Family Ties

It was time. It was time to send a letter to Sirius. After what had happened with the time turner in 3rd year, and all the things Hermione told Harry about, he had been afraid to do too much or say too much because of the paradox. He was also afraid he was dreaming everything and it wasn't really happening. But if what they had found out about Merlins Muddled Mix-Ups was real and a wizard could travel through history instead of time… well there was no paradox and Harry could change things. He could change everything, which means he could save Sirius. Harry had been avoiding writing to Sirius, mostly out of fear. He was afraid it would hurt if he talked to him and know he'd have to go back to not having him, he wouldn't loose him again.

Harry wrote Sirius the night the figured out what the book was, or at least what they thought it was. His letter wasn't long but he knew Siris would understand:

Snuffles,

You told me to keep you posted on what's happening at Hogwarts, so here it goes. - I don't know if you've heard but the Triwizard Tournament's happening this year and I was picked as a champion. I don't know who put my name in the Goblet of Fire, because I sure didn't. The first task was last week and each champion came face to face with a dragon. The next task isn't until February but on Christmas Eve there's a Ball that I have to have a date too, I'd love some advice if you have any. It's been quite the year.

Hope you're safe,

Harry

Harry signed the letter and sent it off with a school Owl knowing Hedwig was too noticeable . It wasn't two day's later Harry got Sirius reply. It simply said:

Common Room. Friday at Midnight.

Snuffles

Friday at Midnight Harry, Ron, and Hermione sat in the Common Room waiting for Sirius to Floo them. Harry knew what would happen as soon as he sent the first letter, as much as Harry loved Sirius it didn't make up for him being… well Sirius and he was lonely and bored and needed human interaction no matter how unsafe it was. Harry tried to explain this all to Hermione but she was still against the call. "How could he be so reckless?" She just kept saying every time the subject came up. With the amount of complaining she did all week Harry was surprised she was even sitting with them.

"Harry!" Sirius said as soon as the common room was empty. Looking over Harry grinned when he saw his godfathers face in the fire, it was a face Harry had never expected to see again.

"Sirius!" Harry said as the three friends moved closer to the fireplace.

"Sirius, you shouldn't be doing this. This is beyond reckless, if you get caught - " Hermione started but Ron cut her off.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm sure the grown man is away of how dangerous this is Hermione." Harry just rolled his eyes at them. They may not be flirting but they were still bickering and Harry was, quite literally, stuck in the middle.

"Thank you for your worries Hermione, its good to know someone has a good head on their shoulders to keep this one in line," Sirius said and winked at Harry which made Harry smile. "I'll be fine what I'm more concerned about is this Tri-Wizard Tournament? I thought they stopped doing that because it was too dangerous and what not. Did you fight a dragon, Harry?! Merlin I would have loved to see that!"

"He was phenomenal, flew like a professional," Ron said.

"Flew? You flew the dragon?" Sirius asked raising an eye brow at Harry

"Not this year," Harry mumbled to himself. "No, I summoned the firebolt, best birthday present I've ever gotten!" He didn't have to look at Hermione to see she was shying away, thought it was a long ago memory for him, he knew just last year they had their worse fight over that broom.

"Well of course it is, I can't let my godson flying around on just any old thing!" Sirius laughed.

"Oh he was brilliant," Ron said excitedly and then dived into a play by play of the first task. Harry switched between watching Hermione's face and Sirius' face. Every time Ron told the story it got more and more exaggerated but Harry didn't mind. He was happy to watch the light in Sirius eyes as Ron described the near misses and reactions of the crowd. Hermione was pretending not to enjoy the story but Harry saw a flicker of pride in her eyes.

"Brillant, mate. James would be so proud! And poor Lily would have a heart attack if she knew," Sirius said beaming at Harry. "Now, speaking of dragons, the reason I called is all of this sounds suspicious… too suspicious. How did you even get into the tournament, I wouldn't have thought you'd want more problem."

Harry sighed, "It is suspicious but that's because there's.." Harry looked around to check they were alone, he still didn't want to say too much. "There is a lot happening this year at Hogwarts, new people, new professors, not everyone is who they seem to be… I would really love to talk to Snuffles by Moony's old house the next time possible, I really miss him. But don't you worry about me, I've got my back covered, constant vigilance!" He hoped Sirius knew what he meant by all of that, there was a lot that needed to happen and he didn't trust the floo, not after 5th year.

"Snuffles huh?" Sirius asked and Harry could see the twinkle of trouble in his eyes. Sirius knew what he meant. "Well then I'll send your message on. Onto more interesting matters, I heard Zonko's has new flying frisbees Snuffles would love, when is your next Hogsmead visit?"

"Won't be till after Christmas, first weekend of February I do believe. I'll keep an eye out for those frisbees," Harry smiled. He had missed his godfather more then he had even realized.

"As for that other matter you mentioned," Sirius when on and his eyes flickered to Hermione as one eyebrow raised. Harry's cheeks flared.

"What other business" Hermione asked, Sirius smirked

"Harry mentioned something about a ball? On Christmas Eve?" he checked and Harry saw Hermione stiffen out of the corner of his eye.

"Er… yeah," Harry said scratching the back of his head. "McGonnicall told me I would be opening the ball with the other champions by dancing…" He heard Hermione inhale sharply out of surprise but he avoided he eyes. He still hadn't asked her as his date.

"Oh, you two will be fine! Better you then me, mate!"

Sirius smiled evilly. "So you asked Hermione, did ya? Good I was going to suggest that"

"What?" Hermione gasped. At the same time Harry said, "No, I didnt!"

Harry covered his face with his hand. Merlin he should be better at this. "I mean… not yet.. if, if you'll go Hermione I was going to ask anyway.." I peaked between his fingers and saw Sirius laughing and Ron making a face that was a mix between laughter and rolling his eyes.

"Well I guess she - " Sirius stopped and turned this head. "Gonna go, home owners are back!" And with that Sirius vanished from the fire. Harry leaned back away from the fire and looked up at the ceiling. How on earth is he this bad at talking to Hermione. She was his best friend. He sighed and turned to look at Hermione.

Before he could say anything l she blurted out, "What did he mean by, home owners are back?"

"He probably broke into someones house to use the floo and they got home," Harry said with a shrug. "He's a grown man he can take care of himself." He didn't look away. He knew he need to finish the conversation Sirius and Ron started but he didn't know where to begin so he just kept staring at her. He at never noticed the gold flecks in her chocolate brown eyes. He was surprised he hadn't noticed before.

"Well, 'Mione, you gonna go with Harry to the ball or not? Cause if not, I'm still looking for a date," Ron said looking at Hermione.

She rolled her eyes but didn't look away from Harry. "Of course I'll go with you Harry, you just had to ask."

Harry smiled, "yeah, I meant to.." he chuckled. "Just couldn't find the right time I guess." She smiled back and they continued to look at each other. It was a comfortable stare.. until Ron interjected.

"Oi, I'm still here and if you're just gonna look at each other all night I'm going to bed" Ron stood and started headed up the stairs. That broken Harry's trance.

"yeah… let's get to bed, we can discuss my ideas in the morning." And with thay Harry helped Hermione up and the three of them headed to bed. Harry turned around to watch Hermione go up the stairs for the girls dorm with a sigh. He missed the lonely nights in the tent, it was the only thing he missed about that tent, being able to hold Hermione in her sleep.