Chapter 4: Walking Tours, and Moonlight
It was early when he poured his first cup of coffee and went to sit on the balcony to wait for the sun. He'd been an early riser since his days in Azkaban. Most nights two or three hours' sleep was all he needed. He sat drinking his coffee and admiring the view while thinking about the day before. Could he really have a relationship with Hermione? She was so young.
Hermione woke to extreme quiet it was almost too quiet. She looked at her clock, 5:20am. Why had she woken up? Then it hit her, she smelled coffee, and that could only mean Sirius was up. She looked at the ceiling and wondered why he was up and had coffee made this early. Sliding out of bed, she headed for the living area—not stopping to grab her robe. She saw him sitting on the balcony, dressed in only his pajama bottoms. She watched him for a few minutes, then poured herself a cup of java and headed out to see why he was sitting out there.
Walking through the open door, she was next to him before he even realized she was there. "What are you doing up so early?" He asked.
Sitting on the edge of his chair, she smiled taking a sip of the steamy liquid. "I could ask you the same thing." She shivered a little and it didn't go unnoticed. "I'm not sure what woke me, but the smell of this coffee drew me out of bed." She shivered again; she had come out in just her thin short nightgown.
"I never sleep much, it comes from my days in Azkaban, where if you slept to much you'd be visited by the dementors or rats." She saw him get this far away look like he was remembering something he'd rather not. She lightly touched his arm. "Besides early morning is the most peaceful time of day. I sit and watch the sun come up lots of mornings." He saw her shiver and wondered to himself why she hadn't put on her robe. He himself wasn't cold, but then he wasn't as small as she was. Standing he went into the living room, returning with the throw off the chair. He wrapped it around her shoulders then positioned her between his legs so she could watch the sun coming up with him. Neither touching the other except when she leaned back into him, to keep from spilling as she sipped her coffee. Not a word was spoken for the next hour as they viewed the ever-changing display of colors. It was Hermione who finally broke the silence. "That was beautiful."
"It was one of the best sunrises I've ever seen." Sirius said shifting a little. He looked at his watch. "What time are we suppose to meet the others this morning?"
Hermione turned just a little so she could see his face. "7:45 wasn't it?"
"Well, that's just a little over an hour, do you think we should get off this chair and get ready?" Sirius asked stretching the muscles that hadn't moved in an hour.
Hermione stood, gave him her hand to help pull him up and they walked together into the living area. Sirius poured them both another cup of coffee and sat on the sofa. Hermione chuckled, "I thought you were going to go take a shower?"
"I am." He said not looking up at her, but shuffling through some papers he'd placed on the table. "I was just wondering what you wanted to do today. Is there anything you want to see?"
She sat next to him and looked at the pages, "Why don't you pick what we do? I chose yesterday."
He got a mischievous grin on his face. Standing he headed for his room, "Dress comfortable. We are going to see a lot today." Forty-five minutes later both were standing in the living area ready to go. Today they were meeting everyone in the hotel restaurant.
Sirius and Hermione walked into the café to find Harry and Ginny already there. Remus and Alexia came a few minutes later. "Are Ron and Justine joining us?" Hermione asked.
"They said they would. We told them we tried to find them last night to hang out in your room, but they went to some nightclub." Ron and Justine walked in just as Ginny finished her sentence.
As breakfast was served and people began to eat, Ginny looked over at Hermione, who, was sitting between Remus and Sirius and asked. "What are you and Sirius doing today? Anything the rest of us might like to do?"
"I have no idea. You'll have to talk to Mr. Black. He's the one in charge of today's plan." Hermione said turning to the man sitting next to her, who, was talking to his godson. She lightly touched his arm to get his attention. "Hey, excuse me, but Ginny wants to know if your plans for the day are anything the others might like to do as well?"
"I think they'd like it." He looked up at the rest of the group, to see that they were all watching him. "It's a walking tour of several places. Some religious, and some commerce, it will take at least three and a half hours, probably longer. There are lots of shops." They all talked about it and decided it would be a great day for the entire group to hang out together. They sat at their table drinking coffee for another hour. Finally Sirius looked over at Ron. "Weasley, you and Justine had better go put on some trainers. I'm not sure sandals are appropriate." The pair did as he suggested, returning a few minutes later.
"Is everyone ready?" Sirius asked, standing and holding the chair for Hermione. The first stop for the group was the Piazza del Quirinale. As they approached Sirius began to play tour guide. "This is where Augustus's Temple of the Sun once stood and part of the fountains were built from the great Baths of Constantine, which used to stand near here. The palace is home of the president of Italy. If we were here on Sunday we could visit, but it's only open to the public on Sunday mornings."
They admired the view that overlooked Rome from the piazza's terrace, then walked along the lifeless streets that surround it before they headed west along Via della Dataria and then north along Via San Vincenzo to one of the most famous waterworks of the world.
Arriving at Trevi Fountain the group listened as Sirius again explained things. "The fountain's water is supplied by water from the Acqua Vergine aqueduct. It was based on a design by Nicolo Salvi and completed in 1762." Sirius pointed to the southwest and continued, "Over in that corner is the somber church Chiesa SS Vincenzo e Anastasio. It has a strange claim to fame. In it are the hearts and intestines of several centuries' worth of popes. This was the parish church of the popes when they resided at the Quirinal Palace on the hill, and for many years the pontiffs would will those body parts to the church. According to legends, the church was built on the site of a spring that burst from the earth after the beheading of St. Paul at one of the sites where his head is said to have bounced off the ground."
They group walked around the fountains a few more minutes, throwing a coin or two into them, which legend says ensures your return to Rome, then headed to their next destination.
The next stop for the group was Piazza della Trinita dei Monti. It's positioned at the top of the Spanish Steps. They saw the soaring Egyptian obelisk and the lavish baroque symmetry, being known as one of the most theatrical piazzas in Italy.
They then descended the most famous staircase in the world: The Spanish Steps, where this azalea flanked triumph of landscape design takes it's name from the Spanish Embassy, which was in a nearby palace in during the 19th century. The Spanish had nothing to do with the steps; they were designed by Italian architect Francesco de Sanctis between 1723 and 1725.
After the Spanish Steps, the group visited the Keats-Shelley House. Hermione was in heaven as they explored. This was the place where Keats died on February 23, 1821 at the age of 25. The mementos inside the house range from the kitschy to the immortal and are almost relentlessly laden with literary nostalgia. It took the friends almost 30 minutes to get Hermione way from this site.
Alexia looked at the group and asked, "Is anyone else ready for a break, maybe a snack?"
Ron said he was and everyone laughed as Justine commented, "Ron, love, you're always hungry."
"I could go for something at least to drink." Remus said. Hermione agreed.
Sirius didn't say anything but walked with Remus to the Pizza di Spangna. At first they were going to go to Babington's Tea Room, but then Ron spoke up, "Look at that!" he said excitedly as he pointed in the opposite direction. "I've never seen one lavish. How about we go there?"
He heard the moans of the girls as Justine said, "Ron no one wants to come all the way to Italy to eat at a Mc Donald's."
"Why doesn't everyone just go where they want? We can meet back here in an hour." Sirius said softly. Everyone turned to look at him. It was the first time he'd said anything that wasn't a description of what they were seeing.
Everyone decided to go to the tea Room, except Ron and Justine. The ladies ordered scones and tea for everyone. Remus, Harry and Sirius sat at one end of the table talking while the ladies sat at the other.
As they ate, Ginny noticed Hermione scrutinizing Sirius. She watched him as well for a few minutes then asked. "Anyone know why Sirius is so quiet today?"
Hermione looked from the man in question to her best friend. "I hadn't noticed him being exceptionally quiet."
Ginny looked at Alexia for help. The older woman smiled, "Well other than giving his tour guide impression, you have to admit he hasn't said five words to anyone, not even Remus or Harry." She looked at Hermione, "Did something happen this morning? He was fine last night." Hermione shook her head, but before she could answer, Remus spoke up.
"Ladies, take your time, but we are going to head outside. There is a shop across the street Harry wants to go into." Everyone decided they were finished. As he stood he caught Hermione looking at him. He smiled a shy smile, and then went to pay the check for the entire group.
Outside they waited as Harry came out of the sports shop. Again Alexia and Ginny watched Sirius and Hermione. Wondering why though they had agreed to see where a relationship might take them, both seemed to be avoiding each other. Sirius was sticking close to Remus, and Hermione spent all her time with Ginny. Every once in a while one or the other would stare at the other, then blush and turn away when they got caught.
Remus and Harry walked away from the rest of the group so they could have a private talk. "Remus, what are they doing?" nodding to where Sirius stood by himself and Hermione sat with the other girls. "Why don't they just admit they are falling for each other and go for it? Yesterday they admitted they had feeling for one another and since breakfast they won't even look at each other." Harry commented.
Remus chuckled. "Don't let them fool you, Harry. They've been eyeing each other all day and as far as admitting what they feel, we can't make them. Yes, yesterday they did say they have feelings, but they may never fully act on them. I know Sirius; he's had so much bad happen in his life. Everyone, he's ever cared about, except you and me has either died or left him. No matter how much he cares about Hermione, he may never completely listen to his heart, he seems to let his head rule him now days. So for now we just have to hope he comes to his senses."
"I know you're right, but it's not just Sirius, Hermione has to do her part." Harry said.
Remus smiled at his young friend. "Harry, I think the best thing we can do is stay out of it. Leave them alone and let them handle it. I think they'll work it out. It may take time but they'll do it." He looked at the group and saw Hermione talking to Alexia, and Ginny. Sirius was still standing against the wall looking very uncomfortable, lost in thought. Ron and Justine were still nowhere in sight.
Harry and Remus walked over to where Sirius stood. "Where to next boss?" Remus teased as Ron and Justine made their way back to the group.
Justine flipped her long brown hair and asked, "Is there some place to shop on this tour?"
Everyone looked towards Sirius again. "Yes, the Via Conditti is next. It's lined with windows displaying he latest offerings from Italian designers. It's the most upscale of shopping areas. There are several streets in the area with shops." They walked as he talked.
True to his word their next stop was streets lined with all types of stores. The ladies went wild. Ron and Harry followed their girlfriends in and out of various places. Sirius and Remus strolled, looking in a couple stores talking quietly. Something in the window of a small dress shop caught both men's eyes. Stepping inside, Sirius found a beautiful Italian leather tote. "Remus, do you think Hermione would like this?" He held the briefcase up. "I thought she could use it for work."
Remus smiled to himself, "I think she'll love it. She was saying a couple weeks ago she needed to get a new briefcase." He held up a silk scarf, "Think Alexia will like this?"
Sirius laughed. "Remus, you could get Alexia anything and she would love it, because it came from you." He then became quiet again.
Remus seemed to notice, "What's wrong Padfoot? You've not been yourself all day. You seemed fine at breakfast, but since you've been quiet and detached."
"Nothing's wrong, just tired I guess." Sirius lied. Luckily Remus dropped the subject.
Across the street, Harry and Ron were looking at boots. "Harry, what the bloody hell is going on with Sirius?" Ron asked.
Looking up still holding a black pair of leather biker style boots, Harry said, "What do you mean?"
"Well, I caught him looking at Hermione weird this morning. I told him he better stop, or people would think he had a thing for her." Ron said still moving from rack to rack.
Harry knew right then that Ron had said something else and that's what was making his godfather and best friend act so different today. "Did Hermione hear you say that?"
"Yeah, I think so, she just smiled." The red haired man said.
Harry groaned, "What did Sirius say and what did you say back?"
Ron looked up at his friend confused. "Why, what difference does it make?"
"Just tell me, Ron." Harry demanded.
"Okay, Sirius made some backhanded comment like 'what if I do?' I told him he was an old man and that it would be gross for someone his age to have a thing for someone her age." Ron said.
"Hermione heard you say that too?" Ron nodded and again Harry groaned, this time much louder; he growled, "Ron, you bloody idiot. You've ruined everything."
The youngest Weasley male watched as Harry paced the aisle of the shoe store talking to himself. "What do you mean I ruined everything?"
Harry didn't answer just exited the store, looking around for Remus. He spotted him coming out of the accessories shop with Sirius. "Remus," Harry shouted and ran to where the werewolf stood, taking him by the arm and moving him around the corner where Sirius couldn't hear. "I know why Sirius and Hermione are acting this way." Remus raised an eyebrow questioning without saying a word. Harry went on, "Ron made the comment this morning when he caught Sirius looking at Hermione, that it would be grotesque and disgusting for him to have a thing for her because of the age difference."
Ron had now approached, "Harry, what are you on about, what did I ruin?"
Harry Potter turned to his best friend and glared. "We've worked for two days to get Hermione and Sirius to admit they like each other. We finally got them to admit that they would like to see if they could have a relationship and you ruined it with one comment."
Ron started laughing, "Sirius and Hermione? No way, the aren't even close to the same age?"
"Ron," Remus started, "it doesn't matter! When two people care about each other age is all a state of mind anyway. Besides, Hermione really likes him and he likes her." Remus looked over to where Sirius stood pretending to be listening as the girls talked. He noticed how sad his old friend looked, especially when he looked at the auburn-haired witch. "So that's what the problems been all day, why they won't talk or stand next to each other. So how do we fix this?" He asked more to himself than the others.
Harry looked at Ron, "You blew it; you fix it."
"Now, now Harry. They'll work it out. We'll help them, move them in the right direction…again" Remus looked at Ron, "Somehow, Mr. Weasley, you are going to find a way to let them know that a relationship between them would be okay. Got it?" He saw Ron nod still a little confused. The trio walked back to the rest of their group to continue their walking tour.
The next stop was the Augustus Mausoleum. As Sirius began to tell a little about the place, Hermione looked over at Ron and saw him mouth the words 'I'm sorry'. She wasn't sure what that was about, and she really didn't care. He'd already planted a seed of doubt in Sirius' mind. She moved over to stand by her handsome roommate. The walked around the tomb as it is no longer permissible to enter. "Once covered with marble and cypress trees, the tomb housed the ashes of a large number of 1st century emperors. Hadrian was the last to have his ashes here. The remains of the imperials stayed intact inside the building until the 5th century, when barbarians invaded, smashed the bronze gates, and took nine of the golden urns. Mussolini restored the tomb."
After the tomb, Harry and Ginny decided they wanted to go to a show they had heard about, so they said their goodbyes and grabbed a taxi. The rest of the group visited the Ara Pacis (Altar of Peace), Palazzo Borghese (Borghese Palace), Via del Corso, Palazzo Ruspoli, and a couple other places, before ending at Chiesa SS. Apostoli.
When their walking tour ended, and they were back at the hotel, Ron asked Hermione if he could talk to Sirius and herself. She showed him to the living room and went to get Sirius, who, had gone to take a shower.
Knocking on his door, she heard, "It's open." She found him sitting on the edge of his bed taking off his shoes. "Sirius, Ron would like to talk to us, would you come out here for a few minutes?" Without saying anything, he stood, made his way to the next room and sat on the sofa, across from the chair the young Weasley was in. Hermione took a seat next to Sirius. "Okay, we're both here."
"I owe you both an apology. I said a couple things this morning I shouldn't have said. I'm sorry." He looked at Sirius who was looking at his hands. "If you two want to see if your friendship can lead to more, then who am I to deny you that happiness. If you can find in each other, what Harry has with Ginny, What Remus has with Alexia, and what I have with Justine, then you should try." He stood and headed for the door, with his hand on the knob he turned around again. "I'm sorry."
"Ron, wait." Hermione said. She walked over and kissed him on the cheek. "Thank you." She then hugged him and whispered into his ear. "Don't worry about it, we'll see what happens." They smiled at each other, and Ron waved at Sirius who nodded in return and he left the pair alone.
Hermione watched as Sirius stood and went back into his room. She decided she would give him some space and let him think things over as she went into her own room to get ready for dinner.
An hour and a half later she exited her room to find the suite empty. She looked around and found a note on the bar. Opening the envelope she read:
Hermione,
I went to the bar for a drink and to wait on the others. Join me if you like.
Sirius
Grabbing her bag off the table, she headed down stairs. Entering the bar, she spotted him instantly. He was sitting at the far end sipping a butterbeer. As she slowly made her way around the room to meet him, a very pretty blonde with legs a mile long walked over and sat down. Hermione stopped. The blonde didn't stay long, leaving with a slight frown. She noticed Hermione looking at Sirius and approached her. "Don't bother, honey. He said he was waiting for someone. Lucky girl."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you!" The leggy blonde watched in shock as Hermione made her way to where Sirius sat, laying her hand on his shoulder and sitting next to him as he held the stool. She then turned and waved to the other lady who stood in the same spot. Hermione then turned back to Sirius and asked. "Are you all right?"
"Fine," he said taking another drink of his beer.
She took the drink out of his hand and made him look at her. "I know otherwise. Since Ron's comments this morning, you've been moody, and quiet; and, I want the man from yesterday back."
He looked up at the young woman by his side with sad eyes. "Maybe Ron's right, the age difference is so large most people will think it's disgusting."
Hermione was getting mad. She was mad at Ron for planting the idea in Sirius' head; and, she was mad at him for letting it bother him. With fire in her eyes, she began to speak, "Sirius Black, you promised me yesterday we would be okay, that we would see what happened, and I am holding you to it. You will not let the mental ramblings of Ron Weasley keep you from following what you feel. Do you hear me?"
Sirius looked up at the bartender, who, had heard the entire lecture and shrugged. Then turning his attention back to the witch by his side he smiled. "Yes, Granger, I hear just fine." He took her hand and began to rub his thumb along the back of it. "I know Ron speaks before he thinks sometimes. We'll just see what happens okay?" She nodded and he continued. "I'm sorry I was so distant today, but I have to work things out for myself. It's how I am, so if you're going to hang out with me you're going to have to get used to it."
"I can get use to anything and I can handle anything, but you have to talk to me. Okay?" She said laying her other hand over his.
"Okay, I'll try and remember that." Sirius said spotting Remus in the doorway. "Remus and Alexia are here." They stood and met their friends.
After dinner, Alexia stated she was tired, so she and Remus went back to the hotel. Sirius and Hermione walked a little admiring the beauty of Rome at night, talking about what they would like to do their last day, before heading to Pisa. Once again the pair walked to the Trevi Fountain. As they strolled around the fountain admiring the teal waters that flowed, Hermione reached out and took Sirius' hand. He stopped and leaned against the side of a wall, pulling her to stand in front of him, her back to his chest. They stood this way for a while watching the water and people. Finally, Sirius stood and they headed back to the hotel walking leisurely through the moonlight back streets.
Sometime later Sirius came out of his room after putting on his pajamas. He went to the bar, poured some juice and headed to the balcony. He knew it was late, but he couldn't sleep. Taking a swig of the orange liquid, he heard Hermione's door open. He smiled to himself as she approached the door. "Hey," she said as she stepped across the threshold.
"Hey, yourself." Sirius answered, holding out a hand for her to take. She took it and stepped in front of him. He laughed out loud as she gave a huge yawn. "Okay, love, you're tired; I'm tired and we have one more day here that I know you want to fill with as much as you can."
He turned her around and together they headed toward her room. At the door, he stopped. Hermione turned around to face the tall wizard looking down at her. He was watching her lips, as she looked up at him. Leaning in he kissed her on the cheek and said good night. He headed for his room and she entered hers. Closing the door, she leaned against it. Touching the spot where his lips had met her skin, she smiled and said to herself, "It won't be long, Mr. Black."