A/n I went back and worked on the previous chapter. Nothing crazy, just a few grammar and organizational changes. It flows much better now! I am in awe of how this story is going! Especially how long it's getting. For those wondering I've added a few tags, if you'd like to check. Nothing pertinent yet, but it'll happen. Thank you, everyone for reading/commenting/reviewing. It keeps me going! Like the best hot chocolate!
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Potter Palace, 20 June, 1999
Harry sat at the breakfast table, sharing the space with no one else. Lily had retired to bed well before they returned from Draco's party. Dorea had not slept through the night, so Lily and James took sleep when they could find it. The House Elves helped a great deal, keeping the tired parents from being overrun. James had mentioned how when Harry was born, they were in hiding, and thus had a much more flexible schedule with his care. They had little else to do besides worry and be parents. Sirius, Remus, and Peter would bring food and entertainment from the outside world, however mundane. For over a year they lived like that until Voldemort claimed their lives.
Currently, James was working with House Black to overturn a corrupted government while being a parent, and Lily was working on improving the Wolfsbane potion, using notes Snape left to Hogwarts. Lily had been surprised when Minerva brought the stacks of potion journals to Potter Palace. She had justified it, saying that if Snape had known for a moment that Lily was alive, or would live again, he would have left her everything in his possession. Snape had worked on more than just the Wolfsbane. He had a number of break throughs in skele-goo, veritaserum, and many others. Lily had said that Severus never could brew a potion without improving it in some way, shape, or form. He was a master of the art and a great loss to the mastery. Luckily, all the work he had done was now at Lily's finger tips, and she was determined to use it for the betterment of others.
Lily, Harry found out, was almost as accomplished as Snape in potions. Some of that was due to Snape sharing his instincts with her, improving her already innate talent. Lily had informed him that she had intended originally to get masters in Charms and Potions, once the war was over. With this second change, once Dorea was a bit older, she was going to achieve those goals. Harry had loved watching her light up as she spouted information at him, reminding him heavily of Hermione when she was wrapped up in her own thoughts; neither woman needed anyone else's input.
Harry had been relieved when Hermione had sent a letter with Minty, letting them know she was moving into Grimmauld with Sirius. She didn't say why, but Harry wasn't surprised. The two of them had become closer since the Grim's resurrection. Harry had been pleased that his Godfather wouldn't be alone. He knew how destructive Sirius Black could be if left to his own devices. James had stared at the letter, his face unreadable, before sighing with a shake of his head. He shared a knowing look with Lily before letting the conversation go. Lily had laughed. Her eyes filled with mirth at James's reaction.
Harry munched on a pastry, sipping tea. The lessons weren't scheduled for another hour or so, and Harry could not have been more thankful. He did not think he could keep a straight face if he was confronted with Draco after realizing his attraction him. He had a bit of time to get a grip on his feelings and hopefully not make a fool of himself. If his school age crushes were any indication, he was not too hopeful.
The crush he had on Cho was still embarrassing to think about. He had made such a fool of himself. Not to mention the jealous he felt toward Cedric. Harry had wondered in the night after realizing his attraction to Draco, if the jealous was more toward Cho because she was with Cedric, or the other way around. He had not noticed at the time, but the respect and fondness for Cedric likely was as much a crush as what he felt toward Cho. Harry knew that if he had recognized the attraction, his treatment of Cedric would have been similar to Cho. He was thankful he didn't. Last thing he needed at that point in his life was more opportunity to make a fool of himself.
James joined him, while he was lost in thought; Dorea sucking on her hand. Her head was rested against James's shoulder, the black wild hair a signature of the Potter family stood tall having a life of its own. James patted her lightly on the back, whispering good morning to his adult son. Harry nodded half-heartedly, lost in his own thoughts. He had a bit of a crush on Hermione as well as Ron at certain points. The thought put a blush on his face; if James noticed he ignored it. Harry glanced at his father wanting to speak to someone about his newly awakened awareness, but thought better of it. He resolved himself to speak to Remus as soon as possible. The werewolf had proven time and time again to be level headed and kind. He'd give advice and possibly take the mickey out of him. That was something Harry decided he could deal with. It was better than having his father or Sirius giving him knowing looks across the room.
When Harry arrived in Diagon alley with James, he did not expect his father to abandon him for meetings with Gringotts and the Wizengamot. They were supposed to go over different possible avenues of law approvals. Harry was curious as to how exactly someone would go about changing the government of the Wizarding world, especially if one didn't have money or a linage to fall back on. The everyday witch or wizard should be able to make changes and help their world be the best possible version of itself.
Gringotts was holding a series of Vaults, pending a claim by the Black and Potter alliance. There were three that had been left unclaimed for over a hundred years and several others even longer. One vault had not been accessed since the age of Merlin. The last heirs either died out, or were untraceable. The Lines had contracts with Pureblood lines that they had spent the year absorbing. Gringotts was holding out on the technicality that the absorbed lines were not fully connected with the Vaults they were attempting to take possession of. Andy had hoped that the promise of Goblin Forged items being returned to the Goblin Horde would speed along the process. Instead, it was going slower, before stopping completely.
The Wizengamot was holding out against a series of changes to the legislation on the organization of the government. The Potters and Blacks wanted to create a more balanced ruling house, with fewer family seats and more voted in ones. The new law would set aside three to five seats for a variety of sentient creatures, not just Wizards and witches, as well as separate seats designated for Muggleborns. The argument was that the body made decisions that effected many other groups, and thus those groups should have representation. There was a great amount of support, but many of the greyer families were uneasy giving up too much power to others. Obviously, all the traditional families were against it. Lord Greengrass leading the charge. This was not the only legislation snagged, but it was certainly the biggest. It would be an uphill battle regardless.
Harry paled; Draco at his side walking down the shopping center street, completely lost as to how he got himself into this situation. One moment he was watching Andy update James and Sirius on the changes to their opposition, both within Gringotts and the Wizengamot. Then Andy had smiled slyly at the Lordlings and quietly shooed them out onto the street with orders to strengthen the bonds between allies. Draco had put up a brief fuss, unhappy with the idea of heading out into Diagon alley for the first time since the war ended. He, like the few others who escaped Azkaban, avoided heavily populated areas, for fear of retaliation.
Harry avoided them for a similar but different reason. He hated the attention simply being alive got him. He had been dealing with it since he entered the wizarding world when he was eleven and he hated it just as much then as he does now. He wanted to be left to live his life as he saw fit, without the rest of the world watching.
Harry took Draco's hand, hoping to give him a bit of reassurance. They were in this mess together and that was better than being alone. Draco frowned at their hands but didn't pull away.
"Let's get out of here." Harry tugged the pureblood through the Leaky and out onto the muggle street. They paused briefly out of sight, and Harry laughed when Draco transfigured their clothes. Harry had a great many strengths, but did not have the finesse to change clothes. He lacked the ability to focus on the finer details, if Hermione was to be believed. She had laughed at him, when he attempted to give them something to swim in.
During one of his particularly bad fits of sorrow and pain, Hermione had dragged him to a beach in France. Kings, as their friend and the new Minister of Magic, had been happy to give them an international portkey. They had not had time to pack anything, since Hermione was certain Harry would change his mind if given time to think about it. The result of Harry's transfiguration was never spoken of again. Hermione used some muggle money she always carried in her bead bag to buy them second hand attire to make up for it. It was a moment Harry knew he'd always look back on with a smile.
Harry couldn't help the smile on his face as he led the Malfoy Heir away from the magical world and into the muggle one. He didn't have a plan; Harry just knew that he wanted to show Draco the world he had once thought beneath him. Draco held his hand tightly, nervous, but ready to see it.
"Anything you want to see?" Harry laughed at Draco's face. He was clearly out of his element.
"I don't know, what do... muggles do for fun?" Draco was trying to look as confident as he could, but Harry could see the cracks. Each one growing the further they walked away from the Leaky.
"Hermione would know better than me." Harry smiled at the thought of his best friend leading them around London. She'd have a whole schedule set up for them with everything down to the minute. Harry was more of a 'in the moment planner'. Which meant he didn't have a plan, as it was pointed out to him by several individuals.
Draco took this is stride, eyes darting around them, trying to catch on something of interest. There were a few shops, but nothing particularly interesting. There was a little café, a trinket seller, something to do with reused clothes, and a few empty fronts. Draco made the assumption that this was not a wealthy part of muggle London.
"How about we Apparate somewhere more interesting?" Draco kept the disgust out of his voice, barely.
"Nope, we are muggles today. We're taking the bus." Harry answered with ease, a mischievous smile splitting his face. Draco returned it with open panic in his eyes.
"Bus?"
The first stop for Harry was a bank. James had set up a muggle equivalent for their family. He wanted to make sure that no matter where his family members ended up, they would have a way to care for themselves and find their way home. After retrieving muggle currency, he headed to the nearest underground entrance. Harry didn't have anywhere in mind, merely relying on those around him to point out interesting things. The cashier at the bank suggested the underground four stops down. He had laughed at Draco's face as they purchased passes for the day, swiping them, and being allowed in. Magic, Harry decided, was great in many ways, but it limited the imagination of the users. Draco asked hundreds of questions that Harry couldn't answer. He wished Hermione or his mum was available to. they'd know, or at least have a very well-educated guess. Harry had no idea how the train worked.
Their exit was a shopping district that shared a center with a large what seemed endless park. It was Harry's turn to be floored with uncertainty. The Park contained a small Ferris wheel and carousel. Harry had never been allowed on either of those things. His aunt and uncle had taken Dudley to different events that possessed them, but Harry had never been allowed to go. There was a small mobile ice cream cart and another that sold a variety of differently flavored popcorn. Draco opted to take on the shops first.
The first shop sold small glass figurines as well as wind chimes and other pretty trinkets. Harry watched in amusement as Draco moved around the space, taking in the little pieces, wondering how they were made. There were some that had been hand blow, while the majority was machine made. The woman managing the shop was pleased to help the two men look around and answered every question put her way. Harry was certain at least half of her answers were made up on the spot, but didn't want to stop the childlike wonder on his companion's face. It was only when she offered to meet him at the Café down the street later that Harry intervened, wrapped an arm around the pureblood's waist with purpose. He politely thanked her, purchased the little birds Draco picked out for his mother and led him out of the door.
Harry preened with pleasure when Draco wrapped his fingers around Harry's hand at his hip without a second of hesitation. The attendant turned a deep red and apologized several times before they had left the shop. Harry couldn't keep the smug smile off his face as they returned to the street, moving toward the second shop. Draco moved with Harry's arm around his waist like it was made to be there. Harry struggled but refused to remove his touch.
Each shop something similar happened, until Harry's arms were filled with purchases, and Draco had a better understanding of how to curve the worst of the flirting. Harry pulled them into an alley, and shrunk their bags to fit into Draco's pocket. He had to fight Draco about being paid back, but Harry won him over, by suggesting they do this again, only Draco paid for everything.
Harry dragged Draco out of the alley and toward the park. He wanted to try all the things that he had never before. He was either under the thumb of his relatives or hiding from the Dark Lord. It was time for him to live a little. Harry had never realized that even after the defeat of Tom Riddle, he still operated as if he was at war. They were paused at the top of the Ferris Wheel, gazing out of the sunset of London. It was the first moment Harry found he was completely at peace. Nothing was required of him, but to enjoy this moment. He didn't have his family to worry about or the world to save. He had the warmth of someone he could see himself someday caring for deeply. If Draco noticed his tears, he didn't say anything. Their hands were wrapped around each other in comfort. Each having their own demons to overcome.
Harry apparated them to the Black offices in Diagon alley at the end of the day. Head heavy with the down of a sugar high. Eyes swollen from more than a bit of crying. His chest tight with emotion. No one asked how his day went as he waved goodbye to Draco, not sure if it was a good idea to kiss him like he wanted. They promised to do it again soon and parted ways. Draco deciding to do a bit of research, so there was at least a plan next time. Harry returned with a skip in his step, glowing with the idea that he would have another chance to share a day with Draco, and hopefully more than a wave at the end of it.
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Summer 1995, Grimmauld
Hermione had received a new letter from Ron after writing him several pages. It was less than one and contained nothing of value to her. There were a few mentions of his family, followed by complaints of the school year starting. He had committed several lines to the games of Quidditch he had played with his brothers. It was a struggle to maintain her friendship with Ron, when Harry was not around to buffer their interactions. She still held out hope that given enough time and maturity Ron would realize her feelings and return them. She knew that they would work together, if he realized her worth. He was thoughtful in his own way, if a bit jealous. He was intelligent, but never applied himself. She resolved to try harder to get him to put in some effort. He could excel if he wanted to. She sighed.
Hermione hoped that once Dumbledore allowed Harry to leave the Dursley's Ron would join her at Grimmauld. She missed her friends.
"Something troubling you, Love?" Hermione fought down a frown as Sirius Black walked into the library and disturbed her in her frustration. She had been at Grimmauld, since the first two weeks into the summer. Her parents wanted to take a trip, but Hermione did not want to leave in case Harry needed her. The war was brewing, and she knew it was only a matter of time before a spark set it ablaze. His friends were important to him. She knew that alone he would struggle more then he should have too. She'd carry as much of his burden as he would allow her to.
She wanted to be available when Harry arrived to apologize for not writing him over the summer. Dumbledore forbade it and that must have him feeling so alone. She hated not being there for him, when she knew his time the Dursley's was awful.
While here in the dungy unloved home of the Ancient and Noble House of Black without her friends, Hermione learned two things; the first was that pureblood families were always overwhelming extravagant, and the second Sirius Black could be cruel.
"Nothing you need concern yourself with." Hermione did her best to dismiss his attention, since her arrival. He was bored and lonely, and she was an interesting change. It was to the point where, Hermione thought his treatment of Kreacher was merely a way to have her scream at him. The strange older man's face would light up every time their arguments would rise in volume. Even loud enough to awaken his mother's portrait, no matter where in the house they were. She could not stand his treatment of Kreacher and pure disregard to the plights of others of his kind. Especially since he had a best friend who was a werewolf.
She knew to a degree that he was baiting her, yet every time she fell for it. She almost growled in annoyance when instead of leaving like she wanted him to, he took a seat. She spared him a glance, taking note of his more than usual haggard appearance and Firewhiskey early for even his habits.
He must have had another nightmare.
Professor Lupin had let her know that while Sirius would never harm her or anyone else, he had his own demons to fight and sometimes, for brief moments while he slept, they would gain ground. Those nights led to days where the Animagus was more volatile and much easier to anger. Hermione knew that he was suffering from a trauma, but had no idea how to help him. She mentioned it to the Headmaster, but had been dismissed. He had reassured her that Sirius was harmless. Hermione had said he missed the point, but Dumbledore ignored her rebuttal. It wasn't about harm; it was about helping Mister Black's mental health.
"Oh, I think I get to decide that." He took a long sip of his drink, leaning back. She set her letter from Ron down and gave him her full attention, knowing he would not go away otherwise. The Marauder hated being ignored and took the attempts as a challenge.
"My troubles are my own, Mister Black." He let out a long low growl at the use of his last name. She had learned quickly that being called Mister Black, was the easiest way to take digs at him. She had been a bit afraid of him and his explosive anger at first, but her need to express her strong opinion overwrote everything else. He was wrong, and she would set the world ablaze before stopping herself from letting him know. In response, Sirius swallowed his Firewhiskey in one gulp giving her his undivided attention.
"Now Kitten, there's no need for name calling." His voice was level; however, the fire behind his eyes, spoke volumes. They were about to have a fight. Hermione shrugged. She had found the struggle of getting him to see her way of things as more of annoyance than the enjoyable time he seemed to have; at least at first. She now accepted his intelligence and the way he conveyed it. Not a late-night discussion or healthy debate like Remus, nor a soft lecture like Dumbledore. Sirius showed his intellect through action and quick wit.
"It's your name." He snorted at her retort.
"I'm Lord Black, if you must." He gave her a cheeky wink. "Through since we're friends, Sirius is fine. Or Padfoot. Snuffles for variety." He had a series of faces while he spoke, and she couldn't help but laugh. Sirius was often the opposite of his name. She wondered more than once if that was how he like it. She bit her lip, looking away. She had not really had anyone to open up to in a productive way since the school year ended. Ron was with his family, and she was unable to contact Harry. She had nothing in common with the rest of their acquaintances. She didn't truly think of anyone but Ron and Harry as friends. Luna was odd. Neville had different interests. Ginny was more of an athlete than Ron. The other girls from her year were just that, girls. They were all wonderful in their own way, but she wasn't in the same way.
"I was thinking about Harry and Ron." Hermione shifted uncomfortable. "When do you think Dumbledore will let Harry..." She stopped speaking at the dark expression that overcame Sirius's face. She recalled the series of heated arguments between Sirius and Dumbledore about Harry's placement. Sirius wanted the boy to live with him as was his right as Harry rightful guardian. Hermione while disliking the idea of Sirius being responsible for anyone, liked the idea of Harry never having to return to the abusive home of his relatives. She loved that an adult finally seemed to care deeply for Harry first.
Sirius stood, shoulders tight with barely contained rage, and walked over to the bottle of Firewhiskey she hadn't noticed. She watched curiously as he tipped the bottle back and drank. His Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed. He grunted tossing the empty bottle against the wall, sparing her a small glance before leaving the room. Hermione sat frozen for a moment. She had not seen Sirius act in such a way before. She didn't think as she stood to follow him. She had spent the last five years caring for two boys and letting him run away from his problems was not something she'd allow.
It took her a few minutes to find the wayward Marauder, and when she did, he was Padfoot. The large black dog was curled up on the floor of one of the sitting rooms. The majority of the furniture from the room was missing and had been since she arrived. She had assumed Remus and Sirius removed it while clearing out the worst of the dark magic before anyone else visited.
"Padfoot?" Hermione walked into the room slowly, expecting an aggressive reaction from the Animagus. Remus wouldn't return for a few more hours yet, and she couldn't think of anyone else who was able to pull him out of the stupor. Padfoot growled, a warning she chose to ignore. Join him on the floor, curling her legs tightly against her chest. He huffed; eyes narrowed on her. "Snuffles?" His body seemed to relax at the name, and he whined. She giggled as the large dog wiggled himself under her arms, huffing out a doggy sigh. Quietly, she gave him the small amount of comfort she could, one hand hugging the large head, and the other scratching his fur. When he was a Grim, it was easy to forget she was a teenager comforting an adult. "It's alright. Harry will be here before you know it, and the summer can truly begin."
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12 Grimmauld Place, 25 June, 1999 (Friday)
Hermione awoke with a start, wet tears on her face. She took in a slow shaky breath reliving the regret she felt after that summer. She should have contacted Harry regardless of what Dumbledore wanted. There were so many ways to speak to him that were completely untraceable for wizards. Especially wizards who looked down on Muggles. She recalled seeing a payphone in the park a few streets away from Grimmauld, just to name one. She could have written him a letter through the post. But no, she had blindly accepted Dumbledore's orders and reasons.
Harry had been so angry over the lack of communication. When he finally arrived, he had been unable to enjoy the short amount of time he had with his Godfather. Hermione was at least partly responsible for it. She experienced more with the Marauders, Remus and Sirius, than Harry had been able too. She knew Harry would have regretted not spending more time with Sirius and Remus before they passed away. Luckily, he had a second chance.
The summer after the Horcrux hunt, left her with a lot of time to remember all the mistakes that led to the horrible things that could have been prevented with communication. They should have gotten help from someone. There were so many who could have easily assisted and wanted to. The need for secrecy was an illusion Dumbledore praised and carted around. They needed to keep the hunt a secret from Tom Riddle, but if anyone could keep secrets it was Remus Lupin. His reasons for joining were flawed and more about fear of the unknown, but such an experienced person would have been a great help. Maybe if it hadn't just been the three of them, she wouldn't have shut down so entirely when Ron left.
Everything came back to Dumbledore. What had he been doing while Harry was growing up with the Dursley's? Did he just wait for Harry to clean up the mess caused by the intolerance that ran rampant throughout the wizarding world? The fastest way to change a cultural mindset was to educate the children. He ran the school. She huffed sitting up, trying to gather her anger and let it go. There was little she could do now about it. They were changing the world, at least Houses Black and Potter were; it was tragic that it was too late for everyone.
They had all been blind soldiers following a leader, who they believed knew what was best; child soldiers.
She sighed and laid back down, turning into her pillows and reminding herself to not think ill of the dead. She had spent the last week with Sirius planning their announcement. She was nervous and trying to hide it. The night of horrible sleep, spent remembering all the flaws of her supposed to be seventh year, was not helping.
She had settled into a pattern with Sirius. He'd always awaken first; how she had yet to discern. He's hold her, until she awakened herself, followed by taking turns getting ready and a light breakfast with tea. She had not had anything so domestic since the summer of her Sixth year. She could still recall the smells and sounds of her parents' routine the morning she sent them away. It wasn't until she had a routine herself that she realized how she craved it. She wanted this more than anything else. The feeling of being loved and supported, along with the knowledge that she wasn't alone. She tried to recall the last time she had all of those things at once, and nothing immediate came to mind.
"Coming down, Love?" Sirius poked his head into the room they had been sharing since she learned of their marriage. It had been the easiest transition of her life.
He would normally take off after spending the morning with her, to the Black offices, the Wizengamot, or Gringotts. He'd head over to other places as well, but none as consistently. Sirius promised to show her everything he was responsible for as soon as their marriage was common knowledge. He had already registered them with Gringotts; the bank known for its secrecy. While the paperwork with the Wizengamot was on hold until after the told their friends and family. Neither Hermione nor Sirius wanted a surprise visit from anyone, in relation to their unexpected status. Sirius had contacted Luna's father for a possible marriage announcement in the Quibbler, and they had sent something over to go out with a weekend addition of the magazine.
It had been doing well since the war's end. Luna would take it over eventual, happily continuing her family's lifestyle. She'd travel gathering information and publish Quibblers monthly. Currently she assisted her father, but one day it would be her.
Hermione spent the last week, setting up the house for a large number of guests. Sirius did what he could to assist her, such as shopping, but Hermione was lost in her own world and often forgot she had someone who was happy to be at her beck and call.
He'd often come home to her lost in planning, and he'd slowly coax her out with promises of dinner and cuddles. Hermione loved being curled up with Sirius on any number of furniture and relay their days to each other. She's smile up at him, happy as their day closed out. She didn't want anything to change, but knew that change was a part of life. She needed to figure out what she wanted to do next, whether that was joining Sirius and James changing their world through politics, or some other way. Hermione would change the world; she just had to decide how.
"Yes!" She sat up and attempted to run her hand through her bedhead. Sirius stood still; eyes filled with fondness. "I'm up." Sirius laughed, the barking sound vibrating Hermione's chest. She loved his unique laughter, and how he allowed himself to find such joy in all the little things. She hoped that one day she'd have that skill as well.
"I've breakfast warm for you." He walked into the room, sliding on to the bed and caging her with his arms. "I'm going to pick up the last things for tonight." She leaned forward and pressed their lips together. They had done little more than kissing and exploring each other above their clothes, but everything felt so intimate. She was charged with emotion every time their skin touched. She brought her arm up and wrapped it around his neck, hoping to keep him there for a few moments longer. Eventually they both relented and pulled apart. Hermione wanted tonight to go well. So, they could have their own celebration afterwards.
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Hermione paced the receiving room of Grimmauld. Sirius was seated an unreadable expression on his face as he watched her. She was wearing a red and gold dress. Her signet ring was hidden with magic, but any number of pieces she was wearing from her bracelet to earrings would tell all the purebloods who cared to look that she was part of a wealthy family. Hermione assumed everyone would think of the Potter family first, rather than the truth of her marriage to the notoriously wild Sirius Black.
On the surface they were a bit of an odd couple, but beneath they suited each other well. He's humor kept her from being too serious, and her mind kept him thoughtful. There was a balance to them that Hermione gladly fell into head first.
The whole house, with the exception of their bedroom was open for viewing. Hermione and Sirius wanted the main attraction to be the remodel of the new and approved House Black. Their announcement would be a side ordeal. The desire for it be taken well, caused Hermione to twist her ring around her finger. She was nervous that she'd lose someone today.
The Potters were the first to arrive, causing Sirius to stand and wrapped his arms around each of them in turn. The lightness of the conversation helped alleviate her nerves. Sirius suggested she show them around, while he waited for the next guests. Hermione was the only one to see the wink he sent her. She had confided in Sirius that she wished to tell the Potters earlier in the night, in hopes that they would be on their side. The support they could give them would be a relief to her growing tension. She had not intended to actually act on the desire before the moment they left the greeting room, but now she was having second thoughts.
Harry, happily offered his arm to Hermione, but let her lead them out of the room. She was pleased to be free of the responsibility of greeting their guests, while trying to seem as if everything was normal. Hermione glanced over her shoulder to James and Lily. Dorea was still very small, and her parents opted to leave her at Potter Palace with the House Elves to watch over her. They entered the entryway exiting the Floo room, and Hermione was reminded of just how large Grimmauld was.
With three floors, as well as an attic and basement the Ancient House was massive for two people. Sirius had informed her that the house could grow or shrink if needed. The fourth floor for example which had only two bedrooms and a ladder to the attic, came into being when Sirius was born. The second room belonging to Regulus was added when he was born. Each room served a purpose and came and went as new Blacks settled in the estate.
It was greatly changed since she had spent her summers here, not just decor, but the spaces were different as well. Currently the first floor consisted of an entryway for the front door, as well as two archways leading to rooms on either side, as well as a grand staircase that led to the second floor. The great number of portraits had been removed and were either in the attic or a vault at Gringotts. The space was not as open as before, instead split into the three sections. One archway revealed an extravagant dining room, clearly for serving a large number of people. They weren't planning a dinner. They were showing the house and ending in the ballroom which was set up for mingling. The second archway was a sitting area equipped with bookcases, a fireplace, and variety of other comforts. This was where those arriving by Floo would enter.
There was another set of stairs that moved down into the large kitchen where the center table had been removed. A smaller table that sat six comfortably, replaced it. While the rest of the space was taken up with a kitchen, pantry, a small washroom, and a large potions lab off to one side. It had been equipped with everything needed to make a large variety of potions. Hermione and Sirius were not potion masters like Lily and Snape, but they could make anything with a recipe. As such their home was stocked with every useful potion, they could think of that had a reasonable shelf life. With Lily working on improving existing potions, the lab was rarely used for anything out of the ordinary.
The second floor had a washroom, two bedrooms, and the ballroom. The washroom reminded Hermione of a public one. There were three wooden doors that led to separate toilets as well as a room containing a shower with a large subfloor tub. The room was stone similar to her own on the third floor. The Ballroom was a large open oval space that had huge ornate windows letting natural light. Hermione had wondered how it all worked, but still had made little headway in that regard. Grimmauld was older than House Black and thus things had been added, removed, and changed so many times there was no up or down to the logic, even in magic.
The first bedroom which had belonged to Ron and Harry during the summer, contained a set of twin beds of heavy dark wood, a wardrobe, desk, and bookshelves, all made from the same wood. The room was painted blue with a white accent wall. When the lights were turned off the blue transformed into the night sky filling the space with starlight. The second room was yellow and orange flowers as well as a green vine edging along the ceiling and floorboards. There was a single large bed of lighter wood with matching furniture the same as the first.
The stairs continued onto the third floor, which housed three bedrooms, one with an ensuite, two washrooms similar to the second floor, as well as a smaller sitting room. The sitting room had all the comforts of the one on the first floor but to a more intimate degree. Clearly it was for family or close friends. The first bedroom had a sea theme, with calming wave sounds and sand like flooring. Hermione had been pleased to learn if anyone ever stayed in the space the sound could be turned off. The second room was designed for a young Hermione, there was a bed, a comfy chair, and bookshelves lining the walls. Currently they were empty, but Hermione knew they would be easily filled by the house if needed. The third room was locked. Hermione had asked Sirius about it, but he just shrugged. The only indication of what was beyond the door, was the large Black Family crest and the words "Do Not Enter Without the Express Permission of Regulus Arcturus Black" written on the outside.
The third floor was a seemingly endless library, taking up the majority of the floor, and the master bedroom. There was a sizable office off to one side of the library, where Hermione and Sirius had barely begun to set up. The master bedroom was locked, but none of the Potters asked why they had not seen Hermione's room.
"It's so different!" Harry had remained silent through the tour letting Lily and James do most of the talking. Hermione nodded, smiling at her friend's amazement. The place was vastly different from what she remembered. At first, she had been afraid of the commitment such a large space would be on her time. She did not want to spent the rest of her life cleaning, but she was opposed to having a House Elf, still concerned with slave labor. Sirius reassured her that Grimmauld would care for itself, since it now had a willing Master and Mistress. The last few Lord Blacks treated Grimmauld as an estate rather than the sentient house it was. That mistreatment left the place in a state of fatigue.
"We share ourselves with it... sort of." Sirius had made an attempt to explain. Hermione had been reading through the old Grimoires of previous Mrs. Blacks. There was a lot about the requirements of such a station and some about the magic tied directly to Grimmauld itself. All she knew for certain was when cared for properly, the magical house had more than a few tricks up its drapes.
"It is certainly a home." James smiled at Lily's words. The grim old place was not anymore. The house seemed to give a little shake and puff up in pride. Hermione ran her hand softly over the nearest wall, pleased to have a place to call her own. Grimmauld felt more like a home to her then anywhere she had ever been. It was strange but welcoming.
"So, are you going to tell us the real reason for this celebration?" James had an eyebrow raised in question. Lily's expression was similar. Harry looked between his parents in confusion. "Sirius wouldn't have bothered with all this hullabaloo just to show off a house." If Grimmauld had a face it would have been pouting. Hermione twisted the ring on her finger and bit her lip. She had not expected anyone to question the celebration. It was very common in Pureblood families, though she realized, Sirius was hardly common.
"MERLIN!" James reached out and snatched her hand away casting finite. "You did not." He looked up his eyes wide with surprise, but there was a fire of humor there as well. Lily joined her husband making oh and ah sounds as she turned the ring this way and that, admiring it. "I'm a little upset you didn't invite us to the wedding." James made a dramatic gesture.
"WEDDING?!" Harry had turned red while James and Lily were admiring the ring. He glanced between his parents and Hermione, emotions playing on his face rapidly. The feelings subsided as fast as they appeared, and he looked exhausted at the end of it. "I should have known." Harry placed his hands over his face, gargling out mumbled words before taking a deep breath and looking up. "I can't believe you married my Godfather and didn't tell me." His voice was level, eyes bright with joy. Hermione fidgeted unsure of the emotional rollercoaster Harry had undergone in the few moments they had been standing there.
"I... it was kind of an unknown thing?" She wrapped her arms around herself trying to find the words. James was watching her carefully, silent. Lily was smiling in encouragement. Harry placed his own arm around her in support. "We were married by magic..."
"That takes..." Hermione cut off James and explained everything. Older Sirius's joke, her agreeing, the stolen kiss, and finally the ring. Harry took it all in, nodding along and tightening his hold as Hermione started getting emotional, tears building behind her eyes. James let out a long whistle, and Lily joined Harry with his arm around Hermione.
"So, you're announcing it tonight." Lily answered the question that started the whole conversation. "That should be easy enough. There are enough people coming that I doubt anyone will cause a scene." The four adults stood quietly outside of the library on the fourth floor, taking comfort from each other before splitting up. Hermione went to find Sirius with Harry, while Lily and James went off on their own to explore the new space. That was the point of the party after all.
"You should have a wedding. I bet Dad would love to give you away, and Mum would kill to take you dress shopping." Harry was chatting happily, having come to grips quickly when the change. If it had been a year ago, he was certain that he would have been jealous of Hermione's relationship with his Godfather. He knew that the idea of someone having a stronger connection to someone he craved for so long while growing up, would have been too much. As it was, he was happy Hermione and Sirius were going to be happy, and Hermione was part of his family, if not in the way he had originally imagined.
"I suppose... do you think... would that have been better?" Hermione looked concerned as they rounded the staircase and moved toward the entrance, looking for Sirius. Harry stopped her and pulled her into a tight hug, trying to reassure her with his actions, since he knew his words were lacking.
"I think, whatever you decide will be right for those that matter. And if it's not..." Harry pulled away and looked her in the eyes, "They don't matter." Hermione snorted, pulling him in for a hug again.
"When did you find your brain?"
"I had a lot of help from a dear friend. You could say my sister." He laughed. "Or Godmother." Hermione pulled away and smacked him on the shoulder.
"Harry James Potter, do not call me that!" They both shared a lighthearted laugh, before continuing on, hands grasping.
The attendees varied from close family like the Potters to political allies like Kingsley. Minerva was in attendance along with a few other professors. Andy was there with Remus, Lavender, and Teddy. Draco and Narcissa were mingling with anyone who walked over to them. Neville was standing with his grandmother on his arm. Hermione had been surprised to see Ginny and Luna, since the Quidditch year had started. Still, she had sent them an invitation. All the Weasleys were around, Hermione could pick out many red heads of hair. Molly was on the arm of Arthur, Fleur together with Bill, and the rest dotted here and there. The ballroom was less than half full, making Hermione question what sort of events were thrown that could possibly fill the space.
She smiled as Sirius made his way over. Sirius stood stone still as Harry gave him a cheeky look with a wink, letting him know that he knew. Hermione bit her lip, eyes shining with apology. Sirius shook like his dog counterpart and pulled Harry into a one-armed hug. Hermione slipped her free hand shyly into Sirius's, fighting a wide grin when he laced their fingers together. Harry pulled away and with a wave moved away from the two hosts. The Potters had arrived over two hours ago, and the rest of the guests were done with the house and were now enjoying food curtesy of Minty, Oreo, and Basil.
"Ready?" Sirius's voice was soft, eyes warm as they gazed at her. Hermione knew the announcement would be all over the Wizarding world by morning. Between those present and the Quibbler, she'd be surprised if anyone did not know come lunchtime tomorrow. She nodded, tightening her hold on his hand. She walked with Sirius toward the far end of the room, drawing eyes as they went. Turning around to face everyone, Hermione took in a deep breath and leaned against Sirius for comfort. He tightened his hold in response. "Honored guests, you'll have to forgive our misleading purpose of this lovely get together." He straightened as whispers started. Hermione looked around and locked eyes with Lavender who was vibrating with excitement. Teddy was in her arms, and Remus had his arms over her bare shoulders.
"While we were happy to share the beautiful House of Black... there's something we need to announce." Hermione was proud of her clear unshaking voice. Others began to pick up what was happen. Hermione took note of the surprise on some faces, while others looked like they knew all along. Minerva looked resigned. Hermione looked around for Ron. He was standing beside Harry, and she took note of Harry's tight grip on the ginger's arm. Neville was on his other side, holding Ron just as tightly.
"Hermione and I married." He held up Hermione's hand joined with his and showed the matching signet rings. There was silence followed quickly by gasps of surprise and loud enthusiastic applause. Lavender screamed something over the noise that no one could make out, but based on the bright red Remus turned it was likely not appropriate.
Hermione was pulled into the well-wishers, shaking hand after hand. Several individuals asked about a wedding, which did not occur. Hermione was bright when the positive reactions that she missed Molly approaching with a very flustered Arthur, who was trying adamantly to keep Molly away from them.
"YOU! YOU! HOW DARE YOU!" Hermione was jerked hard as Molly pulled her arm toward her. "After all I did for you! Letting you into my home!" She snarled; her words almost not understandable. "AND WHAT DO YOU DO! Leave my boy for what? This womanizing madman!" Sirius attempted to free Hermione from Molly's iron grip. He drew her attention to him, as the guests around them tried to do something without making everything worse. Arthur had been slapped away by his wife as he reached to pulled her into his chest. "AND YOU!" Molly turned her anger on Sirius, eyes dilated with adrenaline. "You don't even have the good decency to stay dead! You're nothing but a burden on my poor Harry! Everything would have been better if you'd stayed in the ground AND I GOT MY FRED BACK INSTEAD!" She had angry tears burning down her face as she stared down a surprised Sirius with nothing but hatred in her eyes.
"MUM!" Ron had rushed over managing to stand between Hermione and Sirius, and Molly. He wrapped his long fingers around his mother's wrist, eyes pleading her to let go. Molly seemed to come out of her anger, releasing her grip. "I don't care that Hermione moved on." He blushed looking down, seemingly forgetting they had an audience. "I mean... I do... but she's happy. I want that for her, like she does for me." He looked bashful. Molly straightened up, eyes glowing with emotion. At this point everyone was happy no one had drawn wands.
"She doesn't deserve you. Or him." She glared at Sirius. "Mark my words, she'll find something better and LEAVE!" After she finished speaking there was a heavy silence followed by the sound of a sharp crack. It reminded everyone of apparition, but only Hermione and Sirius could apparate out of Grimmauld. Molly was gone, and everyone but Sirius looked confused.
"I'm sorry, Arthur, but your wife isn't welcome in the House of Black." Hermoine knew as the words left Sirius's mouth that Grimmauld removed Molly Weasley from their home. The silence continued as slowly Andy and James ushered everyone out, who were not family. The Potters, Andy and her family, and Draco were all that was left. Neville, Ginny, and Luna were asked to leave, since they were not members of House Black or Potter.
"What do you want to do?" Andy spoke first, eyes looking over the pale still shocked Hermione. She was cradling her arm softly; a bruise already appearing where Molly had grabbed her. Sirius took a slow breath, arms wrapped around a now shaking Hermione.
"Nothing."
"NOTHING! Sirius, she attacked the Lady Black! That cannot stand." Andy's eyes were burning with the Black madness. She and Sirius had escaped the worst of it, but not all.
"She's still grieving." James tried to reason with her, knowing that it was likely a lost cause. "See how she mentioned Fred? I imagine having all of us return... but not Fred..." He ran his hand through his hair, reaching silently for Lily. "I don't want to think about losing a child." He glanced up at Harry who was huddled closely against Draco. Andy deflated a little at his words.
"We all lost someone." Andy leaned into Remus when he placed an arm around her. "Some even a child." They were quiet again.
"She won't be welcome at any Potter or Black property." Sirius suggested. "We'll request a formal apology, but she'll never be welcome." Everyone nodded slowly.
"Or Malfoy." Draco added, knowing it was an empty addition since everyone knew the Weasley Matriarch would likely never want to enter Malfoy Manor, but the comradery was there. Sirius and Hermione appreciated it. It was Hermione's turn to speak up, having acknowledged Draco with a nodded.
"BUT Sirius! She's family to Harry, and I..."
"Not anymore." Everyone turned and looked at Harry. His eyes were hard with anger. "You've done nothing to deserve her treating you so...so... terribly. I've had enough. I should have said something when she sent that Howler in fourth year." Sirius tensed.
"Howler?" He looked down at Hermione who was turning red, eyes swelling with tears.
"So, I'm saying something now." Harry continued, ignoring Sirius's question. "She needs to apologize and promise to stop treating you so horribly!" They all shared a similar look, Molly Weasley was no longer welcome among them.
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A/n HEY everyone! Yes, it's been a while, I'm sorry. I went on a two-week vacation that I NEEDED. It's been stressful, but I'm happy to be back! I don't normally spent time describing homes, but Grimmauld is a character in this story and deserved it! 😊