Author's Note: I seriously can't believe I am posting another story! This is a product of a little free writing I did to get over some writer's block and it blossomed (with the help of Travelilah) into this. I know it's another time travel story BUT these are my favorite types to read and write. I can't wait to see what everybody thinks so read, review, favorite, follow, all that good stuff. Now without further ado I present to you...The Unexpected Lady Potter.

Chapter 1

September 7, 1998

One hundred and twenty-eight was the number that haunted her. It had been exactly one hundred and twenty-eight days since they had won the war. One hundred and twenty-eight days since the Light prevailed and the wizarding world celebrated the defeat of the darkest wizard in history.

For Hermione Granger, war heroine, brains of the Golden Trio, and whatever other moniker the public deemed appropriate to bestow upon her, the past one hundred and twenty-eight days had been the worst of her life. The Light may have won, but the price of doing so was steep. She had lost everything. Her parents, who were supposed to be safe in Australia, were gone. Killed in a car accident barely two months after they moved. She tried to protect them, only to send them to their deaths. Then there was Harry. Harry James Potter, her best friend, her brother in everything but blood, the one who she swore to herself would make it out alive even if she died, because he had lost too much and deserved to live and have a good life, gave his life to save not only her but all of Wizarding Britain.

When she saw Harid carrying Harry's body out of the forest, she felt her heart shatter for the only family she had left. Funnily enough, it had been Neville who had pulled her out of her sorrow. He had reminded her and every fighter for the Light, that the war wasn't about Harry, but about equality for all. Then Neville killed the snake, and with Voldemort mortal once more, the fighting broke out again. The Order and the DA began to fight with renewed vigor, wanting to avenge Harry or other loved ones or simply to see the war finished once and for all. After Molly killed Bellatrix, with Voldemort distracted, Professors McGonagall and Slughorn along with Kingsley Shacklebolt simultaneously fired killing curses at the deranged wizard ending his life for good this time.

The world began to both celebrate the victory and mourn the loved ones lost. Hermione knew she wasn't the only one who lost somebody. The Weasley's lost not only Harry but Fred as well; both Ginny and George were barely hanging on. George lost his other half, while Ginny lost the love of her life. Andromeda Tonks lost her husband, daughter, and son-in-law, and was now a single mother raising her grandson. Little Teddy Lupin would never know his parents or his godfather. So many lives had been taken all due to a skewed belief that the purity of one's blood made you superior.

Now, one hundred and twenty-eight days later and Hermione was once again laying in bed thinking about the death and destruction she had somehow survived. She knew eventually she would need to start moving on with her life. It would be an insult to the memories of those who gave their lives for her freedom if she didn't. It would be an insult to Harry, but for now she just wanted to lay in bed for a few more minutes missing her best friend and brother.

"Hermione, dear. Are you awake?" came Mrs. Weasley's voice as she knocked on the door to her and Ginny's room. "Breakfast is ready when you are. You don't want to meet with the goblins hungry."

"Thank you Mrs. Weasley. I'll be down soon," the curly-haired witch called through the door. She forgot about the summons to Gringotts today. Four weeks after the final battle, after all the funerals had ended, and reconstruction had begun, her, Ron, and Ginny had received summons to Gringotts for the reading of Harry's Will. Hermione didn't even know Harry had a Will but apparently before they left on the Horcrux hunt he sent an owl to the goblins detailing what should happen in the event of his death. The three of them sat down and agreed that they weren't quite ready to face the harsh reality of The Last Will and Testament of Harry James Potter. So Hermione sent an owl scheduling their meeting for the first Monday of September, hoping by then life would be just a little bit easier.

Deciding that she couldn't lay in bed any longer or risk being late, something the goblins didn't take to kindly to and both she and Ron already weren't in their good books after the amount of destruction they caused with the dragon, she got out of bed to take a quick shower. Ten minutes and a well placed charm later, she showered and her hair was dry and slightly tamed. She pulled on jeans, a jumper, her trainers, and grabbed her still packed beaded bag before she pocketed her wand and made her way downstairs into the kitchen of the Burrow. Ron and Ginny were sitting next to each other, while Charlie was across from Ginny.

Charlie hadn't been there when Fred died but decided to take an indefinite leave of absence from the dragon sanctuary to attend the funeral and to be there for his family in the aftermath. He originally said it was because he knew his Mum needed all of her children close to her, but later confided in Hermion how much guilt he had over the fact he didn't fight alongside his family; then maybe he could have protected his little brother.

Taking her seat next to Charlie, Molly placed a plate filled with eggs, bacon, and sausage in front of Hermione. "Now eat up dear. These things can take hours. You know how goblins can be. You may not have a chance for lunch." Mrs. Weasley instructed her as she began to fill another plate. "Can you please take this up to George, Charlie? He hasn't come down yet."

"Of course Mum." Charlie gave his mum a sad smile before grabbing the plate and heading up the stairs. George rarely make it out of his room for breakfast and never for dinner anymore. Charlie was the only one he'll speak to and told him he just can't face a family dinner and not see Fred there yet. The whole family understood but remained worried. They doubted George would ever be ready.

"Are you two ready for today?" Hermione solemnly asked the remaining Weasley siblings.

Ron's grimace and Ginny's eyes filled with tears were all the answer Hermione needed, but Ginny replied anyway.

"No, but I don't think I'll ever be ready."

The other two nodded their heads in agreement and no more was said while they finished eating.

"Come on. Let's get going. Mum is right, this could take all day and I for one don't want to have to go back another day to finish everything." Ron stated after a few minutes of silence. Ever since he returned to the tent after leaving the Horcrux hunt, Ron had changed. He was more mature, more authoritative, he no longer had the emotional range of a teaspoon (he had upgraded to a tablespoon at least). She knew Ron had feelings for her, and once upon a time she did as well, but despite the growth Ron had shown over the past few months she didn't think she would ever be able to fully forgive him for the abandonment. So when he went to put his hand on the small of her back to lead her to the Floo she casually sidestepped him so as not to lead him on. The day was going to be stressful enough without any other emotional baggage.

The trio was quiet as they made their way to Gringotts. Diagon Alley was bursting with life once more but they hardly noticed, each attempting to mentally prepare for what they viewed as a final goodbye to Harry. Once inside the bank, a goblin, who didn't introduce himself and was keeping an annoyingly close eye on Ron and Hermione, quickly ushered them into a private office.

"Good morning. Thank you for meeting with us today. I am Ragnok, director of Gringotts. This is the Potter Family account manager, Gornuk." The goblin seated behind the large, mahogany desk introduced himself and the goblin standing next to him as Hermione, Ron, and Ginny all sat in the three armchairs provided for them. "As stated in our owl, this meeting is in regards to the Last Will and Testament of Lord Harry James Potter. Gornuk will do the reading of the Will and then escort the three of you down to the Potter Family vault to conduct inventory and make sure the Will is carried out properly. Before we begin though we must verify your identities. You understand given recent security breaches," Ragnok said with a cruel smile, clearly referring to when Harry, Ron, and Hermione broke in. "All we will need is a few drops of blood each."

"Excuse me but blood? Surely you could do a simple wand verification?" Hermione asked, slightly flustered. She had seen enough blood for one lifetime, and had no desire to willingly make herself bleed.

"Wands can be stolen Miss Granger," Ragnok replied simply with a knowing look.

Of course, she had used Bellatrix's wand when she impersonated her. The goblins would use that against her. "Understandable Director Ragnok," she acquiesced with a tight smile.

A quick cut to each of their palms later and their identities were verified.

"Now that is out of the way, let's begin. Gornuk if you please," Ragnok instructed.

The goblin grabbed a scroll off the desk, cleared his throat and began. "The Last Will and Testament of Lord Harry James Potter read on this date Monday the Seventh of September 1998. Estate executor, Gornuk. Witness, Ragnok. Benefactors, Ronald Bilius Weasley, Ginevra Molly Weasley, Hermione Jean Granger, and Remus John Lupin."

"Pardon," Hermione stopped Gornuk.

With a glare at the interruption, Gornuk asked with an air of disdain, "Yes?"

"Remus Lupin? He died in the final battle," the witch started to say.

"We are aware. His inheritance will be left to the Lupin family. We have already spoken with young Master Lupin's guardian. His portion of the estate will be stored in a trust for him until he turns of age. Now if there are no more questions, let's continue," the goblin finished with a glare.

"Yes, of course. Sorry," Hermione said tightly.

"To Ronald Bilius Weasley I leave my Firebolt, Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow, one quarter of the Potter fortune, and all Quidditch memorabilia located in the Potter Family Vault," Gornuk continued reading the Will.

At this Ron leaned forward in his seat and put his head in his hands, trying to stop the tears from falling. His best friend, his brother was really gone. He wanted him to have the first thing his godfather ever gave him, one of his most treasured possessions. And why in the world would he want Ron to have the cottage in Godric's Hollow?

After a moment's pause to let everything sink in Gornuk pushed forward, "To Ginevra Molly Weasley I leave Grimmuald Place, all jewelry located in the Potter Family Vault, and one quarter of the Potter fortune."

Ginny had been staring at the opposite wall from the moment they had sat down. The only way to tell she had even heard what the goblin said was by the tears that were flowing down her face, though she wasn't doing anything to stop them

"To Hermione Jean Granger I leave Potter Manor and all its contents, including the extensive library, one quarter of the Potter fortune, and I hereby make you my official heir. Upon my death you will receive the title of Lady Potter," Gornuk finished as he rolled up the parchment he was reading from.

Shocked, Hermione was the only one to verbalize a response. "What? Lady Potter? But that should be Ginny! I don't understand."

"Hermione…" Ginny started.

"No, Ginny," she interrupted. "He loved you. You would have been Lady Potter once the two of you were married."

"We do not ask questions as to why our clients choose to leave what they do and to whom, we simply execute their wishes. Now if you are quite done there are a few more matters to attend to," Gornuk interjected. "Lord Potter also sent along letters to each of you, to be distributed upon the reading of his will. You also must visit the Potter vault and conduct an inventory before everything is divided up."

Ron spoke for the first time since entering the bank. "Letters? Can we have those now?"

"We really are very busy. We will relinquish the letters but we insist on taking you down to the vault now," Ragnok responded.

Hermione stood up, with Ron and Ginny following her lead. "Alright. Let's get this over with then. We're ready," her voice sounding a lot stronger than she felt.

"Follow me then," Gornuk instructed, escorting the trio out of the Director's office and down to the underground vaults of the bank.

All four settled themselves into one of the carts before it took off deep into the bowels of Gringotts. After about ten minutes or so the cart finally slowed to a stop and Gornuk exited first. "Vault 687, the Potter Family Vault. You will have as much time as you need down here. We have already removed the inheritance left to young Master Lupin per the instructions of his guardian. Let me know before you leave how you would like to handle each of your inheritance. Miss Granger you will also need to see me for instructions on how to enter Potter Manor. Here are your letters," Gornuk informed them as he pulled out three different envelopes from his pocket. "I will take my leave now. The cart will automatically take you to the top once you have finished." With that the goblin spun around and walked out, leaving Ron, Hermione, and Ginny alone.

"Well what do you want to do first?" Hermione asked.

"I want to read my letter," Ginny responded immediately. "I need to know what he said."

"Alright, we'll all find a place to read, then I guess we'll get started on the inventory. I really don't want to be here all day," Hermione agreed.

The three split up and found a spot a good distance away from the others, each wanting their privacy to read the last words Harry wanted to say to them.

Hermione settled herself on the top of what looked like to be an old Hogwarts trunk before opening her letter.

Dear Hermione,

This is hard to write, and I hope you never have to read this. I want to make it out of this damn war alive, but I just don't think that's in the cards for me. So in the very likely event that I've died, first I want you to know that I love you. You are my sister, my best friend, and the best family that I could have asked for. Who would have thought the little girl I met on the train who knew too many spells already would have become one of the most important people in my life and save my life more times than I can count. I know you will miss me and mourn me, but please don't wallow too long. You have so much to do in the world and I don't want you spending your time wishing for what could have been.

I do have a favor to ask of you, and I know I may not have a right to, but despite the fact I am no longer there I will always need your help. Please look after Ginny and Ron. Keep them together. Make sure Ginny moves on eventually. I love her with all my heart but I want her to be happy. I know one day she will meet somebody else, and I don't want her to keep herself closed off from that. And Ron, he doesn't always handle emotions well (in case you hadn't noticed), I don't want him to lose himself. Make sure he doesn't do anything he would regret.

As for you, you're probably wondering why I made you Lady Potter rather than Ginny, after all I would have married her the first chance I got and she would have had the title. It's simple really, our world has to change, and you have the intelligence and ability to help affect the change that is needed. I would like you to take up the Potter Family seat on the Wizengamot. Help change our laws, help to make our world a more equal place. I know that is something you want to do and I know you are more than capable.

I will miss all of you more than you know, but try to remember that wherever I end up I'll be happy. I'll be with my parents and Sirius, and I will always be with you as well.

All my love,

Harry

Fresh tears were streaming down Hermione's face as she finished her letter. Merlin, she missed that man, but he was right. There was no point in wishing for what could have been. So she would honor his memory and do exactly as he asked: take care of those he loved and make sure the world changed so Harry didn't die in vain.

With a new resolve, she stood up and brushed the tears from her face determined to move forward. As she put the letter in her pocket, she went to find Ginny and Ron, to see if they were finished reading yet.

She found them toward the back of the vault, Ron's arms around Ginny as she sobbed into his chest. The curly haired witch's heart broke for the younger girl. Hermione would do as Harry said and help Ginny move on, just maybe not for awhile.

Hermione tried to back away quietly to give the siblings some privacy but Ron caught her movement out of the corner of his eye and beckoned her over to them. She sat down in front of the two and placed her hand on Ginny's arm, not knowing what to say.

Eventually, her sobs quieted and she was able to pull herself together.

"I still just can't believe he's gone," Ginny whispered.

"I know," Ron agreed, "It doesn't seem real still."

Hermione took a deep breath before pushing forward. "It doesn't but let's get on with this. We don't want to be here all day, and then after we can get a drink. Maybe see if any of the DA wants to join us at the Leaky, and try to remember all of the good things about Harry."

Ginny sat up straighter and wiped at her eyes. "You're right. Let's get this over with. I don't like being here. What do we do first?"

"There should be a ledger here somewhere that keeps an inventory of the vault. I believe we just have to record in there where everything is supposed to go, so either of your vaults or my own," Hermione guessed.

"You could just leave everything of yours in this vault if you wanted to most likely," Ron offered.

Hermione wrinkles her nose. "That doesn't feel right. This isn't my vault, it's for Potters."

"Yeah but you're Lady Potter now, so this is your vault."

She paused before speaking. "Oh, well yes. I guess you're right."

"So how should we do this?" Ginny asked.

"How about we start by making a list of everything we want to take with us today, then we'll start annotating what goes to which vault," Hermione suggested. "We'll start at the back and work our way forward?"

With a plan of action the trio found the ledger located towards the front of the vault and then made their way to the back to begin working.

After a few hours they were almost completely through. The only thing left was to go through the trunk that Hermione had sat on earlier. She took the time to examine it this time and noticed the initials "CFP" engraved on it.

"CFP?" Hermione wondered aloud. "Who do you think that would be?"

"Dunno," was the answer that came from Ron. "Mum might know though, she grew up having to know the names of every Pureblood. The Prewetts were a little higher in the Sacred 28 than the Weasleys, so they cared about those types of things."

"Hmm.." was Hermione's only answer. She opened the trunk and noticed that it seemed to be a bunch of personal items. It looked like some old school books, a few journals, some small pieces of jewelry, and what looked to be a very old and very large pocket watch. Drawn to it, the witch picked it up to examine it.

"What's that?" Ginny asked, as she pulled out some of the books.

Hermione flipped it open to examine it. "I'm not sure, it looks kind of like a watch but it's not like any watch that I've ever seen. There are runes engraved, and no numbers. I've never seen runes like this before. They're fascinating." Before she could change her mind, Hermione made a note in the ledger that she would be taking it with her. She couldn't wait to examine it.

Another few minutes later and they had finally finished everything. Hermione placed the ledger back where it belonged and all three exited the vault with the door closing automatically behind them.

As the goblin said, the cart took them automatically back to the top. The trio exited and returned to the Director's office as they had been previously instructed.

After knocking and being given permission to enter the office, Hermione entered first wanting to finish as quickly as possible. "Director, Gornuk. The ledger has been updated. Everything can be moved accordingly based on that. You said you also have to tell me how I can access Potter Manor?"

"Yes Lady Potter. I believe your companions should wait outside," Ragnok advised.

"No, they can stay."

"Very well. If you so choose. Gornuk, continue."

"After the passing of Charlus and Dorea Potter, James Potter chose to not reside in Potter Manor with his family. It is not widely known but it was placed under a Fidelius Charm, with me as the Secret Keeper. I have written the address down for you to share at your discretion," Gornuk informed Hermione handing her a slip of parchment.

Potter Manor is located in Yorkshire, five kilometers west of Godric's Hollow town center.

"Thank you Gornuk, Director Ragnok. If that will be all?"

"Yes. Our business here is complete for now. Lady Potter, I would recommend meeting once a year to go over the Potter accounts and investments," advised Gornuk.

"Of course. I'll keep that in mind," Hermione replied before turning to Ginny and Ron. "Let's go."

The trio left the office and walked out of the bank in silence. About halfway down the alley Ron broke the silence, "So the Leaky? I could use a drink."

"Me too," Ginny agreed.

Hermione nodded in agreement and the three headed off towards the pub.

May 15, 1999

They had made it over a year since the war ended. Hermione finally moved out of the Burrow and into Potter Manor after it had been cleaned out. Ron fixed up Potter Cottage in Godric's Hollow, and Ginny renovated Grimmuald Place.

They were all striving to carry out Harry's final wishes, to move on and live their lives as best as possible. Hermione had thought about not moving into the house and donating her inheritance to help rebuild the Wizarding World, and she did donate some. But she realized she would never be able to work to support herself and dedicate as much time as she felt necessary to changing the laws in the Wizengamot. So she decided to suck it up and use what Harry had left her.

Hermione spent her days in the Ministry researching laws and sitting in on Wizengamot sessions, and trying to push along her own campaign for werewolf and muggleborn equality. Her nights were spent in the Potter library researching the unusual watch she had found in the Potter Vault all those months ago.

It was a slow going process but so far she had discovered it was a Time Turner of sorts (it had taken her about six months alone to make that discovery). It seemed to be very old, and unlike any Time Turner she had ever seen but she was quite fascinated by it. Ever since her third year, she had been especially interested in Time magic. She didn't necessarily want to use it, she knew horrible things happened to those who meddled with time, but her curious nature compelled her to figure out how it worked.

As it was Saturday, and Hermione had no plans, she decided to take her research outside. She set up her breakfast out in the gardens, before grabbing the watch, the journal with all of the notes she had taken, and a runic book to help her decipher the last of the runes.

After an hour or so of being absorbed in her book, with the watch by her elbow on the table, Hermione went to reach for her fork. Not paying attention, she grabbed the knife instead, cutting her hand. Hissing at the sting of the cut she jerked her hand back knocking the watch off the table. Without thinking, she reached out to catch it with her cut hand. As soon as she wrapped her bloodied hand around the watch, her world started to spin like a portkey and Hermione knew something was very, very wrong.

May 15, 1979

Lily Potter was nervous. No, not nervous. Terrified. She and James had only been married a month and this was the first family dinner she was hosting. It had to go perfectly. She knew her mother-in-law wasn't her biggest fan. Dorea Potter did not think that Lily was good enough for her precious baby boy, she most likely didn't think any witch would be good enough for him, and Lily was determined that everything go perfectly. She had spent all day making a turkey and roast, the muggle way, she wasn't comfortable cooking use magic still, but Lily knew that it would be just as good, if not better.

Lily was putting the finishing touches on dessert when she heard everybody beginning to arrive.

"Oh James, she has you answering the door now? Dear you really should get a house elf, it would make everything so much easier." Lily heard Dorea say from the entrance way.

"Mother, we've talked about this. Lily and I can manage on our own. We are perfectly capable," came James's response as he led his mother into the sitting room, his father following.

Lily wiped her hands before heading into the other room to greet her guests.

A smile plastered on her face she greeted, "Dorea, Charlus. How are you?"

Charlus, a tall man with messy salt and pepper hair that James seemed to have inherited, got up from his seat on the couch to give his daughter-in-law a kiss on the cheek, "Lily, you look lovely. We're well. How have you been?"

"Fantastic! James and I have been looking forward to tonight for awhile. I've spent all day cooking."

"All day? You must have prepared a feast. There should only be five of us, once Sirius arrives," came from Dorea, Lily not missing the condescending tone in which she spoke. Dorea was a beautiful and regal witch. She was born a Black, and despite the small rumors about their sanity or lack therefore, one could not deny the Black Family was not lacking in looks. Her dark hair hadn't begun to grey yet and there were very few wrinkles on her face, giving her the look of a witch in her early 40s rather than her late 60s.

"I made everything the muggle way," Lily said in defence of her cooking.

"The muggle way? Without magic?" Dorea questioned.

James chuckled, "Yes mum, that is typically what 'the muggle way' means."

"I find it easier to cook without magic. It's the way I grew up," Lily defended herself. "Well dinner is ready as soon as Sirius arrives."

As if on cue the front door bursts open and they all hear "Prongs! You will not believe the bird I met last night. I thought about inviting her to dinner tonight"

"We're in here Sirius," James shouted, knowing there was no point in getting up.

Sirius sauntered into the sitting room to see that everybody else had already arrived. "Mum! Dad!"

"Hello darling," Dorea smiled at her adoptive son. "I believe you were just about to tell James about a bird. I hope it is an actual bird and not a witch. I know Charlus and I raised you to speak about witches better than that."

"Oh, err...of course. I met a bird, not a witch. I would never be disrespectful of a witch like that," Sirius stammered out, while both James and Charlus chuckled in the background and Lily rolled her eyes.

"So what kind of bird are you bringing to dinner? I think Lily has already got the turkey covered," Charlus joked.

"Did you meet a witch as well, dear? I would like grandchildren at some point and I won't get them with you gallivanting around chasing birds. I would like to meet one of your witches sooner rather than later," Dorea continued, as if her husband hadn't spoken, finding delight in how uncomfortable Sirius was.

"Err...I did, but maybe I'll tell the story later," Sirius managed to get out before turning to Lily, "Lily! Lovely to see you. I've been looking forward to a home cooked meal for ages."

"Sirius Black! You better not have invited one of your tramps into my home," the fiery red head scolded her husband's best friend.

"Now would I do that to you Lils?" Sirius tried to charm her.

"Yes!" Came a chorus of four voices.

"Alright, maybe I would. Anyway, what time is dinner? I'm starved," Sirius laughed.

"It's actually ready. We were just waiting for you," Lily informed the group.

The group of five made their way into the dining room to sit down, and Lily levitated all of the dishes onto the table. Nervous, she kept glancing at her mother-in-law's reaction, only to see Dorea staring judgmentally at every platter as it floated by.

As everybody settled in to begin filling their plates, there was a very loud crack, like the sound of apparition, and a petite, curly haired witch landed in the middle of the table. Food flew everywhere, ruining the meal. Lily was covered in gravy, as Dorea was pelted with the roast potatoes, and Charlus ended up wearing some of the salad. In their usual good fortune, both James and Sirius were free of any food particles.

The unknown witch seemed to be very disoriented as she looked around the room. The first person she seemed to focus on was James and her eyes widened to the size of saucers.

"Harry?" She gasped, before then focusing on Sirius. "Si - Sirius?"

Still shocked from her sudden appearance, nobody spoke as she continued to look at the other occupants of the room before looking down at what looked to be a very old watch that was clutched in her hand.

Looking back at Sirius, she whispered, "Oh no!" before passing out in the middle of the table.

Lily looked murderous as she glared at Sirius. The meal she worked so hard on had been ruined by what she assumed to be one of Sirius's trollops. James and Sirius seemed extremely confused, which went unnoticed by the red head, by the appearance of the witch, who neither of them had ever seen before. Charlus simply looked worried. He recognized the watch in her hand, and it should be in his old Hogwarts trunk, not in the hand of an unknown witch in the middle of his son's dining room.

Dorea was the first to break the silence, "Were we expecting anyone else?"