Ch. 8- A Near Kiss Experience

Hermione laughed at a joke that Sirius had told. The others were laughing as well. It was obvious to Hermione that he was the joker of the group, and for good reason. He was extremely funny.

The four boys, Lily, and Hermione were in Hogsmede to get Hermione school robes, dress robes, and school supplies. Hermione hating using the money that Dumbledore lent her but promised herself that she would pay him back when she got back to her time. She was doing her best to know nothing of the town though, as she told Sirius, she knew the town well.

With all her things bought, the group shuffled into the Three Broomsticks, pushed two tables together, and got a round of Butterbeer, everyone putting forward some money. When Hermione tried to pass her share to Lily the girl shook her head.

"No, Hermione," she said. "You're a guest. Your drink is on me. Besides, I know that your luggage and money isn't here yet. I hope it didn't get lost at Customs."

Hermione nodded, taking a sip of her Butterbeer, feeling guilty. She hated lying, especially when Lily and James had been so nice and welcoming to her. When Remus caught her eye, she forced a smile though it was evident he wasn't fooled. She averted her eyes, and looked at Sirius and sighed. He, too, looked at her worriedly.

"It'll be okay, Hermione," he said. Hermione shook her head holding back sudden tears.

"I don't want to leave here having lying to Harry's parents on my conscience."

Her eyes widened as Sirius turned to look at Lily and James, who were talking about some new post owl service.

"I'm really not all that surprised. So, what did you mean earlier when you asked why I left you and Harry?"

Hermione opened her mouth and closed it. Would it really matter if she told Sirius, as long as he didn't act upon it?"

"You died two years ago, Sirius," she said sadly. "That's all I can say. But I can tell you what happened to Lily and James.

"Lily and James were killed by Voldemort when Harry was only a year old. Voldemort tried to kill Harry though the curse just rebounded upon him leaving him as almost nothing, and Harry with nothing but a scar upon his forehead. Voldemort fled and Harry was taken to live with his awful aunt and uncle—Lily's sister and her husband—and their spoiled brat of a son. He lived with them for eleven years before knowing anything of his past. When he came to Hogwarts, he was famous, something he neither asked for, nor wanted. He's been through so much without a loving family, other than the Weasleys, Ron's family. Ron was both Harry's very first friend and mine."

Sirius frowned.

"He's just a friend, Sirius. Both Harry and Ron are like brothers to me."

Sirius blushed and shook his head.

"That's not what I was wondering," he said, though he had been wondering just that.

"Then what were you wondering," she asked smiling.

Oh, Merlin, she thought. I'm flirting with him.

Sirius grinned back. "I was wondering, where was I? Why didn't I take Harry and bring him up as a son?"

Hermione stole a fleeting glance at Remus. Somehow, she knew he knew everything. He shrugged.

"Sirius, you were taken to Azkaban that night because you cornered someone who betrayed Lily and James, though it was a set up, to Voldemort. Everyone thought you were the one at fault, not the one who actually did it. That person you thought to be a friend."

Sirius's eyes widened and then trailed to Remus.

"No, not Remus," she said, following his gaze.

His eyes went from Remus to Peter, who looked off in the distance, and he then turned back to Hermione, who nodded sadly.

"Yes, Sirius," she said, placing her hand on his arm tentatively. She felt his muscles tense under her touch.

"Hermione, I'll kill him!" he whispered exasperatedly.

"Sirius, don't you understand. You can't! If you do, my present as I know it will cease to exist."

"What does it matter if it gives Harry his parents back and he can grow up without the fame that singled him out. He would never have to go through what he did. And then I wouldn't have to die, and leave the two of you."

"Because, Sirius. Because awful things happen to witches and wizards who muddle with time."

"But isn't your telling me all this messing with time. Why are you telling me this?"

He was very much aware that Hermione's hand was still on his arm but he didn't say anything. It felt so nice, so right.

Hermione blushed a bit.

"I guess I felt that you should know," she admitted quietly.

Sirius looked into her eyes and with only a moments hesitation, leaned forward, intent on one thing: to kiss this girl who intrigued him so much.

Hermione felt her face heat up as Sirius leaned toward her, but she would not move, as she found she very much wanted him to kiss her. She had known it the moment he had burst into the Hospital Wing. Then the only thing she wanted was to get back to her time; now, however, she wasn't so sure. She was falling for Sirius, and falling hard, this much she knew. But was the look in his eyes as he leaned in to kiss her just pretend?

Hermione's breath quickened, as he loomed nearer. Their faces were inches apart; she could his warm breath on her face, smell his scent—like forest trees and cinnamon. Her heart hastened as she closed her eyes. Did she truly want this?

"SIRIUS!" Lily's voice rang through the pub. She sat clutching her Butterbeer bottle to her chest, looking at Sirius, disbelief etched into every line on her face.

The two jumped and turned their attention to the redhead.

"Honestly! She's been here only a day and already you're moving in on her. At least wait a few days before you try and woo her."

Sirius and Hermione laughed, Hermione taking her hand from his arm, both wondering what would have happened had Lily not spoke.

Remus averted his eyes from the two, jealousy stirring inside him.

Once again, he thought. Sirius scores the girl.

You know that's not true," his more reasonable self said.

He sighed. He would be happy for Sirius, and just stay friends with Hermione. He just hoped that someday soon it would be his turn.

Hermione kept stealing glances at Sirius, but every time her eyes lingered on him, he was deep in conversation with James and Remus, ignoring Peter. She sighed and turned her attention back to Lily.

Sirius's eyes trailed from James over to Hermione and smiled as she talked animatedly with Lily, but turned his attention back to James when Lily raised a brow and grinned.

Lily watched both and smiled inwardly. There was no doubt about it. Though the two hardly knew each other, Hermione and Sirius were undoubtedly falling in love.