A note from Serade Black: Yes, this has got to be the quickest updated from one chapter to the next. I'm trying to pump them out and get them Beta'd. Thank you to those that reviewed the last few chapters. They do keep me going. It's refreshing to know that people are still reading the story! Enjoy ~ SB

Ch. 5

"The Outing"

"Hermione, we have to leave in ten minutes! I know you want to make a scene, but being late to a wedding is not the way to do it. Especially when it's the Lovegood family," Sirius said, coming out of his bedroom and draping his light grey tie loosely around his neck. He was fastening his cuff links onto his maroon colored shirt when Hermione stepped out of her bedroom (that only kept her wardrobe). He let out a rather loud wolf whistle at the sight of her.

She was putting earrings on when she walked his way wearing an elegant halter knees-length grey dress to match the color of his tie. She had peep-toe heels and modest pearl jewelry to accent it. Her hair was swept up on the sides, while the ends were delicately curled to fall romantically down her back.

"I don't want to make a scene, Sirius. You should know that about me, by now," she chided, stepping past him and into his room where she went to her hand bag that sat on his dresser.

"You look positively radiant, sweetheart," he said coming alongside of her to look in the mirror to begin his tie. After glancing a little too long at the way her dress exposed her creamy soft shoulders, he turned to her with both ends of his tie extended defeated. She immediately stopped what she was doing to perfect a knot for him. "Are you ready for this?" he asked with a low crooning voice.

"It's just a wedding. Lots of friends go to weddings together," she said with a sing song voice, trying to justify their appearance together. She was pretending not to think of it as their first official outing to everyone after two weeks "courting", as Sirius referred to it as.

"Yes, but we're matching, love. Friends attending weddings together do not normally match their ties to their date's dress. We're going to stroll in there, not late, holding hands and letting others begin their copious gossip." Sirius spoke to her, but she appeared to be too concentrated on perfecting his tie. He gagged when she pulled a little too tight. "I, however, do not care what anyone says."

"That'll do," she said, tilting her head as she appraised her tie knotting skills. "I don't care, either," she denied, smoothing his tie for the fourth time.

"I think its good, love." She wanted him to look perfect, but she didn't need to try very hard. He was already a sight. His stressed and prematurely lined appearance warmed him to a new health, now that he was rested and in love. He secretly cherished the way she doted on him, making any and every excuse to touch him. Sirius was a whore for her soft touches.

"I was a little bit worried with Molly, but I think Remus smoothed it out already," she added, turning to face the mirror and adjusting her dress. "Also, you have to promise me something."

"Sweetheart, I'll promise you the world," he said, wrapping his arms around her waist from behind. He pressed his lips against the pale exposed spot on her neck that was always a sure thing to make her swoon.

She was keen on his tricks and turned around on the spot, pressing herself against him and stopping him from furthering his affections. With a sweet coy smile, she looked up, "You have to promise me you'll demonstrate your fancy dance moves out there with me. If you don't dance with me at that wedding, leaving me to sit at a table with Ron's Aunt Muriel-"

"Muriel is still alive? Merlin's Beard, she was at weddings when I was a kid. That bird refuses to die!"

Hermione pursed her lips, annoyed that he'd changed the subject, "I said if you don't dance with me, I will make Remus tell everyone about your secret Sunday nights."

He smiled and kissed her forehead, "Of course I'll dance with you. I could sing to you as well-"

"That won't be necessary. I've heard you sing after several shots of Fire whisky before. You and James thought you could carry a tune, but I hate to inform you that your mother howled better than you did."

The location of the wedding was well camouflaged to unsuspecting muggles. It was in a muggle school's gymnasium that they hired for the day, under the reservations that it was for a family reunion. Walking into the school yard, it was quaint, not like wizarding schools that were much more elaborate for what they contained; this school was more modern than the norm.

The signs along the pathway announced a reunion, but at a second glance to magical eyes, it changed to "Lovegood/Scamander Wedding" in flashing letters and then quick it changed to a different sort of writing, using pictures to depict directions. The couple walked along the open hallways and temporary buildings where finally they knew they were going in the right direction by the sounds erupting from a stand alone building just a little further. Standing at the doorway, like two regal comedic guards holding oddly shaped staffs, were two men wearing canary yellow robes.

"What a terrible color to be wearing," Sirius said under his breath as he reached into the pocket inside his robe. His free arm remained bent for Hermione to hold onto.

Hermione shushed him as they got closer to the wizards waiting to be greeted, "Luna and her father believe that wearing the color reflecting the sun is to wish bright beginnings."

"It's ghastly," he whispered as the usher bowed to them and accepted the invitation Sirius held out to check. "Hello!" Sirius pulled on the charm in one click.

The usher smiled to them both, accepting the invitation and seeing the name reflected on the outside. The young wizard looked up and smiled, obviously tickled to be handling them. "Ah, Miss Granger and Mr. Black, welcome. Come, I'll show you to your seats. I believe Harry Potter has already arrived."

Hermione took a deep breath, holding tightly to Sirius's arm, and followed the usher into the gymnasium. As they followed behind, Sirius lifted her hand to his lips.

The room had been completely transformed, displaying the colors of yellow and white everywhere. The roof had been opened and though it was overcast outside, the ceiling revealed a brilliant bright sun that you were able to look directly into. There were rows of white chairs shimmering with specks of yellow like they were bouncing off the sun's rays. Down the center aisle they walked upon a pale blue carpet, complete with slow moving clouds with each step.

To the rear of the room, there was a bar already open for guests to partake in fruity cocktails or champagne before the ceremony. White doves flew above their heads creating a romantic atmosphere, but some anxious guests that sat below the flying birds were disappointed that they didn't wear their hats. Several hoods on cloaks came up over fancy hair-dos.

Sirius walked down the aisle proud, his young witch clinging to his side like they were out in the middle of the ocean surrounded by hungry sharks. When they had reached Harry's row, along with Ginny and Ron, they were met with a warm smile and friendly green eyes from the scarred one. Sirius caught the slight nod from his godson once his date was acknowledged.

Hermione stepped inside the aisle first, smoothing out the bottom of her dress before sitting down next to Harry. Ginny sat next to him and beyond her was Ron, who was picking at his own robes for lack of something better to do. There was a sense of boredom about him, like he would have preferred to be anywhere, but there.

Before taking his own seat, he leaned down to Hermione, placing a finger to the side of her cheek, "Hermione, can I get you a drink?"

She looked up at him, trying to refrain from gazing too long, but still aware of the possible on-lookers surrounding them. She gave a slight nod and watched him leave, after he checked on her friends to her left.

Hermione folded her hands in her lap delicately, smoothing out the skirt of her dress over and over again. Her cheeks warmed, for in her peripheral vision, she could see Harry looking at her with a slight grin becoming wider and wider, the more she ignored him. She was absolutely elated that he was as pleased as he appeared and could do nothing to hide her blushing cheeks. She looked around everywhere, trying not to pay attention to the two sets of eyes on her that she actually cared about. The other sets of eyes that may or may not have noticed she just came in escorted by Sirius she paid no attention to.

"Well," Harry just let out, his smile so wide you'd think he could hold it no longer.

Hermione just licked her lips and shook her head, "I'm not talking about anything at the moment." She tried her hardest to hide her inner smile, for deep down, she was glowing.

Ginny chuckled and sat back in her seat, looking straight ahead, "I'll get it out of her later."

Hermione cleared her throat, not bothering to deny the gossip to her female friend and looked around to take in her surrounds. Immediately, she saw something coming her way and her instincts forced her to duck as a low flying dove nearly nicked them.

"They're trained, don't worry," Ginny said, leaning in past Harry, again. "Although, don't tell Aunt Muriel. It's too funny to watch her holding an open umbrella over her head. Fred and George convinced her to hold it upside down for extra assurance."

"What do you reckon Luna will be wearing?" Ron asked, surveying the bright garden decor with live butterflies the size of quaffles floating delicately nearby. "A sunflower dress that will have magic rays coming out her-"

"Ron, stop! Try to behave," Ginny chided. "She was so pleased to have all of us RSVP for her wedding. Try to show a little couth."

"Here you go, love," Sirius said, presenting her with a tall flute and a wink. He slid into the seat next to Hermione, toasting her and taking a sip from his own glass. He licked his lips, took a deep breath and looked around the room asking, "Alright, who's betting the girl will be wearing sparkling sunshine petals?"

"Sirius-" Hermione snapped, while both Ron and Harry chuckled under her breath like school boys as he was berated. She rolled her eyes, sometimes wondering if she really was dating an older man.

"You're next, mate," Ron chuckled, punching Harry in the arm.

"Still at least six more months to plan," Ginny carried on. "Mum is doing a lot of work and getting married after I finish my studies is still the best plan. I'll get with you later, Hermione, about the smaller details we still need to handle."

Hermione nodded, acknowledging her position as Maid-of-Honor. She looked about the room wildly, wondering how Harry and Ginny's wedding was going to look, compared to this elaborate show. The small details were the most important and doing what her two friends wanted was incredibly exciting. Her thoughts came to herself and with a slight glance to the handsome man next to her, who was currently looking straight up at the doves that circled overhead with a particular interest.

"Don't chase them," Hermione whispered as she leaned in, patting his leg.

Shaking himself out of it, he nodded, "Right."

The ceremony commenced with minimal surprises, however the men were half right in guessing Luna's gown would add some sort of strange normalcy to the event. Her dress was simple white, off the shoulder, but the train was comprised of long yellow fabric with real daisies fastened to it. As she walked the flowers' petals would fall in perfect step with her leaving a trail of her own.

Hermione sat on the edge of her seat with a tissue clutched in her hand as she watched the two repeat vows. Harry showed no expression as he held a quietly sobbing Ginny's hand, while Ron was still keeping a wary eye on a nearby butterfly that he swore had devoured an entire row of shrubbery.

Sirius sat back comfortably in his seat, his arm around the back of Hermione's chair, slowly drawing circles on her shoulder with his thumb. He smiled as the wedding two fumbled over their lines. His eyes traveled over a few guests that were captivated by the couple in the front, but managed to catch the eye of a few people who would quickly turn their head once he made contact with them. It was clear that they were curious about the former Azkaban resident. Even more so when he noticed a couple of women to his immediate right, probably about Tonks's age, grinning wildly when he caught them looking at him. He smiled back, moving a hand to Hermione's leg, patting her gently as she remained mesmerized by the couple and their unity.

His lingering smile fell into a smirk and then into a slight grimace. He wondered if she was imagining their future and where they were going to be in a few years. Did she imagine the two of them standing up there in front of all these guests, watching them the way she was watching them? He couldn't think about any of that, he just got her back. They were still adjusting.

Hermione shifted back in her seat, leaning against her wizard and resting her chin on his shoulder, watching the couple with approving eyes. Without a second thought, Sirius turned his head to kiss her forehead, allowing his lips to linger longer against her skin, before turning to watch the couple with her. He paid no attention to anyone should they be watching. He was happy.

As the guests were requested to mill about the room, partaking in refreshments before the dinner was served; the room was transformed into an indoor English garden, complete with small creek running through the hall. Larger than normal birds and pretty insects feasted on the flowers, making the guests feel like they were more than one with nature. The tables fluttered down from above, transfiguring from the flying doves overhead and covered in yellow and white striped table clothes with full settings. Guests were allowed to sit where they liked, and the normal crew joined at a table together, now with Remus and Tonks who snuck in the back during the ceremony. Molly and Arthur were a table away, along with more of their family and several Order members.

After dinner was served and the dancing commenced, Sirius squeezed Hermione's hand under the table. He excused himself for a few moments and went to walk off with Bill and Charlie.

The remaining guests at the table, and extras, made short conversations about other things: work, the Minister Shacklebolt, the latest bills passed, current muggle films and the latest tally on dark wizards caught still harboring magical artifacts that had been banned for several years now. Ron, on the other hand, had finally put two and two together, nearly two hours later and finally spoke up about the obvious in a not-so subtle manner.

Her ginger friend and ex-boyfriend leaned across the table, his unusually steaming drink in his hand nearly spilling over, he asked in a stage whisper, "Hermione, did you come here with Sirius?"

"Yes, I did. Its fine, Ronald," Hermione said while taking the last bite of her wedding cake that was served to her. It had speckled blueberry frosting.

"Just as friends, right?" he pressed, his volume getting louder and into normal conversation.

"No, not just as friends," she admitted. Though she once loved him and he still remained one of her best friends, she hated that he really was thick sometimes.

"What do you mean, not just as friends? You two are actually on a date together?"

She sighed, shaking her head and looking at him with sad pitiful eyes. She was exhausted with trying to explain herself to him.

"Harry, did you know this? Did you know that they were going to come to the wedding together?" Ron asked, looking for an ally.

"I'm not surprised. I see the way they look at each other."

"Why am I just noticing this, now?"

Ginny perked up, "Because you're blind. Haven't you noticed them talking and holding hands this entire time?"

"No! They were holding hands? That's...that's...Harry, how can you be okay with this?" Ron asked. His face was flushed and his drink was sloshing over onto the table cloth. "Hermione, he's like our-"

"No, he's not like our dad! You wouldn't understand Ron and I'm not asking you to. Let's just leave it alone," she said, seeing Sirius returning from wherever he disappeared to. Her face brightened at the sight of him.

Sirius approached the table a bit timidly, noticing the disgusted look on Ron's face. There was nothing that needed to be said; it was obvious by the look on Hermione's face that it was about them. He looked at Harry, then glance to Ron who seemed to have a problem with meeting his eyes, as if he were embarrassed by the situation for them.

Instead, he leaned in behind Hermione taking her hand, "It's time, love." He helped her out of her chair, and led her out towards the dance floor. With a glance over his shoulder, he couldn't help but catch Ron's seething glare.

He took her to the center, keeping her hand tight in his hold and parading her like she were the princess of the ball. He was very to have on his arm, like he were finally getting the redemption he deserved. Being locked away on wrongful charges forever tainted his name, but displaying his witch proudly next to him was a beacon of trust and fruition. Though never afraid to show his face in public, he was trying very hard to change his name from the racist pureblood reputation, into a new era.

She made his heart dance as he pulled her in close, placing a hand possessively on her waist and taking her other delicately into his palm. Though they were a generation apart to the outside world, she was exactly what he needed, because she had been what he wanted all along.

"I take it Ron isn't happy with us," Sirius asked quietly next to her ear. He was taking in her pleasant floral scent, closing his eyes just slightly as he allowed the music to lead him.

"Ron will be fine. I'm not worried about him," she said, her smile fading. All of a sudden she felt like more and more people were noticing the two of them swaying between their fellow dancers. How odd they must have looked to those that knew them, a surprise no less. The sound of Sirius's voice brought her back.

"But, he's worried. Why?"

"I think it's the age difference."

"No, it's not," he shook his head as he glanced beyond her towards Ron. With a slight tilt of his head, he was trying to read the young wizard sitting next to his godson. "He's jealous, that's all."

"Jealous? But, it was a mutual split," she advised, letting him spin her around on her toes in order to pull her in closer. The two seemed to be fading into their own world, where no one was allowed. Being with him truly made her feel complete.

"He lost you and now he sees you with me. Ron's a nice kid really and even though I'm partial, your dating him was not well suited in my opinion. I would have rather you hooked up with Harry-"

"That wouldn't be weird for you, or anything."

He nodded, "Maybe a little, as I probably would have tried to intervene in some way in your youth. Harry would have at least been a step up."

She smiled, shaking her head and resting her head against his chest. The fabric of his robes felt soft against her cheek. "Careful now, Ron is still one of my best friends."

Sirius chuckled, kissing the top of her head. His hand rested against the small of their back as she leaned against him, pressing just slightly. She was so light to spin around; it was good that he was able to teach her a few steps in his youth on those memorable Sunday nights at his cousin Andromeda's. The intimacy paid off.

"Although," she started again, lifting her face towards him to keep her comment private, "he does kiss like a lizard."

As he glanced down with a slight smirk to his young witch, admiring the way her eyes nearly twinkled under the low lighting, he couldn't help himself as he teased her with their taboo, "Care to learn from the master, young lady?"

"With arrogance like that, how can I say no?" she flirted, biting her lip as he sunk closer.

He was hesitant, but only for a second. He knew that their secret would be out in a matter of moments, for once he kissed her right there on the dance floor with all to see, the gossip would start. Maybe it was just his imagination that people were watching them closely, but perhaps it was just that sudden twinge of guilt that he was thirty-nine and she only twenty-two. He'd lived a dark life after meeting her and hers was only just beginning. At a ceremony celebrating unity, why now was he having doubts?

Fuck it! He thought to himself.

The rowdy bunch left the reception and emptied into a night of fast moving clouds and gusty winds. Their sunshine day had turned sour and it was a last minute decision to have everyone over to Grimmauld Place for some after party spirits. Ginny was only in town for a few short days away from University, so the girls wanted to make the most out of wedding planning.

In the large kitchen with the long wooden table in the center, Hermione and Ginny stood in the farthest corner, making plans and doing dishes left over from left over desserts. Remus, Sirius, Harry, Ron, Fred, George and Charlie sat around the long table discussing the latest front page noteworthy news of the Chudley Cannons. Between severe heated verbal battles of bad plays and poor showmanship, Hermione glanced over her shoulder to see the family of gingers and friends. She curled her toes as her eyes immediately fell on her ruggedly handsome wizard with the bark-like laugh as he pushed off the table and balanced on two of his chair legs.

Noticing that she no longer held Hermione's attention, she leaned in as she sipped from her wine glass, "So, you two are really doing it, huh?"

Hermione quickly snapped her head to her friend while slightly blushing, "Ginny!"

It was the first time the witch was able to speak to her about it without anyone listening in. Ginny shrugged her shoulders and licked her lips nonchalantly, "What? I was only referring to the fact that you two showed everyone its legit. Harry had talked about it - wanting Sirius to really talk to you. But, if you're blushing because the real reason is that you two are already doing it, than we need to cut to the chase and be honest with me."

Hermione smirked and turn around, ignoring her friend. She picked up the enchanted scrubber and began working on the small plates with left over pie bits on them herself. The water splashed a little on the counter and she was quick to pick up a towel to dry the area off for lack of something busier to do. She avoided Ginny's eyes as the banter went on behind them at the table none the wiser.

"You are! Hermione, you held out on me?" Ginny pried, "I'm hurt."

Finally, she threw down the towel defeated, "Ginny, I wish I could tell you everything, but Sirius and I...we're..."

"You know Ron is boiling, right? It's killing him, because he really likes, Sirius. If you just tell me you two are friends with perks, than I don't think I would be able to respect him, anymore. You, sure, go Hermione! But, him, eh, I could see he was a player back in his day." Ginny glanced over to the table and tilted her head to give Sirius a once over. She let out a big sigh and shook her head, "I can see it."

Hermione shook her head, looking down at the soapy water in the sink. "No, it's not like that. We're...we're in love."

Like a light was slowly turning on within Ginny, her smile widened and her eyes brightened. Soon, she was beaming, "Perfect. Harry and I are so happy for you. Sad that you and Ron didn't end up, I'll admit I am partial, but you are the thing Sirius needs. He's just," she glanced towards the men at the table again, "What are you doing?"

"Shut up, Ginny! We're settling a bet!" Charlie spat, his face already turning a stressed crimson as he gripped the table for extra support. He and Sirius had their hands locked tight, their elbows flat on the wooden table and they were arm wrestling with every ounce of strength they could muster. The men around them were calling jeers and insults, throwing down a galleon or two, gambling on who would win.

"That's barbaric!" Hermione said, turning around and watching the two men acting like animals, cursing and yelling at each other unnecessarily. One minute they were on about quidditch and the next they were acting like children.

"Winner takes you," Fred teased, crossing his arms and leaning in to see how close Sirius was to getting Charlie's hand down flat on the table. He made an over dramatic reference to Sirius's bulging bicep stressing underneath his maroon shirt.

When Hermione chirped up an immediate protest, the surrounding company let out an applause of laughter. When Sirius slammed Charlie's hand down, winning the wager, he barked a heated laugh and knocked back his glass of Fire whisky that was handed to him by Fred, collecting his bet from George.

Sirius looked over to Hermione and slapped his hands on his lap, "You're safe love."

Hermione twisted her mouth into a smirk and shook her head, rolling her eyes unamused. She turned her back on the company, offering Ginny a slight wink and resumed cleaning the remaining plates.

A chair screeched loudly against the hard floor, indicating an immediate departure. The group looked over down by the end and Ron had abruptly stood up and stormed out of the kitchen, kicking the door open. The room fell silent and Sirius just shrugged, shaking his head.

Leaving her wand on the counter, Hermione quickly followed him out, catching the door in mid swing. She pressed on through to see the backside of her ex-boyfriend just reaching the front door. Hearing company following him, he spun around and ran a nervous hand through his hair, still obviously not allowing the news settle very well in him. He looked haggard.

"Ron, wait," she started, walking up to him and extending a hand to rest on his arm. She hated seeing him in the state he was in.

At first contact, he swung around and glared at her with fierce daggers, but he refrained from saying what he was thinking. He finally settled on, "I just can't grasp it, Hermione."

She nodded slowly, "I know. I'm not asking you to accept it right away-"

"Or at all!"

"Ron, please. Let's be adults about this."

"It's Sirius, Hermione! He's like our-" Ron started to compare him, but was swiftly cut off with a stern female voice ringing in.

"He is not, Ronald. Stop saying that. You know he was never that sort. Harry wanted him that way, yes, and he needs Harry like that, yes, but he was never that to us. Sirius was always our friend, not a guardian."

"But, it's Sirius! I just can't get...the two of you...if I picture it, I just get all wonky," Ron was stuttering over his own words, trying desperately to piece them together to try and make sense.

With sad eyes, Hermione looked to her friend, wishing she could just make him think straight. Seeing him frazzled and unsettled hurt her, for she knew the pain caused was her fault. Never did she want this to come between what she most valued - friendship. It was clear with the way Ron continued to pace with his fingers in his hair, trying to sort out the puzzle floating around in his head.

"I understand that this might be hard, but we just...we just...it's complicated right now."

"Do you love him?" Ron asked, stopping in mid pace to ask the million galleon question.

She swallowed all her doubt and nodded just slightly, her voice as quiet as a mouse, "Yes."

"This is absolutely mad! I just can't...we were together not a few months ago and all of a sudden-"

"It wasn't all of sudden, Ron. We just weren't working, were we? We tried so many times," she felt like she was fighting a losing battle. At least now, her patience with him had helped him stop pacing and he had resorted to glaring at the carpet between them.

"Were you seeing him when we-"

"No! Absolutely, not. We are still new," she lied, her eyes falling to the same spot on the rug between them.

"And yet, you love him, so quickly?"

"I'm pretty sure that I'm falling in love with him."

A few moments went by and nothing more was said between the two of them. Their silence was broken by the sound of creaking hinges from the kitchen door and slow booted footsteps coming down the hallway towards them.

Ron looked up at Sirius who had stopped before entering the foyer the younger ones shared and met his eyes. Without a word, he bowed his head and turned where he stood to leave through the front door. Hermione continued to stare at the spot her best friend previously stood, willing him to come back through the door and welcome them with open arms, but that was too much to ask at the present time. Her thoughts whirled around her head like a cyclone, wishing that the anger and hurt would whisk itself away with the wind.

"He'll come around," Sirius said quietly. His voice carried through the foyer as if he was an all-knowing God. He walked up behind her and gently placed his hands on her shoulders to soothe her.

"I've hurt him."

"No, I think it's me he's lost trust in."

Hermione felt her eyes beginning to water over the sinking guilty feeling that she'd caused Ron any kind of pain. He appeared genuinely hurt and conflicted. She turned around in his arms, nudging him to hold her close. "Is it wrong that I want to be selfish and not care what anyone thinks? I second guess myself all the time for going back; I know I broke the rules, but if I didn't...I would have never known what I was missing out on."

Sirius embraced Hermione the way she wanted, resting his chin on top of her head. She fit perfectly within him, like they were two puzzle pieces meeting their connecting match. He felt inner peace when she leaned against him, for he desperately wanted to be her rock and make up for all his absences in others' lives. She represented that redemption, he thought again.

"Wanting you was all I knew. I waited for so long. I counted the moments until your birthday, looked for signs, anything...but, I knew no different," he spoke into the air, more for himself than for her.

"I'm so sorry for what you went through-"

"Shh," he hushed, raising her chin with his forefinger. "I told you, every minute was worth the wait. But, I can't tell you how many times I came close to giving in. There were so many times I just wanted to say, 'fuck it' and grab you, resulting in serious collateral damage, or just give up all together. I was so worried that you were going to come home and...and not want me as I am now."

Hermione's brow furrowed with sympathy over the beautiful man whose heart bled as he spoke. Such a gentle nature, a sincere thought for her always on his tongue, and she was more enamored with him than when she left him standing in the doorway of his old house. The memory of him riding off on his motorbike was still fresh in her mind.

"You were younger, but I always had you, this you," she pointed to his chest, "in mind. I knew you were still like that, only it came out in spurts as you got older. I knew, because I'd seen it. When we were together, I always thought of the you that was most familiar to my eyes. The older Sirius, the godfather Sirius, the mourning friend Sirius, and the Sirius that danced with me on my birthday that kept his thoughts to himself. You knew your time was coming.

The feelings I had for you before I left were already planted, because of the way you looked at me. I know now, it was because of your past with me. Believe me when I tell you that I love you. I loved you back then and I love you now, because of the life you have led. I'm not going anywhere. I'm sticking around this time and unless you've got alternative plans...I'm staying for good, right here."

Her words fell on enchanted ears as he admired the way her champagne colored lips moved. Like a poet in love with his muse, he was captivated with the way she recited lines of devotion to him. It pained him now to think back on those dark nights when he never thought he'd hear them. He felt like he waited a lifetime for the woman of his dreams to grow up and come back to him. He cherished the way her body felt against him, how she was there willingly and without force. It felt so good and yet he still felt tortured to have missed out on her for so long.

"I don't want to miss my chance with you, Hermione," he whispered, pressing his lips against hers.

Her hands slid around his neck, rubbing a thumb over his barcode and adding, "Then, never let me go."

"I don't intend to, love".