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SHATTER ME

Chapter 11

For the next week leading up to the weekend of Halloween, Sirius and Remus kept Hermione busy by now including the practical work for Transfiguration, Charms and Defence Against the Dark Arts. They had tried potions, but almost as soon as she started brewing her first potion, Hermione turned a delicate shade of green and began to vomit. With the exercises she did each morning and the more vigorous dance sessions, Hermione found it was only at night that she needed the crutches.

The morning before their return to Hogwarts she had even managed to jinx Sirius when he came in to wake her up. She was left with Remus for the day as Sirius left for business, now that he ran his uncles company; as well as to calm down for causing feathers to sprout all over his body, and squawk each time he tried to talk or yell. It had taken Remus three attempts to reverse the jinx because every time Sirius would squawk, Remus would laugh, then have to wait until he was calm enough to attempt casting again. He had returned late in the afternoon for her dance lesson, and began a new routine with her, getting his revenge by causing her to be shocked each time she held his hand.

The morning of her return to Hogwarts, Hermione had instead been woken by Tonks. She brought in a coffee and helped her pack her trunk to return to Hogwarts. The witch had also asked Hermione for help as Remus was taking her out to dinner that night, somewhere special and Tonks wanted to impress him. Hermione's giant wardrobe of clothes helped the metamorphagus to find the perfect outfit. When everything was ready, they joined Remus and Sirius for breakfast; though Hermione deliberately avoided touching the food on her plate. No one said anything, understanding why.

When breakfast was finished, Remus and Tonks disapparated with Hermione's trunk and Crookshanks basket. Sirius followed shortly after with Hermione at his side in a side-along apparition. A wave of nausea swept Hermione when they appeared in the side street by the Three Broomsticks. She was extremely grateful as his arm wrapped around her pulling her close to him, as she found her equilibrium. Hermione leaned into him and inhaled his scent as she waited for Hogsmeade to stop spinning in front of her.

"Do you think you can walk on your own?" He asked her, concern written all over his face, as she breathed in deeply. Hermione nodded, the feelings in her stomach were now no longer completely due to the apparition.

"Yes." She said with determination. Sirius raised a brow as she pulled away, feeling her sudden absence from his side. She reached the Three Broomsticks and made it to a booth without assistance, sinking heavily onto the bench seat. As instructed in the letter from Dumbledore, they were to wait for one of the Professors and Madame Pomfrey to decide if Hermione would be able to handle the return to Hogwarts for more than the weekend. Remus and Tonks had gone ahead to Hogwarts to take her trunk and a hissing Crookshanks, and also to let Professor Dumbledore know Hermione was in Hogsmeade.

Sirius paused at the bar as he entered and ordered Hermione and himself a butterbeer each, joining Hermione at the table, sliding one of the drinks towards her. Hermione smiled in thanks, wrapping her hands around the bottle, doing her best to avoid meeting his gaze. Sirius sat opposite and took a long draught watching her.

"So, are we going to talk about what happened last night?" Sirius finally asked leaning back watching as her cheeks tinged pink. When Hermione did look up at him, she expected him to be smirking. Instead he was watching her through a heavy lidded gaze that seemed to bore into her very soul. Hermione lowered her eyes, thinking back to the night before and what she could remember of it.

She had been vividly dreaming again. However, this time it seemed more like a nightmare. She was crying out to Sirius to wake up and move. He was lying on the floor in his bedroom, blood soaking him and the rug beneath him from the deep slash wounds across his body. Her cries had drawn Sirius and Remus to rush to her room. Sirius had found her in the bathroom scrubbing her hands. Sirius asked what she was doing and she replied that there was too much blood. The water wasn't washing her hands clean.

Apparently, it had taken a lot of argument to convince Hermione to stop scrubbing her hands raw. So much so that he had to draw her against him pinning her arms to her side, telling her over and over that her hands were clean of the blood. At which point she had sagged against him. He apparently had said something else because before he knew it Hermione had her lips pressed against his and kissing him with heated desire.

Hermione's face flushed as she remembered waking up with him kissing her back. As soon as she realised where she was and who was kissing her, she had pushed him away and shut herself in her bathroom, mortified. It took Remus two hours to convince her to let him in, where he explained what they saw. He asked her what she was dreaming. By that stage the dream was hazy but when she put it together with what Remus told her, she felt guilty as Sirius had only tried to prevent her hurting herself further.

Hermione opened her mouth to speak when two familiar redheads walked in, spotted them and made a beeline to their table. Hermione lifted her butterbeer taking a sip.

"Good morning Hermione! Sirius!" Fred pulled up a chair, as George slide into the booth, making Hermione slide around to the middle.

"What brings you both to Hogsmeade?" Hermione asked them, putting a smile on her face and avoiding looking in Sirius's direction.

"Business" George explained. "We were discussing a business opportunity to supply our products here with the owner of Zonko's."

"We already have a mail system for Hogwarts Students, but it doesn't hurt for business having products on hand, especially for Hogsmeade weekends." Fred added.

"Did you get our owl Sirius?" George asked Sirius. Sirius nodded, pulling out his wand and flicking it towards the table. A roll of parchment appeared and Sirius opened it revealing what seemed to be a contract for business. Hermione looked at it with interest.

"This is what we will be able to help you with so far. I am currently negotiating for you regarding customs for some of your goods, you want to use to test out the markets with. America in particular is being rather difficult to convince, yet France, Italy and Germany are ready to go for your first shipments. We may need to go across to America in person to try and get the approval. I have a man over there looking into it for you both." Sirius explained to the twins. Both twins read through the contract with interest. Fred pointed at a section to George. Both murmured quietly to each other.

"We will need to take this to our man of business to have it looked over first Sirius, before we move ahead. But we are keen to move ahead regardless." George looked up from the document. Sirius nodded leaning back into the seat.

"I fully expect you to." Sirius grinned. "You don't want me to potentially undercut your profits through my company's shipping, and distribution."

The twins grinned. "No, but we can't resist our brand being affiliated with 'Black Market Trading'." Hermione choked on her drink as she tried to swallow a mouthful of butterbeer.

"That's the name of your company?" She turned to Sirius, amusement in her eyes.

"That is what my uncle called it when he created the company to fill the hole in the market between muggle and magical trading." Sirius smiled, "He always loved the humour of it, especially from the muggles. The company even made headlines when Alphard expanded across the Atlantic, in a deal that managed to take a huge portion in both Muggle and Magical trading internationally."

Sirius pulled out a couple of business cards and handed them to the twins and Hermione. The card was simple in design. It was completely black and in scarlet, the business name. The other side had Sirius's name as Managing Director and CEO and how to contact him. She went to hand it back, but Sirius waved his hand away. "I have so many of those cards it's not funny, keep it."

Fred rolled the document up and resealed it, putting it into the Briefcase he had next to him, as George turned back to Hermione.

"Finally going back to school?" He asked.

"Hopefully" Hermione answered. "We are currently waiting on Madame Pomfrey. She is taking over my recovery." Hermione sipped her butterbeer.

They didn't have a chance to say much more as the door to the pub opened again, Madame Pomfrey and Professor McGonagall entered, with Remus and Tonks behind them. Fred stood and George slid back out of the booth.

"Well we best be off. Take care, Hermione. We'll be in touch Sirius." The twins nodded at them and made their way out of the pub, as Madame Pomfrey reached the table.

"Good morning Miss Granger. If you will follow me, Madame Rosmerta kindly offered a private room so we can look you over." Madame Pomfrey waited as Hermione slid out of the booth and followed the Hogwarts nurse to a parlor at the back of the pub.

Madame Pomfrey cast a quick series of diagnosis charms over her and had Hermione stretch and move before asking her a series of questions regarding her health and affects she had with magic. Hermione explained that casting magic she felt none or little. She also no longer felt strong nausea when hit by magic, but still found she tired quickly when practicing. Hermione also mentioned that when they tried to brew potions she could not remain in the room long, even with a bubble head charm. Madame Pomfrey wrote down everything she found in a notebook and told Hermione that she will discuss with the Headmaster about her restrictions.

When they came out of the parlour, Professor McGonagall stood up from her place at the booth, cutting off what seemed to have been a deep discussion.

"Nice to have you back Miss Granger." The head of Gryffindor gave Hermione a rare smile.

"We have a carriage waiting outside." The Professor indicated to the door. Remus opened it for them and stepped out, Hermione following after. Hermione remembered that she still required a guard. She made a mental note to have a chat with Harry about it, knowing he would at least be sympathetic. Tonks, who was already outside, stood by the carriage, grinned at Hermione. She gave the younger witch a quick hug before stepping aside so Hermione could climb in.

Hermione settled on a seat, Sirius to her surprise followed after sitting next to her, as Professor McGonagall and Madame Pomfrey sat opposite. And so began one of the most awkward trips to Hogwarts she had ever taken in her life. No one spoke, or seemed willing to speak. When they passed through the gates into Hogwarts she felt three pairs of eyes on her as the magical protective charms passed through her. She only felt mild discomfort and it faded as the carriage continued down the drive towards the castle.

The carriage pulled up to the castle and Sirius climbed out helping each of the witches out of the carriage, Hermione stepping out last. Sirius leaned past her and pulled out her crutches. They had discussed it the night before. No matter how much she had thought she could move around in the Terrace House, didn't compare to trekking in a castle to classes. They climbed the stairs slowly and followed the two older witches to the Headmaster's office.

"Lolly Gobble Bliss Bomb" Professor McGonagall said the password at the Gargoyle entrance. The Gargoyle jumped aside as the staircase behind began rotating up towards the office. Hermione nearly overbalanced as she stepped onto the moving stairs. Sirius put his hand on her back, steadying her.

"Miss Granger if you would please wait here for now," Professor McGonagall indicated to a seat beside the door to Professor Dumbledore's office. Hermione frowned as Sirius entered the office. Hermione did not like that she would not be part of conversations that were clearly about her. She crossed her arms and waited, trying to listen to the muffled voices inside.

After fifteen minutes the door opened and Professor McGonagall asked for her to step into the office. Hermione moved forwards slowly, a feeling of apprehension grew as she took a seat in front of the large desk and looked at the older wizard sitting behind it.

"Welcome back Miss Granger." Professor Dumbledore smiled warmly at her.

"Thank you Professor. It is good to be back." Hermione responded politely.

"As you know, we are extremely concerned about your health and safety." Professor Dumbledore began. "After having a discussion regarding your return to Hogwarts, we are willing to have you back with us." He paused and Hermione felt something in her stomach drop.

"While we want you to have as normal a return as possible, Miss Granger, we are still rather concerned with your sensitivity to magic as well as your ability to traverse around the castle. We understand that you have been keeping up with the majority of the coursework on all your subjects and in some cases are indeed ahead." Hermione couldn't help but smile a little at the comment. She refused to be idle and with nothing else better to do, she had handled her studies extremely well.

"With all this in mind, while you will be back in Hogwarts, we are still going to restrict your lessons for each of your subjects." Dumbledore continued, putting up a hand to stop her protest.

"For now you will physically attend three classes a day, and continue your tutoring in between. The subjects requiring practical lessons you will attend one per week. For now you won't do any practical Potions classes until Madame Pomfrey is satisfied you are well enough" Professor Dumbledore looked over his half-moon glasses at her as she processed the information, frowning as several questions surfaced in her mind.

"How long will I be restricted to this timetable?" Hermione asked.

"We will look at returning you to a normal timetable after the Christmas Break." Madame Pomfrey said firmly. Hermione knew there was no way she was going to be able to argue on this matter.

"You mentioned I would still be tutored between attending actual classes, who will be tutoring me?" Hermione asked, with a gut feeling she knew the answer. Sirius stepped forwards smirking at her. He had been leaning against a bookshelf listening to Dumbledore's terms, watching her reaction, knowing she was less than pleased at the conditions for her to return to school.

"Don't worry Hermione, I promise it will be like nothing has changed." Sirius voice light and teasing.

"Just great." She growled, watching as Sirius became more amused.

"There is one more thing, Miss Granger before you get resettled." Dumbledore stopped her from rising in her seat.

"We need to advise you that Voldemort's supporters are still actively after you, as you know. We also have had enquiries from the Department of Mysteries, with the Unspeakables requesting an audience with you regarding what happened to you." Dumbledore explained.

"I don't know what I could tell them Professor." Hermione said frowning. "I remember very little of what happened that night. The only thing I remember clearly is one of the Death Eaters hitting me with a hex and then waking up in St Mungo's."

Hermione looked up at Dumbledore, who was studying her intently. "Very well. I will inform the Unspeakables."

Dumbledore nodded for her to go and Hermione stood, readjusting her crutches, "Thank you Professor." Hermione made her way slowly down the stairs. When she had reached the corridor, Madame Pomfrey hurried off back towards the hospital wing. Professor McGonagall and Sirius had a brief conversation at the entrance, before Professor McGonagall also hurried off, having a lesson to teach. Hermione began moving in the direction of the Gryffindor Tower as Sirius fell into step with her.

"You are going the wrong way." He said, stopping at an intersection.

"No I'm not. Gryffindor Tower is this way." Hermione continued to move down the corridor.

"Your belongings are not in Gryffindor Tower, Hermione." Sirius said. Hermione stopped and turned around to stare at the man incredulously.

"Professor McGonagall and I were concerned about the amount of stairs between the Great Hall and Gryffindor Tower. She agreed that it would be prudent for you to have a room closer to the hospital wing, if anything went wrong." Sirius explained nonchalantly. Hermione narrowed her eyes at him and made her way back to where he was waiting.

Sirius just gave her a devilish smile and started walking down a corridor. Hermione had no choice but to follow. They made their way to the third floor. He opened a door partway down, holding it open for her to walk in. Hermione recognised it was a classroom that had been converted. Actually it was a series of classrooms that had been converted as Hermione inspected the rooms. The front room looked very similar to the study at the Terrace house in layout, with a large desk several people could comfortably sit around and study. Past that was another door which opened to a lounge area, reminiscent of the Gryffindor common room. Either side of the large comfortable fireplace were two doors. She discovered her room was the one on the left. Crookshanks had been let out of his basket and was already asleep at the foot of the bed; apparently finding the alternate accommodations to his liking.

Hermione looked around her room. Even she had to admit it was rather nicer than the tower room she would normally share with Lavender and Pavarti. The window had an unbroken view of the lake and the forest. There was a window seat scattered with plush cushions, running along the wall that Hermione could already picture reclining on to read. There was a smaller armchair beside the heater on the opposite side of the room and a door that lead to the private bathroom.

Peeking into the bathroom, Hermione discovered that she would also be sharing it with Sirius. Hermione came out of her room and into the lounge area, intending to speak with Sirius and instead found Harry, Ginny, Ron, Luna and Neville standing before her.

"Surprise!" the group chorused; all of them smiling at her. Ginny bounded forward and gave her a rib crushing hug.

"Oh I have missed you!" Ginny whispered, pulling away. "And not because you can check homework like Ron said on his way here!" She grinned.

"Ginny! Why did you have to say that? It's not why I'm glad she is back." Ron scowled at his sister. Hermione laughed with Harry, Ginny and Neville.

"Welcome back Hermione, thank you for your letter. It was really lovely." Luna said serenely, ignoring the laughing outbursts from the others.

"Thanks Luna, it's lovely to see you again." Hermione smiled at the blonde haired witch.

Hermione turned to Harry, "Have you seen Sirius?" She asked him politely. Harry nodded.

"He said that he would be back after lunch." Harry answered; slightly disheartened he only got a quick hug from his godfather before he dashed off.

"Can we go to lunch? I'm starving!" Ron spoke up. The others also agreed that going to lunch seemed like a great idea and began walking back out of the set of rooms back into the corridor.

"I'm sorry for your loss." Neville finally spoke up as he fell into step with Hermione. Hermione stopped walking looking at Neville. In her excitement in coming back she had forgotten people would be sympathetic to what happened to cause her not to come back to school so soon.

"Thanks Neville." She replied softly, her voice full of emotions. Ron grumbled all the way at their slow progress to the great hall, until Ginny finally snapped that if he was so hungry that he couldn't walk his friend to the great hall he should just go ahead. Ron shut up at that, his ears tinged pink. When they arrived in the great hall, the room hushed into silence staring at Hermione as she slowly made her way to Gryffindor table and took her seat with some difficulty. Conversation slowly picked up around her, whispering that she couldn't quite hear, yet she knew was all about her.

"Ignore them." Ginny scoffed taking a spot beside her. Harry had sat at her other side with Luna, Neville and Ron sitting opposite. Ron already was heaping his plate with food. Hermione listened to the conversation her friends gave, understanding Hermione's silence as she struggled with her emotions; until Harry nudged Hermione.

"Want to talk about it?" He asked her kindly. Hermione looked up from her plate of barely touched food and smiled sadly. "I will, just not right now. Thanks Harry."

"I understand. You know. About all of it." He gave her a grin. Hermione couldn't help but smile in return.

"Are you doing classes today?" Neville asked, ignoring Ron and Ginny who had begun bickering again.

Hermione shook her head. "No, I was told to just get settled in. I might go and find my Ancient Runes Teacher to hand in my essay in person and discuss further reading material."

"You are going to ask your teachers for extra work?" Ron asked incredulously, pausing in his argument with Ginny.

"When I am restricted in what lessons I am to take then yes Ronald. I don't want to fall behind." Hermione bristled at Ron's look of horror and disgust for enjoying studying. She looked down at her lunch and decided that she really wasn't that hungry. She struggled slightly as she climbed out of the seat, Harry standing quickly to assist her.

"I'll see you later." She said to the group and began to make her way out of the great hall, trying to ignore the stares and whispers. Hermione climbed the stairs slowly to return to her room, intending to unpack her things. Yet when she reached the door she couldn't open it.

"Great. Just great!" She fumed, tears stinging her eyes because it seemed like nothing was going right. Footsteps behind made her turn to see Sirius hurrying down the hallway.

"Sorry. I should have given you the password before I left. There was an urgent owl that I had to answer." He said as he reached her.

"Hermione? Everything alright?" he asked, when he saw her expression and tears pooled in her eyes. Hermione just shook her head.

"What is the password?" She asked deflecting the question.

"Corduroy" He said and the lock in the door clicked open. Sirius leaned forwards and opened the door allowing Hermione to enter. He followed her through to the lounge area before he stopped her.

"Hermione, you are not ok. What is going on?" He put his hand on her shoulder, stepping around to face her. When she refused to look up he put his hand under her chin lifting it, studying her face.

"Why don't you unpack and rest. I will organise for dinner to be provided in here, and just have a quiet night." Hermione nodded and Sirius shifted so she could get past and retreat to her room. Hermione managed to shut the door before the tears finally spilled out. She felt so raw from the moment Neville gave his condolences and then being the focus of attention in the great hall had frayed her further.

She looked at the trunk and stepped past it collapsing on her bed weeping. Crookshanks shifted and snuggled closer to her purring loudly. She didn't realise how tired she was until her eyes closed and slumber took her.

Hermione was in the park, she was wearing her fairy costume. She was walking a huge black dog. She bent down and let him off the leash to run around, Hermione followed the path not paying attention to where she was going nor her surroundings. Until the dog came barrelling back towards her, racing around in circles pushing her backwards, whining and growling.

Hermione heard a twig snap and looked up, three Death Eater masks materialised before her. Hermione's wand was already in her hand ready for them. The dog had stopped pushing her and stood close to her that she could feel the vibrations of the growls coming from him. The Death Eaters were taunting her, thinking that they had found an easy target. Her face remained a mask of indifference as she quickly considered her limited options.

She cast a spell at the one on the right, she heard herself shout "Padfoot Fetch!" The dog obeyed instantly following the red spell. The dog leapt on his foe biting and snarling. She knew the other two were not pleased their prey took the advantage and began firing at her. Hermione leapt into action dodging and returning fire. A small part of her mind noted the ridiculousness of a duel dressed as a fictional character.

The Death Eater on the left fell, being hit by a curse from behind. Hermione was still engaged with the centre Death Eater, who realised that he was outnumbered Disapparated before them. Sirius was standing behind the Death Eater as he disapparated, wand drawn his face fierce in its fury…

The dream shifted and changed and Hermione was standing at the top of a huge amphitheatre. Spells and curses were being shot from all angles. Hermione stepped forwards and hissed in pain. She glanced down and saw that her shirt was slashed and an enormous scar trailed down her from hip to collarbone.

A curse hit the doorpost beside her and Hermione jumped to action, firing consecutive hexes at the two Death Eaters climbing up either side of the amphitheatre. Both went down as her spells hit their marks. Hermione had moved further into the room as she defended herself and her friends around her.

She had reached a part midway and found herself watching the battle between Sirius and Bellatrix. She was a few levels higher than Bellatrix, who had not noticed or realised the danger behind her. Hermione however was focused on Sirius. He was at a disadvantage, despite his talent. He also was standing exceedingly close to what was in the centre of the amphitheatre. A huge stone arch.

Hermione almost felt its pull, even at the distance she was at. Yet Hermione's brain was too busy to pay it much attention as she focused on a way for Sirius to get the upper hand. And it came to her. Raising her wand she pointed it at Sirius and cast the spell, drawing her wand back onto herself. Hermione felt the magic around her as the spell switched her with Sirius, giving Sirius the higher ground as she put herself in danger. She never even considered the possibility that Bellatrix hit her with a curse instead. She didn't have time to consider the unevenness of the ground, or the loose stone her foot slipped on. She felt a falling sensation…

Hermione came awake with a start, only remembering that falling sensation. She sat up and felt a blanket slide off her. Someone had been in and covered her. Frowning she looked out the window, the sky had begun to darken into night and realised she had slept for quite some time. Groaning, Hermione got out of bed and made her way out to the lounge. She wasn't surprised to see Harry there talking with Sirius.

"And Sleeping Beauty awakens at last." Sirius smirked as Hermione settled into one of the armchairs. "We were wondering if, like Sleeping Beauty, you would need a kiss to wake you."

Harry and Hermione groaned collectively at the comment, Hermione blushing as she remembered the evening before when Sirius had done just that. Hermione dared a glance up at him and she knew that he wasn't going to let her go until they did talk about that kiss.

"Where is Ron?" Hermione turned her attention to Harry.

"He went to bed early. His nerves are starting to get to him with the game tomorrow." Harry said, glancing at his watch. "I better get going too. I don't want to get caught after curfew and risk Snape penalising me before the game."

He stood up stretching slightly. "See you both tomorrow. Night!" He let himself out, leaving Hermione and Sirius to sit by the fire. Sirius flicked his wand to the tray sitting on a nearby table. The table transformed into a trolley and zoomed over to Hermione. The tray vanished as it stopped in front of her. Sirius said nothing but gave her a long look to indicate that she had better eat some food. Scowling, she picked up the utensils and ate her dinner quietly. Satisfied, Sirius picked up the book he had been reading before Harry had arrived and continued to read. The silence between them grew, broken by the occasional crackle as the fire consumed the log.

"Feeling better?" Sirius finally asked. Hermione nodded staring at the flames, her plate now empty. She was aware that he was studying her. Hermione felt the butterflies in her stomach; she had finally admitted that she was beginning to feel more than a crush for the man sitting next to her. She also had a distinct feeling that he felt much the same way from how he had kissed her the night before.

The lips she had dreamed about had been pressed against hers, softer than she had imagined, coaxing a moan from her before she realised what was happening. The fact that she was dreaming about him and woke to him kissing her as thoroughly in real life shocked her in more ways than she cared to admit. It had also shown her a door in her mind that she wasn't aware of before. But each time she tried to make the connections, she was either interrupted or distracted.

Sighing, she also was probably overthinking this. The same as she over thought her feelings with Victor and Ron. Hermione stood up and stretched, moving the tray aside.

"I better go unpack." She said to Sirius walking to her door. She didn't realise he followed her until he put his hand on the door handle preventing her from opening it.

"Not so fast little witch." He crooned. Hermione turned around and found that he had cornered her. "You and I need to have a conversation." He put his other arm up, boxing her in. Hermione stepped back and bumped against the closed door.

"There is nothing to say." Hermione said timorously. She mentally berated herself for the nervousness in her voice. Sirius chuckled softly; the sound caused Hermione to finally look up into his face, as tingles ran down her spine.

"Princess, there is a lot to say. More than you even know." His voice whispered between them. Hermione's heart hammered against her chest. Yet she was not going to back down.

"I do not see how there is more to say. I had a dream- nightmare, you found me and stopped me harming myself in my state and I kissed someone." Hermione stammered.

"You kissed me, Hermione." His words were husky. Hermione found that she was struggling to breathe normally. Their bodies didn't touch, yet his presence seemed to envelop her.

"And you kissed back!" Hermione's voice came out in a whisper. She felt too hot. His lips were so close, his eyes seemed to draw her in.

"Sirius? You there?" A voice in the fireplace broke their connection. Hermione's hand reached for the door handle and she disappeared into her room shutting the door before Sirius could stop her. Sirius hung his head.

"Yes Moony, I'm here." He growled, pushing away from the wall to converse with his friend.

Hermione leaned against the door in her darkened room taking deep breaths. She was grateful for the interruption, though her traitorous heart was extremely disappointed. Things were getting complicated fast and now that he was acting as her tutor and carer, one of them was going to have to remember the distinction. A small rebellious part of her felt thrilled at the potential risks, wanting to shout 'rules be damned!'

Hermione flicked her wand lighting up the room. Taking one more deep breath she pushed away from the door and moved to her trunk, and began unpacking, stacking her books onto the shelf under the bench seat and sorting out her clothes. Crookshanks hindered her progress as he jumped into the trunk and lay on top of her things, swiping at her playfully as she pulled out her items around him.

When she was done she gathered her toiletries and went to the bathroom to put them away. As she entered she remembered that she also had to share with Sirius. She hoped that there were locks on the doors to prevent awkward encounters, and considered adding a few of her own as she brushed her teeth. Hearing sounds from the other side of the door Hermione finished up quickly, and fled before she encountered him again. As she climbed into bed, all she kept thinking about was how long it really was until Christmas when hopefully her circumstances would change.