Hey everyone, a new chapter is here. I don't know if there will be another before Christmas, nor am I promising one. I have read a story that I think people should definitely read if they haven't before.
The Veil by Natstar888. It is an amazing take on a Sirius and Hermione story. Go on over and read it because it deserves some crazy love. I would love to know your favorite stories are and the pairings.
Lastly, I hope everyone whom celebrates Christmas has happy and safe holidays wherever you are from around the world.
Allons-y
Hermione had given up trying to sleep hours ago. There was a knot of nerves and excitement in her stomach. It happened every time, and yet she never tired of the anticipation of returning to Hogwarts. It was only a handful of hours left before she and the others would make their way back to the magical castle. However first things first she was excited to see Lily. Having spent her whole holiday surrounded by the boys she was excited for a little bit of girl time. Hermione hadn't really had any girlfriends in her time except from Ginny, and in many ways, Lily reminded her of the youngest Weasley. Looking over to her clock it was just past three in the morning. She really wished that she was sleeping, like all the other normal people but alas, she was reading (a real shock she knew). When a small knock came from her door, Hermione practically jumped out of her skin. The door creaked slightly as James' head appeared through the barley open entry. His usually kind face held a shadow of something else, worry or fear. Whatever it was Hermione didn't like it.
'Hey Hermione, I saw your light was on. You can't sleep either?'
'I'm just excited, what's your excuse?' she nodded to let him in patting an empty spot on her large bed. Coming in and closing the doors behind him, Prongs took his spot on her bed. There was something crumpled in his hand. A piece of parchment?
'Same, but also something has been bothering me.' His tone conveyed a heavy heart, whatever it was it had really gotten to him.
'Prongs what's wrong? You're not in trouble are you?'
'No I'm fin but I think Sirius is in trouble and a lot of it.' handing her the letter Hermione looked at the prominent black family crest that sat at the top of the page. As she read the vile contents, she wanted to cry. She wanted to scream in anger and hurt for her friend. Reigning in her emotions Hermione could see now why James was plagued.
'James where did you get this?' she took his hand and squeezed it tight. He had every right to worry for the person he called his brother.
'I found it in the bin in his room.' He refused to meet her eyes knowing that she would protest his nosey nature. Letting out a non-comical laugh Hermione shook her head at the young man.
'Snooping will get you in trouble you know.' Taking his chin in her hand, she made him look at her. He looked painfully like Harry right now. His hazel eyes carrying guilt that he should not have been carrying. Taking her hand from his face, he was finally looking at her. She hoped he saw her comfort but also reassurance.
'Hermione this is serious, do you know something we don't? Will everything be ok, I mean his mother is the frigid ice queen and his dad is no better. What happens over the summer? You know him in the future so they don't kill him but how bad will it be?' James spoke so fast that Hermione was not sure that she caught everything he had been trying to say. She couldn't blame him for his curiosity but she decided then that she would be selective with what she told him.
'James, slow down one thing at a time.'
'I can't, what the hell happens you must know you know everything else. Please Hermione I need to know, what can we do to help?' he pleaded with her, had he taken a breath in this whole conversation? A blind man could see the anxiety that he exuded as it corrupted his every thought and gasp. He really did love Padfoot like a brother and the thought of him being hurt was enough to bring the poor boy undone. Hermione smiled at his pure heart. Harry had it too.
'Breathe; please I don't want you to have a panic attack. Yes, I know what happens over the summer. Is it bad, abso-fucking-lutely. James please I will tell you what you want to know but I think Sirius, needs to have the option of knowing first. It is his story after all. I have known for a while what is coming, I want to change it with every fiber of my being but this event, is what made him…him.'
'I…I'm…scared for him Vix, he is a chaotic cocktail of stubborn and stupid especially when it comes to his family, I just don't want him to get hurt.' Hermione's heart lurched in her chest. She knew this had to happen, even though she didn't want it too. She laughed at James' description of Sirius. It seemed scarily accurate. In the limited time she'd spent at twelve Grimmauld Place with the order, she would find him pacing like a caged animal in captivity. She had caught him more than once just staring at the family tapestry with a bottle of fire whiskey in his hand. She had even seen him arguing with his mother portrait on more than one occasion.
'God that's so true he can't help himself when it comes to them, he never could even when I knew him. What happens to him is awful Prongs, but I also think it needs to happen. There are some events that need to play out, and I think this is one of them. What happened to you and your wife was something that did not and shouldn't have happened. I hope you know that I love just as much as you, and the thought of him being in that hell hole for even one moment make me furious.' Hermione pulled James into a tight hug. His worry for Sirius was not unwarranted, but this needed to happen. This would make him a better man in the larger picture. Hermione wished she could make all the hurt and pain go away for each of the boys but she could not nor did she think it was the right thing to do. This whole "I'm from the future" thing came with a great number of strings. She felt like Pinocchio. At what point do you interfere? Conversely when did she leave thing be? It was something she struggled with all the time. 'It will be ok James I promise.' James hugged her tighter. Now she just had to figure out how she would keep that promise.
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Standing outside of Hermione's door, Dorea listened to the children speak about Sirius. It was plain to see that James trusted Hermione more than many others maybe even more than his own mother. He was a true lion at heart much like his father, but this girl was something more to him. Not a lover no that was reserved for the young Evans that she had heard about many times in his letters. Hermione was the confidant, the sister he had always secretly wanted.
'What are you doing this even my love, not spying again I hope.' Charlus snaked his arms around her waist pulling her into him.
'It is nothing unsavory dear, but I have somethings I would like to discuss with you that appear to be quite urgent' turning to face him Dorea noted the sudden change in his features; clearly he thought something was terribly wrong. Yes, James was more like his father then he even knew. She was a snake in a sea of lions, although it has been refreshing to have Hermione around to keep her on her toes. Taking his hand from around her waist Dorea led her husband back to their room; they had two very important matters to discuss indeed.
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James didn't know how long he had actually been asleep for but he knew it was not long enough. He knew he would have to wake up soon after all he was returning to Hogwarts today. Smiling to himself, he rolled over thinking about seeing Evans again. He felt his body become heavy again sleep was not far away. He hoped he had that lap dance dream again, that was such an amazing dream. There was a sudden snap as something landed on top of him. Startled James jumped as his eye flew open to see Pinky standing on his bed.
'Young master James, Mistress and Master want you in the study now. They sent Pinky to make sure you is up. Come now or Pinky will wake Young Master with a bucket of water like when he was very young.' Pinky jumped up and down on his bed stirring him further, as his muscles ached and the chance of sleeping further dissipated.
'I am awake, what do they want.' He asked grouchily.
'Pinky promised not to tell, Pinky only get young Master out of bed like Pinky asked to' throwing the blankets off of him James put on his dressing gown and slippers, begrudgingly and made his way down to his father's study. Cursing as he went. Sliding open the double doors, James felt murderous. His parents were sitting together, talking in hushed tones until he closed the door behind him.
'Ever the morning person I see son.' Charlus asked as James collapsed into the fluffy sofa and yawned. He really was not in the mood for whatever they were going to talk about; after all, it was only six o'clock in the morning.
'James what do you think of Hermione?' his mother asked and James immediately wondered where in the hell did that question come from.
'She is…smart, kind and one of my best friends…Why?' his mind was swimming; it was far too early to be asked such a weighted question.
'We are aware of that sweetheart we want to know, what you really think about her. Do you trust her? What does she mean to you?' Taking a minute to contemplate his mother's words James really wondered what he thought about the brunette.
'She means a lot to me, though it isn't romantic per say I can't imagine her not being around. You asked if I trust her, the answer in short is yes. I trust her probably more than Sirius. She came into my life a short time ago but I cannot imagine her not being in it now. She's my sister. We would do anything for each other without question. You want to know what she means to me, she's my family. And I love her.' his parents smiled at each other nodding before his father asked a question that made James' heart jump with excitement.
'Son how would you feel if she were to actually become your sister?'
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The cold winter's air still burned Hermione's lungs as she bid farewell to the Potters at the station. Dorea had invited Hermione to come back to the manor over the summer, and she had gratefully accepted. Not that she did not love Hogwarts it's just Hermione promised Sirius that she would try to be happy and being with the Potters had made her genuinely happy. The Potter parents too their time hugging each of their children. Dorea even lingered slightly longer with Sirius. It looked like she was saying something to him as she held him close but Hermione couldn't read her lips that well. As she let them go, Hermione could have sworn saw a tear run down the older woman's cheek. She was about to step onto the train when she heard someone calling her name
'HERMIONE!' the shriek came from behind her as a flurry of red hair ran towards her. Lily flung herself at Hermione with such force that she felt winded. Hermione smiled as she returned the enthused girls hug.
'Lily didn't miss me much did you?' Hermione laughed as she was suffocated by the mass of red hair in her face.
'Maybe a little, but I did want to hear all about the Gala. You told me you had pictures in your letter. Come on let's find the others.' Lily took her hand and led Hermione through onto the train constantly weaving through a sea of people. On more than one occasion, Hermione had to apologize as she ran into people or stood on someone's toes. Lily's excitement was infectious. Hermione found herself reciprocating her enthusiasm as she laughed. By the time, they reached Alice and Marlene in a carriage close to the end of the train the two of them were in a fit of giggles.
'You two seem happy.' Alice commented seeing Hermione and Lily entering the cabin. Honestly, they hadn't been laughing at anything in particular. They were just happy to be together, and returning to Hogwarts.
'And why shouldn't we be.' Lily asked as they took their seats sitting opposite Ali and Marley. Hermione looked at her two other roommates with a cheesy grin on her face.
'Thank god you're here by the way Hermione, if you do not have photos of this bloody party I just might kill you, Lily has not shut up about it.' Marlene looked relieved by Hermione's presence. As Lily poked out her tongue it just made Hermione laugh harder. She had no idea that Lily was so infatuated with her Cinderella moment. Hermione didn't have many picture but the few she managed to obtain were hopefully good enough to indulge Lily and her need to live vicariously through her.
'Look at Black he scrubs up nicely, and Potter. You know Lily if you ever change your mind he would look nice in your wedding pictures.' Alice teased as Lily's face scrunched in displeasure.
'Please I would rather marry a flesh eating slug then be married to him.' the three laughed at her procuration. In Hermione's mind, however it was even more entertaining. She knew that it would be in their final year of Hogwarts that Lily's feelings would change towards James. If she was allowed to make a speech at their wedding, Hermione would totally bring up this moment. She could not wait to see James and Lily's faces.
'So you fancy Black, Marlene couldn't see that one coming at all.' Lily pestered as the blonde blushed.
'How could I not I mean have you seen the boy topless he looks like he is chiseled from marble' Marlene fanned herself dramatically like a southern belle. Hermione knew all about Sirius' chiseled physic. It was harder to imagine was him with his clothes on given, he would take any opportunity to get naked. Not that she was complaining of course he was nice to look at after all. As she passed the last of the photos around Marlene commented on one that made her heart sink.
'You and Remus look amazing together Hermione. Truly what a beautiful couple. How long have you two been dating for now, six months-ish right?' The time had finally come to tell her friends the truth; this was their agreement after all. After Christmas, they would tell people. Looking at the others as if instinctually Lily took Hermione's hand. Thank God for Lily.
'Actually we broke up just before Christmas.' The playful mood died in an instant. It took maybe a full minute of silence for Alice to finally speak and even then, it made Hermione feel uneasy.
'Oh Hermione I feel like a really ass now I am so sorry we didn't know.' Her somber tone was meant to convey empathy but it honestly annoyed Hermione slightly. Yes, they had broken up but she was still her and they were still friends. That was the truth, it's just they don't snog anymore really.
'No one knew its fine; really we just decided to be friends rather than a couple. Anyway Marley, how was Paris.' The rest of the train ride the girl's reminisced about their collective breaks all whilst avoiding asking Hermione any more questions. Clearly, this whole being honest things was really going to suck.
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It was about half way through the train ride when Hermione went to find the Marauders. Whilst being with the girls was refreshing, Hermione was now on a time crunch and she needed to beat the clock. It wasn't hard to find their cabin on the train it was the one filled with roars of laughter. Standing outside Hermione watched them all for just a moment. It was such a shame she would be changing this mood. They seemed so full of jovial light. After a few moments, Hermione knocked on their door. As all three turned, their smiles melted her heart.
'Can I have a moment alone with Remus for a minute please boys?'
'No worries kitten, just clean up after you're done yeah. I would hate to sit in a wet patch.' Sirius' crudeness made Hermione shudder. As the left, the compartment Hermione cast a silencing and locking charm on the carriage door before pulling down the blinds. She really didn't want to be interrupted before they were ready. His once smiling face now showed hesitation and worry. Hermione hated that she was doing this now.
'Is everything ok?' Remus asked, his green eyes looked worried they hadn't really had much alone time since they broke up. Although they were slowly getting better at being in the same room again without residual awkwardness.
'Everything's fine I promise I just wanted to let you know that, I told the girls about us. So…we have to tell Sirius. I would hate from him to find out through the rumor mill' Hermione reached out for Remus' hand as he fiddled nervously. It had been a long time coming. Though she truly didn't know how Sirius had not caught on over the Holidays. Although he had his own issues of course so she supposed he was just distracted by his own life.
'You're right; I wish he'd figured it out though like Prongs. You don't think he'll hate us do you?' It broke her heart that she was frightened. His greatest fear was that James, Sirius and even Hermione would see him for the monster he believed he was and leave him. She hugged him. It was the first time since November that she had done so. However, this was bigger than them and their issues. As his arms wrapped around her Hermione, nearly began to cry. She missed this.
'No I think he might be tiffed we kept it from him but he will get over it in the end' she said without breaking their embrace. When the words were said he held her tighter and her heart contracted in her chest. They sat like that for what seemed like a long time. Each missing each the other, knowing that when everyone knew it would become real. They were not together anymore. Pulling away, Hermione hoped that they could be brave. And that Sirius would be too mad, but she thought that, that might just be wishful thinking. She knew the temperamental Black was going to be pissed.
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Standing outside their cabin, Sirius wondered when Hermione had become so kinky. She and Remus had been in there now for a good ten minutes. Though Sirius couldn't fault Remus for taking his time with her, because if the roles were reversed and he was in there with her Sirius would have evicted his friends for the whole train ride. Smiling to himself, he could just picture her purring his name and gasping as he unraveled her. That is of course that was all Sirius had. This imagination, of her and him together and that is all he would ever have, he would never put her in danger by being with him. Sirius then had to think of some unsavory thing to lessen his built up excitement. James was staring at him again with the panicked face. He decided not to say anything to him yet, whatever it was would probably pass and then they would go back to normal.
'Anything from the trolleys dears.' The frail old woman interrupted his train of thought. Giving his kindest smile Sirius placed his order thinking of what each of his friends might like.
'Two Pumpkin pasties, a licorice wand and a chocolate frog.' Handing her his money, his mouth began to water at the smell of that pasties. It was his favorite closely followed by Drooble's best blowing bubblegum. Both Sirius and Hermione enjoyed the pasties, James loved a licorice wand and of course, the wolf was a chocolate frog lover. Before the cart move past them, a familiar voice began to flirt with Sirius. Mary McDonald was a fifth year Ravenclaw with whom flirts with Sirius for sport and he fell for it hook line and sinker every time. She had given him an average blowjob once but it never went further. However, he was hopeful that maybe this time he could have his fun with her. She made him want her more when she walked away from him every time; she had an ass that would not quit.
'Hey there Sirius, buy a girl a sugar quill.' She asked biting her bottom lip, her icy blue eyes raking over him. He felt the warm buzz of excitement coursing through his veins. Sirius loved the beginning chase. The release of endorphins was like an exquisite torture.
'And that for the lady thank you. So Mary now I have brought you something sweet I think you owe me something equally as sweet don't you?' handing her the quill she began to suck it suggestively. Closing the gap between them, they let the trolley pass; Sirius took advantage of their proximity. Pressing in close he could hear her heart beat quicken. He loved his canine sense someday.
'I think that could be arranged.' She kissed his cheek before weaseling her way out of his grip. As he watched her walk away, he couldn't help but admire her form. There was just something so sexy about her swaying hips, as she sashayed away. Sirius did not feel much for Mary. As awful as it was, she was just another plaything for him. Even worse than that, she was a notch on more than a few boys' bedposts. In saying that she didn't want more nor would he give it to her anyway.
'For a guy in love you have a funny way of showing it.' James was judging him again. It was times like this he wished he'd never told James the truth about Hermione. He couldn't give her anything even if she wasn't with Remus. His days were numbered now, and he was going to enjoy them.
'James we are sixteen for fucks sake, this is my time for making mistakes and getting really good at my hobby.' His cocky smile and laughter made James roll his eyes. Maybe the grouch needed to get on the "hobby" bandwagon or at the very least have a good wank. He had all this stuff pent up and the only thing better then self-pleasure was pleasure with a partner.
'And what's your hobby Sirius?' Marlene asked with a cocked eyebrow.
'Oh Marley I would be happy to show you if you like.' Sirius liked the way she blushed at his innuendo. He was on an epic flirting roll today and he loved it. His middle finger to the family responsibility was a last ditch effort at a fleeting happiness, and for now it was working. After all his mother told him he could gallivant as he pleased until the train pulled into the station for the summer, so gallivant he shall. Sirius was going to gallivant the top, the bottom, standing, laying down, in front and from behind.
'I'm sure you could. By the way' she said leaning in slightly, as she twirled a loose blonde curl around her finger 'you look really sexy in a suit.' Marlene smiled flirtatiously as she bit her bottom lip. Sirius didn't know if he was letting off a pheromone today, but whatever it was he would be foolish not to take advantage.
'I look even better naked but I am sure you remember that too' her heartbeat sounded like a hummingbird's wing flapping a million mile a minute. Sweeping a stray he cupped her face leaning in close to her Sirius decided to be bold 'Go to Hogsmead with me.' It wasn't so much of a question more of a statement. The sweet smell of arousal filled his nostrils. Before she even spoke, Sirius knew she would say yes.
'Sure.' Marlene's voice faltered at his boldness. He loved that He could have this effect on girls. It made the game so much more fun to play. 'Oh by the way did Hermione find you?' she asked trying to recover her composure (unsuccessfully in his opinion). But that may also be him stroking his ego slightly.
'Yeah she is in there with Remus right now.' Sirius said as he nudged his head towards the door not breaking eye contact for a moment as he winked at her. He wasn't entirely sure why but the mood immediately changed, as Marlene's face dropped. Stepping away from him, the anger practically oozed from her every pore. Had he overstepped with his brashness? And if so why didn't he slap him or something? It wouldn't be the first time a girl had for being crass.
'You two left her alone with him, I think I may have to say no to Hogsmead after all Sirius. Why would you do that to her? Are you that insensitive? ' Her hand went to her hips. Why wouldn't they let the lovebirds be alone? Sirius could feel the tension radiating from James. If he couldn't tell from the posture change then Prongs' tone was definitely enough to send several red flags flying in Sirius' head.
'Marlene, he doesn't know.'
'Oh fuck.' Sirius could smell the fear radiating from Marlene. How in the hell had things turned to shit so quickly? The even worse was he really didn't know what he wasn't supposed to know and frankly that fucking sucked.
'Know what…what don't I know?' Sirius snapped as James tried to calm him down. Nothing would calm him down until he knew the apparent secret.
'Sirius, we shouldn't say anything it is up to them to tell you.' James tried to pass the baton of responsibility to Hermione and Remus. That however just added additional fuel to the fire in his belly. So much of his life was an unknown that he naturally assumed that his friends would be transparent with him. For fucks, sake James was Sirius' first kiss and vice versa. They didn't hide things from each other and now he was seemingly the only person not to know what was going on. And that was not okay with him.
'What don't I know?' this time it wasn't a snap it was something darker and more sinister. If there wasn't a train full of people watching this right now, Sirius would shift into Padfoot and growl at James. He knew the truth, and if it meant biting him to get the information then by Godric he would do it.
'Calm down Pads, you'll know soon enough.' Prongs tried to touch Sirius in a show of support and calmness but he smacked his best friends hand away from him.
'I'm sorry I thought you knew. You four are so close, I just assumed.' She back away slightly. Sirius hadn't intentionally frightened her but alas, that was what he'd done. He would have to make a mental note to send her something nice to make up for his feral mood.
'Marlene, not that it isn't lovely talking to you but I think it is time you move on. Hermione will come and find you later.' Without another word, Marlene left their company (she practically ran away). Sirius could feel the anger boiling inside of him. He was being deliberately left out of the loop. Without thinking, he began trying to open the door, when it refused to budge he began to bang on the cabins door. He hit the wooden frame with such force that his hand began to ache between swings. He could hear James trying to warn him about his anger but Sirius ignored him. Everyone knew but him. That didn't matter to him now because whatever they were keeping from he would be revealed the moment he got in that cabin or so help him Merlin.
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Hermione was insure of what happened exactly as it all happened so quickly. It started with them (being Remus and herself) noticing the feverish jiggling of the cabins door, then it escalated to an intense banging noise. Drawing her wand Remus opened the then closed blinds to see Sirius looking angry, with a distraught looking James. Hermione quickly dropped the charms on the door and allowed the two boys to enter. N sooner then had Sirius entered he slammed the door closed with such force that the glass shattered.
'What the hell is the matter with you?' Hermione exasperated. The ruckus had drawn a crowd; clearly, others had nothing better to do then to gawk at the foursome. She quickly repaired the glass and once more replaced the silencing charm.
'Do you two have something you wanna tell me maybe?' he practically growled at them. There was something in him that looked very dark and dangerous, it made Hermione guard Remus, and if he had been, close enough she would have done the same for James. Her hand twitched over the pocket that held her wand. It was not because she thought she would use it, but more out of habit.
'How did he?' her voice was low and calculating. She'd only two people, and as good as the rumor mill was even it wasn't that good so it was a fifty/fifty. Alice or Marlene.
'Marlene, I tried to calm him down but…' James answered her, his face showed some fear. However, it wasn't for Hermione or Remus. James was scared about Sirius' actions. It was the second time in a handful of hours that James had expressed worry and fear for his best friend. This just made Hermione angrier as it pooled in her stomach like an active volcano. The more the pressure built the deadlier it would be when it eventually exploded.
'Shut your fucking face Prongs. What don't I know about my friends that apparently everyone else does' Sirius demanded. All Hermione could focus on was her breathing. She had to think calmly to act calmly even though all she wanted to do is shout at him.
'We will not say anything until you can speak to us with some respect.' Hermione said rather convincingly calm (at least that's what she thought anyway). Sirius' face contorted again displaying the hurt and anger that he was feeling.
'That's a little fucking rich, given you are keeping secrets don't you think.' He snarled at them. In her mind, Hermione was going to give him one more chance to calm down and speak to her like a normal human being rather than barbarian.
'Mate just calm down.' Remus stepped next to her. His tone was more of an authoritarian. Remus was not asking, he was demanding.
'Tell me, what's going on now!' nothing was good enough to Sirius. He would not stop his demanding until he had his answer, but what made everything worse was Hermione and Remus were only moments away from telling him when all this started. A mix of distress, anger and hurt swelled in Hermione's chest. Her volcano was about to erupt.
'No I will not be spoken to as if I am an animal.' She snapped hoping he would read the situation and know that they never meant any harm, hurt or resentment. They were selfish wanting to keep it to themselves so they could have a happy Christmas.
'You are an animal Hermione, now tell me or so help me.' A single crack of skin connecting to skin echoed through the small space. The vibrations of pain stung her palm as Remus and James stood astonished by her actions. Hermione had never been one to be physical with another, but then again there was no one quite like Sirius Black. She should have felt remorse but nothing came. Not one fiber of her felt anything close to it.
'You egotistical moron. The thing we were going to tell you was that we are no longer together. Are you happy now or would you prefer to yell at us some more.' when she was met with silence Hermione had her answer. She felt the tears betraying her she left the three stunned boys behind. As she sped through the crowds, Hermione thought to herself that there was not enough train for the space she wanted between her and Sirius Black. Right now, she just needed Lily.
