Muchas gracias David :)
Silver
Natter
Hermione stifled a yawn as her eyes watered. She was tired. And sleepy. And drained. Her head hurt a bit and she felt sluggish.
It was only midday and Hermione'd had enough. Already, the young witch was more than willing to close up shop and go home. Except she couldn't. It'd been two weeks since Tony and Rosa had gone and she had a business to run until they returned.
Batty had called her an idiot for working when she'd been offered time off, with pay, and Hermione was beginning to see her point. She'd never admit it but the old witch had been right.
A sniff and a grumble broke the silence. Hermione glared at the petunias sat before her as she ignored the sound, for the hundredth time that day, and turned to the clock above the shop door. Another yawn. She still had five hours to go.
The brunette blinked away tears as her eyes watered again.
Another grumble and she bit her tongue. He was trying her frayed nerves and she honestly didn't have it in her to stay quiet. Not after a week and a half of his whinging.
Another muttered noise. Another huff. Another sniff. And she snapped.
'Will you shut up?!' spat Hermione, glaring at Sirius who was sat behind the work table on her far right.
Grey eyes turned to slits. 'I'm hot.'
'Yeah? So am I and you don't hear me crying about it!'
Sirius shook his head before looking away and her annoyance grew. She shouldn't have talked for him but really, she'd been fighting the urge for a week.
Hermione wasn't used to the constant silence. Tony or Rosa were always here, one of them would visit her for a chat. She'd grown used to a certain level of human interaction and with them gone, the silence had become too much.
Her mind wandered and there were only so many distractions the flower shop held. Tony's apothecary was constant movement and brewing. Rosa's was a lot of sitting. In a village this small, there were only so many occasions a person would buy flowers and she'd begun to suspect that the main revenue for their business lay in the back. The flower scented shop was literally just a front.
'You're an idiot Granger.'
She grit her teeth and picked up the watering can in the sink.
'And judging by your silence, you know it.' From the corner of her eye she saw him shake his head. 'Working when you could be off. With pay, honestly.'
She slammed the can down on to the nearest display. Water sloshed upwards and settled back down with a dull clunk.
'Stop. Talking.' she ordered.
Sirius scoffed. 'You started it.'
'Shut it!'
The Marauder gave her a dirty look before looking away. She picked up the can again and was about to water a flower when he spoke again.
'You watered those yesterday. You're not supposed to water them again. Not for a few days.'
The brunette turned to Sirius, a steely edge to her voice that seemed to pop up every time she spoke to him.
'You're supposed to water plants everyday.'
'Not orchids. Those you're supposed to water only when their soil is dry.'
Hermione shook her head. 'I'm sorry? Who the hell are you to tell me about Muggle plants?'
'Obviously someone who knows better than you. Water them and you'll kill the damn plant. Don't say I didn't warn you Granger.'
She scowled at his words as she weighed her options. The brunette wasn't sure, but she thought she'd read the same thing somewhere. Orchids were notoriously fickle things. She couldn't let him win though. Hermione did the next best thing and mimicked watering the plant. Because.
Behind her, Sirius sniffed and she glared at him over her shoulder.
'When are they coming back?'
Hermione bit her tongue.
They already were back but the couple had decided to take their maternity leave and technically she hadn't been asked to take care of the flower shop. The need for human interaction had pulled her here. The Apothecary wasn't very busy but she as the brewer stuck in the cellar hadn't been aware of that. She figured the flower shop would have gotten more clientèle but she was very wrong.
She knew Godric's Hollow was small but this was ridiculous. How did these shops even stay open? In the time she'd taken charge of the shops, she'd only sold one thing. Via owl. To Hooky.
She hated to admit it, but Sirius' snark was a welcomed distraction.
With a tired sigh, Hermione went back to the till deciding against watering anything. These plants could die for all she cared but knowing Tony's love for his wife, the plants had been charmed to last.
Four hours and thirty-five minutes to go.
Screw it. She was done. Tony and Rosa would understand.
She reached the front door and locked it.
'Finally!' exclaimed Sirius as she walked past him towards the back door to the other shop. 'I was going half mad sitting there.'
'Yes because sitting here will be different,' she bit back.
The Marauder glared at her but didn't reply.
'Bloody moron,' she mumbled under her breath.
'Fuck you Granger,' he spat, surprising her until she remembered the damn Animagus hearing.
She smirked before turning to him, eyes wide with feigned surprise.
'How'd you hear that?' she breathed out. 'I whispered it!'
He froze. Struck mute with shock. He managed to recover fairly quickly though.
'No you didn't,' he said with a slight shake of his head. 'You think you did, but you said it loud enough.'
Hermione ran her eyes over him. 'No I didn't ... I know what I said and how I said it ... How did you hear me?'
'I already told you.'
She stared him down as he shifted from one foot to another. Hermione moved towards the cellar, flicking on the light switch. Eyes still watching him.
When she was satisfied with his unease, she went down the stairs, smiling her triumph. Loud steps trailed behind her as they moved downstairs. Annoyed, she wanted him completely unnerved.
Hermione pulled out her utensils. Eyes downcast, she recalled a vague memory that for some reason had stayed with her.
'I'm allergic to Moondew,' he'd said. 'Makes me sneeze like mad.'
The witch reached under the table and pulled out a small container. She didn't hesitate to open it and rubbed at the dry leaves, releasing their potent aroma. The effect was instantaneous. A loud and overly exaggerated sneeze escaped the dog Animagus and she jumped. Hermione turned to glare at him.
'Do you need to sneeze like that?!'
Too busy having a fit, he didn't reply or acknowledge her. Instead he pulled out a hanky and began to blow his nose, occasionally broken by a sneeze. Somewhat pleased with herself, the witch smiled as she closed the jar and wiped her hands.
After several minutes he quieted down. She looked at him over her shoulder before dicing leeches, not feeling a bit guilty.
'Did you use Moondew?' he asked, sounding congested.
'Yes.'
'You,' he managed to say before being interrupted by a sneeze. '-know some people are allergic to it?'
She nodded as he blew his nose. 'I am yes.'
'Couldn't you have warned me?! Or even bothered to ask me if I was before you started to bloody used it?'
'I could have yes. Except I didn't think it would affect you sitting all the way over there. Usually, a person needs to be pretty close to it.' She glanced at him with an arched eyebrow. 'Not sat across the room.'
'I have a sensitive sense of smell.'
Hermione sniffed. 'Enhanced hearing and smell- what are you? A bloody dog?'
'-What?!'
She frowned at the wide eyed Marauder, 'What?'
They stared at each other. He trying to figure out if she knew anything as she smothered her smug glee.
'Nothing,' he replied slowly. Grey eyes studying her.
She blinked at him and his frown turned into a glare. Shed'd been far too vague for him to ask anything without giving away his secret. She might have heavily implied he was an Animagus but how could she know about Padfoot? For all he knew she was speaking literally.
Hermione grinned at him before lighting the fire beneath her cauldron. Sirius scowled as he took his usual seat and turned on the radio.
The hours passed quickly after that.
With August a week away, the heat was reaching a sweltering high. Grass was going yellow and mud became hard dirt. The humidity was thick and it hit her in the face as they closed up shop.
Sirius groaned behind her and for once, she didn't get annoyed. If anything, she was a bit sympathetic. Invisibility cloaks weren't exactly heavy but the heat underneath was uncomfortable at the best of times. In this weather, it must've been unbearable.
Their steps were sluggish. Exhausted from boredom and heat, neither was in a rush to walk faster than unnecessary.
Around them, the sounds of a construction site could be heard. Godric's Hollow was growing and a whole street was currently getting built. It wasn't a huge project. At most three homes would fit the plot but the whole village was buzzing with endless possibilities that only the unknown could bring.
They shuffled along and the noises grew louder. A jackhammer pounded into stone and metal clanked. A man called out to another about more bricks and as they passed the street, the noises began to fade away. But not before sparking a memory of air guitars, her dad and a tune.
'... all in all ... you're just another brick in the wall...' she sang under her breath, smiling lightly.
'Can you shut the fuck up?' hissed Sirius, somewhere to her left. 'Your voice isn't made for singing.'
'Sure Snuffles.'
The sound of cloth tearing reached her eyes and she looked down.
'What did you call me?!'
Hermione stared at his very visible boot before shaking her head and continuing her walk. 'Nothing Sniffles- honestly, blow your damn nose.'
She could feel his glare and she turned her face away, smiling. Honestly, the idiot child deserved it after the way he'd treated her. He was just lucky she didn't have her wand... she blinked as her chest tightened. She pushed the thought aside as her head began to throb.
No use getting mad over pointless shit Hermione.
The brunette turned the corner and the bakery came into view as warm metal brushed against the back of her hand. She turned her palm over, accepting his money.
'Ham and cheese.'
Honey Buns read the shop door, a faded image of two young women holding up round loaves where their breasts were. She heard Sirius walking away, followed by the sound of rustling leaves. As he used the loo, she stepped into the shop.
The sound of laughter rang around her, abruptly cut by her appearance.
'Hermione!'
She smiled brightly at the older women. The tallest of the two, Dot, stood.
'How are you dear?'
She nodded at the thin woman, who's pointed features were bellied by a pair of big brown eyes, and white, soft curls.
'The usual love?'
Hermione shook her head. 'Not tonight thanks, I've got a craving for ham and cheese.'
'Oh,' Maggie said, a cup of tea held by her lips before taking a sip. 'Experimenting tonight dear?'
She smiled at the doughy woman, big round glasses perched on the tip of her nose.
'I'm adventurous,' she deadpanned and the two Muggles laughed as a man entered the shop.
Dot's eyes moved from her to him and back again. Hermione turned and immediately recognised him from around the village.
'Hermione dear, have you met Thomas Miller?'
She turned when her name had been called and smiled at the man, his clothes dirty with dust and grime. 'Not properly, no.'
'Well then!' said Dot. 'Let me do the honours! Hermione, Thomas- Thomas, Hermione!'
A rueful smile graced the blond man's lips before he ran a hand over his hair, patting it down.
'Pleasure to finally meet you 'ermione.'
'You could have said hello before you know.' She smiled. 'But yes, it is. How are you Thomas?'
He opened his mouth to reply, but before he could speak Dot cut him off.
'Well, you know love,' she said with a stage whisper, 'Thomas is a bit on the shy side.'
Dark eyes turned to the blond who blinked at the thin woman. Hermione opened her mouth to say something but the woman talked over her.
'He's usually working too - such a hard working young man, he is. Takes care of his sick Mum too you know? Such a swee-,'
'-Dottie? Hermione's food?'
'Hm?' replied the Muggle woman, turning to her friend. 'Oh! Right. Ham and cheese coming up!'
The woman walked toward the kitchen muttering to herself as Maggie followed behind, shaking her head.
Thomas cleared his throat and she turned back to him.
'Tom,' he said and elaborated when she began to frown. 'Call me Tom.'
Hermione smiled at him. 'Just got off work?'
He chuckled, twisting his hat between his hands. 'Yeah. I'm part of the construction crew building the new road. How about you? Batty need anything?'
She shook her head. 'No, just got out of work myself. Got hungry. Stopped for one of Dot's world famous sandwiches.'
'Yeah. It's not delicious if it's not dry eh?'
'Definitely,' she laughed as Dot and Maggie began to argue in the kitchen. 'Or soggy with pickle juice.'
He chuckled. 'Yeah but that's when they're best! All that juice running down your hands...'
Hermione shook her head. 'That's because you're doing it wrong. Suck on it before taking a bite.'
Tom stared at her and she froze mid word, worried she'd said something wrong but then-
'Is this really the place to be talking about oral sex?'
Hermione turned and glared at the idiot as he entered the shop and she realised it wasn't her who Tom had been staring at.
The Marauder took a few steps further into the shop when he began to grin, grey eyes trained on the shorter man beside her.
'No Bullshit! I didn't recognise you mate.'
No Bullshit?
Tom gave a tight lipped smile and she got the very real sense that he was annoyed. 'How are you Sirius?'
'I am absolutely peachy,' he answered, looking between her and Tom and she clenched her jaw at his subtle wink.
'Aren't you going to introduce us?' he asked the blond.
After a bit of staring that confused her, Tom nodded. 'Hermione this is-,'
'Sirius!'
All three turned as Maggie entered the room, beaming. 'My dear boy how are you? I haven't seen you in ages!'
Hermione's eyes grew wide as the idiot smiled. It looked sincere enough that it gave her pause. Tom cleared his throat and she blushed when she realised her mouth had fallen open.
'Sorry,' she said, 'I-I...'
'Have you come for a visit? Come sit down and have a cuppa.'
Maggie had already reached for a mug when he waved them down. 'I really can't stay, I'm sorry. I was just passing by and decided to pop in and say hello.'
Maggie smiled even wider, 'Such a wonderful lad, coming down to visit two old hags.'
The Marauder grinned and Hermione frowned, irritated by his presence.
'Beauty doesn't turn haggard Mags, it only matures and inspires.'
The dumpy woman threw her head back and let loose a belly laugh. Beside her, Tom snorted.
Hermione felt out of sorts. She couldn't believe these kind people saw him as their own. Was she the only one who knew him? Didn't they see that he was stringing them along?
Her jaw clenched when he turned to look at her. A smirk pulling at his lips. He winked at her and her hands curled into fists.
'Here you are Hermi- Sirius! Oh my sweet Lord, how are you chick?!'
The Animagus nodded at the thin woman. 'Hello Mrs Thompson. How are you?'
'I'm well and you? We haven't seen you lately. Out breaking hearts are you?'
'Of course he is!' exclaimed the other woman. 'Just look at him! Such a handsome boy.'
Hermione blinked. Her mind refusing to accept the fact that these little old ladies were fawning over Sirius Black, pain in the arse extraordinai- was he blushing?!
Tom cleared his throat again- much louder than before, drawing everyone's attention.
'Sorry?'
The blond man shook his head. 'Nothing.'
'Sirius love,' said Maggie, pushing Dot aside. 'Have you met Hermione?'
The Marauder's smile grew as he nodded at her. 'Yeah, Tom was just about to introduce us. Nice to meet you Heather.'
'-Hermione,' she corrected him. Her fists clenched as she tried her hardest not to glare at him.
'Right. Sorry,' he replied, sounding completely insincere.
'No problem Sombre.'
'-Sirius.'
'-Of course.'
The pair glared at each other and only stopped when Tom once again cleared his throat. To their mutual surprise, they found themselves the centre of attention.
Whereas Dot and Tom were scowling, Maggie was grinning.
'Right, I'll be going then- it was nice seeing you Maggie, Mrs Thompson.'
Dot nodded to him as the shorter woman demanded a hug off the Marauder. 'Say hello to Monty and Phemmy for us when you see them dear. It's been so long.'
Sirius smiled at the taller woman. 'I will ma'am, have a good night.' The Marauder then turned to them. 'Tom ... Helen.'
'Hermione,' corrected the three women and again he apologised before walking out.
She doubted anyone saw the smirk he gave her. Even if they had she felt this lot would be biased since they all seemed to bloody love him. She sniffed- a wonderful lad her arse.
'...rmione?'
She blinked and felt her cheeks burn. Why did she keep staring at things?!
The witch turned to Dot, accepting her order.
'Are you walking alone dear?'
Hermione paid the old woman, nodding. 'I am yeah.'
'Oh- no that will not do! I'll just run out and yell for Sirius!'
'Mags no! Why bother him when he looked to be in a rush- besides ... Thomas is here. I'm sure this strapping young lad is more than willing to help her out. Isn't that right dearie?'
Before he could reply, Maggie spoke up again. 'Yes but he must be tired from all that work. Sirius didn't-'
But whatever Sirius didn't do she never found out because Tom grabbed her by the elbow and quicky guided her out. The two were walking side by side, and a few feet away from the shop before he spoke.
'Sorry about that,' he said rubbing his neck, speaking to the floor.
Hermione huffed a laugh. 'It's alright, don't worry about it and please don't feel inclined to walk me.'
The blond's head shot up and the look in his eyes showed her what she already knew.
She laughed at his nervousness. 'I'm a big girl Tom. Don't feel guilty for not wanting to take me. I'm not your responsibility and I know you must be tired.'
The short man, who's height was parallel to her own, shook his head. 'No. I want- I mean- if you want I could- I'd love to...'
Hermione grinned as she stared into his dark eyes, touched by his awkward offer. It was sweet of him but really, Batty's was only a street away. She didn't need another man watching over her and besides, she knew for a fact that he lived the opposite way. Once again, she politely declined his offer.
He took it in stride, smiling at the ground and once again twisting his hat. 'No, yeah. It's for the best. I have medication to apply anyway. I have a rash, burns a bit and all but yeah it's fine...'
Somewhere beside them a snort rang out and Tom looked up, eyes turning to the spot she'd heard the moron.
'Did you hear that?'
She nodded. 'Yeah, probably just a stupid dog.' Hermione began walking away. 'Have a good night Tom.'
'Goodnight Hermione.'
The second she saw him turn the corner, she threw the sandwich at the same spot Tom had been looking at. Sirius laughed as he caught it, the paper wrapped sandwich floating in mid air.
Her annoyance flared and she walked away, leaving him behind.
The second she arrived home and felt the cooling charm hit her skin, Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. She was done with Sirius for the day.
The young witch walked into the kitchen and drank a cool glass of water. She heard Batty and Hooky laugh and her lips curled. They were watching Monty Python. She laughed when she recognised the Black Knight scene and she moved to sit in the space between them.
The second she did Batty handed her her wand. A flare of magic and blue fire burned in her hand. Laughing and focused on the telly, the older witch flicked her fingers and the fire vanished, only to appear on the candles before her.
She groaned. 'Not today- I'm tired...'
'Shhh.'
Batty nodded. 'You heard the rat. Get to it.'
With a tired sigh she accepted the wand as she kicked off her shoes.
Hermione stared at the five candles stood in a row, all in varying degrees of melting stages. She twirled and swished Batty's wand as she focused her magic inwards, directing it at the flames. They all flickered but only one went out.
She sighed and Batty patted her knee before relighting the candle. The brunette blinked when her eyes caught the words on the newspaper, Death Eaters Raid Diagon Alley!
Batty had begun getting the Daily Prophet again and though she fought her curiosity, Hermione still found that her eyes managed to seek out the front page headlines. Anger bubbled in her belly and her mouth turned sour.
She moved the wand again and this time, all the flames went out.
Sirius shook his head as the door closed.
He wondered if she'd noticed the knowing looks from Mrs. Thompson. The old woman hadn't exactly been subtle. He doubted it though, Granger was fucking oblivious.
Godric's Hollow was a small village. With three shops and a pub, it was a community completely dependent on itself. Because of that, everyone knew each other and new people were met with suspicion. Granger had been no different.
Now though, with the old woman's meddling, Hermione had been accepted without even noticing.
She was fucked now. The old women wouldn't rest until they saw her shacked up. Shit, he'd have suffer through awkward flirting. It could be worse he supposed, Mags wasn't trying to set him up. So far she hadn't tried.
Thank fuck for that.
Sirius walked towards his usual tree. Two houses down from Batty's, it was the only shady spot both ends of the street were visible from. He slumped against the trunk with a hearty bite of his sandwich, No Bullshit's awkward goodbye ringing in his ears.
He snorted around a mouthful of food.
Bullshit didn't stand a chance even if Hermione had been interested.
Girls like Granger didn't go for blokes like that- like them, if he was honest.
Her face lit up when having an intelligent conversation for Merlin's sake. Birds like her were all about books, tea and missionary. Boring. No way in hell she'd go for a bloke who didn't know the difference between his head and cock. The idea that Mrs Thompson saw potential, made him question her sanity. With her age, senility wasn't far off.
I have a rash, burns a bit and all but yeah it's fine.
Sirius snorted before taking another bite. The idea of her and Bullshit together was absolutely ridiculous. He frowned as he swallowed. Why'd he even care?
His focus moved on. Drifting towards the vague and pointless to the urgent and important. Always ending with the war and a familiar mask.
He hadn't visited Grimmauld in over a month, not since he'd begun to look after Granger. Mental exhaustion didn't exactly encourage an urge to go out.
Grey eyes moved in the direction of Potter Hall.
He hadn't visited the ancient estate either. He did Floo though ... every now and then. A stab of guilt shot through him as Mrs Potter's worried voice echoed in his head.
Are you okay love?
I'm fine he'd answered. Lied. She knew it too, but it never stopped her from asking. The older witch was always worrying over them. She wasn't physically involved in the war but it was no less taking it's toll...
He wasn't hungry anymore.
A flick of his wand and what remained of his sandwich vanished. The ache in his forehead and gut sharpened as dark clouds moved over the village, blocking out the sun.
The last two hours dragged on like they usually did.
Night fell, street lights came on and the quiet street grew quieter as he fought to stay awake. The silence occasionally broken by the faint sounds of telly and laughter. It was with a sigh of relief that he heard the distant ringing of St. Andrew's bells.
Sirius stood as the sound of metal on stone echoed around him. He knew what that noise was, but his heartbeat still quickened. The Marauder palmed his wand and held his breath, eyes darting from one end of the street to another and he froze as Mad-Eye appeared. Bowler hat aside, the older wizard cut an imposing figure as the light behind cast an imposing shadow. The silhouetted figure walked towards him, the clunk and thud of his staff and leg growing louder.
He aimed his wand at the Auror's chest, fighting the urge to smile. Sirius was positive it was Moody, but he still had to do this. He was, after all, a very responsible adult.
The Animagus could practically feel the waves of dislike pouring out of Alastor. The corner of his mouth twitched.
'Black,' growled the approaching Auror. 'Anything to report?'
The Marauder raised his wand higher and the Scotsman's one good eye glared. He shrugged as Moody's shoulders tensed. Sirius' grin split his face.
'What's your patronus?'
The hardened Auror squared his jaw and pulled out his wand. A flash of blue and white mist erupted from the tip before settling and taking shape at his feet. A small egg-shaped creature, no bigger than his palm stared up at them. Button nosed with big round ears and beady eyes- it was titchy and fluffy. A tiny, little thing caught between a bunny and a mouse.
It was fucking adorable.
He'd named it Maddy.
'Maddy!'
He bent down to pet the thing when it vanished.
'Aw,' he said sadly, looking up at its master. 'I wanted to play with her.'
His comment was rudely ignored. The old Auror was far more interested in repeating his question and getting an answer.
Sirius nodded, lowering his voice, head inching closer to the older wizard's.
'Granger likes the pickle,' he answered gravely. 'Voldemort must never know.'
'Black!' barked Moody, his good eye burning a hole into Sirius. 'This isn't a fucking game.'
The Marauder huffed a bitter laugh, head shaking as he interrupted the beginnings of a long-winded speech. 'Fuck all happened Mad-Eye. Like always.'
Sirius brushed past him without another word, he wasn't arguing over something he didn't care about. With a shake of his head, he turned the corner. Instinct leading him to Blossom Grove.
Hand hovering over the gate, he stopped before entering.
Say hello to Monty and Phemmy for us when you see them dear. It's been so long.
It had been too long...
Pale eyes moved over the cloudy skies. His head was sore and there was a dull ache behind his left eyeball- he just wanted to go home and put a cool flannel over it.
But they were worried.
He turned around. Booted feet breaking the silence around him as he made his way towards the outskirts of the village, well past Tony's shop. He walked until the cobbled roads gave way to broken pavement, which ended abruptly as it entered Potter land.
Thick woods and shrubbery surrounded him. He took a step and with a tingle of wards across his skin, the forest vanished and Potter Hall appeared in the distance.
Sat on a hill, overlooking the village and built before the International Statute of Secrecy, the old manor home was breathtaking. A smile formed on his lips as memories of youthful summers crossed his mind. When he'd been aware of Voldemort and his Death Eater's, but hadn't exactly known.
Before the war had touched him and he'd been forced to choose between what was right and blood.
He didn't regret his decision, just the cost.
Sirius! Don't leave!
Hands tucked in pockets, he walked up the torch lit path. The large, wooden doors opened as he neared them and shut behind him as he stepped through the threshold.
Piano music echoed around him and he followed the tune. Closed doors met his every step and a cold chill ran down his spine.
He pulled out his wand, hating how aware he was. The music continued playing as Sirius reached the small music room. Ear to wood, the pressure in his chest loosened at muffled laughter.
The Marauder's shoulders relaxed and he took a second before turning the knob.
Euphemia and Fleamont Potter were sat on the couch as the piano played, laughing and cuddling under a blanket. The blonde witch spotted him first and she smiled brightly as Mr Potter turned to faced him.
'Sirius,' she said and guilt riddled him at the relief in her voice.
Monty stood as Phemmy bade him over with a wave of her hand. She didn't hesitate to wrap her arms around him when he reached them. The usual scent of jasmine filled his nostrils.
'How are you love?' she asked. Her Irish brogue soft against his ear. 'It's been a while.'
His guilt intensified and something in his face must've shown because the older wizard chuckled. The blonde woman released him and turned to her husband.
'Don't guilt trip the lad dear. He just got here,' Mr Potter extended his hand. 'How are you son?'
The Marauder shrugged. 'Head hurts and I feel a bit shit. Hungry too.'
Mrs Potter snapped into action.
'Linny!' she called out and a plump house-elf, wearing a tiny apron appeared between them.
'Mistress called?' asked the tiny elf.
He smiled at the sudden onslaught of memories- enchanted pans chasing him through the house, buckets of freezing water waking him, the old elf coddling him when he felt poorly.
'Hi Linny.'
The House-Elf jumped at his voice but quickly turned to him. Big, bulbous eyes settled over him and all once began to tear up. The tiny elf bounced on her heels before bowing low.
'Master Sirius!' she squeaked. 'You's returned?'
He laughed as her ears wiggled and he reached out his arms for a hug. His knees buckled when she crashed into him. No sooner had her arms gone round his knees than she straightened up and glared at him. Big eyes moved from him to his knees, poking them as if they'd mortally wounded her.
She pushed him away, squinting up at him. 'Master Sirius is too skinny. Also looks shit. Needs sleep. Go to tables Master Sirius, Linny will feeds you up and then bed.'
And with that she disappeared. Smiling, he looked at the couple. Phemmy was suppressing a smile, Monty was outright grinning.
'You really do look shit dear.'
Mr Potter laughed, nodding.
'Come on love, you heard her- to the table!'
The older woman put her arms around him as they walked, Monty trailing behind.
'How are you Sirius?'
'I'm alright,' he answered automatically.
'Are you sure?'
No. 'Absolutely.'
'Okay. We're here if you need to talk.'
'I know.'
Within minutes they'd entered the opulent dining room and he smiled at the familiarity of it. Sirius took his usual seat and the sense of welcome increased as his favourite dishes appeared before him. Grey eyes turned to the married couple, only to find them smiling back at him.
He was home.
The animagus grinned before tucking in.
Midway through his meal Mrs Potter interrupted him. 'When was the last time you ate?'
His face heated up as a sheepish smile formed on his lips. He'd forgotten they were there. She scowled as her eyes studied him.
'I ate a sandwich this afternoon,' he answered, refilling his plate.
'And before that?'
He fought the urge to squirm beneath the regal woman's glare. 'A full English,' he lied.
'And before that?'
'That's enough Phemmy,' said Mr Potter. 'Leave the poor boy alone.'
The blonde woman continued her careful study of him. 'You've definitely lost weight... Are you sure you've been taking proper care of yourself?'
He nodded, uncomfortable with being the focus of her maternal attention. 'I have yeah.'
The witch arched an eyebrow. 'Of course you haven't. Not with this war going on. And you in the Order.'
'And yet you continue to ask dear.'
She ignored her husband. 'How useful do you think you'll be when you're half-starved and weak? Look at you! You're practically skin and bones.'
'I'm not that thin,' he murmured, frowning, wondering if he was.
'You are lo-,'
'-Euphemia. That's enough. Let the boy be. He has more than enough to deal with, the last thing he needs is you mothering him.'
They caught up for over an hour. His meal occasionally ignored in exchange for conversation and laughter until the inevitable happened and they ended up talking about the war.
Always the fucking war.
'Have you heard of this new amendment regarding Auror recruitment?'
Sirius nodded at the wizard before drinking from his goblet, 'I did yeah, but I don't think it's for me.'
The wizard shook his head. 'It would be beneficial in the long run Sirius. Safer as well. Consider the offer thoroughly. The Order may be more informed, prepared and stronger as a whole but it's small in comparison and there's always strength in numbers.'
'Except there aren't enough numbers,' he said, eyes on Monty. 'Otherwise the DMLE wouldn't be doing these speed through courses. Besides,' he said with a shake of his head. 'The Ministry's corrupt.'
'Everyone's corrupt dear,' replied Mrs Potter. 'At this point it's the lesser of two evils.'
Sirius frowned at his food. He loved the witch but that was a bit unfair.
'The Order is doing a lot more than the Ministry.'
'It's also illegal.'
He took a bite of his food. There was no way he could defend that. Monty spoke.
'The Ministry may be tolerant now but I doubt it always will be. Barty Crouch likes control far too much and strives for glory. He will not allow the Order to take that away from him. With the Aurors you can still fight and have some anonymity Sirius.'
He'd almost laughed at that.
'I'm a Black,' he reminded them, somewhat bitterly. 'Half of my family is out there wearing masks while the other half is vocally supporting Voldemort. There's no way in hell I'll ever have anonymity. Even now people look at me with suspicion. Hell, if it wasn't for Remus' furry little problem I'd be the least trusted Order member.'
Phemmy's eyes narrowed and her accent grew more pronounced. 'What do you me- Who doubts you? And what's this about Remus?'
'Nothing,' he replied far too quickly, looking away from the witch. Speaking to his food. 'The Ministry's not right for me and I doubt I'm right for it.'
'My sources inform me that the majority of applicants will be accepted and acknowledged as fully fledged Aurors. It may not be a long term guarantee but it's a foot in the door. Just ... consider it.'
He already had. More than once, ever since the news had broken out that Aurors were now in short supply. It was tempting but he didn't like the survival rates. DMLE officials died on a daily basis. None of the Order had been lost yet.
'The Ministry is useless,' he said after several seconds. 'I can't work for them.'
'It's safer,' Mrs Potter echoed her husband.
The Marauder shook his head. 'Nothing's safe anymore.'
'Join the Aurors if you insist on fighting.'
Sirius' lips curved upwards in a bitter smile. 'That almost sounds like an order.'
Mr. Potter nodded. 'If we thought you'd listen, it would be.'
The food vanished before them, leaving behind their newly refilled goblets.
'I need to fight.'
The older couple shared a weary look as he drank from his cup, his frustration at their insistence building.
'Do you want me to stop?' he asked them, eyes downcast but his voice loud and clear. 'To sit back and hide as that bastard kills and murders innocent people?'
She shook her head, blue eyes boring into him. 'It's not that simple Sirius. It's not easy for us, not knowing how and where you are. We don't want you fighting, but we also know you won't stop. If it was up to us, you wouldn't even be on the island.'
He didn't look up as he spoke. 'I won't run.'
'We know,' said the older wizard. 'Though it's exactly what we want, we know it'll never happen. Which is why we ask that you think of the alternatives. Besides another Auror in the Order could be very useful.'
From the corner of his eye, Phemmy pierced her husband with a look which the wizard ignored.
'We worry about you Sirius.'
He blinked at the table. Guilt gripped him and he fought the urge to apologise.
'You don't have to worry about me,' he said quietly, twisting his goblet between two fingers.
'Why not?' asked Monty.
'Because I'm safe.'
He felt their eyes on him and he shifted in his seat.
'What do you mean by that?'
The Marauder finally looked up, really seeing the pair for the first time that night. They looked older than he remembered.
There was more grey in her hair than blonde and the lines of her face were more defined but her eyes were still lively. Mr Potter's laugh lines were deeper, the salt and pepper hair he remembered was going completely white. But behind silver frames, hazel eyes shone.
How long had it been since his last visit? A month or two? Three?
Either way the difference was obvious and he wondered if he had lost weight.
Sirius wrestled with the need to keep his mission secret and the urge to comfort the scared couple. In the end, blood was thicker than water.
'Under Dumbledore's direct order, I'm stationed in the village.'
Monty stopped mid sip and gave his wife a sideways glance. The witch stared at him, her jaw clenched. Dainty eyebrows furrowed. No one said anything.
... Bollocks.
'How long have you been in the village?' asked Phemmy. Accent very pronounced. Voice cold.
His shoulders dropped and his eyes grew wide. He cleared his suddenly dry throat. 'Um ... Two and a half months...? Maybe three? I don't remember ... a while?'
Sirius gulped the last of his wine, before placing his goblet down.
Monty huffed a laugh as he shook his head, raising his glass to smiling lips. 'You should've lied son.'
His mouth fell open as pale eyes moved between him and the witch.
'You've been in the village how long and you didn't visit?!'
Sirius gave her his most winning smile and the older witch snorted before looking away. He was saved from answering however as food refilled the table. Confused, they looked from one to the other, waiting to see who would eat. Before they could speak, the double doors burst open and James' ugly face appeared.
'Why are all the doors closed?' asked Prongs before spotting him. Dark eyebrows, behind gold frames shot upwards in surprise before he frowned. 'Get the fuck out. I need to talk to me Mum and Dad.'
Sirius quickly stood, 'Bye!'
He turned when he reached the doors and waved enthusiastically. Mr Potter's eyes bright, shoulders shaking. James frowning with confusion. He did not look at Mrs Potter. The shiver running down his spine far too potent. As he shut the door behind him, Phemmy called out.
'We're not done Sirius! And tell Remus he's far too skinny!'
He saw an out and took advantage of it. 'He was stationed here too!'
'Wha-!'
He slammed the doors, eyeing them with suspicion before heading to his bedroom.
Sirius yawned at the sight of his bed. He flopped on to his bed gratefully wand without a second thought. Relaxed and comforted by the safety of home, he shut his eyes.
A sudden bang woke him as his door burst open, making him jump.
'Rude,' he mumbled raising his head, bleary eyes staring at the darkness.
'Shut the fuck up. I need a smoke.'
Sirius reached under him and struggled to pull his fags out, eventually he gave up and rolled onto his back. He threw them at James as the bloke willed his balcony doors open.
The dog animagus yawned, rubbing his face. He sat up and kicked off his boots before joining Prongs. A light mist was falling across the grounds, dampening everything around them. He took off his socks before stepping out.
'How long you been here?'
Sirius shrugged, reaching into his pocket for his lighter. 'I don't know. What time is it?
'About twelve.'
'Four hours then.'
James exhaled, nodding, eyes roaming the grounds. 'Alright?'
'Yeah. You?'
The stag animagus ran his free hand through his hair, shaking his head as he raised his fag to his lips. 'I had to get away from Lily.'
Sirius frowned, 'Why?'
'Cos if I didn't we'd end up having another row.'
'What do you mean?'
James inhaled. 'She started volunteering for dangerous missions. Moody asks and she's the first one to accept. It started simple but then one day a scouting job went wrong and it became a rescue mission. Edgar says it was a dungeon or something, I don't know I was down south, but Moony says it was after that that she started volunteering. I came back last week and she had a busted lip, a black eye and a broken nose. I asked her what happened but she wouldn't tell me. Said it was mission related.'
Sirius reached for a cigarette and with a flick of his lighter, inhaled hot smoke.
'I mean,' began James with an exhale, 'I get why she's keeping it a secret, we all do but I don't actively sign up for dangerous missions. I don't show up with a battered face, refusing to tell her a fucking thing!'
Sirius hummed, 'Except that you sort of do.'
'What the fuck is that supposed to mean?' asked James as furious hazel eyes turned to him.
The long haired Marauder shrugged. 'Think about it mate. How many times have you lied to her?'
'It's not the same thing.'
Sirius watched as James inhaled again. 'You've kept shit from her too.'
The stag animagus threw his fag over the railing before glaring at him. 'It's not the same thing,' he bit out.
'It is.'
James took a step towards him. 'Shut the fuck up Pads!'
Sirius squared up to James. Their faces inches away from each other. Blind fury burning in his best mate's eyes. He took a step back, never taking his eyes off James.
They stared at each other. Prongs waiting for an excuse to deck him.
In the end, James gave in, grabbing at his damp hair as he muffled a growl behind his clenched jaw.
'I don't know what to do,' he said sounding desperate. 'She won't fucking stop. Like it's up to her to save the fucking world. I've tried- Merlin I've fucking tried to get her to see reason, but she won't! And the more I try, the more she sticks her head in the fucking sand! She's ...'
Sirius kept his eyes trained in the distance, his chest heavy as he tried to swallow a painful lump. His hands began to shake and his heart pounded in his chest. He took a drag and another and another. Screams of pain and cries for help rang in his head.
'... and I don't know what to do.'
'Run,' he said simply. 'Take her and go.'
Silence hung between them.
'We can't do that,' replied James and the pain in his chest sharpened.
This he realised was what the older Potters have been trying to say. This was what they felt: Fear for him fighting but relief at him staying.
James took another fag and moved to sit on the thick railing, his back against the manor wall. Sirius didn't move when James began to speak. Elbows bent again the stone, his back hunched as he watched the distant village, bright with light.
'I've a mission in Wales. Moody reckons I'll be gone over a month. I need you to watch over her mate. Keep an eye out for me, make sure she doesn't do anything stupid. Maybe volunteer to be her partner, make sure she sleeps and eats... shit like that.'
Sirius grimaced at that, regretting his next words. 'James- I can't.'
'Of course you can. When she begins to notice just put the blame on me. She'll still be pissed off but-'
'-Mate,' he said turning to face him. 'I can't.'
James blinked, frowning. Hazel eyes boring into his own, realisation dawning on him.
'You can ask to be transferred or removed. Come on mate, Wormtail is off somewhere and Remus just left for Scotland- I need you to do this for me-'
'-I won't be moved.'
'-You can at least ask!'
Sirius shook his head. 'They won't let me.'
'At least try!'
'I already have.'
'Try. Again.'
'I can't ask!' he spat, glaring.
'Moody-'
'-Who do you think I asked first?!' he snapped. 'Wanker threatened to kick me out of the Order!'
James scoffed. 'He was lying and you're a bloody idiot for believing him. He just doesn't like having his orders questioned.'
'Except this order didn't come from him- it came straight from Dumbledore.'
His best mate sat up straighter, frowning. 'What'd you mean?'
Sirius ran his hand through his hair. He hadn't planned on telling James. The thought hadn't crossed his mind but now that it had, he fought the urge to tell him everything.
He didn't know who Hermione Granger was. What she was hiding from. How she fit into this war or why she was so damn important- but he trusted his instincts. He didn't understand it, but the impulse to keep quiet was overwhelmingly strong.
It was James though.
'You can't tell anyone about this. Not even Lily. Understand?'
Prongs nodded and with a heavy sigh, he told him a shortened version of events leaving out important details like her name or location. By the time he was finished, James looked as confused and suspicious as he felt.
'What the fuck have they gotten you into?'
Sirius huffed a bitter laugh. 'That's the mystery innit?'
'So she's there now?' James asked with a nod to the village.
His head snapped around, eyes wide. Prongs shook his head.
'Mum bitched at me for not telling her you'd been stationed here. Told me off for not making you visit.'
'Ah. Yeah, she's there. I don't know how long I'll be watching her mate but I doubt I'll be moved-'
'-Don't worry about it. Seems you've got more important shit to do than to watch over my girlfriend ... Who do you think she is?'
'I don't know,' he murmured as James lit his fag. Pale eyes studying the village.
'No I don't reckon you do,' said Prongs around a mouthful of smoke. He could feel his best mate watching him and he turned to the bloke as he exhaled. 'So this bird of yours? Whoever she is, she's out of bounds yeah? Cos I doubt you two shagging would be a good thing.'
Sirius scowled, 'What the fuck are you on about?'
'You're stuck with a girl for twelve hours a day mate.'
He would've laughed if the mental image of Granger ridding him hadn't assaulted his brain. 'Trust me Prongs, that will never happen.'
Dark eyebrows shot upwards and hazel eyes hid behind illuminated glasses. 'Not your type then?'
Sirius shook his head, 'Mate, she's a pain in the arse know-it-all who acts bloody superior and who can't shut her gob.'
'Sounds like you.'
He laughed, conceding to the point. 'Does a bit, yeah.'
James didn't laugh though and he felt himself grow irrationally angry. 'What's your point mate? All these little questions of yours. Just spit it out.'
'You're with this girl all day, alone. A bird with a mysterious past, who's obviously forbidden and didn't fall at your feet-'
'-What the fuck are you trying to say James?'
'She's a challenge and you've always loved the chase.'
His mouth snapped shut.
It was true and denying it was pointless.
He loved the thrill of wearing a reluctant girl down. It was rare for him to meet a girl who didn't want him for his money, looks or to tame him. When he finally met one, he got obsessed. Get the girl.
But this was Granger. If Prongs knew her, he would have understood that nothing would ever happen between them. He said as much.
'Make sure nothing does Sirius,' James warned. 'There has to be a good reason why she's so important to the Order.' He shook his head. 'A mysterious bird who didn't drop her knickers immediately and you. A bloke who's used to getting his way and enjoys chasing after birds when he doesn't ... be careful mate. For once in your fucking life, think before you whip out your dick.'
Sirius sniffed before looking away. Dread filling him for some damn reason.
He shook it off.
'Nothing's gonna happen mate. Trust me,' he said harshly.
James huffed a laugh, nodding. 'Alright precious, keep your knickers on- I believe you... It's just as well too. Bit shit if you shagged the girl you're protecting. Conflict of interest and all...'
'Yeah.'
'Yeah.'
Sirius leant against the wall as he lit a fag. The lights of Godric's Hollow stood out beautifully against the stark darkness surrounding it, the village a small, beacon of light amidst the wilderness. He took a drag.
He knew he was in a delicate situation. He'd known it right away but he'd never considered it the way James had. The dog animagus exhaled with a sideways glance at his best mate. He was a bit insulted that that'd been his main concern.
Not, be careful mate or, make sure it's nothing too dangerous. Even an ask-questions-and-sod-them-if-they-don't-like-it would be better.
Instead he'd gotten a speech about keeping it in his trousers.
He was annoyed ... but also worried.
All three Potters now knew where he was stationed and though they wouldn't talk, he still felt anxious about his slip. He should've kept quiet.
It's the Potters, his mind reasoned but the worried guilt remained.
Sirius stared at the ash on his cigarette. The smoke rising and moving between the falling mist. He ran his hand through his damp fringe, flattening it back against his skull. He fucked up. He shouldn't have said anything. He really was crap at this.
Bit shit if you shagged the girl you're protecting.
The words were unbidden and came out of nowhere. He glared at the back of James' head.
He wasn't interested in Granger and he never would be. Fucking her was the least of his priorities- his eyes grew wide with sudden horror.
It was the least of his priorities but it wasn't everyone's ... and as her guardian, he had to be present for everything short of the loo ... which meant- fucking hell.
If Granger and No Bullshit shagged ... would he have to watch?
A/N: For those of you wondering, Moody's patronus is an American Pika.