Summary: What if Sirius never fell into the veil? What if Hermione saved his life, giving him another chance? But how? When the Dark Lord learns that a mudblood survives the Killing Curse, he stops at nothing to get his hands on her, leaving Sirius no choice but to protect her.
Genre: Romance/Mystery; Sirius Black/Hermione Granger
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.
A/N: Happy Reading!
Chapter One
The events of the night were mind wrenching. No one, not even the great Albus Dumbledore could believe it. Harry, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and Luna were all upstairs, no doubt discussing the same, while the Order members deliberated heavily in the room below. There was one other room that was occupied. A room that the young Miss Granger rested in while a healer from Saint Mungo inspected her for injuries. Everyone began to ask questions, their minds contemplating on this most miraculous situation. None, however, were distracted by it more than Sirius Black.
His voice broke through the conversations about the witch. "We don't have time for this," Sirius shouted. "Reminiscing about what happened is a waste!"
Dumbledore approached his former pupil, laying a hand on his shoulder. "Sirius, you must be calm. The answers will come soon enough."
"Better sooner than later," he replied sharply, clearly irritated.
"Sirius," began Dumbledore again, "Hermione Granger saved your life." The old wizard looked toward the table were all the other Order members sat. He then glanced back to Sirius. "She is the reason you are still here, my boy."
Sirius shrugged whiling releasing a long over due sigh. "But how," he asked, not addressing anyone in particular. "How did she do it? She appeared out of no where." He walked past Dumbledore, finding his seat at the dining room table. "How did she survive the Killing Curse? There's only one person who ever…"
"Perhaps her and Harry have something in common," suggested Remus quickly. "Maybe Hermione was protected by ancient magic at the time, just as Harry was."
"It is possible," confirmed Dumbledore easily.
"But who would have cast it," asked Sirius. "There are very few witches who know the ancient language. More than half that try to recite the spells get themselves blown up because of mispronunciations."
"Perhaps, she cast it herself," offered Remus once more.
"I doubt she could have done that. The girl is extremely bright, there is no doubting, but that type of magic takes years to learn." Sirius shook his head. "Besides, that sort of magic is bound through family ties. Her mother and father are muggles. I don't think that's the answer."
Suddenly, there was a light tapping on the door. Everyone looked up from the table to the entryway, watching the door open. Their eyes fell upon Healer Jasper Milton, one of the best in all of Saint Mungo. He was an old friend of Dumbledore, and the only trusted healer by the Order of the Phoenix. And at times, he had his work cut out for him.
Healer Milton casually strode into the dining room, lightly closing the door behind him. He removed his glasses and placed them in his coat pocket before speaking. "Are you absolutely sure the Killing Curse was used?"
"Yes. How many times do you intend to ask that question?"
"I have no desire to upset you, Mister Black. I only wish to make sure that I have all the facts before me."
"You were given all the facts," replied Sirius, his annoyance growing. "What have you discovered?"
Healer Milton let a small smile grace his lips. "I can find nothing wrong with her. Miss Granger will be perfectly fine."
Sirius exhaled, his insides beginning to flutter, thanking Merlin that Hermione would be all right. His head fell into his hands. Remus gave him a pat on the back telling him how he knew there was nothing to worry about.
"The feat before us is quite extraordinary," said Milton suddenly. "It is a shame the situation will intensify."
Sirius' head snapped up. "What are you talking about?"
"If the young witch was indeed hit with the Killing Curse by one of You-Know-Who's Death Eaters, it will not be long before the Dark Lord himself discovers this. Eventually, he will come for her," finished Milton. The clarity of his words hit Sirius' heart sharply. "It's too bad nothing can be done about it. She's is so young and full of light. A darling girl indeed," the healer mused.
Sirius practically lunged from his chair, trying to wrap his hands around Milton's neck. Remus and Dumbledore did their best to restrain him. "Get out," he yelled. "Get out of my house!"
"Mad-Eye," said Dumbledore quickly, motioning for him to take his position. Moody limped over and grasped Sirius' arm tightly.
"Calm yourself, Black."
"Get him out of my house!"
Dumbledore walked toward his old friend. "Come Jasper," he began, placing a hand on his shoulders, "I will walk you out." Milton couldn't gather his things quick enough. Dumbledore assisted him with his medical bag and escorted the healer outside, closing the door behind him.
Moody and Remus slowly released their grip, allowing a minute to pass before letting Sirius go completely. The werewolf chuckled softly when he heard his friend whisper, "Careless bastard."
Dumbledore entered the room a few moments later, addressing Sirius. "I do hope you are satisfied with yourself," he said. "Jasper refuses to come back." Sirius smiled inwardly, very pleased with the outcome. "How am I ever going to replace the best-"
"He was not the best," shouted Sirius. "A good healer would have shown compassion for the witch upstairs, not press on about Voldemort snatching her up given the first opportunity!" He scoffed. "I should get his healing license revoked. He never did explain anything to us."
"In all fairness, Sirius, you ran him out of the room before he could," said Remus. "And now he isn't coming back."
"Jasper did say she was perfectly fine," came the voice of Arthur Weasley. "His exact words mind you."
"Maybe. And then again, maybe not." Sirius began to pace back and forth, from the table to the door, until finally he could do it no more. "I have to speak with her."
Dumbledore's voice halted his path to the door. "Sirius, I don't think that is the best of idea right now."
"I need a clear understanding. I have to hear her side of it."
"And you will," confirmed Dumbledore simply. "But it must be on Hermione's time. It is something that we cannot rush. We must wait until she is ready."