Challenge Fic| Pieces of You: Part 2 - The Journey| NC17

[ceredwensirius]

Title: Pieces of You
Author: ceredwensirius 
Written For: hermionesirius 
Challenge: 2009 Valentine's Day Challenge
Prompt: Angry, Betrayed, Black Hair, Black Leather, Cigarettes, Firewhiskey, Flirt/Flirty/Flirtatious, Gentle, Grimmauld Place, Impulsive, Leather, Lips, Quick Temper, Recluse, Sexy, Smirk, Smoke, Stubble, Tortured 
Lyrics:
The hand that wrote this letter
Sweeps the pillow clean
So rest your head and
read a treasured dream
I care for no one else but you
I tear my soul to cease the pain
I think maybe you feel the same
What can we do?
I'm not quite sure what we're supposed to do
So I've been writing just for you  - Letter to Hermione, by David Bowie
Rating: NC17 (By the last chapter)
Pairings: Hermione/Sirius
Word Count: 3,571/15,000
Summary: Sirius escorts Hermione back to England at Harry's request
Disclaimer: Not my characters.
Author's Note: I've been promising this one shot for months so I'm hoping that this challenge will force me to finish it. LJ wouldn't let me put it all on one post so even though it is, as of this moment, only 3/4 complete, I'm posting. Thank you to my lovely betas ilexx  AKA pelespen  and also for looking this over. If you follow my drabbles at grangerblack100  you will recognize pieces of this which have been posted in the past, particularly in Part 3.

 

The journey…

Standing in the doorway to her office, letter in hand was a man who was little more than a memory to Hermione. Still wearing his hair long, the sleek black pony tail draped over his shoulder and reached nearly to his elbows. Sirius smiled cautiously at her like he wasn't quite sure he was in the right office.

Goodness, he is even more handsome than I remember.

Hermione smiled brightly in warm welcome. "You made it! Thank you so much for coming!"

Sirius took a step into her office, out of the doorway's shadow and that was when she noticed that he looked weary somehow. His gaze lacked spark and spoke of defeat, like he was both tired and tired of trying.

"Not at all, I'm happy to help," he replied. "Looks like you've got most of the packing already done." He looked around at the bare office that was occupied by five large steamer trunks with the lids cocked open. "Couldn't you just put all this in one bottomless trunk?"

"I've been in a dozen different countries at least in the last three years, been in close contact with their magical communities and have collected a variety of magical artifacts and some of them don't like to be in contact with some of the others." Hermione spoke matter of factly but she had a slightly sheepish look on her face.

"Miss Granger!" said Sirius with mock shock. "Please tell me you aren't transporting anything Dark or dangerous."

"Dark, no and I prefer the word interesting to dangerous," she replied with a smirking grin.

"You would have made a fine Marauder, Hermione!" Sirius cracked a genuine smile and the transformative affect it had on him was enough to steal her breath. Handsome wasn't enough of a word to describe Sirius' chiseled good looks, made even more distinguished by the tempering affect of age.

Momentarily star struck, Hermione waved him into her office allowing the motion to give her time to recover the use of English. Taking the cautious liberty of a surreptitious glance, Hermione tried to gauge if Sirius had noticed her flustered reaction.

He had taken a few more steps into her office and was peering into one of the trunks. If he had noticed anything unusual from her, he gave no indication. "You've also added to your personal library." His tone carried an edge of understanding, like he just remembered something and it made sense to him.

"I've always been fond of books," she acknowledged, comfortably composed after her brief moment of stress. Her steps took her to his side and laid a gentle hand on his arm to gain his attention.

"I'm glad you came, Sirius. It means a lot that you would do this for me." In a sincere gesture of greeting a long lost friend, Hermione wrapped an arm around him in a companionable way. She felt him stiffen and wondered if this distressed his aristocratic sensibilities, but he relaxed after only a small moment and returned the gesture.

She hoped he understood that she was grateful not only for his presence in New Guinea, but in the world as well.

"So,” she said in a business like tone, releasing him with a sincere smile.” You've had a long journey and are probably tired. Let’s get these trunks closed and sealed. I think a simple Locking Charm will do the trick. A porter will be arriving in about an hour to collect them. We'll go back to my hotel and you'll take a nap and then later we'll have an early dinner before our boat ride to the Australian mainland."

Hermione was puzzled by the expression he had adopted at first but his murmured, "mmm, hmm," caused his lips to twitch in a suspiciously amused way.

"What?"

"Oh," said Sirius with a soft, quiet laugh. "I was just remembering what a bossy little thing you were."

Lifting his wand he began closing and sealing the trunks. Despite the glare she was sure must be burning a hole in his backside, Sirius never turned to look at her.

~0~

Dinner offered Hermione her first real opportunity to talk with Sirius since he had arrived. She was uncertain what her task actually entailed, all she knew from Harry's letters was that Sirius was not himself since being pulled out of the Veil. The man who was tortured from living more than a decade in close proximity to Dementors was further traumatized by his experience with death. Once quick to tease and possessing a quick temper, he had become something of a recluse who didn't show any real signs of embracing his second chance.

There was something about his demeanor that suggested he might be a difficult person to get to know if he wasn't inclined to open himself up. She realized that without the close contact and forced time in his company afforded her by the trip home she would likely face the same difficulties in drawing him out that everyone else had experienced.

"So where all have your travels taken you?" asked Sirius of his quiet companion.

Hermione smiled in appreciation for his effort. This was the right course, she realized, start with the small stuff and build a rapport.

"Lets see...I started in America because they have some of the most progressive laws. Did you know that the further West you travel, the less importance is placed on blood status. In New York it was pretty stifling but in Los Angeles no one gave a wit who your family was."

"Sounds nice," he mused, and then joked. "Maybe I'll relocate. I'd love to go somewhere that nobody knew my name or that I was a Black just by looking at me."

Hermione sensed that there was more truth in his statement then he wanted her to believe.

"You'd leave Britain?" she scoffed, keeping it light so as not to make her quarry run to ground.

"Done it once before," he said lightly. "Seeing new places was part of the charm of staying on the run."

"That's been my favorite part of all this research," agreed Hermione. "I've been to Nigeria, Chile, Lebanon, Israel, Australia, Kenya, Pakistan, China, Argentina, Brazil, Japan and of course America and New Guinea. I've had a wonderful time but I've found what I was looking for and now it's time to go home and put what I've learned to work."

"And you've been on your own all this time?" he asked between bites of his broiled salmon.

"You know, I'm not sixteen anymore, Sirius," she said briskly, before taking a sip of her Cabernet.

"No," he replied softly. "No, I can see that."

The subtle reply was significant for Hermione because somehow, in his quiet response, there was a reminder of the fact that he was a man and she was a woman and that he at least, was aware of this. Their roles to play no longer involved an adult and a child.

She glanced quickly at him to see a slight smirk playing at his lips. It was a delicious sight, an utterly sinful smile, like he was remembering something he shouldn’t repeat in her company. The look he was giving her wasn't quite lecherous but it certainly wasn't chaste.

Remembering that she needed to keep the upper hand between them, that she needed to be in control, she decided to remark on it.

"That's an interesting look you're giving me, Black." She kept her tone playful but her intent was to put him on the spot all the same.

Startled at being caught and even more at being called on it, Sirius adopted a blank look before breaking into another one of those blinding, transformative smiles.

"Busted," he said with a teeth flashing grin. "Pretty witches have always been a weakness. Don't worry though, I'm on my best behavior."

"That I'll have to see," she said smugly.

"What?" he asked, confused by her meaning.

"You and good behavior in the same room," she said, attempting a serious tone but failed with a faltering laugh on the last word.

"Touche'," said Sirius, and lifted his wine glass in her honor.

~o~

The Australian coastline faded into the distance, the lights twinkling like tiny diamonds that got smaller and smaller as the massive sailing schooner headed into open water. Sirius was proving to be an excellent traveling companion and Hermione found that she really enjoyed his company. At the moment he was supervising the placement of her trunks in the cargo area which saved her from having to deal with a particular wizard that looked at her like she was a steak dinner. Thankfully Sirius didn't appreciate the creepy wizard anymore than she did and had stepped in quickly and firmly.

Hearing quiet footsteps behind her, Hermione turned to see Sirius approaching her on the deck. As he neared, the silver light of the full moon illuminated his face and she was once again reminded of their change in status and it made her feel vulnerable. The waves crashing against the hull whispered seductively to her as she waited on the warm and breezy deck. Liberated from a messy bun, an unruly, wavy tendril broke free, momentarily obscuring her view of him. When he was close enough he reached out with his rough fingers, caressing her youthful cheek as he cleared her vision. Unconsciously she moved into the gesture, forcing him to cup her face.

"Are you alright? You seemed pretty rattled," he said gently.

"Guess I'm just not used to being viewed like prey," she replied. "Hazard of spending most of your life in various libraries doing research."

Sirius smiled. "Maybe you just never noticed before."

At her puzzled look Sirius opened his mouth, closed it and then let out a sigh. "You're a lovely young woman, Hermione. It isn't possible that you haven't been noticed before."

Hermione blushed and looked away, but was saved from having to respond by the deafening blast of a loud horn. Several tall masts sprung out of the ship, sails unfurling.

"We'd better get below deck," said Hermione. "The ship is about to dive."

Sirius nodded and escorted her to the portal door, guiding her gently with his hand pressed at the small of her back.

~0~

The meeting with her colleague in India had gone smoothly and without any difficulties. An afternoon spent navigating the noisy marketplace in the bustling city of Bombay, gave way eventually to a quiet, first class, air-conditioned sleeper unit. It amused her to discover that 'platform nine and three quarters' was an international standard across the magical community.

Sirius upgraded them in Victoria Station from the sleeper class which was all she could afford on what was left of her research grant. He tried very hard to get them separate quarters but they wouldn’t be able to attain such luxurious accommodations until they reached Asia proper. Once there, the magically laid tracks passed under the Ural Mountains into Northern Europe. The India portion alone was a very long journey and the idea of sharing sleeping room with Hermione seemed to disturb Sirius greatly.

Hermione was quietly settling a few things in order to make the journey more palatable, setting out a few books and such and nestling cozily into her bunk, situated across from his, which was currently adjusted for sitting, not sleeping. Sirius was once again seeing to the stowage of her trunks and had been absent from her side for about twenty minutes.

“Hello, again,” he said quietly as he entered. Hermione noticed that the strained look hadn’t left him yet and wondered why bunking platonically with her was causing him such a bother.

“I promise I don’t snore,” she blurted out without meaning to. His brow furrowed for a moment and then relaxed but his lips pursed like he was considering how to say something.

“That’s not it, Hermione,” he said, gathering his trousers slightly before sitting. He let out a long ragged sigh like he was giving something very careful consideration before speaking.

A knock at their unit door stole their attention away from the mounting tension of a difficult moment. Hermione raised a finger, asking for a pause and moved to the door and opened it.

“Hermione? Hermione Granger?” said a young female voice. Hermione blinked a few times until she recognized the dark haired woman from her school days.

“Romilda, how…” Hermione gave the smallest of all pauses. “…nice to see you.”

“I thought that was you!” Romilda smiled warmly. “Listen, you can’t stay by yourself the whole journey. Even books need a breather, you know.” Romilda had grown into an even lovelier woman than she had been as a child but something about her still annoyed Hermione.

The deep chuckle coming from within her own compartment was also a tad annoying.

“Oh,” said Romilda, with a raised eyebrow and a smirk. “Oh, I see. Well, let’s have a look at him then.” And with that she pushed the door open a little. A soft gasp left her lips at seeing a face which had been in the papers a few years ago, shortly after his return.

Sirius stood up politely and smiled at the young dark haired witch.

“Sirius Black, Romilda Vane. Romilda, this is Harry’s godfather Sirius. Sirius was kind enough to escort me home. I’m returning to England,” explained Hermione, hoping to squash a rumor before it got started.

“Pleasure,” said Sirius extending his hand. Romilda took it with a small smile.

“Nice to meet you, Sirius.” Romilda took a little pause as he squeezed and released her hand. “Sirius, would you mind if I stole Hermione away for a little while? She has some friends on the train that would love to see her.”

Hermione mounted a mental defense against this but didn’t get it past her lips before Sirius answered for her. “Oh, certainly. I’m sure she’s getting tired of an old man’s company anyway.”

“You’re hardly old, Sirius,” said Hermione immediately.

“Thanks, Sirius,” said Romilda. “I won’t keep her too long. If I know Hermione she has a stack of books that will be calling her away before we’re ready to let her go.”

Sirius chuckled warmly again and waved to a helpless and defeated looking Hermione as she was led away.

~o~

Sirius shuffled tiredly but with his hunger sated back to the first class unit he shared with Hermione. He released a soft, despairing sigh as he opened the door to the compartment and discovered that not only had she returned in his absence, but she was sound asleep. She didn’t want to go off with her school mate and he hadn’t done anything to stop it.

Putting off the inevitable.

One way or another she was going to see that which he allowed very few to see. Separate cabins aboard the schooner and aboard the train had seemed like something he could easily attain.

He sat carefully on the edge of her bunk and lay and a gentle hand on her shoulder and tapped lightly.

“Hermione?” he said softly. “Wake up, pet.”

“Mmffhh… Srriusss? Wha’s the matter?” she asked drowsily.

“We have to talk for a minute. You can go back to sleep after,” he said gently.

Hermione sat up slowly, rubbing her eyes and yawning. She stretched, catlike and gave him a concerned, sleepy smile.

“The reason I didn’t want to share quarters,” he said heavily, his tone low enough that she had to strain to hear. “Is because sometimes.” Sirius shook his head like that wasn’t what he meant to say at all. “At night… I have… nightmares.” The last word was said with a note of disgust, like he considered it to be a weakness.

“Everyone has-“Hermione started to speak but Sirius put his hand up to still her voice.

“If I wake you, if you hear me, just go back to sleep. It’ll run its course and I’ll quiet down.” Sirius got up and crossed to his bed and lay down. His back was turned, demonstrating physically that the discussion was over.

~o~

Hermione couldn’t go back to sleep.

When Sirius began to shake and stir she tried, valiantly, to do as he had requested. When he looked at her with wide open, sightless eyes, an unuttered scream on his lips and his features twisted in tortured agony, her feet moved her to him without conscious effort on her part.

“Shhh…” she whispered, stroking his face softly with tender concern. When he blinked, a moment of anger crossed his face but she ignored it entirely. She joined him on the tiny bunk, pressed tightly to him and cooed a soothing jumble of nonsense to him. He hadn’t the will to fight her and the comfort she offered was something he had never experienced. Not even from Charity.

He could feel his very soul quiet in her sure arms and snuggled childlike against her with a similar sort of selfishness.

“That’s it,” she said softly, a note of satisfaction in her voice. “You’re safe, Sirius. Do you hear me? Safe.”

Unwilling to risk speaking because he was unsure what to say, he just nodded and let her guide this, whatever this was.

“Go to sleep now, Sirius. I’m not going anywhere.”

~o~

Sirius woke early and inhaled a soft and sweet scent, sort of flowery but not obnoxiously so. He remembered Hermione’s charity from the night before and felt deeply conflicted. The gratitude he felt was undeniable but so was the irritation of not being allowed his privacy.

He noticed a dozen little things about her at once, starting with the little catlike wheeze she made as she slept. This was something he could tease her about later.

Her body, pressed warm against his was soft in a way he hadn’t felt in a long time. Where Charity was somewhat unyielding, Hermione’s curves were practically molded along the length of him. A little smile, somewhat secretive, tugged at her mouth and he wondered, and not for the first time on this trip, what her lips would feel like against his.

Not that he would ever be finding out. She was far too good for him but he allowed himself this little square of danger and enjoyed the experience of something forbidden in his arms.

Before laying his head back down to rest his eyes some more, he inhaled deeply of her scented hair, spread wild and untamed on their shared pillow.

~o~

An hour later Hermione stirred slightly, feeling warm, possessive arms tight around her middle. She had woken several times in the night, the unfamiliar feel of a man in bed with her somewhat pleasant and somewhat confusing. She could neatly catalogue her reaction to him as being entirely human and very female but once it was identified and dissected, she still had to deal with it.

She knew he wasn’t asleep by his breathing and that was confusing as well. She expected him to avoid her after this or even fight with her. There was no thinking last night as she crossed to his bunk, only the compassion of one human for another.

Hermione turned with a slight shift of her body and turned her head toward him.

“I know you’re not asleep,” she said gently. “We should talk about this. This is why you’ve pulled away isn’t it?” She could sense his shock in the slight stiffening of his body.

A small sound came from him, a little clearing of his throat before he spoke.

“Hermione, don’t you think that we should, ah, disentangle ourselves before going straight for the heavy stuff?”

“Why? So you can practice avoidance of the topic and let things get weird until tonight when I crawl back into your bed to comfort you some more?” She shifted again so that now she was resting on her side so she could watch him stare at the ceiling.

“Well, I have a three rescue minimum before I divulge all my secrets,” he said lightly, attempting at humor.

“We’re only on this train for two nights,” she said in mild protest.

“Exactly,” he replied.

“What was it like?” she asked without elaboration.

Sirius let the silence stretch between them for a very long time, uncomfortably long before trying to answer.

“I never expected to go to heaven,” he said quietly. “I guess that’s what it was, where I was.”

Hermione sucked in a breath. He turned his head to her and smiled. “It’s been a difficult adjustment, I suppose. I feel everything and nothing. I guess I haven’t handled it too well. How much more was there to Harry’s letters that you omitted?”

She dropped her eyes from his for a moment, telling the whole truth would be a bad idea she surmised.

“I really wasn’t sure what he was talking about, to tell the truth,” she said honestly. “You don’t act like that around me. I’ve really enjoyed your company.”

“I feel different around you,” he whispered bravely, before turning away with his brow furrowed in something that looked like annoyance. “And that’s as much secret divulging I can handle at this hour of the morning.” He was up and out of the bed swiftly and had his hand on the door when he heard her voice again.

“Sirius?” she asked tremulously.

“Leave it, Hermione,” he said roughly, before exiting their compartment.

Part 1 | Part 3

Comments

[siriuslyinluv71.livejournal.com]

I closed my eyes while scrolling down... because I am at work and I cannot afford to get sidetracked....

Umm... ALREADY!! DAMN!

You are hell of a LOT FASTER than I am!

[ceredwensirius.livejournal.com]

Been working on this for 6 months. I think I say that in the A/N but am on phone and can't see. If you want to believe I wrote this much in a day...

Just kidding. I don't type THAT fast.

[siriuslyinluv71.livejournal.com]

Okay..... Now that I read this.....

“That’s it,” she said softly, a note of satisfaction in her voice. “You’re safe, Sirius. Do you hear me? Safe.”

Unwilling to risk speaking because he was unsure what to say, he just nodded and let her guide this, whatever this was.

“Go to sleep now, Sirius. I’m not going anywhere.”

Made me cry.

Seriously. I love your Hermione in this. Pieces-of-me!Hermione should kick Breathe!Hermione's ass!

Anyways...

And Sirius....

My poor sexy soul....

Man do I feel for him....

And he is just perfectly written. I don't know which Sirius I prefer more. This one or Breathe!Sirius....

So far it's a tie.

And it's strangely comforting to see him so mellow and soft, but STILL very rough around the edges. Your characterizations are just amazing. And this fic is just fucking brilliant... I am eagerly awaiting the next episode or chapter.

[ceredwensirius.livejournal.com]

Seriously? Cry?

Wow.

Thank you.

I wouldn't mind watching an action movie of Breath!Sirius, but this is the Sirius that lives in my head. This is who I was trying to create with Innocence but failed, failed, failed!

[siriuslyinluv71.livejournal.com]

I loved them both. Innocence!Sirius was just amazing and passionate... very rare to find in Sirius/Hermione stories...

I think you know that because... most of us prefer to write about this overgrown rebel who is sexier than adonis himself.... so yeah....

*sigh*