Hello Everyone,

I just wanted to say that I appreciate the continual support I have had with A Chance for Change. I received my 150th review for this story, which just blows me away. Also a huge thank you for the over 230 of you who favorited and 440 followers. It really means so much to be.

I hope you continue to enjoy this story as much as I enjoy writing it. I am going to try and update it once a month (I say try because life can happen).

So enjoy review, favourite and follow if you like where this is going. That's enough from me now.

Allons-y

James surveyed his current circumstances. His best friend was being a broody hermit and not to mention had nearly killed his sister. His other mate was bouncing between drowning his sorrows in everything from butter beer to fire whiskey. He'd also taken to punching Pads when said beverage were trying to be confiscated. Then there was his dear sister. What could he say about her? Well that she was a stark raving lunatic. Who punches someone in the middle of the Great Hall and expects to get away with it. What was most unnerving though? In fact the mere thought of it was enough to make his stomach lurch. Snape had been pleasant, dare he even say friendly. Through it all James had been furious. His howler said a lot of things that he meant but then some he didn't. But no matter those words couldn't be taken back. It mattered how they moved forward. But in there laid the problem. No one was speaking. James didn't know how things were going to right themselves without intervention. He had half a mind to lure them all the room of Requirement to duke it out. However it proved to James that clearly he was glue that kept the group together. The entire world had gone bat shit insane in his absence.

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It wasn't long after her return that Hermione had asked Remus to meet her in their abandoned classroom. He wasn't sure what to expect really. He hoped that she would at least be a little mad at him. It would certainly make it easier for him. However knowing her, she would be too understanding and forgiving. He had to take a long steadying breath as he reached for the door handle. Stepping inside Hermione looked up from her book with impossibly beautiful smile on her face.

"Remus" his name on her lips made his heart stop in its tracks. Putting her book down Hermione opened her arms to him. Remus not wanting to waste a moment of her embrace, rushed to her. Hermione was still a full head shorter than him, not that he was complaining as he buried his head in her curls. The smell of vanilla and jasmine made him feel like he was home. Holding her tightly he whispered her his shame and guilt. Begging for her forgiveness.

"Hermione…I'm so sorry. I…I could've"

"Don't think about that. You didn't and I am okay. Really, please stop beating yourself up. I am fed up with you walking around being ashamed. I don't blame you and you should blame yourself either. Please forgive yourself." He couldn't ever say no to her. Hermione was someone special. Her brown eyes reminded him of his favourite treat in the entire world. Chocolate.

He often wondered what would have been if they'd stayed together. He still loved her as he did five months again. If anything, he loved her more. She really was an extraordinary witch. For the moments she was in his arms, Remus could almost pretend that she was still his.

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Hermione couldn't blame McGonagall for giving her detentions every Saturday for a month. After all what else should she have expected for punching Sirius in the middle of the Great Hall. But a month seemed a little steep given the reason she punched him. Regardless Hermione served her time, doing all the menial tasks given to her. Like polishing every trophy without magic, writing one thousand lines of 'I must not resort to violence, regardless of circumstances', sorting out rotten Flobberworms from good ones for use as Potion ingredients and scrubbing out all the cauldrons by hand after another explosive first year class.

If anything Hermione was grateful for the time to herself. It gave her time to reflect and panic. James was supposed to save Snape. It was the first domino in chain that showed Lily he was mature and responsible. Then there was Remus. He couldn't even look her in the eyes. When he did there was so much pain and regret. What was worse is she was fairly certain he was drinking himself stupid. Not that she'd gotten the chance to confirm this, because he refused to talk to her. Then of course there was Sirius. He had been so reckless, impulsive and downright fucking mental. What had he expected would happen? That everything would be sunshine and roses? Something in Sirius had shifted and it was not for the better. Sure he was rash but he normally wouldn't do anything to harm those he loved. Her heart ached thinking about him. Hermione wasn't sure if they could even get back to where they used to be. She missed him but was still terribly angry, not just at him but at herself. How could she have been so stupid? She knew this was coming, only she'd failed to stop it. Was Dumbledore right had she forgotten why she was really here? Had her desire to belong clouded her objectives?

Something was wrong and Hermione had no idea how to fix it. It wasn't like there was a manual or textbook she could borrow to tell her the answers. There was so much coming, that Hermione didn't know if she was prepared for. Not that she really had a choice of course. So she found herself more often than not seeking refuge in her favourite place in Hogwarts.

"You know libraries are generally used to study. Not to stare off into space or throw pity parties right?" Lily's warm voice pulled Hermione from her thoughts.

"Sorry what?"

"Very funny. So do you want to talk about it?" Lily smiled down at her. Hermione knew that if anyone was going to be able to help it would be Lily. She had somehow become her confidant. If it hadn't been for Lily, Hermione wouldn't have spoken to someone in days. James was there for her of course, but it was odd having a brother. She still wasn't sure how to approach him about personal things. Which is why Lily was her heaven sent. She still at times caught herself in awe of the auburn haired beauty. Not just because of her kindness, but because she wished she could tell Harry about her. She could only imagine the look in his face, if she had the chance to tell him that his mother collected romance novels and pressed flowers. "You've been mopping about for weeks now." She said as she took a seat next to Hermione on the floor. Her green eyes looked for any flicker of distress or anger. It really was unnerving at times. It was almost Lily could look into your soul.

"It's just, I don't even know really. I feel this weight on my chest like it's hard to breathe. But I don't know how to fix this. Quite frankly I'm surprised the boys are co-existing. I don't know how I can forgive him. Because I don't think I can forgive myself. I am here with a purpose and I lost that somewhere along the way. I knew this was coming. And I…I didn't" Hermione's voice sounded brittle and small. She hadn't said the words out loud before.

"Hermione, this is not your fault." Lily pulled Hermione into a tight encompassing hug. Hermione was grateful for her friendship with Lily. Sure she'd heard amazing things about her from Harry and the older versions of Sirius and Remus. But it was another thing to experience them. She had this uncanny ability to see the beauty in whomever she met, even if they could not see it in themselves. Not to mention Hermione loved when she got mad and Prongs, it really was great entertainment. Breaking their hug Lily wiped the tears from Hermione's cheeks. "You know I've been thinking about you. I know it will sound stupid but maybe there are events that have to happen regardless of you being here. You say you knew Sirius would do this. Maybe it had to happen for him to become the person he was supposed to be. I know it sounds dumb"

"It is actually quite beautiful Lily, not dumb at all." Hermione smiled. Of course Lily would say something so incredibly beautiful, that Hermione would consider it plausible. Not that she would ever say that out loud. Lily's head was big enough.

"Maybe talk to your toe rag brother or better yet Remus. You are not alone Hermione. But for the love of all things good, stop blaming yourself. You can't have all of the guilt Hermione. It doesn't all belong to you. Sometimes I think you and Sirius are soul mates. You're all broody and unnecessarily critical of yourselves." Lily's smile really was beautiful, it reminded her of Harry. His smile at times didn't reach his eyes, but when it did by Godric he looked like his mother.

"If that's how you think them maybe you and James should get together all ready." Hermione joked as Lily playfully smacked her, leaving them in a fit of giggles.

"Not on your life." Lily said tightly hugging her friend again. Lily could say it all she liked but all Hermione could think about was raven haired boy with his mother's eyes.

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Sirius,

I hear great things from your mother of embracing your Black nature. For this you have gained recognition. This pleases me.

It is your time soon son to take your mantle and serve your house. Like I have and the generations that came before. Anything less than perfection, is unacceptable.

Enjoy the blood traitor and whores for now. As you will not have the opportunity to besmirch your legacy for much longer.

Toujours Pur

O.B

Sirius had been sitting in his alcove when he had received this letter. He'd been receiving letters like this almost weekly since Christmas. It had been five months of continual vile bigoted hell always waiting for the next one to arrive. This was however, the first time he'd received one from his father. It made his heart sink. This held weight. He could ignore his mother, he had been for years. But you don't ignore Orion Black without consequences. More than anything wanted to scream. His father had set the expectation and Sirius wanted to shatter it into a million different pieces. He didn't ask for this, he didn't fucking want it. Reggie was being groomed as a contingency. One and a spare that was the rooms of pure bloods. He just wished that he never had to step foot on the platform. He knew what was coming for him.

"James, come on it's time for revis….Hi." her voice cut through the silence. Hermione was a welcome sight. She looked fit and well considering everything. Books in hand and a bright smile though it faltered slightly when she saw him. What more could he expect really though. He nearly did get her killed. In fact he was surprised she hadn't already left. His breathe caught in his throat as he took her in. High waisted, Bell-bottom jeans were the best invention maybe ever. It showed off the subtle curves of her hips. Better yet when she would inevitably walked away he would get a perfect view of her shapely arse. Sirius was extremely grateful for muggle fashion. But his favourite thing about her was her untameable curls pulled into a bun on top of her head. No matter what she did her, some of her curls always fell out. He had often fantasised about running his hands through them, amongst other things.

"Sorry to disappoint kitten it is just me by the way you haven't said a word to me in weeks and your opening line is Hi" jumping down from his alcove, Sirius tried to sound normal. Whether she was buying was another story. Her brow furrowed slightly, her brown eyes looked him. If he'd been someone else he would have been flattered by her prolonged gaze. But he knew this witch, she was looking for something.

"Well you know it is a form of greeting, so it seemed appropriate." She said very matter-of-factly.

"So little about me is appropriate Vixen" he winked at her. Her cheeks betrayed her and Sirius loved it.

"Care to prove that?" she asked through a flirtatious smile biting her bottom lip. For the love of magic, she was going to drive him into insanity. Hermione put her books down on James's trunk and closed the gap between them. Her saunter was graceful and incredibly sexy. His mind raced, if she knew the salacious things in his mind, she would surely slap or hex him…again.

"Careful Kitten, if you keep looking at me like that. One of these days I might take you up on the offer." She really did smell delicious. Jasmine, vanilla and something else. He had never smelt that on her before. But whatever it was, it was intoxicating.

"Sirius, I don't think you could handle me." She looked at him through her eyelashes. Her eyes reminded him of fire whiskey "More importantly what's that?" Fuck. He forget about the letter. He couldn't let her read it.

"It's nothing really" He said flippantly. Hermione cocked her head to the side. She started to lean into him. Was this their moment? Was he a complete pansy for thinking something so frilly and girly? Sirius mirrored her movements. What he should have known was that she wanted him distracted. The letter was ripped from his hands and a cold shot of fear ran through his veins. Had she not been so sneaky, her vulpine reflexes would have been impressive and frankly sexy. "HERMIONE! Give it back!"

Whatever flirtations had been there were gone the moment she finished reading the letter. Sirius curse himself for not burning it along with the others.

"How often?" he could see the rage flickering through her. He knew this face; it was one of anger and protection. He had seen it many times. Hermione didn't take people threatening her loved ones very well. There was no use in lying to her now.

"Often enough" Sirius turned his back on her. He could and would not let Hermione see him this vulnerable. He knew too look in her eyes now he would only see pity and hurt and he couldn't stand it.

"You can't go with them. Sirius, I simply won't allow it" her words hung in the air for a moment. A small smile crossed his lips for a moment. Sirius could only imagine what this witch would do in a one on one duel with his mother. In fact, he pitied Walburga if she even tried. Sirius's façade returned as he turned to face the petite brunette. He needed her as far away from this as she could be.

"You won't allow it? Are you kidding me right now? You haven't spoken to me in a month and that's what you say to me." He knew that was a cheap shot. What hurt him more was how she flinched at his words. He had cut her deeper than intended.

"This is why." her voice seemed so small and brittle. He wondered if the next words that would come out would break it completely "You…You've pushed everyone away?" She really was too clever for her own good sometimes…all the time really. That and she had the inside information being from the future and all.

"I can't have them hurt any of you" especially you. He thought to himself "That is a line I won't cross." He couldn't look at her. He wouldn't have the same strength if he did. Hermione's body slammed into his, taking him into a tight embrace from behind. His heart jumped into his throat.

"Let me help you. Sirius please look at me." Turning in her arms, Sirius was afraid. He considered himself a strong person but Hermione had a knack for bringing him to his knees.

"Why would you help me, I nearly killed you. You should want nothing to do with me. I am not a broken toy you can fix Hermione."

"Is that really what you think? If you think I look at you like that, well frankly you're insulting my integrity. I know who you are deep down Sirius." He was losing all his resolution the more she yelled him. The more his heart swelled, she really cared for him. More than he had originally thought. Not to mention he thought she was incredibly sexy when she was all riled up. "You are reckless, stubborn and honestly infuriating. But know that beyond all of that I lo…" The rest of her words were lost on her lips as he claimed her mouth. Sirius knew that this was going to end poorly, but he didn't care. He kissed her feverously and with a great hunger. She was too good for him. He knew this, but he could not stop himself not anymore. He felt her body ridged against his at first, before she melted into him. Her arms linked around his neck as her, hands knotted in his hair pulling it hard. His resolve snapped as a low growl formed against his lips. He'd wanted this for so long. His hands roamed down her ribs, over her lower back and to her arse.

Sirius was not going to let this moment pass him by, he didn't have the luxury of time. Part of him should have been nervous. Hermione was unlike any other girl he'd ever been with or kissed. She tasted better than any fire whiskey he'd ever had. Not to mention she was even more intoxicating.

"Sirius" he loved the way her breathiness said his name. It was better than he could have ever dreamed. "Wait…please"

"What's the matter not enjoying yourself kitten?" If her breathlessness and swollen lips meant anything, hopefully she was enjoying herself.

"Believe me it's not that. I am not another notch in your bedpost." She blushed. Sirius knew she didn't say this as a way to hut him. She wanted him to know she was not another one of the easy girls to pass through his bed. If they did this…The thought seemed too good to even contemplate.

"Is that what you think this is?"

"I don't know what this is but I know that I want be sure. So we need to slow it down. Take our time. You're too important to me to screw this up. " he didn't want to stop. If she would let him Sirius wanted to know what all of her tasted like.

"I don't have time Hermione." Her concern was evident as she chastely kissed him. Hermione's beautiful eyes looked at him the way he'd always dreamed of. She wanted him in that moment.

"Yes we do." There is was. "We". She wasn't going to let him go if they continued. It was perfect, but he couldn't let her be hurt as a bio-product of his family. If they thought she could be used to break him they were going to try and he wouldn't have it. He needed to hurt her enough to make her run from him. And he knew exactly how to do it. For the love of Godric he hoped he lived to fix this. Breaking their embrace Sirius tried to dig for the darkness in himself.

"There is no "WE" it is me I don't have time. You know what is coming. You know what they will try to do to me. No doubt, you know the fucking outcome too. I do not have the same faith you do Hermione. So just go. This was a mistake."

"Sirius that's not what I meant" She reached for him, and he pulled away. Like most Gryffindor's, their emotions sat close to the surface. And he could see that he'd more than hurt her, he'd shattered something.

"Just LEAVE!" He was screaming inside, begging her to really look at him. To read his mind to see that he didn't mean it. As the tears formed in her eyes.

"You've been many things Sirius, but I never thought cruel was one of them." Hermione didn't pause to pick up her books as she ran from the dorm. It took all his strength not to run to her. To tell her the truth, about how he felt. That he'd lied to her, that he wanted her more than he should have. But he knew he never would. He needed her to be safe. Hermione knew this had been coming but he didn't blame her. For any of it. Sirius knew she would risk everything to save him, even when mad at him. That's why he couldn't and wouldn't risk her welfare. Not for him, especially around his perverted family. He hoped that one day he would be the kind of man that would be worthy of her affection. Until then he would settle for keeping her safe. Because to contemplate the alternative was unthinkable.

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Remus had been in the library when her Patronus showed up. Her shaky voice made him panic. She didn't say much three words Room of Requirement. He immediately packed dropped everything and ran. He could hear Madame Pince scolding him but he didn't care. Something was wrong. It didn't take him long to get to the seven floor corridor. He paced waiting for the door to appear. The moment it did Remus burst through. He didn't know what to expect. His adrenalin was pumping wait for some threat to reveal itself. What he didn't expect was Hermione sitting alone in front of a fireplace. Her body was shaking through her tears. Sitting next to her Remus pulled onto his lap, wrapping his arms around her.

"Hermione? What's wrong what happened?" she was so cold.

"I'm…idiot, I…we were…and he…to leave because…" She was crying so hard she couldn't even string a proper sentence together.

"You're not making a lot of sense Vix, take a breath for me and start again" He rocked her in his arms as she took long deep breaths. Remus had missed the felling of Hermione in his arms. He just wished that this scenario was different.

"Sirius kissed me. Thing were getting…heated…I told him I'm not that girl. He…he got upset and…he told me to…to leave. I'm so dense, of course this would happen" she cried into his shoulder. SO much swam through Remus's head. How could he have done this to her. Remus had known that Sirius was waiting for his chance with Hermione and in one moment he'd fucking blown it. How thick could he actually be? Remus wasn't his biggest fan at the moment and after this moment he was higher on his shit list. He did his best to soothe Hermione, while holding her close.

"This is not your fault. Do not even think it for a moment." Remus held her as she cried. His blood boiled for what Sirius reduced her to. Hermione was someone to be loved and defended at all costs. Protect. Remus had wondered in the months since they broke up, if he'd done the right thing letting her go. She was perfect in every way except for one. If Sirius could not see this then he was dumber then Remus had originally thought. Protect. He would not let his moron of a "friend" do this to her. Protect her. Moony's voice echoed in his mind as he held her. For possibly the first time ever Remus and the wolf agreed. He would protect her.

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Sirius had been reading his copy of Seeker weekly when the dorm room door nearly flew off its hinges. Sirius jumped sky high reaching for his wand pointing at the door. Remus stood there looking possibly irate. Part of Sirius wondered if it would be safe lowering his wand.

"Fuck Moony, you nearly gave a heart attack. What's god your tail in a twist?" Sirius barely had time to react before the wolf was crossing the room. Remus gruffly pulled Sirius off of his bed by the collar of his pyjamas, slamming him into the hard wooden post of his bed.

"What's wrong with you? Do you get off on hurting her like that?" His eyes flashed amber and Sirius knew the wolf was close to the surface. There was no use in denying anything, clearly he knew what'd happened just a few hours ago. Sirius felt the wash of shame run over him.

"What do you know?" Remus let him go and began pacing like a caged beast.

"You kissed her and then threw her out like one of your slags." It stung to hear the words come from his lips. Remus really was like a brother to him. Sitting on the edge of his bed Sirius buried his head in his hands. Clearly his reputation had proceeded him.

"Is that really what you think of me? That I would do that to her? Hermione is…she's different" a low growl formed in his chest. He needed to be careful. Remus was not full himself, the full moon was only a few days away.

"Yes, I think you are exactly that kind of stupid. Hermione is more than different mate; she is incredible, intelligent and sexy as hell. So tell me why would you be so idiotic to hurt her that badly? You're lucky I haven't told Prongs. You would be getting skewered by his antlers for what you did" honestly he was surprised it hadn't happened before now. After everything. James had been taking this whole brotherly protection thing very seriously. Sirius thought it would make himself feel better, because at least there would be a physical pain to deal with. He rather than the mental or emotional that took longer to deal with and heal.

"I know ok. She is too good for someone like me Moony." He stopped. Turning to face him. Sirius had the feeling no matter what he'd say Remus would have a counter argument.

"So that's it you're throwing yourself a pity party. She is not the kind of girl that will wait for you. I'm sure that half the male population of this school would gladly take her out and you blew it because you're scared."

"What are you one of those blokes Moony?" Remus's front faltered. The sickle dropped and the light came on. Sirius hadn't considered this to be honest. But how could he have been so blind of course Moony still fancied Vix. "Holy shit, you are. You want her back" his face contorted with pain and longing.

"Of course I do. She is incredible, but it is not me that she wants. If she did, though I would not hesitate. Moreover, I certainly would not fuck it up like you have. But what I don't understand is I know how you really feel about her. Even when we were together, you wanted her. Your heart betrayed you every time. And frankly I was over smelling your arousal, it was disgusting" Sirius though he'd been careful enough when Moony and Vix had been together. Remus was right of course. He'd wanted her for a long time, longer then he should have. But Sirius was not going to back down either. Moony seemed to only have half the story. Hermione hadn't told him about the letters. If he knew it all then maybe he would act differently, if he knew he was doing it to protect her.

"Don't turn this back on me. I can't be what she needs. She needs someone like you Moony. If you feel that way about her then be with her." Remus's face darkened with anger as he exploded.

"SHE DOESN'T WANT ME! If she did I would bend heaven and earth for her. She is perfect in every way but one and it kills me. So pull you pompous head from your arse and open your eyes."

"I can't" his voice was barely louder than a whisper, but he knew with his heightened sense Remus will have heard him loud and clear.

"Then you really will lose your chance with her" Remus throw his hands in the air realising Sirius was a lost cause. His words cut him deeply because he knew that this was the truth. Hermione had been the first woman to show she genuinely cared for him. Not because of his name, money or to gain favour. She did it because she was kind. Hermione Potter was the most selfless person he'd ever met and he didn't know how to handle it.

"Moony…." Remus paused by the door looking over his shoulder at him

"I won't tell Prongs." It was more than Sirius could have hoped for from this exchange, before he slammed the door behind him.

"Thank you"

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Hermione nearly didn't join the girls for breakfast. She honestly thought she'd be miserable company after what happened the week prior. Lily knew of course, Hermione was not good at keeping things from her. Honestly she felt stupid. To have put herself out there like that was idiotic. Sirius had his demons that he would need to deal with. She however was not going to give up on helping him this summer. She would come up with something to get him out. The girls were chatting excitedly about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip. There had been rumours that one of the girls were going to be asked by the Hufflepuff beater Diggory. Hermione personally hoped that it was Marlene as her previous beau had recently dumped her. It would certainly perk her up. Suddenly the chatter stopped as a voice cleared from behind her.

"Hey Hermione. I don't know if you remember me. Amos from Ancient Runes, I was wondering if someone had asked you to Hogsmeade this weekend?" Cedric really did look remarkably like his father. And being completely honest Amos was a fit young man.

"Hi I know who you are. No I haven't been asked yet"

"Brilliant would you by chance like to go with me?" Her mind clouded for a moment before Lily elbowed Hermione in the ribs prompting her to respond.

"I would love to."

"Great. Just wow. Ok. Courtyard at ten?" His smile beamed down at her and she tried to replicate it. She should have felt something…right? Excitement, anticipation, flattery, but Hermione felt nothing. He lent down and kissed her cheek as the girls simultaneously awed for his sweet gesture

"See you then" as he walked away, her smile made way to a blush as the girls squealed with joy. Hermione wished she could disappear in that moment. More than that however she wished she felt something. Instead there was numbness. Looking over to her boys, James looked like he was going to have a fit. Remus smiled at her. But it was Sirius that held her attention. Looked genuinely pained as his hands were balled in fists. She could see his lips moving but couldn't hear his words as he left the Great hall.

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Hermione looked happy by the invitation. Her girlfriends seemed even more ecstatic by the possibility of a new coupling. She deserved to be happy. Sirius hated that Moony was right.

So…that's it. My second longest chapter ever. I hope you enjoyed it. I have been in a very inspired and motivated mood lately. Let me know what you think. See y'all later BYEEEEE.