Sirius hung back a moment after Remus followed Harry out into the street. He approached the case enclosing a bunch of expensive bracelets. "Can I see that one, please?" he asked the shopkeeper.

"Certainly, Sir." The older man laid the delicate diamond and emerald bracelet out on the counter for closer inspection. "That's a very expensive piece," he said casually, taking a step back.

Sirius grunted indifferently as he ran a thick finger down the jewels. It was smooth, charmed to not catch. He could picture it sparkling on Hermione's graceful wrist. "I'll take it." He set a stack of galleons on the counter while the man placed it carefully in a box. While buying her something extravagant wasn't on Sirius's 'Make Hermione Lust Me' list, he was sure it couldn't hurt. What woman didn't like to receive gifts of jewelry? He couldn't help but hope it might tip the scales in his favour. He slipped the box inside on of the deep inside pockets of his robes and hurried outside. Remus and Harry were up a block, meeting with Ron, who was distributing several bags to them.

The group of men moved to Leaky Cauldron to wait for the girls. They didn't have to linger long before the women joined them at their table. Sirius eyed the bag Hermione held that contained the gift for Ron. It was large and lumpy-looking. He let his gaze travel up her seated body until he met her eyes looking back at him. She grinned mischievously at him and flicked her eyes to Ginny and back to him. He gave a slight nod to confirm that the ring was attained. The six chatted amiably as they ate their lunch.

"Hermione, could I have a quick word?" Harry asked, leading her out of their line of sight.

Sirius watched amused as Ron leaned over to peek in Hermione's abandoned bag, but instead met the tip of his little sister's wand. Ron snorted at her until her eyebrow lifted in a high arch, as if daring him. The boy raised his hands in surrender and sat up straight. They both dropped their poses when Harry and Hermione returned.

Sirius couldn't resist grinning when Hermione's eyes kept being drawn to him. He watched her out of the corner of his eye as she repeatedly glanced at him; Harry must have filled her in on the ring. After Ron sat his fork down, a good ten minutes after everyone else, the group headed for the floo.

Coming out on the other side, Sirius was surprised to find Hermione waiting for him. "Could I speak with you for a minute?" she asked hesitantly.

"Anytime," he affirmed. She shook her head and grabbed the sleeve of his robes lightly and led him upstairs. He allowed her to tug him into his own room and shut the door behind them. She turned to look at him an enormous smile etched on her pretty face. "Yes?"

"You're brilliant!" She threw her arms around his neck in a tight hug. "You've made Harry so happy," she whispered into his hair.

Sirius tried to focus on her words instead of the feel of her soft body pressed against his. "I should have thought to give it to him before." He squeezed her lightly to him; enjoying her friendly hug more than he ought to.

"No," she shook her head, "it was perfect." She gave him one more squeeze then dropped her arms and backed away.

Feeling awkward, Sirius let her slide out of his embrace. He was aware that his arms lingered longer than they should have, but he was helpless to prevent it. "Wait!" he called, as she turned to leave.

"Yeah?" She turned back towards him. His voice had apparently gone on holiday, because he couldn't force any words past his lips. "Sirius, are you alright?" She was beside him again, a hand on his shoulder.

He nodded and reached into his pocket. "I," he cleared his throat, "I got something for you." He held out the small rectangular box to the confused young woman. What little confidence he still possessed, left him the moment her small hand took it from his.

"What is it?" Her voice was very quiet, her eyes uncertain.

"Just something that made me think of you." His voice was equally low, his eyes watching her tentatively.

Biting her lip, she opened the black box slowly. She gasped softly and raised her eyes to meet his. "Sirius, it's beautiful."

A wonderful floaty feeling entered the pit of his stomach, only to turn to lead moments later.

"Did, did Remus put you up to this?"

"Remus?" Sirius was confused, but only for a few seconds. "Hermione, Remus did not have anything to do with this."

"But he-"

"No, no he doesn't. I never meant to give you the impression that Remus fancies you. He's actually quite furious with me about that."

"But, you said…"

"Yes, I realize that. But I was just talking; I didn't think about what you would take out of that conversation."

"Then," she paused, but he didn't give her time to complete that thought.

"It was me, it was all me." Sirius drew in a deep breath. "I'm sorry, Hermione. I understand if you-"

"I can't accept this," she said quickly, talking over him. She thrust the now closed box into his chest.

Closing his eyes, he placed a hand over it, holding it to him. He turned his face away from her, so she wouldn't see the ache she had caused.

A/N: Humungous thanks go to KaraSays for the last minute beta-read! One more chapter to go guys. Don't forget to review.