Disclaimer: I do not own anything in the wonderful wizarding world and all credit must be given to Ms. JK Rowling, however, anything unrecognisable is of my own creation.

Chapter 40: Plus One

I've been spending a lot of time in the restricted section this week, attempting to read-up on techniques for developing a resistance to dark energy. Professor Cullen's says we're improving, but it just feels like I'm not getting anywhere with it. During our last training session, she'd hit us with a much higher level of dark energy, and it's the first time that Sirius hadn't coped. He insisted that he was fine, but I could tell he wasn't. He'd been irritable for a day or so, until I'd pulled him into that broom cupboard. He'd been rather dazed after the broom cupboard, though had quickly returned to his usual mischievous self, by the time we'd reached the common room. I never did find out where he and James had disappeared to that evening. I rolled over in bed this morning, to find Sirius already awake.

"Morning," I mumbled. We'd been studying in my dorm last night, so I hadn't expected Sirius to stay the night.

"Morning, sweetheart," he smiled. I wiggled further into Sirius's arms, although as I did, the dormitory window clatter open. There was then lots of shooing and screaming, and as we drew back the curtains around my bed, we found Marlene and Dorcas attempting to encourage a rather scared looking owl back out of the window. I hopped out of bed, leaving Sirius sitting there with an amused smile on his lips. I picked up the envelope that the owl had dropped.

"It's addressed to you, Siri," I said. The envelope was very formal looking, sealed with an iridescent wax seal. I watched Sirius climb out of bed to retrieve the envelope. He frowned but broke the seal. I peered over his shoulder as he pulled the wedding invitation out of the envelop.

Cygnus and Druella Black,

cordially invite Mr. Sirius Orion Black III (plus one guest)

to witness the joyous marriage of their daughter,

Narcissa Black,

to

Lucius Malfoy.

Malfoy Manor, Wiltshire

Saturday Twenty-third of July

at Eleven o'clock.

Sirius passed me the invitation, whilst shrugging.

"Just another Black wedding," he commented. Dorcus was peering over my shoulder by now.

"It'll be your wedding one of these days, Black." She said. I was almost certain that I saw a small grin on Sirius's face at this point.

"Perhaps," he said. "There's only Reg and I to go after Cissy."

"That means you're next," Dorcus joked. Sirius glared at her.

"It'll be alright, Sirius." Marlene stated, "Violetta will make a lovely bride."

"Ha ha," he sarcastically replied, "that's not funny."

Marlene smirked, "it is." Her and Dorcus then disappeared off to breakfast. Sirius wrapped his arms around me, plucking the invitation from my hands.

"We should send the R.S.V.P," Sirius suggested, kissing me on the cheek. I nodded, whilst beginning to get ready for breakfast. The little owl that had delivered the invitation, was now perched, out of reach, on Dorcus's bedframe. I watched Sirius coo at the little owl, until it clumsily fell down from its perch.

"You're such a stupid little thing," he smirked, attaching the R.S.V.P card to the little owl's leg. He then placed the little owl on its own feet, and we watched as it awkwardly took off out the window.

We found James fighting with another little owl, who appeared to be holding another wedding invitation, as we entered the Great Hall. The little owl clearly didn't want to let go of the envelope. Sirius smirked.

"Looks like Malfoy scrimped on the owls," he commented taking a seat. I sat beside him, helping myself to some eggs and toast.

"Just give me the letter," James continued, pleading with the little owl. The little owl proceeded to bite James, before dropping the envelope into his breakfast. "Little bugger," James grumbled, picking up the envelope and opening it. His face fell.

"What's it say?" Lily asked.

"You alright, Prongs?" Sirius continued when James didn't speak.

"They've given me a plus one," James stammered, staring towards Lil, who looked rather confused by now.

"It's an invitation to Malfoy's wedding," I explained.

"Aww," Sirius teased, "Prongsie… auntie will be so thrilled; her little boy and his date." James threw a piece of toast at Sirius, whilst Lily took the invitation.

She smiled, "can I be your plus one?"

James raised his eyebrows, "who else would I even ask." Lil smiled, turning to me.

"Can we go dress shopping together?" she asked.

I smiled, "yes, definitely." Lily's apparently been planning her first time as James's 'date' to an event like this, because she knew exactly what sort of dress she wanted. I haven't even decided what to wear to Hogsmeade next weekend, never mind what to wear to this wedding. We were still talking about dresses as we walked down to double potions class.

After double potions, I wandered up to Dumbledore's office. Sirius had disappeared somewhere with the Marauders to set-up their latest prank, which seems to involve tonight's pumpkin pasties. I climbed the helical staircase and knocked. There was a moments silence, before Albus spoke.

"Come in, Miss Granger." He said. I slowly opened the door to find Albus talking to Professor Cullen. Professor Cullen looked very different in her Death Eater disguise. Her eyes are blood red and her skin's much paler. She smiled at me, which was a little terrifying.

"Hello Hermione," she greeted.

"Have you found another horcrux?" I asked, sounding hopeful.

Professor Cullen chuckled, "possibly."

"Really?" I continued, taking the seat beside her. I watched as Albus steepled his fingers.

"It seems, from Professor Cullen's research," he began, "that Tom has entrusted one to Bellatrix."

"Bellatrix was bragging that her and Lestrange received a wedding gift from the Dark Lord," Professor Cullen continued. "I haven't seen it… but I believe it may be a horcrux. It's in their Gringotts vault." I frowned; there's no way we'd get past Gringotts security. "I shall look into it further Albus," Professor Cullen said, before rising to her feet.

Albus nodded, "that would be much appreciated, my dear." I watched Professor Cullen leave as Albus continued, "Professor Cullen informs me, that you and Mr. Black are now ready to face the Gaunt Estate." I glanced towards him.

"We are?" I didn't feel ready.

"I thought we'd attempt to retrieve the ring next Thursday evening," he continued. I just nodded, not knowing what to say. "Did you have something to tell me?" I remained silent for a moment, before nodded.

"Yes," I started, "Sirius and I received an invitation to Narcissa and Lucius's wedding this morning."

Albus smiled, "excellent. It seems everything is falling in place."

A/N: Hope you all enjoy these two chapters... Love RoxanneTheLaugh x.