Author's Note: Hi, sorry about yesterday. I've been sick. See you again on Thursday or Friday. MNF

Chapter 17:

Press

"Of all the things Lily could have told us, that hadn't entered my mind," Junie said as she changed in her closet. She still was struggling with nudity in light versus nudity in the dark. It wasn't that she was embarrassed of her body, she just was modest.

"Lily kissed another man," Sirius said disbelievingly as he strolled past the partially closed door. He had no such worries about his nudity. It only took a few nights of her living here to discover that pyjamas or even pants were something he'd done solely for her comfort, and usually, he slept naked. She was still adjusting to it, although she usually ended up mostly naked as well.

"It wasn't like that," Junie corrected as she came out of her closet in the Queen shirt Sirius had been wearing earlier. It barely covered her bum, which pleased him. "She was high on potion fumes, and he took advantage of the situation. Apparently, he'd been flirting with her rather shamelessly, even though she'd always shut him down before."

"She needs to report him," Sirius said in all seriousness. "There are laws against such a thing."

"We convinced her to go to the Head of Hospital Operations tomorrow and lodge a complaint. Marley is going with her since I will be busy in the morning." Sunday was usually quiet at St. Mungo's, but either the Head or the Deputy administrator would be on duty.

"Good. You ready for what's likely to happen after this article comes out on Monday?" Sirius asked as he wrapped his arms around Junie after she'd slid into bed. She pulled the blankets up over them and relaxed against him.

"It can't be worse than the rumours that went rampant after the first story. No gossip this time, just facts and a request that we be left alone. I hope we're granted it."

"Would it be so awful for everyone to be awaiting news of our wedding, Junie?"

"No, but I feel like running off and getting married right now would be a bit impulsive, and I am not an impulsive person. Last month, moving in with you was the most impulsive thing I've done since I let Marley cut my hair in school. We all know how that turned out." No one talked about the month when Junie was forced to wear hats due to the horrible short cut she had. Madame Pomfrey saw her for a Potions burn three weeks later, and not only fixed the burn and repaired her hair.

"Luv, this isn't like that at all. Any of us could have told you not to let Marlene near your hair, but you were too kind to say no. Junie, I'm not going anywhere. I'm tied to you; we're Heart-Bound. There isn't anything I don't want to share with you."

"I feel the same, but you haven't even formally asked me to marry you."

"Juniper Meadows, will you –"

"Don't you dare ask me when we're mostly naked and in bed! I expect better from a man who arranged for my romantic Valentine's dinner." With that, she settled down between the sheets.

"Are you sleepy, Junie?" he whispered seductively.

"Not really."

"Good," he replied, reaching over to her bedside table to grab her wand, and put out the lights. "When you told everyone we would have spent the day naked, and in bed, I developed some wicked ideas I plan on sharing with you tonight."

"Lucky me."

"You ready for this?" Junie asked Sirius as they stood before the Floo at Grimmauld Place. They would be going into the Ministry and having the interview in his office there. She straightened his tie one more time; it kept wanting to go askew, which was likely caused by Sirius disliking it so. He usually didn't wear one, although the red patterned tie went well with his black robes, the cape lined in the same red. His family crest was emblazoned on the jacket of his robes, and affected an air of political respectability. Junie had dressed in a new set of robes, which were in a peacock blue and black. The top was blue, then flared into a pleated skirt of black with the blue between the pleats. The jacket was black, long, and lined with a paisley print, which featured the blue prominently. Junie wore the jewellery from Sirius. Together, they looked like a posh, polished, and powerful couple.

"If you are, I am."

"Okay then, let's get this over. I still have a stack of exams to correct before I go in tomorrow."

"I want to review some legislation while you do that," Sirius stated. Hand in hand, they Flooed directly from Grimmauld Place into the suite for the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot. Sirius' office manager was already there, waiting for them.

"Good morning, sir, ma'am; your interviewer is waiting in the outer office for me to bring him in," Madeline Knotworthy said. She was in her late fifties, smartly dressed, and probably the most capable person Sirius had ever worked with. He'd asked her to come over from the Minister's office when he took the position. It was all a bit too much for his assistant, Davis Hawkins. Sirius was considering having Hawkins switch to dealing with his personal holdings and affairs and promoting Madeline to his professional assistant. He'd supplement her salary personally if necessary. Sirius was not taking the Chief Warlock's salary, so money should be there to pay her more.

"Give us a few minutes and then show the gentleman back. After that, would you bring in a tea tray, please?" Sirius directed.

"Certainly, sir," Madeline said before walking off toward the front of the office suite.

"She might be the first woman I've ever met who wasn't wooed by your charm," Junie said after witnessing the two.

"That would be because we're related, albeit distantly, and she's a lesbian. I think it would be far more likely you'd woo her. However, as good as she, I'd not stand for someone else flirting with you," he said sweetly before kissing her quickly. "Come on, and I want to be seated before the reporter comes in. I want to be in the position of power as he enters." He said as he led them to his office.

While Junie had never visited the office while Dumbledore held the position, she vividly remembered the description Sirius had given her. Much like his headmaster's office at Hogwarts, the office was filled with spinning gadgets and whirling spheres. Several massive crystals hung from the ceiling, and there were ancient books scattered across the long table the office held. Thick, dark drapes hung from the charmed window, blocking out what light the opening provided, and the entire room felt oppressive and a tad frightening.

Upon entering, Junie saw that Sirius had done away with nearly all the heaviness of the room. The charmed window, they were below ground, after all, was only covered by a thin, light filtering sheer in a very pale blue, giving the impression of a sunny sky outside. The blue carried over into the wall colour, a blue-grey not unlike the shade of his eyes. The rug was a deep blue, and the furniture was in a light oak shade, keeping it from feeling overbearing. Junie hadn't seen the finished product, but they'd talked a great deal about the design. She wondered if Sirius had discussed the colours with Ginny.

The bookshelves which ringed two sides of the office were filled with books and folios on wizarding history and law, many of which had come from various Black family homes. James had presented Sirius with a set of the current law books that Cambridge's wizarding college used to train barristers and attorneys. Junie had often thought Sirius was smart enough to have gone to school with her and then continued for his certifications. What he knew as a layperson was astounding.

Where the massive thick rowan table had been, Sirius replaced it with a smaller table – one that would seat six rather than the fourteen the previous one did. Due to freed-up space, Sirius was able to have a small sitting grouping in his inner sanctum. James had teased that he'd just wanted a place to make out with his girlfriend, Sirius rebutted. He could have more casual conversations with people like James, the Minister, and Amelia Bones, other members of the Wizengamot. He didn't like the idea of speaking to those he was striving to work with from behind a desk. He wanted them to be on even footing.

Today, however, he was going to be the one with the upper hand. Profound had promised him the reporter would be fair, but Sirius was still concerned. Greyson Milliander was from a well-known wizarding family and had been a major news reporter for several decades. He'd met Sirius several times at Ministry functions and had even interviewed Sirius when he'd become interim Chief Warlock. He trusted the man to be fair when reporting on political issues. This was different, however, as Junie and his private life were involved.

"Here, I want you at the head of the table," Sirius said.

"Why?" Junie asked.

"Because you have far more at risk with this interview," he answered. "If I sit to your side, we are giving the impression of a united front, but I am in a position to protect you. Trust me, Remus and I went through a dozen different scenarios to find the one which would portray what I wanted."

"I'm more than capable of taking care of myself."

"I know, and I don't doubt you could, but it is your privacy I want to be protected. I want you to be able to teach for as long as you want, and if the wrong message is sent with this article, it might be hard. I've seen it before."

"What do you mean? No one cared when you were dating Amelia. I saw one small article."

"That's because no one wants to cross Amelia Bones. No, it was when I was with Lady Sarah -." Sirius was cut off by Madeline walking in, Milliander close behind. Sirius stood to shake his hand, but Junie remained seated and politely nodded at him per their conversation at home. Sirius did not want Milliander to feel like he had a connection to Juniper as they began. If he were respectful of her, then she'd let her natural kindness flow.

Greyson Milliander was an interesting looking man; short, reed-thin with an elongated head and face. His nose was protruding out at a sharp angle, his eyes were small and dark, and he had a tuft of hair on the top of his head, stark white and which was in utter disarray. The overall appearance made him appear like a human version of a heron.

"Good morning, Chief Warlock Black, Professor Meadows," he said in a voice which was far too deep for his frail exterior. Sirius and Junie said their hellos in an overlapping cadence.

Sirius had the man sit down next to him, although Sirius had nearly crossed the table's rounded edge, so he sat next to Junie; their clasped hands were laid on the table.

"Thank you so much for granting this interview," Milliander began. "The public is very interested in your lives."

"Well, we've agreed to this interview to put some rumours to rest and then to ask for our privacy. While Professor Meadows does work at Hogwarts, she is a private citizen and deserves to live her life that way," Sirius stated firmly.

"Certainly, you both understand that with your very public status, you're going to be objects of fascination."

"What I think Sirius is attempting to say," Junie began, "is that while his career makes him a public figure, we are not public servants in the traditional sense of the word. We are willing to share our story, but there are protections in both wizarding law and Great Britain's laws that shield our privacy. Having my picture taken for use in a publication without my permission or the bins in my garden being riffled through went against these laws. Should future similar acts occur, it would be within my rights to ask for prosecution of those who committed these invasions." Sirius realized there was nothing to worry about concerning Junie's protection. She was more than capable of taking care of herself.

"I understand, Professor Meadows," the reporter said quickly. "My goal today is to find out what it's been like receiving your Heart-Bond name at such an advanced –" Junie cut him off with a clearing of her throat.

"Later point in your lives," Milliander changed his question quickly. "I'd also like to know how you feel being tied to someone you've known for nearly thirty years."

"The latter was a revelation all of its own," Sirius said. "Had I known the person who would so perfectly complete me was right in front of me, I would have acted on it long ago."

"So, you never thought about dating one another?"

"We nearly did while we were at Hogwarts."

"What happened?"

"I was stupid," Sirius admitted freely. Junie wouldn't have phrased it that way.

"I don't think stupid is the correct word," Junie said. "I dislike that word as a teacher. We were both immature, and unfortunately for us, the impressions made at that time followed us for years. I agree with Sirius, however; if I'd known I could be this happy with him, I would have made a move years ago." The trio laughed at her inflection.

"I can tell you're thrilled with each other and obviously happy in your relationship," Milliander said. "What was that morning like when the name finally appeared on your chest."

"I thought a student had pranked me somehow, possibly with itching powder," Junie admitted. "When I saw it was HIS name, I was quite unhappy. That said, he was persuasive when we met later that day. I also need to thank Headmistress McGonagall for convincing me to give him an open opportunity to woo me." Sirius laughed lightly at this.

"Yes, Minerva was my best advocate," he said.

"No, you were your own best advocate," Junie gently corrected him. "Minerva was the voice of reason."

The couple talked back and forth, answering the reporter's questions in tandem for another half an hour. It was comfortable, easy and Milliander saw how much they cared for each other.

"So, will you be getting married? Starting a family?" he asked, and Junie froze.

"We haven't planned that far ahead," Sirius said. "It's only been two months, and we're both busy with our careers, considering marriage and children would be something we'd need to assess how we would proceed. I don't intend to say something in haste that doesn't consider all the possible scenarios. I've watched my friends all need to make professional accommodations due to their growing families."

"Are you saying you'd leave your position to raise any children you might have? Chief Warlock Black, you were just elected to a ten-year term." Milliander said, surprised.

"Sirius didn't say that," Junie jumped in. "He's saying that if we were to have children, we would both make adjustments. Children need to know they are loved; they need to know someone takes responsibility for their welfare and physical needs, and they need to know they are safe. Both parents are involved in those activities. We truly are a new couple, and we're adjusting to being a couple. We've both lived on our own for a long time. We should have a greater degree of comfort with each other before we add another person into the mix."

"I understand you've moved out of the Hogwarts building, Professor Meadows. Are you sharing a house?"

"Yes," she answered forthrightly. "If we'd been matched when we were seventeen, we would have spent all day, every day with each other. Because we are older and both in demanding careers, we don't have the luxury of talking at all hours of the day. We found that an hour or two at night left us needing more. My move facilitated us having more time together."

"Any adjustments to living together?"

"I remodelled my house in hopes one day my Junie would move in," Sirius said.

"Really?" Milliander said.

"After my mother's death, I razed the old building and started over. I'd always planned a suite of rooms for myself, but when it came time to decorate them, I couldn't do it. I slept in a different room and left the suite alone. When I awoke with Junie's name, I was suddenly compelled to complete the rooms in the hope that we'd share them someday. Thankfully I did them in the way of which she approved."

"You decorated these rooms of yours with her in mind?" Milliander was sceptical.

"I did. I even consulted with one of her best friends about colours and wood choices."

"It's the most romantic thing I could ever think of," Junie admitted. "I've never had a man do something like that for me before. Sirius is exceptionally romantic."

"Oh?"

"He's presented me with jewellery throughout our courtship, and it was a brave thing to do, as I didn't usually wear any. While I was living in the castle, he made sure I always had fresh flowers in my rooms. He would write love letters daily." Junie looked at Sirius, tears in her eyes. He leaned over and kissed her crown. "I have never been loved like this in my whole life."

"I've never had a woman I love as I love you, my Junie," Sirius answered.

"You two are happy," Milliander said under his breath. There was silence in the room for a moment. The reporter finally broke the bubble.

"I can't let this interview pass without asking about your past relationships, Chief Warlock. We know some of your former partners have expressed their distrust in your devotion to your Heart-Bonded partner, Junie. While I can see your devotion to each other, is there anything you'd like to say to them?"

Sirius sighed loudly and scrubbed his face with his free hand. "I'm sorry for any ill-will or ill-feelings you have toward me. I never intended to hurt anyone. I would ask for forgiveness and for Juniper to be left alone."

"What do you mean?" Milliander asked and Sirius sighed again, but it was Junie who spoke now.

"After the first salacious article came out, several women saw fit to either beg me to walk away from him before I was hurt or chose to fling insults at me. There were a few threats made against me. My post is now being routed through the Aurors offices, like Sirius' is. I would also speak to Sirius' former lovers and say I'm sorry his heart wasn't free. I think somewhere deep inside us both knew we were going to obtain our Heart-Bond one day, and we never allowed ourselves to commit to another."

Milliander thought that was an excellent place to end the article, and he'd promised to add the request for privacy to his story.

"Let your boss know that I'll be anxious to read this article, and I expect it to be fair. If it is, you will be the person we contact with further news," Sirius said sternly. Profound knew his job would be on the line if the article didn't reflect the interview.

"I write news, not gossip. I swear on my press credentials, this will be a fair article. It was a pleasure to see you again, Chief Warlock, and to meet you, Professor Meadows." Milliander shook both their hands as they stood, and Sirius walked him to the front of the offices and where Madeline was awaiting him. The couple Flooed home not long after. They were surprised to find James sitting on the stairs, a bottle of rum in his hands.

"Lily kissed another man, Padfoot. Can I stay here?" he asked. Junie and Sirius looked at each other before Junie turned around and Flooed to the Potters, and Sirius put a hand on his friend's shoulder and Disapparated them to the lounge on the first floor.