Chapter 11: Staying Normal and Missions.
Sirius had been in London for a little over a week. He'd spent most of his time getting to know the neighborhood and his neighbors. He needed for them to begin to trust him if he were to get anywhere with this case. Getting most people to trust him was easy. Sirius was a charmer, he was handsome, fun, intelligent and could smooth talk just about anyone. One afternoon he took a walk to see if he could pick up any information that might help him. He'd been walking the streets of south London for an hour when he decided to have tea in a small café off the park. He'd been informed that some of the people he might be looking for visited this particular café and were seen in the park often. As he sat watching the people around him his thoughts went to Hogwarts and Hermione, Harry and friends. He reached for a piece of paper from the bag he'd been caring and started jotting things down. By the time he left the café two hours later, he'd written three letters and made numerous notes on what he'd observed in the park. On his way back to the flat he was staying in, he stopped in a nearby store, then mailed the three letters and a small package after placing them all in one large envelope and addressing it to his contact for delivery to their recipients. He spent the next few days walking the park; finally he made contact with one of the scouts for the underworld and meetings were planned so he could prove he was worthy of their trust. Life was about to heat up for Sirius.
Back at Hogwarts, Harry and friends tried their best to keep Hermione busy, while trying not to show too much affection for one another in front of her. They knew it was hard for her to be separated from Sirius. She now sat in one of the chairs by the window. If you'd glanced at her one would have thought she was doing her homework, but she wasn't she was looking at a picture of Sirius and Harry taken just before they left the Greek Islands. They were both smiling and waving. She thought about how handsome they both looked standing on a beach in their swim trunks, both tan and healthy. Sirius had that impish grin he was famous for: the smile that lit up his entire face. She smiled to herself as she looked at his gorgeous face and those laughing fathomless eyes. He is a charmer, she thought, he sure has charmed his way into my heart and life.
She started to put the picture down when Harry walked up to her. "Hermione, Professor Dumbledore wants us to meet him in the library in 5 minutes." She looked up with a questioning look. "I don't know why. He just told me to come get you." He took her hand to help her up and saw what she held. He cautiously took the picture from her. Harry smiled at the memory of the day it had been taken. "I remember this day. We were just coming off a race. He'd finally beaten me, first time all summer. Remus took this." Harry held the picture out so she could take it. He then took her hand and started walking across the common room. "I miss him too, Hermione." She hadn't said a word and no words were need for the trip to the library, she knew he felt the same way she did. Sirius was a significant part of both their lives and that part was missing right now.
They walked into the library, and spotted Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall waiting for them at a table near the restricted section. Once all had been seated the headmaster spoke softly. "I'm sure you are wondering why I summoned you here on a beautiful Saturday afternoon." He took a package and two letters out of his robes. "These arrived today. I wanted to get them to you as quickly as I could." He handed the package and an envelope to Hermione and an envelope to Harry. "Minerva and I received one as well. I haven't read it, we wanted to get you yours first. I trust if there is anything I need to know that he might not have told me, you will enlighten me?" Both nodded their heads. "Very well, then that is all, you can return to your dorm and read your letters."
They turned to leave, but not before Professor McGonagall smiled and stroked Hermione's cheek. "He loves you, you're good for him. I've seen so many changes in him this year. Thank you. If you need anything… " She looked at Harry now as well. "…either of you, and I do mean anything, let me know." She turned and followed Dumbledore through the restricted doors.
Harry and Hermione returned to Gryffindor Tower and huddled in a corner. Ginny, Ron and Alyssa saw them come in, but decided to leave them alone for a while, especially when neither of them made any indication that they knew the others were around. Harry sat on the floor next to Hermione as they opened their letters, each reading quietly. When they were finished, they automatically handed their letter to the other. They had decided earlier they would share all information Sirius might send. Hermione wasn't sure about giving Harry her letter at first. It contained some personal thoughts from Sirius about what he felt for her, but she decided Harry would be okay with them. He knew how much they loved each other. Harry's letter said basically the same as hers only he didn't have the romantic comments.
Harry looked up and smiled handing her page back and taking his. "Well at least we know he's okay." He noticed she still held the package in her lap. It wasn't a big package, about the size of a magazine, maybe a little thicker. "Are you going to open your present?" He asked as he noticed the other looking in their direction. Harry tapped Hermione's knee and pointed to their friends. She smiled and he knew it was okay to invite them over. He waved to them and they were in a circle in record time. "Hermione and I received letters from Sirius today. He's doing well, but couldn't tell us much more."
All three were interested in the information that Hermione and Harry shared. Ginny noticed the wrapped parcel on Hermione's lap. "What's that?" She asked.
"I don't know. Professor Dumbledore gave it to me when he gave us the letters." Hermione said, lifting the brown wrapped packet. "Maybe I should open it?" They all nodded. She slowly ripped the paper way from the contents. She had to smile as she held up the blue and white long sleeved rugby style shirt she loved so much. It was the one she loved to see Sirius in; it fit him perfectly in all the right places and showed off his wonderful body. A small note card fell out as she was holding it up. Ginny picked up the note and handed it to her. Not wanting to release the garment she said, "Will you read it to me?"
"Are you sure? It might be private." Ginny asked. Hermione gave her consent for her best friend to go ahead and read out loud. Ginny began to read. "Hermione, love. I know how much you like this shirt. I thought I would send it to you; you can put it on whenever you feel alone, afraid or when you miss me. When you wear it know I'm right there, my arms wrapped securely around you, protecting you, taking the bad away and loving you. I wore it today, so you might want to have it laundered first. I'll be in touch soon. I miss you and I love you, Sirius."
When Ginny looked up, she smiled at her friend, Hermione had unshed tears in her eyes, a huge smile on her face and the shirt held up to her face, breathing in his scent. Hermione saw all her friends looking at her; she hugged the shirt to her chest. "What a man." Everyone laughed.
Alyssa leaned against Ron, "If it was me it would be a cold day, when I washed it. I'd leave it as it is, so I could smell him. I assume it has his scent on it?" Hermione held the shirt closer to Alyssa. She allowed both girls to take a sniff. "Damn, Hermione, he smells wonderful, what is that cologne?" Alyssa asked.
"I'm not sure what the name of it. It's a muggle brand he's used since he was a student here. Lily Potter bought him and James some for Christmas one year. James didn't like it, but Sirius did and has been using it since. His cousin Tonks goes into London and gets it for him." Hermione took another whiff of her gift. The group sat on the floor and talked until time for dinner. Hermione left long enough to go put her new reward in a safe place, then all went to the great hall. She and Harry were happier than they had been in almost 3 week.
The next few weeks crawled by for both Harry and Hermione. It had been a while since hearing from Sirius. They knew if he was deep in the underworld he wouldn't be able to write, but they would like to know he was okay. Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall promised if they heard anything Harry and Hermione would be the first to know. Both teenagers tried to stay positive and keep their lives normal.
Draco Malfoy did his best to help them by constantly taunting them. One afternoon Hermione sat by herself at one of the long tables in the great hall looking over her Defense Against the Dark Arts notes, Remus had been filling in for Sirius and he wasn't letting anyone slack off, especially those closest to Sirius. She was reading the notes he had given on advanced blocking spells, when someone ripped her parchment out of her hands.
She turned around to see Malfoy and his thugs. "Oh look at this guys. The mudblood's studying blocking spells. Maybe we should try a few out on her." Draco tormented pulling out his wand.
Hermione reached for the paper, but he held it away from her. "Give it back Malfoy, or you'll regret it."
"Try and take it from me. No mudblood could ever out do a pure blood." He started to go on when he abruptly stopped become conscious that someone had entered the great hall. He smiled as he realized it was Professor Snape. He knew Snape wouldn't care if he harassed Hermione.
Snape walked over to where the students were standing. "What is going on here?"
"Nothing." Hermione said watching him take the parchment from Malfoy.
Examining what was written, he turned to Draco, "Is this yours Mr. Malfoy?"
"Well no, but we were just having some fun with the mudblood." The blonde Slytherin smirked.
"Well don't." Snape snapped. "Give her back her notes and don't let me catch you giving Granger or her friends any more trouble." He then turned and walked away with the students staring at him. Draco handed Hermione her notes. Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle left the great hall leaving Hermione to wonder what had just happened.
A few minutes later, Hermione exited as well. She ran into Snape just outside. "I trust Draco gave you back your notes?"
"Yes, he did. Thank you Professor." She said looking at him curiously. "Why did you do that in there? You don't like me at all so why did you help me?"
Snape glared at her for a few seconds. When she was sure he wasn't going to answer, he said quietly. "Black is out doing a mission for the Order, and not here to protect you, the least I can do is make sure his little playmates aren't bothered." He turned and walked down the hall. Hermione smiled to herself. That was Snape's way of helping everyone keep his or her word to Sirius.
Christmas was approaching quickly and still no word. Everyone was worried. Hermione cried more and stayed to herself most nights. Seldom would she join the gang in the common room, preferring to stay in her room. She wore Sirius' shirt more and more. Harry became more reserved and the group could tell the silence was taking its toll on Professor McGonagall. She had just gotten her Grandson back and now he was out there all alone in the muggle underworld.
Sirius woke in the house of the head mobster. He was using the name, Brain Wulfric. He'd taken those names from his Grandfather. He had proven himself weeks before and was asked to move in to help run certain areas of the business. He was glad to see that the head was not Malfoy. It was a man named Antonio D'Ancona. Sirius needed to find out where he was getting his direction. Over the last few weeks he'd gain considerable knowledge and was almost ready to call in the ministry. He needed a couple more names. He hoped they would come at the meeting tonight. He'd been instructed to stand guard on the other side of the glass. He and his partner could observe everything that went down, but they couldn't be seen. Sirius liked his partner and had made a promise to himself to do whatever he could to protect his when the ministry moved in.
Precisely at 7PM the room he was watching began to fill. So far, everyone he saw enter were muggles, but then the door opened again and his heart stopped. In walked Antonin Dolohov and Walden Macnair. He recognized them from the fight at the ministry a year ago. They must be the wizards behind all the trouble. Sirius now had what he needed, but he knew even when he called for the ministry teams he still had work to do and wouldn't be able to go back to Hogwarts anytime soon. He would have to hope maybe by Christmas.
At the castle the students were working hard to get through the end of the term and ready for Christmas break. Harry, had planned to spend his holiday with Sirius, but with his Godfather gone, he wasn't sure. So it had been decided that he could go to Grimuald Place and stay with Remus. The Weasley's had been invited to spend the holidays at the headquarters and graciously accepted. Hermione not wanting to be at home alone, since her parents were off on a conference until the New Year decided she would stay with Harry and Remus as well. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall had promised to spend Christmas Day with the group knowing Molly would prepare a meal that compared to a Hogwarts feast. It would be nice to all be together, but a very important part of their group would be missing.
The week of Christmas was hectic. Sirius was trying to get things wrapped up with the muggles and the ministry. It was taking him way to long, but then he wasn't moving very well. In the raid by the Ministry yesterday, he had to pretend to be with the underworld guys, so he'd got beat up pretty badly by the Ministry agents. He'd spent a day in the hospital. When he put up a huge fight to get out, they decided it was best to let his injuries heal on their own, which could be two or three weeks. Also the minister wouldn't let anyone other than his men know what had transpired, even though it was the Order of the Phoenix that had sent him there. Which meant Sirius couldn't contact those he cared about yet, he knew they would be worried, he hadn't be able to write but once and the way things were going he wouldn't be back in time for Christmas. Being in London, he was so close to them, but yet far away. He was going to have to testify and he figured that Fudge would make him stay sequestered until the trial was over and that could be months.
December 23rd finally arrived; this was the day the students of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry departed for the Christmas Holiday. Remus picked up the young people at Kings Cross Station and took them to Sirius' house where Molly, Arthur and the other Weasley children, with the exception of Percy who was still acting like an ass, were waiting for them. Bill and Charlie along with Charlie's wife Glenna and their new baby boy had come home. Hoping that more people would help ease the pain of Sirius' absence. Besides it was time for 3week old Trace to meet his family and extended family. When Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny and Remus arrived at 12 Grimuald Place Molly was fussing over the infant just like a grandmother. She stopped long enough to welcome everyone. Arthur and Bill had gotten the tree earlier that day and everyone had decided it might be fun to decorate it the muggle way. They stayed mostly in the living room that day, everyone making over the baby and playing with him. Harry stayed close to Ginny, but kept an eye on Hermione. She seemed to be content watching the festivities and the teasing going on between George, Fred and Ron. The twins closed their shop early to be able to make the gathering.
That evening after dinner, everyone again gathered in the living room to trim the tree and put up the various other holiday decorations that had been purchased, both muggle and magical. Hermione did a good job of pretending to enjoy herself, even though inside she wanted to do anything but celebrate. When the decorating was complete, everyone stood back and admired their work. It was beautiful, even Hermione thought so.
"Now that we have everything decorated, why doesn't everyone go get all the gifts and we'll put them under the tree." Molly suggested.
Everyone seemed to think it was a good idea and headed to various rooms to get what they had brought. Neatly brightly wrapped packages of all shapes and sizes were placed under the tree. Ginny was placing hers around the base, when she came upon the small one she had gotten for Sirius. She just stood there staring at it. She turned and looked from Harry to Hermione. "What do I do with this one?" She asked.
Stepping forward to see what she might be asking about Hermione looked at the name on it. Not sure she would be able to hold back the tears she'd been fighting all day she slowly, with shaking hands took it from her best friend. Gently rubbing her hand across the nametag, the tears came, first one then another and another until she could barely see. "He should be here." Hermione whispered.
Molly walked up behind her and took the present from her hand placed it under the tree. "We put his gifts under the tree where they belong, with the rest of them. If he can't be with us in person, we know he's with us in spirit. When he gets home, we'll have another Christmas celebration, a bigger and better one."
Hermione was the last one to put her goodies under the tree. When she stood, Remus was there to wrap his arms around her and comfort her. She thought how good it felt to be hugged again. Feeling better she stepped out of his embrace. "Thank you, Remus. I'm okay now."
He took a seat on the couch next to Harry and Ginny, while Hermione sat in the armchair by the fireplace. Everyone talked and drank butterbeers until late. Finally Molly spoke up. "I think it's been a long day and we have a lot to do tomorrow. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm heading off to bed." Most agreed with her and headed off to their rooms. Remus and Arthur stayed behind, but chose to go downstairs to the kitchen.
Christmas Eve came and everyone stayed busy with various tasks to get ready for the banquet they would have Christmas Day. The girls worked in the kitchen, while the men worked to make sure the house was nice and orderly. Most of the Order had been invited to come for dinner. Those that couldn't make it for the meal had agreed to stop by sometime in the day if they had the chance. By night the only thing left to do was make sure the curtains that covered the portrait of Mrs. Black was sealed so they wouldn't come open and the occupants of the house wouldn't have to hear her scream. It took Remus, Arthur, Bill and Charlie to seal the drapes. It had always been a Weasley tradition on Christmas Eve to sit together, have sweet cakes and butterbeer and sing Christmas songs. Molly decided even though they weren't in the Burrow this year there was no need to stop this tradition.
Harry and Hermione sat next to each other listening to Remus and the Weasley's singing off key. Arthur was the worst. Both had to smile. Finally Ginny walked over to them and pulled them both to their feet, dragging them to join rest of the group. They sang songs until late into the night. Finally Hermione couldn't handle anymore and excused herself. She was closely followed by Ginny.
Once the girls were in their room and settled into bed, Ginny asked. "Hermione, Are you going to be okay? I know you want Sirius here, but are you going to be okay tomorrow?"
"I will be fine, Ginny. I may have a moment or two but I'll keep it together. It would be easier, if we just had some word from him. Just to know he's okay. I could deal with him not being here, I wouldn't like it but I could handle it if I just knew he was safe." Hermione said. It felt good to actually be able to tell Ginny, to talk to someone about it. "I really miss him. I miss the little things, like his touch on my shoulder as he passes and his hugs. When Remus embraced me last night, I remember how much I liked being in the arms of a man, in Sirius' arms." The girls talked until they drifted off to sleep Ginny dreaming of Harry and Hermione wishing for Sirius.