuckled, her hand running up to her mouth.

Sirius gritted his teeth, a tiny glare forming between his brows.

"Relax, Sirius. Can't take a joke?" She said teasingly, playfully raising a brow. She felt surprised that she could act so playful, so teasing to him. Hermione couldn't help but like the fact that none of them held back their own personality in front of her. It made her feel back home, and if something could make her feel home than she was happy.

Sirius mirthlessly chuckled. "Oh darling, you truly don't know me." Sirius smirked, popping a sausage into his mouth. He grossly chewed on it, causing Hermione and Lily to look away in disgust.

"You, Sirius, are a pig." Hermione distastefully wrinkled her nose, taking a swig of orange juice. "Honestly, do you have any manners? Were you raised in a barn?" She shook her head, scratching the back of her head. Boys, she thought.

"I might as well have, with my parents, 'pure-blood' crap and their snobby attitude. They're vindictive, cold-hearted pigs." Sirius said bitterly.

There was a pause. "Hey, Sirius, where's James and Remus?" Lily said unsteadily, relief washing over her for breaking the long tension placed among the group. Her brows furrowed worriedly.

Hermione widened her eyes. Only now, had she realized that they were not here. Was something wrong? Was someone … hurt? Her head might have hurt from all of the questions she could've asked, but she focused her mind on Sirius.

Sirius paled. "Er, well. This morning, we sorta panicked. I mean, Wo-" Sirius caught himself. "Peter's been gone for a day. We don't know where he's been, or what's going on. We do-don't know if he's hurt or not. So, James and Remus went to go see Dumbledore. Or who'll ever see 'em. I mean, he's probably fine. But it's just to know if he's alright …" Sirius croaked.

Lily reached out for his hand. "Sirius. He'll be fine. Peter's probably missed the train, or something. You know him. What kind of mess would Peter actually get himself into? He's as about as harmful as a rat. What harm could he have gotten himself into?" She reassuringly smiled.

Hermione almost bitterly laughed, but caught herself. Harmful as a rat, she thought, the joke playing itself.

The color in Sirius' face returned, as he chuckled at her choice of words. "Thanks, Lily." He mumbled, his cheeks pink. "Peter won't be in trouble," he murmured. "Peter's ah, a friend of ours, Hermione." Sirius added, thinking she might've been confused.

"Yeah," unusually chirped Hermione. "I think Remus mentioned him in the Hospital Wing. W-Wormtail was it?" Though she knew all of this, she had sounded quite convincing.

There was another pause. The three took this moment to eat and drink. Sirius shoved an egg into his mouth; Lily took a sip of warm milk; Hermione finished the last bite of her bread. This continued for a minute or so.

"What d'you guys go' nex'?" Sirius piped up. "I have," he grabbed his timetable, scanning through it. "I got Charms." He looked at them with clear interest.

Lily flashed Hermione an amused smile before saying, "Hermione and I've got Charms as well."

Sirius' cheeks turned pink as he hid a huge smile. "Great. Really great." He hid his face, but out of the corner of Hermione's eyes, she saw part of his lip, curled into a grin.

He mumbled something to himself, but the only words Hermione could make out were 'yes' and 'Hermione'. She could feel her cheeks reddening. She didn't know why, but she felt a rush of giddiness in her stomach. The same rush she felt when Sirius and James visited them last night. She pushed those feelings aside, seeing as even thinking about something like that was weird on every level.

"Why so happy, Sirius? I know we're back, but don't get wet from excitement."

"Please don't, I, at least I plan on, am going to eat."

Standing behind the three, were the grinning James and the laughing Remus. James took a seat next to Lily, who was giggling. Her eyes gleamed by the single sight of James. He smiled at her, his eyes widening with shock.

"Shut up, James. Please, do the world a favor and stop talking," Sirius scowled, turning around to face them. "Honestly." He mumbled, with a small smile. "Anyways, what'd they say? Is Peter alright? Is he hurt?" The change in tone was quite startling.

"Peter," began Remus, "is fine." They all let out deep sighs. "He has some family stuff he had to deal with. It wasn't a big deal. We actually got to say hi to him. Little bloke almost screamed when he saw us." Remus chuckled, followed by a laugh.

"At least he wasn't dumb enough to miss the train," grinned James. "Then again, I could imagine him actually doing that …"

They all roared with laughter. Even Hermione let out a chuckle.

"So when's he coming back, then?" Sirius asked, turning his body sideways, his legs facing the other way. "Did they tell you?"

"He's coming back tomorrow," said Remus, as he took a large apple and bit a giant piece of it. "Tomorrow night, I suppose." He murmured between bites.

"What is it with you boys, and eating? Do you have any manners what so ever?" Hermione impatiently asked, scrunching her nose up in disgust. "Is it just a boy thing to eat like a pig?"

Remus swallowed. "Sorry 'Mione." Hermione shot him a deadly glare.

"Sorry, Hermione, but if Sirius can call you 'Mione and not get glared at, then why can't we?" James said, with an amused smile. "Yeah, I do wonder why 'ole Sirius can call you whatever he wants, but if we call you 'Mione, you act like we've just murdered your cat."

"Are you kidding?" Hermione scoffed. "Sirius does not get to call me 'Mione. None of you do!" She frantically cried, sighing. "Boys. Might be some of the biggest idiots in the world."

"You've got that right," smirked Lily. "We have less then five minutes to get to Charms, yes Hermione even James and Remus have it with us, don't be so surprised. Now believe it or not," she eyed James, "I actually care whether your lot are late or not, so get off your arse! Now, me and Hermione are going." She swiftly turned around, as Hermione scampered behind her.

Sirius about to stand up, but sat back down after noticing James and Remus still seated, both still eating. He wrinkled his brows. "What are you two gits doing? Ickle Remus wants to be late?"

Remus, who had clearly noticed, widened his eyes in distaste. He scowled, causing Sirius to chuckle. "Shu' up, James," he managed, as James snorted with laughter. He glared at the sight of his two friends who roared with laughter.

"Yes, how threatening." Sirius glanced sideways at Lily and Hermione, both close to leaving The Great Hall. "Hmm," he mumbled, his brows furrowing. He anxiously tapped his fingers against the table, slightly biting his lower lip. He watched, fighting the urge to jump out of his seat and run towards them.

"Oh, just go," snapped Remus, annoyed with his friend's lack of hiding emotion. "Me and James will finish and we'll meet up with you guys." He said calmly, leaning back in his seat. "Just leave now, before they go." He said swiftly, before picking up a cup of orange juice wolfing it down his mouth.

"Thanks mate," Sirius said quickly, he picked up his books, then ran off. After a moment, he was near both of them. "See, Lily? Told ya I wouldn't be late." He grinned, as both girls glanced over their shoulders and waited impatiently for him.

Lily raised a brow at Hermione, whose cheeks were faintly pink. Avoiding the clear and obvious tease, he turned to Sirius. "What changed your mind, Sirius?" She asked with a grin. Lily couldn't avoid smiling, the situation was too good.

"Oh," said a taken back Sirius. He knew, rather figured, Hermione was clueless; but seeing as he's known Lily for so long, he knew her. She always hated when he slept with a girl, just for the quick shag. Sirius was bound to fight the right girl, but until so, he'd be fine with a shag. Lily, on the other hand, didn't approve. She wanted him to settle down, but Sirius knew that wasn't going to happen anytime soon. With a half-glance at Hermione, he shrugged. Maybe soon. He noticed Lily's waiting look, and realized she was expecting an answer. "Those two prats were taking too long, so I decided, why not? I'll come with you too," he said with a shrug. He was used to faking things, like a smile or a frown, so it was easy for him to shrug it off.

Lily narrowed her eyes, her aura sensing danger. Her suspicion simply grew, but she lowered her guards. "Alright," she said cautiously,"Then." There was a moment filled with silence, uncomfortable shifts of movement the only piece of contact.

"Anyway," began Hermione unsteadily, "I just …" She glanced at Lily, then back at Sirius. Without asking what was going on, she blinked. Her stomach felt empty, she felt uneasy butterflies. Panic washed over her, as she took in a deep breath. "I'm so nervous. What if someone doesn't believe me? What do I do? I can't, I just can't, risk it if someone finds out! Do you think the teachers now? Do you think Dumbledore told them about me? Or not? How will the teachers react to me? Will they hate me?" She said this really quickly.

Sirius heaved out of a large breath, straightening his back as if he were giving a speech."Hermione," said Sirius softly, "calm down. You'll be fine. Everyone'll believe you, I promise. And if they don't, well, Obliviate never hurt anyone now did it?" He asked, a grin spreading from his lips. Hermione chuckled, wiping a tear from her sleeve. "You'll be alright, we'll help you. Isn't that right, Lily?" He looked up at Lily, a pleading sparkle gleaming from his eyes.

Lily look astonished, smiling in amazement before she could help herself. "Yes," she answered automatically, sweetly smiling to Hermione. "Seriously," she said half-heartedly, "I know that you'll be fine. Better than fine. Fantastic, amazing, magnificent … The list goes on. Just, take in a deep breath. Professor Filtwick is a great teacher, you'll love him. He came in our fifth year, he's my favorite."

Hermione's cheeks became pink, as she grinned. Filtwick, in her opinion, was a great teacher. She felt a new burst of confidence knowing at least one familiar face, though they wouldn't recognize her, was here. He was always so nice to everyone, never cruel to a single student. Unlike some people, she bitterly thought, feeling a twinge of remorse. "Filtwick still teaches, actually," she murmured awkwardly. "I like him, though," she hastily added.

Sirius clutched his chest with his hand, sighing in relief. "Good." He said firmly, as the three picked up their pace, walking a little faster. He did not explain what was so 'good', but simply continued walking as if nothing were wrong.

Hermione furrowed her brows. Her confusion was clear in her face, it would be hard not to notice.

Lily smirked, leaning into her to whisper into her ear. Barely cracking her mouth open Lily whispered, "Filtwick is one of his favorite teachers." Lily looked at Sirius, who was now swaggering next to them, then back to Hermione. "I don't know why he takes it so seriously, though. All it is, is a teacher, ridiculous …"

They walked in silence for the next few minutes. Hermione kept her eyes focused infront her, avoiding Sirius' eye contact. Her cheeks would redden the moment she laid eyes on him. For some reason, she was highly flattered when Lily assumed, rather briefly mentioned, Sirius having a subtle liking towards her. Not that she liked him or anything.

But did she? Though she wouldn't admit anything, she would think about that in the strangest times. How Sirius acted kinder towards her, always made more effort to talk to her. Was it just to be polite? Or was there a hidden meaning?

Sirius, no doubt having his flaws, was a great man. Hermione, having her fair share of doubts, always thought highly of him. Sure, he could be reckless and immature but at the same time he could be caring and stern when he needed to. He was fun, and was a bright spirit. Sirius was complex at the same time too. Just a few minutes ago, the spirit drowned from him as a second went by. Something about him attracted Hermione towards him.

Was it strange, having a familiar sense of liking towards Sirius? He was, oh, thirty-six in her actual time. She was sixteen, and only a year away from being of age. By the time she'd return to her time, chances were she'd reach the age. Her birthday was in a few days, so they wouldn't be breaking any laws.

A force in Hermione told her to take a pause. Breaking any laws? She was thinking in a completely different territory. Who said she even liked him? Maybe, just maybe, a small part of her liked him. But them really dating in her time? She imagined what her friends would say. Ron would have an absolute fit, raging on about how strange it would be. Harry would certainly be startled but he would soon realize to ease down to the thought, still feeling rather oblivious to the thought of his godfather and his best friend.

Hermione glanced at Sirius, his eyes fixed on Lily. They were discreetly chatting, both exchanging smiles and longing chuckles. His dark hair was messy, and his smile, his nice and relaxing smile, was as bright as could be. He looked truly happy. And if anything, Hermione felt deeply sad. Just remembering that this boy, would one day be the man in Azkaban for a supposed crime he didn't commit.

Lily, upon taking notice of Hermione's clear sight of them, apologetically smiled. "Sorry Hermione," Lily chuckled while saying so, pushing a lock of her red hair behind her ear. "Were we boring you?"

Sirius looked guilty, as he pushed his upper and lower lip together, his eyes looking pleading. His mouth was slightly hanging open, her every breath catching his ears. He gently tapped his fingers against the back of his text book, a subtle yet nervous smile spreading from his lips.

"Actually, I wasn't really paying attention," Hermione declared broodingly. "I guess I was lost in my own thoughts." She shrugged. "I was actually thinking about a friend of mine, er, his name's Harry. Nice fellow, really …" She felt uncomfortable even saying the name out loud. It felt odd; mentioning Harry, when they didn't even know him. All they were to him right now was some bloke who Hermione knew; when in reality Harry was James and Lily's son, and Sirius' god child. She felt her heart beat increase, a nervous feeling swirling through her stomach. It was fascinating, while scary at the same moment.

Sirius slightly brightened at the sound of her voice. Lowering his chin, he muttered, "So, that's why you called James, Harry. Well, not really why, but .." He looked puzzled, his expression daring to ask questions. He opened his mouth to speak, but abruptly closed it, having a new change of mind. With a shrug, he dropped the subject, abruptly stopping.

Hermione spun her head around, spotting the Charm's classroom. Students were filling up the room, some giving Hermione a double glance but on the most, simply ignored her. It wasn't until Sirius spoke, that Hermione noticed what they were all looking at.

"Well, look who it is. Snivellus," Sirius distastefully sneered. "I haven't seen you in a long time. I reckon you're still as greasy, though. I can see, your hair looks dirtier than I last remember. Still mortified at the thought of a proper shower? God, I could smell your hair from the Great Hall." He grinned.

Snape glanced at Lily, before scowling at Sirius. His face looked calm; his eyes were flooded with anger. To everyone's surprise, he chuckled. "I wonder, old friend, how on earth you manage to speak without thinking? Having a big mouth without any wits? Honestly, a five year old could do better than that. Seeing as you're as immature as one, I am not surprised."

Sirius' grin faded. He crossed his arms. "Maturity is among an essence, my dear friend. I wonder, indeed, how anyone can bear to stand in the same room as you. You're as stiff as cardboard. You're not smart, you're not funny, and you're the most boring person I've ever laid eyes on. I'm surprised that you don't have your fair share of admirers." He gestured to the squealing girls, giggling at ogling Sirius. "Actually, I'm not surprised either."

Laughter filled the hallway, everyone giggling or snorting with laughter. Lily even found the courage to chuckle, though she avoided catching Snape's eye. Even Hermione, not supposed to know much, was finding it very hard not to laugh.

Snape, upon looking furious, opened his mouth to retort. A sly smile curled at the end of his lips, noticing the giggling Hermione. "Why, who is this? Surely, you do not go to Hogwarts, I would've noticed a beautiful woman such as yourself among this crowd. Surely, you aren't

Hermione, taking clear notice, roughly grabbed Sirius' arms and quickly made their way into the class room. "Wha' are you doing, 'Mione?" He managed, between chortles of laughter.

"Saving your arse, that's what," she grumbled. Glancing over her shoulder, she saw a flash of red hair belonging to Lily. She looked shocked, but immediately followed in the fear of having to speak to Snape, alone.

She avoided looking at the small crowd of students. Unaware of whether they were noticing Hermione, she sped off, spotting a free row. "Over here," she hastily hissed to Lily and Sirius, quickly walking. Reaching the row, she shimmied her way down to the second to last seat.

"I'm not sitting in the corner," she hissed, when Lily gave her a questioning look. "They're going to stare, I know it. It'll be more comforting have the two of you on both of sides." She stated, crossing her arms. Hermione dropped her books onto her desk, sitting down on the wooden chair.

"So, what now?" Hermione asked politely, feeling rather impatient. She was ready, prepared, for the day. Whether it seemed like it or not, Hermione Granger was going to have an amazing seventh year, whether she had spent it twenty years in the past or not.

"We wait," Sirius said, before grinning to Hermione.

It won't be a bad year, either, Hermione thought with a grin.