A/N: So sorry for the delay on this, chapters will be coming slowly. School is back on, and nursing school is busy busy busy. Also, I have a new story that I had to start, it will also be slow updates, but I am excited about that one, please check out Rebirth. It is a Hermione in Marauder time story but instead of time turner, she is born into the timeline and a new trio is introduced.
Chapter 20
The weeks leading up to the end of term went by quickly. Hermione spent every night with James, Remus and Lily were barely apart, Sirius was enjoying his rounds with the many willing witches, and Peter was always around.
Hermione had finally managed to have some more personal conversations with the rat, talking about her childhood as a muggle and her favourite classes. Nothing too personal, always something you would talk casually about with acquaintances. She helped him with schoolwork here and there as well, sitting in the library with him while the Marauders discussed their prank around them. Remus had researched this one, as James had come up with the idea, and Sirius had planned the best time to execute the plan. Peter was the distraction and the look out, not being able to plan and orchestrate pranks like his Marauders-in-arms.
It was finally the night before the last day of classes, tomorrow the boys would prank the very suspecting and nervous students. The entire school knew that the Marauders were up to something, but never knew what to avoid. They knew that after Halloween had gone by without a prank, Hermione having been attacked by Dolohov, that this prank would be infinitely more disruptive. Nothing was safe, not their meals in the Great Hall, not their chairs in their classrooms, or the Common Rooms. Somehow the Marauders could reach everyone no matter where, whether it was password protected, or staff only. The professors suspected that the House Elves assisted them but when asked, the Elves insisted they did not help the Marauders.
Incredibly talented and sneaky marauders, an invisibility cloak, a dog, rat, and map were all the tools the Marauders needed, being prefect and Head Boy were also quite useful. Throughout their years at Hogwarts, they had managed to gain entrance to each common room, whether it be from dating students, pranking them, or just being downright curious, they had found each place and learned how to enter. They had tried to gain the assistance of the elves in the past, but they just couldn't manage it.
That was until Hermione.
Somehow the witch had managed to gain the trust of the little elves and convinced them to help with part of their plan.
"So, you are absolutely sure that they are going to keep their side of the plan? I mean, our part is good enough but with their help it just makes it that much better!" Sirius said to Hermione at dinner.
"Yes Sirius, the elves are going to help. I just checked with them before dinner and gave them their Christmas gifts," smiled Hermione in reply.
The Marauders and Lily looked at her curiously, confused what she could possibly give the elves as gifts. James and Sirius, the purebloods, even more confused that she was able to give them something without them being freed.
"And they accepted it?" asked Remus slowly.
"Of course, I informed them that it in no way was it able to free them. I didn't give them clothes, I gave them yarn and fabric, so they could make their own clothes. They are always in white pillowcases, and an old elf I knew loved socks in all colours, every colour would excite him, so I thought maybe they would like to show off their personalities in the clothes they made themselves," answered Hermione. She looked around at her friends and saw them all smiling at her, she always thought of others and how to make their day brighter. She looked up at James and he was looking at her so tenderly and full of love that it caused her to blush and look away with a soft, shy smile of her own.
"So, are you excited about seeing Potter Manor?" James asked her.
James and Remus had talked to the girls and confirmed they were attending Potter Manor for Christmas. Both girls had assured the boys they would be there for most of Yule break, Lily had to return home to her parents and sister for Christmas day and New Year's Day to spend time with her Muggle relatives and get to know her sister's fiancé, Vernon Dursley. Hermione had also informed James that on the 27th she was expected at the Burrow and promised to stay the night and help with the boys in the morning to give Molly and Arthur a morning alone as a couple before Molly could not move around too much, as she was carrying the (now confirmed) twins. James was a little put out that she would be gone for more than a day but he understood, she had been close with the Weasley family and he didn't want to take that from her.
Peter had explained that he could come and visit for a day or two but he was needed at home this Yule holiday, his mother's health deteriorating. The boys and Lily had offered to provide help if he needed it, drop by with some food for his mother, maybe invite her to the Manor for a nice dinner, but Peter had refused.
"She's too weak you see, I'm actually afraid to do magic around her after my birthday, afraid it will shock her muggle heart a bit too much," joked Peter. They knew his father passed away many years ago and was not very open about his wizarding life with his wife and son, he had only informed his wife he was a wizard when Peter had performed accidental magic as a baby, but other than that his father never used magic at home, as his wife did all the house duties, and he never spoke of his job except to say that he was a lawyer for witches and wizards. Therefore, Peter's mother had never actually seen magic except for the few incidences of Peter's childhood that diminished the older he got.
"Yes, I'm curious to see where the great James Potter grew up," replied Hermione, a smirk grew on her face before she added, "Might explain why he such a prat."
"Oi!" James yelled, "Not just any prat, your prat, that you love."
"Very much so," Hermione answered leaning up and placing a kiss on his lips.
After dinner the friends all made their way up to the Common Room and said good night to one another, Hermione snuggled into James on his bed and held him tightly.
She had been avoiding thinking about it, but soon she would be going on her horcrux hunt. She had had no time to meet with Regulus and Snape but they were aware the plan had not changed. Hermione had planned everything a few weeks ago, she had informed them to meet her at Charing Cross on the twenty seventh at midnight and then she would Apparate them to Little Hangleton. She planned to take the Knight Bus to Little Hangleton earlier that evening so she could Apparate there later, it was fine for her to be seen on the bus, but Regulus Black and Severus Snape would draw attention.
She didn't expect anything bad to happen on the mission, but keeping secrets and hiding the task from James was much harder than she thought. She was afraid she may fail or be caught and not make it back to him. Hermione was determined to survive this so she could keep James all to herself forever.
Meanwhile, beside her, James could tell Hermione was hiding something from him, he wasn't sure what it was but he could tell it was making her feel anxious. He hoped she wasn't worried about spending Yule break with his family, she had already met his parents and knows that they like her. He was most excited for the Yule eve ball, he had not informed Hermione of yet, because he knew she would be adamantly against it, and maybe refuse to leave Hogwarts. His mother was quite the party planner and loved to show off the skills of the Black family, without the insanity, and couldn't wait to include Hermione. He wasn't sure how he felt about continuing the tradition as Hermione had said that Death Eaters used an outbreak of Dragon Pox to target his parents and a party with lots of people was the perfect place. However, his mother had shot down his concerns and told him in her letter not to be silly, she threw the party every year, she and his father would take the necessary precautions.
James was going to surprise Hermione on the train ride home, the day after tomorrow, and inform her of the ball, and if she put up a fuss of not having anything to wear, she would be in for a surprise. His mother had confirmed that the package from Madame Malkin's, that he had purchased that summer before school, had arrived and she had placed it on Hermione's bed to find when she arrived at the Manor.
He didn't want to push her on talking to him about what was making her anxious, if she wasn't ready. He just hoped she wasn't hiding anything too important from him. Yet, a voice in his head told him that she would hide something if it kept him safe. He chose to ignore it for now, she couldn't do anything from the castle and he would be with her the entire Yule break, except when she was with the Weasley's.
James kissed the side of her head and pulled her into his chest so her head lay over his heart.
"I can't wait to spend this holiday with you Mi," he whispered.
Hermione smiled into his chest and let her hands trace the muscles on his back, "I can't wait either Jamie. It will be nice to get out of the castle."
Holding each other with a smile on their face, Hermione drifted into a peaceful sleep. When James felt her breathing even out, he slid out from under her and headed out to the common room to join his brothers in arms and initiate the prank of the year.
-oOo-
The chaos in the morning was even worse than any student could have imagined. Students were waking up in beds that were either made for giants or for elves.
Slytherins were falling out of their tiny beds and onto the floor, realizing far too late that they had been stuck to the ceiling. When they left the safety confines of the bed the gravity spell released, dropping them unceremoniously on the ground.
Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws were waking up in dorms with beds so big there was no floor space and it took them a good ten minutes to untangle from their beds and blankets made for giants, an expanding spell must have been placed on the dorms.
Gryffindors beds had been changed into water beds, they were rolling and flailing trying to escape their own beds. One student managed to actually pop his bed and splashing his dormmates and flooding the room.
When each student finally escaped their room and into the common room, they found the same treatment to their couches and other furniture. Slytherin couches were so tiny they could be used in dollhouses, while Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw would need to levitate themselves just to sit on anything. Withing Gryffindor tower everything was wobbly, waterbed couches, even the tables appeared to be water formed into a table shape but somehow still fluid, books and parchment could float on them but moved in the small rippling waves. No spell would reverse the shrinking or expansion, or water-fying of their furniture. Deciding to give up for now and head to breakfast, the students each got dressed for the day, to discover what Hermione convinced the Elves to assist with.
The House Elves were in charge of the laundry and care of each students clothing, washing them and fixing tears and stains. The elves had placed charms on the uniforms randomly, some would slowly shrink in size, while others would slowly grow in size. So, what started as regularly fitting robes and uniforms were no longer when they made it to the Great Hall. Some couldn't walk anymore as their trousers were so tight, they couldn't bend their knees, while others had to hold their clothes up on themselves.
The Marauders had woken up early to sit in the Great Hall to watch the events unfold. All of the girls had expanding charms added so their skirts wouldn't become inappropriate for school or embarrass them by exposing anything, something Sirius was still pouting about.
Even the tables had been charmed, Slytherin and Hufflepuff being tiny benches made as if for small five-year-old children, while Ravenclaw and Gryffindor were so large you had to jump and climb up onto the bench with the younger children having to stand to see over the top of the table.
Classes weren't ignored either, some desks were large and some tiny. The boys couldn't stop laughing, especially when they watched Mulciber in his tiny shorts, which used to be trousers, and a tiny cropped shirt sitting in a stool so small his knees were up to his chin and he was hunched over trying to write on a desk that could barely hold his parchment, he actually got stuck in his chair by the end of class because he was so burly.
The professors each attempted to continue their lessons, but each gave up and dismissed their class with a sigh. It was just the last day, concluding that they weren't missing too much, however they didn't forget to hand out homework to be completed over break.
That night in the common room the Marauders and the girls laughed the night away with oversized glasses filled with butterbeer and enjoyed each other's company before they went home the next morning.
-oOo-
The morning of Yule break and the trip on the Hogwarts Express arrived with the sun shining through the window over Hermione and James' sleeping forms. Hermione woke first slowly, reveling in the warmth that James' body provided. She had never loved someone as much as she loved him. She had loved Harry, but as a little brother, she had loved Ron in a best friend way, she had loved the twins as older brothers, Sirius as an uncle, Remus as a father, she had cared for Theo and Draco, she had tried to build a loving relationship with her parents that was never returned.
But James?
James was her entire world; she couldn't imagine a world without him now. He was her source of happiness and joy, he completed her body, mind, and soul.
Hermione could sense him starting to wake up, his breathing had shifted, he had tightened his hold on her waist, and she could feel his long eyelashes fluttering against her naked back. She began to wiggle against him, her arse brushing up against his hardening member. She moved her hips against him, rolling them and feeling herself get wet at the feel of his erection now pressing into her arse. James' arm around her waist moved suddenly so one hand gripped her hip and the other pulled her into him further before moving down to her entrance.
"Good morning beautiful," he whispered into her ear before pulling it between his teeth.
"Such a good morning," replied Hermione breathlessly. She reached in between them, wrapped her hand around his member and stroked from his base to the tip, spreading his precum. James was groaning and biting her shoulder at the feel of her hand, it wasn't long before she positioned him at her entrance and let him go while pushing her hips back indicating she was ready for him.
James pushed into her slowly, allowing her to feel every inch of his thick length filling her. He pushed in until he was fully encased in her warm heat and then pulled out nearly to the tip before slowly entering her again. Hermione had expected it to be a rough fucking this early in the morning, but instead he was making love to her slowly and reverently.
"Love you so much, sweet witch," he whispered into her neck, placing sweet kisses up and down her neck and jaw as he slowly moved in and out, "Do you like me inside you, making you mine over and over?"
"Yes, so much, love you inside me," Hermione panted, sweat coating her body and dripping down her back. James licked a bead of sweat on her spine causing her to shiver. It wasn't long before she felt the coil of her release begin to tighten, she was so close and she let James know. He moved his hand from her breast that he had been kneading down to her clit and rubbed the nerve until he felt her walls tighten and her release hit her. James' climax was pulled from him as her walls clenched around him and her body convulsed in pleasure, he let go with a scream of her name.
They both regained their breathing and began to get ready for their trip to Potter Manor. Hermione was completely packed while James had not even started. With a sigh and a smack to the back of the head Hermione assisted James in getting his trunk together so they could head down to breakfast. At the table they found their friends talking about the prank from yesterday, apparently Sirius had found some additional uses for the waterbeds in his dorm.
"Prongs! I truly recommend a waterbed if you ever need any assistance with your stamina," Sirius teased James with a smirk.
"Believe me Pads, I don't need any help there, unlike you it seems," retorted James.
"Oi, like hell! It left me to be more creative with my moves is all," huffed Sirius, "Just ask Priscilla, had some fun with her last night."
"Yeah, fun for you maybe! I was left in the dorm knowing what was going on behind your curtain!" complained Peter.
"Damn Wormy, you stayed in the dorm? That's kind of creepy!" said Sirius as he stuffed some French toast in his mouth.
"Where else was I meant to go? I wasn't sleeping on the couch again, especially when it was made of water and would knock me off!" Peter was glaring at Sirius as he speared a sausage onto his fork.
"So, you're going for Priscilla now?" asked Remus, trying to distract Sirius from answering Peter with a less than friendly reply.
"Yeah, you know these witches. They get word from home of their arranged marriage and want to have some fun before they're stuck. The poor witch is only fifteen, will be sixteen in a few days, and she's been signed up to marry some wizard more than double her age. She's pretty angry at daddy for this one so what better way to punish him and soon-to-be beloved than be sullied by the disowned Black?" explained Sirius.
"So, you're fine just using these poor girls?" asked Lily with a scowl.
"Hey now Lils, I am being used just as much! She specifically said she wanted to anger her husband on their wedding night with the knowledge of who took her virtue!" defended Sirius.
"That seems dangerous, who is she marrying?" asked Hermione curiously.
"Some sacred twenty-eight, she is part of the Rosier family, so pretty low level. He, on the other hand, is higher up, Nott I think she said," said Sirius, his finger against his chin as he recalled what the beautiful girl had told him last night. He wasn't lying when he told them the girls used him when they heard of their imminent betrothals, but he would be lying if he said that it didn't bother him. He enjoyed a willing witch he had seduced in between his legs, whimpering his name, but he did not enjoy girls using him for his name. He still went through with it, he was a man and they were pretty witches, but deep down he felt that hole getting bigger.
Priscilla came to him last night and flirted with him, told him how funny their prank was, basically seduced him. Something he was not used to at all, most girls just winked at him, blushed, and giggled when he made a joke, Priscilla had talked to him and made him laugh. He kissed her and ran his hands over her body and under her shirt before her expression turned into a frown and she admitted to wanting to use him to anger her father and betrothed. She must have saw the hurt flash in his eyes because she pushed him off and apologized, confessed to liking him for years but he never looked at her twice. The letter from home showed her that her life was decided for her so she might as well try for what she wanted while she still had the chance. Sirius listened to her and understood to an extent, his life was planned for him until he started to rebel, something that unfortunately pureblooded girls could not do as easily, unless they found a wizard willing to marry her and protect her.
Sirius liked Priscilla, after their heart to heart he had told her that he would give her exactly what she wanted, a memory for her to have always. He proceeded to show her the most amazing night, ending up in his dorm room on the waterbeds, both enjoying the passions of each other's body. He had never had such a passionate experience, not even with Marlene when they were together. Her body was imprinted over him that he dreamt of them after he fell asleep, when he awoke hoping for another round, she was already gone. He searched for her at the Hufflepuff table as he walked down with Lily and Remus that morning but could not see her.
"Wait, she's marrying Nott?" asked Hermione, pulling Sirius from his reminiscing of his hands over Priscilla's creamy thighs.
"I think so, her father Evan Rosier informed her recently that she is to be betrothed to Thadeus Nott this Yule and to be bonded next Yule after she comes of age," spat Sirius angrily. He hated the pureblood customs he was raised on. Arranged marriages were one thing, but to arrange the marriage between a young girl not even of age and a man older than her own father was despicable.
"Fuck," Hermione whispered. She was staring at Sirius and saw the way he was glancing back at the Hufflepuff table; he liked the girl. Hermione now knew who this girl was, and Sirius liked her, this was bad. Very bad.
This girl was the mother of Theodore Nott, a boy she very much wanted to ensure was born. She was a sickly woman and ended up dying while giving birth to Theo.
Hermione had to talk to Dumbledore. She wanted to save everyone she could, while not changing things enough that children from her year, children she grew up with, were still born. If Sirius liked Priscilla and protected her from Thadeus, she would live, but Theo would not be born.
'He could be Priscilla and Sirius' son?' she thought to herself, 'Just like Harry could be yours and James.'
Her heart fluttered every time she thought of the possibility of Harry being her son, but she pushed the thought back. She needed to talk to Dumbledore before she left.
"What's fuck? Why fuck?" demanded Sirius when he heard her swear. He didn't like the sound of that, he didn't want Priscilla hurt and mentioning her betrothed did not elicit a response he wanted to hear. She never answered him though, she jumped off and ran out of the Great Hall, calling back that she needed to talk to Dumbledore, "What the fuck James?!"
"I don't know!" replied James watching his girlfriend sprint out of the room, "She'll tell us on the train, I'm sure." Together the Marauders, Lily, and the girls made their way to the carriages that would take them to Hogsmeade station. James just hoped Hermione made it back in time for the train and didn't miss it.
-oOo-
Hermione sprinted up to the headmaster's office and barged in without knocking.
"Professor!" she called out, leaning over her knees to catch her breath back.
"Ah, Miss Granger, what can I do for you? Should you not be heading down to the Express?" Dumbledore asked calmly from behind his desk. He was wearing midnight blue robes with silver stars and moons stitched into them, and he was watching her from over his half moon glasses.
"Sir, I need to speak with you about one of your students; Priscilla Rosier?" Hermione asked as she sat down on the chair in front of his desk.
"Ah yes, young fifth year Hufflepuff, sweet girl, very unlike her father," answered Dumbledore leaning back against the chair.
"Yes sir, I've just been informed from Sirius that she has been betrothed. She is to marry Thadeus Nott next Yule, she is treated brutally by him and died in childbirth having Theodore Nott," explained Hermione, "I wanted to ensure Theo was born, but I don't want to cause Priscilla's death. Another complication seems to have arisen though; Sirius seems to be interested in her."
"So, you are torn between saving Priscilla and allowing love to blossom between her and Sirius, and allowing Theodore Nott to come into existence?" asked Dumbledore.
"Yes, exactly, Theo was a sweet boy. He was raised by Cassie, another person I was hoping to save," Hermione told the headmaster. She knew she was reaching for a lot, she couldn't save everyone, it was not possible in war, but she could try.
"Unfortunately, the laws of pureblood society are untouchable. Priscilla will have to marry Thadeus, her only escape would be for another to marry her, but then both would be in hiding until her father and betrothed no longer wished to kill them. Knowing Thadeus Nott, they would be hiding for decades.
"Cassie is also untouchable, with her blood bond with Rookwood, she could not be saved unless Rookwood died. We would also need to ensure an escape plan was formed before another Death Eater is bonded to her, and she is trapped once more. Even if we collected Cassie and Priscilla tomorrow, Priscilla would be hunted by the ministry and whoever was found with her would be convicted of kidnapping a pureblooded heir to the Rosier family. Cassie would end up trying to kill herself or her captor for keeping her from her bonded. Also, you must consider the idea that Rookwood may have placed tracking charms on Cassie, or even within the bond itself. She would never be free or hidden."
"So, you are saying to just send them to their fates?" asked Hermione with a frown.
"As cruel as it sounds, it is the only option for now. We have one year until Priscilla is bonded, and if Theo was your classmate, one I recall you wanted to ensure was born, then you must wait until his conception to move Priscilla. We must simply save her before she gives birth, with our resources we could prevent her succumbing to death upon his birth.
"Cassie we will need to think further on how to separate her from the Death Eaters and end Rookwood. However, Miss Granger, Hermione, we cannot forget that this will not end unless we can bring about the end of Tom. If we do not defeat him then we are simply delaying the inevitable. Concentrate on the main mission and the Order will assist in the protection of witches and wizards that you inform us require it. Following your graduation, you and Alastor will be able to start working on collecting the horcruxes and when Regulus reaches out regarding the locket, it will be the final one to destroy," Dumbledore said calmly.
Hermione hated that he was right, sure she could save them now, but with Voldemort still out there he could find another way. She had to destroy the heart of the problem, cutting off the head of the hydra wasn't enough, more would just keep coming. She had to begin her horcrux hunt as soon as she could, the twenty seventh had to be successful with Regulus and Snape.
"I understand sir, Alastor and I will not let you down," Hermione lied to the headmaster. He watched her carefully as she walked out of his office but she knew he was suspicious of her acceptance. Her occlumency shields held strong though, he had no way of knowing she would find her own way to save both women.
Theo was born just before she was, that would mean he was an early September baby. If Priscilla was as frail as they made her out to be, or Thaddeus pushed her into an early labour, then she would be pregnant at the latest in the February, maybe March, if Theo was extremely premature. She had a year to plan Priscilla's escape, she could marry the vile man but Hermione would make sure she was aware of her rescue before the wedding. Cassie she could save at any time, she may become Thaddeus', she may not, but the only benefit to Thaddeus receiving her is the companionship for Priscilla. Either way, Hermione had a year to plan both of their liberation, if Cassie could be saved sooner then she would.
As Hermione made her way to the Hogwarts Express she had decided that her plan would be ready to save Priscilla the moment her pregnancy was announced. She already knew she would use her snakes for more than spying, they would be helping her find a way into Nott castle.
-oOo-
James made his way to the Hogwarts Express with his friends, constantly looking behind him to see if Hermione was behind him yet. He settled into the compartment and stared out the window waiting for his witch.
He ignored all the girls that attempted to flirt with him on the way down, he may not have Hermione at his side but that didn't mean he would jump onto the next girl. Did these girls really want to be with him if he did? He didn't think that made for a good relationship, there would be no trust, and he trusted his witch with everything. There were two witches that were being quite insistent, flirting with both him and Sirius, sharing devious looks between them. While James missed the looks as he searched for Hermione, Sirius was too busy flirting with them to catch on, and Remus was whispering with Lily, Peter had noticed the looks. He smirked at the idea that was forming in his head, he may use these girls to get James and Hermione separated, he still desired a taste of the witch before his Master did what he wanted.
The girls separated from them when they got to the compartment but Sirius followed after them to enjoy a quick snog. Remus pulled Lily into his lap and Peter made the excuse of running off to find the treat cart. It was only when James started to get worried that Hermione would miss the train that she finally showed up. James smiled brightly at her when he finally saw her, and although she smiled back at him, he could see the calculating look in her eyes; she was forming a plan.
"Hello beautiful, what is that big brain of yours planning?" he greeted her with a gentle kiss.
"Nothing to worry about, I just had to tell Dumbledore something. Where are Sirius and Peter?" she replied glancing around the compartment. A small smile graced her face when she looked at Remus and Lily still whispering and giggling together like no one else existed in the world.
"Sirius went off with some Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff, can't remember. Peter said he was off to the sweet trolley," answered James rolling his eyes.
For the train journey she and James snuggled up close on the bench, Sirius and Peter joining them not long after leaving the station. They laughed and played Exploding Snap the entire time, not noticing the time slipping by. When they arrived at Kings Cross, James introduced her to his parents, pretending they were meeting for the first time for Peter's benefit. Dorea doted over the first girl James had ever introduced to his parents and played her motherly role for the four boys and Lily. Remus gave Lily a passionate kiss goodbye as she went home with her parents and sister, Petunia glaring at Hermione and her friends before turning around. Remus' shoulders slumped as he said his farewell and joined his parents on the platform, they insisted he returned home for the full moon that night. They had rejected Dorea and Charlus' offer to look after Remus during his transformation.
Peter bid his goodbyes insisting his mother needed him and he would be by to spend time at the Manor shortly. It was just James, Sirius, and Hermione left with Dorea and Charlus who apparated them to the location just outside of the Manor. Walking up to the house Hermione had expected grandeur, like Malfoy Manor, but she still gasped when the home was before her.
The Manor was beautiful, it looked like a large country home. It was covered in vines that would be blooming with green ivy in the summer. There were blue shutters donning the windows, beautiful dark stone made up the house. Large trees bordered the property and a large fountain sat in front of the large front doors. It was a home she could see being the setting of a Jane Austen novel or Emily Bronte. She didn't understand why James and Lily moved from here for Godric's Hollow in her time. How could they leave such a stunning property?
James smiled at the stunned expression on Hermione's face. He had never really considered his home as anything special; it was just where he grew up, but seeing the look in Hermione's eye? It gave him a new appreciation of the land he was raised. He tugged her hand and led her inside, pulling another gasp from her lungs when she saw the grand staircase and marble floors. It was a grand house yet it was inviting and exuded love and warmth. The walls were covered in family portraits and pictures of James through the years. The décor was classy and homely, Dorea had amazing taste in interior design. Hermione followed after James as he gave her the tour speechless.
It was a beautiful house; Hermione couldn't help but imagine what Harry's life would have been like if he had been raised here. She could almost picture him as a toddler running around the couches with James chasing after him, Harry jumping up into the arms of his mother on the couch giggling. When they were standing in front of a dark cherry wood door, James was able to pull Hermione out of her thoughts.
"This is my room," he spoke shyly. Hermione gave him a small smile and leaned up to kiss him on the cheek.
"Mr. Potter, are you trying to get me into your bed?" she said coyly.
"If I could keep you in my bed forever, I would," he whispered into her ear, his tongue darting out and licking the shell of her ear. Hermione shivered as his breath tickled her cheek and his tongue caused her knickers to pool.
Chuckling, James opened the door and allowed Hermione to walk past him. His room was how Hermione imagined it would be. His walls were painted crimson red, a massive Gryffindor flag was on the wall over his bed. On the opposite wall he had six brooms set up horizontally over each other. Around the brooms was a smaller flag for Puddlemore United, and pictures from James' years at Hogwarts. She could see one with all four Marauders wearing Puddlemore gear, James was bent over laughing, Sirius had his arm over James' shoulders as he threw his head back in laughter. Remus was beside Sirius, his arm around his waist as he chuckled at them and Peter was on his other side smiling and shaking his head at their antics. Taking a closer look Hermione could see a sparkle in Peter's eye that she had never seen before, it was a shine that showed his happiness. It devastated Hermione to see the boy that was once her boyfriend's best friend. He was so close to Remus, Sirius, and James in this picture, but now he was a shadow of what he once was. Enticed by the dark side.
James watched Hermione nervously, he had never had a girl in his room before and it made him quite self-conscious. What if she thought him childish for having a Gryffindor flag covering a wall? What if she laughed at him for being unable to part with his old brooms because his father bought each and every one of them and took the time to teach him flying from a young age? When she started looking at the pictures he had of his Hogwarts days, he noticed the one she decided to inspect.
It was a picture from after third year when he, Remus, Sirius, and Peter had attended their first Quidditch game together. It was Puddlemore against the Cannons and Puddlemore had wiped the pitch with the other team. Sirius had made a joke that made him snort up his butterbeer from laughing so hard, his pain had caused Remus and Sirius to almost fall over laughing and Peter to just shake his head at the stupidity of his friends. Thinking back now, James realized that was likely the last time the Marauders had all been brothers outside of school. The following summer Peter had found out his mum was getting sick and couldn't spend time with them in the summer as much. It was the summer after, following fifth year, that Peter had begun to draw away from them.
James missed those days, and he felt his heart get heavy at the loss of friendship. He could see the sadness in Hermione's eyes, she must have noticed the change in Peter, he wasn't the boy in that picture anymore. She turned around and looked at him, there was no pity in her eyes, but there was heartache. She walked over to him and wrapped her arms around his waist and pressed her face into his chest breathing in his scent. He wrapped his arms around her back and placed his chin on her head.
"I'm sorry," she said quietly.
"Nothing for you to apologize for, you didn't make him turn into whatever he is now. I wish he could change for the better, but from what I heard from your time, he never does. He always cowers for them, I can't change his decision, neither can you."
Sirius decided that he had given the couple enough time without bugging them and quickly joined them in James' room. Together the three of them spent the next few days laughing and telling stories. She helped them with some prank ideas when they returned to school and took full advantage of the library that James had showed her. At first she had given him trouble for not showing her the library right away, which he had explained that had he shown her immediately he would not have seen her that evening.
It was the day before Christmas, or Yule as the wizarding families referred to it, when Hermione was reminded of the Yule eve ball. She gave James the silent treatment the night before for having not warned her before leaving the school, and not giving her time to find a dress. At his guilty look Hermione made him admit that he had got her something to wear.
"When could you have possibly got me a dress James? I was with you the entire time at Hogsmeade and then you wouldn't order anything via owl post" she had asked him.
"Remember when we went to Madame Malkins in the summer? She was quite pushy about red robes?" he had said slowly. The flash in Hermione's eyes made him shrink back just a little.
"In the summer!? You have planned this for months and you are telling me the night before?!" she screeched.
"I knew you wouldn't come here for Yule if you knew," he admitted. Hermione's eyes softened and her anger depleted at his words.
"Oh James, I'm sorry, I shouldn't yell at you," she said softly, her eyes begging him to hear her sincerity, "I just, I don't, I don't know"
She didn't know how to explain she had hated the Yule Ball for the attention she garnered. They gawked at her for being a girl, people were shocked she could look pretty. While that should have raised her confidence, it actually lowered it. They only thought she was pretty because she was dressed up, the next day they all ignored her again. She was just the bushy haired bookworm that was best friends with Harry Potter.
James understood, he really did, and he hated that his family still followed old customs like society balls. He would love just having a cozy night in by the fire for his Yule eve with his girlfriend. However, instead they would be paraded before the people, girls would glare at Hermione, and some would likely even comment on her being Muggleborn. His parents were considered blood traitors, yes, they were open-minded to muggles, muggleborns, and other beings and creatures, but they were still pureblood. They still invited families like the Blacks and the Malfoys to their events.
"If we could skip the dance, Mi, we would. I love you and want nothing more than to be cuddled up just the two of us on Christmas eve, but unfortunately, I need to go to this for my parents. If I want to make a difference when I take over as Head of the family, I have to know these people. Even if I don't agree with them, they are the ones I need to either beat or sway to my side, so I need to play nice. Sirius can avoid all of this, he escaped his family and the responsibility that comes with being from a pureblood family, but I can't. As much as we are not as stuck up as the Sacred Twenty-Eight that you are used to, we are still an old family with influence. I would be honored if you would be by my side, keeping me sane throughout the ordeal."
Hermione sighed but smiled at her boyfriend, how could she say no to that? So, Hermione had agreed to be by his side the entire night that he attended the ball.
Now that the day had arrived, Dorea went into full matriarch of the Potter family. She ordered house elves to make sure the decorations and food were all perfect for the guests, she confirmed the musicians for the dancing, and she went over the menu with the chefs and servers all morning. Once the afternoon arrived, she dragged Hermione away from James into her suite where there was an entire salon set up.
Hours later Hermione was finally ready for the ball. Her hair was pulled up into a loose bun, curls spilling from it and framing her face, and light makeup enhancing her natural beauty. She was wearing the red robes that Madame Malkin had insisted she buy as it was like they were made for her. Seeing the dress on now she could see what the seamstress had meant. It was a soft satin material, the bust had vertical rouching with a sweetheart neckline that sinched in her waist before flowing out into a draped A-line skirt. The dress also had off shoulder long sleeves, made of a sheer mesh, that came to a point at her wrist. It was the most elegant dress Hermione had ever seen, and to think she was wearing it and looked good was astounding to her. Even though her scars were not covered entirely, she could see the branching from Dolohov's curse peaking out of her cleavage, and the sheer sleeves left her forearm still visible, the dress was so beautiful that the scars weren't noticeable.
"Oh Hermione, you look absolutely beautiful," gushed Dorea when Hermione had turned from the mirror to the witch, "There is one thing missing however." She stepped away from Hermione and turned to a drawer behind her, pulling out something and turning back to Hermione, "Here, you should wear this."
Dorea held up a beautiful diamond necklace with a red ruby surrounded by more diamonds. It was beautiful, it was a lot of gems but it wasn't big and gaudy. It was a dainty yet gorgeous piece of jewelry.
"Dorea, I couldn't possibly," Hermione tried to object to wearing such an extravagant piece.
"Nonsense my girl, I insist you wear it. I wore it to my first event with Charlus," replied Dorea. Hermione couldn't say no to the woman, and nodded her assent. Dorea carefully placed the ruby against Hermione's throat and clipped it behind her neck, "James will be speechless when he sees you."
With those final words the older witch left Hermione alone in the room. Looking in the mirror one more time Hermione checked her appearance and followed Dorea out of the room.
She could hear the music playing down in the ballroom, the guests had already begun arriving. Hermione slowly made her way down the grand staircase, being careful not to trip over the black heels she was wearing. It wasn't long until she heard the voice of the man she was searching for.
"I haven't seen in her all day, Remus!" James complained.
"Stop whining your big baby, I haven't seen my girl since the platform," replied Remus.
"Yeah but now you have her in your arms! She's right there! You have your face in her neck right now!" cried out James. Hermione stopped at the door and looked in at her friends. Sirius was lounging across the armchair, his legs over the arm and a glass of firewhisky in his hand. Remus was leaning against the bookshelf and had his arms wrapped around Lily, who was leaning against his chest. James was pacing back and forth, looking up at Remus and scowling at his laughter.
"Oi, if you turn around now you would have your own witch in yours," chuckled Lily, winking at Hermione. Lily looked stunning in her midnight blue dress, it was one shouldered and skin tight down to her bum before flowing down to the floor. It was simple but beautiful.
James stopped in his tracks and turned around to find his witch. When he finally saw her his breath caught, she was his, all his. He strode over to her in three strides and pulled her into a deep, passionate kiss.
"You are breathtaking," he whispered when they broke the kiss.
"Says the dashing man before me," Hermione replied with a shy smile.
"No lovey-dovey stuff tonight!" called out Sirius jumping from the couch, "I will not be a fifth wheel!"
"If you found yourself a nice witch you wouldn't be a fifth wheel, Pads," chuckled Remus.
"And allow all of the other witches to suffer? I don't think so Moony," laughed Sirius, "It will take one hellcat to tie me down!"
Together the group made their way to the ball, entering the ballroom laughing as a group. This drew the attention of many guests, especially the young eligible witches when they saw Sirius and James enter. Hermione felt the stares and glares of the guests, especially the witches that saw James' hand in hers and gave her a scathing look. The evening was generally pleasant, Hermione laughed the night away dancing with James, Sirius, and Remus. Peter joined them later in the evening, saying he could not stay long but he would never miss one of James' Yule parties. Many girls tried to flirt with James but he didn't give them a chance to speak to him without Hermione there. They would turn to Sirius when they realized they weren't getting anywhere with the Potter heir, however Sirius also turned them down because he was enjoying time with his friends.
It was the end of the night before Hermione even noticed, she and Lily had been giggling together constantly making comments about how delicious their wizards looked. While Hermione knew that Lily got very open about her sex life with Remus when she drank, she was surprised to learn she did the same.
"Mmm when he gets possessive it is the most erotic experience. When he marks me so everyone can know exactly what he did, and Hermione, damn, sometimes I just can't walk anymore!" whispered Lily.
"I can't wait to rip those robes off James later, I'm going to lick him all over," smirked Hermione staring across the room at James, who was standing with Remus and Sirius waiting for some more drinks that Peter was getting from the bar. He looked up and caught Hermione's eye, seeing the lustful gaze she was giving him, he felt his trousers tighten. He needed to take his witch soon, he had wanted to since she walked out in that red dress.
"Prongs, Moony, based on the looks those witches are giving you, you should be dragging them to your rooms this moment," laughed Sirius looking across the room at Hermione and Lily. They looked like starving women placed before a feast.
"I think you're right Pads," replied James, clapping his hand on Sirius' shoulder, "Tell Petey to drink mine for me."
James walked away from the boys over to Hermione, not breaking eye contact once. Her eyes drew him in, that deep chocolate brown with gold flakes would be his death.
"Hello witch," growled James dipping his head for a kiss. Hermione fell into the kiss instantly, if she could live off of James' breath she would never stop kissing him, "Time to say goodbye to Lily."
"I don't think I can," replied Hermione, they both glanced over at their red-headed friend to see her wrapped in Remus' arms kissing him passionately. James spun around and pulled Hermione behind him, the moment they left the ballroom he turned her to the wall and pressed against her, his arms caging her against the wall. He kissed her desperately, before moving his lips down her neck and bit down on the skin where her neck met her shoulder. Hermione arched into James, moaning breathlessly as his lips left a trail of fire behind. She was so hot in her dress she wanted to rip it off but they had to get to his room first.
"James, Jamie," she panted, "Need…room…" James reluctantly released her and began making his way to his room again, walking at a pace that Hermione had to jog to keep up with him. She didn't mind though; she was just as eager to get to his room. Once they finally arrived, he slammed the door behind him and pushed her towards the bed, his hands moving down her body and his lips latching onto her neck again.
"Such a sexy witch, and you're all mine," he whispered against her skin.
"Yours," Hermione gasped as his fingers trailed down to her breasts.
"Tell me what you want," James said, his hands moving behind her and unzipping her dress slowly.
"I want you."
"You have me, what do you want me to do to you? What do you like, Mi?" he asked, his lips lightly brushing the skin on her shoulders. Hermione shivered at the light caresses his lips gave her, she wanted, no needed more, but she was still a little uncomfortable sharing what she wanted in the bedroom. She would do anything they asked of her, she always liked to please….
"I want you to tell me what to do, and…and tell me…" she choked on her words as his fingers traced the skin up her spine after releasing the zip and allowing her dress to slip down her body to the floor.
"Do you want me to tell you you're a good girl, Mi? Do you want me to tell you when you do something I like? Call you naughty when you don't do as I ask? Order you, punish you, praise you, please you?" Hermione shivered at his words, that was exactly what she wanted, "Oh witch, you need to answer me. Is that what you want?"
"Yes," she breathed.
"Yes, what?" Hermione blinked up at him, his eyes were dark with desire and his jaw set, she had never seen him look so authoritative in the bedroom before, he was always so soft and loving. Right now though, he exuded dominance, Hermione's cunt gushed at the thought.
"Yes, sir," she smirked looking up at him through her glasses, she would be a good girl but she was interested in what he would do if she was naughty.
James was intrigued to this new side of their relationship, he had been dominant before, even with Hermione he had gotten a little rough but he had never bossed her around before. She had bossed him a little bit, he liked a dominant woman, but to see her give up control to him, that made him hard instantly.
"Get on the bed. Spread your legs and touch yourself," he ordered her.
Hermione walked over to the bed and pulled off her knickers and bra, she was about to take off her heels when he demanded she keep them on. She slowly crawled across the bed, making sure to wiggle her bum sensually, and situated herself against the headboard, spread her legs, giving him a perfect view of her soaking pussy. She started with moving her hands up her stomach to her breasts and caressed them slowly, she drew her nipples in between her fingers and twisted them gently, letting out breathy moans as she massaged herself.
"I want your hand rubbing your cunt, Mi, I want to see you come," he whispered hoarsely. She moved her hand down to her folds, sliding her fingers across her soaking lips, and found her throbbing clit. Her fingers rubbed at her clit for a few moments bringing her to the brink, but James wasn't ready to watch her fall apart yet, he would have her begging for it, "Stop. Lick your fingers for me, like a good girl."
Hermione whimpered at the thought of removing her fingers, she was so close. Attempting to ignore him she kept massaging her bud, but his hand wrapped around her wrist causing her to gasp.
"I told you to stop, are you disobeying me?" Hermione shook her head and he released her wrist, "Good girl, now lick your fingers for me. Pretend they're my cock, put on a good show for me like a good witch."
Hermione trailed her hand up her body, tracing her breast, circling her nipple, and continued to her mouth. Her tongue darted out of her mouth and licked her fingers and then she opened her mouth and took her fingers in entirely. She sucked, nipped, and licked her fingers, soaked them with her saliva and made moaning and choking sounds as she sucked on them. James was losing his own control beside her, he wanted to badly to replace those fingers with his cock but he wanted her to come first.
"Now, my sweet witch, I want you to fuck your fingers." She returned her hand down to her folds, her fingers dripping in her saliva, she ran her fingers over her folds and dipped them in to her entrance. She pushed them in, moaning as she was filled, first with one finger and soon she had three fingers thrusting in and out of her. Hermione cried out in ecstasy as she felt her orgasm building, she needed to let go.
"That's a good girl, now come for me. Soak your hand in your juices," James panted. Hermione opened her eyes and looked at him, his pupils were blown, his tongue was darting out to lick his lips, and his hand was rubbing his large bulge. The image of him so disheveled because of her, so turned on because of what she was doing, it caused her orgasm to hit her hard. She screamed out his name, squirting all over her hand. She lay on the bed panting, her hair stuck to her head in sweat, her legs switching as she came down. She slowly removed her fingers and was about to wipe her hand when James spoke up again.
"Lick your fingers, Mi, taste yourself for me," he ordered her. Hermione looked at him and without breaking eye contact brought her fingers to her lips and sucked her juice-covered fingers into her mouth, he let out a groan at the sight, "Now, I want you to take more of that cream from your leg and cover your palm."
Hermione put her hand back down and went red from embarrassment at how much liquid there was, James told her not to be embarrassed, he thought it was sexy. She looked up at James again and saw he had removed his robes, he was sitting naked, stoking his massive erection.
"My good little witch, take that hand and wrap it around me, that's a good girl," Hermione's small hand could barely wrap around him he was so big. He let out a breathy moan when her warm hand had him, her juices gave her lube to move up and down him easily, but it wasn't long until he wanted her mouth, "Suck me, take my cock in your mouth and let me fuck that sweet little mouth of yours."
Hermione had never been so turned on before, she loved dirty talk and James was a master at it.
"Yes, sir," she whispered into his ear, nipping his ear lobe and moved down so her head was over his erection. Her tongue darted out and swirled around the tip of his cock slowly, James' hips bucked forward at the feeling, Hermione could hear him moaning above her, could see his hands fisting the sheets on the bed. Smiling at his reaction she took him into her mouth, and flattened her tongue taking him all the way down her throat. When her nose touched his pelvis she held him for a moment, swallowed around him and moved back up him releasing him with a pop before licking him base to tip. James cried out when she swallowed around him and his hands jumped to her head, his fingers tangling into her hair. Hermione sucked and licked at him, until he took control. He held a firmer grip on her hair and began thrusting up into her, fucking her mouth. Hermione could feel him hitting the back of her throat, it was messy, she was getting spit everywhere and had to breathe through her nose as his cock moved in and out of her mouth giving her no air. She felt his balls tighten as his release was close, she decided to try something new and see how he responded. Her hands moved to his hips to hold him, but she let her right hand continue to his ass. Her fingers found his puckered hole and she pressed her finger in, when her finger pushed past his ring, he let out a cry.
"Fuck, fuck, fuck, FUCK!" he screamed, his thrusting becoming erratic, finally spilling out into her mouth. She couldn't swallow fast enough and ended up coughing and spitting some of it up. She must have been a mess, her hair was out of its bun completely, she was covered in sweat, she could feel her warm cheeks must have been red, and her face was dripping in James' seed.
James lay panting on the bed, trying to catch his breath again. He had never come so hard before, which was a common thought after having sex with his girlfriend. It just got better and better, and he hadn't even fucked her yet. He had never had anything up his bum before, but that penetration caught him by surprise and he immediately came down her throat. He looked up at her and he felt a little bad with how ravished she looked, yet he also thought she looked so attractive like that. She probably didn't feel that though. He decided to use some magic and quickly clean them up, he wanted her to feel good while he fucked her. He would be keeping her awake for a few more hours after all.
"Such a perfect witch, you took my cock so well," he praised her, causing her arousal to appear once more, "You were a sneaky girl though, weren't you? putting your finger up there. I think I might need to punish you some."
Hermione didn't think she could be tortured anymore than she already had, she still hadn't found her release. Her body was tingling from the arousal of his words, seeing him fall apart because of her, and the face fucking.
James wrapped his hand around her ankle and dragged her towards him and flipped her. He ran his hands up her calves, thighs, and around her perky cheeks. He let his fingers lightly brush her soaking folds but moved to her cheeks again. He raised his right hand and brought it down onto her cheek, leaving a red handprint. Hermione gasped out at the sudden contact and the sting; it didn't hurt but it did make her squirm.
"I want you to count to five, that's how many spanks you will get for your actions. Understand my naughty witch?" James asked, Hermione moaned in understanding, "Use your words."
"Yes, sir!" Hermione groaned. He brought his hand down onto her cheek again, causing her to cry out "two." He continued his assault on her, when he got to her fifth spank, he repositioned his hand and slapped her soaking lips. "Five!" Hermione screamed, her release escaping her suddenly, even James was surprised. Hermione was sobbing from the release, James pulled her into his lap and cradled her, kissing her temple and telling her how good she was, what a perfect witch, how well she did, and he would take care of her. Always.
When she calmed down and the sobs stopped, Hermione moved in his lap so she was straddling him and slowly lowered herself onto him.
"Yes, take my cock, let it fill you up," James moaned, "Such a perfect girl, I could fuck you for hours! So tight, so wet. Such a good little cock slut, my cock slut!"
Hermione moved up and down over her leaking cock, she looked down and watched him move in and out of her, she had never seen anything so erotic. He was breathing hard as he thrust up to meet her. He suddenly flipped her so her back was on the mattress, put his arms under her knees, sat up straight and began pounding into her.
"Come for me, come on my cock while I fuck you!" he growled. Hermione's body reacted immediately to his order, her orgasm hitting her once more. Her entire body convulsed, her muscles contracting over him, milking his release from him. He shot his seed into her, coating her entrance in his cum. James collapsed on top of her, quickly rolling to the side and pulling her with him to snuggle into his chest. Together they gained their breath back and held onto each other.
"I love you, Jamie," whispered Hermione, kissing his chest.
"You, my witch, are the most amazing thing to ever happen to me. I love you with everything I have and more," James declared, kissing her temple. She felt tears build in her eyes at how perfect this day was. She smiled against his chest and snuggled in deeper, lifting her leg to wrap around him.
"Tomorrow is Christmas," Hermione said, looking out the window and seeing snow falling.
"It is, our first Yule together," James smiled.
They lay together, enjoying being in each other's arms, but it wasn't long before Hermione felt his erection growing again.
"Already?" she asked with a smirk.
"I told you, I could fuck you for hours, if I could live with you around my cock I would," he replied, and pounced onto her.
They did not fall asleep for many hours; Hermione was sure she heard the birds when she felt herself drift off.
-oOo-
James felt like he had just closed his eyes when he heard Sirius and Remus banging on his door yelling about presents.
After a lot of groaning, stretching, and complaining, both he and Hermione finally got up and joined his family for Yule morning.
"Good morning my handsome boy," Dorea greeted James, "and Hermione, good morning to you. I assumed you had woken up early when I discovered you were not in your room. Although, that would require you going to your room, wouldn't it?"
Hermione looked at the older witch in horror, she was mortified.
"Mother!" James yelled incredulously, his face bright red. Dorea wasn't able to hide her mirth for long, she may be a Black and a Slytherin, but she was none of that with her boy. He turned her into a Hufflepuff sometimes.
"I'm sorry dear, Hermione I apologize. I seem to have some of my family's dark humour, your reaction brought me some humour. I understand that you are both adults, I am just glad James can cast silencing charms."
"Mother!" James cried out again, he was going to die of embarrassment, actually could the floor just swallow him up now? Hermione was having the exact same thoughts as her boyfriend, she really hoped he did cast a silencing charm and Dorea wasn't just being kind. If anyone heard her with James last night she would never be able to show her face again.
"Dorea, stop teasing them," chuckled Charlus.
Sirius and Remus were howling on the couch as they watched James and Hermione's reactions. Remus was glad that he had escorted Lily to the Floo after they had finished. Whenever she did stay over though, he always made sure he returned her to her room after they had finished, he knew Dorea sent the elves into each room to make sure they were not in need of anything before breakfast. He couldn't believe James forgot the rule he reminded Remus of every time Lily came to visit, then again, James had never experienced bringing a girl home in his own house.
When Sirius and Remus finally calmed down and Dorea decided to leave James and Hermione be, and they pushed down their embarrassment, they were finally able to hand out gifts.
Hermione didn't expect so many gifts but she had a substantial pile waiting for her to open. They went around the room and everyone opened their gifts one at a time. From the girls she got a book on charms and a spa day voucher, from Lily she received a collection of classic Muggle novels with beautiful leather binding, from Remus she was given a book on defensive spells. Sirius gave her a wand holster, and the Potters gave her two sets of casual robes. James' gift left her speechless, it was a silver locket with intricate vine designs on the front. When she opened it, it was a picture of her and James curled up on the couch, he was whispering something in her ear that made her throw her head back in laughter. The look in James' eyes when she was laughing was complete adoration, the picture alone would have been the most amazing gift, but the locket allowed her to take it with her everywhere.
"It's embedded with protection spells, as long as you are wearing it dark magic won't affect you as badly. It can't block powerful dark spells, but it can lessen their power. If that bastard comes near you again, this locket should protect your body from reacting to his magic again, if you are hit with a crucio, this should lessen the pain. I wish these were not spells I had to consider protecting you from, but I understand it's a reality even if I don't like it. Please wear this always, Mi," James explained to her, both of his hands wrapped around her small hand holding the locket.
"Of course, Jamie, even without the spells I would never take it off," Hermione replied with tears in her eyes. He placed the locket against the hollow of her throat and delicately clasped the chain around her neck, his fingers brushing her skin as he placed it. When the link clasped shut it was like a flicker of magic went through both him and Hermione, a promise of protection and a promise to be protected.
Sirius adored the leather jacket that Hermione got him, and Remus thanked her for the Defense Mastery book. James whispered in her ear that he would properly thank her for his gift later, after he had opened the leather wrist wrap embedded with runes that provided protection (he chuckled at her similar thinking) but was also a communication device, similar to her DA coins. She made herself a similar, but thinner bracelet, as it's match. With them being bracelets, they could send longer messages to each other, and making them with leather lessened the chances of anyone taking them from them. Most purebloods and rich families used jewellery and metals for their trackers and protection pieces, leather would not be taken immediately to be sold or confiscated.
The rest of the day was spent in the Manor with Remus, Sirius and James, they spent hours laughing and sharing stories. When the boys decided to play some Quidditch, Hermione went to the library and read the afternoon away. That evening James joined Hermione in the shower and thanked her for her gift, pulling her release from her with his mouth.
The next day Lily and Peter joined them at the Manor, Peter seemed closed off and more twitchy than usual. It reminded all of them that he was still a traitor, he had been at the revels the day before and was still recovering from whatever he went through. They were disgusted that they had to laugh with him after he did who knows what to an innocent only the day before, however Hermione still felt a little pity for the boy. He was once the boy in that picture in James' room, he was once so happy with his brothers in arms, and now he was twitching from a torture curse and closed off because he had to torture, rape, or murder someone yesterday. She hoped Regulus and Snape were alright after their time at the revel, she would find out tomorrow night though.
Hermione spent the night in James' room after another incredibly passionate night together. However, this time she had an alarm set so she could go back to her room so as not to endure Dorea's comments again. She didn't immediately go back to her room after she woke up though, first she took James in her mouth and brought him to completion, gave him a kiss and told him to go back to sleep. Curling up in her bed in her room she thought about what she was doing today.
She would go to the Weasley's, spend an enjoyable time with the three boys and Molly and Arthur, likely the Prewitt twins too. After she went to bed, she would wait for everyone to go to sleep and then take the Knight Bus to Little Hangleton, and Apparate to the Leaky Cauldron.
Tomorrow she would officially start her horcrux hunt, she just hoped the defenses at this horcrux wouldn't cause her any injury.
James could not find out.
A/N: Follow, favourite, and review please!