Hi Everyone!
OK I know I did say there would be a delay but I really must apologise on how long a delay it has been.
PLEASE FORGIVE ME!
There are several reasons as to the why between both me and my beautiful Beta Immy.
Many are things I cannot explain except that it was deeply personal and we both needed time.
Now I know there are quite a few more reviews that I also neglected to personally reply to. Sorry!
I would never intentionally leave you so long!
So a belated Happy Easter! Disappointed I got NO chocolate frogs... One day...
And to my Aussies and Kiwi's - '
lest we forget' for the upcoming ANZAC Day.
Lastly, there is going to still be delays between chapters still. But hopefully not as long if I can help it.
Love you all!
Natstar
XOXO
SHATTER ME
Chapter 19
"She needs to be looked over by Madam Pomfrey, Sirius." Minerva McGonagall insisted.
"I agree. But she can be looked over just as easily here in these rooms." Sirius said quietly. He paced back and forth in front of the fire of the private rooms they were given in Hogwarts.
"She is not staying there. Especially not after that Unspeakable got to her." Sirius paused and threw back his glass of firewhiskey and poured himself another. They returned to Hogwarts only because it still was one of the safest places. Remus sat on the couch watching the exchange. When they returned Sirius had put her to bed as exhaustion had finally won out as she was carried back to the castle. The Gryffindor Head Teacher was waiting for Sirius when he emerged from the room and had been quietly debating for the better part of an hour regarding Hermione's welfare.
"She still has her education to finish Sirius!" Minerva exclaimed as their argument continued. Sirius laughed bitterly into his glass as he took another sip.
"You and I both know she could pass the exams tomorrow and leave with the highest grades. It is not about school anymore. It hasn't been about school since she went into the Department of Mysteries." Sirius stated in disgust.
"While she is still enrolled in this school, it will still be about her schoolwork!" Professor McGonagall's voice grew shrill.
Remus understood both sides to the argument. Both in their own ways were valid. But as he was the only to notice the bedroom door open and see Hermione step out he understood the ultimate decision was hers no matter how much Sirius and Minerva McGonagall argued. Hermione watched and listened from the entry of her bedroom as they continued to bicker, growing louder and louder. Remus watched Hermione. There was still a haunted look on her face, as her memories that had resurfaced, ran fresh through her mind.
"Black you are not her Guardian to decide!" Minerva's shrill voice cut above Sirius's.
"I was under the impression that I no longer had any parents or legal guardians since my parents were murdered, Professor." Hermione's soft voice silenced both of them. Hermione's eyes had changed and a barely disguised rage had replaced the haunted look. The air around them seemed to become static as she stepped further into the room.
"Princess" Sirius breathed, taking a step forwards. He stopped as she raised a hand. Her gesture dismissed him from further argument.
"You are still a student of this school Miss Granger. As such it is indeed my responsibility for ensuring your continued wellbeing." Professor McGonagall addressed her student.
"That may be so, Professor. But also understand that I am not underage. I will not be treated like a child." Hermione's voice was like ice. The air seemed to reflect the tone as energy crackled around them. Nobody in the room moved. All were aware that Hermione stood wandless, yet her magic seemed to amplify with her emotions.
"Perhaps, Minerva, you would escort me to fetch Madam Pomfrey, and go to the kitchens and send up some food for Miss Granger." Remus spoke calmly and slowly stood up. He moved towards the door all his actions slow and purposeful. He waited as Minerva collected herself and moved to the door, accepting the dismissal. Remus nodded to Sirius as he shut the door behind them allowing the two some privacy.
"I do not need you to fight my battles for me Sirius." Hermione said softly as her gaze fell onto him. Sirius saw the anger, the hurt, and the fragility.
"No, I don't. But it will not stop me to fight for the one that I love with all my heart" Sirius moved towards her slowly. He watched as the anger drain from her, replaced by love and sorrow. He stopped just before her and opened his arms out towards her.
"Come here Princess." He crooned, beckoning her to take the final step towards him. She was in his arms in an instant clinging to him. Sirius held her soothing her, as her emotions threatened to overwhelm her, whispering soft assurances to her. When she had stopped shivering against him he lifted her chin to face him. Her face was wet with tears. Her eyes again haunted with memories swimming like sharks in her mind.
"How about I run you a bath?" He offered, wiping the fresh tears away that leaked from her eyes. Hermione leaned her face into his hand, sighing.
"That sounds nice." She answered softly. Kissing her forehead, he lead her to the bathroom they shared. He pulled out his wand and flicked it towards the bathtub. The tub immediately began to fill with steaming hot water as well as a mix of soap and bubbles, scenting the room. Hermione stood and watched as the tub filled. Suddenly shy.
"I can go if you want?" He offered her; his hand still in hers. Hermione's head snapped up, her hand tightened around his.
"No!" Her sharp response, surprised Sirius, but didn't deter him. Flicking his wand he charm-locked both doors and drew her against him.
"Are you sure?" He asked, running her hands through her hair; kissing her chastely on the lips.
"I'm sure." She whispered against his mouth. He groaned and captured her lips kissing her until she was breathless. Pulling away only to peel the layers of clothes from each other. Hermione traced his tattoos with her hands and kissed the small scars across his chest as he guided her to the tub stepping into it first. He helped her step into the hot water. She hissed slightly as the heated water touched her cold feet.
He captured her lips again in another searing kiss as his hands ran down the smooth planes of her back.
"I am so happy that you are back Princess. For good this time" He whispered against her and began kissing down her neck.
"I have been back for a while now Sirius." She replied wryly. Sirius shook his head, nuzzling against her as he continued his downward path kissing her, his lips following the scar that crossed her body from collarbone to her hip.
He paused at her hips, his hands holding the back of her knees. "I have found that you being here and seeing me as a stranger was far worse than all those times you were swept away from me through my life." Sirius explained, as he looked up at her from his kneeling position, in the large tub.
"I would rather you flit in and out of my life and love you and be loved by you than be with you and not have that love reciprocated." His was voice husky and vibrated through her abdomen, his long hair and beard lightly tickling her stomach. The water in the tub sloshed slightly as Sirius adjusted and guided her to straddle him as she sank into the warm water. She shuddered against him as she sank around him. They stared into each other's eyes, grey into brown, recognition in both.
"Gods I love you Hermione." He said raggedly.
Hermione's eyes widened, but any response was cut off as he leaned in, taking her lips again in a scorching kiss she remembered so well. Her hands wrapped around him possessively pulling him closer to her; her hands tangled in his hair. Sirius groaned against her, his hands moved to her hips, water sloshing between them and over the lip of the bath. He nuzzled into her chest eliciting a moan from her as they moved in unison.
The water in the bath had grown cool as they lay in the tub, Hermione leaning against Sirius her head against his shoulder. His legs encircled her in the bath. His arms were wrapped around her, holding her against him.
"I wish we could just hide here forever." Hermione sighed. Sirius chuckled softly.
"As wonderfully tempting an idea as that is, we should start to think about getting dressed and having something to eat." He said kissing her cheek, chuckling again as Hermione's stomach rumbled in agreement.
"Come on Princess, up and dressed and a quiet night by the fire." He encouraged. Hermione sighed heavily and stood, the water running from her body. She climbed from the tub and wrapped a towel around her. She noticed his eyes watching her and smirked.
"Enjoying the view Mr Black?" she asked as she padded back towards the bath, dipping her hand back into the water smirking.
"Always" He grinned back at her. He jerked back as Hermione pulled the plug free letting the bathwater escape. Hermione stood and moved towards the door to her room.
"I locked the doors, remember" Sirius stated as he climbed from the tub and grabbed the other towel, wrapping it around his waist. His head shot up as he heard the lock click. Hermione was holding his wand out to him. He took it and watched, speechless as she exited shutting the door behind her.
Sirius was a little surprised to find that he was the first to emerge from his room fully dressed first. The small dining table was set with their dinner covered. An envelope with Remus's writing leaned against the plate. Sirius picked it up and opened the note.
I managed to convince Minnie to allow extra time before Hermione has her check-up. Madam Pomfrey will be visiting first thing in the morning.
Please make sure she eats ALL her food. And you should do the same.
You know where to find me if you need anything.
Moony
"They didn't come back." Sirius turned towards Hermione, hearing her voice. Sirius pocketed the note and drew a chair for her.
"You can thank Moony, for tonight only we can at least be interruption free." Sirius explained. Hermione smiled and glided towards the table letting him push her chair in as she sat, before taking his own seat.
As he promised, Sirius and Hermione shared a quiet night in front of the fire with each other's company, enjoying the dinner the elves had prepared for them. They settled together the couch, happy to be in each other's presence. Sirius talked about his work with his company, 'Black Market Trading' and the successes with the twins business deals for off shore marketing and expansion. Hermione listened, not quite ready to talk, only asking questions to further understand the business and operations.
Sirius carried her to her bed after she had drifted to sleep and nestled in next to her, burying his head into her hair holding her close. Hermione hummed and shifted in her sleep for the first time since coming back from the Veil, she was able to sleep without dreams haunting her.
/\/\/\/\/\
Heavy drumming pulled Sirius from his sleep. He growled softly at the intrusion of noise that pulled him from a wonderful dream. Next to him, Hermione shifted and mumbled in her sleep, seemingly oblivious to the sound of the door being pulverised. Hermione gave a small whimper as Sirius climbed out of bed and padded towards the door and pulled it open.
"Ginny, what can I do for you this early in the morning?" Sirius peered down at the red headed witch, who now stood gaping at his dishevelled and shirtless state, with her fist still in the air from pounding on the door. Sirius sighed and stepped aside opening the door further allowing her to step in.
"So can I ask why you were trying to break down the door?" He asked the girl again as he shut the door behind her.
"Where is Hermione? Harry said something happened." Ginny said, recovering quickly she crossed her arms in a pose that meant that Sirius had better explain or she would start hexing him for information.
"Hermione is asleep. So was I for that matter." Sirius growled.
"What's going on?" Hermione stepped out of her room, as dishevelled as Sirius, pausing to yawn deeply.
There was loud knocking on the door before anyone could say anything else. Sirius growled again as he pulled the door open again this time Harry burst through the door.
"Hermione! You're OK!" He rushed forwards enveloping her in a hug.
"Harry!" Hermione squeaked, as he near knocked the breath out of her.
"I heard that someone tried to attack you." Harry said pulling back, concern all over his face. Hermione however was now blushing as her mind snapped awake and remembered what she was wearing. She looked past Harry and saw Ginny trying hard not to grin, as Sirius stomped over to his room, mumbling about appropriate times visits should be and slammed the door.
"Uh. Yes." Hermione struggled to answer, stepping back from Harry. Hermione watched as Harry took in what Hermione was wearing, his face began to flush as he noticed how much leg she was showing under the shirt that was clearly Sirius's.
"How about we go and get you dressed, Hermione. Harry, maybe you can get Sirius a coffee so he won't bite off anyone's head." Ginny took charge and grabbed Hermione pulling her back to her bedroom, shutting the door on Harry.
"You are going to tell me everything while you get dressed." Ginny ordered as she marched over to Hermione's wardrobe and began pulling out clothes for Hermione to change into. Her head popped around from the wardrobe door.
"Starting with why you are wearing Sirius's shirt, and why both you and he seem to have matching hickeys." She smirked at the brown haired, blushing witch.
"We do not!" Hermione denied, rushing to the mirror. She stopped short as Ginny began to giggle, watching her. Ginny handed her the uniform she pulled from the wardrobe.
"So you and him are?" Ginny asked, sitting on the window seat grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"It is really none of your business you know." Hermione huffed as she changed quickly; yet her blushing face told Ginny everything that she needed to know.
"Is it true what Harry said though?" Ginny asked, concern replacing her grin.
Hermione paused in pulling up her stockings, before continuing with dressing.
"It's true." Her voice so quiet Ginny nearly missed it. Hermione pulled on her sweater over her blouse, when she pulled her head through, she found Ginny standing before her frowning at her.
"Are you OK?"
"I- I don't know." Hermione looked down. Things in her mind still seemed to be mixed up but for the first time she had all her memories; and all the emotions from those memories. They roiled within her crumbling the fragile bridge of inner strength within her.
"Here, how about I do your hair." Ginny offered. Hermione looked up and nodded. Ginny summoned the desk chair over and directed Hermione to sit as she began to magically untangle Hermione's locks and curl them so they hung prettily down her back.
"All done" Ginny said stepping around the chair to the front of Hermione.
"Thanks Gin." Hermione smiled at her friend.
"Don't think it will get you out of an explanation. But we can save that for another time." Ginny moved to the door and slipped out. Hermione looked at her reflection in her mirror and took a deep breath.
"Just another day. Just a normal day." She told herself and followed Ginny out.
"Ah Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey stood waiting for her. Sirius stood by the fireplace sipping from a large mug of coffee, Harry beside him. Ginny however was still next to the door to Hermione's bedroom.
"I would ask you to please step back into your room?" Madam Pomfrey requested. Hermione glanced around before retreating back into her bedroom; Madam Pomfrey followed and shut the door behind her.
Hermione was familiar with the routine having done it before so frequently since she came to consciousness. She felt the charms that Madam Pomfrey cast and answered the questions regarding her magic abilities and general questions on her overall health. Hermione answered them as honestly as she could.
"Now Miss Granger, do you recall what happened the night you were found on the Astronomy Tower?" Madame Pomfrey asked. Hermione frowned as she thought back, remembering how upset she was at Sirius, after she found all those drawings of her. Drawings that stirred something within her that scared her, angered her and pull at her.
"I- I'm not sure. I was upset. All I remember is a stabbing, blinding pain. Then waking up in the Hospital Wing." Hermione spoke to her hands that twisted painfully in her lap.
"Anything else Miss Granger?" Madam Pomfrey asked kindly.
Hermione took a deep breath and looked up. "I remember. I remember it all." She said softly. Madam Pomfrey nodded, jotting down what Hermione told her.
"If you are finding it overwhelming, please come and see me for a calming draught. Memories of any kind can stir a whirlwind of emotions. Though I believe you already know this" Madam Pomfrey advised. Hermione nodded looking away. She still felt guilty at what had happened when she was last in the Hospital Wing.
"For now Miss Granger, I recommend you try and settle back into the normal routine of school for today. However, I would like you to see me again at the end of the day." The school nurse advised standing and exited leaving Hermione to take a deep breath to steady her mind. Hermione looked at her clock beside her bed; the early wake up meant she had time to at least get breakfast and head to class.
Ginny and Harry were still waiting for her when she emerged again. They stayed with her as they walked to the great hall for breakfast. Harry let her know that Sirius left with Madam Pomfrey, in a heated discussion over something, which meant it was about her.
Hermione was grateful to Harry for her first couple of classes sitting with her in Charms and Herbology and History of Magic. He waited as she hung back at the end of each lesson to hand in the extra homework she was assigned for the classes and request for more.
"Honestly Hermione, I think you probably know enough you could teach History of Magic, and at least make it more interesting than Professor Binns." Harry teased Hermione as they walked down to the Great Hall for lunch. They stopped at the entrance to the Great Hall waiting for the crowd to move so they could enter.
"Miss Granger!" Professor McGonagall's voice called behind them. Harry and Hermione both turned as Professor McGonagall hurried towards them.
"Miss Granger, if you would follow me. The Headmaster would like to see you. Mr Potter on your way" She stated to them. Harry waved her a reluctant farewell and headed into the Great Hall, leaving Hermione to reluctantly follow the older witch the familiar path to the Headmaster's office.