Chapter Three
Chipper As Ever
Something always brings me back to you.^
It never takes too long
No matter what I say or do
I'll still feel you here 'til the moment I'm gone
(Gravity - Sara Bareilles)July 22nd, 1997"Sirius?" Hermione touched his cheek affectionately, her worry written clear as day
on her face as he stared at her in shock. When she said his name, he opened his mouth to
repeat the only word he had uttered since waking: Mia. "Sirius, it's Hermione. You're going
to be just fine. We're here with Remus and Tonks. You're safe."
Sirius's wide, grey eyes stared at her as if she were the only thing in the room that
mattered. His fingers flittered over her skin as gentle as a butterfly's wings—worshipping
her. Finally, he swallowed hard, his gaze turning over Hermione's shoulder to Remus, who
stood there looking grief-stricken as he slowly shook his head.
No.
Sirius removed his hand quickly from Hermione's face as though he had been burnt
and turned his focus completely away from her, trying to move, but physically unable to.
He hissed as pain shot through his body. "Fuck, it feels like I haven't moved my
legs in.. ." He looked up at his surrounding audience. "What happened?"
"You should get some rest, Sirius," Hermione instructed. "Remus will explain
everything when you feel better. I have to get back to The Burrow. Harry's coming home
soon," she offered with a bright smile.
Her words triggered something inside of him: panic. "Is Harry all right? I
remember.. ." He blinked rapidly before shutting his eyes tightly in an attempt to focus.
"I remember something."
"Don't worry about it. Focus on getting better," Hermione urged. "Meanwhile,
Harry is perfectly safe and healthy."