A River of Dreams

Bright laughter and the muted sounds of music sifted through the Black family house, leading Sirius down the hall to find his friends and family. It was good to hear such happiness here, where so much sadness had taken place. The presence of people seemed to lift the mood of the whole manor, bringing a softer feel to the normally harsh walls.

He stopped at the sitting room, leaning his shoulder against the doorframe and smiled at the scene before him. A song by a muggle musician played from a CD player that Hermione and Harry had knicked from Arthur Weasley’s house, enchanted to work in the wizarding world where such paraphernalia was usually prohibited. Remus sat across from Harry, their game of wizard’s chess obviously long since forgotten as the three laughed at each other.

To Sirius’s surprise, Remus suddenly opened his mouth and began to sing along with the song “He says son can you play me a memory, I’m not really sure how it goes, but it sad and its sweet and I knew it complete, when I wore a younger man’s clothes”

Hermione chimed in a moment later, joining him in obvious enjoyment over the song “Sing us a song you’re the piano man, sing us a song tonight, Well we’re all in the mood for a melody and you’ve got us feeling alright”

Sirius couldn’t help but laugh at the slightly off tune singing, and clapped at the two duettists. Remus’ eyes shot over to him, a mischievous grin lighting up his whole face as he paused in his singing. Hermione let out a small, audible gasp and turned to stare at him over her shoulder, her long curls falling softly down her back and her hazel eyes landing on him.

Sirius stiffened in his stance, crossing his arms tightly across his chest. It was his first glimpse of what he’d failed to see before. What he’d missed happening before his eyes. Something about the drape of her hair, the softness of her lips in the dim light of the room, the long line of her neck as it curved from her ear, down her shoulder and curled around the outer swell of her breast shouted to him for the first time that Hermione had definitely become a woman. The light laughter that followed her gasp shot straight to his head, and curled invitingly around his heart. A small pink tongue darted out to lick her inviting lips before she stood to face him.

And then he really could see. She swayed her hips as she sang again, this time playing up her inability to carry a tune. She sashayed, her skirt swinging back and forth and accenting her curvaceous hips, her loose top lying invitingly over her breasts as she sashayed towards him. Sirius held his breath, letting it out sharply when Harry suddenly swept her away across the room dancing in his arms.

Harry and Hermione continued laughing as they danced in large swirling circles across the floor, and then Remus stood and took her into his own arms continuing the dance around the room. Harry, out of breath from exertion and laughter came over to his godfather and slapped him across his shoulders.

“Hey mate, good to see you! Glad you’re joining in the fun!” he huffed out, cheeks red and eyes sparkling. His smile was infectious and Sirius couldn’t help but return it. Harry meant so much to him, was such an inspiration to his life. All the times he’d thought of giving in, giving up, letting go, Harry was what kept him going.

“Well” he drawled, “I certainly couldn’t let you three monopolize all the fun”

And then Hermione was in front of him, grabbing one of his hands and pulling her towards him in a silent plea to dance. He paused, surprised, and relented. His hands settled, one on her hip and the other grasping hers as he swung her expertly around to the music. She smiled brightly up at his face, her hazel eyes full of joy for the first time in a long time. Sirius felt his own cheeks get sore as he returned the smile, unable to tear his gaze away from her face.


“Sing s a song you’re the piano man, sing us a song tonight, well we’re all in the mood for a melody and you’ve got us feeling alright” he barely comprehended that she’d begun singing again, stuck on how lovely she looked. The softness of her curves under his hand was inviting, and he found his other hand dropping hers and instead laying on her waist as he lifted her off the ground for a moment, then dipping her back. She gasped again, and then laughed, throwing herself forward and into his arms, her own hands winding up behind his neck. It was so innocent and simple, but Sirius felt himself breathing harder than the dancing called for and unwittingly his arms tightened their embrace around her middle.

As the song drew to a close, he swayed her back and forth, and one of her hands left his neck creeping around to gently stroke the side of his face.

“Its good to see you smile Sirius” she said quietly, and then added with her eyes twinkling, “You can be so serious sometimes”

He let out a low, mirth filled chuckle as he unconsciously turned his head and kissed her palm. It was something he’d done a million times before to a million different girls, something he didn’t even think about. But there was an unmistakable hitch in her breath, and he caught himself staring at her reaction.

“You think you’re so funny, don’t you?” he asked, unable to keep the gravel out of his voice. He desperately wanted to stop himself, but it seemed the harder he tried the more his body betrayed him. A small, wicked little grin curled around her lips and she darted forward kissing the tip of his nose before she pulled out of his grasp.

“Actually, I think I’m hilarious” she taunted, “You three just don’t appreciate my sense of humour”

Sirius growled and made a mock grab for her, to which she laughed and jumped gamely away. Faking a yawn she glanced at the clock.

“Oh look at the time…” Hermione sauntered towards the door where both Remus and Harry now stood, amused and knowing smirks planted on their faces as they watched the other two occupants of the room. Hermione gave both of them a hug and then blew a kiss over her shoulder “Night boys!”

Sirius felt the room get a little dimmer as she left, before focusing on his best friend and his godson. He scowled at their expressions.

“Stop that” he growled at them gruffly. Both chuckled and looked at each other, intoning at the same time

“Stop what?”

“You bloody well know what” he grumbled. Harry was the first to give him a genuine smile and came over to pat his shoulder.

“She’s 24 years old Sirius, and she’s had boobs for a while. But those curves are definitely new. If she wasn’t like a sister I’d be tempted too”

“Isn’t it past your bedtime?” Sirius muttered, uncomfortable that his godson had caught him ogling his best friend. Harry’s grin just got wider.

“All I’m saying is its ok to look mate. Hell, so long as it’s mutual it’s ok to do more too. You two deserve a little happiness”

Remus nodded his consent from his position at the door and then glanced at the ceiling as they heard the boards creaking in Hermione’s room.

Sirius huffed, even as he caught himself looking upwards, “I don’t know what you two are going on about but I think Hermione has the right idea. I’m going to bed” he said, striding determinedly out the door and up the stairs towards his room.

“Yeah, but to who’s bed?” came the indistinguishable voice from behind him, followed by gales of laughter. Sirius closed his eyes and shook his head – they were never going to let him be.