Remus was sleeping on Sirius' right; he was envious of him in that moment. Yep Hermione was a one of a kind and one of his best mates took her.
Hello everyone,
I found it really hard to write this chapter and I don't know why. But no matter now because here it is and I hope you enjoy. I own none of the characters associated with Harry Potter evn though I really wish I did.
Enjoy and Allons-y
The word bad did not seem to be adequate to describe Hermione's night sleep. After her exchange with Sirius, something just felt amiss. He was unexpectedly kind not that he was typically cruel because he was not like that, god she hated this feeling. It was as if she were upside down trying to figure out which way was down. The sleep she had managed to procure was restless and hollow rather than the deep and fulfilled that she so desperately wanted. When she finally gave in to the thought of getting out of bed the sun was barely visible over the her feet hit the cold stone floors she looked over to see Equuleus exactly where she had left her sleeping on the table beside her bed. She really did love her, in fact it was probably her favorite gift not that she would ever say it out loud to another person especially Remus. As silently, as she could Hermione moved through her morning routine, before taking her newest book and slipping away from the room leaving the sleeping girls behind. The common room was thankfully empty as Hermione made her way to the ever-inviting three-seater couch. Laying down and opening her book, Hermione heard the spine crack it was truly one of the most satisfying sounds. With a new book, it promised a new adventure or knowledge. That was one of the reasons why she loved the hobby so much. However, it appeared that Hermione was never going to get around to reading this book because her silence was interrupted by some very familiar voices.
'Like I was saying Peter it is the same as always meet after curfew and go down to the willow together' James voice sounded annoyed she could only imagine the look on his face as well.
'Sorry for asking Prongs, I just wanted to be on the same page as you guys' her skin crawled hearing his act of innocents when she knew what kind of man he was.
'Everyone shut up we are not alone, it is impolite to listen in you know Hermione' Remus'voice cut through her like an ice-cold blade. She should have known it was too good to last given the full moon was tonight; his senses would be going wild. She had no choice now closing her book hermione moved into a kneeling position facing the boys.
'I will have it know I was simply laying her with my book when you four barreled in, and for your information if you let me in to your secret club maybe I would not need to listen in'. James' face was as pale as a ghost, Hermione wondered if he was going to get thumped later for what he had said.
'Oh Moine you would never survive incitation' Sirius' tone was different to his regular flirtation; it was as though it was more reserved then normal. They were obviously on edge about what Hermione had overheard, they should know by now she will not say anything for goodness sakes. In an attempt to lighten the mood a little bit Hermione put on her best flirtatious wit and she let the boys have it.
'Can't be that bad I imagine maybe some light spanking with a wooden paddle maybe a whip' for added affect Hermione winked at Remus and a light pink blush rolled across his cheeks. Whatever tension had been building between James, Peter and Sirius dissipated with a chorus of heart filling laughter, however the way Remus looked at Hermione made heat pool in her stomach there was something deeper in his look, like he was fighting control. Hermione wished she could know what was floating through his head at that moment. Their gazes were broken when James made his own carefree joke.
'Never pegged you for a kinky one Hermione' each of them laughed as Sirius added his own flare to the joke
'I did, ouch Moony that hurt' Remus punched Sirius in the arm as he passed his friends. He came and stood next to Hermione whom had joined in the laughter not taking it all too seriously. She had learnt better by now.
'That's enough about my girlfriend thank you very much' as soon as the words left his lips Hermione stopped laughing and noticed his proximity to her when his hand brushed across hers. She wondered if he had meant to say it or if it had just slipped out
'Did you just call me your girlfriend' she asked him inquisitively, hoping not to discourage him if he had intentionally said it.
'I um…ah I guess I did i-is that ok with you' in all honesty Hermione had not thought about it that much. She like him a lot he was kind, smart and handsome not to mention she did like the occasional snog. She was there for a reason and getting involved with one of the Marauders was not on her schedule, but she could not find it in her heart to say no to him. His green eyes searched hers for an answer
'no I don't mind one little bit' before another word could be spoken his lips were on hers. it was spontaneous, passionate and intoxicating. He pulled her over the back of the couch as though she was as light as a feather, pulling her into him his hands held her tight and close. Her hands tangled in his shaggy hair, Hermione could feel herself slipping away into ecstasy. He moaned against her lips as she pulled his hair ever so slightly. Hermione wanted… no she needed to be closer to him, the height difference was becoming an issue, as her knees were about to give way. Remus must have known this because he picked her up it was not until her legs wrapped around his waist that a voice cleared from beside them.
'If you two need a room I happen to know that ours is free' Sirius's voice cut through the heated tension that had developed between Hermione and Remus. It then became painfully obvious that she was still in his arms, her breath still returning to its regular rhythm. They had just gotten too hot and heavy in front of his best friends. The looks on each of their faces said enough Peter could not look at them, James was blushing and Sirius looked irritated. Finally, he put her down and they took a large step away from each other. She was internally bashing herself for letting it go that far how could she have done that, she was logical and practiced self-control on a regular basis. After what felt like a lifetime Remus finally spoke
'Well…I better be going…I…Uh was supposed to be leaving about thirty minutes ago. I will see you all Monday; I especially can't wait to see you again' passing Hermione he kissed her on the cheek, stopping only briefly when James and Peter called after him to wait. Still embarrassed Hermione and Sirius were the only ones left standing in the common room. She could tell he was genuinely thinking about what to say to her. When his steely grey eyes met hers, but there was something just below the surface. She could not quite put her finger on it but at a guess, Hermione thought it looked like jealousy, though she quickly dismissed it. It was another moment before he spoke to her
'Tell me if I had not interrupted how far would you have gone with Moony' was he seriously asking if she would have gone on to shag him, or is he just genuinely curious. Hermione could never truly tell when it came to Sirius his cool exterior was never easy to read. Part of Hermione wondered if he was asking for another reason that she was not privy to yet. However, in her friendship with Sirius she had learnt that when in doubt always opt for wit. With a sly smile and a bitten lip Hermione answered him
'I guess neither of us will ever know, but next time don't interrupt' leaning over the couch Hermione picked up her book and left Sirius standing there with a bemused look on his face. She wondered about him sometimes, Hermione knew about his timeline and what was about to happen. Standing outside of the portrait hole Hermione thought about the day she met him and smiled. She was glad to have known him in her time, but he could not hold a candle to this Sirius.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
Sirius sat on the cold stone step of the stairs that led to the boy's dorms. An unfamiliar feeling welled in his chest. He was not accustomed to the feeling of jealousy; he had clearly felt it before but never with such intensity especially towards one of his best friends. Hermione however was not an average girl, she came out of nowhere, yet he could not remember a time when he did not feel at ease with her. Except for mere moments ago, watch her with Remus left him feeling petty and envious. The way her body pressed against him made Sirius wish that it had been his body, he truly wondered what her lips tasted like and if she would allow him to go as far if not further. Sirius hated what she was doing to him yet in the same breath, he was hooked because there was no-one quite like Hermione. Watching her lean over the couch the sight of her ass in those jeans was nearly enough to send him around the bend, but nothing could ever happen as long as she and Remus were together and if he were truthful even if they were to ever break up it would be against the bro code. She would be off limits forever and he hated that. A wave of guilt washed over Sirius, not only was he horny for his mates girlfriend but he was jealous of his happiness, yeah what a great friend he is.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
The rest of the day dragged painfully slow as Hermione was a bag of nerves. It was a pivotal night in her plans. If it went sideways she did not have a backup plan, Harry was right that their plans never actually worked out anyway. Therefore, she was just going with plan A because plan B was nonexistent. Lily was the only one who had noticed that something was wrong with Hermione, she was like Ginny like that, always aware and alert Hermione laughed to herself and wondered if it was a ginger thing. Lily had tired discouraging Hermione from going through with her plan but she would waver. Pulling Lily into an abandoned class room for the fear that someone would hear them Hermione showed Lily her animagi form. To say she was shock was a major understatement.
'you just, that is really advanced magic, how when what' it was not an easy thing to make the quick witted and fiery Lily speechless and yet Hermione had done it again.
'how with a lot of intense work, when over summer break and what well if you couldn't tell I shifted into a fox Lily, the boys can do this too, but they don't know that I can that's how I am going to let them in it is the best and only plan I have to get them to listen about Peter and you know why I need them to listen to me about Peter' she was just nodding looking where Hermione had been in her fox form just moments ago.
'do you think maybe you could teach me to do that please I would love to learn and if the smelly boys could do it then I can to pretty, pretty please you will be my best friend forever' Lily was really trying to sell it to Hermione and how could she say no to her when her interest laid in knowledge just like Hermione.
'the physical description of the please is of no interest to me, but if you want to learn I will tell you where to start, it might take a while and most of it you will have to do on your own but I will be there to help you every step of the way' Lily practically squealed, the pitch was so high Hermione was impressed that the windows didn't shatter. Dragging Hermione from the room to the library Lily was overly keen to start her journey into animagus training. They spent hours pouring over all the same books Hermione had over the summer, but with every hour that ticked by Hermione became more and more unsettled. By the time dinner rolled around to say she was frazzled was an understatement. Rather than risk seeing the boys in this state Hermione went to the kitchens and asked for dinner in her dorm please and thank you. When she reached the tower it was thankfully quite she was so close to the stairs of the girls dorm Hermione when a familiar velvety voice rung out
'hey Mione' Sirius and an unknown Ravenclaw girl were coming down from the boys dorm. He had noticeably enjoyed himself this evening and if Hermione was being honest and observant then the girl also looked satisfied.
'I didn't expect you to be here' she was unsure why but this entire encounter was making Hermione feel odd. She didn't like it not one bit. The way his arm was lazily around her shoulders the visible hickey on her neck and the "I just had sex" hair was all a little too much for Hermione.
'where else would I be love' with his nonchalant attitude was really getting to her now and Hermione was not in the mood to be fighting with any one especially Sirius, if she could do it again Hermione would say something kinder and with less sass
'I don't know where you would be maybe looking for some dignity' his face contorted into a defensive anger. Yep Hermione had really screwed the pooch no pun intended.
'that is a bit rich coming from you considering you were practically dry humping Moony in front of me this morning' his words cut through her like a blade. The saddest thing to Hermione was the fact that he was right, rather the cry in front of him and the unknown girl Hermione ran from the common room. He could be an idiot sometimes but she did start it this time so there is no one to blame but herself really. Equuleus neighed and jumped around when Hermione entered the room. She could deny the tiny pony sitting down on her bed she watched Equuleus trot, gallop and show off what she had done during the day. As she watched the petite figurine she wondered about its giver. How could he be so many different people. In their friendship Sirius could be kind, cruel, attentive, generous, selfish, a dick and an angel or the devil. Hermione at that moment was glad she was with the wolf.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
Following the boys down here had been easy enough. They needed to be careful of their noise level not to mention the occasional foot appearance. They however were unaware of her following them. If there was something that Hermione had learnt from her time with Harry and Ron under the cloak was that silence was the key. With feather light foot Hermione had managed to trail the boys from the common room, out the castles door and into the grounds before she broke away in favor of the forests concealment thanks to the disillusionment . The familiar hum of her muscles were an indication that she was about to change, clearing her mind she let her mind drift to the feeling of the forest floor under her paws and the sounds of the various inhabitants. It was truly something she looked forward to. It was quick, she was glad she still had her mind in this form if anything the heightened hearing was a blessing. She was so close to the willow now that she could hear each of the boys. The sounds of Remus crying in pain was enough to break her heart, she had witnessed his transformation before. The way his skin ripped it was enough to make Hermione want to run in there and be with him but it was the time for that at least not this month, she could also hear Sirius telling James about what had happened between Hermione and himself.
'she flipped out about me and what's her face, Cassie' Hermione was not enjoying his tone, she actually felt like hunting him down at that moment she knew exactly where he was in the tunnel she could do it.
'listen Pads maybe you should cut her some slack, Hermione is well possibly the most complex girl other than Evens that I have ever met, and by the way her name was Carrie not Cassie she helped with Peter's transfiguration essay remember' at least James was willing to stand up for Hermione and for that she was grateful. She could only imagine the look on Sirius' face as he replied to his best friend.
'ok enough of this girly shit we should change I can hear Moony and he does not sound too crash hot, I wish they would hurry up with that wolfs bane potion already he really could use some right now'
It was a short time later when the four friend emerged from the willows tunnel. Peter was on James' back and Sirius was on Remus' right as they made a beeline for the safety of the forest. Hermione close behind them was enjoying the run she was trying her hardest to keep up with the boys but her little legs were struggling. It wasn't until the stopped by a small pond in a clearing that she finally caught them. Gathering all her Gryffindor courage Hermione came out of the shadows and sat next to Sirius. they were each looking at her with intrigue, she wished at that moment she could read minds. James was the most adventurous coming right up to Hermione, playfully she ran in figure eights around his legs, to which he pranced like an excited fawn. As soon as the interaction was over the boys relaxed they must have thought she was just a friendly wild fox. The five of them continued to run and play all night long. Hermione could see why the boys did this not only did they help their friend but there was a sense of freedom. As the sky changed color and sun began to peak over the horizon Hermione could hardly believe so much time had gone by. She wished for more, it was such a precious thing that seem to be gone too soon. Remus was the first to return to his own body, it didn't look as painful as changing into the wolf. Other than the occasional crack of his bones and sharp inhales he seemed to be okay and to Hermione that meant a lot. She was glad to see his face again, it was sunken in and there were some fresh scratches on is neck and chin but other than that he was him. The boys quickly followed suit changing into the young men that Hermione knew so well. Leaving only Hermione to change back and she was dreading it to. She knew that this was a pivotal moment in her plans. She just needed to be the courageous Gryffindor she knew she could be. In psyching her up Hermione was strangely surprised when Peter was the only observant one and noticed that the fox Hermione was there.
'Look it's the fox, I wonder what it is still doing here'
'It's a she, what she is doing here, don't look at me like that I know because I read' Remus' tone was harsh though she suspected that he would be like that after all last night was the full moon and Moony would have been in charge in his mind. Hermione found it hard to imagine what that would be like just looking on as something or someone was in charge of her body. Running up to him she rubbed her body against his leg 'this is odd usually foxes stay away from humans, they run from us not to us'
Now or never, and never was not an option. She moved away from them slightly, just to give herself enough space, so if one of them lunges at her she has time to dodge them or hex whichever comes first. Her muscles thrummed once again, and in her mind she saw herself standing in her own two feet. She wished for understanding from the boys when she was in her human form but she had the feeling it was not going to happen. Opening her eyes Hermione looked at the dumbfounded boys and her heart broke. Remus just looked hurt as though she wounded him deeper then she could ever know, Peter looked pale though there was something else that crossed his face it was only for a moment it was gone so fast Hermione didn't catch what it was and then there was James who was holding an extremely angry Sirius back.
'What the literal fuck Hermione how did you find out about us, How could you lie to us when you said you didn't know? Get the hell off of me James, if you ever tell anyone about him I will' Hermione was not going to have him act all high and mighty. Who the hell did he think he was talking to her like she was an animal.
'You would what Sirius, curse or hex me, grow the hell up princess. If you knew me at all you would know that I will never tell anyone you obnoxious conceited dick, I would rather die than betray my friends' the tears had been rolling down her cheeks since she started talking and she knew that they would continue for a long time yet. Hermione needed to try and talk to Remus if he would let her near him. Hermione tried to close the gap between them but for every step she took towards him he took another away from her. This hurt Hermione more than everything that Sirius had said. The way he looked at her made her blood run cold. The only other person who had hurt Hermione in such a way was Ronald when he abandoned herself and Harry. She hated that feeling then and she hated it now.
'Remus please I would never tell anyone, I thought you of all people would know this, I guess I was wrong, I am sorry I ever did this' wrapping her arms around herself Hermione felt as though they were the only things holding her together. Turning on her heels Hermione left the boys behind and ran to the safety of the castle. She should have come up with a plan b.
-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-ACfC-
Remus tried replaying the events in his head, Hermione was the fox. The fox was Hermione. She knew all this time. Looking over to Sirius, he knew that he should have defended Hermione against his rage but he just couldn't move, speak or comprehend what had just transpired. She knew about his furry little problem and hadn't said anything to anyone, if she had he would have been expelled by now. Just yesterday morning he was calling her his girlfriend and now he didn't know what to call her.
'how the fuck did she find out, Moony what the hell have you told her' his tone left so much to be admired. Remus hadn't told her anything and the fact that he was implying that he would tell her so easily was insulting.
'listen here Pads she is smarter than all of us put together she put it together herself, because as sure as shit I didn't tell her and the fact you think I did well is very you' he knew that would get a rise out of Sirius
'what do you mean it is very me' James stepped in rather than risking a punch up which in all honesty Remus really didn't have the energy for.
'enough both of you, for merlin's sake did you ever I don't know think of asking her rather than flying off the handle, Remus you will need to talk to her. She listens to you, she always has because she cares deeply about you. we need some damage control okay' the boys were speechless James was not always the most level headed person in the world by he was a good mediator that was for sure. Leaving the forest Remus was so tired and sore he could barely stand. You the only thought in his mind was "she knew, how did she know, she knew how did she know". It was going to be a long recovery process this time around, because it was not only his body that needed healing it was also his heart.
Taa-Daa what did you think, please let me know by reviewing I get a huge kick out of reading them.
My question for you this chapter is what do you want to happen next?
Thanks for reading this story until next time BYE!
