Disclaimer: I don't own any Harry Potter characters, JK Rowling does.

Act of Communion

It's true, we're all a little insane.
But it's so clear,
Now that I'm unchained.

Fear is only in our minds,
Taking over all the time.
Fear is only in our minds but it's taking over all the time.

You poor sweet innocent thing.
Dry your eyes and testify.
You know you live to break me. Don't deny.
Sweet sacrifice.

Evanescence "The Open Door"

The day of January 1st. Sirius Black, Remus Lupin and Harry Potter sat by the kitchen's table eating breakfast. Everyone else was sleeping, still sober from the night before.

"I don't know where you got that idea from" Sirius insisted to Harry Potter who was irritated. Harry was trying to convince Sirius of something that he himself couldn't believe.

"I'm telling you Sirius, she was crying" Harry said,

"But didn't you say she was sleeping?" asked Remus.

"I came by her door and I heard her mumbling something in her sleep" Harry explained, "I swear I heard her say she loves you"

"Harry, I don't understand" Sirius said, "shouldn't you be angry about something like that, and besides I haven't given her any reason for her to like me. She obviously dislikes me. She's disagrees with all everything I do. You have heard the way she talks to me"

"Well you know Hermione" Harry insisted cautiously, "She…she has her own ways of expressing her feelings." he finished taking a sip of his mug.

"Harry, don't get me wrong but really can't believe that Hermione fancies Sirius" Remus interposed, "I just can't"

"Besides, didn't you say that she was having a nightmare?" Sirius asked with a grin on his face; "I believe you shouldn't be putting words in her mouth Harry"

"You shall ask her Sirius" Harry advised, "Sirius I'm worry, OK? I worry about her, don't you see? She hasn't been herself lately. Not since you came back.

"I'm sure you're just worrying to much" Remus put in

Just before Sirius could say something else, Hermione walked in to the room wearing a light blue dress that traced her curves and a pony tail of beautiful chestnut curls. There was no question that time has served her good. Sirius of course, being himself couldn't miss that fact. The room felt silent.

"Were you guys talking about me or something?" She asked raising an eyebrow. Every one shook their head no and continued their meal. Hermione grasped a plate from the counter and started filling it with food.

"I'm going to the Ministry today; I have to start writing the training plans for the new Auros." Harry said and looked around, "are you guys doing something this afternoon? May be we could get meet gether in the Tree Brooms Sticks for lunch"

"I need to go pick up some books from the book store" Remus said, "I'll be there by 12:00."

"Hermione?" Harry looked at her

"I don't know Harry, I don't feel like going out today" she said sitting down on a chair next to Remus facing Sirius.

"C'mon Hermione I suggested it to everyone else and they would be there. Besides, it's the last chance we have to meet together before vacation ends. Sirius, you're coming, right." Harry insisted.

"Well…"

"Sirius!" Harry mumbled looking at him wildly with open eyes.

"I'll be there, but I'll have to leave early. You see, I have a date" Sirius said smirking,

"Who are you dating now?" Remus asked.

"Keisha" Sirius answered

"Keisha? I can't believe the speed in which you change the women you date! I thought you were dating Samantha" Remus declared.

"Yes, I was dating her, last week. That's old now" Sirius replied taking a sip of his drink, Hermione shifted on her seat and scowled. Sirius' gaze fell on her.

"Sirius, you should think about settling down, find a good woman, get marry, have a family and live your life, peacefully. You can't keep acting like an adolescent." Remus reproved

Hermione still felt Sirius' gaze on her and it was uncomfortable and really hard to avoid.

"Just let me live Remus. I lost 16 years of my life, 12 in Azkaban and 4 in hell, don't I deserve some happiness?"

"Sirius, you have no idea what's happiness" Remus said, but Sirius ignored him

"Hermione, are you okay? You seem to be choking over there" He said, Harry had said too much. He saw in Hermione a smart girl, in the bloom of her life, young and fresh. Forbidden.

Temptation was hitting hard on his door, but however she's the type of girl that he wouldn't dare to touch.

Hermione roused her face to Sirius' direction "No, I am just thinking, you know, thinking about some good psychologists whom I could recommend you" She said

Sirius arched an eyebrow indignantly, "I appreciate the trouble, but you should save them for your case. You know, living locked up in the room, no socializing, giving nasty answers to people when they try being friendly. Sincerely, you should do something before you end up old and alone living with cats."

Sirius' reply hit Hermione hard. She blinked several times trying very hard to cease the tears that welling up in her eyes. Sirius stood up and left the room.

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