A/N: Many thanks to Muggle Jane and Krissy for looking this over for me. Thank you all for your continued support. It means a lot to me! xx

Disclaimer: The characters and canon situations in the following story belong solely to JK Rowling, Scholastic and WB. I am not making any money from the publishing or writing of this story.

Chapter 20

The week flew by quickly, and suddenly, it was Saturday.

Today was the day that Hermione would see Sirius again. The thought made her both nervous and excited.

She was nervous because she knew what today meant. It meant that it was time for them to consummate their marriage. She loathed that it was an every week thing. It wasn't the sex that she loathed — she liked that part just fine— it was the forcefulness of it. They had to have sex whether they liked it or not.

Her stomach fluttered. A large part of her wished that Sirius would sleep with her because he wanted to, not because he was forced to. She wanted him to be attracted to her. She wanted him to desire her because it was what he truly wanted.

But those were just wishes of a silly school girl. Hermione wasn't a fool. She knew that Sirius was only with her because of the stupid law. He didn't actually want to be with her.

Despite her depressive mood, Hermione was still excited. She missed Sirius and was eager to see him.

She also wanted to get out of the castle. Being in the castle was starting to break Hermione down. All people did was talk about her and spread rumours. She was trying to be strong, but Hermione was sick of it. A person could only take so much.

Getting away from it all would do her some good.

Hermione finished getting dressed for the day, putting on some jeans and a sweater. The October air was rather chilly here in the mountains, and she was sure they'd be getting snow here soon.

Pulling on her boots, she checked her appearance in the mirror. She dabbed some lip gloss on, and then deemed herself perfect.

Walking from her bedroom, Hermione made her way to the Common Room. It was empty, as there were still only three students living in the wing.

Hermione checked the time and knew that Ron and Harry were outside waiting for her. Neither of them had left her side, and thankfully, she hadn't had a run-in with Malfoy. He had given her a few dirty looks, but he hadn't approached her. He was leaving her alone for now, at least that's how it seemed.

Leaving the Common Room through the portrait, Hermione was greeted by the boys.

"I am so glad it's the weekend," she muttered. "Come on, I'm starved. Let's get breakfast."

"Sounds good to me," Ron said. "I'm starving, too."

She could help but laugh. "Ron, you're always starving. I don't understand how you can eat as much as you do and still always be hungry."

"Ginny's the same way," Harry muttered under his breath.

"It's a Weasley thing," Ron explained. "We can all eat. You've seen my Mum's cooking, haven't you? You know she makes a lot of food, and it always gets eaten."

"What's the plan for today?" Harry asked as they entered the Great Hall.

"Well, I'm going to Grimmauld Place for the weekend at noon. What would you like to do before then?"

"Why don't we go down to the Quidditch pitch?" Ron suggested.

"But what about Hermione? I doubt she wants to do that," Harry protested, shaking his head at Ron. It was like Ron didn't even know Hermione sometimes.

"No, that's fine," Hermione said. "I can grab a book from my room and read while you practice."

Harry didn't look convinced. "Are you sure? We could definitely do something less boring."

Hermione smiled. "Really, Harry, I'm sure. After breakfast, just let me nab a book. I don't mind reading at all, you know that."

"If you're sure," Harry said.

"Positive," Hermione said, taking a seat at the table. She helped herself some bacon and eggs. By the time she took her first bite, Ron had already eaten three whole pancakes.

"Hello, Hermione!" Ginny greeted, taking a seat next to Harry. "Excited to see Sirius?"

Blushing, Hermione nodded. "I am, actually. I'm ready for some peace and quiet."

"Understandable. I wonder what Mrs. Black's portrait will say when she sees you. Or Kreacher! You'll have to tell me what they say!" Ginny said with a laugh.

Hermione groaned. "I totally forget about that stupid painting and Kreacher. I'm sure they'll both give me a hard time."

Ron snickered. "Kreacher didn't like you to begin with, I'm sure he really won't like you now."

Rolling her eyes, Hermione huffed. "Thanks for making me feel better, Ron."

"Kreacher hates everyone, Hermione, you know that. There's no reason to take his hatred personally."

"Yes, well, I'll be sure to let you all know how that goes."

"Please do," Ginny said. The redhead pretended to eat her breakfast, but Hermione knew better. She knew that Ginny was most likely nudging Harry's foot under the table.

Breakfast was finished in silence.

Once they were done, Harry walked Hermione back to her room so she could grab a book to read. Ron, meanwhile, had grabbed both his and Harry's brooms so they could fly. He also got quick permission from Professor McGonagall to use the Quidditch pitch.

Hermione took a seat in the stands, making herself comfortable. She watched Ron chase Harry around on his broom before turning her attention to her book. Opening it up, she took a deep breath. Hermione loved the smell of an old book.

She had grabbed a book at random, but she was surprised it was this one. The Return of the Native was one of her mother's favourites, but she didn't care that much for it. Still, a book was a book. She began to read.

"Hermione, are you ready?" Harry shouted up the stairs to Hermione.

"Almost!" she shouted back. Hermione quickly packed a few more belongings into her overnight bag. Swinging it over her shoulder, she thanked Merlin for weightless charms.

Running down the stairs, she saw Harry was waiting for her. He had offered to walk her to Professor McGonagall's office so Hermione could Floo to Grimmauld Place.

"I hope you have fun," Harry offered as they walked through the halls.

Hermione smirked, glancing at Harry from the side of her face. "Do you realize what you just said? You do know why I'm going there, don't you?"

Realization flashed across Harry's face. "Gross," he muttered, shaking his hand. "Eww, um, I didn't mean that."

Hermione smiled, rather smug. "I hope I have fun," she said, winking at Harry.

"No, stop!" Harry said. "I really don't want to think about it. I keep forgetting that it's Sirius you're married to, and that you two…" he broke off, shuddering. "Please, never mention that again."

"You're the one that brought it up!" Hermione pointed out. "Besides, we're all adults."

"Doesn't mean I want to think about you two," Harry pointed out, still cringing.

"Sorry," she said, not feeling sorry at all. Looking up, she saw they reached Professor McGonagall's office. "Well, this is my stop."

Harry gave her a tight hug. "See you tomorrow."

"Bye, Harry," Hermione said, stepping out of his embrace. "I'll find you and Ron once I get back."

"Okay." Harry watched as she slipped inside their Head of House's office.

"Right on time, Hermione," Minerva greeted her with a smile. "The fireplace is yours to use."

"Thank you, Minerva," Hermione said, moving towards it. "I should be back around three o'clock tomorrow."

"I'll be here," Minerva promised. "Take care." She returned to the stack of essays she was grading.

Hermione took a handful of Floo powder before stepping into the fireplace. "Twelve Grimmauld Place!" she shouted, throwing the powder to her feet.