the_debt_of_time

"I think we're missing a big moment here," Sirius cut in. "I gave a birthday gift, and
I haven't gotten any thanks."
"Thank you, Sirius," Hermione gently murmured before she leant in and kissed his
cheek.
Sirius took the opportunity to breathe her in, lightly resting one palm against her
waist on the side where Harry would not see. He heard her take in a sharp breath at the
intimate touch, and he buried his ache for her beneath the anxiety that had been building
in him for weeks.
He was more than nervous, he was downright terrified. Remus had emphasised that
the original calculations for the Time-Turner-turned-Portkey had been done by Mia herself,
but it did not do much to reassure him. They spent the entire summer fiddling with the
Time-Turner that Remus had stolen from the Department of Mysteries over a year ago,
testing the Portkey function with their fingers crossed and praying that they would not
accidentally send themselves back in time in the process. Finally, Remus confirmed that
everything looked to be in place. They were ready.
But Sirius did not know if he was ready. Ready to say goodbye to Hermione, who
was just discovering her feelings for him. Ready to see Mia again, who knew him like no
other and loved him like no one else in the world ever could. But why the hell would she
still want him? He had practically destroyed himself in her absence. He was damaged goods
at best.
"Now, if the two of you are done forcing presents on me, I'm excited to go down
to the library and read all my new books." Hermione grinned excitedly, hugging Harry
before disappearing down the stairs.
Seeing Remus approach them, Sirius turned to ask Harry, "Will you go make sure
everyone has gotten out all right?"
"I was just going to say goodbye to Hermione," Remus mumbled absently,
anxiously looking at Sirius. Thankfully, Harry did not seem to notice.
"You could stay here, Remus," Harry offered. "Or leave Teddy with us."
"I'll remember that when he's screaming in the middle of the night," Remus said
with a chuckle. Sirius rather enjoyed knowing that the bags beneath his friend's eyes were
from dealing with a child, rather than the full moon. "We have plans, thanks though. Maybe
another night."