Disclaimer : Unfortunately, I have no rights on Once Upon a Time, Harry Potter and their characters!

Chapter not corrected (sorry).

Chapter 36: A Dark Heart

Hermione took the time to tell the real story of Sirius to the people of the city, they then walked to Granny's restaurant. Sirius had eyes only for the young witch he already considered his protégé although it was she who saved his life. On one side Regina was happy to see the relationship her daughter had with the wizard, an almost father / daughter relationship, on the other, she was hoping that Hermione would end up weaving that kind of connection with Robin. Once rehydrated, Sirius decided to discuss the real reason for his visit.

- Hermione, I think next year is going to be complicated, especially for you and Harry.

- Explain yourself.

- According to my sources, the Ministry, even more particularly the Prime Minister think that Dumbledore want to overthrow the government to take control.

- Sorry to intervene but it's silly, why take control of a government just before a crisis, the people would immediately make him responsible! Henry exclaimed.

Emma gave a small smile to her son. Despite his age, he already had the soul of a leader, a prince. Understanding some political cogs better than some adults.

- That's right, Henry, Hermione began. Yet the ministry is led by a paranoid who is convinced that Voldemort's return is a pure invention. She turned her attention back to Sirius. What do you think they will do?

Sirius then explained that Hogwarts still lacked a Defence against the Dark Arts teacher, so again this year, it would have to hire someone. This is where the department would put his nose and send someone from his own camp to watch for false evidence incriminating Dumbledore and those around him. Hermione groaned instinctively, thinking back to the only good teacher she had had in this way: Remus Lupin. It was so bad he could not get back on his feet, especially now.

The rest of the day was quiet enough, but Sirius' presence attracted a few curious people here and there. He had no age restriction to practice magic and was happy to show what he was capable of. The wizard was even more than happy to be able to show himself in public without risking anything. In addition, he drew the smile and not the fear for once, it was new and intoxicating for him. It was obvious that he was going to enjoy it.

- So you can turn into a dog, if I remember correctly, exclaimed Belle.

- That's it, my dear.

- Can I have a little demonstration?

- How could I refuse?

With his eternal charming smile in his face, he winked at Belle before letting himself get his animal shape. A proud black dog stood up in front of the young woman who adored this kind of magic that was only wonder. She who used to see the man under the beast when she looked at Rumple, could see the kindness of the tortured man in front of her. Sirius then resumed his human form and it was then some children of the city who joined him to take advantage of these moments of magic.

- Sir, can you show us something else?

Sirius then took out his wand and made appear his Patronus which had the same shape as his Animagus. He passed between the children who could only laugh and smile at it. He also showed "Wingardium Leviosa" by flying some cakes at Granny's and some other spells. When it was time to go home, he embraced Hermione one last time, promising to give her news as soon as possible.

-0-

It was then thanks to Sirius that Hermione had a good holiday. It had the effect of completely motivating the girl and she smiled for much of the summer she spent with her family and Henry. Three quarters of the summer holidays had already passed and many things had even changed in the city without any significant events happening. Hermione did not think holidays could go so fast, she usually yearned to go back to school, but since meeting with her family about a year ago, she had changed her point of view.

The belly of Regina was slowly beginning to become round, no one in town could ignore the pregnancy of the former queen. It was also necessary to admit that Regina did nothing to hide it. Each of her clothes were made to show her condition. Robin, too, took advantage of it, he was very caring for his companion and had a constant smile. Roland, too, seemed to appreciate all that, he was spending time with one hand on Regina's stomach without feeling much for the moment.

- By the way mom, you were not supposed to have an ultrasound yesterday? Hermione asked between sips of tea.

- You remember everything, I see! Laughs her mother. But yes, you're right, I did have an appointment yesterday.

- And?

- The baby is doing better than normal, the pregnancy is going well and we even know the sex of the baby.

A small silence settled in the restaurant, everyone seemed curious to know if the baby was a boy or a girl, bets on the subject were even going on between some residents of Storybrooke. It was with a big smile that Robin announced that it was a little girl who would soon join the family. We could see in Hook's face that he must have lost his bet. Hermione hugged the two future parents before leaving hand in hand with Henry.

It was not long after Sirius' visit that, against all odds, Henry took the first step with Hermione. Although surprised, the young witch could only respond positively to his advances and they no longer hide their relationship. The young man was desperate to see the end of the holidays come, there were only two weeks left before Hermione had to return to Hogwarts.

- Rumple, he's in town, he's unconscious in his shop! Ruby screamed in front of the restaurant.

Cruella and Ursula, who had been on a low profile after attending Hermione's training, had dropped Rumple and his plan just after taking him back to town. The Dark One saw his life end as his heart filled with darkness. He became aware of the time to warn that at his last breath, Darkness would be released in the city. Everyone understood that it did not inspire anything good.