Debts, Debilitation and Denial.
AN: I had to do so much research into nobility and fealty oaths for this chapter. I used to love History, I really did, lol. Now, if I ever hear the word "fealty" again, I might scream. ANYWAY: THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR REVIEWS! They have definitely motivated me to work on this chapter every spare second I have. I'm so happy you guys are enjoying the story and have stuck with me, even when I didn't update in, like, FOREVER. ^_^ Also, there is a chance of more smut in this chapter. ^_^
Sirius raced down the stairs, James right on his heels, both having recognized the voice yelling for help as Rory's. At the bottom of the stairs, they stopped, the sofas and chairs blocking most of the floor so they couldn't see anything. James pointed to the stairs of the girl's dorm, saying "Look!". All they could see was a foot, and they both raced towards it, stopping short as the rest of the scene came into view.
Rory was lying just behind the sofa, a pool of blood spreading around her, a knife sticking from the side of her chest, and another wound steadily oozing blood onto the carpet. James gasped, horrified, before racing our of the Common Room to get McGonagall, while Sirius dropped to his knees, feeling her neck for a pulse, whimpering in a broken voice "No...please don't let her be dead, not now.." He frantically pressed on her neck, his heart in his throat and nearly stopping when he couldn't find one for a minute. He almost sobbed with relief when he finally felt a weak pulse in her neck and pressed his hands over the wound still leaking blood, hoping to stem the flow, and Remus went over to check on Mary.
Remus felt for a pulse on her, feeling a strong one and seeing a rather large bump on her head, but no other wounds. Looking over at Sirius, he saw the knife handle sticking out from Rory's chest and his blood seemed to run cold, knowing that silver does to werewolf wounds. He conjured a simple washcloth and pulled the knife out, knowing that her condition would worsen the longer it was left in, and pressed the cloth to the wound. A few seventh years, including Micheal Rowle, straightened Mary out, so she wasn't half on the stairs.
Sirius kept casting impatient and terrified looks towards the portrait hole, and when it finally opened, he yelled "Hurry, she's bleeding badly!" McGonagall and Pomfrey both hurried over. Pomfrey levitated Rory after putting her in a stasis charm, as she was the more seriously injured. Remus explained in a hurried whisper to the Mediwitch about the knife he had pulled out, causing her to hurry.
Both Sirius and James immediately went to follow and McGonagall turned to them sternly, while Pomfrey hurried on ahead, not being able to wait. "You will both stay here." James and Sirius both straightened, but it was Sirius who spoke "Professor, that is my betrothed who has been stabbed, and that is James' sister. I don't mean to be disrespectful, but there is no way in Hell either of us are staying here." James picked up where his friend left off "We'll stay out of the way, and even just out of the Hospital Wing while Madame Pomfrey is working, but we will be nearby." It was one of the rare occasions that the two normally laid-back boys showed that they were both future Dukes of the Realm and McGonagall looked at them closely before nodding her consent.
The Hospital Wing door closed behind the Head of Gryffindor, but it was only a few minutes later that she came back out. "Miss MacDonald has a mild concussion and will be fine, Madame Pomfrey is still working on Miss Potter-Knight. What do you know about what happened? Leave nothing out, we need all the information you can give us." James answered quickly, "We were asleep and got woken up by someone screaming, and I thought I heard a crash, but I'm not sure. We left the Dorm, obviously curious, and heard Rory call out for help. We went into the Common Room, but didn't see anything right away. Then I saw a foot on the stairs, that turned out to be MacDonald's. When we hurried over, we saw Rory on the floor bleeding and with a knife sticking out of her chest, and became focused on her. I ran out immediately to find you."
McGonagall nodded before turning to Sirius "Mr. Black?" Sirius sighed, "The first thing I did was feel for a pulse, when I found one I pressed my hands over one of her wounds, since the other still had the knife in it, to keep it from bleeding. Remus checked on Mary and some others got her to lay straight, and Remus pulled out the knife in Rory's chest and pressed a cloth over that wound. Right after that you and Madam Pomfrey arrived." McGonagall sighed and nodded again. "I suppose we won't know anything more until Miss Potter-Knight awakens. I need to make a report to the Headmaster. You will both remain outside the Hospital Wing until Madam Pomfrey says otherwise. She will not be able to work effectively with you two hovering nearby. Am I clear?"
The two boys nodded and sat on chairs they conjured as McGonagall hurried to the Headmaster's office to inform him of what had happened. Sirius leaned his elbows on his knees and rested his head in his hands while James sat frowning with his arm's crossed and asked the question that was bothering them both, "Do you think MacDonald attacked her?" Sirius growled softly, "If she did, Then Merlin help her. If Rory doesn't go after her when she's able, there's no telling what I might do." James nodded and they waited in silence, occasionally checking the time.
McGonagall and Dumbledore came by to see if there was news, and to let both boys know that Lords Potter and Black, as well as Viscount MacDonald, had been informed and would be arriving soon. About an hour later, Madam Pomfrey came out, wiping her hands and informed them all, "She's going to be fine. Whoever pulled the knife out did so just in time. She's all right now, just resting, and will likely be in some pain when she wakes up, but there should be no lasting damage. She should sleep until later this afternoon." James and Sirius sagged visibly in relief, and Sirius looked at the staff members "I'm going to sit with her. I know she won't be awake for hours yet, but I am anyway." James nodded and stood "I'll bring both our Dad's here when they arrive." Sirius nodded, offering a small smile in thanks, before heading over and sitting in a chair at Rory's bedside. He noticed that Mary was awake and looking at him, something he couldn't identify in her eyes, but he didn't even acknowledge her, knowing it was unlikely he would keep his temper in check if he did.
Shortly after he sat down, The Hospital Wing doors opened and James lead Lords Black and Potter inside, with Viscount MacDonald bringing up the rear, looking apprehensive. Charlus immediately went to the other side of Rory's bed, asking, "Has there been any change, Sirius?" as he went. Sirius shook his head sadly, "No, but Madam Pomfrey says she should wake up before the evening." Charlus and Orion looked at their sons seriously. "Given what you saw when you found Aurora, how likely do you feel it is that she was attacked by Miss MacDonald?", Charlus inquired. Sirius looked up and nodded "Lord Potter, I would say there is nearly a complete certainty that that is exactly what happened." Charlus straightened and glared over at the MacDonald's. Mary was earnestly trying to explain something to her father, who was steadily becoming paler and paler as she spoke. He cast a terrified look over at Lord Potter and Lord Black before burying his head in his hands.
As Charlus and Orion talked about their options between themselves, ranging from arrest and expulsion to binding the attacker's magic and making her live as a muggle, Sirius sat holding Rory's hand, James sitting next to him. He'd still not gotten over the cold dread he'd felt upon see her on the floor, and he was still shaking at the thought that she might have died. So, when she started waking about a half an hour later, at around 3 in the afternoon, he found himself almost crying in relief. He never once doubted Madame Pomfrey when she said Rory would be fine, but it was still a relief to have her waking up.
Rory opened her eyes, immediately remembering what happened and sat up quickly, wincing as the movement caused her some pain. Her eyes locked immediately on Mary and her lips formed a snarl. The only things keeping her from leaping from the bad at the girl who attacked her were the facts that Sirius was holding her hand, Charlus had a hand on her shoulder, and that Madam Pomfrey was currently casting diagnostic spells on her. Rory looked at the Mediwitch and raised an eyebrow, "So, what's the verdict?" "Well, You're all healed. I'd like to keep you in for observation until tomorrow, but if you chose to leave, I want you to take it easy. Nothing too physically strenuous. Either way you need to stay until the Headmaster gets here. He and Professor McGonagall asked to both be informed when you woke up." Rory nodded, her eyes again locked on Mary, who was starting to look distinctly nervous.
She only broke eye contact when the Professors came in. The Headmaster gestured Viscount MacDonald to listen in before saying "Miss Potter-Knight, how are you feeling?" "Well, Headmaster, since you asked, I feel better. It's amazing how good it feels to not have two gaping stab wounds in your chest." The Headmaster's eyes twinkled in amusement before sobering, "I'm glad to hear it. Can you tell us what happened?"
Rory nodded. "I went to bed, and pretty much fell right to sleep. I woke up a few hours later. I don't know if a sound woke me, or instinct, or something else, but something didn't feel right. I caught a glimpse of silver and dodged out of the way, grabbing my wand. I wasn't fast enough though, and felt something stab me. I stood up, lit the torches in the Dorm and saw Mary standing over my bed with what looked like an ordinary potion's knife. She was directly in between me and the door and, in my effort to get past her, I ended up knocking us both down the stairs, which is how I sustained the second wound. The last thing I remember is calling out for help, and then waking up here."
Dumbledore had a very serious look in his eyes, while everyone else near her beside was looking livid, even Lord Black, especially after he saw she was wearing the Betrothal Ring again. He caught his son's eye and gestured to it with his head, Sirius nodded, allowing a smile to grace his lips before focusing his attention on the headmaster. "Miss Potter-Knight, this is a very serious allegation. Are you certain that Miss MacDonald attacked you?"
Rory looked at the Headmaster calmly as she answered "I would swear it under Veritaserum." causing the aged man to nod gravely. Charlus looked absolutely furious, and James and Sirius looked ready to kill. Rory squeezed his hand lightly and it seemed to calm Sirius down slightly. He leaned forward and kissed her forehead lightly, murmuring "I was so worried. I'm glad you're all right.", causing Rory to smile at him briefly.
Rory looked up at Charlus, who looked deep in thought. After a few moments silence, he spoke. "Aurora, you're of age now, and are eligible, this summer, to take up the Knight inheritance. This means that, in terms of hierarchy, Miss MacDonald attacked Lady Knight, Last Scion to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Knight, Duchess of the Realm." Upon hearing this, Viscount MacDonald paled even further. "What will satisfy you as punishment?" Rory sat back against her pillows, thinking very deeply for a few minutes. Finally she looked up.
"The blame for this attack does not lie with Miss MacDonald herself. Viscount, had you informed your daughter that the marriage contract between herself and The Heir Black had been rejected back in September, this could have been avoided. All it would have taken was an Owl. Instead, you chose to remain silent, and allowed this girl to think there was a chance that she would be the next Lady Black. She has spent the last few months telling any and all who would listen that her and Heir Black would be under a marriage contract. She even went as far as to steal the Black Family Betrothal Ring from his trunk when he asked her to retrieve a textbook. She might very well have attacked me anyway had you informed her, however the fact remains that she also might not have, had she had months to acclimate herself to the fact that she would not be Lady Black in the future." Mary was on the bed across from her, her arms crossed and glaring at Rory while shaking her head. She was muttering to herself, but it was quiet enough where not even Rory could make out the words.
She paused, taking a deep breath before continuing. "Expulsion solves nothing. She is of age and can simply hire tutors to make up her education, so what I propose is this. I ask that she not be expelled, but the Lesser Family of MacDonald, Viscounts of the Realm swear a fealty oath unto the Noble and Most Ancient House of Knight, Dukes of the Realm, thus becoming my vassals. This oath will prevent me from being attacked by either Mary, or any she may ask or hire to act in her stead. If my understanding of vassals is correct, I will essentially become Head of House MacDonald temporarily." Charlus nodded. "I will release the House of MacDonald from this oath on the day that I complete my NEWT's, and instead demand an unbreakable vow that she will never seek to harm me or a member of my family or my allies, either herself or through any third party, and if she has knowledge of a plan to cause harm, that she inform myself of it immediately. Also, I will not share a dorm with her any longer. I suggest she be moved to the fifth year dorms, or myself to a private dorm. Either is acceptable. This way I know I am safe, and she doesn't get her life ruined."
Charlus and Orion looked impressed, and Orion spoke "As Lord Black, and the father of the future Lady Knight's betrothed, I agree and put my support behind her suggestion." Charlus nodded, looking at Dumbledore "As head of the DMLE, and her father, I do as well."
Dumbledore nodded, his expression less grave than it had been before. "I am very impressed, Miss Potter-Knight. Many who this had happened too would be demanding expulsion and arrest, if not something worse. I will arrange for you to be moved to another Dorm, and one of your Dorm mates may move as well, since it's in the Hogwart's Charter that only the Head Boy and Girl or married couples may have private suites in the castle. 50 points to Gryffindor for showing willingness to give others a second chance, and 50 points each to Mr Potter and Mr Black for their quick thinking. Mister Black, I think we can overturn your detentions for the rest of the year as well. I daresay you have learned your lesson." Sirius looked up at Dumbledore, nodding. "I have, Headmaster."
He turned to Mary MacDonald, a stern look in his eye as he spoke "Miss MacDonald, the conditions set forth by Miss Potter-Knight are very generous, considering your actions. She would have been well within her rights to demand expulsion, arrest, or even having your magic bound. In addition to them, you will take Mr. Black's place in detention with Mr. Filch every night for the rest of the year, including the Easter Holiday. Attacks on students are not acceptable, and attempted murder is even less so. I do hope you've learned your lesson. Viscount MacDonald, as Head of the Wizengamot, I will witness your fealty oath whenever Miss Potter-Knight feels she is well enough to hear it, so it is on record and cannot be disputed, if you are agreeable, that is."
Rory spoke up, "I'd rather do it now, if we can, with my father and Lord Black both present as well." Dumbledore nodded and gestured to the Viscount. "Viscount MacDonald, kneel before the Lady Knight and speak the traditional fealty oath. If you do not know it, I can summon a copy that you may read from." Viscount MacDonald shook his head, standing and saying "I know it." in a resigned voice as he crossed the room, pulled his wand and knelt on one knee before Rory. Before he could start the oath, Mary yelled, "You can't really be doing this?" The Viscount stood, glaring at his daughter "You stabbed someone, Mary. You could have killed her! The daughter of the Head of the DMLE, betrothed to the Heir Black, and last Scion of the House of Knight! Had you managed to kill her, there's nothing I could do to save you. The Dementors would have had you. Were Lady Knight more vindictive, she could still demand such! Now hold your tongue!"
He knelt again and held his wand across his palms and extended his arms to Rory, saying as he did so, "I, Viscount Aaron MacDonald of the House of MacDonald, do so solemnly swear on my magic that I and my Family will in the future be faithful to the Lady Aurora Knight, Duchess of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Knight, and shall never cause her harm and will observe our homage to her completely against all persons in good faith and without deceit, until she clooses to release us from this Oath.. So as I swear it, so mote it be!"
A white flash of magic engulfed both Mary and the Viscount, and Rory nodded before speaking, using the formal tone required. "Rise, Vassal MacDonald, and instruct your daughter on her new place and the limitations of such." MacDonald rose shakily, bowed at the waist and went back to Mary's bed. Mary herself was sitting on her bed, crying silently, and looking utterly aghast at what had happened. Dumbledore left to make the changes to the Ministry records. Rory smiled shakily at everyone, happy the ordeal was over. James handed her over a small bag "It's just jeans and a plain jumper. I conjured them so you could change." "Oh thank you ever so much for that. Now I can shower and change."
Rory stood and went into the nearby bathroom, showering and dressing quickly before coming back out. Charlus hugged her and said "I'm glad you're all right, and very proud of how you handled this. I need to get going, your mum is probably worried. Owl her later, okay?" Rory nodded and he left, James going with him so they could talk a little. Orion smiled, rather kindly, at Rory as they and Sirius left the Hospital Wing, "I'm glad you and my son have worked things out, Aurora. May I call you Aurora?" Rory smiled, "Of course, Lord Black. I would be privileged if you chose to do so." Orion smiled again, "Very well. Now, If I may make a suggestion to the both of you?" Both Sirius and Rory nodded "Be careful. Be especially wary of my wife, and of Miss MacDonald. We were contracted by my father, and I must admit I find many of her beliefs not to my taste, but she can be ruthless. There is no divorce in our world, and casting her out will strip her of her magic and likely cause her to kill herself, so I can't do that, or rather won't do it, and she knows it, so it pushes her to take matters into her own hands. So my advice is this: Marry as soon as you wish, before you leave school after Seventh Year if you wish it."
Rory looked surprised and curious, so he explained, "After your NEWT results come, I plan on relinquishing the title of Lord Black to Sirius. After that, Walburga would no longer be Lady Black and so her status changes. Ruthless and prejudiced she may be, she will rigidly stick to status. However, if Sirius is not married before then, then as his Mother, she is still able to enter him into a marriage. If he is unwed, he is bound by custom to at the very least enter a betrothal with whomever my Wife selects. Once that happens, she can use the young lady to do whatever it takes to ensure they are married."
Orion paused here, as if deciding how much to divulge. He decided to tell the entire truth, "You already know of the MacDonald's contract that was sent to me." Rory and Sirius nodded. "Well, I've gotten contracts from the Parkinson's, the Rosier's, even the Mulciber's, who's daughter just turned 14. Walburga heavily encouraged me to accept one of these, so I suspect she will attempt to get Sirius married to one of then, as they are more in line with her way of thinking. Ordinarily, I would tell you to wait until you left school, but I don't think it wise in this case. Plus, if the Heir Apparent is married, she will have to stop trying to force me to change the Heir to my younger son, whom I don't believe will lead the Family the way I would like it. Do you both understand?
Rory and Sirius nodded, both looking thoughtful as Orion bade them both goodbye and left, on his way to see McGonagall about reinstating Sirius' Hogsmeade visits, since he was there.. The two walked, each lost I their own thoughts for a while before Sirius stepped in front of Rory. She looked up at him, wondering why he stopped, and he just looked at her. She could see the worry in his eyes. He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tight against his chest, and she could feel him still shaking, or maybe shaking again. "I was so scared for you. You can't imagine how I felt when I saw you on the floor, you were so still, and there was so much blood..." He trailed off, and Rory wrapped her arms around him, returning his hug, knowing he just needed to feel her right then.
After a few minutes he pulled back, grasping her hand and asking something he was curious about. "Why did Remus pull the knife out, and why did Madam Pomfrey say he had done so just in time?" "Silver is fatal to werewolves, Padfoot. On the skin, it's fine. But when introduced in a wound, it does something to the blood that makes it not clot, and any wounds just keep bleeding until a healer gets to them." Sirius paled and turned back as though he was headed back to the Hospital Wing, but Rory gripped his hand tightly, turning him to face her. She looked up into his eyes and said "Let it go, Love. I'm here, I'm all right, just let it go. Trust me when I say that MacDonald being my Vassal hurts her more than anything you could do." Sirius cocked his head to one side, "What? Why?"
Rory got a decidedly evil smirk on her face. "Well, for one thing, I basically own her right now. She can't do anything without my permission. She can't go to class, do her homework, or do anything aside of eat and sleep. I also have the ability to enter her into a binding marriage contract, since I'm essentially her Head of House now." Sirius barked a laugh, kissing her temple, "Now that is far better than any prank." They had been wandering the halls for some time, stopping at the Owlrey so Rory could email her Mum, and now found themselves back on the Seventh Floor. It was Sirius who walked back and forth in front of the wall, and when he lead her inside, she saw the equivalent of a comfortable study. She looked at Sirius with a curious expression and he simply said "I think we should talk, what with what my Dad told us earlier."
Rory nodded and curled up comfortably in a chair. Sirius sat nearby, looking thoughtful. "My Dad's right about Mother. She's been trying since I got to Hogwarts to get Dad to name Reg the heir. If I'm named Lord Black and unwed, she will do everything she can to make sure I'm wed to someone suitable. In her mind, suitable is pureblood and probably a Death Eater. And it wouldn't matter to her if I'm betrothed to you or anyone else at the time."
Rory leaned back in her chair, tucking her legs under her. "Sirius, I can understand that, but we just got back together. We just became betrothed again. You still have more to learn about being Lord Black, I have to get the Knight estate in order..I simply don't know if I can add 'getting married and becoming Lady Black' to that list. Plus, I'm not comfortable making a decision this big without getting input from my Family. Neither of us know how being married will effect our schooling, or what duties we'll have as a married couple. We both have seats on the Wizengamot. I'm just not sure it won't be too much right now."
Sirius nodded, "You're right. It's not something we can decide right now, we do still have the rest of this year and all of next year to figure things out. I'm just worried about Mother and what she'll do. I don't know if Father told her about the Betrothal, or anything." Sirius leaned forward, his eyes somber and said seriously, "I just don't want you to get hurt. I especially don't want my Mother to do something to you." He took a breath and looked away, "And I'm worried that when you see how inclined she is towards blood bigotry and the Dark Arts, you might not want to be with me anymore." Rory smiled gently before getting up and crouching before Sirius. She reached out and gently cupped his chin with her hand, turning his head so he was facing her again. "Sirius, I love you. I fell in love with you. Not with your mother, or your family. You. Your mother is not going to frighten me off, I promise." She leaned up and kissed him gently and he smiled at her.
They stood before heading back to the Common Room, hand in hand. They went in and saw James sitting with Remus and Peter. After assuring them she was all right, they all sat comfortably and talked. Rory and Sirius fell asleep on the sofa together.
The next morning they woke up to an indignant shriek. Jumping slightly, they turned and saw Mary MacDonald standing there looking livid. She put her hands on her hips and glowered at Sirius, snapping at him "What are you doing on the sofa with her?" Snarling slightly, Rory stood as the Marauders walked in from the Dorm, her patience stretched to its very limit. "Right, that is enough. Vassal MacDonald," Mary froze, scowling and glowering hatefully at Rory. "Listen to these words, Sirius Black, Heir Apparent to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black, Dukes of the Realm and I are betrothed. You have no claim on him. As my vassal, I am decreeing that you may not speak to him, write to him, send him messages through a third party, or contact him in any way that is not vital to either his safety or my own." Mary looked enraged "You can't do that! He's mine! She promised!"
Rory simply rolled her eyes, filing away her words for later pondering. "I can and I have. Now return to the Dormitory and sit on your bed. You are confined to the Dorm unless it is for meals. Surrender your wand. You will not need it. I'll be writing to your father tonight to inform him of this breach of the oath." For a split second, it looked as though Mary were going to start throwing hexes, but the magic involved in the fealty oath kicked in and she handed Rory her wand and walked up to the dorm without a word. Rory sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose lightly before a throat clearing made her look up. Professor McGonagall was standing by the portrait hole, a small smile on her face "Ten points to Gryffindor for not resorting to violence to solve a tense situation. Go upstairs and gather your belongings and meet me back here. The Headmaster has instructed I show you to your new room."
Kissing Sirius on the cheek, Rory hurried upstairs and packed everything in record time before shrinking her trunk and meeting McGonagall back in the Common Room. Near the portrait hole was a suit armor. McGonagall asked "Have you decided whom you would like to share the dorm with?" Rory nodded, "I was going to ask Lily Evans when she returns for the next term." The Professor nodded and showed Rory how to open the entrance to the Dorm. The Dorm had it's own common area, which was nicely furnished, and two separate rooms, each with a large bathroom attached. McGonagall lead Rory to one before saying sternly "You are betrothed and of age, Miss Potter-Knight, and so there are no restrictions on your activities. I only ask that you take any proper precautions and be discreet. I'll leave you to unpack." "Thank you, Professor."
When McGonagall left, Rory quickly set herself up before showering and dressing quickly. She met the Marauders by the Portrait and they went down to breakfast, Mary following along and sulking.
The next couple of days passed in the same way. Mary approached Rory and asked for her wand back, claiming to need it for holiday homework. Rory gave it back with the instruction that it was only to be used for homework. The Marauders unveiled something they'd been working on since last year, something they called The Marauder's Map. They each had a copy, and it was a marvel in Charms work. It tracked every single person who was in the castle, no matter who they were. James and Sirius used it mostly for sneaking food fro the kitchens. It showed every passageway, every hidden hallway, and the passwords to each of them. Rory was amazed and impressed in spite of herself.
The students returned the January second, and Lily was thrilled to move into a private dorm, though she was horrified at what Mary had done. After she unpacked, they were sitting in their common room talking, Rory explaining the fealty oath and what it entailed when Lily had asked, when there was a knock at the suit of armor. Rory opened it to find James there and stood back to let him in. James looked nervous as he walked over to Lily and sat next to her. Rory thought she knew what was coming and so leaned back against a wall to watch.
James cleared his throat "Lily, I know you've disliked me for a while, but we've been talking since the Summer and, since you've gotten to know me better, I was wondering if you would do me the honor to accompanying me to Hogsmeade on the next visit." Rory watched, smiling slightly as her friend had confided in her that she was growing to have feelings for her brother. Lily blushed slightly and said "I'd like that very much James. Thank you for the invitation."
Deciding to leave before he messed up, James bade the two goodnight and left. After the armor was back in place, Rory threw up her hands and exclaimed, "Thank Merlin! It's about time you tow got together!" Lily laughed and threw a pillow from the sofa at her friend before the collapsed I rather girlish giggles.
Term started with no drama. Rory was getting steady Owls about the Knight Estate, Sirius was busy with his Heir duties, James was starting to court Lily steadily. Armed with the Marauder's Map, they started sneaking out to the Shrieking Shack during full moon's again. Rory had to admit that she had missed the Animagus' spending the night with them in the Shack. She was still trying to work on control with Remus, and he was getting better, but seemed afraid of letting it progress farther.
At the end of January, Rory heard that Severus had tested for his Potions NEWT early, and had classed as the youngest Potions Master in the last 400 years. But Rory got a real shock when she bumped into Severus in the hallway a few days later, causing him to hiss in pain and clutch his left forearm. Since her father was the head of the DMLE, Rory had heard about Voldemort branding his followers with a perverted protean charm and her eyes widened. Looking around quickly, she grabbed Severus' elbow and pulled him into an empty classroom, locking the door behind them. Before he could react, Rory had pushed up his sleeve, revealing the black tattoo of a skull with a snake coming from its mouth.
Rory sighed sadly, upset for her old friend "Oh, Sev..." He jerked his arm away, scowling angrily. Rory looked at him, her eyes very sad as he stalked from the room. She had to tell Lily. She wasn't even aware that she was crying as she left the classroom until she found Lily, who was sitting with the Marauders, laughing. They all looked up and were immediately worried. James, fearing the worst, jumped up, nearly hysterical "What is it? Is it Mum and Dad?" Rory shook her head. "Lily, can I talk to you for a minute?" Lily nodded and stood, and the pair walked a little farther away. "I just bumped into Severus in the hallway. He made a noise like he was in pain and clutched his arm." Lily looked confused. "My Dad told me and James that Voldemort brands his followers on their left arm, with a perverted Protean Charm, so he can call them wherever they are." Lily's eyes widened and she looked scared. "I dragged him into the nearest classroom and pushed his sleeve up." Rory paused to wipe her eyes. "He joined the Death Eaters, Lily." Rory didn't know the Marauders had crept up behind them until they all gasped. Rory spun around "Don't. Don't do anything to him. I know he joined and we should..but we have so much more to focus on right now." Reluctantly, they nodded and James held Lily close, as Sirius did with Rory, while they wept for the boy who had once been their friend and the path he had chosen.
James and Lily made their relationship official when they came back from the first Hogsmeade visit of the new term, and now Lily was seen with the Marauder's as often as Rory was. James confided that he wanted to offer her the Potter Family Betrothal Ring, but was planning to wait until the Easter Holidays.
Mary restricted herself to giving Rory evil looks at every chance. She also told Alice, her only remaining roommate, that it was just a matter of time before Sirius 'stopped being coy and came back to her'. When Rory found out, she had laughed, and Mary called her a man stealing whore. Rory had stood, her spine straight, and said "This is the second time you have attempted to breach the fealty oath. I'll be writing to your father, again, and in the meantime, you will be unable to use your magic for the next 7 days."
To Mary's horror, she felt her magic become bound. No matter how small the spell she tried to use, her wand would not react. While Mary was hysterically trying to make her wand work, Rory went to McGonagall. The Transfiguration Professor listened and ask sincerely "Did you feel that the best way to handle this was to bind her magic for a week?"
Rory nodded earnestly "You saw what happened as soon as she came back to the Common Room the next day." McGonagall nodded. "She's still making the same remarks, and the looks she gives me let me know that were it not for the fealty oath, she'd have tried to attack me again. I was content to just ignore it, but she's not willing to let it lie. Maybe a week of seeing what I could have had done to her will let the lesson sink in." McGonagall nodded. "Very well. Please inform her that she is still required to come to class, but will take a fail grade on any practical work. You are dismissed."
Rory entered the common room to find Mary sobbing hysterically, and the rest of the tower (having long since heard what happened), not very concerned. Rory gave her McGonagall's message and wrote a letter to the Viscount, also demanding any marriage contracts that had been sent for Mary to be sent to her. She was starting to think that perhaps a little psychological warfare was called for. Then she finished up a few essays and went to bed. It hadn't even occurred to her that it was Valentine's Day.
Except someone was already in it.
Rory turned on the lights with a flick of her wand, raising an eyebrow when she saw Sirius sitting in her bed. The blankets were covering him, but he was shirtless. He had a dozen red roses in his arms and was smiling shyly at her. "Sirius..what are you.." "These last two months, since you were attacked, I keep having these nightmares about what could have happened. I'm not asking for sex, I know you don't want to take that step until we're married and I respect that. I'm asking you to let me sleep next to you, so if I happen to wake up, I can see you next to me and know you're all right." Rory smiled gently at him "All right. I'll go change." She went into the bathroom and was about to change into her typical sleep pants and tank top, when her inner Marauder decided to make an appearance and she conjured a black, silk nightgown that clung to her and had lace traveling up the sides and put that on instead.
Taking a deep breath, she went back into the bedroom, rather enjoying the way Sirius' eyes practically bugged out of his head when he saw her. Biting her lip shyly, she slid into bed next to him and snuggled herself against his side. He trailed his fingers through her hair as he held her close. She dimmed the lights with her wand so there was only a very soft glow in the room and leaned up, kissing him lightly. Sirius ran his fingers up her side and the stress of the last few months broke. She needed him to be touching her. She wanted him. The wolf inside her was panting and howling for him. She pulled him down, kissing him hungrily as she pushed him onto his back, moving so she straddled him. Luckily he was wearing sleep pants, because she, of course, was wearing nothing under her nightgown.
Sirius looked up at her with his eyes wide, completely unsure of what to do. He knew she wanted to wait until they were married, and he did too, but here she was, straddling him and pressed against him so tightly he could feel the heat of her through his pants. He pulled back slightly, moaning as she rolled her hips slightly against him, "Silver...you're controlling this. You decide how far we go." Rory nodded and leaned down, capturing his lips with hers while her hands eagerly explored his exposed muscles. She grabbed his hands and placed them firmly on her breasts, pulling back enough to whisper "It's all right to touch me, Padfoot."
He moaned lightly, running his hands over every part of her he could reach, hips, buttocks, ribs, chest, everything. Seized with a sudden desire to be a little reckless, she pulled her nightgown off and tossed it to one side, leaving her fully nude on him. She sat up slightly, causing Sirius to bite his lip and moan as he looked at her. Slowly, as though he were afraid she would break, he lightly brushed his fingers over her hips and up her sides, stopping just under her breasts, fascinated with the way the skin tightened and flushed under his fingers as she whimpered. Sirius looked up at her, an awestruck look on her face and rolled them so he was over her, Rory on her back beneath him. Feeling a little wicked, Rory locked her legs around his waist and pulled him closer, making him let out a lustful growl and bite her neck softly before whispering in her ear, his breath making her shiver "Silver, are you sure you know what you're doing." In response she pulled back, looking him in the eyes as she grabbed his hand and guided it slowly between her legs before grabbing her wand and banishing his sleep pants to the other side of the room, needing to feel his skin against hers, and wrapping her hand around him firmly. As her hand closed around him, her eyes widened at how...impressive he felt. She looked up him, her eyes bright with lust as she told him, "I need you. I need you to touch me, to love me. We're here, we're together, and I need you, Sirius. Please."
Sirius bit his lip, moaning as he felt her hand close around him and start to move as she spoke. Keeping his eyes on hers, he started moving his fingers, feeling every part of her and watching her moan and blush lightly as he teased her most sensitive areas. He kissed her deeply, hungrily as both of their movements became faster, more passionate. Using a self control that they were unaware they possessed, they avoided penetration. Breathing became faster and they both were flushed, a thin film of sweat on their skin. They clung to one another as they climaxed together, nuzzling and kissing one another lightly before moving themselves into a comfortable position and falling asleep, Sirius with his arms tightly around her, and Rory's head nestled in the crook of his neck and shoulder.
There were no nightmares for either of them.
Rory woke slowly the next day, glad it was a Saturday and stretched, freezing when she felt a body next to her. Her heart beating rapidly she looked up, seeing Sirius still asleep next to her. She had half expected him to be gone when she woke up. She watched him sleep for a few minutes, thinking about how much she loved him. Reaching a decision, one that she felt in her gut was right, she pressed against him, nuzzling him awake. He murmured something sleepily and she smiled before kissing him lightly on the jaw. She coaxed him gently into waking and he looked at her, brushing the back of his knuckles over her cheek "Morning, Love."
Rory smiled, snuggling against Sirius' side. "Morning, Padfoot. Sleep well?" Stretching against her, he nodded before he wrapped his arms around her again and held her close. They lay in bed quietly for a few moments, just enjoying the feel of one another. After a while, Sirius looked down at her, worry making his eyes stormy, and asked, "You're not regretting last night, are you?" Rory pressed against him, shaking her head. "Absolutely not. In fact, I may never let you sleep in the dorm again, that was the best night's sleep I've had in a long time." Sirius chuckled, kissing the top of her head lightly. "Good."
Rory smiled brightly up at him before reluctantly climbing out of bed and taking a quick shower. Wrapping herself in a towel, she went back to the bedroom and saw Sirius near the door, listening. She noticed he'd put his sleep pants back on, and was trying to hold back laughter. Pressing a finger to his lips, he beckoned her over, and pointed through the crack in the door. Looking, she saw James and Lily near the other room, each looking as mussed and Sirius and Rory had when they woke up. Transfiguring her towel to a long, cotton nightshirt, she winked at Sirius and he nodded. Opening the door wider, Rory said teasingly "Well well well, what do we have here?" Causing the couple across the room to jump apart. Upon seeing the looks on their faces, Rory collapsed into giggles, and Sirius barked out a laugh before going to take a shower. James looked incredulous at his sister "Did you two?" Rory cut him off "Prongs, my sex life is private. Sirius and I are both of age, and betrothed, and so unless you want me to start asking about you and Lily, I suggest we pretend this never happened, and if it happens in the future, we can keep pretending it didn't." Lily giggled and James just rolled his eyes, and then Rory went back in her room and dressed.
A tapping at the window brought her attention to the Owl who held a rather large number of marriage contracts for Mary, like she'd asked for. Smirking evilly, she flipped through them, noting a number of classmates that Mary had been very rude about. Sirius came out of the bathroom, already dressed and together they, along with Lily and James, met the other Marauder's and went to breakfast. Mary walked in, looking as though she were ill, and saw Rory reading what she recognized as a marriage contract. As she walked by, she noticed her name on it and her eyes widened in horror. Making sure Mary was still watching, Rory nodded her head and put the contracts away. She wrote out a letter and attached it to her Owl, watching as Mary whitened dramatically. It was only a letter to her parents, but Mary didn't need to know that. She wanted to know their thoughts about her and Sirius marrying over the summer.
Sirius started spending the night in Rory's room. As the workload got more stressful, they simply fell into bed and fell asleep most nights. Lily and James got betrothed, and James was spending every night in Lily's room, though Lily insisted on waiting until they were out of school to marry. Remus finally managed to regain his control, and to test it, they had James and Sirius in the room untransformed and Remus had no reaction. They didn't know if it was because the wolf recognized them, or if it was because he had better control, but there was no safe way to test and find out. Rory continued to heavily tutor Peter, determined to help him as much as she could.
Whenever she felt Mary was getting too complacent, Rory would pull out the marriage contracts, occasionally asking Mary what she thought of someone named in one.
Around Easter, Rory got an Owl from her parents, and Sirius got one from his father, telling them that marrying over the Summer was a very good idea and they they would sit down and make the arrangements after school got out. Rory hadn't told Sirius that was wanted to marry over the summer, and Sirius hadn't told her that he'd also asked his father about it. Neither of them knew the two Lords has gotten together when they got their Owls to discuss appropriate arrangements for the couple.
That night when they climbed into bed, Rory snuggled close to Sirius and looked at him. "I have something to tell you." "Really? Me too. You go first." Rory took a deep breath. What if he didn't want to marry this summer? What if he didn't want to marry at all? She pushed these thoughts out of her mind and said, "I wrote my parents earlier to see how they felt about something, and since they have no objections to it..." She paused, gathering her nerve before forcing herself to look at Sirius. "I think we should get married this summer." Sirius stared at her for a full minute, sure he had heard her wrong. Finally, his face broke out into a smile and he kissed her " Absolutely. I completely agree with you. I wrote to Father about it too." They looked at each other and laughed, before snuggling close and falling asleep.
Exams came and went. When they informed their friends of their plans to marry over the summer, Mary overheard them and burst into tears, to the concern of no one. Lily and James tied for the top student in the year, with Rory coming second, and Sirius a very close third.
Before they knew it, they were back on the Express, heading home toward a summer that was going to be full of changes.
A/N: I just watched the new trailer for DH part 2. I'm sure you can all tell that I have a soft spot for Sirius, and so I am a blubbering mess of emotion right now.