Hermione and Sirius walked slowly as they began to make their way back to the "Three Broomsticks" to meet the others. If they'd both been honest with themselves, neither wanted their alone time to end. Their pace became slower as they approached the edge of town. Sirius looked over to his walking companion when she stopped completely. With concern he asked, "Hermione? What's wrong?"
Several emotions displayed themselves in her eyes before she answered. "Nothing's wrong. It's just…" She stopped speaking and turned away from him.
Sirius put his hands on her shoulders and turned her back around to face him. "It's just what? I hope you know you can trust me and tell me anything."
Hermione raised her hand to gently stroke his cheek. Smiling she whispered, "I've always known. I've known since that day in the Shrieking Shack. Something in your eyes told me, you'd become important to me and I'd always be able to trust you. Sirius, I trust you with my life."
"I'm glad you feel that way. It means so much to know that I have your trust." He smiled down at her. "So trust me with whatever is bothering you."
Hermione smiled a sad little smile. She wanted so much to tell him, to say she was in love with him, but she didn't think he was ready to hear it. She wasn't sure he would ever feel the same way. "I was just thinking how nice it's been today. How wonderful spending time with you has been, like the late night talks we had in Grimmauld Place. I'm not ready for it to end. Everyone else was able to spend several days with you and catch up. I guess I'm being selfish."
Sirius could see something in her eyes. He wasn't sure what it was, but he knew it was more than what she was telling him. Pulling her into s soft hug he said, "Yes, it's been a very nice day and I've enjoyed it immensely. We will spend more time together, I promise. We have the rest of tonight, though we will have the others, but we can make some time tomorrow for a walk or maybe a picnic by the lake and we can talk some more."
She shook her head agreeing that would be nice. They resumed their journey back to the pub, where the others were waiting. Again they had the table in the corner. Sirius made a point of holding Hermione's chair. Remus smiled while faintly applauding his friend. Bowing slightly Sirius took the seat open between Hermione and Harry.
Harry and Ron talked about the new equipment they had seen at the Quidditch shop and handed Hermione some of the newest candy they'd bought at Honeydukes. Once dinner had been ordered, everyone seemed to be relaxing. Remus marveled at how comfortable everyone was. It was almost like being back at The Order of the Phoenix headquarters. Watching his friends brought a big smile to his face. He looked over at Harry who seemed to be watching Sirius and Hermione.
Harry and Ron told Remus in confidence what they'd heard just a few days ago. They asked his opinion in how to handle their knowledge. Remus suggested they do nothing. Hermione was a smart young lady and she didn't just rush into things, if she had feelings for Sirius then they could be sure that she had thought it through. He also told them how much Sirius cared for all of them. He wouldn't hurt her. If he didn't feel the same way when she approached him with her feeling he would find a way to make it as painless as possible. Remus then asked them how they would feel if Hermione and Sirius had a more than friend relationship. All agreed that it would be fine. Harry seemed to be their biggest supporter. He told Ron and Remus that he loved both Sirius and Hermione. He wanted them both to be happy and if they found love and happiness together then that would be wonderful.
Remus followed Harry's eyes. He was looking at Hermione who was laughing at something Ron had said. He also noticed how Sirius absentmindedly placed his arm over the back of her chair. Maybe there was something going on between the two. Remus was almost sure though that if Sirius was having feeling for the young woman it hadn't really surfaced where he was aware of them. He continued to watch everyone as the food arrived and they ate. An hour later Remus stood. "I hate to break up this party, but I have an early morning tomorrow and I need to get home." Everyone stood to say his or her good-byes. Remus leaned in and hugged Hermione while whispering in her ear, "Take care of you and tell him soon. It will all work out."
She held the hug a little longer and in a shocked voice whispered back, "How did you know? Am I that transparent?"
Remus pulled back and looked into her eyes, smiled and hugged her again. "No not to anyone but me. You have the same look when you look at him that Lily had when she looked at James. No one would even associate it. Just take care and like I said tell him soon. I think deep down he feels the same, he just needs some prodding." He pulled back again and stepped away. Turning to Sirius, "Padfoot, walk me out." Both men left with Hermione watching their retreating backs, a little nervous as to what Remus might say to Sirius.
Outside Remus asked, "How did your talk with Hermione go? Did you get all her questions answered?"
"I think so. I'm sure more will pop up, but I explained as much as I could to her." Sirius stated looking more at his feet than at his friend. He looked up at his best friend, "Moony can I ask you something and you'll be honest with me."
"Always my friend, always. What's up?" Remus said taking Sirius' arm to lead him away from the door.
"Something Dumbledore has said to me on more than one occasion." Sirius had second thoughts about telling Remus, but if he couldn't confide in his oldest friend whom could he talk to about it. "Professor Dumbledore thinks Hermione has feeling for me. He also said I had feeling for her; I just didn't know it yet. He told me I should be careful not to hurt her. Remus, she's 18 years old, I'm 36. I'm old enough to be her father. You're smart, you pay attention and you see things the rest of us don't. What do you think?"
Without thinking Remus reached over and hugged his confused friend. "Padfoot, are you really that dense?"
"I guess I am." He said running his hands through his short hair. "What Moony, tell me? Help me here, I need your advice." Sirius was beginning to sound anxious.
"Sirius, Calm down. I think Albus is right. From watching her today, especially tonight and from some things I've heard the boys say…" Sirius' head shot up with a questioning look, but Remus went on. "…Yes Hermione's in love with you. I think its real love, not a puppy love crush kind of thing. She's a smart girl who doesn't jump into things without thinking them through. As far as how you feel, only you can answer that, but I think that there is the possibility that you two could be really great together. And as far as the age difference, don't worry about it. She's very mature and sometimes you can be immature." With that said, Remus hugged his friend again and walked away, leaving Sirius standing there dazed and confused.
Shaking himself back to reality, Sirius made a vow to find out the truth about Hermione's feeling and his own. He'd told her they could spend some time together the next day, and he would make sure they were alone. He also became aware that if this were true, he would have to talk to Harry. He had promised never to keep anything from his Godson. Formatting a plan in his head, he turned and walked back into the pub. Now he just had to get through the rest of the evening. Approaching the table he saw Hermione wasn't there. Raising an eyebrow, "Where's Hermione?" he asked as be took his seat.
Harry answered not looking up from the dessert he was plowing through. "This place has a muggle telephone so she went to call her parents. She said something about really needing to talk to them."
In the back of the Three Broomsticks, across from the kitchen Hermione sat on a stool talking to her parents. She was listening as she was given all the reasons why she shouldn't love an older man. It was something her parents asked her to do. Weigh the pros and cons with them. She could give them all the reasons she loved him and thought the relationship would work and they could tell her why she shouldn't love him and why they didn't think it would work. She listened intently as they spoke to her and they were silent as she spoke to them. When everything had been said and placed out in the open there was a long period of quiet. Mrs. Granger was the first to speak. "Hermione Dear…" Hermione thought here it comes. They are going to tell me I shouldn't tell him, that I should find a boy my own age. "…You are an intelligent beautiful young woman. We've always trusted you and your judgment. I'm not going to say I would pick a man Sirius Black's age and background for you, but if this is what you truly want and you are absolutely sure you want and love this man, then I…we…your father and I will support you one hundred percent. Please Hermione, make sure he feels the same way before you jump in headfirst. You have our permission and blessing to try to work out a relationship with him. Sirius will always be welcome here and we will do our best to make him comfortable. We just ask that you both take things slow. Remember you must finish school."
Tears had begun to stream down Hermione's face. She was so happy. The outcome of the conversation with her family had been completely different than she thought it would be. "Thank you, both of you. I know how hard this must be for you. Mum, Dad, I really do love him. I'm not sure how he feels, but I've seen things in his eyes. It may take some time, but as long as I know I have your blessing to at least try, I need to give this a chance. Remus told me to tell him and soon, now that I've told you both, it will be easier… or at least I hope it is." Hermione talked for several minutes more to her family then told them she needed to get back to the others. She told them she loved them and would write soon, before hanging up the phone and joining her friends.
As Sirius once again held the chair for her, he saw something in her expression, her eyes. He was sure she'd been crying. Once he had seated himself, he leaned in and softly asked, "Is everything all right at home?"
Hermione smiled and gave the hand that rested on his thigh a gentle squeeze. "Yes, everything's wonderful. I just received some good news, but that's a story for another time." She continued to hold his hand under the table, but knew as soon as he noticed he would find a way to break the contact, to her surprise he didn't for several long minutes. She wasn't sure if it was because he was engrossed in a conversation with Ron and Harry about Quidditch or if it was something more. At this point she didn't care, she was ecstatic to have this small bit of physical contact with this most perfect man.
Soon it was time for them to make their way back to Hogwarts. As they walked up the steps that led to the entrance, Harry stated, "That was a great day. Thank you for taking us to Hogsmeade."
Sirius smiled, "You are very welcome. It was my pleasure and maybe Professor Dumbledore will allow us to do it again."
"Great!" All three students said in unison, before Harry turned to Hermione and asked, "Did you get all your questions answered?"
"Most of them." Hermione answered looking from Harry to Sirius then back to Harry. She was about to say more, but was interrupted by Ron.
"So what's up for tomorrow? You going to hang out with us?" He was looking right at his friends Godfather. "Well except when we have that three hour Quidditch practice at noon, but then you and Hermione can do something until we get done."
Sirius looked at the trio standing in front of him. "Sure, sounds like a plan to me. I'll catch you after breakfast." They walked as a group up the staircase until they got to the floor where Sirius would go in the other direction. At the top, he shook hands with Ron and hugged Harry. He bent to give Hermione a soft peck on the cheek, as he did she turned her head and lip met lip. Both pulled back as shock ran through them. Hermione said good night and ran to catch Harry and Ron.
Sirius watched until she was gone, then turned to walk to his room with his hand touching the spot where her lips had touched his. As he passed the staff library he decided to go see if he could find something to take his mind off Hermione.
On the other side of the castle Hermione ran into the common room hoping Ginny was still up. She had so many things she wanted to tell her. She spotted her friend sitting curled up in a plush chair reading. She walked over and took the book away. Ginny looked up, "How was your day? How was the talk with Sirius? Did you get answers? Did you spill?"
Hermione laughed and looked around. "Let's go up to our room and I'll tell you all about it." Once in the room with the door closed, they piled on Hermione's bed. She knew her friend wanted all the details. "Well let's see, where to start? We arrived and met up with Remus. It was great to see him; he never seems to change. We had lunch then he took Harry and Ron shopping so Sirius and I could talk. Sirius explained a lot to me, we talked about his escape from the veil and the work he did for the ministry. He told me about his and Harry's trip to Greece. We talked for most of the afternoon, when everything was explained we had about an hour until we were to meet the others so we took a walk to the edge of Hogsmeade. Ginny, I almost told him there how I felt, but couldn't."
"What Happened?" Ginny asked shifting, finding a more comfortable position.
"I don't know. He was telling me that I could trust him, that he would always be there, but it didn't think it was the right time. I guess I need to know that there is a chance that he might feel the same, before I tell him." Hermione stopped talking and looked out the window into the darkness. She let her mind go back. "We met the others back at the Three Broomstick, had a nice dinner and talked some more. Remus decided he needed to be going, but before he left he hugged me and told me to take care of myself and to tell him how I felt. I asked him how he knew and he told me I look at Sirius like Lily looked at James and the best thing I could do for both of us was to tell him. He then asked Sirius to walk him out. I'm not sure what they talked about but I'll almost bet Remus said something to him."
"Why do you think that?" Ginny asked.
Hermione stood and walked to the window. "Well, while Sirius was outside with Remus I decided to call my parents. The pub had a telephone and I really wanted to talk to them about all of this. At first I thought they would give me all kinds of rubbish, but after talking through the pros and cons they told me they trusted me and if I really wanted a relationship with Sirius then I should give it a try. They did ask that we take things slow. I was so happy when they told me, I cried. I guess my eyes still showed that when I went back to the table, because Sirius asked me if I was okay. I squeezed his hand and said yes. I didn't let go of his hand and he didn't pull his away for a long time. Not until almost time to leave." She could see the excitement on her friends face. "Then we came here. Sirius hugged Ron and Harry and went to kiss me on the cheek, you know like he always does, but without thinking I turned my head a little and the kiss landed right on the lips. It was just a peck, but… Oh Ginny, It was wonderful." The girls continued to talk until late. Ginny was so happy for her friend. She knew a little about how Hermione was feeling as she was beginning to have feelings for someone too.
Sirius sat in the library reading through an old book he'd found. He was completely lost in the pages when Headmaster Dumbledore strolled in. He looked up and saw who had entered, putting the book down as the elder man took the seat opposite him. "Good evening Professor." Sirius said
"Good evening to you, young man. How was your day in Hogsmeade?" Dumbledore asked completely interested.
Sirius looked around as if someone else might be in the room before answering. "It was a nice day. Remus was there and took the boys shopping while I answered Hermione's questions. Then we had a nice group dinner." Sirius wiggled in his set under the headmaster's intensive gaze.
"I trust you were able to satisfy young Miss Granger?" Dumbledore asked, seeing his DADA teacher blush he continued. "She has a natural desire…to learn that is." He knew he was toying with the younger man, but it had been a long time since he'd been comfortable enough with someone to really tease them. It helped that it was Sirius. He listened as young Mr. Black told him about the talk he and Hermione had and about the talk he had with Remus. "So I am to gather Mr. Lupin agrees with me? He also thinks Miss Granger has those feeling for you?"
"Yes…Yes he does and from some things that happened today you may be right, about her feelings and mine." Sirius got a far away look as he told Dumbledore about the way Hermione had placed her hand in his when she came back from the telephone. "Her hand felt like heaven in mine, to me it was like being touched by an angel. Her hand was soft and warm and it fit in my larger one perfectly. I knew I should have pulled back after the squeeze, but she seemed so happy to be holding my hand and if I was to be honest I was enjoying the contact too. It had been a long time since a female had made me feel this way. Sure there were opportunities when Harry and I were in Greece, but those didn't feel right and I wouldn't let anything happen. I know it's wrong, Hermione is so young." Sirius stopped and looked up at Dumbledore. "Professor, I need your advice, what should I do? I'm really confused about all of this."
"Sirius, my boy, there are so many things you have lost in your life. So many things you've missed out on. No one will begrudge you the feelings you are having for Hermione." Dumbledore started.
"…But she's so young and I'm so …old." Sirius interrupted.
"Sirius, You are not that old and she is of legal age to make up her own mind. My advice to you would be for you to talk to her. I mean really talk to her and listen. Take things slow and if you find she really loves you and you really love her then work it out. Love conquers all. There is nothing greater than love." At that very moment Professor Dumbledore knew that Professor McGonagall was right. Sirius needed to know who he was. Now was not the time to tell him, but soon he promised himself. When he got up to leave he noticed the book Sirius was reading, "I have a more extensive version of that book in my office if you would like to borrow it?"
Sirius smiled, "I'd love too. I find the history of Wizards interesting."
"Fine then, stop by tomorrow sometime and I'll get it for you. Good night Sirius. Sleep Well." Dumbledore said as he left the Library and left Sirius to his thoughts. A couple hours later after thinking hard about what the headmaster had said, he climbed into his cold bed and drifted off to sleep.