~ When Insanity stops ~
Summary: At the end of Hermione's fifth year, she feels depressed about all the stuff that has happened. One morning upon waking up, Hermione finds someone else in bed with her. And that's the only the start of this interesting tale.
The Black
Residence
Outside
Raising her hand, Erin impatiently pounds on the front door. Gritting her teeth in agitation she starts to tap her foot in hurried tempo. Why hasn't he answered the door already? I bet she has something to do with it. Huffing indignation, Erin kicks the front door with her foot.
"Open the door already?" hisses Erin.
The Burrow
The Kitchen
"Sirius?" softly prompts Molly.
Shaking his head, Sirius focuses on Molly. "Sorry about that." Pausing he ponders how to say what it is he wants to say. "Hermione would like your permission to use your bathroom."
Confused, Molly asks, "What?"
"She had a flash back of Lucius," grumbles Sirius looking angry. Closing his eyes, Sirius's face relaxes as he clarifies, "She wants to take a bath or a shower because she doesn't feel clean."
"Oh," gasps Molly finally getting it. Waving a dismissing hand, Molly replies, "That's fine."
Looking at his best friend who arrived late, Sirius narrows his blue eyes at the couple. Detecting that something was amiss, Sirius growl. Turning towards Molly, Sirius puts on his best pleading puppy dogface. "Molly dearest," purrs Sirius in his best con mode. "Could you be a dear and let Hermione know that she can use the bathroom while I go talk to Remus and Severus?"
Glancing Sirius, then to Remus and Severus, Molly could feel the chills creeping up her spine. "Sure," answers Molly looking Sirius directly in his eyes. "But make it quick," adds Molly. "You know how Hermione reacts when you're not around."
"Thanks," reassures Sirius. "If Hermione needs to see me, I'll be in the back yard."
Malfoy Manor
Drawing Room
Picking up the mornings mail, the platinum blonde man, swiftly sorts and discards the bad rubbish. Holding three letters he considers to be of importance, he looks them over to see who is writing him. Two out of the three letters had a green snake seal while one had a blood red loin seal.
Sighing heavily, he opens the blood red one first. Smirking in pleasure, the man sits at his oak wood desk. Pulling out some ink and parchment he writes his replay. Satisfied with his answer he summons a house-elf to send it off.
"This is interesting," mutters the blonde.
"What's interesting?" squeaks the house-elf, looking afraid. "Master Draco."
"An old acquaintance of my father's has decided to write me," answers Draco. I wonder what for. Oh and Twinky," the house elf pauses at the door. "I won't be home until late this evening, so you can have the rest of the day off."
"Thanks Master!" squeals Twinky happily.
"The things I do," mutters Draco as he opens his post.
Ministry of Magic
Office of Auror Affairs
Blinking black and red lights on a invisible visible map signals to the watcher that a possible dark wizard was attempting to break into a Auror's home. Making several notes, the watcher opens a small glass jar. Grabbing some powder, he throws it into a makeshift Floo connection.
"Johnson and Marty," barks the watcher. "We have a live one at 16 Valley Lane."
"Hey isn't that…" Johnson asks.
"Yes it is," interrupts the watcher. "So make this one a priority." The green flames fade away.
The Burrow
Charlie's Old Room
Yawning hard, Ron hears Sirius's voice in the kitchen. Closing his eyes, Ron snuggles into the pillow. Charlie's old bed squeaks as Ron rolls over muttering in his sleep that Sirius will handle it while pulling the covers over his head to block out any of the sunlight coming into the room. Sirius will know how to handle the problem. He's always been able to keep Mione calm. Hell he's been able to calm her down long after I've gotten her upset.
The Burrow
The Kitchen
Looking at Severus, Sirius could easily see the angry radiating off of the man. Nodding his head towards the backyard, Sirius observes that Severus agrees with him. This had better be good.
Opening the door to the backyard, Sirius was slightly surprised when Remus followed them outside. What the hell happened now? Moving further out into the backyard, the three gentlemen sit down at the picnic bench.
The Burrow
Ginny's Room
The insistent tapping on her window felt like nails being driven into her sleeping head. Groaning, Ginny slowly wakes up. Sitting up in her bed, she glares at the owl tapping on her window. Jumping out of bed, slaking over to the window, she slams the window open. The owl holds out his legs for her to take the post.
"Damn bloody bird," mutters Ginny tugging the post off of its leg. Looking around her room, she was going to offer the owl some treats but it flew away. "This better be important." Ripping open the seal, a large blooming smile burst onto her pale tired face.
"YES!" hisses Ginny flouncing back into her bed. Holding the letter close to her chest, she lifts it up to her face. Scanning the words one last time, Ginny flushes with pleasure. Putting the letter on her nightstand, Ginny climbs back into bed. "This is going to be the best Independence Day ever!"
Yawning she falls back to sleep with her smile still on her face.
The Burrow
The Backyard
"Ok," starts Sirius looking over both Remus and Severus. "Whose news is worse?"
Severus and Remus look at each other, Remus blinks at the glittering black orbs. "I would have to say Severus's news is worse."
"Fine," answers Sirius. "Severus, since yours is worse and probably needs more attention, Remus is going to go first."
Clearing his throat, Remus offers, "The caseworker showed up today..."
"Bloody hell," loudly explodes Sirius angrily. "Can't that stupid li…"
"Sirius!" snaps Severus. "Let Remus talk."
"Fine," grumbles Sirius clenching and unclenching his hands.
The Burrow
Ron's Room
Patting her mother on her back, Hermione takes a deep breath as she gently maneuvers her way out from her mothers strangling embrace. Smiling at her mother, Hermione notices that her mother looks better then she remembers. My god, she's practically glowing!
"Oh my baby," cries Gwen cupping Hermione's face. "My sweet baby."
Blushing while feeling a little bit embarrassed, Hermione whispers, "Mum." Smiling shakily at her, Hermione squeezes her hand. "Well," stumbles Hermione. "How are you?"
"Me?" dismisses Gwen. "I'm fine, but how are you?"
"I'm good," answers Hermione. "A little confused sometimes scared but good."
Laughing at her daughters comment, Gwen notices that Hermione was starting to shake. Her daughter's eyes went from looking at her to darting towards the door. Feeling that Hermione was going to start sliding back into her own world, Gwen silently starts to pray that Sirius hurries back.
"Bloody hell!" explodes Sirius from out back. Both Gwen and Hermione jump at his angry voice causing Hermione to laugh. Gwen watches her daughter relax.
"So," laughs Hermione. "How does it feel to be married to Professor Snape? Where do you live? I need details, Mum."
Taking a shaky breath, Gwen licks her lips. "Well, you know that I'm married to Severus. He still teaches at Hogwarts."
"Is Professor Snape still the Potions Master?" questions Hermione. "Or did he get the job of DADA?"
"Potions Master," answers Gwen. "Remus and Sirius are the DADA teachers at Hogwarts." Gazing at her daughter, Gwen watches as confusion sweeps across her face. "Remus is the full-time professor but around the full moon, Sirius takes over the class. They have been the DADA teachers since your sixth year."
"Oh," gasps Hermione putting her hand to her head as a memory comes into focus.
~
"Good day class. My Name is Professor Weasley! Yes, I'm related to Ronald Weasley, even if I don't have the red hair." Smirks the new DADA teacher. Scrutinizing all of the students with his piercing blue eyes, he glares coldly when they land of Draco Malfoy.
There's something about him. He just… there's something familiar about him. Shaking her head, Hermione tries to focus on what he is currently teaching but the sense of familiarity just becomes stronger. Leaning over to Harry, Hermione whispers, "Does he seem to be familiar to you?"
"Now that you mention it," whispers Harry looking serious. "Yes, he does."
~
Placing her palms over her eyes, Hermione takes a breath. Removing her hands from her face she blinks a few times. "I remember now," laughs Hermione. "He felt familiar from the first day."
The Burrow
The Family Room
Handing Tonks a glass of pumpkin juice, Harry takes the seat next to hers. "So what really took you guys so long to get here?" asks Harry.
"Erin," hisses Tonks her eyes flashing. "She came to the house just as we were leaving."
Noting the irritation on Tonks' face, Harry questions softly, "What did she do this time?"
Opening and closing her mouth, Tonks attempts to be civil. "She destroyed Remus's roses."
"What?" demands Penny who was sitting near Tonks.
"She destroyed the roses," restates Tonks. Huffing Tonks adds, "Remus wanted to hex. But seeing how Erin didn't know we were home and watching her, I convinced him to come here."
"Is that what Remus wants to talk to Sirius about?" asks Penny.
"Bloody hell!" explodes Sirius from out back. Jumping at the angry tone, even Harry was still for a few seconds.
"Ah… not really," hesitates Tonks taking a sip of her juice. Smashing, just smashing. He better take the good news better that that.
The Burrow
The Backyard
Glancing at his best friend, Remus starts again, "As I was saying, the caseworker showed up today just before Tonks and I left. My Little Paradise, Eureka and Europeana rose trees were destroyed with a flicker of her wand."
"What?" deceptively soft demands Sirius.
"She destroyed them," reiterates Remus.
"Did you hex her?" asks Sirius as he grits his teeth.
"Not yet," comments Remus. At both Severus and Sirius questioning look, Remus adds, "Tonks wouldn't let me and now that I'm thinking about, I think she deserves more then a simple hex or prank."
"I agree," states Severus. "Hermione loved those roses. All too often they were what gave us hope that something remained of her mind during our bleakest hours."
Growling Sirius looked madder then Remus or Severus had ever seen him. "Well," huffs Sirius attempting to control his temper. "We'll just have to replace those roses before Hermione notices." Unclenching his hand, Sirius makes an obvious effort to relax. "Later we'll discuss what to do about the caseworker. Now Severus, I do believe you have something you wish to discuss."
The Burrow
Ron's Room
Approaching the makeshift door, Molly hears shaky laughter float towards her. Knocking on the doorframe, Molly enters the room. Casting her gaze on the both mother and daughter sitting on her youngest sons bed.
"Sirius is in the backyard," comments Molly hoping to keep Hermione relaxed. "He's just having a talk with Remus and Severus." Observing Hermione smile and nods her head, Molly relaxes. "I hear that you want to use the bathroom."
"Ah…yes," weakly states Hermione looking unsure. "I was wondering if I could take a bath?"
"Of course you can take a bath," motherly assures Hermione. "We have a new tub since the last time you've stayed here. It has several wonderful features." Gwen smiles happily at Molly as she notices that her daughter's eyes have taken on awareness to them.
Malfoy Manor
Master Bedroom
Standing next to the floor length mirror, Draco grumbles in frustration as he tosses yet another article of clothing on the floor. Stalking over to his walk in closet, he pulls out another set of dress robes. Going back to the mirror he stand stiffly.
"This makes me look fat," hisses Draco throwing it on the floor. "Why can't I find anything decent to where?" bursts out Draco. Waving his wand at the pile of cloths on the floor, the automatically hung themselves back up in the closet.
"Master?" squeaks Twinky.
"Yes," huffs Draco still displeased at not finding anything to wear.
"I think the blue-gray dress robes flatter you," offers Twinky snapping her fingers. The dress robes in question float out towards Draco. "Plus they'll also compliment your partner."
Humming in pleasure, Draco smiles. "What would I do without you, Twinky?"
Ministry of Magic
Office of Auror Affairs
A flash of green flames opens the Floo connection. "Suspect at 16 Valley Lane," reports Marty back to the watcher. "Has been apprehended. Aurors are currently not at home. Suspect is currently being detained for questioning."
"Good work, Auror Marty," praises the watcher. "Has Johnson sent out an owl alerting the Aurors about the possible break in?"
"Yes sir," answers Auror Marty.
"Very good," says the watcher as the flames flicker out.
The Burrow
The Backyard
Getting up Severus moves away from Sirius and Remus. Pacing the length of the table, Severus shakes his head. "It's no use," starts Severus confusion both Remus and Sirius. "If I don't tell you now, you'll find out anyways."
Rolling his eyes at Severus's dramatic antics, Sirius watches Severus square his shoulders. "I was just informed that Rita Skeeter has written a book an unauthorized Biography on Hermione." Sensing that Remus and Sirius were going to explode any second Severus rushes to add, "Highlighting her love affair between Harry Potter and Viktor Krum in her fourth year. Then focusing on her scandalous and rather hasty marriage to her professor in her last year."
The Burrow
Ron's Room
Excepting Molly's helping hand, Hermione gradually gets off the bed. Wobbling a bit, Hermione smiles as both Molly and her mother wrap their arms around her. Together all three women make their way towards the new bathroom Molly was boasting about.
Opening the door, Hermione blinks in surprise. What? They have a Jacuzzi bathtub! Since when? Gapping in shock at the elegant bathroom, Hermione misses Molly's pleased look.
"Wow," breathes Hermione taking in the room. "When did you get this done?"
"WHAT THE HELL!" bellows Sirius. "ARTHUR WEASLEY!" Shaking at Sirius's tone all three women stood still.
Gradually relaxing, Hermione turns to Molly. "Could you have Sirius come up here please?" asks Hermione sweetly. "I really would like to have a nice little chat with him."
Looking relieved at the opportunity to see if her husband was all right, Molly nods her head before leaving the bathroom.
"Mum if you would be so kind as to help me sit down," calmly suggests Hermione gesturing to the edge of the bathtub. "It would be greatly appreciated."
Stiffing her laughter, Gwen happily notes that her daughter was taking charge of the situation. I don't know if I should pity Sirius right now or kiss him on the cheek for pissing her off. Helping Hermione lower herself, Gwen kisses the top of her head as strong fast footsteps pound up the stairs. Waving to Hermione, Gwen quickly exists the room as Sirius sweeps past her.
Torn at wanting to hear what they were saying and knowing what had happened to cause Sirius to completely lose his cool, Gwen turns heading towards the kitchen hoping that her husband could shed some light on this matter.
Until Later
AN: I plan to write a small but tasteful 'hot' scene in the next chapter.
Because some reviews want a little clarification on the Caseworker Erin, I have written a small note about her. Pardon my grammar, Please!
English:
Erin is the
caseworker who is obsessed with Sirius Black.
To remove her competition Hermione, Erin attempts to have her
placed in
the mental ward of St. Mungos. Thus
leaving Sirius free to be with her.
French:
Erin est
l'assistant social qui est obsédé avec le Noir de Sirius.
Pour enlever son
Hermione de compétition, les tentatives de Erin pour avoir son
placé dans la
section mentale de Rue. Mungos. Ainsi partant Sirius libère pour
être avec
elle.
Spanish:
Erin es el
asistente social que es obsesionado con Sirius Negro. Para quitar su
competencia Hermione, las tentativas de Erin para tener su colocado en
el
barrio mental de S. Mungos. Así partida Sirius liberta para
estar con ella.
German:
Erin ist der Sozialarbeiter, der mit Sirius Schwarz obsessed
ist. Um ihre Konkurrenz Hermione, Erin Versuche herauszunehmen, um sie
zu
haben, die in den geistigen Bezirk der Str. gestellt wird. Mungos.
Folglich
befreit Sirius verlassend, mit ihr zu sein.