Chapter 16: Attacks, Healing and Valentines Day.
Shivering, Hermione woke to complete darkness, pushing back the blankets she climbed out of bed into the coolness of the February morning. It was always cold in the castle in the early mornings, but as she stepped into her slippers and she pulled the soft, fluffy robe closer around her, she thought it was chillier than usual. Looking at the clock, she yawned and tried to decide what had awakened her. Flopping in the chair, she knew what it was. She was worried about Viktor being there. So far he'd kept his distance, but she knew that would change. She was also afraid what Sirius' reaction would be that if Krum did try something in the castle. Would he handle it privately or would he explode so the whole school would know about their relationship, not that she cared. She was more concerned about him and his teaching position. Hermione knew how much he loved teaching Defense Against the Dark Arts and she didn't want him to jeopardize that because of Viktor Krum. Slowly she stood and made her way back to bed. Sliding in she wrapped her arms around the pillow next to her and tried to go to sleep, promising herself she would talk to Sirius after breakfast.
Sirius entered the Great Hall, taking his place next to Professor Dumbledore. As he looked out over the student body, he spotted Krum making his way toward the Gryffindor table and Hermione. Glancing at Hermione she shook her head no at him, he knew what she meant, but he couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was going to happen before this was all over. Sirius kept his eyes glued to the friends sitting at the table in front and to the left of him. He felt his Grandfather place his hand on his shoulder and whisper. "Relax, my boy. He won't hurt her."
"He's already hurt her," Sirius replied. "You should have seen the bruises on her arm."
"I saw them," Sirius looked up in complete surprise. "Don't look so shocked. She showed them to me after Madam Hooch saw them in class. Today she came to me with concerns. She's afraid if Krum does try something while in the castle you'll hurt him…"
"I will," Sirius interrupted.
"As I was saying," Dumbledore continued irritation in his voice. "She's afraid you'll do something to hurt your position here and she doesn't want that. She's also afraid that since Viktor knows about your relationship he might make trouble by letting out that information."
Sirius looked at his Grandfather, then out at Hermione who was trying to avoid Krum. "He very well could say something, I can't stop him if he does. Besides, once school is over, and she's finished we won't be hiding anymore."
"I know. I also know it seems like a long time, but you can survive Krum being here for a few weeks. I'll keep an eye on him. Harry, Ron, and the others will protect Hermione. You just concentrate on teaching and being ready for your date to the Valentine's Day dance." Dumbledore smiled at Sirius, and then left the table.
Over the next two days, things were quiet. Hermione avoided Viktor and he seemed to keep his distance, but on the third day he approached her with fire in his eyes. "Herm-own-ninny, I vould like a vord vith you."
Harry and Ron stood protectively around her. "What do you want Krum? Why can you leave her alone?"
"I am not talking to you, I am talking to Herm-own-ninny," He turned and reached for her. "I only vant to talk vith you. I vill not hurt you."
"Viktor, please I've asked and asked please leave me alone. You and I were over a long time ago. Find someone who can make you happy." Hermione pleaded.
"Someone like the old man you have found?" he spat at her. "I can not believe you vould even let him touch you." Viktor turned to walk away, but called back over his shoulder, "This is not over yet."
The trio tried to put the events out of their minds and get through the rest of the day. Hermione made both promise they wouldn't say anything to Sirius. No one had been hurt and nothing had happened, so there wasn't any need in upsetting him. She left her last class and headed toward her room. As she walked the halls of the castle alone she felt as if she was being followed. Several times she stopped and looked back; but only saw other students making their way to their common rooms. Entering her room and shutting the door, she let out the breath she didn't realize she had been holding, threw her bag on the table, and flopped down on the bed. Closing her eyes, she knew it was far from over. She knew Viktor wouldn't give up, someone was going to get hurt and her biggest fear was that it would be Sirius.
She lay on the soft pink comforter letting her mind drift to the handsome man who had won her heart. She couldn't remember a time when she didn't love him. She thought about the first time she'd seen him, all dirty, skeletal, and his hair matted. Even that day she knew he was the one. Something told her he was the man who would be her destiny. It was if he was the man in her childhood dreams. She'd given him such a bad time when they were at Grimmuald Place during their fifth year. Then when he fell into the veil, she'd cried for weeks, but when she saw him that first day of school several months ago, she knew that her dreams were being fulfilled. The handsome man sitting next to Professor Dumbledore was going to be her man; she would have done what ever it took to make sure that happened. Now that he was hers, now that he loved her and she knew it, she wasn't going to let Viktor Krum hurt him, not if she could stop it. The problem she realized as she lay there looking at the cracks in the stone ceiling was she couldn't stop Viktor. Shaking off her mood she got up and headed to the library to meet Luna.
Sirius strolled down the long corridor from the Room of Requirements to the stairs that led to his chamber. His mind was on the lesson he had just received from his Grandfather and Mad-Eye Moody. As he turned to take the stairs to the lower floor someone stepped out of the shadows. He looked up and saw Viktor Krum standing directly in front of him. "Excuse me, please move out of my way," he said not wanting to deal with the young Bulgarian. He knew that if it came to a battle of skill, he could destroy Krum.
"Vhat are you going to do about it if I don't?" Viktor tormented moving slightly to his left, which in turn made Sirius move as well.
Sirius looked at the younger man for a long time. "Why can't you just take the hint and go away. You are not wanted here," he saw Viktor reach for his wand, but Sirius was faster. He pointed his wand at Krum's head. "You really don't want to do that. You may be younger than I am, but I am quicker, smarter, and more powerful."
Viktor had slowly been moving the entire conversation. "We'll see who is more powerful, Black."
"What do you want? What will it take for me to get you out of this school and out of our lives." Sirius asked lowering his wand, putting it back in his pocket, Krum put his away as well, but his eyes kept moving as if he was looking for something. This alarmed Sirius.
Viktor laughed, "You know vhat I vant. I vant Herm-own-ninny. I vant to take her back to Bulgaria vith me, I vant to make her mine. She would still loff me if you veren't in the picture. Maybe it's time for me to take you out."
Sirius laughed, "Do you really think she could love you? You haven't got what it takes to make and keep her happy. She wants a real man, not some bloody Bulgarian pretty boy." He knew he was making Krum mad, but at this point he didn't care. Sirius was tired of playing these games.
Anger flashed across
Krum's face. "Ve'll see who makes her happy, and it von't be you, Black." Again
Krum reached for something in his robes.
Sirius moved to take his wand out again, but before he could he saw five other
figures step out of the shadows with wands pointed directly at him, all of them
yelling something in Bulgarian. He felt himself being lifted off the floor then
flying backwards and landing hard before everything went dark.
Hermione had just said good-bye to Luna in the library; she headed to the stairs she would take to get to her room. Rounding the corner she was grabbed from behind and pulled into the alcove by the statue of an ancient wizard. She couldn't scream there was a huge hand covering her mouth. "Don't scream and you von't get hurt." She instantly knew it was Viktor Krum. He slowly moved his hand from her mouth but placed it around her throat.
"What do you want Viktor?" She asked no longer afraid. She knew he could hurt her, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of scaring her.
Krum crowed an evil laugh. "You Europeans are all the same. That is the same question your boyfriend asked me a little vile ago."
"Where is Sirius? What have you done to him?" Hermione cried, trying to get away, but his grip was to tight and she couldn't reach her wand.
"Let's just say he von't be asking anyone anything for a vile." He didn't say anymore, but laughed and turned her roughly to face him. Before she knew what was happening he was kissing her, hard and with force. She tried to pull away, but he was too strong. As his lips forced their way along her lips and neck, his hands began to roam and explore. Roughly touching her in places she didn't want to be touch, or at least not by him. Viktor grabbed her breast and squeezed until she thought she was going to pass out. The feel of his hands on her and his tongue forcing it's way into her mouth made her feel sick to her stomach. She needed to get out of his grasp. She knew she needed to wait for the perfect opportunity. Time seemed to stand still, his hands and lips were everywhere, and he had begun to rip her robe and blouse. "I vill have you. I vill be the first to have you. I vill ruin you for that over aged man you claim to loff. Once I am done vith you he will not vant you."
Tears streamed down Hermione's face. She couldn't let him go any farther. Why hadn't she listened to Sirius and made sure she wasn't alone. Her attacker was having problems getting her bra out of his way and in doing so released his grip on her throat. This gave her the opening she needed. Hermione elbowed him in the ribs, then turned and poked him in the eye. Not waiting around she took off running down the hall and ran straight into Professors Dumbledore, McGonagall, and Snape.
Taking in her appearance, McGonagall took off her robe and covered the young girls exposed body. "Ms. Granger, what happened? Are you all right?"
Through the tears that were falling more from relief than anything else, she replied. "Viktor Krum attacked me as I came out of the library."
Professor Snape took off down the hall and in a few minutes was back with Krum in tow.
"I found him in the alcove. He told me Ms. Granger assaulted, him."
"Mr. Krum, if Ms. Granger assaulted you, then how is it she is the one with the cuts, bruises and ripped clothing?" Dumbledore asked. Viktor refused to say anything other than he wanted to talk to his coach. "Fine you may speak with your coach. I'll bring him to my office in a while. Severus, if you would be so kind as to take Mr. Krum there and wait with him until I get there." He saw Snape nod. "Now Mr. Krum, if you will excuse us I need to get Ms. Granger checked out."
Professor McGonagall looked Hermione over carefully. "Did he…" Before she could finish Hermione shook her head no.
Slowly they walked to the hospital wing. Hermione was given a gown and all her injuries were recorded, everything from the black eye to the cuts on her chest to the hand print bruise around her throat. Once the paperwork had been completed she was given a potion and put into bed for some much needed rest. Before dosing off she asked Professor McGonagall if she would go get Sirius.
Dumbledore and McGonagall were getting ready to leave the hospital wing when they heard a commotion coming from outside. Before they could reach the door, Madam Pomfrey came rushing in again followed closely by Hagrid caring an unconscious Sirius Black. Neville Longbottom staying close to Hagrid. It wasn't long before Harry, Ron, and Ginny came rushing in as well. "What happened to Professor Black?" the Headmaster asked.
"Don't know sir. Neville here found him like this at the bottom of the stairs. I came a long and heard him yelling for help. We came straight here. I sent Seamus to get Harry." Hagrid announced standing out of the way.
"It looks to me like he's been hit with a combination Blasting Curse and Stupefying Charm. From the look of his condition, he was hit by more than one. I'm sure from the injuries I'm finding that he also must have fallen at least two flights of stairs maybe more." Madam Pomfrey commented as she continued to rattle off counter curses and charms, while applying dressings and getting potions ready so when he woke he could take them.
Dumbledore watched as his only Grandchild lay perfectly still, to still in a hospital bed. He was pale and his breathing was arduous. He needed to find out what had happened and who had done this. He took everyone involved and moved him or her away from Sirius' bed. "Do any of you know what happened to Professor Black? Who might have done this?"
Not realizing how close he had moved to Hermione's bed, he heard her say, before anyone else could answer. "Professor Black? What's happened to Sirius?" He heard the panic in her voice. Dumbledore looked at the young lady just as Harry and Ron gave him a questioning look.
"Ms. Granger, Professor Black has been injured. Taken a nasty fall." McGonagall was sitting on the edge of her bed trying to reassure her he would be all right. "As I was saying, do any of you know what happened or who might have done this?"
"Viktor Krum." Hermione said quietly.
"Ms. Granger, I know you do not like Viktor and I know he attacked you this evening, that is why you are here, but why would you think he did this to Sirius?" All eyes were on her as they waited on an answer to Dumbledore's question.
Hermione began to cry again, Minerva gathered her into her arms and cooed soothing sounds. Finally she looked up at the others. "I know because when Viktor grabbed me and I asked him what he wanted he said, You Europeans are all the same. That is the same question your boyfriend asked me a little while ago. Let's just say he won't be asking anyone anything for a while. I didn't know what he meant then, but it fits now."
"Thank you, Hermione." Dumbledore said then turned to the others in the room. "Harry, Ron, you may visit with Hermione for 5 minutes then off to your common room. Neville I need you to go with Hagrid to my office, I'll be up in a minute. I want you to tell me how you found him. Ms. Granger, you try to rest, you've been through an ordeal yourself tonight. I'll have Poppy tell you if he wakes up." He then walked to the bed where Sirius lay. He leaned in whispered something in his ear and kissed his Grandson's forehead; letting his lips linger for a few seconds before exiting the room.
"Why did he do that?" Neville asked.
McGonagall answered him, "Because you see Mr. Longbottom, Professor Black is Headmaster Dumbledore's Grandson." She saw Neville's mouth open and close. "He is also my Grandson. Now that I've told you this and I expect you to respect our rights to privacy and keep it a secret, just as these other students have done, all right?" Longbottom just shook his head and left with Hagrid.
Harry, Ron and Hermione talked well past the five-minute time limit. Hermione told them everything that had happened to her and they watched from her bed as Madam Pomfrey continued to work on Sirius, paying close attention to the school nurse, Professor McGonagall and their facial expressions. Several minutes later, Harry and Ron were ushered out of the hospital wing with instructions to go to their dorm and not return until tomorrow morning.
Professor Dumbledore arrived at his office at the same time as the Bulgarian coach. Inside everyone was seated. Viktor was questioned and instructed to answer everything Dumbledore asked. It was agreed upon that if he chose not to be truthful, that Professor Snape would mix and administer a truth potion and if that didn't work Dumbledore would get permission to use Veritaserum. Krum reluctantly told what happened to Hermione. Still insisting she wanted it to happen and he would have her. That in the end, after all was said and done, she would come back to him.
When questioned about Sirius, Viktor only laughed and replied, "I didn't touch him, but I hope he dies. He isn't good enough for my Herm-own-ninny." This comment brought Hagrid out of his seat, but a gentle hand by Dumbledore told him to sit back down.
"Mr. Krum, if you didn't touch him, then how may I ask did he get into the shape he is in now. Lying lifeless with burns, bruises, broken bones and cuts all over his body." Dumbledore asked moving slowly about the room. He saw Viktor follow him with his eyes, but he didn't answer the question. "Since you have decided not to talk, I'll tell you how. You had several of your team mates hit my Grandson—" He saw both Viktor and the coach's heads snap up to look at the old man. "—Yes, Professor Black is my Grandson. It's not a fact that is shared with the public. We want to protect him and knowledge of the relationship between us could place him in grave danger."
The Bulgarian coach promised he would not say a word and that he would place a memory charm on Krum once the proceeding into Sirius' accident were complete.
"Very good," Albus said. "Now I have spoken to several members of your team and they were more than eager to tell me what had happened to Sirius." He continued to walk around. It was agreed upon that the Bulgarian team would leave the castle, cancel the rest of its tour and return to Bulgaria the next day, in exchange, Dumbledore would not have Viktor and the rest of the team arrested by the ministry. Krum was also jinxed so that if he ever went near Hermione or Sirius again he would be inflicted with severe pain.
The next morning, Dumbledore saw the Bulgarians off and awaited confirmation from his source in Bulgaria that they had arrived, before going to the hospital wing to check in on the two patients there. It had been a long night for him. After talking to Viktor and his coach, he spent the next hour explaining Sirius and then Sirius and Hermione's relationship to Neville and Hagrid, making sure they both knew that these we topics that needed to be kept secret until the school year was over.
Upon his arrival, Madam Pomfrey who informed him that Professor McGonagall had spent the night next to Sirius greeted him. Gracefully he approached the bed not wanting to awaken his wife of more years then he could remember. To him she still was the beautiful young angel he'd married all those years ago. She sat next to their only living relative, the Grandson they had kept quiet about for far to long, sleeping and holding his hand. He watched the rise and fall of the young mans chest. His breathing less labored this morning, his color better. Albus Dumbledore watched as the two most important people in his life lay sleeping, one from exhaustion, the other from injuries inflicted by a vengeful git who wanted something Sirius had. Hermione Granger.
Albus was lost in a thought of Sirius when he was just a small boy. Mrs. Black had brought him to the school to visit one warm spring afternoon. He was playing and running around the grounds laughing the laugh that only a boy of three or four. He was shaken out of the memory when a young woman moved to stand beside him. "She's been here all night, Professor."
"Now, Ms. Granger, how would you know that if you had been sleeping as you were supposed to be?" Dumbledore chuckled.
Hermione sat on the edge of the bed and took Sirius' hand in hers. "I did sleep some, but Sirius is hurt. I needed to be near him, what if he'd awaken and needed me?"
The old wizard reached over and pulled the now standing young woman close to him. "My Grandson is lucky to have someone who loves him so much."
At that moment Minerva woke, stretching out her tired, aching bones. "How are you this morning Miss Granger?"
"I'm fine, Professor. I'm getting released in a few hours." Hermione answered still hugging Dumbledore.
Madam Pomfrey arrived at Sirius' bed, gave him another charm and sat a new potion by his bed. "He should awaken soon, but he'll need to stay here at least 24 hours." She then left the trio to sit watch over the man they all three loved. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Alyssa joined them a short time later.
At eight am Professor Dumbledore announced it was time for everyone to leave and get ready for classes, including himself. Since Madam Pomfrey wanted Hermione to stay a few more hours she was excused from classes. Everyone said they would return this afternoon. McGonagall made Hermione promise that if Sirius woke, she would send word.
Hours later, Hermione sat on the edge of Sirius' bed eating the lunch one of the house elves had brought to her when she felt the bed shift. She knew when she turned to look at him he would be watching her. "How do you feel?" She asked seeing his eyes open and close to adjust to the bright light that filtered in through the window above his head.
"I'm not…" He spotted the cuts and bruises on Hermione. "What happened to you? Who did that, how did you get cut and bruised?"
"I'm fine, love. I'm more concerned about you. You took a nasty fall." Hermione took his hand and caressed the back of it.
"I didn't fall." Sirius thought back to the night before. "I was attacked by Krum and his friends. I remember talking to him, seeing shadows approach, bright lights all around, and then some sort of energy hit me, threw me into the air. I remember hitting the ground, then the lights went out."
"Yes, Viktor and his gang attacked you, then he attacked me. He tried to…" She couldn't finish. The memories were too fresh and she knew Sirius would be furious.
Sirius reached for her, pulling her into his strong arms. "Hermione, did he…"
She knew what he was trying to ask, "No, he didn't. He was trying, but I got away. He and his team are back in Bulgaria." Snuggling closer she kissed him softly and whispered, "He can't ever come back to England. He can't hurt either of us again." She told him the entire story.
Sirius soothed her for a few minutes longer, and then he made her look at him. "Hermione, you know no matter what, even if he had succeeded in his plan, I would still love you. I would still want to be with you. Nothing will ever change that."
Hermione smiled a huge smile, "I know. I love you too." She kissed him, and then went to find Madam Pomfrey and send a message to Professors McGonagall and Dumbledore.
After all the potions were given, and the wounds redressed, Sirius was told he would need to stay in the hospital wing a few more days. He protested stating he had a class to teach and a dance to attend in two days. With Dumbledore's mediation it was agreed he would stay in the clinic until Saturday noon, at which time he would be released in time to go to the dance with Hermione as long as he agreed not to over do it.
Sirius thought Saturday would never arrive. Harry appeared at twelve pm to pick him up and help him prepare for the evening. Sirius was nervous, he'd gone out with Hermione before, but they had never been seen in public as a couple. When they arrived together would people know they were having a relationship or would they be able to keep it hidden? Tonight would be a special night; they would be dressed in their nicest clothes. Finally the time was here. Harry and Ron stopped to pick him up and escort him to then Great Hall where Hermione would be waiting with Ginny and Alyssa.
There she stood, dressed in a flowing dress and dress robe of the softest pink, he'd ever seen. She was radiant. Sirius approached her, kissing her gently on the cheek. She thanked him for the lovely flowers and the beautiful bracelet he'd gotten her for Valentines Day. This confused him somewhat. He knew he'd meant to get those things, he had even ordered them, but with all that had happened and being in the hospital, how did they get to her. He hadn't been able to get into Hogsmeade to pick them up, he hadn't asked for delivery. Something in the corner caught his eye; he looked over to see his Grandmother blowing him a kiss. That's when he knew. She'd been the one he confided in as to what to buy, she had taken care of it all for him; she had slipped away to pick them up. He smiled one of his most handsome smiles at her and mouthed "Thank you" He saw the pride and joy in her eyes as she bowed slightly and turned into the Great Hall.
He took Hermione's arm and escorted her into the Great Hall. Hermione was the envy of every girl in the room. She knew every girl there would sell her soul to be on the arm of Sirius Black. He was gorgeous, with his dark fathomless eyes, chiseled facial featured, his black wavy hair and his perfectly toned body. All eyes were on them, as they entered and made their way to their table. Sitting at their table were Harry and Ginny, Ron and Alyssa, and Neville and Luna. The night was magical; they danced, ate, and enjoyed the company of friends. Hermione loved the feeling of being in his arms and Sirius enjoyed holding her. Some of the other staff, Sirius noted weren't having as good a time as he was. He looked around hours later and noticed no one was leaving, but he found himself getting tired. He asked Hermione if she would mind if he left, she should stay and enjoy the rest of the party, but he was getting worn out. She wouldn't hear of him leaving her alone.
Excusing themselves, Sirius and Hermione made their way to the Room of Requirements, where upon entering a roaring fireplace and several large red heart shaped pillows appeared. Sirius helped Hermione take off her robe, before throwing his across a chair by the wall. He sat in the floor leaning against the pile of soft, velvety cushions and pulled her down with him. They sat wrapped in each other's arms, watching the soft glow of the dancing flames. Neither felt words were needed. Once in a while one would kiss the other, or snuggle closer, but no one spoke.
Sirius leaned in and kissed Hermione softly, but she wanted more. She deepened the kiss and let her hands dance over his strong back and sides making their way to the waistband of his jeans. She knew as she kissed him, he would stop things before they got to heavy, but she had to try. She wanted him so badly and she may have succeeded in her seduction, if she hadn't jumped and pulled back slightly when he touched her breast through her dress. She was still sore from Viktor's rough treatment. Realizing this Sirius pulled her close, kissed her again and whispered, "When it's the right time we'll both know and nothing will be in our way."
Hermione tried to smile as she burrowed closer to his chest. "I know it just feels like something is always standing in our way."
Sirius sat up, taking her with him. "Hermione, love, I promise you, you and I will make love. When it's the right time and when that time comes it will be an experience of a lifetime, for both of us. When I finally make love with you, I want you to feel complete, cherished and adored. When we make love, I plan on taking you to heaven." Sirius kissed her again. "Happy Valentines Day, love." She smiled and leaned into him, feeling more loved than she ever had. She knew he meant every word he'd just said and she knew it wouldn't be long before they would completely give themselves to one another. Content to hold him, she felt his breathing ease into a steady rhythm signifying he had fallen asleep. Closing her eyes it wasn't long until she joined him in a peaceful sleep.