This chapter is for my 300th reviewer, kitty katty.
Chapter 18
The Autumn Ball
The Indian Summer was still in full force, only this time it seemed as if the world was on fire. Scorching temperatures made it impossible to even think. The fans were on constantly, and some students had bewitched their shoes so that it felt like they were stepping into a cool lake.
"It's too hot to think," moaned Sirius. He and Hermione had gone swimming in the lake but had gone to the comfort of a sheltering tree to dry off.
He laid down on the somewhat cool grass and Hermione lay next to him. They watched the endless blue sky together in awe.
"Let's play a game, then." Hermione suggested. "I'll tell you some new things about myself and you'll tell me some new things about yourself."
Sirius propped himself up on his elbows. "You're on."
"You go first," Hermione told him.
"All right." Sirius stared up in silence for a few moments. "Okay, I have the first one. I once bewitched a Snitch to bounce off James' head for a whole day."
Hermione laughed. "He never knew?"
"Nope. He went on a date with Lily that day, too."
"That is harsh. Okay." Hermione searched for five new things to say about herself. "Till the time I was eight years old I carried around a stuffed rabbit named Jester."
Sirius laughed. "Are you sure that doesn't fall under the embarrassing moments category?" "No. Tell me something about you now."
"A fact?"
"Yes."
"Fact is, I want you to go to the Autumn Ball with me, Hermione Granger." He sat up and looked down at Hermione, who was still lying flat on the grass.
She smiled. "You mean that?"
"Why would I want to go with any other girl?"
A grinning Sirius grinned even wider when she said jokingly, "I'll think about it."
She beamed, hopped up and hugged him in mirth.
***
The night of the Ball arrived. Lily, Hermione, and the other seventh-year girls were in a dither, putting on robes, applying makeup, doing hair, frantically fixing bad hair days. Lily and Hermione were able to find a quiet pocket of the room to get ready. Hermione applied Lily's makeup; she was getting so good at it.
"Hermione?" Lily asked quietly, as Hermione applied rouge to Lily's cheeks.
"Can I ask you something? Something personal?"
"Sure," Hermione said, picking out a suitable eyeshadow for Lily.
"I need a charm."
"What sort of charm?" Hermione asked distractedly, applying the eyeshadow.
"A Contraceptive Charm."
Hermione slipped and nearly poked Lily's eye out. "Oh."
Lily went on. "I think it's time for me and James. I want to move forward, and so does he, but we need to be safe."
Hermione nodded in agreement. "All right. I think I have a spell somewhere." She and Lily dashed to Hermione's trunk and opened it, spilling out its contents.
"Here we go. Practical Spells for the Everyday Witch." Hermione ran her finger down the index page under C. "Here we are." She ripped the page out for Lily, who pocketed it discreetly. "Thank you Hermione. I don't know what I would have done without you."
Probably had a brother or sister of Harry's, Hermione thought. "All right, let's finish." Hermione zipped up Lily's dress for her, a royal purple that complemented her hair and skin tone well. For her part, Lily zipped up Hermione's black dress, the one they had bought in Hogsmeade so long ago.
As Hermione sat down amidst shrieks of, "Oh, where are my shoes?!?" and "You borrowed my lipstick!" Lily stood behind her and asked, "Do you think you'll need the charm page back....for you and Sirius?"
Hermione took a while to answer that one. She knew Sirius would be perfectly willing to go much farther than they had been going. And when she was with him she had to maintain control, although he was so intoxicating it was difficult. Extremely difficult, even. But she knew she was not ready to go to a place she had never known, even if it was with Sirius. "No," she told Lily. "I won't need it."
***
Sirius checked the clock in the common room for the thousandth time. "Why is it taking her so long? It can't be that hard to zip up a dress." Or unzip it, he thought.
Lily came floating down the stairs in her purple dress, looking very much like the goddess she was. James looked incapable of movement or speech. He complimented her staggeringly.
After Lily came down Hermione glided majestically down the stairs. Her hair was perfect and the dress made her look like an old-fashioned movie star. She seemed to glow as if the moonlight shone directly upon her. She was incandescent. That's what Sirius thought, at least. His breath was actually taken away. He was in awe. This girl was an angel, she was a goddess. He knew then and for a long time after that he would never let her go. "Do I look all right?" Hermione asked him anxiously, patting her hair.
"I...." he could not find the words. "You're perfect, baby."
***
The Great Hall was already crowded with dancers. Brunhilda, the singer for the night, had a voice that was able to pick up any melody and turn the mood from slow to hopping. Hermione took Sirius' arm and he led her into the Hall.
They walked past the dancers. A few girls, inevitably, stared at Sirius. Some looked like they were even drooling. And no wonder. Sirius was wearing ebony robes that made his eyes seem darker. His hair was, as always, perfect and fell into his face perfectly. Together Sirius and Hermione made a striking couple.
Brunhilda struck up a fast song.
"Let's dance," Sirius yelled over the music. Hermione was nervous because she had never been much for dancing. But Sirius seemed like an expert as he gracefully spun her around the floor.
Hermione screamed in delight as he whirled her faster and faster and faster till all she could see was his face and the swirl of colors from the other dancers. It was like she and Sirius were the only real forms in the room; only they existed. Everyone else was a swirl of color. The moment was a little diamond that Hermione carried for a long time after. Finally, Sirius slowed down. They leaned against each other heavily, fighting the powerful dizziness that enthralled them. They sat down for a second, then immediately got up again when their song played.
Looking back on the memory of The dance we shared 'neath the stars alone
For a moment all the world was right
How could I have known that you'd ever say goodbye
The last time their song had played Hermione had been so scared. She had been scared of betraying someone she cared for. But leaning against Sirius, feeling his strong arms around her, she felt happy. No regrets.
And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance
Sirius held Hermione protectively. For some reason he felt that she was a mystery. He didn't know much about her. She seemed like a spirit, someone who was going to leave him soon. He could not pinpoint exactly what made him feel that way.
Holding you I held everything
For a moment wasn't I a king
But if I'd only known how the king would fall
Hey who's to say you know I might have changed it all
When Hermione thought about Sirius, she did not just see his face and his body. She saw swirls of light surrounding him. As if he was some sort of star. She saw red swirls around him too. They represented the passion he had.
And now I'm glad I didn't know
The way it all would end the way it all would go
Our lives are better left to chance I could have missed the pain
But I'd of had to miss the dance
Yes my life is better left to chance
I could have missed the pain but I'd of had to miss the dance
When the song was over Sirius and Hermione sat down at a table next to Lily and James. Lily, looking somewhat nervous, gave Hermione a radiant smile.
"Brunhilda's a good singer," Lily commented enthusiastically. "I think she'll be successful for a long time."
Hermione nodded methodically. In reality Brunhilda would die a few years later, during the war. Hermione watched the young singer sadly. She wished she could warn Brunhilda. She wished Lily and James would know about their own deaths. And most of all, she wished Sirius could live.
Maybe he can, Hermione thought. I could tell him everything and he could change it. We could be together for a long time. Instantly Hermione erased the thought. Who knew how much the world would be thrown out of balance if she did? But I don't care about the rest of the world she thought selfishly. I care about Sirius.
Sirius stood up from the table, shaking Hermione's thoughts. "May I have this dance?" he asked formally. Hermione copied his manner. "I would be delighted, sir." She took his hand and he led her gallantly back to the dance floor. After a few dances, Remus came up to them. "Want to switch partners?" he asked them. His own date was a pretty girl named Adrienne. Sirius looked reluctant, but Hermione took Remus' hands. He swirled her around the floor. He was not as graceful as Sirius. He was more comfortable. He was a tie to her other life.
"Sirius looks happy," Remus told her. "You've made him happier than I have ever seen him."
Hermione blushed at the compliment. "Really?"
"I really do."
Hermione rewarded Sirius with a beautiful grin. "Thank you, Remus."
He smiled and nodded. Just then Sirius came up and whisked Hermione away.
"Don't want Remus taking my girlfriend away from me, do I?" Sirius said, taking Hermione's hands. Hermione stopped in her place.
"Girlfriend?" she asked. This was a pivotal moment for both of them, and confound it, he had better say the right thing.
"If you want to be." Sirius said slowly.
Hermione smiled. "It's what I've wanted for a long time now."
"Well then," Sirius said, trying to fight the huge smile on his face, "I'm glad that's all cleared up."
When the temperature of both the Hall and the Indian Summer grew to be excruciating, they headed outside. The weather seemed to relent just for Hermione and Sirius as a cool breeze stirred them. The sky was perfectly clear. It was sapphire, and the stars shone alabaster. They sat in silence under a tree for a while.
"What are you thinking about, baby?" Sirius asked softly as she leaned against him. "How happy I am," Hermione answered truthfully. "I can't remember when I was so happy."
"So you're happy, are you? Happier than you've ever been? All because of me?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, please, Sirius," Hermione said, giggling. "Leave your ego at home."
"Good thing I did," he quipped. He kissed her softly then.
"Don't try to distract me," she said, chiding him.
"Well," he said, lowering his mouth to hers again, "I was hoping you could distract me." He rubbed his thumb up and down her cheek as he dug in further inside her mouth. She moaned in pleasure as he gently rolled her onto the grass. This went on for a while until it became too much. She sat up. It took every ounce of strength she possessed to leave Sirius' arms. He sat up with her, breathing in deeply.
"I'm sorry." she said.
"It's all right," he assured her, although she could see it wasn't.
"I'm just not ready," she told him.
"It's all right," he repeated. "If you weren't ready and we went forward it would ruin it for me and for you." He took a deep breath and stood up, offering his hand to help her up.
They entered the Great Hall again. The Ball was still going strong, although Hermione saw Lily and James sneak out as she and Sirius walked back in. She smiled inwardly at them. Hermione walked past Jennifer, who looked exceptionally green with envy. She had abandoned her own date and seemed to have taken to watching Sirius. Hermione disliked this intensely and finally spoke up. "Boring a hole into Sirius?" Hermione asked Jennifer. Jennifer jumped at being addressed by Hermione. "Is there a problem with that?" she asked icily.
"Yes, there is, seeing as he's my boyfriend." Hermione replied. The word 'boyfriend' rolled off her tongue naturally.
"Let me know when he gets tired of you," Jennifer snapped.
"Why don't you leave my girlfriend alone?" Sirius told her.
"I am only letting her know how you really feel about her," Jennifer told him sweetly. "How you're only going to dump her when she gets boring."
"I'll have you know," Sirius told her, his eyes turning fierce, "that you don't know how I feel about her. Fact is, Hermione means more to me than anyone else. I won't be letting her go. And I won't have you spewing lies to her. So leave her alone, you hear?" his tone was unmistakably fierce.
To Hermione he said, "Let's go." And he led her out of the Great Hall.
When Hermione and Sirius reached the Entrance Hall, they stood silently, staring at the other. "Did you mean it?" Hermione finally ventured.
"Yes." He looked firm and resolute.
She smiled. "Good. Because I won't be letting you go, either."
My Reviewers: Siriusly Mione I adore your Sirius song! He deserves such worship. About your reviews—good luck! Riffinton You were my 200th reviewer! :) I watch Maury sometimes, but it's always the same–paternity tests. Boring. Though it was funny when some woman tested about 18 guys and none was the father. Rane2920072 I am sorry! I guess I've been spoiling you guys, giving you chapter after chapter so fast. I'll be going back to weekly from now on. Moony's Angel He is truly in a better place. At least his pain is gone, right? I hope I made you feel a teeny bit better. kitty katty My 300th reviewer! I personally love Arwen the most. I don't care much for Eowyn. That beach thing sounds fun. Sounds like an upcoming chapter! CeLeStIaL BeInG I loved your long review! And a cheer just for me, yay! You're too sweet. I always look forward to your reviews. lolitastorm Thank you! I think all writers have a different take on things. I've read some other SB/HG fics and I really liked them. They are all so different. Thank you for adding me to your favs! Raven Potter Weasley *hands you a barf bag* They won't pop up for a long time yet, so I think your stomach's okay. Fallen Angel of Hell Yick. You love school? *checks your sanity* No, it's okay. If you like it, MORE POWER TO YOU. I stare at the wall a lot. And take notes occasionally. Toozet Crankley This chapter is a bit longer than most. But hey, at least I am consistent with updating, right? Melody's Song I got a review AND a Japanese lesson! Thanks! I think, about the Ron situation, she was already able to leave him in her memories. She got closure. But she misses Harry and Ginny just as much. They're so dear to her. Ja Ne, Mata Ne! ;) Irish Elf Happy St. Patty's Day! Would you believe I couldn't find ONE green item in my closet? Sigh. Leila3 I inspired you? Yay! Let me know when you finish so I may review your story. LaunigsiaeThanks!!! Have a great day, won't you? :) yoblossom No more math is a great idea. We don't need it, do we? We've got calculators! Taryn Clare Thank you! At first the idea of Hermione and Sirius seemed far-fetched and also robbing the cradle, till I thought, "Well, maybe she can go back in time!" I am glad this is your fav, I am honored. laurea-vean Hello! Thank you for your review! Hope you liked this chapter, I spent a long time on it. eye-candy 56 Thank you! I didn't want to make the story entirely about their romance, I wanted to put in some realistic touches. I wanted to cover all the bases. Mystery of the Night Don't worry! There's going to be a total of 30-50 chapters, I am guessing. sirius gyal Hi! I am glad you like the story so much that you're impatient. Dark Me Point taken. Won't keep you waiting anymore, k? tickle the dragon Keeping me on my toes, aren't you? Well, what I meant was that for a long time after Hermione was 17. Meaning, she thought about Sirius for a long time after she returned to her own time. meenyrocks love love loved your looooooong reviews! How old are *you* going to be? :) Willow 'Black Rose' Edra Storms are lovely! Remember chapter ? Update already!