Part 4
Disclaimer: This is a work of fan fiction using characters from the Harry Potter world, which is trademarked by J.K. Rowling. This story is for entertainment only and not part of the official storyline.
Author's Note: Thank you everyone for sticking with me and sending such lovely reviews! This is part 4 of a five part story. I'll probably end up adding an epilogue so it will become six parts. I plan to finish this up in the next few weeks!
S/N: We have a little bit o' smut in this chapter. Sirius just wanted to cop a feel and Reggie got a little handsy. So I let the boys out to play. ;)
Hermione sucked in a breath after all eyes turned to her. She could feel the small girl snuggle closer to her and the younger Black brother next to her. Inhaling, she glanced towards her best friend. Harry Potter gave a small smile and nod. Exhaling, she peeked at the man sitting on her other side. Sirius Black had a tragic past, a hot temper and could work her to a frenzy when she was sixteen quicker then anyone ever had. She wasn't sure what to do with the knowledge that in the future she'd bond to him in order to save his life.
Not that it wasn't the first time she had done something reckless in order to save Sirius Black. She leaned towards him intent to whisper in his ear. He turned his head towards her and gave a small smirk.
"What's wrong, Kitten?" Sirius whispered.
"I'm always saving you, Black. Maybe you could save me and we could escape from the inquisition?" Hermione murmured from the side of her mouth.
Regulus, from the opposite side of her gave a small laugh. "Are we fleeing?"
"Kitten seems to believe that's a good idea. What say you, we pull a Christmas 69?" Sirius grinned over the smaller woman's head towards his brother.
"Do I want to know what a Christmas 69 is?" Hermione sighed heavily. She should not have trusted the marauder.
Twenty minutes later found Hermione, her future daughter and two Black heirs ensconced in her apartment. The same flat she had until yesterday morning shared with Ronald Weasley.
"Do I want to know why you were carrying around a muggle matchstick?" Hermione asked Regulus.
"Well, I like to be prepared." Regulus gave a mischievous grin to the woman.
"And you! Sirius! You set Lucius Malfoy's desk on fire with muggle matches. How did you even know that Regulus would have them on him?" Hermione screeched.
She turned from one brother to the other. Her arms flailed around and her hair crackled with magic. Both brothers continued to grin at the curly haired woman as she raged at them.
"But Kitten, we escaped. We can chat and decide what to do about all this future kid nonsense. Isn't that what the lovely Hermione Granger needs? A minute to make a list and gather her thoughts." Sirius grasped the hand not holding the small girl. He rubbed a spot about her thumb, applying pressure.
Hermione visibly relaxed. Her shoulders slumped as she pulled her hand back and sat gracefully on the love-seat behind her.
"I think we should have a snack and then put Aquillae in bed." Regulus stated from his seat across the small room.
"Oh! We should get curry! I haven't had muggle curry in years! I think the last time I had it was with James and Lily." Sirius bounced on the balls of his feet. The man had a grin from ear to ear as he jumped around the small sitting room.
Hermione grabbed several take away menus and tossed them on the little table. "Take your pick, Sirius. I'll order." She turned to Regulus. "Have you ever had take away?"
The man seemed confused. Hermione explained the concept of delivered food and the different types. They ended up ordering several different places to placate both brothers and their demanding daughter who had her own opinions on which food to get.
The food arrived shortly after which helped ease the tension in the room. Hermione acciod dishes, napkins and drinks to the small living room and spread everything out. Regulus seemed taken aback by dining on the floor, however, Sirius just pulled him down and started handing him containers.
The little girl caused the most mirth. She would hand a container to Regulus, state that it was his favorite and take the container that Sirius had handed him away. After several containers disappeared, Sirius sighed and stopped trying to feed his brother different foods.
"Daddy, Papa doesn't like those foods. That'd be like me feeding you asparagus." The small girl raised an eyebrow challengingly. Sirius gaped at the small girl. He had not had many interactions with the small child and her bold demeanor disarmed him.
Regulus muffled a laugh. "He used to try to feed his asparagus to the house elves. Mother would be furious. I think one dinner that's all she had served to you."
"Yes. What a lovely mother." Sirius rolled his eyes.
Hermione feeling tension rising once again as the meal ended, hurried to change the subject. She glanced at both brothers who she could see still cared about each other. "Why don't we set wards and block the floo so we're not disturbed and then we can talk. I'm going to put Aquillae to bed in my room."
Hermione grabbed the small child and carried her down the hall to the last bedroom. The small girl peered around and scrunched up her nose.
"Mummy, I want my princess nightie. And my princess bed. When can we go home?" the small girl clung to hermione as she asked for home.
"Soon, love. We'll figure out how to go home soon." Hermione rubbed the girls small back, then set her down to get ready for bed. She transfigured a shirt into a pink nightgown, and helped the girl brush her teeth with a spare toothbrush. Hermione, ever the dentist's child kept new toothbrushes on hand for any occasion. She smiled lightly as she remembered Ron joking that no one would ever need them. Who would have thought it would be a daughter from the future to need one?
After the child was tucked in and a story was read, Hermione set a night light that she had used for Teddy and cracked the door. She made her way down the hall just in time to find Regulus swinging a punch at Sirius.
The crack of the fist hitting the older mans cheek reverberated off the walls of the small room. Sirius glared at the younger man before raising a fist to return the favor. Both men were growling and grunting as they grappled each other and fell onto the floor. Hermione screeched before whipping out her wand and casting stunners at each of them. She watched as they both slumped against her floor, out cold.
She went into her kitchen grabbing cold rags and and an ice pack. She refused to heal the pair magically if all they were going to do was hit each other again. She grabbed the bottle of fire whiskey and levitated three shot glasses behind her. She knew just how to sort the pair out.
"Ennervate." Hermione muttered. She glanced over at Regulus who she had awakened first. He was slowly coming to his feet, though he appeared discombobulated. Sirius jumped up immediately, smacking Hermione's shoulder with his head. She turned to the man and winced when she saw the confusion written on his face.
"You're both idiots. Merlin, can we just have a civil conversation. Why did you start fighting?" Hermione grumbled at the pair.. Each man moved to opposite sides of the small sitting room. Sirius took the love-seat and Regulus leaned against the window.
Neither man spoke, only eyeing Hermione as she cleaned up the empty food containers and trash around the room. She waved her wand again and cold rags sailed to each man, smacking them on the face. An icepack floated to Sirius and nudged his cheek. He grabbed it and held it against the bruised bump on his forehead.
Hermione grabbed three pillows and set them in a large triangle on the floor. She tossed some throw blankets and other pillows around them building a small nest. Then she took the fire whiskey and shot glasses and placed them in the center on the floor.
"Take a seat on one of the pillows." Hermione pointed to her nest. When neither man moved she stomped her foot. "I will not wait any longer. Sit. You destroyed my living room."
At that, both men glanced around the room. They realized that frames had fallen from the walls, a pillow was ripped and the glass dish holding the floo powder was broken, floo powder scattered across the fireplace. Embarrassed, they both scurried to the pillow nest Hermione had made.
"We are going to play a game. I'm going to say a phrase and if it's correct, you drink. While you were both out, I called a Malfoy house elf to watch Aquillae. Any questions?"
Sirius seemed resigned to follow the orders of the commanding witch whereas Regulus hesitated. She gripped the man's arm and tugged him to the floor, seating him on the pillow next to her.
"Excellent." She handed each man a full shot glass and took one for herself. "You care that the small child in the next room considers you a parental figure."
Each man turned to look at hermione as she drank her glass. Regulus followed suit and tossed his shot back and then watched as Sirius drank his as well. Hermione refilled each glass.
"You want to figure out how we are to work as a family for her." Hermione stated then drank.
Both men drank their glasses as well. Sirius moved to refill each shot this time. Hermione gave him a small smile.
"You're upset with how you grew up as a child and don't want that for Aquillae." Hermione watched as Sirius tossed his back immediately. Regulus sighed in frustration. Then tossed his shot back as well, then moved to refill the two empty glasses.
Sirius scoffed. "You loved growing up with the dragon. You were the golden boy."
"No talking, Sirius. We're just drinking." Hermione snapped. "Alright, you were not happy with the house you were sorted in to."
Sirius seemed confused by the statement, until Regulus drank his shot staring directly at his brother.
"You are happy the death eaters and Lord Voldemort are gone." She watched as they all three drank.
"You regret not standing up for your sibling." Both men hesitated before looking at each other. Regulus was the first to drink. Sirius raised the small glass to his lips and downed his as well.
"You are willing to try and be siblings again." Hermione stated slowly. She eyed both men as they silently communicated with each other. She saw an eyebrow raise, a smirk, a shoulder shrug. They each drank their shot.
"You realize that you have to bond with someone or else you disappear back through the veil. It doesn't have to be me." Hermione mumbled.
They each turned to Hermione. Regulus already aware of the information nodded but frowned. He had no problem bonding to the incredibly talented muggleborn. He already knew she would be his redemption. He could feel it.
Sirius eyed his calm brother then looked to Hermione. She was leaned against a pillow, back to the wall in the small blanket nest she had made for their game. Legs wrapped under her, she seemed uncertain but determined.
"Kitten, who else would I bond to in the limited amount of time I have. Hell. I'm still considered a convict to the papers. The people who would offer would only do so for my wealth and notoriety." The ex convict seemed frustrated about the idea of looking for someone else.
"I don't want to take away your chances of you finding someone, Sirius. Or you Regulus." Hermione muttered.
"Well, I feel this isn't even a discussion. We already know we bond in the future. We had a child accidentally appear telling us. What's wrong, love?" Regulus leaned towards the witch.
"Well, just because Aquillae appeared doesn't mean we're happy. I don't want you to be miserable."
"It seems our witch wants us to court her brother." Sirius grinned. "Let's do the bonding first and then we seduce.. ahem, court you." The older brother's smirk seemed contagious. Hermione turned from one man to the next and realized they wore identical grins. Her cheeks pinked as she thought of what they might have planned.
"I think she likes the idea, brother. Our Hermione is a feisty creature." Regulus smiled smugly. He leaned towards the witch and brushed his lips softly against hers. The brief touch caused her to moan lowly. Hermione blinked as she watched Regulus pull away. The blush that had started to fade came back immediately. Her face was hot and she was completely certain it wasn't all from embarrassment.
"Well that seems unfair. I think I need a turn, myself." Sirius rumbled before grabbing Hermione and tossing her into his lap. He turned her face to his and planted a kiss to her lips. He pulled back to see her stunned face before moving towards her again. He nibbled on her bottom lip, planted soft kisses on the side of her mouth and grazed the seem of her mouth with his tongue.
Shocked, Hermione gasped. Her mouth fell open in surprise and she felt a second set of lips kiss up the side of her neck. A hand moved up her rib cage, before settling just under her bust. Sirius moved forward with his kiss. His tongue dipped into her mouth, tracing her own tongue. She tried to move, unsure if she wanted more of Sirius or more access to the mouth kissing down her neck. Faintly, she realized that the other mouth must be Regulus.
Logic seemed to disappear as Hermione reached behind her and pulled Regulus closer. He chuckled as he turned her away from Sirius to kiss her. Sirius grumbled but moved to kiss Hermione's neck and shoulder. The sleeve of her blouse falling down to give the man better access.
Regulus, after discovering exactly what Hermione liked the previous night, knew exactly how to proceed. He kissed her slowly, drawing out the kiss until she was following his mouth as he pulled back. Catching her unaware, he moved back towards her, dipping his tongue into her mouth, stroking her tongue before moving on to suckle her swollen lip. She gave a small groan before falling back towards Sirius. Her body conveyed the relaxed state the snog had put her in.
"Kitten, as much as it hurts me to say this. I don't think we're ready for anything other than a fantastic snog tonight. But I'd say we will definitely move forward with this bonding. Let's get some sleep. We can talk about the rest tomorrow.
Hermione rose slowly from the two men and before processing what Sirius had said. "Uhm. That sounds good. I'll just go get clothes we can change in to. I have a spare room with extra beds you both can sleep there. I'll stay with Aquillae tonight." Hermione spoke nervously before disappearing down the hall.
She returned, having changed into a comfortable set of pajama shorts and matching tank top. Hermione could feel both men's heated stares as she handed them each sleep pants and plain t-shirts. "Er, I hope this is okay. It was Harry's from when he'd stay here after missions."
Regulus took the offered clothing before smiling gently at Hermione. "Thank you. We know this is all new. For each of us. But we can try and sort everything out. I know the bonding is quick, but we know we can do this. If nothing else, we get Aquillae out of it."
Hermione smiled softly to the two men and handed Sirius his clothing. He gave her a small hug before turning to his brother. "So for the record. You hated Slytherin house as well? Which house did you want. You wanted Gryffindor didn't you?" He grinned slyly at the younger man.
Regulus huffed. "Gryffindor house. Not a chance. I had to beg the sorting hat to place me in to Slytherin. He wanted me in Ravenclaw."
"Aquillae. Little Eagle. I get it." Hermione embraced the man. "It's sweet and honors what could have been and also the Black family tradition of constellations."
Regulus looked down at the woman embracing him. "I should have stood up to my mother then. But then we might not be here with you now if that had happened. Good night, Hermione." He turned and walked down the hall to the spare room Hermione had pointed out.
Sirius hadn't moved from his spot against the wall. Hermione turned to him. He seemed stricken that his brother wasn't meant to be a Slytherin either.
"Forgive yourself, Sirius. We can't change the past. But you can make it up to him every day in the future." Hermione sighed slowly before leaning against his shoulder. "The one all three of us make."
"Thank you, kitten. For giving me my brother back. For taking care of us and holding us all together. You're always taking care of me." He kissed her forehead before moving to the room Regulus had entered. "Goodnight."
She gave a soft smile before entering her room and climbing into the large bed next to her small future daughter. She wondered why everything seemed so easy with the two men. Hermione glanced at the clock on the wall. It was late and she'd have to be up early. Knowing her friends and family, they'd all want explanations before the sun could even rise.
The next morning found Hermione waking alone. She flipped the covers back and rushed to the hall before hearing child laughter from the kitchen. A deeper rumble accounted for Sirius's laughter. She went back to her room to shower and dress.
Finishing her morning routine, she entered the kitchen. She found Sirius cooking pancakes for Aquillae. Regulus sat at the table reading the paper and talking to the small girl. She was grinning at each man in turn as they traded stories back and forth.
"Good morning, Sunshine. Nice to see you awake." Sirius grinned at her before handing her a cup of tea.
"Thank you. Everyone is up early today." She looked to each of them.
"Love, it's nearly eleven. You slept rather heavy. We tried to wake you." Regulus laughed.
Hermione jerked towards the clock, surprise written all over her face. "Oh. Well, I guess it's been a long few days."
"We've already received several letters and a patronus telling us they expect us for lunch at the manor." Sirius grumbled.
"I guess they were all rather upset that we left after setting fire to the desk. Apparently it was a family heirloom." Regulus grinned at the witch. "I did always love annoying Lucius."
Hermione gave a surprise huff as Regulus chuckled at the thought of irritating Lucius Malfoy.
"We get to go back and see how everyone is handling all of Aquillae's little announcements. I'm almost certain that she implied that Daphne Greengrass will be the future Mrs. Potter." Sirius chuckled.
"I heard that. Mrs. Weasley had a fit. I'm certain whatever us keeping our daughter away from her family for is going to occur in the next few days. She hardly knows any of the family." Hermione spoke softly. She idly chewed on the tip of her thumb before turning to Regulus. "Mrs. Weasley has a temper. Her daughter is currently dating Harry Potter, Sirius's godson."
He nodded at the information before turning back to their daughter. The two men went to shower and dress while Hermione cleaned up after their meal. They all dressed the small girl, having a time as she had them transfigure clothing into different colors and styles until she was satisfied.
Regulus glanced at the clock. Noticing it was almost time, he grabbed the floo dust from the broken container. Grinning cheekily he tossed it into the fire calling out Malfoy Manor. He turned, grabbed the small girl and jumped into the fire before disappearing. Hermione went to grab a handful of powder to do the same, but Sirius beat her to it. Grabbing the dust he tossed it into the fire and held her to him as they traveled by floo to Malfoy Manor.
'Sirius Black! I am perfectly capable of flooing by myself." Hermione glared at the grinning wizard. She tried to step back but realized hands held her closely. She peered up at the man holding her. "Sirius Black, get your hands off my arse! Right now." She growled.
He chuckled before cupping her bottom and pushing her closer to him. He leaned down and pecked her lips before releasing her. Satisfied with himself for flustering her, he strolled arrogantly out of the receiving room, only stopping to pick up Aquillae as he went. Regulus, who had waited for them, rolled his eyes before offering her an arm.
"Come, love. We can do this." Regulus steered Hermione out of the room.
She grinned at the man holding her arm. "Thank you, Regulus."
They entered the dining room only to stop, shocked at the number of people in the room. Had it been anywhere other than Malfoy Manor, Hermione doubted everyone would have all fit. Each Weasley had made their appearance. From George grinning and settled in to watch the commotion to a fuming Mrs. Weasley sitting next to her daughter. On the opposite side of the large table the Greengrass girls sat next to Draco and Narcissa sat between Lucius and Severus.
The middle of the table held an assortment of people. The minister sat next to Andromeda Tonks. Kingsley and Andromeda had a great friendship at Hogwarts. Tonks and Remus sat next to them with Teddy climbing back and forth between the pair. His hair flashed dirty blonde to pink as he moved from one parent to the next. Harry had sat across from Remus and away from most people at the table. Four seats were open around him and as he saw the group enter he stood up and pointed to the open seats.
"You set fire to my desk, Black!" Lucius snarled as the group entered. Sirius looked up before pointing to Regulus.
"Reggie did it." Sirius batted his eyes at the other man. Lucius only sighed, and then grunted.
Narcissa snapped her fingers after everyone settled and food appeared on the table for lunch. Hermione and Regulus both helped Aquillae prepare a plate before serving themselves. Hermione went to grab a dish, only to realize that Sirius had it ready. She thanked him for his help.
Narcissa narrowed her eyes at the three. Her keen eye picked up on the interaction. She noticed how Hermione leaned towards each man as she spoke to them. She watched as they helped the small girl with her food. Sirius would help Hermione even as she helped Regulus with the child. They flowed together naturally. She wondered if the interactions between Sirius and Hermione were always so smooth or if it was something that occurred because Regulus stabilized them. Perhaps she should pull out her old grimoire to check on soul bonds.
Noticing other members of the lunch party had became quiet, the trio lifted their heads to look around. Most everyone in the room sat watching the three of them interact with the small girl.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked.
"You interact so fluidly. It's just startling, dear. We know how often Sirius offended you before." Mrs. Weasley soothed. "He's way too old for you. Now, my Ronald. He will make a lovely husband."
Heads turned towards the older witch at the end of the table. They gaped at the woman bold enough to defame Sirius Black to everyone sitting at the table.
"Ronald and I decided we are better as friends, several days ago. Mrs. Weasley, please don't try and push us together. We don't want to cause any animosity." Hermione spoke kindly, her voice firm..
Sirius grabbed Hermione's empty hand under the table and rubbed soothingly. He could feel nervous energy exuding off of her. He looked over to see Ron Weasley nodding in agreement between mouthfuls of food.
Regulus eyed the group before turning to Narcissa. "Hermione, Sirius and I have decided to complete the bonding today. We'd like for everyone to come, but only if they remain civil."
"Lovely idea, Reggie. We can have it here. The minister is free today, and I pulled out my Black family grimoire. We can use one of the older bonding styles that would better suit the three of you. It should ground your magic with Hermione's more." Narcissa clapped her hands elegantly before dispatching several elves to prepare for the ceremony.
Hermione stood up from the table, knowing it was time to tell everyone about the rest of the spell she used to pull everyone back from the Veil.
"It seems that anyone pulled out of the veil needs to bond with someone else to remain here. There's only a certain time frame to bond or else the veil reclaims them. It's why Sirius, Regulus and Severus have had headaches and pains."
"Why hasn't Remus then?" Harry asked.
I'm assuming that he claimed his mate again after coming back?" Hermione blushed lightly as she spoke.
"What do you mean claimed his mate?" Harry raised an eyebrow. He appeared confused.
"Potter, now is not the time for sex education. Perhaps you could have your god father give you some tips. He was known to associate with anything that moved." Severus drawled from across the table.
Harry realizing that they were discussing his ex professor's sex life blushed before staring down at his plate. The rest of the table snickered.
Mrs. Weasley frowned. "Harry, dear. If you need any information, I'm sure that Arthur would love to help you and Ginny."
"Oh sweet Merlin. Please tell me that witch did not just offer to have her husband help her daughter's sex life?" Regulus grumbled. Sirius had tears streaking his cheeks as he attempted to hide his mirth.. Hermione was speechless. Mrs. Weasley was always so conservative towards Hermione. She got antsy if sex was mentioned in regards to Ron or herself.
"I don't think that will be necessary." Harry grumbled from the middle of the table. He picked at the table cloth. His face flushed with embarrassment.
From the other end, they could hear Lucius mumbling about plebeian house guests. Severus Snape and Narcissa Black were both in agreement. For once, Lucius's snide comments were correct.
Narcissa coughed delicately announcing her intention to speak. After the table settled and turned their attention to the regal witch she spoke, "It seems that Severus is the only one that needs to be bonded after this. It will be done in a private ceremony this evening. Which means that we will not need to worry about the veil claiming anyone tomorrow."
Several members of the table appeared curious as to who the spy would bond with but no other information was given. Finally, everyone finished their lunch and groups started to depart for separate areas of the house. Sirius, Regulus and Hermione settled in with Narcissa to look over the different types of bonding rituals. Aquillae went off with Lucius and Severus. The Weasleys were led to the floo and were very politely told they could come back when it was time for the ceremony. The remaining groups stayed to help prepare for the ceremony for the brothers and their intended.