Disclaimer: I don't own any of the Harry Potter's characters. Everything
belongs to J. K. Rowling. Everything unfamiliar is mine. 11/25
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
Chapter7
Rewards
Sirius Black was more than eager to leave Hogsmeade to collect his reward from Hermione. He coerced the Marauders to go back to Hogwarts after lunch. James was rather irritated. Lily ate with her friends next to the unsuspecting Will. He was now growing to be his least favorite person. Now that Hermione was free of Lucius, she took her care of Will. James saw his opportunity and thought, 'What the hell!' But it seemed like Sirius had a different plan altogether. Consequently, he whined all the way during the trip back to Hogwarts.
Sirius didn't mind at all. His thoughts went back to the kiss he shared with her. He couldn't believe how excited he's getting over such a silly kiss. He's acting very childish; he knew that but didn't care. He was also too happy when she told him that she was having a boring time with Lucius. Everything was perfect for him, maybe with a few exception of her spending time with Will. He was getting too close with Hermione. Then there was James. He witnessed the little flirting scene earlier. He tried to push the image out of his mind convincing himself that James adored Lily. He does realize that James was deeply infatuated with Lily. He knew James just enjoy playing around. It was not his fault Hermione was playing with him.
Upon arrival, Sirius eagerly deposited Hermione's things in the Gryffindor common room acting as hostages until he receives his reward. He went out of the castle and sat at a bench near the entrance. This way, he can see the people entering the castle thereby he can anticipate her return. The Marauders, with the exception of Remus, had nothing else better to do and decided to sit with their friend while the prefect accomplished his duties. James was also eager to see Lily again.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione and Will had arrived earlier than the Marauders. She wanted to start with the potion but then decided that it was best if they get hold of the ingredients first. They weren't aware that the Marauders arrived early as well. The two decided it was best to try to research in the library. Hermione didn't inform Will of what potion they would be concocting. Instead all she told him was that she would like to make a portal like potion that can transcend through time and not place. She also didn't tell him for what purpose. Will respected her decision and just followed her lead.
~~~~~~~~~~
Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, and a few more Gryffindors have decided to spend their break times in the library. After Pansy's stunt, all of Hermione's friends became frantic in searching for a way to get her back. They could redo what Pansy did but it didn't ensure the possibility of coming out. It did allow a person to go inside but they weren't sure if it would allow a person to leave.
Professor McGonagall was also concerned and had even asked the help of the Ministry. The Ministry however had as they put it, 'more important business to attend to.'
Snape was also frantic. He wanted Hermione Granger out of the past. He was scared that she might alter his memories.
Harry was most guilty. He could've brought a picture of the three of them instead, then she'd be stuck with them rather than his parents, their friends, and people they don't know about. Sure Sirius, Remus, his father and mother were there but from his knowledge (looking through Snape's Pensieve anyway) he knew that his father and his friends were jerks at that time. He had a feeling she'll be having a hard time.
Ron was flipping through the pages of a thick book absentmindedly. He loved Hermione (as a friend) but still no one can blame him if he was bored out of his mind. He never did like books. The only reason why he was chosen to be a Prefect was because of Hermione's notes. Fine, he may have scanned the texts but he didn't understand them. 'How I wish Hermione was here, she was the one who's good at this.'
Ron lifted his head from the back to try to from the book to try to gain focus, instead gave full attention to the table opposite theirs. He could see some Slytherins reading books a well. Ron smirked at this. 'Serve's them right!'
~~~~~~~~~~
Professor McGonagall had been really pissed about Pansy's stunt. She even started a decree among the Slytherins, "Until Hermione Granger returns safely, the Slytherins will not receive any house points in any way may it be on Quidditch matches. Deduction of points will still apply. Although, I don't think any of you would want to add to Ms. Parkinson's deduction of a hundred points."
The Slytherins had thought it unfair and had shun Pansy for her actions. "Bloody hell you could've done something else! Don't get me wrong, eliminating a mudblood was cool but you could've done something much better! You've lost us a hundred points! You bloody hell need to get her back. McGonagall's in a deduction spree right now. We won't have points left to deduct in no time."
~~~~~~~~~~
Ron enjoyed the look on the Slytherins' faces. The proud purebloods were now trying to get back a 'mudblood'. No sooner had he resumed flipping through the pages when somebody banged in the library, slamming the doors open. Ron and most of the people in the library looked up in irritation seeing a red-faced Draco Malfoy scanning faces. Ron was bored and thought he needed someone to tease, "Hey Malfoy, come here to help your friends?"
Draco glared at him but set off to Harry's side.
Harry looked up easily irritated by his presence. "What the hell do you want Malfoy? If you haven't noticed, I'm quite busy right now." Harry was a bit jumpy ever since Hermione's disappearance.
"Look at this!" Draco dropped a photograph in Harry's hands.
Harry had no choice but to take a look at it. He paled as he looked through the photograph. "Bloody hell!"
Ron felt left out and decided to grab Malfoy's picture. Ron's eyes widened at what he saw. Some he realized were Death Eaters in their younger appearance but his gaze fell on Lucius Malfoy. His arm was draped on. . . Hermione's hand. Both of them looked relax and comfortable with each other. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He then grabbed Harry's picture that was lying on top of the table. Just as he expected, Hermione's smiling face had disappeared. It was as if she jumped from one picture to the other.
The silence broke when Draco exploded yet again, "What is your bloody mudblood girlfriend doing? She is ruining the damn picture!"
"What the hell are you talking about? She's the only person that's worth looking at in it!" Harry answered defensively. He stood up and towered over Malfoy, "And don't you ever call her a mudblood again or I swear-"
"What Potter? You'll go crying to McGonagall?" Draco challenged.
Ron started to move to his best friend's side but was stopped by his sister.
Harry clenched his fist and started to lunge at Malfoy but he was easily caught it.
Before anyone else could throw a good punch Madam Pince intervened, "I will not tolerate any disturbance in this library. I suggest that you take it out boys."
"But I have to help Hermione." Harry started to argue.
Everybody has heard about Hermione's misfortune, which caused the elder witch to reconsider her judgment. "Fine, but one of you has to go." She ordered.
The Gryffindor people glared at Draco Malfoy who snatched his picture before turning to the elderly witch. "Gladly!" He stomped out of the library looking intently at the photograph. His eyes couldn't seem to leave Hermione's face, smiling at him. 'Damn mudblood!'
~~~~~~~~~~
Back in the library, Harry and the rest of his Gryffindor friends were talking about Draco Malfoy's picture. "Does that mean she's in Slytherin now?" Ginny asked.
"I suppose. She's not in my picture anymore." Harry felt bad for her. "We have to get her out fast. She might be experiencing the worst days of her life!"
~~~~~~~~~~
Contrary to Harry's deduction, Hermione was having the time of her life. Being a Slytherin has its own perks. She can conjure any kind of potion without being criticized especially when she uses Dark Arts ingredients. Plus remember she has a lot of guys on her beck and call. She never had that kind of reaction to guys of her own time.
Hermione got tired of reading and asked Will to come back some other day instead. She did not bother with dinner. She wanted to have some peace and quiet and has forced a wizard named Longbottom to let her into the Gryffindor common room. She wanted to meet Sirius as soon as he gets back. Neither thought to ask whether the other was back.
~~~~~~~~~~
Sirius was growing impatient. He wanted that reward badly. Dinner came and he was forced by his friends to grab a bite. He reluctantly left his post to join his friends at the Great Hall.
Sirius chose a spot where he can watch the people coming and going inside the Great Hall and also have a view of the Slytherin table. "Where could she be?" He wandered out loud.
"Who?" Lily said as she sat beside him. She noticed James starting to tense up.
Sirius snapped form his trance, "Hermione."
"Well have you tried the Gryffindor common room?" Lily suggested.
"She doesn't know the password." Sirius replied.
"I thought I heard Longbottom let her in." Lily grabbed some juice.
"When did you hear this?" Sirius arched an eyebrow not believing her words. He didn't see her enter Hogwarts all day.
"Hey don't pounce on me. You can talk to Longbottom if you like." Lily pointed to a guy at the far end of the table. "Although I don't understand why you're so agitated in finding her."
"Can you believe we wasted our afternoon hanging at the castle entrance?" James tried to join the conversation.
"What were you doing there?" She was genuinely curious.
"We were waiting for Hermione." James was glad to be conversing with Lily on a safe subject.
"Waiting for Hermione to what?" Lily looked up from her plate.
"To arrive from Hogsmeade."
"What are you talking about? Hermione and Will went back here as soon as they finished lunch. As far as I know they were the first ones to come back here. And also as far as I know she's in the Gryffindor common room right now."
Sirius wanted to pound his head on his plate. 'I wasted my afternoon for nothing!' He looked the Slytherin table and sure enough he saw Will eating alone wearing different clothes from what he wore at Hogsmeade. This suggests that he had time to change meaning he did arrive earlier than dinner. Sirius was watching the castle entrance and saw no sign of either Will of Hermione. This then suggests that they arrived before he stood guard. 'Damn! I could've collected my reward earlier!'
Sirius abruptly stood up from his seat and started to march out of the door.
"Oi Padfoot!" James shouted.
"What?" Sirius turned in annoyance.
"Just don't blow this one." James warned.
Sirius stormed off and marched to the Gryffindor common room.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was slouching on one of the sofas near the fireplace with her hand outstretched in front of her. Tears were threatening to come out as she gazed intently at her locket. This locket is a magical locket given by Mrs. Weasley last Christmas. Instead of storing photographs in it, memories are kept in it. One by one Hermione's friends and loved ones jumped out of the locket and stared at her all the while smiling. Her parents were a bit hesitant when their turn came up. They didn't know or appreciate magic as much as their daughter's enthusiasm but they supported her all the way.
The next people to jump out were her girl friends led by Ginny. They were huddled together as if they were sharing secrets. She needed them desperately. She's got the biggest secret in her entire life and there's nobody to share it with. The secret was eating her up inside. Her logical side argues that it was not possible and that it only happened because he was the closest guy to pass as a decent guy who's interested in her. But every time she sees him staring at her, watching her every move, her heart would flutter. She needed guidance and not from Harry or Ron. They would surely be biased about it. Ginny and the others would be both logical and romantic. 'Romance. Maybe I'm just out of romance for a long time now and he was the first guy who showed some interest. Maybe that's the reason why I'm attracted to him. It's all about the ego! Damn Sirius!'
Her girl friends went back to the pendant and out came Harry. She found herself comparing the Potter family that's when she realized how Harry's parents have a lot in common. Both were heroic in nature the only difference was that Lily was never a jerk to anybody, which thankfully rubbed off to Harry. She pitied her best friend. He'll never know how great his parents were because of Voldemort. She wanted to record all the time she spent with them because she knew that stories were never enough. She watched the memory of him flying on his firebolt. Whenever he'd get far she couldn't distinguish whether it was James or Harry. Just as Harry caught the snitch he disappeared back into the locket.
Hermione sighed as she anticipated the next memory. This time fiery red hair peeked out of the locket. Contrary to what people might think they have tried to get together several times. The following memory was one of the silly attempts of Ron trying his luck with her. This time the reason why it didn't work out was because of the timing.
Ron came through the portrait hole banging it to get her attention. She jumped at the intrusion. She was alone in the common room and had welcomed the peace and Ron's sudden appearance was dangling on her nerves. She had put off doing her Arithmancy project because of her friend's request. Now there was just little time to accomplish the project, study for the history long exam and finish McGonagall's three-foot paper.
"What do you want Ron? Where's Harry? Shouldn't you two be doing McGonagall's essay?" These were the first words that came out of her mouth. . . unfortunately.
Ron got annoyed but put the issue aside. Instead of answering her questions, he sat beside her and gazed at her eyes intently.
Hermione knew what happened next. She pushed him away and argued something about homework being more important then him. She closed her eyes and imagined him in front of her, melting at his gaze. She could feel her cheeks grow hot. She could feel his presence near her. She could feel his breath on her skin. She could feel his lips on hers, his tongue pushing through her mouth seeking hers. That's when a moan escaped from her mouth.
~~~~~~~~~~
Sirius was too eager to see her, which resulted with him running through the halls, up the stairs and into the common room. He was only to happy to see Hermione curled up in one of the sofas. In his excitement, he slammed the portrait as he entered. Hermione's gaze moved to his direction. He gave her his best smile as he inched toward her. He watched as she closed her eyes. He sat beside her and noticed that her face was flushed. He felt an urge to kiss her. 'Damn! Why not? She saw me enter right? She's not even moving away.' So he leaned in.
~~~~~~~~~~
She could feel his lips on hers, his tongue pushing through her mouth seeking hers. That's when a moan escaped from her mouth. Hermione's hand shot up to his hair automatically. She dropped her feet and inched closer, her other hand resting on his shoulder. She could feel his arms crawling to her back pulling her closer. Hermione relished the warmth and released another groan.
Finally Hermione decided to break the kiss, it felt too real for her. She placed her head at the crook of his neck and sighed feeling content. At that moment everything was perfect until. . .
Sirius turned his face sideways to meet Hermione's eyes. "Maybe we should leave here. I'm guessing the Gryffindors are about to finish dinner."
Hermione woke up from her daze. 'That wasn't Ron's voice. I remember Ron to be taller.' She leaned closer and sniffed the person. 'He even smells different. Wait a minute! How come I can feel, smell, and hear a memory?' She abruptly sat straight and looked at the person facing her. 'Sirius!' She almost called out loud.
Sirius didn't notice the sudden change. He was still enveloped by the sensation from the kiss. "I prefer to keep my love life a secret." He winked at her.
Hermione's face began to grow pale. 'What it Sirius doing here in the first place? He took advantage of me!' She started at his content expression, 'not that I'm complaining.'
A part of her wanted to curse him for what happened, 'It's the principle.' Another part of her cursed herself for allowing and enjoying it. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind but instead all she came up with was, "Huh?" She was confused of her feelings.
"Are you telling me that that's my reward? Just one kiss?" He now saw the growing wariness in her eyes, a reason why he let his urge to kiss her again die.
'Reward? What reward?' Her mind was having difficulty on focusing on the conversation. "Oh right! The ingredients."
"Well was that it? I think I'm entitled to at least another kiss." He took the risk. He planned on kissing her thoroughly this time so that it wouldn't be hard to ask for one in the future.
Just then the portrait suddenly swung open and in came the rest of the Marauders with Lily leading the way. They all saw the couple with only a few centimeters away from each other. Lily blushed as realization hit her. James felt guilty for following his best friend when it looked like he's got everything in control.
"Nice!" Peter shouted from behind which got generous glares from everybody in the room.
'What the hell are they doing here?' His face started to form an angry growl and aimed it at James' direction. "You guys finished dinner quite early haven't you?"
"What are you talking about? The guys and I have this dare." Lily tried to wiggle out of the firing range.
"A dare?" Sirius posed the question to James.
"Yes a dare." Lily looked from James to Lupin trying to ask for help. She saw Remus' eyes brighten. "Remus will explain it."
Everybody focused his or her attention to the smiling Remus. "You see we got into a heated conversation at the table about Lily here not taking risks. Lily wanted to prove us wrong and that's how the dare started." Remus noticed that Lily was giving him dangerous glares.
"So tell me Moony, what is this dare you've been talking about?" Sirius was now amused rather than irritated. He knew how his friend's mind works and from the looks of things it will start to get exciting in here pretty soon.
"Stop interrupting me, I'm getting there. We've dared her to do extraordinary things which she usually avoid doing. Then it hit me, what was it that she avoided doing the most?" Remus' eyes were sparkling.
Sirius wanted to laugh as he compared Lily's outraged face with and embarrassed James. "What is it then?" Sirius was now sure that they were only making this story for an alibi. 'If you're just making up some alibi, make it good.'
"Well from my point of view, Lily has been avoiding all the intimacy Prongs has offered her. So the dare was that she kiss Prongs on the lips for a good five minutes." He added the last five words with a smirk.
This time both Sirius and Hermione were biting their lips to stop any escaping laughter.
"What?" Both Lily and James exclaimed with a hint of anger and irritation in it.
"I'm not finished. The dare was been amended. She was supposed to kiss him in the Great Hall but I thought that that was too extreme for her and she wasn't ready for that, so we agreed to let her accomplish the task here where the only witnesses are us."
Lily's mind raced trying to find a way to get out of the situation she's in. 'Never again trust Remus.'
"Hey can you guys add two more audience?" Sirius teased.
"No problem since we also did have a glimpse of intimacy between you and Hermione, I think it is only fair for you guys to watch." Remus teased back earning him a blush from Hermione and a scowl from Sirius.
"No fair! The dare was only between the four of us!" Since she had no choice but to comply, the least she could do was to limit the people who'll watch.
"What difference does two pair of eyes make? We'll swear never to leak it out of the group." Remus argued before asking, "Are you ready?"
Lily sighed before nodding. 'Let's get this over with.' She walked to James's position as ever body held their breaths. She stood on her toes to level her lips with James and kissed him.
Five minutes passed by without anyone noticing. Hands flew all over as one reached the other's hair, another held onto the other's back and another caressing the other's body. It looked like both enjoyed the kiss immensely. It seemed like Lily melted to James' passion. Sirius and Remus couldn't help but clap at the success of the plan. Hermione smiled at the happy couple, which was going to produce her best friend.
Lily heard the noise and broke the kiss. Her face was burning red with embarrassment at how she acted and ran away from the crowd to her room.
"That was mean of you Remus." Hermione stifled a laugh.
"Hey don't tell me you didn't enjoy the show cause I saw you smiling earlier." Remus teased.
"They looked cute together." She defended herself.
Sirius was glad that she didn't feel any twinge of jealousy between Lily and James, which meant that she's not that interested with his best friend.
"Can you not talk about this in front of me please? I'm not proud of what happened." James whined.
"So the kiss wasn't that satisfying?" Sirius finally stopped laughing.
"Are you blind Padfoot? Weren't you watching?" Remus was having fun. "I don't know why you're upset," he pointed at James, "when you should be thanking me instead."
"Knock it off guys." James was trying to change the topic at hand. "So Padfoot how was the reward?" He knew he was being insensitive but that's the only thing he can think of at the moment.
"We were talking about it until the untimely show." Sirius managed to tease, trying to continue the light conversation.
"Hahaha!" James laughed sarcastically. "So Hermione, what was Padfoot's reward?"
Hermione blushed, "Oh so he's told."
At once James felt guilty at what he did. "Technically no. You see, he had this silly grin on his face after visiting the potion shop earlier and we kind of tortured him until he finally gave away." He added a grin for her.
Hermione was amused with the Marauders' relationship. It kind of reminded her of her best friends again. "I should've expected that."
"So are you letting us in on his reward?" James slipped to the sofa where Hermione and Sirius were still seated and leaned close to them. "One way or another, we will find out."
"Shut it Prongs. Wait till she tells me what it is first." Sirius was getting jealous of the undeniably closeness between Hermione and his best bud.
"Oh alright!" Hermione felt defeated. "But I prefer that the rest of you would hear it from Sirius though."
That lightened Sirius' spirits. "I'm not quite sure but I think that that is your cue to leave guys."
James shrugged as Remus pulled him away with Peter closely behind.
When the couple was alone again, Sirius cleared his throat to get her attention, "So-"
"So-"
"What now?"
"About that reward."
"Yeah?" Sirius inched closer anticipating her next move.
She looked away, anywhere but his face. "Do you still want that 'reward'?"
Sirius was a bit puzzled. 'Wasn't that kiss part of the reward?' "Well yeah, of course."
She faced him again with a wide grin. "How would you like to spend time with me for a whole day?"
'Hell with kisses! One whole day!' He started thinking of the possibilities that a whole day holds. "Just one day?" He managed to tease.
"Well if you're not interested then maybe I should go?" Hermione started to stand.
"Hey I was just kidding." He pulled her hand down gently. "When shall we spend this time together?"
"How about tomorrow?"
"No problem." He smiled and then something entered his mind. 'Bloody hell, tomorrow's a full moon!' He released a deep sigh. "I can't. Not tomorrow."
"Why?" Hermione was irritated at his answer.
"How about next week?"
'Great! I'll be wasting yet another week. I need to go back to Hogsmeade to look for that blasted ingredient!'
"Is next week good?" Sirius asked again.
"Why not tomorrow?"
"I have a previous engagement with Prongs the guys."
"Is it that important?"
"Well you see we always get together once a month."
'Once a month? Oh my! Is it a full moon already tomorrow?' Her face softened. "Fine next week it is."
"You sound disappointed."
"I had a lot planned for tomorrow."
"Like what?" His heart was starting to beat double time.
"Like going back to Hogsmeade."
"Uh, we can't go back to Hogsmeade every weekend."
"I know, I'm a prefect remember?"
"So how do you imagine going back there?"
Hermione couldn't just tell him that she knew about the tunnel without getting conspicuous. 'Oh what the hell! I may be leaving here soon anyway.' She finally decided to try her luck. "I've been patrolling these walls and let's ay I've come across a passage that leads right into Hogsmeade."
Sirius was shocked at her response. That tunnel was a secret only between the Marauders. 'How could she find out?'
Hermione saw his face pale. "What? Are you scared of breaking rules? Don't tell me I read you wrong."
'Snap out of it Sirius! She just might be telling the truth. Prongs promised not to tell anyone same goes for Peter, Remus and me. She must've really found it on her own.' Sirius took a deep breath as he tried to act inconspicuously. "Hey it's not that. I was just thinking how many long weekends I've wasted when I could've come to Hogsmeade all the time. And for the record, you read me right."
'Not that smooth but hey he was under pressure.' She was having a hell of a time lying as well. "Look, this little discussion is a secret ok? You're not to tell your friends about this ok? Or else I wouldn't tell you of the location."
"Whatever you say." He grinned at her.
"Plus you must promise me that you'd only use it for a good cause."
"So a date's a good cause then?" He teased.
"Not all kinds of dates." She teased back.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Nothing. Just promise to comply with all the conditions I've said."
"Fine. I promise to 'comply' with your rules. Was that good?"
"It's ok for me."
"So can I ask a question?"
"About what?"
"Who else knows of this secret?" Sirius was silently wishing to hear words like 'just you and me.' He wasn't talking about just any person, hell all the Marauders knew about the passage. He was more interested in a particular person though.
"You're the first and only person I've talked about this." She said honestly.
Sirius relaxed a bit but he had to be sure for the Marauders' sake as well. "What about Will?"
"Are you suggesting that I am lying?" Her tone got a little colder.
Sirius noticed it and tried to lighten the mood but actually failed. "So why did you choose to tell me instead of him or Prongs for instance. You seem to be getting along better with them."
"Well Will's kind of like Lily and I don't want to get him in trouble if we were found. I guess same goes for James."
"He's definitely NOT a Lily person."
"I was talking about not wanting them to get into trouble."
"So you're fine with 'me' getting in trouble?" This time his tone was rising as well.
"I figured you're used with it."
"Prongs got into a lot more trouble than I did!"
"Fine then I apologize." She needed him. . . and his money. Besides he's the one who's smitten with her.
"Tell me again how is this supposed to be my reward?"
"You're spending a day with me."
"Right! Which can lead to many more arguments. WHOOPEE!" He was being sarcastic.
"Look if you want to join me just tell me this week. If not then fine. I'll just go by myself." Her patience was growing thin.
Sirius was about to say 'fine' but remembered that the tunnel leads to a bad neighborhood. "I was just playing. Of course I'll come."
She was relieved to hear his answer. She knew she gambled. Luckily he really likes her. "Um can I have my ingredients?"
It looked like their conversation was not going anywhere so he stood up and took some bags (the hostages) at one corner handing it to her. "So until next time then?" Sirius said as Gryffindors started barging in their privacy.
Hermione nodded and started walking away before doing a double turn. "And about that kiss, it was a mistake."
Sirius' eyes widened in pain.
Hermione saw this and added, "But I'm not denying I liked it!" Then she disappeared into the portrait hole.
Sirius was grinning foolishly when his friends reached him. 'She like my kiss! Good! Let the seduction begin. I'll change that mistake to something right in no time.'
"You know Padfoot you could've just agreed for tomorrow." James was more than serious.
"No way! It's a full moon tomorrow!" Sirius said stubbornly.
"I'll be fine." Remus felt guilty of depriving him of some excitement.
"Yeah, Wormtail and I will be enough."
"Right but then again we'll be using the same tunnel and we might ran into you."
"I didn't see that." James paused. "You know Padfoot, you're improving. You got her to admit she liked kissing you. Who knows you might get lucky next week and win her completely."
"That I wish my friend, that I wish." He was still upset with the fact that she thought that it was a mistake. 'I have to make sure to change that at our date next week.'
~~~~~~~~~~
A/N: Sorry guys to keep you waiting. You wouldn't believe how much
studying I did for that damn finals week. Please hang on with the
story I promise to make it more interesting. Oh I haven't had time to
send this to my beta because I thought you guys needed something to
read this weekend or something so please excuse the English.
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
Chapter7
Rewards
Sirius Black was more than eager to leave Hogsmeade to collect his reward from Hermione. He coerced the Marauders to go back to Hogwarts after lunch. James was rather irritated. Lily ate with her friends next to the unsuspecting Will. He was now growing to be his least favorite person. Now that Hermione was free of Lucius, she took her care of Will. James saw his opportunity and thought, 'What the hell!' But it seemed like Sirius had a different plan altogether. Consequently, he whined all the way during the trip back to Hogwarts.
Sirius didn't mind at all. His thoughts went back to the kiss he shared with her. He couldn't believe how excited he's getting over such a silly kiss. He's acting very childish; he knew that but didn't care. He was also too happy when she told him that she was having a boring time with Lucius. Everything was perfect for him, maybe with a few exception of her spending time with Will. He was getting too close with Hermione. Then there was James. He witnessed the little flirting scene earlier. He tried to push the image out of his mind convincing himself that James adored Lily. He does realize that James was deeply infatuated with Lily. He knew James just enjoy playing around. It was not his fault Hermione was playing with him.
Upon arrival, Sirius eagerly deposited Hermione's things in the Gryffindor common room acting as hostages until he receives his reward. He went out of the castle and sat at a bench near the entrance. This way, he can see the people entering the castle thereby he can anticipate her return. The Marauders, with the exception of Remus, had nothing else better to do and decided to sit with their friend while the prefect accomplished his duties. James was also eager to see Lily again.
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Hermione and Will had arrived earlier than the Marauders. She wanted to start with the potion but then decided that it was best if they get hold of the ingredients first. They weren't aware that the Marauders arrived early as well. The two decided it was best to try to research in the library. Hermione didn't inform Will of what potion they would be concocting. Instead all she told him was that she would like to make a portal like potion that can transcend through time and not place. She also didn't tell him for what purpose. Will respected her decision and just followed her lead.
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Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley, and a few more Gryffindors have decided to spend their break times in the library. After Pansy's stunt, all of Hermione's friends became frantic in searching for a way to get her back. They could redo what Pansy did but it didn't ensure the possibility of coming out. It did allow a person to go inside but they weren't sure if it would allow a person to leave.
Professor McGonagall was also concerned and had even asked the help of the Ministry. The Ministry however had as they put it, 'more important business to attend to.'
Snape was also frantic. He wanted Hermione Granger out of the past. He was scared that she might alter his memories.
Harry was most guilty. He could've brought a picture of the three of them instead, then she'd be stuck with them rather than his parents, their friends, and people they don't know about. Sure Sirius, Remus, his father and mother were there but from his knowledge (looking through Snape's Pensieve anyway) he knew that his father and his friends were jerks at that time. He had a feeling she'll be having a hard time.
Ron was flipping through the pages of a thick book absentmindedly. He loved Hermione (as a friend) but still no one can blame him if he was bored out of his mind. He never did like books. The only reason why he was chosen to be a Prefect was because of Hermione's notes. Fine, he may have scanned the texts but he didn't understand them. 'How I wish Hermione was here, she was the one who's good at this.'
Ron lifted his head from the back to try to from the book to try to gain focus, instead gave full attention to the table opposite theirs. He could see some Slytherins reading books a well. Ron smirked at this. 'Serve's them right!'
~~~~~~~~~~
Professor McGonagall had been really pissed about Pansy's stunt. She even started a decree among the Slytherins, "Until Hermione Granger returns safely, the Slytherins will not receive any house points in any way may it be on Quidditch matches. Deduction of points will still apply. Although, I don't think any of you would want to add to Ms. Parkinson's deduction of a hundred points."
The Slytherins had thought it unfair and had shun Pansy for her actions. "Bloody hell you could've done something else! Don't get me wrong, eliminating a mudblood was cool but you could've done something much better! You've lost us a hundred points! You bloody hell need to get her back. McGonagall's in a deduction spree right now. We won't have points left to deduct in no time."
~~~~~~~~~~
Ron enjoyed the look on the Slytherins' faces. The proud purebloods were now trying to get back a 'mudblood'. No sooner had he resumed flipping through the pages when somebody banged in the library, slamming the doors open. Ron and most of the people in the library looked up in irritation seeing a red-faced Draco Malfoy scanning faces. Ron was bored and thought he needed someone to tease, "Hey Malfoy, come here to help your friends?"
Draco glared at him but set off to Harry's side.
Harry looked up easily irritated by his presence. "What the hell do you want Malfoy? If you haven't noticed, I'm quite busy right now." Harry was a bit jumpy ever since Hermione's disappearance.
"Look at this!" Draco dropped a photograph in Harry's hands.
Harry had no choice but to take a look at it. He paled as he looked through the photograph. "Bloody hell!"
Ron felt left out and decided to grab Malfoy's picture. Ron's eyes widened at what he saw. Some he realized were Death Eaters in their younger appearance but his gaze fell on Lucius Malfoy. His arm was draped on. . . Hermione's hand. Both of them looked relax and comfortable with each other. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. He then grabbed Harry's picture that was lying on top of the table. Just as he expected, Hermione's smiling face had disappeared. It was as if she jumped from one picture to the other.
The silence broke when Draco exploded yet again, "What is your bloody mudblood girlfriend doing? She is ruining the damn picture!"
"What the hell are you talking about? She's the only person that's worth looking at in it!" Harry answered defensively. He stood up and towered over Malfoy, "And don't you ever call her a mudblood again or I swear-"
"What Potter? You'll go crying to McGonagall?" Draco challenged.
Ron started to move to his best friend's side but was stopped by his sister.
Harry clenched his fist and started to lunge at Malfoy but he was easily caught it.
Before anyone else could throw a good punch Madam Pince intervened, "I will not tolerate any disturbance in this library. I suggest that you take it out boys."
"But I have to help Hermione." Harry started to argue.
Everybody has heard about Hermione's misfortune, which caused the elder witch to reconsider her judgment. "Fine, but one of you has to go." She ordered.
The Gryffindor people glared at Draco Malfoy who snatched his picture before turning to the elderly witch. "Gladly!" He stomped out of the library looking intently at the photograph. His eyes couldn't seem to leave Hermione's face, smiling at him. 'Damn mudblood!'
~~~~~~~~~~
Back in the library, Harry and the rest of his Gryffindor friends were talking about Draco Malfoy's picture. "Does that mean she's in Slytherin now?" Ginny asked.
"I suppose. She's not in my picture anymore." Harry felt bad for her. "We have to get her out fast. She might be experiencing the worst days of her life!"
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Contrary to Harry's deduction, Hermione was having the time of her life. Being a Slytherin has its own perks. She can conjure any kind of potion without being criticized especially when she uses Dark Arts ingredients. Plus remember she has a lot of guys on her beck and call. She never had that kind of reaction to guys of her own time.
Hermione got tired of reading and asked Will to come back some other day instead. She did not bother with dinner. She wanted to have some peace and quiet and has forced a wizard named Longbottom to let her into the Gryffindor common room. She wanted to meet Sirius as soon as he gets back. Neither thought to ask whether the other was back.
~~~~~~~~~~
Sirius was growing impatient. He wanted that reward badly. Dinner came and he was forced by his friends to grab a bite. He reluctantly left his post to join his friends at the Great Hall.
Sirius chose a spot where he can watch the people coming and going inside the Great Hall and also have a view of the Slytherin table. "Where could she be?" He wandered out loud.
"Who?" Lily said as she sat beside him. She noticed James starting to tense up.
Sirius snapped form his trance, "Hermione."
"Well have you tried the Gryffindor common room?" Lily suggested.
"She doesn't know the password." Sirius replied.
"I thought I heard Longbottom let her in." Lily grabbed some juice.
"When did you hear this?" Sirius arched an eyebrow not believing her words. He didn't see her enter Hogwarts all day.
"Hey don't pounce on me. You can talk to Longbottom if you like." Lily pointed to a guy at the far end of the table. "Although I don't understand why you're so agitated in finding her."
"Can you believe we wasted our afternoon hanging at the castle entrance?" James tried to join the conversation.
"What were you doing there?" She was genuinely curious.
"We were waiting for Hermione." James was glad to be conversing with Lily on a safe subject.
"Waiting for Hermione to what?" Lily looked up from her plate.
"To arrive from Hogsmeade."
"What are you talking about? Hermione and Will went back here as soon as they finished lunch. As far as I know they were the first ones to come back here. And also as far as I know she's in the Gryffindor common room right now."
Sirius wanted to pound his head on his plate. 'I wasted my afternoon for nothing!' He looked the Slytherin table and sure enough he saw Will eating alone wearing different clothes from what he wore at Hogsmeade. This suggests that he had time to change meaning he did arrive earlier than dinner. Sirius was watching the castle entrance and saw no sign of either Will of Hermione. This then suggests that they arrived before he stood guard. 'Damn! I could've collected my reward earlier!'
Sirius abruptly stood up from his seat and started to march out of the door.
"Oi Padfoot!" James shouted.
"What?" Sirius turned in annoyance.
"Just don't blow this one." James warned.
Sirius stormed off and marched to the Gryffindor common room.
~~~~~~~~~~
Hermione was slouching on one of the sofas near the fireplace with her hand outstretched in front of her. Tears were threatening to come out as she gazed intently at her locket. This locket is a magical locket given by Mrs. Weasley last Christmas. Instead of storing photographs in it, memories are kept in it. One by one Hermione's friends and loved ones jumped out of the locket and stared at her all the while smiling. Her parents were a bit hesitant when their turn came up. They didn't know or appreciate magic as much as their daughter's enthusiasm but they supported her all the way.
The next people to jump out were her girl friends led by Ginny. They were huddled together as if they were sharing secrets. She needed them desperately. She's got the biggest secret in her entire life and there's nobody to share it with. The secret was eating her up inside. Her logical side argues that it was not possible and that it only happened because he was the closest guy to pass as a decent guy who's interested in her. But every time she sees him staring at her, watching her every move, her heart would flutter. She needed guidance and not from Harry or Ron. They would surely be biased about it. Ginny and the others would be both logical and romantic. 'Romance. Maybe I'm just out of romance for a long time now and he was the first guy who showed some interest. Maybe that's the reason why I'm attracted to him. It's all about the ego! Damn Sirius!'
Her girl friends went back to the pendant and out came Harry. She found herself comparing the Potter family that's when she realized how Harry's parents have a lot in common. Both were heroic in nature the only difference was that Lily was never a jerk to anybody, which thankfully rubbed off to Harry. She pitied her best friend. He'll never know how great his parents were because of Voldemort. She wanted to record all the time she spent with them because she knew that stories were never enough. She watched the memory of him flying on his firebolt. Whenever he'd get far she couldn't distinguish whether it was James or Harry. Just as Harry caught the snitch he disappeared back into the locket.
Hermione sighed as she anticipated the next memory. This time fiery red hair peeked out of the locket. Contrary to what people might think they have tried to get together several times. The following memory was one of the silly attempts of Ron trying his luck with her. This time the reason why it didn't work out was because of the timing.
Ron came through the portrait hole banging it to get her attention. She jumped at the intrusion. She was alone in the common room and had welcomed the peace and Ron's sudden appearance was dangling on her nerves. She had put off doing her Arithmancy project because of her friend's request. Now there was just little time to accomplish the project, study for the history long exam and finish McGonagall's three-foot paper.
"What do you want Ron? Where's Harry? Shouldn't you two be doing McGonagall's essay?" These were the first words that came out of her mouth. . . unfortunately.
Ron got annoyed but put the issue aside. Instead of answering her questions, he sat beside her and gazed at her eyes intently.
Hermione knew what happened next. She pushed him away and argued something about homework being more important then him. She closed her eyes and imagined him in front of her, melting at his gaze. She could feel her cheeks grow hot. She could feel his presence near her. She could feel his breath on her skin. She could feel his lips on hers, his tongue pushing through her mouth seeking hers. That's when a moan escaped from her mouth.
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Sirius was too eager to see her, which resulted with him running through the halls, up the stairs and into the common room. He was only to happy to see Hermione curled up in one of the sofas. In his excitement, he slammed the portrait as he entered. Hermione's gaze moved to his direction. He gave her his best smile as he inched toward her. He watched as she closed her eyes. He sat beside her and noticed that her face was flushed. He felt an urge to kiss her. 'Damn! Why not? She saw me enter right? She's not even moving away.' So he leaned in.
~~~~~~~~~~
She could feel his lips on hers, his tongue pushing through her mouth seeking hers. That's when a moan escaped from her mouth. Hermione's hand shot up to his hair automatically. She dropped her feet and inched closer, her other hand resting on his shoulder. She could feel his arms crawling to her back pulling her closer. Hermione relished the warmth and released another groan.
Finally Hermione decided to break the kiss, it felt too real for her. She placed her head at the crook of his neck and sighed feeling content. At that moment everything was perfect until. . .
Sirius turned his face sideways to meet Hermione's eyes. "Maybe we should leave here. I'm guessing the Gryffindors are about to finish dinner."
Hermione woke up from her daze. 'That wasn't Ron's voice. I remember Ron to be taller.' She leaned closer and sniffed the person. 'He even smells different. Wait a minute! How come I can feel, smell, and hear a memory?' She abruptly sat straight and looked at the person facing her. 'Sirius!' She almost called out loud.
Sirius didn't notice the sudden change. He was still enveloped by the sensation from the kiss. "I prefer to keep my love life a secret." He winked at her.
Hermione's face began to grow pale. 'What it Sirius doing here in the first place? He took advantage of me!' She started at his content expression, 'not that I'm complaining.'
A part of her wanted to curse him for what happened, 'It's the principle.' Another part of her cursed herself for allowing and enjoying it. She wanted to give him a piece of her mind but instead all she came up with was, "Huh?" She was confused of her feelings.
"Are you telling me that that's my reward? Just one kiss?" He now saw the growing wariness in her eyes, a reason why he let his urge to kiss her again die.
'Reward? What reward?' Her mind was having difficulty on focusing on the conversation. "Oh right! The ingredients."
"Well was that it? I think I'm entitled to at least another kiss." He took the risk. He planned on kissing her thoroughly this time so that it wouldn't be hard to ask for one in the future.
Just then the portrait suddenly swung open and in came the rest of the Marauders with Lily leading the way. They all saw the couple with only a few centimeters away from each other. Lily blushed as realization hit her. James felt guilty for following his best friend when it looked like he's got everything in control.
"Nice!" Peter shouted from behind which got generous glares from everybody in the room.
'What the hell are they doing here?' His face started to form an angry growl and aimed it at James' direction. "You guys finished dinner quite early haven't you?"
"What are you talking about? The guys and I have this dare." Lily tried to wiggle out of the firing range.
"A dare?" Sirius posed the question to James.
"Yes a dare." Lily looked from James to Lupin trying to ask for help. She saw Remus' eyes brighten. "Remus will explain it."
Everybody focused his or her attention to the smiling Remus. "You see we got into a heated conversation at the table about Lily here not taking risks. Lily wanted to prove us wrong and that's how the dare started." Remus noticed that Lily was giving him dangerous glares.
"So tell me Moony, what is this dare you've been talking about?" Sirius was now amused rather than irritated. He knew how his friend's mind works and from the looks of things it will start to get exciting in here pretty soon.
"Stop interrupting me, I'm getting there. We've dared her to do extraordinary things which she usually avoid doing. Then it hit me, what was it that she avoided doing the most?" Remus' eyes were sparkling.
Sirius wanted to laugh as he compared Lily's outraged face with and embarrassed James. "What is it then?" Sirius was now sure that they were only making this story for an alibi. 'If you're just making up some alibi, make it good.'
"Well from my point of view, Lily has been avoiding all the intimacy Prongs has offered her. So the dare was that she kiss Prongs on the lips for a good five minutes." He added the last five words with a smirk.
This time both Sirius and Hermione were biting their lips to stop any escaping laughter.
"What?" Both Lily and James exclaimed with a hint of anger and irritation in it.
"I'm not finished. The dare was been amended. She was supposed to kiss him in the Great Hall but I thought that that was too extreme for her and she wasn't ready for that, so we agreed to let her accomplish the task here where the only witnesses are us."
Lily's mind raced trying to find a way to get out of the situation she's in. 'Never again trust Remus.'
"Hey can you guys add two more audience?" Sirius teased.
"No problem since we also did have a glimpse of intimacy between you and Hermione, I think it is only fair for you guys to watch." Remus teased back earning him a blush from Hermione and a scowl from Sirius.
"No fair! The dare was only between the four of us!" Since she had no choice but to comply, the least she could do was to limit the people who'll watch.
"What difference does two pair of eyes make? We'll swear never to leak it out of the group." Remus argued before asking, "Are you ready?"
Lily sighed before nodding. 'Let's get this over with.' She walked to James's position as ever body held their breaths. She stood on her toes to level her lips with James and kissed him.
Five minutes passed by without anyone noticing. Hands flew all over as one reached the other's hair, another held onto the other's back and another caressing the other's body. It looked like both enjoyed the kiss immensely. It seemed like Lily melted to James' passion. Sirius and Remus couldn't help but clap at the success of the plan. Hermione smiled at the happy couple, which was going to produce her best friend.
Lily heard the noise and broke the kiss. Her face was burning red with embarrassment at how she acted and ran away from the crowd to her room.
"That was mean of you Remus." Hermione stifled a laugh.
"Hey don't tell me you didn't enjoy the show cause I saw you smiling earlier." Remus teased.
"They looked cute together." She defended herself.
Sirius was glad that she didn't feel any twinge of jealousy between Lily and James, which meant that she's not that interested with his best friend.
"Can you not talk about this in front of me please? I'm not proud of what happened." James whined.
"So the kiss wasn't that satisfying?" Sirius finally stopped laughing.
"Are you blind Padfoot? Weren't you watching?" Remus was having fun. "I don't know why you're upset," he pointed at James, "when you should be thanking me instead."
"Knock it off guys." James was trying to change the topic at hand. "So Padfoot how was the reward?" He knew he was being insensitive but that's the only thing he can think of at the moment.
"We were talking about it until the untimely show." Sirius managed to tease, trying to continue the light conversation.
"Hahaha!" James laughed sarcastically. "So Hermione, what was Padfoot's reward?"
Hermione blushed, "Oh so he's told."
At once James felt guilty at what he did. "Technically no. You see, he had this silly grin on his face after visiting the potion shop earlier and we kind of tortured him until he finally gave away." He added a grin for her.
Hermione was amused with the Marauders' relationship. It kind of reminded her of her best friends again. "I should've expected that."
"So are you letting us in on his reward?" James slipped to the sofa where Hermione and Sirius were still seated and leaned close to them. "One way or another, we will find out."
"Shut it Prongs. Wait till she tells me what it is first." Sirius was getting jealous of the undeniably closeness between Hermione and his best bud.
"Oh alright!" Hermione felt defeated. "But I prefer that the rest of you would hear it from Sirius though."
That lightened Sirius' spirits. "I'm not quite sure but I think that that is your cue to leave guys."
James shrugged as Remus pulled him away with Peter closely behind.
When the couple was alone again, Sirius cleared his throat to get her attention, "So-"
"So-"
"What now?"
"About that reward."
"Yeah?" Sirius inched closer anticipating her next move.
She looked away, anywhere but his face. "Do you still want that 'reward'?"
Sirius was a bit puzzled. 'Wasn't that kiss part of the reward?' "Well yeah, of course."
She faced him again with a wide grin. "How would you like to spend time with me for a whole day?"
'Hell with kisses! One whole day!' He started thinking of the possibilities that a whole day holds. "Just one day?" He managed to tease.
"Well if you're not interested then maybe I should go?" Hermione started to stand.
"Hey I was just kidding." He pulled her hand down gently. "When shall we spend this time together?"
"How about tomorrow?"
"No problem." He smiled and then something entered his mind. 'Bloody hell, tomorrow's a full moon!' He released a deep sigh. "I can't. Not tomorrow."
"Why?" Hermione was irritated at his answer.
"How about next week?"
'Great! I'll be wasting yet another week. I need to go back to Hogsmeade to look for that blasted ingredient!'
"Is next week good?" Sirius asked again.
"Why not tomorrow?"
"I have a previous engagement with Prongs the guys."
"Is it that important?"
"Well you see we always get together once a month."
'Once a month? Oh my! Is it a full moon already tomorrow?' Her face softened. "Fine next week it is."
"You sound disappointed."
"I had a lot planned for tomorrow."
"Like what?" His heart was starting to beat double time.
"Like going back to Hogsmeade."
"Uh, we can't go back to Hogsmeade every weekend."
"I know, I'm a prefect remember?"
"So how do you imagine going back there?"
Hermione couldn't just tell him that she knew about the tunnel without getting conspicuous. 'Oh what the hell! I may be leaving here soon anyway.' She finally decided to try her luck. "I've been patrolling these walls and let's ay I've come across a passage that leads right into Hogsmeade."
Sirius was shocked at her response. That tunnel was a secret only between the Marauders. 'How could she find out?'
Hermione saw his face pale. "What? Are you scared of breaking rules? Don't tell me I read you wrong."
'Snap out of it Sirius! She just might be telling the truth. Prongs promised not to tell anyone same goes for Peter, Remus and me. She must've really found it on her own.' Sirius took a deep breath as he tried to act inconspicuously. "Hey it's not that. I was just thinking how many long weekends I've wasted when I could've come to Hogsmeade all the time. And for the record, you read me right."
'Not that smooth but hey he was under pressure.' She was having a hell of a time lying as well. "Look, this little discussion is a secret ok? You're not to tell your friends about this ok? Or else I wouldn't tell you of the location."
"Whatever you say." He grinned at her.
"Plus you must promise me that you'd only use it for a good cause."
"So a date's a good cause then?" He teased.
"Not all kinds of dates." She teased back.
"What do you mean by that?"
"Nothing. Just promise to comply with all the conditions I've said."
"Fine. I promise to 'comply' with your rules. Was that good?"
"It's ok for me."
"So can I ask a question?"
"About what?"
"Who else knows of this secret?" Sirius was silently wishing to hear words like 'just you and me.' He wasn't talking about just any person, hell all the Marauders knew about the passage. He was more interested in a particular person though.
"You're the first and only person I've talked about this." She said honestly.
Sirius relaxed a bit but he had to be sure for the Marauders' sake as well. "What about Will?"
"Are you suggesting that I am lying?" Her tone got a little colder.
Sirius noticed it and tried to lighten the mood but actually failed. "So why did you choose to tell me instead of him or Prongs for instance. You seem to be getting along better with them."
"Well Will's kind of like Lily and I don't want to get him in trouble if we were found. I guess same goes for James."
"He's definitely NOT a Lily person."
"I was talking about not wanting them to get into trouble."
"So you're fine with 'me' getting in trouble?" This time his tone was rising as well.
"I figured you're used with it."
"Prongs got into a lot more trouble than I did!"
"Fine then I apologize." She needed him. . . and his money. Besides he's the one who's smitten with her.
"Tell me again how is this supposed to be my reward?"
"You're spending a day with me."
"Right! Which can lead to many more arguments. WHOOPEE!" He was being sarcastic.
"Look if you want to join me just tell me this week. If not then fine. I'll just go by myself." Her patience was growing thin.
Sirius was about to say 'fine' but remembered that the tunnel leads to a bad neighborhood. "I was just playing. Of course I'll come."
She was relieved to hear his answer. She knew she gambled. Luckily he really likes her. "Um can I have my ingredients?"
It looked like their conversation was not going anywhere so he stood up and took some bags (the hostages) at one corner handing it to her. "So until next time then?" Sirius said as Gryffindors started barging in their privacy.
Hermione nodded and started walking away before doing a double turn. "And about that kiss, it was a mistake."
Sirius' eyes widened in pain.
Hermione saw this and added, "But I'm not denying I liked it!" Then she disappeared into the portrait hole.
Sirius was grinning foolishly when his friends reached him. 'She like my kiss! Good! Let the seduction begin. I'll change that mistake to something right in no time.'
"You know Padfoot you could've just agreed for tomorrow." James was more than serious.
"No way! It's a full moon tomorrow!" Sirius said stubbornly.
"I'll be fine." Remus felt guilty of depriving him of some excitement.
"Yeah, Wormtail and I will be enough."
"Right but then again we'll be using the same tunnel and we might ran into you."
"I didn't see that." James paused. "You know Padfoot, you're improving. You got her to admit she liked kissing you. Who knows you might get lucky next week and win her completely."
"That I wish my friend, that I wish." He was still upset with the fact that she thought that it was a mistake. 'I have to make sure to change that at our date next week.'
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A/N: Sorry guys to keep you waiting. You wouldn't believe how much
studying I did for that damn finals week. Please hang on with the
story I promise to make it more interesting. Oh I haven't had time to
send this to my beta because I thought you guys needed something to
read this weekend or something so please excuse the English.