Truth or Dare ✔️

7

Sirius disapparated for the Burrows and landed in the swampy creek just outside their property and transformed into Padfoot and ran toward the house. Upon reaching the door, he scratched his paw at the wood. Arthur opened the top portion of the door and looked out and cast his gaze to the left and to the right. Only when he was about to close the door, did Padfoot huff quietly.

Arthur finally looked down. "Padfoot! Merlin's beard what are you doing here!"

Padfoot pushed through him and entered their living room.

"Who is it," Molly called out from the kitchen.

"Its Padfoot," he said.

Sirius materialized before them and he looked to Arthur. "Sorry for the intrusion. I wouldn't have come, but I couldn't think of anyone else to turn to?"

Molly reached out her arms and embraced him and he smiled; Harry was right...getting a genuine hug from Molly felt like Christmas and he smiled. She led him to their living room. "What's wrong, dear? Is it Remus?"

He shook his head. "No, it's Hermione, actually."

"Hermione!"

"What's wrong with Hermione," Arthur asked approaching quickly.

"Well, she missed her train to Paris last night and was unable to let a room at the Leaky--"

Arthur nodded. "Well, they're quite full up with tourists in town for the holidays, aren't they?"

Sirius nodded. "Anyway, she came to me, knowing full well that I have the space."

Molly nodded. "What does that have to do with us?"

"Well, Kreacher whacked her ankle with his broom and her father thinks it may be broken."

"Oh no! Where is she," Molly asked.

"In France with her parents at the moment. The issue is, Hermione refuses to go to a local hospital. She thinks the French are snobby, or snotty. I don't remember what she said exactly, but suffice it to say, she wants to go to the hospital in London. The other issue is that her father just recently lost his mother and Misses Granger doesn't want to leave him alone--"

"Oh yes, we heard about that. Arthur actually sent out a muggle greeting card, expressing our sympathies. Was quite a lovely sentiment," Molly said. "So, how can we help?"

"Well, since I'm footing the bill because my wretched house elf injured her, I would prefer that I accompany her but I can't very well go as myself, can I?"

Arthur looked at him and shook his head. "No, you certainly can't."

Molly drew a deep breath and looked toward Arthur. "Polyjuice, is that it?"

"Well, yeah. Truth be told, I don't have it in me to just take your hairbrush and go for it," Sirius confessed.

"Well Sirius,"Molly began, "I am happy to learn that you actually have some scruples after all."

"Thank you. I think?" He looked away, slightly wounded.

"Why don't we all just go to where she is and pick her up and take her in," Molly said.

"Yes," Arthur agreed. "They have an emergency center there. We can go tonight."

"Well, that's another issue. Her mother has to draw up papers for her to be seen by them and that won't happen until tomorrow."

"We can say that she's one of ours," Molly said.

Sirius ran his fingers through his thick dark hair and eyed her. "I rather doubt that."

"Oh yes. Her hair is brown."

Sirius nodded his head. "Yes, her hair is brown. Besides, the staff at the hospital know her parents and they know who she is by association."

"I see," Arthur said. "Well, Molly, it's up to you. I'd like to accompany you if you decide to go. I know a bit more about muggles than you do. Besides, it would be an amazing opportunity--"

Sirius breathed in deeply and sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose...this wasn't going at all like he had hoped. He should have simply taken the hair brush and run like he wanted to in the first place. The only reason he was there at the Burrow in the first place was that he promised Hermione that he would ask her permission first and he didn't want to risk the wrath of an angry Hermione Granger first hand. He rubbed hard at his eyes and when he opened them, he saw that Molly was seated next to him holding her hair brush toward him.

"Go on, take what you need. I happen to know that Remus has a fairly large supply of polyjuice on hand; I helped him to brew it, so I can vouch for its quality," Molly said. "I can also tell that you're hell-bent on going yourself." She nodded. "I can understand why."

His eyes grew wide. "You can?"

"Of course dear! When's the last time besides today, that you've been out of that wretched dwelling?"

"Well, yes! I feel like I'm going to lose my mind!"

"I know that. So take it. I'm not a fan of hospitals anyway," Molly said.

"Well, who is?" Sirius couldn't have believed his luck! He smiled warmly and thanked her.

"So, will she be returning to France for the remainder of the holiday," Arthur asked.

"No, she'll be staying with Remus and me. It's closer to the hospital, you see? You know, just in case?"

"That makes sense," Molly said.

"Well, I do have to be getting back." Sirius stood and held up the hairbrush. "I'll not forget this, Molly. I don't think Hermione will either."

"Sirius, you should take a change of clothes with you, unless you're going to transfigure clothing that will fit this body," Molly said, almost laughing.

"Have you ever used the stuff before," Arthur asked.

"No. Heard it's vile though."

"Yes, it is. Good luck with it."

"I'll just transfigure clothing, that way, I don't have to worry about returning anything else to you," Sirius said.

Molly nodded. "Nothing too flashy Sirius," she warned half-hardheartedly causing Sirius to laugh. "Take care of yourself and take care of her!"

"Oh, I definitely will...I won't let her out of my sight! I promise!"