A/N: Again thanks to all who reviewed. It really makes a difference in how a writer writes. Moony's Angel, You rock. Thanks.
Chapter 3: The Vatican, Feelings and Friends.
Hermione woke to the sun shining in her window and the sounds of soft music playing from the living area. She smiled to herself, saw the clock read 7:00 AM and rolled out of bed. Grabbing her robe, she padded out to see if Sirius was up. She found him sitting in a chair at the table, showered, dressed, reading the paper and drinking a cup of coffee. Pouring herself some of the brown steaming liquid, she sat on the chair opposite him. "You're up early," she said with a yawn.
"I don't require much sleep now days. I guess it comes with getting old," he laughed as he lowered the paper. "Did you sleep well?"
"You are not old and yes, I slept wonderfully. That bed is so comfortable." Sitting her cup on the edge of the table she looked at the paper he was reading a little closer. "I didn't know you spoke Italian."
He chuckled again. "Who said I spoke Italian?"
"If you don't then why are you looking at the Rome news paper?" she asked him with a smirk.
"I'm just teasing, I learned Italian as a child and try to use it when ever I can." Sirius said, folding the paper he was reading and placing it on the table beside his coffee cup.
Hermione raised an eyebrow and asked. "Are the other languages you speak that I don't know about? Anything else I might need to know that you would like to tell me?"
Sirius stood, refilled his cup and sat back down. "I also speak French and a little Greek. As far as what else you might need to know, I don't know what it would be, but you can learn it as we go along. Now you better go get ready for breakfast if you're meeting the others."
She looked at the clock on the mantel. "You're right. I'll shower and be back in a few minutes." She headed for her room, but stopped and turned around at the door. "Sirius, do you know what the weather is suppose to be today?"
He looked up at her, "Hot, around 31 I think the radio said."
"Thanks!" she said and closed the door behind her.
Several minutes later, she reemerged from her room ready for the day to find the rest of the gang waiting on her. She noticed that she'd unconsciously put on clothes that matched Sirius'. Both were dressed in jean shorts and trainers. He wore a red polo shirt. Hermione chose a lighter red top with spaghetti straps and rested just above her navel.
She smiled as Remus gave a look and said. "Did you two plan the wardrobes?"
"No." Sirius commented a little sharper than necessary.
Hermione heard this and turned red. "I'm sorry I'll go change."
Before she could make it to her room, Sirius caught her by the arm. He whispered so only she could hear him. "I'm sorry, that didn't come out the way I meant for it too. Please don't change. It doesn't bother me that we are dressed somewhat alike. It will make it easier to keep track of each other today." He saw her smile and they again joined the rest of the group.
Breakfast was a bustle of activity. Everyone talking about what they'd done since arriving yesterday and what their plans were for the day. Remus and Alexia were visiting friends of hers. Harry, and Ginny were going to visit some museums, while Ron and Justine had decided to just see where the day led them as long as they got some alone time. Hermione told the group she and Sirius were going to the Vatican, and anyone could come along if they liked. After breakfast everyone said their good-byes and agreed to meet up later or at least for breakfast again tomorrow.
Hermione and Sirius apparated to Vatican City. She looked around at the sights in front of her. She wondered to herself how they were suppose to get in, she didn't see an entrance, but figured Sirius would know. "Okay, Sirius, were do we begin?"
"We begin at the beginning," he said and took her hand. "There is only one entrance for visitors. It's through Piazza San Pietro, St. Peter's Square." As they entered, the sights took her breath away. Sirius heard this and smiled. "Bloody brilliant isn't it?"
"Amazing." Hermione said as he began to point things out.
In the Piazza, they saw the Doric-pillared colonnade. On top of it stands, a gesticulating crowd of 140 saints. Straight ahead they saw the façade of St. Peter's Basilica. Statues represent Saints Peter and Paul in front with Peter carrying the keys to the kingdom. To the right of the colonnade are the brown buildings that are the papal apartments and the Vatican Museums. Walking to the center of the square, they came upon the Egyptian Obelisk that ad been brought from the ancient city of Heliopolis on the Nile delta. Flanking it are two fountains.
As they walked around, Sirius saw an older wizard he remembered from childhood. He excused himself for a minute while Hermione studied one of the fountains. When he started back, he saw three men who seemed to be giving her a rough time. Approaching them, he asked. "Love, are these gentlemen bothering you?"
One of them wrapped his arm around her and said, "What business is it of yours?"
Sirius saw the pleading in Hermione's eyes. He nodded at her and put his hand in his pocket reaching for his wand. "It's my business because you see, mate, the lady's with me."
"Leave her alone, Dink." One of the other men said. "We don't need to get into anymore rows". The three looked at Sirius and then back at Hermione. The one who had his arm around her dropped it to his side and walked away.
Sirius was immediately at her side wrapping his own arm around her. "Are you all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine. They didn't hurt me," she said. "Let's not let some berks ruin our day, okay? Where to next?"
"Let's go to the Vatican grottoes, then to Necropolis Vaticana, and we can visit the Vatican Gardens. After that we can go check out a couple museums, and then go over to the Sistine Chapel." Sirius said taking her hand, making sure to keep her close.
As they walked through the grottoes and looked at the tombs of the popes, and the tomb behind the glass wall believed to be that of St. Peter himself, Hermione stopped. "Wait a minute. How can we go to the Necropolis Vaticana or the Vatican Gardens? Don't you have to have reservations for both of those?"
"Not to worry, love. I have my contacts. We do have reservations." Sirius said still looking at the tombs. He turned and smiled at her, "You don't really think I'd let you come to Rome and not see everything, do you?"
She smiled up at him, put her arm through his. "Sirius, you amaze me sometimes. Thank you for making this a wonderful trip so far, but the Vatican Gardens only have one tour a day, and it was at 10AM."
"Like I said, I have my contacts. We are going to see the gardens."
After going further down to the Necropolis Vaticana were you could get in the area of St. Peter's tomb, the pair walked through the courtyards, bought tickets and climbed the steps to the Michelangelo's dome, some 375 feet high. They decided instead of taking the elevator part of the way they would make the hike up the 491 steps, where they saw the magnificent view of rooftops of Rome and the Vatican Gardens. Hermione asked a man who stood near if he would take a picture of Sirius and herself with the view behind them.
An Italian woman named Elena met them at the gates to the garden. She gave Sirius a traditional kiss on each cheek and then introduced herself as Sirius' third cousin. She gave them a private tour of the garden of the Vatican. The gardens separated the Vatican from the secular world on the north and west with 58 acres of lush gardens filled with winding paths, vividly colored flowers, groves of massive oaks, and ancient fountains and pools. There stand a small summerhouse in the midst of this pastoral setting. It's named Villa Pia, built for Pope Pius IV in 1560 by Pirro Ligorio. The Vatican Gardens contain medieval fortifications from the 9th century to the present. There were also a variety of fountains spouting water.
Sirius and Hermione thanked Elena for the personal tour, and then headed to the Historical Museum. This museum tells the history of the Vatican. It also exhibits arms, uniforms, and armor, some dating as far back as the early Renaissance. The carriages displayed are still used by the popes and cardinals in religious processions.
They went to several museums and there were more Hermione wanted to visit, but it was getting late. She knew they would be closing the Vatican to the public soon. "Do we have time to visit the Sistine Chapel?"
"Yes, we have time. Is that where you want to go now?" Sirius asked. When he saw her nod, he again took her hand, and they headed toward the chapel.
Upon entering the Sistine Chapel, Hermione was mesmerized. After looking around, she looked up and was amazed. She saw the masterpiece of the great Michelangelo. The artist glorified the human body as only a sculptor could. Michelangelo painted 9 panels, which were taken from the pages of Genesis and surrounded them with prophets and sibyls. The most notable panels detail the expulsion of Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden and the creation of man. They could also recognize the image of God's outstretched hand as it imbues Adam with spirit. On the walls, were frescoes by other Renaissance masters.
They pair stood outside the chapel, talking about their day and what they wanted to do that night. Hermione looked up at Sirius. "I don't know about you but I've had a full day. Why don't we head back to the hotel, get comfortable, take a swim, have a drink, and order room service. Maybe we can watch another movie."
"That sounds like a plan to me." Sirius moved them to where they could apparate without being seen. When her vision cleared, Hermione found herself standing next to him in the middle of their suite.
Sirius flopped down on the couch, while Hermione went behind the bar. "I think I need a drink, what would you like?" She asked him.
"Whatever you're having will be fine," he said, not looking up. He lay there with his eyes closed and his arm covering his face. It had been a long day and they had seen many things.
Hermione walked over and tapped him on the arm with the bottle of butterbeer. "Come on, lazy, sit up." He did and she sat down next to him. "Thank you for a wonderful day. I can't believe how beautiful everything we've seen so far has been, and to think I wasn't going to come."
Sirius smiled and took her hand in his. He kissed the back of her hand gently. "Well I'm glad you came. It's been fun sightseeing with you." He dropped her hand and looked away. What was he doing? This was Harry's best friend. He shouldn't have the thoughts he was having.
"Well I'm going to go get into some comfortable clothes. I think I'm in for the night, what about you?" She said, standing and heading for her room.
Sirius stood as well, "I think I might go swim some laps before dinner." He went into his room and put on his swim trunks. Coming out he yelled, "I'll be back in a while." He heard her say something, but didn't make out what she'd said.
Sirius was swimming laps, when he felt someone watching him. Stopping in mid stroke, he saw Hermione standing at the edge of the pool in a very skimpy pink crocheted bikini. He couldn't take his eyes off the exceptional specimen standing before him. When had she become so beautiful and where had all the curves come from. She raised an eyebrow at him. He smiled and shrugged. "I thought you were going to get comfortable and stay in the room." He said.
"I thought about it and decided to swim with you, but you didn't wait," she commented with a pout as she sat on the edge of the pool.
"I'm sorry, I didn't hear you. Forgive me?" He said giving her his hand as if wanting to shake hands. When she took it, he pulled her into the pool with him laughing his bark like laugh. After regaining her balance and spiting out the water, she glared at him, but couldn't keep a straight face. Several people sitting around and in the pool stopped and watched as the pair played in the water, dunking each other and racing.
They continued to tease and play for an hour. Both were underwater, they came up for air, mere inches apart. Staring into each other's eyes, Sirius' hand accidentally brushed the side of Hermione's breast. He quickly backed away. "I'm sorry." Before she could say anything or stop him, he was out of the pool and gone. She stood there trying to figure what she'd done wrong and why she was feeling the way she felt. This was Sirius, Harry's godfather. Shaking her head she got out of the pool, grabbed a towel and headed upstairs.
Hermione let herself into their suite and found him sitting on the couch dressed in lounge pants and a t-shirt. He didn't look up, but she knew he heard her come in. He was reading and drinking another butterbeer. She decided to go change before she talked to him. When she came out of her room, dressed in her own lounge pants and a tank top, he was gone. She looked in his room, but he wasn't there either. As she came out of his room, she saw him. He was standing on the balcony staring out at the city. She watched for a few minutes trying to decide if she wanted to disturb him or if she should just leave him alone.
Opening the French doors, she walked up beside him and stood there looking at the stunning view. She looked up at him and saw confusion and remorse in his eyes. Softly laying her hand on his arm, Hermione felt him tense. "Sirius, what's wrong? What happened? We were having such a good day."
He glanced down at her hoping she wouldn't see in his eyes what he felt. He was hoping hi had his expressionless mask in place. "Nothing's wrong and it was a wonderful day. I'm just tired." The conversation would have gone further, but they were interrupted by a knock on their door.
Hermione went to open it. Remus and Alexia entered immediately feeling the tension and sensing something was going on. Remus went to the balcony, closing the door behind him to talk to his friend, while Alexia took Hermione's arm and lead her to the couch.
"Okay, what's going on?" Alexia asked.
Hermione would rather be having this conversation with Ginny, but Ginny was busy with Harry, Ron, and Justine. Alexia was at least trying to be her friend and she had to be honest she did like the older lady. She had done wonders for Remus. "I'm not sure what happened. We had a wonderful day. We went to Vatican City; we saw so many things, and Sirius arranged for us to see things that you usually have to have reservations weeks in advance for. It was perfect. Then we came back here and went for a swim. We were having fun in the pool teasing and dunking each other. Then all of a sudden he got quiet, and ran off."
"Is that all that happened?" Alexia questioned, feeling there was more or something Hermione wasn't telling.
The young witch looked at her hands and wondered if she should tell her about the longing look and the brush of his hand. "No something else happened." Hermione began and saw the older witch raise an eyebrow. "It's not what you think. We were goofing off in the pool and when we come up for air, we were close, very close. When he went to move back his hand touched the side of my breast. He apologized and fled. He has hardly looked at me or talked to me since. I tried asking him what was wrong and all he'll say is that he's tired. How do I make him realize he didn't do anything wrong? It was an accident."
"Hermione, how did it make you feel when he touched you and was so close? Did you feel uncomfortable?" Alexia asked, trying to get all aspects of the situation.
Smiling, Hermione answered. "No I wasn't uncomfortable at all. Actually, I felt alive. I felt like a woman again. I know he won't ever have feelings for me, but it was nice for a moment."
"Maybe that's the problem. Maybe he is beginning to feel something for you, and he doesn't know how to handle it. He's old enough to be your father, and that will bother most men, but if you both care about each other and want to try a relationship there isn't anything wrong with it. Age is a state of mind."
"I know that, but how do I know if the feeling is real or a crush. Is it real or a one-time thing because I want a relationship so badly, I'm tired of being alone. I don't want to hurt anyone or get hurt." Hermione said.
"Part of loving someone is taking the risk of getting hurt. I don't think Sirius would ever do anything to hurt you. I don't think he would even start anything if there were the slightest chance of causing you pain. That's just the way he is." Alexia said, rubbing Hermione's back. The two ladies talked until the guys came in an hour later.
Out on the balcony, Remus and Sirius were having a similar conversation. "What am I suppose to do, Remus? I'm too old to be having these feelings for a twenty-three year old girl, not to mention she's Harry's best friend."
"Sirius, listen to me. Hermione is very mature for her age, and we both know, Padfoot, that sometime you can be immature. Not that it's your fault." Remus sat in a chair and continued. "You've been through so much in your life and missed all the things most to do in our twenties and thirties. So it's natural you want to do some of it now and doing them with someone you care about and trust is also natural. So relax and enjoy life. If something develops between the two of you, let it. You of all people deserve to be happy."
Sirius studied his friend for a few minutes. "You don't think it's a little sick? What will Harry think?"
"No I don't think it is sick. Age is a state of mind and if neither of you have a problem with it then no one else should either. As far as Harry, he may not like it at first, but he's happy with Ginny, so just remind him love doesn't know age." The werewolf said sternly.
"Who said anything about being in love, I'm not in love." Sirius protested.
Remus laughed, "Maybe not now, but we'll see." He stood and led his friend into the suite. He smiled at Alexia and Hermione as Alexia nodded. "So what did you two have planned for this evening?"
Sirius looked up at Hermione. "We'll we had talked about ordering room service and watching a movie, but maybe we could b persuaded to go out."
"Room service and a movie sounds like a plan." Alexia said. "Would you mind if we joined you?"
It was Hermione's turn to look at Sirius with questioning eyes. When he smiled at her, she answered her friends. "We would love to have company, but you have to dress for the occasion." Everyone laughed. "Why don't we order now, then by the time you two get back, the food should be here." They ordered and Alexia and Remus left saying they would be back in about 20 minutes.
As soon as their friends had left, Sirius approached were Hermione sat. Sitting next to her he turned slightly to face her. "Hermione, I'm sorry for the way I acted at the pool. It wasn't very adult of me. It won't happen again."
"I don't understand," she commented looking at him confused. "You didn't do anything wrong. I thought we were having fun, or at least I was."
"We were having fun, but when I accidentally touched you, it stirred feelings. Feelings an old man shouldn't be having." Sirius stood and began to pace. "I can't have those feelings for someone so young, and my godson's best friend at that."
He didn't realize he'd said it out loud until he heard Hermione, "Why can't you? You're human. You're a man, and you are entitled to feel whatever you like."
He spun around and looked at her, anger clear in his features and in his voice. "Can you sit there and tell me you want an old man lusting after you?" When she didn't answer him, he continued. "It's not right, it's not proper, and it's sick. Beside Harry would be appalled, his godfather drooling after his best friend? I can't lose Harry and I won't just to satisfy my male urges."
"What if what you're feeling turns out to be more than lust? Are you going to deny yourself a chance at happiness?" Both Hermione and Sirius turned to see Harry standing in the door with Ginny. He approached his godfather. "I know you love me and wouldn't do anything to hurt me. I love you as well and I want you to be happy. I don't know what's happened between the two of you the last few days, but if it's right and it can lead to happiness for both, don't you owe it to yourselves to explore the possibilities?" He looked from his friend to his godfather.
"You don't understand." Sirius said sitting heavy in the chair putting his head in his hands. Remus and Alexia were back and wondering what was going on.
Ginny filled them in as Hermione went over to sit on the table in front of him. "Sirius, look at me." He didn't move so she took a hold of his hands in hers and made him look at her. "Do I not have any say in this? Don't you even care what I think or feel?" He started to say something, but she placed a finger against his lips to keep him quiet. She didn't want to hear the old man argument. "So for the record, in front of Harry and all our friends," She waved her hand gesturing to those around the room, "I don't want to hear you say you're an old man again. You are not old; you have the youngest heart and spirit of any one I know. I have feelings for you. I'm not sure what they are, but I know over the last few days of spending almost every waking moment with you that I feel something. I've never felt so alive and full of courage. You've shown me things, I probably wouldn't have seen. Being with you has made me begin to like myself again. You've shown me it's okay to let loose and have fun, to enjoy life. I don't know what I'm feeling for you, but I'd like to find out."
He couldn't say anything. He just watched her with tears glistening in his eyes. He didn't understand why someone so young and beautiful would want to spend time with him, but if she did maybe he should give it a go. She took his face I her hands, wiped the tear that had escaped with her thumbs. She leaned in to hug him, while whispering in his ear. "Can we continue to spend time together, see the sights, and see where life takes us?"
He whispered back, "Sure, but slowly."
They broke apart, as someone knocked on the door. When Remus opened it there was dinner. "Merlin, look at the amount of food? I didn't think we ordered this much," he said. Then he looked around at Harry and Ginny, who were sitting with Sirius, giving him their support and letting him know it was okay to see where his friendship with Hermione went. "Harry, Ginny, why don't you two run and put on some comfortable relaxing clothes and we'll all polish off this food and watch a movie." They thought it sounded like fun and left to change.
Alexia and Hermione sat all the food on the coffee table, while Sirius and Remus got buttlebeers and wine from the bar. No one really said anything, but Hermione kept an eye on Sirius, who in turn would look her way once in a while. If they caught the other looking they would both smile shy smiles, blush, and look away. Soon Harry and Ginny were back. Everyone found his or her place in a chair or on the couch, as Harry put a DVD in the player. Tonight they were going to watch a comedy. The movie began as everyone filled their plate and settled in to watch.
Remus, Alexia, Harry and Ginny sat on the couch, while Hermione sat in one chair and Sirius sprawled out on the floor in front of her. They laughed continually at "Daddy Daycare" with Harry spitting food across the room a couple times. Sirius was unable to stay lying while laughing so hard, so he set up and leaned back against Hermione's chair. She was sitting Indian style, so her feet weren't in his way. Subconsciously she let her fingers run through his short hair, loving the feel. His hair was so soft, softer than any she'd felt. She wondered what shampoo he used when he let out another hearty laugh.
As the movie ended, all were wiping their eyes. "That was the funniest thing I've ever seen." Sirius said.
Alexia who was still giggling agreed. "I think so too. I've never laughed so hard; I thought I was going to wet my pants. The group talked for a while longer then, decided it was late. Remus Alexia, Harry and Ginny said their goodnights, agreed to meet for breakfast and left Sirius and Hermione's suite.
The pair straightened up some then decided it was time to get some sleep. Hermione was the first to bring the subject back up. "Sirius, are we okay? Are we going to see where all these feelings take us?"
Pulling her into a gentle hug, he kissed the top of her head. "Yeah, we're okay and we'll go slow and see what happens." She smiled into his chest as he kissed the top of her head again. Each said goodnight, and went to their separate rooms to think over the events of the day and future that lies ahead.