The Portrait

by: atruwriter

1/1

A solemn mood followed the two gentlemen as they entered the empty house previously occupied by a family of three. One month prior the mood would have been drastically different. Humor and friendship, love and family had filled the hollow spaces. Instead, it was unnaturally silent. It hadn't been touched since the night all had come to a startling halt. The house looked as if it were waiting to be filled again. The couches sat in wait, longing for somebody to lay or sit on them. The kitchen table begged for a family to dine at it, to fill the empty chairs and cover it in a lavish meal as chatter and laughter filled the dining room. A few toys scattered the floor, a teacup or two occupying an end table here or there. They’d been called away in a hurry due to an emergency job and so their first thought was to deposit their son in a safe environment. There was a cold loss that surrounded the house now. Shadows seeming darker, the emptiness feeling, if possible, even more hollow, and the lack of noise was deafening.

Remus looked over to Harry, not surprised to see a brooding depression marring the young man's face. It seemed death followed him still. It had been some time since he had to face it, but it was there again. Twelve years ago, Harry had thought his life would never be marred by such loss and destruction again, but it wasn't only Voldemort that caused such travesties. He'd lost two more just one month before; a loyal pair that had saved his life more times than he could count. Remus felt his own distinct loss in his gut, tightening to the point where he felt his breathing was shallow and his eyes burn. He would hold his composure, however. He must.

He was the last one. Again. It seemed as if he just wasn't destined to have his friends. Five years after regaining and losing Sirius, a breakthrough made by the always brilliant Hermione Granger, who had retrieved Sirius Black from the elusive Veil in the Department of Mysteries. Still 35, Sirius Black returned equally jaded as when he had previously returned from Azkaban. But a shower, hair cut, fresh clothing, and a home that wasn't filled with bad memories lent him a new start. He wasn't wanted by the Ministry for a false crime and he had a Voldemort and Wormtail free world ahead of him. With his best friend Remus at his side, and Harry under his wing, Sirius was on the brink of perfection. But it seemed his goals were set higher than usual. He didn't want to go back to being the carefree adolescent he once was. Too much had happened and he'd been marred by his life as it had been. Seeing Remus with his wife Nymphadora, who still preferred Tonks, and his son Teddy, Sirius sought something more.

Twenty year old Hermione Granger caught Sirius' eye in more than one way. After returning him to life she went out of her way to help him fit back into society. It was she who told him the story of the Final Battle he'd been unable to fight in. Harry was still too fresh from it all and kept most of the details to himself. But Sirius wanted to know, needed to know, and so Hermione was the one who told him every dark detail of Harry's triumph and the losses suffered. She then cut his straight black hair to an acceptable length, which he barely had to coerce her into doing as it was a scraggly mess. Not too short, but an inch or two past his ears, he held it back off his face with an elastic at times. More often than not, he let it fall handsomely across his gray eyes. A homemade meal greeted the newly groomed and more at ease Marauder as he grew more comfortable in her presence.

It wasn't long before they spent the majority of their time together. Sirius began speaking of “Mione” as though she were his other half. When he wasn't with Remus or Harry, he could always be found with the bookish woman. He refused to admit any infatuation though, stating that they simply had a strong friendship after all she'd done to save him from the darkness that the Veil had smothered him with. But it was obvious to everyone that they were far more than just friends.

With all the commotion of Sirius' return, a proper party hadn't been thrown. The twins got one together a few months in, however, stating that it was only right that everybody get royally pissed and show their glee over his revival. While Sirius hadn't been one for going out since returning, he agreed as long as it was somewhere he'd feel comfortable. He bought his house almost immediately, as he couldn't stand living at Grimmauld place. Leaving her flat behind, Hermione made the decision to join him in his recovery. He needed the company, and Harry couldn't exactly move out of his flat with Ron and Ginny. So they spiffed up the backyard of The Burrow, making it look as if they were having another big Weasley wedding. Food was set out on long tables and chairs were places around; a few blankets tossed on the ground for some to sit on.

Remus, Tonks, and Teddy arrived early to help out. Kingsley, Moody, McGonagall, Hagrid, and a few other Order members arrived shortly thereafter. All of the Weasleys were present, including girlfriends or wives. Harry stuck close to Ginny for awhile, but enjoyed a game of Quidditch with the many Weasley boys while she conversed with Neville and Luna. Remus looked all over for the man of the night, only to find him sitting on a far off blanket with Hermione, not really getting into the festivities. She was laid out of the blanket, staring up at the stars and talking to him quietly as he rested his head on her stomach, one of his hands wrapped in hers. They lay together like a couple, looking tender and separated from the outside world. She stroked his hair while he played with her fingers, all the while they ignored everything but each other.

“Sirius,” Harry called out, approaching from the side of the Burrow. He leaned his broom against the house and walked toward the couple. “George and Fred have a drinking game set up. Guys only, come on,” he said, motioning for him to follow as he left back toward the house. “You too, Remus. Time to get you completely sodded,” he told him, grinning.

Remus shrugged at his wife who looked mildly disapproving as she was pulled away to talk to Molly about having more children. He watched as Sirius sighed in disappointment, lifting his head from Hermione's stomach and staring off at the house with a little apprehension.

“Go. Drink. Have fun. Harry's missed you,” he heard Hermione say, her voice low from so far away. He had to strain his sensitive hearing, but he could just make out their conversation.

“I've missed him too,” Sirius replied almost defensively. “I just... feel out of place.”

“You just haven't been out for awhile, Sirius,” she assured, rubbing his shoulder. “They'll help you loosen up. Maybe a few drinks would be good. Just don't get so inebriated that I have to drag your arse to bed. You're a sleep talker when you drink,” she teased.

He stilled, looking momentarily worried. “What have I said?” he asked, his eyes thinned suspiciously.

“Nothing I can say in public,” she replied cheekily before waving him off.

Sighing, he leaned over to kiss her forehead before climbing up from the blanket. “I'm off, fair lady, and you will simply have to do without my good company. I dare to dash your hopes of spending an eve with me, but fear not, I will return,” he told her, standing erect with a look of overdramatic charm.

Rolling her arms, Hermione snorted. “I daresay I will survive,” she replied, chuckling.

Half-smirking, Sirius left her on the blanket and caught up to Remus, motioning for them to get inside and have a drink with the others. The Weasley boys cheered as they entered, lifting half-empty shot glasses and tankards in greeting.

It wasn't long before the surrounding blokes were half drunk and Remus only felt mildly intoxicated. Harry and Ron were somewhat slumped, but still very much interested in drinking more. George and Fred were singing merry tunes and waving their tankards around happily. Bill was moaning about something or other as he nursed his drink, while Charlie continued to prattle on about how much better Romanian alcohol was. Sirius simply listened, laughing at their antics and sitting comfortably in a chair. He swept his hair back as it fell over his eyes and grinned at Remus as he knocked back another shot of Firewhiskey.

“So, Siri...” one of the twins said, elongating the end of the nickname. “What have you and Miss Granger been doing up in that house all alone?” he teased.

The others looked over at him with interest, their expressions eager.

Sirius' face remained impassive, though he did shift in his seat slightly. “Nothing you lot would be interested in,” he assured, lifting a brow.

“Au contraire,” the opposite twin told him, shaking his head. “Ronniekins here still has a fancy for the brainy bird. And really, why wouldn't he? She's certainly... grown, hasn't she?” he asked, smirking.

There was glint in Sirius' eye that told Remus they were treading on thin ice. “Thought you were dating the blonde girl,” he said, looking over at Ron.

Shrugging, Ron muttered, “Luna an' me jus' started. I (hiccup) I l-liked Her-(hiccup)-mione before, but...” He shrugged once more, looking rather confused.

“Ya still do, little brother,” Bill told him, shoving his shoulder. “Don't think she returns the affection though. Seems she's got her eye on Mr. Black here.” He winked at the man of the hour, grinning rather drunkenly.

“You like Hermione?” Harry asked, looking at him through bleary eyes. “'Splains a lot,” he muttered.

“Like what?” the twins asked eagerly.

“They're always touching,” Harry reminded them, looking at them as if they were stupid. “And he's always, 'Oh, I gotta get home, Mione's making dinner,' or 'No, I don't feel like going out tonight. Me and Mione have plans,'” he told them in a slurred voice. “Mione, Mione, Mione.”

Sirius frowned. “I do not always--”

“And when they're together they're always all over each other,” Ron interrupted, waving a heavy hand in the air. “He's always got his arm 'round her and he's always whisperin' in 'er ear. She's always touchin' 'im and talkin' to 'im and they got their secrets that none of us know.”

“That's the point of a secret,” Remus heard Sirius mutter as he rolled his eyes.

“I bet their sleeping together,” Harry announced, nodding with eyes wide, his voice a stage-whisper, as if Sirius wasn't in the room and he was sharing a dire secret. “Yeah, I bet they'll fall in love and have a million babies and they'll forget alllll about me,” he told them pitifully.

“I won't forget ya, mate,” Ron told him, patting his shoulder.

“A million babies is a bit much,” Sirius said under his breath, which only Remus could hear and had to chuckle to himself over.

“No denial from you then, Siri?” the twins asked, lifting their brows suggestively.

“Mione and I are just friends. She just understands me, I guess,” he told them, his eyes turned off.

“Yeah, lotsa understandin' going on in bed,” Ron exclaimed, throwing his arms up and sloshing his drink over.

“You spend a lot of time thinking of us in bed, Weasley?” Sirius asked, his temper pricked.

“Thinkin' o' her maybe, not you,” he slurred back, his eyes thinned.

Sirius scowled at him. “That was your problem, boy. Too much thinking and no action.”

“Oi!” Ron shouted, trying to get up from the couch but not managing to.

The twins laughed uproariously. “That mean you and the bookish beauty been spending time in bed together then Black? You gettin' the action Ronnie here couldn't?” they wondered.

Sirius sighed, shaking his head at them as if they were ridiculous. “Can't a guy be friends with a beautiful woman any more?”

The men looked at each other before shaking their heads at him. “No!” they all exclaimed before laughing.

“Sirius,” Hermione's voice could be heard as she entered the room.

Everyone turned to look at her, smiling in a rather mischievous way. She lowered her eyes in suspicion before approaching the man she'd called out for. “You ready to go home, yet? I'm getting tired and Molly won't stop telling me about some boy that works at the Ministry. You'd think she was planning my wedding the way she talks about him,” she muttered sourly.

“Sure, love. Had enough fun for the night.” Sirius stood up from the chair rather quickly, his arm wrapping around her waist and his hand lifting to wave his drink in farewell.

“We better go say goodbye to everyone. Molly wants us to take some leftovers home,” she reminded, her arm lifting to wrap around his back. “You too, Remus. She has a few platters for you and Tonks. I think Teddy is sleeping in Ginny's old room,” she informed him.

“Psst, Hermione,” Harry called, motioning at her. “Com'ere,” he told her in a voice that wasn't very quiet.

Rolling her eyes at his drunkenness, she moved over to him and bent her head forward as he waved her too. “Are you sleeping with Sirius?” he asked, his voice a stage-whisper. The men around him barely covered their laughter. “Is'okay, you can tell me! I'm your best mate. Eh, you'd be like my godmother!” he exclaimed, moving to hug her. “I like you, Godmother Hermione,” he told her in a soft slur. “Too long,” he muttered, shaking his head. “Godmione!” He brightened with drunk excitement

“I like you too, Harry,” she said, patting his shoulder with a sigh. “But don't ever call me Godmione again. I think you've had enough to drink for one night. I'll let Ginny know you're about ready to go home.” She ignored his moaning over not being allowed to drink any longer and walked back to Sirius. “Have a good night, boys,” she farewelled.

“G'night Godmione,” they chorused cheekily.

Sirius shook his head at them, his arm wrapped tight around Hermione's waist before he apparated them out.

“He so wants her,” Charlie commented smirking.

Remus couldn't help but agree.

Sirius was abnormally possessive of her, disliking when any male seemed to show any kind of interest in her. He was physically very affectionate with her; always having an arm around her waist or a hand clasping hers. A kiss to her cheek or forehead wasn't rare and he could be found resting his head in her lap as she read or relaxed most afternoons. Often, while napping as Padfoot, he curled up next to her, comforted by her scent. He had a keen interest in her hair, often seen running his hands through it or braiding it rather sloppily as she sat in front of him while they chatted with friends and family. Hermione wasn't any less responsive. She could be found pressed up against his side, arm looped around his waist comfortably whenever they walked through Diagon Alley. She often laid against his chest while reading her books or ran her fingers through his hair as he rested his head in her lap. She seemed to have a fondness for kissing his shoulder and could be seen rubbing her cheek against his when there was a light shadow of days growth across his jaw

While at first Molly had been vehemently against them entirely, believing he was too old for her and she'd be better suited for someone like Ron, it wasn't long before she had to admit defeat. Their growing and obvious affection had surprised most for a time but then began to soften them to the fact that the two were quite simply right for each other. While Sirius had been dark and rather bitter after returning, he became steadily less gloomy as he opened himself up to the affection of friends, mostly due to the fact that Hermione brought him out more. For the first while Remus and Harry had to come and visit him in his home, where he felt far more comfortable. Prying eyes and crowds made him nervous. Hermione slowly brought him out of his shell though. Encouraging him to come to Weasley dinners and join her in Diagon for some light shopping. She practically lived with him in his new house, taking up residence in the room next to Sirius', though his nightmares had her sleeping in his arms most nights.

Countless mornings Remus had happened upon them cuddled up together in Sirius' large bed. It was only the fact that they were fully clothed and the room held no heady scent of a coupling that kept him from believing something had happened. They made a handsome couple, without a doubt. Especially fast asleep. Remus only ever found them together on Hermione's mornings off, as she was usually out the door to early for him to even interrupt. Whenever he found them together, wrapped in one another's slumbering embrace, he usually let them be and returned home for a few hours. Tonks found it endearing. She'd come with him one morning just to see them, though the rather awkward stability of her feet had Remus worried she'd wake them. They slept on, however. Sirius laying behind her, arms wrapped tightly around her slim, soft body. Sirius' cheek usually lay across her neck and ear, his face bent forward as if he were kissing her shoulder. Their legs were noticeably entwined beneath the heavy black blankets and red satin sheets. His tanned skin was in sharp contrast to her pale ivory, somehow making them look even more attractive.

Sirius had always been a handsome man, especially during his Hogwarts years. He'd had a steady flow of admirers, which only lessened when he had gone off to Azkaban falsely. Upon his return from the Veil, he was still as haunted as he looked when he'd escaped the harsh environment of Wizarding prison. But in the time since his return, his appearance had softened and his body had become healthier, so he was soon regaining his aristocratic look. Remus had noticed a fair few female Order members ogling him at meetings. He wasn't oblivious to them, but he kept his attention solely on Hermione. There was still a harshness to his face at times, his anger bringing it out more. His eyes could be as cold as ice and his temper was something not to be triggered. Likewise, however, his smile could be the happiest and most charming expression to ever grace a face. He had a dangerous balance of warm and friendly, and dark and vicious.

His upbringing and past with deception left him as someone who could be rather harsh and suspicious. But those he did care about he held onto tightly. He didn't welcome strangers, and Remus thought that was perhaps one of the reasons he stayed away from his old lifestyle of whatever witch, whenever. He still commented on the beauties, even told stories of his many ladies in Hogwarts, but when it came to actually dating or even flirting with a bird, he kept close to his friends and shrugged the opportunity off. Both the Weasley boys and Harry had commented on his odd attitude but he was keeping tight lipped about it. Remus was fairly certain it was simply because he'd fallen for the only witch keeping vigil beside him. Much like James had been when he'd fallen for Lily, his interest lay in only one and none other could match.

Hermione was much the same way. She wasn't what some would call stunning, unless looking through Sirius' eyes, but there was something about her. She was rather short, only reaching most of the men's shoulders. Her face was pale with a spatter of freckles across her pert nose. She had bright, inquisitive brown eyes, and plump pink lips that were often seen curved in a friendly smile. Her hair was wild and untamable, a dark chocolate brown that hung in large curls to the small of her back. She was no longer the bucktoothed, young girl she had been. She was graceful and feminine in a way that came naturally. Her soft curves were more pronounced now that she wasn't wearing her robes over everything, far more comfortable in her Muggle clothing. Remus had witnessed more than a few wizards looking her way and knew for a fact that both Ron and George had harbored a fancy for the intelligent and pretty witch. Her interest lay more in work and reading than dating, however. She spent time with both Harry and Ron, but as an Auror she had her work cut out for her.

Perhaps it was Hermione's wisdom and years growing up in the war that gave her a rather intimidating and regal appearance, as well. She was well known as the bright witch who helped the Boy-Who-Conquered defeat the darkest lord of their time. Her grades walking out of Hogwarts were that to be marveled over and her understanding of the world and knowledge from books left her one to be quite well versed. Oftentimes, Remus had known a number of witches and wizards unable to keep up with her quick thinking and simply gave up on the idea of challenging anything she said, simply because she was most often right. She was still a bleeding heart when it came to the 'kicked dog' types and held firm to her beliefs that everyone, human and creature, is equal and should be seen as such. Her rather righteous rants had been heard more than once by those close to her and it kept a few suitors at bay, not that she cared.

Remus wasn't exactly sure when Sirius and Hermione finally gave up on the pretense of friendship. He knew of when he realized it had changed, seven months after Sirius' return when he entered his best mate's house mid-afternoon to see if he'd like to get together with him, Harry, and the Weasley boys for a men's night out at a popular pub. When he entered to hear the house far too quiet for the usually busy home, he wasn't sure what to do. He'd drawn his wand as he felt startled by the emptiness of the first floor. Usually Hermione and Sirius were up and about, despite the fact that it was her day off from work as an Auror. She'd never into the afternoon hours and while Sirius likely would have had she not lived with him, he hadn't been one to waste any time spent with Hermione, no matter how early it was.

He was halfway up the stairs when his werewolf senses kicked in. Their co-mingling scents reached his nose, forcing a blush to his pale cheeks. Sweat and sex pricked his sensitive nose and his eyes widened at the realization. He'd always thought they would eventually... but to know they were, right then... He swallowed uncomfortably, frozen in place with shock. His ears picked up their faint voices and he stumbled down a step at the intimacy of their words. Encouragement and strangled love words escaped them, their previously unspoken affection so obvious now.

He could hear Hermione's deep panting, her shallow breaths and the throaty moans escaping her. Similarly, he could hear, quite distinctly, Sirius' harsh breathing and deep, satisfied groans. Softer noises, like that of the bed making faint protests to the movement made on it and the rustling of sheets reached his sensitive hearing. Slick skin sliding against each other, their movements increased in pace, much to Remus' discomfort. He hated his werewolf hearing at that moment, as it was all too clear that he was hearing the end of their coupling.

The sudden realization that he was hearing his former students pleasured cries forced him off the stairs entirely. He quickly hurried to the fireplace, though he could still hear them clearly. They breathed each others names so lovingly that Remus felt as if he were witnessing their most intimate display and hastened to leave the house.

They didn't inform anyone of the change for another month and Remus never told them what he'd heard. He wondered how long it had been going on but was given no details as they didn't come right out and say they were together. Christmas afternoon had everyone coming together at Sirius' house as it had more space than the Burrow. Molly had dinner already cooking away in Sirius' kitchen and all the Weasleys, their significant others, Remus, Tonks, Teddy, Harry and Hagrid were all gathered in the living room. Gifts were being exchanged with everyone. The families had already passed around their own gifts at home but presents were handed out to friends now, a pile of gifts in front of everyone.

Harry sat on the floor, Ginny in his lap, as he enjoyed watching everybody open his gifts. Molly and Arthur thanked the many people around them as they were surrounded by so many gifts they hardly had any space to move. Hagrid cried his gratitude and shook the breath out of every one of them as he tore open gift after gift, happily brought into the family surroundings. The room was full of shouts of glee and laughter as the Christmas season filled them all with a sense of freedom.

Remus noticed Sirius and Hermione apart from all the rest. Sirius sat on the floor in front of the armchair Hermione occupied, one of her legs was tossed over his shoulder and he ran his hand absently from her ankle to her thigh, beneath the black satin robe she wore that clearly had SB emblazoned in gold lettering over her left breast. Hermione watched her friends open their gifts, her long fingers running through Sirius' dark hair as a small smile pulled her lips up. Remus found himself thinking of Hermione as much older than before. A wise sense of content seemed to radiate from her. She almost appeared as though a mother watching over her children, enjoying their happiness far more than anything else. Her eyes lingered over Harry and Ron, a sisterly affection coming from her eyes.

While the surrounding friends seemed occupied with their own luck, Remus couldn't help but watch the couple with keen interest. They were somehow a part of the people with him and yet separate too. Sirius rested his cheek against her knee, gray eyes fondly watching Harry and the others, though his affection for Hermione kept him from joining the festivities. He didn't seem put out by it however, comforted more where he was than filling the space next to Harry. In the months since his revival, Sirius had kept close to Hermione more than anyone and even though his relationship was strong with Harry and Remus, he seemed to need her more than them. He thrived on her existence next to him. There was a content look to him that had only come to fruition when he was with Hermione.

Ever since that afternoon he'd walked in to hear their lovemaking, he waited for the moment they'd make it official to everyone else. It seemed friends and loved ones were just waiting for the words so they could shout their 'I told you so's', but still it hadn't come. Their actions never changed. They were still as close as ever. Still whispered to each other and held each other for no reason besides they wanted to. They continued to live with each other and ignore Molly's hinting that Hermione should get out more, date, start a family. It was noticeable that Sirius disagreed with her getting out and dating, he tensed up every time it was brought up, but he didn't say anything to stop it and Hermione simply waved off the idea. Her excuse was always her work, despite the fact that she always had time for Sirius.

The gifts were dwindling and the chatter was calming. Teddy's hair changed colours rapidly as he ran around the bright paper, kicking it around and playing with the many toys littering the floor. At four years old, he was rambunctious and curious. Molly handed out coffee to some, hot chocolate to others, and a warm butterbeer to Teddy. Ron and girlfriend Luna were taking full advantage of the “nargle free” mistletoe. Harry and Ginny were cuddling by the beautifully decorated Christmas tree. The many Weasley boys were donning their mothers knitted sweaters and passing around their gifts for opinions. Tonks was snuggled up against Remus' side, her fingers playing with his as she watched Teddy play with a train that bore a great resemblance to the Hogwarts Express. And all the while, Hermione and Sirius sat in their own world, surrounded with only them, watching from the outside.

It was as Sirius leaned his head back, saying something only she could hear as she ran her free hand through his hair, the other holding her hot mug of chocolate on the arm of the chair. The lights of the Christmas tree glinted off something near Sirius' eye and Remus' gaze was drawn to it. A simple diamond set in a very beautiful silver antique looking ring stared up at him from her finger. Sirius drew her hand closer, kissing her palm as she laughed lightly to what he'd said. She cupped his cheek, thumb stroking his chin as he stared up at her. Remus felt surprise settle in his stomach, all sound seeming to drown out. Had he really...? Was Sirius actually going to...? While Remus knew the glint in Sirius' eye as the same James had always donned for Lily, and he shared with Tonks, he hadn't really considered what long term plans would come to be.

“Sirius?” he asked, his voice rather giddy, he thought. “Something you want to share with the rest of us?”

Sirius had lifted his face from her lap, confusion in his eyes until he seemed to realize that Hermione's ring was very visible against his face. He smirked slowly, winking at Remus, and that was all he needed to know for sure.

Molly let out a sobbing shout. “Oh my!”

“Wha' happened?” Ron asked, breaking away from Luna as he heard his mum exclaim.

Hopping over toys and presents, ignoring the crowded space, Molly managed to make her way to Sirius and Hermione. “Are you really, dears? Is it true?” she asked, her eyes glittering with happy tears.

“We figured the back yard of the Burrow was nice during spring,” Sirius replied, grinning up at her.

Mrs. Weasley almost seemed to be hopping on spot before she leaned forward and gathered them both in a rather awkward hug. “Oh but when did this start?” she asked, shaking her crying head. “I thought you two were still avoiding the obvious?” she said bluntly.

Sirius shrugged. “Awhile,” he told them simply and didn't elaborate.

There were hugs and pats on the back, congratulations and shouts of excitement all around. Already the twins were planning a bachelor party and Ginny was getting excited about a bachelorette bash. Molly was quickly in discussion with a quietly smiling Arthur over how the wedding would look, where they could put everything and who would be invited. Alternately, Sirius and Hermione seemed to slip away from the well-wishers and Remus found himself following them out, if only to speak to them privately about what was happening. For once he felt left out of their loop. Sirius wasn't one to keep things like this quiet, but when it came to Hermione he wasn't saying much. Although, questions almost seemed pointless when his eyes told the answers already.

Remus pushed the door to the kitchen open, his mouth opening to call out to them but closing as he happened upon their position. In the few seconds it took for him to reach them, Sirius already had Hermione pinned against the counter, his hands on her hips and his mouth slanted over hers. Hermione's fingers were buried in his dark strands, her chin tilted and her body arched against his as she met each movement of his mouth. Their tongues were visibly tangling, noses brushing, barely any space separating their bodies. One of Hermione's legs rose to wrap around his hip, the black robe she wore falling open to reveal her creamy thigh, which Sirius' large hand took advantage of immediately. Remus found himself glued to the spot, never having witnessed their affection go past kisses on the cheek or the odd nuzzle of her face against his. But the passion between the two was unmissable.

As Sirius broke away, air becoming a necessity, he trailed lingering and calming kisses down her throat, her head thrown back and her eyes closed. Remus could hear Sirius' panting breath against her skin, the way his husky voice pledged “Love you, Mione,” the deep honest emotion that seemed to allude him in his younger years.

Their embrace grew more heated and Remus quickly took his leave, making sure to alert the others that the kitchen was currently occupied by the newly engaged. The Weasley boys and Harry chuckled over his embarrassment and Molly looked over at the kitchen rather uncertainly, “Oh, but how long will they be? I have to check the food...” he could hear her muttering. He found himself wondering just what Mrs. Weasley would think about what Sirius and Hermione were probably going to do on the clean counters and smirked to himself.

Presently, Remus found himself following a step behind Harry as they sadly perused the vast emptiness of the house. There was a sharp pain vibrating in his chest as his eyes washed over the empty chairs and shadowed corners. By this time, the couple was usually home from work and spending time with their son. Remus grimaced as he remembered the seven year old boy asking him if he was allowed to go home yet, as he missed his mummy and daddy. He still didn't understand what they meant when he and Tonks had explained that his mum and dad were in a 'better place' and wouldn't be returning. He kept telling them that his daddy took mummy out all the time, but they always came back for him, because he was their little prince. It pained Remus to see such an innocent and trusting expression on the boys face. He looked so much like his dad, with his mum's nose and ears, as Sirius had often pointed out.

Remus could still see the family clearly if he squinted real hard and let his mind wander. Sirius and Hermione had wed in spring, as mentioned, in the back property of The Burrow. The ceremony was open only to a select few friends and family members, not wanting the public involved. Upon finding out, Rita Skeeter wrote a scathing article about them being together before Hermione was of legal age and cited their marriage as 'necessary due to Black's lack of morals or female attention,' meaning she was sure that Hermione was pregnant. Had she been at the wedding to hear their vows, see them share their first dance as husband and wife, she would have surely taken back any harsh criticisms.

The world seemed not to exist as Sirius held his wife close, face buried against her shoulder, and bodies swaying across the grass. There was a light wind and the scent of flowers was strong in the air. The music was soft and sweet, a Muggle song that Remus had often heard playing around their home. He'd walked in on them swaying in their kitchen a few times to the same melody and found he couldn't pull his eyes away now either.

Feeling tired
By the fire
The long day is over

He wasn't surprised to see that everybody who'd attended the wedding watched on fondly as the couple publicly let themselves just be. From where he stood, Remus could see that both their eyes were closed. One of Hermione's hands was tightly wound in the black strands at the base of Sirius' head. His arms were wrapped snug around her, large hands splayed out over her bare back, stroking her skin and playing with the brown curls that hung down in glossy waves. Their steps were small, a little to the left and then to the right, bodies swaying just barely.

The wind is gone
Asleep at dawn
The embers burn on

He felt Tonks lay her chin on his shoulder, her hand wrapping around his bicep as he tore his eyes away to see her. She smiled up at him, “Feels like things are getting on track, yeah?”

He nodded, his throat rather tight. “I'm glad he found her.” He grinned at his best mate, though Sirius' attention hadn't wavered from his wife. “James and Lily would be proud.” He sighed, watching as Sirius kissed Hermione's shoulder and she returned it by burying her mouth against his throat. “I'm proud of him.”

“She's just what he needed,” Tonks agreed.

Remus smiled. “And vice versa.”

With no reprise
The sun will rise
The long day is over

Remus watched the content happiness invade Sirius' face as he opened his eyes to smile at his wife, laughing lightly at something she said. He leaned forward, capturing her mouth and stopping his swaying entirely as he possessively and lovingly stole her breath away. Hands buried in each others hair, bodies pressed tightly together, they freely showed everyone around them that there was no one else for them but each other. The twins interrupted with cries of, “Oi! Our innocence!” and the couple broke apart, chuckling, before they hugged each other tightly and whispered against each others ears. Others joined them on the grass for a dance but they stuck close to each other for the next few hours, oblivious to the knowing and happy gaze of their friends and family.

Remus reached out with a shaky hand, picking up the discarded book laying on the couch. It was marked with a red ribbon and he could envision the way they were likely cuddled up on the couch, Ethan upstairs asleep in his bed. Hermione would be reading while Sirius played with her hair or teased his mouth over her neck, attention more on her, though his eyes would venture down to read what she was. They were always so together, it was no wonder they died the same.

Shortly into their marriage, Sirius had returned to his position as an Auror, which he'd been before the death of James and Lily and his incarceration. His desire to always be close to his wife, coupled with the hatred he held for dark wizards, made it the perfect career choice. Kingsley placed them as partners shortly after realizing that they simply couldn't work well with others. More Sirius than Hermione, but as partners they were fluid and dangerous, not to be messed with under any circumstance. They quickly made a name for themselves, the Blacks who held justice in the strike of their wand. Their capture rate was high and their determination put them in a position where most dark wizards wanted them disposed of. Injuries were not at a minimum for them, despite their ability to get themselves out of deathly scrapes. They'd suffered their fare share of broken bones and blood loss. A deep slicing hex to her shoulder had Hermione in St. Mungo's a little over a year after she and Sirius had married, where some startling news had her off duty for the next year and a half.

At twenty-three and thirty-eight, Hermione and Sirius were about to be parents. Nobody was surprised, as the two were the most affectionate couple to ever walk the planet. While previously they'd been rather low-key about the affection, after marrying they seemed to find no qualms about snogging at any time. It was a well-known fact that anybody visiting must write beforehand or give loud warning to the couple before entering the Black house. Their sexual appetite for each other seemed unending, as Remus knew from many an uncomfortable interruption.

Remus was in an excited hurry. He couldn't wait to tell Sirius and Hermione the good news. Tonks was pregnant with their second child and he wanted his best mate to come celebrating with him. He was so absorbed in his own exuberance, that he hadn't realized what he was about to walk in on until he did. He pushed open the swinging white door leading to the kitchen and opened his mouth to shout that he was going to be a dad... again. But his words left him as he realized what was happening.

Hermione was on the table. Her casual red dress was pushed up to her waist and her legs were hanging open widely, toes curled and feet sitting at the very edge of the table. Her arms were holding her up, head back, hair pooling beneath her. Sirius' arm was wrapped around her waist, holding her arse tightly. His face was buried between her thighs and Remus realized quickly that he'd just seen a whole lot more of the wife of his best mate than he'd ever wanted to.

Despite his inner shouts of “GET OUT QUICKLY!” his feet were stuck in place as he watched in rapt shock as Sirius' tongue lapped at his wife's folds, teeth grazing the sensitive nub and making her moan loudly. Hermione cried out for him, rather vulgar curse words exiting her mouth, which merely made Sirius chuckle, sending her into a quivering fit, much to Remus' shocked discomfort. Sirius' other hand stoked the inside of Hermione's thigh tenderly, his wedding band glinting.

It wasn't the first time he'd walked in on them so intimate. They'd been shagging on the stairs two weeks prior, which looked uncomfortable and rather painful, but didn't slow them down in the least. And it'd been Hermione's head between Sirius' legs the month before when he popped in to see if they wanted to join him and Tonks for dinner. They shagged like bunnies, Remus knew, because it seemed every time he came over they were locked around each other. Against the walls, on the couch, in front of the fire, on the counters, in the bedroom, on the stairs, across her desk, in the shower. He was seriously considering never visiting them again and simply telling them they had to come to him from now on, just so he wouldn't ever have to see Sirius' naked lower half thrusting into his friend and former student again.

Sirius' enthusiastic tongue continued it's assault on Hermione's glistening mound and her cries grew deeper and heavier as Remus turned and hurried out of the room at a run, finally finding his sense. It didn't stop his ears from hearing her scream her orgasm out for the world to hear, Sirius' name yelled in sheer ecstasy. He could imagine his best mate's smug face and the pleasure that must be clouding Hermione's. Per usual, he left through floo and hoped he'd be able to look Hermione in the face without blushing the next time he saw her. He vowed then he wouldn't be back for awhile, as he wasn't flooing in or apparating until he knew for a fact they were properly dressed. He'd just have to owl them the good news and hope they came to him.

Sirius hadn't had to deal with the same interruption when he realized he was going to be a dad. He was in St. Mungo's, badgering a healer as his wife was looked over. Remus, Harry and Ron had all arrived at the hospital after hearing that Hermione had been brought in, bleeding profusely from a mission gone wrong. From where he stood, Remus could hear Sirius shouting and cursing about nobody telling him anything. He was forced to sit out in the hall with them as they continued healing Hermione, which meant he'd be pacing and muttering under his breath the entire time. Ron fell asleep in his chair and Harry yawned every few minutes, while Remus tried to calm Sirius down.

Finally, when it seemed Sirius had had enough and was going to curse answers out of the healer, he was called in to speak to his sleepy but recuperating wife. Remus sat anxiously in his chair, knee jumping, until five minutes later when he heard Sirius' loud shout of, “HOLY FUCK!” followed by Hermione's chastisement of swearing. Worried, Remus and the two younger men followed him hurriedly into Hermione's room, only to find Sirius on her bed, hugging her tightly and kissing her throat rather enthusiastically.

“Is she physically able to do that?” Ron asked rather uncomfortably. “She is injured, remember!”

“I'm going to be a dad!” Sirius exclaimed, ignoring the question. With swimming eyes, he kissed Hermione full on the mouth for so long Remus began squirming in place and Harry cleared his throat to get their attention. When they finally pulled apart, congratulations were handed out with pats on the back and shakes of the hand. A very proud Sirius never left Hermione's side, his hand resting on her abdomen and his eyes staring into hers. Remus figured it was one of the best moments of Sirius' life and couldn't help but feel grateful that he was there to have it at all. It seemed all the bad things that had happened to Sirius were ending and a real future was beginning for him.

Six months later, Ethan James Black was born to two very happy parents. Sirius instantly loved his son, proudly telling everybody that he had the Marauder gleam in his gray eyes and would surely outprank even the Weasley twins when he grew old enough. There was a sheen to his eyes as he held his squirming son out to Remus to hold for the first time. “You'll be the second greatest godfather alive!” he told him, his voice rather raspy. He barely left Hermione's side, holding her hand tightly as she sleepily watched their friends coo over their son. Remus watched the proud parents with a warm feeling in his chest. He softly stroked the dark mop of black hair on a red and squirmy Ethan's head, thinking to himself that he really would be the best godfather the child could ever ask for.

Bringing himself out of his memories, Remus followed Harry into the library/office connected to the living room. Floor to ceiling bookshelves surrounded them, filled with every volume of every book Hermione could get her hands on. Her desk lay off to the side, piled with parchment and ink, finished and unfinished reports for work. There was an area in the bookshelves devoted solely to their family; baby books, photo albums, colouring books, etcetera. Remus stared down at the many spines lining the small stories Sirius read to Ethan each night. They ranged in age, some for when he was much younger and learning to potty train and read. He wondered if he should take them with him, as Ethan kept asking when his daddy was going to come and read him a bedtime story. Remus had tried once, but found that Sirius was the only one who could tell a story quite like how Ethan liked it. He made faces and acted out scenes; he used voices and knew the stories by heart. Remus could only read Ethan some of Teddy's old books, which he no longer touched as he was away in Hogwarts for his third year. His daughter, Anabelle, loved his storytelling, but Ethan wanted his daddy back and Remus couldn't explain that Sirius wouldn't be returning. It would be too much to ask for a third revival.

“This was her favorite part of the house,” Harry commented, his sad green eyes taking in the room. “'Cept maybe the bedroom,” he tried to joke, though his face tightened with his remorse.

“I know Sirius' was definitely the bedroom,” Remus replied, a strangled chuckle escaping him. “Couldn't keep their hands of each other, those two,” he said, his voice wavering as his eyes filled. “God I miss them,” he choked out. He shook his head, his eyes burning and his throat tightening. “I miss their poorly timed snog sessions and their ineptness at shagging at a decent hour rather than when guests were due to arrive. I miss his vanity and her answer to every question,” he admitted, his voice going in and out. “The way he was always grinning around her. How happy he was. How complete they looked with Ethan between them. Gods... I miss them so much, Harry. I thought... I thought it was all over... I'd never lose anyone ever again... How ridiculous of me,” he cried brokenly.

“No, no, I do too. I... I really miss them,” Harry confessed, his shoulders shaking as he tearfully stared back at Remus. “I thought it would all be easy after Voldemort was defeated. I thought I'd become like any normal wizard and I'd have my family and friends. Sirius was back and everyone close to me survived. It was... It was like life was finally turning out right.” He swallowed tightly, his hands fisting at his sides as he looked around, looking like a lost little boy.

Clearing his throat, he admitted in a strained voice, “I was jealous of her at first. When he returned and he really only wanted to be around her. Only felt right around her. I kept thinking that I would finally get all his time, I would finally have the attention I always wanted from him. There was no Voldemort, no Ministry after him. It was just us. And he spent time with me, he did. We played Quidditch and we talked, about dad and mum and him, about everything.” He shook his head, his chin shaking. “But it was always as if he was waiting to get back to her. Like he needed to see her. And while it was good to see me, great even, he couldn't stand to be away from her for even a minute.” He nodded, his eyes falling. “I didn't get it at first. I thought... I thought eventually he'd get tired of her. They weren't all that close before the Veil. But... But then I realized that it wasn't going to change. He... He needed her... Loved her...” His hand lifted, pressing against his chest as if trying to stop his heart from breaking. “And, y'know, after I told that selfish voice in my head to shut up, I realized... She needed him, too. She loved him, too. And they... They were...”

He laughed a humorless choke. “You know how they say there's a person out there for all of us? Like how my mum was the only one my dad could have ever loved. The type of person you sacrifice yourself for. That you really can't bare to be away from. That's Hermione and Sirius. I don't... I dunno what changed in him but when he came back, he was different. Not bad different, just... Just changed. He was like a father rather than a friend and... He was still Sirius, but... But he was ready for Hermione and what they had.”

Remus nodded jerkily, blinking rapidly to stop the tears from falling. “I was jealous too,” he told him softly. “Sirius wasn't the type to spend more time with a woman than his friends. It was always the Marauders before a snog. But it wasn't just physical with Hermione and I guess that's why things changed so much. First time the dog ever fell in love and he fell hard.” Remus chuckled lightly, smiling briefly. “Life wasn't always good for them, but... The last ten years...” He stuffed his hands into his pockets, nodding sagely. “I can't imagine them wanting it any different, Harry.”

“I just wish... I wish they were still here,” Harry said, gulping in air shakily. “I wish they could be here for Ethan. I wanted my kids to know them. I wanted... I wanted to know them forever.”

“You will. They may not be here with us, but we don't know them any less,” Remus moved to stand next to the man who so resembled his father. Gripping his shoulder comfortingly, he looked down into the emerald eyes awash with tears. “They're Sirius and Hermione, Harry. You've known them all along. She'll still be that voice in your head, telling you right and wrong, and he'll be the one encouraging you to do the fun thing, blast the consequences.” He sniffled, hating that his composure had slipped. “Well,” he said, clearing his throat of the clog of emotion. “We should unveil this, yeah?”

Sniffling and wiping his face, Harry walked toward the large curtain hanging in the middle wall sitting directly across from the door. They stood side by side, simply staring up at the black velvet hanging that hid the portrait diligently. One month prior, he'd never expected to be standing where he was. He'd seen them just that afternoon, bringing Anabelle by to play with Ethan as he and Tonks chatted with Hermione and Sirius over tea. They'd returned home before dinner, taking a rather sleepy Anabelle with them as Ethan ran past into his dad's arms, shouting about playing football with him in the backyard while his mum cooked up dinner. He remembered Hermione gave him a kiss on the cheek, assuring him she'd have his batch of Wolfsbane ready the next day. Then Sirius hugged him, shoving his shoulder and promising that they'd get together later in the week, out for a drink or see a Quidditch game, just them.

That night he was woken by a sobbing Tonks, ushered to the Ministry with barely any idea what was going on.

CONTINUED TO PART B...