Chapter 13 – Confrontation

Sirius spent the rest of Monday painting in the garden, where he had set up a table with a model ship. Using the ship as reference, he worked on a complex storm scene, complete with crashing waves. Quisi thoughtfully set a tray of sandwiches and pumpkin juice nearby so that he could nibble as he worked. As the sky darkened, he was forced to end his painting and return to the house where he continued a book he had been working on. Harry arrived home a while later and settled in the library while Quisi brought them beers. Seeing the stress on Harry's face, Sirius tucked his book away.

"Long day Harry?"

"Very. There are a lot of aspects of being an Auror that are never advertised. Today I spent nearly two hours finalizing a surveillance report on one case. Then I had to meet with a Ministry barrister for coaching on a second case before appearing in front of the Wizengamot to testify on a third. I think I've used up my speech for a week."

Sirius chuckled. "I guess I never thought about all the job entails. It's not all adventure and excitement."

"No, actually very little of it is. Still, I do enjoy it most of the time. I know I'm making a difference in the world for my son."

"You've done well Harry. You're successful, have a beautiful family and you're not yet 23. I'm nearly twice your age, well maybe not if you subtract the seven years I was in the veil, but still I don't have myself near as figured out as you. I am starting to think that painting may work out. At least if anyone buys my work. Which reminds me, I should check in with Mr. Grandy."

"Now you just need to find yourself a good woman Sirius."

Sirius held his tongue while he downed the rest of his beer and thought of Hermione.

The next day Sirius deferred painting and made his way to Diagon Alley early. His first stop was to pick up some potion supplies for his paintings and then he headed to Grandy's. Entering the shop, Mr. Grandy came to greet him immediately.

"Sirius! I'm glad you dropped by. I was going to owl you soon if you didn't. I have a check for you."

"A check? You mean one of my paintings sold?"

"Three in fact. Two went to one customer who is especially a fan. I have someone else interested in a fourth, they're thinking on it. I must say, I thought they would do well but not this quick. I hope you're working on new pieces for me."

"Well, it's only been a week. I've finished one and have another in progress."

"I understand! Can't rush creativity. Feel free to bring them by whenever. Also, I've been thinking about your acrylics. I originally didn't think they fit the store, but now I wonder if I should just hang them up here in the front and not place them in a setting. We can see what happens. It would let me expand my focus a bit."

"Sure Mr. Grandy. Why don't I come by on Monday after I've got a couple pieces done and bring the acrylics as well?"

"Very good Sirius! Now, here is your check."

Sirius took the check for 404 galleons and shook his head, unable to quite comprehend that he was now an acknowledged, professional fine arts painter. He thanked Mr. Grandy and left the shop. Sirius walked back down Diagon Alley in a bit of a daze. He wanted to celebrate, but he knew that he wanted Hermione with him when he did. As he walked by Eeylops, he turned around and went into the nearby owl post. He drafted a quick note to Hermione that read: Hermione love, I have great news. Want to celebrate when you are available. Dinner at Grimmauld? Let me know when. Will wait to celebrate until you are free. All my love, S. Sirius hired an owl, tied the parchment to it and sent it on to the Ministry. With that done, Sirius made his way back to Grimmauld.

Sirius spent the rest of the day working on his ship in a storm painting and was pleased with the progress. The seas rolled and the ship tossed as streaks of lightning appeared in the sky. There were still a few details that Sirius wanted to finish, but he needed to work it in layers. As he stepped back to admire his work, Sirius couldn't help but think back to his trip to the National Gallery. They had a truly spectacular range of paintings, but of course none of them moved. As much as Sirius admired the work, he still found it hard to attach emotion to static paintings. As Sirius stood contemplating the differences between magical and muggle art, an owl swooped down into the garden. Sirius removed the note it carried and was thrilled to see it was from Hermione: Hi love. Excited for your news, but can't break away today. Does tomorrow night work, around six? I'll make sure to leave early. I won't be home tonight until at least nine. Everything going well here, except that you keep invading my thoughts. Can't wait to see you. –H. Sirius quickly penned a reply confirming dinner the following evening and then sent the owl back to Hermione.

That evening during dinner Sirius' own thoughts kept being invaded by his lover and he had an idea to surprise her. After dinner he excused himself and left Grimmauld Place. He walked down to a local grocery and picked up a few items before finding a dark corner where he could apparate to the alley near Hermione's flat. He made his way upstairs and was glad no one was around as he magically unlocked the door. He sent a quick probe into the flat before entering and was glad that he had been correct and the wards still recognized him from Monday. Sirius made his way into the flat and went straight to the kitchen, where he busied himself making a simple pasta dish with vegetables. Then he opened the wine he bought and set a chilling charm on it. With all the food ready, he put warming charms on everything. Crookshanks twined around his legs, reminding him that others needed feeding as well. He gave the cat a good rub and filled his bowl. Then he left a bouquet on the dining table with a note, exited the flat and returned to Grimmauld.

An hour later Hermione finally returned home at 9:30 and immediately knew something was strange. Something smelled. Good. She cast a couple quick spells, but found no one in the flat and no danger detected. She walked in further and saw the flowers on the table. Reading the note, she blushed. Then she followed the smells to the kitchen and found her dinner waiting. She had been planning on heating up some soup, but this was much better. She wanted to cry as she ached for Sirius to be there with her. Of course, he had no idea of when she would actually make it home. Choking back a sob, she went and changed before returning to the kitchen to partake of the delicious meal her thoughtful lover had left for her.

Wednesday dawned and Sirius woke thinking about dinner that evening. He felt a strange mixture of excitement and anxiousness that was unusual for Sirius Black, who rarely was anxious about anything. The previous night at dinner he had advised Harry and Ginny that he had good news and wanted a celebratory dinner. He also let them know that he had a guest who would be attending. Harry had teased him about that, but Sirius shrugged it off. He hoped Harry would be in as good of a mood when he saw who the guest was. As he sat on the edge of the bed thinking, Sirius shook himself and decided that he needed to stop worrying. Hermione was wonderful and what they had was wonderful. The rest would sort itself out. Then he remembered that there was a Weasley family lunch at Grimmauld Place on Saturday to celebrate Fleur's birthday. He and Hermione were both expected to attend and that definitely caused him anxiety.

Sirius' first destination of the day was Wheezes. George had a regular shipment that arrived each Tuesday afternoon and Sirius would regularly show up on Wednesday morning to help stock the shipment. George hadn't asked to make the arrangement permanent, but Sirius enjoyed the brief break once a week. The first week Sirius had worked at Wheezes, the stocking was far behind because no one had handled it in several weeks. Now he could manage to keep up with it working just one morning a week. As he worked in the storeroom, Sirius' thoughts drifted to Hermione and he began to get aroused. Taking a deep breath and diverting his thoughts, Sirius refocused on his task. The last thing he needed was to have George catch him with a hard on. He'd tease Sirius forever.

Once he finished at Wheezes, Sirius stopped and picked up a few groceries that he had told Quisi he would purchase for dinner. The rest of the afternoon was spent painting and Sirius caught himself whistling as he thought of Hermione. As the afternoon light faded, Sirius' concentration was broken when he heard someone laughing behind him. Turning, he saw Ginny smiling at him.

"Oh hi Ginny. I didn't hear you come outside."

"Yes, I figured. You're mighty cheerful Sirius. I wonder if it has something to do with your 'guest' tonight? Anyway, I just came out to ask if you could watch James for a few minutes. He's napping, but I need to pop over to the Burrow. I should be back before he wakes up, but just in case I wanted to let you know."

"Sure Ginny. You go on. I was just getting ready to clean up."

Ginny gave him one more smirk before disappearing back into the house. Sirius cleaned up and went in to check on James. He was sleeping peacefully so Sirius went to get himself dressed for dinner.

At a quarter to six Sirius found himself relaxing with a drink in the living room, trying to keep his composure while he talked to Harry. He and Ginny were both excited for Sirius' news and Harry was already teasing him about who his guest may be. Of course, Harry never came close. A couple minutes after six, the doorbell rang and Sirius leapt out of his seat to go to the door while he could hear Harry laughing behind him. Sirius answered the door and the sight of Hermione slapped him in the face. She was dressed in a simple black skirt with a bright pink blouse that accented the blush color in her cheeks. As he stood admiring, she grabbed his hand and yanked him out to the doorstep while reaching around and closing the door behind him. Then she reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck and began kissing him enthusiastically. Sirius happily responded to her kiss while his hands found her waist. A minute later they reluctantly pulled apart.

"That was just a small thank you for dinner last night. Which was also lunch today."

"Well, if that's how you thank me, I'm definitely going to have to cook for you more."

Hermione smiled and leaned in to put her head on his chest. He held her for a moment and kissed her hair before he stepped back and looked in her eyes.

"Ready?"

Hermione nodded and smiled up at him. Sirius took her hand and turned to open the door. They stepped into the foyer and found Harry and Ginny waiting. Sirius closed the door and put his arm around Hermione, while smiling at his godson. Harry seemed like he was about to speak, but his mouth hung slack and silent. Ginny meanwhile looked angry and had her arms crossed. Sirius wondered if he should prepare to shield. Sirius gave them a moment, wondering who should speak first. Hermione was the one to break the silence.

"Hi Harry. Hi Ginny. Ginny, please stop mentally reviewing hexes and let us talk."

"Hmmpf, fine. You both have some explaining to do. Come along."

Ginny turned, taking Harry's arm and leading the way to the living room. Harry still hadn't said anything and Sirius was worried. They entered the room and everyone found seats except Harry. He went over to the bar and poured a shot of firewhisky, which he immediately downed. Turning around to look at Sirius and Hermione, he finally found his voice.

"Alright, how long?"

Sirius figured this was the time to speak up. "We've been dating about two weeks. At least since we acknowledged our feelings. We denied them for a couple weeks before that."

"So I guess this explains why we didn't see you this weekend? Sirius, I love you, but Hermione is my sister in every way that matters. What are you doing with her? If you hurt her, I will not hesitate to make you regret it."

Sirius stared at his godson. The fire in his eyes was shooting at Sirius and the energy in the room was palpable. If Harry was pushed any further, Sirius felt certain that loose magic would pour out of Harry and be aimed directly at him.

"Harry, please calm down. I have no intention of hurting Hermione. I know my reputation doesn't speak well of me, but that is done now. I love Hermione. Trust me when I tell you that my feelings for her have surprised me as much as anyone."

Hermione came to Sirius' side and linked her fingers in his. "Harry, please, we're in love. Yes, I know it hasn't been long, but it just happened. We didn't have a choice in the timing. We knew you'd be upset and I know you want to protect me, that's why we waited until we were sure."

Harry settled a bit. "I suppose there is nothing we can do, but my warning stands Sirius. If you EVER hurt her in any way, I will follow you through the veil and around the world to find you."

"Understood Harry. You don't need to worry."

Hermione turned to Ginny, who had remained silent while Harry talked.

"Ginny, you still look upset. I'm in love. What's wrong?"

"What's wrong? What's WRONG? You're my bloody best friend and sister. We meet for lunch, you come to the park, we've seen you a number of times since this started. And you say nothing? I didn't think we had secrets. Shit! We had lunch on Monday and you made excuses about missing me on Saturday. You wouldn't give me a straight answer, but now I guess I know why. Must have been a bloody good weekend since Sirius completely disappeared."

Hermione blushed deep. "Ginny, I understand. I didn't want to lie to you. That's why we're here now. The two of you are the first people we've told. This hasn't been going on long, it hit both of us by surprise. Please forgive me for not being truthful with you."

Ginny simmered and blew out a long breath. "Fine, I forgive you. But we are seriously having us a girls talk later."

Hermione stepped forward and hugged Ginny and then Harry. Harry held her a bit longer and looked in her eyes.

"You're really okay Mione?"

"Very okay Harry."

After Hermione finished hugging Harry, Sirius stepped forward and held out his hand. Harry took it and then pulled Sirius into a quick hug.

"Take care of her Sirius. There is no one like her."

"I know."

Sirius then turned and hugged Ginny and noticed the elf standing in the corner of the room quietly. He stepped back from Ginny and gestured to the elf, who spoke up.

"Master, mistress, Quisi did not wish to interrupt. Very high feelings in here. When master and his guests are ready, dinner is served."

"Excellent Quisi. We are ready now."

Dinner was a delicious roast with garlic potatoes and a mélange of vegetables. The good food and wine helped to settle the tensions of the evening. Hermione spent a better part of the conversation detailing Harry and Ginny on the changes in her department. Then Ginny brought up the subject of Fleur's birthday.

"So, are the two of you still planning on attending the birthday party this weekend? Mum was planning on it."

"Yes Ginny, Sirius and I will attend together. Which is another reason why we wanted to give you our news ahead of time."

"Well, this will definitely make lunch more interesting."

As they finished eating, Sirius thought the time was right to finally make his announcement.

"So, as I told you, I called this dinner as a celebration. Hermione is certainly something to celebrate, but I do have another reason. I visited Grandy's yesterday and three of my paintings sold. My first payment after commission was around 400 galleons. It seems that I am on my way to being a professional painter."

Harry and Ginny tried to congratulate Sirius, but they were drowned out by Hermione's squeal as she left her seat and went to hug Sirius. He pulled her into his lap as she started kissing him. The kiss was brief, as Harry groaned behind them and Ginny swatted him. Hermione separated herself from Sirius and returned to her seat. Harry looked at them, shaking his head.

"I suppose I'll have to get used to that."

After Sirius' announcement, Quisi appeared with a chocolate torte for dessert and the rest of the evening passed much more peaceably than it had begun. Around nine Hermione declared that she needed to get home and Sirius decided to escort her with a vague excuse about needing to discuss their coming out with the Weasleys. Ginny snorted, not believing a word of it, and shooed them out the door.

Minutes later Hermione and Sirius stepped into her flat and she was on him. Sirius kissed her for a minute before pulling back.

"I did need to talk to you about what to expect…"

"Talk later Sirius. Now we need to celebrate. And I still need to thank you for dinner yesterday."

Sirius smiled and gave into the inevitable as they quickly undressed while stumbling toward the bedroom. They fell across the bed, disturbing a peeved Crookshanks, and Hermione reached to pull Sirius toward her. With little foreplay, he entered her and Hermione set a frantic pace. The first time for the night was fast as they both climaxed powerfully. When they could breathe again, Hermione worked Sirius back up and their second time was slower and even more powerful. Once they were both initially satisfied, they settled back on the bed to talk.

"Merlin's beard Hermione. You're amazing. Just when I don't think you can surprise me, you do that. I didn't think we were going to make it in the door before we started."

"I've got a powerful sexual drive Sirius. I'm glad I found someone to keep up. As I've told you, I've scared a couple of people."

"People? You mean men?"

"Well, mostly men."

"What?"

"Oh come on, certainly you can't be that surprised. I've experimented in the past, a couple years ago. I was pissed at men after a couple bad relationships and decided to try the other side of the game. It was fun, but never really fulfilled me."

"Alright, I guess I'm not too shocked. Maybe just a tiny bit. So, since we're laying here in bed on sticky sheets and revealing our sexual secrets, can I ask you something Hermione?"

Hermione giggled. "Of course. No secrets with you Sirius."

"Tell me about your first time."

Hermione gave a small, fluttery sigh. "It was three days after the end of the war. Harry and I returned to the Burrow with the Weasleys once the Aurors cleared it. Ron and I had been dancing around each other for years, but finally declared ourselves right after the battle. We were so glad to be alive and we were grieving everyone. Emotions were running high and we poured that into each other. All we could do with the family around was an occasional snog, but three days later he flew me out to a quiet spot in the woods near the Burrow. We had a picnic and then made love. It was his first time as well. We were clumsy and I didn't climax that first time. Then we tried again and that time he figured out what to do. Needless to say, once I got a taste of sex there was no going back. Ron was the first man I scared. We were together for a couple years and he's fine in bed, but not quite the same level of fire as me. How about you? First time? I know you didn't wait until you were seventeen."

Sirius chuckled. "No, it was third year, I was fourteen. I'd been flirting with a lot of girls. Kissed a few of them, but most of them were too young to be serious. Then there was this fifth year girl, Lisa. She was gorgeous, blond, stacked. All the things that draw a fourteen year old's eye. I flirted with her a bit, but she kept calling me an immature boy, which I was of course. Then one day I was late getting back into the common room and was rushing down the hall when someone pulled me into an empty classroom. It was Lisa. She asked me if I'd taken a girl yet and when I said no she decided to educate me. She and I met regularly over several months. I shagged a couple other girls in between. I learned quick and Lisa moved on. I never really had a relationship with any girl until sixth year. It was just sex."

"Wow. I guess I'm lucky Ron and I had what we did. We were in love once. I still love him, but not the same. Our emotions after the war were just so fucked up. Still, I don't regret it. So what happened to Lisa? Did you stay in touch?"

"The last I saw her was at Christmas break during my seventh year. We ran into each other at a pub. Two months later she was killed by Death Eaters. She was half muggle and they went after her father."

"Gods, I'm sorry Sirius."

"It's past. James, Moony and I lost a lot of friends in those early years. We were so anxious to hurry up and graduate so that we could fight. Stupid, fucking wars."

Hermione crawled up on him and began to kiss the pain away. He accepted her love gratefully, pulling her to him as he relished the feeling of her lithe body against him. As they kissed, she reached down and maneuvered his erection into her. She set the pace and let him cum quickly, drowning out the bad memories. Realizing she hadn't peaked, Sirius went down on her and brought her to fulfillment. As they started to drift off to sleep, Sirius mumbled in her ear.

"I don't want to leave, but I worry about Harry and Ginny."

"Stay. Please. Don't care what they think."

Sirius couldn't resist and let her pull him close as sleep claimed them.