Innocence Chapter 48

[ceredwensirius]

Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter or any of the characters, I just like to play with them

A/N: ***I changed my mind…***
A big thank you to my wonderful beta duck_or_rabbit
Miscommunication part 2

Sirius raised the arm that wasn’t wrapped around Hermione’s waist and gestured toward the door. Despite the strain between them they were still intent on having a houseful, honoring Harry’s request to continue the party at home.

Now that the heat of the moment had passed, Sirius was honestly glad of a diversion, already feeling guilty, now that he had to behave, even in the face of his hurt feelings. Everybody made mistakes, even Hermione, who had forgiven several of his blunders, including those that had hurt her. Dumebledore’s quiet words were ringing in his ears much to his dismay. She deserved the benefit of the doubt and he had not extended it.

The words he’d said, his tone of voice and the momentary look of fear on Hermione’s face were haunting him, eating at him, causing his stomach to burn and bubble. The scene was repeating in his head, compounding his remorse and the shame that came with it.

What was worse was that there had been an audience. It didn’t matter to him that she had spoken first because he had been far harsher. At seven months pregnant she had a valid excuse for her irritability.

He looked down at her as they neared the entrance parlor and saw that she looked as repentant as he felt, her eyes down cast, teeth worrying her lower lip. It occurred to him that perhaps they could take care of this before they got home.

When they were just outside the parlor he pulled her to the side. “Wait with me for a minute,” he requested quietly. Once the parlor had cleared out and everyone had left for their house they stepped inside.

With earnest voices that burned with regret they said each other’s name at the same time. They exchanged a look that conveyed tenderness and repentance and then laughed just a little with neither of them looking away.

They held each other’s gaze for several long moments, forgiveness hanging thick between them despite no words having been spoken. This was easier for them than fighting.

Neither was sure how to begin and so the minutes began to stretch as they considered what to say.

Hermione was the first to speak. “Sirius, I’m so sorry. I wasn’t thinking. I meant to bring it up this afternoon but then I forgot. I knew Andromeda would know…I just…it really was thoughtless of me.”

Sirius shook his head. “It did hurt my feelings but it was more the surprise.” His calloused fingers tenderly stroked her soft cheek, gently assuring her he was no longer angry. “I am very, very sorry I was so harsh with you. I broke my promise to you and I am just sick about it.” Her reaction was to place her head on his chest. He gently stroked her hair while bringing his other hand up to caress her back. “I’ve missed out on so much in my life. I don’t want to miss a single moment of this.” He brushed his hand across her belly.

“Still, there will be times when we’re both busy,” she pressed.

“I was thinking about buying a house elf,” he said, teasing and then laughed at her little scowl. “We’ll talk it over. We’ve got a few months yet.” He fixed her with a searching gaze, like he dearly wanted to say something but wasn’t sure how it would be received. “Are you really thinking about working for the ministry? How will you keep up with F.L.E.M.?”

“I’m worried that I won’t have enough to do,” she said, not moving from her refuge within his arms.

“Really? You know just because F.L.E.M. can get by without you temporarily does not mean that it will run efficiently for any length of time.” He tipped her chin up with a finger under her jaw.

“It just seemed to be doing so well without me,” she said with a small frown.

“Maybe that was part of the problem,” he observed casually.

“Maybe,” she answered back after several minutes, considering his words carefully. “We really do have a lot of work ahead of us. We’ve only tackled this one issue so far.”

“Hmmm,” he responded, letting her draw her own deductions.

“I did feel a little left out,” she finally concluded. “I’m so oversensitive lately.”

“Perfectly natural, I’m sure,” he soothed.

“It really is a full time job isn’t?” she mused, almost to herself.

“I would think so,” he kissed her mouth tenderly, relishing the taste of forgiveness, both his and hers. He pulled away and let her lean into him.

“Why didn’t you tell me that you had accepted the position Dawlish offered?” She didn’t look up, preferring the comfort of his arms, her head against his chest.

“Well, because I didn’t. I told him I would accept the position but I had to talk to you first.” He buried his head in her hair, breathing in her scent.

She turned her face up to his. “So why didn’t you?”

His expression darkened, a scowl touched his lips. “You were attacked that same day. After we talked in St. Mungo’s I made up my mind to take up my seat on the Wizengamut. When we got home I didn’t want to trouble you with Dawlish’s offer. You had enough to deal with. It just didn’t seem that important. To be honest I never even got back to Dawlish.”

“So you wanted the job?” she asked. “I was surprised you would willingly work for someone else.”

Sirius let his lips curve up on one side in a jagged smile. “It sounded like fun, fighting the good fight, getting my hands dirty again.”

“Actually, that does sound like you,” she amended. “You’d be a lot happier doing that then what you are now, wouldn’t you?”

“After this vote is complete tomorrow I’m cutting back on the amount of time I work with the Wizengamut.” He paused to take a deep breath. “I want to take Dawlish up on his offer if it still stands.”

“I’m really grateful that you did that for me, the Wizengamut,” Hermione glanced up at him, meeting his eyes before looking at his lips briefly and then away. Sirius cupped her face with both hands and touched her lips with his.

At first her hands rested lightly on his chest as their lips moved together rhythmically, though dryly. One of his hands crept away from her face to cradle her head, wrapping his hand up in her hair. He parted her lips with his and tasted her lower lip. Hermione sighed and leaned into him.

Instinctively her small, soft hands slid upward and linked around his neck. Responding to his moist entreaty she gladly gave him what he wanted, moaning softly as his tongue caressed hers.

His other hand slid down her neck to her shoulder, gliding under her arm to slip around to her back. He tried to pull her closer but at seven months pregnant it was impossible. She pulled away, laughing at her belly when he turned her swiftly, surprising her and pushed her gently against the wall. Leaning into her, his lips and tongue were insistent, even urgent.

Leaving his neck, her fingers stole into his hair, luxuriating in the feel of his soft, silky locks. She broke away for air but Sirius’s lips never left her face. He nibbled along her jaw, continuing down her neck, sucking and nipping at her soft skin. Hermione’s breath was coming in short gasps punctuated by quiet mewling moans of pleasure.

Completely consumed with each other they forgot where they were until a member of the wait staff checked the entrance parlor. The restaurant was trying to close and he was making the nightly rounds. His surprised gasp caused the couple to turn as one to look at him. Hermione giggled and placed her hands on Sirius’ chest, pushing him back slightly.

“We should probably head home,” he said, smug.

“Oh my goodness!” She looked at him sheepishly. “I completely forgot about our company.”

“Say you’re tired and go lay down.”

“Why?” She reached for some floo powder.

“I’ll make it worth your while,” he whispered into her ear. He was not excited by the prospect of dealing with people in his home. He dearly wanted to get her alone, to finish what they’d started. “After a few minutes I’ll ‘check’ on you.”

“We’ll see,” she answered coyly, not at all sure that she wanted to be so obvious despite her current state.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

The scene Hermione and Sirius returned home to was raucous and joyful, the stereo thumping happily to ‘You’re Just What I Needed’ by The Cars, dating Sirius’ music collection. The entire group was seated at the dining room table which had a bottle of firewhiskey as the centerpiece. The chatter and laughter paused when they made their entrance. Each head turned toward the couple with cautious eyes. Sirius wrapped his arms around Hermione, just above her belly and nibbled at her neck, reassuring the group that all was well once again. The tension dissipated and the happy chatter resumed.

“I believe it was your turn,” said Fred wickedly to Bill.

Bill filled his shot glass and knocked it back and then his eyes glinted with mischief. “Never have I ever mucked out a chicken coop without the use of magic.” He pushed the bottle to Fred who groaned along with George, Ginny and Ron.

“So who asks the next question if more than one person has to drink?” asked Harry.

“The person who asked the last question picks,” answered Sirius, approaching the table with a huge grin.

“Don’t think you’re getting out of playing,” said Remus to Sirius with a snicker.

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” returned Sirius with a touch of pride.

“What are the rules?” asked Hermione curiously, having never watched a drinking game much less played one.

Fred grinned at her from across the table. “Well…someone starts by stating something they have never done, something they know or think someone else has.” He poured his shot and handed the bottle across the table to George.

He took the bottle from Fred and poured the amber liquid into his glass. “Preferably something embarrassing.” George reached across Harry to hand the bottle to Ginny. “Then the guilty party or parties must drink.”

“The girls won’t last long.” Bill winked at his little sister. “That’s other part of the game…take out as many people as you can, get them too drunk to go on.”

“I don’t think it’s fair that Hermione gets out of playing if we couldn’t,” chortled Ginny as she poured her shot. “I think Sirius should have to drink for her.” She couldn’t do her shot in one, making a horrible face while getting booed by her brothers. She glared at them as she finished off her drink.

“I believe you are laboring under the misapprehension that I have a low tolerance for alcohol.” Sirius conjured two chairs at Remus’ end of the table. He helped Hermione into her chair and took his seat next to Ginny. “Bring it on.” He grinned cheekily at her.

“It’s true,” agreed Remus. “He’s usually the last man standing.”

Ginny pushed the bottle across the table to Ron. “I’ve got one, Bill. Pick me!”

Ron poured his shot and tipped the contents of the glass into his mouth, immediately spluttering with a choking cough. The whole table snickered at him as his face reddened with embarrassment.

Bill nodded to Ginny. “Alright…go.”

“Never have I ever been caught by Mum snogging Ron behind the chicken coop.” Ginny smiled at Hannah who had been rather quiet all night.

“That’s a relief,” snarked Fred, earning a few snickers. Ginny rolled her eyes at him because she knew that he knew she was only trying to help Hannah feel included.

Hannah blushed amid a few chuckles as her boyfriend poured the shot for her. “I’ve never tasted firewhiskey,” she admitted shyly.

“No time like the present,” said George with a smirk.

Hermione grinned at Hannah, feeling more than a little sympathetic when instead of downing it in one it took her a few tries. She shivered with each sip as her face flushed hot each time. When she was finally finished she waved her hand in front of her face and let out a quiet cough. Hermione tuned the game out as she leaned over her chair to kiss Sirius on the cheek. “That would be me, wouldn’t it?” she joked.

Sirius turned to look at her, surprised, as though something had just occurred to him. “I’ve never seen you drunk.” He sounded incredulous.

“I’ve only had a few sips of brandy or wine, a little champagne at our wedding,” she confessed.

“Hmmm…” he murmured.

“What?” she asked, intrigued by the mischievous look on his face.

“Nothing, just something I’ll need to see someday, after the twins are born,” he grinned at her and then winked, turning his attention back to the game.

“Finally!” said George. “I wondered when the man of the hour would get to drink.”

George passed the bottle in front of Alicia to Harry. He poured his shot and easily tossed it down his throat, having gotten a little more experience at drinking than was necessary while living with Sirius. He had taken it as a personal offence that James’ son hadn’t ever touched the stuff. Without missing a beat Harry grinned at Hermione. “Never have I ever had a boggart turn into academic failure.” He conjured a shot glass and pushed it past Ginny to Sirius, looking directly at Hermione.

“Oh, no,” said Sirius. “He’s joking right?” He gave her a look that was humorously sad. Remus chuckled quietly at the memory. She frowned at them both, elbowing Sirius in the side just before he took the shot. He put his glass back down and let his fingers stroke the underside of her arm. “You’re turn,” said Sirius softly.

“Never have I ever been under the effect of a love potion.” She raised her eyebrow at Ron who colored brightly.

“You’re supposed to be on my team,” whispered Sirius into her ear before nipping at her lobe. He chuckled softly when she shivered and then poured another shot.

“Oh…oops!” Hermione giggled at her error. “I meant that for Ron.” Sirius surprised her by sliding the bottle past both her and Tonks to Remus. He pulled his arm back, resting his hand on the back of her neck, massaging gently with his fingers.

Remus chuckled lightly at some shared memory, poured the shot and pushed the bottle past Hannah to Ron. “Who picks?” he asked Hermione.

“Oh…,” she smiled at Sirius. “You go.” He dropped his hand to her lap and gave her thigh a squeeze.

“Never have I ever fallen on my arse while attempting to corner a werewolf for a kiss.” Sirius barked out a laugh at Tonks’ red face.

“You are never going to let me live that down are you?” grumbled Tonks. Fred and George were falling apart with laughter as Ron passed the bottle to Tonks with a snicker.

“Not if I live to be one hundred and eighty,” snarked Sirius. Hermione squirmed as he continued to torture her thigh with his fingers.

Tonks picked up the bottle and twisted off the cap. Somehow while pouring she managed to let the bottle slip out of her hand, knocking the full shot glass into Hannah causing her to yelp. The now empty glass bounced off her lap and onto the floor. The cap to the bottle flew across the table and hit Alicia in the forehead who squeaked in surprise. There was a small red mark where the cap had made contact. Remus was able to grab the bottle before it spilled but Hannah now had a large, reeking wet spot down the front of her dress. “Oh, god I’m so sorry,” said Tonks miserably as the whole table howled in laughter.

“You do know you’re supposed to drink it?” asked Sirius sarcastically. He lazily flicked his wand at Hannah, instantaneously removing the alcohol from her soaked dress. Another couple of flicks and the cap was returned to the bottle and the glass was back in front of Tonks. “Remus,” said Sirius with a touch of exasperated patience that was clearly aimed at Tonks. “Would you please do the honors?”

“Be nice,” admonished Hermione.

“I can take the mickey out of my own cousin,” defended Sirius with a wink at Tonks. She smiled weakly and drank the shot that Remus had poured for her. While Sirius was occupied with Hermione, Remus whispered something into Tonks’ ear. Her hand flew to her mouth as she stifled a soft laugh.

“Never have I ever sung ‘God Save The Queen’ in the Great Hall at Hogwarts during dinner.” Her smirk was triumphant and full of mock revenge.

“That’s cheating,” grumbled Sirius, glaring at Remus. “It was a prank James played on me,” he explained as the table broke out in another round of laughter, even Hermione couldn’t suppress a snicker. After a moment Sirius himself chuckled and then drank his liquid reprimand. He looked around the table, selecting the next victim. “Never have I ever been caught trying to slip a love potion to Mad Eye Moody.”

“Oh, I remember that,” giggled Ginny sloppily, her one shot clearly having an effect. “Mum lost her nut over that one.” A ridiculous giggle erupted out of Hannah, who blushed immediately afterward.

“I thought she was going to kill them,” snickered Ron as he draped his arm around Hannah.

“She nearly did kill us,” confirmed Fred as Sirius slid the bottle down the table to him. “The old codger always fell asleep at Headquarters, would’ve been easy to slip it into his flask.”

“Who were you trying to make him fall in love with?” asked Angelina eyeing her fiancé suspiciously.

“Snape,” snickered George as he took the bottle from Fred.

“It would have been beautiful.” Fred took his shot and got a soft, dreamy expression at the thought of Mad Eye Moody swooning over Snape.

“Should have asked for my help,” said Sirius darkly with malicious humor. Hermione looked at him with mild reproof, which he ignored as he increased the pressure on her thigh. He might not be allowed to hate Snape now but he could certainly hate him then. What he wouldn’t have given for a piece of entertainment like that!

George threw back his shot and looked at Sirius. “Who’s your pick?”

“Go on then,” said Sirius then turning back to Hermione. “Having fun?” He drew their attention away from the game.

“Yeah, I’m just a little tired,” she said with a grin, intent on teasing, if not delivering. He was about to answer when their attention was distracted by Fleur.

The French girl wheezed and gasped for air. “Zat eez ‘orrible,” she said in a throaty hiss. Bill’s quiet chuckle earned him a glare but he just smiled, totally at ease and stroked her back with his hand.

“You’re turn,” coaxed Bill.

“Zee girlz are not getteeng to play…ohhh…I know… Never have I ever agreed with ‘ermione about zee bridesmaid’s dresses.”

“Nicely done,” said Fred with real admiration.

One by one, Ginny, Tonks, Angelina and Alicia took their shots with a variety of pained facial expressions and noises of distaste. Sirius did Hermione’s with a chuckle as the giggling around the table escalated with Ginny in the lead. She suddenly stopped and shushed the table dramatically. “We’re not leaving this table until we have a name for that baby girl!” She issued her command, her voice slightly sloshy as she looked at each person in turn as though it was their fault the female twin didn’t have a name.

As the bottle got passed around Hermione noticed Ron and Hannah speaking quietly about something and then Ron spoke. “We’re sorry but we’ve got to run. We’ve both got work in the morning.”

“I had a lot of fun,” said Hannah with genuine sincerity.

“We’ll definitely have to get together more,” said Hermione as she accepted Hannah’s departing hug.

With a last few calls of ‘good night’ and ‘had a great time,’ she and Ron left by way of the Floo network.

“What about Pleione?” asked Tonks, returning to the baby naming.

Ginny suddenly giggled, clearly feeling the effects of her shots. “It rhymes with Hermione!”

Harry, who had been the last to drink shook his head sadly at his girlfriend. “Never have I ever pierced my ear.”

“Impressive,” said Fred admiringly.

“That is the most so far,” agreed George.

Bill, Fleur, Angelina, Alicia, Ginny and Tonks passed the bottle from one to the other, each taking a shot. Sirius had to drink for two. Harry grinned at his godfather. “What are you up to now?”

“A fair few,” replied Sirius without the slightest trace of a slur even though he was leading the table in the number of shots. He was feeling the affects but still had a long way to go before he would be outwardly drunk. His daring only, what he would try to get away with, was emboldened at this point. A point of fact Hermione could attest to as she squirmed in her seat, fingers in places they ought not be with a table full of friends.

“You go,” said Harry. “You’ve earned it.”

Sirius smiled at Remus, his lips rife with iniquity. “Never have I ever kissed my best friend’s girlfriend.”

Remus sighed heavily. Sirius knew where all the bodies were buried and he’d been drinking for two. “For the record,” said Remus. “She kissed me and she wasn’t his girlfriend at the time.”

“Who?” asked Tonks a little loudly, a laugh in her voice, her shots working their will in her brain. Her grin was irrepressible, loving this little secret about her fiancé’s youth. “If you don’t tell me I know Sirius will!” Remus shook his head and pleaded with Sirius with his eyes.

“Oh, grow up, Mooney!” said Sirius largely, the light in his eyes dancing. “We were in what…our fourth year?”

“Yeah, well that didn’t stop him from being crazy for her,” said Remus, betraying the guilt he still felt over a childhood misstep.

“Which is why you’re so naughty,” said Sirius impishly. Remus glared at him and tossed back his shot. Caught up in Remus’ struggle to keep his secret a secret, the table watched Sirius toy with him with rapt attention. All except for Fleur who sighed loudly, bored.

“Tell me Sirius!” commanded Tonks, banging her palms on the table for emphasis.

“She is my cousin,” teased Sirius. “I really should tell her. She has a right to know what sort of man she is marrying.”

Remus rolled his eyes. “Oh fine, then.” He paused to look at Harry. “You see, she was friends with me a long time before she would talk to this joker or your father, Harry.”

“She?” asked Harry, confused for a moment as to why Remus was addressing him. “Wait…mum?” Harry’s voice was shocked.

“Remus was her first crush,” confirmed Sirius, laughing freely.

Harry looked stunned for a moment and then he laughed out loud. “You thought I would be angry over something that happened in fourth year?”

Remus smiled sheepishly at Harry, it was a young look, even a look he might have given James in apology. It struck Hermione, rather sharply, how in many respects these two were still so young in their minds, like time had stopped for them on October the thirty first, nineteen eighty one.

“Well, gents, ladies,” said Bill amiably. “It’s time for us to run.”

Impatient to leave, Fleur did not wait for Bill to help her up. “Eet was wonderful getteeng to spend time with you.”

Hermione smiled politely. “We’d love for you to visit us more often.”

Fleur and Bill gave a few departing words to the group and then left for home.

“I got it!” said Angelina excitedly. “I’ve got a great name!”

Fred tickled her side making her jump. “Well, let’s have it.”

“It’s on the same constellation as Sirius,” she said to the group. “It means ‘the maidens’ so it would be a perfect girls name.” She paused for dramatic effect, enjoying the attention of the entire group.

“Well, spit it out,” said George, breaking the tension a little.

“Adhara,” said Angelina proudly.

Hermione and Sirius looked at one another, both loving that the star in question resided in the same heavenly home as Sirius’ own. “Adhara Lily,” murmured Sirius softly, with his eyes fastened on her. The corners of her mouth turned up sweetly, happily, as she nodded her head.

“I love it,” she said tenderly and for an instant it was just the two of them basking in the emotion of the moment.

“What a pretty name,” said Remus, bringing them back into the group.

“Thank you, Angelina.” Hermione’s eyes were shining with her appreciation.

“Rasalas James and Adhara Lily,” said Sirius proudly.

“Never have I ever picked out names for my children,” said George playfully. “That’s two for you, Sirius!”

“It’s not your turn,” growled Sirius.

“Oh, well…I concur,” said Remus helpfully, grinning.

Hermione rolled her eyes while Alicia thumped George affectionately. “You really know how to spoil a moment.”

“I do what I can,” he said modestly, like he had been given a compliment.

“Who picks?” Fred asked his twin, enjoying the joke immensely.

“I think Hermione,” he replied.

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o

Hermione had never seen Sirius directly after a night of such hard drinking. He used to drag himself back to number twelve, Grimmauld Place in the afternoon, having tidied just a bit. He had in fact been the last man standing. Tonks was the first to be defeated, crawling up to Ron’s room to sleep it off. Then Harry and Ginny had helped each other up the stairs and finally the twins and their fiancés straggled off for home. In the end it was just Remus and Sirius.

Hermione was feeling rather smug with all the dirt she had learned about Sirius. The drunker they got, the more personal it got. In the beginning she was a little jealous that she couldn’t participate but by the end she was gleeful that she could remember every little piece of scandalous information.

In an act of angelic compassion she had gone to Diagon Alley early that morning and purchased five hangover remedies. Harry and Ginny could sleep in if they wanted but the other three had to go to work the next day, a fact their inebriated minds neglected to remember. Once she returned home she had made a large breakfast and then went to wake Sirius.

Remedy in hand, she sat on his side of the bed and coaxed him gently into consciousness. Before he could get himself into trouble with words he didn’t mean she offered him the remedy. The look of profound gratitude made her snicker at the pain he must surely be feeling. It took a minute for the potion to work, having a bit of an after affect that caused his eyes to lose focus and then cross. A giddy smile touched his face as the hangover was sent packing.

“Thank you.”

“Your welcome. I’ve got breakfast ready. Tonks and Remus are up in Ron’s room. Would you go wake them for me? They’ve got work as well.” She adopted a business like tone to encourage his participation.

“Oh, god. Work.” Sirius looked at her with genuine horror.

“The vote is today. You have to go,” she reminded.

“Fuck.”

“Language,” she said primly, teasing him a little.

That made him grin, this fussy, prudish little witch, at least at first glance, who was married to the likes of him. He grinned even wider when he thought about what it took to get that same word to leave her sweet lips. “Really? You know people who live in glass houses…”

“I do not use that word,” she protested.

“Don’t you?” he challenged. His grin became positively wolfish.

“That doesn’t count,” she whined, wanting him to agree with her.

“Hmmm,” he said doubtfully. Flustered, mostly because he had never called her on it, she tried to get up only to be pulled back down. “It’s our secret,” he whispered seductively. “Because I like it when you beg me to…” he paused, letting his lips curl in an immoral smile, “…fuck you.” He said the last two words slowly, in her ear, tickling her with his hot breath, drawing the moment out for greater impact.

Hermione trembled beside him; all ability to think rationally fled her mind. Work? Vote? Ridiculous!

Sirius held her gaze heatedly, brushing his fingers along her neck and collarbone, watching her pupils as they slowly dilated and listened to her breath become a pant.

“Fuck me,” she whispered breathlessly.

“Can’t,” he said regretfully, getting up. He just wanted to tease her back, remind her that he knew where she lived.

“What!” she sat up on the edge of the bed and watched him dress in utter disbelief.

He pulled a shirt on over his sweats and walked back over to the bed. He put a hand on either side of her thighs as he leaned slowly into her. “Just so we’re clear,” he said, his voice full of mirth. “I’m not the only one with a filthy mouth.”

0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0

Sirius was sat in the round chamber, fidgeting, waiting for the tally to come back. It looked to him like the votes were in favor of abolishing ‘Malfoy’s law.’ He wanted to bring home some good news for Hermione. The vote however, was not why he was fidgeting.

He hated this job. He was entirely bored and after this vote wouldn’t have to continue on with it. He couldn’t wait to leave. Now that he had accepted his hereditary seat it couldn’t be removed from him. Like the burnt out manor and the gold in Gringotts, it was just something that came with being a Black. For most purebloods it was unthinkable to turn their back on the power granted to them by birth but he was not most purebloods. He could rescind it if he wanted to but it appealed to him to hang on to it for those times when Hermione needed an extra voice for whatever cause she was working. In short…he was going to play a lot of hooky.

Sirius looked up as Kingsley took the podium. He pounded the gavel to get the room’s attention. “The ayes have it!” Sirius smiled. She would be pleased.

Kingsley began to speak about some other matter as Sirius rose to leave. He was the only one who was leaving and did so as quietly as he could. He opened the door to the chamber and stepped out into the hallway. He murmured ‘pardon me’ a few times as he maneuvered around a crowd of witches and wizards who were waiting to testify for the next big issue. Once he was clear of them he made a beeline for the Apparition room.

Just as he was about to turn the corner into the main hall he spied the very man he had been thinking of earlier. “Dawlish!” he called out, hoping to pause him. The Auror paused and turned toward Sirius, looking for whomever had called his name. Sirius hurried over with a large smile on his face. “I was hoping to run into you sometime soon.” The grim look on the other wizard’s face caused his smile to diminish. “What’s wrong?”

“Malfoy,” gritted Dawlish. “I’m bloody well tired of letting that little twerp go free.”

“Well,” said Sirius brightening up, “I’ve got excellent news for you then.”

“Well unless you’ve come to tell me that I’m allowed to abuse my authority I don’t think it will help my mood.” Dawlish was only half joking.

“I’ve just come from the vote,” replied Sirius, a bit more sober, his voice thick with satisfaction.

“Oh,” said Dawlish. “And?”

“The next time you catch that cunt beating up a pregnant woman you’re allowed a hint of brutality,” said Sirius with a malignant smile.

“I don’t suppose you’ve given any thought to my offer. It still stands.” Dawlish was bouncing on the balls of his feet in excitement.

“Actually, yeah, I would like to take you up on it, if the same conditions still apply.” Sirius wondered if Dawlish was hinting at what he thought he was.

“Absolutely, we’ll work around your schedule.” Dawlish leveled Sirius with a look that wasn’t clearly defined. “So, are you busy now?”

“No,” said Sirius carefully.

“Care for a little conflict of interest?” asked Dawlish.

“I’d love some,” said Sirius wickedly.

“Brilliant!” Dawlish clapped Sirius on the back. “We’ve just taken a report.”

“Point the way.” Sirius didn’t think this day could get any better.