Chapter 15: Plans and Promises

The rest of the holiday went along quickly and all returned to Hogwarts to finish the school year. The first days back were hard for everyone, but none found them harder than Sirius. He'd been away for several months and he found getting back into the routine extremely difficult. Professors Dumbledore and McGonagall did what they could to help and eventually things slowly began to fall into place.  At the same time, it was becoming increasingly harder for Hermione to keep her relationship with the school's Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor a secret. Over the course of the holiday, she had grown comfortable in being able to talk to him whenever she wanted. They had both become relaxed in being able to touch to each other, and show their affection. Now it was back to hiding it.

Hermione was talking about Sirius to Ginny as they were walking down the corridor one afternoon. They didn't notice the blonde Slytherin hiding in the shadows. "Ginny, we've been back here for three weeks now and if I don't get to spend some time with him soon I think I'm going to scream. I haven't even been able to touch him since our return. I barely get to see him and I only get to talk to him in class. If it isn't about school neither of us have time. Something has to give soon."

"There's a Hogsmeade weekend coming up this week, maybe you two can spend some time together." Ginny said.

Hermione frowned even more. "I wish we could, but he has a training session all day Saturday with his grandfather and a couple of the other members. It's the only time the Ministry will allow two of their agents to help." She saw a movement in the shadows and pulled Ginny behind her. Taking out her wand, Hermione yelled, "You in the shadows, show yourself."

Malfoy walked up to her with an evil grin. "So, the mudblood has a boyfriend? Who is he, Granger?"

"None of your business, Malfoy!" Ginny spat.

Draco looked at Ginny with disgust. He then ran his finger along her jaw. "You are not like any of the other Weasleys. The things I could do with you," he laughed then turned to Hermione. "The things I could do with both of you. One night with me and you both would be ruined for any other man."

"Malfoy, you make me gag. We wouldn't let you touch either of us if you were the last wizard on the planet. So go finds one of your Slytherin bimbos to irritate." Hermione backed up a bit waiting on the blondes reply.

"You're very funny, Granger." Malfoy was about to say something else, but stopped when he heard footsteps. All turned to see Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Black approaching.

"Ms. Granger, Ms. Weasley, Mr. Malfoy, is there a problem here?" The headmaster asked.

"No, Sir." Draco answered. Hermione and Ginny shook their heads.

"Good. Then don't all of you have someplace you would rather be than standing in this corridor?" Dumbledore questioned.

All answered together. "Yes, Sir."

As they moved to go their separate ways, Sirius moved up behind Malfoy. "Malfoy?" he said so only Draco could hear. "I heard what you said to the two ladies. If I ever catch you talking to either of them, or any other female of this school like that again, I will make sure you don't ever talk again. Is that clear?" Malfoy nodded and left, but vowed under his breath to get back at Black.

"Ms. Granger would you please stay?" The headmaster asked as the girls were heading down the hall. Hermione told Ginny she would see her at dinner and headed back to where the two men stood. "Ms. Granger, I would like to have a word with you. Would you please accompany Professor Black and myself to my office?"

Hermione shook her head and walked with the two men to the stairs, which led to the headmaster's office. Dumbledore spoke the password and the door opened. "Please make yourselves at home. I need to talk to some of the house elves, then I'll join you." He left as Sirius and Hermione stepped inside and the door closed as the stairs began to move.

The doors that led to the office opened and both occupants stepped into the room. "What was that all about?" Hermione asked. "What does he want to talk to me about, do you know?"

"I don't think he wants to talk to you at all. I think he knew we hadn't had much time together, so he's giving us some. You've got to love the old man," Sirius said with the utmost admiration in his voice as he gathered her into his arms and tried to kissed her. He was taken completely by surprise when Hermione moved out of his embrace and pushed him away. "Hermione, what's wrong?"

"Please, don't touch me," she said as she shuffled to the other side of the room. "Just don't touch me."

Sirius was completely shocked by her actions and words. He stood staring at her in disbelief. The look on her face told him she meant what she had said. After what seemed like an eternity Sirius turned towards the door with his hand on his heart. "Fine, if that's what you want." he said as he opened the door to leave, but before he could exit the door slammed shut and locked. When he turned and looked at Hermione she had her wand drawn and aimed at the door. "You've made yourself more than clear. Just unlock the door and I'll leave you alone."

Hermione couldn't understand how he could have gotten the idea she wanted him to leave her, but then she realized what she had said. She put her wand away and took a step toward him. "Sirius, wait. I didn't mean it like it sounded. Please let me explain."

"Hermione, I'm too old and too tired to play games. I love you and want to make a life with you, but you have to want that too. We can't have a life together if you can't even stand to have me touch you." Sirius sat hard in the chair beside the door.

Again Hermione took steps toward him. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean for it to come out like it did or for you to take it, as I didn't love you anymore. That's part of my problem," she kept moving closer until she was directly in front of him. "Sirius, I do love you. I love you so much I don't know how to deal with it sometimes and some days I can't breathe.  We had such a great holiday together and then we had to come back here. Since then we haven't had any time together and I haven't been able to touch you. If I touch you now, I'm afraid I won't be able to let go. If I feel you next to me, feel your arms around me; I won't want to move away from you."

Sirius stood and moved next to her. Again he wrapped her in his arms, and this time she didn't pull away. She clung to him like it might be the last time. He bent his head and kissed her, she opened her mouth in return to allow him full access. Even after the kiss was over the couple just held each other. Many minutes later, Sirius pulled away, took her hand and made their way to the sofa on the upper level. Sitting, he held her hand. "Hermione, love, it's going to be okay. You touched me and you were able to let go. I know how hard it is, but we only have a few more months, then school will be over for you and we can get on with a life together."

Hermione reached up and caressed his cheek. "We have to attempt to make time each day or at least every other day to at least get a hug in. I miss you so much when I don't see or talk to you. Please Baby, can we try?"

Sirius pulled her into a comforting embrace and promised he'd find a way.

Hogsmeade weekend was upon the group and everyone was looking forward to getting off school grounds. Sirius had promised the group that he would meet them at The Three Broomsticks by five for dinner. This weekend was a special celebration in the wizarding town so the students didn't have to be back on the grounds until eleven. He walked them to the entrance of the castle and waited until they all left then turned and headed to the Room of Requirements for his next round of special training.

In Hogsmeade Hermione was enjoying herself and her friends as they walked around stopping at various shops. She was just about to say something to Ginny when she spotted someone coming toward them. She turned away from the approaching figure. "bloody hell, what's he doing here?"

"I don't know, but he's headed for us." Alyssa and Ron said at the same time.

"Let's duck in here." Harry said pulling Hermione and the others into Honeydukes Sweet Shop. The group looked around, bought some things and when Ron and Harry thought the coast was clear they made their way back out to the sidewalk. Turning toward Dervish and Banges, the group ran right into Viktor Krum and his friends.

"Herm-own-ninny, there you are. I vas looking for you. Someone told me this vas Hogwarts veekend to come here and I vanted to find you. I thought maybe ve could have dinner together." Viktor said as he made a move to hug her, but she backed away.

"I'm sorry, Viktor, but I'm spending the day with my friends. Then we are meeting Sirius tonight for dinner and I'm spending the evening with him." She saw the look Viktor was giving her. She knew it wasn't going to be easy getting rid of him. Hermione felt like she was in for some problems. Viktor's constant pursuit of her would not make Sirius happy and she didn't want to hurt him. She decided she had to figure out how to get Krum to leave her alone.

Viktor smiled an evil smile, "Vell it's not dinner time yet, so you can spend this time with me. My friends vill leave us alone as vill yours I'm sure vhen you tell them." Viktor took her arm and started leading her way from Harry and the others.

"Viktor, you're hurting me." Hermione yelped trying to get away from him. "Let go. I am spending the day with Harry, Ron, Ginny, and Alyssa. Please leave me alone." Viktor didn't let go.

Harry and Ron took out their wands at the same time. "Let go of her, Krum." Harry yelled.

Viktor laughed a little and let go of Hermione who immediately moved to Ginny and Alyssa. "I vasn't going to hurt her." He then turned to Hermione, "Herm-own-ninny, let's go someplace ve can talk. I know if you give us half a chance you vill see you loff me as much as I loff you."

Crying, Hermione spoke, "I don't love you. I will never love you. I love someone else and he would never treat me the way you treat me. Leave me alone."

Ron still pointing his wand at Krum said, "If you ever touch her or come near her again you'll have to deal with us and that's after Sirius gets finished with you."

The friends took Hermione and left making their way to Madam Puddifoot's. Everyone thought some tea and sandwich would be nice. It was almost lunchtime and they were getting hungry. Once they were seated and their order taken, Hermione was the first to speak. "Why can't Viktor leave me alone? Can't he see I'm happy with Sirius?"

Alyssa took Hermione's hand, "Guys like that only see what they want to see. I'm sorry to say this, but you will probably have trouble with that one until he leaves. As far as Sirius, I think he thinks it's not a real relationship because Sirius is so much older."

"Then its time he and everyone realize it is a real relationship. I love Sirius and he loves me. I plan on being with him the rest of my life." Hermione stated as she took a sip of her tea. "When I finally gave in an admitted I loved him it was the most liberating day of my life and the happiest was the day he told me he loved me as well."

Everyone at the table knew she needed to vent, so they let her. Viktor had really scared her. She sat with her back to the window, so she didn't see the four men outside watching and waiting, but Harry and Ron did. They knew things were okay while they were in the Tea Room, but they needed a plan for when they left. Harry and Ron talked quietly among themselves as the girls spoke of where they wanted to go next and the things they still needed to buy.

The group stayed in the little Tea Room almost two hours, as they were getting up to leave, Ginny noticed the bruise forming on Hermione's arm. "Merlin, Hermione. Look at that. Is that where Krum grabbed you?"

Hermione studied the purple marks on her lower arm. "Yes it is. How am I going to cover this? I can't let Sirius see these bruises, he'll kill Viktor."

"Hermione, you can't hide them from him either." Harry said. "Remember New Years? He has trust issues and he's trying, but if you hide those and he finds out later…"

"I know. You're right, but I can't have him and Krum fighting over me. Why couldn't Viktor just have stayed gone?" Hermione was visibly upset as the group made their way to the door.

Outside on the sidewalk, Harry and Ron spotted the four men that had been watching them from the window. They stood across and up the street. Viktor Krum started walking their way. Harry nudged Hermione and nodded in the direction of the Bulgarian as he approached.

Showing no fear at all Hermione moved to meet him as he stepped up on the sidewalk. "Why can't you leave me alone?" She yelled at him. Raising the sleeve of her robe she showed him the purple patches. "Look what you've done to me. Now I have to explain this to not only Sirius but to everyone who sees them. Plus because of your stupidity, I have to keep Sirius from killing you for hurting me."

Viktor had a look of shock on his face. "Herm-own-ninny, I never meant to hurt you. I vas only trying to make you see that you and I are meant to be together. I loff  you and have for a long time."

He again reached for her, but she was quick enough to step away. Ron placed himself between her and Krum. Ron was as tall as the other man so he could look him in the eye. "Leave her alone Krum. Leave her alone now, leave her alone tomorrow and leave her alone forever."

"And what if I don't? Are you going to do something about it? This is between Herm-own-ninny and me." Krum was nose to nose with Ron.

Harry pulled Ron way, displaying his wand. Hermione laid her hand on Harry's arm. "I don't want a fight. Not between you three and not between Sirius and Viktor." She said to her two friends. She then again turned to her ex-boyfriend. "Viktor what you and I had was a long time ago. I've moved on and you should too. I'm asking you, if you care about me like you say you do, please leave me alone."

Krum turned and walked away from the group with a promise it wasn't over yet.

The group spent rest of the day shopping, but always on the look out for Viktor and his friends. Hermione had decided to buy a long sleeved top to cover the bruises. Maybe she could keep them covered and Sirius would never have to find out. She knew she shouldn't keep this from him, but she just wanted things to be normal again. If she could keep Viktor Krum out of their happiness she would.

At 4 o'clock, Sirius left the school and made his way to Hogsmeade. He knew he had a little time before he was to meet the others and decided to stop in at Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop. He needed some new quills; his were about to fall apart. In the store he spotted Krum and his friends. He did his best to avoid them, but as he was about to leave, Viktor walked over, held the door and as he started to exit the Bulgarian said, "Better vatch that pretty little girlfriend. I vill haff her before I go back to Bulgaria." Having said that he walked away. Sirius stood there dumbfounded until the door almost hit him in the face.

Sirius slowly walked to The Three Broomsticks and waited for the others to arrive. He was drinking a butterbeer when they entered. He saw other Hogwarts students in the place so he knew he couldn't show his affection for Hermione, but he could sit next to her and maybe even hold her hand under the table. As they sat down he thought about Viktor's remarks and decided to ask if they'd seen him today. "Hi gang." He said as he took Hermione's cloak and held the chair for her. "Did all of you have fun today?" He saw them glance from one to another, before agreeing that they did enjoy themselves.

Sirius turned to look at Hermione and saw something in her expression. This told him more than if he'd actually asked the question. "Hermione, has Krum been bothering you today? Please be honest with me."

Hermione smiled. She knew she couldn't keep anything from him. "Yes he has, but how did you know?"

"I saw him at the Quill shop. He made some comment about how I better watch my pretty little girlfriend, because he would have you before he left town. I figured he had been bothering you." Sirius said scooting a little closer. He saw the look Harry was giving her, but decided not to ask for a while to see if someone would tell him what had happened.

Hermione bowed her head, took a deep breath then looked up into Sirius' dark almost black eyes. "He's been bothering us all day. He thinks I want to get back together with him. He doesn't think what I have with you is real." She looked down at her arm then over at Ginny and Harry who both nodded for her to go on and tell him. "Today on the street when I told him I wasn't interested, that I was spending the day with my friends and meeting you for dinner, he grabbed me."

"Did he hurt you?" She heard the concern for her as well as the danger for Krum in Sirius' voice.

Hermione began to pull up the sleeve of the sweater she had purchased earlier. "Yeah he did, a little." She laid her arm out so Sirius could see the bruises in the hand print form.

Sirius rubbed his hand over the injuries delicately. He then bent and kissed each bruise lovingly. "You realize I now have to kill him?" He said with a straight face. "I can't let him think he can go around man handling women, especially my woman can I?"

"Sirius, please. Don't stoop to his level. You're not a violent man at least the man I love isn't. Let him think what he wants. Everyone that matters knows whom I love and whom I'm devoted to and that's you. He'll be leaving soon and we won't have to deal with him anymore" She saw he was watching her, taking in her every word. "He can't touch me at school. Please, leave it alone."

Sirius saw the pleading in her eyes. He knew she just wanted to be happy and love him peacefully. "Okay I won't hurt him. I'll stay away from him… UNTIL he makes the next move, as long as you promise me something."

"What?" Hermione questioned.

"You have to promise me that at no time will you be alone out of the castle, even on school grounds. Also if you come into Hogsmeade you will have Harry, Ron, Remus or myself with you." Sirius thought these were reasonable requests.

Hermione knew he was only looking out for her. He'd promised her family he wouldn't try to control her, but he would protect her. "Okay I promise." Everyone at the table smiled and spent rest of the early evening eating, drinking and enjoying the company.

That night as the group left, everyone looked for Viktor, sure he was lurking in the shadows somewhere, but happily no one spotted him. Hermione and Sirius walked slowly back to the castle. Talking and making plans for the upcoming Valentine's Day. They wanted to spend it together, but weren't sure exactly how to make it happen. There was a dance that night in the great hall. She wanted to go but she only wanted to go with Sirius. She also knew she couldn't take a professor as her date, or could she? That was something she would have to think on and talk to Professor Dumbledore about. She hadn't said anything to Sirius about her plan. She smiled to herself as they made their way across the grass.

"What are you thinking and smiling about?" He asked.

She pulled him behind the big tree and kissed him passionately. "I was thinking about how I've wanted to do that all night and couldn't because someone was watching us. I was thinking about how nice it was to walk and talk to you and not worry about Viktor. I was thinking about how sexy you are and how no matter what mood I'm in you can always make me smile and I was thinking about how much I love you."

The couple kissed again, then made their way inside the castle. At the top of the stairs that lead to their separate corridors, Sirius reminded her of her promise and they parted.

Sirius went back to teaching each day and at night sharpening his skills. Some of what he'd learned from the order he brought into his DADA lessons. He also told Harry, Ron and Hermione he would teach them more over the summer. He had little time for his and Hermione's relationship, but he made sure she received a hug and a kiss at least every other day, and every day they made a point of sending short messages to each other.

Hermione kept busy with her studies and Head Girl chores, but she took time to work on her plan to invite Sirius as her escort for the Valentine's Day Dance. She approached Headmaster Dumbledore with her idea and he approved so their plot was put into action. That night at dinner he would announce their plan. Dumbledore let McGonagall in on the game, but she was the only one.

Once everyone had taken his or her seat, Dumbledore stood up.  He glanced over at his grandson who was sitting on the left next to him talking to Hagrid, and then he smiled down at Hermione. "May I have your attention please? I have an announcement. It has been brought to my attention that our staff won't have escorts for the Valentine's Day dance, unless they invite each other. So in order for our staff to be able to enjoy themselves and some of our students to have a little bit of fun we are going to have a drawing. This drawing is open to seventh years only. On a piece of parchment that will be provided, you are to list three staff members you might like to ask to the dance. I will draw names one week before the dance. The winners will get to spend the evening at the dance with the staff member of their choice. If your first choice is taken then your second choice will be your date. All staff—" he stressed all staff, "—members are required to participate."  He saw Sirius' head jerk up. Dumbledore smiled and mouthed, 'Yes you too.'

The contest seemed to be the talk of the school, and all the girls wanted to escort Sirius. Harry and Ron teased him incessantly about it, and he wondered whose ludicrous idea this contest was. The three guys sat on the floor in the Gryffindor tower common room talking. Sirius looked over at Harry and asked, "Do you have any idea who put this mad idea into my Grandfather's head? The last thing I want to do is be the escort of some seventh year girl who is going to giggle and hang all over me all night."

Harry just shrugged as the girls sat down and joined them.  "It was Hermione's idea." Ginny commented picking up some of the chips out of the bowl next to Ron.

Sirius looked over at Hermione in disbelief. "This date with a staff member was your idea?"

Hermione laughed ad his expression. "Yes it was. It's a good idea, don't you think?"

"No I don't. Are you still going to think it's a great idea when I have to go to this dance and spend the entire evening with some bubble headed giggling git?" Sirius asked  "I had hoped to spend Valentines Day with you."

"Oh you of little faith, trust your Grandfather, you'll be going to the dance with me." Hermione patted him on the head and reached for the bowl of chips.

Exactly one week before Valentine's Day, Dumbledore stood up again. "As all of you know today is the day we find out which student will be taking what staff member to the Cupid's Ball. Professor McGonagall, Professor Snape and I have read all requests. The names have been put into bowls with the Professors name on it. I will draw the lucky winner tonight after dinner. Dig in." The food appeared.

This whole contest thing made Sirius nervous. He didn't want to spend the day for lovers in the company of someone he didn't care about let alone probably didn't know.  He pushed the food around on his plate and watched Hermione as she spoke with Alyssa and Neville Longbottom. Once in a while she would look up and catch his eye. He would smile, but it wasn't the smile that light up his face. Once she mouth, 'It will be fine.'  He nodded and went back to pushing his food around.

Dinner was about to conclude when the Headmaster stood up again. "We are about to draw, but first let me announce that the Bulgarian Quidditch team will be staying with us starting tomorrow for ten days. They will use our Quidditch pitch when not in use by our own teams and they will have free run of the castle just as you students. They will be staying in the empty wing on the second floor. Please make them feel welcome."

Hermione looked up to see Sirius frown deepen and his body tense. That was one thing she was not expecting and it would really upset Sirius. She knew also that she would have to be careful to stay away from Krum at all costs. She was lost in thought when she felt Ginny poke her in the side. "Professor Dumbledore is going to draw now. Pay attention."

"I have to say by far the most requests went to Professor Black so we'll save him until last. I'll begin with Professor Snape." Dumbledore drew from his bowl and announced the name of the lucky student. He then went down the table drawing from everyone's bowl. Finally he made it to the container sitting in front of Sirius. He leaned down drew a slip of parchment and whispered into his grandson's ear. "Don't look so glum, my boy. Your Grandmother has taken care of everything." Dumbledore straightened up and unfolded the slip. "Now the lucky young lady that will be escorting Professor Black is…" he looked out into the crowd to see all eyes on him. He then turned to see the pleading dark brown orbs of his only grandchild. "…Hermione Granger from Gryffindor." Sirius breathed a sigh of relief, all the other seventh year girls moaned, the Gryffindor table erupted in applause as Hermione smiled from ear to ear and received hugs from those around her.  She looked up at where Sirius was sitting. He looked happy and miserable all at the same time. She made a note to talk to him and soon.

Before everyone left the great hall, Dumbledore said he would like to meet with the students and their staff escorts to go over rules. Everyone gathered at the head table and rules were set down. Sirius asked Hermione if he could walk her back to her common room, as he needed to talk to Harry. He didn't really but it sounded good to the other staff and students present. As they walked, neither said a word. Finally Sirius pulled her into an empty classroom.

"We have to talk about Krum staying in this castle. I don't like it. I don't want him any where near you." Sirius growled.

Hermione knew this was on his mind. She lovingly stroked his cheek and kissed him softly. "I know. I don't like it any better than you do, but there is nothing we can do about it."

Sirius knew she was right, but there was still a threat "I know, but please promise me as long as he's in this castle you'll have someone with you all the time. Also if he touches you at all, even a simple gesture, you'll let me know?"

Again she kissed him. "I promise." They left the room and walked to Gryffindor Tower, both concerned about what the next few weeks would bring.