the_debt_of_time

Moody broke the tension by loudly clearing his throat, causing a few members to
raise their wands in response. "How do we know this isn't some sort of plot by You-Know-
Who?"
Sirius scoffed. "Oh, for fuck's sake!"
"It's not his fault!" Hermione broke in, and everyone's attention fell on her as she
dashed to Sirius's side, her hands shaking as she twisted them together. "I did it. I found...
I found a way to bring him back."
"And I am forever grateful, kitten." Ignoring the shocked expressions and whispers,
Sirius leant forward to place a kiss on her temple, moving the warmth in her cheeks down
her neck.
Hermione smiled nervously at him and then looked at the rest of the gathered
crowd, most of whom looked surprised, scared, or angry—save for Fred and George, who
were quietly applauding her.
"And how did you do that?" Moody quickly stepped forward, pointing an accusing
finger in Hermione's direction. However, before he got too close, both Remus and Sirius
barred his way, low growls emitting from their throats.
Hermione took a sharp breath, and as the two Marauders faced off against the angry
Auror, she peeked around Remus to gauge everyone's reactions.
Kingsley looked relieved but curious. Mr and Mrs Weasley were obviously on edge,
though it was likely regarding the potential fight rather than Sirius's appearance. The
Weasley brothers—save for Ron—looked ready to jump in, all led by Bill, who was
attentively watching Remus's movements as though waiting for some silent command. Ron
was the only one who still stared open-mouthed at Sirius Black.
"It doesn't matter how it was done. It was done," Hermione said. "I found the spell
while researching the mission Dumbledore gave Harry, Ron, and me. In Dumbledore's own
books," she clarified as though that let the Order members know that she had not used
Dark Magic. Which, technically, she hadn't. Not all Blood Magic was Dark Magic, though
it was not all exactly legal either—which was why she was keeping as quiet as possible
about the details in front of everyone.
"I was there when she did it. I saw and heard the spell, saw his body come out of
the veil, watched him wake up," Remus explained, looking down at Moody. "Sirius is alive
again; Hermione brought him back. Now back off from the both of them."