Ch 4 Home


Hermione POV

The week before Harry was to arrive, Sirius went into complete overdrive.

Now that he could go out in public he went from one shop to another, every day. Picking up one thing to another. Random stuff to add or replace to various parts of the house. He started to add final touches to the rooms he finished. Replaced door knobs, and fixed squeaky hinges. Fixed the windows so they could actually open and close without taking your hand off. The loose floorboards were now secure.

And though he would probably deny it. He started to spruce himself up to make himself appear more ruggish, in his terms. Sirius was so pleased when he bought himself a new leather jacket. He wore it most days and hated not having it near. He loved wearing faded band tees and wearing jeans. Many of his clothes were faded tones of black. His shirts were always low cut and short-sleeved showing off his endless amount of tattoos. He reminded her of the picture she had seen of him when he was a teenager. His clothing was definitely muggle. And a testament to his rebellion against his family. He embodied the reckless and young uncle to a T. And as much as she hated his lack of authority as a parental figure. She realized that what Harry needs most days is a friend rather than a parent. But when the situation called for it Sirius could switch to a concerned parent in a heartbeat. Despite his tough and carefree attitude. He was definitely a mother hen.

But she did give him some credit. He did buy a couple of outfits more suited for a grown man. A couple of black trousers and coloured long coats of velvet. And of course, a few button-up shirts that he always had the top two buttons undone. He also really enjoyed carrying a pocket watch with him. She wasn't sure where he got it but it seemed like an antique. He tended to wear those when he was going to be involved in an Order meeting or if he was going outside. It was only when he was home and in comfortable company that he allowed his rock clothes to shine.

He was trying so hard to make Harry happy that he was stressing himself out. He didn't want to admit it but he was nervous. He acted so excited and she knew he was. But the smile couldn't reach his eyes when worry had already taken root.

As soon as Harry arrived with his tote and Hedwig in tow. It didn't take long for him to launch himself at Sirius.

Hermione was so glad that he had Sirius. She remembered the conversation she had last night with him.

She was leaving the kitchen and heading up the stairs when he started to follow her. He had been doing that all day. Trailing after her when she went to the library or parlour, constantly asking questions about Harry and double-checking his answers.

It was sweet at first. But now it was getting a little annoying. Especially since he would wait for her outside of the bathroom. "So Harry for sure likes cauldron cakes?"

Hermione rolled her eyes as she used the hand railing. "Yes, he loves them. They are his favourite." He already asked her this twice today. Once in the morning and again an hour later after he bought 20 cauldron cakes.

.

When she made it to the second floor and found Sirius still following behind her despite this floor not being his designation. His bedroom was on the first floor. She knew she had to say something, otherwise, he was going to end up joining her in the library. Which was not what she wanted. "You know it's going to be okay," she said, turning to Sirius. She was still a couple of steps ahead of him and appeared to be taller than him.

He seemed to play dumb at her comment but she could still see him wringing his hands. "What is?"

"Harry staying here."

"Of course, it's going to be brilliant," His tone was light and airy and filled with excitement but it didn't quite reach his eyes.

Hermione gave him a knowing look. "Then why are you so scared?"

"I am not scared," he said indignantly. She was surprised his voice didn't crack at that lie.

"Okay, nervous then. Though you don't need to be. You will be great." The fact that he was worried and unsure of himself in the first place instead of over confident was a good sign.

He sighed and rubbed his hand through his hair. "I don't know how to do this. Be a parent. I am so used to just being the best friend. And I was always supposed to be the reckless godfather that the kid would call when he was in trouble and didn't want to disappoint his parents. Or I would give him advice on girls or sneak him booze. James was supposed to be the supportive but also directive figure in Harry's life. It shouldn't be me."

Oh, so this is what this was about. She figured that he had gotten over his guilt but it appears that there was still work they needed to do. "No it shouldn't but he needs you. And based on how you have been practicing with me. You will be great."

He met her eyes and he looked confused. "Practicing?"

"Come on Sirius. Last summer you couldn't stand me. You thought I was an uptight swat and probably reminded you of Mrs. Weasley. You never listened to me before." It never bothered her. Most people tended to ignore her advice. And since he was an adult who went through a terrible life experience and she was 15 staying at the man's house, she didn't take it personally. But she could see the difference in his behaviour and how he interacted with her last summer to now. "This summer you have been hanging onto every word I have said. Asking me questions about Harry and wanting to hear stories about him. I understand why. The two of you have had so little time to spend with one another. Whenever you do see each other you are always playing catch up. But this way you two can talk and you won't feel like you're missing anything. Then you have been asking me questions about my life and any concerns I have about the future. And you try to give me advice. Then a couple of days later you see if I thought it was any good or rubbish. You have been using me for a test run so to speak. To figure out the whole, be a responsible guardian." She didn't blame him. His actions were completely understandable. And she had a hunch that he didn't even realize what he was doing. For the most part, Sirius did seem to be a very loving and overly affectionate individual. And had no concept of personal space. But he did it with good intentions and it was a part of his personality. It was nice to see that Azkaban didn't completely erase his humanity. "I think you have done quite well. You are learning and adapting. Plus your patience has definitely increased from my standing. That will come in handy when Harry confides in you. Always let him come to you. Never push him to speak unless he burrows into himself too deep then stage an intervention. That usually works for us."

She watched as he took in her words. There was a moment of silence as he contemplated what she said. When he met her eyes she was surprised to see some sadness mixed in with understanding. "I am sorry if I made you feel used. Don't think that I don't like you." He really did look like a sad puppy when he was upset.

She shrugged off her concern. She didn't mean to make it seem like he was using her. She just meant that he didn't need to do all of the extra stuff now that she was living here. But he took the initiative to care about her well-being and take an interest in her life which conveniently for him included Harry. "I know you care about me Sirius. You have made that abundantly clear with your inquiries into mine and Harry's love life and whether or not we are ever going to get together."

He was abundantly clear on that matter. He was a lot like Mrs. Weasley in that matter, dropping hints over the possibility of her and Ron getting together. She was pretty sure some of the staff members had a bet going on at Hogwarts on who she would end up with, Harry or Ron. Unfortunately, no one ever considered that neither was an option for her. She loved her best friends. But people always seemed to forget that there were different types of love.

"And…" He looked at her expectantly. A glint in his eyes.

She shook her head. "The answer is still no. I love him. I do but he is like a brother. And he feels the same way."

He seemed to deflate a little but she knew that it was because he wanted some gossip and something to tease both her and Harry about and not because he had his heart set on them dating. "It was worth the shot. Besides If I didn't like you I wouldn't have been trying to set you up with my godson," he said with a smirk.

"I know."

He turned to walk back down the stairs. But a thought occurred to her and she called out to him. "And you weren't using me. I had my own interest in this anyway." She wanted to see Harry happy. It's been so long and far in between that he would actually smile. Or laugh. She remembers how last year he was crying not from anger or sadness but because Sirius made him laugh so hard. "I want him to finally have the family he has always wanted."

Now standing here and watching as Harry embraced Sirius so tightly with a huge smile on his face, she knew that she did the right thing by playing along with Sirius. Though along the way she started to not actively indulge his curiosity it became second nature. Sirius could be constantly annoying and needy and has no concept of personal boundaries. But he is trying and at the end of the day she knew that it wasn't just Harry who needed him. But Sirius too.

"This is absolutely brilliant Sirius," Harry said happily and he openly stared at the kitchen in awe. Dumbledore didn't say much when he arrived and he quickly left not wanting to get in the way of the happy reunion.

"You think so," Sirius asked, with apprehension seeping through his voice. He was desperate for Harry's approval.

"Ya this looks amazing," Harry was excited and was clearly impressed.

"I am glad you like it." He shrugged his shoulders and visibly relaxed. He was a lot more nonchalant now that Harry was eager to hear him talk about what he has been up to this summer and now he gets to not only see but experience it. "I figured it was time we had a proper home. And well, unfortunately, you will have to return to the Dursley for part of next summer. But the rest of the time you can stay here. Some rooms aren't finished yet. But hopefully, I will have the rest of it done by next summer" Sirius slugged his arm over Harry's shoulder and started to direct him through the hall. "Come on, I will give you the tour. You get your very own floor. Yours is the only bedroom and well I haven't exactly decided what to do with the tapestry room. Let me know if you have any ideas. But until then you will have to make do with your bedroom."

It didn't take long for them all to climb up the stairs. Harry stared at each and every change in absolute marvel. As if he never stepped foot in a house before. Well he has never stepped inside his own house before. Sirius would be the first to admit that this house belonged to Harry and not him. It was probably one of the few reasons why he actually kept it and didn't simply look for something else. Though Hermione wouldn't be surprised if the Black family had other properties in Britain or across the world for that matter.

The first room Sirius wanted to show him was his bedroom. His room was large, being the master bedroom and all. The walls were a simple white. A perch in one corner for Hedwig. And a desk in another. A large bed and two dressers were pressed against one wall. And on the opposite one is a large bookshelf. It was simple and largely bare. Tons of space for personal touches.

A flash of sadness overcame Hermione as she saw how happy Harry was. Most people shouldn't be so excited about a bedroom. Especially those that came from loving homes. This wasn't the first time that she suspected there was something more going on with Harry and the Dursleys. She knew that he didn't like them. And from the way he described them she didn't blame him. But with how he avoided going home during holidays and how he never received letters or gifts from them. The concept of neglect came to mind. But sometimes in moments like this when he received such care and love, she worried that perhaps neglect wasn't the only abuse he suffered at the hands of the Dursleys. Harry never gave any indication that he was ever physically abused. And she was too scared that if she ever said anything he would shut her out completely. Perhaps she could mention it to Sirius. He already had an idea of Harry's home life but perhaps he could get him to open up in a way she could never.

"Ya, so I wasn't sure what colour you liked so I figured that you can choose one and we could do it together."

Hermione couldn't help but appreciate him using her advice.

Harry stared at everything in one initial sweep of the room before moving to various items. "What's with the hooks?" He had moved to one wall noticing the single row of three hooks in the middle of the wall.

"Well, I figured you might not want to keep the Firebolt leaning in a corner. If you don't want to hang it up then you can hang whatever you want there. It wouldn't be too hard to install a shelf instead." Despite how much Harry was appreciating every single thing Sirius put into this room, Sirius was still second-guessing his efforts.

Hermione simply stayed by the doorway and watched how Harry moved about the room with Sirius narrating. She didn't think there would be a reason for her to intervene. But she wanted to see the fruits of all of Sirius' labour. Plus see the expression on Harry's face. He deserved this. All of it. He deserved to have a home. "The desk used to belong to my brother. I didn't know if you like to do homework in your room. Of course, you are welcome to do it in the living room or kitchen if you prefer. I know your mom hated distractions while your father loved to multitask when doing school work."

She was impressed that he didn't hesitate to mention Harry's parents. She knew that it was tough for him. But this showed what great strides he was taking toward being a better person. And what she liked to think was going to be a happier Sirius.

"I do warn you I am not sure what kind of help I will be if you have questions. You might have to ask your friend. She is no doubt smarter than me in everything except how to have amazing and luscious hair and how to become an animagus." Hermione couldn't help but roll her eyes at the man's antics. The man could be considered quite flirtatious. But it was just his personality. She didn't see his comments as being personally directed toward her. And had no concerns that he was trying to make a move on her. In fact, she was starting to see him as an uncle and she knew he was starting to feel the same way about her.

"Unless Kitten over there is hiding a secret in which case I might not be allowed to call you Kitten anymore." He often brought it up and teased her over his accomplishment, which even she hasn't managed to do.

She crossed her arms over her chest and gave him a mocking glare. "Haha, really funny." She couldn't hold off a smile for long. It was so nice to see him so carefree and laid back.

Harry was enjoying the playful banter between them. It must have been a nice change from the arguing she did with Ron and the arguing he did with Miss Weasley last summer. He seemed to be realizing that this summer was going to be more fun than last summer. The last time he was here everyone was stressed and worried and he was angry. But now he was finally going to get the time with Sirius he always wanted. "If it makes you feel better Sirius I am pretty sure she is smarter than some of our teachers," he said with a smile."

"I wouldn't be surprised."

It was then Harry moved to the next wall and noticed a collage of photos beside the wardrobe. Which initially obscured his vision from seeing this. There were dozens of pictures of his parents together and with their friends. Both through their years at Hogwarts and after.

Harry stared at the photos hungrily, desperate to look at every single detail. Sirius noticed the change of expression and moved to stand beside him. The pair silently looked at the photos together for a moment. Hermione thought about leaving to give the two of them some privacy but then Harry spoke. "Where did you get these?"

"They're mine," Sirius admitted, his voice a little duller than from his earlier enthusiasm. "I made copies of them. Figured you would like some more. I removed the rat from them all."

"I have never seen these before," Harry admitted with curiosity. "I am not sure who some of these people are."

Sirius ruffled Harry's messy hair. Before drawing his attention away from the photos and back to the room at large. "Why don't we finish the tour and I can tell you about the photos later."

"Sure," Harry said eagerly.

"Alright, my bedroom is on the first floor. My door is always open if you want to pop in for a chat. Kitten over there is on the third. She wanted to stay close to the library." It was then Harry noticed the term of endearment and gave her a question with one brow raised. She mouthed Crookshanks to him and he seemed to have put the clue together. She proceeded to mouth the words Don't you even think about it, to him when she noticed a lightness appear in his eyes. He immediately pretended to look innocent and as if he wasn't thinking about using the pet name for her.

Sirius, completely ignorant of the silent conversation behind him, stopped in the hallways. And started to look back and forth between them. "Anyway I should probably set some ground rules on if you two are in the same bedroom together to always have the door open but I am not Molly Weasley. Just use some silencing charms."

She had to roll her eyes at his audacity. He really just did not give up.

"Wait what?" Harry asked in confusion. Completely bewildered by the change in conversation. Merlin that boy could be clueless sometimes. If it wasn't for the fact that all students receive a sexual education lesson during their thrid year by Madam Pomphrey, then she would wonder if Harry knew anything about that subject at all.

"Sirius here thinks that we harbour romantic feelings for each other.," Hermione explained.

Harry immediately reeled back in shock and mild disgust. If she didn't know him well enough to understand why he had such a reaction she would have been mildly offended. He immediately turned to her and started to stutter. "I mean you are pretty and brilliant but like…"

"You love me like a sister," she finished when it became apparent that he was struggling with the right words.

"Yes," he said, clearly relieved he wasn't butchering this up.

"Oh I told him that but you know his family has a history of incest. So his idea of love is a little skewered," she said sympathetically.

"Really." A look of disgust washed over his face. It still amazed her that even after 5 years of knowing he was a wizard and had entered the wizarding world, he still managed to be surprised. She wasn't anymore, but was more so curious about the limits of everything. At first, magic seemed like the be-all solution for everything. It was the summer before her first year when she was surrounded by dozens of magical books for the first time that she discovered she was wrong. Magic was a tool just like everything else in life.

"I don't want to talk about it," Sirius muttered darkly. She had a feeling this pop of sadness was due to the remainder of his parents rather than her crushing his plans of setting them up together.

"There is also a second guest bedroom done up so either your friend Ron can stay in your room or he can have his own. Depending on if Moony is over or not. At least until I clean out the rest of the guest rooms then all of the Weasleys can come over if you want," Sirius said, continuing his tour.

"The library is at your disposal. Though you might have to fight her on that. She spent two days reorganizing the books to her liking." He made her seem like she was going to bite the head off of anyone who crosses over the threshold. Just because she liked to read doesn't mean she was going to stop anyone else from reading. Just as long as they weren't causing her to be distracted. And Harry knew that. But he had on a huge grin as if agreeing with Sirius. Traitor.

"Oh and I forgot to show you one last thing. I was attempting to make this house more clean and mature. However, I couldn't help but let my Gryffindor side shine through. Even you haven't seen it." Now Hermione was intrigued as Sirius led them up to the attic. She thought Sirius was just heading up there to add some more stuff to storage. She didn't know he had been renovating that room as well. No wonder he didn't let her help him.

Sirius stood off from the closed door and angled himself so that when he opened the door she and Harry would be able to see the room unobscured. And with a flourish of his hand, the door swung open and Hermione couldn't believe what she saw. She shouldn't have been surprised though. Once Sirius told her he was redecorating this was exactly what she was expecting the entire house to like. No wonder he showed such restraint for the rest of the house. He had been saving all of his energy for this room.

"Meet the lounge." He converted the attic into some sort of hang-out space. The walls were painted the same gold as the living room but the couches were a deep and rich red colour. There were two couches as well as one reclinable chair. And a giant bean bag. There were two coffee tables pushed off to the side next to the wall. There was a huge fluffy rug in between the couches that were checkered in gold and red. There was a twin set of Gryffindor banners on either side of the door, marking the entryway. The walls were bare though and were itching to be filled. "I wanted to put a picture of a giant lion here but I can't draw for shit."

"This is just like the common room," Harry said in awe.

"I know I am a genius," Sirius said while flipping his hair over his shoulder.

"That wasn't what I was going to say." Harry couldn't even bother to give him a mock glare. He just walked further into the room. "If you have any more pictures from your school years we could put any of the common rooms in here and I could put some of mine in here. Make it really feel like Hogwarts." He had a huge grin on his face and Hermione felt one growing on hers. This was truly brilliant. Sirius knew that the only place that felt like home for Harry was Hogwarts so he had made one room dedicated to that. Though she knew Hogwarts held as much meaning to him as it did to Harry.

"That is a splendid idea. "I even thought about doing the ceiling like the one in the great hall but I will need Moony's help for that one." Now that would truly be something to see. And Hermione would then get the opportunity to pick Remus' brain on such enchantmants.

Clearly, the tour had come to an end. And the three of them found themselves standing in silence. "What do you want to do now? Unpack or maybe eat some dinner. We could all go out to a nice restaurant, maybe take you shopping for some stuff for your room." Huh. Hermione was surprised that it took him this long to mention the possibility of going out. She almost forgot that Harry doesn't know yet.

"Go out?" Harry looked extremely confused. Hermione found it adorable. "I am not sure if some stores will allow Padfoot in. and I know no restaurant would allow a dog in."

Sirius just kept egging him on with a smirk. "Well, then I will just go as Sirius."

"But you are still a fugitive." Harry looked to her for answers but she decided to stay out of this. This needed to be between the two of them.

Sirius moved closer and placed a hand on Harry's shoulder. He had a watering smile on his face. "Not anymore. I am free. I was deemed innocent by the Ministry. Pettigrew's trial revealed that I was framed. I have been pardoned of all my crimes. Not only by the Ministry but it was made public in the prophet, the Quibbler, and even the muggle news. It's for real and they can't take it back."

She could see the emotion filtered behind his eyes as he slowly tried to comprehend what was just said. Harry didn't say anything. Instead, he silently walked closer to him and wrapped his arms around him. She couldn't tell if he was crying or whispering anything, only that he was holding on real tight. "I wish I was here to see the moment you realized you were free," he said in a whisper, the sound was muffled by how close he was to Sirius' chest.

"I can reenact it if you want. It went something like this." Sirius swung Harry around in a huge hug. Harry gave a sudden squeal at the motion and then broke out into laughter. While Sirius let out a joyous woop. Then he transformed into Padfoot and started jumping and barking at Harry. Until he fell on the floor with Padfoot on top of him. Harry was laughing with his glasses skewed and Hermione could see Padfoot's tail flying back and forth.

She wished she had a camera with her. This was a moment that should never be forgotten.

All was well in 12 Grimmauld Place.