Truth or Dare ✔️

8

Sirius looked to Molly. "Might I use your floo? I really should let Remus know what's going on. He is aware that she's been injured, but that's all he knows. I really don't want to steal from his stores of potions, he keeps an accurate inventory so that he knows exactly what he has on hand, you know?"

"Oh yes, of course! Please be my guest!"

Sirius gazed at the lovely Christmas tree to his left and sat before the large fireplace and tossed in a bit of floo powder then requested the floo of Lyall Lupin. Seconds later, Mister Lupin was seated before him.

"Sirius? Is that you?"

"Good evening, Mister Lupin and Happy Christmas!"

"Happy Christmas, Sirius! Did you need to speak to Remus?"

Sirius nodded. "I do actually. Is he there?"

Mister Lupin smiled warmly. "Of course he is. He apparated in hours ago."

Sirius nodded. "Of course."

Mister Lupin turned to call out for his son and Remus sat down before Sirius.

"Sirius, where are you?"

"I'm at the Weasley's place. Listen, there's been some developments that you need to be aware of and, well, I need your help, Moony."

"Oh, Moony is it?" Remus grinned.

Sirius sat before the floo straight-faced, unwavering in his intent.

"Of course Sirius," Remus replied finally. "What is it?"

"You want the long story or the Readers Digest version?"

Remus smiled. "Give me the digest," he said smile broadening.

"Fine, here it is: Hermione is returning to London tomorrow to be seen at the London hospital and I need some of your polyjuice."

Remus looked hard at him. "Wait, what?"

"You said you wanted the digest version, didn't you? That's the crux of it."

Remus stared hard at his friend.

Sirius stared back at him.

Finally Remus nodded. "You wouldn't be asking if you really didn't need it. Although I am curious as to why you're asking in the first place?" Remus's eyes peered around the room. "Are you alone?"

Sirius checked his surroundings and nodded. "Yeah."

"I have to wonder if your little Miss Sunshine didn't put you up to this?"

"Well, she's why I'm asking, if that's what you're getting at?"

He nodded. "Yes, it is." Remus grinned. "Why Mister Black, I daresay you're whipped already!"

Sirius glared and then grinned as he laughed. "You're probably all too correct, Remus!"

Remus laughed along with his friend. "Take what you need and I'll adjust the inventory when I return."

"Thanks mate!"

"You're welcome, Sirius. I hope she's alright."

"I do too, Remus. I do too. Thanks and good night!"

Sirius thanked the Weasleys for their help and told them both that he'd see them the following evening at the meeting, then disapparated for France to speak to Hermione's parents: everything was set on his end.

Hermione arrived via taxi at the corner to Sirius' block and she paid the driver with some of the money that Sirius had given her. She limped toward the back alleyway and found the wrought iron fencing and moved to unlatch the gate, which unlocked at her touch and opened on it's own. She stepped through and watched it close and latch behind her. She walked up to the house and opened the door and found herself in the wine cellar. Above her, she could hear Sirius's radio playing softly and she also heard his footfalls as he moved toward the counter, right about where his coffee pot was located. She smiled and chuckled to herself as she ascended the stairs. It was lunchtime and she was sure that he'd be hungry and brought along a doggy bag for him to enjoy; it was generally thought to please the American tourists, but she found it amusing. She giggled when she thought of presenting it to him; on one side of the small white bag, it read in English, "Doggy Bag", and the other was a line drawing of a black dog wearing a red and white checkerboard bib; in it's paws was a knife and a fork. She hoped that he would find it as amusing as she did.