~ 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.
AN: This is PG not R. So that hot scene will not be too hot!
The Burrow
The Kitchen
Walking into the kitchen, Gwen instantly notices how pale Severus is. Striding up to him, Gwen wraps her arms around his waist. Placing her head on his chest, she gives him a tight reassuring squeeze.
"What's wrong?" gently asks Gwen her head still on his chest. A soft kiss is placed on the top of her head as she feels Severus's arms go around her. He leads her into the family room where everyone else was sitting.
"Rita Skeeter," answers Remus. "Along with Erin."
"The caseworker?" questions Gwen. "What did she do now?"
"She destroyed my roses," dismisses Remus with a waving of his hand. But before Gwen could get angry over it Remus adds, "Its Rita Skeeter that has Sirius so worked up."
"How?" demands Harry looking amazed that Rita could generate such anger. "Rita's nothing but gossip columnist."
"Exactly," sneers Severus. Seeing everyone's blank faces, Severus relays the detestable news. "She has written a book an unauthorized Biography on Hermione." Getting mixed looks, Severus sighs. "Rita plans to highlight Hermione's suppose her love affair between Harry Potter and Viktor Krum in her fourth year."
The Burrow
Bathroom Second Floor
Perched on the bathroom tub, Hermione watches her mother leave the room seconds before Sirius stalks in. Raking her gaze over his face, Hermione
Sirius sweeps into the bathroom, closing the door behind him. Meeting his blue eyes, Hermione feels a jolt go through her.
"Hermione, you wanted to see me?" he asked,
finally, wanting
to be sure.
"Yes," she sighed, and dropped her eyes from his face.
"I was wondering what or who has you so
enraged."
He let out a deep breath. "Rita Skeeter."
Wide with shock, her eyes flew back to his face.
"Wha... What?" she asked, afraid to hear his answer.
"Rita has written unauthorized biography on you," he replied, and
then pulled her into his arms, holding her against him tightly. "Well, as far as I am concerned, there's
only one thing to do - although you probably won't like it one bit."
"What?" Hermione dares to ask.
Licking her suddenly dry lips.
"I think we should have Arthur
should make a formal announcement to the wizarding press that you have
made a
recovery. Throw in a few interviews
with reports. Anyone you choose but
Rita. This will set the tone, should
Rita publish her book, she won't have any creditability.
But if she chooses to go ahead and publish
her rubbish anyways," growls Sirius before kissing the top of her head. "We can either sue her for deformation of
character or publish a book of our own.
The release of tension that his words gave was too much for her nerves,
and she
collapsed against him. Hermione buries her face in his chest and cries
in
relief. Sirius strokes her back until
Hermione has calmed. Then putting a
hand under her chin to lift her tear-streaked face to his.
Very, Very gently he places a small kiss on
the top of her nose. Pulling back only
to look at her seriously.
"So... are you going to leave me in suspense?" he asked. "You're an extremely brave person... are you brave enough to take the press on?"
"Are you sure... you're positive this is what you want to do?" Hermione asked. At Sirius's questioning looking, she clarifies, "Won't this disrupt your life too?"
Ministry of Magic
Office of Auror Interrogations
Sitting at the worn table was a young woman, who was verified as Erin Conheart, a caseworker from St. Mungo's mental ward. Behind her stood Auror Johnson who was dispatched to the scene of the possible crime.
The lassie looks sweet, but really is a piece of work. Looking over the papers the Auror's confiscated off of her, barrister Finnigan ruffles his sandy hair. Attempting to put Hermione in the mental ward! How dare that hussy! Taking a breath, Seamus enters the interrogation room. Standing in front of her, Seamus doesn't even offer a reassuring smile.
"This is a huge mistake," snaps Erin angrily. "Even you can see that, by that parchment you have in your hands. I was there on official business."
Glaring down at the pompous woman, Seamus throws the parchment on the table. Leaning over he places his hand on the top, leaning even closer to the suspect. Sneering at her, Seamus hiss, "Until otherwise informed, Miss Conheart you will be detained. Auror Johnson take the suspect down to processing."
"You can't do that," shouts Erin enraged. "It's a national holiday! I'll be in lock-up for the next four days!" Two Aurors enter the interrogation room, forcible moving the suspect down to processing. "I'll sue this department and I'll have your job!"
Smiling in satisfaction, Seamus smirks as he picks up the parchment he has thrown on the table. Maybe I'll just owl this to Arthur or Dumbledore. He'll know what to do with it. Rather he'll know how to deal with Sirius.
The Burrow
Ginny's Room
Yawning, Ginny stretches in her bed. Reaching over to her nightstand, her hand collides with the parchment she placed there before going back to sleep. Picking it up, Ginny re-reads it. Excitement courses throughout her body. He's coming! He's coming!
Glancing over to the time, Ginny gasps. Jumping out of bed, she races over to her closet. Bloody hell! He's going to be here and I'm still going to be getting dressed. Rummaging her closet Ginny looks over all of her dress robes as panic sets in.
Hogwarts
Dumbledore's Office
Looking over his post, Dumbledore wasn't surprised to see an invitation among the letters. A soft reminiscing smile creeps along his face and his finger trace the invitation.
"What are you thinking about?" questions Minerva as she stirs her tea.
Looking up with twinkling blue eyes, Dumbledore sighs. "A raven haired boy, a clever chest player and a brilliant witch who saved us all."
The Burrow
The Family Room
"And to make matters worse, Rita is going to portrait Hermione's marriage, while in her seventh year as hasty and scandalous. Using the fact that Sirius was her professor to add fuel to the fire," finishes Severus bracing himself for an explosion.
"Bloody hell," whispers Gwen suddenly very pale. "No wonder Sirius exploded."
"Hasty? Scandalous?" demands Tonks jumping up from her seat. "There was a bloody war going on! What the hell! Lots of couple were getting married. Is that… that… thing even thinking?"
"Hermione was of legal age," dismisses Fred as George adds, "Plus, she's much more mature then Sirius!"
"Mione should have turned Rita in when she had the chance," offers a sleepy Ron. Rubbing his palms over his tired eyes, Ron yawns. "Now that Dad has let all the previously unregistered animagi register without any has penalties, Hermione doesn't have anything to blackmail Rita with."
"What?" asks Gwen looking at Ron confused.
"Ah… never mind," dismisses Ron.
"Wait my daughter blackmailed this Rita person," reasons Gwen. "You don't think, that she's doing this to get even with her do you?"
The Burrow
Bathroom Second Floor
"Well, the timing's a bit sudden," Sirius replies. "And neither of us been thinking beyond enjoying today. But yes, I'm positive."
"In that case, yes, I think we should inform the
public,"
Hermione said, and was surprised at how much freer she suddenly felt. She was still scared on many different
levels, but her trust in Sirius was firmer than ever.
I wonder when that happened.
Or was it there from the very beginning
"Smashing," Sirius said, in a self-satisfied tone of voice. "How
humiliating it
will be for Rita. When everyone finds
out that she's so undesirable that not even a previously insane
Gryffindor will
grant her an interview! Ouch!
Mione?"
"What?"
Hermione demurely asks.
Looking down at her, Sirius rubes his stomach where she pinched
him, and
non-to gently either. He's so cute
when he pouts.
"Mione, love," Sirius scolds her.
His blue eyes twinkling like mad, Sirius winks down at her. "Despite whatever you might think to the
contrary, you're going to have to learn that I make the decisions in
this
marriage."
"Really?"
she haughty asked, right before Sirius's fingers first
kneed into Hermione's sides then his touch becomes light.
Gasping, laughing and wiggling Hermione
struggles to keep her balance in his embrace while he tickles her. "Sirius…. haha…please… hahe," pleads
Hermione.
"Ah, I see," says Sirius as he looks down into her chocolate brown eyes. Smoothing her hair away from her face, he tucks in a stray hair. "How are you feeling now?"
"Better," Hermione honestly answers as she runs her hands down his chest. "Still slightly worried about Rita but I know that we'll handle it together. And once I have my bath I'll be even better."
"Well, we're here... alone..." Sirius said
suggestively. Pulling Hermione closer
to him. "But if you really want to take
a bath," Sirius added with a gentle smile that made her feel very warm.
"I think I could be convinced to do something else," she said throatily, hands moving down to his waist and sliding to his backside.
Sirius tangled his hands in her hair, cupping her scalp while tilting her head upwards. Leaning down, he tenderly places his warm lips over hers. With gently applied pressure he parts his lips. Running his tongue over her bottom lip, silently asking for entrance. A soft moan of pleasure escapes from Hermione as she responses.
Malfoy Manor
Master Bedroom
Inspecting himself in the full-length mirror, Draco smirks at his reflection. This is perfect. I must say that at lest I'll look good, even if I don't make it past the front door. Glancing at the magical clock, Draco checks his appearance one more time before striding out of the bedroom. Time to go to the loin's den. I just hope they don't kill me.
Hogwarts
Dumbledore's Office
"I miss her," croaks Minerva cracking for a few seconds before she regains her composer. Taking several breaths, Minerva looks up to see tears forming in Dumbledore's eyes. "Oh Albus," whispers Minerva putting down her tea. "It's going to be fine," reassures Minerva.
"Oh don't mind an old fool like me," dismisses Dumbledore. "I just can't help but wondering if…"
"Yes," prompts Minerva. "You can't help wondering?"
"If Hermione will ever be joining us," finishes Dumbledore. "The experts at St. Mungo's have stated that if she doesn't pull out of her current state within the next six months… they're afraid it will be permanent."
"Bloody hell," swears Minerva softly. "Does Sirius know?"
"Yes," states Dumbledore.
"He insists that she'll pull throw."
The Burrow
Ginny's Room
Huffing Ginny flops back down onto her bed. Gazing down at the dress robes in her hands. I completely forgot that Sirius was here with Hermione. Bloody hell! Everyone is going to be more on guard then normal.
"Oh, well," mutters Ginny. Biting her lower lip, Ginny grimaces. Maybe I should just owl him and tell him not to come. Puffing, Ginny gets up off her bed. Wait… Goyle and Crabbe are here. Maybe I should ask Mum what she would like me to do. Feeling better Ginny puts the dress robes down on her bed, turning she exists her room. Heading down the stairs to the kitchen.
The Burrow
The Family Room
Walking into the family room, Ginny takes one last look behind her. Gazing about the room for her mother, she realizes that everyone was just short of furious. Swallowing hard, Ginny hastily looks around the room. Ok, he's not here. So why is everyone so upset?
"Ginny," greets Molly from the kitchen where she was quietly talking to her father. "Up already? I thought you would sleep longer."
"No, I wanted to get ready," answers Ginny narrowing her eyes at her parents. "What's wrong?"
"What makes you think anything is wrong?" questions Molly.
"Mum! I'm an adult. I can plainly see that everyone is upset," bluntly states Ginny gesturing to everyone in the family room. "So what happened?"
"Rita Skeeter," answers Ron slapping into the kitchen unnoticed. Realizing that he opened his mouth, winces as Molly slaps him on the arm.
"RONALD WEASLEY!" admonishes Molly. Glaring at her youngest son as he hurriedly shoves a muffin into his mouth. "You're going to be eating in less then three hours!"
Glancing at her brother's abashed face, Ginny shakes her head. "What about Rita Skeeter?"
"She's writing an unauthorized biography on Hermione," explains Arthur slipping his arm around Molly. "Add to that, the caseworker showed up, destroying Remus's prized roses."
"What?" questions Ginny feeling slightly confused. "Erin destroyed Remus's roses. Why would she do that?"
"Why wouldn't she," comments Harry attempting to sneak a muffin only to get his hand slapped by Molly. "She's had it in for Hermione ever since she meet Sirius. As for Rita, I wouldn't worry too much. Hermione's handled worse then her and survived." Harry notices that Ron has snitched a muffin while Molly wasn't looking.
"Hey Harry!" shouts Fred from the family room. "Ron, I thought you two have today off?"
"We do," answers Ron. "Why do you ask?"
"Because you have just gotten an owl from your office," answers George holding up the post. Both Harry and Ron looked confused. Striding over to the family room, Harry takes the post from George while Ron looks on. Opening up the letter, Harry's eyebrows shoot up into his hairline a blooming smile graces across his face.
"Guess what everyone," laughs Harry finally looking up from the parchment. Not waiting for anyone to answer, Harry continues, "Erin's in lock up!"
"What?" is coursed around the room.
Laughing Ron happily waves the parchment around. "Dispatch sent some Aurors to the Black residence for a possible break in. Erin was hauled in for questioning."
A second owl arrived, this time with a letter to Severus Snape. Severus instantly recognized barrister Finnigan handwriting. Opening the letter, he reads the letter swiftly before opening another piece of parchment that was within the letter. Disgust and his trademark smirk.
"Apparently, Sirius and I need to have a discussion about this caseworker," mutters Severus. "But in the meantime, I thought you were going to help Hermione take a bath?"
"Oh!" gasps Gwen. "Yes! You're right." Giving Severus a quick kiss on his lips, Gwen walks into the kitchen calling for Molly to join her. The two women head up the stairs.
Until Later