Fragments of Us
Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Warnings: This chapter is rated M for sexual situations.
Chapter 32 – A Little Panic Before Breakfast
Sirius opened his eyes and, just for a moment, felt a twinge of panic at finding himself in total darkness. As he more fully awakened, Sirius became aware of a weight across his legs and the soft, warm breath of another person fluttering against his neck. Sirius turned his face toward the warmth and his cheek brushed against something soft. He inhaled deeply. Kate. He smiled, turning onto his side so he could face her.
"Accio wand," he murmured then "Lumos minimus," when the wand flew into his hand. In the resulting soft light, Sirius settled in to watch Kate as she slept. He moved a lock of her hair away from her cheek and leaned over to drop a light kiss in its place. Oh, Katie, I love you so much, he thought, feeling his emotions begin to overtake him. I will do everything in my power not to lose you again; not to hurt you again.
"Sirius?" Kate's voice broke into his thoughts. "Darling, what is it?" Kate pulled her arm out of the warm cocoon of the comforter and drew her hand over his cheeks.
"I'll never break my promises to you again," Sirius whispered, catching her hand and placing it over his heart. Kate felt the curve of her Promise ring against her palm and the warmth of Sirius' hand over hers. "I'll never make you want to leave me," he said, leaning down to kiss her lips.
Kate brought her free hand around to the back of his neck and held him in place as she returned his kiss. "I know that, Sirius. I trust you," she reassured him, her voice soft, but strong. "I love you."
Sirius gazed into her eyes for a moment, then spoke. "Why? What could I have possibly done to earn your trust; your love?"
Kate gently moved his hand away from his chest and picked up the ring, holding it in the palm of her hand. "You promised," she said, simply, watching his face. "And you're working to keep those promises. You walked away from Severus earlier, you apologized to Bill," Kate propped herself up on her elbow. "Sirius, I can't imagine myself ever 'wanting to leave you'."
Sirius dipped his head and captured her lips with his own. "I can't imagine my life without you in it. Not again."
Kate gently pushed against his shoulder until he was again lying on his back. She rolled on top of him, entwining their legs, moving upward to look him in the eye. "I want you to listen to me, my love – and I want you to remember this. I will do anything to keep you with me, to keep you safe – to keep us safe. Anything. No exceptions. No discussion. I love you. I gave you my heart a very long time ago and I have no intention of taking it back. We have a future together, a future that should have started long ago. I will not lose that future again. Understood?"
Sirius had locked his gaze to hers and stared deeply into her eyes while she spoke. Now, he nodded once. "Good," Kate said, smiling down at him. "Now, I would very much like to stop talking and kiss you." Sirius nodded again, returning her smile. "Good," Kate said again and leaned down and kissed him deeply, her tongue sweeping inside his mouth, teasing his palate and stroking along his tongue, eliciting a deep moan from her very aroused lover. Breaking the kiss, Kate lifted her head to look at him. Sirius' eyes were half closed and his lips were slightly swollen and red from their kisses. With one more nibble to his bottom lip, Kate threw the comforter away from their bodies, rose to her knees and then swung one leg over him so she was beside him once again.
Sirius grabbed her hand. "Why did you…" Kate silenced him with a kiss, and then settled herself between his legs, her face close to his erection. She tenderly kissed the moist tip and Sirius groaned loudly, winding his fingers in her hair. "Katie," he rasped.
Kate smiled, then took him in her mouth gently, her hand wrapped around the base of the thick shaft and for several long minutes, Sirius writhed under her attentions, stopping her only when he knew his release was imminent. "Katie, stop. Oh, please, baby, stop," he groaned harshly and Kate released him with another soft kiss and slid up his body to his mouth, her legs straddling him once again. Panting harshly, Sirius pulled her down into a deep, passionate kiss, his hands stroking her back, the length of her arms, then back again, mindlessly. He pulled his mouth away and rubbed his nose against hers, trying to regain some semblance of his control. "I need you," he groaned and Kate nodded, rocking gently against him, igniting both of them with the friction. "Now," he groaned again. At that, Kate sat up then raised her hips. Sirius reached between them and grasped his aching cock, lying flat against his stomach. Positioning it for her, Sirius hissed as Kate sank down on him, enveloping him in tight, wet heat. "Sirius," Kate whimpered, rocking her hips and relishing the feeling of his girth filling her. Sirius fought to keep his eyes open, loving the sight of what he could do to this woman – loving the feeling of what they could do to each other. Sirius watched as Kate threw her head back and closed her eyes, her hands rising to caress her own breasts and her breath coming in short, harsh pants. He reached up and captured her hands in this own, pulling her down to him for a deep kiss. When Kate pulled back, they looked at each other for a moment. "Ride me," Sirius breathed. "Ride me, Katie. Please, baby. Don't stop." Kate kissed him once more then lifted her body and slammed back down onto him, eliciting deep moans from them both. She continued her hard, rhythmic pattern, feeling Sirius thrusting up to meet every single downward movement and their gasps and moans filled the room. Soon, Kate began to feel the coil of passion deep in her core that signaled her release. She stiffened and felt Sirius do the same as her internal muscles clamped around him in orgasm. He released, spasming deep inside of her, his warmth filling her completely. When it was over, Kate pitched forward, lying on top of Sirius, whimpering as the aftershocks continued to wash over her. Sirius kissed the top of her head over and over, whispering words of love. For the second time that night, he drew the comforter around them both as they drifted into a sated sleep.
A few hours later, it was Kate who awakened to a heavy weight across her stomach and a black curtain over one eye. Smiling to herself, Kate reached up and moved Sirius' hair away from her face and, sight restored, gently lifted what turned out to be his arm from her waist. Thus freed, Kate rose quietly and made her way into the bathroom. Washing her hands, Kate glanced in the mirror above the sink and recognized that for the first time in weeks, there was little strain in her face; she looked at peace. She smiled. Well, what do you know, she thought to herself.
Kate padded back to her bed and saw that Sirius had not moved. They had fallen asleep lying across the bed – again – and had awakened in the same spot. With the approaching dawn, the room was chilly and Kate longed to slip between the sheets, put her head on her own pillow – and fall asleep with her arms around Sirius. To do that, however, she would have to wake him up. Kate sat on the edge of the bed closest to Sirius' head. She leaned over and began threading her fingers lightly through his hair, rubbing his scalp gently as she did so. She was rewarded with a … well, a purring sound from the sleeping wizard's throat and had everything she could do not to burst out laughing. She kept stroking his hair, however and, eventually, Sirius began to stir. He reached up and grabbed her wrist, holding it for a moment while his eyes forced themselves open and he blinked her into focus.
"Kate? What's ah-mattah?" he yawned his way through the last word, finishing it with a kiss to her hand.
"Very attractive," Kate said dryly. "Almost as appealing as that little purring noise you were making in your sleep."
Sirius eyes had begun to close again but Kate's last comment not only got his eyes wide open, but it got him into a sitting position, as well. "Madam, Padfoot does not … purr," he could barely bring himself to spit out the word.
"Well, my darling, whilst I was stroking that gorgeous hair of yours, that was the noise you were making. Purring. Deal with it," Kate patted his cheek. "Now, do you think we could actually get into my bed? That is why I risked the wrath of Sirius and woke you up, you know."
Sirius stood up and together they restored order to Kate's bed, which had become completely disorganized as a result of their previous activities. Soon, the couple had settled themselves beneath the covers and Kate had her wish – she had Sirius in her arms.
"I love you," she whispered to him.
"I love you back," Sirius murmured.
They were quiet for awhile and Kate felt herself drifting toward sleep again when Sirius spoke. "You know, the last time we were together like this, there were presents."
Kate rose up, bracing herself on her elbow, and looked down incredulously at him. Sirius was struggling bravely to keep his eyes closed and his face unreadable, but he was failing miserably. When Kate remained silent, he partially opened one eye and broke into a grin.
Kate couldn't help herself and she chuckled along with him. "You are so twelve years old," she said.
Sirius laughed. "After what we did tonight, Madam, you had better hope I'm older than twelve!"
Kate reached under the covers and pinched his bottom – hard.
"Oi!" Sirius cried out. "That hurt! I think you might have hit a bone there…"
"Oh, stop being so dramatic," Kate chided him, smiling. "You're fine. And you've put some meat on those bones, so don't try pulling that whole "prisoner of Azkaban" bit on me, ok?"
Sirius sighed deeply then smiled. "You could kiss it and make it better, you know."
Kate laughed. "I think you'll heal without such dramatic treatment."
Sirius closed his eyes. "Yes, most likely. But, it will take longer."
Kate burst out laughing and rolled her eyes. "Well, then. You'd better close those eyes and get some sleep so the healing process can start straight away. 'night." With that, Kate turned on her side, facing away from him … and waited for his reaction. She didn't have to wait long. A moment later a cold nose nudged her ear and a long tongue swiped the side of her face. "Hey," she cried out. "That's disgusting!" She brought her hand up to shield her face and was relieved seconds later when a decidedly human hand captured hers, kissing her palm. Kate turned onto her back to see the slightly less fuzzy face of Sirius looming over her. "That's better," she said, squeezing his fingers.
"Aren't you sleepy anymore?" Kate asked him a few moments later.
Sirius shook his head. "I don't sleep as much as I used to," he said. "But I'd love to hold you while you sleep." He drew Kate into his arms, resting his cheek on top of her head. "Mmm, this is nice," he murmured and felt Kate nod.
"This whole night has been wonderful," Kate said quietly, kissing his shoulder. "I don't want anything to come between us again. I don't want to lose this – ever."
Sirius kissed her hair. "Nor do I, my love. Sleep now. I'll let you make me breakfast when you wake up again."
Kate felt his shoulders tremble with laughter. "Big of you, that. I suppose you'll want a large meal."
"Oh, yes. Full English should hit the spot. After all, I burned a great many calories tonight. I'll need to replace them and store up additional reserves against similar activities in future," he explained, his voice very solemn.
"Ah, I see. And it's up to me to provide the nourishment, is it?" Kate asked, amused.
"Only logical. After all, it's your fault that I need it."
"My fault?" Kate shifted so she could see his profile in the semi-darkness of the pre-dawn room.
"Just so." Sirius nodded emphatically. "You, after all, benefitted from the…um…activities. It's your duty."
"My duty...," Kate rolled onto him and stared down into his very amused face.
"Now, Katie," he said, smothering his smile. "As much as I'd love another go, I'm afraid you've quite worn me out. Perhaps after breakfast, I can accommodate you. For now, perhaps we could just cuddle until the sun comes up."
"Ohhh, you blighter," Kate's voice rose. "If you think…" her tirade was cut off by a knock on the door.
"Who is it?" Sirius called, as Kate struggled to remove herself from her position on top of Sirius, but found that she was hopelessly tangled in the bedclothes.
"Remus," came the quiet response from the hallway.
"Sirius, shut up. He knows this is my room!" Kate said, still trying to extricate herself from the sheets.
"You're only making it worse you know, twitching around like that. And of course he knows this is your room; and now he knows I'm in it!!" Sirius' face was gleeful as he continued, louder than before, "Don't stand out there 'til you wake up the entire household; come on in, Mooney. We're practically decent."
Kate's expression went from murderous to an attempt at polite as she turned her face to the door in time to see Remus, hand over eyes, enter and close the door behind him.
"What can we do for you, Mooney?" Sirius asked, jovially.
Remus' smile could be plainly seen beneath the hand that covered the top part of his face. "Oh, just a couple of things. First of all, if the two of you would agree to stop this childishness, I'd be willing to make you both breakfast. That's right – I heard you. My room is right next-door, after all. Which leads me to my next observation. Kate, you are a powerful witch and Sirius, you are an enormously powerful wizard. I would have thought that, between you, you could manage a good silencing charm. If last night was any indication, you've both lost the ability. I'd recommend that you spend some time in the library refreshing your memories. I love you both dearly, but if I hadn't cast an imperturbable charm a few hours ago, I would be completely unable to face the two of you at dinner later. Point made?" Kate was scarlet, and had buried her face in Sirius' shoulder when Remus reminded them that he slept in the room next to hers. Sirius, however, had maintained a clear view of his best friend's face and had noticed that his smile had never wavered at any point in his speech.
"Point made in spades, Mooney," Sirius grinned boyishly. "We'll be sure to cast all the appropriate spells from now on."
Remus couldn't hold back a chuckle. "So, full English, is it?"
Kate groaned. "I'm never leaving this room again," she said, her voice muffled by Sirius' shoulder. "Just slip some toast under the door every now and then. Some thinly sliced beef. I'll drink water from the bathroom tap. Really."
Sirius laughed out loud. "Oh, come on, Katie girl. It's not as bad as all that. It's not like we've destroyed the man's innocence! Why, I remember a time when Remus and I were stationed in that pathetic little hotel over in Aberdeen – remember, Mooney? What an awful mission. Probably why I can still remember it. Anyway, Remus had hooked up with this corking little blonde who had a thing for his moustache. He claimed that she was likely a spy and he was trying to get some information out of her. Well, I don't doubt he was trying to get something from her, but it's the first time I've heard it called 'information'. One night, when he thought I'd be on guard duty, he brought the sweet little cherub back to the room and…"
"I give, Padfoot," Remus interrupted, dropping his hand in his panic then covering his eyes again, quickly. "No more, please. We'll just let last night go, then. Never talk about it again. I'm not even sure I heard anything – could have all been a dream. I'll just go make breakfast. Really, Kate, no harm done, right? Right, then…" and his voice grew faint as the door closed and his footsteps resumed down the hallway.
Sirius was lightheaded with laughter. "There. See, love? Everything's fine, now. Like Mooney said, 'no harm done'! Where's your sense of humor?"
"Sirius Black! If you don't help me out of this bloody bed sheet, there will never be any 'harm' done to you ever again!" Kate had gone right back to murderous. "I've never been so embarrassed in my whole life!"
"Really?" Sirius asked. "But you said the same thing the time Lily and James walked in on us in the beach cabana when we were all staying in Brighton that weekend after graduation. Really, we aren't very discreet, are we?"
Kate finally extricated her legs from the sheets and rolled onto the mattress. She now stared at Sirius in sheer exasperation. "That bloody memory of yours is certainly random, isn't it? How is it that you can remember that?"
Sirius shrugged, still smiling. "Well, obviously you don't remember it. James burst in, Lily right behind him. He turned to her and told her just how wrong she'd been about how no one would ever have the gall to shag in a public beach cabana. Apparently, he'd suggested it and was soundly turned down. In retaliation, the woman hexed my bits …"
"…bright green," Kate finished, smiling. "Yes, I do remember now. Matched your eyebrows. Stayed that way for a week. Merlin, that woman was creative!"
"Well, it's easy for you to appreciate her, she didn't hex you!" Sirius retorted. He reached over and ran his fingers through her hair. "There. Better now, yeah? Not planning to kill poor old Padfoot in his sleep, right?"
Kate smiled and shook her head. "It's against my better judgment, but no. You've earned a reprieve." She sighed and nodded in the direction of the window. "Well, I might as well shower and get dressed. Sun's coming up now."
Sirius threw back the covers and made to follow her. Kate turned and put her hand against his chest. "Uh-uh. Stay. Remember, you don't have any strength left."
Sirius sat back down on the bed. "I might be able to summon just enough to…"
"Nope. Wouldn't want to weaken you to the point where you couldn't enjoy the holiday. Besides," Kate paused at the door, robe in hand. "You can use this time to think of a really good silencing charm." Winking at him, she walked into the bathroom and closed the door between them.
Sirius chuckled, then called to her. "Hey, Katie girl. Open the door for a minute."
Kate stuck her head round the door a moment later, eyebrows raised. "What now?"
"I was just thinking that it probably did Remus a lot of good if he did hear us last night."
Kate's face colored at the thought and she rolled her eyes. "And just how might that be?"
Sirius waggled his eyebrows and grinned evilly. "Might just tweak his mind enough so he remembers how it's done. You know – so he doesn't disappoint Tonks!!"
Kate rolled her eyes again, but laughed along with him as she retreated back into the bathroom and a very hot shower.