This follows the development of Sirius and Hermione's relationship through the years starting with the end of 3rd year when Sirius escapes with Hermione's and Harry's help. The story will really pick up with the summer after 6th year, which is where it stops largely following the books. Obviously Sirius will not die 5th year. Eventual HGSB, rated T for now.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, etc.

When Harry was done saying good-bye to Sirius, Hermione rushed forward to hug him and slipped a piece of parchment with her Muggle address into Sirius' pocket.

"Please write me and let me know you are okay," she whispered in his ear before stepping back.

Sirius smiled warmly at the young witch and his Godson before flying off. Hermione heart panged for the newly freed man and the demons he must have.

Hermione received her first letter from Sirius two weeks into the summer.

Dear Hermione,

I wanted to thank you for taking me to fly! It was a wonderful experience. I'm staying in my summer home, and I had a safe trip here. Thank you for your kindness. I hope all is well. Do make sure Prong's son is doing okay.

Best wishes,

Snuffles

Hermione was careful when writing her letters to Sirius (aka Snuffles) not to say anything suspicious. She didn't trust the Ministry of Magic not to intercept and read them. She never knew his exact location, but she was sure it was safer that way.

She wrote in the same vague terms as Sirius, but after a few letters they managed to make some common ground and were able to discuss more interesting things that how the other was doing.

Hermione noticed how quickly he always seemed to reply and she guessed wherever he was hiding, he was alone and terribly bored and restless.

She soon began to send him books to read and an occasional Daily Prophet. They would discuss the books but never the Daily Prophet in their letters for fear of Ministry surveillance. She was also sure to send a few tins of cookies and sweets to him every so often.

One time Sirius sent her a feather with his letter she could only assume belonged to Buckbeak. She smiled when she got it and kept it safe.

Hermione got a letter later that summer that made her nervous.

Dear Hermione,

I may be returning soon. It seems Prong's son may need me to be there for him. Please be there for him if I can't. You are an amazing young witch and he needs good friends now more than ever.

A most proudly proclaimed love,

Snuffles

Hermione grinned at the change in the closing of his letter. She could tell he was a flirty kind of guy, always working on how to make girls smile.

Dear Snuffles,

Please be safe on your journey. I know it may be a tricky one. Promise me you will consult the right people about traveling. Make sure it is a good time for a visit. I will be seeing Prong's son soon enough. Please take care.

A most worried love,

Hermione

A few days later Hermione left for the Burrow. She was excited to see Ron and soon enough Harry, though she knew she wouldn't enjoy the Quidditch World Cup as much as they would.

She spent the first few days at the Burrow anxiously awaiting a letter from Sirius. She finally received one on the day the Weasleys went to retrieve Harry from the Dursleys.

Dear Hermione,

I think you are right and I will listen to you. I will make sure it is a good time for a visit before I barge in. Always the voice of reason, aren't you? And thank you for sending me Gulliver's Travels. It is a good story. Please do tell me when you see Prong's son, I haven't written him back yet.

A most unashamed love for a wonderful young witch,

Snuffles

Hermione smiled. She was glad he would make sure it would be safe before returning. She was about to write her reply when she heard a commotion downstairs which was Harry's safe arrival.

She went downstairs and her mouth fell open in horror when they told her how Harry's 'rescue' went.

"You basically destroyed their living room and deformed their son?" Hermione asked incredulously. The twins nodded happily. Hermione shook her head but thought Sirius might get a good laugh out of the story. The twins smirks were soon gone when Mr. Weasley returned.

Harry took the opportunity to take Ron and Hermione out to the garden where he told them about his scar hurting.

"Did you tell Sirius about it?" Hermione asked.

"Yeah, but I haven't heard back from him yet," Harry said. Hermione nodded in understanding. That was why Sirius wanted to return all of a sudden.

Hermione excused herself and went upstairs to write Sirius back. She wasn't sure why she didn't tell Ron and especially Harry how much she had been writing Sirius, but she felt like Sirius could use a good friend and she didn't know if Harry would be uncomfortable with her writing his Godfather so much.

Dear Snuffles,

You're quite welcome for the book; it's one of my favorites. Prong's son just arrived and is doing well. He told me about the headaches he's been getting, but he is otherwise okay and glad to be with us. Apparently picking him up was quite an ordeal. It seems using the Floo network on closed-off fireplace doesn't end well, nor does feeding a cousin a charmed toffee that makes your tongue grow exponentially. Please be safe.

Always blushing at you compliments,

Hermione

Hermione was happy to go to the Quidditch World Cup, though she knew next to nothing about the game. She almost got some joy out of mangling quidditch terms and watching Ron's face.

The day after the Quidditch World Cup fiasco with the Death Eaters, Hermione sent a letter to Sirius explaining what had happened. She also sent a copy of the Daily Prophet that covered the story. She received a response that thanked her for informing him and Sirius asked her be there for Harry for the quickly approaching school year.

She wrote him back and told him to keep writing her even though she would be in school, and she also asked him to tell her if and when he might visit.

Hermione left for Hogwart's in high spirits and made sure she didn't boss Harry or Ron around too much. She wanted everyone to be happy and stress-free for once, and wanted to keep her promise to Sirius that she would be there for Harry whenever he needed it.

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