Truth or Dare ✔️

3

Sirius roused himself out of his bed and memories of the previous night filled his head as he smiled unashamedly and he shook his head, then stared at his reflection in the mirror on his wall.

"Well Black, in for a penny?" He shrugged his shoulders and dressed for the day.

He thought the least he could do was to prepare a quick breakfast for her; something that she could take with her...she didn't have time enough to eat a proper breakfast. He also didn't want her to walk to Kings Cross Station, it was a long walk on a good day; no doubt there'd be icy walkways and with her injured ankle, she would no doubt be doubly vigilant. He made his way downstairs and into his father's old study and opened the wall safe that was behind a painting of a chateau in France that belonged to the Black family; he thought that he'd like to visit there again one day; sometime soon. He grabbed at a small well-worn satchel and unzipped it and withdrew fifty pounds in muggle currency. He stuffed the bills in the back pocket of his jeans and zipped the satchel and returned it to the wall safe and secured it again. He swung the painting back to it's original spot and left the room, heading for the kitchen. He spied Kreacher on the stairway and glared at him.

"You are in a world of hurt. How dare you injure a witch! You are certainly going to pay for your transgressions," he growled. "You will never insult her or harm her in any way again whilst I live. Do you understand?"

"Kreacher humbly begs--"

"Shut up! I don't want to hear your apologies nor anything else you have to say right now! Go clean all the crystal in this house properly...I want to see my reflection! MOVE!"

Kreacher bowed low to the floor and headed up the stairs for Misses Black's portrait.

He met Hermione at the top of the stairs. "Good morning, Kreacher," she said pleasantly.

The aged house elf averted his eyes and hung his head.

"Fine, have it your way," she said and slowly eased her way down the staircase. She heard the radio playing in the kitchen and smelled bacon cooking and more importantly, coffee brewing.

Hearing movement at the kitchen door, Sirius turned his head and smiled. "Hello Sunshine--how's your ankle?"

"It's still tender, but the swelling is all but gone."

He smiled and nodded his head. "Good. Have a seat."

"I really don't have the time--"

"You've got plenty of time for a cup of coffee and you'll be taking this along." He pointed to the skillet. "I've taken the liberty of hailing a taxi for you, so you can relax before you leave. You will make your train on time."

"How did you do that!"

Sirius busied himself turning over the bacon pieces. "I erm, borrow the neighbor's telephone line sometimes. I'd have a line installed, but this place doesn't exist in the muggle world. My father made certain of that."

She smirked as she poured two cups of coffee; one for herself and one for Sirius. She held it out to him.

"Thank you," he said in a low voice and turned toward her and raised his cup in salute. "To your good health, Miss Granger."

She smiled and bowed her head and then raised hers. "To my gracious and generous host, Mister Black."

He bowed. "You are most welcome." Then he laughed.

"You should really ring the dispatch back up and cancel the taxi, I can't afford it, Sirius. Thank you, but I can't. I didn't bring enough money with me."