A/N: Hey all! Quick question - How many people are upset about how Lupin is written in this story? I've never been a fan of quiet, whiny Remus, just because I feel he's much more than that, but some people have taken issue with his overt sexuality. Does this bother many people? I'm just curious, because for another fic I'm currently working on (to be posted enmasse at some later date) has him a bit quieter and I want to know if that's preferred.
Also, thanks to diamond-helen, Justice's Quill, and FaithfulHPReader for taking me up on my Shakespeare challenge! They have named 3 upcoming OC characters, so keep an eye out for them!
AS ALWAYS PLEASE...READ and REVIEW!
Chapter Eleven: A Thing for the Letter 'H'
"Stop fidgeting. You look like you don't want to be here."
"I bloody well don't want to be here."
"You don't have a choice, Sirius, so have a firewhiskey and calm down."
Sirius sighed as Lupin looked at him sternly. They were standing at the bar of the elegant restaurant in Hermione's hometown of Haslemere. The Grangers, feeling slightly left out of the flurry of wedding plans, had requested – quite adamantly – to Mrs. Weasley that the engagement party be held in a location where Hermione's Muggle friends and family could come and join the festivities. Though all of the magical invitees had been warned against using magic that night, Sirius couldn't shake the horrible feeling that he and his friend would have to modify several memories should some of the guests forget themselves.
"Why on earth did Molly make this a black-tie affair?" Sirius asked, loosening his tie and unbuttoning the stifling top button of his suit.
"I don't think it was Molly's idea," Lupin said, nodding over to where the Weasley matriarch seemed to be struggling with her patience as the Grangers asked several clarifying questions about the food and liquor.
Sirius groaned.
"This must be costing them a fortune," he said, gazing at the gleaming marble floors and rich damask wall-hangings.
"She's their only child. My guess is they provided for something like this when planning their finances."
"Still, though…" Sirius let himself trail off slightly before looking around the room with a short exhalation of air. "I don't think I can handle meeting more of her family, mate."
Lupin chuckled.
"All you have to do is be charming and utterly smitten with her. I think you can handle it."
Sirius didn't miss the knowing smirk his friend shot him, though he didn't notice that the smile didn't quite make the werewolf's eyes.
Sirius just rolled his eyes at his friend.
"In no way do I regard Miss Granger as more than a brilliant, beautiful young friend to whom the fates seem intent on bullying."
Lupin shook his head with a small smile.
"You forget, mate…I've seen the wedding night outfit. And from extensive personal experience, I know Hermione will undoubtedly spin even your oversexed head."
Sirius grinned in spite of himself.
"I'm not saying the thought of Miss Granger writhing beneath me hasn't crossed my mind," he said, smirking as he misinterpreted the brief glaze that passed Lupin's eyes. "I'm simply saying that before you or anyone else gets any ideas of an epic whirlwind romance blossoming between us, you should know that we regard each other with mutual respect and admiration, but nothing more."
"Oh no? So when I tell you she's approaching us now, looking absolutely breathtaking, you'll be completely unfazed?" Lupin asked softly, his eyes fixed behind Sirius's head.
"As an appreciator of all beautiful things, I think 'unfazed' is a little cold, but I'm not going to melt into a…"
But he was rendered speechless when he turned to face his fiancée.
Her gown was the color of summer peaches and it clung to her body as if it was an extension of her soft skin. It was an empire waist, showing off her young breasts to their full advantage while the square-cut neckline and capped sleeves allowed for a modesty the event required. The soft chiffon skirt pooled elegantly at her feet and a simple pair of diamond earrings were the only jewelry – aside from her engagement ring – that she wore. Her hair was pulled into an elegant bun and her make-up highlighted her big brown eyes and soft pink lips.
"Good evening, gentlemen," she said with a soft smile, kissing Lupin affectionately on the cheek before linking her arm with Sirius's.
"Hermione Jane Granger, I believe you are the most beautiful bride-to-be in this room," Lupin said gallantly as Sirius continued to stare in stunned silence.
She laughed.
"Don't let the dozen or so other brides-to-be hear you say that," she replied before looking curiously at Sirius. "Are you alright? You're uncharacteristically quiet."
Sirius ignored Lupin's knowing grin as he snapped himself back to attention.
"I was just telling myself what a lucky bastard I am to be marrying such a gorgeous young woman."
Hermione chuckled.
"No need for flattery, Mr. Black. You already know I'm going to sleep with you. It's a sure thing."
They all laughed but Sirius wondered why the knowledge that he would eventually be having sex with her made his stomach turn somersaults of excitement.
"I am continually surprised at just how well you clean up, Sirius Black," Hermione said, putting an admiring hand on his chest. "I've already had three women come up to me asking if you had an identical twin brother."
Sirius smirked.
"I'm one-of-a-kind, kitten. Blissfully unique."
"And thank Merlin for that," Hermione joked, receiving an indignant look in response.
Lupin sighed.
"Well, I'm going to toddle off and help Harry. I believe he's nervous about giving a speech tonight," he said, downing his whiskey before walking over to a fidgeting Harry Potter.
"He's been a little…off…since Diagon Alley," Sirius said, watching Lupin walk away. "Did something happen between you two?"
Hermione opened her mouth to answer, but before she could Helen walked up to them.
"Hermione! There you are. My goodness, look at you two together! Such a handsome couple," she said, immediately pulling out a Muggle camera. Smiling roguishly, Sirius wrapped his arm around Hermione and they posed as Helen snapped the picture happily.
"Beautiful," Helen murmured, brushing a tear away from her eye. "OK, darling, I just wanted to know that Hester brought Athena with her tonight."
"What? No…" Hermione groaned.
"I know, I know, darling, but it just means we have to do a bit of creative maneuvering. Would you mind terribly if she sat at your table?"
"Yes I would mind horribly. I do not need her making eyes at my fiancé all night," Hermione snapped. Sirius remained quiet but cocked an eyebrow in interest.
Helen sighed.
"Well, I could put her at our table, but Hermia's brought Hayden and you know how much they don't get along, dear."
"I thought you said Hayden wasn't coming. Doesn't he have school?"
"He wanted to be here, love."
Hermione shrugged.
"Put Hayden at our table and put 'Thena at yours."
"Are you sure? He would be the only…er…you know…non-magic person…at your table."
"No good, kitten," Sirius said, feeling comfortable using her nickname around her mother. "Fred and George are at our table."
"Damnit," Hermione said. "Mum, I suppose you'll just have to tolerate Hayden and Athena tonight."
Helen sighed again.
"Alright, darling. Well, enjoy the party. And Sirius, don't look so nervous! We're all quite fond of you now," she said with a smile before walking away.
"So…how many family members will I have to meet tonight?" Sirius asked as he scanned the growing crowd.
"Honestly, not many. None of my father's family lives in the country and my mother's family is fairly small. You will, however, be meeting my delightful cousin, Athena," she replied, sarcasm dripping from her last statement.
"Not a fan of your cousin?" Sirius asked empathetically, knowing the feeling all too well.
She sighed.
"'Thena and I are the same age and have always been in something of a competition. I was the brains, but she was the beauty, so you can imagine who tended to win most of those little competitions. My aunt dotes on her which makes her a bit of a pain to deal with. Anyway, we never really got along. I was always much closer with her sister Emily, even though she's five years older. She's in New York City right now, though. Couldn't make back for the party just because it was such short notice."
"That's a shame," Sirius said, finding himself oddly intrigued by the idea of meeting the Muggle who Hermione held in such high esteem.
"It is, really. Emily was the only other family member I told about being a witch. I wanted her in my wedding party but she wasn't sure she'd be able to come home for the wedding either. She's a writer, you see, and doesn't have much money to spend."
"Ah," was all Sirius said as he filed the information away with a small smile. Then he sighed. "So…Helen, Hermione, Hermia, Hester, Hayden…your family has a thing for the letter 'H', I see."
Hermione chuckled.
"Sort of. My mother's the youngest of three sisters: Hermia, Hester, and Helen. My mother didn't particularly want to continue the tradition, but my father liked the name 'Hermione' so she really didn't have a choice. Aunt Hester hated the whole idea of naming her children after one letter, especially the letter 'H', so her two daughters are Emily and Athena. Personally, I think she's bitter because she was stuck with the name 'Hester.'" Sirius chuckled and Hermione sighed. "Anyway, my aunt Hermia loves the tradition. She has three boys: Hector, Hugh, and Hayden."
"And Hayden's the one who's here?"
"Yeah. Hec and Hugh both work in London and wouldn't have been able to come out here in time."
"A shame, really, because Hugh is always good for a laugh," a simpering soprano said and Sirius noticed Hermione flinch as they turned to face a beautiful brunette.
Sirius couldn't help the sly once-over he gave the young woman in front of him. Hermione's assessment that Athena was the 'beauty' of the family was not lost on him. Her long brown hair was silky and straight; her nose small and slightly upturned, leaning to a pair of enticing pink lips. Her body was slim, with a pair of breasts that he was not entirely sure were real but regardless produced the effect they intended. Her hips were subtle, but she carried herself in a way that was distinctly feminine.
Yet it was her eyes that gave away the reasoning behind Hermione's clear dislike. They were a cold, calculating pale jade green and reminded Sirius a lot of Slytherin eyes. And all of a sudden, Sirius felt himself craving the warmth and depth of a pair of hazel he knew so well.
"Hello 'Thena. You're looking well," Hermione said, subconsciously holding Sirius tighter to her. He wrapped his arm around her waist reassuringly, knowing that the unabashed look of hunger in her cousin's eyes as they swept over him had probably brought on the possessive action.
"Thanks, darling. You don't look too bad…though that dress does nothing for your figure," Athena responded and Sirius couldn't help but hold back a smirk at the fact that Athena's dress left little to the imagination nor was it nearly as classy as Hermione's.
"I'm glad of that, love," Sirius said to Hermione, donning the costume of the devoted fiancé. "Wouldn't want other men looking at what is not theirs to look at."
Hermione smiled slightly at him and he felt her relax in his arms.
"Are you going to introduce me to this gorgeous man beside you, Hermione, or do I have to do that myself?" Athena said, batting her eyes flirtatiously at Sirius.
"Oh, yes. Sirius, darling, this is my cousin, Athena Lennox," Hermione said, less than enthusiastically.
"Welcome to the family, Sirius," Athena said throatily, extending her hand in a way that showed she intended him to kiss it. Instead, he shook it with a half-hearted smile.
"Thank you," he said. "Hermione was just telling me about you."
"All bad things, I hope," she said, a light, seductive teasing to her tone.
"No, I was just explaining the family tree," Hermione replied easily. "Explaining Aunt Hermia and the continuation of the 'H' tradition."
"A horrible choice of hers, if you ask me," Athena said rather haughtily. "I'm so glad Mum came to her senses and chose decent names for us."
"I actually like the names 'Helen' and 'Hermione,'" Sirius said. "I've mentioned to Hermione more than once that we should name our first daughter after her mother."
He triumphed slightly as a small smirk appeared on Hermione's lips.
"Oh really? Have you changed your mind about children then, Herms?" the other woman asked. "You used to break into hives at the idea of having kids."
Hermione tried to ignore her annoyance at the use of the nickname her cousin knew bothered her before looking adoringly up at Sirius.
"I suppose that happens when you fall in love," she said.
Sirius didn't know what possessed him, but he was overcome with a need to kiss those full, pouty lips. Leaning down, he placed a soft, lingering kiss on her lips, to which she responded with a tiny smile and the hint of a sexy wink.
Athena looked slightly put out at the display of such affection.
"So, Sirius," she said. "Has Aunt Helen shown you the dreaded baby pictures yet? They're really quite something."
"Oh, I've seen a couple," Sirius said, tearing his eyes away from his amused fiancée to glance indifferently at her cousin. "But they only endeared her more to me. I've always had a weakness for the bushy-haired and brainy."
If the logical side of his brain had been working properly, it would have screamed words of warning at him for his comfort in playing his role. As it was, however, his practical side had taken a brief leave of absence from his brain, and so he was relying purely on instinct when he lovingly kissed Hermione's hand, unwittingly showing Athena the engagement ring.
Hermione bit her lip to stop herself from laughing at the look on her cousin's face.
"Er…how's your boyfriend, 'Thena? Jeremy, wasn't it?"
Athena, recovering from the shock of seeing such a beautiful ring on her least favorite cousin, scoffed rather heavily.
"That tosser? Haven't seen him in ages. He wanted to move to Ireland to work at some hospital and I was not going to uproot my life just so he could go and save lives in bloody Dublin. Mum told you he was a surgeon, right?"
Hermione's mouth twitched slightly in amusement at the memory of her Aunt Hester boasting loudly to anyone that would listen that her daughter was dating a successful surgeon.
"She might have mentioned it," was all she said.
"Yeah, well, he was a loser. Horrible in bed, too, but I suppose you don't have that problem, eh Herms? Or are you still saving yourself 'til marriage?"
Sirius, despite his slight amusement that the sensual witch in his arms had ever considered abstaining from sex until marriage, was about to make a flippant remark about the brilliance of their imaginary sex life, but Hermione beat him to it.
"A lady doesn't kiss and tell, 'Thena," she said and Sirius didn't miss the mocking tone. "But I'll have you know that I have absolutely no complaints."
Sirius grinned.
"Nor do I, kitten."
The use of the intimate nickname seemed to spark something in the infuriating Muggle as she crossed her arms, slightly huffy at her clear lack of effect on him. Sirius ignored her, choosing instead to wonder at how nicely Hermione's curves fit into the side of his body.
"So," Athena asked tightly. "How long have you been together?"
"Just a few months," Sirius said. "But I knew the moment I met her that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her."
"Hmm…is that so?" Athena replied and Sirius had the odd feeling that she saw the statement as more of a challenge than a deterrent. "Well, I wish you both the best of luck."
And with that, she sashayed away.
Hermione let out the breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
"She's ghastly," she muttered.
Sirius chuckled.
"There's one in every family," he said. "Or, in my case, two. Thank Merlin for 'Dromeda or I would have gone completely nutters during family events."
Hermione smiled slightly, glancing up at him.
"You laid it on rather thick, didn't you? Especially that last comment."
He smirked.
"Anything worth doing is worth doing right."
She chuckled.
"Thank you," she said sincerely. "I know it must have been hard, especially since she does look rather…enticing…in that dress."
He shook his head.
"I don't like girls who try too hard to be sexy. I like a challenge."
"'Thena is challenging, but not in that way," she said with a slight laugh. Then she grinned at him. "That kiss was a nice touch. You almost had me believing you were the starry-eyed lover."
"You don't exactly make it difficult to pretend to be in love with you."
She smiled softly.
"All the same," she muttered. "I know this isn't your ideal situation and I appreciate…"
"'Mione," he interrupted gently. "I'm here and I'm not going anywhere. No matter how many slutty cousins you might have."
"Well…thank you."
"No problem. Now," He clapped his hands together. "Let's meet the rest of your family, shall we?"
The evening carried on in a whirl of family and friends and by the time they sat for dinner, Sirius felt slightly overwhelmed. Despite being a man of above-average intelligence, he had never had a head for names. It was especially difficult when a lot of them started with the same letter.
Meeting the people from Hermione's Muggle world also threw into perspective just how similar their backgrounds were. Despite her parents' clear lack of respect for aristocracy, Hermione's Aunt Hermia had informed Sirius – quite proudly – that their side of the family had descended from a long line of dukes and duchesses. And though the Grangers weren't as ostentatious about their wealth as the Noble House of Black, it was clear that the two dentists were quite financially successful and Hermione had never really wanted for anything.
Sirius also noticed that, even as a young child, Hermione had preferred the company of male friends. She had gone to a co-educational independent primary school and a few of her childhood friends had been invited, most of them young men. They also seemed to be from financially comfortable families, and Sirius tried his best to look suitably impressed when Hermione mentioned schools like Eton, Harrow, Oxford, and Cambridge.
"So, Sirius, where did you matriculate?" Hermione's cousin, Hayden, asked, bringing Sirius's attention to the quickly filling table. Hermione had been talking to her cousin and Sirius could tell that she was infinitely more comfortable and fond of the young man than she was of Athena.
Sirius glanced at Hermione, unsure what he meant, and she chuckled.
"Sirius went to Hogwarts, like me," she said easily. "After which he joined the Army so he didn't have time to go to university."
Sirius exchanged looks with Harry. While Hermione was seemingly quite proficient in the art of concocting a brilliant and believable Muggle background for him, Sirius wasn't entirely sure there was enough room in his brain at the moment to keep it all straight.
"The Army? Really? Did you see any action?"
Hermione shot Sirius a look that buried the less-than-appropriate response that was running through his head.
"A bit," he replied, glancing up in relief as Lupin sat at the table. "Moony…er…Remus and I served together."
"Served what?" the clueless werewolf asked, causing Ginny to snort involuntarily at the growing absurdity of the situation.
"I was just telling my cousin Hayden that you and Sirius went into the Army after graduating from Hogwarts," Hermione explained, warning in her eyes.
"Oh," Lupin said, catching on. "Yes. Sirius and I signed up together. You know, for…er…queen and country."
"Good men," Hayden said, seeming quite impressed. "How long did you serve?"
"Er…I served for three years. Moony served a few more," Sirius said.
"Moony? Is that some Army nickname?"
"Yes," Lupin said easily, though his eyes told Sirius to watch himself. "I'm Moony and Sirius here is Padfoot. Harry's father, who unfortunately died in…er…combat…was Prongs."
"Oh, you were all friends of Harry's father? How long ago was this?"
"You know," Ginny said quickly, noting the growing disapproval in the Muggle's eyes at the obvious age difference. "I always thought age was but a number. After all, what young woman hasn't dreamed of an older man? They are usually more financially stable and much more experienced in the ways of…love," she said, batting her eyes innocently at the captivated man.
"Yes…well…there's something to be said for youth," he replied, throwing her a smile.
Ginny smiled back, leaning into Harry's arms.
"True. There's no denying that, either."
Hermione held back laughter at the surprised look on Hayden's face by Ginny's brilliant turn-around. Then he cleared his throat, smiling warmly at Hermione.
"Well, I best get to my own table. Thanks for putting me with 'Thena, by the way, Herms," he said, arching an unamused eyebrow at his cousin.
She smiled brightly.
"You're welcome!" He rolled his eyes and she chuckled. "Look, don't be too horrid to her, alright? I know she's a little trying but I have a feeling my mum is going to go out of her senses fairly soon if something goes wrong. She's wound tighter than a spring tonight."
"Alright. I'll see you after dinner, yeah?" Hermione nodded and he walked away.
"Blimey, 'Mione, are you related to the entire Spanish Inquisition or just the interrogators?" Ron asked, having remained silent next to an amused Luna during the discussion.
Hermione chuckled.
"One of the reasons Hayden and I get along so well is that he has an insatiable curiosity. He plans on becoming an oncologist…to study and treat cancer…and I truly believe he has the capability to really make a difference. Unfortunately, he has a voracious appetite for knowledge and that causes him to ask a lot of questions, which, of course, we don't really want right now."
"Rather inventive answers, though," Harry said with a grin. "Tell me, Sirius…what was it like, serving in the Queen's Army?"
Everyone laughed.
"I suppose we should be happy that these Muggles don't know the real you, Sirius," Tonks said laughingly. "Because the idea of you in the Army is absolutely ridiculous."
"It's not totally ridiculous," Sirius said hotly. "After all, I was an Auror before they chucked me into Azkaban."
"And if I remember correctly," Lupin said mildly. "Moody was beside himself with utter frustration as you and James terrorized the department."
Sirius grinned mischievously.
"He was just sore 'cuz we got the better of him once. Took his wooden leg when he wasn't looking. Constant vigilance my arse."
Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, and Luna all burst into laughter and Lupin chuckled at the memory. Tonks just rolled her eyes, trying to be respectful of her mentor, but eventually even she cracked a smile at the idea of Moody yelling after a young Sirius and James while hopping on one foot.
"What's all the excitement over here?" a voice said and both Sirius and Hermione cringed as Athena plopped herself down next to Lupin.
"Er…this is my cousin Athena," Hermione said to the rest of the table. "Athena, this is Harry, Ginny, Ron, Luna, Tonks, and Remus."
Lupin arched an eyebrow at Sirius, clearly appreciative of the woman's beauty, but Sirius gave his friend a long look that stated quite clearly that she was definitely not worth the effort.
"I've noticed a lot of people here have extraordinary names. I met a bloke named Kingsley Shacklebolt and I thought he was having me on. So what type of name is 'Tonks' then?"
"A surname," the now turquoise-haired witch said, unimpressed. "And I suppose 'Athena' comes from Greek mythology?"
"Yup. The Greek goddess of wisdom."
"That's a bit of false advertising," Ginny mumbled and Hermione once again fought to keep a straight face.
"So…Remus, is it?" Athena said, glancing seductively at the handsome man beside her. "How do you fit into this merry troupe?"
Sirius saw Hermione's jaw tense and he shot his friend a look of warning. They may no longer be together, but he knew the last thing Hermione needed was to watch her ex-lover flirt with her cousin. Judging by Lupin's discreet glance at Hermione, Sirius could tell his friend sensed he needed to tread softly.
"Sirius is my best friend," he said to her. "And Hermione is a very close friend as well."
"Really? How long have you known her?"
"About eight years. We met when she was at school. I was one of her professors."
"Oh, so you're a teacher," she said, the sparkle immediately leaving her eyes and Hermione knew that Athena had done a mental count of a teacher's annual salary and realized he wouldn't be able to provide her with jewelry and luxuries like most of her boyfriends.
"He's one of the best professors I've ever had," Hermione said, rubbing Lupin's thigh under the table and receiving a look of smoldering passion from the werewolf's amber-tinted gray eyes. Sirius couldn't help but wonder if she was referring to other, decidedly non-professorial lessons he might have taught her.
Athena didn't seem to notice as she sent a dazzling smile to Harry.
"How about you? How do you know the…happy couple?"
"Harry, Ron, and I are her best friends," Ginny said, holding Harry's hand with her left one so the obscenely large engagement ring caught the light. For the briefest of seconds, Athena turned her attention to Ron, but Ginny must have kicked her staring brother because he quickly wrapped his arm around Luna, who also sported her engagement ring prominently.
"Oh Athena, there you are," Helen suddenly said, coming over to the table. "Your mother is looking for you because they're about to serve dinner. This is the wedding party's table and you're currently in someone's seat."
Sirius suddenly felt a surge of affection for his future mother-in-law as the older woman mouthed an apology to Hermione while Athena rose reluctantly, casting a final look at Sirius as if to suggest that he could come with her if he wanted. When he didn't respond, she sighed and followed Helen over to her assigned table.
Her seat and the empty one next to it were immediately filled by two mutinous-looking Weasley twins, who were going to be ushers at the wedding. Twin sets of blue eyes were shooting daggers at Hermione.
"You have no idea how impotent you have made us!" Fred hissed.
"Unmanned and completely powerless in this ideal situation," George added.
"I can't believe you, 'Mione."
"How could you?"
"After all, - "
" – it's in the pursuit of knowledge!"
"What are they on about?" Ginny asked the amused brunette.
"I confiscated their wands and took all their supplies from their pockets before they could pull any pranks on our unsuspecting guests," Hermione explained. "They had quite the variety of items, including some Giggling Gum Drops and Fainting Fancies. I wouldn't have put it passed them to try them out on my poor school friends."
"Never!"
"Wouldn't dream of it!"
Sirius chuckled.
"Boys, as amusing as it would be to see you try your delights on unsuspecting Muggles, I'm afraid I must agree with Hermione. It's too risky."
"Traitor," George muttered.
Hermione laughed, shaking her head. Pulling out her purse, she opened it and withdrew two wands. Looking warily at the eager faces, she started to hand them over before pulling back slightly with a look of warning on her face.
"There is only one Muggle you're allowed to wreak havoc on," she said. "That one over there, in the inappropriately tight blue dress. That's my cousin Athena and you are welcome to prank her and her alone. Understood?"
The boys nodded in unison and Hermione handed the wands back.
"Oh old friend," George said to his wand dramatically. "How I've missed you."
"We shall never be parted again, my love," Fred crooned.
"Oh please," Ron scoffed, rolling his eyes.
Seconds later, Ron let out a yelp as one or both of the twins hit him with a hex under the table.
He scowled.
"Hermione said you could only hex Athena," he said accusingly.
"No, dear brother. She said the only Muggle we could prank was Athena. You, little bro, are not a Muggle, despite your thick-headedness sometimes," Fred said, a gleam of malice in his eyes.
"Boys," Hermione warned. "Don't push it."
Both twins settled immediately and Sirius glanced at Hermione in wonder at how she was able to control them so easily. He felt his loins stir immediately as he saw the fierce look on her face. Giving her a thorough once-over, he tried not to groan as he watched her breasts heave. She glanced at him and arched her eyebrow at the lustful glint in his eyes. Leaning over to him, he felt her breath near his ear.
"You look like you're thinking some very naughty thoughts, Mr. Black," she teased. "Care to share with the rest of the class?"
"I'm afraid of what my godson would do to me if I verbalized the thoughts running through my head, kitten," he breathed, his fingers drawing involuntarily-sensual circles on her chiffon-covered thigh.
"Hmm…" she purred and the sound shot straight to his growing erection. "You better make damn sure you keep that infamous lack of self-control at bay, Sirius. You wouldn't want to ruin the fun of our wedding night."
She ran her hand up his inner thigh, grinning as she grazed his erection.
"Down boy," she whispered before nipping his earlobe.
"If you two don't mind," Tonks said, amusement etched on her face. "I believe they're about to serve the first course."
As much as he tried, Sirius could not keep his eyes off Hermione as they ate. He knew she was being indecently appreciative of her food on purpose, because no one licked a spoon quite that thoroughly normally, and from the steady blush that was creeping up Ron, Harry, Lupin, and the twins' faces, Sirius also knew he wasn't the only man who noticed. After Lupin shifted in his chair and crossed his legs for the fifth time, Sirius couldn't take it anymore.
"Outside. Now," he growled in her ear.
Smirking, Hermione excused them and dutifully followed him out of the restaurant.
"What are you doing?" he demanded.
She arched an eyebrow.
"In general, or do you have a specific time frame you're referring to?"
"Inside, just now."
"I was eating, Sirius."
"You weren't just eating."
She couldn't help the slow smirk that crept to her lips.
"I didn't realize you were paying such close attention."
"Of course I was! It was hard not to! Did you notice how many times Remus had to cross his legs?"
"No. But I noticed how many times you had to."
He growled again, pulling her flush up to his body and catching her by surprise.
"Keep up that behavior," he whispered, pressing his hips against hers so she could feel exactly what she was doing to him. "And we won't make it another two weeks before I pin you to the closest available surface and have my way with you."
"But Sirius," she said in mock innocence. "What would everybody think? I mean, if you were to take me in the middle of our engagement party…well…I think my parents would be quite displeased."
She smirked and he narrowed his eyes.
"I think you know exactly what you do to me, little witch," he said, his lips mere millimeters from hers. "And I can't wait to teach you a lesson on what happens when you tease a man to his limits."
She gave a breathy laugh.
"You're so confident that you can handle me, Sirius. It's sweet."
"Wanna prove me wrong?"
She bit her lip playfully, pulling back from his descending lips.
"I quite like to prolong the inevitable. After all, why ruin the delicious torture of anticipation?"
She smirked, pulling away from him and starting towards the door when a male voice Sirius didn't recognize spoke from behind them:
"Leaving him so unsatisfied, baby doll? Now…that's not the Hermione Jane Granger I know."
