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.
AN: The reviews this and my other stories have been receiving are truly amazing. Thank you to everyone for your support and suggestions.
I said it before, and I'll say it again...All of you are made of awesome.
This chapter is a bit slow...mostly filler and all that, but it lays the foundation for certain things, as you will probably note.
Also, I do not have a Beta, so any/all errors or inconsistencies are mine alone.
Chapter Eight:
The next two weeks were a whirl of activity. Malfoy Manor was finally cleansed and refurbished, so after the family packed and sent their belongings through the floo, the Malfoys returned to their home after dinner.
Lucius had thanked his host by refilling Sirius' cellar, and Narcissa gave everyone a gift. Hermione surprised Draco with a full Encyclopedia Britannica set. The youngest Malfoy then surprised Hermione by giving the witch a hesitant and awkward hug.
Narcissa also issued Hermione an invitation to tea, and Lucius stated that she was welcome to peruse the manor's library whenever she wished, within reason, of course. Harry and Ron promised to let Draco know the next time they would have a pick-up game at the Burrow, at least before the summer was through. Like Hermione, Draco would be returning to Hogwarts on the first of September.
Hermione had shut herself up in the library, studying for her NEWTs. Kreacher had been instructed to ensure the young witch had ample food, and to see to it that she had enough rest. Severus had threatened to slip her a sleeping draught if she neglected herself, which was ultimately unnecessary, as the old house elf would bustle into the library at midnight, spell all of her books away to his cupboard, shoo her out of the room and lock the door. It would not reopen until she had at least eight hours sleep and a hearty breakfast.
The NEWTs were held on Friday morning, and a nervous witch was escorted to the Ministry by Sirius and Harry. They had gone with her for moral support, and also to check into the Aurory. Sirius was reapplying for his old job, and Harry was there to take the preliminary exam and enlist.
Hermione sat for her Transfiguration, Charms, DADA, History of Magic, Arithmancy, Muggle Studies, and Care of Magical Creature NEWTs. With the classes she was planning on taken when she went back to Hogwarts, she was aiming to achieve eleven final scores, allowing her to rival Dumbledore, Snape, and unfortunately Tom Riddle, for total NEWTs. She hoped that she would rival their test scores as well, although she was under no delusions that she would match Snape's potion score. The potion master was a genius in the field.
Several hours and broken quills later, an exhausted yet exuberant Hermione was released. The proctors had all congratulated her on a job well done, and informed her that she would be receiving her scores in the next few days. She wiped her hand across her tired eyes and started toward the floos. She was met by a chipper Sirius.
"Merlin, you look awful," he said with a grin.
"Thank you so much..." she said dryly.
"Just meant that you look knackered. How were the tests?"
Hermione smiled at the Marauder, "I think I actually did pretty well, but they took a lot out of me. I had practicals for three of my NEWTs as well as written exams, and some of those advanced charms needed a lot of concentration."
"I still think you're nutters for taking so many, but its what you wanted to do," he said, shrugging, "who are any of us to say 'no'. Well then, let's go home and get you fed, then its off to bed young lady. You have to rest up if you're going out with me and Snape tomorrow night."
"Oh, Sirius...I forgot all about that...I don't think..."
"Nonsense, you're going, and that's that! You have to celebrate, anyway...not just for taking your NEWTs but for yours truly getting his job back," Sirius said with a wink.
"You're an Auror again? That's wonderful!" Hermione chirped as soon as they stepped through the floo in the study of Grimmauld Place.
"Yes, and Harry passed his entrance exam and he'll be starting soon too. Ron is taking his test tomorrow...again," Sirius said, rolling his eyes. "Don't let that bit get out...they're only letting him test again so soon because of his 'hero status', everyone else has to wait three months."
Hermione shook her head and followed Sirius down to the kitchen where Kreacher was bustling around making dinner.
"Where is everyone?"
"Harry's at the Burrow, probably slobbering all over Ginny, and Severus is probably finishing things up at Hogwarts," Sirius said before he tucked into the delicious casserole Kreacher set in front of them.
"Oh...I guess I'm not used to it being so quiet around here..."
"I know. Good thing I got a job again...with Hogwarts starting up and...don't tell anyone I said this...the Malfoys going back home...I'm going to need something to keep me from getting lonely is this old place."
"Harry still lives here, and Gin will be going back to school with me. I'll be back for holidays..."
"See, this is the thing that bites about growing up... people go off and do their own thing, live their own lives..."
"So, you just do the same. Find some girl who can actually tolerate you and settle down," Hermione said with a smirk.
"Too bad it can't be you," Sirius said with a wink, then hurriedly took a sip of his pumpkin juice.
Hermione smiled fondly at the Marauder. "You know I'd drive you spare in no time. We're much better as friends, so no 'too bad' about it."
"I know, love. You're not for me...doesn't mean I can't dream... a lot...especially about you in a bikini," Sirius said, smiling wickedly, "or out of a bikini..."
Hermione giggled and threw a dinner roll at the leering wizard. "You're incorrigible!"
"Incurably. Well, finish up and get some sleep."
"Yes, mother," Hermione said, rolling her eyes. She cleaned her plate and after placing it in the sink, she walked over to Sirius and kissed his cheek. "Night..." she murmured.
"Night, love," he said as he watched her walk out the swinging door. Sirius heaved a sigh and made his way to the study where he poured himself a liberal glass of firewhiskey. He sat and watched the flames dance merrily in the fireplace when he felt a weight settle on his lap.
"Alright there, Crooksy?" he asked the orange pile of fur as it curled up. The half-kneazle's two large golden eyes turned to the Marauder. "You know, Harry probably has no idea why you keep leaving hairballs in his bed... think I should tell him?"
Crookshanks huffed and craned his neck so Sirius could scratch under his chin. "I didn't think so..." Sirius laughed. "I'm taking your girl out tomorrow night...don't worry, I won't let anything happen to her. She needs to get out and have fun, don't you think?" He received a trilling meow in response. "And so does a certain snarky git...hopefully the both of them will be able to loosen up for five minutes and actually enjoy themselves. Merlin, those two have a lot in common. They're almost perf..." Sirius' eyes widened and he took a gulp of firewhiskey. He looked down at the feline on his lap that was practically smirking.
"Oh, you're a sly one, Crooksy," the Marauder said, saluting.
Hermione slept in past breakfast for once. She kicked the covers off and showered. As she was digging through her closet, the witch was happy to discover that she was nearly back to the size she was at the end of sixth year, before having to go on the run with Harry and Ron. She slipped on a pair of jeans and a fitted t-shirt, then bounded down the stairs to see if she could find anything left in the kitchen. Hermione was surprised to find Draco sitting with Harry.
"Morning, you two," she chirped as she gave Harry a hug, then decided to include Draco in her typical greeting. The Slytherin flinched slightly when she put her arms around him. Hermione was about to let him go and apologize when she felt him hesitantly return the embrace. She squeezed him slightly before pulling away and grabbing a cup of tea and a few scones that were left out.
"Morning, Hermione," Harry said, smirking at Draco who was blushing slightly. "How did your NEWTs go?"
"I think they went well. I should get my scores in the next few days," she said sitting down.
"What are you doing up so late?" Draco asked. "From what I remember, you are usually up obscenely early."
"Long, tough day. I guess it took a lot out of me. I went to bed early and was out like a light."
"Good to see that you've taken care of yourself this time around," Harry said.
"I don't think I was given a choice," Hermione chuckled. "I was threatened and locked out of the library when it got too late. Besides, I am probably going to be out late tonight, so I figured that I needed all the rest I could get."
"Going on a date?" Harry asked excitedly.
"I'm letting Sirius drag me to that club he and Professor Snape are going to tonight. You two should come along, you're both eighteen now..."
Draco grimaced and Harry shook his head. "I invited Gin over here for a bit, and I don't think Malfoy's quite up to going to a Muggle place yet," he chuckled when the blond started shaking his head frantically.
"I'm not quite sure if its something I'm up for either, but I'll never know until I see, right?"
"Hermione Granger going out drinking and dancing with a Marauder and a teacher. What is this world coming to..."
"Very funny, Harry," Hermione said, rolling her eyes. "Now that I don't have to make sure you're passing all of your classes or not getting hexed I can relax a bit and live a little."
Harry stuck his tongue out at his best friend. "Mature, Potter," Draco snorted. Harry stuck his tongue out at the Slytherin.
"Boys..." Hermione sighed. "Well, I'm off to read for a bit. I got volume three," she said to Draco, causing him to pale. Chuckling, she got up and went to the library. She grabbed her Lord of the Rings and settled herself on the couch.
Sirius stuck his head into the library shortly before dinner and found Hermione still reclined on the couch. As he walked closer, he found that she was sleeping. He was just about to wake her when Severus came into the room.
Snape walked over to the couch and looked upon the young witch. He was struck by the picture of peace and innocence that she presented. Long lashes dusted ivory cheeks. Her hair tumbled over the pillow she was using and about her face. Cupid's bow lips were slightly curled in a smile. Sirius shook her shoulder gently, and Hermione blinked up at the two men.
"I was just coming to get you for dinner. Then Snape and I were going to go down to the club. You can stay in tonight, if you don't feel up to it."
"No...no, it would be good for me to get out and have some fun," she said, shaking her head and standing up. "That is, if its still fine with you two," she said, stretching and glancing at Severus. Although she knew Sirius wanted her to come along, she didn't see how her professor wanted to accompany one of his students out to a club.
"Of course it is," Sirius grinned. "Now, make sure you eat enough...you're going to need it with all the dancing and drinking you're going to do!"
Hermione turned and arched an incredulous brow at the Marauder. "If you think I'm going to let you just stand around and be a wallflower, you're crazier than Mad-Eye ever was," Sirius snorted. "That goes for you too," he said, shooting a look at Severus who then crossed his arms and glared at his old nemesis. "I'm not saying that you have to get blazing drunk and dance on a table, but you could unscrew that stick from your arse for five minutes and have a good time."
Severus quelled the urge to roll his eyes and just walked down to the kitchen. "How did you get him to come, anyway?" Hermione asked.
"We played a pick-up game with Lucius, Kings, Bill, and Charlie last weekend. We made a bet, Snape lost," Sirius said with a wink.
"Great, he's going to be in a wonderful mood then..."
"Oh, if you didn't notice, he's not really putting up a fight now, is he?" the Marauder chuckled. "He really does want to go out, but he's not going to admit that he does. The bet was just an excuse."
Hermione rolled her eyes and Sirius swore he heard her mutter "Men..." under her breath. Dinner was delicious, of course, and was enjoyed by everyone. Draco had stayed the entire day, watching movies with Harry in Hermione's room. Harry had made several trips to a video store over the summer and Hermione had to transfigure a new bookshelf just to hold all the tapes. Ginny had come over a bit earlier, and it was an interesting mix at the table.
Ginny still didn't like Draco, but she tolerated him for the sake of everyone else and kept her remarks to a minimum. The red-haired Gryffindor felt even more unsettled when her potions professor joined the group. The youngest Weasley knew that the war would bring about many changes, but she couldn't shake off her feeling that too much had changed. Ginny couldn't understand why Harry, her brother, and Hermione could just start getting along with the Malfoys. Or how Harry and most everyone else could just welcome Sirius with open arms. Harry had told her how this Sirius had come through the veil, and the secret made her slightly uncomfortable. She also felt that having Snape around wasn't quite right. No one else understood what it was like at Hogwarts the year he was Headmaster. Even though she now understood that it was all planned and that he supposedly did what he could for the students, she would never forget the things the Carrows put them through.
Ginny didn't want to go back to Hogwarts, but her parents insisted. At least Hermione and Neville would be there, even though the older witch would be assisting in half of her classes. She would just have to take comfort in having some of her friends nearby until the holiday when she would go back to the Burrow and see her family and Harry again.
"Merlin, I hope that you are not wearing that to a club," Draco said, sneering at Hermione's clothes.
"What's wrong?" the young witch asked, looking at her outfit. Draco rolled his eyes.
"I understand it may be a Muggle establishment, but surely they have some notion of standards. You look like something Crookshanks dragged in."
"That's a bit harsh," Sirius said, chuckling, "but he's got a point, love. You should throw on something snazzy. Tart up a bit."
"Tart up? You realize that I don't own anything remotely like what one of your dates would wear," Hermione said, smirking at the Marauder.
"Ouch," Harry said laughing.
"Fine. I shall help you," Draco said, standing up and holding out his hand gallantly. Hermione rolled her eyes and followed the young wizard.
Ginny looked around at the men and said, "You're just letting her go up and get dressed with Malfoy?"
"If he does more than just pick out clothes she'll hex him into next week. Don't worry," Harry said, waving his hand. Ginny just frowned and picked at her food.
Several minutes later, a smug Draco came back into the kitchen. "She did not have much, but I transfigured a few things."
"Details?" Sirius asked.
"You shall have to wait and see."
"Hopefully not long," Severus muttered.
"I had Kreacher do her hair, so it should not take hours," Draco said, rolling his eyes.
"Hermione told me it took forever and several bottles of Sleekeazy to fix it up for the Yule Ball in fourth year," Harry chuckled, then smiled fondly. "She looked beautiful that night."
Draco nodded, then looked around furtively, "Do not tell her that I..."
Harry pantomimed pulling a zipper across his lips. Severus narrowed his eyes and gazed thoughtfully upon his godson.
Just then the door opened and everyone turned to look at the witch standing nervously in the doorway. Sirius wolfwhistled and Harry smiled brightly at his friend.
Severus blinked several times as he took in the girl...young woman standing before him. He had known Hermione for the past seven years. Had seen her as a gangly child and had witnessed her growth throughout the years. The fact that she was now grown struck him fully. Although she would continue to mature, she was now an adult. This was never more evident as she stood in the kitchen, smiling slightly, and wearing an outfit that displayed just how grown she was.
Hermione was wearing a black, wide-necked top that was hanging off of one shoulder and clung to her curves. Underneath, she wore a black, lacy camisole; a strap of which was visible. Draco had modified a pair of her jeans into a tight-fitting skirt that came to just above her knees, with a slit in the back for ease of movement. She was also wearing a pair of strappy, black high heels, which had cushioning and traction charms. Hermione decided to not wear much makeup, and only put on a bit of mascara. Kreacher had styled her hair into more controlled curls and waves, which cascaded around her shoulders and down her back. She looked very much herself, and she was surprised that she found the outfit comfortable and demure enough for her sensibilities.
"You look great, kitten," Sirius said with a grin. "I'll be the luckiest man there...you're going to knock everyone off their seats."
Hermione blushed and turned to Draco to thank him. Severus stood up and took out his wand. Waving it over himself, he transfigured his long cloak into a leather jacket, cut like a suit coat. Underneath, he was wearing black jeans and a fitted, black t-shirt. He stowed his wand up a sleeve and cleared his throat. Sirius was already dressed in jeans, a white button-down, and one of his velvet jackets. The two men looked surprisingly like Muggle musicians, and Hermione cast admiring glances at them. "You're not the only lucky one. I'll be marching in there with the two of you."
Sirius waggled his brows and Severus just looked at the young witch like she was infested with nargles. He shook his head and said his farewells as he walked to the front door.
Hermione followed and heard Sirius tell Harry to "not wait up". The left through the front door and Sirius led them to the club, which was only a few blocks from the house. They heard the club before they saw it; the band had already begun playing, and there was a crowd milling outside the door. Sirius walked right up to the bouncer and gave the man a nod and a handshake. The doorman saw the denomination of the note in his hand and smiled at the Marauder. "Party?" he asked, taking out a clipboard.
"Black," he said and tilted his head to Severus and Hermione. The bouncer's gaze lingered on the young witch, but his perusal was interrupted when a shadow fell over him. He looked up into Severus' glowering face. He recognized the look of a man who knew how to be quite dangerous, but held himself in check. Swallowing, he nodded and waved them through. "VIP section is to the right of the bar, closer to the stage."
Sirius nodded and escorted Hermione through the door with a hand at her lower back. She was thankful for the charms on her shoes, otherwise she was sure she'd be stumbling all night. Hermione looked around wide-eyed at the interior. It was surprisingly quaint, with wood-paneled walls and old-fashioned fixtures. The customers at the bar and on the dance floor appeared to be mostly of an age with Sirius and Severus. The Marauder led them to the raised VIP section and flopped down at a booth. He took his wand out under the table and cast a mild charm that would allow them to hear each other over the music.
"This place looks different than I thought it would. Why is there a bouncer?"
"It's mostly an older, well-heeled crowd that comes here, but bands usually draw a different element. They bring in extra security to keep the rabble down and the place from getting trashed," Sirius said as he looked around. "Waitress must be busy…what are you drinking?"
"Scotch," Severus muttered. "Surprise me," Hermione said. Sirius waggled his brows and went to the bar.
Hermione watched the band and tapped her feet. When she began to mouth the lyrics, Severus raised an eyebrow, which she noticed out of the corner of her eye.
"What is it?"
"I never would have pegged you for a Neil Young fan."
"My parents loved all sorts of music. I grew up on everything from Bach to the Sex Pistols," she said with a grin.
Sirius returned with the drinks and set down a pint of very dark beer in front of the curious witch. "What is this?"
"Guinness…try it. It's an acquired taste, but you might like it. Let it warm up a bit."
"Warm up beer? I thought the point of it was to drink it when it was cold," she said, confused. Her dad liked an ice-cold ale on a warm day.
"Trust me," he winked, then slouched against the back of the booth and listened to the music.
Hermione waited a few minutes then took a sip of the dark brew. It was bitter at first, then the complex flavors burst on her tongue. She smacked her lips and smiled at the Marauder. "It's good!"
"Told you…you've got foam on your lips," he laughed, then raised a brow when the witch proceeded to run her tongue along her lips to get every speck of foam. She turned to Severus and innocently asked if she had gotten it all. The potion master nodded and swallowed heavily.
Hermione finished her pint and started in on another. When the band switched to playing the Rolling Stones, the young witch got up from the booth, "I'm going to go dance," she said with a smile. She stepped out onto the dance floor and joined the crowd.
"Good to see she's enjoying herself. How're you faring?"
"The band is tolerable…the company, barely so," Severus sneered.
Sirius just laughed and shook his head. He was about to retort when two women sauntered up to them. They were both wearing skirts that barely reached mid-thigh, and clinging tops. Sirius smiled up at them until they spoke.
"Glad to see you got rid of the kid…what was up with her hair? I'm Candace…this is Molly. Mind if we keep you company?" she said in what was an attempt at a beguiling manner and began to sit down next to the Marauder.
"Actually, I do mind," he said darkly, frowning at the woman who was scarcely older than the 'kid' she insulted. Snape curled his lip and sneered at Molly, who hastily backed up. "That woman is a good friend and she has more class in her pinky than the two of you together. Go ply your wares somewhere else."
"That was interesting. I would have thought that they were right up your alley," Severus said as the girls practically ran away.
"Years ago, maybe…but I've been spoiled lately. You hang around birds like 'Mione and the bar gets raised. Besides, they insulted her…I won't put up with that."
"Are you sure you will not mess about with her?" Severus asked, narrowing his eyes.
"'Course not. And she knows it. Told me herself we were better off as friends and I agree with her. Doesn't mean I won't tease her still and thump every bloke that looks at her wrong. Like that one," Sirius said, getting up. "Be back in a few," he muttered, then went to the dance floor. Severus saw the tall Marauder slide through the crowd and plant himself behind the slight witch. She had been dancing by herself near the stage, and unknowingly attracted a lot of attention from various men. One of them had gone over to her and started dancing, trying to slip his arms around her waist. Hermione had shook her head and stepped away, but the man kept following her, until he met the fixed, gray glare of Sirius. He raised his hands and backed away.
"Can't take my eyes off of you for two seconds and you get yourself into trouble," he said into her ear.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "As if I meant for Mr. Neanderthal to try to grab me. I was just dancing…"
"You were just gyrating your hips and calling to every red-blooded male in twenty feet like a siren. Come on, minx, I left poor Snape by himself." Sirius took Hermione's hand and led her back to the booth. She sat down and took a few sips of her beer.
"Why don't you two get out there?"
"I only dance when I've got someone to dance with. You were having too much fun by yourself, and I didn't want to leave this one alone for too long. He would bolt as soon as my back was turned," Sirius said with a grin.
"I do not dance," Severus growled.
The three had another drink or two and listened to the music. Although he did not openly let on, Severus was enjoying himself. It was the music from his childhood, when things were not all that great, but much simpler and more innocent. The crowd was not overly noisy or stifling, and he really did not mind the company. Sirius had grown on him, and the know-it-all was nearly pleasant when she was away from her books and a gaggle of adolescents. He also found himself agreeing with the men in the bar; she was also pleasant to look upon.
The band had begun to play their last songs. Hermione had returned to the dance floor. Sirius had excused himself to go to the loo, so Severus was left to keep an eye on the witch. The band closed the evening with a slow song. Hermione started back to the booth when her wrist was grasped by a large man. She was yanked back into the stranger's arms, and she immediately pushed him away. His arms were locked around her waist and she leaned as far back as she could from his alcohol-laden breath. Just as she opened her mouth to yell, she felt the arms disappear and another's took their place.
"Why must I always be saving you, Miss Granger?" came a silky drawl in her ear.
Hermione chuckled and looked over her shoulder. "You're my hero… and if you dare call me a damsel in distress, I shall hex you…professor or not!"
"Here I thought it was Potter who dragged you into trouble. I am finding that you stumble into it well enough on your own." Severus rolled his eyes.
Hermione had turned around by this point. Neither had noticed that Severus' arms were still around her waist, and she unconsciously started to sway to the music. Snape had matched her movements, and the realization struck him moments later. "Why am I dancing?" he muttered, slightly shocked.
"Why not?" Hermione said, smiling up at him. "Just tell people that I had one too many and you were helping me stay on my feet," she said with a wink.
"You have been associating with Sirius too much."
"You say that like it's a bad thing, but you stop by and visit quite often. I would think it would be to raid his library and his stash of Ogdens, but I've seen the library at Malfoy Manor now, and there is no comparison…you're not fooling anyone."
"I find him….tolerable."
Hermione chuckled and kept dancing with the stoic man. At one point she pulled away, took one of his hands and spun herself around under his arm. When she returned her hands to his shoulders, she could have sworn he had a smile on his lips for a moment.
The band closed their set, and the room applauded. Sirius sauntered down and joined the two on the floor. "Want another drink or should we get back home?"
Hermione covered a yawn with her hand. "I'd like to get back. If you two want to stay, that's fine. I'll just walk home."
Both Sirius and Severus looked scandalized at the thought of the young witch walking by herself.
"No, we can call it a night. Want to stop by for a drink?" the Marauder asked Snape.
"I could go for a nip of Ogdens. Muggle Scotch does not quite compare."
The trio left and made their way back to Grimmauld Place. Hermione began to rub her arms as it had cooled down a bit. Before she had a chance to cast a warming spell, she felt something wrap around her. Looking up, she was surprised to see that Severus had draped his jacket over her shoulders.
"It would not do to catch a chill, Miss Granger. I did not bring any Pepper-Up with me this evening."
She nodded and nestled into the coat. Hermione caught the subtle scent of herbs, smoke, and sandalwood, and she inhaled deeply. It was a smell she had always associated with the potion master, and she found it comforting.
When they reached the house, Hermione handed back the coat with her thanks and a small smile. "I think I'll just turn in. Thanks for inviting me along, I had a good time, actually."
"Not a problem," Sirius said, dropping a kiss on her forehead.
"Night, Professor," she murmured as she made her way upstairs. The men watched her for a moment, then went into the library.
"Why does he always pick my chair," Sirius muttered, vanishing orange tufts of fur from his seat. Severus chuckled as he went over to the sideboard and poured two glasses of firewhiskey. The two new friends settled down and sipped from their tumblers in the silence; enjoying the peace after a night of loud music.
Severus finished his drink and nodded at the Marauder. Sirius saluted him, and watched as Snape transfigured his jacket back into a cloak. Severus stepped through the floo and made his way through the castle to his rooms in the dungeons.
As he kicked off his boots and removed his cloak, he stopped for a moment and brought the black material up to his nose. Inhaling deeply, his eyes closed for a moment and a smile tugged at his lips. When he realized what he was doing, he scowled and threw the cloak over the back of his couch. Muttering, he made his way into his bedroom, the tantalizing scent of a certain witch's perfume wafting through the air.