Hermione checked around her flat to see if she missed any of her work and that everything was secure in case she was gone for a few days. She felt like she should be more disappointed to leave her home for a while, but as she felt every time she would leave before, she felt almost relieved. Wrapping a book up in some cloth, she tucked it in her bag with a grim nod. Sighing, she chewed her lip before glancing at her clock which read just after two o'clock in the afternoon.
The lithe witch went to her fireplace with bag in hand and tossed the Floo dust in the fireplace. It flashed bright green and she smiled before stepping in and calling out 12 Grimmauld Place. When she got through the flames she saw a spectacle in front of her. Harry and Sirius were sitting on the sofa drinking, but the two men were smiling brightly.
Hermione could swear that the last time he saw Harry smile as brightly was when he got married. Sirius cleaned up and his face was much neater and shaped, with his facial hair groomed properly. The animagus's hair combed and well managed giving him a refined look about him. It took the witch a second to realize she was gawking and moved from her surprise with fluid effort.
Harry was first to stand and greet her but did not give her the time to clean up. "Thank you," was all he said as he grabbed her for a tight hug.
She dropped her bag and hugged him tightly. "Of course, Harry," Hermione replied, and relief swelled over her.
Sirius was beaming at her as Harry released her from his hold. "It's about time you got here, kitten."
Harry arched and eyebrow at the witch and she just shrugged in response. "He gave me a nickname."
Sirius barked out a stream of laughter and nodded, "It is fitting, I assure you. She is feisty, but beyond intelligent."
Harry smirked and spoke naturally, "She is friends with my wife and kept me alive. I can understand that." He stopped and looked at her closely. "Mione, you seem tired."
Hermione sighed and gestured agreement, "It has been a few sleepless nights."
Sirius waggled his eyebrows, "That would be my fault."
Harry gasped, and his eyes grew, "Really?"
The witch snorted and put a hand on her hip. "Not in the reasons your godfather wishes."
Harry and Sirius chuckled as Hermione smirked a bit, "Uncle Harry, Aunt Ginny told me to tell you that she requests- er- I mean says that you need to help her with something." Teddy hollered into the room before quickly disappearing into the hallway again.
Harry groaned and nodded, "Duty calls," he muttered and left the room.
Hermione picked up her bag off the ground, and Sirius was glancing over at the clock. She noticed and watched a moment before he gazed back over at her and smiled. He seemed more charming and alive she noted and couldn't help but feel her cheeks get rosy.
"I hope you have a good evening with them. Moony thought you could use some friends to lighten the mood." Sirius told her, and she tilted her head.
Her expression was puzzlement as she spoke, "Aren't you going to be here?"
Sirius chuckled and raised his shoulders in a noncommittal way, "I might eat, but I have been invited out tonight."
The witch went from confusion to embarrass as she realized why "You have a date?"
He made a sound of agreement and nodded, "Yes, indeed I do kitten. Several, in fact. It seems I have a bit of a fan club."
Hermione grew annoyed but returned to indifferent in her tone of voice. "That's very good! I am glad you are getting out and enjoying yourself."
Harry returned and patted Sirius's back, "So, care to let the girls be girls and take a walk with me?" He asked his godfather.
Sirius nodded and smiled at Hermione, "I might see you at dinner."
Harry gave her another hug. "You have always been too good to me, Hermione. Thank you for being my loyal friend."
The men disappeared from the sitting room, and Hermione growled in irritation. "It doesn't matter." She nodded once and straightened herself before going to find Ginny.
She wasn't hard to locate as she heard laughter and saw that Ginny was in the kitchen with Remus and Teddy. Hermione watched the fiery witch bounce around the kitchen as her mother does on holidays. Teddy was at the table with books in front of him, and Remus was having some tea.
"Hermione!" Teddy exclaimed and stood up to greet her.
She hugged him tightly and smiled, "I hope you don't mind me being here for a couple of days." Hermione told him, and his hair turned pink.
"Of course not! I was hoping I could ask you about why people put a wheel on the heels of their shoes." Teddy replied, and Hermione giggled and kissed his forehead.
"They like to roll around, Teddy. As much as you love your Firebolt, wouldn't you love to fly without a broom?" She asked him, and he pulled away with a frown.
"Hermione, only skilled wizards can attempt that." He scolded her, and she shook her head.
"If you could, would you?" The witch asked simply.
Ginny walked up and nodded. "I would," she said and smiled at Hermione. "I have missed you so much! You need to come to dinner at mum's more. She asks about you all the time." Ginny finished and hugged her tightly.
Hermione hugged her back, and when they let go, she frowned lightly. "Doesn't your mom worry that there would be awkwardness?"
Ginny scoffed and tossed her hand. "No, she doesn't care. She sees you just as much of her child as she sees Harry before we got married. Did you know she asked him if I was cooking properly?" Ginny rolled her eyes and spoke with a mocking tone regarding her mother.
Hermione laughed and nodded, "I could see her doing that."
Remus cleared his throat, "would you like some tea and biscuits while we tell stories?"
Hermione smiled and gave an agreeing head shake, "Yes, of course! Especially if Ginny made the biscuits!"
Remus snorted and feigned a pout, "I made them, so you probably won't like them as much."
Teddy grunted and placed his quill down, "Dad, you still cook well. Aunt Ginny is just amazing is all."
Remus heaved and grumbled, "Well fine then," followed by a smile to his son.
Hermione sat down next to Remus and smiled at him, "You seem better today," she said vaguely, and he nodded.
"I feel so much better. It is great to be surrounded by those I love so much." He declared and patted her shoulder.
Ginny cleared her throat and sat down. "So, Mione, we need to talk about something." The red-headed witch said stirring her tea.
Hermione looked over at her and tilted her head. "I am listening," she spoke preparing her tea.
Ginny sipped her tea and smiled. "We are going to go up the stairs, and I are going to tackle that awful frizzy mess you call hair."
Hermione snorted and rolled her eyes. "I am fine, Ginny." She said with a smile.
"I think she looks beautiful, Aunt Ginny. Why do you wanna do that?" Teddy spoke critically and was scowling.
"I want to do that because witches like to help each other out," Ginny declared, and Teddy shrugged.
"Dad, can I go to go to Fred's house now? You told me Uncle George invited me over earlier." Teddy asked, and Remus nodded.
"Yes, but home by supper, alright?" Remus confirmed, and his son nodded.
Teddy nodded and hugged Ginny and Hermione. "I will see you at supper, love you." He told them and left.
Remus groaned after he heard the fire go off. "My son isn't little anymore." He grunted with a small smile.
Ginny nodded and sighed. "He's such a good boy, Remus. It will be good for this one to be around your family." She nudged Hermione, and the older witch shook her head.
Hermione sipped her tea and sighed. "You will not let me be until you have had your way with my hair, will you?"
Ginny nodded, "wouldn't you agree, Remus? A little bit of makeup and a haircut. She will be fighting off wizards constantly."
Remus seemed surprised by the mention of him in the conversation so abruptly. "Well, she has a natural beauty." He replied and quickly swigged his tea.
Ginny giggled and glanced at the two, awkward people, sitting at the table. "Mione, what do you say?"
Hermione nodded, "alright, Ginny, I will let you make me over."
Without another word, the spritely red head grabbed Hermione by the hand and pulled her from her seat. "Be back later, Remus," Ginny told him, and the werewolf nodded.
"Have fun, Hermione's room is the one across from Sirius' new room," Remus told them, and Hermione waved.
"See you soon," she said quietly, and he nodded, but he seemed lonely as they left the kitchen.
Ginny had dragged the other witch to the correct room and snapped the door shut. Hermione glanced around and saw that Remus had left it simple for her to decorate at her leisure. The other witch was standing with her hands on her hips and glaring at Hermione.
"So, which one is it?" Ginny asked accusingly.
Hermione scowled and shrugged. "I am not sure what you're talking about."
"You shagged one of them, didn't you? Sirius? They both are acting so odd." Ginny lost some of her attitude and was trying not to smile. "It is an outrageous idea, isn't it?"
Hermione groaned and shook her head. "I haven't shagged anyone in a long time, Gin. Besides, Remus is married, and Sirius is a wanker."
Ginny broke out into a fit of laughter, "He is, but he is definitely a lovable one."
Hermione sighed and nodded, "He is definitely a lovable, bloody wanker."
"Right, well, let's get you all gorgeous and tarted up, shall we?" Ginny asked, and Hermione giggled.
"Make me look like I am in my twenties again, Ginny."
Ginny snorted and shook her head. "Firstly, you still look like the age you are supposed to be. Secondly, you shouldn't have used a bloody timeturner again, Hermione. Lastly, thank you for making my husband smile again." The red head finished and nudged Hermione.
They smiled at each other and giggled. "It is good to see you again, Ginny."
Ginny hugged her tightly and voiced softly. "I missed you, Mione. Let's make up some lost time."
Meanwhile, Remus was still in the kitchen and trying to figure out what to do with the things Ginny pulled out for supper. He was surprised that his home was now extremely busy with life and it made him nervous. Not only would there be witnesses to the end of his marriage, but there was also an alliance at his back that he hasn't had in a long time.
The front door announced an arrival and he could smell Harry and Sirius come inside. They didn't take long to go into the kitchen, and they were smiling and laughing. "You know I never thought I would ever get this chance to be with you two again," Harry told the marauders and patted their backs.
Sirius was grinning from ear to ear and laughed. "It's going to be quite a story to tell," the animagus told them.
Remus chuckled and nodded, "Oh, yes, the story of how Uncle Sirius beat death and was rescued by a witch who won the day."
Harry cleared his throat, "Well, it wouldn't be that adventurous unless it came from Hermione herself."
The wizards nodded at each other and Remus grabbed some butterbeers from the fridge. He saw down and the other two followed as they sat down to chat. The door sounded again, and Remus scowled and heaved a sigh.
Tonks walked into the kitchen, and he hair was a bright blue. "Hello," she declared to the room.
She glanced at the vegetables on the counter then went to the liquor and poured herself some firewhiskey. "What a bugger today was," she grumbled and sat down with the men at the table.
Harry frowned and shrugged. "It has been difficult the last few days," he replied, and she nodded.
"Thank god it's Friday," Sirius uttered and held up his butterbeer.
Tonks nodded and sighed. "I think I am going out tonight. Want to join me, cousin?" She asked Sirius, and the animagus arched an eyebrow.
Harry was aware of what she had spoken the other day. "Don't you want to spend time with your husband?" He offered, and Tonks shrugged her shoulders.
"Remus, would you like to go get pissed at the pub with me?" She asked him sharply.
Remus shook his head, "have at it, dear. I am staying in tonight."
She feigned disappointment and visibly seemed relieved, "I will miss you while I am gone." She declared and finished her drink. "Good bye my wonderful family," she said and leaned toward Remus for a kiss.
He acted like he didn't see her do it and she sighed and kissed his hair before leaving the room. Sirius felt sadness for his friend and his plight which only seemed to get beyond fissured. The animagus swigged his butterbeer and leaned back in his chair.
The fireplace sounded a moment later, and Tonks was gone. "She will be out all night tonight," Remus assured the other two.
"Bloody slag," Sirius growled, and Remus scratched his chin.
Harry seemed uncomfortable since they worked together. "I am sorry, Remus."
Remus seemed unaffected by his wife's attitude. "It is who she is, and I am either going to deal with it, or I am not. Have yet to decide."
Sirius' eyes glinted, and he gave Remus a crooked grin. "You could have an affair as well. Come out with me tonight."
The werewolf scoffed at him, "No, Padfoot. I am not going to cheat on my wife because she cheated on me."
Remus heard footsteps coming down the stairs, and the most delicious smells wafted ahead of them. He could smell the sweet welcoming scent of feminine beauty personified. The werewolf knew that Ginny must have really done a decent job because he could almost taste the satisfaction and confidence on the air.
Ginny came in first and smiled. "Hello, my husband." She told Harry, and he smiled.
Harry got up and kissed her. "What trouble have you been getting into?" He asked her, and she moved away from the door.
Standing there in a beautiful violet blouse and black leggings was a woman they hardly recognized. This woman before them had smooth wavy hair that was long and honeyed. Her chest was pert and hugged by the shirt which only enhanced her curved hips and legs in her black leggings. Hermione's makeup wasn't dramatic, but it held a natural beauty to it with color. She was blushing lightly at their reactions; all the men look at her like she was a strange creature that was unknown to them.
"I think she did a respectable job," Hermione said softly, and Ginny nodded.
Ginny smiled and got behind the counter. "Come cook with me, Mione." The red-headed witch declared.
Hermione nodded and washed her hands, all the while trying to not look into the prying eyes of two very shocked Marauders. She had a feeling tonight's dinner was going to be interesting, to say the least.