A/N - I have never, ever ever written anything this sappy before in my LIFE. So I'm nervous about this chapter. I've gotten to the point I'm in love with this little fic and Sirius is much more fun to write than I ever imagined. Oh well, hope you all enjoy. No smut, just vomit inducing sap. Thank you Nicole!! I hadn't turned my back on the PC good before you had this back to me. You are amazing.

Chapter Four: Tattoos are Sexy

Saturday the 12th of February, 2000

Sirius Black woke in an insanely good mood. He felt years younger, lightheaded, and almost giddy with excitement. He hadn’t felt this good since before James and Lily were ripped from their lives and he only loved Hermione more for giving him something to be happy about. Sure, he loved his godson and he was thankful every day for Moony but he had been missing that challenge; that drive, that burning desire to throw himself out there and be rewarded for his risk.

His years behind the veil had been confusing. He remembered some things, like foggy dreams but most of the time days melded together and he had no clue where he was or even who he was. He had memories of James, Lily, Remus, and even Peter. He could vividly recall Harry, Ron, and Hermione’s faces and imagine the surprise when he was wrenched from the veil and presented with not a bushy haired, nervous teenager but a confident, attractive woman.

Oh Hermione’s hair was still bushy, she still harped like an old nag when she thought she was right, and she even had an annoying way of turning her nose up and looking at you like you were an idiot but it all made him love her more. What had been maddening when she was a child was somehow endearing now that she was curvy, luscious and womanly.

There had been a time, not long ago, Sirius felt guilty for even thinking of Hermione in such a way and it had made him flat miserable. A talk with Remus and Tonks, not long after being rescued from the veil, had finally made him see sense. He was not too old by wizarding standards. He was bloody gorgeous, thanks to freedom and a happy house elf to feed him three square meals a day. Merlin knew he could provide for himself and ten witches if he wanted them.

The problem for Sirius had been he didn’t want ten witches. He wouldn’t trade Hermione Granger for a dozen blonde bombshells and the realization that he wanted her in the forever kind of way had shaken him to the core. A few days sitting and observing her with his godson, the rest of her friends and especially with Teddy had concreted his desire for the witch.

It had warmed Sirius’ heart when Harry moved into Twelve Grimmauld Place with him after he had been rescued from the veil and pronounced innocent. He knew Harry found the place dark and unwelcoming, he felt the same way himself. The amusing thing was Harry putting his own life on hold to make certain his godfather was content.

As if Sirius’ thoughts had summoned the young man, Harry came walking into the kitchen looking rumpled and completely exhausted. Sirius smirked, he had seen James that way every morning in school, his best mate had never been a morning person. Harry however had a reason for looking like shit warmed over and Sirius planned to call him on it.

“Oi, Harry, no sleep last night?” Sirius smirked as he raised an eyebrow at his godson and crossed his arms over his bare chest.

Harry stopped with his hand in the air toward the cup cupboard and turned to look at Sirius with a glazed look on his face, like he was partially sleeping standing up. “Uh, well yeah I had a bad night.”

Sirius barked with laughter for a full minute before calming and gasping out, “Bollocks, boy, you forget the wards are tied to anyone with Black blood, I know Luna left this morning. The thump on the wards as she apparated is what woke me up.” Sirius laughed again as Harry blushed deep red before saying, “Come on, Harry, no need to feel embarrassed. Think about it... once I get Hermione in here, Luna will need a flatmate,” with a wink to his godson.

Harry sat quietly for a moment before brightening and Sirius had to hold in another laugh. He could literally see the wheels turning in Harry’s head. He hadn’t pictured Harry with Luna, she was slightly odd but if she made him happy that was fine in his opinion and at least he hadn’t chosen that devious little Weasley.

Harry seemed to have perked up fast and sat across from Sirius with a quizzical look on his face. “What was Molly talking about last night?” he asked as he stared Sirius down. “Did you really show Hermione your bits?”

Sirius choked on his coffee in an effort to stop laughing. “Well, Harry, you see... she started it,” Sirius finally said with a nod and a devious little smirk.

Harry scoffed, his nose crinkling in disbelief before saying, “I can’t believe Hermione would do something to warrant you showing her your bits, Sirius. She just isn’t that type of witch.”

Sirius’ eyebrow rose to the point where his wild hair was covering it as he marvelled at this godson’s belief Hermione was so innocent. Any reply he would like to make was halted by Hermione Granger’s owl tapping on the kitchen window. Before either wizard could move, Kreacher had opened the window and the beautiful tawny owl landed before Sirius with a red heart lolly attached to her leg.

Sirius smirked at Harry as he removed the candy and laughed so hard tears poured down his face at the little saying in white on the lollypop. Harry shook his head and wondered if his godfather was going insane. All he saw were the words, “Be mine,” as always but Sirius saw something quite different.

Accompanied by a little white lip print, Sirius was sure was exactly the size of Hermione’s lips, were the words, “Tattoos are sexy,” and Sirius knew it was a little gift of appreciation for his present the day before. He had feared when she didn’t turn up last night after work she was offended. He had no way of knowing she was flattered beyond belief and having dirty dreams about him.

“Ah, Harry, my boy; you do see she started it...” Sirius mumbled as he went searching for a quill. Harry sat still at the table wondering what in Merlin’s name his godfather was talking about. He wished sometimes Hermione wasn’t so powerful. Her spell work was stellar and as he stared at the little red lolly, he knew better than attempting to break whatever spell she had used.

---

Hermione woke as the sound of apparition echoed through the flat and hurried to her bedroom door to see Luna just coming home looking very rumpled and satisfied. With a laugh, Hermione hurried out the door to intercept the other witch, dying for details. She wasn’t getting any but damned if she wouldn’t live precariously through her flatmate.

Hermione sent the lolly she had prepared the night before off to Sirius and then grabbed Luna by the arm and herded her over to the sofa. Hermione asked, “Just where have you been all night young lady?” in her best disapproving motherly voice. Luna sighed and looked up at her through half-lidded eyes as she answered, “Grimmauld Place.”

Hermione gasped and her eyes widened, Luna, reading her reaction correctly hurried to reassure her, “Oh no! Hermione, you know better. I spent the night with Harry!”

Hermione blinked and stared at the blonde witch before a huge smile broke out on her face and she pounced on her friend, “Oh, Luna, that is such good news! I’m so happy for you! I was afraid Ginny would use a love potion or something on Harry if he didn’t settle down soon.”

Luna smiled in her little serene, slightly spacey way before laying her head on Hermione’s shoulder and replying, “Ginny has tried that. Love potions, that is. I intercepted it and poured the pumpkin juice into Buckbeak’s water. That is why Ginny never goes upstairs in Grimmauld Place.”

Hermione stared at Luna a full minute before bursting out laughing. Luna Lovegood never ceased to amaze her and upon reflection, she was the perfect witch for Harry. Luna was almost asleep on Hermione’s shoulder when Hermione’s owl returned from Grimmauld with a scroll in her beak.

Hermione jumped up, sending Luna sprawling on the sofa as she unrolled the parchment and read...

I missed you last night, love. This house is dull and dark without your light to chase away the shadows. When you walk in, a radiant sense of peace washes over me and the dark days never existed. I need you, Hermione, as desperately as I need oxygen. Don’t keep me waiting, love. Come drown me in your light, witch, and I vow to make sure every minute of every day is full of this all consuming love I feel for you.

Yours, Sirius

Hermione blinked at the parchment in her hand, her eyes were suddenly wet and her nose felt slightly runny. “Who knew the old dog could be so romantic?” Hermione whispered to no one in particular and jumped when Luna responded, “I did. He has had a hard life. It is only natural he should grab onto love with both hands and refuse to relinquish it. I’m surprised he hasn’t chained you to his bed yet.”

Hermione blushed at Luna’s words and shifted her weight as her body suddenly sang to her how much it would love to be chained to Sirius Black’s bed. Sitting on the floor cross-legged in front of Luna, Hermione relaxed against the couch while the other witch played with her hair and thought very hard.

He loved her. Sirius Black loved her. It wasn’t difficult to believe after receiving that letter. Sirius wasn’t the type to lie to a witch and she doubted he had ever written the word love before period. She expelled a happy sigh and leaned further into Luna’s hands. The light pressure on her scalp was so relaxing she feared she’d end up asleep on the floor.

Luna chuckled behind her and said, “Stop thinking so much, Hermione. It’s a miracle your brain doesn’t explode sometimes.” Hermione grinned and closed her eyes, relaxing completely after the rollercoaster of a week she had endured when three pops had her eyes opening and gazing in disbelief at the coffee table.

Three Honeydukes dark chocolate bars were doing a conga line on her coffee table. Luna was laughing so hard behind her she was practically ripping Hermione’s hair out. Hermione extracted the other witch’s fingers from her hair and leaned forward. On one bar, where Honeydukes was usually written were the words, “I miss you.” On the middle were the words “Can’t wait to give it to you doggy style.” On the last were the words, “Did you know you have the best arse I’ve ever seen on a bookworm?”

Hermione blushed a little after reading the last bar but felt intense pride at having caught the attentions of a wizard that determined to make her happy. With a little sigh she said, “I’m really lucky, aren’t I, Luna?”

Amidst giggles, Luna mumbled an, “Uh huh,” and promptly fell over onto the couch asleep. She was so exhausted she couldn’t handle all the extra excitement.

Hermione smiled and leaned back against the sofa with a book on Transfiguration. She spent the rest of her Saturday relaxing and reading, occasionally glancing up at the dancing chocolate with a secret smile.

---

Sirius Black paced for hours after he spelled the chocolate to perform for Hermione. He was afraid he might have crossed the line with that letter but damned if he was going to keep his feelings to himself. He had to make the witch understand he meant business.

His frustrated growl drew Harry into the library where he was currently pacing. His godson’s calming voice did nothing to ease his doubts as Harry asked, “Ok, spill it. What has you pacing like a caged animal, Padfoot?”

Sirius flopped down into a wing backed chair with his head in his hands, his fingers threading into his silky black locks as he pressed his palms against his temples and tried desperately to calm his pounding heart. “I told her how I felt about her. Spilled it all in a parchment and there was no answer. Wouldn’t you be nervous?”

Harry chuckled and said, “Is that all? No, that is a good thing. Hermione needs to be told. She isn’t the type to just assume.”

“Are you sure, Harry?” Sirius asked, he actually looked uncertain and Harry couldn’t help laughing at his godfather.

“Of course I’m certain, Padfoot. Hermione is so unsure of herself, even though she puts out this "I've got everything under control," vibe. She needs someone who's going to throw love in her face and make her believe it. That was Ron’s mistake. He probably said I love you once or twice and then expected her to understand she was the centre of his world. It doesn’t work that way and you see what happened to him.”

Sirius stared up at Harry with disbelief and slowly, a smile formed on his face. “When did you get so clever and observant, Harry?”

Harry chuckled and simply said, “I grew up with her. If anyone knows her it’s me.”

Sirius nodded once at his godson and headed up the stairs mumbling, “Right, excuse me. I have notes to prepare for tomorrow.”

Harry followed Sirius with his eyes until he disappeared up the stairs and then shook his head. The poor bloke had it bad.

Sirius sat on his bed surrounded by books well into the night. For a while he simply sat and stared at passages with his eyebrow raised. This lovey dovey sappy stuff was new to him but he was determined to get it right.

---

Hermione and Luna were spending a relaxing evening discussing Harry, Sirius, and Hermione’s job when the floo turned emerald green. Hermione groaned out loud when two red heads popped out of her fireplace. One belonged to Molly and the other belonged to mini-Molly. To think, the evening had been going so well.

Molly didn’t waste any time, the moment her feet hit the floor she began a tirade. “Hermione Granger, what in the name of Merlin do you think you are doing, girl? That wizard is twice your age and dangerous!” Hermione looked between Molly and Ginny as Molly paused for a breath and decided to let the old viper get it all out of her system. “Percy told me what that devil sent you. Honestly, a young witch of good standing sitting and ogling a dirty old wizard’s naked body at her place of employment! You should be ashamed of yourself! I raised you better than this!”

Hermione’s jaw dropped in shock at the words the presumptuous witch had just uttered. Holding her hand up she interjected with an icy voice. “First of all, Molly, you didn’t raise me. I had two very decent and loving parents, thank you and I’d appreciate it if you didn’t claim paternity of me. You were only too quick to disown me when Rita Skeeter spewed her trash in fourth year.”

Molly inhaled deeply and looked ready to blow into another shrieking fit when Hermione wandlessly silenced her. Ginny immediately bristled and screeched, “How dare you attack my Mother?” which earned her the same treatment.

Hermione smirked and said, “I dare because she entered my home and yelled about things that are none of her affair,” as she wandlessly stupefied Ginny because the fiery little witch was lunging for her.

“I can’t believe two well bred pureblood witches would dare enter someone’s home and not only verbally attack them, but attempt to physically attack them. Honestly, you two are acting like hooligans.” Hermione whispered as she walked right up to Molly until their toes were touching.

“Now, Molly, let’s get something straight right here, right now, and when I’m done, I don’t expect it to ever be brought up again. I am in love with Sirius Black,” Hermione whispered and smirked even wider as Molly’s face turned even redder. “Yes, I love him and he loves me. He is not dangerous for one and I can’t believe you dared even suggesting he is.”

Hermione paused and looked over at Ginny as she drew her wand. With a flick of her wrist she sent the other girl toward the fireplace, simultaneously igniting it with a pinch of floo powder. Just before the irate witch hit the flames Hermione told her, “You aren’t needed for this discussion and I’d appreciate it if you kept your bloody nose out of my business.”

Hermione turned back to Molly as Ginny disappeared and was pleased to see the older witch’s eyes rolling in her head she was so angry. “I can’t believe you believe yourself to have the right to question my decisions, Molly. I’m an adult. Bloody hell, woman, I was an adult before I was an adult and you know it!”

Luna grinned and sat with her arms crossed as she watched Hermione pace, it was always fun to watch Hermione when she was furious. “You might not approve of Sirius and if that is the case, tough luck, Molly. If this little temper tantrum is because you still think I’ll end up with Ronald, you can just go to delusional hell where you belong because it will NEVER HAPPEN.” Hermione had stopped nose to nose with Molly as she screamed the last words and then flicked her wand, sending Molly through the floo.

Hermione was panting in anger as Luna laughed behind her and said, “Today was productive! Let’s go to bed,” and linked arms with her to drag her to her bedroom. Hermione fumed a moment but finally gave in, summoning her tawny owl to her bedroom with her to give it the lolly to deliver to Harry. He had agreed to place it next to Sirius’ coffee cup in the morning.

As she turned the lights out, Hermione stared up at the ceiling and smiled as she remembered the words in Sirius’ letter. He really loved her. That thought saw her to sleep with a smile on her face.