A/N: This chapter is going to be the breather before the storm. Next few chapters will have lots of action and intrigue as the end of the year approaches. Some of my readers have expressed they would like Harry and Hermione to have at least a few peaceful days, so I thought I would deliver on that request. It also fits in well to the calm before the storm.
Again, I know they are still young, but the wolf doesn't see that.
Lastly, I am not a big wedding writer so I hope this is enough for those that like those scenes.
A/N2: Harry Potter and his world belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Brothers and anyone that has received licensing rights. I am grateful she gives us the privilege of playing in her world.
-oOo-
Chapter 30
April 16, 1995
Blyihl House, Surrey, England
Hermione woke half on Harry, with her head on his chest, a hand over his mid-section and her leg over his. He held her close with his own arm wrapped around her. As he breathed in long and deep, her head rose with his chest and her chest crushed into his side with how he was holding her. They were still wearing their jeans and long sleeve shirts while under the large duvet. She couldn't remember pulling that over them. All she remembered was crawling into bed with Harry, and that was about it.
Yawning, she wondered what woke her. She still felt very tired.
"Mistress Hermione," a soft, high pitch voice came to her.
She knew that voice. "Yes, Dobby. Is it time to get up?" It had been almost two by the time she had crawled into bed.
"Yes. Mrs. Jane said it was time."
She snuggled into Harry. He hadn't stirred. Normally, he would have been up and ready to act, even at the soft noise of their elf. He must feel safe here. She had to agree, it had that feel. "What time is it?"
"Almost half past five. Dobby insisted you needed more rest when they wanted to wake you about five," he told her. "Guests should start arriving half-past six."
She yawned again, not wanting to get out of Harry's arms. "Thank you, Dobby. I'll get Harry up. Is there any special dress requirement tonight," she asked. She had to admit she had always pictured getting married, someday, a long time from now, and didn't really know everything that went with this. She was too focused on keeping up with the laws, school, surviving attacks, friends and her pack. Harry filled up the other hours of the day, and she wasn't ashamed that those were more important than a wedding.
"No, Mistress. Mrs. Jane said be comfortable. A tent has been setup in the backyard with warming charms, if you wish to not wear anything heavy," Dobby told her.
"Alright. We'll be down in about an hour," she told him.
"Yes, Mistress. Can Dobby or Prim lay anything out for you," he asked.
"No. We can manage." She really hated their servile manner. She hated how it reminded her of what Harry had been through at his relatives. It had only been ten months ago he had still been a slave in his own house when not at Hogwarts. At least the beasts were in jail awaiting their trial and his cousin was with their Aunt Marge.
Given what she knew now, it amazed her that it had only been three months after he was freed that he had told her he loved her. Harry still acted as though he didn't know what that fully meant at times, but she could feel his need for it. She was determined to let him know he was loved.
She could see it in their pack. Jason and Bonnie looked to him as an older brother, not just their Alpha. Annabel was quiet, looking at Harry like an adopted brother. He wouldn't replace Kevin, but Harry was close. To a wolf, Pack was family in itself.
Remus and Sirius looked at Harry as they would a beloved nephew. In all purposes, Harry was. Even Tonks and her family had fallen in love with her boy. How could they not?
Harry was kind and loving, even if he didn't realize it. Cared for others deeply, especially his friends and Pack. Protective, almost to a fault at times. She had to admit she was some too, now that she had others to look after. He was also brave, and self-sacrificing.
Harry was very generous with his wealth and his time to those that he considered family. Remus went over all their finances, and Harry had ensured that Bonnie, Annabel, Jason and Theresa had a trust vault of their own. Remus was paid well for being Harry's Regent, even if the elder wolf didn't want any pay. Harry insisted and she had to agree, it was only right.
With how generous he was, Harry almost never asked for anything, so when he did, she was glad to give it to him or find anyway she could to make it happen. Like their monthly trips to Godric's Hollow. Harry wasn't breaking down anymore, but she could feel sadness in him as he learned more of what he lost in his parents and his family history.
She held him tight before letting her hand wander under the hem of his shirt. Harry never asked for much, but she knew he wanted her. It was more than physically. She felt it. The need to be there for the person. That didn't mean that they both didn't like the physical aspect of their bond.
Hermione shifted so she could see his face as she lifted his shirt and then fumbled with the button on his pants. Harry didn't shift. He looked so peaceful when he slept. She reached in and ran a finger along his flaccid cock. He shifted a little and she smiled, moving so that she could lightly kiss his neck as she gently stroked and played with him to make him hard. "Come on, sleepy boy. Time to get up," she whispered, kissing the pulse point on his neck. He was rapidly becoming hard in her hand.
"Hermione," he sighed softly before giving a tired groan as she quickened her pace than went back to her more languid strokes. "I was having a good dream."
She kissed his neck and ran her fingers over the top of his head to spread his precum. His breath hitched. She really liked having control over him like this, knowing she was the only one to really have this control. Harry was an Alpha, her Alpha, but she could control him when she wanted. Maybe it was more like Harry let her. He didn't like to dominate anyone in their pack, but no one questioned his quiet power. "I hope it was about me," she said moving to kiss him on his mouth.
They both had morning breath. She could care less as her tongue pushed into his mouth. He didn't resist and she smiled when he moaned as she started to stroke him fast again. When she pulled away, his eyes were closed and he looked to be enjoying her ministrations. "Was it about me," she asked.
"Huh," he asked distracted before opening his eyes. They were molten green orbs that had a desire in them that always caught her off guard at how her body reacted. She rubbed her crotch into his leg to try and ease the desire a little. This was about Harry right now. She could get her relief later.
"Your dream? Was it about me," she asked, her voice unable to mask the husky yearning his eyes called out in her.
He gave her a distracted smile. "All my best dreams are." He let out a quick breath as she rubbed more towards his head. "I don't want to get these pants dirty," he said closing his eyes. "I only brought one other pair besides my dress robes."
"Well, that is an easy solution," she told him moving so that she could take him in her mouth.
Harry's breath stuttered as she licked around his head before taking him in. He was already excited, so all she had to do was twirl her tongue around his head. She had found that he really liked this a few weeks ago and was more than happy to please him like this. It took only a few minutes before he filled her mouth. As usual, she struggled to take it all in. She liked the way he moaned and squirmed as she continued sucking him as he emptied himself and after he was done. He made her squirm like this, often prolonging her orgasms until she told him to stop. It was payback, in a way.
He was breathing heavily, panting and groaning as she stroked a few more times before letting him go. "No mess," she told him, moving to support her head on her arm.
The satisfied smile he gave her was as exciting as his eyes. She was going to have to change her knickers. "I love you," he said pulling her to him and giving her a kiss that left her needing air. He moved to start rubbing his hand between her legs and she pushed his hand down with reluctance.
"We need to get up. I told Dobby we would be down in about another forty minutes and I would like a quick shower," she told him.
"Need help washing?"
His mischievous smile was so unfair! She stifled her own need. "Only if I don't want to go down tonight. Come on. You should take a quick shower after I'm done," she told him.
He scrunched his nose. "You saying I smell?"
She gave him a serious look. "You're lucky I like your musk, that is all I'm saying."
He laughed and threw the pillow at her from under his head. She laughed too as she bounced off the bed, but still getting the pillow in the face. "Don't start, Potter," she warned.
"Or what," he asked.
She glared at him without any heat behind it. She wanted to get back into bed and have him do the same thing she had just done to him. "You'll find out later. Can you unpack my bag and hang the red dress on the dresser?"
"Yeah." She blew him a kiss and began to undress. "HEY! That is unfair," he said as she pulled off her shirt in a way meant to get that reaction. Especially since she had lifted her bra at the same time and had to playfully slap his hand away when he went to touch her. She gave him a sly smile.
"You can play with me later," she told him, wishing she hadn't at the look he gave her. She smelt his arousal again. It was impossible that he didn't smell her own and she groaned as she shut the bathroom door behind her. Later. She could wait for later. She hoped.
While Harry took his shower, she put on the red dress that Tonks had helped her get from Hogsmeade. It was a simple cut with a flaring skirt from the waist. She liked how it flattered her curves but didn't really show anything to anyone she didn't want looking at her that way. She was Harry's and he was hers.
A little while later, when Harry came out of the bathroom still toweling his hair and wearing a mussed polo shirt under a tan cardigan her resolve to wait almost melted. She didn't know why she found the messy hair, bad boy look, so attractive. He wasn't that rebellious and she followed the rules... well most of the time. Actually, all her rule breaking was with, or because, of Harry. Maybe he was a little bad. The way the shirt clung to his muscled chest and his tight jeans didn't help. Or, maybe it helped to make him that much more attractive? The fact he looked like the rock bands in the new CD's that Tonks had gotten him was a plus.
What really drew her in was his silent power. Most of the time, Harry tried to hide it. Or maybe he didn't realize, how much power he had? Much like some of the strong magical wielders they had met over the years at Hogwarts and outside of school, one could tell he was a supernova of strength among a sea of stars. She could name on one hand how many people she had met that had that type of power, even without projecting it. In order, from weakest, would be Lord Greengrass, Amelia Bones and then Harry ranked second behind Albus Dumbledore. Unlike them, though, Harry only used his power when he had too. It wasn't a weapon to cower others, or to get your way, or to keep people in line.
That restraint was part of his appeal. He wanted to be 'just Harry', and she tried to give that to him, but she knew Harry was always going to be a lightning rod because of his power.
Harry cocked his head and gave her a questioning look. "You alright, luv?"
She shook her head. The heat in her stomach called to the wolf. The way he looked at her with concern and love was a call to her. "Yeah, I'm fine, Harry. How about we go down and see our guests."
He smirked. "You look absolutely stunning in that dress. I guess I need to show you off tonight to others before I get to unwrap you."
"Harry," she admonished, still not sure how he was able to make her flush like that. She wasn't upset with him, just flustered at the way his green eyes danced with mirth and passion.
He chuckled before sitting down and getting his boots on. "You still sure you want to marry me tomorrow?" He didn't sound as sure even if he said it in a joking way.
She moved over to him and pushed him up so she could sit on his lap. She lifted his chin so he would look her in the eyes. "If you ever doubt that I want you now and always, just remember this," she said before snogging him.
It was a heated snogging, and her dress got a little rumbled and his shirt almost made it over his head before there was a soft, "Excuse me, Master and Mistress."
She pulled back, heaving in gasps of air and her chest moving up and down. Harry wasn't in much better shape, his eyes boring into her and she stifled the whimper she had for him to take her right then. "Yes, Prim," Harry said in a labored tone.
"Guests are starting to arrive and Mrs. Granger would like you to come down," she told them, sounding upset she had to disturb them.
Hermione smiled at Harry before saying, "Later," to him softly. She moved to get up. "Thank you, Prim. You did what you should," she said kindly to the elf, who looked less concerned. "Let us just straighten out and we will be down in a few minutes."
"Yes, Mistress. Oh, and Prim left your potion on the nightstand. Dobby said it was your day to take it," she told her.
Hermione nodded. She had forgotten it was time for her to take the potion. She wanted to give Harry children, but not yet. Maybe after they got their NEWT's. "Thank you, Prim."
The elf nodded and popped away. After making sure her dress was straightened out, though it wasn't as pressed as it had been fifteen minutes ago, she turned to Harry. The mussed shirt and messy hair almost melted her resolve to wait for later. He held out his arm. Remus and Sirius had started to take time to teach the proper etiquette of what their station would be some day. She didn't like it, but she did like seeing Harry acting that way while still looking rebellious in his clothes. "Shall we," he asked her.
"We shall," she said in a proper tone.
The house was empty, which felt eerie. They had only been here when the house had ten or more people in it. Opening the back door the cool evening air caused goose pimples to rise on her legs and Harry to tense as more than two dozen people yelled, "Surprise!"
She held his arm tight, knowing he didn't want to alarm or hurt anyone here. Since February, Harry was like a spring to any surprise. She was too and found her free left arm had half pulled her wand out of a special pocket. "Oh, look at you two," a plump redheaded woman said coming up to them.
Molly Weasley was a very kind and caring person, if a little overbearing at times, and now was no different. She pulled them both into a hug. "Oh, it is so good to see you." She gave them each a kiss on the cheek before squeezing them tight again. She backed away and held them at arm length. "Now, let's see. We have been so worried about you. I know Arthur has seen you a few times, but the last was December. And what you have gone through. Oh, you look beautiful, Hermione." Hermione didn't miss the odd look or how her eyes moved to her midsection for a few. "Harry is a lucky young man. And you, Harry."
Mr. Weasley moved in behind his wife as she went on. "You. You've finally added muscles and gained some weight. I see Hogwarts and the Granger's have treated you well. I told Dumbledore you should have come with us end of last year. You and Hermione need to come to the Burrow this summer."
"We would love to visit here and there," Harry said.
"Oh, you should stay half the summer. We really missed having you around this last year."
Harry tensed some. "Thank you, Mrs. Weasley, but I don't know if we can leave our pack for that long."
Molly's brow furrowed. Before she could say anything else, Mr. Weasley spoke. "Alright, Molly. They have other guests to greet." He pulled her back and reached out a hand to Harry. "Congratulations for catching this fetching young lady," he told him.
"Thank you, sir," Harry said shaking his hand. "I think I am lucky she chose me."
Her heart fluttered. Foolish boy! "Harry, it wasn't luck," she said giving him a peck on the cheek. A few people laughed around them as he flushed. She hoped she could make him do that until they were a hundred and fifty.
"And you, Hermione. You make sure he treats you well, otherwise we'll have a talk with him," Mr. Weasley said with a wink.
"So no throwing her in the pond tonight," Harry joked.
She hit him on the shoulder. "Only if you want to sleep by the pond by yourself."
He shrugged. "Better than in the pond."
Mr. Weasley chuckled. "I usually only have to curl up on the couch."
"Arthur," Molly said in shock. There were a few more chuckles. Mr. Weasley leaned in. "The House of Weasley will always welcome the Potters and come to their call."
She looked at him curiously as they shuffled to greet Lady Longbottom. The woman seemed a little severe, but jovial once she let her façade fall. "I'm not sure what the two of you have done with Neville, but nice job," she said pulling them in close. "He talks of you and your pack almost non-stop in his letters and last night."
Neville besides her looked a little abashed but straighten when she raised an eyebrow.
"Neville is our friend. He chooses to workout and study with us," Harry said. "Besides, who else would I beat on Sunday mornings." She knew he saw the difference in Neville, but he was too modest to realize he was a large part why so many in the DADA class were doing so well. He was a leader to them, like his Pack.
"Well, I got a few good ones in last weekend, Potter." Neville clenched his fists. "Care to go a few rounds?"
Harry smiled at him. She had had to use a cream on Harry that Neville had given them for the bruises Harry had. "I would prefer My Wolf not to have bruises tomorrow. You can have at him Tuesday."
Lady Longbottom gave an approving nod. "I would think not, Heiress Potter."
Harry reached a hand to Neville. "Later this week. You know I have your back if you need," he told Neville who shook his hand.
"If the Potters back the Longbottoms, then they can count on the Longbottoms. I was afraid the old alliance had died with your parents, but you are as true as they are," Lady Longbottom said shaking his hand once more before they were shuffled next to meet a very strange man.
He had the same distracted expression as the girl that stood next to him. It was unmistakable that this blond hair man with blue eyes would be Luna's father. "Mr. and Mrs. Potter, this is my father, Xenophilius Lovegood," Luna said to them.
Mr. Lovegood reached out a hand. "Very nice to meet you, Mr. Potter and Mrs. Potter. My wife and your mother used to be very good friends, Mr. Potter. I am happy to see her spirit lives in you. And you, Mrs. Potter, I hear you are a true genius. The Potter men seem to have a knack for picking very bright woman. Very beautiful, I must say too."
Hermione felt the heat rise. The man's flattery felt as sincere as Harry's. "Thank you, Mr. Lovegood. Please, just call us Harry and Hermione," she told him.
"Do you find it confusing when unpacking your trunks or other things," Luna asked.
Harry's brows furrowed. She looked at Luna, trying to keep her exasperated expression down. She really liked Luna but she could not figure where her mind was at times. "I'm sorry, but what," Harry asked.
"Your initials are HJP. I was wondering if you ever confused your possessions," she asked seriously.
The twins caught on and stepped up. "Yeah, Harry. Wouldn't want you confusing anything."
"George, are you saying little Harry could..."
Fred had a mock surprise on his face. "I fear so, dear brother."
Hermione rolled her eyes and Neville snorted. "Evening, Fred and George," she said.
"Evening, Hermione. Anything we should know?" It was Fred. If she couldn't smell them, then she would have had a hard time telling them apart.
"You mean like how your shorts are pink," she asked, seeing Tonks putting her wand back.
"Ha. Ha. You can't get us that easily," George said to her.
"Well, this bra isn't really my size," Harry joked and the twins looked at him shocked for a moment before laughing.
"How long do you think before they notice," Luna asked them as they walked away.
Harry chuckled. "Hopefully in the middle of dinner," she said. "Mr. Lovegood, it was a pleasure to meet you."
"The House of Lovegood is always at the Potters call, my dear," he said amiably.
She was starting to wonder what was going on. Why were all these people saying they were loyal or at their call.
Next was a bit of a surprise. "Madame Bones," she said. The Bones had not been on their original list.
The austere woman with a monocle nodded. Hermione was happy to see the woman looking healthy after that attack on her a few weeks back. "Mr. and Mrs. Potter. Thank you for extending us this invitation. The House of Bones has long stood with the Potters and celebrated many things. We were not able to be at your parents wedding or your birth, and I think this a good occasion to reignite the old Alliance."
Harry looked at her for a moment before nodding and extending his hand. "I feel I have much to learn over the next few years."
She snorted. "You let Remus and I worry about that for now. For now, just keep close to my niece and Mr. Longbottom. They can guide you. You can also keep up your excellent tutoring. I am quiet impressed with her performance this year and she has told me how both of you have helped," she said before giving an approving look to her niece next to her. Susan looked proud at the praise.
"Thank you, Auntie. Congratulations," she said shaking Harry's hand before hugging Hermione. "Where do I get one like him," she whispered to her.
"I'm sure you'll find someone," she said. "He's my wolf though."
Susan laughed as she pulled away. "I don't think that was ever a question. You two have been inseparable since going to Hogwarts."
Harry gave her a shy smile. "Well, she is cute and it helped to copy off the brightest witch of her age."
Susan smirked. "That would explain a few things."
She scoffed at him. "You did not copy off me," she told him. "Harry is very intelligent. I just helped to fix his mistakes."
"Well, hopefully I can help to fix yours. You sure you want Potter," a dark skin girl asked coming over to them.
"Angela!" Hermione was happy to see her. She had been one to really stick up for her pack from the start of the year and she had started to really like hanging with her since they were Prefects. She hugged the girl. "Did you bring Cedric?"
"Right here, Mrs. Potter," Cedric said behind the girl.
"Come along, Susan. The Potter's should finish greeting their guests," Madame Bones said with a smile.
"Thank you, Madame Bones," Harry told her. "Mr. Diggory," Harry said to Cedric's father, shaking his hand.
"You look lovely tonight, Mrs. Potter," Cedric said to her.
Hermione shook Cedric's hand. "What happened to Hermione," she asked him raising an eyebrow.
Cedric shrugged. "Figured this was an official affair. Besides, Harry looks a little more muscular than he was in October. Rather not have a broken jaw this time."
Harry paled and Angela laughed. "That would be a good thing. Hard to kiss you if your jaw is broken."
A woman behind Cedric chuckled. "I heard you did your best to break it, Angela. I didn't realize Harry Potter took a shot at him too."
Angela smiled. "Someone has to keep him in line, Mrs. Diggory. Besides, it was Potter here that just about knocked him out."
Cedric's typical smug look didn't drop. "And who keeps you inline? Wasn't me that dressed down those seventh year Ravenclaws and needed the Weasley's and Belladona to back you up."
"The Potters will always be Gryffindor and they were not speaking kindly about them," she told him.
"Do I need to know why you almost knocked out my son," Mr. Diggory asked.
Harry stood tall, looking slightly abashed. Harry was saved answering by Cedric. "It was nothing, dad. Harry was just letting me know I was being a prat. Angela was letting me know she agreed."
His mother raised her eyebrow. "Maybe I should call on you two more often when Cedric gets out of hand."
Cedric ran a hand through his hair. "I didn't think I was that big of an issue."
She laughed to see the normally confident boy look so taken back. Hermione tried to save him from his mother. "Cedric, you are one of the few I would trust with any of our pack. That is not something I would say to someone making big issues."
Angela wrapped her arms around Cedric's left arm and then kissed his cheek. "See. They do trust you and you have done good things this year."
His father beamed. "I have been very proud of you this year, Ced. Mr. and Mrs. Potter, I think others would like your time."
She turned to see Professor McGonagall behind them. "Evening, Professor," she said.
McGonagall smiled at them. "Evening, Mrs. Potter. I would like to thank you for your invitation."
Harry turned and reached his hand out. "I wasn't aware we invited half these people, but you are always welcome here, Professor."
The woman smiled. "Your mother said that to me once. I am sad I could never take her up on that offer. I hope this makes up for it."
Harry nodded. She moved closed to his side and copied Angela by taking his arm. "Professor, there is nothing to make up. We are just pleased you could be here."
"Well, please know the House of Ross still stands with the Potters and I know your parents would be proud. Hermione is a fine woman. And Mrs. Potter, your parents gain a great young man. Also, on a matter of Hogwarts, I would like to have a conversation with you when we get back." Her eyes looked sad. "I think I owe you an apology for that matter about Mrs. Malfoy. Professor Lupin and I have some new rules we would like to discuss with you."
"Of course," she told her.
Harry nodded. "Professor, why is everyone saying they stand with the Potters. I feel like this is more than a wedding."
"That's because it is, pup," Sirius said joining them. She looked at him curiously.
"Indeed, Mr. Black. I am pleased to know you held to your oaths and I must apologize for thinking the worst for so many years," Professor McGonagall told him.
Sirius smiled. It held as much pleasure as pain. "Professor..."
"Please, I think we are at the point you can call me Minerva," she told him.
"Minerva," he said, his smile becoming more pleasant. "Yes, I have been trying to right many wrongs that happened those years ago. This boy and his mate deserve that," he said ruffling Harry's hair, who tried to throw him off.
"Get off," Harry told him and she shook her head. "What do you mean this is more than a wedding?"
"I would say, Mr. Potter, this is much of the old core your grandfather had worked very hard in creating. At one time, the Potters sat at the head of a very powerful alliance in the Wizengamot. I see a few families missing, but regrettably, like yours, either they have been eliminated or may have only a young scion left that is not ready to take their place," she said looking around sadly.
"There are new families here though too. The Black's will stand with the Potter's. The Weasley's and Diggory's were not here last time. They are not here tonight, but the McKinnon's will be here tomorrow, as will the Patil's and the Brown's," Sirius said.
She looked at them, and Harry squeezed her hand. This was far more people than they had told her parent's about. "Excuse me, but why would all these families be here and invited. I thought Remus and my father wanted this house to be kept secret."
"Everyone here is going to be staying for the next few days. Tuesday there is a meeting of the Heads of Houses, which will include you two and many of your friends here. A wedding is a powerful time for these types of things," Sirius said seriously.
"Indeed, it is. I think Molly is getting impatient to serve her dinner. We can talk of this more Tuesday," Professor McGonagall said nodding towards the tent in the yard. At that, they turned towards the tent to see the last of their guests tonight, though Hermione was starting to see them more like extended family.
"You look lovely tonight," Mr. Tonks said walking up to them. Hermione smiled at the man as he took her hand and kissed it.
"Mr. Tonks, you don't need to be so formal," she told him.
"Mrs. Potter, this is as much a formal affair as it is casual. You may already be married, but tomorrow you will be officially made Heiress of the Potter and Black Lines. That would mean you and your beau would be Head of House of two of the oldest and most respected houses," Healer Tonks said next to her husband. "As of tomorrow, Sirius and my family will be yours. It also has other implications that will need to be addressed."
"Oh, blow off, Andi. There is plenty of time to teach these pups about that stuff. Besides, they are already family and tonight is about fun," Sirius said next to them.
Healer Tonks eyed him. "It is nice to see you cousin," she told him.
Sirius just shrugged his shoulder. "It's not like you didn't see me last weekend. Come on, you too. I think Molly is about to go barmy."
Looking in the tent, the Weasley Matron was staring at them from one of the two long tables.
"We shouldn't keep her waiting. You know she'll try to stuff thirds down us if we do," Harry said lowly. Sirius laughed and they made their way into the tent.
It was many more people than they had expected, but she felt comfortable around them. It was one of the first times Harry seemed alright to be the center of attention. She suspected it was because he knew everyone. As usual, Mrs. Weasley had made a wonderful dinner. Everyone ate and there was a lot of talking. She was happy they got to sit with their friends and pack.
"Where are you going on your honeymoon," Susan asked at one point.
"We aren't really doing that. We can't really travel," Harry told her.
"I still think that is barmy," Ron said at them. "You should be able to go where you want."
"Gran wants to propose a new law loosening that. I think that is why she was so keen on this wedding. Sirius is eligible to take up the House Black seat again on the Summer Solstice," Neville said.
"That only adds one more vote though. I don't think my Aunt and your Grandmother have enough to pass it without Dumbledore or a few of the unaligned houses," Susan responded.
"They may if the Prewitt line is passed to a valid heir and a few lower Houses are voted in this year. Eight of the lower Houses are up for election and Gran has already submitted to admit two more."
"Who? I didn't think any houses were eligible," Susan asked as though the intrigue was riveting.
"How does our House fall into all this," Harry asked.
Neville and Susan looked at him. Ron spoke up. "It doesn't. The Wizengamot is all old or pure blood with the ones that follow them."
"You are not wrong Ron, but this matters a great deal. House Potter has vassal houses, if you want to use those old blood lines. Like Bones has the Abbotts and Greenley." Susan said.
"The Longbottoms have the Haywoods, Stewards and Spencer-Moons," Neville said.
"What do you mean Vassal? That sounds like you are a lord over them," Hermione said uncomfortably. She didn't like the sound of that.
"In a way," Susan said. "It means it's an alliance where they will come to the aide of the Lord's House when called. That is loosely used now though. It mostly means now that they will follow your lead if they are on the Wizengamot."
"It also allows the Lord's House to recommend vassal houses for seats on the Wizengamot," Neville went on.
"Why haven't Remus or Sirius mentioned this yet," Harry asked.
"I don't know," she said.
"It's probably because you two are not the Scion's yet. After tomorrow, Hermione will be Heiress Potter, meaning she will have say over House Potter until Harry can claim his Scion right when he turns fifteen," Luna said looking at them.
She looked at the girl. "But shouldn't we know about this. This seems rather important and a powerful tool to help the werewolves."
"I am sure Sirius and Remus had a reason not to tell us," Harry said looking towards the adults at the next table.
"Before this past summer, Dumbledore was still his guardian. I don't think he wanted Harry to know all this," Luna said taking a roll and started to butter it. "Daddy has taught me about all this. We are a vassal house to the Potters."
Susan looked at Luna. "Why wouldn't Dumbledore want Harry to know all this? He was one of the Potter's biggest supporters. And wasn't the Lovegood's in the Wizengamot?"
Luna started to eat her roll, looking towards Hermione, not Susan. "We were. Dumbledore didn't support us in the vote of the Lower Houses in 1980."
She looked at Luna for a few. The gears in her head were running as fast as they could. "What do you mean?"
Susan answered. "Everyone knows that the Dumbledores and Potters were allies for many years. It's surprising that the bloodlines never married into each other. Dumbledore took over the old Potter Alliance in the Wizengamot when your grandfather died," she went on. "Bones, Longbottom, Prewitt, Potter and Dumbledore were the leading houses in an alliance that was one of the prominent ones for almost a hundred years, then it split after your grandfather died."
"The Longbottoms tried to head the Alliance but some voted to follow Dumbledore and others decided to leave, not wanting him as head of the Alliance. Gran only sides with Dumbledore because she usually agrees with his politics," Neville said.
"Why didn't the Longbottoms take the Alliance? You have higher standing than the Dumbledores," Susan asked.
Ron huffed. "You realize you sound like the Pure-blood prats my mum tried us to become friends with when we were young," he said.
"Well, you should have listened and made those friends. The Weasley's fell from the Wizengamot almost a hundred years ago, but you are just as old as the Potter's. Your House is owed a seat on the Wizengamot if your father decides to give a Wright of Apology," Susan told him.
"We won't apologize for doing what was right," Ron said getting red.
"Your Great Great Grandfather forced a duel against the Minister on the floor of the Wizengamot," she admonished.
"Gran said it stopped a vote that would have authorized the killing of all squibs," Neville said. "I don't see why House Weasley should issue an apology for that."
"Thank you, Neville. That is what the Weasleys have said since then," Ron said sounding vindicated.
"That is aweful," Bonnie said. "My grandfather was a squib. What would have happened if that law had passed?"
"You wouldn't be here," Neville said looking taken back.
Hermione looked incensed. "That is barbaric. Why would they do that?"
"Is that why? Auntie wasn't sure what happened. You do realize that the voting body of the Wizengamot has shrunk by thirty houses since about 1850."
"That is a third," she said. Why was all this so important? Why would Dumbledore want to break an obviously strong Alliance and cast out Houses... "Luna, you said the Lovegood's are a vassal house of the Potters. Who else is?"
"The Lovegood, McKinnon, Carter, Peverell, Bulstrode and a lesser line of the Prewett's," Susan said. "Auntie wanted to make sure I knew all the important families of her current Alliance and the Potter Alliance."
"Susan, only the Bulstrodes and Lovegoods survived the war and they are not on our side," Ron said frowning.
Hermione was not liking this. "How many other Houses of the original Potter Alliance are still in the Wizengamot?"
"Bones, Longbottom, Bulstrode, Dumbledore, Fudge. I think that is it," Susan told her.
There was a clink of silverware on a crystal glass. She frowned to turn to see Sirius standing up on a chair. All the conversations quieted and they looked at him. "I must thank you all for coming on behalf of the House of Black and Potter. Also, thank our gracious hosts tonight, Harry and Hermione Potter," he said inclining his glass at them. There was a general murmur of appreciation. She smiled, but eyed him. This was too nice for Sirius.
"I understand that in the eyes of magic, these two are already bound, but tomorrow we will celebrate these two becoming recognized in the eyes of our worlds. I was there the night Harry's parents joined in marriage. Unfortunately, it was not the happy event this will be, but their love lives on in their son. Jane and Dan, I am sorry I couldn't see you marry, but I am sure it was happy. I see the result in the brilliant young woman you are giving to my less than deserving godson."
"Hey, you old mutt," Harry cried out and there was some laughing around them.
"Oh, come on. You have to admit you found a bride far better looking and with smarts you could never match. Like father like son I say," he said raising his glass.
Harry huffed as others laughed. "He's right you know," she said next to Harry. Everyone looked at her. "I hear your mum was pretty bright. She had the same good taste in Potter men."
There was more laughing and Harry settle back, wrapping an arm around her and she was happy to meld into his side. "See, bright witch," Sirius said to her. "Now, I know you two didn't invite all these people here tonight, but this is a big event that I think should be celebrated with family, friends and those that would support you."
She looked around as most eyes turned to them. Harry held her a little tighter as they became the focus. She looked around with a new understanding of what was going on. "Tomorrow, the House of Potter accepts in Hermione Granger, a young woman who will live up to that great name, as much as the young man that will be Lord Potter, but it will also accept House Black into its blood line. I for one am proud to call both of them my heirs and my only wish is that James and Lily see how exceptional you both are. Even if you are more mutts than I am now."
At this, there was more laughing as Jason howled and Harry gave his godfather a nasty look.
"Next, I think a thank you should be given to the person responsible for this feast tonight. Molly, excellent spread."
Mrs. Weasley flushed at the applause. Mr. Weasley stood up next to her. "Thank you, Lord Black," he said and Sirius blew him off.
"No Lord Black among friends and Allies, Arthur."
Mr. Weasley bowed his head before turning to look at her and Harry. "Mr. and Mrs. Potter, thank you for inviting us. I hope you enjoyed this dinner tonight. It was what House Weasley could offer as our gift."
She could see all the Weasleys, proud and sensitive of their monetary means looking at them. Harry let her go and stood. "Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, you didn't need to do anything. I am just glad you are here. Like Sirius, I am just Harry, but I can see this is more than tonight. The House Potter will never forget your generosity."
There was a huge sense of pride in her husband. Sirius, Neville and Remus had been preparing them for this night and tomorrow, even if there were revelations that had not come out yet. Mr. Weasley nodded, a sense of pride in his face. She had a feeling the Weasleys looked at Harry like an adopted son. "All of you, thank you for coming." He reached down for her hand and pulled her up. She could sense his unease at this, but like an Alpha had to do what was required for his pack, the future Lord Potter had to follow certain protocol, even if he looked rebellious in his shirt and jeans.
"Mr. and Mrs. Granger, I know this wasn't the way any of us pictured this going, but without you, this beautiful girl would never have been on that train to Hogwarts or become our friend. I know our friendship was rocky to start," he said looking at Ron who rubbed the back of his neck and looked away. "With the determination you taught her though, she never gave up on us. Whether trying to ensure we followed the rules or bossing us to bed."
She looked at him flustered. "Harry," she admonished. "You and Ron barely made it to breakfast the first month because you stayed up so late. You know curfew for first-years was nine-thirty."
He laughed, as did a few others. She flushed.
"I know, beauty," he said giving her a peck.
"I never meant to make you cry that day," Ron said to them. "I may have been a little tired and you had been bossing us around a bit."
"Sounds like our brightest witch," Susan said at them.
A few of their friends around them chuckled. "Well, you are the one that knocked out the troll," Harry said to their best mate.
"It still doesn't mean he wasn't being a prat," she said in a huff. This time more chuckles.
"No, but since then he has always been there, and so have you. I don't think I would be here today without you. For that, I am grateful and can never thank your parents enough," he said to her before turning to her parents.
Her father nodded at him. "I always wanted a son. Hermione couldn't have found a better man," the elder wolf said to him. For the first time since he had been bitten, she felt no unease with her father. Herry smelt at ease too. He was finally fully releasing any hold he had on his daughter. Her mother next to him dabbed at her eyes before getting up.
Hermione moved to accept her mother's hug. "I will be proud to call you my daughter and for the son you bring to us," she said before pulling them both in. "You keep this one close, princess."
Mrs. Weasley sniffed and dabbed at her eyes.
A while later, Hermione was thinking of the wonderful night she had just had with Harry and their friends and family. At the back of her mind was the revelations of what it might really mean to be Lady Potter someday. Harry came out of their bathroom and shuffled into bed behind her, putting his arm around her midsection as he settled and she wiggled to be as close to him as possible.
When they were settled, he sighed and then buried his nose in her hair. "There were more people there than I thought there would be," he said.
"Yes. I think it was good that Remus and Sirius invited them though. I didn't know your family had such deep connections. Remus and Sirius have only really gone over your direct history," she told him holding his arm tight.
"I didn't say I didn't want them here," he responded.
"I know, luv. Why do you think they haven't told us," she asked. How deep did Dumbledore's plans go back? She doubted it was just some oversight that the Lovegoods had been cast out of the Wizengamot.
He was quiet for a few. "I think Luna and Susan have the right of it. I am not the Scion yet and we have been buried in our studies and pack."
She lay there, happy to have him spooned against her. She thought about it and he moved to kiss her neck. "You trust Remus in this," she asked moving her head to let him kiss to her collar bone.
"I believe Remus meant to protect us when he made his deal with Dumbledore and would only withhold this if he had a good reason. He is our Beta. He has the best interest of us and the pack in his heart." He started to kiss her neck again and she sighed. Why did her brain start going to mush when he kissed or touched her? She wanted to think on what Susan, Luna and Neville had said. Instead, she groaned as he felt him get excited as he moved his hand low over her stomach.
"Harry," she said breathily as her body responded to his touch.
"Tomorrow, beauty," he told her as he pressed her legs apart. "I think I owe you from earlier."
"You are such a pain, Potter," she said moving to lay on her back and pull his face to hers.
-oOo-
April 17, 1995
Blyihl House, Surry, England
Harry stood before the steps of the gazebo. It was a beautiful spring day. The sun was out for the first time in a week, birds chirped around them and the early spring flowers were in bloom around the yard. Harry knew this day was about him and Hermione, but he couldn't keep from shuffling his feet as he waited for the frizzy hair girl to come around the hedge between them and the house. He didn't like so many eyes on him.
Next to him was the Bonder, Mr. Messer. He was an older wizard with a finely trimmed friendly mutton chops. The man reminded harry of turn of the century print he had seen in book one time. Prim and Dobby stood at the end of the aisle, having shown people to their seats. Harry felt sad for Mrs. Granger sitting on her own in the front row. All the Grangers other relatives were either passed or distant enough that neither of her parents felt close enough to invite them.
Having left southern Surry County for the north, the Granger's didn't have any close friends up here, nor did they want to risk any of them being exposed to the world they now lived in. Thus, they sat in the front row with the other people they both considered family. Jason sat with Mrs. Granger, Theresa, Dawn and Bonnie. The Tonks sat with Remus on his side of the aisle. Dora was holding Remus hand and talking to him in a low voice. Harry smiled to see the smile on the man's face. He deserved a good life.
Behind them where more people that he had expected and what making him somewhat uncomfortable. Annabel sat with her family behind Mrs. Granger. There where the entire Weasley clan, Patils, Browns, Lovegoods and McKinnons. Next to the Weasleys was Percy, newly minted Scion Prewitt, with his betrothed, Ms. Clearwater. In two years he would turn twenty one and be able to take up as Lord Prewitt. Harry still had a hard time following all this.
Professor McGonagall, or Lady Ross as he know knew her as, sat with the Longbottoms, talking with the matron with the ugly vulture on her hat. Next to them sat Alexandra
After they woke this morning, Hermione had taken out the books Sirius had taken from his library and had started to trace the blood-lines of all the Houses mentioned last night. Harry knew his grandmother was a Black, but he had no clue that every three generations the bloodlines of the Potters and Blacks had intermingled. He had more Black blood in him than some that still carried the name in distant branches of the family.
And talking of the Blacks, his godfather stood next to him. He stood in for his father in the ceremony, and the person who would pass the Scion rights to House Potter. Sirius would retain the title of Lord Black until Harry came of age or he passed it along to a child of his and Hermione's.
His throat tightened to think of children. He was only fourteen. He didn't want to think of that, but he knew the potential of what Hermione and him did most days and what would be expected of them now. For now, he was trying to focus on the bonder next to him and not fidgeting too much.
All those thoughts ran out his head as Dobby started a record player and everyone stood. Hermione was his wife already, but something about this day felt so different. When she walked around the hedge, he forgot to breaths. She was wearing a pale blue dress that cinched at the waist and her hair was tamed and done up an up-do that was very elegant and flattering. He preferred the half-wild hair she usually had, but he could not deny how beautiful she was.
"You can put your tongue back in your mouth," Sirius said leaning into him.
Harry realized his mouth had opened. He snapped it shut. He didn't miss the satisfied look in his wife's eyes at his reaction. "Who are you to bring this woman before Heir Potter?"
"Daniel Granger, father of Hermione Potter nee Granger."
"Do you, as Head of your family, freely give this young woman," the man said with a smile.
"Her mother and I do," Mr. Granger said.
"You can lift her veil so that it is known she is a woman to be presented," the bonder said.
Hermione turned to her father and the shear veil was lifted over her head. "Thank you, daddy," she whispered as her father kissed her on the cheek.
"And who presents the heir of House Potter?"
"I do, his godfather, Sirius Black," Sirius spoke up. "I present the Heir Potter."
The man nodded and looked at him. "Does the Heir Potter wish to accept this woman into his House and name her the future Lady Potter, Heiress of the Potters?"
"Heir Potter does. He also wishes to accept the title of Heir Black and for his wife to take the title of Lady Black," Sirius told him.
The man nodded. "Is another representative of House Black here? Or anyone of the bloodline?"
Healer Tonks stood up. "I am Andromeda Tonks nee Black, blood relation to Lord Black."
"Do you have any objections or blood claim to this that you would like to protest this joining," the man asked.
"As the only other member of the Black family that is eligible for the title, I relinquish all claims and happily accept these two before you as Head of my birth House."
Harry looked at her. He knew Sirius had cast out a few others, but he hadn't realized Andromeda was the only other relation Sirius had. The man next to him rose his wand. "Let it be known that claim to the House of Black is transferred to Heir Potter, and through him his wife to be. No one still of the House lays claim to it and the new Heir is Black blood within the last five generations." As he finished, there was a glow from his wand and Harry felt something flow into him. It was powerful and disorientating. Sirius had to grab his arm to steady him and Hermione took a quick step towards him.
"Stay back for a moment," Sirius told her.
Harry blinked a few times. He had been told he would feel the power of the Black line as he took up the title of Heir, but it was more than he had expected. He stood, as the magic settled. Because he was already a relation of Sirius, he had some of the power of the Black line already, which made the transition easy and didn't require a blood ceremony. "You good, pup?"
Harry searched to find Hermione's eyes. He could sense she felt the magic. They were a bonded pair, meaning they shared some magic. She was now Heir Black as well, no matter what this ceremony did.
Her brown eyes anchored him and he stood up. "Yeah, fine," he told the man.
"You good to proceed, Mr. Potter?"
"Yes," he told the Bonder. Hermione reached her hand to him and he took it. The Bonder leaned in. "We aren't quiet to that part yet."
"I am not letting his hand go," she told the man and after a moment, he nodded his head.
"To those assembled, I now present the Heir Black. As Heir to House Potter and Black, do you still accept this woman into your House, into your life and into your bed?"
"I would never deny her that privilege," Harry said.
The man smiled. "And will you accept these titles and magic, Mrs. Potter?"
"Yes," she said to the man.
"Now, as these two are already bonded, I will not perform the bonding ritual and will not ask about any objections," the man said. "Instead, they have asked for more of a muggle ritual..."
A little while later, Harry smiled as Hermione lay her head on his shoulder as they completed their first dance together. "I told you you could dance," she whispered to him.
He shook his head. "I still stepped on your feet twice."
"You realize that we don't have the trace on us now, right," she asked. As of the time he had officially taken up the Heir of the House for both Houses, and he was married, the trace had been broken. It was an old law to allow scions of Houses with no other heirs to defend themselves and to do what was required of a Head of House when needed. It allowed him and his wife to now carry and use their wands when they wanted.
"I do, why," he asked her.
She pulled back to look him in the eyes. "I cast a charm on my shoes to make sure you didn't hurt my toes."
He smiled as she leaned up to kiss him.