Thank you lavonne1962, paulaa90, KarethSchara, Shirosaki-Yuki, Mo, Galatea Black, siriusbarks, Mojojojo, Meghan, Ashley Ayoub, Passerculi, chrisevansgurl, lexicon63738, BelieberTwihard, .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...
This Chapter is dedicated to my hero... S.B...
I do not own Harry Potter.
Severus Snape was speechless, which was a rare occurrence. Never could he have imagined that Hermione Granger would be knocking at his door at 5 in the morning to ask him about Horcruxes! Where the hell did she learn about such a vile entity?! He couldn't bear the thought of that horrid word coming out from her mouth. She was so innocent… so pure… so beautiful.. Wait, what?
Snape snapped out of his train of thoughts and almost brutally pulled the girl into his rooms. He closed the door but still didn't let go of her arm.
"How do you know that word? Do you even know what that means you daft girl?!"
"Yes Professor Snape, I'm very much aware of the term and it's significance. And as far as the source of the knowledge is concerned, I'm not sure how to tell you.."
"Miss Granger, this is a grave issue! I must insist..."
"I know! It's not that I don't want to tell you, Sir. I trust you..."
Severus was shocked at her words. She trusted him? But why?
"This is very important Professor. I really need your help. I didn't know anyone else who would have the amount of knowledge to understand the gravity of the situation. Professor Dumbledore is always so busy..."
"And you think I have all the time in the world?"
"It's not that Professor. I just feel more comfortable sharing this information with you... You have a steady mind and will not take any step without completely analyzing the info. But, it's a long story. Do you think you can spare some time, Sir?"
Snape sighed and finally released his grip. He summoned a tray of coffee and biscuits, and sat down on a chair.
"Very well then, have a seat Mis-uh-Hermione, and tell me this long story of yours."
Hermione smiled and sat opposite her potions professor.
"Professor, do you remember Regulus Black? I came across his diary…."
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"Thank you Kreacher. It felt wonderful to read after what seems like eternity. Please levitate the other book in front of me."
Kreacher snapped his bony fingers and the book hovering in front of Mrs. Black's portrait got replaced with 'The Fire Queen'.
"Anything else, Mistress?"
"Yes Kreacher, there is one more thing I'd like you to do…"
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"Bloody Hell! What happened to this place?"
To say that the whole Grimmauld's place stool still in awe, would be an understatement. Mrs. Black's order to Kreacher had not only displeased the elf, but also, it's implementation managed to shock the entire household. Not a single speck of dust was visible on any surface. The walls no longer held its gloomy grey colour. The whole place was unrecognizable. Grimmauld's place had been restored to its former grandeur overnight. Even the ugly coat rack which had always caused Tonks trouble seemed to have been transfigured into and elegant stand with studded jewels. Every moth eaten curtain was replaced by satin and the nasty creatures who had resided in the house for many a years disappeared into nothingness. The windows had become larger in size and the sunlight streaming through them made the rooms glow wonderfully.
"Wow mother! You've finally managed to make the house habitable! How did you manage?"
"It wasn't me, Fred... I mean George.. No, wait! Fred..."
**"Honestly woman you call yourself our mother..."
"Oh hush you two! And close your mouth Ronald, you'll attract the pixies. We'll come back here later. Everybody, to the kitchen.. "
Everyone started heading towards the kitchen, the children with awe, whereas the adults with caution.
"Alastor, could you please see whether it's safe? I need to go find Sirius and ask him about this change.."
"No problem Molly. There seems to be no problem in the kitchen, although I can't be completely sure. Ever since that loon used my eye, it gets woozy sometimes. You go on and prepare breakfast; I'll find Sirius... "
Mad-eye turned to go upstairs and noticed the twins onto some mischief.
"DON'T TOUCH THAT LAD! We have to be sure that this isn't some kind of trick! CONSTANT VIGILANCE!"
Moody huffed and started ascending the stairs.
"Sorry Professor Moody.. We were just curious... ", George called after him.
"Well, Curiosity killed the Chimaera..."
"Hey Tonks! Didn't see you there!"
"Yes... I've finally managed not to be clumsy for an entire hour since morning and... hmfph"
Tonks tripped on Crookshank's tail and was caught by strong, warm hands. 'I guess my lucky hour is up.. Or... maybe not...'
"Thanks Remus... I didn't see Crookshanks..."
"It's perfectly alright Nymphadora..."
"I've told you not to call me that... Wait a minute! You look different..."
"I... really didn't notice myself.."
"You look better.. And younger... It might be because I'm looking at you up close..."
Lupin blushed when he realized that he was still holding Tonks close to him. He let go off her waist and distanced himself, a smile softly playing on her lips.
"My apologies. We should get going; we have lots to do..."
Tonks sighed and turned towards the kitchen.
"Wait! Umm.. Dora?"
"Yes?"
"When we go to get Harry... We're supposed to go in pairs... Would you like to fly with me? For safety reasons of course... You don't have to say yes... Just... Well..."
Tonks stood on her toes and placed a soft peck on his cheek.
"I would love to..."
With that, Tonks left a profusely blushing Remus at the hallway. She promised herself to save a nice treat for Crookshanks later. ;-)
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Sirius returned from the attic after checking on the wards on the house, which had taken hours. Everything seemed to be in perfect order for Harry's arrival. Sirius Black was in a very good mood, so much so that he didn't even notice the changes on the way down the stairs. It was almost time for breakfast, which would be followed by a meeting conducted by Dumbledore. Remus was going to share the great news with everyone. He was really happy for his friend, no one deserved it more than him. His thoughts then turned towards a pretty brunette. He couldn't believe that she had agreed to give this a shot. And damn him if he didn't make the most of him. He would do everything to deserve her affection.
Sirius was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't realize that he had stopped walking and was standing in front of his brother's room. He knew that his childhood rival was occupying that room at the moment. He considered what Hermione thought about the greasy... uh... Snape. Maybe, it was time to let go of the past. He could at least try to be civil. 'Hermione would appreciate it', his mind encouraged.
Suddenly, the door slid open and Hermione Granger came out of the room, smiling... She had been with Severus-bloody-Snape and she was smiling..
'Calm down... You wouldn't want to do anything rash... For Hermione's sake... CALM DOWN', Sirius managed to not turn into his animagus form and rip off Snape's head.
"Thank you for your time Professor Snape. I'll see you at the meeting."
"M-Hermione, make sure you bring the source with you... Black, what are you doing here?!"
"Well, you see, this is my house. So, I can roam around at free will..."
"Understandable... Your house is the only place you can prance around... Nothing productive to do I see..."
Sirius wanted to smack that smirk off his face but could sense his girlfriend... girlfriend?... waiting for his reaction. Sirius cleared his throat.
"You're right. I'm useless to the Order at the moment except for providing this place. The least I could do is not stand in your way. However our past may have been, we're on the same side, Snape. I am sorry, and I appreciate what you have done for the Order, for my friend. I'm past the childish grudge. Hope you can come to terms with that too."
With that, Sirius turned and walked away from the two stunned figures staring after him.
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Remus stood up from his seat and requested everyone's attention. The whole kitchen had noticed the changes in him. He looked younger, healthier and his smile actually reached his eyes.
"I would like to share a good news with everyone present here. Yesterday, I was injected with a special potion. It was a potion concocted by our dear Hermione and Severus Snape. I'll be forever thankful to them... This is the happiest moment of my life... I..."
Lupin had to fight the tears back. All his life he had been termed as monster. His own parents had been scared of him. But now, he was free. He saw the people sitting around him. Each and everyone cared for him, despite knowing he was a warewolf. He cleared his throat and spoke again...
"I've been cured from my lycanthropy... I'm no longer bound to that life... I'm free..."
Everyone reacted instantly. Tonks hugged Remus like her life depended on it, the Weasley children cheered, Molly and Minerva had tears of joy and the few other Order members joined in the cheer.
"Remus! You could get your job at Hogwarts back! Hell, we need a teacher like you!"
"Yes! Three cheers for Lupin! Hip hip..."
"AAAAaaaooooooooooooo"
The twins' howling like wolves earned then a smack on their heads by Molly.
Remus thanked everyone for their support. He felt overwhelmed by their response. But his eyes sought three people who were absent from the gathering: Hermione, Severus and his best friend, Sirius. 'Where are they?'
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Hermione was the first to recover. "I ... I have to go... Bye Professor..."
She ran and caught up with Sirius. She put a hand on his shoulder to halt his steps. Without a word, she grabbed his shirt collar to pull him down and crashed her lips to his. Sirius stood still for a few seconds, then wrapped his arms around her, almost picking her up in the process. He had meant to just be civil with Snape, but Hermione's presence brought out that confession. By the reaction he was getting, he was pretty sure he would even hug the fellow in future! No, that's too much... 'Stop thinking about that git and kiss the lady you fool!'
Soon they were out of breath and had to stop their snogging session(very much unwillingly).
"That was really brave of you..."
"Well, if I knew I'd get this in return, we'd be best buddies by now..."
Hermione giggled and Sirius was pleased with the sound. She had a lovely giggle, like wind chimes... Soft and elegant...
"No, that would be too much... I think you're better off with Remus as your bff..."
"I knew I liked you for a reason..."
Sirius slowly stroked her cheek and kissed her softly. He then stuffed his hand in his pocket and pulled out a silk pouch. Placing the pouch on her hand, he urged her to open it. Hermione found a golden charm in the shape of a tiny hippogriff attached to a long golden chain.
"I used to be an Auror before I was taken to Azkaban. I bought this with the money I had earned, not with the tainted galleons of my father. It reminds me of our first meeting. That night meant a lot to me, Hermione. I would have.. have... I .. You saved me from a fate worse than death... You've taken care of my Godson.. I want to thank you Hermione... Thank you for saving me... And for giving this broken man a chance..."
"Oh Sirius, you don't have to thank me..."
It was when Hermione wiped his cheeks that Sirius realized that he'd been shedding tears. She picked up the chain and fastened it around her neck. It glittered when the tiny hippogriff flapped it's wings an turned into a dog. Hermione smiled and looked up to see Sirius smirking attractively.
"Hmmm... This guy seems familiar..."
"Oh, does he now?"
"Yes, he happens to be very special to me..."
"Well, I would like to meet him... To know who I'm competing against... I can't believe you'd go for a dog instead of choosing a ruggedly handsome and sophisticated..."
"Sirius.."
"Yes..."
"Shut up and kiss me..."
"As you wish, M'lady.."
His lips softly caressed her as he wrapped his arms possessively around her. Hermione put her arms around his neck and slowly stroked his hair. She was lost in the kiss and Sirius was mesmerized. It felt warm and safe. Fireworks... Stars... Butterflies... Nothing could describe what Hermione felt at the moment. This kiss was different. It felt more like a promise than just expressing affection. A promise of chance... A promise to try for a future... She knew that they had lots to do and plans to execute. But, for the first time, Hermione Granger, The brightest witch of her age, bookworm extraordinaire, lost the ability to think, in the arms of Sirius Black.
They were so lost into each other that they failed to notice the sound of clunking coming towards them. Suddenly, the sound stopped for a while and a gruff throat was cleared loudly.
The couple broke their blissful connection and turn to see the gnarled face of Alastor Moody stating at them, his face devoid of any emotion.
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A/N: Sorry for the late update... I was dealing with a lot of sh*t... Please review... love you guys :-*