When Hermione woke up the next day, it took her a couple of seconds to realize where she was. She was still a bit groggy when she took in her surroundings, she was in the hospital. That's right, she had had the appendix operation and as she carefully took a huge breath she noticed that the pain in her side was gone. Thank God!

Only then did she notice the tall figure sleeping in a chair that looked rather uncomfortable by the side of her bed. So he actually stayed. Wow!

She couldn't help but smile at his sleeping form. He looked so very adorable like that. Of course, she'd never ever tell him that, god knows he was already big-headed enough.

At this very moment, Sirius started to stir and a few seconds later his eyes flickered open.

"Morning" Hermione smiled at him.

"Morning", he replied very sleepily. He was definitely not a morning person. Adjusting his eyes to the light, he got up to stretch his tense muscles.

"You know, you really didn't have to stay overnight", said Hermione.

"If that's your way of saying 'thank you', then 'no problem'".

"Well, thank you", said Hermione. "Oh, damn it", she added.

"What's wrong?", asked Sirius, the worry evident in his voice even though his voice was still very husky.

"I totally forgot to call into work and tell them that I'd have to take a day off!"

Sirius laughed. "So that's all you worry about? I should have known, shouldn't I? Anyway, you needn't worry about it, I took care of that."

"You did?" Hermione sounded rather astonished. "Well, how, why?"

"I'll tell you later. Right now, I need a cup of coffee. Want some, too?"

"I'd actually love some, thanks. But wait, just tell me first, how…" But Hermione's words were useless. Sirius had already left through the door. Slightly frustrated she decided to lie back down. She had never believed him to be capable of being this thoughtful, actually calling into work for her to tell them where she was.

About 10 minutes later Sirius returned, sipping from a huge cup in his one hand and handing another cup to Hermione.

"Thanks", she said, before she took a large sip. Coffee – just what she had needed right now.

After both of them had been sipping on their coffee rather contently, Hermione asked: "So what did Mr. Burton say?"

"Who?", asked Sirius.

"My boss", exclaimed Hermione. "Surely he was the one you were talking to?"

"Oh, yeah, now that you mention it. I think it was him. Said it was alright. After all, if anyone deserved some holiday it was you, he said. So no worries", explained Sirius.

"Holiday?", asked Hermione. "But surely you explained him what kind of situation I'm in? I mean, it's not like I took the day off, I just had an operation, I couldn't go in."

"I might have forgotten about mentioning that", said Sirius, not even trying to look guilty.

"You're joking, right?", Hermione cried out, before noticing that he was indeed serious. "How can you be so calm about this? And why the hell would you tell him that I'm taking a holiday?"

"Because you are", replied Sirius matter-of-factly. "Three weeks to be precise." He ignored her gasp and just continued. "He mentioned that you had some holiday left over, and I just said you'd take all of it now. Seems like you haven't taken any holiday in ages!"

"You did WHAT?" Hermione reacted somewhat belatedly.

"I took some time off in your name", replied Sirius calmly.

"And what would give you the right to do so?", shouted Hermione. "How could he even believe you?"

"With 'he' I think you're referring to your Mr. Button, or whatever he's called. Well, it might have something to do with the fact that I told him that we just got engaged and you wanted to take some time off to celebrate", said Sirius innocently.

"I don't believe you", cried Hermione. "How could you? What are they going to think of me when I go back to work? Well, I could always pretend I didn't know anything about it, could pretend you're some lunatic or something."

"Very likely, my dear. I told them that I'm Sirius Black, so they know that we're friends. You know, it'd be easier if you just stayed home."

"Well, I could always tell them that you were just pulling some kind of childish prank", said Hermione, not ready to give in just yet. And she was still really mad at him, her eyes were glistening furiously at him.

"Ah, but they might question you as to why I would feel inclined to pull such a genius prank on you. Clearly because I'm irrevocably and madly in love with you. So maybe you could assure them that it was one-way only, but that still wouldn't spare you from any teasing." Sirius was clearly convinced of the perfectness of his plan.

Hermione was lost for words, and, not knowing how to reply, she resorted to the only possible reply: "GET OUT! NOW!"

"As you wish, love", said Sirius, smirking. "I have to meet George in two hours anyway. Have a nice holiday."

With that he left, leaving behind a clearly confused and mad Hermione. Great. What was she to do now?