Hey! Almost Christmas!=) Thanks for all the reviews! I hope you enjoy this chapter!=)
Harry Potter not mine!
Chapter Twenty Alone
Sirius awoke early the next morning and he wondered why he was feeling slightly nervous and apprehensive. Then he remembered.
Today I'm officially being reintroduced to the Wizarding World. As if that wasn't bad enough my dear cousin Draco has gone and organized a welcome back party for me!
Sirius moaned as he got out of his bed and grabbed his borrowed robes and made his way to the bathroom. Just as he was going to open the door Hermione stepped out in nothing but a small towel wrapped tightly around her wet body and walked directly into him. Hermione looked up when she heard Sirius' sharp intake of breath and her eyes widened in fear and shock.
Sirius watched in amusement as Hermione began to blush. Hermione averted her eyes as she realised their close proximity. Hermione grabbed her towel closer to ensure that it didn't slip as she saw the amusement in Sirius' deep grey eyes. Hermione cleared her throat and took a step back.
"Sorry about that."
"No problem. This is certainly something I could get use to seeing every morning." Sirius said teasing the young witch as he watched in amusement, as she blushed even more.
"Well don't get your hopes up. My bathroom doesn't have a bath, only a shower. I decided that I would need to relax before we go and face the wild pack of animals I believe they call reporters."
Sirius laughed at the young witch's quick wit. He stepped out of the way to allow her to pass and proceeded into the bathroom.
Hermione quickly went into the safety of her bedroom and let out a sigh of relief.
Why does he affect me this way? At least he didn't mention the kiss, he's probably to preoccupied with today's events to even think about it.
Hermione walked over to her closet and pulled out a black pencil skirt and a blue blouse. As she was applying her make-up a thought struck her.
What if Sirius didn't mention the kiss because he's ashamed that it happened? Or disgusted even? I knew it! I knew he regretted it!
Hermione had convinced herself that Sirius was disgusted about their encounter and so she left her room in a more subdued manner. As she entered the kitchen she saw Ted eating a bowl of cereal.
"How did you get that young man?" Hermione asked her son.
Ted looked up at his mommy and smiled brightly at her.
"Morning mommy! You look really really beautiful. Sirius got it for me!" Hermione was about to reply when another person joined them in the kitchen.
"I must agree little Moony. Your mother looks absolutely stunning!" Sirius smirked at Hermione and gave her his famous wink. Hermione felt her cheeks redden and all doubts she had earlier suddenly disappeared to be replaced by hope.
"Thank you Sirius. Do you want toast and eggs for breakfast?"
Sirius nodded as he watched the blushing witch make the breakfast. Just as he was about to ask what she was going to do with Ted the floo network was activated and Astoria Greengrass appeared. She walked into the kitchen and smiled at the family like scene in front of her.
"Good morning all!"
"Aunt Astoria!" Ted called as he jumped off his seat and ran to the petite witch.
"Hey there Teddy bear!" Astoria kneeled down to Ted's height as she hugged him.
"Are you watching me today while mommy and Sirius go and get their pictures taking?"
Astoria smiled at the young child's innocence.
"Yes. Guess what? Great Aunt Cissy is going to be joining us today! She needs some help with getting ready for the party tonight."
"Party? What party? Is it Great Aunt Cissy's birthday?" Ted looked at Astoria and then to Hermione.
Hermione just smiled and shook her head.
"No sweetie, it's a party to welcome back Sirius."
Ted looked over to Sirius and smiled.
"Oh, that's good. I don't like it when it's Great Aunt Cissy's birthday. She's always grumpy and cries. Sirius can I come to your party? I promise that I'll be good!"
Sirius looked down at the young child, a combination of two people close to his heart that he had lost and just smiled.
"Of course little moony. After the party I'll even tell you a story about your father when he and I were younger."
Ted's young face lit up at this.
"Really? You promise Sirius?"
Sirius laughed at the young boy's eager expression.
"I promise."
Ted smiled and ran and hug Sirius' legs. Sirius blinked and looked down at the young child before he smiled and bent down to hug him back.
Hermione watched the display of affection, smiling wistfully. She didn't notice Astoria watching her. Astoria recognised the soft and caring look in Hermione's eyes and she was shocked to see it directed to Sirius. Astoria smiled at this. Perhaps Hermione can find happiness at last, Astoria thought.
"Ted sweetie, you have to go or Sirius and I will be late."
Ted looked up at Hermione and smiled.
"Ok mommy. Will you and Sirius pick me up?"
Hermione looked at Sirius who immediately answered.
"Of course Ted."
Ted smiled and hugged Sirius again before running over to Hermione, who picked him up and kissed him on the forehead.
"Be a good boy, ok? I love you so much my little angel."
"I love you to mommy! So much!"
Hermione smiled and walked Ted and Astoria to the fireplace.
"So you'll come over to the manor in about two hours or so?"
"Hopefully!"
Astoria laughed and soon she and Ted were gone from the apartment. Hermione turned around to see Sirius starring into space, ringing his hands together nervously. Hermione frowned slightly and walked over to the older wizard. She touched his moving hand gently.
"Sirius?"
Sirius turned to look into her warm brown eyes.
"Are you ok?"
Sirius smiled slightly as he gently took Hermione's hand in his.
"Just nervous. There's no going back after today. I feel like I've lived most of my life in a bubble and now it's about to pop."
"Yes, but that means at last you'll have something that you've wanted for years. Your freedom." Hermione smiled and gently squeezed his hand before letting go.
"I'm afraid we have to go or we will be late. Kingsley is going to meet us in his office ok?" Hermione asked Sirius who still looked nervous.
"Hey. Everything is going to be fine. I'm going to be right beside you the whole time." Hermione smiled reassuringly at Sirius who smiled back.
"Well we better hurry, can't keep the public waiting."
Hermione nodded as she saw the confidant and somewhat arrogant wizard return. They stepped towards the fireplace and Hermione went first. As Sirius appeared in Kingsley's office he saw Hermione talking to Kingsley and some man that he did not recognised.
Hermione was talking quickly and her hands were flying all around her. The man was older than himself, even at the age he would be at. He was short and reminded him of Peter. Sirius didn't like the look in his eyes when he looked at Hermione.
Sirius walked over to the trio and stood next to Hermione.
"Mr. Allan, you know that I can't do that presentation today. I'm here for the press release."
Sirius recognised the name and realised that this man was Hermione's boss.
"Now, now Miss. Granger. Surely you like having a job."
"Are you threatening my position? I'm your bloody secretary, I'm not suppose to give the presentations! You are! I'm here today for a friend, not to help you only for you to take all the credit!"
Sirius was shocked, especially as Kingsley didn't even blink. It was as if Kingsley knew about this man taking Hermione's ideas and claming them to be his own.
"Miss. Granger, you and I both know why you're stuck as a secretary. Now do as I, your boss, tells you or you can clear out your desk!" Mr. Allan said coldly.
Hermione looked at Kingsley desperately.
"Kingsley…Sirius…I need to be there for him…. I…."
"Come now Hermione, Sirius is a big boy. He doesn't need you there holding his hand." Kingsley turned to Mr. Allan and said to him in a very strict voice.
"Hermione is to do the presentation and that is all. She is to be done by the end of the press release at the latest. I don't want any incidents, do I make myself clear?" Sirius noticed that Hermione had stiffened at this and that Mr. Allan was looking at Kingsley coldly.
"Of course sir. As I had explained before, that was a misunderstanding."
Kingsley just nodded his head and then turned to Sirius.
"So, you ready?"
"No."
"Good. Follow me. Hermione, the presentation is on the third floor. Room five."
Hermione just nodded her head. Before leaving the room she turned to Sirius and hugged him.
"You'll do fine! Just relax and be yourself." Hermione whispered in his ear. She kissed him on the cheek softly before leaving the office. Sirius stood in shock.
Kingsley cleared his throat before nodding towards another door that had suddenly appeared.
"This will lead directly to the press room. Everyone is waiting. I have already told them a general idea of why they are here. I thought it best if you now go out by yourself first. You ready?"
Sirius starred at the door. He closed his eyes and took a deep calming breath.
By myself. Alone. Now and forever!No!
Another voice had softly cut any doubts Sirius had. He recognised it as Hermione's soft voice. In Sirius' mind he saw James and Lily, Remus and Tonks, Draco and Astoria and Hermione and Ted.
I'm not alone. Never was, never will be!
With that thought Sirius smiled and opened his eyes to find Kingsley and Mr. Allan starring curiously at him.
"I'm ready."