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: Wow! I'm really excited to see so much attention for this story. I'm so glad your guys are enjoying it thus far. Thanks a bunch for all the favs and follows. And a big thanks to my reviews: kiara knoxville, nette91, dreamywriter19, Bluebird1125, Arkansas Sweetheart, and KEZZ 1. Looking forward to your thoughts on the next chapter. Happy Reading!

Chapter Two

In the doorway Hermione stood quietly while everyone gazed at her strangely. She knew that look. Just a moment ago, her best friends had given her that look, their eyes full of questions and confusion. Unable to face them, she hurried down the hall & descended the staircase.

Hermione took a step forward, her feet bare. Her curly hair bounced lightly upon her shoulders with every step. She raised a brow slowly, all the while smiling lightly. The silence and their constant, unwavering stares were starting to become too much. Fiddling with her hands, Hermione broke the silence of the room.

"Do you all plan to say anything," she began, "or is staring your only talent tonight?" A few glances were exchanged at her comment. Dumbledore stood not but a few feet away from her. He began to approach her, giving her a warm smile.

"How do you feel Miss Granger?"

"I suppose I should celebrate, being alive and all. But," Hermione added solemnly, "I have a strange feeling that I shouldn't get too excited just yet."

Dumbledore politely offered his hand to Hermione. She grasped it lightly, allowing her headmaster to escort her from the doorway to seat at the table in which everyone sat. Everyone except Sirius.

Sirius remained standing, his back somewhat leaning against the tall oak china cabinet in the corner of the room. Hermione took very little notice of him, though she knew he was there. It didn't seem appropriate to speak to him just yet. She was positive he had questions. Why he wasn't hounding her for information, she didn't know. But deep down she was very thankful for his restraint.

Sirius watched her every move. Hermione looked…perfectly fine, as Healer Milton had deduced earlier. Had Bellatrix even hit her with the curse? But she must have, he thought quickly. I would be dead otherwise.

"Well, we haven't got all night, Miss Granger," came the voice of Mad Eye suddenly. "What in the name of Ollivanders happened tonight?"

Dumbledore glared at him. "Alastor," he began harshly.

"I'm merely asking what we're all thinking," he said coolly. "I'm surprised Black isn't asking the questions." Hermione lowered her head as Sirius' shot up. Moody turned his attention to the animagus. "Just a moment ago you couldn't wait to speak with her and now you're quieter than a mouse."

"I've decided to take her feelings into consideration," replied Sirius. "It would be nice if she had a chance to breath."

"We haven't got time for that," said Snape, his form blackened from the shadows in which he sat. "Every minute we waste, the closer the Dark Lord gets to-"

"Oh yes," started Sirius, "you'd hate that wouldn't you."

"Stop it," said Hermione suddenly. "It's stupid little arguments like these that will be our downfall. It never hurt anyone to act their age, you know. Perhaps you three should try it?"

Deep down Hermione wanted to scream, but instead sighed heavily and slouched against the back of her chair. She conjured her strength and stood from her seat, turning to face Sirius.

"I have no idea what happened tonight." Sirius watched her intently as she continued. "I know that's not what you want to hear, but your guess is as good as mine. I don't know what else to say."

Sirius cleared his throat, thinking of the right words. A few finally popped into his head. "You saved my life."

Hermione smiled weakly. "I know."

"Yes, of course," he confirmed. "And yet you're still here. It's incredible. There's not one scratch on you."

"Please don't remind me," she said softly. "I'm trying not think about it."

"Miss Granger," Hermione looked toward Dumbledore, "can you tell us exactly what happened tonight?"

Hermione nodded lightly. "I will do my best, sir." She crossed her arms about her chest, taking a breath. "From what I can remember…"

…Tonks had ushered them behind a rock, away from the fight. Hermione watched from behind the boulder as the battle grew more violent, curses and hexes thrown every second. She noticed Harry wasn't with them. She looked both right and left, and saw him nowhere.

Hermione peaked her head above the rock again, hoping to find him, praying he wasn't lying on the ground somewhere. Hermione spotted him easily. He was with his godfather, helping him fight off Lucius Malfoy. When Sirius finally disarmed him, Malfoy was sent flying through the air seconds later.

And it was in that moment, Hermione began to fell her right arm start to tingle. She grasped it lightly. It felt like someone was pricking her arm with tiny needles. The feeling then moved to her left arm. Ron noticed something was wrong.

"Hermione, are you okay," he asked her.

"I…I don't know…"

It happened so quickly, Hermione couldn't comprehend. One moment she was facing Ronald Weasley, and in the next, she was somehow standing in front of Sirius Black. No sooner did she meet his eyes did she feel it. She became engulfed in a stream of light that was the Killing Curse…

"I remember opening my eyes for a moment and I saw Sirius above me." She turned to look at him. "You had the most worried look on your face. And you said something to me." She scratched her head. "I can't really recall what it was."

"Are you able to remember anything else," asked Dumbledore curiously.

"No, nothing," Hermione answered, shaking her head. "Though, I do have a question of my own." The Headmaster of Hogwarts nodded his head, granting her permission to continue. She took a deep breath prior to asking, "Exactly how long do I have before Lord Voldemort starts looking for me?" Gasps filled the room at the sound of the name.

"Miss Granger," Dumbledore began, but Hermione cut him off quickly.

"Let's be realistic, Professor. He must know by now."

The old man sighed in defeat. "Yes," he said. "There is a chance-"

"There is no doubt," interrupted Sirius suddenly. "Bellatrix wouldn't be able to control herself. If Voldemort doesn't know it now, he's sure to know within the hour. Intrigue and curiosity will just spur him on and she will remain in his thoughts until he has her."

"Well then," began Dumbledore, "we must not let the Dark Lord know of her whereabouts. Miss Granger can be concealed easily enough. I think the home of the Order would be the perfect place." Dumbledore turned his head, addressing Sirius. "The reason behind what occurred tonight is unknown, to all of us. And I believe the faster we can discover how and why this happened, the safer she will be."

"I have no objections," stated Sirius firmly. Anything he could do to help Hermione's situation, he would not hesitate.

"Wait a minute," protested Hermione. "It sounds like you're planning to lock me up."

"No, not at all. This would only be temporary," Dumbledore explained. "While the Dark Lord has an interest in you, I'm afraid you must remain hidden."

"Well, what about me and what I want," she asked. "What about my family and friends? And what about school? I still have two more terms to finish!"

"How can you be worried about your studies at time like this," asked Sirius, amusement clearly detected in his voice. Hermione shot daggers his way. He held up his hands in defense and said, "But if it really means that much to you," he began, "I'm sure your professors could arrange something."

"Of course," said Headmaster cheerfully.

Hermione shook her head in anger, folding her arms over her chest. She looked back and forth, between Dumbledore and Sirius. They stood before her patiently, waiting for her say something. It wasn't a horrible plan, she had to admit. Hermione imagined Grimmauld Place was probably the safest place for her. It would be the last place Voldemort would look.

Hermione surrendered, sighing heavily. "How long will this temporary situation last, Professor?"