Chapter 15 – Next Steps
Sirius woke the next morning to a beautiful witch looking down on him. He smiled and pulled her down for a kiss.
"Morning beautiful. How are you this morning?"
"Wonderful. Maybe a bit sore. I lost track of our count last night."
"Four or five, I think. I'm sorry I hurt you."
"Don't be. You only did what I ask. Honestly, feeling a bit sore is like a happy reminder for the day after."
"Well my happy reminder is lying next to me. I miss you when you're not next to me. Thursday night was the worst."
Hermione suddenly got a serious look on her face and Sirius pulled back to look at her with concern.
"What is it love?"
"I have a question. Something I've been thinking about, but I don't want to scare you."
"Well you haven't managed to scare me yet. You can tell me anything, you know that."
"I've been thinking this whole week. I hate waking up and not having you next to me. I was wondering if you want to move in here?"
Sirius looked at Hermione and smiled. Then he pulled her on top of him and kissed her deeply before pulling back briefly.
"Really? I'd love that. Now that I know what I'm missing, when I'm gone it drives me mad."
Hermione beamed down on him and pulled herself up.
"Excellent! Well, it's already eight. Do you want to move in this morning? I don't think you've got much to pack."
Sirius laughed. "Sure, I suppose no use in waiting. Let me grab a quick shower and pop over to Grimmauld to collect my things and give Harry and Ginny the news. Gods, I can't believe this. I'm moving in with my girlfriend."
"I can't either, but I'm happy you want to. Since we've been together I've hated coming back to a dark flat with just a cat. You go get a shower, I'll stay here. We'll have plenty of mornings for shower fun. Then I'll get cleaned up and make breakfast while you're at Grimmauld. On second thought, do you want me to come along and deliver the news?"
"No, I think I'll be fine. Ginny is going to tease me terribly, but she's been doing that all week."
"Hmm yes, Ginny can be a terrible tease. She's definitely a Weasley."
Sirius gave Hermione one more kiss before climbing out of bed. He took a fast shower and went to the living room to find his clothes. Once he was dressed, he apparated to the doorstep of Grimmauld Place and entered the house. Sirius could hear voices coming from the kitchen and decided that he should go deliver his news first. He entered the kitchen and found Harry and Ginny done with breakfast and sipping the last of their tea. Harry looked at Sirius' grinning face and shook his head.
"Good morning Sirius. You look cheerful. I'm sure I don't want details why."
"Actually Harry, that's what I came in to talk to you about. I'm moving out. You and Ginny need your space and I've been spending more time at Hermione's flat anyway, so she asked me to move in. I'm here to collect my things. We'll be back over for lunch later."
Harry groaned and Ginny chortled. "Alright, I suppose I'm not surprised. It does seem a bit quick. You know you're welcome here, you don't need to rush things."
"I know Harry and I realize this seems quick, but it's right. I can't believe how I've changed, but I'm happy and I want nothing more than to wake up with the one I love and be there when she comes home from a long day at the office."
"Fine. I'm glad you're both happy. Be good to her, my threat still stands."
Sirius gave his godson a hug and left the kitchen to collect his things. He started in the garden shed and packed up all his supplies in an old crate from the shed. Next he went to the attic and retrieved a trunk for the rest of his things. In a half hour he had gathered everything and was back downstairs. Sirius stuck the crate to the top of his trunk, stacked his easel on top of that and then cast a weightless spell. He was then able to grab hold of the stack before apparating back to Hermione's flat. He took a risk and landed in the hallway instead of the alley outside. Thankfully, no one was around. He knocked and the door opened for him immediately. Hermione had already changed the charms to recognize him on contact. He entered and set his luggage down as Hermione came out of the kitchen.
"Hi love. That was fast. I'm just heating some rolls and making tea. I figured we'd have a light breakfast since we'll be having a Weasley family lunch."
Sirius crossed the room and took her in his arms. "Sounds perfect. It's good to be here with you and to know that I don't have to leave. Thank you."
He began kissing her and Hermione responded ardently. Several minutes later she pulled back with a sigh.
"Come Sirius, let's eat. Then we can get you settled in."
After they ate, Sirius began unpacking while Hermione found places for his stuff. They decided that the best place for his easel was in a corner of the living room by the large window. After moving the furniture around slightly, Sirius was easily able to setup the corner as a small studio. Hermione had an antique chest that she used for decorative purposes that had only one blanket in it. With that removed, the chest was perfect for storing the majority of his paints, potions and supplies. Spare canvases were put in the hall coat closet. Finally, most of his clothes went in the closet with Hermione's. Her closet was good sized, but still couldn't fit everything and they decided that as soon as possible they would find a wardrobe for the overflow. By eleven the unpacking and settling was done and they curled up on the couch together.
"I'm glad you're here Sirius. I know we'll have some adjustments, but I'm happy."
"Me too love. It's still a bit surreal, but I'm happy. James would never have believed this. Old Padfoot gone and settled in with one girl."
"You've been thinking about James a lot lately. When did you last visit Godric's Hollow?"
"Yes love, James has been haunting my thoughts. I haven't been to visit since two days after they were buried. I was on the run, but I had to see him one last time. I think it would be good to go back now as a free man. Maybe I should go with Harry."
"I think that would be good for both of you. And you need to tell Harry all the little stories about his dad and mum. Even if they seem silly, he needs to hear it all. Like the story about Lily taking the Marauders on their first muggle Tube ride."
"Yes, you're right. Maybe a trip to Godric's to the cemetery and then we could stop at the pub there. It tends to be quieter than the Leaky."
Hermione nodded. "Now, it's almost time to head back to Grimmauld for Fleur's birthday and our next disclosure. Are you ready for this Sirius?"
"Bloody hell yes. We're in love and they can just stuff it if they don't like it."
Hermione chuckled. "Well then, let me collect the pie I picked up for the party and we can head over. We're already a few minutes late, but that will mean most everyone will already be there."
"Good, we can get this done with everyone then."
Five minutes later Hermione and Sirius apparated to the doorstep of Grimmauld Place and knocked. The door opened and it was Ginny. She smiled and gave them each a hug as she whispered in Hermione's ear.
"Everyone is here except Percy and Audrey. They're all in the living room. Hope you're ready."
Hermione nodded as Sirius put his arm around her possessively and they walked down the hall behind Ginny. As they entered the room, Sirius decided to act nonchalant as he greeted the room.
"Hello everyone! Happy birthday Fleur."
All eyes turned to them and mouths dropped as they saw Sirius and Hermione's arms around each other. Molly was standing across the room speechless, while Arthur was the first to find his tongue.
"Hello Sirius, Hermione. Um, so I take it the two of you are together now?"
"Yes Arthur. We've been dating for several weeks."
Hermione decided it was time to speak up. "We're quite happy."
George started chuckling as Molly suddenly came out of her shock and crossed the room, standing right in front of Sirius and looking up into his eyes.
"Sirius Black! I know plenty about you. What are you doing with my daughter?"
Sirius withheld a desire to duck and cover as he was about to respond, but Hermione spoke first.
"Please Molly, don't look at him like that. He's not doing anything with me that I don't want."
Molly turned and looked at Hermione in shock while several gasps were heard behind them. Harry had his head down and Hermione thought she heard him groan. Molly finally replied to Hermione.
"Fine. I suppose I can't do anything about this, but Sirius, if you hurt her I'll…"
"Easy Molly. I know, if I hurt her, I'll wish I'd stayed in the veil. Harry has already given me the full rundown."
Charlie was the next to speak up. "Well, as long as you understand Black that each of us considers Hermione a sister. She has six brothers that will come for you."
"And me." Arthur interjected.
Sirius looked around the room at the fierce looks before he replied.
"Listen, I understand that I deserve this. I know my reputation. Now I ask that you give me a chance to change my reputation. I love Hermione like I never knew I could love a woman."
Molly huffed and went to sit back down and the rest of the room appeared to settle a bit. Ginny made room for them on a couch and they settled in as previous conversations resumed. After a few minutes, Bill turned the conversation to Sirius.
"So Sirius, what are your plans now that you're back?"
"Well, Harry and Ginny encouraged me to take up a hobby that I used to have and I've rediscovered my love for painting. I had thought it would only be a hobby, but Nathaniel Grandy of Grandy's Fine Arts and Antiques took a liking to my work and took some paintings on commission. Three of them have already sold and he wants more. So I've decided to try painting professionally for a while."
"Really? That is the last response I would have expected. So, do you think you can make a living at it?"
Sirius realized that the line of questioning was an assessment of his suitability for Hermione and he decided to lay everything on the table.
"Well, my first three paintings brought in 400 after commission. Plus Harry has generously signed the Black vault back to me. The house remains his and Ginny's of course. So, yes, I think I can make a go of it without having to fall back on my inheritance too much."
"Still, living in London isn't cheap."
Hermione decided to deliver the next bomb. "No Bill, London is not cheap, but Sirius and I are sharing a flat now so between us we're doing well."
That bit of news brought a new round of mutterings and Hermione was disturbed to see that Ron looked distressed.
"Ron, are you all right? I'm happy with Sirius."
"Yeah, fine Hermione, just, well, fine."
Hermione looked at Chrissy. "Chrissy, do you mind if Ron and I go talk in the kitchen for a minute?"
Chrissy nodded and waved them on. Hermione looked at Sirius and he smiled at her as she stood. Taking Ron by the arm, Hermione dragged him to the kitchen.
"Alright Ron, I know you too well, what is it? I don't understand what the problem is. We've been broken up for years."
"It's not that Hermione. I love Chrissy and I understand now that we never would have worked the way Chrissy and me work. The problem is that your new boyfriend is Sirius Black. THE Sirius Black. I just can't believe you'd be with someone like him."
"Ron, that's ridiculous. What do you know about Sirius? You've probably heard that he's bedded half the witches in England, he's a party boy, directionless. All the old rumors from twenty years ago. Am I correct?"
"Well yeah and you deserve better Hermione. Just because we aren't together doesn't mean I don't love you. You're amazing and special and you need someone who will appreciate you."
"Thank you Ron, but you should know Sirius does appreciate me. He's had a couple of old girlfriends try to reconnect with him lately and he pushed them away. For me. I can hardly believe it. What you've heard about him is old news. The man I've fallen in love with is someone completely different. He cooks, we go to art galleries, he listens to me ramble on about work. Give him a chance. Please."
Ron looked at Hermione and nodded. "Alright, I'll try. I just want you to be happy."
Hermione gave Ron and hug and looked at him. "Okay, now YOU are going to be happy. This is a birthday party. Also, what are you doing with that pretty blonde witch who's been following you around for two years? Made your mind up yet?"
"I'm working on it Hermione. Let's go back to the party."
Hermione returned to the living room and saw that Harry had moved over to talk to Sirius. She was looking around for a seat when Sirius reached out for her. Smiling, Hermione crossed the room to him and took the seat he offered on his lap. George looked at her and rolled his eyes. Hermione stuck out her tongue at him and draped an arm around Sirius. As Hermione began talking to Harry, a knock sounded at the door. Bill got up to answer it and a minute later Percy and Audrey finalized the family gathering. As he entered, Percy looked over at Sirius and Hermione. Shaking his head, he walked over to them.
"Well, seems like you've been busy Sirius. Hermione, are you alright?"
Hermione smiled. "Yes Percy. Quite alright. I'm in love. And quit glaring. Sirius has already been thoroughly warned and threatened by two Weasleys and a Potter."
"Well, alright. I can't say I'm surprised with some of your tastes around the Ministry. Be good to her Sirius."
Percy turned and went to squeeze in between his wife and George, oblivious to the looks that his comment had caused around the room. Hermione did notice a small smirk on Sirius' face. As Percy sat, Molly stood up and declared that she was going to the kitchen to help Quisi with the final preparations. As she left, she tapped Ginny and Hermione and gestured towards the door. The two friends looked at each other, shrugged and followed obediently, knowing better than to question.
When they reached the kitchen, Molly turned and stared at Ginny and Hermione.
"Alright, we need to talk, woman to woman without your brothers. Ginny, you obviously knew about this before today?"
"Yes mum, Harry and I've known for a week. I had some suspicions before, but Harry remained clueless. He knew of course that Sirius disappeared last weekend, but we figured he was up to his old ways."
"Disappeared last weekend? All weekend?"
"Um.."
Hermione decided this was her point to interject. "Yes Molly, he was with me. All weekend. You figure it out from there."
"Really Hermione, I would have thought you'd have more discretion. This is Sirius Black."
"Discretion? As in staying in my own flat? Molly, I'm 24 and experienced enough to know what I want. After Kingsley you really can't be under any delusions regarding my innocence. As for Sirius, I ask that you not judge him by the person he was twenty years ago. Give the man a chance."
Molly was about to speak again, but Ginny interrupted her.
"Kingsley? What about Kingsley?"
"Molly caught him leaving my flat when she dropped by one morning. That was over a year ago Ginny. It was a passing thing for a couple months."
George appeared in the doorway and stopped. "Um, wow, alright. Mum, dad asks if we can leave the horseradish on the side. He thinks it's been disturbing his stomach. And Hermione, Kingsley? You shagged the Minister of Magic? Impressive."
Hermione groaned. "Enough! We are not having this conversation. I am in love with Sirius and he is the only person I am involved with now. We do not need to go through the list of the persons I've been involved with in the past."
"Persons? You mean men, right? Or do I not want to know the answer to that?"
"Out! Get out George! Tell Arthur we'll put his horseradish on the side and keep your gob shut."
"Alright, alright, point taken. My, but I think we have been rubbing off on you Hermione."
George left the room smirking while Hermione blew out a long breath and was about to run her hand through her hair when Ginny stopped her.
"Don't Hermione. You'll never get your hair controlled if you keep doing that. It turns into a cloud of curls."
"You're right Ginny. Of course, Sirius likes my hair like that."
"Oh I bet. I'm sure your hair looks delightful when he gets done with you."
"Like you can talk. When you get done with Harry his looks like he's been through an electrical storm."
"Really girls, some propriety."
"You're the one who called us in for girl talk mum."
The two young witches dissolved into laughter and were soon joined by Molly chuckling lightly in the background as she turned to work on lunch preparations. Twenty minutes later the three witches and house elf had everything ready and Ginny went to shoo everyone to the dining room. Quisi declared she could take over and Hermione and Molly went to find seats. Hermione sat toward the end of the long twenty person table and Sirius came to sit next to her.
"Everything alright Hermione?"
"Yes love, just a bit of girl talk. All sorted now."
"Alright, good. By the way, why are we celebrating Fleur's birthday here? Not that it matters, as long as the whole family is together, just curious."
"That's the thing Sirius. The family keeps growing. We can't fit in the Burrow and definitely not into Shell Cottage. And February is not the best month for garden dining. Grimmauld Place has become the ideal place to fit us all."
"Ah well, that makes sense. It's good to see the old place getting turned into a proper family home."
The rest of the meal and afternoon passed with the usual frivolity that was expected at a Weasley family get together. Hermione and Sirius took a bit of teasing, but so did Ron with a number of comments about making a decision soon. Charlie even offered to take Chrissy to Romania if little Ronnie didn't figure it out. Ron glared and everyone laughed. Of course Hermione knew it was a bluff. She was fairly certain that Charlie had a lover in Romania and it wasn't a woman. By around four in the afternoon all the well stuffed Weasleys and extended family began to leave. Sirius had had enough and he and Hermione left shortly after George and Angie. They arrived back at the flat and collapsed on the couch.
"Well that wasn't too bad."
"Guess not, we're still alive."
"And I still have my bollocks intact."
"For which I am quite glad."