The following week passed in more or less the same manner, with Harry and Hermione begininng to study how to become animagi. Surprisingly, it seemed that Sirius did not know of their plans, which was just as well for they had no idea how he would react. Nor did he know of Harry and Hermione's growing relationship. This was also surprising, since it was obvious to at least Hermione just how happy Harry seemed to be lately. Of course, she was also obliviously happy most of the time as well, so that might have been part of it.
It was hard at times to find time to prepare the potion that they would have to take to become animagi, since Sirius most of the time insisted on being around at least Harry, if not both of them. The best time for them to be alone was mostly in the morning, since Sirius often slept appallingly late. This did not bother Harry and Hermione however, since they were content to simply enjoy each other's company. The potion itself was not that difficult to brew, certainly Hermione had made others more difficult. The thing that bugged Hermione was that this all seemed to be going too smoothly. Remus had clearly stated that it had taken the Mauraders a far longer time, and she knew that for all his joking, Sirius was actually quite smart and powerful, not to mention James Potter, who had been Head Boy. It was confusing, and she was sorely tempted to ask Sirius for his opinon. But she didn't, and they continued on with the potion. The whole process was rather time-consuming, since the potion was only the first step. It would allow them to change forms, though what they changed into and how quickly they grasped the skill was entirely dependant on how much power they had, not to mention the sheer will to succeed. Hermione and Harry both knew the danger that they were getting themselves into. Transformations could be very tricky, and if one were to loose their concentration for just a moment, they could end up half-animal for life. Not to mention the other practical aspects of it. You had to learn not only to change your body, but also to incorparate any other personal items you had on you, such as a wand and glasses. This was one part Hermione knew Harry was dreading. If he couldn't get his wand into the transformation, then it would do him no good to be stuck in an attack with no wand. Not that having a wand would make no difference if he had no glasses, since he was very nearly blind without them.
They had decided to brew the potion in Hermione's room, since neither Sirius or her parents ever really went in there. Both Harry and Hermione were more worried about Sirius finding out what they were doing than Hermione's parents. Usually she would have never thought of misleading them, but this was important. Lately it seemed there was very little danger of being discovered though, since Mr. and Mrs. Granger were both very busy with their practice. Hermione was sure that her mother knew more than she let on, having caught the various knowing looks that were directed at her throughout the course of the past few days.
Early the following Tuesday, Harry and Hermione both woke soon after the Grangers left, as they had begun to do habitually since Harry had arrived at the Granger residence. They set to work on the potion after eating the large breakfast Harry had cooked. They were nearly finished with the potion and as a result had some free time to themselves. All that was left was for the potion to stew for the rest of the day. It would be ready tomorrow.
Both Harry and Hermione had just settled down on her bed, she was reading one of her many textbooks, and he was content to browse through his much-worn copy of Quidditch Through the Ages. There came a gentle knocking at the door. Both Harry and Hermione were puzzled, Sirius almost never woke this early. "Come in," Hermione answered. Sirius walked slightly apprehensively into the room.
"Sorry to disturb you two," he said quietly. Hermione instantly knew something was amiss, and she motioned for Sirius to sit in the plush chair in the corner. When he was comfortable, he looked over at Harry and Hermione. "I got a letter this morning from Remus. Apparently there's suspicion that Voldemort knows where you two are...or at least that's what we're told. We have no actual evidence yet, but the threat is serious enough that I need you two to have your things packed and ready to go. If it comes down to it, we'll portkey to a safe location, and Hermione's parents will be taken care of, so there's no need to worry about that."
Hermione's breathing was suddenly very shallow. Death Eaters, here? But this was her home, her muggle home. for years it had been her safe haven, and many a time she had taken comfort in the fact that it was unlikely part of her muggle world would be attacked. Apparently this was not so. "Where would my parents be taken," she inquired softly, "not with us? Why not?"
"I'm not sure where Dumbledore would put your parents," Sirius replied, "but I do know that he has safe houses all over, they would be quite safe there. You know as well as I do why they wouldn't be able to come with us...I know it's hard, but two muggles who are unable to defend themselves would be in far too much danger if they stayed."
Hermione agreed, but it still made her nervous. Her parents were the last true link to her normal life. But really, what was normal? Certainly her definition of normal had changed radically over the past few years.
She and Harry both exchanged a look. He smiled at her comfortingly and told Sirius calmly, "we'll be packed, don't worry about us." Sirius nodded and left the room. "Hey," Harry said from beside her. "You know your parents will be fine. As much as I dislike Dumbledore right now there's no way he'd let something happen to your parents. Okay?"
Hermione was very grateful to Harry at that moment, having a small understanding of just how much Harry truly did dislike Dumbledore and how much it cost him to say those words. "I'm fine," she replied.
"Of course you are, he said, and leaned across the bed. He kissed her softly, smiling. She giggled and kissed him back. In a matter of minutes they were kissing heavily, both leaned back on the bed. Hermione let out another soft giggle just in time for Harry to laugh, his breath tickling her neck, and pull himself off her. "Well, time to pack," he said, and practically skipped out of the room, laughing at Hermione's barely stifled groan of frustration from behind him on the bed.
It wasn't until later in the day that Hermione saw Harry again. Both had decided to take Sirius' advice and had packed their things, and were now ready for a quick getaway, should it become necessary. Hermione had not quite realized just how many books she had until she was actually attempting to pack them into her trunk. It was only when she actually sat down at the table to eat lunch that it occurred to her how hungry she was. It seemed that everyone else at the table had the same idea, and lunch was a quiet affair as a result.
Once they were done eating, Hermione decided to take advantage of the rare good wather and lay out in the sun. So, book in hand, she ventured outside to read up some more on animagus transformations. It was an hour later when a smiling Harry woke her from her nap with a kiss.
"Hey," she said, "you know, it's a good thing you woke me up, I can't believe I actually dozed off, especially when this book is so interesting." Hermione gestured to the large tome in her hand. "Did you know that there are over 50 ways to..." Harry smiled and silenced her with a kiss, which she returned ever bit as passionately as he did.
From behind them there was the sound of someone clearing their throat. It was Sirius.
Okay, thank you guys so much for being so patient with me. I've been so busy. If I weren't on spring break, there never would have been time to do this. I've gotten some comments on the spacing in the story, so I tried something else and I'd really like to know if this is any better. I think it's the same as before and if someone could explain how I were to go about fixing it that would be very helpful. The next chapter is in the works, any reviews would really help boost my morale. Thanks again guys.
