Helloo Lovelies!
Aren't you all spoiled for another chapter so soon!
Have to thank my shiny new Beta babe! xoxo
(Sharkie love!)
Your reviews have been amazing!
Seriously thank you!
XOXO
Natstar

SHATTER ME

Chapter 8

Hermione had been at the Terrace House in Coventry for over a month. Her days had become a routine of waking and going to the ballroom for her physio, then breakfast provided by Dobby, after Hermione refused to eat a burnt breakfast three days running. She still could not believe that two grown wizards struggled to cook, or how they even managed to burn cereal.

After breakfast Hermione then went to either the study or the library to begin her tutored lessons on the theory work for each of the subjects she studied which was shared between Sirius and Remus. The teachers at Hogwarts had sent the lesson plans for each of her classes and she submitted her essays and homework via Dobby, who could pop back and forth between Hogwarts and the Terrace House with more ease than anyone or anything else. Sirius had been correct when he said that both he and Remus had excelled in most of their classes. Yet Potions was the only topic that both had never been very successful in; so much of her study on this particular topic was done on her own.

Hermione had dived into her studies to distract her from the pain left in her heart from her parent's murder. She had also worked hard that as Halloween approached she could now walk on her own up and down the stairs, despite needing to rest straight after managing it; she felt some achievement. Hermione still needed the crutches but the wheelchair had finally been packed away, and fervently hoped that she would not have to see it ever again.

/\/\/\/\/\

Hermione was in the library at 12 Grimmauld Place. She was dressed in a stunning red ballroom gown. The bodice was tightly fitted with a plunging V-neck. She was putting on a gorgeous midnight blue cloak, as she was hiding here in surprise for someone. The thought gave her butterflies in her stomach and she smiled in anticipation for the look on His face when he finally decided to walk in.
She turned to look at the clock that was on the wall opposite to the door He was nearly fifteen minutes late. Of course, He would always be fashionably late. Behind her she heard Him strut down the stairs. He had started to say something but stopped mid-sentence as he entered the room to behold the figure standing before him.
Hermione couldn't help but grin as she turned slowly on the spot, pivoting so the cloak and skirt of the dress flared out a little and she was face to face with the man in her dreams. The man of her dreams. Sirius stared at her that made her blush slightly.

"You're late Mr Black." She heard herself say.
She watched as he looked as flustered as she felt. Hermione lowered the hood and unclasped the cloak. It rippled off her shoulders and pooled at her feet. She drew her wand which she had hidden in the bodice. She smirked as she thought if Sirius's eyes were any larger they may pop out of his head. She flicked her wand and the cloak flew across the room to drape across a chair. She then pointed the wand just past Sirius's shoulder. She heard his breath hitch before she flicked her wand again and music filled the room.

She slid her wand slowly back into her bodice before taking a shaking breath she stepped forwards dropping into a deep curtsy.
"May I have this dance?" She asked boldly. She smirked as Sirius stood stunned before part of his brain kicked in and bowed in return. His grey eyes smoky and scorching her. He took her hand and pulled his own wand out with his other hand sending all the furniture against the wall. Spinning her he quickly pocketed his wand while drawing her close to him. They moved effortlessly around the room. Her skirt blooming out as Sirius took the lead.
Hermione felt like they could dance forever, though her heart hammered erratically in her chest as she held his gaze.
He drew her close and watched as his mouth moved telling her how beautiful she was as it drew closer to her own mouth…

"Hermione! Time to wake up!" Sirius's voice startled her awake. She rubbed her eyes and blinked as the curtains were suddenly pulled wide open letting in the early morning light.

Hermione blushed slightly as the traces of the dream lingered in her mind. Mainly the sensual lips moving towards hers and a smouldering grey eyed stare. She looked up at Sirius and blushed a little more. She had been having so many dreams recently about him. She found out the first morning when she was woken by Sirius, that he had decided he would wake her in this fashion no matter her protests and threats.

Hermione groaned at the harsh morning light that shone directly onto her bed. She glared as Sirius crossed the room to see if she was in fact awake. Her stomach did a little flip as he bent down over her and her face flushed even more from the lingering shreds of her dream. Sirius saw her flushed face and frowned.

"Are you getting sick Hermione?" He asked and put a hand to her forehead. Hermione sat up straight and pulled away from his touch, her blush was now creeping down her neck.

"No! Sirius! GET OUT OF MY ROOM!" She yelled. Sirius drew his hand back quickly as she drew her wand. He raised an eyebrow at her.

"I thought the healer said 'no magic' still?" His eyes lit with amusement at her flustered state. He stepped back as she flung her covers back and swung her feet out, wand still trained on Sirius.

"Try me Black. I am willing to risk it if it will get you out of my room!" Hermione's eyes glittered dangerously. Sirius chuckled and backed away.

"The Healer is here, she wants to go through new exercises with you." He said as he reached the door. "Are you sure you're not sick Hermione?" Sirius pushed. "You look extremely flushed."

"Get. Out. Now!" She snarled. Hermione flicked her wand and Sirius found himself on the other side of the hallway and her door slamming in front of him with enough force to shake the house. Sirius stood in shock. Hermione had threatened him with the wand in the past. But as she knew that she was advised against it never followed through. Until this morning.

Sirius grinned. He knew she was having a dream, most likely about him. Most of her dreams were about him. He and Remus never told her that she talked in her sleep. His name was frequently mentioned as she slumbered. Just before he woke her, he saw a smile flash across her face and heard her say "Mr Black" like a sensual caress.

Hermione's hand shook slightly at the use of magic. She wasn't going to do anything but the knowing smirk on his face made her snap. She regretted it. She still felt ill from the effects. She snarled as she reached for her crutches and made her way to the bathroom to shower and change.

Hermione was glad that Remus was waiting at the top of the stairs to carry the crutches down and make sure she didn't slip instead of Sirius, she wasn't ready to face him, especially when the healer was waiting below in the ballroom. Remus smiled in greeting, his eyes crinkled in amusement. Hermione narrowed her eyes and his eyes crinkled even more. She wanted so much to stomp down the stairs but descending was still harder than ascending.

"Good morning Miss Granger." The healer greeted Hermione as she reached the bottom. Hermione put a smile on her face for the healer.

"I would like it if you can to walk on your own to the seat and we can see how well you are faring." The healer pointed across the room to the two dining chairs. Hermione nodded and took a breath. Remus stayed beside her ready to catch her in case she fell. The healer watched her movement as she walked slowly to the chairs unassisted. Hermione made it most of the way before her left leg gave out. Remus had an arm around her before she dropped. Hermione huffed, trying to control her emotions. She mentally berated herself for failing. Remus said nothing and walked with her the remaining five steps to the chair. He squeezed her shoulder briefly, setting the crutches down beside her and leaving her with the healer.

The healer cast a diagnostic charm and then had Hermione do some stretches on the floor. Hermione told the Healer about the magic she did that morning. Aside from a frown at the use she remained silent as Hermione described the after effects she felt.

"Very well. From what you have said, we will continue to try and keep your magic use to a minimum, or not at all for now." She advised Hermione.

"I want you to start doing the stretches I showed you, each morning as soon as you get up. This will allow your muscles to become familiar with the movement and you should find you will be able to move around through the day easier the more you do it." Hermione nodded taking in the information.

The Healer stood up and picked up her cloak from the back of the chair. "I also want you to start some more rigorous exercise." The healer said turning to Hermione who was frowning, wondering where this was going.

"Mr Black has mentioned you were a dancer prior to your accident. He has agreed to assist with this three times a week to help with your recovery." The healer smiled at Hermione, believing this was such a nice gesture.

Hermione sat in open mouthed astonishment. In truth it was a nice gesture, yet having lived closely with Sirius, she was extremely suspicious of the idea. Remus had come out of the Kitchen to show the Healer to the fireplace to floo to twelve Grimmauld Place. Grimmauld place was the only fireplace connected by floo to the Terrace House. It was illegally connected so even the Ministry did not have it logged.

"Breakfast?" Remus asked quietly. Hermione jumped, as she was still deep in thought processing the new exercise regime.

"Where is Sirius?" Hermione asked as she stood up, adjusting the crutches.

"He has business to deal with regarding his uncle's estate." Remus smiled in answer.

"I bet he does." Hermione growled as they crossed the room to the kitchen. Both Remus's and Sirius's breakfast plates had already been washed and stacked for Dobby Hermione's was still covered with a warming charm to keep it warm. She sat at the counter and found letters from Harry, Ron and Ginny as well as the Daily Prophet. Hermione pushed the Prophet aside. She usually read it, but her friend's letters were more important to her. She opened Ginny's first.

She had learned that Ginny would outline everything the boys would say, except that it was usually far more detailed. Mainly because Ginny loved to gossip and she covered more topics, like actually saying who was the Potions Master and not just stating that Professor Snape was now the Defence against the Dark Arts teacher.

Hi Hermione!

Missing you so much!

Ron made the Keeper position. Through sheer luck if you ask me. Though I suspect someone confounded McLaggen at tryouts. Harry is denying everything. But despite that he is really good as Captain (Just don't tell him or he will get as big a head as my brother!). Griffindor Team is:

Keeper: Ron Weasley (Bighead number one!)

Chaser: Katie Bell (Fabulous!)

Chaser: Demelza Robins (Gorgeous!)

Chaser: Ginny Weasley (Fan-freaking-tastic!)

Beater: Jimmy Peakes (Bighead number two!)

Beater: Ritchie Coote (Bighead number three!)

Captain and Seeker: Harry Potter (Obviously! – and occasional Bighead)

We definitely are missing my smart ass twin brothers this season. Speaking of which, guess who didn't even try out for Seeker this year! Malfoy is not on the Slytherin team. Harry seems to think it's sinister. Though when it comes to Malfoy or Snape he always assumes something sinister. Personally, I think how he is treating the potions book he had to use as creepy and potentially sinister so who is judging really?

Ron is being an absolute git, because I may or may not be dating his dorm mate Dean Thomas… I really wish you were here to talk in person about this. I talk to Luna, but it isn't quite the same, especially when she says that if I find myself in a broom cupboard with him to watch out for Drop Bears, whatever they are. However, I am usually more concerned at where Dean puts his hands to think about something as bizarre as a Drop Bear.

In other news the new Potions teacher, Professor Slughorn (Still am really peeved Snape is DADA Teacher!) asked if I was interested in going to a supper he was organising. He mentioned that other students were attending, including Harry and that git Zambini. He gushed on and on about Harry I said I would go just to shut him up. He made me late for Transfiguration. It was funny, I swear I was going to get a detention but McGonagall just said "Yes, yes Miss Weasley, take your seat." It seems like McGonagall has to allow these transgressions for being late for talking to Slughorn. Guess who now has a reason to give when I'm late for class!

On to other things, the girls around here have been absolute obnoxious flirts. Especially around Harry and if you can believe it, Ron (EW! Just Ew!). It is going to his head, but that skank Lavender seems to be working her way up to wanting a full snog fest with one of them (Again EW!). I told Harry to be careful, some of the girls seem so cutthroat in trying to get the "Chosen Ones" attentions. And whoever called Harry the "Chosen One" needs to be hexed to Hades, because he is practically strutting around the school with the sudden popularity. I almost want to buy gifts for the Slytherins, who seem to be the only ones that put him back in his place. Almost.

Anyway please write back and tell me more about these dreams you are having. They sound WAY more exciting than the ones Harry kept having last year. And WAY less dangerous if you know what I mean. Either way I am glad you no longer like my git of a brother in THAT way anymore. Especially when you are totally into someone with more class, better looks and whatever else Witch Weekly has published out about him.

Much love,

Ginny.

Hermione nearly sprayed her coffee across the bench as she read the end of Ginny's letter. She was starting to regret telling her in the last letter. She really hoped that Ginny kept what they said secret. Folding it away she grabbed Ron's letter.

Hey Hermione!

Great news! I got keeper for Gryffindor team! It was really close too. I was so sure McLaggen was going to beat me. But Harry said that he missed his last goal and let it through. He seems a bit of a sore loser though. The git tried to hit on my sister. But did you know she is dating Dean Thomas!?
It's not right. I mean we share the same dorm room. Dean I mean.

(Ha! Made it rhyme!)

Wish you were here! I miss you helping us with homework. Snape is a nightmare. Are you getting the same essay assignments? Nasty.
Got to go. Quidditch practice.

Ron
Xo

Hermione stared at the bottom of the letter, at the X and the O he signed off with. She could tell it was a rush to add in as it was done in different ink. He still had a crush on her. Not for the first time she was almost glad to avoid him in person. Though she was going to have to try and break it to him that she wasn't interested. Sighing she picked up Harry's.

To Hermione,

Sirius said that you are doing better and better. I hope that means you will be able to come back to school soon. We are missing you heaps. I even heard Lavender and Parvati wishing you were back. But I think it was only because they probably peek at your homework.

Being Quidditch Captain is tough. I never realised how much stress Oliver had making sure the team was at peak performance. Ginny told me she already wrote to you about who made it. She probably also said she swore someone must have confounded McLaggen. I only saw what I saw. McLaggen missed his last goal and Ron won fair and square.

Our first Quidditch Match is coming up. Sirius said depending how you go you all may be able to come watch. Though they are concerned how you will be going through the barrier again. As much as I'd love you to come Hermione, please don't push yourself. Sirius said you have been; he seemed really concerned in his last letter.

It is unique with Snape as DADA teacher. Naturally he is "equally" strict as he was at Potions, but I grudgingly have to admit I am learning loads. Not that I will ever say that out loud to him or Ron.

Write back soon.

Love Harry.

P.S. you know as a friend. Like a sister.
P.P.S. Please don't tell Sirius I told you what he said. Especially the part about the Quidditch match. I think it was meant to be a surprise now I think about it.
P.P.P.S. I forgot to say Ginny is dating Dean Thomas!

Hermione chuckled as she read the post scripts. Sirius would indeed be a little peeved at Harry. Hermione finished her coffee and looked down at her plate sighing heavily. Her breakfast was still barely touched. Dobby had given her a light breakfast. She had eaten all the fruit and looked at the bagel.

"Staring at it won't make it disappear." Remus had come out of the study where he had been prepping for their lessons that day. He grabbed a cup pouring himself a second coffee and offered her another. She shook her head, cutting the bagel in half. Picking it up she glared at it once more before taking a bite. Remus leaned across from the other side of the counter and picked up the other half biting into it.

"Don't tell Sirius." He said between mouthfuls. Hermione snickered.

"Wouldn't dream of it." She said as she took a bigger bite from her half of the bagel. Hermione still had Harry's letter open on the bench. Remus grabbed it as he had been reading it surreptitiously upside down. Hermione raised her brow at him.

"Harry can't keep a secret can he?" Remus tossed the letter down in disgust, finishing his half of the bagel.

"Sirius probably should not talk about me to Harry more like." Hermione brushed the crumbs from her fingers smirking in amusement, Remus still with a mouth full of food only grunted in acknowledgement. Hermione made her way to the study to begin her studies as Remus cleared the plate and cups. She had been overruled to try and help in her first week and no amount of grumbling could change it even when the two wizards also set Dobby against her doing anything that may potentially risk her health. She was extremely mad at them for using Dobby that way. Yet the House Elf said that Mr Harry Potter also was worried and told Mr Harry Potter he would look after his friend.

Hermione was sitting at her desk in her room with her headphones on as she wrote back to her friends. She was singing softly to the music as she wrote back to Ginny in detail, everything that was happening with her. She also penned a letter to Luna, knowing that the strange Ravenclaw witch would be thrilled to write and Hermione found that she had grown to like her as a friend through their interactions the previous year in DA.

Feeling like she was being watched Hermione turned around seeing Sirius standing behind her in the semi darkness, having only turned on the lamp in her room. Hermione jumped, pulling off the headphones. His face was in shadow yet his eyes seemed to glow in the light.

"You left this on the counter." His voice autocratic he held out his hand. Harry's letter she realised. Hermione blushed a little; she had now gotten Harry in trouble with his Godfather.

"Tomorrow we will begin your new exercise regime if you are up for it." His eyes seemed to glow in the darkness.

"You know how to dance Mr Black?" She asked, watching as they crinkled in amusement.

"There is a great many things that I know Princess. Dancing is one of the few that I most enjoy." He answered, the tenor in his voice becoming slightly husky.

"Oh, and what else is it that you enjoy doing Mr Black" Hermione raised an eyebrow at him, her cheeks dimpling with a repressed grin.

Sirius shifted into the light and gave her a smile that made her heart do erratic things in her chest. "I don't think that is a conversation dear old Minnie would like me having with her favourite student. I will see you before breakfast. Good night Miss Granger." He disappeared back into the darkness.

"Goodnight Mr Black." She called out softly into the darkness. Turning she grabbed Harry's letter adding a postscript of her own apologising in advance for anything he gets from Sirius. With the letters written she stood and walked slowly to the bed and climbed in. It was a long time before she fell asleep as she kept thinking about a pair of grey eyes and arguing with herself that she did not have a crush on Sirius Black.