Chapter 19:

Public

May 20, 2000

"With the composition of the House of Commons being as diverse as it is, what do you think the Wizengamot can take from the set up to use in our restructuring?" Junie asked her sixth-year class, but their minds were no longer on her lesson. In the last few moments, her class had begun looking over her shoulder, and it dawned on her what was causing their distraction. "We have a visitor, don't we class?"

"Yes, professor," Rosie Potter said. She was sitting in the second row at a table with her boyfriend. They were too close, technically, but she didn't split them apart since Junie could see all four hands. It's when hands were missing; she would often separate couples as gently as possible. She did know what it was like to be unable to keep your hands off the person you loved.

"Would the Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot be in the doorway?" she asked, and the class nodded. "Alright then, work on your final essays on the British Parliamentary system for Thursday. Class dismissed." The students stood, collected their things, and began filing out. Sirius said hello, didn't miss a few of the girls' dreamy looks, and mentally shook his head at them. When only Junie, Rosie, and her boyfriend, Miles, remained, he greeted his girlfriend. She was in her obligatory black outer robes, but underneath was wearing a lovely floral pattern. Junie had on a pair of bone-colored low heels, and they made her legs look fabulous. Sirius was happy to make eyes at her.

"You could have waited in Minerva's office or the hallway," she mockingly chastised him. "I had another ten minutes of class." Junie was happy to see him and especially loved that he was still wearing his clothes from the Wizengamot meeting. He looked stunning in the expertly tailored suit, something he and James had begun wearing for the freedom of not having a cape twisting among their legs when they walked quickly. They were urging others to follow suit, and many of the under fifty set were doing so. Alice Longbottom had told him it was nice to be in something pretty for a change, rather than the boxy robes.

Junie wondered if he'd looked at her clothes before she left this morning, as his tie matched her dress perfectly. Usually, she was up and dressed before breakfast, but today she was running late – his fault – so she'd skipped breakfast and merely charmed herself before Flooing to Hogwarts.

Sirius looked at her appreciatively, noting how well the yellow dress fit her. It had a sheer layer over the top, which had embroidered flowers, and she sparkled when she walked. He had taken her out shopping a few weeks ago, telling her they had several official events in both the Muggle and wizarding worlds, and he wanted her to look spectacular. He believed the dress was one of the ones he bought. He'd caught a glimpse of her before she left and chose a navy tie with yellow stripes to match her.

"We weren't paying attention, Professor Meadows," Miles said. "Too much talk about matches or people fawning over their match. The more of us who are matched, the less attention we are paying to coursework."

"Well, then your grades are a testament to your being able to stay above the fray," Junie said; both students before her were doing exemplary work.

"My birthday isn't until next month," he said. "We might not be the same next week, though." There was worry in his voice that was heard clearly.

"Are you ready for your birthday this weekend, Rosie?" Sirius asked her, and the girl nodded.

"Yes, and no," she hesitantly added. "For the big party at home and visiting the manor house and the portraits, yes, getting my name – not really. I'm worried about it."

"Every couple I know The Source gave them the perfect match. Don't be afraid of it," Sirius said kindly.

"But what if it isn't Miles? I love him?" Rosie countered. Sirius looked to Junie and then sighed. He wasn't about to say anything she didn't already know.

"I was in love with someone who didn't get my name. It was hard, but in the end, the person they're matched with is the perfect person for them, and now, I have my Junie, and we are so happy," he said before leaning over and kissing her cheek.

"You two are cute," Rosie said, "however, I dislike that she isn't in the castle anymore. I got used to being able to come to use your shower."

"There are only four Gryffindor girls in your year, Rose Euphemia; it shouldn't be that hard to share one bathroom," Junie chastised. "We had seven girls in my dorm. That wasn't very pleasant. I took to showering mid-afternoons, so I had more than two minutes."

"I forgot your house was so large that year," Sirius said.

"Hufflepuff is always the largest," Junie said softly. "Everyone can fit in with us. We're kind, remember?"

"You definitely are," Sirius said before softly kissing her. In response, Rose made an ugly sound.

"You two can be so gross," she said, even though there was a mocking tone. "Go get a room." She and Miles started to laugh.

"We need to get going," Sirius said. "We have a function at the Nottingham Wizarding Library I need to get to."

"Wait, you're going to a function at a library? Wow, you two have the social life," Rosie said in mockery. "Are we still having tea tomorrow?"

"Absolutely, my office, at four o'clock. I've even baked some biscuits for us to share," Junie answered.

"I haven't had any biscuits," Sirius pouted.

"You'll have some tonight after supper," she replied. "But don't go searching for them before. Minsey and I conspired and hid them from you. I wanted them to last more than a day."

"Are they chocolate?" Sirius asked.

"No, ginger with a lemon cream filling."

"Blimey, woman, you can't tell me something that delicious is in the house and then not tell me where."

"Cheers, enjoy your library," Rosie said, finally leaving her aunt and uncle to their squabble. After they left, Junie and Sirius went to her office, where she collected her coat, hat, and bag. Thankfully, there were no essays that would require correction this evening. She just needed to continue working on the final tests for the year. She would administer her third- and fourth-year tests next week, sixth years had an essay due, and Ministry officials would test the OWL and NEWT level students.

The pair walked through the castle together, holding hands, and it was a good thing they had extra time, as several students stopped them to ask Junie a question or to speak with Sirius and either thank him or chastise him on the changes the Wizengamot was making. The former was expected; the latter was not. Junie didn't realize how many students were well informed on political matters, and it wasn't only pureblood students.

"You know, we can reach the boundaries of the castle's protections faster if we go through the forest," Sirius said. Junie stopped and looked at him with an eyebrow cocked.

"This is a Jenny Packham dress, and it cost me a fortune," Junie said gently. "It's one of the things we purchased when we were in Muggle London, and you said the price was no issue. Plus, I'm in court shoes. I can't walk over mud, grass, and woodland detritus." Sirius laughed and retook her hand, and they walked down the trail to the main gates to Disapparate.

The library was lovely, the new reading rooms were light and airy, and the refurbished children's section colourful. Sirius had agreed to read a story to the children who'd gathered, and he picked a short book about a caterpillar who overate. Junie remembered the book from her childhood and smiled as he read it with silly voices. She had a sudden vision of Sirius doing this with their child, and it moved her deeply.

"You were very entertaining," Junie said when Sirius had joined her when he was finished. "The kids loved you."

"I like children. I might like my own children," he said softly.

"I think I might like your children too," Junie answered in kind. "Especially if they are mine." Sirius was thrilled by her answer but unfortunately couldn't respond as he wished, as they were in a crowded library opening and he still had hands to shake.

The pair were led on a tour of the famous artifacts the library housed, which weren't all that many since it was a small branch, and then were taken to the multipurpose room for cake and punch. A reporter from the local paper was waiting to interview Sirius. He insisted Junie remain by his side for the interview.

"Lord Black, we know you were a supporter of the library project," the reporter named Billy Highbridge started, "and you donated nearly a quarter of the funds needed. Why was this important to you?"

"Knowledge is power, and reading provides knowledge. Libraries are important as they are open and free to use for everyone. Whether you be five and just learning to read or one-hundred and five and re-reading your favourite novel again, the library provides not only the book, but a place to read it. Libraries are community centres," Sirius answered.

"Well said," Mr. Highbridge said. "What would you most be interested in reading here?" Junie became alarmed; what did Sirius know about Muggle books?

"I own several motorbikes, so anything on the care and upkeep of the bikes is of interest. I also enjoy spy novels, with John LeCarre being a favourite. I might check out a novel or two while I'm here," he joked, and Junie exhaled.

The questions turned to the local issues facing Nottingham today, including overcrowding in the more impoverished areas of the city and a green-space problem. Junie was impressed at how well Sirius answered the questions and knew exactly what was going on. Questions then turned to the hospital renovation that Sirius was invested in.

"We understand you've backed the renovation of the cancer treatment centre; does this go back to your days working with Lady Sarah and her patronage of such centres?" Mr. Highgate asked, and Sirius hesitated for a moment. They were treading perilously close to things he'd not discussed with Junie yet.

"Cancer is an ugly disease that robs people of their health, welfare, self-esteem, and even their lives. Someone close to me lost their mother to an ugly battle with the disease, and after watching what it did to the whole family, I decided that I needed to help where I could. Hopefully, one day it will be as easy to treat as a cold." Junie froze next to him. Was he talking about her mother?

Junie tried not to think about those days because it still made her angry that her mother hadn't taken the help offered and had the magical healers cure her. Mother said she wasn't magical and therefore wouldn't use means which weren't available to all Muggles. Her death affected Junie, and to this day, she couldn't think about her mother without getting a tiny bit angry.

"So that I can accurately report the day," Mr Highgate said, "would you introduce me to your guest?"

"Glady," Sirius said with a smile. He took Junie's hand and squeezed it, breaking her free of her reverie. "This is my girlfriend, which is a ridiculous word to use about someone our age, Juniper Meadows."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms Meadows," the reporter said, offering his hand. "What do you do and how did you meet, if that isn't too personal?"

"I teach at the private school Sirius and I met at when we were eleven," Junie said. "We have known each other since we were children."

"And you just decided to date recently? We've not seen the Viscount with a female guest at any function in years."

"We decided to date in early January," Sirius answered. "Someone wrote something which gave us the nudge." The pair shared a knowing look, which made the reporter smile as well.

"Could you possibly be the future Viscountess Nottingham, Ms Meadows?"

"That is something you'll have to watch and see," Junie said cryptically.

"I will promise you though, Mr Hightower, that should there be an announcement on that front, you will be the first I contact." In the Muggle world, Sirius added in his mind.

"Thank you for your time," the reporter said. "I have to ask who designed your dress; it's beautiful." Junie smiled brightly.

"It's a Jenny Packham and thank you for the compliment." In the last few months, Junie had read enough fashion magazines to know the designer was on the rise, and her clothing was sought after. Six months ago, she'd never have known who the designer was, let alone drop over eight hundred euro on a dress. After the compliment, she decided it was worth it. She needed to look like the future Viscountess Nottingham because, in her heart, she knew that's what she was.

When they were done, and the event was breaking up, Junie was surprised when a car was there to meet them. They'd Apparated to the park near the library and walked over for their arrival, so this was unexpected.

"Where are we going?" Junie asked. "If we're going to drive back to London, it will take hours, and I'm sure Minsey has dinner nearly ready."

"Minsey knows we won't be at Grimmauld Place for dinner," Sirius answered as he allowed the chauffeur to open the door and motioned for Junie to get in. Once they were seated inside, Sirius took her hand and spoke again. "I think it's time you visited Pinnacle Point, my true ancestral home.

"I thought Grimmauld Place was your family home?"

"Oh, it was, but it was only purchased in the late seventeen hundreds by some relative that wanted to be in the city and closer to the action. If I remember correctly, they were a vital member of the court of George III. In fact, he might have been the one who raised our family from merely being Lords to being a Viscount. I haven't studied ancient family history since I was a child. I know that it was shortly after the family arrived from France to avoid the mounting violence as the French Revolution approached. Pinnacle Point had been owned by a distant relative who had recently passed, and it was left to Lucifer Noir, my ancestor. He changed the spelling of his last name to the English as to better fit in at court."

"You have an ancestor named Lucifer, like as in the devil from the bible?"

"The name means 'light-bringer' and yes. It was his family who always named their children after stars that started the tradition, which led to my being named Sirius."

"Fascinating," Junie said in response. "I'm anxious to see the place."

"Be prepared; it was rehabbed after a fire in 1794, although the outside is still the original home built in the fifteen hundreds. Apparently, Lucifer's son, Antares, wasn't concerned with the costs and deeply influenced by Versailles, built what I consider a bit of an eyesore. It is part of Nottingham's history, though, so I will maintain the building. When you see it, you'll know why I don't live here."

The couple had talked through the entire ride and were soon headed down a tree-lined drive to a large stone mansion. When they stopped, Junie looked up and nearly laughed.