Title: Adhara Black
Genre: Romance/Family
Rating: M
Summary: Just as Hermione, Harry and Ron were looking forward to a peaceful seventh year at Hogwarts, the arrival of a little girl from the future turns everything upside down. Especially as she happens to be the daughter of Hermione and Sirius Black! But why has she been sent to the past? And what dark future is her arrival intended to thwart?
Couple: Hermione/Sirius
Disclamer: Harry Potter doesn't belong to me.
Spoiler: The seven books
Notes: Hello everyone! A quick correction: there will be 8 chapters in this story. I don't know why I counted 6, sorry for the inconsistency. Thanks to ... and happy reading to you!
Chapter 4: The Christmas ball
When Sirius and Adhara arrived in the flats, Hermione was already busy in the kitchen, taking out the ingredients needed to prepare dinner. The scene, simple and warm, gave Sirius a strange, almost bittersweet feeling. He could easily imagine the scene becoming a regular one: Hermione, Adhara and himself gathered around a home-cooked meal, a kind of routine he had never thought he wanted.
"I'm making a pie," Hermione declared with a smile, recalling what Adhara had said about Friday nights.
Even though it was Saturday, she wanted to make up for it.
"Yes!" exclaimed Adhara, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
She jumped up, delighted, and took Sirius by the hand to invite him to join them.
Sirius smiled and grabbed an apron, ready to join in, when Tonks and Remus entered the kitchen. They froze for a moment, then exchanged amused smiles as they took in the scene.
"I thought Hermione hadn't moved here yet," Tonks joked, giving Remus a knowing look.
The young witch blushed, disconcerted, while Sirius burst out laughing. To ease Hermione's embarrassment, he invited the Lupins to stay for dinner. Once they were seated around the table, Hermione took the opportunity to ask Remus about his research into the formula that had propelled Adhara into this time. The conversation soon turned to the Aurors' missions and those of the members of the Order. Aware of Adhara's presence, they remained cautious and changing the subject, Tonks turned his attention to the little girl, asking her about her day. With the excitement characteristic of her age, Adhara described every detail, accompanying her words with broad gestures that reminded everyone of Sirius.
He watched the scene, a growing warmth in the pit of his chest. It was a perfect sight: his friends, Hermione, himself, Adhara, and even Teddy, asleep in his bassinet by the fire. He turned his head towards Hermione, his gaze softened by a tenderness he was struggling to conceal. She noticed him and, looking intrigued, questioned him with her eyes. He winked at her, and the two of them returned to the conversation, complicit.
When the meal was over, Hermione and Sirius put Adhara to bed together. As they left the girl's room, their hands brushed against each other and their eyes met for a moment. Hermione gave him a discreet smile.
"Good night, Sirius," she murmured before walking away.
- Good night," he replied, his voice low.
His gaze followed her until she disappeared into the corridor. The more time passed, the harder it became to let her go each evening. He loved her presence, her smiles, even the way she blushed at his teasing. He couldn't deny that he'd been harbouring feelings for her for some time, though he didn't fully admit them, even to himself.
For her part, Hermione returned to her chambers with a beating heart and troubled thoughts. She loved spending time with Adhara, growing more attached to the little girl every day. But what really worried her was Sirius.
Hermione tried to keep a straight face, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the effect he was having on her. Every intense look, every smirk made her shiver. Every conversation between them was a suspended moment. Everything seemed almost secondary and, in spite of herself, he monopolised her every thought.
With a sigh, she headed for the bathroom, hoping that a cold shower would wash away her confusing thoughts. But it was no use. At bedtime, her thoughts turned again to Sirius, and she fell asleep with his image in her mind, ending the night haunted by dreams in which their exchanges became more intimate, closer, more explicit. She woke up troubled, her mind still fogged by the images of the night, convinced that her trouble must be visible on her face.
That morning, when she met up with Sirius and Adhara, she carefully avoided his gaze, certain that he would sense her unease. For his part, Sirius noted her distant attitude but said nothing. Spending all her time with him and Adhara was not what a young woman of her age should be doing. Of course she needed time for herself and her friends.
He had no idea of the reality of Hermione's troubled state. She simply avoided meeting his intense gaze, desperately trying to keep her composure and not let the burning memories of her dreams show.
At lunchtime, Harry, Ron and Ginny joined them, invited to share a meal. Adhara, delighted to see so many familiar faces, passed from one to the other, recounting her latest adventures with her characteristic enthusiasm. Sirius watched this scene with a light heart, enjoying these warm moments.
After lunch, everyone made themselves comfortable in the living room, before Ginny and Hermione slipped away for a meeting of prefects.
On the way, Ginny, more perceptive than Hermione would have liked, stared at her, her eyebrows slightly furrowed.
"Did something happen with Sirius?" she asked, trying to see through her friend's troubled expression.
- No, why?" replied Hermione, trying to keep her tone light.
- I don't know... I sensed a certain tension between you. But I must be wrong."
Hermione merely nodded, without daring to add anything. "Tension" even seemed a weak word to describe what she had been feeling around him lately.
Nevertheless, the prefects' meeting offered him a welcome respite. The discussions revolved around the preparations for the Christmas ball and the special evening reserved for the seventh years. Hermione got caught up in the organisation, enjoying the opportunity to concentrate on other things. But as the meeting drew to a close, her mind was already drifting to Sirius and Adhara, eager to see them again.
When she returned to Sirius's house, she found him ready to leave for a meeting of the Order and felt a wave of disappointment sweep over her. She had forgotten about the meeting and now regretted it. She said nothing, however, keeping her feelings to herself. Before leaving the flat, he knelt down to kiss Adhara on the forehead, slipping Hermione a smile.
"I'll be back before bedtime," he said with a gentleness that made the young woman's heart beat a little faster.
Hermione nodded, a tender smile on her lips.
"Good luck."
When the door closed, she turned to Adhara with a knowing smile.
"So, Ada, are you hungry? Do you want to eat now?
- Yes! Can we do eggs and bacon?"
Hermione burst out laughing, amused by the little girl's choice.
"Breakfast for dinner? Sounds good!"
They enjoyed their meal in a relaxed atmosphere, before Adhara asked for a bath, with a mischievous look on her face.
"But with you, Mum! Sometimes we take baths together!"
Hermione smiled, touched by the request.
"Okay, but we'll use my bathroom then. Let's get your stuff."
After preparing a bag with Adhara's toys, Hermione ran the water while the little girl stood excitedly by her side, chattering incessantly. She tied her hair into a quick braid to keep it dry. As soon as the water reached a sufficient level, Adhara slipped into the bath, followed closely by Hermione, who watched the little girl from the corner of her eye, still a little worried around the water despite the spells she had cast to make the bath safe.
"Look, Mummy, look!" exclaimed Adhara, pointing to a mountain of foam floating around her yellow boat. It's the storm!"
Hermione smiled, listening to the little girl tell a detailed story of shipwreck and piracy with an imagination that amazed her. They stayed like that for a while until a noise in the living room broke the moment.
Sirius, who had returned earlier than expected, was initially surprised to find no one in his flat. He went to Hermione's flat and, hearing muffled laughter coming from the bathroom, he approached, intrigued. The door was ajar, and he knocked lightly before entering. But he hadn't expected to see Hermione in the bath with Adhara.
"Sirius!" she exclaimed, her face instantly flushing.
- Sorry," he murmured, immediately turning his back and hearing Adhara burst out laughing.
He caught a glimpse of Hermione, her shoulders bare, a few curls escaping from her bun, and the pink of her cheeks. The top of her breasts disappeared under the moss, and she radiated a natural beauty that made him swallow. He felt his own face heat up, embarrassed and suddenly aware of his confusion.
He froze when he saw a towel floating in the room. Behind him, sounds of water indicated that Hermione was hurrying out of the bath.
"It's okay," she said in a slightly embarrassed voice.
When he turned round, she was wrapped in the towel, her cheeks still flushed. The towel was a little short, accentuating the curve of her shoulders and stopping far too high on her thighs. Sirius looked away, concentrating on Adhara.
"Shall we get out of the bath, Adhara?" offered Hermione with a smile.
- Five more minutes?" asked the little girl with a pleading look.
Hermione smiled and conjured up a clock with her wand, showing Adhara how much time was left. Then she slipped away to change, leaving Sirius to look after the little girl.
When she returned, dressed and with her hair still slightly damp, Sirius was getting Adhara out of the bath. Together, they tucked her into bed, telling her a story before letting her fall asleep.
In the corridor, when they were alone, Sirius cleared his throat.
"I'm sorry about earlier," he murmured.
- It's nothing," Hermione replied, an embarrassed smile on her lips. I should have closed the door.
- It probably wouldn't have mattered," Sirius retorted, an amused smile softening his features. I just wasn't expecting... well... you know."
Hermione nodded, her cheeks taking on a brighter hue. She cleared her throat to change the subject.
"How did the Order meeting go?"
It was the perfect excuse to prolong their conversation.
That night, as soon as Sirius laid his head on the pillow, images of Hermione, blushing in the bath, flashed through his mind, causing him to growl inwardly. How old was he? This young woman, much more mature than her age would suggest, aroused emotions in him that he hadn't felt for a long time.
Hermione, for her part, was reliving the embarrassment of their meeting in the bathroom. The warmth of his gaze came back to her and, despite her attempts to take her mind off it, it took her long minutes to fall asleep, a bittersweet sensation accompanying her into her dreams.
When the week resumed, neither of them could quite shake off these memories, finding themselves a little more distracted, a little more troubled, each day.
The days passed quickly, punctuated by lessons and their time with Adhara. Their daily lives revolved around these moments spent together, and the more the days passed, the heavier the prospect of her departure became, even though neither of them dared speak of it aloud.
Hermione was increasingly getting into the habit of extending her evenings with Sirius, always finding an excuse to stay a little longer. They talked about magic, exchanged ideas on complex spells, and Hermione enjoyed watching him immerse himself in this knowledge. Sometimes, they remained silent, each focused in their respective work, seated in front of the fireplace. It was an arrangement that seemed natural, a presence that imposed itself, without either of them venturing to question the reason for it.
Progress in the investigation by the Aurors and members of the Order disrupted this fragile routine. Several Death Eaters were arrested, but this progress led to an increase in caution on the part of the others, making each operation more complex.
Surprisingly, this news almost seemed to relieve Hermione and Sirius, although neither dared admit it. The more the Death Eaters were arrested, the more Adhara's return to her biological parents became inevitable. She needed the stability, the family environment that only her real parents could offer her, and they were both painfully aware of that.
Hermione had the opportunity to talk to Ginny about it one evening as they walked through the corridors of the castle on a prefect patrol.
"So, how are things going with Sirius and Adhara?" asked Ginny in a light tone, but there was concern in her eyes.
Hermione sighed, biting her lip slightly, reluctant to share her deepest thoughts. However, her friend's concern and the sincerity in her eyes encouraged her to confide in her.
"It's... complicated," she replied. I'm afraid of getting too attached, and I know it's only a matter of time before she goes home. Sometimes I worry that I'll wake up one morning and she won't be there, that she'll have disappeared and I won't be able to say goodbye."
Ginny, touched by her friend's unconcealed pain, drew her against her, offering her a gesture of comfort.
"What about your research? Do you think it could make a difference?" she asked gently.
Hermione shrugged slightly, her gaze lost.
"Maybe... I think I'm on to something, but nothing concrete yet. And even if I do find something, there's no guarantee that it will allow us to keep Adhara with us, and... she doesn't belong here anyway..."
Ginny squeezed her a little tighter, then whispered, "Maybe you should talk to Sirius about it. I think he shares your concerns, but I'm not sure he's fully aware of them or put them into words."
Hermione remained silent, thinking about her words. She knew that Ginny was right; she herself had felt the urge several times to confide in Sirius, to share her fears and apprehension about Adhara's departure. But each time a doubt held her back. Sirius was already carrying the weight of his past, his responsibilities as head of the Black family, his role as Harry's protector. She didn't want to be another burden in his already busy life.
And then there were the moments they shared, in silence or in conversation, when he listened attentively to her talk about her research, when he gave her advice, when he helped her revise. These moments, fragile and precious, seemed suspended outside time, and she was afraid of shattering them by exposing her torments.
In spite of everything, the idea of confiding in him never left her. Perhaps Ginny was right; perhaps he understood better than she imagined. Maybe he even felt the same tug she felt every night when she left her flat, every time Adhara called her "Mum" with an innocence that broke her heart as much as it filled her with incredible warmth.
Hermione promised herself that she would think about it, that she would take the time to evaluate her own feelings before telling Sirius. Because, deep down, she knew that it wasn't just for Adhara that she was dreading this separation.
The weeks went by and, for Hermione, the daily rhythm became as intense as a non-stop whirlwind. With exams approaching and preparations for the Christmas ball underway, she had to reorganise her timetable to devote more time to her studies, without neglecting her other responsibilities. Organising the ball was proving to be more demanding than expected, and although Pansy Parkinson's bold ideas were mostly rejected, one in particular had caught the attention of the prefects and required meticulous preparation. Hermione could count on Ginny, who was loyal and full of enthusiasm, as well as Hannah and Padma. All four of them were working with a seriousness tinged with amusement, aware that it was their last year at Hogwarts and that they wanted to make it memorable.
Adhara's presence had undeniably influenced Hermione. The little girl encouraged her to re-examine her priorities, to detach herself a little from her obsession with perfection. Of course, she still worked diligently, but she was also learning to appreciate the present moment, to take breaks and to develop herself beyond her studies.
However, Adhara's presence did not go unnoticed in the castle. Rumours were rife, particularly about Sirius. With her black curls and piercing grey eyes, Adhara looked enough like Sirius to fuel the wildest hypotheses. Some claimed she was a secret little sister, others that she belonged to a hidden branch of the Black family, which seemed equally improbable but which Sirius joked about a lot. Ironically, Hermione, who had moved out of the common dormitories when Adhara arrived, was rarely involved in the gossip.
As Christmas approached, however, the students' attention turned almost exclusively to the ball. The whole castle was buzzing with excitement, everyone looking for the perfect outfit or the perfect date, and Hermione was even beginning to regret Dumbledore's idea of organising such a big event.
One evening, as she sat in Sirius's chambers, enjoying an evening of board games with Remus, Tonks, Harry and Ron, Ginny burst in. She rushed towards Hermione, her voice urgent and her expression resolute.
"Hermione!" she called out as she grabbed her by the arm, pulling her away from the group with restrained excitement.
Curious looks from their friends followed their exchange, until Ginny whispered in a voice so surprised it almost became a scream.
"You said no to Anthony Goldstein?!"
Hermione blushed violently, shaking her head with an annoyed sigh. She would have hoped that her decision would have gone unnoticed, but Ginny seemed determined to understand.
"I would have accepted if it had just been an invitation to the ball Ginny, but Anthony was very clear about what he wanted," the brunette added in a low voice, blushing.
- Oh... understood Ginny. 'You've got them all cracking up, haven't you?' she teased.
- Shut up," Hermione grumbled in embarrassment.
To tell the truth and to her surprise, she had had a lot of requests and put that down to her status as a heroine in particular. No matter how hard Ginny tried to convince her that it wasn't just her status that attracted them, Hermione didn't believe her.
"But you can't turn everyone away! You need a date for the ball, Hermione," Ginny insisted.
Hermione shook her head, then, with a smirk on her face, she replied softly, "Don't worry, Ginny. I've already got someone in mind, and that person knows very well what I am expecting from him."
Ginny frowned, puzzled.
"Who?"
Hermione looked at her mischievously, carefully avoiding giving any indication.
"You'll see," she murmured, before calmly returning to her seat, leaving Ginny seething with questions.
Ginny, frustrated at being kept in the dark, decided to embark on a mission to discover the identity of this mysterious person. Behind her, Remus and Sirius, who had overheard the exchange thanks to their respective werewolf and animagi abilities, looked at each other and exchanged a knowing smile. However, Sirius' attitude betrayed a certain nervousness. Since the beginning of the conversation, he had listened, amused, to the rumours about Hermione's various suitors, but when Hermione had said that she had someone in mind, his smile had faded.
Remus hadn't missed the change but he chose to save his questions for later. It was becoming increasingly clear that the bond between Sirius and Hermione went beyond mere camaraderie, but Remus knew that Sirius was not yet ready to admit it fully.
After the party, Remus gave Tonks a discreet wave, indicating that he would meet her later in their flats. She understood immediately, smiling mischievously before slipping away.
When almost everyone had left the room, Sirius and Remus found themselves alone, a comfortable but implied silence settling between them. Remus turned to his friend, a quiet but observant smile on his lips.
"I know that tune, Moony," Sirius sighed. What exactly do you want to know?
- Oh, it's not rocket science," replied Remus, with a smirk. But I am curious. I've been watching you for a while, and I can't help noticing that your behaviour has changed a bit. You know, they say that sometimes it's good to confide in someone," he added with feigned innocence.
Sirius gave a short, slightly nervous laugh, shaking his head.
"What a direct approach, Moony... I don't recognise you any more," he scoffed.
Remus crossed his arms and raised an eyebrow, unperturbed.
"Sirius, you're not going to do that to me. You're not annoyed that Hermione's going to the ball with someone else?" he asked, his tone deceptively light.
Sirius's laugh became more nervous.
"Come on, Moony, I can't invite her myself! She's... still my pupil, and I... well..." he murmured, aware that his voice betrayed a hint of frustration.
Remus raised an eyebrow, watching his friend with the kindly patience that sometimes drove Sirius mad.
"Maybe," admitted Remus, "but you could at least make her understand..." he said, choosing his words carefully.
Sirius seemed to freeze, staring at Remus with a sort of strained amusement, as if he were trying to deflect the conversation without knowing how.
"Make her understand what, exactly?"
Remus tilted his head, a gentle but insistent smile lighting up his face.
"That you like her, of course... that you love her, perhaps even?" he said at last, his gaze sincere.
Sirius laughed again, but the sound lacked conviction. Finally, he sighed.
"Seriously, Moony... what would she do with it? Poor Hermione would find out that her... old Potions teacher harboured a bit of a crush on her. Ridiculous, isn't it?
- You're not that old, Sirius," Remus replied with a smile. "And, in case you hadn't noticed, many of the girls at Hogwarts would be delighted to know that their beloved Potions teacher has a crush on them," he added, accentuating the term with amusement.
Sirius made a wry face and shook his head.
"They don't know me. They are simply attracted by a facade, an image that seduces them. If they only knew...
- But Hermione really knows you!" insisted Remus, a shadow of reproach in his voice.
A silence followed, and Sirius seemed genuinely touched by his friend's words. He looked away, hesitating.
"That's the problem," he finally murmured. She knows exactly who I am. She knows my past, my mistakes. I'm not sure that's enough," he added, his voice tinged with a doubt he rarely let show.
Remus laid a hand on his shoulder, gently supporting his gesture. He knew what he was thinking, he knew it too well to have felt it himself.
"Sirius, believe me, even knowing the whole story, some people can love you for who you are, with your faults and flaws," he said softly. Maybe it's time you gave yourself a chance to believe that."
Sirius remained silent, staring at an invisible spot on the floor, weighing up his friend's every word. Finally, he shook his head, as if to chase away these thoughts that were too tender, too dangerous.
"So you're just going to stand there and do nothing?" said Remus, a little more insistent this time.
- I try not to do anything," Sirius retorted with a bitter smile. And believe me, that's a lot harder than you think."
Remus laughed, but he was right.
"Don't think I don't know what you're talking about, Sirius," Remus replied, his gaze becoming more serious. But... maybe you should stop holding back so much. You never know what might happen, after all."
Sirius stared at him, puzzled, but Remus looked away, a mysterious smile playing on his lips. Finally, he shook his head in resignation.
"Okay, I'll let it go for tonight," he sighed. But believe me, I'm not giving up on this conversation that easily."
A final smile was exchanged, and Remus left Sirius's flats, leaving him alone to face his tumultuous thoughts. As soon as the door closed, Sirius dropped into an armchair, running a weary hand through his hair.
He knew that this conversation had only aroused a dull anxiety that had already been rumbling inside him for weeks. He tried to remain calm, not to show too much how he felt, but the idea of seeing Hermione on someone else's arm at the Christmas ball was becoming unbearable. He almost felt a burning, a need to protect her, to keep her to himself.
But really, what could he be doing?
He shook his head, trying to banish these thoughts. But there was one thing he hadn't thought of. The identity of Hermione's date for the ball... He could never have imagined who it was.
When the evening of the ball arrived, Sirius had spent a good part of the day trying to guess who Hermione's date would be. Despite a few attempts to question her without seeming too insistent, Hermione had remained evasive, busy with preparations and the rest of her duties. Adhara, too, seemed impatient, constantly asking questions about the evening ahead, especially since Hermione had promised to stop by and see them before going down to the Great Hall.
Sirius, for his part, had prepared in silence. Instead of wearing the traditional wizard's robes, he had opted for a Muggle suit which he particularly liked. The fitted jacket and black trousers with pleats gave a sober, elegant look, a far cry from the baggy, solemn cut of wizard robes. McGonagall might not like the choice, but he had always found Muggle clothes much more stylish.
Sitting on the edge of Adhara's bed, he read her a story in a soft, reassuring voice. He tried to concentrate on reading, although his mind kept returning to Hermione. What would she look like tonight? It was a thought that had been nagging at him for days, without him being able to shake it off. Suddenly, the sound of heels echoed through the living room.
"Mum!" exclaimed Adhara as she leapt to her feet, excitement lighting up her eyes.
Hermione poked her head through the doorway, her dazzling smile lighting up the room. Her lips were a deep red and perfectly defined, betraying the special effort she had put into preparing herself.
"Good evening, you two," she murmured as she stepped into the room. Sorry I'm late."
Sirius couldn't think of anything to say. He stared at her, petrified, unable to take his eyes off her. But he didn't need to speak; Adhara took charge of translating the feeling shared by the two of them.
"Mummy, you're so beautiful!" cried the little girl as she jumped out of bed and into Hermione's arms.
Hermione burst out laughing, a soft, melodious burst, welcoming her daughter against her with tenderness.
"Thank you, my love", she murmured, placing a kiss on Adhara's head.
When she looked up, her eyes met those of Sirius, who was staring at her with a visible expression of amazement. His half-opened mouth formed an "O" of surprise, proof that he was as impressed as his daughter. Hermione couldn't hold back a smile. She had suspected that he would like this dress, and she had even made the choice with this idea in mind, without daring to admit it to herself.
The dress she wore was a deep red and the satin fabric glided over her body, accentuating her curves without overdoing it. The halterneck cut boldly exposed her skin, while the delicate lacing at the back added a touch of refinement. The V-neck, dipping just low enough to reveal her full bosom, and the short sleeves stopping mid-shoulder, completed the dazzling silhouette. Hermione had pulled her hair up into an elegant chignon with pearls to clear the nape of her neck and her eyes, delicately outlined in black, gave her a more intense, almost bewitching look.
Sirius had stood up without even realising it, and now he found himself looking at her as if she were the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. His gaze instinctively went down her back, captivated by the fall of fabric that brushed her ankles and by the grace of every movement she made. He was literally speechless, too absorbed in his contemplation to notice that he had remained motionless.
Hermione's cheeks flushed red. Fortunately, Adhara was babbling beside her, distracting her for a moment from Sirius, who could no longer hear what was going on around him. Hermione adjusted a lock of her hair and looked at Sirius again, noticing that he still hadn't looked away. She tried to smile to ease the palpable tension.
"Um... Adhara's right, you are... magnificent," he finally managed to murmur, although the word sounded like an understatement.
She stifled a laugh, amused and slightly flattered by Sirius's visible confusion.
"I thought I understood, yes," she teased, thanking him with a wink.
As she spoke, she led Adhara back to the bed, tucking her in tenderly, her gestures so natural and reassuring. Sirius forced himself to look away, to avoid lingering too long on the delicate line of her back or the attractive nape of her neck. But his thoughts betrayed him, refusing to turn away from the haunting idea that someone else would have the privilege of making her dance tonight.
They put Adhara to bed together and once she was asleep, they left the room.
"You look very good," Hermione remarked, a teasing twinkle in her eye. I really like Muggle suits. They suit you better than wizard robes, I think."
Sirius laughed softly, shaking his head.
"Don't remind me," he replied. I always thought it was classier. I don't understand why people insist on wearing these wizards' robes... But whatever."
Hermione made an instinctive gesture, placing a hand on the collar of his jacket to adjust it, as if it were a habitual gesture. When she realised what she was doing, she stopped abruptly, her cheeks flushing slightly. The look in his eyes, a grey, almost stormy intensity, made her lose her self-confidence. She felt her heart race, captivated by his disarming charm. Sirius had tied his hair up in a half-bun, a neat yet casual style that accentuated his natural beauty.
"We should... we should go," she murmured, aware of the closeness between them.
- I'm waiting for Remus," he replied, looking at her. And... maybe it's better if we don't arrive together."
She nodded slightly, but still couldn't tear herself away from him. Why did she feel this irresistible attraction? There was something magnetic about him that troubled her deeply.
"I'll be off then," she said, though she remained motionless.
Sirius raised an eyebrow, a smile grazing his lips.
"Yes?" he said, amused at her hesitation.
She felt her heart beating even faster as he moved slightly closer.
"Perhaps... we can find a moment to share a dance this evening?" he breathed, his voice uncertain but full of promise.
- Maybe," she murmured, her gaze locked on his. One moment... just us."
A slight smile lit up his face and he nodded, sensing that they were on the same wavelength. Just then, someone knocked on the door, brutally breaking their intimacy. They pulled away from each other, trying to regain some semblance of composure as the door opened to reveal Ginny.
"Hermione, we really must be going," said the young woman with a smile.
Hermione gave Sirius one last look before walking away, conscious of the weight of his gaze on her. She left the room, her heart still pounding, while Sirius watched her go, trying to control the intense emotion that was gripping his chest. He closed his eyes for a moment, preparing himself to face the evening, but couldn't stop his mind from turning to the moment when they could finally dance together.
"Is everything all right?" asked Remus, who arrived just after the girls left, a glint of curiosity in his eyes when he saw Sirius' somewhat disconcerted expression.
- I... I don't know," Sirius replied with a sigh. 'You'll tell me when you see Hermione. She's..."
Words failed him, and he simply raised his eyes to the sky with a sigh heavy with innuendo. Remus raised an eyebrow, a mocking smile forming on his lips.
"I thought we were past the 'Hermione is a beautiful young woman,' stage, didn't you?"
Sirius shook his head with a nervous laugh.
"Oh, it goes way beyond 'beautiful,' Moony. That's an understatement. She's..."
He paused as Remus stifled a laugh. Remus shrugged, clearly amused by the intensity of Sirius's gaze.
"Well, that makes me curious. I can't wait to see her."
Sirius mumbled something unintelligible and turned as Moon arrived, ready to receive his instructions. After giving her a few supervisory instructions, Sirius and Remus walked together towards the Great Hall. They passed through the entrance reserved for teachers and took their places at the head table. Many of the students were already there, chatting happily as they waited for the festivities to begin. It wasn't hard to spot Hermione, who was giving final instructions to the prefects and prefects, making sure that everything was perfect.
Remus watched the scene with a puzzled expression, then turned an amused glance towards Sirius.
"Well, you didn't exaggerate. "Beautiful' does not seem to be enough," he commented, not without a hint of admiration in his voice.
Sirius followed her gaze and felt a pang of jealousy creep over him as he saw Draco Malfoy standing next to Hermione. But it wasn't so much Malfoy's presence as his outfit that surprised him. Draco, like him, had swapped his wizard's robes for an elegant, well-fitted black suit, which made him look as sophisticated as Sirius.
No sooner had the hour struck than Dumbledore, in his usual good humour, called for silence. He addressed the students, reminding them of the importance of the ball and thanking the prefects for their meticulous organisation. With a theatrical gesture, he placed an abundant buffet against one wall, leaving the dance floor clear for everyone to move about freely. A group of musicians set up, ready to start the festivities. Finally, Dumbledore invited the prefects to open the ball.
Ginny immediately walked over to Harry, exchanging a knowing smile with him. Hannah, for her part, was joined by Neville, eliciting tender smiles from the assembly. So far, nothing surprising. But the murmur of excitement went up a notch when Malfoy was seen extending a polite hand towards Hermione. She gave him a quiet smile before placing her hand in his, accepting his invitation to dance in front of stunned eyes.
As they made their way to the center of the runway, an unexpected detail caused a new stream of murmurs: Hermione's red dress seemed to change colour to a soft, almost translucent green, which subtly evoked the colours of Slytherin. Hermione looked up at the sky and smiled slightly. It was obviously Malfoy's doing.
Sirius, for his part, felt a pang of frustration. Draco holding her by the waist like that, with one hand in the small of her back, made him uncomfortable. It was rare for him to feel threatened by other men, but Malfoy was one of those exceptions. He also noticed the knowing smiles and laughter that Hermione and Draco were exchanging, which disturbed him even more. He wasn't even aware of this budding complicity between them, and the idea that she had accepted Malfoy as her date added to his unease.
"Are you all right?" teased Remus, who had followed his gaze with obvious amusement.
- Grr..." growled Sirius, clenching his fists. It'll be better when he takes his hands away."
Remus couldn't hold back a laugh at his friend's annoyed expression, and Sirius realised he had spoken aloud. He looked away, his jaws clenched as he tried to calm the conflicting feelings bubbling up inside him.
Eventually the dance ended, and Hermione and Draco walked off together towards the buffet, chatting away with ease. Sirius never took his eyes off them, his attention constantly drawn to Hermione's bursts of laughter and the way she seemed relaxed in Malfoy's company. Throughout the evening, he followed their every move, trying to catch every expression, every smile, every glimmer of complicity.
"You're going to ruin her if you keep staring at her," Remus murmured after a moment, clearly amused by Sirius's visible obsession.
Sirius sighed, aware of the accuracy of the remark. He looked away, trying to reason with himself. Remus was right; it was absurd. But at the same time, he couldn't help feeling this dull jealousy every time he laid eyes on her.
"I'm going for a walk, it'll take my mind off things," he said abruptly, glancing one last time at Hermione and Draco, who were busy chatting near the buffet.
Remus nodded in understanding. As soon as Sirius had gone, he spotted Ginny and Harry chatting nearby. Moving discreetly towards them, he whispered in Ginny's ear:
"Sirius has just come out."
A mischievous smile lit up the young woman's face. She exchanged a quick glance with Harry, then immediately moved towards Hermione, who was still busy chatting with Draco.
Without wasting any time, Ginny led Hermione away, while Harry looked on in amazement. When he saw the two young women leave the Great Hall, Remus gave Harry a knowing wink and invited him to follow. They both took the same path, keeping a few steps apart so as not to be spotted.
Ginny led Hermione into a deserted corridor, just in front of the giant clock, out of sight. There, as expected, stood Sirius, slightly surprised by the arrival of the two young women. He frowned, glancing questioningly at Ginny, while Hermione, suspicious, also turned to the redhead.
"Oops, Ginny grinned mischievously. Enjoy it, no one will be passing by in the next few minutes."
She laughed and stepped back, joining Harry and Remus, who had stopped a little further along, ready to watch the corridor. With a discreet wave of his wand, Remus cast the amplification spell, and the first notes of Like a Star by Corinne Bailey Rae floated through the air.
Sirius rolled his eyes and shook his head, an amused smile stretching his lips, while Hermione, smirking, seemed to understand the intention behind this staging.
"Is this our 'maybe'?" threw Sirius softly, holding out his hand, his intense gaze locked in Hermione's.
She tilted her head slightly, a twinkle of mischief in her eyes.
"Is that an invitation to dance, Professor?" she teased, holding back a smile.
Their eyes met and a shiver went through Hermione. The outside world no longer existed, and all that remained was this deserted corridor, the music, and Sirius, in front of her, as if there had never been anyone else.
"Absolutely," he murmured, his voice barely audible, but charged with the same intense emotion that burned in his eyes.
Their hands found each other and he pulled her closer to him. His fingers slid down her back and she shivered as their eyes locked. Her dress, barely perceptible in the subdued light, then changed colour, returning to that deep red under an informal spell from Sirius.
Slowly, he twirled her around, their steps matching the slow rhythm of the music. Barely aware of their surroundings, they let themselves be carried away by the music and the magic of the moment.
Their bodies drew even closer together. The outside world no longer existed; there was only this moment. Sirius's hands were both protective and tender.
Hermione ended up resting her head against his chest, letting herself be lulled by the beating of his heart and their movements. She forgot for a moment that he was Sirius, her teacher, and that she was Hermione. She forgot their age difference and everything that separated them. Nothing really mattered any more.
Sirius shared his feelings, enjoying the feeling of her so relaxed against him. At that moment, everything was perfect.
As suddenly as it had begun, the music died away, and they remained motionless in each other's arms. Finally, Hermione slowly raised her head, a tender smile on her lips.
"I like our 'maybe' a lot," she murmured, her eyes shining.
- Me too," he replied softly, tucking a lock of her hair back behind her ear with infinite tenderness.
He hesitated, a melancholy smile crossing his face.
"That gives us what, six months to go?" he chuckled, almost unconsciously, as if the words had escaped him.
Hermione felt her heart miss a beat. He had just expressed a thought that she had hardly dared formulate herself. A spark of hope shone in his eyes, and the smile she gave him was full of promise.
"Six months," she breathed. I think that's perfect."
Sirius returned her smile, both hesitant and moved. Six months, he thought, six months to convince himself that he could be worthy of her. He didn't know if he could do it, but he had to try.
Hermione, for her part, was coming to terms with the idea, feeling her heart beat faster. What she had initially taken for a simple "crush" had turned into something much deeper. She was in love with Sirius, and that look, that intensity in his eyes confirmed to her that she meant more to him than she had dared hope.
The sound of footsteps in the corridor brought them back to reality. They stepped aside, their cheeks slightly pink, like children caught in the act. Remus appeared in the shadows of the corridor, his eyes sparkling with amusement.
"A group of students is approaching this way," he informed them with a smirk.
They exchanged one last knowing glance, then rejoined their friend.
Sirius found himself watching Hermione with a softer, more serene smile when Draco returned to collect her for another dance. The idea that she might one day be his wife, that he might invite her as his husband to such events, was now running through his mind with a gentle obviousness. His worries and doubts seemed to be gradually fading away, and he imagined a future where they could be together without hiding. Remus, observing his friend's expressions, which ranged from reverie to joy, couldn't help asking the question.
"What's on your mind, Padfoot?" he asked, squinting in amusement.
Sirius told him about their stolen moment, the impromptu dance under the clock, the feelings shared in that deserted corridor, and the promise of six months. He described the intense feeling that had come over him, the hope of a future where she could be his. All the same, he kept darker thoughts in the back of his mind. Perhaps she would change her mind?
Remus burst out laughing, a frank, hearty laugh.
"Oh Sirius, she's got the hots for you, I can tell! exclaimed Remus, still amused at how blind his friend could be to the obvious. It's as clear as day... Hermione has feelings for you."
Sirius, blushing slightly at his friend's words, raised his hand in a gesture of denial.
"Adhara, he said, thinking back to the little girl. That little girl is adorable. Don't you think Hermione wants to... well, you know, spend time with her? Maybe it's all for Adhara, isn't it?"
Remus raised his hands in protest, as if to stop Sirius in his tracks.
"Stop, stop, Sirius! exclaimed Remus, shaking his head in exasperation. Hermione wouldn't do that. Of course she wants to see Adhara again, but come on, no... How could you even think that? If Hermione feels anything for you, it's not just because she likes Adhara!"
Sirius sighed, as if he could hardly believe what Remus was saying.
"Wanting to make a life with me... that's rather peculiar, don't you think?" he murmured, a shadow of doubt in his eyes.
Remus placed a comforting hand on his shoulder and replied gently:
"She's certainly not at that stage. She's got a serious crush on you, that's for sure. The rest, well, that's up to you two. Give yourself time, Sirius. Don't rush her, and don't let your fears get the better of you either."
Sirius nodded, although Remus could see the uncertainty in his eyes. It was strange for him to see his friend so indecisive, who had once seemed so sure of himself in all circumstances. Remus now understood a little better how his friends had felt when they had witnessed his own torments and doubts during their school years.
The hours passed and the ball continued, the atmosphere mellowing as the younger students gradually went to bed. Remus and Sirius continued to chat, watching with amusement as the remaining students seemed to relax more and more as the evening wore on. Gradually, they noticed that the seventh years were quietly withdrawing in small groups.
Sirius leaned towards Remus, a smirk on his face.
"Come on," he murmured with a meaningful look. We need to see this."
Remus rolled his eyes but did not protest. After all, they had both heard of the 'secret seventh year party' - the tradition that Harry, Ron, Ginny and especially Hermione had given them vaguely tantalising but never very clear descriptions of. Everyone seemed to be keeping a certain mystery surrounding this event, which only made them more curious.
In silence, Sirius and Remus followed Hermione and Ginny, the last to leave, to the seventh-floor toilets without understanding.
When they emerged in their school uniforms, their puzzled expressions mingled with amusement. Draco Malfoy joined them, looking at Hermione and Ginny with a mixture of bewilderment and irritation.
"Granger! Pansy's going to kill me if I don't get you back right away and... but seriously, can I ask what you're doing in uniform?" he quipped, raising an eyebrow.
Ginny smiled mischievously, keeping the mystery alive.
"Very soon", she replied, without further explanation.
There was an annoyed shriek, and they all turned to see a furious Pansy Parkinson coming their way. Draco lost a little colour, although he knew that Pansy's enraged attention was mainly directed at Hermione and Ginny.
"What don't you understand about the word 'sexy', Granger?" grumbled Pansy as she gave Hermione a critical look.
The Slytherin was also in uniform, but her version was far less conventional: her skirt had been daringly shortened, her vertiginous heels were almost ten centimetres high, and the buttons of her open shirt revealed a generous view of her breasts.
Hermione crossed her arms, a slight smile tugging at the corner of her lips, while Ginny seemed to be enjoying the situation, her head tilted slightly, as if not to interfere.
"I doubt showing myself off in the corridors like that is a wise idea," Hermione replied with amused calm, placing a hand on her hip. You never know who you might run into."
Sirius and Remus looked at each other in silence, wondering briefly if she had noticed them despite their concealment. The remark seemed almost too well-placed to be harmless, especially coming from Hermione.
"The room is literally at the end of this corridor, and we're just waiting for you!" said Pansy impatiently.
Hermione refrained from correcting the Slytherin on the use of 'literally' - the room was, in fact, a little further away. She exchanged a knowing glance with Ginny, then the two young women followed in Pansy and Draco's footsteps, with Sirius and Remus discreetly following, eager not to miss a single moment of this mysterious evening.
When they arrived in front of the Room on Demand, Pansy turned to Hermione and Ginny with a critical expression.
Right, now we're going to have to sort all this out," she said as she approached them.
Hermione and Ginny exchanged mischievous smiles before raising their wands at the same time. In one smooth, silent movement, their uniforms took on a completely different appearance: the pleated skirts shortened to mid-thigh, revealing their legs in a bold fashion; the ties disappeared, while their white shirts, once buttoned with care, opened in a flash, revealing the delicate edges of their underwear. Their sleeves were rolled up to their elbows and their flat shoes turned into elegant high heels.
Ginny's hair remained loose, falling in cascades of red over her shoulders. Hermione, for her part, sported two braids which framed her face, accentuating her slightly "lolita" look.
Pansy looked at them appreciatively, if slightly annoyed.
"How's that, Parkinson?" quipped Hermione with a wry little smile.
Pansy squinted, obviously deep in thought, before replying tartly:
"Um... maybe one less button," she grumbled.
Hermione rolled her eyes and crossed her arms, glancing at Draco, whose eyes had unwillingly dropped to her cleavage. She raised her hand and firmly straightened her chin. That was enough, judging by the look on Draco's face.
"Let's go," she says confidently. This dance isn't going to do itself."
The four students exchanged knowing glances and pushed open the heavy doors of the Room on Demand, disappearing into the darkness
Remaining in the corridor, Sirius and Remus exchanged a smile, torn between astonishment and nostalgia.
When the doors closed behind them, the deserted corridor fell silent.
Sirius, with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, couldn't contain his excitement.
"We'll have to see about that," he declared, stunned by what they had just witnessed.
Remus sighed softly. He had expected this reaction, but an amused smile appeared on his face all the same. Emerging from their hiding place, they walked discreetly to the Room on Demand, where Sirius passed the empty wall three times in concentration.
"What were you thinking?" asked Remus, intrigued.
- To a place to observe what's going on in the Room on Demand," Sirius replied with a satisfied smile, opening the door that appeared.
To their surprise, they entered a huge empty room. On one side of the wall, a magical window opened onto the party below, giving them a breathtaking view. The music also echoed through their room, vibrant and joyful, and the familiar melody of Britney Spears' Oops! I Did It Again by Britney Spears immediately enveloped them.
Sirius let out an impressed whistle, his eyes riveted on the scene below.
"Perfect", he murmured in amazement.
Downstairs, the scene was unfolding in a way that was both unexpected and electrifying. They saw Hermione, Pansy and Ginny go up to a small platform, where they joined the other prefects. The eyes of their classmates shone with curiosity and amusement, and the first shouts of enthusiasm went up as soon as the young women took their positions.
The choreography began, each movement studied and mastered, the sensuality skilfully balanced without ever going overboard. Hermione led the dance with surprising confidence. Ginny and Pansy, equally determined, followed the rhythm, their movements perfectly synchronised. The whole room went wild, applauding and screaming with excitement at each new pose.
Sirius and Remus remained silent, fascinated. They had never imagined Hermione, so serious and studious, revealing herself in this way. Seeing her in this light, bold and free, deeply disturbed Sirius. Her features were so familiar to him, but this side, this radiant and carefree Hermione, was unknown to him.
When the prefects' dance came to an end, the room erupted in applause and shouts. Hermione, smiling, bowed with her classmates before giving way to the prefects, who took over with a choreography that was just as energetic, although less teasing.
Remus burst out laughing, putting his hand on his friend's shoulder.
"See, she's perfect for you," he teased, watching Sirius' puzzled and fascinated face.
Sirius nodded, struggling to suppress a smile. He realised, with a mixture of admiration and confusion, that Hermione was decidedly not the person he had always thought he knew. She wasn't just the serious, dedicated Head Prefect. There were nuances in her that he had never guessed, flashes of mischief, defiance and passion that he had too often ignored.
And this discovery upset him more than he could have imagined.
Sirius smiled. The idea that he still didn't know everything about her fascinated him as much as it frightened him.
The next morning, life slowly returned to normal after the eventful evening. Most of the tired faces showed how little wisdom they had had, and Sirius was no exception. At dawn, Adhara had jumped out of bed, eager to be reunited with her mum, but Sirius had tried to hold her back, wanting to give Hermione a few more hours of sleep.
Finally, around ten o'clock, he gave in, and the two of them headed for the young woman's flats, where the calm was almost too perfect.
When they entered the room, the scene that greeted them drew a surprised smile from Sirius. Hermione was fast asleep, surrounded by Ginny, Ron, and Harry, all crammed into the bed in an unlikely fashion. Harry and Ron, with their stature, took up most of the space, while Hermione and Ginny, a little more settled, seemed to have moved closer to find an ounce of comfort.
Adhara, obeying her father's instructions, whispered her call.
"Mum?" she asked softly, her small hands brushing Hermione's.
Hermione opened her eyes, a little confused, then recognised Adhara and welcomed her into a half-sleep, drawing her against her in a reassuring embrace.
"Ada..." she murmured with a sleepy smile.
The little girl burst out laughing, happy to be in her mother's arms at last, despite the still sleepy atmosphere.
"But it's not bedtime, Mummy!" she protested softly, even though she was happy to curl up against Hermione, savouring the tenderness of the moment.
- Oh no?" replied Hermione jokingly, closing her eyes with a smile.
- Bah no!"
Hermione, amused by this implacable logic, slowly straightened up, meeting Sirius' eyes between amusement and apology, who was watching the scene with a smile. She finally got out of bed, still holding Adhara by the hand. Sirius looked away discreetly, aware of Hermione's sleepy appearance, dressed only in a large pyjama shirt that revealed her slender legs and one bare shoulder.
Once out of the room, Adhara couldn't contain her excitement.
"We made pancakes!" she exclaimed happily.
Hermione, her eyes still half closed, laughed, touched by this attention.
"Oh, you're sweethearts!"
After putting on her dressing gown, she followed them towards Sirius's flats, where the smell of pancakes was still wafting. She thanked him for the hangover potion, savouring its immediate effectiveness. Invigorated, she sat down at the breakfast table and did her best to answer Adhara's questions about the previous evening.
That day, the corridors of Hogwarts echoed with the farewells of students leaving for the holidays. Hermione and Sirius had not yet decided what to do about Adhara. Should they introduce her to the Weasleys, to Hermione's parents? They didn't know, but Adhara also had the right to celebrate Christmas with her parents.
At the same time, the Aurors and the Order were making progress with their investigations, reducing the number of escaped Death Eaters to five. This progress inspired both relief and anxiety; they both knew that the calm before the storm could be deceptive. On the other hand, Hermione's research into temporal enchantments was becoming an increasingly important part of their discussions. She was mastering new texts at an impressive speed, while Sirius was trying to catch up to understand her reasoning. Although he was struggling to keep up, he was not discouraged and persevered, wanting to support her as best he could.
The first few days of the holidays were an opportunity for Sirius and Hermione to enjoy Adhara while dividing up the time to make progress with their respective projects. Every moment with Adhara was precious, but they also knew that they had to make the most of this early holiday to avoid having too much catching up to do later on.
However, as Christmas approached, one decision remained unresolved: Hermione, who used to celebrate the holidays with her parents, still had to decide whether she would go back to them or stay with Adhara. At her parents' gentle but firm insistence, she finally decided to spend New Year's Eve with them. She would then join Sirius and Adhara at the Weasleys' the next day. The little girl usually celebrated Christmas with the Weasleys, which made sense. They were like family. So the secret would be kept from the Grangers but the Weasleys would be kept in the loop. It seemed the simplest way. After all, the Lupins knew, Harry, Ron and Ginny knew.
On the evening of Hermione's departure, the moment of farewell between her and Adhara proved more painful than expected. The little girl clung to her, her sad eyes begging Hermione to stay a little longer. Sirius, aware that the clock was ticking, found himself insisting while feeling a kind of heartbreak himself. The last image he had of Hermione, just before the portoloin took her away, was the look of trust and concern in her eyes, as if she were entrusting him with her most precious possession. When she disappeared, he felt a strange pang in his heart. Two days without her. Two days without her warmth, her soothing smile, the gentleness to which he had so quickly become accustomed. Perhaps he needed her presence as much as Adhara did...
The first few hours were a challenge for both of them. Not only did the little girl seem lost without her mother, but Sirius also found himself at a loss when faced with her unusual tantrums and sulks. More than once, he found himself wondering how Hermione would have reacted at such and such a moment.
The first night was particularly tiring. As he tried to put her to bed, Adhara fidgeted, clearly upset. Sensing that simple firmness would not be enough, he finally whispered softly:
"I miss Mum too.
Adhara stopped fidgeting and looked up at him, her little eyes brimming with tears. They exchanged a long look of sadness and understanding.
"It's all right to be sad, darling, he continued gently. I wish she were here with us too, but we'll see her soon."
Adhara, sniffling, replied with an upset pout: "But I want to see her now..."
Sirius smiled fondly at him.
"I understand that. It's not possible at the moment, but... what if we prepared a surprise for her? Tomorrow, we're going to have a special mission for Mum: we're going to find her a present to show her how much we've thought of her. What do you say?"
Adhara's eyes lit up despite her tears.
"A present?" she murmured, intrigued.
- Yes, a gift just from us. Something she'll really love," Sirius explained.
She frowned thoughtfully before exclaiming, "A book!"
Sirius laughed.
"Now that's a safe bet!" he replied, shaking his head in admiration of her logic.
But Adhara soon seemed to find new pleasure in imagining various presents. She proposed a bracelet, then a drawing, and even a cup for tea, each idea accompanied by a meticulous explanation. Sirius listened attentively, amused by his daughter's well-thought-out reasoning, which revealed a small glimpse of the same inventiveness as her mother.
"I know, added Adhara seriously, "we could go to a museum. Mum really likes museums, and we even go to the Natural History Museum together!"
Sirius nodded.
"That's a great idea, Ada. I'll see if there's a special exhibition."
The little girl finally smiled at him, soothed, and Sirius continued to talk to her softly until she finally fell asleep, serene. As he left his room, he picked up the books on positive parenting that Hermione had lent him, rereading them with a mixture of hope and determination. He had a feeling he was going to need them for the next few days. He did, but he managed surprisingly well, not always with as much patience as he would have liked, but he did his best.
On the evening of the 24th, Sirius finished preparing Adhara for New Year's Eve, arranging her hair in a neat style and listening to her enthusiastic babbling. She went on and on about how she couldn't wait to show off her ruffled red dress to "Granny Neva" and "Grandpa Albus". Adhara was literally beaming, proud to be dressed for the occasion and looking forward to celebrating Christmas with her loved ones.
The atmosphere in the staff room was warm and intimate, quite different from the hustle and bustle of a room full of students. A huge Christmas tree shone in the centre, covered in silver tinsel and coloured baubles, some of which shone softly like stars. Colourful packages were piled up around it, creating a magical scene that captivated Adhara as soon as she entered. Minerva McGonagall greeted her with a warm smile, her stern features softened by the obvious tenderness she felt for the little girl.
"Good evening, Granny Neva!" exclaimed Adhara, running towards her.
Minerva hugged her gently, obviously touched by the child's affection. Sirius watched the scene with a mixture of gratitude and surprise, realising how much the relationship had changed since Adhara had been living at the castle.
After the greetings, it was time to hand out the presents. Everyone had brought something for Adhara, and despite the simplicity of the presents, the child welcomed them with eyes sparkling with happiness. When she received a little book from Minerva - an illustrated story about magical creatures - she exclaimed with delight:
"Thank you, Granny Neva! I'll read it to you later!"
Severus Snape was watching from the sidelines with his usual expression, but when Adhara approached to thank him, Sirius held his breath. With his brightest smile, Adhara held out a tiny hand.
"Thank you, Uncle Sev'! It's so beautiful!"
A suspended silence followed this statement, and Snape, true to form, allowed nothing to show other than a slight frown. But Sirius, who now knew his former enemy a little better, thought he detected a softening in his features.
Adhara then returned to Sirius, bouncing and excited, her cheeks flushed with the enthusiasm of the evening. Despite the obvious tenderness of the gathering, Sirius couldn't help but feel a sense of loss. He thought of Hermione, wondering how his own New Year's Eve was going. He imagined the scene: Hermione surrounded by her parents, smiling but perhaps with a part of her that was also thinking of them, of their little cocoon at Hogwarts, of Adhara and, perhaps, of him.
When the evening was over and Adhara fell asleep in his arms, humming a Christmas carol, Sirius carried her gently to her bed, taking care not to wake her. The little girl drifted off to sleep with a smile on her face, as if already dreaming of the moment when she would be reunited with her mother the next day.
Back in his chambers, Sirius let his mind wander, an almost incredulous smile on his lips. He knew that it wasn't just for Adhara that he was looking forward to this day. The image of Hermione loomed larger and larger in his thoughts, a mixture of sweetness, admiration and that strange warmth he couldn't quite shake.
That night, he fell asleep with a sense of excitement he hadn't felt for a long time, impatient to find her again, to feel her reassuring, luminous presence beside him.
When did Hermione Granger become so special to him?
They're getting closer and closer... I hope you like it! Any predictions on when they'll crack? :D For the rest, I will post if you are interested because I keep forgetting and I have many projects at the moment (I am also sick… XD) So if you want the rest tell me and I will try to post when I can. Have a great week!