A/N: The world of Harry Potter belongs to JKRowling I'm just playing in her sand box and make no money from this.

Rating is mature for language and violence.

Ships: Sirius Black/ Lily Evans, Harry Potter/ Hermione Granger

Characters: Sirius Black/ Lily Evans-Potter/ Harry Potter/ Hermione Granger/ Monica Granger/ Wendell Granger

Shared Scars

Chapter 2: Aftermath and Hogwarts

Monica and Wendell felt like they were being squeezed through a tube, a very small tube, and they stumbled a bit when they landed… where?

'Where exactly had they landed?' Monica wondered.

"Ah, you'll not be able to see where we live, so I'll have to guide you," Lily stated.

"Lily, I saw Peter in the waiting room. He must have told Voldemort. We're probably not safe here. He knows the secret," Sirius warned.

"Shit! Hogwarts it is then until I can get Albus to change the Fidelius. Excuse me Monica and Wendell, it's not safe here, we have to go to the only place we know is safe. Hang on again, sorry."

A quick Apparition again and they were outside the gates of Hogwarts.

"This is safe?" Wendell shook his head in disbelief? It's a pile of rubble!"

"No, that's just an illusion to fool Muggles… erm, non-magical people," Lily assured them. "Follow me."

They approached the gates and Lily sent her Doe Patronus messenger to the Headmaster.

Monica and Wendell gasped at the beautiful creature that erupted out of Lily's wand.

After a short wait, Albus Dumbledore showed up and let them in. "Lily, Sirius, what are you doing here, and who are these people?"

"Albus, I'd like you to meet Monica and Wendell Granger. They have a daughter, Hermione, that is currently with Harry at St. Mungo's. We were attacked, Albus. Peter Pettigrew gave the secret to Voldemort and he must have traced us to St. Mungo's. Harry and Hermione are fine, but there's a problem. It's not safe at home, I need you to recast the Fidelius," Lily hurriedly explained.

As they continued to the castle, Monica and Wendell gradually became aware that the "pile of rubble" was nothing of the sort. In fact, it soon became clear that they were looking at an enormous medieval castle. Wendell blinked, unable to believe what they were seeing. "Wow!"

"Wow seems inadequate, Wendell," Monica breathed. "Fantastic even doesn't do it justice."

"Ah, first impressions then. You must be Muggles, excuse me, non-magicals. You'll be safe here until we can arrange to change the charm on Lily's house. Sirius, tell me what happened," Albus requested.

Sirius related the events of the afternoon, mentioning that he had seen Peter change to his rat Animagus form and scamper away. "I wish I was quicker, Albus. Peter betrayed us."

"I'll send Remus after him," Albus assured them. "With his nose, he should be able to locate him."

Lily and Monica were conversing quietly. "What did he mean; Peter's a rat Animagus, Lily?"

"An Animagus is a person who can change their form to an animal or other species. Peter Pettigrew's Animagus form is a rat. Fitting in this case! Damn him."

Monica was in awe of what was possible in the wizard world. "Can everyone do this?"

"No, it's a fairly hard gift to master. Sirius and my deceased husband could also do it."

"Sirius? What is his form?" she inquired. "Or is that too personal?"

"Well, we don't like to spread it around since it can be dead useful. You'll have to ask Sirius if he'll tell you. Strictly speaking, even Albus isn't supposed to know, but the Headmaster seems to know everything. My husband was a stag."

"I'm sorry to pry, but you mentioned your husband. He's deceased you said?"

"Yes, James died when struck by lightning almost two years ago. He never got to see his son. It's been hard, but Sirius was our best friend and he's been a great comfort. He's asked me to marry him, but I'm not ready yet."

"Oh! I'm sorry…"

"It's okay, you couldn't know."

"Sirius seems like a nice guy," Monica mused.

"Yes, he's sweet and looks after us. Maybe I'll say yes soon…" Lily trailed off as another thought struck her. "Monica, you heard the healer, she said our children are bonded. If what I know about bonded pairs is true, Harry and Hermione will probably be together sometime in the future…"

"You mean as husband and wife?" Monica startled at the thought. "But, but, will they love each other? I think love should determine whether they marry or not."

"Monica, in the magical world, a bond does just that. Even in the non-magical world, you would say they were meant for each other. They would be completely compatible. We're a bit old fashioned in our world, so I'm going to propose something that may seem barbaric to you, but I assure you it's quite common in our world. I propose we sign a betrothal agreement for our children. Wait, it's not as bad as it seems."

Monica had gasped at this. "Lily, that sort of thing went out almost a century ago."

"It's good protection, Monica. That way nobody can try to break the bond the two of them have. If the bond doesn't take hold, we can mutually dissolve the contract."

"I-I'll have to talk to Wendell about this, Lily. I must say it sounds awful. I'd want my Hermione to choose her own mate."

"As would I for Harry under normal circumstances, but if this bond holds true, we can't take a chance of someone trying to break it by whatever means. There are spells and potions that could be used, and there's a prophecy concerning Harry. I don't like it at all; that's why Harry was attacked today. Unfortunately Hermione is now involved as well."

They had arrived at the castle and Albus ushered them up to his office. Monica and Wendell goggled at the vastness of the castle.

"Wendell, look, the portraits move!"

Lily smiled and whispered, "That's not all they do, watch." She flicked her wand at one portrait and the picture flinched and spoke.

"That's enough of that young lady! Just because you're no longer in school, you still should show some respect."

Lily giggled and Albus threw her an annoyed look. "It looks like James and Sirius have been a bad influence on you, Lily. You were never like this in school."

"So, Lily, young Harry has been marked by Voldemort. You know what this means."

"Hermione was marked as well, Albus," she reminded him. "He's gone, so I think the prophecy has been fulfilled."

"I don't think so, Lily. Sirius tells me a shade of Voldemort seems to have escaped. This is very bad, Lily. I'm afraid he may find a way to come back. Harry may never be safe."

Lily sobbed at this news. "But Albus," she wailed, "Harry's fulfilled his part, and what about Hermione?"

Albus turned this vexing problem over in his mind. True, Harry had defeated Voldemort, but still he existed somewhere, somehow. Perhaps there was another prophecy. "Hermione may be key in solving this puzzle. Mrs. Granger, your daughter will join young Harry at school here when they are of age. Meanwhile, I'd urge you to keep her close to Harry. Perhaps very close as in the same neighbourhood, maybe in adjoining rooms even. I believe Potter Manor…?"

"What a great idea, Albus," Lily exclaimed. "Monica, Wendell, would you like to live with us? There's plenty of room and it would simplify the protection."

"I don't know, Lily. On the surface, it sounds like a wonderful idea, but what of our work? We're dentists and how would that work out?"

Wendell was concerned as well. "This is too sudden. We couldn't impose, and my wife is right, what of our work. Our patients depend on us."

Albus smiled. "I think we can work something out. I can arrange for you to Floo to work and back each day. Lily really has a grand old manor."

"What's a Floo," Monica asked.

"It's a magical fireplace, my dear. One can travel almost anywhere in Britain very quickly. Of course it is a bit dirty, what with a bit of soot, but it cleans up easily. Lily also has house elves that can transport you as well, but that's a bit tricky since non-magical folks mustn't see them.

"Lily, you'll have to acquaint the Grangers with the law about Wizarding secrecy."

"Certainly, Albus. So what do you say, we'll stay here until Albus can properly ward Potter Mansion again and we can decide what's best then?"

Monica conferred briefly with her husband and they decided to accept Lily's kind offer.

"Then it's settled," Albus smiled, his eyes twinkling. I'll arrange for your rooms for your stay here. Dinner in the Great Hall should be about to be served. If you'll accompany me?"

Dinner was another new experience for the Grangers. Sirius and Lily smiled as they remembered their first experience at a Halloween feast. Of course, they didn't know one another then, but some things never changed: the floating candles, the huge pumpkins, the bats and of course, the ghosts. Albus had sat them at the staff table beside himself and his Deputy.

Wendell shivered as he felt a cold presence drift through him, only to come face to face with Nearly Headless Nick. "Sir Nicholas de Mimsy Porpington, if you please," the ghost remarked when introduced.

"Hi Nick," Sirius joked. "Seen Peeves around lately?"

"Oh, Peevsie's here, Sirius," the poltergeist mocked, aiming an inkbottle at him.

Sirius ducked in time and Peeves scowled at yet another miss of the famous prankster. Sirius leaned over and whispered something in Lily's ear and she laughed.

Albus introduced his guests to the teaching staff. "Minerva McGonagall, you remember Lily and Sirius of course. These other two fine people are Monica and Wendell Granger. Their daughter, Hermione, will be attending this school in a few years, as will young Harry Potter. Minerva is our Transfiguration professor and my Deputy Headmistress. Next is Filius Flitwick, our very capable Charms master. Horace Slughorn is our Potions Professor, Septima Vector is our Arithmancy Professor, Bathsheba Babbling teaches Ancient Runes and Rubeus Hagrid is Keeper of Keys and Grounds at Hogwarts. There are several other professors not present at the moment, perhaps you'll meet them later."

The Great Hall was filled with students, who generally ignored the newcomers. A deep murmur settled throughout the hall as students and staff conversed with one another.

Monica noticed the giant of a man introduced as Rubeus Hagrid. He seemed a jovial sort, if a bit intimidating by his very size. "Dear," she addressed her husband, "isn't this quite extraordinary?"

"Quite, my dear. Overwhelming, really. I say, there are more ghosts floating through the walls!"

"Look at the ceiling, Wendell. You'd think we were outside."

Lily commented on this. "It's charmed to mimic the sky outside. It's really quite amazing during a storm."

The food appeared quite suddenly on golden platters. The plates and cutlery were also gold, although the cutlery was much lighter than it should have been. "Is this real gold?" Wendell asked Lily.

"Oh yes, but it's been charmed to not be too heavy. We use the real metal, since it doesn't deteriorate and is quite inert, less chance of accidental contamination that way. Of course the house elves keep everything spotless. Goodness knows what we'd do without them."

The food was quite delicious and soon it was time to retire for the night. It had been a full day.

Minerva took it upon herself to escort the quartet to their quarters for the night. "Lily, Sirius, it's good to see you again. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, it's a pleasure to meet you. I hope you'll be comfortable for your stay here. You will be staying in adjacent rooms in our guest quarters. Lily, are you and Sirius…?"

"No, Minerva, separate bedrooms, please."

"Very well, this room beside mine should serve you well. Mr. and Mrs. Granger, you'll be staying next to Lily and Sirius."

"Thank you Professor, please call us Monica and Wendell," Monica replied.

"Thank you Monica, it's Minerva to my friends," she smiled.

Sirius smirked, He knew the old professor was a bit straight-laced and Lily read her like a book. He'd be sharing a bed with Lily, but Minerva needn't know.

Little did they know, that Minerva could also read the pair better than they thought, and knew they would be sharing a bed tonight.

…

The next morning, Sirius awoke with a mass of auburn hair in his face and a weight on his chest. Then he remembered. Lily had finally said yes and they'd consummated their love that night.

A very naked Lily groaned and pulled him closer, snuggling into his side and hoarding his body heat, her leg draped over his torso. "Mff, what time is it, love?" she asked groggily.

Sirius reached for his wand and cast a Tempus spell and pronounced it half seven. "Can we stay in bed today Lily Flower?" Sirius had taken to calling her that lately and she liked it.

"Afraid not, Siri," she replied. "We have to check on Harry and Hermione. I'm sure the Grangers will want to know how they are as well. Hopefully Albus will reset the wards today and we can return home. Siri, did I really say yes last night?"

Sirius grinned and wrapped his arms tightly around her. "You did," he replied simply. "You've made me very happy. I love you, Lily Flower."

"Sirius, what about Harry and Hermione?"

"What about them, love?"

"I was talking to Monica last evening before we ate and suggested a Betrothal Agreement between the two."

"Lily, why? Do you even know the implications of that? Why would you suggest such a thing? I know the bond would seem to suggest that as a good idea, but once the papers are signed and filed with the Goblins, there's no backing out. Can you do that to Harry and Hermione?"

"Sirius, I've been thinking of that all day, since the mediwitch told us. It'll protect them, Siri. I can't lose Harry too! I'd forgotten that the Goblins would enforce the contract, once signed. I'll have to tell Monica and Wendell. That may be a sticking point with them. I hope not, since they'll want to protect Hermione just as much as we want to protect Harry."

"You're not thinking straight Lily, oh it'll protect them alright. It'll also give them no choice if the bond fails. We won't know for months if the bond is stable or not. Wait until we're sure."

Lily groaned, caught between what she knew in her heart was right and what Sirius was trying to warn her about. "We daren't wait too long. You heard Albus, Voldemort will probably come back somehow. The longer we wait, the more dangerous it'll be. There are those out there that will try and take advantage of Hermione when they find out. The Betrothal Agreement will shut that off. Monica and Wendell are Muggles, for heaven's sake. Our government won't even try to protect them from unscrupulous families. The Malfoys would love to get their hands on Hermione. She'd be the answer to their prayers: the continuation of the Malfoy line. You know purebloods have a difficult time conceiving. Without a Muggle born every now and then, the purebloods would be so interbred that the line would die out. They're already producing more squibs than the halfbloods or the Muggle born. Why do you think James was so set on me? Sure we loved each other, but old man Charlus Potter told him he'd better find a nice Muggle born or the Potter line risked dying out. James was their last hope after Dorea was only able to have James. She lost two in childbirth."

Sirius was shocked at what Lily had told him. He'd left his family before his father had given him a similar talk. "Damn! I didn't know." Then he smirked. "I guess I'm lucky then, I have you and I want more kids."

Lily blushed and smiled softly. "We'll see, Siri, we'll see."

…

Wendell and Monica were awake as well and Monica was relaying Lily's proposal to her disbelieving husband. "She wants to do what? Is that a Marriage Contract she's talking about? I won't have it! That's barbaric. Monica, Hermione should have freedom of choice for her future husband. We barely know the Potters and Sirius. This is completely insane!"

"Wendell, honey, Lily makes a strong case. She says they can back out if the bond doesn't take."

"And you believe that? Monica, we've just been introduced to the magical world, what do we know what's true and what isn't? And what protection is she talking about anyway?"

"Lily explained to me that there are many unscrupulous pureblood families out there that would love to get their hands on a Muggle born witch. They're becoming desperate to continue their family line. What with the inbreeding that has occurred over centuries, there's a real fear the old-line families will die out. That's why it makes sense to protect Hermione this way. Face it Wendell, we have no status in the Wizarding world. They can just take Hermione and breed her like a brood mare and there would be nothing we could do to stop them. Lily was up front about this with me and this Betrothal Agreement would offer her proper protection."

Wendell sighed, knowing when he was beaten by his wife's logic. She was smarter than him in any case, although he didn't consider himself dumb by any means. Both of them had scored well on their A level exams and were in the top percentile in college.

"All right, we'll talk to them. Do you think Sirius will marry Lily?" he smirked.

"Want to bet he's already proposed and she's accepted?" she dared him.

"Uh uh, I could see the way they looked at each other at dinner last night. I'd bet they both would up in the same bed, despite what Lily said to Minerva."

"No bet there, sweetheart. I saw the same thing you did."

"Do you think they're up yet? I'm a bit hungry. God, that was a good dinner last night."

"Yes, I'm hungry too. I wish I could cook like that! Let's get dressed. Last one into the shower is a wet hen." And with that, she leapt out of bed and raced to the shower, Wendell close behind.

…..