For the Hogwarts Forum

Writing Club, Showtime, "Say No to This" (blackmail)

Granger Danger Event (You're supposed to be in the witness protection system but until that's set up my cop friend is making me let you live with me)

Word Count: 1653

Hermione frowns when she hears the knock at the door. While eight o'clock isn't exactly late, it's not the most common hour to receive an unexpected guest. She lowers the heat on her stove, giving the homemade chicken noodle soup one last quick stir before making her way to the front door.

Detective Inspector Kingsley Shacklebolt offers her an apologetic smile. "Sorry about this, Hermione," he says. "I need a favor."

As a law student, she's often had to turn to her dear friend in law enforcement for help. This, however, is definitely the first time the roles have been reversed. Regardless, Kingsley has been such a tremendous help during her studies that she can't deny him anything.

"What is it?" she asks, tucking her frizzy curls behind her ear.

Kingsley looks over his shoulder; Hermione follows his gaze and realizes the detective didn't come along. Hermione can't quite make out the man's features, only his dark hair. She wonders what on earth Scotland Yard is up to.

"That's Sirius Black," he says quietly.

Hermione nods, eyes widening. She's heard of the great scandal the Blacks have caused. Blackmailing members of Parliament and, if rumors to be believed, even the royal family. Using their money and influence to bribe various foreign ambassadors. Of course, all this only recently came to light. An inside source had exposed the family, and now Hermione realizes who the inside source is.

"His family's influence stretches a bit too far. We're in the process of relocating him, creating a new identity for him. Until then, we need someone to keep him, and I doubt anyone would think to look here."

Hermione purses her lips. She's always been the responsible one, but this is a greater responsibility than anything she's ever faced. She wants to tell Kingsley that it's too much, but her heart won't let her. How can she turn away someone who needs her help?

"How long?"

"A week at the most."

She nods. "Okay."

…

Sirius Black is nothing like his family. He doesn't throw his money and power around. Maybe he's a bit arrogant, but he's quite pleasant to be around.

"I wasn't expecting company," she tells him, filling his bowl with soup. "I'm sure this isn't the sort of thing you're used to."

He offers her a radiant smile. "I can't remember the last time I've had a home cooked meal," he says. "It's always takeaway or ridiculously posh restaurants. Apparently leather jackets aren't appropriate attire there."

She sits across from him at the table, studying him. He's easy on the eyes, and she finds it hard not to stare.

"This is delicious," he tells her; she beams.

"I my know house isn't much," she says. "But there's a guest bedroom that's pretty comfortable, and-"

"Do you always worry this much?"

A faint warmth creeps into her cheeks. She quickly drops her gaze to her soup, swirling the broth absently with her spoon. "Yes," she admits.

"I have a friend like that," he chuckles. "Remus. Lovely bloke, but he's such a mother hen sometimes."

Her blush deepens. In school, she had played that role with her best friends, always keeping Harry and Ron straight, making sure their homework was done, trying her hardest to keep them out of trouble.

"Don't worry so much," he tells her, and she slowly lifts her gaze back to his. "It makes your life easier."

Hermione laughs. "I'm on holiday from university," she says. "And I still find myself stressing over everything. Even holidays are spent trying to keep everything perfect."

"Nothing wrong with a little imperfection."

She rolls her eyes. It's easy for him to say. Even if he is different from his family, he is still a Black. He is gorgeous, rich, intelligent… Perfect. Try as she might, she can't find anything imperfect about him, and, if she's honest, it's a bit intimidating.

When she finishes her soup, she rises to her feet and carries the dishes to the sink. She turns on the water and grabs the dish soap when Sirius says, "I can do the dishes."

"You're my guest."

She hears one last slurp, and a moment later he's at he side, gently nudging her away from the sink. "I've never done chores before," he says. "Let me. Please."

Hermione shrugs. She hasn't had anyone help her with chores since she'd left her parents' home. Though she's always been raised to cater to her guests, she can't bring herself to deny his request. He sounds so sincere, and it's probably the last time she'll have anyone so eager to help. "Fine. You wash. I'll dry."

…

She wakes the next morning and grabs her clothes, yawning. Her mind is still heavy from sleepiness. A good, long shower will fix that.

As she approaches the bathroom, Sirius steps out, a towel wrapped around his waist. Hermione doesn't have time to process this. She walks right into him, the force of their collision causing the towel to fall from his hips and pool on the floor at his feet.

With a yelp, she leaps back, pointedly keeping her eyes fixed upon the ceiling. "Oh God. I am so sorry!"

"You're probably the first woman to see me naked that didn't gawk," Sirius laughs. "I'm actually sort of offended."

She can't deny that the temptation is there. He is handsome. But he is only temporary. Before the week is out, he'll be gone, and there's no use letting lust cloud her actions.

"You can look now. All covered."

Hermione slowly pulls her attention back to him, not daring to lower her eyes beyond his shoulders. Her face floods with so much heat that she's certain she must look like a tomato now.

"I saved you some hot water," he tells her.

"Thanks," she mumbles.

As she walks into the bathroom, Sirius adds, "By the way, I wouldn't have minded if you'd looked."

She shuts the door and checks her reflection. Sure enough, her cheeks are a rich scarlet, and she finds herself laughing to herself.

…

It takes another three days for Kingsley to call her.

"Everything is nearly set up," he tells her.

"Good to hear."

She watches Sirius as he stands by the stove, throwing whatever he can find into the pan. Hermione feels a tug in her heart. It's only been a few days, but she's grown fond of him. More than fond, if she's honest. She's developed feelings for him, even though she knows that she shouldn't look at him like that, even though she knows he'll be gone soon.

"Hermione? Hermione?"

The voice in her ear drags her out of her thoughts. She realizes she's still on the line with Kingsley. "I'm sorry. What?"

"I asked how everything was going."

"Everything is fine. Pretty close to perfect, actually," she assures him. "I have to go. I don't think Sirius has ever used a stove before."

She ends the call and hurries over to the older man just as the eye of the stove catches fire. "Shit!" Sirius cries. "Mayday! Mayday!"

Hermione grabs the baking soda, quickly dumping it onto the flames. Though her heart beats rapidly in her chest, she laughs. "Maybe I should order a pizza."

…

They eat their pizza outside on a picnic blanket. The stars in the sky shine so brightly, and everything feels so calm.

"I'm just sorry I can't take you on a real date," Sirius says suddenly.

Hermione nearly drops her slice of pizza but quickly recovers. She picks off a mushroom and nibbles it, turning his words over in her mind. Date. He hasn't shown any real interest in her. Well, maybe he has. She had simply assumed the flirting had just been out of habit. Now, she isn't so sure.

"Downside of not being able to leave the house until I have a new life to live."

She feels her heart break at that. She doesn't love him. She hasn't had time to truly get to know him like. But she cares deeply for him, and she knows they could be great together if they only had more time.

"I wish you didn't have to leave," she says quietly.

His hand finds hers, and he presses a gentle kiss to her knuckles. "Me too. I don't think I'll ever find another woman like you, Hermione."

She rests her head on his shoulder, ignoring the weight in her chest. She wishes this didn't feel like such a final moment.

…

"Come with me," Sirius says when Hermione joins him for breakfast.

"What?"

"If we're together, they can give you a new identity too. What do you say?"

Hermione swallows dryly. She would love a chance to see what their future could hold.

But she knows she can't. She's always been so careful and calculated. The risks she's taken have always been considered thoroughly. This is far too impulsive. It would mean leaving behind everything and everyone she loves. She could never see her family again or Harry and Ron.

Hermione shakes her head. "I wish I could."

The hopeful expression fades. Sirius' lips draw into a thin line, and he nods. "Should have figured," he says softly.

…

Six days. Sirius Black is in her life for only six days, and they're the best days Hermione can ever remember having.

Kingsley shows up to collect Sirius, and Hermione feels that uncomfortable weight in her chest again. "Sirius…"

He turns, offering her a crooked grin. "Remember, don't stress so much, Hermione," he says, kissing her cheek. "You'll be happier."

She smiles at that. "Be safe," she tells him. "Have a good life."

"It'll be the best life because it featured you, if only for a moment."

And as Kingsley leads Sirius away, Hermione feels her heart sinking to her chest. Somehow, she knows that she's watching her future, her brilliant what could have been walk away.