Hello everyone, I was bitten by the writing bug and I give you two chapters in one update. Please enjoy and I just want to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who follows this story. It means so much to me when I get a review or an email saying someone has faved or followed this story. It is humbling. So thank you, thank you, and thank you.
Please share this story if you like it, review and follow. (I know it sounds needy right, yet here I am asking you to do it). I do not own HP or its characters they belong to the Queen J.K
Anyways… Allons-y
He didn't know how long he'd been asleep. Hell he had no fucking idea what bed he was in (but that was not unusual either) until the intoxicating smell of jasmine and vanilla filled his nostrils. Looking over her mess of curls, he remembered she asked him to stay. Her voice had been so small and broken he knew he couldn't have denied her even he'd wanted to. However he was in a whole other predicament right now, how in the hell was he going to get her head off his arm? There was the severing it at the shoulder option, pulling it slowly and hoping to Godric se didn't wake up or go fast and hope for the best. The severing would be inconvenient, as it was his wanking arm he just couldn't get the same rhythm with his other hand, not to mention he would have to give up his spot on the Quidditch team. Fast would probably startle her into consciousness then there would be the awkward I'm leaving conversation. He really hated that part of the morning afters….so slow it was. Shoulder to elbow and she never moved. Was she always this heavy a sleeper. Easy does it Black, the rush of blood to his numbed arm caused the most annoying sensation. Sirius nearly flinched as the pins and needles took control. Fuck, fuck, and fuck. Elbow to wrist, no movement, Sirius smiled as he could feel her steady breath on his hand. Home stretch, shite am I wearing my watch. The momentary fear was enough to make his blood run cold until he realized he did not wear his watch to dinner. As he made the final pull, Hermione rolled away from him and just like that, he froze preying that she never woke up. Greeted by silence Sirius rejoiced that he and his arm were free. Gathering his shoes from the end of her bed Sirius dared to look back at the sleeping lioness. He thought she was beautiful in her waking hours but there was some much more innocent about her serene sleeping state. Walking back to her he kissed her forehead, before turning and making his way to the door.
'You're up late' Dorea's voice rang out in the silence and caused Sirius' heart to jump into his throat.
'Shite, Ma P you scared the bollocks off of me' he laughed at his startled state. It wasn't every day that someone was able to scare him. The smile that played across her lips made him nervous. It was not one that was laughing with him more at him. He had seen this look before of course it was the "I know something you don't know but will never tell you so nah, nah, nah". This look could be deadly depending on how she was going to use it.
'I take it she is okay after dinner, it was a good thing then that you were there for comfort' the way she placed emphasis on "comfort" made Sirius squirm slightly. Did she think that they were together, together? Trying to brush off the innuendo Sirius straightened his frame feeling the need to defend Hermione's honor.
'Vixen just needed a friend'
'I am sure she did, why then did she not ask for her boyfriend, more over why didn't Remus offer to go rather then you' this confused Sirius. Why would she ask such a thing? Hermione and Remus had been dating for a while now. Maybe they had a tiff. James comforted her on the train, so it was now Sirius' turn. There were literally hundreds of reasons, so how the fuck was he supposed to know? Remus and James didn't move so he did. It wasn't anything more than that.
'I…I don't know' he said after a long time in silence. What came from Dorea's lips next made Sirius very uncomfortable.
'So Sirius how long have you been in love with Hermione?' Her grey eyes mirrored his own as they were seeking and awaiting for his answer.
'I don't know what you're insinuating. I…I do not…I can't love her, she has a boyfriend.' He practically snarled at her indication of betrayal. She was unobtainable to him; she deserved more than a broken boy.
'And what if she didn't. Could you love her then? Perhaps it was foolish of me to ask. Forgive my mistake. Goodnight Sirius and sweet dreams' Dorea smiled at him before she left in the direction of the stairs. Did everyone know he fancied her? Clearly not otherwise, Moony would have killed him by now. In that moment, Sirius promised himself that he would do everything to turn off the other feelings for Hermione. She was not his; they were mates that is all she is just one of the boys. Walking to his room, he repeated the phrase time after time "one of the boys, one of the boys, one of the boys…."
He hoped that if repeated it enough maybe he would believe it. The last thought Sirius had as he drifted to sleep was one of the boys with chocolate brown eyes.
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As the light beamed through her windows, Hermione groggily opened her eyes. As she stretched, Hermione became painfully aware that she was alone. Sitting up she remembered falling asleep with his arms tightly wrapped around her. It was hard for her to say exactly how it felt because well she was unsure of how she felt. Sirius was just as precarious and foolish as his older counterpart was but there was also something very different. Hermione threw back her blankets and became mindful that she had slept in her underwear; she remembered Sirius had helped her out of her dress. He was so affectionate and sincere. That was something that he was not very often. As Hermione's body faulted, he carried her to bed. She didn't know what she felt for him, they were friends who flirted but last night was more than companionship. Slipping a simple cotton nightie over her head Hermione heard soft knock came from her door as Hermione called for them to come in as she slipped back under the covers. The doors opened and a very bubbly Pinky walked in dressed in a bright yellow and orange dress.
'Good morning Hermione Granger. Pinky has breakfast for young Miss. Mistress will be here in a minute, she told Pinky to make sure you is awake and appropriate for visitors. Mistress wants to have breakfast and talk to young Miss Hermione. So Pinky brings all Mistresses favorites and some that she thinks Hermione Granger would like' pinky placed the overly full silver tray on Hermione's bed. The smell of fresh tea filled the air. Looking down at the multiple plates Hermione was amazed by the variety that Pinky had assembled for the pair. There was everything from fresh crepes, to pastries with multiple spreads in an assortment of colors and a delectable looking salmon eggs benedict. There were also the more typical breakfast items like bacon and eggs (cooked in every way possible) with toast and breakfast muffins. It reminded Hermione of an all she could eat buffet at a fancy hotel. It all seemed decadent as Hermione smiled at the little elf.
'Thank you Pinky it look amazing. You are truly an incredible cook'
'Pinky is flattered but she knows she is good cook. Now wait for Mistress but then you must eat a big breakfast. Young Miss did not eat enough of Pinky's dinner and must eat more or Pinky will be mad at young miss.' Pinky looked sternly at Hermione while pointing her boney finger at her. In her time as a witch, Hermione had never met an elf quite like her nor one as pushy.
'I promise I will eat till I am positively stuffed.' Throwing her arms up in surrender Pinky smiled at the young witch knowing that she had won. Large toothy smile crossed her lips as Pinky jumped down from Hermione's bed.
'That makes Pinky very happy' with a click of her fingers, Pinky was gone. Taking a sip from her tea Hermione smiled. There was something familiar and comforting in the smell of tea. It reminded her of her mother and her belief that any moment good or bad could be made better of fixed with tea. It was a common occurrence for Hermione to find her mother reading in their living room, with a blanket splayed across her lap and a cup of breakfast tea. Especially on the days when the rain poured on their windows. Which if she were honest was every other weekend. Hermione was a world away that she did not see or hear Dorea enter her room until the matriarch cleared her throat.
'Good morning Hermione' Dorea said as she walked over to Hermione's bed. She had to admire the older woman's grace and beauty. Dorea was dressed in a simple silk full-length nightdress. However, the beautiful dove grey sheer negligee that was trimmed with plush marabou feathers astounded Hermione. She looked like she belonged in an old Hollywood movie or burlesque show rather than in her bedroom at this early hour. Shifting uncomfortably Hermione felt incredibly underdressed.
'Good morning Dorea, how did you sleep?'
'Well except I needed a drink early this morning and when I went to fetch one I was surprised to see a young man leaving your room in the cover of darkness' Dorea smiled slyly at Hermione. Looking to Dorea, Hermione could see the same hint of mischief in her eyes that James has when he is up to no good.
'Really, how surprising.' Sipping on her tea Hermione could not help but smile as the older woman began to laugh. It was the first moment that she felt like Dorea had been genuine with her. Everything else had come at a price wanting information of some variety. Even though it started, the same Dorea's candid laughter lightened and lifted the barrier between them. Hermione for the first time in a while felt some relief from the hollow ache that had held her heart. She after all had a promise to fulfill.
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Breakfast filled Hermione with much more than sustenance. If you had asked her just yesterday if she would be laughing with Dorea then she would have called you a liar. However, she was grateful for the momentary truce at least as Dorea had told her things about her life asking more Hermione.
'Do you ever miss your friends or family?' Dorea asked as her slate grey eyes filled with compassion and sorrow for the young witch. It was easy to see how much Mrs. Potter loved her family, both blood and adoptive. Hermione looked into her empty teacup before she answered.
'I miss them every day, but I try unsuccessfully sometime to remember I am here for all of them' the swell in Hermione's chest ached for the people of her past, but she remembered that now they were in her future. She smiled genuinely as she thought of those she loved most. Hermione genuinely looked forward to the day when she would see them again.
'Brave and loyal, you my dear are a true Gryffindor' Dorea said as she lifted her tea to her lips and drained her cup. It was hard to remember just how many the two had shared this morning. Laughing Hermione told Dorea of the hats original choice for the young eleven year old witch.
'Actually the hat wanted to pace me in Ravenclaw also however rather than gain knowledge for the sake of having it I would much rather use it to my advantage'
'Clever as well. The wizard whom you chose best never anger you then. You I imagine would be a formidable opponent.' The older woman laughed with Hermione as they swapped more anecdotes. There had been something, which Hermione had wanted to ask James. However, she never wanted to seem rude. Her brow furrowed as she pondered asking Dorea.
'What is it Hermione?' Dorea asked bluntly looking for some kind of inclination of what was going on in her mind.
'Can I ask you something personal?'
'Of course my dear' she asked kindly reaching for Hermione's hand. Unable to hold Dorea's gaze she asked her question.
'Why did you never have more children after James that is?' Looking down at her hands Hermione had, had this question burning her for more than a few years. She had always wondered if there was another Potter somewhere who could have taken Harry away from the Dursleys. He'd wondered this himself also though he never would have fussed over an answer. Harry of course had known his wizarding family laid within Hermione, Ron and even Sirius in their brief time together.
'Well you see Charlus and I met later in life than most. By the time we had James we were already mature. We talked once about trying for more children, I would have liked a daughter to fuss over. However, we had our heir and he was more than enough for us. The troublemaker our son is. We were fortunate to have more children through James' friends. Sirius and Remus are our sons in all but blood, and now we have a daughter. What more could we possibly desire' squeezing her hand Hermione understood of course now knowing James how he could be a handful. She just wished that they had done more than talked. It did not escape her attention that Dorea had called her, her daughter. As a tear fell down her cheek.
'I don't know what to say' her voice barely louder than a whisper. Hermione was thankful. She had never expected such words to come from Dorea Potter. Sirius of course had told her once they adopted strays.
'You need not say anything my dear. I simply hope that eventually you will consider this your home and us your family. I not only speak for my husband and the boys but myself also. They love you so much that they would follow you into war and die if it meant protecting you; though I presume you know this already.' Dorea's toned changed from a lightness to a darker and somewhat somber one. Hermione of course knew this. She had turned their lives upside down when she exposed Peter for whom he was and they could have left her, but they did not. She knew that once each of them claimed their loyalties to a person they would rather die than betray it. It is why they had such a hard time letting go of Pettigrew. However, Dorea needed to know the truth; she was as loyal if not more as those whom loved her.
'And I would for them too' Hermione said sitting straighter then before.
'Let's hope it never come to that shall we but I do not doubt your words. It is fascinating to watch you with them and vice versa. You all move like magnets ready at any moment to defend each other. When Tom finds out about you he will use them to get to you'
'I will do everything I can to make sure that doesn't happen. They know where and when I am from but they don't know mission specifics. I would never forgive myself if any harm came to any of them. I am disposable they are not' the anger welled inside of her. Hermione knew that Voldemort would go to any length to kill her once he found out, that Hermione knew his secrets. He would not stop or ever blink at torturing anyone she cared for.
'Do you really believe that Hermione? Do you think they could live without you?' Dorea asked looking into Hermione's chocolate brown eyes. Honesty she had not given much thought to the aftermath if she were to not survive her mission. Talking a longer time to respond Hermione could not string an articulate or coherent sentence together.
'I…I…they…surely' her brow in a crease had not moved in a matter of minutes. They would be alive surely that would be enough. They would live the lives that was taken from them. Was it a slightly optimistic and naïve thought, quiet possibly, but it was something that Hermione could hope for if she were no longer around.
'For a clever girl you my dear underestimate the impact you have on others. As delightful as a day in bed sounds we have a party to prepare for Hermione, and I doubt our guests would appreciate us in our nightgowns. Come, Come we have much to do. Get dressed and meet me down stairs in ten minutes.' Standing from the bed Dorea gracefully sashayed from Hermione's room. There was a certain amount of admiration that Hermione held for Dorea Potter. She was skillful at information extraction but more importantly, she was an incredible woman, and Hermione was lucky enough to get to spend an entire day with her. Dressing quickly Hermione felt an excitement that she had not felt since the Yule Ball in her fourth year at Hogwarts. She just hoped it didn't end the same way.
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Sitting in his father's study James felt like a small child again as his father paced in front of them explaining the expectations of tonight. At least unlike when he was young he had others sitting beside him being instructed as well. Stopping his pace, Charlus looked to each or them to reiterate the most important point about tonight (for the third time in twenty minutes).
'Right now please remember the people attending tonight are colleagues, politicians, diplomats and friends. Mum spent months planning this and we will all be on our best behaviors, I am looking at you James and Sirius.' Pointing to his son and best friend James and Sirius protested the injustice of his statement. Surely, his father had meant to include Remus in his pep talk after all their brand of mischief involved all of them even the angelic Hermione. Speaking over each other, they began to dispute the blasphemy his father was speaking.
'What how come Remus is left out of this little lecture?' James interjected as Sirius made possibly the best argument in their defense. It rang so true that James hoped Remus would lose the obnoxiously smug look on his face.
'Yeah he's just as bad as us if not worse. We simply suggest mischief he is the brains behind it really he comes up with the way execute it' No truer words had ever been spoken. Charlus shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose James knew this was a sign of his frustration. Jabbing Sirius in the ribs, made him fall silent. They knew why they had been singled out in this conversation. Clearly, his parents had not forgiven them for last year's incident. Honestly why would the make such a big deal over a blown up ice sculpture anyway.
'Anyway back to my point. You may have a meaning one sneaky champagne with the fireworks but that is it. Also do not forget your mother expects each of you to dance with Hermione at least once. You have my word that if all goes well tonight, I might "accidently" leave the liquor cabinet unlocked before you go back to school. Do we have a deal?' The level of excitement shot through the roof. Now more then ever they needed to behave. It was no small task to ask of them (especially Sirius). Without looking to each other for confirmation, the boys spoke in perfect unison.
'Yes sir' If Hermione had heard this conversation James was certain that she would have a heart attack. She wondered where they snuck their contraband. Potter senior of course. He may be an adult but those with a mischievous heart stay young forever.
'Good now the girls should be ready any minute shall we wait by the stairs?' they nodded and headed towards the stairs in a single file line. Straightening his robes James wondered what Hermione was going to look like? Would Sirius finally make his move maybe, or would Remus try to win her back? It was an exciting time in the Potter house, potential for drama. Smiling to himself James hoped that they could all be good boys and girl because there was an old bottle of expensive firewhiskey with his name on it.
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As Hermione looked in the mirror, she could barely recognize the person staring back at her. The woman in the reflection was elegant and striking. Her midnight blue silk organza fit and flare gown hugged her curves from the sweetheart neckline to the short sweep train. When had she grown into her own? Dorea smiled proudly at her and Pinky had been ecstatic to do Hermione's hair. Her curls had been tamed to replicate that of an old Hollywood siren from the 1940's. Hermione was far from a narcissist but she could not look away. The sweet voice of Dorea Potter snapped Hermione's gaze from her reflection. Her white sheath silhouetted gown was modest with its long sleeves. However, Hermione's favorite details were the intricate lace patterns that covered the dress and its sleeves. Dorea's hair had been pulled into an elegant French twist curtesy of Pinky the hair master. The Potter matriarch was a different kind of beauty however. Yes, she held an external beauty but there was something more to her confidence. Hermione had the advantage youth but Dorea was distinguished and graceful. Hermione hoped that she could replicate even a fraction of the astounding loveliness of Dorea Potter.
'You are a vision Hermione. The boys will not know what to do with themselves when they see you my dear. Although I do believe there is something missing.' Pinky handed Dorea a black velvet box that was tied closed with a red satin ribbon. With a smile on her face and tears in her eyes, Dorea handed the box to Hermione. It was a little heavier then she had expected. Carefully she untied the beautiful ribbon and opened the unassuming box. A gasp left lips as she surveyed the contents. Hermione had known that the Potters were a wealthy family but she'd hardly expected them to be this wealthy. Inside the box was sapphire and diamond necklace and matching earrings. 'Here let me help you, the clasp can be difficult at times. This particular set was a gift from Charlus when we began courting. It is a tradition for the pureblood men to give an extravagant in the beginning to both the daughter and her mother. Depending how far back you go it was considered a right for then father and suitor to duel for the woman's hand. My father did so with Charlus although the practice is ancient and now unnecessary. Once the suitor won the duel, he was given permission to marry the daughter. It is a way of testing the boy to see if he could protect the woman. Charlus would never say this aloud to anyone but I believe he hoped for a daughter. He would have loved to duel for her honor. Nether-the-less it is my pleasure to share these with you tonight Hermione. Are you ready to join the others? I am sure they will be chomping at the bit to see us. I will go down first and when you're ready to make your entrance, I will announce you. Don't forget to breath dear, you are ravishing.' Dorea smiled at Hermione before straightening her dress and walking away with an obscene amount of grace.
Taking a steadying breath Hermione looked at herself once more in the mirror. The woman staring back at her looked polished and poised. Her shoulders were back with an outstanding amount of confidence and beauty. Lifting the hem of the gown Hermione made her way to the door. The butterflies swarmed and flapped inside her stomach, what would the boys think of her outfit? Making her way down the she heard Dorea's voice but could make out no words. Looking to the boys Hermione's eyes focused in on Sirius. His grey eyes were molten with attraction. Tonight was going to be so much fun.
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Oh, Merlin have mercy. Sirius had seen Hermione in various stages of undress in their time as friends, but this was a new level. Her dress hugged her subtle curves and Sirius could feel himself unraveling. It took every fiber of his being not to run to her carry he back up those stair and fuck her senseless. As the thoughts swam in his head it all came to a crashing halt when he realized that she was not his and no matter how much he wanted to do those things he couldn't with her. Remus was the luckiest fucker in the whole wide world to have a witch as beautiful and smart as Hermione.
'So what do you think boys, do I scrub up nicely or what?' her playful tone only made him groan internally. If she could hear the thoughts in his head, she would be horrified.
'Holy shit Vixen you look banging' James words came from his lips before he had time to think and edit what his first thought was. Smacking the back of his head Dorea looked livid with her son's spontaneous response. Sirius laughed as Dorea shook her head.
'James Potter that is no way to address a young lady. I thought I taught you better than that. How about you try again' Ma P's eye arrowed in on James as he square his shoulders and responded in the way that would make his parents proud of the Potter heir. Walking to the bottom where she stood James bowed and offered his hand to her. Se willingly gave it to him as he spoke.
'What I meant to say Hermione was you look positively radiant' Hermione blushed as he kissed her hand. Smiling a mischievous grin James rejoined the line of men. His mother and father smiled proudly at their son and his vastly improved manners. Clapping a hand down on Moony's shoulder Sirius joked to old friend.
'You're a lucky man Remus. If you're not careful I think more than one man will be hittin' on your woman tonight.' Moony shifted uncomfortably at his words. Noting the difference Sirius was surprised with a flick on his right ear. Clearly, Dorea was unimpressed by both of her sons tonight. Her tone was sharp and disapproving.
'Sirius please you and James are as bad as each other' the four friend laughed as half of them had been disciplined in only a matter of moments. Maybe they were a bad influence on each other after all.
'Truly you look beautiful Vix' Remus spoke with even less confidence then he normally did. Really…what was the matter with the two of them tonight? Whatever it was Sirius hoped that maybe some flirtatious motivation was needed. Looking at Hermione, he winked. A small blush crossed her cheeks.
'More than beautiful Vixen, you look positively delectable. Pity you're taken isn't it. Maybe you would like to give her a kiss for me Moony' his tone was low and full of seduction. Normally Remus would ell him to back off or calm down while alluding to his animagus form in some way instead he just stood there. Sirius heavily flirting with his girl and he did nothing. Before he could open his mouth again, Hermione snapped at him.
'Stop Sirius please. I am still the same me, so pick your jaws up from the floor and let's go and enjoy the party' she smiled but it did not reach her eyes. When she was happy…truly happy her eyes looked like melted chocolate. He was definitely out of the loop on something and he hated it.
'Well said Hermione. So whom would like to escort her into the ball room?' Charlus asked looking to the boys. When Remus did not immediately, step forward anger swelled inside of Sirius' stomach. What in the literal fuck was happening here? A full minute went by before Sirius spoke again. His attitude was seeped into his voice as he expressed his distain.
'Come on Moony go and get your girl.' when he did not move Sirius was going to yell at him, but Hermione beat him to the punch. Only she did not snap at Remus instead she yelled at him. Taking him by surprise Sirius tried not to show it on his face.
'Sirius will you please stop pestering him. Remus you do not have to escort me really. James would you mind'
'It would be his pleasure' Stepping forward James offered his arm to her. Was he in an alternate reality or something? There were no more words exchanged as Dorea and Charlus led the group. James and Hermione followed them and bringing up the rear were Sirius ad Remus. He found himself distracted by Hermione's swinging hips and the way her ass looked in that dress. It took everything in Sirius' power to resist touching, pinching or smacking it. It was so hypnotizing he was even finding it hard it not openly stare at her. She was his own special brand of torture unobtainable and deviously delectable. However there was something that was bothering Sirius, as if he was out of the loop somehow. In the past Remus and Hermione had to be pried apart with an obscene amount of effort, but tonight he refused to be even close to her. Had she been Sirius' girlfriend he would have had to hide a stiffy but Remus was unaffected by her. Whatever was happening between them Sirius needed to find out because it was too fucking weird. A good place to start would be with James, the resident group gossip would know. As the double doors opened, Sirius forgot about the drama for now and intended to enjoy the party.
