Disclaimer: Not mine

Weight of the World

Chapter 51

As Sirius and Hermione walked silently to the Gryffindor Common Room, hands intertwined tightly, Sirius' thoughts were in a slight frenzy. He hated that she was a target that is he wasn't careful, she could be taken from him, ripped away and he really didn't know how to cope with that – the thought was enough to send his heart beating wildly like a jackhammer and his stomach coil in fear – the real thing might just about kill him. He'd nearly lost Hermione three times already and the most recent still had him gasping for breath…But the fact that she could have died wasn't what did it.

"I forgot you," he mumbled quietly, his grip on her hand tightening and she looked up at him quizzically.

"I'm sorry, did you say something?" Her voice trigged it – the words spilled from his lips before he even had a chance to think about it and he couldn't stop.

"I forgot you, Hermione. I didn't know who you were, I just looked straight through you and that hurt. Hermione, we can't keep doing this – you almost dying was painful, but at least I remembered you. But never knowing you? Hermione, I don't know how to cope with that!" He became aware that they'd stopped walking and Hermione was looking at him with surprise and sadness in her fawn brown eyes.

"You – " she faltered and took a deep breath before carrying on, "you looked at me like I was a stranger." Sirius exhaled loudly and brought his hand up to cup her cheek, lifting her head so that she was looking directly into his eyes.

"You were. I didn't…for those few moments, Hermione, I didn't love you." He hated saying it, the words that he had said almost ripped his own heart and Hermione's mouth dropped open, horror now reflecting in those eyes. "But you see, that's the thing – I do love you, so much and I know that you could die but at least…At least I'd remember you. Not remembering you? Never knowing you? That hurts a million times more that loosing you." He could honestly say that all his life he had never been so truthful with a girl. He and Olivia had had their moments, but this – what he shared with Hermione was enough to spill his heart and soul to her because, in effect, they were hers. She had him wrapped around her little finger. Jump, she could say. How high? He would ask.

"Sirius –"

"You life is dangerous. I get that. You're on Voldemort's hit list, you're a Muggle-Born, you know that end of possibly every person in existence…But I have to say it. Hermione, please be safe. I can't forget you again."

"Maybe it would better if you did." Hermione said quietly, a tear rolling down her face and Sirius knew how hard this was for her to talk about this.

"Better? Hermione, how in Earth could this be better?"

"I just…Wouldn't you rather forget someone then have them die?" She asked and Sirius closed his eyes, bringing her head foreword, his lips resting between her eyes.

"No." He said honestly. If he forgot Hermione he would loose a half of himself and walk around for the rest of his life with an ache inside of him, always trying to fill it but he knew he would never succeed. "If you die I'll still have your memories."

"That will hold you back from a real life," she cut in, reaching her hands up to cradle the side of his face.

"No, Hermione. Loosing you that would destroy me, but I'd get back up again. For you."

Hermione's smile at that moment was so heart-warming, directed only at him and he couldn't resist the temptation, lowering his head so his lips met hers, lips he wanted to kiss his whole entire life. Because she was a part of him and nothing could tear that away.


"Go, Go Gryffindor! Go, Go Gryffindor! Go, Go Gryffindor!" The chant was steadily filling up the Common Room as James was lifted up onto Sirius and Remus' shoulders, holding the Quidditch cup high above his head. The Gryffindor team had slaughtered Ravenclaw at 250 to 20 before Megara spotted the Snitch and the game ended on a high note for the Lions.

Hermione was perched on the couch, a bottle of Butterbeer held loosely in her hand as he eyes scanned the red circular room watching the festivities. Red and gold confetti fell magically from the ceiling continuously, covering every available surface it could and she was sure that a lot of it was tangled in her bushy brown hair. She watched as James hollered in happiness, bouncing slightly in Sirius and Remus' hold and Sirius wolf-whistled as Remus sent a high-five to Peter, who held his own butterbeer. Megara and Rayne were giggling and talking amongst themselves in the corner and Lily was cheering for her boyfriend, jumping up and down slightly as James' hand found hers, clasping it as he slid from his make-shift seat, picking her up and spinning her around, joy written across his face; Kara was sat on Summer's lap on the armchair beside the couch, Autumn perched on the arm looking proud to be a Gryffindor as Thoma danced to herself in the middle of the room, singing along to the loud music playing from the speakers.

It was strange, Hermione thought as she raised the bottle of butterbeer to her lips that they could be here, happy while outside the stone walls and safety of Hogwarts perimeters Voldemort was plotting and planning the countless deaths of thousands.

"Hey, babe." Sirius said as he dropped down beside her, his hand on her knee and a huge smile on his face, Gryffindor pride seemingly seeping from every pore.

"Babe?" She asked, a teasing smile on her lips, "that's a new one."

"I've probably used it before."

"You always call me pet names." She summarized and Sirius' eyes practically lit up.

"Of course I do. Shows others that you're mine, sweetheart." His hand slid up her leg, over her thigh and onto her hip. "I don't like other men touching what's mine." He slid up the sofa and his lips dropped to just behind her ear, softly caressing the skin. "And you are most definitely mine." Hermione let out a very un-Hermione giggle as Sirius took the Butterbeer from her hands and dropped it on the table, ignoring when it tilted and spilt all over the scarlet carpet underneath and honestly, Hermione didn't care either. She was a bit distracted by Sirius' hands, moving around her waist and he shifted so his weight was over her, his mouth lapping at her throat and one hand raking through her curls as Hermione sighed and placed her hands on his pectoral muscles, feeling a strange sort of satisfaction when the muscles hardened under her touch.

"Okay, everybody stop! Including you Sirius or I will cover you in a bucket of cold water." James threatened, though it was barely audible through the cheers and music and pouncing of feet. Sirius groaned against her skin and let his head drop, so his mouth hovered over her shoulder.

"I am going to kill him," Hermione heard faintly and smiled when he pressed a quick kiss to her shoulder before sitting her up, dragging her to sit against him, his arm resting happily across her shoulders.

"Thankyou. Okay, everybody, be quiet." Not many people paid heed and Sirius rolled his eyes before leaping onto the coffee table and pointed his wand at his throat and his voice boomed throughout the room, echoing back:

"EVERYONE SHUT UP!" Everyone stared wide-eyed at Sirius who shoved his hands in his pocket, shrugging at them all and smiling sheepishly at James, who looked amused at his best friend's antics.

"Okay then. Well, I have an announcement." The attention was shifted to James who looked so at ease standing in front of the Gryffindor's, still wearing his mud splattered Quidditch robes. "First I would like to say this was entirely a team effort – This cup goes to everyone who played today and I shouldn't be the only one holding it." He lifted the cup up, gleaming in the candle light before handing it down to Autumn, who was the keeper on the team. "Phillips – you're the new Gryffindor captain." She stared at James momentarily before squealing in happiness, jumping up and down on the spot as she held the cup gallantly above her head. Hermione smiled for the girl, having got to know her a bit more through Kara.

"Also…Well…I was actually going to wait until Graduation day to do this, but I don't think I can." James said sincerely, turning to look at Lily stood beside him, who was looking at him, waiting for him to continue. "Lily Evans. I just…Wow, I can't believe I'm doing this in front of all those people risking total humiliation but…You are the most amazing girl I've ever met and no-one has made me feel like you do. You're the one." James took a deep breath and kneeled down on one knee before Lily whose eyes were slightly watery and she had a hand clasped over her mouth. Nervous anticipation pulsed around everybody as they waited, staring intently at the couple and beside her, Sirius let out a "Whoop!" punching the air with his fist.

"Lily…Will you marry me?" Even Hermione felt nervous for the messy haired boy even though she knew that Lily would say yes.

The girl in question was staring at the ring that Hermione could see wasn't a tradition diamond but instead, a Ruby sat on the white gold band, which Hermione knew to be Lily's favourite gemstone.

"Yes." The word was barely whispered but everybody heard it and everyone, in synch, let out an almighty cheer. Absolute relief seemed to sweep through everybody and the music started up again, drinks were passed around and James and Lily were kissing in the background like their lives depended on it, the Ruby glinting on Lily's left ring finger.


N.E.W.T's passed fairly quickly for Hermione and she found that, as long as she focused on these and these alone then the impending threat from Voldemort seemed to fade to the recesses of her mind, ready for her to deal with later.

On Monday they had their first exam, Charms with Flitwick. They had to charm little toys to come to life and place protective charms on a toy castle so that the army men couldn't get in – the only one exempt from this exam was Carrie Green, who had a huge fear of toys coming to life and instead, she performed a different charm, though what it was, Hermione wasn't sure. That afternoon, they had potions and Hermione made her Shizzani potion in record time and Slughorn nodded approvingly at the golden liquid.

On Tuesday they had their D.A.D.A exam and they had to beat Quinton in a duel. The whole class was present and everybody managed to cause some harm to Quinton, although the only ones who actually won against the teacher was Hermione, James, Sirius, Lily, Megara and Severus, who wiped the floor with Quinton within a fair few seconds.

Wednesday was Transfiguration and they had to do something to impress McGonagall. There was no rules set, no instructions to follow and Hermione found it harder then her other exams were she had been told exactly what to do. She ended up turning every desk in they room into a different farmyard animal and McGonagall blinked in surprise when her desk turned into a donkey, chewing lazily on a bale of hay. Wednesday afternoon was Arithmancy and all she had to do was figure out the extremely complicated sum on the board and explain, in great detail, how she had come to her answer (9'860).

Thursday morning, Hermione was the only one with a exam and she trudged up to the Ancient Runes classroom, Sirius' shout of encouragement echoing throughout the corridor behind her. Because of exams, they hadn't spent that much time together this past week and Hermione was staring to miss him. Thursday evening was Astronomy and they had to plan out on a map the entire exterior of Jupiter's orbit.

Friday was the last day of exams and Hermione could have fainted in relief – only to exams left for her. Rayne was revising for her Muggle Studies exam and kept pestering Lily and Hermione with answers.

"What's the thing that goes "Berring! Berring!" Lily laughed at Rayne's very accurate impression of a telephone and James told her what it was. "Ahh…What's the man called like a healer that fixes you when you're hurt?"

Hermione smiled at Rayne and looked up at the Teachers Table, slightly surprised to see Dumbledore looking at her, eyes twinkling madly.

"Hermione, come on love. Herbology awaits us." In Herbology they had Mandrakes before them and Hermione knew exactly what she was doing – she had done this in second year. Divination was the last practical exam and the only written exam they had (History of Magic) wasn't until Monday. Hermione climbed up the ladder pushing the trapdoor above her head open and crawled in, smiling at Professor Daniels whose pure white hair was pinned behind her ears.

"Good afternoon, Hermione. This exam is very easy. Look at the map of the planets and tell me my future. Remember, I am a Leo." Hermione glanced at the map above the desk and pretended to peer curiously at it.

"Well, the position of Mars tells me that you, as a Leo of course will soon come into a great position in your life, but the moon's orbit also says that you will loose what you have worked hard to gain." She didn't like the subject, but she was still going to revise for it. Professor Daniel's smiled brightly and stood, extending a hand for Hermione to take.

"Wait…That's it?" Hermione asked as the witch shook her hand and led her gently to the trapdoor.

"Indeed, Miss Kingsley. That the ex—" she stopped mid word and when Hermione looked up at her, she was shaking and her eyes were pure white.

"Professor Daniels?"

"The time has changed…Shifting…" She was talking like a 60-a-day smoker, her voice harsh and raspy. "No longer will they come to harm…Prophecy has changed…The boy who lived…Never comes close to death…" Her body seemed to jolt and she coughed loudly, almost hacking, her hand coming up to her throat, rubbing soothingly. "What are you still doing here, Miss Kingsley? That's the exam done. Off you go."

Hermione didn't need telling twice and she practically flew down the stairs, almost crashing into Severus before running full speed down the corridor, passing Lily and James who were leaning against the wall and she ignored Lily's call. She threw herself into Quinton's classroom.

"You know, Hermione, knocking is also a useful method as well."

"I think I've done it." She gasped, holding her hand over her heart which was beating furiously in her chest, "I think I've saved James and Lily."

She didn't know how, she didn't know why, but she had and she couldn't be happier – Harry would never have the lightning bolt shaped scar on his forehead; he must have been who Professor Daniels meant by the "boy who lived" there couldn't be anyone else.

Of course, she understood that they weren't completely out of the woods yet and James and Lily could die at some point, but the knowledge that Harry would be spared the horror of Voldemort wanting him dead was enough for her to feel relief course through her veins.

On Monday, they had their History of Magic exam and afterwards, James burst through the door arms wide open and eyes closed, breathing in deeply. "Ahh…FREEDOM!"

"Until you have your Auror exam in a few months." Rayne said, grinning at the six foot boy.

"You always ruin it, don't you?" James asked, practically deflating before throwing his arm around Rayne's shoulder. "So…What am I doing at your wedding?"

"You're gonna sit there, making no noise and not ruining the wedding." Rayne said sternly, poking him hard in the chest. Sirius rolled his eyes at the pair and glanced at Hermione, who looked distracted.

"I don't have a part?" James asked, outraged.

"I could un-invite you!" Rayne threatened and the two continued to bicker as they walked ahead, leaving Sirius and Hermione to lag behind.

"You okay?" Sirius asked, interlacing their fingers and Hermione smiled up at him.

"Yeah. I actually am." Hermione looked away for a second and let out a sigh, "Regulus is coming."

Sirius looked up at his little brother, who was walking somewhat angrily towards them.

"I know where it is." Was all he said and Sirius and Hermione knew that they couldn't rest yet – they needed to meet Regulus in the kitchens to sort out a plan that night.


"Where is it?" Sirius asked, dropping opposite his brother and raising his eyebrows expectantly.

"A cave somewhere – Voldemort believes he has the perfect place and he's more or less right – it's unplottable, you can't apparate in our out, the Horcrux is protected by an evil potion that makes you live your worst memories and Inferi surround the lake. This would be difficult, but we have something that Voldemort doesn't." Regulus said in a matter of face way, almost as if discussing the weather, leaning back in his chair, linking his hands behind his head.

"And what's that?" Sirius asked, laying his arm flat on the table, leaning forewords.

Regulus smirked and clicked his fingers, a loud cracking noise followed and Sirius breathed out harshly at the smaller then human finger, with a bulbous nose, bloodshot eyes and many folds of skin.

Kreacher.

Sirius couldn't help the bark of laughter escaping his lips as he gazed at his family's house-elf, but instantly felt guilty as he remembered that Kreacher was the one to take him to Hermione when she'd been tortured. And he saw that Kreacher looked awful – his skin was paler then normal, he was more hunched over and he seemed to be gasping for breath.

"What's wrong with him?" Hermione asked from beside him and he saw Regulus shoot the House-elf a look of sadness. Sirius himself had never cared for the creature, but he owed him a lot.

"He didn't take me to the cave. He took Kreacher. Left him there, but I ordered him to come back, so he apparated out. House-Elf's magic is—"

"Different to ours. He can get us in!" Hermione said joyously and Regulus nodded.

"It should be relatively easy, the only problem really is drinking the potion – no way is Kreacher going through it again so…I'll do it."

"Don't be a hero, Regulus." Sirius said instantly, not happy with the image of Regulus relieving his worst memories.

"I'm not! But…Well, I think Hermione should stay here."

"Agreed!"

"No!" Hermione cut in, glaring at the Black brothers who were for once united by their common ground to keep Hermione safe – he wasn't a fool, he knew that Regulus cared for his Muggle-born girlfriend.

"Hermione," Sirius said gently, turning in his seat to face her, slightly afraid for his life. "Listen, you're not supposed to leave the castle, look at what happened last time."

"You're joking right? Sirius, I came here to do this –"

"And now I'm here to keep you safe. Hermione, please, just this once, let me and Regulus go." Hermione switched her gaze between the brothers, looking indecisive before she sighed and nodded once, causing Sirius to punch the air in victory.

"I won one! I won one!"

Regulus shook his head while Hermione smiled in amusement at him. "Okay, now that that's over…How are you going to get this Horcrux then?"

"Well, it's relatively simple, Kingsley. Kreacher will apparate me and Sirius into the cave, I'll drink the potion –" Sirius made a noise of frustration but it was ignored by both, "grab the Horcrux and put a fake on in there instead, so that Voldemort won't know that it's me that's helping you. We'll do it the day after graduation." Regulus told her, and Sirius wondered how Regulus had time to do all of these plans as well as score high marks on his end of year tests.

"…It can't be that simple." Hermione said, frowning.

"That's just it though – with Kreacher by our side, it is."


Hermione was in the Common Room, thinking about Regulus' plan – she hated that she wasn't going, she wasn't helping and she hated that. She stared at the fire as if it held all the answers and felt her eyelids grow heavy – Sirius rubbed her belly and sat up from where he lay behind her, yawning deeply.

"Don't think too much, sweetheart, you'll give yourself a migraine." His fingers fluttered over her temple before he leant over and kissed her neck lightly, causing her to shiver.

"I can't help it Sirius – you're basically walking into the unknown and anything could happen." She'd heard the story from Harry, how Harry had gone for some water and the Inferi attacked, dragging him under into the depths of the blackened lake. "You can't touch the water – promise me," she said somewhat desperately, turning over in his grasp to look into his eyes, trying to convey her emotions. Sirius cupped her face in his palm and nodded once, his hair falling effortlessly into his eyes.

"I love you, Hermione." He softly kissed her, tracing her lips with his tongue. "So much."

A/N: I'm back! I hope this chapter is to your liking – I know it's a bit jumbled, but that's because it's leading onto the other chapter and you need all this or it just wont make sense. Credit to xCHARLIExPEACHx I hope you like it.

Okay, reason for my absence of updating: College. A perfectly good excuse I'd wager – I think it should be illegal to give out Essay's during the first two weeks, but now I have a system – get in, write my evil, infuriating essays and write for a bit, till my mind turns to mush and I go to bed.

Thanks for the patience and I apologize – I have no Essay's this weekend, so I should get a lot done.

Love you all! (In a non-creepy, not-at-all stalker way, of course)

Kelly

Xxx

Oh, yeah – Reviewers for the last chapter – I wish I could reply properly, but my E-mails won't let me at all. I really am sorry and I hate not replying, but it wont let me. So sorry!