THE VEIL
Chapter 23
24th December 1994 – Christmas at Mac Tíre Tearmann
Hermione drifted through the grey, still damp from her swim in the ocean with Sirius. For the first time in what seemed to be forever the ache that had been in her chest felt less. Her time in the Caribbean with Sirius seemed to have soothed much of the troubles in her soul. Soon she could free herself from the secrets she kept from them. She just hoped that they would forgive her. The whispering ghosted around her. Hermione sighed. There was still a ways to go, but the worst seemed to now be behind her. A breeze wound around her as the whispering intensified. The greyness changed, the temperature plummeted and she cried out in shock as the cold blasted her, coming from a tropical summer in a bikini to a winter snow storm was a shock to all her senses.
Hermione acted fast and created a bubble of warm air around her as she dug into her beaded hand bag; all she had was a light kaftan Sirius had given her from one of his trips to the populated island. Most of the clothes that were once in there had been left behind. She mentally kicked herself for the stupidity of not expecting to come out in snow, as she pulled it over herself and cast warming charms over it. It wouldn't last for long but it was all she could do. She looked up and saw lights in the distance through the snow.
She began to trudge through the snow, towards the lights and hoped the occupants would be willing to aid her. A noise behind her made her turn. A black dog bounded through the snow. He stopped and began barking. Padfoot nudged her forwards and bounded towards the lights. Not wanting to spend longer freezing in the snow she quickly followed Padfoot. The barking alerted whoever it was in the house, Hermione saw the door open and a figure standing there. Padfoot bounded up and then dashed back to Hermione. The figure came hurrying out his wand raised.
"Merlins beard! Hermione?" Remus's shocked voice cut through the snow. As he approached his eyes widened at the sight of her. "What the bloody hell are you doing in the snow in bathers?" He asked her in astonishment. He quickly shed his jacket and wrapped her in it and scooped her up into his arms.
"Remus! I can walk! And it wasn't like I planned on this!" She growled at him.
"You are barefoot in the bloody snow Hermione!" Remus growled back at her has he carried her back into his cabin, 'Mac Tíre Tearmann'. Padfoot ran through the portal ahead of them. Remus plonked her unceremoniously on the leather couch in front of the fire. He flicked his wand behind him and the door slammed shut.
"What the bloody hell Hermione?" Remus yelled. Hermione looked at him wryly, pulling the blanket around her to warm herself up. Padfoot sat in front of her his tail wagging behind him.
"I was in the Caribbean when I was pulled back into the -" A sneeze cut her off. Her hair was frosted from the instant cold. Remus pointed his wand at her and dried her hair, her brown and golden locks curling around her. Hermione looked up at him smiling in thanks, and sneezed again. Remus raised his brow imperiously to her.
"Of course you were. Padfoot, perhaps if you can shift back and make her a pot of tea I will see what I can do about appropriate dress." Remus stalked into his bedroom muttering about catching the death and too much skin.
"Hello Princess," Sirius bent and kissed her on the cheek quickly, before moving to the kitchenette, preparing tea. His beard had been let to grow again. His clothes were a little ragged. Yet he at least seemed to be in better health. Hermione sat in front of the fire the warmth spreading through her slowly, her ears, feet and hands tingling slightly. Sirius floated the tea over to her and she took it gratefully.
Sirius sat in the armchair sipping his own. In his animagus form the cold affected him less, yet he still felt the cold. He had left Buckbeak in the forest, the hippogriff could look after himself in the forest. Remus had invited Sirius for Christmas so that they would have a chance to catch up, and give Sirius a chance to be somewhere warm for a night or two. Sirius took him up on the offer, as he knew Harry was at Hogwarts. As a champion he was required to attend the Yule ball the following night. He was worried about his godson, especially after hearing what happened at the end of summer at the Quidditch world cup.
Remus came out of the bedroom looking at the pair. A thin slice of jealousy rose. But he shoved it aside. They were both his friends first. "There are some clothes on the bed, help yourself to what is there." He sat down and accepted the third cup of tea Sirius poured. Hermione put her cup down and stood, the blanket falling off her. She still had on Remus's jacket; she wrapped it tightly around her and moved to the bedroom, aware of two sets of eyes following her.
She was about to close the door when a knock on the front door, startled all three of them. Remus looked at Sirius and said quietly "I wasn't expecting anyone else."
Sirius nodded and morphed back into Padfoot. Remus vanished his cup and moved to the front door, opening it slowly. Three aurors stood outside. All three were completely unfamiliar to Hermione who watched from the bedroom door partially closed bedroom door. Padfoot had followed Remus and growled softly playing guard dog.
"Good evening Mr Lupin," One of the aurors spoke. Remus stayed at the door.
"Can I help you?" Remus asked politely, yet some irritation showed in his voice.
"Routine inspection I'm afraid, Mr Lupin. We received a tip off that the Murderer Sirius Black was in this vicinity. As your place is the only known Wizard home in this area, we are obliged to check."
Remus didn't move from the door. His back was rigid when he asked politely "And you have an authorisation form to search my property again?"
The auror sighed, pulling out an official looking scroll from his robes, handing it to him. Remus read it and reluctantly stepped away from the entrance. Two of them entered and began searching the house, not caring the mess that they left as they turned things over looking. The third stayed by the door, attention still focused on Remus. Hermione watched in disgust at the lack of propriety these aurors showed.
"Whose footprints are in the snow? And whose dog is that? We weren't aware you owned animals?" The auror pressed Remus.
Hermione, thinking fast, Vanished the Kaftan she wore, took a deep breath and stepped out of the bedroom.
"Remy, honey, what's going on?" She sauntered slowly into the room, just in the swimwear and Remus's jacket. The aurors had their wands on her as soon as she appeared. The two who were supposedly searching for Sirius, lowered them at the state of her undress. The third auror at the door however kept his wand raised at her. Hermione had stopped when the wands were raised. She fluffed her hair and pouted at Remus, who was now standing staring at her.
"Remy, have I done something wrong?" Her eyes were wide as she looked around at the group innocently. Padfoot moved next to Hermione his growls slowly growing louder.
"Miss, how do you know Mr Remus Lupin?" the auror at the door stepped further into the room, wand point still trained on her. Hermione turned to Remus and gave him a heart stopping smile.
"He saved my life. I saved his." Hermione let the jacket fall open showing the long scar down her torso, from hip to collarbone. The auror raised an eyebrow as he looked her up and down slowly, then nodded at the dog at her feet, "That mutt yours?"
Remus had to hand it to Hermione as she didn't even blink as she dropped to her knees putting her arms around Padfoot, tugging his ears gently.
"You mean Snuffles? Of course he is mine!" She tapped Padfoot on the nose. "Now stop growling at the nice men." She scolded the dog gently. Padfoot followed suit playing his role as the scolded puppy and put his nose to the ground whining, staring up at Hermione, as she stood back up, leaving the jacket to hang open. Remus stepped past the auror, put his arm around Hermione, who leaned into him putting her head on his shoulder. Remus felt her wand in the sleeve, of the arm she had around him, smart, distracting, cheeky little witch, he thought.
"If you are finished interrogating my girlfriend and myself, I believe it would be best for you to be on your way." Remus said sternly. Hermione nudged Remus, "But Remy, you didn't offer them any tea. That is rude. Would you care for some tea?" She scolded him, and looked apologetically through her eyelashes at the leader standing in front of them. The auror in front of her stepped away and nodded to the other two, "No, thank you Miss. I think we should be on our way, as Mr Lupin suggested. Goodnight, and Merry Christmas." They moved to the door. Remus followed them out, Padfoot at his heels. Remus watched as they walked out the gate into the snow. Three cracks telling them they had disapparated.
Remus shut the door, locking it and charming it locked. Padfoot transformed back into Sirius. Both men turned to Hermione, who now stood blushing slightly, she wrapped Remus's jacket back around her. Remus turned away, walking to the kitchen and pulling out a bottle of fire whiskey, drinking straight from the bottle. Sirius was still staring at Hermione with an appraising eye asked, "When did you learn to act so well?"
Hermione shrugged, not looking either of them in the eye. "I didn't. I have two roommates in Hogwarts that act like that all the time. Besides, I saw the reactions from you both when I arrived, I figured that they would react similarly." She turned and walked back to the bedroom to finally get changed. Remus nudged Sirius who was watching Hermione's retreating form, "Just when I think I have her figured out, she surprises the hell out of me." Sirius said, taking a swig from the bottle.
"And don't think I didn't hear that this wasn't their first call, Remus." Sirius growled and turned to his friend. "How many times?"
Remus collapsed on the couch and rubbed his temple. "Tonight makes the fifth. They learned after their first attempt that they would need written authorisation each and every time. So far it seems to be the same ministry official that is signing them too." Sirius paced in front of him.
"The same? Surely there is more than one ministry official that signs these?" Sirius asked. Remus laughed bitterly and handed the scroll to him.
"Not when this one seems to have a vendetta out on people like me. Dolores Umbridge. She is the Undersecretary to the Minister, yet seems to find an awful lot of time to make my life miserable." Sirius handed the bottle back to Remus who took a long drink, before continuing, "She is the reason why, at the moment, I have no job whatsoever. I am not able to walk down Diagon Alley without harassment, nor be considered for assistance because of my condition"
"That evil toad is the reason why more than werewolves are suffering at the new laws that are being passed." Hermione growled as she came out of the bedroom. Hermione had her wand out and flicked it so the items that were carelessly tossed aside were set to rights around the room. She was in a pair of slacks and an oversize sweater, and a pair of Remus's socks. Remus looked at her questioningly, "How do you know the woman?"
Hermione shrugged as she sat and curled up on the armchair, "I read the newspapers in my time. I was appalled the first time I read about the laws restricting 'half-breeds' particularly the awful one aimed at you, and the werewolf communities. And I have personally encountered her. She also seems to not be a fan of muggleborns, especially one whom outsmarted her."
"I've met her." Sirius said quietly, "She would visit the prison frequently, more so than Fudge. She was the one that insisted to have a dementor at my prison door permanently." There was a silence between them the only sounds were the crackle of the fire. Until Hermione's stomach growled. Hermione shifted uncomfortably as the two males looked at her with narrowed eyes. Remus leaned back into the couch, pressing his fingers together, he spoke quietly, "Hermione, you promised that you were to look after yourself. Eating is part of that."
Sirius snorted, "I tried to get her to eat over the summer, and it was a mammoth task for her to get more than four bites in." He had stretched out in front of the fire, knowing that she was squirming under Remus's glare. Remus raised a brow at her; he flicked his wand towards the kitchen. A platter flew out with breads, cheeses and cold cut chicken. It stopped before her and hovered waiting for her to take some food. Hermione glared at them, and took a small piece of cheese.
"Hermione," Remus spoke quietly, "My promise still stands. Now take some bread and chicken and eat it."
Hermione's cheeks heated slightly as she grumbled under her breath grabbing some bread and chicken. The platter flew to Sirius, who loaded his bread with chicken and a large chunk of cheese. "What was the promise?" He asked mildly taking a bite. Remus just smirked, as Hermione narrowed her eyes at him.
"Dear Moony, threatened to spank me if I refused to eat or failed to finish a meal. Apparently I wasn't eating sufficiently" She snarled, and took a small bite of the chicken and bread. Sirius choked on his food.
"He what?" Sirius gasped, finally swallowing the mouthful of food. He glared at Remus, Remus merely looked indifferent, taking some of the food himself.
"I did whatever I could to get her to eat Sirius. She lost too much weight too fast after the accident. The healers at St Mungos were not able to get her to eat, in the state of her grief she was in." He took a bite of his food and looked back to Hermione, pointedly to the food almost untouched in her hand before adding, "She also promised to box my ears for staying miserable and alone all these years as well."
Sirius looked between them, unsure whether to be angry at one or both of them. He knew that they had somehow managed to look after each other in the time he was imprisoned. He had guessed that Hermione wasn't the only one not looking after themselves. His eyes moved back to Hermione and growled, "If you don't eat Princess, Moony won't be the only one to spank you."
Hermione's mouth fell open and her face flushed a bright red as she stared incredulously at Sirius. Remus chuckled and took another bite. Hermione's wits pulled together and she huffed, biting into the bread. It was one thing for Sirius, but she knew that he would be that depraved to allow Remus to spank her for not looking after herself as well. Remus and Sirius made her have seconds before they were satisfied she had eaten sufficiently. She refused their insistence on third helpings, on threat on hexing their balls if they dared try.
Remus said his goodnights and went to bed, leaving Sirius and Hermione in the main room. Sirius transfigured the couch into a bed and climbed in. Hermione continued to sit staring at the embers in the fireplace.
"Princess, being angry at us is not going to solve the problem." He chided. Hermione looked over to him. He was lying on his side waiting for her. "And if you don't get over here, I will follow through on the promise to spank you soundly."
He grinned as she stood, and crawled into the makeshift bed next to him. She snarled as he wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close and burying his head into her hair groaning, "You still smell like the Caribbean" He whispered, nuzzling her neck gently nipping and kissing her neck she began to melt against him, then pulled away quickly, "Sirius, we are not doing anything here! I won't." She hissed. Her eyes were on the bedroom door.
"Very well." He sighed heavily, kissing her hair, "Goodnight Princess."
Hermione awoke to Christmas carols being sung behind her and a hot breakfast being cooked. Sitting up she stretched and noticed that Remus was sitting in the armchair reading the Daily Prophet. He glanced up and gave her a small smile, "Merry Christmas Hermione"
"Merry Christmas Remus" She smiled. Sirius's voice announced breakfast which was floated over to them. Hermione's eye however was on the hot cup of steaming coffee floating towards her.
"Good Morning Princess. Merry Christmas." Sirius sat next to her, the three trays resting in front of each of them.
"Merry Christmas Sirius." Hermione smiled as she took the coffee. She sipped it and hummed in pleasure. Remus chuckled, watching her, "I forgot how much you love your first cup of coffee. However if you don't eat the food that Sirius kicked me out of my own kitchen to make, you won't get presents."
Hermione looked down at the breakfast before her. Sirius made a loaded omelettes for all of them. Hermione looked up at Sirius, "Impressive. I thought you said you were bad at cooking?"
Sirius gave her a devilish smile, one she had not seen in so long. "You are about to sample the only culinary thing I have ever mastered."
Hermione looked back down at her omelette, it definitely smelt delicious. Taking a small bite she chewed slowly. It was incredibly tasty; she counted at least three different cheeses, fresh herbs, ham, mushrooms and tomatoes. She had to admit that it was one of the best omelettes she had ever had.
Remus and Sirius were talking quietly about the year, the topic being the triwizard tournament and Harry; they were worried about what was happening. Hermione looked up from her plate, she knew the outcome at the end of the year, however what made her begin to giggle was what would be happening tonight. Both men looked at her, neither chose to comment on her empty plate, though both noted it.
"Hermione, would you like to share what you find funny about Harry in the tournament?" Remus asked, finishing his coffee.
"Tonight is the yule ball." Her giggles erupted again. Sirius swept the dishes back to the kitchen lest she knock them.
"And?" Sirius asked impatiently.
"Harry can't dance." She gasped, "Right now Harry's current biggest fear is stepping on his partner's feet."
Remus chuckled, remembering they at least had Sirius to help them not look bad. Sirius however wasn't finding it funny. In fact he was looking at Hermione with a frown.
"Hermione, who did you attend the dance with?" Sirius asked. It was the first time he used her name since she arrived back. Hermione noticed that as well and wiped her eyes looking at him properly, the crease on her head appeared as she judged the information safe to tell him.
"I was asked by Viktor Krum to be his date for the ball." Hermione tinged pink as the memories of this night played through her head.
"The Bulgarian Seeker from the world cup?" Sirius asked, he didn't know whether to feel jealous or impressed by the revelation.
"He is the Durmstrang Champion for the tournament." Hermione confirmed, she climbed out of the bed and headed to the bathroom. Leaving them with the revelation she shut the door. Remus and Sirius heard the water run through the pipes as the shower started.
"She went on a date with an international quidditch player?" Sirius asked aloud.
"And her current boyfriend is a wanted man for a murder he didn't commit." Remus mused at Sirius. Sirius chuckled, "Who knew Hermione's type had to be famous."
Remus groaned and rubbed his temple, "Sirius, sometimes I wonder how she even can handle that ego."
"I don't see it as ego. More like a winning personality." Sirius scoffed, and returned to the topic of who would likely be the potential person trying to take out Harry.
When Hermione emerged from the shower, the two were back to discussing the tournament and what the next task may be for Harry. Between them a small pile of presents were sitting between them. She stayed back from the couch.
"I- I don't have anything for either of you." She said quietly, her hands began to twist within themselves.
"Hermione, consider your presence our present, as neither of us gets much time with you." Remus said kindly. Hermione still twisting her hands painfully, she timidly sat between them, not able to look at either of them.
Remus pointed his wand at the pile; the gifts flew to their recipients, one each to Sirius and Remus, two to Hermione. The wizards wasted no time opening the gifts to each other. Hermione looked down at the presents and picked up the first, staring at the coloured paper.
"Sirius, what are these?" Remus pulled out a large stack of gift cards, some for clothing stores, and some for supermarkets, and book stores.
"You always hated me shopping for you Moony. So I bought the next best thing. Now you can at least choose what you want." Sirius finished tearing the wrapping from his gift, he started chuckling. Remus had given him a beard trimming set.
"The homeless man not cutting it?" Sirius asked amused. He laughed when both Hermione and Remus said no at the same time.
Hermione finished pulling the gift wrap off the first present from Remus, it was a midnight blue velvet cloak with silver clasps.
"Remus it is gorgeous, thank you!" She said admiringly. Reverently she set it aside, and began unwrapping her other gift from Sirius. In the packaging was a book and a slim box. The book was a printed and bound copy of the sketches Sirius had done over the years. Next to each drawing was a little blurb about the time she was there with them. She flicked through and noticed newer sketches mixed through.
"It helped me remember some of the things I had forgotten. I didn't want you to forget anything or anyone." Sirius explained.
She smiled warmly at him. "I'd never forget." She picked up the small box and pulled it open. Hermione frowned at the contents, confused.
"I managed to get the title put into your name. It is yours to use as you wish, anytime, the townhouse in Coventry." Sirius said quietly.
Hermione stared at the little silver key in the box. A keyring was attached with a fairy and a dog hanging from it.
"Sirius, this is too much. I can't accept a house!" She looked up at him eyes wide. Sirius moved to kneel in front of her, putting his hand over hers. "Hermione, please accept it. At least I will know that the first place I found some happiness will be yours to be happy in too. And it's not just me. Moony is also giving it to you. We both co-owned the property."
Hermione turned to Remus who nodded confirming, "I hope you don't mind. I did redecorate a little for you; the place was neglected for some time and needed some care."
She looked down again at the key, unable to form words; she did have so many good memories from when she came out in time in that place.
"Thank you." She dropped to kiss and hug Sirius quickly then stood and turned to Remus, "Both of you, Thank you." And hugged and kissed Remus on the cheek. She pulled away slightly, "The cloak is beautiful Remus, thank you." She hugged him again.
With the gifts unwrapped, Remus suggested that they should show her what they had done with the Terrace house. Remus apparated first to ensure it would be safe for Sirius. He popped back a short time later. Hermione had her new cloak wrapped around her, the dark blue looked perfect on her.
"You should have been in Ravenclaw. The colours would have suited you." Sirius said to her before apparating.
"You don't think red looks good on me?" She asked as she popped into existence between both of them. They apparated directly into the small courtyard attached to the terrace house. Sirius had already transformed into Padfoot and simply woofed at her in answer.
"I imagine red would look equally stunning on you Hermione, or at least I am guessing that is what Padfoot was saying." Remus said, a small smile on his face.
He indicated that she go first and she stepped forwards, unlocking the back door. She walked slowly through the house, now hers. They had fully renovated the entire house. It was lighter and airier than when she was last here. The furniture was new and tastefully filled each space. Magic was at play as the door from the kitchen had four labels on the door knob. When turned to each marking it would open to a lounge, a library, study, and a large open room with a dancefloor, music system and a small stage. Upstairs the two bedrooms had been redone and an extra bathroom was added, she suspected magic was at play as the proportions of both rooms seemed too large for the size of the apartment she remembered. The bedroom that Sirius had used, now had a more feminine aspect to it. The walk in closet also had been filled with clothes for her.
She stopped at the main bathroom door. Though it had been completely remodelled and renovated it didn't stop her memories of the incident with Peter replaying in her head. The guilt she had tamped down seemed to resurface. She made her way slowly back downstairs trying to decide if she should finally tell the two wizards. They were both in the library, sitting in the plush armchairs that looked perfect to curl up with a book in. They both looked happy for what seemed like the first time in thirteen years. She couldn't bring herself to, especially on Christmas. Hermione set her features to a smile as she approached and fought to tamp down the guilt still heavy in her heart.
"I can't believe you both did this for me. I feel it is too much." She said to both of them as she settled on the third armchair. Sirius watched her, she was smiling but he suspected something seemed off, as the little crease on her forehead had not disappeared.
"You don't like something, what is it?" He asked bluntly. Hermione turned her gaze onto him. Narrowing her eyes, she replied, "Perhaps that someone here has actually purchased an entire wardrobe of clothing. Including what seems like a full catalogue of lingerie." Her face impassive, her cheeks the only giveaway, tinged pink.
Sirius smiled devilishly, "Told you she would notice those first Moony." Remus shook his head and pulled out a galleon, flipping it to Sirius who caught it and pocketed it. Hermione narrowed her eyes at them. Remus chuckled again, "Hermione, you realise that we've had bets on what animagus form you would be if you ever considered to try."
"You're not serious?" She asked surprised. Sirius and Remus burst out laughing,
"He isn't Sirius. I am." Sirius answered, chortling again as Hermione groaned hand covered her eyes, "And you two were responsible for helping to create the Marauders Map. Yet your jokes are abysmal." She stood up, and moved towards the stairs, both Sirius and Remus stopped,
"Where are you going Princess?" Sirius asked watching her leave.
"To go and look at a change of clothes that fit me." She left the room, leaving the two together.
"She will definitely be feline." Remus mused, "Of what kind I don't know, but definitely a cat. "
Sirius shook his head. "No, I still reckon it would be a fox if she decided to try it."
"Of course you do. You loved the Fox and the Hound movie. I don't know why, that movie was sad."
Sirius snorted, "You thought Grease was sad."
"No I thought it was a poor representation of the era. There is a difference." Remus corrected. The two continued to banter and bicker, completely unaware that Hermione had once again been pulled into the void.