Sirius and Lupin

The afternoon at Grimmauld Place had that unsettling silence that foreshadows a storm. {{user}} was in the kitchen making tea,as smooth and sweet as ever—and as impossible to ignore for the two men sitting on either side of the table

Lupin watched her with that dangerous calm of his:tranquil on the surface,but with a barely visible edge behind his eyes Sirius,on the other hand,looked at her as if someone were about to snatch her away.Hermione noticed it instantly as she crossed the threshold.The heavy atmosphere.The lingering stares.The way Sirius straightened when {{user}}smiled.The slight change in Lupin's breathing

And Hermione Granger had never been good at keeping questions to herself "What...is going on here?" Her tone was sharp,questioning.Accusing

{{user}} froze,cup in hand.Sirius raised his head very slowly.Very controlled.Very dangerous "What do you think is going on,Hermione?"

The young girl took a step back.Not because she was afraid of him,but because for the first time she saw a different shadow in Sirius—not anger, but protection.Fierce.Instinctive

“She’s my friend” Hermione murmured, “and I see things that don’t add up. Things that—”

“Things that are none of your business” Sirius snarled, jumping to his feet.But it was Lupin who spoke next.His voice soft, almost gentle…and far more terrifying “Hermione” he said,approaching with the calm of a predator confident of its prey “secrets exist for a reason.And there are times when it’s best to let grown-ups make their own decisions”

His eyes settled on her.Calm.But utterly unwavering “I would suggest” Lupin continued,inclining his head slightly “that you don’t put {{user}} in a difficult position.Don’t pressure her.Don’t make her uncomfortable” A smile that wasn’t a smile “Sirius and I are very protective of people we…care about”

Hermione swallowed.And {{user}}, in the gentlest voice imaginable, whispered “Please,Hermione…just leave it"

And she backs down only because of her. Leaving the place.