Sirius turned to see the other occupants of the room. Dismissing the auror and the rotund man next to him, his eyes came to rest on the one he had been desperately hoping to see.
Hermione and Sirius stared at one another, never blinking.
"Hello love, it's about time you found me, I was beginning to think you'd never show."
Fainting was not something Hermione Granger usually did; in fact it was not something she had ever done before. However, upon realizing that not only did it seem that her dreams might in fact be real, but that Sirius might know of them, fainting seemed like a perfectly logical thing to do. The world went black around her as she fell into a rather undignified heap on the ground. Molesley and the auror stared at each other as if each expecting the other one to catch her.
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Sirius yelled, "Why didn't you catch her, she could be hurt."
He rushed from his seat on the cot to Hermione's prone form on the floor between the stunned Director and the sheepish looking auror. Remus and Harry crouched down beside him. Sirius gently examined her head for injury while placing it in his lap.
"Blimey, that's some knot! You morons better hope she doesn't have a concussion!"
This seemed to shake Molesley out of whatever trance he had fallen under. Although it did not cause him to look any less shocked than before. You see, due to Mr. Molesley's unique gift he had just experienced something he had never encountered before. As soon as Miss Granger had locked eyes with Lord Black the most unusual thing occurred. Most magical auras, when visible, have distinctive colors and wave patterns. When two magical being's auras come in contact with one another they remain individual and intact; either harmonizing or clashing. Never in his 59 years had the Director ever seen auras merge together and change. This in and of itself would have been startling enough, but the colors that immerged from the joining were even more startling. Pulsating from the pair was clear red for passion and power (not entirely surprising), violet, the color of visionaries and wise magicians; and finally, gold, a sign of divine protection and guidance, an anointing. These two were much more than they appeared.
"My apologies, please allow me to summon a healer to examine Ms. Granger. Hopkins, stay here in case they need anything, I will return shortly." Molesley practically ran down the hallway, nervously glancing back at the couple.
Harry intently watched his godfather cradle his best friend's head and gently stroke her face. Following Harry's confused gaze and trying to divert his attention, Remus exclaimed, "I know I shouldn't be surprised, but Padfoot, I've never actually seen a bird faint because of your ugly mug!"
"Huh? Oh, right." Sirius chuckled distractedly, his gaze returning to Hermione's face.
Hermione felt as if she were floating, adrift on a calm sea. Everything was dark and peaceful, except for the nagging sensation that something was missing, something was out of place. This shouldn't have bothered her, she had felt this way for most of her life; but the strange thing was that she felt so close to the answer. She hadn't felt that in years, almost three years to be exact. Then she heard it, a soft, deep voice calling out to her through the haze . . . "έλα σε μένα αγάπη μου" (come to me my love). She knew that voice, her soul knew that voice. "έρθει στο σπίτι" (come home).
Harry thought it was strange that Sirius was holding Hermione so closely; but it was even stranger when he began to speak to her in a language Harry did not understand. He looked to Remus to find him smiling softly at the pair. Something was definitely up.
Upon hearing Sirius' voice, Hermione began to stir, eventually opening her eyes to find herself being held by Sirius. She blushed deeply, to which Sirius gave her a cocky grin.
"Welcome back Mia, you gave us a start." Remus said as she tried to sit up. Hermione shot him a withering glance to which he grinned unabashedly. Sirius and Harry helped her to her feet.
"What happened Mione? Are you alright?" Harry asked.
"Yes, Harry, I'm fine, it's just too warm down here."
"Mione, what are you on about, it's freezing in here? Are you sure your okay?"
"Yes," she snapped, "I'm fine, leave off!"
Sirius meanwhile was happily smirking at the two. "What Mia, no hug for me? I'm truly hurt you know!"
Hermione locked eyes with Sirius warily. "Of course, Siri . . . I, ah um, I mean Sirius." She bumbled, as she watched his eyes light up upon hearing her call him Siri. Hermione stepped toward him timidly, as Sirius came forward crushing her to his chest and burying his face in her curls. He breathed her in, relishing the scent of peach blossoms and white musk.
With his back turned toward Harry, Sirius looked at Remus, mouthing, "Does she know?"
Remus slightly shook his head, "dreams," he mouthed back. Sirius deflated somewhat, but did not lose the sparkle in his eyes. She would remember soon, it wouldn't be long now.
"Right, well, what say we get the hell out of here?" Sirius said jovially as he reluctantly released a crimson-cheeked Hermione.
Just then Moseley came trotting back followed by a rather frazzled looking Healer.
"Ah, excellent, you're awake Miss Granger, how do you feel?" The Healer asked as she joined the group.
"I'm fine thank you. I believe I must have bumped my head, but I'll be fine."
"But-"
"Mione, maybe you should-"
"Mia, you really should let her-"
"Boys!" Hermione interrupted their interjections, "I said I'm fine, I think it would be best if we all went home." She loved them, she truly did, but sometimes they annoyed her half to death!
The Healer approached Hermione, "Miss Granger, if you wouldn't mind, may I at least insure that you are not bleeding and are not suffering from a concussion? You may be on your way immediately after."
"Fine, check away Doc!" Hermione quipped as she sat down on the bunk previously occupied by Sirius.
After a short examination Hermione was found to be in excellent health and instructed to take a mild headache potion as needed.
"All done?" Hermione asked. "Yes, well let's be on our way then. I know there are many people who need to be informed of the good news, and Sirius needs to eat."
Sirius grinned at the bossy witch, "Of course love, whatever you say." He winked at Hermione as she glared up at him.
"Okay . . ." Harry drawled, looking between them and Remus who was trying very hard not to laugh. "So we're going then?"
"Lead the way Harry." Sirius said
"Lord Black," Molesley interrupted, "we would greatly appreciate it if you would allow us to interview you at a later date, of your choosing of course, regarding your recent experiences."
"Sure thing, it shouldn't take long, I don't remember much." Not much I'm willing to tell you anyway.
"Thank you my Lord, I'll see you out."
12 Grimmauld Place, London
One week later
As Order parties went, this was definitely one of the better ones. Sirius was sure that this was in part due to the fact that all of Molly Weasley's children were now of age, and mostly because said lady was currently three sheets to the wind. When Molly was thoroughly pissed it became apparent where the twins received their penchant for mischief. She was bloody dangerous! Anyone walking through the kitchen doorway experienced the overwhelming urge to snog the first person they saw. Needless to said, this led to some interesting encounters. Arthur had tried to rein her in but after being attacked for the fourth time that night, and by Hagrid no less, he retreated to the pantry with his own bottle of Fire Whiskey.
Sirius of course, found this to be the most enjoyable time he had ever spent in the Weasley matriarch's company. He had claimed the far end of the table several hours prior along with a bottle of Firewhiskey, and seemed to be holding court, much to Hermione's chagrin.
What was it about the man that seemed to attract women in droves? Okay, so he is kind of gorgeous, funny, and he does have a corner on the "bad boy" image. Hermione thought. Why do they have to fawn all over him like that; I swear, don't they have any self-respect!
Hermione would never admit it, but her annoyance had nothing to do with the drooling females' supposed lack of self-respect. It was jealousy, plain and simple; so, while the rest of the Order and their guests seemed to be having the time of their lives, she sat sullenly at the other end of the table. Thinking herself to be completely unobserved by the other revelers, Hermione downed her fifth shot of the night, slamming the glass on the tabletop. Not that it helped any; now instead of just Lavender, Ginny, Amelia Bones and Luna, wait, Luna, practically laying on Sirius, there were doubles of them.
"Bloody wonderful," she mumbled.
What is their problem anyway? Ginny is with Harry, Luna is obviously in love with Ron, Amelia is married for heaven's sake, and Lavender, well her I can understand, she is a bit of a skank.
Just then, Lavender leaned toward Sirius, whispering in his ear. Hermione of course noticed, since she had not paid attention to anyone else the whole night. Sirius shook his head and smiled. Lavender, clearly not put off by this proceeded to press her chest into him as she once again whispered God knows what in his ear.
Hermione, clearly pissed (in more ways than one), growled lowly at the pair. With all of the noise from the party and Mrs. Weasley's incessant giggling as she repeatedly transfigured Fleur's hair, no one heard her except for Remus and Sirius, who immediately turned toward her.
Finally, this should be good. Remus laughed as he leaned back in his chair to make sure he had a good view of the show.
Sirius looked to Hermione, who was currently glowering at the chit to his left. She really was rather annoying, not to mention slutty. Despite what so many believed about Sirius' reputation, he was anything but a lady's man. Come on, he had spent thirteen years in prison, two years in hiding and the past few years pretty much dead; that didn't leave much time for socializing. And before his life fell apart, there was only one woman in his life, and she was the only one he had ever wanted.
Sirius smirked at Hermione and slyly (he thought) winked.
She is so sexy when she's jealous! Oops . . .
Clearly Sirius was an idiot, or at least that's what Remus thought as he watched the two like a quiddich match.
Hermione stood up, knocking her chair over in the process and pushed her way through the throng to the exit, not failing to glare murderously at Sirius as she left.
Oh bloody hell, now I've done it. Sirius mentally kicked himself as he hopped up to follow after the witch, and in the process managed to drop Lavender face-first onto the floor where she immediately curled up a fell asleep.
The other women surrounding Sirius, not to mention Ron, Harry and George who were all seated at the table found this extremely hilarious. The point of this party apparently was to attempt to make their way through all of Wizarding Britain's supply of Ogden's Firewhiskey. They were indeed making progress.
"Hermione," Sirius shouted as he tried to catch up with her retreating form.
"Not your brightest moment mate. She's been in a twist all night, you shouldn't have provoked her." Remus said.
"I know Moony, but it's so hard to resist! I forget that she's doesn't remember yet, she looks just like she did then. It's driving me crazy!" Sirius commented as he and Remus followed after Hermione.
"Yeah, but-"
Now it was Sirius' turn to glower, for right in front of them was Hermione, pinned to the wall by Charlie Weasley, being snogged within an inch of her life. The fact that Mrs. Weasley had charmed the doorway didn't register with Sirius at that moment, even though he had spent a good portion of the evening laughing at those unfortunate enough to be caught by it. All Sirius saw was red as he stormed toward them gripped Charlie by the back of his shirt and threw him away from Hermione.
With the enchantment broken Hermione briefly looked from Charlie on the floor to Sirius' enraged face to Remus' raised eyebrows before darting up the stairs toward her room.
"No one, and I mean no one, Weasley, touches her but me, understand?" Sirius yelled at the confused man on the floor.
How did I get down here, ooo pretty dragons?
Hermione had almost made it to her room on the second floor when she was spun around and pressed to the wall by her doorway.
"What was that about witch?" The dark man above her ground out.
"I don't know what you mean Sirius. It's none of your business what someone does to me, or who does it for that matter." Having Charlie forcefully pulled off of her had sobered he up a bit, now instead of being drunk and irritated, she was just plain mad.
She gulped as she saw Sirius' eyes darken in anger.
"Let's get something clear, here and now Hermione. It is my business and only my business, and the sooner you realize that the better; because I will be the only one doing anything to you from here on out!"
Hermione opened her mouth to retort only to find herself, for the second time that night, intimately pressed against the wall. Sirius forcefully pressed his mouth to hers, filling her senses. She gasped and he took the opportunity to invade her mouth with his tongue initiating an intimate dance. Charlie who, she thought. Without realizing it, Hermione's arms came up to Sirius' back, pulling him closer, bunching his cerulean sweater in her fists. He buried one hand in her hair, squeezing the long fragrant locks, and cradled the side of her face with the other. It was some time before the need to breathe drove the two to break from their embrace, breathing heavily and staring into one another's eyes.
Hermione felt along the wall until she came to the knob on her bedroom door and quickly turned it allowing her to slip inside the room, leaning heavily on the firmly shut door. She prepared for bed in a daze, and climbed in falling into an uneasy sleep.
Meanwhile, Sirius stared transfixed at the place where Hermione had been only moments before, with his mouth agape. It had been nineteen years, nineteen years since he had felt those lips on his, held that lush body pressed so closely to him. To hell with this waiting, he had waited long enough. He made up his mind right there to make her remember, he didn't know how he was going to do it, but starting tomorrow he was going to make her remember that she belonged to him.
And here we go again, Remus thought as he descended the stairs. This is going to be some ride.
A/N: Hello lovely and patient people. It's been so long since I've updated anything but life has been crazy. In my time away I've been able to flesh out the story line more and I'm really loving the direction we're heading. As always I appreciate your comments, positive or negative, so click the little button and talk to me! You guys are awesome, thanks for sticking with me.
