A note from Serade Black: As always, thank you to those that take the time to review. I'm a sucker for reviews and though I don't always answer them, I am reading them. For those that have asked me to get a beta or a new beta, thanks, but I'm good. I have someone I've worked with for a long time and unfortunately, I'm an impatient person when it comes to Fan Fiction. I send it, she sends it and things get overlooked. We're human. I'm not going for the big win of getting published, I'm just posting this all for fun, because of my passion for Sirius and Hermione. That pretty much sums it up. For those that have sent me thank yous and best eager wishes to continue, you make me smile. I cannot tell you how many nights I've typed on my lap top while my husband sleeps beside me and my fingers just go. Someone inspired me to tell stories and I'm tickled if I've done the same for others. The story itself might be moving slow, but know that I'm working it out on my end for the big drop. I'm still outlining small details and that is what is taking the longest (along with real life getting in the way - damn responsibilities). For now, enjoy!
~SB
Ch. 6 - "Building a new Foundation"
The leaves had all but fallen off nearly every tree in the neighborhood. Fall was coming to a close and winter was knocking on the door of number twelve Grimmauld Place. Soon would be the obligatory family gatherings and the enchanting decorations covering popular places in London. The muggles had an unhealthy obsession for all things small and twinkling.
A quiet dinner was had in the kitchen of Grimmauld Place. Tonks sat alongside of Remus, her assistance in the kitchen was not necessary, or so Hermione insisted that it wasn't. Hermione prepared a gorgeous turkey roasted with vegetables and potatoes and was just pouring the wine all around, leaving the aged bottle to Sirius's side.
"So, Sirius, I found something that I believe you'd be well suited for," Hermione began as she speared a carrot. "My department is looking for a liaison for those that came out of the Veil. It would be sort of an Ambassador role to represent those readjusting into society."
"Go on," he said encouraging her to continue.
"Well, I've taken to the paperwork aspect of all the research and I was thinking that things would be better represented if there was someone to speak on their behalf. I created the position and Minister Kingsley agreed to it. Told me that I should bring it up to you first, before posting it to the rest."
Sirius chuckled as he shook his head; his shoulder length hair falling into his sightline. He pushed around the greens on his plate and coupled them with a chunk of meat on his fork. "I never thought I would be one to work for the Ministry of Magic."
"That would be great, Padfoot," Remus supported, sipping from his glass. "Just think, you can tell the Ministry how you really feel and no one can debate it. You'd have the complete run, mate."
"Are you my superior?" Sirius baited, leaning on his elbow and winking to Hermione.
She gave him a friendly smirk and said, "No, her name is Isa McLure. I thought that if I took the position and you took the position, then it would be too much a conflict of interest."
The arrogant wizard with the black wavy locks shrugged his shoulders, not amused. He pursed his lips and was clearly thinking it over and weighing his options.
"It wouldn't be a particularly demanding job," Hermione continued, "for you only have to make appearances when there are queries about how some are adjusting and when to speak on their behalf. You would almost be able to make your own hours."
"That's not what he's worried about, Hermione," Remus added, tuning into Sirius's conflict. He had known his friend for far too long to not be able to read him as clearly as the front page of the Daily Prophet. "It's the fact that it's at the Ministry of Magic."
"Spot on, friend," Sirius nodded, amused that Remus had seen through him.
"I understand, and I won't be hurt if you didn't take it, honestly. I just wanted to try and persuade you into it, before the other candidates were considered. We've been missing quite a few lately. Some of our specimens haven't been checking in on a regular basis"
"Sweetheart, please tell your department not to call them specimens, its rude," he chuckled, tilting his head when her eyes widened with his mocking. "No wonder they're not checking in."
She shook her head, ignoring his comment, "I feel that some are not adjusting to the sudden change as well as others-"
"Or perhaps," Sirius interrupted, "they just don't wish to be found." His face soured at the idea that his kind was being studied so closely. "That was a very traumatic experience and it's sad to say that those that may have remained in there for a good amount of time may just wish not to be found again. There was no conversing amongst ourselves. We could barely see our hands in front of our face. Perhaps people chose to go beyond and then, all of a sudden, were plucked from their existence, forced to adjust to their returned life."
"What are you saying, Sirius?" Tonks finally spoke up, wondering if there was a hidden reason why the "charges" of the Ministry were not routinely checking in with their updates after returning. The study wasn't being flushed out as much as they had hoped and she knew that Hermione was struggling to make sense of it.
"I'm just saying it as clearly as I can imagine: perhaps some don't wish to be found. Perhaps there were some instances," Sirius rested his fork alongside his plate and ran a finger on the backside of Hermione's hand, "where people didn't have such special things to discover. Maybe they had nothing to lose and made that choice."
"A choice to go into the Veil? Like suicide?" Hermione asked as meek as a small child, as if the word itself was taboo.
Without bothering to shield her from the harsh reality, Sirius said hoarsely, "Something like that."
No one spoke as the mood changed to a more somber tone. Just the sound of light clinking and scrapes of cutlery on the plates filled the silence. Without a word, Sirius reached under the table and gently squeezed Hermione's thigh. They both shared a glance, promising that their story was an exception to everything he had said.
The holidays together were a particularly warm time. Grimmauld Place was full of life and energy. The large house was decorated from floor to floor, from portrait to chandelier. Tiny vines of holly were draped over each doorway, and mistletoe guarded each new room, insisting that its occupants share in the festivities. At least three different Christmas trees twinkled brightly: one in front of the window in the sitting room (that no one could see in), one in the small corner of the kitchen (as it seemed to be necessary for Headquarter meetings), and a rather hypnotic one with dark maroon and blue lights that seemed to slowly change for the mood sitting in the corner of Sirius's bedroom.
The extended friends and family came over for Christmas Eve to pass out adult presents as the youngest of the Weasley clan played quietly in the foyer. Father Christmas was going to be joining them at the Burrow, so it was planned that the early morning would be welcomed with a big breakfast. However, at the rate Ron, Sirius and Harry were going, Bloody Marys would be specially served.
Hermione returned from the kitchen with a tray of glasses for champagne hoping to toast the evening, but it seemed that some of the younger men were beyond drinking something that didn't set your tongue on fire after taking a shot.
With a shake of her head she set the tray down on a nearby table, after Sirius obliged her by taking a crystal stem of the bubbling spirit. He gave her a gentlemanly nod and toasted his glass with hers as they took the first sip together.
"At least you still have your wits about you, for the time being," she said glancing around the room and taking in the company backlit by various candles and whirling decorations.
"I haven't lost them, yet," he charmed.
His eyes were secretly devouring her with his heightened senses and whispered inebriated state. Taking mental picture after mental picture, he would never be able to capture the grace she held for him. As they stood close, he couldn't help himself not to trace his fingers along her jaw, forcing her to glance his way. She gave him a half smile and sipped her flute.
"So, I was thinking," he began, "with Harry and Ginny getting married, it won't be long until Remus and Tonks are next."
Her eyes settled on Remus, who was smiling pleasantly as he listened intently to Arthur telling a story. "I suppose you're right."
"I was thinking of giving them Grimmauld Place," he finished, sipping his champagne and licking the sweet dry taste from his lips. His eyes dropped down to admire the lift of her bosom beneath the red dress she wore.
"Is it yours to give?" she wondered.
"Yes, Harry turned everything back over to me when I came back. So, I own this house...again. I know Harry hasn't any issues getting into a new place, but thought it would be appropriate for Remus and Tonks to start their life here together."
"Well, there is plenty of room, no doubt about that. They can have their pick of the rooms and if they have children, they would have built in babysitters-"
"I meant, without us," he finished for her. He watched her features carefully, waiting for a sense of comprehension.
Hermione appeared slightly perplexed, but soon caught on, "But, where would we...you mean together?" He raised an eyebrow nervously, hoping she'd accept. "You want me to move in with you somewhere else? Just us?"
"Well, we are already living together, so why not just us someplace else?"
In seconds Hermione's drink was on the mantle and she was throwing her arms around his neck, kissing his rough cheek, "Yes, yes, yes, when?"
"I suppose we need to go and find a place, first."
"We could move to the country, or into the center of London, or...your old house! What about your old house? The one you used to have, number twenty-four?" Her voice, though quiet and private with him and undetected from eavesdroppers, was excited and hopeful.
"I...still have it. It's a bit of a wreck, love. Haven't been in it for nine years. It needs work," he hesitated, stalling and hoping she would want somewhere new, somewhere more her.
"No, I want that house. I loved that house and we can work on it together. Oh, Sirius, this is the best Christmas present ever," she said as she held onto him. She'd never felt so comfortable in her place.
"Right, now what's going on over there?" George said above the crowd. It seemed that further celebration was happening beyond their party of passing around the Fire Whiskey. All eyes turned towards the May-December couple who were standing wrapped as one.
With a mischievous grin, like he was truly up to an alternative plan, Sirius announced, "Hermione and I are shaking up!"
The room opened up to the warm laughter, sharing smiles and cheers all around, leaving Hermione in a blushing red mess amongst the mass. Their world seemed to be getting smaller as Sirius helped solidify their relationship before those that may have misunderstood it. Displaying affection or sharing whispers only held so much weight, but learning that it was their intention of sharing a household together truly justified their romance. An added celebratory toast was given by Remus, after receiving the news of the gift of Grimmauld Place.
Sirius was standing by the fireplace, gazing into the flames and reflecting on the turn his life had taken. No more dark times, no longer did he pine for the witch of his dreams and the days of having a prejudice pureblood family were gone. As his mind wandered, watching each flicker dance before him like a devil enchantress, he did not see Ron making his way towards him.
"I can't say that I'm alright with you and her," Ron managed to say, stumbling over a few syllables like he did steps. "But, if she's happy, I guess I can say good luck."
Sirius gave Ron a friendly smile. It was evident that his godson's best friend had still not come to terms with his relationship with his ex-girlfriend and friend. He watched the emotional struggle play over the ginger's face as he tried to extend a hand and took it sincerely.
Taking his hand more to help the young man balance, he replied, "I don't expect anyone to take us easy, mate. But, I have no intention of hurting her."
Ron nodded, shaking his head to steady himself as it was apparent the effects of Fire whisky were taking its toll on him. He blinked a few times, trying to focus on Sirius and said, "Right, me either!"
"Glad we have that sorted," Sirius added, still shaking Ron's hand.
"So, if you two choose to carry on and copulate," Ron said, finally letting go of Sirius's hand, "then who am I to interrupt. Unless, she wants me to interrupt. Has she said anything about me?"
Sirius watched Ron swaying where he stood, wondering if he even realized what he was asking aloud. Still, he couldn't help himself, "You mean when we copulate? No, she hasn't mentioned you while we do that."
Ron's face crinkled, unhappy with the answer he received, "Oh well, right. I guess good luck."
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Sirius and Hermione were strolling down a familiar street that had rows of regal fences lining their property. The sidewalk was wide, wider than other neighborhoods, but the streets were still very narrow considering that two cars were supposed to drive in opposite directions. The street signs had been updated, the neighbors nearby had painted the enormous shutters accenting the windows and a tree swing had been added to the large oak that grew directly across from the house Hermione and Sirius were looking at.
"Now, if you don't like it, we can find someplace else," Sirius said as they walked closer. His face looked sour as he took in the rusty gate and overgrown branches covering the view of the house. "I'm not as attached to it as you may think. In fact, a change wouldn't be that bad-"
"Are you kidding? Honey, I loved this house!" she said squeezing his hand and leaning a head against his shoulder. The house was coming well into view with its ornate iron gates and intricate details engraved in the metal that swirled around in a medieval style.
"I haven't been here in nearly nine years. It was dusty then, it's going to be dusty now. I considered hiding in it for awhile, but suspected the neighbors might notice something wrong." Sirius glanced over to his pretty young witch, offering her the opportunity to change her mind if she wasn't happy.
"Do you not want to move in here again, Sirius? Is that why you're trying to sway me?" she asked sweetly.
"I could care less where we lived. I just want you to have what you want," he said offering her a handsome smile.
Sirius took his wand from the inside of his jacket and whispered the unlocking incantation against the tall intimidating iron gate. Like hearing a familiar friend, the gate clinked and chimed, uncoiling its chain like a snake and opening slowly with a screeching rusty sound that demanded to be oiled.
"Now that we've announced to the neighborhood that I'm home," Sirius said with a light chuckle, "that should be the first thing I take care of."
They passed over the threshold and through the gate that was protecting the large house. It was hidden beyond large trees and overgrown bushes that shadowed the house, making it appear darker in broad overcast daylight. It looked like a scene from a Halloween movie with its broken branches and dilapidated state. The front steps were broken, the railings leading to the front door were only half there and the front door appeared weathered and abused.
Still, Hermione smiled and looked past all its imperfections, seeing the house to be just as charming and inviting as it once was the first time she visited. The butterflies welled up inside of her, seeing the enormous structure through different eyes now. When she first visited the house, she was full of guilt and anxiety, but now it stood as a beacon of promise and hope for the two of them.
Sirius was captivated with the way Hermione gazed up at the house, approaching it like a child seeing Hogwarts for the first time. She couldn't be more beautiful to him, for her face was brightened by the sheer prospect of making this her new home.
"You haven't seen the inside, yet," he sighed under his breath. He did not want her to be disappointed.
As they took a few steps towards the front door, Hermione stopped abruptly and froze, looking at the ground. She seemed to be in a trance for a few seconds, before she squeezed Sirius's hand tighter. She looked up at him, then around at the way the grass had grown over the once neatly trimmed lawn.
"What is it, love?" he whispered, concerned with her immediate change.
"This is where you left me that night," she started. She pointed to a place in the grass and finished, "you were on your motorbike just there. It was raining that night and I remember how badly I wanted to tell you to stay." Sirius frowned and rested a hand on her cheek to soothe her. "I was so worried about what was going to happen to you."
He pulled her into a protective hug, leaving a kiss on her head, "I hated leaving you that night, but I had to go and check on, Peter. I think I knew deep down, you weren't going to be there when I returned."
Hermione clung to him, her face pressed tightly against his chest, taking in the serene scent of his cologne. His strong arms held her tight and she felt him pressing his lips to her head. He murmured how he loved her for what she did. With a subtle gesture, he helped turn her around back to the house and together they approached the front door.
Sirius pointed his wand to the tarnished door handle and tapped it three times as he murmured an incantation. Then, preparing for the worst, he glanced once to his witch and then to the handle of the door. With a mutual smile and nod, he held his breath and pushed the door open before them.
Showing him that she harbored no fear in entering, she stepped over the threshold first. Letting go of his hand, her eyes took in the dusty entrance, looking about the foyer as if she were stepping back in time. What had only been a few months to her, had been years for time since this house had been vacated. Her memory of following Sirius to the door as he rushed out to check on Peter flooded her to the very core. She could almost hear his rushed footsteps on the hard wood floor.
The parlor on the right beyond the archway still had the furniture positioned the same way, though now they appeared dusty and worn from years of neglect. The curtains were closed, just as she had pulled them before they went to bed on that fateful night, but evidently infested with doxies by the slight movement beneath the folds. The portraits on the walls had awoken from a long slumber (including the one of a sleeping Harry and a scared Regulus) and the old wooden floors groaned their distress as they stepped in, having settled for several years.
Sirius was just behind Hermione, but his eyes were not on the house, they were on her. He watched with admiring eyes as she stepped through freely, taking no notice to the dust, the mess or the tattered appearance of the walls and railings of the staircase. She was mesmerized by an unseen magic that it never occurred to him how happy she truly was by getting back into the house he used to live in when they were together the first time. As if weightless, she drifted further inside, flashing a sweet grin as she glanced over her shoulder. She carried on like an angel with peaceful wings towards the kitchen where upon disappearing around the corner, she peeked back to make sure he was following.
"I'm right here. I'm not running away, yet," he chuckled as he closed the door behind him. He casually slid his hands into his pockets and slowly surveyed the forsaken home, making mental notes of what needed to be repaired, replaced and renewed.
When Sirius was younger, he thrived on making his house as "Muggled" as possible, but what was once a contemporary look was now outdated and just tacky. The kitchen was hideous to modern eyes, even by magical ones, for the decor was ghastly with retro designs even on the dishes. The glasses and pottery were immediately to be replaced, along with the outdated appliances that appeared rusted having not been used for a very long time.
Against the wall, the wet bar was in the same place as she remembered, but it appeared as if it had been raided for anything left behind inside of it. Empty bottles, some broken, lay scattered around the old hutch with a mesh front. Her brow furrowed as she looked around the rest of the kitchen, afraid that an intruder had indeed broken in and she was looking for further disarray. After a few more spins in one place, she deduced that aside from the dusty mess it was the only area truly disturbed.
The sound of Sirius's booted steps turned the corner into the kitchen, followed by a long winded whistle as he appraised the future food quarters. He shook his head, disgusted by his old taste in kitchen decor. As he took in the room around him, he immediately fell into concern as he caught the worried look on Hermione's face. When she gestured to the broken bottles around the bar, he sighed and shook his head acknowledging the damage. Like someone had pulled a string out of him that was keeping him straight backed and proud, he slouched as he revisited a bad time in that house. With a silent nod, he made his way around the counter and took a seat on a dusty stool.
"I did end up staying here a few nights those nine years ago, after we lost Peter...and I found you," he said as he folded his hands in front of him. His voice was low and sincere; painful even.
Hermione heard the woe in his voice; a reminder of the man he once was and a life he used to live. She thought to herself how she used to see him as a kind man and good to Harry with dark stories to tell, when the reversed side was him meeting his past love when she was only thirteen. How traumatic that must have been for him to have everything fall into place in a matter of moments, she thought. How lonely a life he had lived and only now in his late thirties was he beginning to feel like he truly belonged again.
Hermione felt her heart pull for him, wishing that her very touch would sooth him, but he harbored his dark memories. With slow timid steps, she went around to him and hung her arms around his neck, resting her head on his shoulder. She kissed him sweetly against his ear, whispering her apologies.
With a quiet voice she said, "I love who you are, Sirius. You fascinate me." He gave her a half smile and rubbed the arm that was draped across his neck. "I'm never letting you go. Not even if you ran through the Veil, again. I would come for you."
A few moments passed and they enjoyed the silence, listening to the house settle around them, creaking its ailments and necessary repairs. Finally, Sirius swiveled around on his stool, pulling Hermione into his arms so that they could look at the house together.
"So, you really want to stay here? In this dusty old shack?" he whispered, breathing in her aura that smelled of lilac and jasmine. He loved the way her soft curls felt around his face as he rested his chin on her shoulder; his arms hugging her close.
"Yes, with only minor changes. A good clean, some new paint, slight redecorating - if that's okay with you, of course," she said, turning around to see his face.
"You can do whatever you want, love. It's your house. I'm just along for the ride and I'll trust anything you want to do," he admitted, giving her carte blanche. His happiness was her happiness.
"I'm glad you said that, because as much as that fur rug in front of the fire has sentimental significance, it has to go."
"Oh, if that rug could talk-" he chuckled, purring against the side of her neck.
"And that's why it's going!" she confirmed, knowing full well she wasn't the first girl to be taken while lying there.
Almost a half hour later, Hermione was buzzing around on the second floor, her mind racing through different ideas with what to do with the extra three rooms that Sirius had only used as storage, other than the one room with the girlie wardrobe. She ventured through the house, wand at the ready, looking in closets and behind mysterious doors coming upon interesting artifacts from Sirius's groovy past.
The older wizard was down outside, standing in the street and looking up at the structure from a carpenter's point of view. He surveyed the damage the years had caused passing through the elements as well as obvious neglect from it being a magical house in a muggle neighborhood. Sirius watched the shading around the house, noticing where the tree limbs hung low near the roof and thinking of how much work he would have to do in order to clear the extra branches. He also thought about the front gates where wild vines had grown along the iron gate, giving an extra bit of privacy. Something he favored, but was unsure what Hermione's take on it was. He imagined buying something of a sports car and parking it close to the house, something not too flashy, but something Hermione wouldn't mind driving from time to time. Something very muggle.
As he stood outside, he glanced down the street where a few neighbors were outside checking their mail or just enjoying the brisk air that particular January day. In the nearby distance, he heard a neighborhood dog barking, announcing its presence or trying to frighten off an unwanted guest. Overall, it was peaceful and serene and for the first time in his life, Sirius felt very warm in his surroundings and hopeful for the future.
"Hello, there," said a voice to Sirius's left. Glancing over, he saw a man, a muggle no doubt, wearing a blue polo shirt and pair of khaki pants with a friendly smile as he joined Sirius in the middle of the street.
"Jim," he said extending his hand for a proper greeting. "I live in the next house there, the green one."
"Sirius, good to meet you," he said as he shook the man's hand.
"Considering moving into the house there? Number twenty-four?" the man asked, relating to Sirius at a common level as he looked up at the evergreen house hidden behind intimidating tree branches. He reminded Sirius of Arthur Weasley with his excessive friendliness.
"Yes, that is the plan."
"Good to hear it. No one has been in it for years. I never noticed a for sale sign out front, but no one came around to check on it, either. Kind of a mystery, really," Jim said, explaining what he knew. Meanwhile, Hermione was just peeking outside the great gate and giving him a wave. She apparently was outside surveying the grounds on the other side of the yard.
"Yes, I'm sure it has been. It's been in the family for a few years, you could say," Sirius smiled to his young witch.
"Really? There was a young guy living there, ages ago. Rode a motorcycle, quiet, except for the motorcycle."
"Yes, that was...me."
"Oh, sorry, mate. Didn't recognize you. Then again, we never officially met, did we?"
"No, sorry about that. I've been away for awhile, abroad and traveling you could say. Left the house and just getting back to it now," Sirius explained as plainly as he could.
"Wow. That must have been one hell of a trip, then. It's been what...?" Jim started to think.
"Too long to count," Sirius replied dry and almost dismal. The thought of how much time he'd missed left a strong pang in his heart. The only saving grace was that he was frozen, unable to age, unable to think, for a good five years of them.
"Yeah, I guess that's about right. Is that your wife?"
"Ah, no," he returned, somewhat curious to why his long time neighbor was so inquisitive, but just put it off to "new neighbor chat" that was pretty normal. "She's more than that. She saved my life."
"Well, whatever it is mate, looks like she's ready to turn your house upside down. She's along the side here, pulling weeds already with a small tiny stick." Jim pointed to the area of the house that they could both see from the street when the iron gate was open and Hermione was, indeed, playing in the weeds.
"If you'll excuse me, she's not much of a gardener," Sirius said, shaking his head and offering his neighbor a smile. He waved to the man and walked back through the gate, closing it partially behind him to shield him from curious eyes.
Sirius approached the woman with a mission. With her hair pulled back in a messy bun, she knelt on her knees in a praying manner before a patch of wild weeds growing up along the side of the house. She aimed her wand at the suffocating vines that lay against the wood, quietly whispering an incantation that forced the plant to wither away in her hands. Once satisfied with the result, she continued to dig deeper, pawing around the prettier vines to get to the nasty appearing ones.
"Sweetheart, what are you doing? The man I was talking to could see your wand," he said, his arms folding across his chest with a serious side smirk over his lips. His darker side began to creep out as he took note of her appropriate height as she knelt on her knees. He managed to play off his chuckle as a cough.
"Oh, well, I was just pointing it really, nothing too obvious, " she said, shoving her wand back into her pocket and pulling with all her might on a long vine with pointy green leaves.
"Do I dare ask what you're doing? Because, it looks incredibly tiresome and I know I'm going to be a right tosser when I don't help, so just to save face, explain part of the manual weeding you're doing." Sirius stood firm, cocking his head to the side to survey her unnecessary work.
"I'm testing the strange plants growing along the fence. Just making sure that they're not poisonous for when we have kids. These are precautions we have to take," she said, still very focused on the plants like they were a diligent challenge, but not noticing the smirk wipe clean off his face.