Revised: 28 August 2004
The Future Awaits
Chapter 16: The Visit
"Ron!"
"I'll get it. I'll get it."
Opening the wooden door, Remus greeted cheerily, "Hello, Ron."
"Hi, Remus. Hi, Sirius. Long time no see. Come in."
Sirius just gave the young red-headed lad a small quick smile, as the other Marauder gave him a slap on the back. Harry came out from the kitchen and greeted his two visitors.
"Where's Hermione?" asked Remus, noticing Sirius' searching eyes.
"She's in the shower," Harry answered, looking at his godfather, seemingly to notice the same thing.
The four chatted to pass the time, though Sirius was silent most of the time. He finally stood up saying, "I need to use the washroom."
Walking into the kitchen where the washroom was located, he accidentally bumped hard into a wet Hermione Granger, who only had a towel wrapped around herself.
"Oops! Sirius! Oh, I'm so sorry. I got your shirt wet," apologised Hermione, looking flushed.
"It's okay, Mya," looking flustered himself.
"Mya?"
"I can't call you, Mya?"
Hermione stuttered at his tone, "It's just… no one ever called me that."
"Oh… why did you shower here?"
Hermione looked at him sceptically before answering his question, "Harry was in the other one, when I went."
The both of them stood there awkwardly, not knowing what other things to say. Hermione seemed to forget about her appearance, not noticing Sirius struggling himself from ogling down her body. That was until they heard a shriek from the living room. The pair immediately rushed out off the kitchen.
"Spider! Spider!"
Ron was looking ludicrous, squatting on top of his armchair. Harry was snickering loudly at his ridiculous friend, while none noticed his godfather rolling his eyes.
"Ron, are you alright?" asked Hermione.
"Yeah, I-I'm fine," though unconsciously shaking his head.
"Really, Ron. How could you be afraid of this little thing?" Remus asked unbelievingly, stomping the crawly creature with his foot.
"Remus! How could you!" Hermione screeched, making the man staring confusedly at her.
"What?"
She was about to respond when Ron said aloud, "Mione, go in and get dress!"
She gasped, suddenly realising her lack of proper clothing. "Oh. Yeah. I-I'll just be going."
"Honestly! I just don't understand why such creatures exist in this world!"
Seeing as she went off, Sirius went back towards the washroom.
Hermione came out moments later, in a pair of silk pants and pastel green, long sleeved blouse.
"Hermione, I'd like to collect my potion," Remus said, looking relieved that he actually remembered to bring the subject up.
"Oh, yeah. Wait. I'll go get it."
Sirius stepped out from the washroom, just to witness her opening the upper cupboard.
"What're you searching for?"
Hermione gave out a loud gasp, dropping a blue object. She gave him a menacing look before picking the tumbler off the floor. "Lucky this thing's made of plastic."
Sirius looked down, ashamed. "I'm sorry."
"Nah, it's okay."
"You're sure? You did give sweet old Padfoot a fright with that face," Sirius said teasingly. Hermione smiled, rolling her eyes. Is he flirting with me?
They walked into the living room together. Handing the tumbler into the werewolf's hands, Hermione sat down beside Harry.
"You heard the escaped convicts moved to Florida?" asked Harry.
"I bet You-Know-Who ordered them to," piped Ron.
"I wonder why though," wondered Hermione.
Sirius snorted and asked in an oddly icy voice,"Wasn't that supposed to be your area of expertise?"
The room went silent. Harry looked warily at his godfather, while Ron had a disapproving look on his face, seeing as his fiancée was looking slightly hurt.
"Well, I'm not from that department of… expertise, though."
Sirius turned to look uncomfortable. "I-I'm sorry, Hermione. Didn't mean to sound offensive."
She gave him a tight-lipped smile. "It's okay."
A loud ringing sound broke the tension. Ron was quick to jump out from his seat to end the irritating pitch. Harry shook his head. A muggle would think he's retarded to be so excited over the sound of a telephone.
"Hello?" he greeted good-naturedly, having learnt the correct way of speaking.
"Oh, good afternoon, Sir."
Harry looked at his friend. Sir? Ron only called their Head of Department 'Sir'. Why would their Head called them using a muggle device?
"Okay, sure. We'll be there."
Putting down the phone, Ron turned to look at Harry. "We need to get to the office. It seems urgent."
Sirius, who was patting Crookshanks, looked at the two Aurors.
"Okay then, we'll be going too," Remus said.
"You want to come with us, Hermione? You'd be alone," Sirius asked, hopefully.
Hermione shook her head. "No, thanks. I have work to do. Besides, what is there for me to do there, anyways?"
"Yeah…" he said disappointingly. "Hey! I'm sorry, you know."
"I know," Hermione chuckled. "I'm fine. Don't need to be so guilty."
Harry and Ron came out from their rooms, all dressed up. Ron gave a quick peck on his fiancée's cheek before saying, "See you, baby." Sirius pretended not to witness the exchange.
After putting on their shoes, the four of them went out of the door, and apparated out of sight.
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Later in the evening, Harry and Ron came home. They both had a depressed look on their faces, especially Ron.
Seeing as his friend was not making a move, Harry walked towards Hermione. He held her on the shoulders and said, "Hermione, Ron and I were assigned a new mission. We're moving to Florida tomorrow."