Chapter 17: Coming Together… Finally!
The cool gray days of February and March faded into a warmer and brighter days of April and May. The castle was bustling with students eager for the term to end and their summer vacation to begin. Hermione Granger sat on the front lawn of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry contemplating what she would do when she left in less than two weeks. Two weeks she thought. How this year had flown by. So much had happened to her, most of it made her happy, anything that hadn't, she pushed to the back of her mind.
Sitting on the warm blanket, under the budding tree by the lake, Hermione finished filling out the application that would either put her in Auror training or bring her back to Hogwarts as an assistant in Care of Magical Creatures, until she learned the teaching end. She wasn't sure which she wanted. A lot of her future plans really were up in the air. So much would depend on where things went with Sirius. She was sure their relationship would last, but she wasn't sure how soon it would go to new stages. As the warm May sun fell across her face, she thought about where she wanted their relationship to go, but she wasn't sure if he was ready for the same level of commitment she was. He hadn't had the stability of family and close friends as she had had growing up. Since he'd gotten older, things weren't much better, but that was before, she thought. She stared out over the water and fantasized about her future with Sirius Black.
Sirius stood leaning on the half stonewall that overlooked the grounds of the castle watching the students enjoying the bright warm sunshine that seemed to be gracing the English countryside. He spotted several of his fourth years practicing the roll and draw maneuver he'd taught them just last week He laughed out loud as one of the clumsier students fell flat on his arse and lost his wand. Shaking his head and making a mental note to give the young man some extra attention Monday, he turned to watch the gentle ripples of the lake. He spotted Hermione sitting with her legs tucked under herself absent-mindedly playing with her hair. Even from this distance he could tell she was lost in thought.
As he watched her, he marveled at how beautiful this young woman had become. Her once frizzy out of control hair was now slightly shorter and hung perfectly straight unless she curled it. Her teeth that had been huge the first time he'd met her, were now perfect. Her body had filled out nicely. She had curves in all the right place. He wondered how he had been so lucky to have someone like her love him. How could someone so sure of herself and where she wanted her life to take her, love someone so uncertain of what he wanted to do tomorrow? Constancy wasn't something he knew. The Potters were the only real glimpse of what a secure environment should be like. He used to wish he could have that kind of life, but through the years, through Azkaban and being on the run, he'd given up on a normal, secure life. He didn't think he would ever be truly happy. Did he even know what happiness was, what it felt like? That was before, before he found Harry. Before he found he had Grandparents that loved him, had always loved him even if he hadn't known about them. Most importantly that was before her, before she had shown him what unconditional love felt like. Now he found himself dreaming of a home, a house where they could live together, a place with room for Harry, and a life that may include children. He had begun to think about how he might like to get married, start a family, have what James and Lily once had, have what he saw in the faces of his Grandparents as they looked at each other when they thought no one was watching. He watched as she flipped her hair over her shoulder and very slowly turned to look towards the castle, as if she could feel someone watching her. Sirius knew she couldn't see him, the angle wasn't right, but he was sure she sensed his presents somewhere watching her; she seemed to always know when he was near.
The last two weeks of the school year saw Harry, Ron, Hermione and friends busy with exams and little time for anything else. Sirius stayed swamped with his classes, papers to grade and the constant training by the Order. The last day of the school year came; it would be the last time all the seventh years would be together. Professor Dumbledore made a toast, and announced that Gryffindor had taken the house cup again. He bid the leaving students farewell, stating some he was sure he would see again. He told the students that he and the staff wished them nothing but good luck and great fortune in their futures.
The dynamic trio and friends, as Sirius had dubbed them, waited on the train platform. He had promised to get away and see them off. All their belongs had been loaded and their good-byes had been said. Ginny was the first to see him as he slowly approached the small group.
Sirius handed Alyssa and Ginny each a pink rose, and then gave Hermione six red and six pinks. He spoke quietly to the group for several minutes, until the conductor announced it was time board. Sirius hugged Ginny and Alyssa, and shook Ron's hand. They boarded the train explaining they would grab a compartment and wait for the remaining two. Sirius then turned to Harry, handed him some money, "Remus will meet you at Kings Cross Station. He will take you to the new house, and you can get settled in. I'll be there in two days as soon as I've finished up here." He hugged his Godson, and then turned to the lady standing next to him, who looked incredibly sad.
Sirius placed his finger under her chin and tilted her face so he could see into her glistening brown eyes. Lightly he placed a small kiss on her quivering lips. "Don't cry love. I'll meet you as planned."
"I know, but I'm going to miss you." Hermione said snuggling into him.
Sirius hugged her tightly, then pulled away. "Time will fly. You'll be at the new house before you know it." Sirius had taken a day several months ago and found the perfect house for him and Harry. It had a room that looked out over a magnificent garden he planned to make into a library. He also made sure there was plenty of bedroom space for Hermione, Remus and all Harry's friends. He loved the new house and hoped Hermione and Harry would love it as well. Again he kissed her this time with more passion. She was now officially out of school so there was no need to hide but they also didn't want to flaunt that they were together. The Hogwarts Express pulled out of Hogsmeade Station taking the Dynamic Trio and Friends on the first journey into adulthood.
Two day later Hermione left her parents home and journeyed to the other side of London and the small village on the outskirts. There she found a beautiful two-story house that looked like something out of one of her fantasies. She looked around as she approached the front door.
Harry opened it before she could knock. "Hermione, how are you?" He asked excited to see her.
"I'm fine, Thank you." She replied completely speechless at the sight surrounding her.
Harry laughed, "It's beautiful isn't it? Sirius seemed to find everything we ever talked about in this one house." He saw she was listening and he went on. "Hermione, he even made sure there was a room for you and the library, Merlin you are going to love it."
Harry took her bag and gave her the official tour of the house that was now home for Sirius and himself. He knew it would eventually become Hermione's home as well. It wasn't a huge house but it was big enough that they could all be there and no one would feel cramped. It had two floors and a full finished basement, which Sirius had made into a game room, complete with muggle stereo, TV, DVD/VCR combo and a wall full of the latest videos. Also there was a billiards table. He watched as she examined each room and the furnishing, Harry laughed when her mouth dropped open as they entered the library. It was filled from floor to ceiling with books on three of the four walls. Not just wizarding books, but muggle books. There were novels she hadn't read and wanted to read. Books she had mentioned to Sirius in every day conversation that she would like. She marveled at his memory and she wondered if he had done this for her. She took her gaze away from the shelves looked out to the garden. The French door opened to a large patio that was set in the middle of a huge garden filled with every kind of flower imaginable. Hermione felt as if she was standing in one of her dreams, but how could he have known this was the kind of place she'd dreamt of?
Hermione examined the flora for some time, while she was leaning over smelling a particularly sweet smelling red flower she felt two arms wrap around her waist and soft lips caress the bend of her neck. "What do you think of the house?" Sirius whispered into her ear, making sure not to say my house. He hoped she would want to live there with him and it would soon become their house.
Hermione turned in his arms and kissed him passionately, "It's stunning, the library, the garden, all the bedrooms. You did a wonderful job picking and decorating it."
"Did Harry show you to your room?" Sirius asked taking her hand and leading her to the stone bench at the far end of the garden.
"He showed me to a room and told me I could take that one or any one I wanted. He said if we decided we wanted to change later we could." Hermione liked the room that was to be hers but secretly she hoped she would not have to be there alone for long. She stood and began to stroll along the path, Sirius following. Finally, she turned and wrapped her arms around his waist, standing on her toes she let her lips linger on his for several seconds. "Sirius, I'm out of school, we are away from Hogwarts, do we still have to hide how we feel about one another?"
Sirius kissed her passionately; he gently licked her bottom lip asking for access to her mouth. Once she granted him permission, he took several seconds to explore and taste her. It was a taste and sensation he had grown to love. "Baby, we don't ever have to hide again and to celebrate, why don't I take you out tonight?"
"I'd love nothing more, but what about Harry?" She asked not really caring, but she knew this was the first night Sirius would be home.
"He's going to the Burrow for the night. He's missing Ginny. He asked if it was okay. I thought why not then you and can have some alone time. Some really alone time." Sirius answered hugging her tightly again. It felt good to be able to do that whenever he wanted. The couple made plans for dinner and then made their way back to the house. Once in the library each went their own way to finish tasks that needed to be completed before dinnertime.
Sirius had several questions for his godson most affected him in one-way or another. The two had a long talk and Harry told Sirius just before he left how happy he was to be living with him. He also suggested that it would be great if Sirius asked Hermione to live with them as well. Harry knew that their relationship would get more intense now that they were free of Hogwarts and the restrictions. Sure Sirius would go back next year to teach, but by then they would be solidly established as a couple in both the wizarding and muggle worlds.
Taking the steps two at a time, Sirius headed upstairs to get ready for his date with Hermione. He wanted tonight to be as special as she was. He'd talked to Remus and Alexia; they had agreed to help him with his plans. Several minutes later he returned to the library, showered, shaven, and in a nice 3 piece charcoal gray muggle suit with a red and gray tie. He worried that Hermione might not like the suit, but those fears were laid to rest when she walked into the room, took one look at him and said "WOW". She wore a red strapless form fitting dress that was cut several inches above the knee, not quite a mini, but close.
Remus and Alexia were watching as Sirius and Hermione left for their evening out. Alexia commented on what a handsome couple they made. It was obvious to anyone who saw them that they only had eyes for each other. Sirius ordered a cab to take them to the restaurant. He'd made reservations at Mirabelle's on Curzon Street, a place Hermione had mentioned to Alexia she would like to try. He'd asked for one of their finest tables. When they arrived Hermione was again speechless. He'd told her he had a fabulous evening planned. After a leisurely meal, they strolled hand in hand through the London streets until they came to a small open-air club with dancing. Sirius knew how much she loved to dance. They danced together to both fast and slow songs. He preferred the slower ones, but this was her night and he wanted her to be happy. After an hour there, Sirius again ordered a cab, he asked Hermione where she would like to go now. She told him she thought she would just like to go home.
Sirius paid the taxi driver, then took Hermione's hand as they made their way up the walk to the house. He stopped at the front door and kissed her softly. From his inside breast pocket, he pulled out a small flat box about 2 in square and handed it to her. When she gave him a quizzical look he simple said, "Open it."
Slowly she took the wrapper off and opened it. She smiled a big smile and began to chuckle. "A key?" She questioned.
Sirius took the key from her and unlocked the front door. "Yeah, it's your own key to this house. I want you to feel free to come and go, as you like. Spend as much or as little time as you want here." He really hoped she would spend the majority of her time here, but he couldn't let his heart hope for too much yet.
She flung her arms around him, "Thank you, this is one of the best gifts anyone has ever given me." He kissed her softly and led her inside.
Inside the foyer was shimmering with soft candlelight. Still holding her hand, Sirius led her into the library, where more candles flickered while casting a soft romantic glow throughout the room. It was beautiful, Hermione smiled up at him. He'd done all of this for her. Soft, romantic music began to fill the air as she stood watching the shadows of the fames dance across his strong features. He took her breath away. In that same instant, he pulled her to him and kissed her with a passion she had never felt from him. It was more of a hunger.
Needing air, she pressed her forehead into his chest. "Sirius, I want you so much."
Tonight he needed no more urging. He turned her around, stepped in front of her and extended his hand. She took it with out hesitation. With both of his hands behind his back and holding one of hers, he guided her up the steps, and down the hall. In front of a door she knew was the master bedroom door, he paused. She was shown his room earlier and she'd wondered why he hadn't taken the master suite, but decided when the time was right he'd explain. Now here they stood in front of this same door.
Sirius leaned down and kissed her again, then opened the door. Inside were still more candles burning, giving the darkened room a romantic flavor. She studied the room as Sirius placed soft kisses on her neck and bare shoulders. It had a large bed in the center of the wall, a fireplace on one wall and several bookcases on the other. There was a huge walk-in closet, and a bathroom off to the left of the fireplace. To the right was a sitting area. This room was exquisite. Hermione noticed a package sitting on the bed wrapped in bright red paper. Sirius saw her looking at it. "Go ahead open it, it's for you."
Hermione sat on the side of the four-poster bed and opened the present, pulling out a sheer light pink negligee. Tears began to stream down her cheeks. This alarmed Sirius. "What's wrong? Am I pushing to hard?"
She looked up at him and smiled through the tears. "Oh no, love. Everything is perfect. It's just that I never expected anyone to do the things you do for me. You have this way of making me feel so loved and wanted."
Kissing her again he said, "Good, why don't you try it on?" She wiped the tears away and made her way to the bathroom. While she was away Sirius took off his jacket, vest, tie and shoes. He didn't want to go to far, he wanted her to be in complete control.
A few minutes later she emerged and stood in the doorway watching him as he built a fire. It was more of a mood fire than one for heat. He stood and turned to find her watching. He smiled at her, but stood still and waited for her to approach him. When she did he thought how she looked like an angel floating across the carpet. "What do you think?" she asked as she did a slow turn.
"Simply stunning." Was all he could get out before she captured his lips with her own. She deepened the kiss, inserting her tongue in his mouth and she delved into every crevice. Her hands began to move over his muscular back and shoulders, she was on fire, she wanted to feel his skin, and not through his shirt. As the passion increased she became less careful how she touched him. Ripping the buttons off his shirt and throwing it to the ground she began to kiss his chest, lingering at a sensitive nipple. This made him moan, which in turn fueled her enthusiasm. It wasn't long before she had the buttons and zipper undone on his, suit pants.
Once again he stilled her roaming hands with his own. She looked up at him in disbelief, not again she thought. He looked down at her with needing and longing in his eyes. He kissed her, "Hermione, I'm not going to stop us tonight, but if at any time you want to stop all you have to do is say so. All right?" She nodded and kissed him again.
Sirius picked her up and placed her in the center of the huge bed, then lay down beside her. It wasn't long before all clothing was tossed in a pile on the other side of the room. He was in awe of her grace and splendor. Of all the women he'd seen naked, she by far was the most astonishing. If he had died right then, he would have died a happy man. Slowly and with reverence he kissed almost every inch of her body, paying special attention to her small but pert breasts. With each kiss she would sigh or moan. He knew she wanted him as badly as he wanted her. Moving back up her body, he slid on top of her making sure to keep all his weight on his hands.
"Are you sure you're ready for this?" He asked once more, sure he would be able to read her answer in her eyes. All he saw there was a woman in love.
"I'm more than ready." She answered reaching around him to hold him close. She told him she was hoping tonight would be the night and had cast the birth control spell before they left for dinner.
He smiled, kissed her again and rose up a bit. He reached between them and placed the head of his member at her opening. Slowly he entered her just a bit. He let her adjust to his intrusion on her tiny body. When she wiggled a little he pushed in a little farther, again holding still so she could adjust. Before he went any deeper, he kissed her and made her look into his eyes. "Love, you've never done this before, this next thrust is going to hurt. I'm sorry; I never want to hurt you. If it's bad, tell me and I'll pull out."
She smiled and told him she would be fine. Again he thrust in a little deeper. He felt her protective barrier give way; she tensed and cried out a little. Sirius, cooed words of love and held perfectly still. The next move would be hers, she would let him know when she was ready to proceed or stop.
A minute or so later, he felt her push her hips toward his. He looked at her and she smiled, then kissed him Slowly, very slowly, he pushed in and pulled out, then thrust back into her. She found his rhythm easily. With each thrust she felt her body do things it had never done. She'd had self induced orgasms before but none of them compared to what was welling up inside her right now. The expression on her face told him she was holding back, he didn't want that. "Oh Baby, don't hold back. Let your body do what it wants. Feel it, your body is talking to you, listen to it." As soon as the words were out of his mouth she moaned and the first wave of sexual pleasure washed over her. Her heart was racing, she was sweating, and her insides were spasming with an intensity she was sure was going to make her pass out. Through it all Sirius kept talking to her, telling her how much he loved her, helping her come down from this peak, just to send her sailing to the top again. This time as he pushed her over the top he went with her. Thrusting in and out of her as she met him movement for movement. He repeated her name over and over as he spilled his load into her. Hermione held him tightly to her as she once again descended from the highest point of sexual pleasure. Breathing hard and bodies sticking together from the sweat of their lovemaking, the couple stayed where they were for several minutes, then Sirius rolled a little to take his weight off her.
Wiping the hair from her face, he kissed her several time. "Are you okay?" He asked a little apprehensively.
Hermione lay there in the afterglow of what was probably the best experience she'd ever encounters and smiled up at him. "I've never been better, love." She kissed him, "That was so worth waiting for." He held her a few more minutes, then climbed out of bed and headed for the bathroom. When he returned, he held a small bowl filled with warm water and a couple washcloths. Placing the dish on the nightstand, he dipped one of the towels in the water and gently cleaned her up. At first Hermione was embarrassed, but she saw the look of love and respect in his eyes. Once she was washed up and the sheets changed, Sirius climbed in beside her and the cuddled intertwining limbs. He played with her nipples as she rubbed her hands up and down his back and buttocks. They didn't need words, their bodies told them everything that was needed.
The couple made love twice more before the new day entered. Lying in Sirius' arms, Hermione was almost over whelmed at the feeling flowing through her. She was happy she had waited for sex, she was even happier she had let Sirius be her first lover. She also really hoped he would be her only lover. After tonight, she was addicted to him and wanted to spend the rest of her life with him. She knew he was the one she'd been meant to love. Hermione moved still closer and asked, "Why did you take the room across the hall. This is the master suite, why is this not your room?" The curiosity had gotten the best of her.
He wasn't sure this was the time to tell her, but she had asked. "Well, I wanted this room to be a special room. This room is by far my favorite, but it's not right for just me. I want to save this room and make it our room. I was hoping that someday this room would be ours. Yours and mine together, a place we could share, learn about each other and grow together."
She looked around, and then smiled at him. "You want this to be our room?" He nodded his head and smiled. "I'd like nothing better."
Sirius tucked her as close to him as he could. The first step was complete. He kissed the top of her head; she snuggled closer as they burrowed farther under the comforter. Legs and arms tangled together, they both fell into an exhausted and contented sleep. Each dreaming of what the sunrise would bring.