Chapter 8: Relationships are hard

The sun was just beginning to peak from behind the hills, as Sirius woke. He stretched pulling the covers up a little higher to rid his body of the chill that always seemed to settle in the castle at night. He knew he'd be warmer in the mornings if he'd put on a shirt as night, but since childhood he'd always preferred just shorts or lightweight flannel or lounge pants. He looked around to see the timepiece on the dresser, it wouldn't be long until he would have to get up and start his day. He was tired this morning, not the troubled exhaustion he'd felt yesterday, but a good tired, a happy content tired. He'd stayed up way to late last night talking with Harry and Ron in the Gryffindor common room, and then he had to get lessons together for today. He was just about to doze back off when he heard a knock at his door. He wasn't sure who it would be this early, but knew there was only one way to find out. Climbing out of his warm bed, he slipped into his slippers and grabbed his robe. Opening the door, he was absolutely astonished to find Ginny Weasley standing there.

"Good Morning, Ginny. What can I do for you?" Sirius asked.

"Professor Black… Sirius… I would like to talk to you about Harry. Do you have time this morning?" Ginny was very frank about her needs.

Sirius scratched his head. He could tell by her expression that whatever was on her mind, she had no intentions of leaving until she said what she had to say. "Sure, I can make time. I'd have you come in, but it wouldn't look right and people might talk. Why don't I meet you in the library in let say…  twenty minutes? That will give me enough time to shower and get dressed."

Ginny looked at her watch. "Okay. Twenty minutes." She turned to leave, but not before adding, "Thanks Sirius."

True to his word, Sirius walked into the library 20 minutes later to find Ginny sitting at one of the tables thumbing through an old book. He walked up behind her laid his hand softly on her shoulder and took the seat opposite her. "Okay Miss Weasley, what about Harry?"

"Sirius, I was wondering… I was hoping… I was wondering if you … I like Harry and I was wondering if you could ask him if he might feel the same way about me." Ginny was nervous and it was clear in her stammering.

Sirius smiled to himself, "Wouldn't you rather talk to him yourself?"

Ginny looked up at him like he'd just grown a second head. "OH NO! I could never ask him. What if he didn't feel the same way? What if he laughed at me, I'd never be able to look at him again. Please Sirius, Please won't you find out if he likes anyone and if he might like me?"

He had to smile again at the young lady before him. At first he wasn't sure why she would want him to talk to Harry, but then he realized that the kids trusted him. He'd been there for them so many times. They trusted him, they'd trusted him with their lives and now they trusted him with their hearts and their secrets. "Okay Ginny, I'll talk to him, but it might take a day or two. I'll let you know what I find out when I do. How's that?"

"That's fine. Thank you and I'm sorry I got you up so early." Ginny stood hugged Sirius.

He returned her hug and said, "It's okay I was awake. Why don't we go see if breakfast will be available soon? If not maybe we can scrounge some coffee and pastries to hold us over." Ginny nodded and they made their way to the great hall.

Hermione walked into the great hall to find Sirius and Ginny sitting across from one another at the Gryffindor table talking. There were a few other students sitting around at various tables but she wondered why Sirius was with Ginny.  She walked slowly to where they were sitting. They looked up as she approached and both smiled at her. "Hi Hermione." Ginny said. "Have a seat. We were having some coffee waiting on breakfast to be served."

Hermione sat down next to Sirius and looked at him questioningly. He smiled at her and all thoughts, but how gorgeous he looked left her head. Sirius leaned over slightly and asked, "How are you this morning? Sleep well?"

"I slept wonderfully thank you. How about you?" She asked wondering if the events of yesterday had eased his fears some.

"I slept great. Better than the night before." He absent-mindedly placed his hand on her thigh, and then remembered where they were and whispered, "Sorry."

This time it was her turn to smile. "Never be sorry for showing me how you feel. I know we have to be careful in public, but no one saw that." She then turned to face him as Ginny talked to one of her friends who had stopped by. "I'm glad you slept so well, but what are you doing up so early?"

Sirius looked up to make sure Ginny wasn't listening to them, and then said. "Ginny came to my room this morning and needed to talk. I told her to meet me in the library because it wouldn't look good for me to have students in my chamber, you and I have to watch that, you can't be in there unless Harry or Ron are there." She nodded her agreement and he went on. "When I met her she was asking me about Harry, Ginny likes him and wants me to feel him out for her."

Hermione smiled even bigger. " I knew she liked him but I didn't think she's ask you to talk to him. I'm glad she did though. So when you going to do it? You are going to talk to him right?"

"Yeah I'm going to. Maybe I'll ask him to have dinner with me in my room tonight and we can talk." The conversation was cut short, Ginny's friend was leaving and Harry and Ron approached.  Everyone said hello, then Sirius noticed that the staff was slowly making their way to their seats. He stood, "Well I guess I better go take my seat. See all of you in class." He leaned in to Harry, "How about dinner my room, tonight? Just you and I? I want to talk to you about a few things." Harry agreed and Sirius left.

The rest of the day was uneventful for everyone. Sirius was sitting in his office planning the rest of the week when his door opened. Hermione stuck her head in, "Professor Black, could I speak to you about today's lesson?"

"Sure Miss Granger, please come in and have a seat." She entered, and sat down in the chair he had motioned to, "Now what can I do for you?" He asked.

Hermione looked around to make sure they were alone then stood and walked to where he stood in front of her. "You can put those strong arms around me and give me a hug. I won't get to see you at dinner so I need something to hold me until I can see you again." She put her arms around his waist and snuggled into his chest and he wrapped his around her holding her to him. Neither wanted to break the contact, but a noise outside his door made them pull apart.

Sirius walked to the door and peered out there stood Ginny Weasley. He sighed and shook his head. "Ginny what are you doing here? Come in."

Ginny had turned bright red. "I'm sorry I just wanted to see if you could give me our homework again, but I didn't want to interrupt, I know how little time you have together."

Sirius gave her the required homework as Hermione sat watching her friend. "Ginny, thank you for coming, you made me realize something important." Sirius said. Both girls looked at him questioningly, but when they saw he wasn't going to talk Ginny excused herself and left telling Hermione she'd meet her for dinner.

Hermione waited until Ginny had left, walked over closed the door, took out her wand and locked it this time. She then walked back to where Sirius stood looking out the window, placed her hands on his waist, rested her cheek against his back and whispered, "What is it?"

Sirius turned away from the window, took Hermione's hand and escorted her to the sitting area. "Ginny showing up like that made me understand we have to be more careful. What if that hadn't been Ginny? What if that had been another student, or Malfoy or even worse Snape? Most people frown on a teacher student relationship and they hate it even more when there is this big of an age difference."

Hermione watched as he paced the room like a caged animal. Fear suddenly gripped her. Was he getting ready to call the whole thing off? She didn't think she could handle it if he did. Yes the relationship was new, but she'd loved him for years. Now that she knew he loved her as well, she wasn't about to let anything stand in the way, especially worries that they could control. She let him pace for a few more seconds, then took his hand to still his moving form. "Please stop. What are you trying to say? Are you trying to tell me you want to stop seeing me… "

When he stopped and looked into her eyes he saw the terror there. She was beginning to tremble. This tore at his heart, he didn't let her finish. He pulled her into a tight comforting embrace. "Merlin No. I'm not saying that at all. Now that I've admitted to you and myself how I feel, I'm not going to stop seeing you. I couldn't if I tried. You've become such a part of my life. I was just going to say that we have to be more cautious. If our relationship got out, it could be detrimental to you." He pulled back and looked deep into her eyes. "Hermione, I would never do anything to hurt you. Do you understand why we have to me more careful?"

"Yes I do and I'm sorry I didn't close the door tight earlier." Tears were beginning to form in her eyes.

"No, no that's not what I meant. It's not your fault." By now he had taken her face in his hands and was bent so his eyes were level with hers, he was brushing away the tears sliding down her cheeks. He lightly grazed his lips across hers. "I'm not blaming you. I just think we both need to be more conscientious of where we are and who's around, like this morning when I placed my hand on your leg. I shouldn't have done that. If anyone had been watching they would have noticed. It's one thing for Harry, Ginny, Ron and my Grandparents to know, they love and support us, but there are those out there that would like nothing more than to cause trouble for us both. Especially you. We have to remember we are suppose to set the example, you are head girl and I am staff."

"I know, I know, but I'll give everything up before I give you up." She said making sure he understood what she was trying to tell him. "But I do know we have to be more attentive and watch what we do when we are together." She looked at him shyly and went on. "Do you think there is some way we could sneak away to the Marauder's Hole this weekend for some alone time?"

"I think we can arrange that. Especially since it's a Hogsmeade weekend and almost everyone will be there. I'll work on getting Harry to take Ginny and then we just have to find Ron a date." Sirius laughed. "Any suggestions?"

Hermione thought before she spoke, "That's a good idea. You talk to Harry tonight. I really think he likes Ginny and we will find someone for Ron. He needs a woman anyway. Maybe that new girl, what's her name…Alyssa." She was babbling now and Sirius was laughing hard at her. She looked at him. "What's so funny?"

He hugged her again, "You are, love. You get an idea and you run with it. That's one of the many reasons I love you. Now it's time for you to go meet Ginny and me to meet Harry." Sirius kissed her one last time and then they headed out the door.

Hermione commented as they left his office in case anyone was lurking about, "Thank you, Professor Black for helping me with that spell. I think I have it now."

"Your Welcome Ms. Granger. Enjoy your evening and I'll see you in class Wednesday." Sirius played along.

They parted ways at the stairs. As Sirius walked towards his chambers he ran smack into Professor Snape. "You're going the wrong way to make it to dinner on time Black." Snape snapped as he regained his balance.

Sirius smiled a mischievous smirk, "Thank you for clarifying that for me, but I'm not eating in the hall tonight."

"Oh?" Snape questioned raising an eyebrow.

"Not that it's any of your business, but I'm having dinner in my chambers with my godson." Sirius started to walk away, but Snape grabbed his arm.

"I don't know what you're up to Black, but it's something. You don't come to meals all weekend, and then last night you're even chummier with McGonagall and Dumbledore than usual. Now you're eating in your room with Potter. Just beware I'm watching you so you better not step out of line." Snape said, looking for a reason to get rid of Black.

Sirius stepped closer to Snape and patted his cheek. "Why don't you just not worry about me, and I won't worry about you and we'll both be happier. I'm doing nothing but my job, maybe you should try it." Sirius was about to walk away when they heard someone approach. Looking over his shoulder, there stood Professor Dumbledore.

"Is there a problem here, gentlemen?" He asked looking at both men.

"No sir." Snape said. "I was just going to dinner."

"Very good, Severus." Dumbledore then turned to Sirius, "Professor Black may I have a word with you?" The two men walked down the corridor to Sirius' chambers. Once inside Dumbledore asked, "What was that exchange all about? Sirius, please try to get along with Severus."

Sirius flopped down in a chair and looked up at the older man. "I'm trying Grandfather. That discussion was nothing. Snape thinks I'm hiding something and he's thinks he's going to find out what it is."

"Well my boy, you are hiding at least two things from most people." The old wizard teased.

Sirius smiled a smile much like Dumbledore's. "Ah, yes but the headmaster of this school knows all my little secrets." Both men laughed. Dumbledore was pleased that they were getting back into the comfort zone they had had with each other before Sirius found out who he really was.

Professor Dumbledore sat in the chair opposite his young companion. "That's part of what I wanted to talk to you about. I was wondering if you were ready to start some of your training? I was hoping we could start tomorrow night in the Room of Requirements?" The old wizard tapped him on the knee, "Sit up straight, Your Grandmother would be appalled."

" Okay." Sirius sat up horizontal in his chair. "Yes, I'd like to start training. What time should I be there?"

"Let's say 6:30PM. Dress in comfortable clothes, something you can move quickly in." The old man said as he made his way towards the door.

"Okay, I'll be there." Just as they reached the door, there was a knock. Sirius opened it to find Harry. "Right on time Harry. Come on in."

Dumbledore started to step through the open door but turned back around. "Enjoy your evening Mr. Potter." Harry just nodded. Then he turned to Sirius and placed his hand on his Grandson's shoulder. "Remember, try to get along with Professor Snape. Have a good night my boy and both of you behave."

Sirius smiled again and clasped the older mans hand that remained on his left shoulder. "Thank you Grandfather, You have a good evening as well. And please give my love to Grandmother." Dumbledore bowed slightly and left.

As Sirius closed the door, Harry said. "I still can't believe they're your Grandparents, Sirius."

"Yeah well how do you think I feel, but it's kind of nice. Nice to know there is someone older out there who can be of help." Sirius looked around, "Now where are those elves with dinner?" just then the elves appeared with their dinner trays.

Sirius thanks the house elves as he and Harry at down to eat. He decided that now was as good a time as any to broach the subject of Ginny with his godson. "It's been a few days since we've talked about you. The last few times we've been together it's all been about my problems and me."

"We needed to talk about you. If I'd been in your shoes I'd have wanted to talk about me too. You've been there for me, it was my time to be there for you." Harry said stuffing a biscuit in his mouth.

"Thank you." Sirius said. "Now what about you? What's going on with you? School going okay? Any girlfriends? Anything I should know about?"

Harry looked at him and smiled. "Everything fine, school's good. As far as girlfriends, no I don't have one, but… " He stopped.

Sirius waited for him to start again. He was thinking Harry wasn't going to confide in him when his godson said, "… Well there is one girl I like. I think she likes me too, but I'm not sure."

"You want to tell me who it is?" Sirius asked.

Harry looked straight at the older man and whispered, "Ginny."

"Ginny. Ginny Weasley?" Sirius asked. "Have you told her how you feel?" He asked seeing the boy shake his head he continued. "Maybe you should. From what I've observed, I would say she feels the same about you. It's there when you two look at each other. I can tell you from experience, when you find that one person who is right for you, it's the best feeling in the world."

Harry smiled at his godfather. He could see how happy Sirius was and when he talked about being in love or Hermione his whole being beamed. "You mean like Hermione and you, right?"

"Well yeah, but I remember when your Dad fell in love with your Mom. He kept telling me how wonderful it was. How when the right woman came along I'd know it and it would be magical. I never found that kind of love until Hermione. I hope you find that and from what I've seen, it very well could be Ginny." Sirius took a long slow drink from his mug.

"I hope your right." Harry said sitting back in his chair.

"Why don't you ask her to go to Hogsmeade with you this weekend. Might make first date easier if there are others around." Sirius questioned with other motives in mind.

Harry thought for a few minutes, playing ideas over in his mind. "I think I could do that. You and Hermione will be around won't you?" Harry knew from the look on his godfather's face something was up.

Sirius smiled an impish grin, "No I don't think we are going to be there this time. We are staying here."

"Why?" was all Harry said.

"Harry I know you would like for us to be there, but we need some alone time. We need time where we can let down and be together. Right now we are watching every move we make. Being careful not to let anyone see us together for more than a minute. Anytime we have together is stolen time. We have to lock doors and worry about whether someone catches us. That's the hardest part about loving Hermione, she's still a student here and I'm a teacher. We can't even show how we feel. If we stay here while everyone… or at least most are at Hogsmeade we can go to the Marauders Hole and be alone.  You and the others are more than welcome to join us there when you return."  Sirius moved to clear their dinner plates.

Harry smiled as he helped by taking the mugs to the tray. "I do understand. You two deserve some happiness and some time together. Now we need a date for Ron."

Sirius laughed, "I think Hermione is working on that one."

The pair spent rest of the evening talking and playing chess. Much to quickly it was time for Harry to go. They said their good nights and Harry left with the promise he would tell Ginny tomorrow.

Harry sat with Ron, Hermione and Ginny at breakfast. When they were through, he looked up at his godfather who smiled and gave him a thumb up sign. He was nervous and wasn't sure what he was going to say but he knew if he didn't ask Ginny now he never would. She stood to leave and he followed her out. Running after her he called, "Ginny, Ginny. Wait." He finally caught her before she went up the moving stairs.

She looked at him curiously. She didn't think Sirius would have spoken to him yet. "What do you need, Harry?" She asked.

Stammering a bit he decided it was time to ask, "I was… I was wondering… Well… you see… " He wasn't sure he was going to be able to get it out.

"Just spit it out Harry, We can't be late for classes." She said trying not to sound irritated.

"Okay here goes. I was wondering if you would go with me to Hogsmeade this weekend?" There he'd said it. Now he held his breath until she answered. Hoping it wouldn't be no.

Ginny smiled and her whole face seemed to light up. "I'd really like that. Thank you." Harry took her books and walked her to her class. They made plans for the trip and Harry made sure it was okay with her if Ron and company came along.

In another part of the castle, Hermione was talking to the new girl. She knew Alyssa hadn't had time to meet many boys and she'd seen the way the other girl had looked at Ron a couple times so she decided why not play match maker. "Alyssa, how do you like Hogwarts?" She asked as they walked to their potions class.

"Oh it's a wonderful school. Everyone is so friendly and helpful. Much nicer than my old school." Alyssa said. She was slightly taller than Hermione, had green eyes and short blonde hair. She was a little fuller in body, but by no means fat. She moved to London with her family from America and decided to finish her schooling at Hogwarts.

Hermione smiled. "Met any boys you might like to go out with? I could help you there."

Alyssa laughed a little then saw she was serious. "Well maybe one or two. Between you and I, I'd love to get my hands on that delicious Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. That man is drop dead gorgeous and has a body to die for. I'd love to get my hands in that hair as well as other things."

Hermione laughed also, but felt pangs of jealousy sprout through her entire body. She wanted so badly to tell her new friend that he was hers and to stay away from him but decided to take a more tactful route. "As do half the girls here. He is a wonderful man but he didn't always look as good as he looks now."

"Really? How do you mean?" The new girl asked with increased interest. 

Hermione stopped walking and both girls sat on the bench outside their class. They still had plenty of time. "Just a few months ago he was really skinny and had this long stringy hair. He was really skeletal. Looked awful."

"So what changed him?"

"He went away for the summer with his godson and they both began to eat better and they started working out. Spent lots of time exercising and hanging out on the beach. He came back from his summer holiday a changed man." Hermione smiled as she remembered the first time she'd seen him after holiday. How looking at him then made her feel. How looking at him now still made her feel.

Alyssa was very engrossed in how Hermione knew so much and asked. "How is it you seem to know so much about him?"

Hermione smiled again at her new friend. "I know because you see, Harry Potter is one of my closest friends and Professor Black is Harry's Godfather. So I've actually known Sir… Professor Black a long time."

"Oh, so you'd know if he has a girlfriend or not? I know they said he wasn't married, but no one can tell me if he has a girlfriend." She raised an eyebrow at Hermione.

Again jealousy invaded Hermione's thought. "Well… actually… to tell you the truth…  yes he does have a girlfriend. He's crazy about her and she's madly in love with him. They just keep it very quiet because of his job. Someday I'm sure you'll meet her. Especially if you keep hanging out with Harry, Ron and I."

"If you say so. What about you Hermione? Do you have a steady boyfriend?" Alyssa asked. "Is he a student here?"

Hermione blushed a bit. "Yes, I have a boyfriend, but he isn't a student here. I've gone out with a couple of guys here, but none really interested me."

"Okay." Alyssa said looking around having lost interest when Hermione said he wasn't a student. "Well since you don't think I'll ever be able to get my hands on the sexy Professor Black, tell me about Ron. He seems like a nice guy. A little strange at times, but nice and funny." Alyssa inquired.

This was where Hermione wanted this conversation to go. "Oh you'll love Ron. He's wonderful. Maybe you should ask him to go to Hogsmeade with you this weekend. Most of the students and staff are going…" Hermione stopped talking as Ron, Harry and Ginny approached.

"Hermione, have you heard?" Ron asked excitedly. "Harry asked Ginny on a date. Isn't that great?" They all looked in Harry and Ginny's direction as they both turned bright red.

"Yes, Ron that's wonderful. Congratulations. I know you two will be really happy." Hermione said. She looked around at her friends. Ginny and Harry were standing close to each other whispering about something. "You've all met Alyssa haven't you?" When they confirmed they had she went on, "She might need someone to show her around Hogsmeade this weekend, Ron you up for it?"

Now it was Ron and Alyssa's turn to blush. "Why not." Ron said offering her his arm and escorting her into the classroom, followed by Harry who had said goodbye to Ginny and Hermione.

As they took their seats Alyssa who was sitting between Ron and Harry, leaned over, "Hermione, who are you going to Hogsmeade with?"

"Oh, I'm not going this time. I have some things I need to take care of and Saturdays the only day I can really do it. I'll catch you next time. Maybe when all of you get back we can meet and have tea and cookies." Hermione said getting an I know everything look from Harry.  Before anything else could be said, Professor Snape entered and class started. After class they all went their separate ways but agreed to meet for dinner and then hang out in the common room that evening.

Hermione sat doing her homework, while watching her friends. She was happy that Harry and Ginny were finally getting together and that Ron and Alyssa seemed to be hitting it off but a part of her was miserable, she couldn't sit in the common room with her boyfriend. The fact that she was doing DADA homework didn't help. Harry seemed to notice the change in facial expressions. He excused himself and sat down next to her. "Hermione, what's wrong?" He asked.

"It's nothing." She said going back to her studies.

Harry placed his hand over hers and leaned in closer so no one would hear him. "It's Sirius isn't it?"

Laying her quill down and turning so only Harry could see her she nodded, tears forming in her eyes. "It's just so hard. Wanting to be with him and not being able to. Wanting to touch him and not being allowed. I watch all of you and that's what I want. To be able to hold hands when I want, to be able to express my feeling whenever I want, but I can't. In order for me to love him I have to do it in secret." Harry sensed a note of regret and exasperation in her voice.

Harry thought long and hard about his words before he spoke. "Hermione you know I love you and want you to be happy. If this relationship with Sirius is making you feel this depressed then maybe he's not the right man for you. Maybe you should talk to him, tell him you can't handle it and find someone you can express your love for publicly. Maybe you should give him up." He said those words to see if it would snap her back to her senses. He knew she loved his godfather with every fiber of her existence. 

"What?!" She exclaimed louder than she realized. Hermione looked at the others who momentarily stopped what they were doing to make sure she was okay before going back to their own activities. "Harry that's not what I meant at all. I can't imagine not loving Sirius. I'll me miserable 364 days a year in order to have 1 day with him. I just can't wait until I can openly show the world how I feel about him. It's just hard sometimes. Like today Alyssa was talking about Sirius and how attractive he is. Then she was asking me about my boyfriend. It was hard not to tell her that the sexy older man she finds appealing is my boyfriend. It's hard to go through the day listening to the females of this school talking about him and what they would like to do with him and not be able to shout, Stop it. He's in love with me so forget it." She looked up at Harry again, "I love him, Harry and I'm never going to walk away from him. No matter what, Okay?"

"Okay. I knew you just needed to vent a little." Harry said, hugging his friend.

She hugged him back. "Thank you. It would be easier if I could have seen him tonight at dinner. I haven't gotten to talk to him in a couple days." Harry raised an eyebrow. "I had a message that said he was busy tonight. Not sure what's up, but I guess I won't see him until tomorrow and talk to him until class."

Harry thought for a minute. "I know where he is tonight. He is working with Professor Dumbledore on learning new and sharpening his old skills. I remember him telling me last night they were meeting in the Room of Requirements."

"Good I'm glad they are working together. If it gets out that he's Dumbledore's Grandchild, he could be in for a rough time, especially with the dark ones and we all know there are still some out there." Hermione said.

She and Harry were soon joined by Ginny. "Everything okay over here?"

"Yes everything's fine. We were just talking about Sirius." Hermione said.

"I see." Ginny commented, "I'll leave you two alone."

"No, it's okay. We're done. Besides I need to talk to you two anyway." Ginny sat next to Harry and waited. Hermione began to talk again. "Saturday after you get back from Hogsmeade, we should all get together and do something fun. We can see how it goes to see if we want to invite Alyssa. I think from what I'm seeing she and Ron will be getting together, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to let her in on things with Sirius just yet. Not sure the trust factor is there. I trust you three and I know you support us, but she's still to new."

"Don't worry about it. If she comes we can come up with some excuse why Sirius is there, or we can do a memory charm on her." Ginny giggles. All three laughed. They then went to join Ron and Alyssa.

In the room of requirements Dumbledore and Sirius were finishing up their work for tonight. Sirius had practiced some old skills and he had been taught a couple new ones. Spells he didn't know he would be able to do. Once he had those mastered, he sat on the floor next to the old wizard. "I never thought I could do either of those. Even the most talented wizards and Dark Ones have a hard time with those."

Dumbledore sat next to his companion. "Sirius, my boy, remember who you are. First you have Black blood coursing through your veins. The Blacks were a powerful wizarding family, and then you have my blood flowing in you. That adds to your power and talents. Everyone knew the day you were born that you could and probably would be the most powerful wizard to walk the magical world. That's part of the reason the Order didn't want you to know, but now you do know and it won't be long I fear before the Dark Ones left out there know. So we must train you. Others will come along to help with this. I must prepare you to meet whatever challenges come your way and to take my place when I am no longer here."

Sirius looked at the headmaster, "I could never be as powerful and as revered as you. No one could ever take your place." 

"That's where you are wrong my boy. When your training is over, you will be more powerful and once you've proven yourself and I again fear you will, you will me more revered than I am." Dumbledore tried to get up off the floor. Unable to he laughed. "Sirius, get up and give your old grandfather a hand in getting off this floor."

Sirius stood and helped him up. Dumbledore looked at his grandson with such admiration that he wasn't sure how to deal with it. Finally Sirius reached over and embraced the old man. "Thank you, Grandfather."

Returning the hug, Dumbledore commented, "You're most welcome, by boy." Pulling back he continued, "You know your Grandmother and I love you very much."

"Yes, I know that. I can see it when you both look at me. I guess I've always felt a bond to you both, but especially you. I know I didn't act like it for a few days, but I am thrilled that you are my Grandparents." Sirius stated as he heard the door open, knowing full well it would be Professor McGonagall.

"Well, gentlemen. Did we learn anything tonight?" She asked making her way to where the two men stood.

"Why yes, Minerva, we did. Sirius here learned a couple new spells and I learned that a man my age shouldn't try to sit on the floor." All three laughed and made their way towards the door.

"Sirius, would you do a favor for me?" McGonagall asked.

Taking a long drink from the water bottle in his hand, he smiled, "Yes, ma'am. I'll do anything for you."

Handing him a book, she said, "I forgot to give this to Miss Granger today. Would you be a dear and drop it off to her. She is in the common room with her friends." She smiled a knowing smile. "Besides I think she needs to catch a glimpse of that handsome face. She's been a little down today."

He knew she was just giving him a reason to see Hermione. She could have given her the book when she checked on them later tonight like she did every night. Sirius leaned in kissed her on the cheek, then turned to leave. At the door he stopped. "Thank you…  both of you, for loving me all these years. I love you too." He winked at both and exited leaving two very happy and proud grandparents.

Sirius arrived at the portrait of 'The Fat Lady' but was unsure he remembered the password Harry had given him. He stood there trying to recall it when Neville Longbottom strolled up behind him. "Professor Black… is something wrong?"

He turned to look at the young man who had changed since their first meeting. "Professor McGonagall asked me to give this to Miss Granger, but I can't remember the password."

"Oh, I can help there." Longbottom announced proudly. He said the secret word and the portrait swung open. He then turned around and left.

"Thank you. Neville? Aren't you going in?" Sirius asked.

"No, I just saw you standing there and thought you might need help. I'm going to see if I can find a snack." He then turned and bounded down the hall.

Laughing to himself, Sirius stepped through the opening and entered the common room. It was extremely quiet for as many people as were in there, but then they were all looking at him. He decided the only thing he could do was smile. Harry and friends were among those staring at the professor. He got up and went over to his godfather. "Hi Sirius. What brings you to the common room?"

He held up the book and said, "Professor McGonagall asked me to drop this off to Hermione."

"Okay. Well we are all over there come on over. Can you stay a while?" Harry asked ushering Sirius to the overstuffed oversized chairs in the very far corner.

Hermione climbed out of her chair, "Here Professor, have a seat."

Sirius shook his head, "No, Hermione that's all right. I can stand or sit on the floor."

Before either could say any more Ron had jumped into the chair pulling Alyssa with him. "You know what they say folks, you snooze you loose. If you two are going to argue about sitting in a chair I'm going to take it." Ron was proud of himself.

"No worries Ron." Sirius said, sitting on the floor leaning against the wall. Hermione sat next to him, close but not close enough to arouse any suspicion. He handed her the book, "Professor McGonagall asked me to give this to you. She said she told you she'd loan it, but forgot to give it to you earlier."

The group talked for a while, Hermione gradually scooted closer and closer. She wanted to be close enough to smell him. She loved the smell of his cologne. Tonight that was mixed with the smell of sweaty man. Not body odor, just pure man and cologne. She looked up to find Alyssa watching her, but then she saw where Alyssa's eyes really were. She was watching Sirius, really watching his every move. Hermione didn't like this at all. She tried to remind herself that he loved her and when she looked over at him he was looking at her. He gave her an I know look. A few minutes later, He stood. "Sorry gang, I have homework to grade yet and a quiz to plan. I just wanted to drop the book to Hermione."  They walked him to the entrance. He said his good byes and left. Hermione took the book and headed off to bed.

It turned out to be a busy week for Sirius and Hermione. She had classes, lots of homework, even in DADA, plus she had Head girl duties and meeting for that. Sirius was busy with grading, lesson planning, teaching and he was working almost every night with Professor Dumbledore. He had to be ready. Next week another member of the Order would be there to help train him further. At last Saturday morning came. After breakfast Sirius made his way to the entrance of the school to find Harry. He'd asked Harry to wait until he talked to him before leaving.

Harry was waiting along with Ginny, Ron and Alyssa. Hermione was there as well to wish them a good time. Sirius heard her tell them, that maybe they could meet up when they got back. When he reached the last flight of steps he stopped. He motioned for Harry to come to where he was instead of him joining the full group. Harry took the stairs two at a time, when he reached his godfather he walked with him around a corner. "Sirius, what is it?"

"Nothing, I just want you to pick me up a couple things." He handed Harry a list with two items on it. He then handed him some money. "I heard Hermione say something about getting together with all of you after you got back. Stay as late as possible okay?"

Harry laughed, "Sure we always do, but you know we have to be back by 6 PM. You know I think when she was talking about getting together she was planning on you being there."

"I'm not sure that's a good idea. What about Ron's girlfriend. Can we trust her to not say anything? To not let it slip Hermione and I are together?" Sirius asked.

Harry knew he was concerned about people finding out until Hermione graduated. Not for himself but for her. "I'll check her out today and see. I'll let you know. Meet me here at 6:30 okay?" Once Sirius had agreed they both went to the entrance