Hi everyone, Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope you enjoy the chapter today. Please remember to comment to let me know what you think of the story so far!

P.S.

I still don't own Harry Potter, as J.K. Rowling will never give it up. All I can do is play with the world that she created for us to enjoy. All OCs are mine thought unless otherwise stated. Thank you, and happy reading!

Chapter 11

After arriving on the cobblestone path of Diagon Alley, the six companions quickly spread out to hit the shops and purchase the teen's items for the year. Sirius, Calliope, and Remus went off to collect the new year's Potions, Herbology, Care of Magical Creatures, and other such equipment for the fourth-year students. They each agreed to meet at the Leaky Cauldron at one o'clock for lunch once they were done with their shopping.

Harry, Hermione, and Regulus headed off to Madam Malkin's to be fitted for their school robes and uniforms while the adults were away. Harry wasn't used to wearing a skirt which caused Regulus and Hermione to tease her relentlessly.

When Harry had gotten angry enough at her two companions, her hair had turned dark red, causing Madam Malkin to gasp in shock. The woman felt as though she was gazing upon the ghost of a young Lily Potter. She would never forget the fiery redhead as the woman had saved her life once during a Death Eater raid prior to young Harry's birth.

"You look just like your mother, my dear," the older woman said as she wiped a tear from falling. "If I didn't know any better, I would say that a young Lily Potter was standing before me. You are just as beautiful as she was at that age."

"Thank you, ma'am," Harry shyly smiled. "Did you know my mother?"

"Only in passing," Madam Malkin sighed. "She saved my life once, many years ago. If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be here today. Harriet, please accept my thanks on behalf of your mother. Every year, on the anniversary of your parents' deaths, I place flowers on their graves. I hope that it's alright that I do so."

"That's very kind of you," Harry choked back the tears. "Thank you for thinking of them. I've never even seen their graves"

"No one has ever taken you to visit them and pay your respects?" Regulus blurted out in shock.

"Never," Harry quietly cried.

"Don't worry, Harry. I'm sure that we can work something out with dad. When he learns that you have never been given the opportunity, he is going to blow his top!"

Harry was grateful for Regulus' anger at her plight, and the three teens found themselves in a group hug as she finally let her tears fall. The young Black was becoming a close friend to her, and she could see that he truly cared for her well-being. Madam Malkin was appalled that no one had allowed poor Harry to visit her parents' graves and provided her with a set of mourning robes free of charge for the occasion.

"Your robes and uniforms will be ready within the next two hours, my dears," the kindly woman declared. "Please check back with me by that time to collect them."

The trio thanked Madam Malkin for her kindness and headed for Flourish and Blotts. They each gathered their required schoolbooks for the year. However, Hermione did grab a few for some light reading prior to heading over to Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlor for a quick break. Harry once again ordered strawberry and peanut butter ice cream while Hermione ordered the mint chocolate chip that she always craved.

Regulus had never been here before and told the duo that he was feeling quite adventurous. The male Veela ordered a jalapeño flavored ice cream with chopped chili peppers sprinkled on top, much to the owner's delight. The combination surprised the two young ladies, but after they each tried a sample from his cone, they wished that they had ordered it as well! The combination of spicy peppers and cool ice cream was an unexpected treat for their tastebuds.

The trio of teens joked and laughed for the remainder of the morning, each of them growing closer to the other. Hermione was beginning to feel that it wouldn't be so bad to be stuck with Harry in the betrothal to Regulus. Sure, the young Black heir was handsome in a similar manner to Sirius, but it was his kindness and intelligence that had helped her begin to accept the current situation. Still, they had time to decide. If they changed their minds, they could always leave England. She had always loved France, and the government there was more open-minded than in their own country. For her, being with Harry was all that truly mattered in the end.

This seemed the perfect way to spend finish the morning as they waited for the arrival of the Weasley clan until Harry and Hermione heard a familiar drawling voice speak up from behind them.

"Well, if it isn't Potty and the little mudblood," Draco Malfoy sneered as he slinked over with Crabbe and Goyle beside him. "I thought there was a foul smell in the air. My father said that you had somehow turned into a bitch, Potter. Now you're even more worthless than you were before. Then again, I'm sure I could find some use for the both of you."

Crabbe and Goyle both chuckled stupidly at their leader's bigotry. As Draco and his goons began undressing Harry and Hermione with their eyes, they soon found a trio of wands digging into their throats. The three Slytherins put on a brave front, but on the inside, they were terrified at the sudden turn of events.

"You better put those away before you get yourselves in trouble," Draco sneered. "You know you can't use magic outside of school."

"True enough," Regulus agreed, shocking both Harry and Hermione as he motioned for them to lower their wands. "These two can't use magic outside of school. However, as I am defending their honor as their betrothed, I am a different story!"

Regulus quickly slashed out with his wand, his magic burning through the air, striking each of the Slytherins with a powerful incarcerous. Like a fierce predator, the angry Veela stalked forward and struck each of the teens across the face with his heir ring, leaving the smoldering brand of the Black family for all to see.

The patrons of the ice cream parlor went silent as they watched the events unfold, surprised to hear of the betrothal between the Potter and the Black families, as one was the epitome of light while the other was deeply entrenched in dark magic. It wouldn't be long before word spread of this most recent development. As this was a matter of familial honor, no one interfered, not even the Aurors at the table across the room.

"As this is the first time that you have insulted my two fiancés in my presence, I shall let you off with a warning," Regulus spat. "Should you insult them again, those brands will become permanent, and all will know of your attempted interference between the heir to the House of Black and the heiress of the House of Potter. Begone from our presence, heir Malfoy. You and your friends are fouling up the air."

Releasing the Slytherins from their magical stasis, Regulus forced them out of the establishment, which was followed by cheers and congratulations from around the shop. Hermione was blushing furiously at all of the attention while Harry just stared at Regulus with a smile. Both girls marched up to their betrothed and placed a chaste kiss on his cheeks in thanks for standing up for them. With a goofy smile on his face, Regulus held out his arms for the two girls, and they headed out to enjoy the rest of their morning on Diagon Alley.

While they were enjoying their stroll, Regulus pulled the girls into a small jewelry shop where he had placed an order that morning via the family owl. Once inside, he quietly asked Harry to cover Hermione's eyes before having a quiet conversation with the clerk. The merchant withdrew a small box that undoubtedly held an expensive piece of jewelry within.

Once Regulus was prepared, he got down on one knee in front of Hermione and opened the small box in his hand. As the box clicked open, Harry removed her hands from Hermione's eyes, and she gasped at the beautiful ring inside. Nestled within the box was a beautiful platinum engagement ring supporting a large chocolate diamond surrounded by smaller white diamonds along the band. The ring held the same enchantments as Harry's and would protect Hermione from compulsions and mind-altering potions should anyone attempt to attack her person.

"Hermione Jean Granger," Regulus said as he propped up the ring. "I know that we haven't known each other long, but we have found ourselves in an unusual situation. I want you to know that this proposal comes with the same escape clauses that I have with Harry. I understand that we will need to tell your parents about this new development, but I promise to be there every step of the way. Should you and Harry decide to cancel the betrothal at any time, I will understand. I only ask that you allow me to protect you alongside Harry until that time. I don't know what the future holds or how we will feel about each other down the road, but I believe together, we can figure it out. Would you give me the honor of wearing this ring to show everyone that you are under the protection of the House of Black as my betrothed?"

Hermione would be lying if she said she wasn't surprised by Regulus' actions. Sure, she understood that this situation developed as a way to keep Harry safe, but she never expected that she would be tossed into the middle of their betrothal. She had never thought of being involved with anyone other than Harry, but the changes that had occurred had thrown her for a loop. Taking a deep breath, Hermione thought about Harry and the best way to keep her safe.

"Thank you, Reggie," she said with a smile. "I would be honored to wear your ring. I don't know what the future holds either, but I do know that wherever Harry goes, I will follow."

With a smile, Regulus slid the ring onto Hermione's finger and kissed the back of her hand. Harry was all smiles as she knew how much Hermione must care for her to finally accept being a part of the betrothal. Filled with love for her wife, Harry kissed Hermione and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"Thank you, Hermione," Harry whispered into her ear. "I don't know if I could do this without you."

"You'll never have to either, Harry," Hermione whispered back and kissed Harry's cheek.

Regulus watched the girls with a smile before spotting a gaggle of redheads walk past the window of the shop.

"Well, girls," Regulus called. "It would appear that the Weasleys have finally arrived. Let's go and catch up with them and meet up with Mum and Dad."

The trio hurriedly gathered their belongings and ran out the door after the rowdy family of gingers.

"Fred!" Regulus shouted out. "George!"

The redheaded twins whipped their heads around with matching smiles on their faces.

"Oi!" the twins shouted as they rushed over to Regulus and the two girls, pointing out the bags the trio was carrying. "What's all this? Did you guys get a head start on collecting your school supplies?"

The three laughed at being caught red-handed while the rest of the Weasley family hurried over.

"Harry, dear!" Mrs. Weasley exclaimed as she swept the teen up in one of her back-breaking hugs before greeting Hermione more sedately. "Hermione, always a pleasure. How far along are you in collecting your school supplies? We were just about to head over to Madam Malkin's to pick up everyone's robes. I swear that woman raises the price of repairs every year!"

Harry wasn't too happy with Mrs. Weasley's rant about Madam Malkin and her prices. After joining the Wizarding World, she never had to worry about having enough money.

"Hi, Mrs. Weasley," Harry greeted as she escaped from the bone-crushing hug. "We are also headed over to pick up our robes as well. After that, we will be picking up some new quills and parchment before meeting Sirius and everyone else at the Leaky Cauldron for lunch."

"Hiya Harry!" greeted Ron from where he stood beside Arthur. "Have you had a chance to check out Quality Quidditch? They're supposed to have some new armor out specifically designed for seekers!"

Harry was excited that Ron had seemed to bounce back from the earlier awkwardness from the day before. The green-eyed teen hoped their friendship would soon return to the way it was before the start of all this craziness.

"Hi, Ron!" Harry greeted her longtime friend. "That would be great! I'd love to check out the new seeker armor with you. Let's grab the rest of our school supplies, and we can head over before lunch!"

Hermione laughed at Harry's eagerness to spend time with Ron, but she noticed a look flash across Mrs. Weasley's face that worried her. Hopefully, it was nothing, but the girl promised herself and Harry that she would watch the Weasley Matriarch for any suspicious activity. She nudged Regulus to get his attention, but the young man already seemed to have discovered what had Hermione worried. He nodded his head to let her know that he was watching and would make sure that nothing out of the ordinary happened.

As a group, they all picked up their robes from Madam Malkin's before picking up the rest of their supplies. Once they were finished, the teens split off from the adults and went into Quality Quidditch to check out the new seeker armor on display.

Regulus noticed how Harry was drooling over the armor and made a note to place an order for his betrothed. He had decided to do everything within his power to keep Harry happy. She had suffered enough in her life, and it was time that she was spoiled for once.

The black heir suddenly noticed the odd looks that Ron was giving Harry when his betrothed wasn't paying attention. Yes, Harry was a beautiful young woman, but the hungry glances that Ron kept giving her were really pissing him off. If it weren't for his occlumency training, he wouldn't have been able to calm himself down so well. Ron was unaware of just how close he was to becoming a scorched pile of ash on the ground.

Finally, Regulus placed his hand on Harry's waist and told her that it was time to head over to the Leaky Cauldron. Ron noticed the placement of Regulus's hand and flushed in anger before schooling his expression. The boy was learning not to blow up at everything that got in his way. His mother had taught him the importance of patience over the summer, and her lessons were taking root quite well.

After their arrival at their destination, they were led to a private room where food and family were waiting for them. They dropped off their school supplies in the corner with the rest of the bags and happily enjoyed lunch with everyone at the table.

"So, girls," Calliope called out to Harry, Hermione, and Ginny. "After we are finished eating, how would you like to go and try on some dress robes at Gladrags? With the ball this year at Hogwarts, we will need to make sure that you are properly outfitted for the occasion. Molly, what do you say we try on some robes as well? We may find something lovely enough to show off to our husbands."

Molly saw what the beautiful Veela was doing and decided to play along. It would be nice to spend time alone with just the girls. This would allow her to gauge just how close Harry and Hermione were to each other and this new boy who had appeared in their lives.

"Oh, that's a wonderful idea," Molly agreed. "How about it, girls? Who would like an afternoon of dressing up?"

The girls reluctantly agreed to follow along as neither was too keen on dressing up for the ball. Harry had never learned to dance, Hermione had never been comfortable with large gatherings, and Ginny didn't think she had the curves to make any of the gowns look flattering on her athletic body.

Calliope and Molly assured them that their worries were unnecessary as Hogwarts would be offering dance lessons this year prior to the ball. Ginny was reminded by her mother that she was still only 13 and that she had a lot of growing up to do. The redhead girl was going to be a beauty one day, but she seemed to wish to grow up too quickly.

Molly began to ask subtle questions about Harry and Hermione to glean some useful information about the couple. What she learned had surprised her. The two teens had truly developed a soul bond that magically married them. These types of bonds were notoriously impossible to break, which also made the woman realize that they were a package deal. Before she could smile at the realization, she noticed the rings on their fingers that bore the Black family crest engraved on the beautiful stones.

Ginny gushed over how beautiful the rings were and congratulated the girls on their marriage and subsequent betrothal as Molly inwardly seethed. The young redhead admitted that she no longer had a crush on Harry and wished them luck in their future as a couple. Molly knew that it would be difficult to get in the way of this betrothal. However, this woman was known for her stubbornness. She put a smile on and congratulated the girls before helping her own daughter find the perfect dress for this year's ball. Ginny was rather beautiful, and she had no doubt that the girl would be able to snag some other heir during this year's festivities.

After spending several hours trying on the beautiful gowns, the girls had made their selections and were told their dresses would be owled out to them by the end of the week. With their task complete, they reunited with the men who were loitering around the entrance of Gambol and Japes Wizarding Joke Shop with smiles on their faces and their pockets bulging.

Harry took one look at the four Marauders and knew that they were up to something. Regulus smirked at Harry and mouthed, 'prank for Malfoy' which caused Harry to break out in a mischievous grin.

"Honestly, Harry," Hermione chided. "You need to work on your poker face. Everyone with eyes can see that you are thinking of something that is bound to get you in trouble."

"Hermione!" gasped Harry in mock terror. "You wound me! I would never dream of participating in anything that would get me in trouble. Even if I was, I am much too clever to be caught!"

Hermione raised her eyebrow in disbelief as Harry gave her a saucy wink.

"Besides," Harry continued. "Fred and George always have a plan if things go awry. Otherwise, they would have been expelled ages ago."

"Well, everyone," Sirius remarked as he shrank their new purchases and tucked them into the pocket of his robes. "It's finally time to part ways. We will see you all once again on September 1st."

With that, they said their farewells and parted ways. Sirius turned to Harry before giving her a large grin.

"Harry," Sirius said with a smile. "Luck is on our side! Remus was able to use some of his connections at St. Mungo's to get you an appointment to correct your vision! Are you sure that you're ready for this?"

"Yes!" Harry excitedly shouted as she hugged the two mutts tightly around the neck.

The two men laughed at Harry's excitement and led everyone to the floo point to set off for the Wizarding hospital. Within the next hour, Harry had perfect vision and tossed her old glasses into the rubbish bin on the way home.

Never before had the world around her been so clear and vibrant! Harry couldn't believe what she had been missing for all of these years. Her green eyes sparkled with happiness, and everyone was happy for the sudden bounce in her step as they hurried home for the night.