A Perfect Match
Experimenting
A PERFECT MATCH
By Geena
A/N: Maybe this is the time where I should tell you that I\'m not particularly fond of Sirius Black, though in this story my Sirius-abuse is rather minor.
Chapter 11: Experimenting
It was a very shaky Hermione that went to breakfast the next morning. She was relieved to see Snape was not sitting at the table. Somehow she would find it easier if their first encounter after ‘the incident’ would take place in private.
She was about to finish up when Dumbledore came to talk to her.
“Hermione, Severus wanted me to tell you there will be no working today. He’s taking the protection-potion against the Imperius curse to the Ministry and will not be back until tomorrow or the day after. You can take some time off.”
“He left Hogwarts ?” her stomach turned and she wasn’t sure if she would be able to keep her breakfast in.
“Yes, I don’t like it either, but he insisted on taking the supplies himself. I’m sure he’ll be fine though, there’s little chance he might run into a Death Eater at the Ministry.” He tried to reassure her, noticing the terror in her eyes.
“Of course.” Feeling quite numb, she started to walk towards the door.
“Maybe you can go to Hogsmeade. The students have a free weekend, so you should be seeing some familiar faces around.”
“Thank you, I will.” Hermione hadn’t even realised it was the weekend. Dumbledore was right, she could use some time off. Maybe she could go and visit Hagrid. Or no, Malfoy would be there and she didn’t feel like talking to another Slytherin.
For now, a stroll outside would do.
She walked on her own the whole morning and went back outside after lunch.
She was on her way towards the lake when she saw Sirius coming up to her.
“Hello Hermione, long time no see ! It’s good to see you out of that dungeon.” He smiled.
“Yes, it’s nice to be outside. It’s a lovely day.” She smiled back at him.
“Are you planning on doing anything today ? I’m going to Hogsmeade myself. Would you like to accompany me ?” he took a little bow when he asked and Hermione couldn’t help herself laughing out loud.
“I’d love to go with you. I’m dying for some butterbeer.”
He offered her his arm and they took off.
When they arrived at the Three Broomsticks a lot of students were already there, including Ginny and her friends. They looked a bit surprised when they saw Hermione and Sirius together, greeted them and continued their conversation. Dumbledore was sitting on his own, lost in daydream and Hermione was heading towards his table when Sirius pulled her away to sit in the back at a table for two.
“No need to disturb him. He has a lot to deal with, can use some time alone.”
T
They spent the afternoon talking about the old days, carefully avoiding anything to do with the dungeon and it’s most notorious resident, each having their own reasons.
When they walked back in silence, Hermione took the opportunity to do some more thinking on the one subject that constantly haunted her. While she was talking to Sirius before, it occurred to her that it was possible her passionate response to Snape’s kiss was a result of lack of experience. After all, she hadn’t kissed a guy in ages and the times she had were merely childish attempts. She could clearly recall kissing Harry when he had wanted to ‘practise’ and she was the only one he had dared to ask. There had been more laughihan han kissing and she hadn’t felt the slightest spark. It had been a little different with Victor, but still, his kisses had been so gentle she almost fell asleep during it. But back then she thought it was supposed to be like that.
Maybe she ought to go out more. She glanced at Sirius. He was rather handsome these days. His dark hair not so long anymore, but still long enough to play with and his mouth was really sensual. There then ! It wasn’t so difficult to feel attracted to another man. Snape had just been available, that’s it and nothing more.
Hermione felt on top of things again, nothing to fear anymore.
When Sirius put his arm around her, she didn’t notice at first, but when she did she left it there.
All of a sudden, she realised they were not on their way to Hogwarts.
“Sirius, where are you taking me ?” she asked surprised.
“Ah, you finally noticed. You were miles away my dear Hermione.” She blushed slightly, knowing where here thoughts had been, or better: with whom.
“Well, I was thinking we could go out to dinner tonight, instead of eating at Hogwarts.”
“Oh, do you know a restaurant here ?” Hermione had never noticed one.
“Why, yes ! A little Italian place called ‘La Piovra’. I hope you like Italian ?”
“I surely do.”
They entered the restaurant and sat at a table for two by the window. The tablecloths had green, white and red stripes, like the Italian flag and numerous little candles were lighting the window-sill. A violin player came up to their table and asked:
“Whatta do the pretty laidy wanna hear ?”
Hermione didn’t know any Italian songs; well, she did, but none of them were suited for the violin. She looked at Sirius for help.
“Ah, perhaps That’s Amore ?” he smiled.
The violin player grinned and began to play. Sirius sang along some of the words.
“When the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie, that’s amore ..”
Hermione laughed and enjoyed the performance very much.
Meanwhile, their own real pizza’s had arrived and they began to eat.
They shared a bottle of wine, talked about all sorts of things and Sirius seemed to know millions of funny stories. Time flied and before they knew it, the waiters were cleaning the other tables, gently trying to make them understand they would like to close up. Sirius wouldn’t let Hermione pay for a thing, turning this into a real date.
When they got back to Hogwarts, Sirius took her as far as the Main Hall, he himselfed ied in a cottage near Hagrid’s place.
Hermione said goodnight and was already starting to mount the stairs when she turned around, went back to him and asked:
“Sirius, will you kiss me ?”
Sirius looked stunned, temporarily unable to move. He recovered quickly, pulled her in his arms and gave her a slight, tender kiss on the lips.
“Goodnight Hermione.” He sounded a bit moved and walked away.
That’s the second one that runs out on me after we kiss, Hermione thought. At least he hadn’t slammed any doors !
She went to her room, still a bit shocked that she actually had asked him to kiss her. She had been thinking about it during dinner, but it had only been a thought back then. Now she knew at least that she could enjoy another man’s kiss. It hadn’t been quite as passionate as the other one, more comforting actually. Then again, passion wasn’t everything.
She fell asleep the moment her head reached the pillow. But in her dreams, it wasn’t Sirius that did the kissing …
TBC
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