Thank you lavonne1962, paulaa90, Kareth Schara, Shirosaki-Yuki, Mo, Galatea Black, siriusbarks, Mojojojo, Meghan, Ashley Ayoub, Passerculi, chrisevansgurl, lexicon63738, Belieber Twihard, .3, LunaiWolfWings, kyrandiana, The girl with the broken halo, dixie326, CJPotter4Life, Anastasia Cross, AiedenKelly, lokithewizardhobbit, Just Lizzy, maraudersanarchy, Lori2622, IDOWHATIWANT474 and Guests... I'm continuing this story only for you guys... Love you lots... Please continue reviewing...
Mr. SM, I'm dedicating this chapter to you... ;-)
I do not own Harry Potter.
"You are one hell of an actress..."
"Please... I've seen the posters of those 'actresses' on your wall... I am nothing like them..."
"Mother! How did you... They were warded with... THOSE WERE PRIVATE!"
"Sirius, the girls didn't seem to know the word 'private' very well..."
"This is embarrassing."
"Not more than when I came across you staring at them and.."
"MOTHER! Can we please get back to the main point?"
"Very well, as I've said, I apologize for all those years of torment and unloving behavior. I know I don't deserve your forgiveness..."
"Enough.. You did what you had to do... Let bygones be bygones. It makes me happy that my mother actually cares for me."
"I always loved you Sirius. I am very proud to have a son like you."
"I respect you for what you did mother."
"So, now tell me, how did you manage to get the attention of the brightest witch?"
"That's a long story mother..."
"Go ahead... It's not like I have somewhere to go..."
.
.
'You've got to be kidding me...'
Hermione Granger was flabbergasted. She had just finished devouring everything written in the diary of Regulus Arcturus Black.
'Ok, calm down Granger. It's utterly daft to panic unnecessarily. Let's go over the facts...
One, Sirius's brother turned over from the Dark side after discovering a heinous deed done by Voldemort.
Two, I might have just discovered something extremely vital for the Order.
And Three... I need to find Severus Snape...'
With that thought, Hermione rushed towards the Potion Master's room.
.
.
Remus Lupin was panting as he made his way out of the 50-feet underground basement of the Black Manor at 4 a.m. His muscles were a bit stiff due to sitting still for a long time. It was his fault really... He could have have walked around had he not been almost shocked to death. Dumbledore had asked to meet him at 5 in the morning. At that time, he had found it extremely ridiculous in his condition. But now, circumstances were different...
He hurried towards the Main Hall but collided head-on with another person. That person happened to be the one he wanted to meet...
.
.
Hermione's head spun for a moment as thin but strong arms supported her. 'I really have to work on my body balance', she thought.
"Remus! I wasn't expecting to run into you so soon today... How are you?"
Without a word, Remus held her tightly in his arm, hugging her as if his life depended on it. Hermione was shocked to realize that he was crying on her hair.
"Remus... What's wrong? Didn't it work?"
"Thank you! Oh you wonderful girl! I can't thank you enough... You have no idea what this means to me... I'm free... I'm not a monster anymore..."
Hermione hugged his waist, patting him on the back. She couldn't help as tears streamed down her cheeks.
"You were never a monster, Remus... You just turned into a savage animal for a night every month... We girls go through that for five days..."
They laughed through their tears, taking comfort in their embrace... unaware of a pair of onyx eyes staring at them with rage.
.
.
"So, that's what happened... Now we have to figure out where this is going... I really want to get to know her better, be with her... Well, you get my point..."
"What are you waiting for? Go get her..."
"But... I... YOU WANTED TO TALK!"
"And now that we're done talking, go to her... Let's see how my son woos such a woman"
"I have no idea..."
With that, Sirius left to find Hermione...
.
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"I still can't believe that you din't tell me! Of all the members of the order, you chose the greasy git..."
"Sirius, stop calling Professor Snape that! He's a brilliant potioneer. I didn't tell anyone because I didn't wan't to raise your hopes up only to disappoint in the end. Anyway, I'm happy that Remus is cured..."
"So am I... He deserves it more than anyone..."
Hermione smiled at Sirius's joy for his best friend. He smiled back at her and took her hand in his. After having the conversation of his life with his mother, Sirius had rushed to find Hermione. He found her with Remus and they shared the good news. A smiling Remus left to find Dumbledore whereas Sirius asked Hermione to accompany him up the stairs.
"Where are you taking me Sirius?"
"On a date..."
"What? It's 4 in the morning!"
"Exactly! No one will interrupt us..."
With that, Sirius led them up to the roof of the Black Manor where Buckbeak stood proudly in the middle. Hermione gasped as she realized Sirius's intention.
"No way..."
"Ladies first..."
"I'm not riding on a hippogrif at 4 in the morning..."
Buckbeak seemed offended to being addressed as a mere hippogrif. Hermione bowed low and apologized profusely, which seemed to please him enough to let her pet him.
"Why not?"
"It's a bad idea Sirius. I'm terrified of flying. Besides, it's utterly dangerous... you could be spotted... You'll be sent back to Azkaban.. And you mmpphh..."
Firm lips shut Hermione right up. It took a moment for her to respond but she returned the kiss with new fervor. Sirius pulled back and stroked her cheek.
"I know we have a lot to talk about. But for once, stop overthinking and analyzing... The whole area around this place is charmed, no one will see us. As for your fear of heights... just trust me, won't you?"
"Fine.."
Hermione straddled on Buckbeak's back first, albeit hesitantly. She felt a little less nervous when Sirius's strong arm gripped around her from behind protectively.
"Ready?"
"No..."
"Good! Let's go... "
Hermione felt the cool air rush on her face. She had her eyes tightly shut. Sirius chuckled and whispered in her ear.
"Open your eyes my sweet bookworm..."
"Uh-uh"
"What are you afraid of?"
"Falling..."
"Do you think I'll let any harm befall you when you're with me?"
"No... but.."
"I won't let you go..."
"I know... I trust you..."
Hermione slowly opened her eyes. The sight before her was enchanting. Who knew that the top of Grimauld's place held such a profound sight! No longer did midnight hold any fascination for Hermione... Only sunrise... The hope and joy of a new day, a new beginning. She turned towards the man she was rapidly falling for..
"Thank you... I think I like flying..."
"Not the knight in the shining Armour?"
"Of course I love Buckbeak!"
Buckbeak squawked loudly and flapped his enormous wings happily. He slowly descended and landed softly on the roof. Hermione stroked his feathers as they led the creature back to his room. Sirius locked up Buckbeak and turned to face Hermione. She smiled at him nervously, soft blush playing at her cheeks.
"Hermione... I really like you... I would love to get to know you better... I know I'm too old and damaged for you... I've been in prison for goodness sake... You might not consider..."
Now it was Hermione's turn to silence the Marauder. Sirius stroked her hair and hugged her to him while Hemione's hands were around his neck. Sparks flew everywhere. They were lost in their own little bubble... No Gloomy house... No Dark Lord... No war... Just them... Then Sirius gently broke the kiss.
"As much as I'm content being with you all day, I really have to prepare for Harry's arrival..."
"Oh... Harry's coming today..."
"Will that be a problem? I mean, he's my Godson..."
"No Sirius... I like you too... Very much so... I would love to get to know you too..."
"I'll see you later my sweet bookworm.."
Sirius placed a gentle kiss on her lips and left with a big grin on his face. Hermione danced up and down with giddiness. Something fell from her pocket on the floor due to her jumping. She picked it up to find Regulus's diary. She had complete forgotten about her discovery. So, for the second time that day, Hermione Granger rushed towards Professor Snape's room.
.
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'That insufferable little chit... Hugging a former teacher... How preposterous! The same man would have had her for dinner about two years ago had it not been for me! Anyway, why should I care? She is at liberty to hug anyone she wants... She can even go kiss that Dog...'
Suddenly the image invaded his thoughts and he grew more angry.
He was pacing his rooms, lost in his own thoughts, when he heard an urgent knock on his door. He opened the door to find a breathless Hermioe Granger looking at him expectantly. For some reason, his anger lessened.
"Miss Granger! It's 5 in the morning! What..."
"Her...mi..o..ne... "
"What?"
"I thought I had asked you to call me Hermione, Professor."
"Very well, Hermione, what is so important that you felt it necessary to bother me at 5 in the morning?"
"Professor, what do you know about Horcruxes?"
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A/N: Tan tan taaaaa...
I know the romance part was a bit lame but you have to understand that they are supposed to be awkward towards each other... They are fine with the kissing because they do have a connection. There is trust, comfort and spark... Sirius had been isolated in a room surrounded by dementors for TWELVE years... It will take time for him to express more... And he has a lot to take in... So, wait for it ;-) Lot's of love...
A tiny spoiler... Next chapter: Remus's cure is conveyed to the order members. Someone sees Sirius and Hermione kiss... Guess who ;-) (Not SS)
Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease review...
