Disclaimer: I'm sure it comes as no great surprise that I don't own Harry Potter- all I own is my little story plot.
A/N: Well hello there, lovely readers! My apologies for the extended delay in posting, but the past few weeks have been, shall we say, nightmarish. As I said in my last post, I've been taking care of a sick relative which eats up a lot of time. Unfortunately, I also got very sick and had to pay a visit to ye olde hospitale. I think I could have gotten some writing done there if the nurse (who I am convinced JKR based Molly Weasley on) didn't keep taking away my laptop. The woman was mad, I tell you! However, I managed to get round her by hiding a notebook and pen under my pillow. Mwahahahahahaa!
So anyway, here we have the next chapter. I hope it's not too dull, but it's another one of my little scene setting compulsions that I feel is essential for the development of the storyline. I will try and post again soon to make up for the long delay.
As always thank you for the reviews- they mean so very much to me- and thanks to those who sent well wishes to my relative. Keep reading and reviewing!
Hermione's flat, Roma: 8:00am local time
Sirius yawned and shuffled out of the bathroom, clad only in a towel at his waist, still drowsy despite his long, hot shower. Rifling through the wardrobe, he extracted fresh boxers, blue jeans and a sapphire blue polo shirt and dressed, still only half awake. He had not slept particularly well, having kept an ear cocked in case Hermione had needed him during the night.
Unsurprisingly, she had slept very restlessly- not that he could blame her. His eyes darkened as he thought of the happenings of the night before. It was not every day that one discovered that someone they had considered a friend had been dosing them with a mind-altering potion which had resulted in severe mental and physical damage. He felt a painful clenching in his gut as he remembered Hermione's shock and dismay at finding out that Ginny had dosed her with the Humilitas potion.
However, nothing could have prepared any of them for the discovery that Ginny had also dosed Hermione with a Compulsion potion. Compulsion. The very name made Sirius sick to his stomach, bringing back long-suppressed memories of his childhood in the House of Black. Where had Ginny learned how to brew such a foul potion? True to its name, the Compulsion potion did exactly that- it compelled its subject. It did not suggest, or entice, or attract, nor did it cause a temporary effect. No, the Compulsion was much darker than that. It forced the will of the drinker to whatever nefarious ends the brewer had keyed into the potion. It could best be thought of as a liquid form of the Imperius curse. Like its spell counter-part, it was often underestimated and its dangerous nature overlooked in comparison with poisons and torturous potions. However, most people forgot that there was a very significant reason that the Imperius curse was one of the three Unforgivable Curses; it negated the subject's free will and this potion was much the same- it negated the subject's free will entirely with respect to whatever matter the potion was keyed to. If the potion demanded that the subject jump in front of a moving train, they would. If the potion demanded that they slit their wrists once a day at three pm precisely, they would, no matter where they were. If, as in Hermione's case, the potion told the subject to fall in love with a person, they would, or rather, it would cause intense attraction and make the subject believe and feel as if they were in love, since no potion could actually force love itself.
It was a vile potion, taking away the subject's freedom and will; therefore, as with the imperious, the brewer must fully intend not only to direct the subject to a particular end, they must fully intend to negate the subject's free will. Not only did it require the foulest of ingredients, but it also a binding spell after it had been brewed, wherein the brewer bound the ingredients with their desire to control a particular aspect of the subject. If the brewer did not fully and utterly intend to control the subject in the relevant matter, then the ingredients would not bind and the potion would be useless- and considering the ingredients, most likely poisonous. Worse still, the effect was permanent. Once the potion was imbibed, the subject would not be rid of it unless they were able to obtain the Libero draught, an extremely complex potion, or unless they managed to fight it off themselves, in much the same manner that the Imperius curse could be repelled. However, as with the Imperius, very few people were able to repel the demands of the Compulsion potion.
Sirius growled aloud, his fury reigniting that Hermione had been subjected to such a foul potion. He could not believe it. It was as if Ginny had decided not only to kill Hermione, but to kill her in the most painful and cruel way possible. She had administered unprecedented and ridiculously high doses of the Humilitas potion, enough to completely decimate Hermione's self-esteem and cause a dangerous self-perception which resulted in self-hatred. She then decided to administer one of the most foul and evil potions known to the magical world, keyed to force her affection towards a callous, selfish bastard, who carelessly and deliberately hurt Hermione on a daily basis, and whose only use for her was as a homework aid. His constant belittling and rejection, not to mention his deliberately flaunting another woman in her face, when combined with the effects of the Humilitas...Sirius shuddered. It was a miracle that Hermione had not taken her own life. Amazingly, it would seem that she had managed to throw off the compulsion in small stages, beginning with Ron's abandonment during the Horcrux Hunt, the potion clashing with her immeasurable loyalty to Harry, and ending, unsurprisingly with the abandonment on her birthday a few weeks ago. Certainly during the first year after the war, Hermione had struggled with her 'feelings' for Ron, having seen him choose someone else. However, the second year, she had 'gotten over' her romantic feelings for him, but nonetheless retained a strong loyalty to him despite his treatment of her. Only two weeks ago had her will reasserted itself enough to break the bond entirely, resulting in her move to Italy.
Tonks' question from the night before rang through his mind: "What are you going to do?" Grimacing, Sirius shook his head; it galled him that Mione had been placed in such a position- it was enough to tear anyone apart. However, despite the potions and everything else that had been done to her, her answer had shown her commendable inner strength.
"I don't know," she had replied. "I realise that now that the Compulsion has entered into the equation, matters are even more complicated. But I think before I act, we ought to see if Harry has been dosed, and what he has been dosed with. If he also suffered at the hands of Ronald and Ginevra, then he deserves the chance to seek legal redress. When…when you have spoken to him and tested him, then we can speak of contacting the DMLE. But for myself, I…." she had trailed off, looking inexplicably sad, then forced herself to continue. "I will pursue the matter. Compulsion is a foul potion and that Ginevra possessed the will and the intent to complete the binding…..she is either very ill or far more sinister than I could have imagined. In either case, she ought to be made to account for this- it is not safe to leave her loose in society unchecked. But I will do nothing until you have spoken to Harry and we know whether this will be a complaint from the House of Black or a joint complaint from the Houses of Black and Potter."
Sirius had smiled proudly at her, silently applauding her strength and courage despite the shock she must have had.
Of course, the problem was, no one had managed to locate Harry at all. He was not at work- all the Auror department would tell Tonks was that he had switched his evening shift that day for a morning shift the next day, citing personal reasons.
He was not at his house, nor was he at Sirius' flat. No one knew where he was. So Sirius had retreated to his bedroom and called Harry on the mirror. It had taken several attempts to get through to him. When Harry had finally answered, Sirius was saddened at his appearance. His eyes were red and puffy and he looked miserable. It seemed he had truly taken the morning's events to heart.
"Pup?" Sirius had asked. "Where have you been? Where are you? We've been trying to get hold of you for a few hours now."
Harry had frowned in puzzlement. "I told you I was going to take some time away from everyone, sort myself out a bit…has something happened, Padfoot?"
Sirius had snorted. "You could say that, pup. Look, we've been looking for you because we think it might be a good idea for you to be tested for potions as well."
Harry had blinked in shock. "You….you want to test me? What for? Unless….." His gaze had sharpened, reminding Sirius that his godson was also an auror with well-honed instincts. "Unless you've identified another potion in Hermione's system and it's bad." He had paused. "Am I right?"
Sirius sighed. "Yes, we have, pup, and you're right, it is bad. But that's not the reason we want to test you." He paused, unsure whether or not he ought to reveal the next fact. "Actually, it was Hermione's idea to test you. She thought if the Terrible Two had had no trouble potioning her, they might have given you something as well."
Harry's eyes had filled with tears. "H-Hermione thought of it? You mean, she still cares? After…after everything?" he choked.
Sirius had given him a Look. "You know Hermione- did you honestly think she WOULDN'T care if they had done something like that to you, despite what's happened between you?"
Harry had simply bowed his head, his emotions still raw from everything he had learned that day.
Sirius cleared his throat. "Look, pup, Dromeda wants to test you first thing in the morning. She'll meet you at Moony and Tonks' place. Don't mention anything to anyone in the meantime, alright?"
Harry nodded.
"Where are you staying at the moment, pup? Just in case we need to get hold of you in a hurry."
Rubbing his eyes tiredly, Harry had told him, "I'm staying at the Potter property in Glasgow. Didn't think anyone would look for me here. Locked the wards down though- just in case."
Sirius had grinned. "Good thinking. Tell you what- you had better adjust the wards to let Tonks, Moony and myself through just in case we need to come to you in a hurry. I promise we'll respect your privacy and we won't come traipsing in whenever the mood takes us- I just don't fancy being bounced clear across Scotland if I I try to get to the place. OK, pup?"
Harry had nodded. "No worries Padfoot. I'll take care of it when we're done here."
After a pause, Sirius asked a question that had been preying on his mind somewhat. "Do you…do you need me to come out there, pup? Do you want me there when Dromeda does the tests?"
Sighing, Harry shook his head. "Yes I do, but Padfoot, I think you'd better stay where you are. From the sounds of things, Mione needs you much more than I do at the moment and we don't even know for sure that I've been dosed. Once I know for sure, I'll call you. Is-is that OK?"
Sirius smiled. "Of course Pup. And you know that if you do need me, I'll come straight away?"
Harry had nodded, smiling at his godfather. "Yeah, I know, Sirius. Thanks."
Sighing, Sirius ran his fingers through his hair, shaking himself out of his thoughts. There was no point in dwelling on it now. He would do better to focus on the tasks at hand and get on it with the day.
Right, he thought. First thing, I'll see if Mione is awake and if she wants some help having a bath. God help me if she does….. He shuddered for a moment, wondering how he would manage to hide his reaction to her almost naked form.
Get a grip, Sirius! You're a grown man, not a hormonal teenager! You'll help her and you'll bloody well behave!
Taking a deep breath, he straightened his shoulders and marched into Hermione's room, prepared to do battle and defeat temptation- and found Hermione fast asleep. His expression softened and a gentle smile spread across his face. She looked so peaceful, so angelic that he was loath to wake her. However, it was time for her to take her potions- and eat some breakfast. Still, he took a moment to look at her before disturbing her. God she's beautiful. That smooth, creamy skin, that sweet little nose, eyelids concealing chocolate brown eyes a man could drown in and oh, Merlin, those sweet lips….So soft, so full, sweeter than any chocolate…. Finding that his thoughts were drifting into dangerous territory, he pulled himself together, and, with one last lingering look at her peaceful form, he moved quietly to the bed and reached out a hand, smoothing her soft brown curls from her face. He liked to see her like this- peaceful, undisturbed; he knew that as soon as he her eyes opened, the worry and stress of the day before would be reflected in their hurt brown depths. Taking a deep breath, he called her softly, stroking her cheek. "Mione, love, time to wake up."
Hermione was submerged in a deep and mercifully dreamless sleep. Suddenly, a voice called her from the depths of slumber and into some semblance of wakefulness. She groaned, trying to ignore the voice and re-enter her previous state of blissful nothingness, only for the voice to call her again. Suddenly, she felt a hand cup her cheek- a warm, large hand. She thought it felt rather nice caressing her face and almost involuntarily turned her face into it. She heard a deep chuckle and felt warm breath on her ear. She shivered at the warm breath tickling her ear, before hearing the voice whisper to her.
"Mione, love, I know you're in there- time to wake up, sweetheart." The voice was warm, deep and very smooth. It was a nice voice, and sounded so very familiar. Sighing, she gave up and pulled her mind into wakefulness, opening her eyes and saw deep grey eyes staring directly into hers.
"Sirius!" She jumped, not expecting to find him quite so close to her.
He chuckled again, a deep, throaty sound that made her shiver for some reason.
"Morning sweetheart- you looked as though you were enjoying a lovely dream. Did I interrupt anything?" He winked.
Blushing, Hermione shook her head. "Of course not Sirius. Actually, those last few hours since I last….woke up, during the night- she blushed, remembering how he had held and soothed her until she had fallen asleep- "I had no dreams at all. It was wonderfully relaxing!"
He smiled. "I'm glad, love. You certainly looked peaceful and I hated to wake you, but it's time for your potions and some breakfast."
Sirius saw her smile falter at the mention of food, and her eyes dim as she remembered the reason for her potions. Knowing what she was thinking, he dropped a kiss on her forehead and stroked her cheek comfortingly.
"Remember love, one day at a time. I'm here with you and we'll get there. You're not alone."
Seeing her visibly steel herself, she nodded and drew in a deep breath, giving him a shaky smile. "I know, Siri. I…I'm so lucky to have you; I don't think I could do it alone."
Feeling a warm glow in chest at her words, he looked tenderly at her. "And you'll never be alone, my Mione- never. Now, I think you might like a bath before breakfast, sweetheart- am I right?"
Hermione smiled, blushing. "Yes please, Siri. I…I think I'm strong enough to bathe myself- I feel better today."
Thank God for small mercies, he thought. He didn't let his relief show, however. Winking cheekily at her, he flung an arm dramatically to his forehead. "Oh Mione, and I was so looking forward to bathing you myself. " Sighing theatrically, he continued, "I suppose I'll have to settle for carrying your lovely person into the bathroom, Miss Granger."
"Oh, Siri, really, there's no need- I'm sure I can manage by myself today-" He cut her off, gently shaking his head.
"Mione, it was only yesterday that you could hardly shuffle three steps on your own, and you were not even able to undress yourself- please, let me just carry you into the bathroom, alright? I'll leave it to you to decide whether or not you need help undressing, although I beg you- don't over exert yourself because you're too embarrassed to ask for my help, alright sweetheart?"
Blushing even more profusely, she nodded. "Alright, Sirius," she mumbled.
The raven-haired man beamed. "Excellent! And now, my favourite part," he grinned, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively at her before sweeping back the bedclothes and gathering her into his arms. Grinning roguishly, he strode theatrically into the bathroom, only to stop dead in his tracks - the bathtub was completely empty. Bloody hell! He had forgotten to prepare the bath. How could I forget to fill the bloody bathtub? Smooth, Padfoot, very smooth!
He was, however, drawn out of his self-recrimination by a giggle. Looking down at the woman he held in his arms, he was hard-pressed not to smile. She was giggling happily; an irresistible, happy sound he could not get enough of. Merlin, but he loved it when she giggled! She sounded so happy, so….at ease. It soothed his worried mind to hear the delightful sound- she had not had much to laugh about, recently.
"Laughing at a forgetful old man are we, Mione? Oh, my poor, wounded heart! How shall I bear the agony? For my Mione doth mock me!" He tragically declaimed.
If anything, she giggled even more, gasping a little. "Oh, Siri, I'm sorry, but the look on y-your face! You were so determined to t-to help me into the bath and then when you realised that you hadn't prepared it, the look on your f-face, Siri…" she trailed off, succumbing to a fit of giggles.
Sirius smirked to himself; here was a prime opportunity for a wee bit of a prank. Hanging his head in false dejection, he sighed. "I…I can't help getting older love. It's not easy on me you know."
Stifling her giggles, Hermione looked up, worried that perhaps she had actually hurt his feelings. "Siri? I'm sorry, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings. And you're not old! You're only thirty-five, why, you're in the prime of life!" Slipping a hand under his chin, she lifted his head - only to find him grinning wickedly at her.
"Oh, Siri! You beast, I thought I had honestly upset you, and you were playing with me! Oh, you mangy old mutt!"
If anything, his grin grew wider. "Ah, but I'm not old, sweetheart- a very beautiful lady told me that I was in the prime of life."
Hermione huffed, but couldn't help but grin at the handsome man cradling her in his arms. He was so cheeky, so irrepressibly cheerful this morning that it was almost impossible to be annoyed at him.
Grinning, he touched his forehead to hers for a moment, then set her down very gently on the ledge of the bathtub.
"If you'll just give this old man a minute, I'll have the bath up and ready in a moment, sweetheart."
A few minutes later, the warm, fragrant tub was ready for use. Turning to the brown haired woman who was gazing longingly at it, he tilted his head questioningly.
"Do you need help, love?"
Blushing, Hermione thought for a moment. "No….I don't think I do Siri. I think I can manage the clothes on my own."
Looking unconvinced, he nodded slowly. "Alright, Mione. Tell you what- you give it a try and if you need help, call out- I'll wait in your bedroom, alright? I'll just nip off and get a book to read while I wait for you and I'll be right back."
Hermione nodded. "Alright, Sirius. I really do think I'll be alright though!"
"Humour me, love," he smiled wryly as he walked towards the bedroom, closing the door behind him.
Hearing him walk out of the bedroom, Hermione took a deep breath. I can do this, she thought. Oh, God, it would be beyond embarrassing to ask Sirius to help me undress. Right, come on Hermione, clothes off! However, at that moment, the call of nature made itself known. Sighing, she wriggled across the ledge, then standing on wobbly legs, shuffled to the loo.
That done, thankfully without needing assistance, she managed to lean over to the sink and wash her hands, then shuffled back to the bath. Merlin, but this is tiring! She grumbled. Sitting on the ledge once more, she sat panting, trying to work out how she would remove her pyjamas. The top would be easy enough to remove, she decided; she could sit on the ledge and slide it off. Then she could just slide off the bottoms and slip into the tub. No need to stand and further exhaust herself; she still felt remarkably weak. Andromeda had said that would start to improve slowly by tomorrow, but that it would take time and she was not to over-exert herself or she would make things worse.
Sighing, she wearily raised her arms and slowly slid off her pyjama top. Thank God I don't sleep in a bra, she thought. I really don't think I'd have had the strength to get it off.
She sat resting on the ledge for a few moments. Then, gathering her strength, she tugged at her waist of her pyjama bottoms and wriggled her hips. Almost, she grunted to herself, come on, nearly there…. Just as she thought the elastic would slip over the curve of her hips and down her legs, she slipped and fell, squealing in surprise.
Meanwhile, Sirius sat staring at his book, not really paying any attention to it, his focus entirely on the girl behind the bathroom door. Was she alright? She was awfully quiet in there. He deliberately tried not to focus on the fact that she would be naked. And wet. And slippery, his minded added helpfully. "Shut up!" he growled aloud to himself.
Staring at the page in front of him, he tried to re-read the paragraph for the fifth time. What the bloody hell had he chosen, anyway? He had no clue, having simply stared at Hermione's library for minutes on end without seeing anything in front of him, and then, in a fit of pique, had simply grabbed a random book and marched out. He focused on the words in front of him once more.
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way-in short, the period was so far like the present period, that some of its noisiest authorities insisted on its being received, for good or for evil, in the superlative degree of comparison only."
Ah. Dickens. He had inadvertently grabbed one of Mione's muggle books, A Tale of Two Cities. He began to read with a greater enthusiasm; he had not read this particular book in many years. In fact, if he recalled correctly, the last time he had read it was a few weeks before he had been disowned. He had taken to reading muggle literature about the house, mostly to annoy his bigoted mother and also, he had found to his great surprise, because he enjoyed it.
However, his foray into the world of literary nostalgia was cut short by the sound of a loud thud and a surprised squeal from behind the bathroom door. Flinging aside his book, he jumped to his feet and ran to the door, knocking madly.
"Mione? You alright love?"
"Yes," she called back breathlessly. "I'm alright."
"What happened? Did you fall? Do you need me?"
"I'm fine, I just slid off the edge of the tub." She called back.
"Are you sure you're alright on your own?" He asked.
"Yes, I'm fine, Siri, really," came the reply.
He frowned. "If you're sure, love…..I'm right outside, OK?"
"OK."
Despite her assurance, he decided he would be wiser to stay near the door in case she changed her mind and called for him.
Meanwhile, Hermione lay cursing herself on the bathroom floor. Idiot! Now what am I going to do? There was nothing for it, she supposed. She lay still for a moment, gathering all of her strength (such as it was) and, bracing her arms on the floor on either side of her, tried to sit up. It didn't work. She drew a deep breath and tried again, cursing the temporary weakness in her limbs , but to no avail; she could not get up. She silently cursed again, her eyes filling with humiliated tears. They were right- she was a weak, useless nothing. Look at her now, the brightest witch of her age, unable to stand on her own. Useless. Pathetic. She choked, trying desperately to keep the tears at bay. Nobody wants you- alone, weak, useful to no one…..NO! She silently cried to that nameless, shadowy presence in her mind. That's not true! Sirius wants me, Remus and Tonks want me, Teddy, George….You're nothing but a lie, a distortion from Ginny and I WILL NOT LET YOU WIN. You have taken enough from me!
With a sudden and intense rage fuelling her movements, she planted her arms on either side of her body and pushed, slowly pushing herself into a sitting position, leaning her back against the bathtub. Breathing hard, she took a moment before slowly trying to push herself to her feet. However, despite her anger, she was unable to move any further; her body was simply too exhausted. Bowing her head, hot, angry tears rolled down her face. I WILL fight this, she vowed.
Then she laughed; a harsh, bitter sound that chilled Sirius to the bone as he stood waiting behind the door. How was she going to fight this when she could barely move as it was? The same way you learned to fight before you became a witch, a voice whispered. With your mind. Yes, she thought slowly. Perhaps she was too physically weak now to regain her strength and her independence, but she could fight in other ways. Her meals; she could force herself to eat and enjoy everything Sirius placed in front of her without trying to bargain or reduce the portion. She could make an effort to fight the negative images in her mind. She could start doing some work at home, perhaps as early as tomorrow. She could fight, in her own way, and she would. She would not let this shadow of Ginny's madness rule her life any longer. Yes, she knew it would be difficult and she would fall many times, but, for the first time in a very long time, she was ready to FIGHT.
First things first- there was a nice hot bath behind her and she wanted to get in. If she couldn't step into it herself, she would ask Sirius to place her in it. Thankfully, she was still wearing her knickers. She could cover the rest of her body until Sirius placed her in the water, then remove the rest of her clothes in the water as she had yesterday. Sirius could vamish them to the laundry later. She trusted Sirius; therefore she would swallow her shame and her pride and ask for help.
"Siri?" She called softly, clutching the discarded pyjama top to her breasts.
"Yes love?"
"I ….I need some help, if you wouldn't mind."
There was no reply, when suddenly the door opened and Sirius stuck his head in. Seeing the position she was in, he entered the bathroom and walked quickly over to her, so worried about her that he failed to notice what she wasn't wearing.
"Mione, sweetheart? Are you alright?"
She nodded shamefacedly, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment.
"I was just trying to undress and I fell- then I found it somewhat difficult to get up again. This was the best I could manage."
She looked up at him, exhaustion clear in her face.
"Would you mind helping me into the bath? I…I don't think I can stand on my own."
He nodded immediately and slipped his hands in place. "Ready, love?"
Seeing her nod, Sirius gently picked her up and cradled her in his arms, whilst turning to place her in the bath. Unfortunately for him, he very quickly became aware of exactly how little she was wearing.
Oh, God, he groaned to himself. All she's wearing is a pair of knickers. She's practically naked. So soft…. NO! Stop that, you randy bastard. She's ill, stop that!
"Sirius?"
His tortured thoughts were interrupted by Hermione's tired voice. He looked down to see her looking questioningly up at him.
He smiled. "Sorry love, got lost in my thoughts for a moment, there. Right, into the bath with you!"
With that, he gently leaned over and lowered her into the bath until she was sitting with her back against one of the sides of the tub.
"Alright now?"
She nodded.
"Are you…are you sure?" Please let her say yes, he groaned to himself. I need to get out of here before I do something stupid.
She smiled tiredly. "I'm sure Sirius, although…." she trailed off, biting her lip nervously.
"…Although I might need some help getting out of the bath."
Sirius nodded, forcing himself to smile mildly at her whilst trying desperately force the image of her dripping wet and naked, rising from the bath, from his mind.
"No worries, love. I'll be right outside, just call me when you are ready. Er, would you like me to get some clothes for you? I can…dress you." Suddenly realising how that sounded, and mentally cursing Tonks for leaving him to handle Hermione's bath on his own, he hastily added, "Er, I mean, vestio, you know?"
Looking at him strangely, she nodded slowly. "Yes, thank you that would be wonderful, Siri," she frowned, all the while wondering what could possibly make Sirius Black blush like that. Seeing that he was waiting, she added hastily, "Just a tracksuit and t-shirt, please, any one will do….er, and just plain…under things, please." She felt her cheeks heating and mentally cursed her inability to perform magic- what she wouldn't give to perform a summoning charm and avoid this awkward situation!
For some reason he paled slightly, then smiled and nodded, before turning and leaving the bathroom, closing the door behind him.
Closing her eyes, she sighed and enjoyed the warm water washing over her, taking time to rest before she attempted to wash.
Ten minutes later, she opened her eyes and reached for the shower gel and her loufah, wondering what had bothered Sirius so much.
Meanwhile, the man in question was currently debating whether or not to use a summoning charm to retrieve Hermione's clothes. He just didn't feel it was right to go rifling through her things- especially her underwear. Making a snap decision, he pulled out his wand and summoned the tracksuit she had worn yesterday, and pulled out the topmost t-shirt on the pile on the shelf in the closet. Then, turning to the underwear drawer, he took a deep breath and, seeing a plain grey pair of knickers and matching bra peeking out from amongst the multitude of silk and lace, pointed his wand and whispered accio.
Nothing happened.
Pointing his wand, tried again.
Nothing happened.
Frowning, Sirius pointed his wand at another of Mione's t-shirts and whispered accio- it came zooming over immediately.
That's odd, he thought. It worked on the other things…why not this? Thinking quickly, he waved his wand and cast specialis revelio- and found that there was an anti-summoning charm on the underwear drawer.
Sirius stared in shock for a moment, then narrowed his eyes. Tonks. I am going to murder that woman!
He knew immediately that she had cast the anti-summoning charm on Hermione's underwear to make things a little more…uncomfortable for him. Well, he was Sirius Black- he was not embarrassed by anything, let alone by a few scraps of fabric! Growling, he marched up to the drawer and yanked the offending items into his hand, refusing to consider the fact that in a few minutes they would be adorning and caressing the most luscious and secret parts of his Mione…
Great Merlin Tonks, you are dead as soon as I see you! He growled to himself, forcing himself not to feel the soft cotton garments as he quickly tossed them on top of the t-shirt he had chosen.
Deciding there was no point in trying to read at the moment because he was sure Mione would call him at any moment, he sat on the chair near the bed and waited, deliberately thinking of everything but the soft and utterly simple garments laying a a few feet a away….garments that would cover her beautiful curves…..Stop it, he growled to himself, forcing himself to list the steps in the Animagus transfiguration as a distraction. Think of anything else! Anything but how soft her skin will be compared to the fabric….STOP it!
Bloody hell, he groaned aloud. God help him when Hermione decided to get out!
Twenty minutes later, Hermione was settled comfortably on the living room couch, dressed in her grey tracksuit and light blue t-shirt. Sirius was in the kitchen, ostensibly preparing breakfast, but in reality trying to sooth his frazzled nerves.
The sight of Hermione wrapped in a towel whilst he knew she wore nothing underneath would haunt him for many nights to come. Even ill, pale and exhausted as she was, to him, she was still the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. His hormones had reared at the sight of her in nothing more than a piece of fabric. He thanked Merlin that she had not brushed against the rather visible evidence of his attraction to her; that would have been embarrassing for both parties, judging from the blush on her cheeks as he had pulled her towel clad form from the bath.
Breathing deeply, Sirius filled a glass with water and drank. When his heart rate had slowed a little, and his somewhat noticeable reaction to the young witch had abated, he began to think about making breakfast. Scooping up Andromeda's meal plan from the counter, he examined it. Seeing that there were a number of breakfast choices listed, he decided to consult Hermione as to which she would prefer.
He strode out of the kitchen and into the living room. "Hermione, love, 'Dromeda's given us a few choices for breakfast, I was wondering which you would prefer?" he asked, showing her the list.
Frowning, she looked carefully at each option and sighed. "I suppose a little cereal is out of the question?" Seeing the small frown that marred his forehead, she sighed again. "Alright, alright, no need to look at me like that Siri! I suppose the poached eggs would be best."
Sirius gently smiled. "I know it's tough, love, but we can do it- together." Dropping a kiss on the top of her head, he turned to leave.
"Wait!"
He turned toward her, cocking an eyebrow in query. "What is it, love?" He almost expected her to try to argue her way out of breakfast, as she had done last night with dinner.
"Remember how Enrico told us about the elves' housekeeping business?"
A slow grin spread across the raven-haired man's face. "Let me guess- you'd like to try them out?"
Blushing, she nodded sheepishly, plucking the card from the small table that sat beside the leather lounge.
"I thought we could engage them to prepare meals this week, and perhaps clean the apartment, at least until I'm back in fighting form, so to speak. I mean, if it's alright with you Siri. This is your home too now, our home, at least for a while, and…and you have as much right to make these decisions as I do."
Our home, he repeated to himself. Basking in the warm glow that suffused his being at that happy thought, he stepped over to the couch and sat beside her, slipping an arm about her waist. "Sweetheart, I think it's a marvellous idea and I'd be very pleased to know that the money is going to such a worthy cause. Why don't you go ahead and call them?"
The sunny smile that lit her face warmed his heart even further. Merlin, he'd agree to anything she wanted if it caused her to smile like that!
Glancing at the card in her hand, she called, "Fina! Ale!"
Two small pops sounded immediately and two elves stood in front of them. The female elf wore a neat grey skirt and blouse, and a small pointed hat with holes cut out for her ears, whilst the male wore brown trousers and shirt with matching hat. Both were smiling widely.
"Buongiorno, signore e signora. Siamo Fina e Ale, al vostro servizio!" They chanted together.
As the translation spell did its work, Hermione knew that they had said, "Good morning, Sir and Madam. We are Fina and Ale, at your service!"
Smiling happily at the two elves, Hermione used the little Italian she knew.
"Buongiorno, Fina e Ale! Sono Hermione Granger." She paused, wishing she knew how to introduce Sirius, but thankfully, he intervened with a smile of his own.
"Buongiorno, Fina e Ale. Sono Sirius Black, un amico di Signorina Granger. Scusa, ma possiamo parlare in inlegese? La Signorina Granger non parla italiano."
Hearing that Sirius was asking them to converse in English, Hermione cast him a grateful smile, mentally resolving to begin her Italian lessons as soon as possible.
However, her train of thought was interrupted by two excited squeaks.
"Signorina Hermione Granger? This is an honour! Si, we talk in English for the Signorina Granger!" squealed Fina.
Ale was not to be outdone. "We hear from Robi that the Signorina Granger, she is in Roma, but we did not expect that we will have the honour of meeting her!"
Hermione blushed, but before she could get a word in, Fina had already turned to Sirius.
"We are honoured to meet the friend of Signorina Granger! The Signore Black, he must be noble indeed to have the friendship of one such as Signorina Granger."
Both elves bowed low to the somewhat stunned witch and wizard on the sofa, then stood looking at them expectantly.
"What we can do for Signorina Granger and Signore Black?"
Managing to gather herself together, Hermione managed to get out what she wanted to say. "I was wondering if you would be so good as to help me- help us- with a few domestic chores this week. I am unwell and will not be able to use magic for a few more days at least" here the elves gasped in shock- "and would be so very grateful if you would be able to clean the apartment and perhaps prepare a few meals for the two of us?"
The two elves stood stock still, their expressions a comical mix of extreme joy and overwhelming sadness. Hermione wondered what could have caused such a reaction. She did not have to wait long to find out.
"S-Signorina Granger is ill?" Fina asked, trembling, eyes full of tears. "What has happened, Signorina that you cannot use magic?"
Smiling reassuringly at the two elves, Hermione explained. "I was overtaxing myself and it lead to my straining my magical core rather badly, which made me ill. I am alright now, just rather weak and I am not permitted to use magic for a few more days at least, which is why I would very much appreciate your help."
Sniffling loudly, Ale asked, "Signorina only wishes our help for this week?"
With a somewhat mystified expression on her face, Hermione glanced at Sirius, who shook his head slightly.
"Er, well, no, I mean, I hadn't considered a long term engagement, but I'm sure we could arrange something…." She stuttered.
This seems to be the right thing to say because the two elves beamed at her, wiping away their tears.
"We are so happy to be of service to Signorina Granger. We do good work for you, you see Signorina and Signore! What we can do to start?"
Sirius, who until now was torn between amusement and bemusement, showed them Andromeda's meal plan.
"Signorina Granger's dottoressa has left her this plan, which we are to follow for the next week at least. I think we had decided on the poached eggs for breakfast. Perhaps you would be so good as to prepare this for the both of us? Oh, but I think I'd like an extra egg with mine." With a wink at Hermione, he added, "I'm a growing boy."
The two elves bobbed their heads madly. "Si, si, of course!" With that, they popped out of the room.
Hermione turned bemusedly to Sirius. "What just happened here? I thought we were getting help for a week, now I find I've agreed to more- and I don't even know what it is I've agreed to!"
Trying (very unsuccessfully) to hold back a laugh, Sirius told her, "Love, I think they're hoping you'll hire them on a permanent basis." Unable to help a small grin, he explained, "I think they are very excited to be working for the magnificent Singorina Granger. In fact, I'm sure if you asked them to move in here and work for free, they just might do it!"
Hermione gasped. "No! I could never do that!"
"I know that love, and I'm not suggesting you should. All I'm saying is that Fina and Ale seem very happy to be working for you, so why not get arrange for them to clean the house once a week permanently? It will make them happy, you can pay them, so they won't be abused or taken advantage of and we'll have a nice clean flat."
Hermione frowned, chewing her lip. "I don't know….."
Sirius gently took her chin and pulled her face up until her eyes met his. "If it really bothers you, love, then we won't do it. You know I don't want to do anything that would make you uncomfortable."
She smiled. "I know, Siri, it's not that. I just…" She flushed guiltily. "I just feel that it would be terribly lazy of me to do that. I know it probably sounds silly…"
"Love, it's not silly. I understand, perhaps better than most, the need for hard work to stave off idleness, but believe me when I say I don't think even the severest critic could accuse you of idleness, sweetheart. You work harder than anyone I know! There's nothing wrong with asking for a little help, remember?" he reminded her, gently stoking her face. Somewhere, in the back of his mind, a small voice told him that he was being far too obvious with his affection too soon. The rest of his mind politely told the voice to sod off and enjoyed the feeling of her soft skin under his fingers.
Blushing lightly at his close scrutiny, she slowly nodded. "Yes, I…I suppose you're right. And it isn't as though I'm binding them to me, they'll just be employees."
Smiling at her need to justify the arrangement, he stroked her cheek one last time and pulled her closer to his side.
"I'm sure they'll be very happy, love." Before he could say anything further however, there was a loud pop.
"Signorina, Signore, breakfast is served in the dining room," Ale announced, bowing low.
Trying to maintain his serious demeanor and forcing himself to contain his chuckle so as not to offend the earnest little elf, he stood fluidly and, turning to Hermione, took her hand and kissed it, his eyes sparkling mischievously.
"Signorina, will you permit me the honour of escorting you to the dining room?"
Seeing the mischief in his eyes, she smiled back with a cheeky look of her own, one he hadn't seen there for quite some time. "But of course, Signore Black."
With that, he swept her into his arms and turned to Ale, who stood waiting.
"Ale, would you be so good as to lead us to the dining room?"
Beaming, the small elf bowed again and walked regally from the room, his pleasure evident at Sirius' manner and courtesy, and lead them into the next room.
Seeing the two places the elves had set for himself and Hermione, he walked over to one chair, which Ale pulled back, and placed the young woman carefully into the chair.
He then bowed formally to her and walked around the table, where Ale pulled out a chair for him, and sat down.
Ale clicked his fingers and two small porcelain bowls of yoghurt appeared in front of each of them. Looking closely, Sirius saw that there were pieces of fresh blueberry and strawberry mixed liberally throughout the yoghurt. It certainly smelled delicious, he thought.
Ale bowed, and retreated to the corner.
Hermione looked at the yoghurt, her expression a heartbreaking mix of longing and guilt.
Cursing the size of the table (which made it impossible for him to reach her hand), he caught her eye and smiled gently at her.
"Come on love, time to eat. Remember, you deserve this, and more. You are beautiful and perfect. You have no need for shame," he said softly enough that only the two of them heard it.
Smiling tremulously at him, Hermione took a deep breath and picking up the small silver spoon that lay beside her bowl, she began to eat.
An hour later, they had finished a delicious breakfast of yoghurt mixed with fresh fruit, poached eggs on toast, orange juice and coffee. Despite Hermione only having had to eat a single egg and one piece of toast, it had taken thirty minutes for her to eat the egg. She had felt immensely guilty after eating the yoghurt, and was torn between her desire to please Sirius and overcome her irrational thoughts, and the fear that she would only get fatter and fatter if she continued to eat. However, he had been surprised at the determination evident in her features, and was even more pleased that she did not attempt to leave the food unfinished or negotiate the portion size. Something's changed, he thought. I wonder what….. He knew, however, that she would tell him when she was ready.
She had even forced herself to drink a glass of freshly squeezed orange juice and a cup of black coffee. Whenever she seemed to be having trouble with her meal, she would glance at him, and he would smile at her, his eyes telling her louder than any words could say that she was beautiful and had nothing to be ashamed of. To his utter joy and disbelief, this was enough for her to continue eating.
Having finally finished breakfast, Sirius had carried Hermione back to the living room, where she sat resting.
Deciding to leave her to rest quietly for a moment, he had walked outside to the balcony and sat in the sun, looking sightlessly at the view before him. A small pop interrupted his tumultuous thoughts, causing him to look down at the somewhat nervous little elf standing in front of him.
"Signore, we have finished the cleaning of the dishes and the kitchen. Is there anything else you like us to do?"
Smiling, he took the elf's hand and patted it. "Grazie, Fina, breakfast was superb. I don't think there is anything else we need at the moment, but I believe Signorina Granger wishes to discuss a more permanent arrangement with you and Ale. If you would both be so good as to come with me to the living room and we will speak with her."
With another small pop heralding Ale's entrance, he stood and began to lead the elves back inside the house. He was stopped, however, by a small voice asking, "Signore? May we speak with you a moment?
Turning back towards the elves, he smiled and crouched down to their height.
"Of course, Ale. What would you like to speak with me about?"
Taking a deep breath, the little elf whispered, "Did not Signorina Granger like the food? She…she did not eat willingly. Please, if we do something wrong, we ask you to tell us so we please her better."
Ah. The elves had noticed her reluctance to eat and misinterpreted the reasons behind it. Sirius was torn; on the one hand, he wanted to tell them the real reason and set the elves' minds at ease, on the other hand, he felt he had no right to reveal the real reason behind Hermione's fear of food without her explicit permission.
Knowing that either way, Hermione would be mortified, he decided on a compromise.
"Ale, Fina, neither of you has done anything wrong; in fact, you served a most excellent breakfast which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, what you must understand is that Signorina Granger has been ill and as a result of that illness is finding it somewhat difficult to eat at present. You both saw the list of meals that she must follow?"
The two eleves nodded.
"This list was written by her dottoressa because of this difficulty with food. It may take some time before she can eat without difficulty. Do you understand?"
Again, they nodded.
"You have done nothing wrong, and I am certain that, were Signorina Granger not ill, she would have enjoyed each and every bite. So I ask you not to worry, alright?"
Fina spoke for the both of them. "Si, Signore, we understand. It is sad for us to hear that the Signorina Granger, she is ill. She is a most special person and dear to all of us, both in Italia and other places."
Sirius smiled. "I am glad to hear it. Will you do me the favour of keeping her illness a secret? She does not wish it be known, at present."
Two small heads bobbed madly at this. "Si, Si, we keep her secret."
"Grazie. And now, I think, we should go and see the Signorina and discuss a certain arrangement."
Seeing their ears perk up at this, the two elves happily followed him into the house and into the living room, where Hermione sat, gazing longingly at the pile of parchment Enrico had brought.
"Don't even think about it, love- not before tomorrow."
Jumping as though she had been caught thieving, she smiled sheepishly at him. "I can't help it, Sirius, I can't just sit here all day doing nothing…."
He smiled, knowing her active mind would not tolerate an enforced period of emulating a vegetable.
"I know, love, and I'm sure we can find something to do, but first, I believe Ale and Fina had something that they wanted to ask you."
Stepping forward, Fina cleared her throat. "Signore Black, he say that you like us to work for you, Singorina?
Smiling gently at the elves, Hermione nodded. "Yes. You see, due to my illness and a number of other issues, Signore Black will be living here with me for the foreseeable future. I would be very happy if you would consent to cleaning my-our- apartment once a week, in addition to coming in once a day to prepare meals for us this week. Would you like to do this?"
Hermione took the two loud squeals from the elves as a yes. "Wonderful! In that case, perhaps you and Ale could prepare lunch and dinner for us and place it under a stasis charm? Oh, but I think dinner had better be for six rather than for two. You still have the list, don't you?" At the elves' nod, she beamed. "Oh, thank you both! You are so very good! Well, now, before you start cooking lunch, I think we need to talk business. How much do you charge for a day's work? Oh, and which day of the week would you prefer to come in to clean?"
Fina's jaw dropped, whilst Ale just shook his head in shock. "Pay? We could not accept the pay from you, Signorina Granger! This would be a shame upon us both!"
Hermione frowned. "I don't understand, I was told the elves had full commercial and trading rights here in Italy…."
Ale waved his hand in dismissal. "Si, Si, we have the right to pay. But this is not matter! You are Signorina GRANGER!" At her blank look, he explained, "Every elf in Europe has sworn they help you at no cost if you need!"
Hermione sank back on the couch, shocked. "Wh-what? But why?"
Fina took over, looking at her with such pride and adoration that Hermione felt her cheeks heating. "Because you, Signorina Granger, defend us. You fight for our English cousins, even when they so twisted by th-the slave bond that they not WANT freedom. You fight for us even when your entire English society, they laugh at you, and nobody else want to help you. You at least bring back rightful bond of binding in England instead of slave bond, you allow elves to leave bad masters without being shamed because they break the oath! You do so much for us. For this, house elves say you are friend of our people and whatever you need, we do. So you see, Signorina Granger, we cannot take money from you- it would shame Ale and Fina! We could not!"
Seeing that Hermione was shocked into silence, Sirius, who inwardly beaming with pride in his Mione, offered a compromise to try and please both the elves and Hermione.
"Then, Fina and Ale, perhaps you will allow me to pay you for your work?" Seeing the elves begin to protest, he hurriedly explained. "You see, Signorina Granger would like very much to pay you, and would not feel comfortable receiving services for which she is not paying. You know more than anyone else how hard she has fought for the elves to have the right to receive wages. Of course, I also understand that it would shame you to take money from her because of your oath. So I suggest that I pay your wages; this way, Signorina Granger will be at ease, and you will not have broken your oath. Perhaps, if you do not want the money, you could donate it to the elves who cannot find work? But at least if we do this, no one has to compromise their principles. Is this acceptable to you?"
The two elves looked at one another for a long moment, and Sirius was almost certain that they were communicating silently. Finally, they turned to Sirius and nodded.
"Si, Signore Black, we can accept this if you insist."
"I do."
"Then we will accept 5 regine per week. But this week we accept nothing- it is a gift to you and the Signorina.
Glancing at Hermione, who nodded, Sirius then nodded his acceptance. Pleased, the elves popped to the kitchen and began to prepare the rest of the day's meals.
Hermione immediately turned to Sirius as soon as they were gone. "Sirius, it's very kind of you, but I couldn't possibly accept-" However, he cut her off mid-sentence.
"Love, you saw that they wouldn't take the money from you and if we had refused their services altogether, it would have shamed them. At least this way they will accept pay! Besides, you said that this is my home too, didn't you?"
She nodded.
"Then this is my contribution to our home, alright love?"
Hermione smiled bashfully at him. "Well, when you put it like that, how can I refuse?"
Sirius slid onto the couch next to her and pulled her close. "You're not supposed to refuse, love- you're supposed to sigh and flutter your eyelashes and say, "Oh, Siri, you are SO kind and SO handsome and SO strong, I just can't refuse you anything!"
Hermione giggled. "Do you really think your ego needs more feeding, Siri?"
He growled playfully at her. "You, madam, should be grateful that your illness prevents you from being tickled. You deserve a damn good tickling for that sort of cheek!"
Hermione blinked innocently. "Moi?"
Sirius laughed. "Oui, toi, ma petite."
She pulled back and gazed at him in surprise, before remembering. "I'd completely forgotten that you speak French as well!" Then, her eyes lighting up, she blurted out, "Can we start our Italian lessons now?"
Sirius gazed at her thoughtfully. "I don't know, Mione, you still seem quite tired…."
"Oh please, Siri, even just for half an hour? Please? I'm not allowed to work until tomorrow as it is and I need SOMETHING to do and we didn't get to do Monday's lesson because of…everything..." She trailed off, remembering Monday night in shame.
Seeing the look on her face, he sighed. He couldn't refuse her anything it seemed. Sap, he scoffed at himself. "Alright, love, we'll start today. But we'll wait another half an hour for breakfast to settle and for you to regain a little more energy before we start, alright?"
Nodding, Hermione agreed.
The two sat quietly chatting for a time, before Sirius remembered something.
"Accio packages!"
Two shrunken packages came zooming into the room and landed in Sirius' hand. Resizing them, he cast several curse detection charms on them before handing them to Hermione, explaining, "George found these on your doorstep yesterday when he tried to get into your flat. He gave them to Moony when they met and Moony left them with me."
Looking at the parcels in some puzzlement, Hermione began to unwrap the first, unsure of what it could be and even more puzzlingly, who it could be from. Peeling the paper off, she found a small box and a note. Note first, she decided. Quickly reading the slip of parchment, a large smile spread across her face.
Dear Hermione,
I hope this will reach you in time for your birthday. I saw it in a small shop in Stockholm which specialises in Nordic designs and thought you would like it, knowing as I do how fond you are of history. The pendant is an ancient Viking shield, which was reputed to keep away evil; it was later discovered that it was only successful in keeping away Nargles. I thought you would appreciate it because of its historical value (and its ability to repel Nargles, of course).
Happy twenty-first birthday Hermione.
Love always,
Your friend Luna
"Who is it from, sweetheart?" Sirius asked, seeing her smile.
"Luna," she grinned, handing him the note. She then opened the box, and found a delicate silver chain sporting a silver Viking shield pendant.
She looked up from the beautiful gift to see a look of utter bewilderment on Sirius' face.
"What the bloody hell is a Nargle?"
Hermione smiled fondly. "A creature which exists only in the Quibbler and in Luna's mind, I suspect."
"Er, I assume this is normal for her then?"
Hermione nodded. "Yes, for as long as I've known her, anyway. I….I think perhaps she believed in these things because her father did, and it gave her an outlet of sorts when she was at school. I'm sure you know she was somewhat of an outcast for some time?"
He nodded.
"Yes, well, I think that it gave her comfort to have something of her father there in the form of these creatures. Later on, I think it was a way of holding on to her father's memory after he was killed near the end of the war. That's why she continued the Quibbler and that's why she searches for these creatures; I don't think she expects to find anything and to be honest, I don't know whether, deep down, she really believes these creatures exist or not- she continues these hunts in memory of her father and all of the hunts they went on together."
Sirius nodded thoughtfully. "Makes sense, really. I suppose everyone reacts to loss differently, and Merlin knows, just about everybody lost someone in the war. It sounds as though she's trying to hold onto the past to hold on to the memory of her father."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, you're right. I think that sooner or later, the fact that her father is gone will come crashing down on her and she won't be able to escape it. I worry about her, truth be told."
Sirius sighed. "It's sad, love, but I suppose until something happens or she asks for help, there's nothing much you can do, save being there as a friend and correspondent. Who's the other one from?"
Opening the gift, Hermione saw a square box of medium size with a piece of parchment pinned on top. Removing the parchment, she began to read.
Dear Hermione,
Happy 21st birthday! I think we're all starting to get a bit long in the tooth, eh? I hope you've had or are having (depending on when this gets to you) a wonderful birthday. I hope you like this gift; I thought it was very appropriate when I saw it- it causes feelings of peace and contentment when placed in a magical home- feeds off the magic.
Happy birthday again!
I'll write again soon.
Your friend,
Neville Longbottom.
P.S. You'll need to remove the stasis charms on the box before you can open it.
Handing the note to Sirius, she saw him skim it and then smile, before waving his wand over the box. The top sprang open and Hermione reached carefully inside to find a small pot containing an African Peace Lily.
She smiled at Neville's thoughtfulness as she showed the plant to Sirius.
"It's pretty, isn't it? I think it would look lovely on the small table in the corner there, and it's next to the balcony door so it will get lots of sunlight."
The raven-haired man smiled, happy to hear the pleasure in her voice. "Good idea love. Here, I'll move it now so we don't spill the thing!"
Having placed the plant, Sirius summoned his Italian textbook, some parchment and a quill, and sat back down next to Hermione.
"Alright love, if you're sure you're up to this, we'll start the lesson."
Seeing her nod, he handed the parchment and quill and opened the book.
"Like any Latin-based language, the place to start is the verb to be, that is, essere …."
Meanwhile, at the Lupin Home, London: 8:15am local time
Harry took a deep breath and rang the doorbell, smoothing his black auror robes. A few moments later, the door opened to reveal an anxious Remus Lupin, dressed in his Ministry Robes. Evidently, he was planning to leave for work straight after the testing. Harry gave him a small smile, unsure of his reception here despite yesterday's words of forgiveness. Hell, Harry wasn't sure he'd ever manage to forgive himself for what he'd done. He had spent most of the night thinking back over the past ten years and he was shocked at his own callousness. How could he have messed up so badly? And with Hermione, of all people?
And then there was Ginny. The woman he had thought himself in love with. The woman he was certain he would marry. Now, he did not know what to think. Had she really ever cared about him? Was the warm, loving girl he had fallen for nothing more than a construct of his own imagination? Now all he could do was cling to the last threads of hope that she had not gone so far as to potion him, that she had not betrayed him so completely.
He was shaken out of his thoughts by the sound of Remus' voice. "Good morning Harry, why don't you come in?"
Nodding, he followed the sandy-haired man down the hall to the living room, where he sat himself on an armchair, and looked down at the floor.
"Harry, please look at me."
Glancing up, he saw that Remus had a very solemn expression on his face. The werewolf took a deep breath before speaking again.
"Harry, I know you are feeling overwhelmed with everything that you have been told in the past twenty-four hours, and that you are dealing with issues of guilt and responsibility. However, I want you to understand that, whatever has happened, you are still a part of our family and you are always welcome here. Do you understand?"
Harry nodded, green eyes filling with tears for what seemed like the hundredth time in twenty-four hours. "Thanks Moony," he said quietly. "It means a lot to me."
Remus smiled gently at him, before leaning down and hugging the younger man.
"We all make mistakes, cub. We are proud that you are learning from your mistakes."
A loud commotion in the kitchen caused Remus to jolt upright, before grinning at Harry. Not two minutes later, a string of curses preceded a pink haired auror into the room.
"Bloody furniture. Remus, how am I supposed to avoid tripping over everything if you keep moving it around all the time?" Then, seeing Harry, she grinned. "Wotcher Harry! You look like crap."
Harry winced at her bluntness. "Hi Tonks, thanks for the compliment."
"What? I tell it like it is! And I'm telling you Harry, you look bloody awful. Didn't you sleep at all last night?"
Shaking his head, Harry flopped back onto his chair. "Nah, was a bit difficult to switch my mind off, what with everything…"
An awkward silence filled the room until Remus cleared his throat and offered Harry a cup of coffee, which Harry declined. He was far too nervous to worry about food and drink now- he wanted to get the testing over and done with. He needed to know, once and for all, just what the bloody hell was going on.
It seemed as though he would not have to wait very long, however, as the doorbell rang and Tonks ushered her mother into the room a moment later, then went to check on Teddy. Remus and Harry greeted the middle aged Healer, then sat back and waited. Harry was aware in some part of his mind that he was grateful to Tonks for giving him some privacy for the testing.
Andromeda did not mince words. "I assume you know why you are here, Mister Potter?"
He nodded.
"Very well. As we all seem to have work this morning, I think it best that we get right down to the matter at hand. With your permission, I will cast several diagnostic spells over you to determine whether there is anything which does not belong in your system."
At his nod, the Healer began to wave her wand over him in a set of complex motions, muttering incantations as his body tingled with magic. A few minutes later, she ceased her movements and stood, frowning in anger at what she saw, causing Harry's heart to sink. She's found something, he thought, letting go of the last hope he had that Ginny had not stooped to this level of deceit. And Ron, he thought painfully. Was Ron aware of whatever it was Ginny had done to him?
"What-" Harry swallowed and tried again. "What did you find, Mrs Tonks?"
The black-haired woman frowned even more severely at his question. "I've found a number of things, Mister Potter- three potion residues which I recognise, and one I am unfamiliar with."
Remus crossed the room and sat on the arm of Harry's chair, putting his hand firmly on Harry's shoulder. Harry was very glad of the support.
"Why don't we start with the three you recognise, Andromeda?" the werewolf suggested calmly.
Harry nodded, unable to speak so much as a word.
Smoothing her blue Healer robes, the middle-aged woman also nodded, hiding her anger behind professional efficiency. "Very well. The first is a notice potion, geared to attract the subject's attention to the brewer. I estimate it was administered regularly for a period of at least four years, and in increasing doses. The amount of residue in your system is alarmingly high. The second potion is a jealousy potion, also geared towards the brewer, which I estimate was administered to you for a period of six to nine months in high concentrations. The last is a loyalty potion, which makes the subject experience feelings of immense loyalty to the brewer. The amount of residue for this potion was also alarmingly high- I suspect that you were fed this potion regularly for a minimum of two years."
Harry sat stock still, unable to believe what he had heard. Ginny…Ginny had done all of that to him? Why? Did she truly love him so much that she stooped to this to capture his attention? But then, Harry thought miserably, if she truly loved me she NEVER WOULD have done this. This is not love- this is obsession. Just the actions of another fan of the Boy Who Lived.
He felt sick. He thought he had found a girl who would love him as he was, someone who knew Harry Potter and not the boy who lived. He thought that Ginny, having grown up with him to a certain extent, could see past the myth to the man behind. It seemed he was wrong and was now faced with the bitter truth of Ginny's actions. He had been nothing but a prize to her; a prize she was willing to go to any lengths to obtain. It also turned out that he did not know Ginny Weasley at all; the girl he loved could never have done this.
He managed to pay attention when Andromeda began speaking again and granted her permission to obtain a blood sample to identify the unknown potion. Vial in hand, she quickly did so.
Minutes later, he had his answer; a grim-faced Andromeda informed him that he had been dosed with a docilem potion.
"As you have probably deduced from the name, its purpose is to render the subject docile to the brewer. It is not the same as a compulsion- it does not force. Rather, it affects the behaviour more subtly- for example, you are likely to ignore things that could lead to an argument, however serious; you are likely to indulge the brewer's whims, and so forth. The effects can be overcome, of course, but it ordinarily takes either a tremendous amount of will-power and a knowledge that one has been potioned, or a tremendous shock to overcome the effects. Judging from the residue in your system, I should say that you have been fed this potion for at least two years, in high doses."
Sighing, the Healer continued. "Whilst none of these potions are lethal, they are illegal unless you have provided your express consent for their use. You have been very lucky, Mr Potter- the use of one mind-altering potion can often have unforeseen effects on a person's mind. The use of four together, well I shudder to think of what could easily have happened to your mind. You are also fortunate that the potions did not poison you. That being said, I believe that it would do you good to consult a mind Healer for a time, as it will likely take considerable effort to work through the effects of the potions."
Harry sat unmoving in his chair. He was vaguely aware of Andromeda informing Remus that she would have the written reports ready by tomorrow, and of her taking her leave. He was also aware of Remus escorting his mother-in-law out, and his return to the living room. Yes, he was aware of his surroundings. But for the life of him, he didn't think he would be able to move- he was utterly shocked at what he had heard.
His mind was a swirling mess of confusion. He was uncertain as to which of his behaviours could be attributed to the various potions, and what he had done himself. What about his feelings? Were any of them his? Or was it all him? He had no clue what was what. Only one thought was clear in his mind at this point: What the bloody hell am I supposed to do now?