the_debt_of_time

As the boys vanished into the crowd wearing smiles that warmed Sirius's heart, he
turned his focus to Hermione and Remus, watching them attentively as they swayed to the
music. Using his Animagus senses, Sirius concentrated on the pair, having no remorse
about eavesdropping.
"How much has he had to drink?" Remus asked.
Hermione shook her head. "I don't want to know. But he didn't step on my toes
during our dance, so I think he'll be okay."
"You would be surprised the number of things that man can do while properly
intoxicated." Remus chuckled softly, pulling her closer. "You look lovely by the way. Lilac
is a good colour on you."
"Thank you, Remus."
Even from where he was sitting, Sirius caught the sudden blush on her cheeks.
"Where's Tonks?"
"On duty. I offered to join her, but she insisted that I enjoy myself," he said the
words as though they were a punchline to a joke.
"Happy wife, happy life."
"I try," Remus said with an amused little smile that faded slowly as it was replaced
by a haunted look. "Keep them out of trouble, will you? I know you'll be leaving soon, and
it's dangerous for each of you. They'll be after all of you because of Harry. They'll be after
Ron for truancy, you for being Muggle-born, and Sirius because he hasn't come into the
Ministry yet after everyone found out he's alive. He shouldn't even be here right now. If
you four have to be out, try and keep him in his Animagus form, please?"
"I will," she promised. "I'll take care of them, Remus."
Sirius looked away from the couple, feelings of unease returning to him. He
understood where Remus was coming from, but that didn't mean he wanted Hermione to
feel responsible for his own actions. Then again, he would not put it past his best friend to
assume he was listening in on their conversation and use this moment to drill it into his
head to be especially careful considering everything they both had to lose.
"I know you will," Remus said. "But... please take care of yourself, Hermione. If
something were to happen to you―"
A silver light burst into the marquee, pulling Sirius's attention away from the couple.