I know, I know, super late. I cannot apologize enough. It is another short chapter but I really wanted to help y'all celebrate the day. Happy birthday Sirius Black!

7.

Hermione finally did let herself laugh at the boy's facial expressions. For such renowned liars they were not the best at keeping their faces stoic. They could afford to learn a thing or two from the Snape of her time. Then again Remus himself had gotten better at it with his age. Sirius Black himself had never really managed to control himself. She wasn't entirely sure he cared either. What was the point when he was either in Azkaban or locked in Grimmauld Place, unable to leave. Fighting to get herself under control Hermione did her best to take deep breaths, it took more than a few to get the wheezing to stop.

"Okay, okay, I'll try to stop messing with you boys and take this as seriously as it deserves, promise." it seemed from the look he was giving her, Remus at least didn't think she would hold to her word. " Look, I said to ask questions so fire away. I know you can think of a few moments I should know nothing about Black."

"Too right you are little witch. The map is weird enough but we did lose it to Filch last year, it doesn't necessarily mean you're from the future, just knowing about it." He got that look on his face that said he was up to no good. Against her wishes Hermione started to get a thrill from the challenge that was Sirius Black in his youth. "Alright kitten, tell me something about myself that no one else should know. If you know us as well as you say that shouldn't be too hard. Remember, nothing any other witch could tell me. I'm prone to pillow talk." The wink he shot her when he finished made a girlish giggle Hermione didn't recognize pass her lips. Merlin, could she embarrass herself anymore today?

When she felt the flood of blood rush to her cheeks she had enough. She always had a slightly vindictive and petty side, it seems no matter what year and age, Sirius knew just the way to bring it to the forefront of her personality.

"You've got yourself a deal Sirius Black, I'll even tell you something James doesn't know." She couldn't help the slight guilt she felt when he started to fidget nervously. She only knew really because her insatiable curiosity had her listening in on a private conversation. Too late to back out now. " You were shagging Remus half of fifth year. Quite an achievement really, he's a shy one our Remus." She gave the werewolf her best cocky grin and wink combination to try and alleviate some of the tension that came into his neck and shoulders.

"No judgement, I mean look at him. It's a shame, you thinking James would care and all. Rib you constantly, maybe, but true judgement, not really his style." Hermione put on her most supportive smile before she looked Sirius in the eyes. It was a look usually reserved for Remus the day after a full moon or Harry when he started to blame himself for all the loss caused by the war.

Sirius just stood there like a gaping fish for so long Hermione started to worry she had broken him. Remus had never resembled a tomato more than he did the moment she threw his looks into the conversation. She meant what she said, he was always the more reserved of the two in her time, never feeling that he deserved the attention Tonks showered him with.

Finally Sirius cleared his throat and turned to look at James. "Look mate, it was nothing personal. We just didn't want it to get weird when we called it quits. Moony and I knew it wasn't forever. If we were the only ones who knew, there would be less tension."

Was the Sirius Black blushing? Maybe she told them more than she should. It was well known in her time that Sirius wasn't shy with his affection and he was more attracted to the person than what was in the pants. It was taking everything she had to not start apologizing but it would do her no good here. These weren't her boys from back home. She had to stay strong and brave so they would take her seriously.

James was starting to turn a deep shade of red himself but Hermione couldn't help the pride she felt when he kept eye contact with Sirius despite his obvious discomfort, he just looked so much like Harry. He finally cleared his throat and lost some of his blush. "Something to talk about later Pads. Maybe we should just focus on own revelation at a time, yeah?"

Hermione's face lit up in her best "proud mom" smile while she watched the exchange. " Fair enough then, your turn Remus. You must have thought of something to try and trip me up by now."

As much as she would love to talk to James first she just wasn't confident enough. She didn't know him as well as Remus and Sirius. It seemed too early to tell him he didn't make it around to meeting her originally.

Remus gave her a calculated look before collecting himself and putting on a blank mask. " Everyone at school knows our names, that doesn't mean you know us. If what you say is true then tell me why we have the names we do."

Hermione rolled her eyes at the predictability of the question. Remus would always, first and foremost, be concerned of others knowing of his condition.

" Well Remus that questions is decidedly dull. Sirius here is called Padfoot because of the feet on his dog animagus form. Truly nothing more fitting." Again she couldn't help the wink she seemed to be stuck with in this time period. What were the marauders doing to her already? " Prongs here of course has his giant antlers and Wormtail's rather unfortunate monicor comes from being a rat."

Hermione took a bracing breath and made sure Remus was meeting her eye contact. He already looked a worrying mix of intrigued and scared.

" I want you to listen to this next part very carefully Remus Lupin. You are not now nor will you ever be a monster. I won't hear you speak ill of yourself in front of me. Being a werewolf does not make you inherently bad. You are a good man, one of the best I know, in fact." Hermione finished her statement with the biggest smile she had given any of them yet. Remus had always been one of her favorites. He had a calming demeanor that didn't seem to be missing from him even at his young age.

Even though he looked mostly baffled by her strong delivery the other marauders in the room were giving her the most welcome looks she had received from them thus far. Maybe she really could ingratiate herself into their group. There seemed to be hope anyway.