Disclaimer: I own nothing...
A/N: Thanks... And say thank you to my awesome beta Maria Binger for doing an amazing job!
Dedication:To craizypet for being my 100th reviewer!Thanks!
The Black Family...
Sirius...
He looked so young and handsome. No comparison with the broken, empty shell of a human being she had come to know back in her own time. He was dressed in a black Muggle suit with boots and his slightly long hair was tied to a low ponytail to the base of his neck. Some tendrils fell on his forehead, hiding partially his left eye. Grey... So intense were his eyes that she found herself momentarily lost of breath.
He was looking around him but then his eyes connected with hers. She couldn't help a small smile to adorn her painted lips when he looked surprised by her appraisal. She shifted her stare to the people standing around him. Her heart clutched painfully when Harry stared back at her with wide, honest amber eyes and his arms wrapped around a stunning red head with emerald eyes. Harry's eyes. She felt tears prickled her eyes and snapped her stare away before they could see her desperation.
Remus, sweet, kind hearted Remus was there as well. Tall, muscular and with blue-amber eyes shining. He looked a little tired and she realized the full moon was only three days away. She made a mental note to collect some Wolfsbane to brew his potion. It wouldn't be discovered for some years but she came to change the past. And that was one of the things she would change. He nodded his head politely at her and she sent him a dazzling smile that caused him to slightly stumble.
Her smile though froze when she caught sight of the beady, shorter man next to him who was unashamedly staring at her. He was shorter than the three other Marauders with dirty blond hair and beady watery eyes. He was a little chubby but overall above average looking. Shame he was constantly overshadowed by his best mates. What woman in her right mind will look twice at him when James and Remus were there? What woman will choose him over Sirius Black, who true to what she had read about him, was the image of male perfection with his porcelain skin and dark ebony tresses. And the trademark Black eyes that sparkled mischievously and the drop dead gorgeous smile?
Even she, who knew about his reputation and had the chance to meet him, she felt a strange fluttering in her heart when their eyes connected for just mere moments. Peter was doomed to be eternally overlooked.
She frowned calculatingly. Maybe that was the reason for his treachery? Jealously was a very powerful emotion, she knew well. Having spent all his teenage life in the shadow of his more talented friends may have caused him to feel unworthy. Maybe that was the real reason he turned to the Dark lord?
"Are you well, my dear?" came her grandfather's quiet voice. She looked up and saw him smiling down at her.
"Oh no gramps, just nerves." she smiled fakily and he nodded. He guided her to a small crowd with elegant looking people who were staring at her fondly. She grinned broadly when Alphard winked at her.
"Uncle Alphard!" she spoke when they were two feet away. The silence had not been disrupted so her voice was loud and clear through out the massive hall. She broke free from Albus' arm and hugged the elderly Black who laughed and hugged her back. People around them were staring incredulously at the exchange.
"Nice to see you again Princess" he lightly pushed her away to look her up and down. "You are truly your mother's daughter!"
She blushed heavily when nods of agreement followed his statement.
"I'm afraid your little reunion must await dear" Albus smiled at his old friend who stepped back and allowed the others to come closer. Albus took her hand and presented her to them. "Allow me to introduce you my great granddaughter Hermione Isabella. You already know Lord Black so let's move on!"
Next was a woman she only knew very well personally.
"Hermione let me introduce you Lady Augusta Longbottom. Her son Frank is studying to become an Auror and he was our Head Boy in his final year. He is engaged to Miss Alice Green. Also a future Auror!"
"It's lovely to meet you Lady Longbottom" Hermione shook the elderly woman's hand and stood straight under her hawk eyes running up and down her body.
"Pleasure Lady Hermione" Augusta studied her a moment longer. "Your parents were lovely people my dear. I met both of them and I must say people like them are very rare. Make sure to bring honour to their names."
Hermione's stance went rigid and the rest of the guests expected some kind of explosion. She forced her self to relax and smiled benignly.
"I'll try my best." Augusta seemed pleased as she stepped back to let the next person in line.
"Lord Lucius Malfoy" she managed to keep her indifference mask on as she shook Malfoy's hand. The last time she had come so close to him was a few days after the final battle when he murdered his own son for saving her. She made sure Draco was properly honoured and after that she took it upon herself to kill the responsible one.
"A pleasure" she ignored him and turned to the next person and she almost choked when a younger version, less handsome, of Sirius stared at her with an eyebrow raised. Blue grey eyes were focused on her as he brought the elderly woman in front of him.
"Lady Walburga Black and this is my only son, Regulus Arcturus Black. A pleasure to meet you Lady Dumbledore."
Walburga Black was exactly like she remembered her from her portrait. Tall, slim with dark blond hair falling in ringlets around her aristocratic face and her dark, almost black eyes trying to stare her down. Her nose was actually upturn and her hand icy to the touch. She was dressed in an all black dress made of the finest silk and her expression cold.
Hermione actually felt like flinching when the woman obviously emphasized that Regulus was her only son, knowing full well Sirius could hear her. She shook her hand and turned to Sirius' little brother, the man she was set to save.
"Glad to meet you Lord and Lady Black" she smiled and then her cute little smile turned to a positively evil grin as an idea flashed in her head. "Lady Black my apologies because I'm apparently sadly misinformed. I would swear that you had two sons. Don't you have a son named... Wait how daddy told me... Ah! Sirius! That's the one!"
Shocked whispers broke all around them as the Black mistress lost all the colour on her face. Regulus actually smirked at her and she had the suspicion he knew what her plan was. Albus' amused chuckle was covered by Alphard's loud barks of mirth. She looked around her, adopting a confused and shy expression.
"What's wrong?" she innocently asked. Walburga started getting red in an incredible speed but before she could speak Regulus' smooth voice cut her off.
"Nothing my Lady." he sent her an understanding nod. "It's true I have a brother. He's here actually and I'm sure you'll get to meet him sooner rather than later. But it is a private matter, better not discussed in such a public setting. Maybe you'll be willing to come dine with us and have a nice little chat?"
The whispers intensified as the onlookers waited with baited breath. It was a universal truth that the majority of the single wizards of age had their eyes set on the young Lady Dumbledore and Regulus was the first to make such a bold move. Hermione appraised him for a moment and then nodded resolutely, causing another round of whispers. By this time tomorrow she was sure the papers would have their wedding announcement.
"I will be delighted to dine with your family but you must understand that your invitation must include my dear friends Miss Rose and Mr. Lysander. If not I'm afraid I'll have to decline" she resolutely smiled daringly at him.
"Of course" Walburga had found her voice. Apparently her acceptance -and in her eyes her favouritism for her younger son- made her forget her anger towards the young witch. "Say this Monday around six?"
She turned to her grandfather who had a strange expression on his wrinkled face as he stared back at her.
"Grandfather?"
"Sounds perfect" he took Walburga's hand and kissed the knuckles as tradition and without another word guided her to others.
88888
Sirius watched her like a hawk, making sure she would always remain within eye sight. He completely ignored the smashed glass where he dropped his beverage when he first caught sight of the angel. Albus led her ethereal form to a group of high titled pure bloods including his mother and uncle. He waited with baited breath as she smiled pleasantly to them all. Unconsciously he moved closer to them in order to be able to hear what they were saying. He didn't miss the fact her face lit up when she practically threw her self at his uncle.
Apparently his friends had the same idea as the four Marauders and Lily formed a tight circle just three feet away from her and her grandfather just as she was being introduced to his dear old mother. He managed to catch his mother's eye and she sneered at him. He very maturely answered with a raised brow.
"Lady Walburga Black and this is my only son, Regulus Arcturus Black. A pleasure to meet you Lady Dumbledore."
His fists clenched, he could feel his sharp nails biting into his callused skin from all the years of Quidditch practice and his teeth gritted when his own mother made sure to let him know that he was indeed dead to her. He didn't really care about her opinion of him but the woman had the nerve to antagonize him in the worst possible situations. He noticed Alphard's eyes hardening as he glared at his sister but she ignored him as she shook the pale, delicate hand of her hopefully future daughter in law. Oh Sirius wasn't stupid, he knew Walburga well enough to understand that she dearly hoped for a union between Regulus and Lady Dumbledore.
But his eyes attracted the young woman in front of his mother who seemed uncomfortable to be near her. She shook her hand and when her coral coloured lips parted he held his breath.
"Glad to meet you Lord and Lady Black" her voice was melodic and bell like, he was reminded of sweet honey and he actually shivered in delight. He then frowned. What was the matter with him? He never acted like this around a woman. But before he could regain his composure he noticed her eyes sparkled with mischievousness. He watched as she stared dead on at his mother and schooled her features to polite inquire.
"Lady Black my apologies because I'm apparently sadly misinformed. I would swear that you had two sons. Don't you have a son named... Wait how daddy told me... Ah! Sirius! That's the one!"
He choked on his breath as James stuttered and Remus sniggered at the astonished faces all around her. Lily laughed quietly and when he stopped coughing he looked up to see her looking innocently at the guests. His mother was an interesting colour of magenta and his brother was smirking amusedly. Alphard was openly laughing at his sister's expense and Albus seemed to be watching his granddaughter closely. He looked around to find her two friends. Neville was hiding his amused smile behind the rim of his crystal goblet full of what seemed like elven wine and Luna was staring transfixed at them. He raised his eyebrow when her pale blue eyes landed on him and she only smiled politely but didn't stop watching them. He shrugged and returned to his previous occupation. His little brother was now lightly leaning near her and smiling charmingly. He made to take a step closer but James hands stopped him.
"It's not your problem mate" he hissed as he too stared at the younger Black.
Sirius' mood worsened drastically when she accepted Regulus' invitation and he abruptly turned around and went to his corner. He suddenly felt cold and he had the sudden need to plummet Regulus to the ground for daring to so openly flirt with her.
Well she did accept.
His brain really must hate him for reminding him that.
"Hey mate are you okay?" Remus' concerned voice brought him back from his sulking mind.
"Oh yeah, yeah just-"
"Insanely jealous?" Lily offered nonchalantly and Peter spat his firewhiskey.
"What!" Sirius exclaimed truly shocked. He never, ever felt jealously! He didn't know what that emotion meant!
"Well it's obvious by the way you look at her!" Lily commented offhandedly as she motioned towards the girl who was now literally tossed to each other around the room. Everyone wanted to meet and talk to her.
"I beg your pardon!" he sounded offended. "I was just curious! As were you all! I'm Sirius Black! I don't get jealous over little girls! I can have everyone I want!"
"Except her" Remus grabbed two glasses of butterbeer and offered one to Peter who took it willingly, as his watery eyes stayed on Sirius the whole time. Remus' frown went unnoticed.
"What do you mean except her?" Sirius demanded. "I don't want her!"
"That's good" James agreed as he patted his shoulder. "Because you wouldn't be able to have her no matter."
"Will you people stop?" he sighed vehemently. "As I said I don't want her. But if I did I could have her! I am Sirius-freaking-Black!"
"Well stay away from her" Lily snapped. Her green eyes flashed dangerously. "You know fully well what you'll put your arse through if you even attempt to flirt with her! She's a Dumbledore! I doubt she is defenceless and she'll probably kick your arse with closed eyes!"
"OI!"
"Oh do shut up!" she pointed a manicured finger at him. "You can have all the trollops you like mutt! But stay away from her! She had enough as it is! Hermione doesn't need a stray dog chasing after her!"
"That's-"
"I actually agree with Mrs. Potter. After all you are a cat person are you not my dear?"
They all turned sharply and came face to face with a beaming Albus and a fairly amused Hermione. Both set of eyes, one brilliant blue, the other warm honey, twinkled with mirth and her lips were upturn to a half smile. Neville Lysander and Luna Rose were standing on either side of the two Dumbledore's. Neville was smiling but his eyes were calculating. Luna on the other hand was cheerfully waving to some guests who returned the wave bemused.
Lily stuttered unintelligently but before she could make a worse full of herself Miss Dumbledore walked forward and took her hands in hers.
"I'm truly delighted to meet you Mrs. Potter. Grandpa has told me so much about you and I must apologize for not being able to meet you sooner. I am aware you visited me earlier this week but unfortunately I wasn't capable of accepting your kind company. Please forgive me." she spoke kindly, her warm smile genuine and her eyes honest. Lily blushed under her intense scrutiny and nodded vigorously.
"Of course I forgive you! Wait, there's nothing to forgive! You needed time, that's understandable! I am quite happy to meet you now!" she cupped her hands on top of the younger girl's and returned her smile.
"You are too kind Mrs. Potter" Hermione took a step back and offered her hand to James. "Mr. Potter I presume?"
"Yeah -I mean" Lily had elbowed him hard in his ribs. "Yes I am but please call me James. Mr. Potter makes me feel so old!"
Her smile was beatific.
"Only if you call me Hermione" she complied and he laughed. He started to like her more and more.
"It's a deal beautiful!"
"James!" Lily shrieked indignantly and James had the decency to look embarrassed.
"Really charming Mr. Potter" Albus laughed freely as Hermione felt her cheeks tinted red. Sirius thought she looked adorable when ashamed. "Mr. Lupin how've you been?"
"Fine professor" he extended a slender hand to her and she took it bemused. "Remus Lupin at your service!" he finished with a rather dramatic bow of his waist and she giggled making the passing boys look at her.
"I'm honoured to meet you Mr. Lupin." she now understood how someone so subdued as Lupin became a master prankster. And then her eyes fell on the rat. She unconsciously recoiled when she noticed the hungry look he had on his chubby face. She almost stumbled back but Neville's comforting hand landed on her waist and kept her in place. Peter didn't seem to notice her behaviour but the others did and they exchanged glances.
Peter literally grabbed her hand and pulled it to his mouth. He reverently kissed her knuckles and she felt bile rose in her throat when he looked up at her with what he must assumed was a sultry look.
"A pleasure my lady" he purred and she was sure she heard Neville snort behind her. She plastered a fake smile on her lips and extracted her hand from his, resisting the urge to wipe it on her silken dress. Even though she preferred the simplest she really liked it. She just had to make sure to wash her hand extra hard later.
"Same" she answered monotonously and she received a raise brow from her grandpa who seemed bemused by her behaviour towards the young boy. She shrugged noncommittally. Albus decided to ask her later what was wrong and then turned her to the black haired youth who was staring at her rather intensely.
Hermione tried and succeeded to suppress her furious blush when she felt Sirius' cold hand touching her own. His smouldering grey eyes were focused on hers as he lifted her white hand to his parted lips and left a small peck on her knuckles. She felt like her hand was on fire and resisted the temptation to just wrench it from his iron grasp. She didn't know why she felt this way. This was Sirius! Harry's godfather and the man she saved when she was fourteen. She couldn't have such strange feelings for him! Especially so soon and when she had mission to complete!
Sirius felt his heart beating ferociously as he slowly straightened and released her small hand. Her skin was warm and soft and he really wanted to know if it tasted as sweet as he thought but it was wholly inappropriate to actually lick her hand! Her face remained impassive but he caught a flare of insecurity in her endless orbs. For what she was uncertain he didn't know.
"Sirius Black" he spoke his name and couldn't help but be reminded of her little trick with his dear old mother. She blushed.
"Uh I met your mother and brother Mr. Black." she stuttered much to her discomfort and Luna and Neville's amusement. Her two friends exchanged knowing glances above the top of her head. James, Remus and Lily too noticed the electricity that the two individuals seemed to emanate. They grinned happily as they watched Sirius attempting to seduce Hermione without him even realizing it.
Albus' twinkling eyes were smiling at the two young adults in front of him.
Ah young love!
Peter's eyes were looking from the obviously enamoured Sirius to the more subtle Hermione as they kept staring at each other's eyes like they had found the biggest treasure. He felt his jealously flaring and his eyes narrowed into slits. How dare he? How dare he take away from him what belonged to him?
"Ah the music started!" Albus clapped his hands and that broke her out of her stupor.
"What?" she nearly croaked and blushed again.
"The dance!" Neville cut in and smoothly walked to her. "As the hostess you must open the dance Mya" he winked as he took Luna's hand.
"Grandpa?" she turned to find Albus whistling happily as he stared at the guests who cleared the dance floor and stared expectantly at her.
"Oh dear, I am too old to dance! Maybe you can find another partner?" Albus sighed dramatically and she felt the colour leaving her face as he walked away and the single males started approaching her. She felt like they were the vultures and this time she actually stepped back. A warm hand rested on her waist and she felt a hot breath ghosting across her exposed shoulder. She shivered and turned her head to look. Sirius was staring down at her with an indecipherable expression across his handsome features.
"Will you accept my hand in your grandfather's place my Lady?" he silkily asked and was thrilled when her cheeks flared red.
"As you wish" she sighed as he took her hand and led her to the middle on the dance floor.
A/N: Hope its okay...