Chapter 12: Tangents Unrelated
Chapter 13 of 36
R J Lupins KatUneasy questions, startling revelations, and strangers intervening wake Sirius and Hermione up, forcing tentative trust between them. His two words explained more than a week of frenzied hunting, and Hermione begins to realize he's not the bastard she'd believed...
**Reviews are much appreciated**
Author's Note: Inspector Lynley is the wonderfully aristocratic creation of Elizabeth George. I'm borrowing him for a bit.
I won't even begin to attempt to describe this chapter, as the title is self-imitating at best. But this chapter has relevance hidden in its anarchic chaos.
Reviews are the meade for a parched writer's soul...
-o-o-o-0-o-o-o-
Chapter 12: Tangents Unrelated
Multifaceted granules slipped free their faux Waterford encasement, trailing across the navy blue fabric in faint spots of white. Reflexively the glass tipped upright again, settling its contents, only to flick the opposite direction this time. Hermione studied the controlling fingers, fingers that danced the salt within its etched glass. Lolling in circles on the dispenser's bottom edge, puckering the tablecloth in tight twists... abruptly flailing free from the confines of gravity in somersaulting dexterity.
Long, slender fingers. Sculpted and elegant. Refined with aristocratic breeding, ancient bloodlines. Intently strong, she knew from experience. Burning, she knew as well.
Nimble.
Nervous.
Sirius Black sat across the wrought iron dinette from her, his parlor chair tipped on its back legs, eyes downcast to his fingers. Fingers fidgeting, yet graceful. Fingers incessantly moving, darting about, yet in musical time. Fingers... nervous.
Unsure the cause of his anxiety, Hermione merely allowed the silence between them to stretch. A silence intercepted solely by the bittersweet strains of resigned longing, the lonely violinist mingling the evening air with Hungarian folk. Minor notes wavering in long, stretched calls, flavor of the Old Country pining for some unnamed majik.
Twenty minutes they had spent wandering in random search for an anonymous meal. By unspoken, mutual consent, conversation was limited in quantity and subject. Only directional advice was mentioned, the occasional suggestion of culinary style briefly slipping in. Off the beaten path, their sidewalk dining hall offered necessary seclusion, privacy required while, well... while Hermione figured out just what the bloody hell to do next.
"So..." Crass outcries could not have startled Sirius more. Visibly he seemed little bothered, but Hermione had spent far too long with the man during a particularly enduring summer, years ago. Noted was the sudden stiffening of body, the now-tense twitching of those quick fingers. Though he appeared to remain impassive, she knew his attention was solely hers. She continued.
"Why Stubby?"
Sweeping lashes flickered; he lifted his gaze to hers slowly, and eyed her warily. Uncertainty flashed across narrowed eyes, eyes encompassed by mud-puddle markings of ancestral origin. Startled, possibly, but cautiously curious as well. Hermione knew this was not the question he had expected. In truth, it was not the one she had intended to pose, either. How and when were the most pressing; even the why of secrecy and distance. But it was his choice of aliases that'd slipped her querying lips. Just as well, perhaps. For answers to pressing matters, she wasn't sure she was quite ready. Not here. Not yet. Not while her arms still tingled from his dire touch hours before...
-o-
Seven minutes they had remained seated, silent, waiting. A harried busser had said their server would be by to take their orders in a moment. Sirius mentally pleaded that moment would be now.
She'd asked him a question. Not one he had expected. Not one he was prepared to answer. Not that he was prepared, really, to answer any question at this point. He didn't trust her, still. Aurors could, at any moment, surround, stun and apprehend him. But they had not, yet, and he wondered why.
Slowly he raised his line of sight to her dusk-shadowed features, the single candle before them flickering its ever-changing tangerine in broad brushstrokes against shades of the deepest grays. Her expression was unreadable; his, he knew, was inexplicable. How could she explain him, when he himself could not?
Peripherally he took in the activity closest. Loving couples dining in each other's admiration to his right; minis and lorries traipsing the two-lane to his left. A pair of business suits approached between the tables, thoroughly focused on their conversation of weather and news. They passed alongside without a glance, settling at the dinette directly behind him. What he would give for their tardy server to interrupt conveniently now.
Several heartbeats passed, giving such a plea up as a bad job. No one was going to save him this, and he needed to answer. Truth would be the best course of action, he decided, however vague and incomplete it may be. Carefully weighed and measured, his words fell hoarsely. Impressively, his flippant Why not? was not among them.
"At the beginning, it was my only option. Not until recently has a certain alternative become viable." Honest, yes. Privileged information? Er, no.
Flame shifted, catching her visual study of him. She was processing his statement, neither accepting nor denying its validity. Unnerved though he was, he'd be damned if he admitted it. Meeting her stare, he allowed his mind to wander, seeking refuge from the intensity of the moment.
"Ninety-percent chance drizzle tonight, eh, McGuffin?" the bloke directly behind Sirius razzed his mate.
"The weather's a might finicky, Ted. Mother Nature's allowed to change her mind, like any other cheeky female. Not my fault the front moved north."
"Sure it's just a fluke, Jim? And not a desmond in meteorological studies?" A choked laugh followed.
"Stick to the news, Ted," his good-natured gruff replied. His timbre lightened. "And not to change this stimulating subject, but where's our waiter?"
Sirius, himself, wondered the same, but couldn't or wouldn't break eye contact to locate his truant savoir. Ted mumbled something about going to look for him, his chair scraping the sidewalk as he rose. But Sirius' intent lay directly before him; the as-of-yet unidentified witch draped in a tour jacket over her risqué apparel had yet to reply.
"And what exactly," she began slowly, "would you say "
CRASH!
Heads whipped about to the source his and his escort's included only to be greeted by a scene of what must have been their server, kneeling mere feet behind his companion. Head ducked in shame, he clambered about, righting the mess he'd sprawled across the walk. Lengthy black hair drawn back in a queue, his unintelligible mumbling and rough gathering of beverage and utensil matter suggested food service was not his preferred career. Too slow on the uptake, brother, Sirius telepathically scoffed to the server. Could have used you three minutes back, you know. But the waiter apparently did not feel Sirius' scowl on him, relegated only to clearing his display.
The violinist never missed a note.
Behind him, Sirius caught Ted's return to his own seat, clearly aware as well that it would be another ten before their service. Before him, his former captive regained her composure and her thoughts, directing the latter back on him. This time, however, she hesitated, rethinking her question.
"Who else knows?" she finally offered. His gaze tightened, physically remarking he had no idea what she was talking about.
"About you," she clarified, taking his optical allusion.
Further tipping his chair, Sirius allowed his gaze to drop again. He peered studiously at his fingers anew, their tips once more locating the feel of chiseled imitation crystal. How much could he trust her? He still didn't know who the hell she was, and something about her left him uneasy. Behind him the conversation took a turn of interest, and he could not help but shamelessly listen... listen to others' dialogue while he himself fumbled for his own.
"...getting the news, tonight, instead of dining with me," Jim was saying. "That rock and roll show was a sell-all, you know? I'm surprised you're not circling the stadium for a piece."
"Don't have to, Jim." Amusement laced his words. A chuckled, knowing sigh escaped in dramatic flair. "I'll hear all about it at breakfast. My daughter's working the show, so I'm sure Annie and I'll catch every morsel of gossip in the morn."
"Working the candy stand, is she?"
"Nah; security."
A telly news program? Just what he bloody well needed, his face plastered across London 4. That explained how Ted's voice sounded familiar. Oh, yes, he was well versed in that Muggle contraption known as a television. Too many times had James drug him belligerently, mind you to a Muggle public house in his ever-failing pursuit of
Wait. James?
Weight over-shifted, his chair's forelegs resumed their affair with the ground in a dull thud. Jarred from his respite, Sirius felt compelled to return his attention to the matter at hand. Banishing the troublesome recollections to the back of his mind, he instead concentrated on the knowing woman before him. Chin tucked, his eyes rose again to meet hers. Slow, deliberate blink. Languidly he held a burning stare. For a moment, her composure faltered. But only for a moment.
And now, she waited.
"That I'm aware of? No one." Grimacing his answer, he considered his words as he spoke. Not a pleasant realization, come to think of it. No one knew who he really was; at least, no one that he knew of. Unnerving even more so was his amended revelation...
"No one, that is, except you."
-o-
Damn it! Of all the places and times... Opportunity had smiled on him surprisingly again. Why'd he have to show up and ruin everything?
Not that all had gone according to plan this evening. Or any of it, truth be told. Though his arrival to the stadium had left sufficient time to put his scheme into action, it was not to be. Silly Muggles. Lacking restraint or intelligent thought, they were. Obsessing... over the wrong man at that. Then he'd nearly been late for work. Again. Another tardy and it would've been his job's worth. So when it was apparent his chance was lost, he'd Apparated to the café.
Only to find him there.
That was all it had taken for Stubby Boardman to lose his composure... and his grip on the serving tray.
-o-
Déjà vu sliced through her veins, running them cold then hot. Facially she stumbled, but recovery sluiced through the shock in nearly an instant.
Scrutiny that intense had Hermione breaking into a cold sweat. She'd felt that flash of something before, and then it wasn't triggered by Sirius' gaze.
Or was it?
Nausea immediately swept through, but she held off the impending faint, desperate to remain calm and in control. Sirius had just answered her; it was a response she'd not quite counted upon.
Recollection reminded her that he had not recognized her back at the loading dock. And as such, she was sure he did not trust her. Written upon his face was his leeriness, his hesitation in supplying her with fact or figure one. In that she could not blame him, but how to ease his fears without admitting her identity... which, by now, she was loath to do. After all, a girl had her pride. If he couldn't recognize her after only four years' time...
"Auror Inspector Lynley," she breathed, surprised. The Ministry Auror had approached from nowhere behind Sirius. Sudden stillness fell; even the table over ceased conversation. Stifling, his presence invaded their party of two.
For the second time that evening, said dead-man-turned-rock-legend's body stiffened, fleeting wisps of fear fleeing his lowered eyes. Nonchalantly, his left hand rose to meet his further-drooping forehead, averting his features from the hawkeyed newcomer to his left. Accusations of Auror-retrieval had dominated their first conversation, such that it was. Perhaps he thought she would turn him in? But honestly, turn him in for what...?
"Ms. Granger," came the cultured baritone. Formal inclination of his handsome head bespoke old manners, though nary a hinted smile formed. A man of no nonsense, he performed his duties well, even if reserved and standoffish were His Grace.
Avoiding a glance to Sirius, her eyes remained fixed on the Auror in Muggle attire of dress trousers and linen overcoat. "What brings you by this, er, area?" Careful to avoid wizard-speak, Hermione's hedge drew a cocked brow from Lynley.
"Had an appointment nearby. Saw you, though; thought I would offer my condolences."
"Condolences?" Night of un-expectancies this had become. Hermione's quizzical expression little affected AI Lynley. His face told nothing. If he was surprised by her confusion, impassiveness hid it well.
"Yes. About your office being burglarized the other day." Before her incredulous What? fell from her gaping jaw, Lynley had turned his attention to Sirius in suspicion. "What is with your companion?"
Momentarily suspended was her official question; until such time as she had her own answers, no one could know about Sirius.
"He's a bit knackered," she rushed, silently begging Lynley's eyes back to her. "Too much Guinness for the heat, you understand," she added, hoping for a credible sympathetic role. Slightest release of tension reflected in Black's taut shoulders. Her response must have been rooted to this anxiety. Not lost might his gesture have been on the Auror, however. Hesitant in dismissal, Lynley glanced critically once more over Sirius. Cool assessment, calculating. Complete. Satisfied or else not willing to pursue the matter he eventually turned back to Hermione, neutral in display.
"Oh," she started, recalling the words moments prior. "You were saying? About my office?" Concern this time was not an act. Neither was her confusion.
"The burglary. Thursday night, Friday morning... You didn't know?"
"Er, no, I didn't." Fumbling her speech, Hermione could only glance about unseeingly, shock evident in subsequent response. "I've been on holiday all week. I haven't even spoken to Mr. Bailey in all that time..."
"He should have notified you, but perhaps he wished to wait until you returned tomorrow. I assume you will be returning to work in the morning, yes?" Calm, decisive as always.
"Er, yes. Yes, I will." Astounded pause gave way to critical deduction, logic overtaking the unexpected. "Wait; you said burglarized. What was stolen?"
"We're not sure anything was, though evidence points that the vandalism was with merit. Someone was searching something out, and believed you were in possession of it. But we will go over that in detail tomorrow. Stop by my office first thing." He glanced above her head, peered, then stated back to her, "Until tomorrow, Ms. Granger."
Swiftly he darted past, intent his new destination, deeper into the shadows of the gathered evening. Following his exit visually, she stared until all signs of him disappeared. Burglarized? Her office? But why? Who'd want something of hers, and what would that something be that was worth the risk of being caught in illegal entry in the Ministry office of a diplomat? Well, a diplomat's aid, but still...
Shards of shale met her eyes when she turned back. Sirius. For the moment she'd forgotten about him, the oddity of suspect intentions distracting her. Restrained interest shimmered against the candlelight. Leaning in, chin to palm, closer, expectant. Something akin to a cautious smile tightened around his mouth. Under other circumstances she'd say it was a quirky expression begging freedom. But such was not this night, and rugged jaw lines jutted in another emotion all together.
Tearing her sight from his lips, Hermione renewed her concentration on his expression altogether. He seemed to have reached some kind of conclusion, one bearing weight upon herself. A flicker of intrigue by brow endorsed that sense.
"Granger..." Little more than whispered, the surname fell heavy and slow, drawn out as molasses in late autumn. Sirius always had a way with women, she comforted herself against the immediate shiver her spine tasted. Legislation against such debauchery should be deigned immediately. Honestly...
-o-
Remaining silent of his true identity to the Auror earned Ms. Granger points, to be sure. Sirius smiled to himself. Ms. Granger. Familial, reminiscent. A too-long denied flavor melted in his mouth, a hunger now partially satisfied. He had a name, and he savored its feel gently, thoroughly, through weathered lips. Flustered though she appeared, safe assumption was that she would not call back the Auror to divulge his secret. Perhaps, just maybe, he could...
Trust her.
Little choice was left if he didn't. She knew who he was more of his life than even he himself knew and there was no one else to whom he could confide. Arrogant independence streaked through his veins, suggesting the man he once was; that man he did not recall. But good sense must overwhelm heroic stubbornness, sometimes, and Sirius was under-informed enough to realize this was one of those occasions.
Looking to the bright side, he figured that she'd already had the chance to expose him. The best she could do now was tell him just who the bloody hell he was, and why couldn't he remember. The worst.... Well, apparently he'd once already escaped Azkaban. Indeed he could surely do it again. If only he recalled just how...
"What are you staring at?" She tried to sound put off, but it came across nervous. Made her uncomfortable, did he? Really, now; what could he possibly do to make her nervous?
Shifting uneasily, she dusted imaginary lint from her jacket, viewing the satin sheen rather than his inquisitive stare. "Honestly, the service here is beyond incompetent. We should go. Particularly before anyone sees you." Flicked glance to him, then returned to her hands. "You're a rock star," explanation began. "The groupies'll be pouncing the moment they've caught sight. Muggle groupies, at that," she added, as though shirt shredding was somehow worse without pointy-stick involvement.
He shrugged. A slight, "Fine," crossed his vocal chords, and he stood as she, preparing to follow this book of knowledge on his life. Now, to find out whether it was a multi-volume collector's set, or a study-guide summary.
-o-
Humidity thickened as evening grew deeper into the hour. Jim's promised rain might yet show face, Sirius mused, flickers of heat lightning strobing the distant horizon.
Reason neither presented itself, nor was necessary for their destination-free wandering of lesser traveled paths this London night. Companionable silence was sufficient during the first fifteen random, leisurely blocks. Sirius sensed Ms. Granger's concerns weighing her. Leaving her to them only gave him ample time to quietly peruse his own. It was only once he'd noticed the dilapidated, abandoned warehouses near the docks did he question her intentions.
"Where are we going?"
Startled, she jumped with a squeak, turning to face him with hands on hips and harried exasperation. Scolding him as though they were not standing round a suspect lot in the dregs of the city, the witch snapped her words.
"Sirius Black, you need not know the where-to's of every little thing, or the why-for's, for that matter. Just because you're off the hook for not recognizing me after only four years, doesn't mean you can go back to being your self-assured, self-centered self!" Pausing for breath, she scowled again. "And wipe those blasted markings off your face!" Angrily she pulled at his shirttail, offering its services as cosmetic-remover. Spit and shine, it was.
"But I was thinking, if you must know." Calmer now. "I've a lot of that to do anymore, what with your unexplained arrival and all." Huff; sigh of ebbing frustration, trailing to worry. Her glare shifted about, finally taking in their new location. Bitten lip told more her reaction than the words she choked back. "And if you must know, I'm taking you to Ginny's. I can't just let you leave off; not when I've actually found you, proven you're, well... you. I just need to think what to tell Ginny, and what to do with you once we arrive."
Trust or not, he felt it best to let her speak on, rather than ask who Ginny was. He had a feeling he ought to already know.
Mistaking his silence for irritation, she added in annoyance, "And no, Sirius; I have no intention of you running into Molly while we're there. I couldn't even begin to fathom what I would say to her, not to mention, she of all people couldn't pretend complete ignorance around anyone else once she knew. No, I'll not subject either of us to that. Just you, me, and Ginny right now, all right?"
Assuming his continued silence as acquiescence, she turned her head again in thought, musing under her breath about Silencing Charms and laundering work robes. Sirius could only watch in cautious amusement, confused. Abruptly, decision befell her and she turned to him, intent.
"Come on; we'll go to the Burrow and get with Ginny. Perhaps between the two of us we can create some sort of scheme. Some way to reintroduce you, assuming we ever figure out how you came to be here a'tall." Her eyes shifted again in thought, and she mumbled more to herself than him. "If only Ron were here; he's loads better at strategy..."
Subconsciously her right arm wrapped about his left, a quick verification of twisting about to ensure no unexpected witnesses. "We'll Side-Along, just in case you get any ideas." Didn't trust him, now did she? Sirius wasn't sure whether to be amused or irked. He settled on the former.
She gathered her limbs for the turn, tossing back to him without looking, "Oh, and what did you mean earlier when you said 'At the beginning'? At the beginning of what?" Her feet moved, the turn began...
"My memory."
-o-0-o-
Great Caesar's ghost... A damn miracle it was they weren't splinched! Hermione stumbled to the grassy earth, hands patting along herself for proof positive all was intact. Distraction that severe should have left them quartered one here and three by the docks. Luckily, his answer had registered late enough in her brain for near-destination arrival, sloppy though it may have been.
Turning back to see that deadly diversion standing collected in the silver pool of waxing lunar, Hermione peered through the haze. "Did I hear you correctly? Did you just... say... suggest... admit..." Deep breath, incredulousness overtaking caution. "Are you telling me that you don't remember a bloody damn thing about your life's history?" The last came out in a flurried shriek, born of hysterics mating with pissed off, bad night.
Shadowed features left him unreadable, but all caution had slipped away in this newest of revelations. Scrambling to her feet, Hermione squared off to him, facing full-on. She wasn't sure why she was suddenly so angry, as amnesia would explain a great deal. If he couldn't remember anything, then he would be blameless for not contacting them sooner, for not interrupting the grief Harry and Remus had and still suffered.
And maybe that was it. Maybe she wanted to blame him. She wanted to be angry with him. Needed to be justified in her reproach. Because though this was definitely Sirius, this wasn't the same Sirius she'd known in her third, fourth, fifth years. No; because that Sirius wouldn't
"Aaagghh!" Whoosh thump! Too busy spitting turf from her mouth, Hermione noticed little more than reverberating organs within her petite frame, courtesy of the bone-jarring dive she'd just been forced into. Precious seconds passed as mind cleared, pieces fit, and the puzzle displayed before her was... confusing as ever. Sirius' grip on her arm loosened as he drew it back, positioning to raise his own torso from its prone placement before her. Muttered swearing drifted, denouncing Sirius' role in this new appreciation for a flobberworm's point of view.
"Just where the fuck did you bring us?" he hissed. Head positioning denoted his attention mostly elsewhere somewhere past her right shoulder, more precisely.
Nasty retorts formed on her tongue, but were cut off by threatening taunts screaming from behind. Said jeers were reinforced in crimson and emerald streams whipping past. Ah, so that's why he tossed her to the ground like yesterday's rubbish. All right; so he did have a point. Glancing around in the faded moonlight and sudden heavy fog, Hermione could make out nothing familiar. Actually, she could make out nothing at all. Just where did she bring them? And without wands, no less. Damn it!
Berating herself for incompetence, then dismissing it as fault of his for being distracting, was all going to have to wait. The flashes were coming more rapidly now and from multiple directions, scorching some structure nearby, mere inches above Sirius' head. Belly crawling now, Hermione followed Sirius' lead without request or question.
Muffled, dull explosions broke all around; voices carried in command and answer. Closing ranks, heavy, rapid footfalls...
Anticipation mixed with fear, and breath came strangled as Hermione kept Sirius' dark form before her, tasting the dew-laden grass and acrid smoke. She could make out only his shape now, the air so thick even her own hand was unidentifiable. But formless black blotches around them grew, hinting. Appearing through the mists came solidity: a low-rise building. Sirius drew up in a crouch, reaching back without sight to grasp her arm in assistance. She took it, all former attitude dissipating in the new concern. He pulled her upright.
Leaning into his side, she matched his cautious, easy steps along the wall, seeking a breach for entry. In times fight or flight, the most inappropriate sensations do cross one's mind... like how woodsy and rugged his scent came... like freshly cut grass and leather-bound parchment...
He stood. They'd reached a corner. Breaths passed, hers mostly into his ear. His hand came up, brushing her back to clear his auditory path as he peered, wary, around the edge...
Distinct, tipped pressure dug into soft, frail tissue below her chin. No denying the press of a wand in menace, its feel unique and foreboding. Edging her chin higher, her eyes searched frantically for escape. Silhouettes just before her suggested a similar fate beheld Sirius. Neither flinched.
"Well, well," drawled a confident half-whisper by her ear. Those words may as well have been shouted, their effect piercing in dread. Dry swallows convulsed in quick succession, scratching her throat. "What have we here?"
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Latest 25 Reviews for The Valiant Never
55 Reviews | 8.78/10 Average
Harry has the worst timing. Stupid prat. I'm excited to see how this all ends up, I've really enjoyed reading it.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahahah... yeah, he really does. But Sirius needed the moment to clear his head. Wouldn't want to do something out of a moment of incomprehension, and then regret it, eh? Thanks! We're nearly to the end, and a question or two will not be answered until that very end.Thanks, again!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahahah... yeah, he really does. But Sirius needed the moment to clear his head. Wouldn't want to do something out of a moment of incomprehension, and then regret it, eh? Thanks! We're nearly to the end, and a question or two will not be answered until that very end.Thanks, again!
I can't believe it is already nearing the end. I had a feeling this chapter that Hermione was quite the lucky girl to have so many men recognizing her appeal. Someday when she gets old (and people are calling her Aunt Hermione), she'll look back on it and come to that realization and regale the young girls with tales of rivaling amours.By the way, you never said which painting she chose. I almost thought Zelda would gift her the copy she had admired so much. The dueling wizards were kind of cool too, in a horrific sort of way. No bearing on the story perhaps, but curious nonetheless.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
lol... yes, I can see now that would be something for her to share. I'm envious, now. Um... I don't think she actually chose one. She was too much hit with the information that finally clicked that she left without choosing one. However, you're more than welcome to assume it was the dueling wizards - that one was pretty cool. Yes, we're near the end. I think the next few chapters you'll find interesting. The next is loads of information/tie-ins with a cliffie at the end, the one after that is very attentive, then the final chapter of 'wow, really?' lolIn case I forget to tell you later - thank you for all of your help and support! You've been a gem, really!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
lol... yes, I can see now that would be something for her to share. I'm envious, now. Um... I don't think she actually chose one. She was too much hit with the information that finally clicked that she left without choosing one. However, you're more than welcome to assume it was the dueling wizards - that one was pretty cool. Yes, we're near the end. I think the next few chapters you'll find interesting. The next is loads of information/tie-ins with a cliffie at the end, the one after that is very attentive, then the final chapter of 'wow, really?' lolIn case I forget to tell you later - thank you for all of your help and support! You've been a gem, really!
So... Her 'stalker' all this time has been Draco instead of Lucius? I wonder if that means he's simply been trying to get her on her own long enough to offer to take her to Harry. Looking forward to the next!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Hahahahaah.... um.... not saying. Will be explained in the next couple of chapters, I promise.I will TRY to get the next chapter into queue this evening, and hope notsosaintly has time to look it over soon. There are only five more chapters... Thank you for the review! Hope you will enjoy the next one.Cheers!
First of all:Yay! For the quick upate! So... if things had gone differently that New Year's, Sirius might have not only been Harry's Godfather, but his Uncle to... *shudders* Or at least Aunt Petunia might have not hated him/magic quite so much... Liked this line: Just great. She was mentally arguing with herself not only over logic, but in testy form and flippant sarcasm. With herself. Grand example of just how taut her nerves were. Looking forward to the next!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
You are most welcome for the quickness, and hopefully the remaining chapters will be approved as rapidly. hahah - um, no, definitely not his uncle. Sirius wasn't that intoxicated. However, yes, you're right on that aspeact - Petunia wouldn't have hated him so much. Sirius was just a very affectionate teenager (read: ladies' man) and... well... affectionate adult, too.Thank you - I think I've lived that line, actually. heeheeheeThanks again for the review and loyalty to the story. Cheers!
Petunia knows him?!? Not 'in the biblical sense', I hope. That's just all kinds of icky right there, just thinking it even!Love the fic! Hope to see more soon!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Hahahahha... um... I can see the 'ickiness' factor there, yes. The answer to your unspoken question is in the next chapter.Thank you! I'm glad you're still enjoying the story. Updates will be relatively quick, now, as everything has been written but for the last chapter, which I am currently dabbling on.Thanks for the review!
After so long with no updates, you're certainly whipping them out now! I'm gonna get spoiled. So love this fic!
Very interesting trip through the pyramid. And Raj finding a parchment of Merlins' in the shop was quite a surprise.
I had wondered, from a few comments here and there, if Regulus had had someone special at one point in time. Will we find out more about this Tia person later on? I realize Sirius said she never forgave him, but he did turn on Voldemort in the end ('dying' in the process) and is working for the good guys now, so if she's still around somewhere...
Liked the little bit of snuggling at the end too, even if it was 'just' for warmth. Looking forward to the next!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahaha... well, sort of. I'd already had a number of chapters done - had been lazy in getting them in queue here, though. But I'm catching up now. I've one more chapter ready to be queue'd, and am currently working on the following chapter (which may take another week or two). There are only about six chapters after this next one left. Then, on to the next story (already begun).*Blushes* I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. Forewarning - the rating will probably change before the end, but as you're a member, you're old enough to get in to read it. Ah, yes, the parchment. Recall the reference of McCaine and Thomas' finding of Merlin's letters... I just 'lurve' Regulus. lol... Good job on catching those comments. The mumbling of 'sure you're not in Ravenclaw?' was a reference to her. More will be shared about that later, but not a great deal, as.... that's the tale of my next story. Thank you for the very lovely review! Hope you continue to enjoy the story. Cheers!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahaha... well, sort of. I'd already had a number of chapters done - had been lazy in getting them in queue here, though. But I'm catching up now. I've one more chapter ready to be queue'd, and am currently working on the following chapter (which may take another week or two). There are only about six chapters after this next one left. Then, on to the next story (already begun).*Blushes* I'm glad you are enjoying this story so much. Forewarning - the rating will probably change before the end, but as you're a member, you're old enough to get in to read it. Ah, yes, the parchment. Recall the reference of McCaine and Thomas' finding of Merlin's letters... I just 'lurve' Regulus. lol... Good job on catching those comments. The mumbling of 'sure you're not in Ravenclaw?' was a reference to her. More will be shared about that later, but not a great deal, as.... that's the tale of my next story. Thank you for the very lovely review! Hope you continue to enjoy the story. Cheers!
Yay! An update! I've missed this fic!
Love your OC's and how you've incorporated Arthurian legend with the Harry Potter universe. Adore what you've done with the Black brothers, and their sibling rivalry - especially over Hermione. Still giggling over the hiding place for the Grail.
I can't wait to see what happens next!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Hey! Thank you! It is good to be missed Love the Arthurian legend, so I thought, what better way to go than incorporate it into this story? From the very beginning, mind you, where I had to very carefully drop hints, such as in Chapter 9 (I think?) where, at the end, Sirius is reading the Quibbler and reads the part about some magical/powerful item being hidden in the Department of Muggle Artifacts. I'm especially proud of that one. Ah, the Black Brothers... gotta love 'em. I've another two chapters already done, then abot 6 more to go to finish. Thanks for sticking with me - it's wonderful to have one's story loved. (You did read the chapter before this, yes? It was posted very close in time to this one, so just wanted to be sure! )Thanks, again!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Hey! Thank you! It is good to be missed Love the Arthurian legend, so I thought, what better way to go than incorporate it into this story? From the very beginning, mind you, where I had to very carefully drop hints, such as in Chapter 9 (I think?) where, at the end, Sirius is reading the Quibbler and reads the part about some magical/powerful item being hidden in the Department of Muggle Artifacts. I'm especially proud of that one. Ah, the Black Brothers... gotta love 'em. I've another two chapters already done, then abot 6 more to go to finish. Thanks for sticking with me - it's wonderful to have one's story loved. (You did read the chapter before this, yes? It was posted very close in time to this one, so just wanted to be sure! )Thanks, again!
Wow, those two brothers really have no idea what the other is really like, do they. Good chapter, the anticipation is definitely building.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you! Yes, you're right; on one level, they really don't know what the other is truly like. On another... they're very much like the other.I love writing the Black brothers. My next story has already been started upon (we've only about 6 or 7 chapters left from Chp 28 - I'm behind on posting here), and it is Regulus-centric, so more interaction of those two. Thanks, again!
That really had quite a bit in there. But it was fascinating.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Yes; I've realized there is a lot more to happen that hasn't even been approached yet, and thus the info was a bit behind as far as chapters. Things will speed up a bit from here.Thank you!!!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Yes; I've realized there is a lot more to happen that hasn't even been approached yet, and thus the info was a bit behind as far as chapters. Things will speed up a bit from here.Thank you!!!
This keeps getting more and more interesting.
The scene with Sirius giving Hermione a demonstration of just what SHE did to HIM the night before was delish :D
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
*chuckles deeply* Why, thank you! What I'd give to have him educate me that way!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
*chuckles deeply* Why, thank you! What I'd give to have him educate me that way!
I'm really enjoying this!
I like all the OC's and your Regulus a lot.
The story is very original and I like how you've had the characters grow in the time between HBP and this fic's setting.
Looking forward to the next update!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you! I love Regulus, too. Such a complex character.The next chapter is already done; I just have to put it into queue.Hope you continue to enjoy it!
I've always wanted to see Regulus back, and good. I loved that chapter. But now, which Black will Hermione end up with?
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
I'm glad I could accomodate you on both counts! Ah... that is indeed the question. But that is assuming it is all up to her to choose! Poor Hermione... Sirius is just too caught in the past. Even when he sees her as she is, is that enough of what he wants?Ah... the update to come...Thanks for the review!!
I've always wanted to meet Regulus. Thanks!
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Excellent! I'm thinking/hoping he'll actually show up in DH, so I am hoping also that my intended portrayal of him comes off right. We'll see, eh?Thanks for the review!
Good for Hermione. I don't quite know what to think about Sirius, but I'm really enjoying this.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Ah, Sirius.... he's being a typical male with the immaturity spurts of a 23-year-old. Honestly, I think it fits him, as he really is 'wise/serious/mature' mostly, but he's having a bit of time coming back into himself. He's not 'allowed' to be himself to the world, so he's still in hiding in a sense, and a bit resentful about it. Plus, that memory of childhood... he's realizing what he missed there.He also doesn't realize how Hermione feels yet, so he sort of still sees her in the relation of his godson's friend, rather than as a 'potential love interest.' His eyes will soon open. Thanks for the review!!!
... And things begin to coalesce. Wow.
I feel like slapping Sirius though. He lacks sympathy, as do many men. Is there a spell that bestows maturity, I wonder?
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Poor Sirius... hehehehe,,,I so wish there was such a spell. Would come in very handy!Ah, yes. Things are starting to paint a picture. Just wait until the next chapter!Thanks!!
Go, Hermione! And Sirius was being deliberately cruel. It is the part of him I truly dislike. I'm starting to root for Hermione to find someone else. Really.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
hahahah... yes, it was a bit cruel, but he wasn't intending it to be cruel, per se. More like the taunts boys do to girls at school. He knew it would embarrass her, and would get her off his back. He really did want to enjoy a night out. Don't forget, he was locked up for 12 years (as a 20-something), on the run for one, locked up at Grimmauld for another. Then when he comes back, he's clueless. Poor boy needed a night out. But agan, he's also clueless now, as he doesn't realize her feelings. He will soon enough, I promise. And once he does, he's not really a cruel guy, just a bit immature.
Suspense wrings my hands, tatters my lip. This reader bides time, awaiting the next chapter ... awaiting clarity.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Ahhh... you stayed with me on this! Wonderful!!!Tatters your lip, eh? We shall have to remedy that. Answers, milady. Answers, I tell you! They are there, waiting to be read like hieroglyphics to be transcribed... A lot more forthcoming in the next chapter, promise.Thanks!!!
All these twists and turns. I'm glad to see Remus.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
The road will soon start to straighten out... at least, be a bit more clear. It was time for Remus to join in, yes, though his part will be primarily peripheral. At a future date I may perhaps write a story focusing on him! He's a wonderful character.Thanks for the review!
This is just complex enough to be intriguing without being so vague as to be annoying. Looking forward to more, including the Lucius Malfoy puzzle, the 'what was Harry trying to say' question, and the Raj, Sirius, David or Fred decision. I didn't say Ron, because he obviously isn't even in the runnning.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you!Things will begin to clear up as answers trickle in, bit by bit. The next chapter sheds light on a number of things, and the plot begins to come together. Look for information regarding Harry's message, and the return of familiar faces.Thanks for the review! Love to hear from readers.
Oh, that was a cute chapter.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you!
I feel like I have more questions than answers after every chapter, but I'm hooked (and have been for many chapters now).
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
lol... yes, well, it does tend to delve deeper into loose ends. But starting with the next chapter, some of those ends will see some light. Promise!Thank you; it's always wonderful to hear that your little tale has garnered such interest. Hope you continue to enjoy it.Cheers!
Very cool. I hope Hermione figures things out soon. Oh, and lets Ron off the hook.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Thank you! Hermone has a number of things to figure out at this point, with one being how to save her friends (and thus the wizarding world), another on who haunts her dreams (and why), and just what is it that disturbs her so about Sirius. Talk about a busy agenda! ;-)Thanks, again!kat
When I think I'm starting to figure things out, you throw in a new twist. Intriguing and confusing all at once. And I really liked the bit with the real Stubby; didn't see that coming.
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Oh, it's all about the twists, turns, and unexpected events. Wouldn't want any of you lot to become too comfortable, now would I? Oh yes, Stubby has further purpose; you will be seeing him more at a later date.I hope within all of this confusion and intrgue, you are at least enjoying your run-in with all my deceptions!Thanks for the review - they are always much appreciated.Cheers!
I can't believe he shoved her up in the ceiling. *lol* Now that is something I wouldn't have thought of (though I'm way to short and weak for that to be an option).
It seems Sirius and Hermione are living their own nightmares in this chapter. I don't know who to feel sorry for more. I sure as heck wouldn't want to be stuck up in the ceiling, crawling around, trying to avoid security.
And who were those two blokes talking about, I wonder? The girl? Glad to see a mention of Raj. I sort of miss him. (I'm sure Hermione does too at this point.)
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
You know, the ceiling just sort of came to me. I think it was a combination of "The Breakfast Club" and my little mind being bored at work, figuring out how to sneak around should people of ill-intention come a-knockin'.I never thought of it that way, but you're right; they are each living their own nightmare at this point.Not finished with Raj, yet. In fact, he is very important to the story, and will be returning soon. And which two blokes? The ones discussing the girl? Hmmm... good question.
Your e-mail reminded me that I haven't reviewed in a while. (You are so right: I need to quit working so hard.)
Yes, I am still enjoying this story! I am really happy that Hermione realized in this chapter what is wrong with Sirius. The ending had me groaning 'Oh, no' out loud. She didn't splinch them, but she sure landed them in a pickle. I'm looking forward to the next chapter. Oh, and I think I need to go back a chapter or two and leave another review....
Response from R J Lupins Kat (Author of The Valiant Never)
Oh, I wasn't hinting for a review (though they are always lovely to receive, particularly yours!); I was just kind of worried that the story had gotten a little wonky, and perhaps you didn't feel it was still interesting enough to follow. And if that was the case, I'd like to know so that I could correct it. It's sometimes difficult to realize how it comes across when you live with the story. But thank you much! I'm actually, at this moment, working on the next chapter. I have a feeling it will surprise everyone - at least the beginning. Cheers!