the_debt_of_time

The timbre of his voice should have been frightening, but Hermione found herself
stepping closer to him without thinking.
"I don't like this," Moody grumbled.
"Noted," Sirius replied. "So if we're all done measuring our―"
"Sirius," Remus growled.
"I'm starved. Molly?" Sirius turned his attention to Mrs Weasley. "Not to be an
imposition, but I'd love some dinner. I haven't eaten a proper meal in over a year. Tonks
and Remus barely know how to brew a cup of tea; I'm amazed they're surviving together
without anyone to feed them."
He stepped behind Remus, who was still guarding Hermione. His gaze fell on her,
and he reached a tender hand out to her, pushing a brown curl behind her ear. She smiled,
feeling grateful—more than anything—that he had recovered so well in such a short time.
One by one, the Order members moved from the living room, following behind
Sirius as he heaped food onto a large plate, leaving only Moody, Remus, Ron, and
Hermione in the living room. Remus still stood in front of her as though the old Auror
posed a serious threat.
Hermione reached out to place her hand softly on his arm, feeling him tense under
her touch. "Remus?" she whispered, noticing that he relaxed at the sound of her voice.
"Remus, it's okay. I knew this would happen. I knew there would be questions." Moody
grunted, and she turned to him. "Questions I still won't be answering."
Moody glared for a few more moments before giving her a curt nod and leaving the
room.
Remus turned to watch him exit before bringing his attention back to Hermione.
"Is there any way I can get you to stay here when the rest of us go fetch Harry?" he asked,
his green eyes glimmering with flecks of gold in the light.
Hermione shook her head. "I'm going."
Remus's nose twitched in silent affront at her words, but he dipped his head and
patted her shoulder lightly. "Very well. I suppose I'll have to make sure Molly can keep
Sirius here on her own then. We won't be able to keep Harry safe if he knows that Sirius is
alive. He'll have to be told once he gets here."
Hermione agreed. "Ginny'll help. Go and get some food. And keep an eye on him,"
she said with a soft chuckle, looking through the open doorway and watching as Sirius