Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 9/8

A/N: '' - Basically means that the character is thinking
"" - Basically means that the character is speaking

If you haven't read all five books then I suggest that you go read
them first. There are some spoilers in this fic.

I'm not a fan of Snape so if I do something that's not to your liking
please don't flame me about it. If you're looking for a Snape-
Hermione thing, this is NOT the fic. I mean you should know by now
that this is a Sirius-Hermione fic.

PLEASE R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, R&R, and
lastly R&R. Loved them all! They are the ones that inspire me to
write some more. Without them I would've been stopped. My
imagination seems to be working only after I've read them. Oh and
check out my other stories: "Models", "Last Chance", "Summer Camp",
and my newest fics "The Haunted" and "It's All About the Money". All
of them are Draco-Hermione fic.

Title: Picture Perfect

Chapter4

The Next Day

Sirius woke up with an aching head and a sore body. At first he didn't recognize the place where he woke up in. It didn't register to him that he was sleeping in one of the couch in the Gryffindor common room. He sat up straight to a more comfortable position as he recalled the night's events. 'Bloody hell! Where's Hermione?'

He was actually worried for her sake. He didn't like the idea of Malfoy harassing Hermione. He could still see Hermione's face after Malfoy was done with her. 'She looked ravishing.' He was forming an urge to bury his hands in her locks.

He shook his head and stood up. He made it his mission to find out what happened last night. All he could remember was that he fainted before he got inside the common room. 'Now, who could've let me inside in that untimely hour?' He didn't actually asked, he already knew. He marched to his room to look for his friends.

He felt frustrated to find Moony and Wormtail both sleeping soundly in their beds. On the other hand Prongs and his bed were empty. What he found amusing was his bed was unruly; it was as if somebody slept in it. He let go of the breath that he didn't remember holding. 'Nice, Prongs got to her.' He didn't know whether that was a good or a bad thing. He knew that she had a liking to him. The first time he saw her she was goggle- eyed at Prongs. 'She even knew his name!' Then again now he knew that she didn't return to her dorms last night.

He stepped closer to his bed to examine it. There was no trace that she even slept there, meaning someone did slept on that bed but no one would be able to tell who did. He ran his hands all over his bed. He found nothing out of the ordinary. He then turned his focus on his pillow. He looked it over and found a familiar scent. He closed his eyes to try to picture the source of the scent. 'Hermione.' The feeling that he got from holding her close returned to him. 'What did she do to me?'

~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione and James sat at one side of the Gryffindor table. Hermione was having trouble in sleeping in the dorms of guys. James noticed this when he heard her restless turning on Sirius' bed. He wanted to get some more shuteye but he felt that she needed someone. She was a bit disturbed.

"So, Hermione, what would you do when Malfoy starts looking for you?"

Hermione tried to suppress a yawn, "I'll just avoid him."

"And when you can't avoid him, what else are you going to do?"

"My minds seems to be sleeping, let me get back to you after I've eaten breakfast."

"Why are you avoiding my questions? I'm only trying to help."

Hermione sighed; she didn't want to argue this early in the morning. "What's keeping Lily? I thought she'd be up by now."

"You're still avoiding my question."

"Well let me ask you this, what did you do wrong? Why's Lily thrilled to see you everyday?" Then she added, "By the way, I was being sarcastic."

James couldn't help himself but smile. "Let's just say she caught me doing something."

"Caught you doing what?" She paused for a while as she remembered Harry's words. 'It is true then. The Marauders were having fun with Snape.' "Snape?"

"Well he is a slimy git." James didn't even deny it.

Hermione was about to agree but she also didn't approve of harassing people. "Why don't you avoid him?"

"As much as I try I can't. There's just something in him that annoys me. I mean look at that hair!"

Hermione laughed good-naturedly. "I see what you mean."

James smiled; he found it amusing to find a Slytherin or anyone aside from the Marauders that found Snape rather amusing. "Are you sure you're a Slytherin?"

"Why? Don't I act one?" She teased.

"That reminds me, why did you like to be in Gryffindor and how did you know my name?"

'Great! How am I supposed to dodge this question.'

"I'm waiting!" James flashed her a taunting smile.

'Let's see-' Hermione thought for a minute before replying. "You see, I was watching you while you were going for the Snitch. I thought you were good."

"Only good?" James liked girls who are more forward.

"Just shut up! You reminded me of my friend from my last school. He was great on a broom."

"Who's this friend of yours? Maybe I could challenge him or something."

"I don't think you'd have a chance with him."

"Are you saying I'm not good enough?"

That's not what Hermione meant but she wanted to play for a while, "Maybe."

"So does this friend of yours have a name or something?"

"Why do you care?"

"I just want to know if you're just pulling my leg."

"My, my, my. Aren't you competitive."

"I'm planning to be the best Seeker ever."

"You're not just competitive, you're arrogant as well."

"You saw how I work, you even told me I was good."

"Yeah I did, didn't I? I also said that my friend is GREAT on a broom." She emphasized on the great part. She actually didn't know who'd be better in a broom; let's just say she's pretty loyal to Harry.

"You know, I think you're just playing. Give me a name and maybe I'll believe you." James was getting sour.

"Let's just drop it. We were having a civil conversation, let's stick to that."

"Oh, so you're fond of making fun of Snape?" James was quick to oblige.

Hermione couldn't help but smile. This was a once in a lifetime opportunity to make fun of her worst professor (next to Umbridge). She wasn't about to waste her chance.

~~~~~~~~~~

Sirius didn't know exactly where he would find Hermione but he had a feeling that she was with Prongs. He knew his best friend long enough that he was sure that he'd be in the Great Hall.

Before he opened the door he heard some faint voices, 'Bingo!' He tried to fix his hair with his hands and straightened his robe.

"What are you doing there Sirius?"

Sirius turned to look and saw Lily. "Lily!"

"What are you doing up so early and where's you're friends?"

"I couldn't sleep. Are you always up this early?"

Lily examined him carefully, "I'm thinking that you are up to no good. I just want to say that I'm watching you and your friends." She reached for the door handle when she heard laughter coming from inside. She seemed surprised to hear voices that early. She turned to face Sirius and raised an eyebrow questioningly.

"What? I haven't done anything." Sirius was acting defensive.

Lily turned the door and let herself in. Almost immediately, she found the source of the noise. 'Hermione and James!' She was a bit shocked. She never expected to see them both having a great time together. 'Just as I thought, they do look good together.'

Sirius was right. He found Hermione with Prongs. He expected to see a rather agitated Hermione with his best friend trying to soothe her. He wasn't expecting and ready for what he saw. Hermione was touching his best friend's arms. 'Knock it off man. That's your best friend.' Although he said this, his stomach seems to be tying themselves into knots once again.

Hermione noticed the doors open. She searched for Lily. She knew it was about time for her arrival. "Lily!" She waved her to join them.

James started fidgeting in his seat. He was trying to make some excuses to be up this early and with Hermione.

Lily smiled at her. Sirius walked beside her towards the couple. 'Smile goddamit! Don't act as if you like you her.' He kept telling himself as he came closer.

Lily sat beside Hermione and Sirius took the seat across her, beside James.

"You must be wondering why I'm up this early." James tried to get Lily's attention.

"You know James, I couldn't care less." Lily took out her things and began working on some assignment.

James and Hermione exchanged astonished glances.

Sirius cleared his throat. He didn't like being forgotten.

"You're up early Padfoot." James heard him.

"My back was aching. You can say I didn't have a goodnight's sleep."

Hermione felt embarrassed. She argued that night that she'd rather sleep on the couch but James insisted that Sirius would've wanted her to sleep in his bed instead. (That didn't sound right.) "James said-"

"Don't worry I was just playing." He winked at her.

Hermione was taken aback, 'Did he just wink at me?'

Sirius then focused his attention on his friend, "So what did you guys talk about?"

As much as James would like to tell him what their topic was all about, Snape, he wouldn't dare, at least not in Lily's presence.

"We were just talking about last night's events." Hermione interjected. 'That didn't sound right.'

That caught Lily's attention. "What happened last night?"

Everybody was now looking at her. "Don't worry about it, it was a House thing."

"Right, a house thing. How come I don't believe you? Oh wait, James is in Gryffindor and you're in Slytherin."

"Careful there Lily, I would've thought you were jealous or something." Sirius tried to calm her.

"Look where the wind's blowing. Sirius Black, protecting a Slytherin!" Lily didn't like Sirius's comment.

"Ok, ok. You got me." Hermione started. Again all the attention was on her. "I promised I wouldn't tell." She looked at James with a look that seemed to ask for forgiveness so he nodded in response. Hermione then turned to face Lily. "You see we were talking about you."

"Me?" Lily arched an eyebrow.

"Yes. Remember how I said you two would make a wonderful couple?" She waited for her nod (that was by the way accompanied by a blush). Sirius and James both looked amused. "You see I've agreed to help James with the courting bit."

"Oh!" Lily's face was now burning red. She looked at James face and saw that he was trying to hide his face in embarrassment. Sirius was trying to hide a chuckle.

"That reminds me, Sirius would you be a dear and accompany me to my dorm? I left something there."

Sirius arched an eyebrow.

Hermione glared at him and then motioned for the door.

Sirius finally understood, "Sure!"

Hermione stood up and pushed Sirius out the door.

"That was pretty nice." Sirius commented.

Hermione didn't respond. She peeked through the door to watch the couple. "Looks like she's finally warming up to him."

"Why'd you want the two to hook up? I thought you wanted James?"

Hermione gave him a look of disgust. "What makes you say that?"

"I saw you in the pitch. You were practically pushing all the girls to get to him."

"Did I?"

"You know you did."

"Well, it's a long story. Why don't you ask James for the details?"

Sirius peeked through the door, "It seems like that isn't for a while. Why don't you just tell me?"

"You're not going to drop this are you?"

"Nope!"

"Fine, it's just he looks a lot like my friend."

"I'm assuming this is a guy friend?"

"You assumed correctly."

"Is he just a friend?"

"No, we're more than just friends. Why are you suddenly so interested?"

"I'm not!" Sirius was quick to defend himself.

"Oh, I know! You're still thinking about that kiss last night aren't you?" She teased.

"That was a dirty trick. Look at what happened to you now?"

"Yeah, but it's worth it." She looked him over from head to foot.

"What are you looking at?"

"Maybe you should go look in a mirror or something." She was having fun teasing him when she heard footsteps coming closer.

"Moony, Wormtail. You're up early?"

"We were not used to silence. I actually missed the scuffling sounds of you guys." Remus commented. "Good morning Hermione!" He added cheerfully.

"Shush!" Hermione didn't want to disturb the couple inside.

Remus lowered his voice and asked his friend, "What's going on?"

Sirius whispered back, "Prongs finally got her alone."

"Lily?" Wormtail asked.

"Who else?" Sirius asked back.

"How you get her to-" Remus asked at the same time.

"Shush! Can't you guys keep it down?" Hermione was getting frustrated. Just then she heard someone coming. She looked at who it may be. She wished real hard that it wasn't Malfoy and his goons. "Will!"

"I'm glad I found you first." Will let go a sigh.

The three Marauders eyed him cautiously.

"Lucius is looking for you and he doesn't seem pleased."

Hermione's face changed from frustration to worry. "Where is he now?"

Sirius saw the change and went to her side.

"I think he's heading this way."

Outside she looked calm but worried. Inside her guts were making her nauseous.

"Do you want to go to our common room?" Sirius offered.

"No, I shouldn't be scared of him. I'll have to see him sooner or later."

"Are you sure?" Sirius could see that she didn't really want to.

"I'm sure." Hermione put on a brave face.

Although Remus didn't know what was really happening he knew she was in trouble. "You could sit with us if you like?"

Hermione almost agreed until he saw Will. "No thanks, I'm sitting with Will today." She was afraid that Will would catch Lucius' attention if she ignored him. She opened the door not caring anymore about Lily and James predicament.

James was about to argue his irritation when he saw Hermione's disturbed face. He watched as the rest of the Marauders came in along with Will. 'What the hell's going on? Why are they all so gloomy?' "Excuse me." He stood up to join his friends. "What's going on?"

Sirius pulled him aside, "Did she tell you about what happened last night?"

"You mean, about your dispute with Malfoy?"

"Well, yeah. Word is he's looking for her right now."

"Then what's she doing there?"

"It's her choice Prongs. Although I am wondering why you're fussing over her when someone's waiting for you." Somehow Sirius was irritated at how protective his friend could be.

"Right. I mean if Malfoy bothers her we would be able to see it from here, right?"

Sirius sighed, "Right. We can come to her rescue when she needs us, although I doubt that she'll need us."

"You're right mate. She did a great job with you on the last DADA class."

"Funny." Sirius joined Remus and Peter who were sitting near Lily.

Just as everybody was settled in, the doors gave a loud bang as Lucius Malfoy entered the hall. All eyes were turned to him, each were obviously irritated at his entrance. He scanned the room. When he found what he was looking for he marched towards her side. "Hermione, we have to talk NOW!"

"You don't have to shout. I can perfectly hear you!" She was a bit glad that now they were back to shouting terms. It's something she can handle as opposed to sexual harassment. She took her time in standing up. This gave Lucius the opportunity to glare back at those who were giving him death stares.

"What the bloody hell are you looking at!"

Sirius almost stood up when James forced him to stay put.

When Hermione finally stood up, Lucius began pushing her towards the door.

"Get your hands off of me!" Hermione looked for her wand inside her robe but she couldn't feel it.

Lucius stopped for a minute and took something from his robe, "Are you looking for this?"

Hermione's eyes widened as she saw her wand in his hand. She started feeling the same feeling she had last night. She knew she was in danger and she needed help fast. She searched for James eyes to plead for help. Somehow, she felt more open to Harry's father rather than to Sirius.

The Marauders saw her sign and they all stood up to save her. Lily was following closely as well. She hated Lucius and she wouldn't let him have his way on Hermione. She was actually charming and she liked her.

Lucius closed the door behind him. The group now quicken their pace. Before anyone could open the door, Lucius already cast a locking spell. Hermione knew of the counter spell but it was useless without her wand. James and Sirius took turns in banging the door open while Lily and Remus thought of all the spells they knew in unlocking the door. All their efforts were wasted since the door didn't budge.

"Malfoy! Open the damn door!" Sirius called from inside.

Hermione was terrified. She couldn't think of any way of escape. She dared to shout the counter spell but she doubted that any of the student wizards or witches could do it. It was a complicated spell.

Lucius banged her to a wall. Hermione winced in pain. "What do you want?" She found her voice agitated. She did regret her tone because she don't know how Lucius' would retaliate.

"You don't make a Malfoy wait! No bitch makes a Malfoy wait!"

"I'm nobodies bitch, bastard!"

Lucius pulled on her hair to gaze into her eyes. "You're mine!"

"And what about Narcissa?" Snape slithered into the scene.

Lucius grip on her loosened. "What are you implying Serverus?"

"We all know what really happened to her and it wasn't an accident." His eyes were as dangerous as Hermione remembered from the future. "If I may say so, this isn't the bitch's fault. If I heard correctly you should be after Black."

"And what do you know about this Serverus?"

"Correct me if I'm wrong but I did see you three last night. Is it right to assume then that Black has a hand on you? You wouldn't have any trouble with the bitch if he didn't get in between."

"What are you suggesting?"

"Get to Black first then you wouldn't have any trouble with her." Snape looked at Hermione with disgust.

"You know, Serverus, you're right. This truce with Black has been long overdue." He left Hermione as he unlocked the doors.

"My wand!" Hermione managed to scream.

Lucius threw it not caring where it fell. As he opened the door, the Gryffindor group parted to make way. Lucius scanned for Sirius face, "Black, the truce is off. Narcissa's not here. There's no use in having a truce."

Sirius stepped forward. "I couldn't agree more."

"So I'm warning you Black, if you ever touch her again, you'll regret crossing with me." Lucius threatened.

"You're warning me?" He asked incredulously. "If I were you, I'd watch my back."

"Same here." Lucius gave a final glare as he went for his seat on the Slytherin table.

~~~~~~~~~~

Hermione picked up her wand and turned to face Snape. She didn't know if he said what he said just to protect her or if it was the truth. She decided to thank him anyway, "I want to thank you-"

Snape cut her off, "What makes you think I did it for you? You're mudblood lover, and friends with them!" He motioned to the open door.

Hermione's soft features returned to anger mode. "Fine! I take it back!"

James got to her first. "Are you alright? Did that slimy git hurt you?"

"Which slimy git?"

James smiled when he found her on her toes. "Both?"

"None of them bit me, so I guess I'm fine."

"They did bark though."

Hermione gave a weary smile.

Sirius didn't like the connection between the two. "Why didn't you use your wand?"

Hermione rolled her eyes, "He took it from me, or else I wouldn't have asked for help."

James could see his friend's growing attraction with Hermione. "You know Hermione, you ought to learn to protect yourself without using magic. Sirius could help you out."

"Are you sure? I mean, if I'm not careful I might use his lessons on him."

All the Marauders laughed at the insinuation, maybe with the exemption of Sirius who didn't find it amusing.

"But seriously Hermione, I think you ought to take the lessons. I mean with the war between Malfoy and Sirius, it's only practical that you be prepared in any case." James tried to convince her.

"Yeah, and don't worry if you'd use the lesson on him, he's sort of used to it. You won't hurt him, just his over inflated ego. It could use some bursting." Remus joined in.

"And I call you my friends!" Sirius exclaimed dramatically.

"So what do you say?" James ignored his friend's comment.

"He didn't actually volunteered." Hermione tried to be coy.

James nudged Sirius' ribs.

"Fine!" Sirius shouted in pain.

"See? He agrees, how about you?" Remus loved matchmaking.

"Ok, when and where?"

"Every Saturday, I know a place where you can stay." Actually, James has been planning on getting Lily to be with him alone in that room.

"Just don't break him to much." Remus winked at her.

The gang went back inside the hall for breakfast. Hermione held Sirius hand to prevent him to enter just yet. "I just want to make this clear, I didn't actually wanted this. I'm doing this for your friends' amusement."

"James' right?" Sirius was a bit disappointed.

"You can say that." A sly smile was forming on her face.

~~~~~~~~~~

A/N: I'm really sorry if this took so long. I'm having a hard time
adjusting with my new schedule. I didn't anticipate that my new
subjects would require more pressure as before. I might not be able
to update as frequently as before. Sorry! And to all those who
reviewed, thank you and please be patient! I'm starting to lose my
inspiration and I'm having a hard time thinking of plots to make my
story interesting so please review. It would help me a lot.

Oh and my priorities are as follows, 1) Last Chance, 2) Summer
Camp, 3) Picture Perfect, 4) The Haunted, 5) It's All About the Money.

The top three would be given my full attention and the other two
might be updated let's say once a month or so. The last two are
something I just felt writing, no plot but with an ending of getting
Draco and Hermione together.