A/N: Hey everyone! Thanks for the reviews! I will be starting up my studies again, so I'm sorry in advance for further delay in my chapters. I know I'm not very good at updating frequently. Hope you enjoy!

Chapter 4

Standing by the kitchen counter preparing lunch she felt a pair of strong masculine hands wrap around her waste pulling her back flush against hard chest. She had been so startled at the movement that she had ended up dropping the jar of mustard making a loud clang resound in the room. Arms tightened around her waist as a face buried itself in the crook of her neck. Lips grazed the sensitive skin below her jaw before slowing moving up to her ear his breath lightly brushing her skin.

"You smell so good today. You don't know how hard it's been for me to not ravish you senseless." whispered a husky male voice.

She felt herself incline her head to the side as if offering the side of her neck as a gift. A low chuckle come from behind; feeling the vibrations run threw his chest into her back sent a shiver down her spin. Soft lips brushed against her ear and she had to bite her lip to keep quiet.

"Do you want me to ravish you?" asked the deep voice a hint of amusement in his tone.

Hermione woke with a start panting heavily. She could feel the arousal the dream had created in her body and she shook her head to clear it of the traitorous thoughts. Very few times had Miss Hermione Granger had such a promiscuous dream and she always felt dirty afterwards. Deciding a shower would do her some good she left the warmth of her blankets for the bathroom.

********

It was late in the afternoon when Hermione had completed the majority of the pile of work that had presented itself on her desk this morning. Already she had filed the remaining charts about a particularly fascinating case. The woman had abnormally long fingernails that would eventually turn black, and upon further investigation, had in fact become a type of quill. They had been able to deduce that the spell she had cast to clear a quill with dried ink had gone array.

She still hadn't heard anything about how her idea for long term residents rooms, but she wasn't going to let herself worry. It had only been a few days at the most. She would be patient, there was no need to get antsy just yet. A smile graced her features at the thought that maybe they just might promote her to a higher department, one step closer to being a doctor. She didn't care if she was a head doctor or not, just to be a doctor would be an accomplishment. Mr. Clemence walked in at that moment another stack of papers in his arms.

"Miss Granger it seems that St. Mungo's is very busy today. I've got some more things for you to file before you leave if that's alright." huffed Mr. Clemence.

"No, I don't mind. I was planning on staying a bit later anyway." replied Hermione, slightly distracted as she finished organizing a particularly hefty stack.

"Such a dedicated young lady, you are. I don't know where this department would be without you. You know I wouldn't be surprised if they promoted you above me soon." answered Mr. Clemence as he gently set down the teetering stack in his arms.

Hermione looked up stunned. This was the most praise she had received from him before. "Thank you Mr. Clemence. That's very nice of you to say that." Hermione said smiling.

"Well, I'll leave you to your work." he announced, a tint of pink to his round cheeks.

Hermione nodded setting straight to work at the new pile of information, sorting it accordingly.

By the time Hermione had stepped out of the giant hospital the sun had already begun to sink behind the rooftops of buildings, indicating dinnertime. Busily making her way down the street she ducked into a nearby alley to aparate to Regulus's. It was almost 5:30 and she didn't have time to spare. With a small 'pop' she disappeared, bags and all.

The next moment she was in the middle of the living room she had found herself in not even twenty-four hours ago. It was still as clean as she last saw it, but she did notice that there was a random long dangle earring by one of the stools. Curious she bent down to pick it up and noticed that the hook was twisted at an odd angle.

"I vacuumed not that long ago. Am I really that messy of an eater?" said a joking voice.

Quickly standing up with earring still in hand she smiled at seeing the Black brother again.

"No, I noticed something on the floor and it was this." she replied holding out the shiny silver earring.

He looked at it briefly before taking it and tossing it in the trash.

"Does the owner not want it?" asked Hermione quirking a brow.

He gave her a stern look, turning away and going around the counter to the refrigerator.

"Would you care for something to drink?" asked Regulus changing the subject.

"Yes, that would be nice. What do you have?" answered Hermione.

"Water, tea, coffee, wine I can make up anything." Regulus replied a smile gracing his features.

Hermione smiled back, "A glass of wine sounds lovely actually."

A twinkle in his eye Regulus opened one of the cabinets extracting a bottle of 1989 Grand Cru Voirin Jumel. Grabbing two crystal glasses, he popped the cork and poured a small amount into each glass before setting one in front of her. She accepted it gratefully mentally shaking her head at how it was no surprise Regulus would have some of the best in his household.

"Go ahead, try it." he said watching her intently for her reaction.

Tentatively she raised the glass to her nose. It smelled absolutely amazing, she could practically taste it already. Taking a small sip she rolled it around in her mouth, savoring the mixture of nut, wild flowers, and a hint of something sweet and fruity.

"It's fantastic!" exclaimed Hermione.

Regulus chuckled.

Hermione smiled, glad to see that he was at least, for now, maintaining what must be his personality. Having never met him until now, she found the man across the counter from her a mystery. He sported the Black looks that much was obvious, but the rest of him was yet to be discovered. She wondered if he shared a similar personality to Sirius or if they were opposites. With what little knowledge she had gained through her life about the relationship between the two brothers, they were opposite of each other, which is most likely why they clicked as young boys, until they separated.

"So what exactly is it that you wanted to discuss with me tonight?" inquired Hermione.

"Well, I was thinking…the codes in the back of the book…if you read his journal you almost get this feeling that something is going to happen. That he is warning you." started Regulus, "I know Sirius. He never let on much, but sometimes he would get these visions I guess you could call them. He never thought much about them when we were growing up and I didn't either. It wasn't until I took Divination that I realized what they were. Some wizards will have premonitions. They aren't psychic, but it's almost like a sixth sense."

"They are given warnings about events in there life before they actually happen. A helpful look into the future to guide their steps, sometimes given out by the gods to favored human beings. Either way you will end up in that position that you see yourself, but it may aid you in your decision on what road you will take to get there. People with this ability find themselves frequently having to choose the choice between right and wrong more than others as a consequence." finished Hermione.

She remembered reading about it while at Hogwarts. She would never admit it, but she had found parts, only parts, of Divination interesting. Regulus looked on at her with an amused expression making her blush ever so lightly at her interruption of his explanation.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt." she replied sheepishly.

A deep sound escaped his mouth, startling Hermione, she realized he was laughing at her. She couldn't help, but smile and start to laugh along with him.

"I'm not surprised actually. Sirius mentions you in his journal. At first most of his comments were about how studious you were and how he couldn't imagine how the boys put up with your constant nagging." Regulus said smirking at her indignant expression.

He noticed her muttering and caught snippets of curses towards his brother and dark mutters about how irresponsible he was. Taking another sip of his wine he watched as her expression turned from offended to contemplative.

"Sirius talks about me in his journal?" she innocently asked.

Regulus nodded his head, his eyes intent on her expression. She seemed to become antsy as she absentmindedly played with a ring adorning her middle finger; something he marked, must have become a habit.

"I read a few passages last night."

It came out as a statement, but he knew it was an unfinished thought. She was thinking out loud. He remained silent, letting her talk out what occupied her mind.

"I thought it would be easy and at first it was, but…I don't know how you read that journal Regulus. I only made it threw three entries before I couldn't stand it anymore. The memories were too much."

She was staring at a spot on the counter and he found himself staring at it too. It had startled him when she had used his name. So far they had avoided saying names. He believed it was her way of trying to stray from acceptance. She hadn't been ready to confront everything that was happening. She had still been processing the events of the past couple of days.

"It was hard, but I wanted to read it. The more you read the harder it is to look at it as just a journal. It's a story, his story and he obviously had something that he wanted to have discovered by the reader." replied Regulus.

Hermione looked up at him and smiled, "You know what Regulus, I would like to spend the rest of the night talking. I don't know much about you, and if I'm going to be working with you I would like it if we were better acquainted."

"Alright Hermione." agreed Regulus smiling at her more regular use of his name. It was almost like she was trying on a pair of shoes.

She wanted to laugh at his emphasis on her name, knowing he had picked up on her sudden use of his.

********

It was late into the night when she regained sense of time. It had been one of the most enjoyable nights she had had in a long time. There were no awkward pauses and they moved easily around each other. Neither one of them feeling strange sitting and talking to each other. At moments they would lean in as if divulging a secret, while other times they sat relaxed like two old friends. There were even times when they looked about to stand up their discussion getting so heated.

Spotting the digital clock on the oven the numbers glowed the time for her eyes to see, two thirty. Had it really been that long? Both were surprised at the lapse of time and agreed to meet Wednesday for lunch. Hermione said a brief good-bye and thanked him for the delicious food and wine. Gathering her few heavy bags filled with unfinished work she aparated away.

********

Hermione sat in a cushy chair snuggled into a guy who had just bought a round of drinks with his buddy for Alina and herself. They were all having a good time laughing and drinking. Hermione knew she was tipsy, but it was her girls night out with Alina; and she was under a large amount of pressure, not only at work, but in her social life. Though Hermione wasn't one to have stupid meaningless sex, she had to admit it sounded pretty good right now. She had too much built up tension and hadn't had sex since her last serious relationship, which happened to be four years ago. The thought of letting a few morals slip for the night was tempting, but Hermione knew she would regret it in the morning.

Suddenly, the hairs on the back of her neck raised, her muscles tensed and she moved her head barely a fraction to the side. With her peripheral vision she scanned the scene behind her trying to discover the source of the alert. Years of hiding and being attacked during the war had tuned her senses and reflexes to the point of being able to walk into a room and know the position of anyone dangerous. Hermione quickly went over the different exit locations in the club; running scenario's of the attack and escape plan.

A slight movement to her left caught her attention, making her immediately go into her alerted war mode. Picking up her drink, Hermione pretended to take another sip while glancing around the room. There was a movement to her right; a shiver ran down her spine. Someone was watching her; she could feel it. Turning to Alina, Hermione said that it was getting late and she needed to be heading back.

"Alright Hermione. I should probably get going to. Jared said he would pick me up around eleven and it's already fifteen past."

Hermione and Alina both bayed the guys goodnight before heading out. Hermione could sense that she was being followed and quickened her and Alina's pace. Coming out the front doors, she immediately recognized Jared as the guy from the coffee shop, leaning against the side of his car. Alina smiled in greeting and he opened the passenger door for her.

Alina turned, "Hermione do you want Jared to give you a ride back to your apartment?"

Hermione looked at Jared, skeptical that he would want to cart her around.

"It's no problem. Not to mention, it's not safe to be wandering by yourself this time of night." said Jared his expression serious.

Nodding her head, Hermione gave in, "Thank you very much."

"Really no problem."

Hermione slipped into the back seat, relief washing over her, it was only then that she realized she had goose bumps. Chancing a fast glance towards the club they had just exited, Hermione saw a dark figure staring after the car.

********

The hour was late and the rain poured in sheets on the drenched and swelling earth. Thunder growled and lightening struck bright and brilliant, flashing threw the curtains, illuminating the room in an eerie glow for short intervals. The only other light was the small desk lamp that occasionally flickered, revealing the mountain of papers spewed on top of the desk. The wall behind it was covered in clippings of articles, diagrams, and pictures with markings haphazardly written.

A mob of curly brown hair remained hunched over a thick volume, unsettling dust with every turn of the page. Elegant hands furiously worked on completing their duty, scribbling and flipping, flipping and scribbling. Brows cinched in concentration, eyes scanning the sentences in front of them searching. Teeth came to bite lower lip, pulling on it before releasing and quickly running a moist tongue over it. Ink smudges covered hands and face, from pushing tendrils that had freed themselves to frame and curl around warm honey eyes and flushed cheeks.

Suddenly the girl looked up and gave a triumphant cry. The chair crashed to the ground as she lunged for a scribbled and torn piece of paper hanging high on the wall. Grasping the paper in one hand and a quill in another, she began to furiously scribble on the bottom of the already covered parchment. As she dropped the quill, she picked up another sheet of paper, overlooking them.

"Yes!" cried Hermione.

"I knew it! It works! I cracked the code!" Hermione continued to shout.

Moving around wildly, she broke out in a dance of excitement. She was shivering from the anticipation and exhilaration that coursed through her body.

"I can't wait to tell Regulus! I can't believe I didn't think about it beforehand! It's so obvious! It's brilliant!" exclaimed Hermione.

Lightning flashed outside, outlining the form of someone moving swiftly by her window. Hermione started, freezing momentarily before ducking down until she was flat to the floor. It all happened in one fluid motion. At one point she was standing in the middle of the room clutching two pieces of parchment, and the next, she was flat to the ground pressed along her baseboards. She tried to listen for them, but the pounding rain and cracks of thunder and lightning made it impossible.

Hermione crept along the side of the wall to the edge of the nearest window, carefully peaking over the sill. The figure was nowhere to be seen. She moved out of her crouched position a bit more, only to see that bushes and flowers were no longer occupied. Goosebumps covered her arms and a small tremble shook her body. Her muscles were tense as she remained slightly hidden for a few more minutes, her hand firmly holding her wand. The rest of the night, Hermione stayed awake, confining herself to an especially dark corner, her favorite weapon now at hand just in case.

********

The ground was covered in a light frost, crinkling under the weight of lazy footsteps. A soft breeze blew, smelling of crisp morning air that only comes from the change of seasons. Autumn was ever approaching and with it came more than just the change of temperature and turning of leaves. A quaint family of ducks hovered near the tall cattails, protecting themselves within the stalks from the group of children amusing themselves with throwing stones. The fresh scent of cool water and wet grass filled the senses, letting the mind settle and the body unwind.

Harry strolled easily with Ginny, enjoying some quiet time with his new wife after weeks of nonstop work and visits from enthusiastic relatives. It had only been five months since Hermione had come to their house that night, yet it felt like an eternity. He still couldn't fully wrap his mind around everything she had told them, but when had anything been easy to understand in his life? Ginny gently tugged on his elbow, leading the pair to a sturdy wooden bench under a giant gnarled willow tree. Their thoughts moved fluidly from one to the other, never having to break the silence with needless words.

Harry didn't know how much time passed before they began the walk back to their new home, but he relished the precious minutes that ticked by, thanking whatever deity that allowed him to live to experience such moments. The languid morning that he had been enjoying though was brought to an abrupt end with the appearance of a familiar face.

********

"I'm telling you Ginny, it was him!"

"Harry, that's impossible! He's dead…he…he can't just start walking around town."

"I know what I saw Ginny, and it was him."

The door slammed shut, leaving a sympathetic Ginny shaking her head as she turned back to organize the tiny kitchen pantry.

********

It was early Wednesday morning when Hermione apparated into the middle of Regulus's apartment. Her arms were filled with old tomes, crumpled papers, and torn files containing all of her proof over the information she had discovered. Looking around wildly, she hastily put down her arm load before going in search of her research companion.

She couldn't believe that she had cracked the code. It had been almost five months since Regulus first sought her out and asked for his help. Having to read Sirius's journal had caused her to confront a lot of issues she had pushed to the back of her mind. Surprisingly, Regulus had been her support system throughout the whole ordeal; creating a strong bond between the two. Hermione had been quick to agree with Regulus that Sirius seemed to be warning a supposed reader later in the journal.

They had easily exchanged ideas and theories, working into the early morning trying to make some progress. Sometimes Harry would even come over and help out with research. He had become an avid participant in remaining updated and meeting Regulus. Slowly the two men had developed a friendship. Harry had even returned the destroyed locket of Regulus's thanking him for the head start. After that day, they became much more open with the other. Ginny came over occasionally, making up appetizers and snacks so that the three would take a break from the mountains of books and stacks of information.

Hermione pushed open the bedroom door becoming privy to a deadly silent pitch black room. She took a hesitant step in, maybe he wasn't home, but that was rare. She searched the wall for a switch, finding it and flipping, illuminating the room in a searing bright light compared to the dark a few moments ago. Looking at the bed, she located a lump underneath a pile that was a mixture of blankets and clothes. Books and files were piled around the room with quills scattered on the floor. Empty ink bottles littered every surface and clippings hung from the walls. Normally Hermione would scold someone for not being more organized, but her room looked very similar to this chaos.

Hermione gently step over piles that littered the floor: clothes, broken quills, an occasional split ink bottle…and…was that the original flooring? Now towering over the unidentifiable mass she carefully extended one finger to poke what was supposedly a shoulder.

'Uhhrguff…'

A manicured eyebrow raised in response, taking the slight communicative noise as a good sign. Applying a bit more pressure for the second poke, almost nudge, finally got a more prominent sound.

'Whuugrhf'

Assumption that the muffled gurgle meant 'What,' Hermione used full force in prodding the mass with her finger.

"Get out of bed this instant Regulus Black."

'Arrugfff….mnumiffg'

"Fine, you leave me no other choice…"

"FUCK! WHAT THE BLOODY HELL WOMAN!"

"Don't take that tone with me, I warned you, I tried to be polite."

Icy water quickly spread and seeped into the Egyptian cotton sheets; the highest grade. The silky looking material let the water slide over its surface, further soaking the man sitting ramrod straight. Smooth black locks dripped cold droplets onto sharp cheeks and defined chest. Piercing blue eyes, still somewhat clouded with sleep, blazed with annoyance.

With arms crossed in a scolding manner, Hermione watched, waiting patiently. Swiftly untangling himself from his sheets, he stood much taller than her and very close, in much too little clothes. Sharp breath barely released as forearms flexed and muscles rippled. Bringing the shirt retrieved from the nightstand over his head, Hermione openly gawked. Sure, she knew Regulus was attractive, but in that moment he had reminded her so much of Sirius when he was about to explode at Order meetings. She had secretly thought that was when he held the greatest sex appeal; a man who was rough, demanding, passionate about his beliefs; yet able to collect himself with such sophistication. Not that he always did that, in fact, more often he did not.

Hermione didn't realize she was still staring at him, until Regulus waved a calloused hand before her eyes. A few quick blinks brought her back to the present. Avoiding his eyes she glanced towards the door, unconsciously licking her lips.

"Not used to seeing a half-naked man?"

Hermione snapped her head up, eyes wide. He had a strange look on his face, though not unfamiliar on certain occasions. He was still very close and despite being better clothed, Hermione felt like she might suffocate. The small wandless magic trick was doing little in keeping his body's heat from radiating off of him. It rolled in waves towards her, sweeping down her frame.

"Enjoy the show?" Regulus finished in a husky whisper.

His hot breath ghosted by her ear, tickling the sensitive skin. Gasping, Hermione took a step back; gapping at Regulus before heading to his door.

"I think I cracked the code. That's why I'm here. I brought my work with me."

A bit put out, this statement had left a frozen aristocrat at the far end of the bedroom.

"…What?"

Jogging out of his room, Regulus was met with Hermione sorting through giant stacks, otherwise known as 'work.'

"You cracked the code? When?" fired a still taken aback Black.

"Last night. I just felt…close…I felt like I could do it." Hermione answered, momentarily pausing in her activity to glance at Regulus.

'He sure does have a stunning resemblance to Sirius…but that's not who he is Hermione. You know that. You have talked with this man enough to know how he truly is. He is a great man, who loved his brother and did not sit around waiting for his life to just turn out perfect in the end. He took action, holding strong beliefs. It was a pity that Regulus and Sirius were never able to reconcile.'

"Well?.." Regulus was eagerly scanning over the papers and then her face.

Shaking her thoughts, Hermione began to recap everything they had learned leading up to when she first believed they had something viable.

A/N: Please review and tell me what you think!