Chapter 2: Hopes, Dreams and Not so New Feelings.
Hermione, Ron and Harry looked at their schedules as they sat down for breakfast in the great hall first morning back at school. All three had potions with Snape and the 7th year Slytherins first thing. They hated classes with Slytherins, in particular Snape's class. He always seemed to favor them, especially Malfoy. Draco Malfoy, along with Crabbe and Goyle were the head troublemakers in Slytherin House, which Snape was head of. Malfoy had a great dislike for the trio since their first year. He despised them for various reasons. Harry, because he wouldn't let Malfoy tell him who to be friends with and because he was Harry Potter, Ron because he was a Weasley, and Hermione, he disliked because she was muggle born. Malfoy referred to her as a mud blood, everyone hated that word. Draco made sure everyone knew he was a pureblood; he was also the son of Lucius Malfoy, a known death eater. Ron made some comment about what he'd like to do to Malfoy, while Hermione looked up once again to the staff table hoping to catch a glimpse of Sirius he still wasn't there. She wondered why he hadn't come to breakfast and felt a twinge of disappointment at not being able to see him. The five minutes he'd spent with them in the common room last night wasn't enough time to catch up, especially when there were so many who wanted to greet him. She had so many questions. As she turned to listen to the to the conversation Ron and Harry were having with Neville Longbottom and Seamus Finnigan, she didn't notice the tall man approaching the Gryffindor table from the back of the hall until he gently placed a strong hand on her shoulder. He'd laid his other hand at the base of Harry's neck since they were sitting next to each other.
"Good Morning." He leaned in and whispered with a smile. As swiftly has he approached, he was gone, heading for the staff table. Hermione watched as he walked away still very aware of the tingling spot where his hand had rested for those few fleeting seconds and the faint lingering smell of his cologne. He was dressed in the Hogwarts black robes, which he had left open, but under them she could see he had chosen a more casual look, black jeans and boots with a white shirt. When he turned around to sit down to the left of Dumbledore, she could see that the shirt was a white polo shirt. Very muggle like, Hermione thought, and the white sets off that delicious tan and those intense eyes. That shirt's snug in all the right places showing off those new muscles and that flat stomach. She couldn't help staring at him; he was so different looking now. Again this morning she couldn't believe the man smiling back at her was the same man she'd seen at King's Crossing Station a few months ago. She flushed and looked away when she realized he saw she was staring at him.
In the front of the hall at the staff table, Headmaster Dumbledore watched the exchange between his star student and the new professor. The reaction from Miss Granger amused him considerably. He knew that Sirius Black, being Harry Potter's godfather had befriended all of Harry's friends, especially Weasley and Granger, but something in Hermione's expression left him to wonder if she might not have more than a slight crush on the newest Hogwarts staff member. He leaned over ever so slightly and in an undertone, "Looks like someone may have eyes for the new teacher."
Sirius looked at Dumbledore, then down to Hermione who was watching again, then back to Dumbledore. "I don't think so, I think its…well it's just been a while since I've seen the kids. I've been told; I look considerably different since they saw me in May, more human now. I think she's just shocked that I actually look healthy, like a real man and not some skeleton, even Molly Weasley had to start a row before she'd believe it was really me. Besides, I haven't had any time to say a proper hello to Hermione. I really haven't spoken to her since the veil. She wasn't at Diagon Alley with the others when I was there, and last night I only had a few minutes to visit before lights out. I know she has some questions, and I didn't get a chance to spend any time with her, so she may feel a little left out."
"Call it what you will, my young friend, but she can't keep her eyes off you. As seems to be the case with many of the young ladies this morning." Dumbledore commented looking around to see more than half the females in the school gawking at the new addition to the staff. "Guess that's what I get for hiring such an attractive young man for the Defense Against the Dark Arts position." Both men laughed before returning to the plates in front of them. Albus Dumbledore found himself watching Sirius Black as he talked to Madam Pomfrey. He could see why the young girls were scrutinizing him so close. The summer away had done him a world of good. He was physically and mentally stronger than Albus had seen him since before James and Lily died. Having spent the break taking care of young Mr. Potter and himself, he looked happy, rested and at peace. He had built up his mind and body. He and Harry must have worked out a lot he thought. He seemed to have regained some of his youthful spirit; this made him look ten years younger. Dumbledore smiled, he always loved Sirius Black. Continuously saw so much potential in him. Reminded him of himself when he was much, much younger. Tears came to the elder wizards eyes as he thought about the years Black had spent in Azkaban for something he didn't do and then those years on the run, the years he and Harry should have been together but weren't. He couldn't think of anyone else who could have suffered the losses he had, survived what he had and not end up completely mental. Dumbledore felt setting there that he hadn't been wrong in his faith and affection for Black. He felt pure pride sitting, watching the talented Mr. Black. Professor McGonagall reached over and touched Dumbledore's hand. That small act told him, she knew what he was thinking and feeling. It also let him know that they would be talking about this more in the near future. Dumbledore again looked to the man on his left, someday maybe he would tell Sirius just who he actually was and how proud he was of him.
Breakfast concluded with the Headmaster giving some last minute instructions to staff and students. As he turned to leave, he bent over to Sirius and said with nothing but amusement in his voice, "I strongly suggest you make some time in the next couple days to say that proper hello to Miss Granger." He patted Black on the back and left before Sirius had grasped fully the implications the old man had suggested. He sat there a shocked. Looking out at the dispersing crowd of students he saw Hermione walking away with her head down. He knew she must have her feeling hurt, she had always been kind to him and he needed to let her know how much he appreciated it. Besides it wasn't her fault she couldn't make the reunion in Diagon Alley. He made a mental note to tell her today that he would find some time for them to catch up this weekend if not before. Maybe he could get special permission to take the kids to Hogsmeade for dinner Saturday night.
Half way through Potions, Ron nudged Harry, pointing to Hermione. "What's up with her today?" he asked. She was sitting in her seat next to Lavender, but both boys could tell she wasn't listening to Snape as he droned on and on. They weren't listening either, but that was normal for them.
"I don't know." Harry answered, "but I think we should try and talk to her as soon as class is over." The remainder of potions went rather quickly and all three breathed a shy of relief as they left the classroom, that Snape hadn't decided to start the year off picking on one of them and deducting points from Gryffindor.
Harry reached out for Hermione's arm to stop her from getting away. He pulled her to the small alcove I few feet from their next class, Transfiguration with Professor McGonagall. "Mione? Are you okay? You seem a little strange today?" Ron shook his head in agreement.
She looked from one to the other trying to decide if she wanted to talk to them or if she wanted to say she was fine and go on. Seeing the concern in their eyes she decided to just spit it out. "Actually I'm a little confused." She turned to face Harry, "You spent the summer with Sirius, and did I say something in one of my letters to offend him? Has he said anything to you?"
"I can't think of anything and he read me all yours and Ron's letters? Why? Has he done something?" Harry questioned unsure what was going through his friend's head.
"No, he hasn't done anything. It's just… he seems… he seems kind of distant." She said and the boys could see some sort of emotion playing across her face.
Harry thought for a minute, he wasn't really sure what she was talking about. Sirius had hugged her last night when he saw her. Sure he hadn't been able to answer her questions, but he had come to say hello to her. Ron and Harry both knew that was his major reason for coming to the common room. He hadn't seen Hermione, he had to leave before she arrived at Diagon Alley and he wanted to make sure he saw her for a few minutes before the beginning of classes. "Hermione, give him a couple days. This is all new to him. Not just the job, but also the freedom, the being alive. You know the only reason he came to the common room last night was because he hadn't seen you?" Harry added the last part hoping to cheer his friend up.
"Really?" she questioned.
"Yeah" answered Ron. "Why would he come to see us? He saw us the day. You're the only one he hadn't seen." That seemed to cheer her up some. Without any more conversation the three turned and headed for their next class.
The rest of the morning went by with out any problems. After lunch in the great hall, Ron had Muggle Studies; no one was really sure why he was taking this class, while Harry and Hermione had a free period, where they decided to go visit Hagrid. Returning from the cottage by the forbidden forest, Harry and Hermione meet up again with Ron, telling him about their visit as they made their way to Defense Against the Dark Arts. To the surprise of the whole class the desks were gone. Lining the walls were pillows, big pillows. As confusion began to set in, Professor Black came out of his office, "Grab a pillow, form a circle and have a seat."
Malfoy commented to Goyle and Crabbe, "What kind of stupid lesson does the loser convict think he can teach us and with bloody pillows?"
"50 points from Slytherin for Malfoy insulting the teacher and 10 points each because Crabbe and Goyle thought the comment was funny. That shows disrespect to both your classmates and myself. Now sit down gentlemen!" Black kept his voice low and soft but they all got the meaning in his tone. Walking over to Hermione and Padma Patil, "Ladies if you would be so kind as to make room, I'd like to sit between you." Once the girls had moved, Sirius placed his pillow between the girls, sat down, and leaned against the wall. "I know you're all 7th years and I'd like to get to know you and you get to know me. Today's class will be mostly a question and answer session. I know you have lots of questions about my past and me and I will answer those that do not get extremely personal. If I feel it's inappropriate to answer I'll say so and not answer. I would also like to know what you've studied for the last 6 years, so I have an idea what you will need to learn before the end of term."
The very first question came from, a girl in Slytherin, "Is it true you spent 12 years in Azkaban for something you didn't do? Also are you really Harry's Godfather? And are you married?"
Sirius looked at his hand, but smiled anyway. He knew those questions would come up but he hoped it would be later in the class. "I'm going to answer you, but first what is your name?"
"Blaise Zabini", she answered shyly. For some reason today every time he asked a female student a question they got all shy on him and looked everywhere but at him. Then later on when he moved to someone else they would just stare at him. He made another mental note to ask Hermione what was wrong with him.
"Blaise, Welcome to Defense Against the Dark Arts." He looked around the room. "Welcome to all of you. Please when you ask your questions, tell me your name so I can put names with faces." Sirius relaxed a little more into the wall and started speaking again. "My name is Sirius Black. I'm here to teach you what you need to know to protect yourself against the Dark ones. To answer your questions in order they were asked. Yes, I spent 12 years in Azkaban for a murder I didn't commit. I have since been cleared of all charges and have even worked for the Ministry of Magic. Question number two: Am I really Harry's Godfather? I'm assuming you mean Harry Potter, correct?" Sirius pointed to Harry but looked at the young Slytherin girl. She nodded yes and he went on. "Yes, I am Harry's Godfather. His father, James was my best friend from our first day at Hogwarts until the day James and his wife, Lily, Harry's mother died." Sirius looked at Harry who was smiling proudly at him. "Question three: Am I married. No, I am not married." Before he could finish someone on the other side of the room asked if he had a girlfriend. "Next time please raise your hand, but no I do not have a girlfriend. Now that is enough questions about my love life." He winked at Hermione and pointed to the boy in the corner. When everyone had, had a chance to ask their questions and Sirius felt he had enough information to plan his up coming lessons, he told them to put the pillows away and they could have the last few minutes. Just as the bell rang, he looked to where Hermione was talking to Ron and said, "Miss Granger would you please stay after for a couple minutes. Mr. Weasley and Mr. Potter you are welcome to stay as well if you like." Both politely declined stating they wanted to go to the Quidditch field and fly. His was the last class for Monday.
After all the others had left, Hermione walked closer to the front where Sirius stood with his back to her. She just stared at him. The muscles in his back stood out as he moved to remove his robe and hang it on the hook behind the desk. He turned around before she could look away. Blushing she asked, "What did you want to see me for? I couldn't have done anything wrong, it's the first class."
"Hermione, relax. Have a seat." There was a space in the front of the class where he had made a little sitting area. "You're not in trouble. I just wanted to ask you a couple questions and let you know I haven't forgotten about you."
"Excuse me?" Hermione was really confused now.
"I know you couldn't make it to Diagon Alley the other day, then I didn't get to see you much yesterday. I haven't had a chance to say a proper hello to you. We haven't had a chance to talk and catch up. I know you have many questions and I've not been really forth coming with answers. I gave Harry answers this summer, and I explained a lot in Diagon Alley, but I'm sure you have several questions you want answers to. So I wanted to let you know I'll make a time to answer them all. I've made a request with Headmaster Dumbledore that I be allowed to take you, Harry and Ron to Hogsmeade for dinner Saturday night. I'm just waiting on his answer." He felt a little self-conscious, because she hadn't said anything, she just kept watching him. " Are you okay?" He asked, "Do you need some water?"
She wasn't sure she heard anything he'd said, but somehow it was all in her brain. "No, I'm fine thank you and dinner in Hogsmeade would be lovely." She sat up a little straighter, "I do have questions, but I do want you to know how happy I am that you're alive. When we thought you were dead, it affected us all."
"Thank you." He said reaching over and squeezing her hand. "Now since you're the only girl I know here besides Ginny, can I ask you something?"
"Sure, what is it?" Hermione said getting lost in those eyes for a split second.
"Well it's just that…Is something wrong with me?" Seeing the unsure look on her face he went on. "I ask a student a question and she gets all tongue tied and silly on me. I walk down the corridor and girls whisper and giggle. I try to eat a meal and female students stare. What's wrong? What do I need to do to make it all stop?"
Hermione had to laugh because she had heard the whispers and giggles. She'd seen the stares and even stared herself. "Professor Black…Sirius. There is nothing wrong with you, you git. Have you looked at yourself in a mirror?" He shook his head that he had. "Well then you should know, but I guess you don't see yourself as others do. Sirius, there is nothing wrong and there is nothing you can do about it. You're very handsome. You've gained weight, put on some muscle, cleaned up, cut your hair, made all these changes and you look wonderful. Most of the female population of this school has a crush on you."
Sirius looked at her as if she had two heads, "You've got to be kidding me? I'm old enough to be every girl in this schools father."
"Doesn't matter." She stood up hugged him and made her way to the door. "I'll look forward to catching up and spending some time together."
He walked to the door where she stood. "You can count on it. This weekend for sure. I'll let you know what Dumbledore says." He smiled at her, thinking how pretty she was especially when she smiled. She'd blossomed into a beautiful young woman. He wondered why Harry and Ron hadn't made a play for her.
"Great, sounds like fun." She made to leave but turned back to him. "Sirius, don't let the whispers, giggles and stares shake you, females act that way because they find you attractive." She left the room. He could have sworn he heard her whisper as she exited, "I find you extremely attractive." He watched her walk away until he couldn't see her anymore. Had she really said what he thought she said?
Hermione waited in the common room after dinner for Ron, and Harry. Ginny had already gone up to bed. It was late when they arrived from a Quidditch meeting. She told them a little about her meeting with Sirius. "See I told you he wasn't upset with you." Harry said.
They talked a few minutes longer then both boys said goodnight and went up to the boy's dorm to bed. Hermione didn't know how they could sleep. She wasn't even tired. She sat in the overstuffed chair curled up in a ball and stared out the window. Something was bothering her, making her feel like a prisoner. It had been that way all summer. She really wanted to figure out what it was. She let her mind wonder, and wonder it did. It made it's way to Sirius. She sat straight up. "Get a grip Granger, you're acting like a first year with a new crush. You've known Sirius for years now." She said to herself. That's when it hit her. She had known him for years and she'd had feeling for him for years. Not the feelings a girl has for a father, or an older male friend. She was feeling things for Sirius Black she had never experienced before. These feeling were much more intense. As realization dawned on her she smiled to herself. "Hermione Granger! You're in love with Harry's Godfather. You're in love with Sirius Black." Saying those words out loud seemed to release something inside her. She felt a little freer than she had earlier, freer than she had in months. She couldn't wait for some time tomorrow so she could talk to Ginny, but for tonight she stood, walked up the stairs to her dorm, crawled into bed and prayed she'd dream pleasant dreams of the man who'd stolen her heart and he didn't even know it…Yet!