Chapter 9 – Going Greek

The next day was Saturday and Sirius slept in late, mainly due to the fact that sleep had been elusive the night before. Thoughts kept flying through his head like players on a Quidditch pitch. The main players in his mental game were the memories of kissing Hermione. Sirius had kissed more women than he could remember, including a few Muggles. Hell, he'd even kissed Moony once when they'd both been drunk. James had nearly lost his dinner over that and spent the next month teasing them both about it. Despite his range of experience, something about Hermione was different. Maybe he was just going through kissing withdrawal, but something way back in his brain argued against that. Then other thoughts invaded as opposing team members flew through his mental game. What was he thinking getting involved with her? What would Harry think? Betrayed probably. What would happen if he screwed this up like he usually did anything involving women? All of this flying around was the reason why Sirius didn't appear downstairs until mid-morning, just in time to see Harry and Ginny with James in a pram ready to leave for the park. Sirius mumbled in their direction and waved goodbye as he headed for the kitchen where Quisi made him tea and toast.

An hour later, after food and a shower, Sirius was starting to come to. He brushed his hair out of his eyes and realized that the mirror at the Burrow had been correct a couple weeks before, he was in need of a trim. Deciding to take care of that before he started painting, Sirius headed down the street to where he'd seen a local barber. He'd never gone to a Muggle barber before, but decided the experience would be a good one to add to his recent Muggle studies. The barber's name was Sam and he talked nonstop, mainly about the latest football match. Sirius let him talk, since he knew little about Muggle football. He instructed Sam on what he was looking for and then sat back hesitantly. Sam worked quickly and declared Sirius done within minutes. Sirius checked the mirror and was happy to see that Sam had done exactly as asked and not taken too much off. Sirius had kept his hair long since fourth year and had no plans on changing. Sirius' opinion of Muggle barbers greatly increased and he tipped Sam well before making his way back down the street. Along the way he stopped for fish and chips and found a bench to sit down and eat. Muggles really were quite fascinating to watch. Two taxis and a tiny automobile almost wrecked right in front of his bench and Sirius had to hold back and not cast a few helpful charms on them. Sirius noticed at least two women turn around and look right at him and forced himself not to smile. He finished his lunch and then returned to Grimmauld Place.

Sirius spent most of the afternoon in the garden with his easel. The light in the shed wasn't as good in the afternoon, but the day was nice and he found being outside helped his spirits. Shortly before five Ginny and Harry arrived home and Harry came out to talk with Sirius while he used the last of the dwindling sunlight. Harry came over and appraised what Sirius was working on and smiled.

"That's coming along nicely Sirius. You really have improved in a short amount of time."

"Thanks Harry. I'm glad you and Ginny encouraged me to try it again. I put down my brushes when the first war got going. I'd forgotten how centering it is."

"Well, since you're almost out of light, care to brush up on your chess skills?"

Sirius chuckled at the bad pun. "Sure Harry."

Sirius finished painting and cleaned his brushes while he and Harry talked. Then he followed his godson into the house. Their chess match took a good hour and Harry just managed to checkmate Sirius.

"Wow, good game Sirius. Fancy another round?"

"Sorry pup, I've got plans tonight. I'm going out with…old friends. I already told Quisi to not count me in for dinner."

"No worries. I'm sure you've got a lot of people who want to reconnect."

Sirius went upstairs and began to get ready. Unsure of where they were going, he opted for a slim grey trouser and dark green turtleneck with black brogues. He slipped a Black family ring onto his pinky. The ring was set with a single fine cut emerald. He also wore an old watch that had been his brother's that Harry had found and tucked away. He trimmed his beard, added a tiny bit of potion to slick his hair and a few drops of his favorite scent. Looking in the mirror he looked casual but sophisticated, with a sense of style that he knew hinted at wealth. The look should be sufficient for wherever Hermione had chosen.

At five minutes until seven he stepped outside and waited for Hermione. She popped in on the doorstep a couple minutes later and came down to the street where Sirius waited. Her eyes drank him in as she smiled appreciatively. Sirius meanwhile was enjoying her as well. Hermione wore a cream color pantsuit with a hint of ruffle around the bodice. She accented it with a simple gold choker necklace and gold stud earrings. As she came down the steps, Sirius admired how her tight pants hugged her hips as she moved. Sirius smiled at her and Hermione felt her heart quiver just a bit as she thought 'I wonder if he knows what that smile does? Probably. Merlin, he looks delicious. Smells incredible as well'. Despite what her internal thoughts were saying, Hermione kept herself composed.

"Good evening Sirius. You look like you're ready. Do you fancy Greek tonight? I know a fun place only two Tube stops away."

"You look beautiful Hermione. Greek sounds wonderful. Lead the way."

Sirius offered her his arm and they strolled down the street toward the Tube station. Sirius had only been on the Tube once and warned Hermione that she would have to coach him. Hermione reassured him that it was simple and gave him a brief explanation of what to expect when they arrived. Soon the station appeared and Hermione went first, guiding Sirius. Before long they were on the train, being whisked under London and Sirius had to hold his tongue and not comment about Muggle ingenuity. Minutes later they disembarked and rode the escalator back up to street level. Hermione tried to not smile as Sirius very carefully stepped on and off the moving stairway, watching his feet the entire time. The restaurant was another half a block down the street, although it's lights were visible as soon as they made it to street level. Hermione had a reservation and they were seated immediately in a small alcove that she asked for, to allow a bit of privacy. As they were seated, Sirius noticed Hermione reach into her purse and hold onto something, then he heard her mutter a quick spell. She closed her purse and smiled at him.

"Just a small privacy spell so we can talk and not worry."

Sirius nodded, then inquired about Hermione's parents.

"So Hermione, how was lunch with your parents today?"

"Oh, it went well. Mum and I went shopping after, before I had to return to the office for a meeting. They're thinking about bringing in a partner for their dental practice and gradually working down their hours. They want to semi-retire and have time for travel. Now that I'm grown and settled they don't have anything tying them to England."

"Well that sounds like fun. I've always wanted to travel more. Reg and I used to talk about doing a world trip after he graduated. Of course we were just boys and that was before we went separate directions. You said you had to work today? It's Saturday."

"Yes, just for a while. I had a meeting with the goblins. They chose the time. My hours are quite variable. There's a lot of work to be done, but it's rewarding. We've made great progress in just a few years."

"I understand. It's impressive the changes in the laws with house elves. I know you and I didn't used to agree on the way I treated Kreacher. It's not that I had anything against elves in general, just him. I appreciate the changes, although it's probably a good thing that Harry finally unstuck my mum's picture and destroyed it. I hate to think what she would say about the way they treat Quisi."

"I'm glad you understand. I've always been a bit curious, how did you manage to go so far left of the rest of your family in ideals?"

Sirius took a deep breath and sipped his drink, trying to frame his response. His long pause caused Hermione to wonder if she had gone too far.

"Never mind Sirius, I didn't mean to upset you. You know me, always a bit too curious."

"No, it's fine Hermione. I was just trying to figure out how to explain it. You've never seen what a true pure blood household is like. There are rules and restrictions on everything. Growing up like that is a constant balancing act. Some are born into it without a struggle. That was Reg. I was just never that way. My love of painting is one example. That is a not a noble highborn skill. When I was young I tried to please my parents, but they were never happy with anything, especially each other. You should have seen the arguments. As the big brother, I used to take Reg and hide in the attic when they really went off. Then dad would leave for a few days or weeks, depending on how bad it was. Eventually he'd return and they would just try to ignore each other. I often wondered how they managed to get together enough to produce two sons. By the time I started at Hogwarts I had completely given up on pleasing them. I wanted nothing to do with my family. I think that's how I was sorted into Gryffindor. I was the first Black not in Slytherin since Hogwarts began. Every time I returned home it was horrible. Worse than it ever had been growing up. I was the Gryffindor parasite. I ended up spending as much of my holidays as possible with the Potters. I finally gave up when I was sixteen and moved in with them permanent. My parents didn't object. Anyway, I've gone off the subject. As to your question, I was always different. Once I became Gryffindor I was exposed to new ideas, new ways to be a pure blood and still remain decent. It was eye opening. James was my savior. He was more of a brother than Reg ever was. Reg and I cared for each other, but James and I were two halves of one soul. From the moment we met it was just an immediate connection."

Sirius stopped for a moment and shook his head. "Sorry, I went a bit maudlin there. I haven't talked to anyone about this in years."

Hermione smiled and reached across the table to put her hand on Sirius'. Their eyes met and no words were needed, he knew she understood. No one had taken the time to try to understand him in a very long time. The mood was broken when their waiter arrived with the appetizer tray. Hermione pulled her hand back and Sirius missed the feeling of her small delicate fingers on him. The rest of the dinner conversation moved to less sensitive topics. Hermione went into great detail about all the various aspects of her job and Sirius was boggled at the breadth of her knowledge. When she realized she had spent the last ten minutes discussing work, she desisted.

"Sorry, guess I went off a bit myself. I really love my work, but I know you've probably heard enough."

"No, actually, it's intriguing. I guess I never considered magical creature welfare from that viewpoint. It seems some of my pure blood still can't be broken. You must be the most singularly knowledgeable witch on the subject anywhere in Britain, perhaps the world."

Hermione blushed and then recovered. "Thank you Sirius, but now enough about my work. You've been back a while now. Any thoughts about what you want to do? Not that you have to work, but I know you're not the kind of man who would do well being idle. I remember how well you didn't handle it during the Order days."

Sirius snorted. "Too true. I still don't do well with it. In fact Ginny made a point of it and pushed me to go see George at Wheezes. I spent a week there helping them catch up in the storeroom. It wasn't bad, the items they've created are astonishing. Still, I don't want to be a stock boy for the rest of my life. I love painting, but even that I can only do for a few hours before the garden and shed start to close in on me. I've been thinking about applying at the Ministry. I may have to re-do some of my tests for qualifications, but it shouldn't be an issue."

"Do you really think you'd do well in an office?"

Sirius shrugged. "Maybe. Probably not. I guess I'm still grasping, looking for ideas. That's one of the reasons I'm boggled that you'd be interested in me. You're so together Hermione and I'm anything but."

"Sirius, I've been with a number of very 'together' guys and none of them lasted long. Each one drove me batty actually. I guess a part of me craves a bit of looseness, even if I my job doesn't normally allow it."

"I still say that you work too hard. I know it's not my business, but just an observation. I saw you have assistants, can't you delegate more?"

"I do delegate quite a lot. I'd live at the Ministry if I didn't, but even my three assistants are overworked. I've spoken to Kingsley about it and he's applied to the budget office to expand the department. They actually finalize the new quarterly budget next week."

Sirius raised his glass. "Well here's to hoping the knut counters can squeeze a bit more out their tightwads and give your department some help."

Hermione laughed loudly and raised her glass to meet Sirius'. The rest of evening was spent discussing art and music. Sirius was thrilled to find someone else who enjoyed art as much as he did. James had tried to understand, but never really did. Usually Sirius kept his art books to himself. Now he was finding that he actually wasn't that odd. There were other people interested in the subject and one of them was the lovely witch sitting across the table from him.

As Hermione and Sirius were finishing their meal, the lights in the restaurant changed and a makeshift stage was set up on one side of the restaurant. A Greek folk band made their way to the stage and began playing. The music was uplifting and fun in a completely unique and different way from anything Sirius had heard before. Before long tables began to empty as patrons started dancing around the restaurant. Soon only four people remained sitting, including Hermione and Sirius. Their waiter came over and beckoned them to join in. Sirius laughed and looked over at Hermione. She shrugged her shoulders and took his hand as they got up and joined the dance. Within minutes they were out of breath and having a wonderful time. Then the music changed and tables were pushed back further as people lined up for a traditional dance. Sirius tried to follow the others, although he was fairly certain only a handful of people actually knew what they were doing. Still, it was fun. As he and Hermione twirled through one sequence, he leaned in to talk to her.

"I'm clueless what I'm doing!"

"So am I!"

Sirius laughed and Hermione twirled away from him as they crossed over with another couple before coming back together again. Then the dance ended and another began. They danced for the better part of an hour before finally giving in and collapsing at their table. Sirius waved to the waiter and he returned with more chilled wine for their parched throats. As Sirius sipped his he looked over at Hermione. Her hair had slipped out in several places and was a delightfully carefree mess. Her cheeks were flushed and she looked quite relaxed. Her beauty immediately sobered him and he couldn't help but stare. Hermione looked over, caught him staring and raised an eyebrow.

"Just admiring Hermione. You are truly beautiful."

Sirius took her hand off the table and kissed each finger as he looked at her. Hermione had to set her glass down as her other hand trembled. Once each finger had been kissed, he released her and picked up his wine. They watched the band for a few more minutes before Hermione indicated she'd like to get out of the noise. Sirius called for the check and paid it while Hermione protested.

"Please Hermione, I know you're a modern woman and I know you can afford it, but let me be a bit old fashioned."

"Alright Sirius. Thank you. This really was great fun."

They left the restaurant and wandered down the street. Hermione tried to pay attention as Sirius talked, but he could see that she was tired.

"Hermione, this has been wonderful tonight. I can't believe that I'm lucky enough to draw your attention, but now I can see that you're tired. No, don't protest, it's fine. I understand you've had a busy day. I would like to take you out again. What's your schedule for the next week?"

"Actually, I don't know yet. The week is going to be busy. I'll send you an owl. I am not putting you off Sirius, I had a delightful time. I look forward to more time together."

Sirius bent down and planted what he had intended to be a chaste kiss on her lips, but Hermione had other ideas. As his lips met hers, she teased him, running her tongue along his lower lip. Sirius opened slightly and their tongues met and began to explore each other. Sirius pulled her in close, delighting in the way the soft cream fabric hugged her curves. Hermione placed one hand between them and began to feel the contours of his chest through his shirt. They spent several minutes fully involved in each other before headlights broke their concentration as a car turned down the side street they were on. Stepping back a few inches, Sirius took a minute to recover as he smiled at Hermione. He took her hand as they made their way to a darkened doorway.

"We should be able to apparate safely from here Hermione. I'll be waiting for your owl."

Sirius gave her hand one more squeeze before letting go. She smiled at him and then twisted on the spot, leaving him standing in the lonely doorway. With a sigh, Sirius apparated himself back to Grimmauld Place.