Disclaimer: Harry Potter does not belong to me in any way, shape or form. This story is just something I've done for my own entertainment.
Second Disclaimer: There's a song in this chapter it does not belong to me at all I just really love it! It belongs to Elton John but I was thinking of the version from Moulin Rouge! Ewan McGregor is just so…so…supermegaawesomefoxyhot (if you've seen it before just skip the opera bit lol) So hope you guys go check out that movie or something because I highly recommend it or whatever. And yes I know we're not supposed to put lyrics up here but everyone does it.
A/N: Thanks you guys who reviewed and stuff and such.
Chapter 8
Hermione touched a tulip that stuck out from the bouquet Sirius had given her. It shifted from purple to white at her touch. Two days later the flowers were still bright and hadn't wilted but the color changing charm had faded and they shifted colors much slower than that first day.
She was beginning to doubt her sanity. Had she really agreed to go on a date with Sirius? Sure he'd been nothing but sweet to her but a sick feeling similar to guilt was settling in the pit of her stomach. Here she was preaching about the importance of laying low in the past and yet she'd agreed to go on a date. With Sirius…Snuffles. Good Merlin, there go the butterflies.
"Are you ready to go Hermione?" Lily stood behind her, stuffing her red hair into a hasty ponytail. She still looked pretty. Hermione dropped her hand from the flower and sighed. Lily had spent a lot of time on Hermione's hair instead of her own, insisting continuously that Hermione was the one with the date, (she'd winced at the word "date") she needed to look good. Hermione checked to make sure she had everything.
She pulled out some coins from her pocket and stopped. Oh crap. Hermione read the date on the coins to make sure. Yep. 1992. This money wouldn't be accepted, they hadn't even been made yet. "Uh, Lily? I, um, need to go talk to Dumbledore for a bit... I'll be right back." And with that she turned and dashed out of the dormitory. Lily thought Hermione was incredibly weird sometimes. At first she had only been nice to her because she wanted to be polite. But now she was starting to warm up. Lily shook her head and continued to the Great Hall.
Hermione ran through the halls, trying to think where Dumbledore could be. Most likely his office, she'd head there and pray he was up this early on a Saturday. As she ran portraits called to her to slow down.
Hermione caught up to Dumbledore as he was heading out of his office. The gargoyle jumping back into attention as Hermione caught up to Dumbledore. "Oh thank goodness I caught you!" Hermione wheezed and brushed her hair from her face, Lily would be mad it had been messed up from her sprinting down the halls. "Sir,... my money... they won't accept it."
Dumbledore watched Hermione bend over and grab her knees. She coughed a little then stood straight up. He had no clue what she was talking about. Then- "Ah! Yes I understand! I think a trade is in order then." Dumbledore reached into his pocket for his wallet.
Hermione turned bright red. "Oh sir! No! I can't ask you to do that! Can't you just change the date?"
Dumbledore chuckled then handed her a large wad of cash. "Just pay me back with your future money." Then he walked away.
Hermione checked her watch then shrieked. They would be leaving any second! Here we go again! Then Hermione turned and ran all the way back to the front hall.
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James tapped his watch. "She's late."
Lily glanced up the steps for the hundredth time hoping to see Hermione. She bit her lip in anxiety. "Maybe I shouldn't have let her go...Oh! Hermione over here!" Lily waved to Hermione who had appeared at the top of the stairs. Sirius sighed behind her and Lily smiled, he did seem to like Hermione a lot.
"Sorry you guys!" Hermione was breathing hard like she'd run forever. Sirius smiled when he saw her wheezing and trying to comb her hair back. She looked directly at him. "I'm so sorry. Let's go!" She grabbed his arm and pulled him after the last of the students heading out the door.
Remus looked over at Doriana who beamed when their eyes met. She hung on to his arm and he tried to remain positive as they followed Hermione, Sirius, James, Peter and Lily.
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"Where should we go to next?" Hermione watched the other students shuffle past them. Sirius and her and been separated from everyone else when they'd been looking through the quidditch store. James had stuck pretty close to Lily but she didn't seem to mind as much as she usually did. She'd even laughed at one of Sirius' jokes. Now that they were separate she hoped they were getting on alright. When they'd been unable to find the others Sirius had pulled her out and they had wandered the streets for a while. It wasn't as cold as she was used to when they'd go to Hogwarts in the middle of winter and she enjoyed the nice weather. Sirius was excellent company, she'd been sure they would have nothing to talk about since they were so different, him a proud rule breaker and her a dedicated book worm, but he was a pleasant person and didn't dwell on himself. Mostly he asked her about her life in the future but avoided asking about his part in her future. Their date had been fun so far, Sirius was showing her all the sites. He'd asked her if she wanted to see the Shrieking Shake but she'd declined. The outside wasn't as interesting as the inside and she'd seen both. So instead he pulled her toward Honeydukes.
"Honeydukes is always worth a visit." When they reached the shop window Hermione paused. There was a poster with a picture of a smiling family. Missing was spelled out in black across the top and Hermione grabbed Sirius' arm before he could get too far ahead.
"What's this?" Sirius looked at the poster and Hermione was surprised to see his face full of sorrow and regret.
"Someone goes missing every couple of weeks. More often lately though…" He trailed off and Hermione realized what he meant. Voldemort would be coming into power in the last couple of years. Muggleborns and blood traitors would be in danger. Sirius studied her face. "So he's around in your time?" Hermione tried not to betray any emotion but thoughts of Harry made her suck in a breath. "Damn… Thought someone would have done the basterd in by then." Anger flashed across his face and Hermione couldn't look away. Uncomfortable she drew her robes closer around her and pulled him in the direction of Honeyduke's door.
Inside Sirius picked up a box of chocolate frogs and looked at Hermione. He knew he might have said too much, but she seemed down. Voldemort would put a damper on any date after all. He shook his head and shifted his hand through his long hair. With all the students inside they were crushed together. Their shoulders touching and Sirius could smell her strawberry shampoo and minty toothpaste. Putting down the box of frogs he picked up some chocolate covered strawberries. "Let's get these." Hermione nodded and Sirius swallowed down his nervousness. They left the sweet shop and Sirius tugged on her robe. "Three Broomsticks?"
"Yeah, I could use some butterbeer." Sirius tried not to skip as they changed course and headed to the popular pub. Once inside Sirius guided Hermione to a table close to the middle. "Usually I sit on the side, at that table Sirius."
"No no no, sit here." Hermione raised her eyebrows but sat in the wooden chair he held out for her. He went to the bar and ordered two butterbeers. As he walked back, slowly so he wouldn't spill, he watched Hermione's face. She seemed more relaxed then she had in weeks, he was doing his job then.
"Here you go." He pushed the mug in his left hand towards her and she accepted it gratefully.
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"See you James. I'm going to stay here. Bye Lily!" Peter nodded at them then headed further into the quidditch shop. Remus had been dragged away by Doriana at least forty five minutes ago.
Abruptly uncomfortable James glanced at Lily. They were alone together. "So uh…what'd you like to do?"
"Well let's get out of this shop. There are too many people." James nodded in agreement and they walked out into the street.
Once they were walking along the lane, bumping past people and forced to stand closer together James spoke again. "I'm glad you came with us Lily."
"Don't read too much into it Potter." But she smiled and James relaxed. Even if she did use his surname.
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"Here, have a strawberry." Hermione accepted the chocolate and was reminded of Remus' affinity for the candy.
"Maybe we should have gotten Remus some…" Sirius looked at Hermione strangely but shook it off.
"Yes. He's a bit obsessed really. Always got chocolate. Surprised he's not fat as Peter actually." Hermione snorted into her butterbeer and brushed her bangs back.
Sirius smiled then glanced around the bar, he grabbed her hand. "I'll be right back." Sirius stood and ran away before Hermione could protest. She sat there awkwardly for a moment, wondering where he could have possibly gotten too. Suddenly the lights dimmed and music began to play.
"My gift is my song"
Hermione looked around in confusion but so did half the population of the Three Broomsticks.
"And this one's for you"
Then Hermione realized Sirius was standing on a table in the middle of the bar…pointing right at her.
"And you can tell everybody
That this is your song"
There were a few wolf whistles and Hermione blushed profusely. What the bloody hell was he doing?
"It may be quite simple
But now that it's done"
Oh my dear Merlin he wouldn't…
"Hope you don't mind"
Sirius began to hop across the tables until he was standing in front of Hermione.
"I hope you don't mind"
Yes I freaking mind! She blushed furiously with every word he sang. Her heart fluttered in her chest, no one had ever serenaded her before. And he did have a nice voice…
"That I put down in words
How wonderful life is now you're in the world"
At the word world Sirius grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her up onto the table next to him. The wood creaked but she could barely hear it over the music. She stared around the building, every eye was fixed on her and Sirius but she couldn't meet his eye. Her heart pounded in her head and she could feel the heat in her cheeks. Everyone in the Three Broomsticks was clapping and whistling. People were joining Sirius in singing and Hermione wished more than anything that she had an invisibility cloak. This was mortifying.
"Anyway the thing is what I really mean
Yours are the sweetest eyes I've ever seen"
He grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him. He was smiling brilliantly and waggled her eyebrows at her. The whole thing was just so ridiculous she laughed which just made Sirius smile brightly at her. His hand traced her jaw from her chin to ear.
"It may be quite simple
But now that it's done
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words"
Hermione was surprised she couldn't stop laughing, she wasn't sure when she'd ever felt this embarrassed before but at least she was having fun. Sirius had been right. She did need to relax, to stop and smell the roses. Or color changing flowers.
"How wonderful life is now you're in the world
I hope you don't mind
I hope you don't mind that I put down in words
How wonderful life is now you're in the world"
Thankfully, that was the end and Sirius made a show of bowing while the rest of the Three Broomsticks patrons clapped enthusiastically. Hermione watched him parade around a bit, a twinkle of mischief in his eye and she shook her head in disbelief. There were no words to describe Sirius Black's insanity.
"Yes yes that's Sirius Black everyone! Remember that! I'm here all week!" More laughter followed this. His voice trailed off and Hermione blushed an even deeper shade of red as he gave her a kiss on the cheek. His breath tickled her cheek but he didn't linger. She jumped from the table and flicked her hair.
"Come on then, before you're over inflated head explodes." But Sirius saw the slight smile on her lips and didn't protest as he followed her out of the bar.
"Wow, I didn't know Sirius was capable of something so… romantic." Doriana took another sip of her butterbeer as she watched Hermione drag Sirius out of the Three Broomsticks.
"Hm." Remus grunted and glared into the foam of his own drink. A few minutes ago he'd wanted nothing more than something to knock back after following Doriana around on her endless list of stores that she just "had" to visit. Apparently that had been a mistake, especially since they'd walked in right as the music was starting. Remus had seen Hermione's expressions go from shock, embarrassment then, uncontrollable laughter. Then Sirius had kissed her cheek and they were gone…Remus couldn't figure it out, but annoyance tugged at his belly and he scooted the delicious drink away from him.
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Hermione walked down the street, her steps brisk and determined, Sirius keeping pace with her. He would look over at her nervously every once in a while. Hermione bit her lip to stop from laughing, she needed to act furious.
"Sooo." Sirius rubbed the back of his neck, the hair stuck out at an odd angle and Hermione bit her lip harder. "What did you think?"
Hermione stopped suddenly in the middle of the street and Sirius almost fell on her. He brushed off her shoulders before gripping them gently. His had to duck his head to look at her eye level and he looked at her with a very determined face. "Hermione…be serious here…"
Without thought Hermione burst into laughter and wrapped her arms around his neck. "That was the sweetest most amazing thing anyone's ever done for me Sirius." She stood on her tiptoes and gently kissed him on the cheek. Sirius was embarrassed to feel heat rise to his cheeks.
He cleared his throat. "Yeah, well, you deserve it Hermione."
Hermione wasn't sure what it was, but Sirius made her feel more…more everything. "Thanks…well, I wanted to go to the bookstore…"
"Of course! Let's go!" Sirius hooked his arm through hers and they laughed all the way down the street.
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After Sirius had followed her around the shop, browsing the books, annoying the hell out of her, she pushed him to the quidditch section. "Stay here!" She laughed as he looked confused before she slipped away and wandered the shop alone. She wasn't sure where she was but she breathed in the amazing smell of new books and paper. It was a calming smell and she ran her fingers over one of the shelves. Dust collected on her fingers which she rubbed against her robes absently. Sadness welled in her. Meeting these people, Lily, Sirius, Remus, James… it was too much. Seeing them alive and well and so…happy just made her feel guilty. Here she was, in a position to change things for the better, to let Harry have the parents he'd always wanted. The parents he deserved and yet… What if she messed up? What if…in her efforts to change everything for the better, she just made everything worse.
If Harry's parents didn't die, then Harry would never defeat Voldemort the first time. What if she got Peter out of the picture and he never revealed the Potter's location, so instead, Voldemort would go after Neville and his parents…Was Neville capable of the same great things as Harry? There were too many scenarios, too much uncertainty. But the sight of Sirius…singing to her on that table and then falling through the veil, made her chest ache. She forced back the moisture in her eyes and glared at the books. Then there was the truth that she would slowly lose her memories. What if she tried to fix something, like Sirius dying and forgot about it… She was useless. Before more dark and depressing thoughts could overtake her, Hermione picked up a random book and shuffled through the pages. She'd think of this another time…Today was about being happy and spending time with Sirius.
She stood there, reading the titles of every book that caught her eye for a long time before she went back to the quidditch section. The only person there was a boy with dark long hair, huddled over a book.
"There you are Sirius!" Hermione approached the dark haired boy from behind. He didn't look up from the book he was reading. So she gave him a quick hug.
"What the-!" Sirius shouted. He shoved her off but tripped over his feet and fell against the bookcase. It wobbled and Hermione watched in alarm as books began to drop to the floor. His head was turned so all she could see was his profile and she was alarmed to see it was unfamiliar.
"Who are you?" Hermione objected. He moved so quickly she could hardly believe it when he covered her mouth with one hand and pulled her against his torso with the other. Hermione struggled and clawed at his arms as he dragged her behind a bookcase.
She gasped in pain as he slammed her against the back of one of the bookcases. Through her watery eyes she watched him put a finger to his lips in the standard shushing symbol.
Rage gurgled in Hermione's throat as she struggled harder against the stronger boy. Who was he? She'd mistaken him for Sirius, and for good reason, they had the same grey eyes and long black hair and athletic build. They could be twins, however, this boy wasn't as handsome, his nose more crooked, his eyes not filled with laughter but haughty and proud. At least he was a Hogwarts student; she'd noted the Slytherin crest on his breast.
"Shut up girl! Listen for one second!" He hissed into her ear. The fury and adrenaline that had built in her chest and throat died, replaced by fear. He was so close to her, her nose was buried into his neck and his breath was hot on her ear. His shoulders blocked her view and his fingers felt hot over her lips. A dull ache started behind her eyes. She was going to be attacked, and no one knew where she was except Sirius. Heaven only knew where he was. Tears trailed down her cheeks and when one drop of water fell on the boy's pinky he jerked back. His hand was still covering her half her face but he stood away. "No no no no no please don't cry. I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Don't cry!" He still whispered and his free hand shook in front of her face. Hermione sniffed but blinked rapidly. "I'll move my hand but promise you'll be quiet." Hermione nodded and he slowly withdrew his hand. He pointed and Hermione followed his finger to a red haired girl talking quietly to a greasy haired Slytherin.
Hermione gasped when she realized it was Lily talking to Snape. She strained her ears to hear what they were saying.
"-believe you'd do that Lily. I thought you agreed that he was a toerag."
"Sev, don't be like that."
Hermione had to control herself when Snape grabbed Lily's shoulders. "Please Lily. Please stop being mad at me. I've said I was sorry. Please don't be their friend…" Lily didn't speak. "Best friends forever?" Hermione was unsure what to think. Snape had killed Dumbledore and been a complete git to Harry for no reason for years. And yet here…he was so pathetic. She could've sworn he was forcing back tears.
"Sev I-"
"What's going on Lily? I thought we were heading to the Three Broom…." James walked around the corner and Hermione stifled back a gasp. He looked furious to see Snape touching Lily. Had he grown up enough to not curse Snape into the next century?
"James!" For her credit Lily sounded flustered and her cheeks burned red.
Hermione moved to intervene but someone grabbed her shoulder. She glanced back and saw the Sirius doppelganger, she'd forgotten he was there. He touched his lip again, telling her to remain quiet.
"Snape." Hermione jerked back to the scene and prayed James was rational. "Lily?" James looked at Lily curiously. "Is everything alright here?" He sounded strange as if he was forcing back a curse.
"Fine Potter!" Snape spat and dropped his hands from Lily's shoulders.
Lily slowly moved away from Snape and stood next to James. He looked a little surprised but tried not to show it. "Let's go." She ducked her head and moved to the front door quickly. James stood for a moment then nodded at Snape before following her out. The sneer on Snape's face was familiar but there was also a tightening around his eyes that Hermione had never seen before. His jaw twitched and Snape also left. Hermione turned back to the boy.
"Why were you spying?" She scolded. He raised an eyebrow and unlike Sirius he didn't smirk at her.
"None of your business." He glared at her. "Better go find my brother shouldn't you?"
"Brother?"
He snorted. "The great Sirius Black…" His sneer rivaled Snape's at that moment. "That's who you thought I was, right?"
"Well yes I…" She trailed off then remembered her manners. "Hermione Granger." She held out her hand and the boy studied it for a moment before reluctantly grabbing it.
"Regulus. Regulus Arcturus Black."
"Pleasure…I suppose." Ah yes…she should've remembered him. Sirius had mentioned him in her own time. This present Sirius had not, however.
"I'm sure." Said a different voice and Hermione glanced up in surprise. Sirius stood a little way off from them. He was glaring at their joined hands and with embarrassment Hermione realized how close they were standing. She backed off and dropped Regulus' hand. The future Death Eater. "We should go." With a final glare at his own brother Sirius turned from them and headed out the door of the book store.
"Goodbye." Hermione murmured before following. She had a lot to think about.
A/N: Sorry it took a while to get this up. I washaving internal moral debates about putting this song up here but I figured what the hell. Just imagine Hermione's face when she sees Sirius on top of that table. Sigh. *wipes away tears of laughter* ANYWAYS! Hope you guys liked it! Review! Let me know what you think. See ya in chapter 9!