AN: This story is almost complete. One more chapter to tie it all up and Moony's Angel and I are done. That's not to say I won't keep writing and Moony, if your up for it I still need a beta for the other stories.
Thank you for the reviews. To Jewel3, I understand what you were saying. I had this about half done when I got your review. I hope this explains things, but I do appreciate your comments.
Chapter 29: 14 Months
She sat at the dressing table putting the finishing touches on her make-up. This was to be the most important day of her life, but it had been a long road in getting here. This day should have taken place a year ago, but so much had happened and it had taken her a long time to get here. Back to a state of mind where she could even think about today.
As she sat, her mind drifted back to those months and months of hate, pain, and uncertainty. She remembered just after leaving the hospital how everything changed for her and everyone connected with her. Things seemed okay while at St. Mungo's, and life was normal except for a few bruises and bumps, but once she had gone home everything fell apart. Sirius tried, he never pushed her and he was supportive in every way, but as the days passed she knew it was impossible to stay in his house and live with him and Harry. The wounds and memories were too fresh; she wouldn't let Sirius touch he, she would hardly talk to him. Not that he ever did anything she didn't want, but when he reached for her hand one night as they walked the garden she pulled away, and the expression in his eyes told her she had to get away. The hurt was only there for a second, then his expressionless mask replaced it, but she knew. She knew that keeping things as they were would only succeed in destroying them both. She wasn't sure why he was the one she pushed away, the one she turned on, he was the one who loved her the most. He would do anything and everything she asked, even leave her alone, and give her whatever time she needed no questions asked.
That same night she called her parents, explained things, and went upstairs to pack. As she was putting the last of her belongings in her trunk, Sirius past her door, turned around and stood in the doorway. "Are you going somewhere?" He asked quietly.
She didn't turn around. Didn't look at him. She knew if she did she would see the face of the man she loved filled with pain, fear and guilt. Yes she still loved him, but she couldn't be with him, it wasn't fair to him, no matter what he said. So she continued to pack. "I can't stay here, and I can't live like this." She began to cry. "I'm not the same person I was two weeks ago, I can't take care of myself anymore, so I'm going to go home."
"You are home, I thought this was your home." He said even quieter than before.
"If I stay here I'll just destroy us both, at least this way maybe we can remain friends. This is YOUR home, and Harry's home; it's no longer my home. My home is on the other side of London with my parents. " She said. "My mum is on her way to pick me up." Closing her trunk, Hermione used her wand to make it suitcase size and light enough to carry. She moved to stand next to Sirius, without looking at him, she took off her ring, placed it on the table by the door, whispered "I'm sorry". As she began to walk away she heard him murmur, "I'll always love you." She didn't stop walking, but left without looking back, tears streaming, but he didn't see them.
Now it was 14 months later, 14 months since her attack and arrival at St. Mungo's. 14 months since she walked away from Sirius Black. Life had been hard. It had taken a long time, a lot of talking, many hours of therapy, and the love of family and friends to help Hermione deal with the abuse and trauma that had been inflicted on her. She took those months to take care of herself. She put herself first, before everything and everyone. She'd taken those months to heal both emotionally and physically.
Hermione was forced back to reality when someone knocked on the door. "It's open." She said standing. "Hello."
Ginny entered followed closely by Alyssa, Stacy, Hermione's cousin, Molly Weasley, and Alexia. She smiled and hugged Alexia. She and Remus had been very good friends through it all, and Alexia had become her therapist. It was thrilling to have each of these ladies here for this special day.
"Are you ready to get dressed now?" Ginny asked smiling at her best friend.
Hermione smiled a smile no one had seen in 14 months. "Yes, I'm ready. I'm ready to get on with life, and live it fully." As she finished her comments Emily Granger and Ellie Reynolds, Hermione grandmother entered.
Ginny and Alexia helped her dress, and then made sure her make-up and hair were perfect. The girls huddled together for several minutes, before each kissing Hermione, wishing her luck and leaving her alone with her mother and grandmother .
"You look beautiful, honey." Emily said hugging her daughter. "You've been through so much, it's your turn to be happy, and you deserve to be happy."
"Thank you mum. I am happy. After the attack, I never thought I'd be happy again, but thanks to all of my family and friends life is good again." Hermione said, the happiness showing all around her.
"The love of a wonderful man had to help." Her grandmother commented.
"When I walked out on Sirius and away from what he had to offer, love was the last thing I wanted. Now I'm in love again and you're right, his love has helped." Hermione said looking down at the beautiful diamond on her finger.
Again there was a knock on the door, this time it was Mr. Granger. "Mum, Emily, they're ready for you." He took his daughters arm. "You look beautiful, you're going to make a wonderful wife." Leaning down he kissed her cheek. "Are you ready, there is an anxious young man waiting to make you his bride?"
As Hermione walked down the hallway on her father's arm, again her thought went to the previous months, and the man who helped her get her life back on track. He had been patient, stood in the shadows, and waited for her to come to him, to tell him what she needed and when she needed it. 14 months earlier, she didn't think a man like that existed. She was wrong. She peered over at her father as they rounded the corner, to the foyer of the church.
The wedding march began to play, all eyes were on her, but her eyes were on him. He looked so handsome in his tux. Harry and Remus stood next to him, both watching her with love and pride shining in their eyes. Step by step brought her closer to him, closer to the man who stood tall and strong, closer to the man who brought joy back into her life. The man who smiled at her as she approached looking lovelier than he thought he'd ever seen her. Slowly she made her way to him. Finally, her father kissed her on the cheek, and gave her hand to the handsome man at the end of the aisle. This time it was his turn to kiss Hermione, whispering, "You're so beautiful."
The minister began, "Dearly beloved, we are gathered her today to unite this couple in the bonds of marriage. Who gives this woman to be married to this man?"
Stepping forward Paul Granger said, "Her mother and I do." He then took his seat next to his wife.
Again the minister began to speak. "Marriage is a union, a bond between a man and a woman. This bond is pledged in public by the expression of vows. These two have written their own and would now like to recite them."
He turned to Hermione, nodded and she began. "When I was small I dreamt how my life would be, but it didn't turn out that way, but even with all the bad things it lead me to you. We've been though good times and bad. You were the one who supported me and lifted me when things were at their worst, never asking for anything in return, but along the way we fell in love. You've, given me unconditional love and happiness, I never thought I'd find again. Thank you, I love you and I promise to honor and keep you. To hold you and be with you in both good and bad time, to take care of you in health and sickness, to love you forever and stand beside you until we are parted by death."
The minister then turned to the man who in just a few minutes would be her husband and nodded. "Hermione Granger, I love you. I love you with every fiber of my being. You've shown me a side of myself that I didn't know existed. You've taught me how to be kind, supportive, giving human being and how to love unconditionally. These same qualities I've found in myself I see in you, each minute of each day." As he went on his voice began to crack and tears spilled down his cheeks. "You've shown me that when life throws you down and stomps all over you, you don't feel sorry for yourself, you pick yourself up and go on, no matter how long it takes. Thank you for loving me. I love you and I promise to love, honor and keep you. To protect you from all outside forces. I promise to stand beside you in sickness, in health, for good times and bad. I promise to be there for you and travel life with you, until the time comes for me to leave this world. I promise these things to you with all that I am and all that I will be." He leaned in and kissed her hand.
Again the minister spoke. "Do you have the rings?" The question was directed at Harry. He elegantly placed the rings in the minister's hand, who in turn handed them to the couple. "Please place the rings on each others left ring finger." As this was being done he went on. "The rings you give to each other are a symbol of your love and commitment to each other. Your love is like the circle of these rings. It has no beginning and it has no end." Once the rings were in place the couple turned to look at the minister, again he began to speak. "As this man and this woman have expressed their love for one another in front of these witnesses, let each of us express our joy at their union. What god has joined together let no man break apart. You may kiss your bride."
Everyone watched as the newly married couple kissed passionately. Breaking apart, turning to the audience, the minister spoke one last time. "Ladies and Gentlemen it gives me great pleasure to be the first introduce Mr. and Mrs. Sirius Black." The church erupted in thunderous applause as Hermione and Sirius made their way down the aisle and out of the church.
It was a beautiful September day, sun shining brightly, but not too hot, people were beginning to gather in the tent. An hour later, the wedding party arrived at the park for the reception. It had take that long to get the pictures Hermione had wanted. As the others walked into the tent, Hermione and Sirius sat in the carriage kissing lightly. Hermione's thoughts went back to the day all those months ago when Sirius came to see her.
She was sitting in the den reading when her mother told her he was there. At first she didn't want to see him, but decided she owed him at least an explanation. He walked into the room, but no attempt to touch her or even go near her. "Hello. I wanted to come and see how you were doing and see if there was anything I could do." He took a seat across the room when she motioned for him to have a seat.
"Thank you for your concern, but I'm fine and there isn't anything you or anyone can do." She told him, she realized how harsh it sounded.
Sirius looked at her, she was pale and thin not the woman he knew just a couple months before. "You've made it clear you didn't want to see me, but I needed to see for myself what others have told me. I shouldn't have intruded. I'm sorry." He stood, she could see the sadness in his stance, he wasn't the tall proud man she knew. In her head, she knew he was hurting as badly as she, but her heart wouldn't let her love him anymore. Malfoy's men had taken her body, that would take time and she would eventually be better both mentally and emotionally. The physical had already healed, but they had taken his soul. She knew that. She knew that they had succeeded in doing what they had set out to do. Taking her away from Sirius, and making her hate him would do more than killing him would ever do, it would haunt him the rest of his life, that was a better revenge than death.
Remus had sat with her several days before, telling her how this was affecting Sirius. He told her how Dumbledore had said all reports came back that Malfoy was gloating over his victory. She decided that moment they could not let Malfoy win.
Sirius was standing by the door and had just finished saying goodbye to Emily, when Hermione heard him thank her for making him feel apart of their family. "You are always welcome here, come by anytime." She heard her mother say, but his response was what she contributed to snapping her back to reality, the reality that she didn't want to live without him. She still loved him.
Sirius smiled a sad smile at Emily Granger and shook his head. "I don't think I'll be doing that. Hermione's made it clear she doesn't want to see me, so it's better if I just walk away all together."
"I think you're wrong. I know she's going though a rough time and she's forgotten you are going through the same thing, but she will come around, Hermione loves you." Emily pleaded.
Sirius touched her cheek. "I wish she did, but I think we both know she doesn't, not any more. It's best if I let her go and get on with her life, someday she'll find some who she feels comfortable enough with to love again." He turned and started out the door.
"Please don't leave." He heard someone say. He thought it was Emily, and turned to look at her, he saw she was looking not at him but at something behind him. Spinning to see what she was looking at Hermione was standing in the middle of the entryway staring at him. Again she said the word he wasn't sure he'd completely heard. "Please, don't go." For a brief moment, he thought he saw love in her hollow eyes. For a fleeting second, he saw a glimpse of the old Hermione. He closed the door and stood watching her. "Can we go into the den and talk?" She asked. He nodded and that was the beginning of finding their way back to one another.
Sirius sat watching her, wondering where she was. He gently caressed her cheek. She turned to face him with a smile so big it made his heart jump. "Where were you? Are you all right, Love?"
"I couldn't be better. I was thinking about the day you came to see me after I walked away from us. I'm thankful you told mum, that I didn't love you anymore. It made me see it was time to get over some of my self-pity and showed me I did love you. You've been so patient and loving. I couldn't have made it through all this without you. I love you so much, and you've made me extremely happy Mr. Black." She leaned in and kissed him.
"I would walk through fire for you. I'm just relieved you gave me the chance to prove it to you." This time it was his turn to kiss her. Breaking apart, he began to laugh. "Now Mrs. Black if we don't stop we'll never make our reception and then we'd have a tent full of unhappy guests." Sirius helped her down from the carriage and the strolled leisurely to where their friends and family had gathered.
The newlyweds made their way to the head table, stopping along the way to greet guests. They made special efforts to show their gratitude and affection to Hermione's parents, and grandmother and Sirius' grandparents. Once they reached their seats, Harry stood. "May I have your attention please? I know it's customary for the best man to give the first toast, but I think it would be more fitting for Sirius' oldest friend to do it. So Remus if you will?"
Remus stood and moved to stand next to Sirius and Hermione. "Ladies and gentlemen, it's been my pleasure to have know Sirius since our first year at Hogwarts. We've been through many good times and almost as many bad. Several years ago while teaching there, I met an intelligent young woman who amazed me, Hermione. It doesn't surprise me that these two found each other. She's the mature one of the pair. It was fun to watch them pretend the feelings weren't there, then watch as they grew in their relationship and then finally see the love and respect they have for one another. It's evident when you see them together or hear one of them talk about the other that this is a match made in heaven. Some had their doubts about Sirius and his commitment, but if you know him and heard his vows, you know he meant every word. I heard someone say that a true measure of a man is the emotion he displays when he's expressing his love for someone. If this is the case, then Hermione you can rest assured no one will ever be loved as much as you. So Padfoot, Hermione, I wish you happiness, health and a future filled with pleasantness, but mostly I wish you love. I love you guys." Everyone applauded and drank a toast. Sirius and Hermione hugged Remus.
Again Harry stood. "I think I can speak for the entire wedding party, when I say, it's about bloody time you two tied the knot. Like Remus and everyone here, I love you. Now let's eat." At that the waiters and waitresses began bringing out platters of food. Per Hermione's wishes, this wedding was predominately muggle, even though everyone knew half the guests, the bride and groom were from the wizarding world.
Hermione watched the guests for several minutes making sure everyone was enjoying themselves as she sat talking to Ginny. She watched as Sirius made his way to where Albus and Minerva sat talking with Severus Snape and Molly Weasley. Once again, her memories began to surface. It had been 4 months since her release from St. Mungo's. She and Sirius had been talking and spending a couple hours each day together. She still wouldn't let him touch her, but she was becoming more open with her feelings, talking and telling him more and more about how she felt. She also listened as he talked. He had become good at reading her. Sensing when she needed a break and when she wanted to be left alone. He also seemed attuned to when she didn't want to be alone, but didn't really want to know someone was there. On those times, he would sit in a corner reading, but always aware of her needs. Slowly she opened up to him.
They were into their sixth month of spending time together, when she asked if he would consider going with her to a couple of her therapy sessions. He did this and never once asked for anything in return. She was beginning to come back to the person she was before things happened. This was also around the time she began to notice he had begun to lose weight. It never occurred to her until then that he was teaching at Hogwarts, and once classes were completed for the day he would go to Hogsmeade and use the floo system so he could spend time with her. Later she found Dumbledore had worked the DADA classes so he would be free by 2PM. He did all this for her and not once did he complain or ask what was in it for him. He knew she may never be the same as she was before the kidnapping, and she may never love him enough to give herself to him again, but in his heart she was his, he loved her and would do whatever it took to bring her back even if it meant losing her forever.
The eighth month brought several forward steps and a few moves backwards, but Sirius was always there. Supporting her, telling her he was there for her and expecting nothing more than for her to let him he there. One day as he sat in the couch watching a movie with her father, she pulled up all the courage she had and sat down next to him. He looked at her and smiled, but made no move to touch her. He was letting her control every step. He took his lead from her. Halfway through the movie, she looked at her mum and saw her nod. Hermione took another step and placed her hand in his. They sat like this for the rest of the movie. This was the beginning of the road back.
"Hermione, Hermione?" Ginny finally got her attention. "Where were you just now?"
She smiled at her maid of honor. "Remembering. Remembering the battle back and how much nicer it was with Sirius beside me. How he never pushed, but was always there quietly supporting me." Ginny understood completely, because she had been there every step of the way as well.
Both women watched as Harry approached the microphone. "It's now time for Sirius and Hermione to take the dance floor and for their first dance as husband and wife. Everyone watched as they walked to the center of the dance floor and began to sway to the soft music playing. They looked happy, he in his black tuxedo and she in her flowing white strapless gown cut tight to the waist, decorated with tiny lace and pearls. They had eyes for only each other, kissing several times. When that song ended Sirius escorted her to where her father stood, they danced the next dance, While Sirius danced with his grandmother. Next were Hermione and Dumbledore, while Sirius danced with Emily Granger. Eventually the couple made it back to each other where they danced four more dances.
Hermione and Sirius made it to the cake table next. They'd promised each other that there would be no smashing cake in the other's face. More gracefully than anyone thought her could, Sirius fed Hermione her piece of the white cake with pink and burgundy roses. Hermione then fed him, his. He saw the twinkle in her eyes and knew she was about to break her promise. He shook his head, but she began to laugh. Before he could react she plunged the cake in his face. Licking it off he told her, "I'll get you for that." She didn't care; she felt a freedom she hadn't felt in a long time. She continued to laugh as the room began to cheer.
After cleaning himself up, Sirius looked around for Hermione and saw her talking with Harry and Ron. He decided to leave them alone and made his way to where his grandfather sat chatting with Arthur and Reginald. He sat down and joined in soon being joined by Remus.
Harry was talking when he noticed Hermione looking at something over his shoulder. Turning to see what she was smiling at, he saw Sirius laughing. He looked back at his friend. "I don't think I've seen him this happy in a long time."
Hermione again smiled at both young men. "I don't think either of us has been this happy. I know I haven't."
Ron looked at her and found she wasn't paying any attention to them now. She was lost in thought while staring at her new husband. This time she had gone back to the months of support and understanding Sirius had given her. She thought again about how he always let her take the lead and never once pushed her. She remembered the day she let him kiss her. It had been almost 9 months since her ordeal. They were sitting out on the deck at her grandmother's house. She asked him if he wanted to kiss her. He told her yes, but didn't want to pressure her. She leaned in and they kissed briefly. That was the beginning of their physical relationship returning. That was also the day he said the words I love you out loud.
She wasn't sure what bought her out of her thoughts this time, but she saw the concerned look on Sirius' face. The smile she gave him reassured him things were fine. She turned back to talk with her best friends. It was long before Sirius approached the trio. He took her by the hand and moved to the center of the room.
"Why don't we throw the bouquet and garter and get out of here. We have the suite at the hotel for tonight and our plane leaves early in the morning. She agreed and the single ladies were called up. Hermione turned around and tossed her bouquet over her shoulder. Several women scrambled for it, but in the end Alexia came out the winner. Next Sirius took her garter off, giving everyone a show and flipped it over his shoulder. Remus was the lucky one this time. As the photographer took their picture together, Sirius asked. "When are you two going to at least get engaged? You've put your lives on hold for us and we don't want that."
Alexia and Remus looked at each other and laughed. Remus was the one to reply. "I already asked and she said yes. We didn't want to announce it until you two get back."
Hermione and Sirius congratulated their friends and promised to get together as soon as they returned from their honeymoon. The pair said their good-byes and left the park in a limo rented for them by a group of Hermione's parents co-workers.
Hermione exited the bathroom at the hotel to find Sirius sitting on the edge of the bed. She walked over to him and kissed him passionately. Breaking apart, she placed her forehead against his. "Thank you, for today, for the last 14 months, but mainly for loving me so much."
"You're welcome. I'll always love you. He kissed he tenderly then pulled an envelope from his shirt pocket and handed it to her.
"What's this?" She asked opening it. Taking out the tickets she began to cry. "What's this, I thought we decided to go to Australia?"
He smiled, "I know we talked and planned on going to Australia, but I also know how much you wanted to go to Greece. I want to show it to you."
Hermione hugged him with tears streaming. He was always doing little things like this. Giving up what he wanted to do what he knew would make her the happiest. "Everyone thinks we're going to Australia, what if someone needs to get a hold of us?"
After we left Remus was going to tell our families our destination had changed and if they needed us to get in touch with his. He has all the information.
She smiled and kissed him again and again. Slowly she unbuttoned his shirt and kissed down his chest. Her hands moved over his sexy body, and he sat still and let her explore. It had been so long since she had touched him in this manner. When they had resumed some physical contact, they agreed that all moves would be left up to her. When they decided to get married, they agreed not to make love until their wedding night and even then if she weren't ready they would stop.
She let her hands roam over him, when her hand stopped and covered his hardness he looked up at her. "You know this is all up to you. I want you, I want you so badly, but I want you to be ready. I don't want to hurt you."
"Love, I love you and I've waited to make love to you again, I'm ready. I need to feel you. Please make love with me." He needed no other words. He scooped her up in his arms and placed her in the center of the bed. Slowly, and carefully they became man and wife in every way.
Several hours later Hermione lay wrapped in his warmth as she listened to him sleep, and thanking God or Merlin or whomever for bringing him into her life and for giving him the faith in her and the patients to stay around all those months. The months it took for her to become stable again, the months it took for her to pull herself back up and heal from all the emotional and physical trauma. She knew she was forever changed as was he, but she thought they were changed for the better. She kissed him on the nose and cuddled deeper into his embrace. This was the best she had felt in 14 months, the contact she'd given up for 14 months. 14 months of pain pushed to the back of her mind to relish in the last 14 hours. 14 months ago changed her life forever, 14 hours ago saw it change again this time for the better, 14 hours ago she became Mrs. Sirius Black, 14 hours ago she became he happiest woman in the world. 14 hours ago she didn't think she could be any happier. She had been wrong. Lying there in her husband's arms, she realized she was getting happier and happier by the minute. She kissed Sirius one more time, closed her eyes and slept the most peaceful sleep she'd had in 14 months.