Happy Friday!

Chapter 87

Jasmine and James made their way over to Danuja Fujiwara, one of the most influential people in the room. Though it seemed that many of the purebloods were unaware of the foreign magical royalty in their presence. Well, Heiress Fujiwara wasn't technically royalty, but the young woman was just about the equivalent of a Duchess in the English royal system. Most of the guests barely looked her way, and if they did it was to turn their noses up at her kimono.

Jasmine cast a silent translation spell on herself. She wasn't fluent in Japanese, she might know some of the ancient runes and enough to get through some causal conversations, but she wouldn't be able to easily speak with Heiress Fujiwara. The young woman deserved to have comfortable communication if Jasmine was able to provide it, she would. The translation spell she used had been taught to her by the runemasters for their trip around the world. It was apparently something that Simon had created on his own and not one that he shared outside of Celeste and Jasmine. Well, it was also shared with Petunia, but she couldn't do much with it.

It was brave of Heiress Fujiwara to come all the way out to England without her family in the first place. The least Jasmine could do would be to speak to her in her native language. After sorting through Jasmine's memories originally, it was difficult not hearing people speak in German constantly. She had an inkling of what the other woman was going through.

James was waving to her as they approached, gaining a small smile from the other girl. Jasmine wasn't even sure if the Marauders, besides Sirius, understood the power this young woman held. When they finally reached speaking distance Heiress Fujiwara approached them. "James, it's nice to see you. Happy belated solstice. Who is your friend?" Her English was accented, but comprehensible.

James motioned to Jasmine, grinning, "This is my cousin, Jasmine Peverell."

Heiress Fujiwara's eyes widened as she looked Jasmine over, her gaze traveled from head to toe, and then she frowned. "I thought that you would be taller…" she murmured in Japanese. The translation spell seemed to be working just fine.

Why did everyone think she was taller than she actually was?

"I've been told that more times than is probably necessary. It's a pleasure to finally meet you. I've heard quite a bit about you from the boys."

Her cheeks reddened slightly, her mouth slightly agape at the language coming out of Jasmine's mouth. Her accent could probably still use work, even with the spell helping her along. James had an eyebrow raised. He couldn't understand her, Merlin knew the boy had a hard enough time with English, so he shrugged his shoulders and excused himself with a dramatic bow.

"You speak Japanese?" She asked in a hushed whisper.

Jasmine had to resist the laugh that threatened to bubble out. "A bit, but this is mostly a very handy translation spell one of my runemasters taught me. How are you enjoying the party?"

Her nose wrinkled. "I don't understand why you celebrate a non-magical holiday. The Solstice was a few short days ago. I would have been at my family's shrine giving thanks. It's very strange here to celebrate a muggle religious holiday."

Jasmine let out a small chuckle. It was certainly strange in England. That much Jasmine could completely agree with. "I can imagine. I've been traveling the last few months and it always reminds me how old-fashioned England is, but when it comes to holidays they were one of the first countries to abandon magical holiday celebrations in favor of church mandated holidays."

"It's no wonder you don't respect magical creatures in this country with those kinds of policies. Too many religions decide what makes a monster, or what defines something as impure. Japan is home to many ancient and magical creatures. We don't attempt to tame or kill them. Our magic is a part of us and we must respect that. It seems that you are being taught those principles. The Lady of Destiny urged me to come to England to find something I would need and in return I would lend aid to someone in need."

Destiny was an interesting deity to serve. They were similar to Fate, but they weren't trying to balance anything. Some people were born with a better fortune than others. Sometimes Lady Magic decided who was fortunate and who wasn't. Those in Destiny's service always had some kind of agenda to fulfill, if they managed it the deity would favor their family for the time being. Jasmine wondered what kind of mission the Fujiwara clan had to accomplish for their familial deity.

"I'm assuming that you've gained Remus' affection? That was your boon?"

The young woman blushed. "It wasn't what I was expecting when I agreed to this meeting with the Black Family. Remus is a kind man and our magic is compatible. His inner creature is something that is sought after back home. Magical creatures are cherished. I didn't realize how different that was here."

Remus must have nearly had a meltdown if she recognized that he was a werewolf right away. "Yes, magical Britain isn't that open to people that aren't purebloods born and raised on the island. I do hope you treat Remus with the kindness he deserves. He's a close friend of mine. He has a large heart and is always willing to give a piece of himself to help others, even if it hurts him. I don't want to see him used because you find him exotic."

Werewolves weren't that common in Asia. They had a multitude of other werecreatures that tended to roam around. Kitsune were common in Japan, where different types of werecats were common throughout China.

Danuja crossed her arms over her chest. "I wouldn't take advantage of his kindness. It has been hard enough to get into his good graces. The man can't take a compliment if I threw it one at him. He's brilliant and creative. Not to mention that he keeps his friends in line. I've only known him for a short time, but I'm willing to fight for him, even if he thinks it isn't worth my time."

Merlin, that sounds like Remus. "He's been fighting on you on the decision to court him?"

She sat herself on the fountains edge and groans, "He's beyond stubborn about it. He thinks I can do better than a half blood dark creature. As if I didn't know the kind of person I would be looking for in a life partner. It is the same way the Black Heir pines after you. Don't think I haven't heard the rumors about that."

Jasmine waved her hand in an attempt to change the subject, "Enough about romance. Is there anything that the Peverell family can help you with while I'm here? I know the Black Family is offering trade of goods and services. My family can do the same. I'm training to be a Rune and Ward Master for Gringotts. I'm actually going to be traveling to Japan for the next leg of my trip."

Heiress Fujiwara smiled, her shockingly white teeth glinting in the twinkling light around them. "I would love to discuss warding possibilities. My family home might need their wards updated. There's always some kind of political nonsense going on and a bit more protection never hurt anyone."

The two young women discussed potential trade agreements and swapped school stories. Heiress Fujiwara seemed kind. Jasmine could see why Remus cared for her and if he let her slip away she would beat the man silly. With Heiress Fujiwara's connections Remus would never have trouble job hunting ever again. Not to mention that vast libraries on defense magic that her family is rumored to have locked away would keep him occupied for years.

"I think you and I are going to get along, Lady Peverell. It isn't often that I meet another woman that knows how to disembowel a man twice her height."

Jasmine raised a still full glass of champagne that had been left for her to drink by one of the staff. "It isn't often I meet a woman that understands and apricates magical creatures as independent beings and wants them to have rights. It's a lovely change of pace."

The Heiress laughs, light and airy. Her glass was long forgotten and untouched. "I might not have brokered the marriage my father would have preferred, but I have made invaluable business connections while here. Sirius crafted quite the deal. He might not act like it, but he is as cunning as anyone in his family, if not more so."

The air in the room shifted slightly. Jasmine could sense the magic in the air had changed. Tension laced the area. Heiress Fujiwara froze, her lighthearted demeanor gone in an instant. Her eyes were locked on a figure behind Jasmine. She could hear footsteps approaching her she stretched her rune vision out, but it was too late to get up and run.

"Ah, Lady Peverell, what a surprise to see you here. I had heard you were traveling the world." The slimy voice of Tom Riddle commented. She could almost see the disgustingly charming grin on his face as he said it.

He didn't even acknowledge Heiress Fujiwara, which seemed to be enough of a dismissal. The woman gave a small bow and excused herself, and gave Jasmine an apologetic grimace. Well, there went her one chance at controlling the flow of conversation.

If he thought that Jasmine could be won over with false charm, he'd be in for a nasty surprise. Jasmine could hardly take a true compliment at face value, all this fake nonsense did nothing for her.

"Ah, Mr. Riddle, it has been quite a while since I saw you last. I'm currently on a small break from my internship. My teachers are spending the holiday season with their family, so I was tasked with doing the same thing. I didn't know that you knew the Black Family."

Jasmine was going to have to have words with Orion and Cassiopeia if they were going to let the Dark Lord run around their Christmas Galas. She placed her flute of champagne down with a quite clink on the fountain's edge as she waited for him to respond.

His lips curled as he watched her. "I am here as a plus one from the Osborn Family. The Lady of the House was recently widowed and needed company for the evening."

Lady Osborn was known for going through husbands and their money at such a quick rate that many probably thought that Riddle was her next conquest. Poor woman.

"I don't see Lady Osborn. Is there a reason that you sought me out? While my internship isn't conventional it isn't something that would usually gain interest from someone in wizarding law."

It was just Jasmine's luck that he would gain some kind of sick fixation on her even without the "chosen one" schtick going for her.

He grinned, showing slightly pointed canines. "The Black Family thinks very highly of you. I wanted to see why. Not many can gain their respect."

She nodded and stood up, her frame was much smaller than his, but she still felt that her attitude made up for the height difference. "I don't owe you an explanation. If you have questions about the Black Family and their methods of choosing allies, speak to them about it."

"That isn't the only reason that I've approached you, Lady Peverell."

She raised an eyebrow, he wasn't just here to harass her, what a shocking turn of events. Then again, he didn't know all that much about her, so this Tom was more than likely attempting to figure her out.

"Is there a specific reason that you've come to speak to me, other than bad mouth our hosts?"

His lip curled a bit. Though, she wasn't sure if he found her comment humorous or rude. She hoped for the latter.

"It has come to my attention that you have yet to secure of marriage contract. A few close purebloods from prominent families have expressed interest in negotiating one. From that I understand the Black Family is making it nearly impossible for them to have their children court your properly."

Jasmine resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "If they want to contact me, they are free to do so. I do not control what the Black Family does. I have received invitation from foreign witches and wizards. I don't see why you would be bringing this up at a Black Family event. It is once again insulting our hosts," she reminded, arms crossed. While she wasn't the biggest fan of having most options for romance blocked it wasn't something that she was actively searching for while working on her internship and eventually hunting horcruxes.

"My clients are wealthy purebloods from Dark Families. Quite a few are in attendance. I would be more than happy to introduce you." He held out his arm.

Jasmine would rather light herself on fire than touch him. Apparition was still possible within the Ministry. If she took his hand he could whisk her away somewhere. She wasn't going to risk it.

"Why do I get the feeling that you have other motives past marriage contracts, Mr. Riddle?"

The Dark Lord's grin turned predatory, his canines clearly visible. They weren't the snake like fangs she remembers from the future, but the animalistic nature of his grin was already there. "You aren't nearly as foolish as the masses seem to think you are. Foreign witch or not, you recognize power when it appears before you. Power calls to power after all. I think it would do you well to realize your place amongst your peers-" His hand moved to grab her before a shout from a few meters away caught their attention. Jasmine's hand was millimeters away from her wand holster. Sirius was making his way over to them. His black dress robes were perfectly tailored to fit his form. His usually wavy hair was slicked back and styled out of the way. He was every bit the pureblood heir that his father had trained. Honestly, if Jasmine hadn't heard his voice, she would have thought that he was Orion, but twenty years younger.

"Mr. Riddle, your date has expressed a wish to leave. I think it would be best to escort the poor woman home. I will be more than happy to entertain Lady Peverell in your absence," Sirius said in a tone of voice that left little room for argument.

Tom glared, more than likely itching for his wand, but alas, he couldn't just murder Sirius here for ordering him around.

Moments later the Dark Lord was gone and Jasmine relaxed. She gave Sirius a weak smile before she was enveloped in a very quick hug. "How did you know I was here?"

"Heiress Fujiwara found me. She said that she thought that you were in trouble."

Jasmine shivered as she watched Tom Riddle's retreating figure. "She was right. It isn't every day you are approached the current rising Dark Lord."

Sirius' eyes widened hi steely gaze looking at the path Riddle took to leave. "He's the Dark Lord? Isn't he a half blood and lawyer? What is he doing sprouting Pureblood supremacy propaganda?"

Jasmine nodded with a lopsided grin, the scar on her lip pulling. "Yes, you might have saved me from being kidnapped this evening. He seemed very intent on being alone with me. I think I might have piqued his interest. I've been approached by his followers before."

Sirius ran a hand through his hair, the strands never coming out of place. He must have had a rather powerful charm on it. "Yes, and you've also been attacked by his followers on multiple occasions. I can see if my family can start blacklisting him and his associates. I'm assuming you've fought before…during other lives?"

She sighed as he trailed off, "Never like this. He had never been sane when I've fought him before. I don't quite know what to expect from him."

"So much for time travel…" Sirius muttered under his breath, but Jasmine caught it and shoved him none too gently. He staggered a bit, nearly falling into the fountain.

"Hush up. I'm doing what I can," she replied, resting her head against his shoulder. The area they were in was secluded enough. There was a reason that Riddle approached her here.

"How have you been, Jazz?" He asked, pulling her away and giving her a once over. It had been quite a while since they'd seen each other face to face after all. Jasmine didn't think that she had changed all that much, but Petunia had mentioned that she was starting to look more like a woman and less like a teenager.

Whatever that meant.

It was so rare for Harriet to make it out of her teens. It was strange to even think about being an adult.

"I've been alright. Busy running around South and Central America. Learned about blood magic runes and warding. Might have saved a village from a vengeful spirit or two," she shrugged and then motioned to his hair, "is there a reason that you're dressed up like your father?"

Sirius' cheeks turned a bright pink. "He wants me to start running point on our family functions since I'm of age now. I'm nearly positive he just wants to get hammered with his old school mates and not need to worry about hosting."

"I'm surprised he didn't delegate this to Reggie. This seems like something he would excel at."

Sirius crossed his arms and pouted, "The traitor is in Moscow for the holidays. Mikhail wanted to show him the beauty that is Russia with his family. I'm nearly positive that he's going to propose. My father has been talking with the Medvedeva Family about marriage alliances for the past month. Regulus doesn't have any idea."

"It's going to be a long engagement, Sirius."

"He isn't even of age yet, Jazz."

"He is in Russia and quite a few other countries outside of the United Kingdom. Speaking of engagements, Heiress Fujiwara seems nice. Remus is lucky to have met her."

Sirius snorted, "She's something else, alright. She is great a brokering deals. Our families came to an accord. I bet she got you to agree to something as well. Though speaking of deals, I do have something for you, Jazz." Sirius reached into the breast pocket of his robes and pulled out an envelope. It had Jasmine's name written elegantly on the front. "Let me know what you think. I need to get back to the party. Someone is going to realize that I'm not mingling and I don't want my aunt to think that I'm slacking."

Jasmine gently plucked it from his hands. He didn't wait for her to open it before making his way back towards the party. She sat down on the lip of the fountain before she ran her finger down the seam of the envelope, the wax seal on the back released easily enough. Jasmine pulled the parchment out, there were quite a few pages stuff into the envelope. She wasn't sure how Sirius managed to wedge it all in there.

The pages were handwritten in Sirius' elegant script. There were multiple crossed out words across the pages. Jasmine let out a fond sigh as she sat down to read what he had written. Her eyes widened as she scanned the parchment.

"Holy Merlin," she muttered flipping the page.

"Jazz, is something going on? Padfoot said someone was bothering you earlier?" James had turned the corner his glasses were sliding off his nose.

Something must have shown on her face because he peered over her shoulder to see what was in her hands.

"Sweet Morgana, he actually did it." James sat down next to her, reading over her shoulder. "He drew up a marriage contract for the two of you."

Jasmine nodded numbly. It had been completely handwritten, which was rather sweet of him to do.

"I'm going to find mum. She's going to want to hear about this! Don't move!" James exclaimed in a rush as he hurried out of the room. Jasmine flipped through the contract only to have a small letter fall into her lap. There was no wax seal on the back, just a shoddy drawing of a dog

Jazz,

I know I'm not acting like much of a Gryffindor at the moment. I should be speaking to you about this face to face, but I know that I will muck it up something awful. I have a tendency to stick my foot into my mouth. So, here's the contract I wrote myself. Dad wanted me to write one for Heiress Fujiwara, but we were never going to get married. I think you and I both knew that even after our small fall out in July. Instead of wallowing in self-pity I made one for you. It's far better than what my father and aunt wrote up. You are welcome to edit it however you want and send it back to me. We can iron out the details and bring it to my father and aunt. I'm tired of you not getting a say in what your future will be in regards to marriage…that is, if you would accept it, me.

Despite the challenge of coming to terms with everything that happened in July, I realized how much I missed you while at Hogwarts. We'd become such good friends over the past two years. It didn't make sense for me to pick anyone but you for this position in my life. I hope you feel the same.

I suppose that we're going to take the phrase "till Death do us part" to an entirely different level.

Reply in your own time, but don't leave me guessing too long, you know how patient I am, or how I'm in no way able to sit still for more than a few moments at a time.

Yours Truly,

Sirius

Jasmine tucked the envelope into the pocket of her robes right as Euphemia came bustling into the room with James on her heels. Her aunt swept her into a tight embrace. "Congratulations, darling. You two have been circling each other for the better part of a year. Monty and I were wondering when this was going to happen."

Jasmine felt something wet hit her hand as Euphemia wiped her thumb under Jasmine's left eye. Had she started crying?

She gave a small laugh handing the contract over to her aunt. "I suppose you will want to look it over?"

"I doubt Sirius would put in something ridiculous, but Orion can be a bad influence at times. Let's head home for the evening. We have quite a few things to discuss before you are off to Asia for the next four months."

Red alert! The ship is possibly setting sail! =D Red Alert! Next chapter we continue out gaunt around the world with Jasmine and Co. What will she see and learn in Asia? What trouble will Petunia possible get into? Is Jasmine going to say yes (which is more than likely the question plaguing you all)?

Also, I had at least 1 correct guess for Jasmine's animgus form! =D Hint: It is not the same as her patronus.

Thank you all so much for the favorites, reviews and follows! You guys are the best!

The next update will be on September 18th!

See you then,
~Animerocker