A note from Serade Black: It has taken ages for me to update, but forgive me, I'm fresh from Infinitus and still recooperating! So, many of you are wondering who the mystery man is...you'll be meeting him in good time. Thank you to all the readers and reviewers, they do keep me going. I have every intention of finishing this story (estimating about 22 chapters total), as I have another one in the works. Enjoy ~ SB

Chapter 4 ~ Waiting and Watching

The sign out front of the seven foot tall chain link fence said, "Keep Out" with caution tape wound between the links. The sign was hanging from only one hinge. However, just behind it, it was easy to see a lush field of grass, sidewalks, benches and even a snack stand with a huge sign reading, "Frozen Butter beer" in flashing yellow letters.

Harry, Ron, Sirius and Hermione pushed through the gate to get on the magical side. They followed the walking path, nodding friendly greetings to passers-by that were leaving. Beyond the open field suitable for a couple of friendly games of quidditch, there was a row of trees that disappeared beyond canopy branches, giving shade on warmer days or protection from dripping skies.

Hermione followed the three men holding broomsticks through the park and glanced around to see if there were any familiar witches or wizards that may have been sharing the afternoon with them. There were mothers playing with their children, fathers laughing as they played games with their older sons and little girls playing patty-cake while sitting in the sandbox. Her eyes scanned the crowd and over by the concession, she caught a pair of eyes watching the four of them walking with great intrigue. A figure with dark hair and medium build watched each one of them carefully, causing a shiver to travel down her spine.

"Sirius," she whispered, but when he responded, she glanced back and the figure was gone. He must have Apparated. "Never mind, sorry."

They met up with Charlie, Fred and Lee, their old friend from Hogwarts. They were sitting down in the field, their wands out and charming their makeshift snitch to explode and reconnect in mid air. They stood as they saw their friends coming closer.

"No trick snitches! That's unfair and last time it burned Harry's hand," Ron pointed, raising his voice and trying to display authority to his older brothers.

"No tricks, little brother," Fred added, and put away his wand. "It's merely my own talent."

"Where's George?" Hermione piped up, glancing to all the faces in the circle as they met up.

"He minds the shops on Saturdays, I get Sundays," Fred said, nudging his brother Charlie in the arm with obvious intentions.

"Good to see you, Hermione," Charlie said, everyone noticing, except for Sirius, the obvious attraction and the sleeveless shirt he wore to display his new Horntail tattoo that wrapped all the way down his arm.

"Been a bit, Charlie."

"Okay! Who's on what team?" Sirius interrupted, slapping his hands together to get the game started. He wondered how long he was going to be able to keep his mouth shut, knowing this valuable information of his twenty-six year old rival.

Hermione ducked her head to hide her grin and turned to find a place to sit down.

"Not joining us, Hermione?" Fred called out, watching his brother's best friend and ex-girlfriend go off towards the nearby lounge chairs for those that would otherwise be sunbathing.

"No, just a spectator today. I needed a good laugh," she added, falling into the chair and propping her feet up in a way that she was ready for the game to begin.

Her eyes scanned the crowd again, trying to see where that distinguishable man had gone to. The person glancing their way was unfamiliar and distracted. The man must have left.

A quick glance back to her own party and she couldn't help but slide her lips into a smirk. She watched as Sirius mounted his broom with such finesse, it was like he was mounting a motorbike in mid air. As if the piece between his legs was nothing but a prop, rather than an essential part of the game, for he played the character as player rather well. Standing handsome and ready in his denim jeans and fitting long sleeved maroon shirt with the sleeves rolled to the elbow, he met her gaze with a slight wink.

The men soared about eight feet in the air once they kicked off the ground nearly in unison. They took on multiple positions: beater and chaser or chaser and keeper, leaving Harry as the lone seeker. It was an easy game to watch, fun at times to hear the swears or see the crude gestures the brothers would pass. Their snide remarks were not hidden from Sirius, including him whenever they were looking for an ally. Though Sirius was close to thirty-eight, he still played like one of the boys, not afraid of getting dirty and certainly not afraid to cheat if the opportunity called for it.

An hour into their playing, Hermione snuck off to retrieve some snacks and refreshments, surely winning the "best girl" award when she came back with butter beers for everyone. Collectively, they decided on a short break between games. Harry took it upon himself to try and get Sirius alone, hoping to talk to him about a pressing matter he had on his mind.

The two men followed the path along the green grass. Cracks in the mixture of cobblestone and cement crossed before them, depicting several years of hidden muggle waste dump outings and long afternoon quidditch games for generations before them.

"What's on your mind, son?" Sirius asked, nudging him to see a pretty girl stretching her arms over by the pond.

"Honestly? That," Harry chuckled, raising his eyebrows at her revealing soft stomach.

Sirius gave Harry a side glance, his eyes falling to the sidewalk to which they followed. "You want to talk about women, Harry? I don't think a man who has become recently engaged should-"

"No, no. Not me, you," Harry said in jest and threw an arm around his godfather as they walked. Somehow, the roles felt reversed. He cleared his throat as he continued, "You said you're seeing someone, already?"

Sirius was taken for a moment, unsure how to continue on. Thinking of how much his godson knew, he ran a slightly shaking hand through his falling dark locks. "I am, but I'd rather not really discuss it, just yet."

Harry nodded, pulling his arm away and taking a sip of his butter beer, "No, I understand. I was just wondering, depending on how serious it was, what you thought of Hermione.

Sirius immediately halted, awestruck almost, his eyes on Harry as if he'd been caught with his hands in the cauldron. His lips parted, his brow furrowed and with a slight tilt of his chin, he continued, "Say that again?"

Across the field, beyond the path, Hermione was just returning to her lounge chair to settle in for the next series of games. Her eyes scanned in the direction of the walking path, seeing two figures conversing together with a steady walk.

Her moment appraising her older wizard was interrupted by not one, but two Weasleys that cornered her on her chair by sitting on the end of it. She feigned interest and cleared her throat, folding her hands delicately in her lap. Her surroundings were too out in the open to not be noticed running away.

"Ron, can you give us a moment?" Charlie requested as his awkward brother failed to take the hint when he first starting walking over to Hermione.

Ron quickly caught the side glance beneath shaggy red hair and exhaled an inaudible curse under his breath. He busied himself with Fred, anxious to discuss a new invisibility potion they had acquired at the shop, leaving Hermione alone with the tattooed Charlie.

Feeling her cheeks warm just slightly, she couldn't help but glance down her chair companion's arm. Such an intricate design winding over each muscle, along each vein, curving down under his wrist. A quick swallow and slight nod and she confirmed that they did nothing for her, as her interests lay more with the scars and remainders of her prisoner's tattoos. It proved that it wasn't the markings she was fond of, but on whom they were etched.

The moment between them was too silent, and Charlie attempted to play it to his advantage when he caught her glancing at his decorated arm. "So, I'm just wondering if you're free tonight and if you'd let me take you out to dinner?"

Hermione's lips parted, her eyes glancing down the way to where Sirius and Harry had stopped to talk by themselves. She shook her head, pretending not to have heard the question, "Sorry, what?"

"I asked would you have dinner with me, tonight. I'm in town for a couple more days and it would be nice to spend some time together," Charlie repeated with an addition. His voice had a hint of arrogance, like he'd already known the answer.

Hermione was quick to excuse, glancing past him to his other brothers and how they found humor in tossing exploding bumble bees in bystander's paths. She shook her head as she imagined being a part of that family and its forever practical jokes. However, Charlie was far different than his brothers and by far, the best looking if you didn't include Bill, married, in the equation. Still, Hermione's heart was already taken.

"Thank you, Charlie. I appreciate the offer, however I'm already seeing someone," she declined politely. The words sounded odd when she heard herself say them aloud.

"Really? Ron said you've been free since you've dated him," he added curious.

"Charlie, forgive me, but I wouldn't be telling my ex-boyfriend about my personal relationships. You have to understand that, I'd hope."

Charlie took a moment to contemplate her answer, but resorted to a slight nod, "No, you're right, Hermione. Sorry. Guess I was too late in asking."

A small skip in her heart concluded that she was flattered by the invitation, but felt a stronger pang for the rejection. She tried to soothe the situation, "Yes, just a little late. But, thank you, Charlie." Feeling brave, she reached out and patted his arm with a couple of fingers, pointing to his new tattoo, "I like this. It's new, isn't it?"

Back across the field, Sirius was stopped and looking at his godson like he had two heads and eighteen eyes. His general reaction was far calmer than expected, but was not prepared for Harry to bring up the obvious. "Say that again, Harry? Are you asking me what I think of, Hermione?"

"Yeah," he shrugged. "I mean, she's pretty-"

"No, she's beautiful."

"You've noticed, huh?" Harry asked with a perked eyebrow at his Godfather, but Sirius was quiet. "I don't see her that way, but she is very pretty. I guess she's the sort of girl that might be good for you. She's lonely, you're lonely-"

"I'm not lonely, son," Sirius chucked, shaking his head.

Harry smiled and rolled his eyes, "I meant more of a loner. Remus mentioned that you once sat outside waiting for a girl in front of a bookstore, so I couldn't help but wonder if you two would be a good pair. Hermione likes books!"

The whole situation seemed a bit surreal, but Sirius played it off like a champ, amused by the "talk" they were having. "And all this came to mind, because Remus told you this?" There was a slight grin to the side of his mouth.

"Actually, I've been thinking it for a few weeks, now. I've noticed the way Hermione looks at you, especially since she first moved in with the two of you. You already know her, and well, I guess I can see how this might sound odd." Harry turned and started to retreat back on the path.

"No, it's not odd, Harry," Sirius pacified, glancing back up towards Hermione who was now touching Charlie's arm with her finger, no doubt admiring his new tattoo. A slight twist in his gut forced him to clear his throat and continue on, "I won't lie and say I haven't noticed her; she's all over the house. However, I can't help but fear that some of that may be strange for you."

"Not really, no. I mean, to Ron it might, but I'm sure he'll get over it. And if you are interested, might want to act fast because, it looks like Charlie is closing in on her." Harry was quick to notice the obvious body language of Charlie and the way he looked at Hermione. It looked completely one-sided, but he couldn't help but cheer on his own, before losing Hermione to another Weasley, with all due respect.

"I think you're right," Sirius said quietly, but secretly seething.

"Great, I'll talk to her!" Harry chirped, pleased to hear of the good prospects.

"That's all right, Harry. I can handle it on my own. I'm sure I'll be able to sway her. That is, if she's into older men," he teased, rustling up his godson's hair. He was beaming from the inside that Harry was concerned about his well being. He always knew he was, but getting this sort of approval meant the world to him and made things much easier.

Sirius swung his arm around Harry's shoulders and returned to the group with a much happier demeanor. The boys picked up their brooms to return to their make-shift quidditch pitch, but Sirius lingered behind to set down his butter beer next to Hermione.

He couldn't help but walk with a sort of swagger when he went to set down his butter beer on the grass next to her. Their eyes met only briefly as he said, "I'm in love with you."

Hermione didn't look at him as she tried to act interested in the boys mounting their brooms, but she whispered tight lipped, "I loved you, first."

He took a few steps backwards, mouthing the words, "I'm going to kill, Charlie."

She shook her head and said, "He's fine."

Their game ended with Sirius, Harry and Ron beating Fred, Charlie and Lee, but not by much. Like good sportsmen, they shook hands and waved their good-byes for the afternoon. The men set off in different directions to Apparate, leaving Ron, Harry, Hermione and Sirius behind.

"You coming?" Ron asked Hermione once he and Harry were a few feet away.

"I'm going to stay here for a few minutes. Take a walk around. I didn't get a bird's eye view like you lot did," she said in a slightly bossy voice.

Sirius was playing off a good stretch as he added, "I'm just going to stay behind and make sure she gets home safely. You two go ahead."

Without another word, Harry smiled to Sirius and gave a quick glance to his best friend standing at his side. He ushered Ron to leave them be and they both Apparated as they walked towards the front gate of the park.

With the sound of two definite "pops", Sirius quickly grabbed Hermione's hand and interlaced their fingers together, like he'd been aching to all afternoon. "Gods, that was hard to do!" he expressed, kissing her hard and using his other hand to hold her neck. "All of that, terribly difficult," he breathed releasing her.

"What? Playing quidditch? I have to say you're a bit rusty with your skills-" she teased, but was swiftly cut off.

He pulled away abruptly, "No, seeing you touch Charlie. Trying to pretend nothing was between us. It was hard before, but this time, Gods, this time I wanted to tear his head off!" Sirius tried to chuckle, but she saw a tinge of the mad man from his wanted posters twinkle back at her.

A muggle Frisbee landed a few feet away from them, where an attractive red head ran over to retrieve it, glancing up at the couple that stood close with locked hands. She smiled politely at first and then stopped once she recognized the man.

"Oh Merlin, Sirius Black! So, sorry, so sorry!" the girl had to have been a few years older than Hermione, her feet bouncing from one to the other, ushering her friend to run over. "Can I please have your autograph?" She held out her Frisbee to him, biting her lip and obviously trying to bat her eyes more than what would deem necessary.

Sirius reluctantly released his hold on Hermione and took the plastic disc she offered him to sign, "What is this?"

"It's a-"

"It's a Frisbee!" the girl was quick to talk over Hermione, showing her no deference. "You toss it in the air and it glides. I could show you how to play!"

"No, that's fine, thanks," Sirius said, trying not to offer any more of his time with the bouncing girl who was soon joined by her equally attractive blonde friend that squealed at the very sight of him.

"You can use my wand!" the blonde chirped up, grasping her friend's hand in excitement.

"No, I've got my own, thank you," Sirius said again, holding the object awkwardly, and used the tip of his wand to scroll his name across the top of it. Hermione slid her arms around his waist, ducking her head away so as not to let the girls see her rolling her eyes.

"Thank you, Mr. Black. We come here often, so if ever you want to learn how to play, just find us!" they chirped as they took their leave.

"Right, thanks!" he called out, sliding his hands over Hermione's arms that gripped him tightly. "We can never come to this park again, you hear me?"

Hermione grinned, "You live like a hermit, and so whenever you leave the house, this is what will happen."

With a smile and a chaste kiss, he pushed them to walk together toward the path that led to the perimeter of the park. Sirius dropped his arms to take her hand as they walked at a slow pace enjoying the company and the closeness. "Being a hermit has its perks. Then again, so does that tropical island I talked about all those years ago."

"The one where no one would know us and we could live out our days together in solitude?" she reminisced. Though he said it years ago, it was only a few weeks for her. She remembered it was to be their hiding spot, should Sirius remain the Secret Keeper for the Potters. Thinking back, she ached just a little bit that she had given Sirius the idea of changing it to Peter by just mentioning it. She had created her own "butterfly effect".

"The very same," he cooed, lifting their joined hands to kiss hers. "It's still there."

"Have you been?"

He nodded and ducked his head, watching the path before them as their feet walked in unison, "I went there with Buckbeak, after you freed me." His voice was somber as he spoke, feeling the hinting pain of his solitude. "Laid on the beach, writing letters to Harry, thinking of you and what was to become of me," he gave her a side glance, peeking beneath black locks of curtains, "I could take you there, if you like."

She smiled, biting her lip, "Like for a vacation?"

"If you'd like," he said, squeezing her hand. "So, what did Charlie want? I guess I should give him a fair chance to explain himself, before I feed him to his dragons."

Hermione smiled at the hint of jealousy in Sirius's voice. It made her feel wanted and gave her the confidence that he did, indeed, want her to stay with him. "He asked me out for dinner, tonight. Told him thanks, but I was already seeing someone and just left it at that. I had to be nice; the man practically pushed himself on me at my birthday party."

"He did?" Sirius asked, intrigued to hear this bit of new news. His grip on her hand tightened.

"He cornered me in the study and the backdoor was my only escape. I was relieved to see you were out there, because I knew you'd save me from him if I asked," she squeezed his bicep with her free hand, leaning in to kiss his shoulder. "What did Harry want?"

Sirius grinned and let out a light chuckle, "Only the best news I could have heard at just the right time, I guess."

Hermione glanced over at him as they walked in step, admiring his profile as he looked ahead just when there were passing into the wooded part of their walking path. The trees hung like canopies overhead, allowing birdwatchers and slow strolling couples to enjoy the shade.

"He gave me permission to ask you out," he chuckled, leading them to a bench.

Hermione's breath caught, "What?"

Her surprised sound reminded him of when she was younger and how many times she used to hold up a good side of an argument with him sometime over a meal. He continued with telling her how the subject was approached with Harry, gauging her surprised reaction with how to continue on.

He pulled his pretty brunette in closer, falling in to step with her. "Yes, said he'd caught you watching me for awhile, now. Thought it was a good idea for me to test the waters, per say. Have you, Granger? Have you been watching me for awhile? Since before you went back?"

Showing her age, Hermione blushed and felt her cheeks warming. She tried to focus on another wizard family walking along the path in a different direction, holding what looked like a Weasley joke product from the shop. "I've watched you since I was fifteen, Sirius. I've watched you locked behind two different kinds of prisons, wishing to be on the outside."

"You are my angel, love," he confirmed, pulling her in close. "Just, now we've got to slowly ease into this, and not show that we've been biblically introduced so long ago.'

"Well then, let's go back home and pretend it's our first date," she cooed playfully, laying her head on his shoulder. "I don't normally put out on the first date, but for you I'll make an exception."

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

They apparated to the front door of number twelve Grimmauld Place like a couple of teenagers: holding hands, quiet whispers and general anxiousness. They practically fell through the front door and as Hermione clung to Sirius's arm tightly, she giggled eagerly to get inside. Once behind the security of their house, Sirius called out for Remus. When nothing was returned, a sly sinister grin spread across his lips like an insane genius with brilliant plans.

"He's not home," he growled, nipping against the exposed skin of her neck. He trailed kisses along her cheek, running rough fingers around her ear. "We can be as loud as we want."

Hermione smiled back, her eyes alight with hungered desire. She allowed him to lead her up the stairs, stopping every few steps to taste his deliciously silky lips. A few more steps and they were on their landing, inching their way to the heavy oak door that still had "Sirius" engraved on a metal plate.

The weight of his back against the entry way flung it open, pulling her inside with desperate haste. He cupped her chin and reached for her neck, urging her to share in his passion with little convincing. He needed her like daylight needed the sun, like fish needed the ocean and all because she decided to break the rules and make him a better man. He was eternally grateful.

Every once in awhile, Hermione would see at flicker of the younger man within whenever he'd wink or curve his lips to the side of his mouth in a slight smirk. His outer shell was so much more defined, but he still kept up the same habits. He had the same face, the same breath, the same smell, the same eyes and the same burning touch on her naked flesh. He held her better than he used to, stronger now than before, for now he treasured her. His arms kept her closer, his hands were far more delicate with their touch and he kissed her while whispering her name. There was no doubt that he loved her all those years ago, for now as he pulled open her shirt to trail kisses down her collarbone and over the lift of her breasts just confirmed his deepest desires.

Her skin was cool where he'd left kisses, sending a thrilling sensation through her body that could only be compared to enjoying your first bubble bath after a heavy rain. He soothed her to the core, tasting her every curve with his lips and tongue, whispering dirty thoughts and telling her she was his own shining star in his midnight sky. He enchanted her, enticed her and formally invited her to lay with him.

He managed to shed nearly all of their clothing and as he pressed her down against the soft down comforter, his fingers lingered over the thin straps of her panties. His eyes devoured her, saving the peeling of her last bit of fabric for last, like he were unwrapping a special present. He ran a hand over her thigh, feeling the soft skin under his touch, savoring her scent mingling with his.

"I still think you're only a figment of my overactive imagination, love," he whispered against her ear, suckling a lobe.

"I'm here, because you want me to be," she said quietly, humming her approval with how his lips felt against her skin. He sent a slow euphoric surge of excitement down her body.

Her bare skin touched his, now naked together flesh to flesh and sex to sex. Not fitting in just yet, he laid against her, kissing the inside of her wrist, the crook of her elbow, the curve of her shoulder and under her chin.

"Merlin help me, I never want to let you go," he confirmed, kissing her lips for a longer time. "I'm going to be greedy."

She rolled him over on his back. Her leg slid between his, allowing the sheets to tangle around them. She gazed down at the man before her with handsome chiseled features of his aristocratic pureblood birthright. His skin was tan and taut over firm muscles defining the life he'd already lived. She leaned in, leaving soft kisses along the barcode tattoo on his neck, taking in his musky aura that intoxicated her very senses, believing that their coupling corrupted the old fashioned Ministry laws.

The sheets fell around their frame as they became one. The bed creaked its age, but with an approving rhythmic sound. Hermione sighed her pleasure aloud, her eyes falling shut and muffling her face against his neck as he bucked his hips to meet her. His hands gripped her rear firmly, forcing himself to plunge even deeper into her. Over and over they met their peak before settling down just before they put themselves over. The sound of the heated lovers' skin sliding together reverberated off the walls around them, sinking them deeper into their erotic aura.

She whispered for him to go deeper, harder and faster and like a slave to his lover, he obliged and rolled her over so she was on the bottom of his rather brutal pounding. Her hands pulled at his wavy black mane, arching her back so he'd bite the tips of her erect nipples as her nerves tingled deliciously. She moaned and purred, he grunted and nipped.

Finally, he took no more mercy on her and leaned down to whisper his Russian spell into her ear, leaving her in pleasure. Cradling her body, he came hard into her, his heart beating fast against hers. He kissed her temple, trying to sooth her as he quietly thanked her for allowing him such pleasure. His deed felt naughty and selfish, like he was taking advantage of her. But, it was she who begged him not to stop and was curling her fingers around the tips of his hair and leaving breathless kisses against his ear.

She smiled blindly and whispered, "Yes, you should never stop doing that."

He chuckled deeply, "Whatever you say, my love." He continued to leave kisses alongside her temple as she murmured her satisfaction.

A few moments passed and Hermione's fingers ceased their caressing of his arm to dwell on a thought. Probably something she had no business asking, but giving the state of things, she had a right to ask. "Sirius, I was wondering...about your activities."

"Legal or illegal?"

"I'm assuming legal, for the most part. But, I can't help but wonder what you did...before, I came back."

"Meaning?"

She swallowed, almost embarrassed to follow through, but managed, "Meaning...this."

He sighed, having allowed the pieces to click for a few seconds, "This."

"I know you haven't gone without for fifteen years."

He rolled over onto his back, freeing her of his physical restraints and let out an overdramatic sigh. A slight smirk lifted the corners of his mouth, "Absolutely. I've waited this entire time."

"I don't believe you. No one is that strong, most especially you!" she teased, rolling onto her side to rest her head on her wrist. "You have to tell me who." Sirius shook his head and could only smile. "When did you have time?"

He cleared his throat and reached for his wand that lay on the floor by his pants. He called for his pocket watch to check the time, laying it gently on his nightstand table. He glanced over to her, admiring the way her brown waves fell over her porcelain skin as she smiled to him with lips of a goddess...he was obviously stalling. How he loved the way she made him feel: youthful, passionate and worthy. Only now he didn't feel right keeping any secrets from her, for he promised himself he would deny her nothing. Still, she waited eagerly to hear what he had to say, even going so far as to gliding her fingers over his chest in order to coax it out of him faster.

"Sirius, please tell me. I won't be mad, honest," she pled, biting her lip and putting on the charm. She truly was dying to know, no matter how she was going to feel about it. Still morbidly conflicted, she had no right to be angry for his actions.

He raised a finger to touch her cheek and then looked up at the ceiling, "Well..."

"You start with a 'well', this cannot be good."

"Not many love, so calm down."

"Go on."

He closed his eyes to think carefully, almost wishing he'd cast a memory charm on her in order for her to forget what she'd asked, "Do you know the bar mistress at the Three Broomsticks?"

Her mouth opened, almost scandalized, "Madam Rosmerta?"

He chuckled again, "Yes, that would be her."

"When? How? You were still in hiding..."

"She has a thing for bad boys. Always kind of had a crush on her when I was younger. Gave me my first drink, she did."

"Well," she said raising her eyebrows and looking away at the indents of her pillow for lack of something more interesting to focus on, "Ron always fancied her."

"Yes, let's talk about you and Ron shall we?" he suggested, hoping to see her squirm.

"No, no, unfair! That was before you, so I have no dark secrets in my closet," she said, wagging a finger at him and rolling onto her stomach and resting her chin on her hands.

He couldn't help but roll onto his side to leave a kiss on her bare pale shoulder, silently making up for whatever damage he may have caused. Still, he couldn't help but stir her cauldron, "Didn't you date that quidditch player for a bit? The big gorilla-looking one from the Bulgarian team?"

"We're not talking about me, here. I'm curious about you, so stop turning it around. You know all my dirty laundry, if you want to call it that. I think the most scandalous liaison I've ever had is you."

"Still," he added, while moving her hair off her back so as to run his fingers over her skin, "you went from quidditch player, to Ron...to me. You have quite the eclectic taste, love."

"Stop turning it around on me, you're not off the hook yet. And your seductive moves aren't going to get you out of this conversation."

His gentle touching stopped abruptly and he fell dramatically back onto his side, "Then there was Emmeline Vance, but she'd wanted me for awhile, and Hestia Jones," he concluded with a silent nod.

"Emmeline? But, isn't she older-?"

"Yes, my age," he chuckled. "You forget how old I really should be."

She grinned to herself, thinking back on the truth of it. He was a generation ahead of her, but none of that mattered to her. Hermione wanted Sirius anyway she could have him.

"Now, about your quidditch player..." he chimed in, watching her eyes close and pretend to drift off.

"You know, on second thought, let's drop the subject," she said coy. She didn't need reliving any other men when she had his undivided attention.