Chapter Eight

Hermione lay there in shock. She couldn't believe what had happened to her. Nor did she want to talk about it. She could barely crawl but she knew if she wanted to live, she would have to. Every inch of her felt covered in blood. Her clothes left a blood trail in the snow. She would somehow have to crawl to Hogsmeade to get help back to the castle. No matter how long it took. She knew she had already missed the last carriage.

An hour later, could have been longer, may less than. She didn't know. She reached the hogs head. She leant against the door frame and knocked as hard as she could and screamed for help. The door opened. Hermione past out.

When she finally came to, she was once again in the hospital wing. No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get a name from her. Hermione just curled up in a ball on the bed, tears staining her cheeks. It wasn't that she didn't want to say who it was by choice. Had her situation been different. If she actually belonged here, she would have said something. But she wasn't and saying something could alter the timeline too much.

Unlike last time, hermione was only in the Hospital wing for a week. Everyday, much like last time, Sirius visited her everyday. He didn't care if she didn't talk, he just sat there, he wanted to be there for her if she needed him to be. By the third day, he managed to get a hug out of her. Not a small hug. There they were sitting on the bed and she was cradled in his arms crying into his chest, arms loosely curled into his chest.

Sirius didn't mind, actually sirius' mind and heart raced every time she did this. He told himself that it meant nothing but that she needed him for protection. Something he should have given her on the day, not after the fact. He wished he had of been there for her. Then this wouldn't have happened. Whenever he arrived and saw her, she looked empty.

By the time Hermione got out of the Hospital Wing, she was back to her old self on the outside. It was only if you looked into her eyes, you could see they were clouded over. Even if she wouldn't tell him, he would be there to support her. He realised that week that he needed her but he didn't want to push anything on her, not now.

It was New Year's Eve,Hermione and Sirius were the only Gryffindors left at Hogwarts. They were curled up on the couch in the common room waiting for the clock tower to chime the New Year into the present. As promised, Sirius stayed with Hermione for the New Year's break. He couldn't imagine being anywhere else. Occasionally when they were talking, he would see a spark of her old self. He then would see last week's events flash across her face and it would be gone.

He wanted to be the one that she could be herself with. Only time would tell if that was what she wanted.

"What is your New Year's resolution?" Hermione asked him. Sirius looked confused. "What is a New Year's Resolution?" he asked. "What is your goal, one thing you want to do better at in the New Year." Hermione expanded. Sirius scratched his head. He didn't want to say the wrong thing but he didn't want to lie.

"I want to be truthful to you" hermione looked at him in shock. The clock tower chimed. "What do you mean?" she asked sadly. "I don't want to pressure you with everything that has happened. Hermione, I like you, a lot." he said nervously brushing his hand through his hair. "If the feelings aren't mutual.."

"They are" hermione responded quietly, placing her hand on his. "I just need time. I wish he hadn't...things would be so much easier" Hermione added squeezing his hand gently. Sirius didn't want to push his luck but wanted to show her he was willing to wait for however long it took. No matter what. So, he placed a lingering kiss on her hand.

On the outside Sirius nodded and smiled. On the inside he had mixed feelings. He was super happy that he was honest and excited that she felt the same way. But he was also angry at whoever had hurt her. He shook the feeling of anger away and turned to get something out of his jacket pocket.

"I also got you a present. I was hoping to give it to you last week when we were at the shrieking shack but then I was called away...and well. Here you go, I hope you like it" he said nervously handing her a small box.

Hermione took it and opened it revealing…

"My locket! How did you find it!" Hermione gasped with happiness. "You have no idea what this means." She said hugging him. She clasped it around her neck and held it happily in her hands whilst snuggling into the couch.

"What's your New Year resolution, Hermione?" Sirius asked in return, pulling her into a side hug on the couch. Hermione thought hard before answering.

"The same as yours. I don't want to lie to you either, Sirius. No matter the consequences." She took a deep breath...