WOW... thank you all SO much for the reception for last chapter. It was so wonderful to hear how much you all enjoyed it.
Of course, huge, GIGANTIC thank yous to: Guest, lucky333123, Allie, DeadDelta, Guest, xXMizz Alec VolturiXx, Raven that flies at night, Guest, and Guest.
Can't wait to hear what you all think about this chapter!
The sitting room looked as it had every other time Hermione had entered; the only additions this time was a fire roaring in the hearth and a neat pile of blankets and pillows on the floor. Hermione and Sirius placed two of the thicker blankets in front of the fire. They both kicked off their shoes and sat next to one another; somewhat uncomfortably.
"So… how do you know Arabella?" Hermione had to admit she was curious, but she wasn't entirely sure she wanted to know the answer.
"Oh, … we went on two dates last year…She's actually quite arrogant; a bit too vapid for me." Sirius answered offhandedly. He glanced at Hermione, trying to gauge her reaction.
"Any other gorgeous ex-girlfriends I need to spell?" Hermione tried to sound casual; but she hugged her knees to suppress some discomfort.
Sirius repositioned himself so that he was seated behind her; he pulled Hermione back so that she was leaning against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her torso, "No, I'll make sure of that." He dipped his head down and brushed his lips over Hermione's ear, "I'm sorry you had to deal with her."
They sat in silence for a few minutes; each enjoying the comfort that the other person provided.
Finally Sirius broke the quiet, "Will you tell me what I've done wrong, so I can fix it?"
Hermione began to laugh. She gave Sirius' hand a firm squeeze. "It has to do with my emotions, are you sure you want to delve into that?"
"Not usually," Sirius smiled into Hermione's hair. "But for you, I'll make an exception."
"Oh, really?" Hermione's skeptical voice was laced with humor.
"Of course," Sirius attempted to sound stern, but he began laughing at the tone their conversation had taken.
Hermione huffed slightly, "Alright, but I gave you fair warning." She explained in brief detail about how the enormous group of people had made her feel; especially when Sirius had inadvertently made her the center of attention. She touched on how the image of the leggy witch draped over his frame had made her cringe; and how anger and disappointment had taken hold of her when Sirius couldn't shake the witch off. Hermione then admitted how uncomfortable it made her that she didn't know what they were to each other, and how she became panicked when she imagined asking him to clarify it.
"Is that all?" Sirius sounded surprised.
"Please don't joke," Hermione sat up and turned her body so she was facing the Marauder.
Sirius offered her a small smile, "I'm not joking, I swear. I was honestly afraid I'd done something much worse; this I can actually fix."
"And how do you suggest fixing me?" Hermione glanced down at her hands; she was puzzled how she had allowed herself to become so vulnerable. Harry had always said she was the brains of the group, the logical one. Harry would tell you that emotions tend to get in the way of even the brightest of people.
"No, no; not fix you. Fix this," Sirius motioned between the two of them. "Alright, you're not allowed to laugh, because this is going to be extremely cliché."
Sirius took both of Hermione's hands in his own, "Hermione," she smiled as her real name fell from his lips. "Would you please be my girlfriend? Even though I'm complete rubbish at relationships, and I have next to zero real experience with them; I really like you and I'm honestly a bit afraid you'll leave me for Moony if I don't make some kind of effort."
Hermione rolled her eyes, "Really Sirius? You completely ruined your whole sentiment."
Sirius pulled Hermione into his lap before she could wrench away, "You did hear the part about me being rubbish at this, right?" He captured Hermione's mouth, trying to distract her.
"I didn't answer you yet," Hermione pulled her head back; attempted to scowl, but failed miserably.
"So what's your answer?" Sirius wore a dopey grin, waiting for a replay he already knew.
Hermione didn't like the idea of Sirius thinking she was predictable; so instead of answering verbally, she let her actions respond to his question.
She wrapped her arms around Sirius' neck; lacing her fingers into his wavy black hair. Hermione carefully positioned her knees so that she was now straddling him and began kissing him deeply. Sirius was shock still for a few seconds before his body began responding instinctively toward the blonde's maneuvers. He slipped his fingers under the hem of Hermione's shirt and traced the top outline of her jeans; this sent electric pulses up and down her spine. Hermione smiled into the kiss. Sirius took this as an invitation to venture a bit further. He let his hands roam a little further up and over Hermione's taught stomach; but he stopped short as his fingers grazed a patch of coarse, jagged skin.
Sirius broke their kiss gently and looked into Hermione's clear brown eyes; she shifted anxiously and pulled her shirt back down over her torso. She saw the concerned question in his eyes, "It's just my scar from the lightning curse...it's a bit extensive."
"Can I see it?"
Hermione shook her head in response.
"Later then?" He questioned again.
"Later," Hermione confirmed. She looked at him with an embarrassed expression, "Sorry."
Sirius chucked and kissed Hermione softly, "Don't even think on it. Time for bed; best not to get me too excited anyway."
Hermione smiled hesitantly as Sirius lay down in front of the fire and patted the pillow next to him. He immediately pulled her onto his shoulder and held her arm to his chest.
"Wait, I almost forgot," Hermione pulled a small square of wrapping paper from her pants pocket and handed it over.
Sirius flipped the small parcel over in his fingers; then held it up to his ear and shook it, "Doesn't sound like a motorbike helmet." He laughed as he ripped the paper to reveal a small silver pendant, with a roughly cut rune on a knotted black leather cord.
"It's the Viking rune meaning 'protection'," Hermione traced the little black symbol that resembled a crow's footprint. "I've actually spelled it with a strong shield charm too; just in case you're caught off guard." Thank you, Fred and George.
"Really? That's brilliant!" Sirius pulled the necklace over his head and adjusted the cord so that the pendant hit the middle of his sternum. "Thank you."
They joked about spells and hexes Sirius might need to learn to get rid of unwanted witches until sleep came for them.
The next several weeks were occupied with enormous mountains of homework that were meant to prepare them for N.E.W.T.s. A week before Halloween, Professor McGonagall asked to meet Hermione for a belated assessment for her future.
"I know we placed you into the classes that you had mentioned you were taking for N.E.W.T.s, but I wanted to discuss with you about your future," Minerva set a fanciful tray down on the center of her desk. It contained her vintage red and gold rose tea set, her favorite by far, and some small cucumber sandwiches. She and Hermione sat next to each other in McGonagall's office enjoying some private time and tea.
"Well I always toyed with the idea of working in the Ministry, but I'm not sure if that is an option here," Hermione admitted as she spooned some sugar and tipped milk into her teacup.
"May I make a suggestion?" the Professor had been contemplating this idea for a few days and had hoped that her 'niece' would be receptive of it.
Hermione nodded encouragingly before she took a sip of her tea.
"Well, what would you think about working at Hogwarts after you graduated? Working as a teaching assistant at first; and then hopefully as a Professor when you feel ready for the task." McGonagall took a gulp of her own tea to give Hermione a moment to ponder, "We usually only have teaching assistants when professors have expressed interest in retirement. But I would be more than happy to ask Dumbledore for whatever subject you wish to pursue; if it interests you at all, dear."
"I've never actually thought of becoming a teacher," Hermione loved learning but had never thought of passing her knowledge onto others; though she had helped Harry and Ron a bit during O.W.L.s. "Do you think I would be any good at teaching? What would I teach?"
The professor chuckled lightly, "You said yourself that you received O's on all your subjects except Defense against the Dark Arts, so I believe that you would have your pick of subjects. Though, I do recall Professor Slughorn mentioning that he will be nominating Mr. Snape for the Potions position when he retires in a year or so."
Hermione nodded her head knowingly. She pondered over her favorite subjects and could only narrow it down to three, "I do love Ancient Runes, Charms and Transfiguration. Could I possibly train in all three until I need to make a definitive decision?"
"Of course, that sounds perfect," Minerva jotted down some notes to discuss with Dumbledore later.
"Could I also make a suggestion?" Hermione's voice wavered slightly, but she sat up a little straighter in her chair and continued.
"Yes, Dear?" McGonagall halted writing to give her attention back to Hermione.
"Would you consider offering Remus Lupin a similar position?" Hermione saw the edges of Minerva's mouth flint upward, "He will make an amazing Professor one day; I can assure you of that."
A tight smile covered the Professor's mouth. She raised her hands to halt Hermione from explaining further, "Don't elaborate. I'll take your word for it, my dear." The two women smiled and laughed as the unspoken secret passed between them.
Hermione, Sirius and Remus found that it was easier to study the timeline separately; it was less suspicious that way. Sirius and Remus both visited the sitting room individually on several occasions and came back with a laundry list of questions and needed clarifications. Hermione made study dates with both Marauders occasionally to help fully explain her notations, and soon both Remus and Sirius had a reasonable grasp of what the future held.
The only thing left that she could explain for the time being was the prophecy; she was unsure of when exactly the prophecy had been made so she was unable to place it on the board. Hermione could recite the prophecy by heart only a few hours after Harry had told her and Ron about it. She became obsessed with the implications of Professor Trelawney's words. Hermione knew that after Sybill made the prophecy, Dumbledore would hire her as the Divination Professor to keep the woman safe within the walls of Hogwarts. Maybe Hermione would be able to speak to Trelawney herself and find out more about the prophecy.
The last weekend of October was another Hogsmeade weekend; Hermione had wanted to stay at the castle and discuss the prophecy, but Remus and Sirius had begged her to postpone since the werewolf had missed the last Hogsmeade weekend due to the full moon.
Hogsmeade was bustling with the excitement of Halloween just a few days away. Hermione and Lily walked a few paces behind the four Marauders, contemplating if they really wanted to be seen with the ridiculous boys. The Marauders were recounting Gryffindor's latest quidditch win; they looked absurd recreating some of the more memorable plays.
"Can you believe we're actually dating two of those buffoons?" Hermione snorted as Lily questioned their taste in the opposite sex. The redhead shook her head, contemplating where they had gone wrong. But as soon as James turned back and grinned at her, Lily automatically mirrored his smile and flecks of color sprinkled her cheeks. "Not a word, Mia."
Hermione's shoulders shook with her silent laughing, as she quickly covered her mouth.
Lily's eyes narrowed at the blonde next to her, "Better contain yourself, before I get started on you and Mr. Black."
"Well, have at it, Lil." Hermione was reveling in the new best friend that she had found in Lily. Hermione looped her arm through Lily's as she challenged her to continue.
Lily huffed exasperated, but smiled after a moment of thought passed, "I think you've changed him."
Sirius took this opportunity to levitate Remus' hood over his head to cover his face and completely obscure his field of sight. "Alright," Lily cocked her head to the side, "Perhaps 'change' is too strong of a word. The two witches stifled their giggles as they continued to stroll behind the Marauders.
"So, what have I done to Sirius?" Hermione tried to ask casually, but her voice cracked as her pitch elevated involuntarily.
Lily leaned her shoulder into Hermione with a loving bump, "I think you've focused him. Even with all his gallivanting and exuding confidence and charm wherever he goes, Sirius couldn't hide the fact that he always looked a little lost to me. The only think he ever seemed sure of before were the other Marauders." Lily angled her head gesturing toward the boys, "But since you've been here, Sirius has been more confidant in himself."
Hermione mused over the idea that she had brought about this new assurance in Sirius. "And do you really think a more confident Sirius is a good thing," Hermione asked as Sirius stole James glasses and was now wearing the thick spectacles; magnifying his eyes to comical proportions.
"Well, I never said he had grown up." Lily's smile was encouraging, "But yes, Sirius needs the confidence. Being told by your own mother that you're worthless and will never amount to anything can take a toll even on such a stubborn soul."
"Oh…" Hermione had known about Sirius running away and his mother disowning him, but she had never known the extent to which the old woman had scared Sirius. She looked on Sirius' jovial face and had difficulty believing that he had needed anything from anyone. But when Sirius caught the blonde witch staring at him, his Cheshire smile beamed even brighter.
He strolled over and threw his arm over Hermione's shoulder, "Lily, I think your boyfriend might need some help. He keeps complaining about everything appearing quite fuzzy for some reason." Hermione hid her face behind her hands in embarrassment and sent a pleading look in Lily's direction.
"Yes, well maybe I should get him a seeing-eye dog; do you know of any …Snuffles?" The redhead snatched the black rimmed spectacles off of Sirius' head and smirked as she walked over to James.
Sirius' jaw slacked at Lily's back as she walked away.
Hermione pushed his chin back up into place, "I think she might have worked out who woke me up a few weeks ago."
"Well, it was the only way to get around the stairs; I did what had to be done," Sirius waggled his eyebrows at the blonde and kissed her temple before dragging her after the group.
The group had a quick lunch at the Three Broomsticks and immediately went to Zonko's Joke Shop. Lily had to remind James that he was head boy when he began picking out dung bombs and was caught eyeing a new fanged flyer.
Hermione wandered away from the Marauders and Lily as she looked through the old yet familiar items on the bright orange shelves that covered every wall of the shop. She found it strangely comforting that the joke shop looked almost identical to how it looks in the future, just with updated merchandise and ad posters. An elegantly fashioned sneakoscope, one that was silver and brass in color and had intricate scroll patterns woven along the top, caught Hermione's attention. She was admiring the little dark detector when she heard someone lightly clearing their throat behind her.
"Excuse me. Are you Amelia McGonagall?" Hermione turned to face the young man. He was slightly taller than herself; his long, wavy black hair brushed the top of his collar. The boy wore a dark emerald sweater with a crisp black blazer that bore a vaguely familiar crest of a skull and three black birds.
When Hermione realized where she recognized the crest from, her eyes immediately lifted to find a pair of grey eyes staring back at her that she knew all too well. "Regulus Black," the boy stated as he stiffly extended a hand. Hermione hesitantly took his hand and shook it once.
"Good to meet you," Hermione found her voice steady but very faint.
Regulus dipped his head sharply, "It's a pleasure." He then linked his hands behind his back and stood with his chest puffed out; he looked a bit silly in Hermione's opinion, though she assumed that he was trying to look formal or maybe even regal.
"What can I help you with today, Regulus?" Hermione found herself a bit jittery with concern as she questioned the boy. She knew that Sirius had a difficult relationship with his younger brother, but Harry had never elaborated or indicated if he knew anything else. The only bit of information she had about Regulus is that he joined the Deatheaters and disappeared soon after graduating from Hogwarts. Future Remus had mentioned in one of their grueling study sessions that he assumed that Voldemort had Regulus killed, but the reason was still unknown.
"Well, my brother seems very taken with you. I thought it was time to introduce myself," the manner in which Regulus spoke had Hermione on edge. His intonation was condescending in nature; Regulus even tilted his chin out so that he was speaking down to her physically as well.
"Yes, well I am very taken with him also," Hermione watched the boy's face carefully as she spoke; trying to discern the real reason for engaging her in the conversation.
"You are of half-blood status?" Regulus' face was almost stone like. He showed no emotional investment in any of his words.
Hermione's temper flared slightly causing her eyes to darken and narrow, "Yes. My mother was muggle born. What of it?"
Regulus ignored her questions and continued with his interrogation, "You realize that you will never become a Black? I'm afraid that my family will never accept you."
"That's fine," Hermione muttered through clenched teeth.
"I'm also assuming that you know that Sirius has been disowned by my mother and was written out of the inheritance. Is that correct?" Regulus eyed the witch as he waited for her response.
Hermione glowered at the boy. She took a moment to regulate her breathing, "Yes, Sirius has mentioned that already." Hermione pulled her shoulders back and stood up a little taller, "But that doesn't matter to me; we don't need your money."
A minute smile pulled at one side of Regulus' mouth, "I'm pleased to see my brother isn't dating brainless, gold-diggers anymore."
Regulus nodded his head again, spun on his heal and swiftly stalked away.
Hermione's head was left reeling.
Well, I hope you all liked Hermione finding some footing in her 'new' life. I really wanted to express some details in what she is doing to try to follow future Remus' words and 'live her life.'
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Reviews are what keeps me going...don't let me down! =(
Love,
Misha