Disclaimer: I, sadly, don't own any of these characters or books. But they still like to come out and play every once in awhile :)
The story is AU, starting from 5th year and all of the characters are OOC. Then again, what characters aren't OOC in fanfiction, since we aren't the original writers?
So I know that I told some of you that I would post on Sunday, but I got bored with waiting that long, so I decided to give you the update a day early! So here you are my lovelies :)
I'd also like to thank all of you for reading and reviewing, it really means a lot to me! Just remember, I'll accept constructive criticism but I don't accept flames, from anyone. If you don't like what I have to write, then don't read it. Simple as that. Now with that said, on with the story!
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Chapter Eleven
Sirius had spent the past month moping about Grimmauld Place. He had been expecting to receive an owl back from Hermione but got nothing. He had even owled Harry and Ron to ask about her, but they knew nothing either. It seemed that the trio wasn't really talking anymore.
All the occupants were growing annoyed at the older wizard's behavior. When he wasn't moping and drinking away his sorrows, he was quick tempered and snapping at everyone he came across. They had tried to ban him from Order meetings, but he wouldn't hear it. He believed that since it was his house, he had every right to be at the meetings.
Sirius awoke from his half-drunken stupor to a tapping on the window. When he looked up, he noticed it was a Hogwarts owl. Rushing to the window to let it in, he almost tripped twice. His face fell when he saw that it wasn't from Hermione and then he became perplexed when he saw he was needed at the school. Sirius downed a sobering potion, rushed through a shower and apparated away.
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Lucius and Narcissa were enjoying their breakfast together, in silence as always. He was perusing the Daily Prophet while she got back to her friends on day old correspondence.
"Anything noteworthy in the paper today dear?" She asked her husband quietly.
"Not at all. People occasionally write in, wanting to know about Rhea and Sirius but that's it. It's about time they stopped getting in the papers." He replied gruffly.
"Oh hush Lucius. You remember how that was. It was the same thing when we got together. They can't help but drool over the lives of purebloods."
"That's not the point."
Lucius's thought was interrupted by a noise on the window. Narcissa stood to receive the owl and watched it fly away. She took her time reading it, leaving her husband to wonder.
"Well Cissa, what's it say?"
"Not much, just that we're both needed at Hogwarts."
"Is it Draco? Rhea?"
"I don't know Lucius, let's just go and find out."
They hurried to their traveling cloaks and apparated away.
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Ginny needed to talk to Hermione. She felt terrible about the comments she had made a month ago and needed to apologize for them. She would've tried sooner but Hermione had been avoiding everyone. All of her childhood friendships were crumbling around her and she didn't know what to do.
The redheaded witch had searched the entire castle but her friend was nowhere to be found. Her last resort was to use the Marauder's Map she had nicked from Harry's trunk earlier that day. Pulling it out and saying the spell, she searched for her friend. She was curious about why the Malfoys and Sirius were in the Headmaster's office but thought nothing more of it.
She finally spotted Hermione's name, followed by Madam Pomfrey, on their way to Dumbledore's office. For a split second, she thought about cutting her off to talk but quickly changed her mind. She would keep the map and confront her later.
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Hermione walked the familiar path to Dumbledore's office, head held high and her cold mask in place. She continued to tell herself that no matter what, she wouldn't cry. There was no reason to. She knew that was a lie, but she wanted to keep lying to herself. It helped keep the tears at bay.
She spotted the statue straight ahead and straightened herself even more. She would continue to hold her head high and be strong. She was a Lestrange and they didn't show weakness.
The young girl and Madam Pomfrey gave the password and rode the stairs up to the door. Upon stopping, Hermione let the older witch go first. She saw the confusion on everyone's faces but didn't address it immediately. She looked to Dumbledore to start the meeting and saw that he wouldn't. It figured that he wouldn't even hint as to the reason they had all been called there.
Sirius rushed to Hermione's side, ignoring the other occupants in the room. Narcissa looked as if she wanted to do the same, but with others around, appearances much be upheld.
"Rhea, love, is everything alright? Why are we all here?"
"Sirius, I think it's best if you sit down. You two as well," Rhea replied, gesturing to the Malfoys as well.
"Just tell us what the matter is Rhea," scolded Lucius.
"As soon as you and Aunt Cissa sit down, I will."
The three adults finally listened and took the seats provided to them by Dumbledore. The young girl paced the floor, not entirely sure how to begin the conversation. She stopped in front of her aunt and uncle and gave them a sad look.
"I'm sorry," she told them sadly.
"Whatever for dear?"
Hermione ignored them and moved to Sirius. She took a seat next to him but refused to look him in the eye.
"Sweetheart, whatever it is, you can tell me. We'll get through it together."
"There won't be much choice," she mumbled to herself. "I'll just say it then. I'm pregnant."
The entire room was gob smacked. It was so quiet, Hermione was sure she heard crickets chirping.
"What— pregnant? What do you mean?"
"Don't be daft Sirius! Do I have to spell it out for you?" Rhea asked him angrily.
She turned to her aunt and uncle, prepared to see the disappointment written on their faces. All she saw was anger.
"What is the meaning of this Black? You're an adult; I thought you'd be more responsible! The girl is only sixteen!" Lucius then rounded on Dumbledore. "And you! What kind of school are you running, letting my niece wind up in this state?"
"I assure you, Mr. Malfoy, that this did not happen on school grounds."
"That doesn't matter, she's not even of age yet, nor is she married to him!"
While Lucius continued with his tirade, Hermione turned back to Sirius. He was still frozen in shock, until she looked at him.
"I'm going to be a father?"
"Yes Sirius."
He made a joyous sound and embraced her, spinning her around in circles. She couldn't help but laugh at his childish happiness. He finally put her down and crushed his lips to hers, not caring that they had an audience.
"That's enough Sirius, that's how you got her into this mess!" Narcissa spat at her cousin.
"Calm down Cissy, what's done is done," Sirius rebutted.
"That's something we need to talk about," interrupted Dumbledore. He waited for everyone to take their seats before continuing.
"Now then, before we begin. Miss Lestrange do you plan on keeping the child?"
"I hadn't given it much thought, honestly."
"You have until the end of the school year to decide. If you keep the baby, you won't be permitted to return to Hogwarts until after you give birth."
"What? You can't be serious!"
"I am, very much so. I understand that this was an accident but I won't have your situation influencing any of the students. You are to share this news only with your closest and most trustworthy of friends. Do you understand?" Dumbledore asked.
"Yes sir. Anything else?"
"While you are at home, you will complete all school and class work by correspondence. Your teachers will owl you all of your work, up to a month in advance. You our brightest student and we don't want you to fall behind. Everything else will be between the four of you and your family attorney since you are still underage. So that you all can speak, I'll allow you to go to Hogsmeade. I'd suggest you don't let this news reach the public though."
"Yes sir. Thank you," Hermione replied.
The two couples stood and left the office. None of them bothered to speak, not exactly sure what to say at that moment.
Their trek to Hogsmeade was blocked by Ginny.
"Can you please move Ginny, I'm busy," Hermione told her, not in the mood to deal with the youngest Weasley.
"Let me talk to you first."
"Fine."
They walked a few steps away to ensure privacy.
"I'm sorry Rhea."
"For what?"
"The comments I said a month ago. I didn't mean them."
"Water under the bridge. I don't have time, I have to go," Hermione told her again.
"Why are they here?"
"I'll tell you later."
In a compulsive action, Hermione hugged Ginny. She let the younger girl go quickly and walked with the Malfoys and Sirius to Hogsmeade.
When they reached the village, they decided on the Three Broomsticks to hold their talk. The moment they sat down, Sirius cast muffilato so their conversation couldn't be overheard.
"What do you plan on doing Rhea?"
"I don't know Sirius, I just found out this morning. Uncle, do you think you could tell Father and Bella? Don't let them attempt to go after Sirius though."
"I won't, you have my word," Lucius told her.
"Good."
"I think you should keep the baby, dear." Narcissa told her, her gray eyes sparkling.
"Really?"
"Yes," said Narcissa. "There are some things you must understand though. When a minor witch gives birth, the child goes into the custody of her parents or guardians while she's still in school."
"What? What about Sirius? He's obviously in the picture."
"That doesn't matter. Until you come of age and graduate school, Lucius and I will have custody."
"Then I'll fucking fight it! No child of mine will be raised in Malfoy Manor."
"Don't be so dramatic Sirius," Narcissa sneered at him. "We would only have the baby for maybe six months at the most. And it's not like you won't be allowed to see your child whenever you wish."
"My child should be with family!"
"Have you forgotten that we are her family as well?"
Hermione was seething. She hated being talked about as if she weren't there.
"Enough! I haven't even decided if I'm keeping it!"
"Can the two of you give us a minute?" Sirius asked, speaking up.
Not waiting on an answer, Sirius led Hermione outside to talk.
"Please don't talk like that love."
"Why not? I didn't want to be a mother until later in life! There are too many expectations on pureblood parents anyway."
"I know but the baby is ours. Whether you want to believe it or not, it was made out of love. I wanted to start a family with you Rhea. We're just going a bit backwards is all. Please don't get rid of it, ever since Harry was born, I wanted to be a father."
"Sirius…"
She couldn't respond to him so she just hugged him while tears gathered in her eyes. He let go and got down on one knee, ring box opened in his hand. In the box was the most beautiful ring she had ever laid eyes on. The center stone was a blue sapphire surrounded with the clearest diamonds she had ever seen.
"Rhea, I was waiting to do this for when we were on the French Riviera, but now works, too. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"
"Yes," she whispered through her tears.
Sirius slipped the ring onto her finger and watched as it not only resized itself but also glowed with the infidelity charm. He hugged her to him and hid his own face from her. He didn't want her to see the few tears gathered in his eyes. Hermione was making him the happiest he had ever been. Not only was she giving him his first child but she agreed to marry him as well.
The couple rejoined the Malfoys, who spotted the ring immediately. Narcissa crowed over the beautiful ring while Sirius and Lucius sat in awkward silence.
"That's enough ladies, let's get back to business. Sirius, the baby comes home to Malfoy Manor until Rhea graduates. End of that matter."
"No Lucius, it's not. I'll contest if I have to."
"It's been a law since long before us. It's in the child's best interest to be with a married couple instead of a single father. What have you done, help baby-sit Potter? Whereas Narcissa and I have raised a child already."
"And look how he turned out," Sirius muttered. "Ow!" Sirius glared at Hermione, who had just kicked him in the leg for his comment.
"Maybe it's for the best Sirius? You'll get to see the baby anytime. When would I get to?"
"Since you'll be in school, only on the weekends. I'm sure we could work something out with Dumbledore to allow you to floo home. You understand that we also have to tell Draco," Lucius told Hermione.
"Why?"
"He'll wonder where you are and where the baby came from."
"Speaking of, what will you tell people?" Hermione asked, and Sirius was curious to know the answer as well.
"We'll think of something. Is everything settled then?"
"For now. But the first time I stop by to see my child and they either aren't there or I'm hindered in some way, I'm going to my lawyer," Sirius threatened.
"Of course, that's only fair," Narcissa said, placating her cousin.
"Also, keep your sister away from the child, Narcissa. I'm serious."
"You can't ask that of me, Sirius, she the grandmother!"
"I just did. You don't and your loony sister will be back in Azkaban. That's a promise."
"Very well. We must run dear, owl us after your first appointment with Madam Pomfrey."
"Yes ma'am."
Hermione hugged the Malfoys and sat back down, ready to order. She was starved.
They spent the rest of their visit together talking about everyone except what was growing in her stomach. Sirius was very excited about being a father, but he could tell his young fiancée wasn't as happy about being a mother now. He hated to admit it to himself but if she had been raised by purebloods instead of muggles, she would've been ecstatic about the prospect. But then again, if the was anyone but herself, he wouldn't love her.
"I think I should head back, Sirius."
"Of course. Who are you going to tell about this?"
"Everyone will know about the engagement, I don't care what they say. I was thinking about telling Ginny. And Draco."
"Fuck him Rhea, let the Malfoys do it."
"No, it's my responsibility. Maybe if he hears it from me, he'll give up."
"I doubt it. I'll walk with you."
Sirius paid the bill and walked with her as far as he could.
"Be careful okay? And try not to stress; it's not good for either of you."
"It's OWLs Sirius."
"I know love but you're brilliant, you don't need to worry about not getting O's in everything, because you will."
"But I still have so much left to do—"
"No Rhea. You can't think so much about yourself anymore. We have a baby to think about now. Lessen the amount of stress and ignore what people say about you or us."
"Okay…"
"Good girl. You should go see Madam Pomfrey, see what all you need to do. I'll owl you soon."
Sirius hugged and kissed Hermione good-bye and apparated away. She finished the trek to the school and decided to do as he said. Madam Pomfrey would know all the preparations, vitamins, etc, that she might need. Although she had never been around a magical pregnancy so she had no idea what differences in medicine there were.
Hermione walked into the Hospital Wing and waited on the matron to finish with her current patient.
"Did you need something Miss Lestrange?"
"If we could speak in your office?"
"Of course dear."
They closed themselves into the small room and the older woman cast the necessary spells so that they wouldn't be overheard.
"What did you need?"
"I wanted to know what all I would need to do to carry to term."
"Ah, I see. You know how women take pre-natal vitamins daily in the muggle world?"
"Yes?"
"In our world, you need only take a potion once a week. We also have anti-nausea potions for morning sickness. In most cases, the expectant mother would only see the doctor once every other month. In your case, I want to see you every two weeks."
"Why? Do you think something will be wrong with my baby?"
"Not necessarily, it's just a precaution. Allow me to be blunt with you Rhea."
"Go ahead."
"With such close blood ties as you and Mr. Black have, there's always a chance for some defects during the pregnancy. Now, if, Merlin forbid, that happens, we will be able to diagnose and possibly treat in utero. You could be shunned if people find out. Most people won't understand you having a child and I see marrying your second cousin."
"I really don't care what they will think. It's my life and my choices, not theirs. If they don't like it, they can sod off. If you don't mind getting me those potions, I'll be on my way."
"Of course. Come back every Sunday for the pre-natal potion. For your checkups, I'll need you to stay every other week to get your potions."
"Yes ma'am. Thank you."
"You're welcome. Congratulations and good luck."
Hermione nodded to the matron and went off in search of Ginny. She wanted to tell her first. It didn't take her long to find her friend; she was waiting outside the Gryffindor common room.
"Can we talk Gin?"
"Yeah, let's walk and talk."
They moved slowly down the hallway, Hermione wringing her hands. She had no idea how to start.
"Are you going to talk, Rhea?"
"This is difficult to say!"
"Just say it."
"I'm pregnant," she whispered, afraid someone might hear.
"What!"
"Keep your voice down!"
"I'm sorry. How did it happen? Is it Sirius's?"
"How do you think and of course it is! You can't tell anyone, Dumbledore wants it all very hush hush."
"I can't believe it, you're only sixteen."
"I know. Lucius wasn't very happy when he heard either."
"Why do the Malfoys know?"
"They're my guardians, they had to be told. They'll also be keeping it while I'm in school. Wizarding law, and all that."
"Oh. Are you going to tell Harry and Ron?" Ginny asked.
"I don't know yet. I still have to tell Draco."
"Why him?"
"It will be in his house. He should know."
"Okay, okay! I promise I won't tell a soul."
"Thanks. Do you know where Draco is?"
"Give me a second."
Ginny pulled out the map and searched everywhere for the Slytherin's name. She finally found it, near the dungeons. There was a Gryffindor third year with him, whom he was probably bullying.
"He's here, probably picking on that poor boy."
"Thanks Gin."
Hermione walked away, intent on telling Draco and also to stop the bullying. She snuck up on them and was surprised by what she heard. It seemed Draco was trying to get information out of the boy about her.
"Come on, tell me!"
"I don't know anything, she's a sixth year! Why would I want to anyway, she's a Lestrange who doesn't belong in Gryffindor!"
"Is that right?"
Hermione stepped out of the shadows and watched the boy gulp in fear. The expression on her face was a dark one, caused by the young student's words.
"Hello cousin. If you wanted to know something, you should've just come to me."
"Yeah right, a Slytherin approach a Gryffindor?"
"Who cares? Everyone knows we're family."
They boy's head bobbed back and forth, as if he was at a tennis match. He may have been young, but he recognized the look in Draco's eyes. He was a half blood so he didn't quite understand pureblood dynamics.
"Get the hell out of here kid."
Draco let him go and kicked him to make him hurry up. Once the coast was clear, Draco moved to grab Hermione but she sidestepped him. He tried once more and leaned down to kiss her but it just landed on her cheek.
"Draco, we're not doing this."
"I thought that's what you wanted? You did come looking for me."
"You're right, I did. To talk."
"Talk? Seriously?" He asked her incredulously.
"Yes Draco. Don't you have a fiancée already?"
"She's not you."
"Aren't you the one who told me I'd always be a mudblood in your eyes?"
"That was before! I didn't realize what I had when we were together."
"Obviously. You jumped into bed with Green while we were still engaged."
"I know. I shouldn't have."
"That's not the point Draco. I'm not here to talk about that."
"Then why are you here?"
Draco leaned back against the wall and crossed his arms. He adopted a bored look as he waited for her to talk.
"I have a few things to talk to you about. I want you to stop trying to win me back. Just accept me as a cousin and leave it alone. I want a relationship with you, but only as family. Nothing more."
"Why should I?" He demanded.
"Because I don't want you Draco!"
"That isn't what you said when I took your virginity."
"That was a mistake."
Draco sucked in a deep breath at her words. He felt like he had just been knifed in the heart.
"Rhea, you don't mean that…"
"No Draco. You made it special for me and I won't forget that. Nevertheless, you and I are over. You need to move on and be happy. Although I don't think Green is for you. She's a gold-digger."
"I know. What else did you need to talk about?"
"Well, Sirius asked me to marry him."
Hermione held out her hand to show off the ring. He whistled lowly at the opulence.
"He wasn't lying when he said this one was nicer."
"The one you gave me was nice, too. The next thing is of the utmost secrecy. Absolutely no one can know. I'm only telling you because you need to know about it."
"Well? Spit it out!" Draco said impatiently.
"I'm pregnant."
Draco's eyes widened at her words.
"It's—it's not mine, is it?"
"No! We used protection, remember? Sirius is the father."
Draco breathed a sigh of relief.
"Merlin you nearly gave me a heart attack! Why tell me?"
"When I have the baby, your parents will be caring for it as my guardians."
"Ah, okay. Wizarding law."
"Pretty much. I have to run, I'm starved again."
"Better watch the eating or everyone will know."
Hermione slugged him across the arm and walked away. It was almost dinnertime and she was expecting the Evening Prophet. She liked to check and make sure her father and uncle weren't captured.
Just as she made herself comfortable at the table, the paper arrived. She paid the owl and looked over the front page. Hermione started seething when she saw what made the front page that evening.
SIRIUS BLACK OFF THE MARKET?
Its official ladies! Sirius Black is no longer a bachelor! It happened just this afternoon, in Hogsmeade Village. Sirius Black, along with cousins Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy and Rhea Lestrange, were spotted having a heated discussion before lunch. Black then reportedly led the young girl outside and popped the question.
Don't lose hope though, ladies! Whose to say how long a marriage with a child bride will last, if they even make it to the altar? What this reader wonders is why Black rushed ahead with an engagement before his future bride has even come of age?
AN: So that's the end of chapter 11! Now then, I know that alot of you are going to be disappointed with the fact that I did, in fact, make Hermione pregnant. But don't hate me for it! I know what I'm doing ;) Now then lovelies, I hope for some reviews from all of you :) I have also just decided that to my first five reviewers of this chapter shall receive a little teaser of the next chapter! And the teaser will be exactly that, a teaser. I won't give away how short or how long it might wind up being, just that it will probably make you mad for teasing you so lol. So sweethearts, get to reviewing! ;)