A.N.1) Thanks for the reviews and sorry I broke my record and haven't updated recently, but I've been a tad busy, so here I am with…
Chapter nineteen.
"Come on Hermione!" came Harry and Ron's call from the end of the Gryffindor common room.
"Bloody hell guys, your in a hurry aren't you? Can't wait to start lessons?" was Hermione's question.
"God, what's that, a bad wake up call and a side order of sarcasm to make it even?" came Ron's slightly hurt voice as they headed down to the Great Hall.
"I guess your right, sorry" said Hermione somewhat grudgingly.
"It's okay Herm, we don't mind do we Ron…?" began Harry, and with a slight nod from Ron he continued,
"It's good to see you like this, makes you look…"
"Human" came Ron's innocent interruption.
"Oh HA bloody HA! Come on lets get our timetables and eat."
As Harry and Ron studied their timetables, Hermione chanced a look up at the high table and what she saw made her jump. Severus was nowhere in sight but Sirius Black was staring very intently in her direction, and when he saw her looking a very slow and seductive grin spread across his face that made Hermione blanch and look away instantly.
"Hey, Hermione are you okay?" came Harry's concerned voice.
"What? Oh yes-yes I'm fine" came her hesitant response.
"Well I'll be a bloody muggle…" cried Ron suddenly, making both Harry and Hermione start.
"Something the matter Ron?" asked Harry sarcastically.
"Yes as a matter of fact there is! We have blasted Potions with Malfoy and his bastard cronies again! Not to mention Defence against the Dark Arts, which we have first today!" came Ron's furious outburst, drawing most of the tables' attention.
"Oh well…" said Hermione positively,
"Least it's with Sirius," she said, her voice becoming apprehensive at the mention of Sirius after his behaviour, although neither boy noticed it.
"GREAT!" they cried simultaneously.
"He won't take no crap off of them!" said Ron triumphantly.
"What's this boys? Celebrating already? You haven't even seen me teach yet!" said a deep masculine voice startling all three pupils.
"Bloody hell Sirius, you nearly frightened us to death!" cried Harry, turning around to look him in the eye, as he stood behind Hermione, who had tensed up at his arrival.
"Sorry" came his sheepish apology
"So did you boys have a nice summer?" he asked, while adding…
"I know Hermione did" slyly, making Hermione tense even further.
"Of course she did Sirius, she was staying at Hogwarts, who could not like that?" came the cheerful voice, and Hermione's saviour, Remus Lupin.
"Remus" acknowledged Sirius frostily, somewhat disgruntled at being interrupted at his game, the change had been noted on both Lupin and Hermione, but lost on Harry and Ron.
"Hello Professor Lupin." Said Hermione tentatively.
"Good morning Hermione, how are you feeling?" he asked kindly.
"Oh, I'm…" she started.
"Why don't you ask Snape, Remus, he would have a better understanding" stated Sirius bitterly, with a cruel stare directed at Hermione, who had gone a deathly pale at his outburst.
"Excuse me, I have to go to the Library, I'll see you in class" said Hermione quickly and quietly while she headed towards the entrance, as fast as she could without actually running.
"Where's Hermione going" asked Harry, he and Ron had looked up just as she was leaving, the two having been in a conversation with Dean and Neville had not heard a word, much to Sirius' chagrin, which was made apparent as he also left with a small growl.
"Where's Sirius going?" Harry asked in complete confusion over just what occurred with both Hermione and Sirius.
"Nothing to worry about Harry, I believe that Hermione wanted to go to the Library and that Sirius has a lesson to plan for." Said Remus pleasantly; although on closer inspection he was rather worried.
"Oh okay" said Harry and Ron in unison, causing a smile to form on Lupin, while he said…
"I have to go, have a good day!" and with that he strode out of the Great Hall to plan for the upcoming battle.
A.N.2) Hope you liked this chapter, sorry it's not as long as it's predecessor but I'll try for the next one. Please review, I like to read what you think, good or bad! Until tomorrow…
Luv Holly.
P.S) Sorry that SS was not mentioned!