A/N: I've done an outtake in which Harry helped Ron practise his proposal to Mione, requested from a reviewer of mine; Arwen-Georgie-Skye, entitled 'Harry's Bridal Pretence'. Though it's more towards R/Hr… or perhaps, RW/HP ;) Click on my hyperlinked name above to find the story.

Revised: 28 August 2004

The Future Awaits
Chapter 15: Alleviation

"What's that you're writing, Hermione?"

"A letter."

Ron peered curiously into the already 40-inched written parchment.

"You're still writing to that GIT?!"

Hermione heaved a sigh. "Ron, even after agreeing to marry you, I still can't believe you're acting so jealous!"

Ron looked down at his feet, ashamed. "I'm sorry," he muttered but continued grumbling, "But I still don't like the idea of you writing to Vicky Grouchy Krum."

Through the years of intense relationship, Ron's temper seems to have lessened. They would have a blazing row by now, if they were still at Hogwarts. 'He really has matured,' Hermione thought smilingly. He still gets jealous, but his temper got its hold now, probably because he realised she is faithful and trustworthy.

"You can read it later, once I finish it."

"No need." Kissing her forehead, he continued, "Because I know you love only me."

Hermione smiled charmingly at her fiancé, before going back to her writing. She could feel his eyes on her. Looking back at him, Ron began to stroke her hair.

"Your father told me about Megha…"

Confounded, Hermione could only stare back. Cupping her face, Ron went on. "Hermione, why didn't you tell us? We're your best friends."

His voice was gentle, but that didn't help her from looking stunned still. She had really not expected him to say that. Agreed that she knew they would find out sooner or later, but still…

"Hermione?"

She began to tear up, making Ron squirmed uncomfortably. He really hates it when she cries. The only thing he was able to do was to mutter sweet nothings to her, if not hugging her or showering her with kisses, which seemed to work quite well at times.

"I… I didn't mean to," she whispered in between sobs.

"Of course, you didn't mean to. You were a vulnerable, six year old, innocent little witch. You're not one to be blame."

"Who's to be BLAMED THEN?!"

Ron stroked her hair comfortingly, before holding her on the shoulders. "Hermione, don't blame yourself for this. I'm content with having Harry already finding fault with himself. I can't have another one, who happens to be the love of my life."

"But my grandparents hate me! And I know, deep down, my parents are disappointed with me too!"

"Hermione, listen to me," Ron ordered, tilting her chin with his finger to face him. "Your parents are not disappointed in you. In fact, they're sad you're doing this to yourself. They are by far, one of the most wonderful parents I ever knew!"

Hermione lamented. "Who else knew?"

"No one. I wanted to ask you first before telling Harry or anyone else."

Hermione sighed again. "Hmm… but please, not in front of me."

"Alright."

Hermione smiled wateringly at her understanding lover, lost in his deep blue eyes. Through her hiccups, she whispered, "You're amazing."

Their faces were just inches apart as Ron blushed at the comment. As time went still, they locked eyes.

"Hermione?" Ron said in a husky voice.

"Yeah?"

"What about that letter?"

Hermione smirked. She loved that voice.

"I've still got tomorrow…"

Ron smirked back at her. He stood up and carried her into their bedroom.

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"Sirius? Sirius, open the door!"

Remus heard grunts from the other side, before it clicked opened.

"Here, I brought you some chicken porridge."

Sirius fumbled with the bowl as he had a photograph clutched in his hand. Finally, managing a grasp, he uttered a 'thank you'.

He was about to close the door when his friend held it back.

"Padfoot, you can't rot in there forever. Harry, Ron and Hermione have been inquiring about you every time I visit."

Sirius looked up at the sound of her name.

"Go out. Take some fresh air. It's good for the health."

Sirius wanted to snort out loud, but he found himself too weary to respond back.

Looking at his friend, Remus sighed. "Hermione's been asking about you too. She's really worried. She thinks it's about you coming back-"

"IS THAT WHAT SHE'S WORRIED ABOUT?!" Sirius suddenly exploded. "If she's too held up with her damn discoveries, tell her I'd gladly jump back into that fucking Veil!"

Remus looked confounded. Sirius sat down in a nearby chair with a heap, splattering some of the food onto his shirt, rage still evident on his red face.

Wiping the shirt, he said quietly, "Why does this happen to me? What have I done to get this fucked up life?"

Remus sighed, and placed a comforting hand on his obscured friend's back.

"Sirius, Hermione cares about you. She wouldn't have brought you back if she didn't."

Sirius snorted at this. "She only cares about her career, Moony. Hasn't she always been like that? Studying, studying and studying… I didn't ask to come back, you know. What's the use of coming back, when the only thing I get is a ripped heart?"

"Harry needs you, Sirius. The world needs you. With time, you will realise the true meaning of your return. Everything happened for a reason."

Sirius looked down at his untouched porridge.

"Now I want you to finish your porridge. It's already getting cold. Incendien!"

Instantly, the bowl heat up.

"AH!" shouted Sirius, quickly blowing his hand.

Remus smirked and continued, "Shave your beard, Sirius. You're turning to look a bit horrendous to me. Shower up, and put in some clean clothes. We're going to the Trio's apartment."

Sirius felt like a kid being ordered what to do.

Remus added an afterthought, "And I have to collect my Wolfsbane potion from Hermione, too."

A/N: I just watched HP & Prisoner of Azkaban again for the 3rd time this morning with my darling Mommy. Sigh! I really can't help but concentrate on every single expression Gary Oldman gave towards our Emma. Anyhow, I know this is not a 'happening' chapter, just mere plain conversations. Sorry to disappoint. I can promise you that either the next or 2nd next chapter will be a turning point to Sirius/Hermione relationship.

Rane2920072: Aww… sorry. But Ronnie and Mione are indeed engaged :(

Summery-ice: Thank you so much for those flattering sentiments. :) And yes, I'm cruel to Sirius.., as of now ;) As for Ron, oh! I'm also an R/Hr shipper. So, I'd like to be even to the 2 HP-men I love in this story. It's just that it's not Sirius' time yet to be happy…

PsYcHoJo: Actually, yes. Sirius did not have a grand ole time at the party… I'm ashamed to say this, but I can't think of any reason why… :(

Padfootz-luvr: I read in one of JKR's interviews where she said Sirius' eyes are grey. I can't recall which one though, since there're so many interviews of hers. There're a lot of facts she said, like in her website, Ginny's real name is Ginevra, not Virginia. Ron's and Mione's middle names being 'Bilius' and 'Jane' respectively. Etc… And the previous chapter was definitely not the end of this fic. My evil twin is not that evil apparently… ;)

Arwen-Georgie-Skye: Your demand is my command, mademoiselle… I already did an outtake of that part, in which Harry said, "Ron, must I remind you how many times you have sickeningly practised proposing to me?"; entitled 'Harry's Bridal Pretence'. Hope you like it.

zoltaire: I'm so sorry… ::sobs:: Sirius will have his happiness one day. I can assure you that :)

Captain Oblivious: NOOO00ooo!!!! Don't kill my darling Ron. I LOVE HIM!!

Micki: Thank you :)

fuzzfurry: Oops! I'm sorry, I didn't update too soon. Heheh! ;)

Angul-gurl: It was suppose to be disappointing ;)

Raclswt: Believe me. I'm a SB/Hr shipper too. ::in Trelawney mode:: I foreseen them being happy together…

MidnightPrincess: Heheh! Thank you, though ;)

Crystal: Whoa! You can be a really good critic, you know. Take that as a compliment! :) As for your questions… this is through my point of view. Harry is acting calm about his godfather's feelings towards Mione, becoz' he has gone through so much. I've made Harry slightly out of character in here because of the events that he had gone through life. He'd changed. So, he knew how to hide certain feelings, take for instance the incredulous feeling about the whole thing. As for Ron being calm about Mione's past, he is really in love with her. He's changed too, really matured. He knew that it's customary for all families to have their own problems, so he doesn't let all these to affect his views and feelings towards the 3 Grangers.

Laura: I feel really sorry for Sirius too, since Azkaban :( And thank you for liking the idea of my story's plot :)