All the way IIII: Change

As Sirius shut the front door, Eileen took off her coat and the brass stand leaned forwards to take it from her. She still was in a daze, still not sure of what to make of the nights events. Had she done the right thing?

Alright, it wasn't exactly marriage, but for her it was a massive decision to trust a man with not just her body, but her heart. She loved Sirius as a friend, but this type of love was different and it would affect everything she did. She would really have to trust Sirius, not just fool herself into thinking she did.

And why would he like her, anyway? Eileen had been sure she had been getting on his nerves the past few days. She hadn't gone outside without him; she had been positive that he found her too clingy and annoying or attention seeking. How could he like her that way when he knew she was so inexperienced and scared?

She had always known there was something wrong with his brain. This just proved it.

""""""""""""""""""""

Slowly, so as not to scare her, Sirius curled his arms around her waist. Eileen sighed deeply and he felt the tension leave her bit by bit.

He rested his chin on the top of her head, "You are so beautiful."

She shook her head, laughing quietly, "Shut up,"

"You can't believe how long I’ve wanted to tell you that." He admitted softly.

"You're a big softie, Sirius." She told him, turning in his arms and leaning into him, "Be quiet." After a few minutes, she pulled away and went to get ready for bed.

Sirius stood there, hardly believing what had happened. She really liked him in the same way that he really liked her.

He went into the kitchen and made them both a cup of tea. A few minutes later Eileen came wandering in. He handed her a cup.

"Thanks," She said, "What time is it?"

"Twelve forty-five. Why, are you finally tired of being nocturnal?" He smiled.

"I thought I told you to stop being a comedian." She raised an eyebrow, then sighed, "No, I’m just tired. I'm going to bed, goodnight."

"Goodnight." He watched as she swallowed the last of her tea and left the room.

Sirius finished his drink slowly, just thinking. When he was done, he cleaned both cups with magic and put them away. As he passed Eileen’s bedroom on his way to his own bed, he looked in.

She was curled on her side with her back to him, thick waves of black falling over her shoulders and down her back.

"Eileen?"

When she didn't answer, Sirius crept quietly into the room. He rounded the bed and crouched down in front of her. She was sleeping peacefully.

He would look after her, like that Sam should have. He wouldn't pressure her into anything and he would give her everything she wanted.

Sirius kissed her forehead softly.

He had lost her once. She wouldn't slip away again.

""""""""""""""""""""

When Hermione awoke the next morning, she found Severus had already gone. Looking at the time on the clock on the wall, she realized he must be teaching his second class of the day and that he must have left her to sleep.

Slowly, Hermione got up and dressed, taking her time and trying to calm her emotions. Nasty, terrible emotions.

She was fussing over the already immaculate cushions, when the fire roared. Startled, she jumped and whirled around to face the blonde that had emerged from the flames.

For one moment of horror, all Hermione could see were the cold grey eyes, staring, taunting, laughing humorlessly, glittering.

She turned and ran into her bedroom, slamming the door behind her and leaning back on it, breathing hard.

"Hermione? Are you ok?"

"Um..." She cleared her throat and raised her voice, "Yeah... Yeah, I’m fine, Lucius. I was just about to have a shower."

"Ok, I'll wait." He answered.

"No! No... Don’t bother. I might take ages. Go home and I’ll come to you later." She pressed.

"Honestly, I don't mind waiting." he countered, "I've got nothing else to do and I wanted to show you something."

Why couldn't he take the bloody hint? She sighed, "I need to get out of here for a while, so you go home and I’ll be there in an hour."

She heard him sigh, "Fine, if you're sure you're ok."

"I am." She waited until she heard the floo go, before sinking to the floor and burying her head in her hands.

What was she going to do? Lucius had done nothing wrong; he couldn't help looking like his Grandfather or having the same name. She shouldn't have treated him like that, but she just couldn't forget those eyes.

Unstoppable, liquid pearls rolled onto her eye lashes, hanging from the tips. Maybe not by blood, but she was his mother and a mother should never treat a son that way. She was being so selfish; putting herself before some one she was meant to care for.

Hermione just thanked Merlin that Eileen wasn't around to see her like this. The girl - well, woman now - was so receptive to other peoples emotions, ever since -

Her whole mind stopped. Stilled.

Eileen had been so distant, so closed, so edgy... so scared?

And Hermione burst into tears as she realized that Eileen had reminded her of herself all those years ago.