DISCLAIMER. None of the characters used are a creation of mine. They belong solely to JK Rowling.

Hermione was used to the staring. She had had enough of it in her past life because of all the attention Harry always attracted. But the kind of staring she was being subjected to in her current situation was nothing but hostile.

Ignoring slurs from the major part of the school was becoming cumbersome. Everywhere she went whispered swearing followed. Students would shuffle out of her way and frown upon her with disdain.

One day when Hermione entered the Charms classroom with Severus, a deep silence fell around her. The Gryffindors sat with scowls on their faces while the Slytherins merely smirked.

James had tried to make light of the situation, 'Come now, guys, surely if Hermione did turn out to be one of those loony goons wearing stupid Halloween masks all time of the year, you'd best not be behaving so cold towards her.'

Peter snickered, 'Who knows she might be tempted to hunt you down?'

Sirius had laughed loudly enough for some students to chuckle reluctantly at the girl's expense but Hermione noticed how most of them merely looked away, their glares replaced by an expression of intense terror.

Her face fell and she walked past the Marauders despite Remus trying to catch her eye and apologise for his friends' tactless ways however good willed they may have been.

The Slytherins, however, couldn't stop their gloating and only tended to applaud her, urging her, trying to get in her good graces to perhaps be someday considered for servitude to the Dark Lord too.

Reggie had chosen to ignore everything and treated Hermione just the same as ever. He spared her no pitying glances like she'd have expected him to. She saw in his eyes something she hadn't expected.

Understanding.

Of course Regulus Arcturus Black would understand. He, too, would one day be treated to such hostility from his peers. He, too, would one day be goaded by his friends for how he was lucky to be a Black. But nobody would see how he wished nothing but to run away from the evil that threatened to overpower him.

Hermione had been glad for the small mercies life sometimes awarded her. It placated her immensely to see that Kingsley hadn't shied away from her either despite their friendship having only been a week old. He had shown her unflinching support. She really did wonder how a man of such courage and honour had ended up in the snakepit so far away from the lion's den.

Severus, on the other hand, proved to be a conundrum. He was conflicted whether to be excited at the prospect of his closest ally being portrayed in such a manner which would eventually help him on his way to become a Death Eater or to resent the harsh words that seemed to follow the girl everywhere she went. He might have begin to wonder whether it would be the most prudent choice to look after this best friend, Lily but his fascination towards the Dark Arts couldn't be denied.

Amidst all the chatter that surrounded her, Hermione had chosen to focus on only what her grandfather had written to her.

Do not worry yourself, dear. I assume you would be garnering quite a bit of heated glances from those around you. Rest assured it shall pass. The purity in your heart will not be tainted by the words of an unscrupulous reporter. Rab has already filed a complaint against the man and has ensured that the Ministry teaches him a right lesson before I get the opportunity to lay my hands on him.

Do not ever forget your purpose in this world. You could never go down the path similar to what Rodolphus has chosen his life to be. And neither could your brother, Rab.

I realise the depth of the concern you must be brimming with for the family. No harm shall come to you or to your brother. I may be an old man but I fear nobody. I shall never let anybody get to you whether it be my own blood.

Have courage. Time shall pass and you will soon find yourself laughing at this ridiculous turn of events.

*

Finding solace in the presence of nature, away from the world, Hermione had sought out her old nook beside the Black Lake where she had once fallen asleep all those years ago.

Looking over at the still water, she felt the storm brewing in the musky air. Snow would surely be adorning the grounds the next morning.

Curling her wrist and conjuring tiny golden birds that fluttered around her head, Hermione closed her eyes and breathed in the fresh air.

The scent of winterwood and faded leather hit her nostrils.

Sirius.

She smiled and looked up into his eyes. 'Hello. Pleasant morning, isn't it?

Sirius grinned widely and shoved her lightly, settling down beside her and wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

'I told you once I'd protect you from the lecherous sort, Mi.' He pulled out a beautiful white lily from thin air and presented it to her in that stupid chivalrous bow only he could perfect, 'Here I am! Your knight in shining armor!'

Hermione chuckled, 'Didn't realise it would take just a little bullying for you to finally talk to me.'

Sirius looked away in guilt and faltered. 'Listen, I know what people are saying about you. But you don't have to think about it, yeah? You be a goody two shoes like ever and it'll pass soon enough.'

She nodded and leaned into his side, sighing as she felt his presence envelope her and calm her racing heart.

'How did you find me?'

He chortled, 'The Marauders have come to realise this is the place to look for when you can't be found in that wretched old library.'

She struck his arm and stuck out her tongue at him.

He broke out laughing and pinched her cheek gently, 'Aren't you a cheeky litrle brat today?'

'Oh shut up. Where are the others?'

'Kitchens. Try outs got over last Friday. Since we are celebrating the finest Gryffindor Quidditch team in history they're getting some dalring old rum for a party tonight in the Common Room.'

Wrinkling her brow Hermione sniffed the air. 'Wait.. something is wrong.' He smelled a little different. How could she have not noticed before?

She shrieked, 'Have you been smoking, Sirius Orion Black?!'

Raising his arms in defence, he moved away from her, 'It was just a couple of fags. No need to get so testy.'

Shaking her head at him, she made a disgusted face. 'Do you want an early grave? It's vile! Where did you even find one?'

He smirked, 'Remus got me these Muggle magazines where I learned about three very important things.'

'Pray tell,' she deadpanned.

'Motorcycles are a gift from God. Fags are the best release. And a pretty bird in skimpy Muggle suits is entirely too pleasing to the eye.'

Blushing deep red, Hermione stood up and began stomping away to the Great Hall. 'You are an arse.'

Laughing, Sirius ran after her, wrapping his arms around her waist. Holding her at an arm's length, he sobered up and with sincerity etched onto his face, he said, 'Hermione, I know what a family of Death Eaters is like. You are lucky that Rab and Papa are normal blokes. Rodolphus was just the black sheep. Your brother will never allow him to get to you. Neither will he himself fall trap to that bastard's wishes.'

Hermione sighed, 'There are other ways to get someone to do your bidding, Sirius. Sometimes you are forced to do things even when they are the farthest thing from your ideals.'

He frowned, 'What are you trying to say?'

'We're heading to war and you know it. Lestrange family is known for its dabbling with the Dark Arts and so is the Black family. You know as well as I do that the two of us are equally equipped with dark curses as are the Death Eaters even more so given our heritage. A day might come when despite what we wanted we might have to give up our morals and .. join him.'

Sirius let go of her immediately and backed away. 'Hermione. I would never. No matter what happened I would never give in. And neither will you. I won't let you.'

Ignoring the last part of his rant, she said, 'I know you won't. You're far too noble for that.' She pulled onto her hair in annoyance, 'Rodolphus will resort to torture and blackmail to get what he wants. He's made it very clear he wants Rab to join. When the lives of your loved ones are threatened you do unforgivable things.'

Understanding flooded his being and he wrapped her in a tight embrace. Steel gracing his eyes, he hardened his jaw. 'Come what may, I will always be there for you.'

They stood in silence for the longest time after which Hermione reluctantly entangled herself from him. As much as she'd like to stay like that for all of time she knew that she couldn't.

Bracing herself, she said, 'Sirius, about that night when we..'

Sirius interrupted her and began dragging her away excitedly, 'We're late for lunch, Mi. As much as I enjoy your company I have to say I find myself partial to food. I am a growing boy and I need my fair share of it, don't you think? Hey, you want to come with us blokes to Hogsmeade this weekend? I know Papa won't allow it but we could always use the Cloak although..'

Hermione let him chatter away mindlessly as he pulled her along. He did something to her, that boy. She didn't know there had been something missing until he came along. It just felt so right to be with him.

She often wondered how she had missed it when she had met the older Sirius. How could she have not seen it then.

Smiling ruefully, she steadied herself and willed her mind to stop pondering over all the what ifs in life.

But alas her will wasn't to be. Her heart betrayed her as it thudded violently against her chest and sought comfort in the warmth that emanated from his grasp on her hand, all her worries suddenly vanished for the time being.