Look at the Stars

Hermione was trying to be brave, but she could see that Sirius was terrified for her. "Sirius. . ." she stopped, unsure of what she'd intended to say.

"We should get out of here," Sirius said, his voice breaking slightly.

They silently exited the noisy Great Hall. Once in the main corridor, Hermione turned to Sirius. "Let's go to the Gryffindor common room."

They walked through the abandoned hallways, seeking refuge from the commotion of the ball but frightened to be entering the silent darkness. They were relieved to reach the warm and inviting common room; for once, it was empty of students. Still shaking, they sat down on a plump sofa.

After a few minutes, Hermione began speaking. "I was so afraid for Harry, but I must be really selfish, Sirius, because I'm so much more frightened now. So much. . ."

Sirius put his arm around her trembling shoulders; however, he wasn't thinking of romance. He, too, was so frightened for his friend. "You're not selfish. . . I can't believe that letter got through at Hogwarts. . . I thought this place was safe."

"But did you really think that, Sirius? You got in here when you were an escaped convict. Who's to say this Sadis Oscuro couldn't get in and kill us both? I'm so afraid he's after you, too. It's only a matter of time. What have we done to him?" At this point, the tears that had been lingering in Hermione's eyes spilled over, and she buried her head in Sirius's shoulder.

"I can't bear to lose you, Hermione. You're one of the only real friends I have. I'll take care of you. . . the best I can, anyway."

Hermione looked up at him. "Just make sure you take care of yourself, too."

*~*~*~*~*

Sirius was certainly keeping his promise to take care of her. For the last few days, he'd barely left her alone, meeting her after classes every day to escort her to dinner, sitting with her at every meal, and taking her back to Gryffindor tower every night. Hermione normally would have found his protectiveness a little stifling, but she was relieved by his presence and did feel a little safer.

At breakfast one morning, she got a letter from Ginny.

"Dear Hermione,

Harry told me about the threat you received for Sadis Oscuro. We're all so worried about you. I find myself truly frightened for the first time since Voldemort's death.

But Harry and I have decided to keep our wedding date on November 12 (only a week away!) I forgot to mention it earlier in the hastiness of our planning, but I could not have anyone but you as my maid of honor. I've enclosed a picture of the bridesmaid dress, available at Gladrags. Please forgive me for springing this on you at the last minute!

I hope you'll be my maid of honor.

Love,

Ginny"

Hermione immediately replied, agreeing to Ginny's request. Sirius, sitting next to her, inquired about the letter. "It wasn't anything threatening, was it?" he asked.

"No. . . just a request from Ginny to be her maid of honor."

"Oh, yeah. I'm Harry's best man."

"Are you? Nice. Ah, but look at this dress. . . it's lavender! I can't wear lavender!"

"Why not?"

"It's not my best color."

"Oh, I see. . . I doubt it's that bad; though, really, I'd prefer to see you in white."

"Me too! Ah, well. What's a bridesmaid dress if not ugly?"

"Do you think Harry invited the Dursleys to the wedding?"

"Do you?"

"I hope not. . . I met them once. . . horrible, horrible people."

"At least they're not convicted murderers."

"Hey! I resent that remark! I'm a former convicted murderer, thank you. I was fully pardoned. . ."

"Yeah, I know. So are we going to the Burrow a day early?"

"Yes, I believe there's some sort of rehearsal the night before."

"We're going together, right?"

"Naturally. How else can I make sure you're okay?"

"You take good care of me."

Sirius put his arm around her sweetly. "I try."