HELLO lovelies!
The staggering number of lovely reviews I've gotten since the last chapter warm my heart beyond belief. Goddyss41, I unfortunately couldn't answer any of your questions cause you have PM's turned off, but you did ask some really great ones!
Quite a few people mentioned something in their reviews, and...I decided it would be too much fun not to include it.
This chapter is ridiculously long, as are quite a few from here to the rest of part I. There is a bit of sexual content in this chapter, so just warning you of that beforehand.
I recommend listening to Black Flies or Gracious by Ben Howard while you read *hearts*
Please leave a review and let me know what you think ;)
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Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me.
Saturday, October 28th, 1978
Killian's Tattoo Parlour
Muggle London, England
In between all the dramatics on Sirius's birthday with Remus's surprise return, James had stuck his head through the floo network to contact Killian. His disembodied head of green flames had apologised profusely for any inconvenience the late cancellation had caused, and begged to get their appointment rescheduled.
Killian had smiled serenely, waving away James's guilt and asked if all the details were the same for the next appointment.
"There are six of us now. Is that okay?"
"No complaints from me," Killian had replied. He'd left for a few moments to peer into his appointment book (Orchid mainly ran that part of the business as her attention to detail extended to every aspect of her life). "Does the twenty-eighth work? It's a Saturday."
James agreed readily, and bid Killian a warm farewell. The moment he pulled his head from the fireplace, however, he realised that Moody may not give them the day off. He wasn't sure how their program would run going forward.
Moody opted for a 'less' stringent program after their break. They still kept unseemly hours, getting little to no sleep during the week, but he gave them the weekends off. With the caveat that he could call for them any time if he so desired, and to always be prepared for that possibility.
Kingsley turned out to be a great mentor (James never had any doubt). Most of the time the man was serious, and almost a bit frightening when he was teaching, but in the blink of an eye he would return to the charming, easygoing Kings they all knew. Kingsley also liked to tease Moody, and James got himself unwittingly roped into a bit of harmless mischief here and there.
James wasn't as gifted at potions as his siblings or Lily was, but he was decent. He found brewing potions when he knew he was going to put them into practice made the process far more pleasant.
In times past, the Aurors would receive a lot of their healing potions from Healers, but St. Mungo's was overrun with patients, understaffed and the Healers overworked. Lily'd volunteered a few times over the past two months, and reported that the state of the hospital was horrendous.
Sirius's mentor was a more seasoned Auror, a kind man, who was severe in his training. Jameson. The same man who had delivered the tragic news of Dorea's passing years ago. Sirius had never met the man, so his first impression of him was not dipped in torrid tragedy. He quite liked the man.
James avoided Jameson where possible, glad that they needn't interact much. It wasn't as if he blamed him in any way, but seeing his face brought forth unpleasant memories.
Killian's parlour hadn't changed, the decor, the ambiance, it was all the same. As the six of them strolled inside—the bell over the door ringing—for a brief stutter of a moment, it felt as if Draco had never left. Time was slower, it moved at a more leisurely pace here. Orchid's bright greeting from behind the front desk gave him a jolt, and time resumed her natural tempo.
An opaque fog swirled the cobblestone streets outside, in spite of that, faint morning light shone through the storefront windows.
Even though Remus was on the fence about getting another tattoo, he'd tagged along regardless. Not that any of them would let him stay home alone.
Whilst Remus healed from his wounds, he shared some details of his stay with the werewolf packs. They were a distrusting lot. They'd been ousted from regular society, treated like filth. The new laws in the works would make finding employment or getting basic care even harder to come by.
The laws had slipped Draco and Hermione's minds. There wasn't a mention of them in the Daily Prophet, and they didn't really socialise outside of their friend group; the owls they exchanged focused on other topics.
Despite James and Sirius spending an inordinate amount of time at the Ministry, their department didn't deal with the creation of magical laws and regulations, they were simply responsible for enforcing them. Besides, the two boys were too focused on their training to listen to elevator gossip, or eavesdrop on other's discussions as they traversed the Ministry halls.
Harold Minchum was their 'new' Minister for Magic, and he was a pragmatic, cautious man. Their former Minister—Eugenia Jenkins—had been ejected from office in 75' as the public had no faith in her capabilities in dealing with Voldemort's steady rise in power. Which is why Minchum had been overly careful which legislation he attached his name to. Certain members of the Wizengamot had been pushing for stricter Werewolf restrictions. One member in particular. Dolores Jane Umbridge.
Hermione's fingertips had sparked upon hearing Umbridge's name. Draco's expression had darkened murderously. The rest of the pack was too concerned about what the laws would mean for Remus's future to notice.
In many ways, it was as if Remus's hadn't left. Yet, he had. That fact lingered like a chainmail blanket dangling over their heads, ready to fall and trap them at a moment's notice. Sirius was reserved, guarded, whenever he was around Remus. Truthfully, in the beginning they all were. Lily was the only one who treated the wizard as if nothing had happened.
Remus had changed too. There was a wilder, unsettled aura that masked his usually calm, steady disposition. He growled more often. Draco had callously commented one night at dinner that Remus ought to recall his table manners, when he swirled his finger about in his mash potatoes. Remus blushed profusely, hands retreating to his lap where he wiped the potato off in his napkin.
Draco caught Remus rubbing at the tattoo on his forearm on occasion since he'd come home. Nosce te ipsum. Know thyself. It worried Draco, but he never brought it up as the gesture seemed to calm Remus down.
The day after Remus had returned, Draco'd sent Dumbledore a dungbomb and a nose-biting teacup in the post. The dungbomb was set to go off as soon as the package was opened. It was petulant, and not much in the way of retribution, but, it made him feel better about the piss poor situation.
Mipsy's personal mission was for Remus to healthily gain back the weight he'd lost. Thus, she made hearty meals tailored to him, pumped full of nutrients. She'd also made him a massive chocolate cake.
Hermione held off for several days—until Remus was well enough—but her hurt and anger boiled over and she yelled and yelled at the werewolf. Remus winced, leaping backwards; his back curved protectively. He watched her with wary eyes, sharp teeth bared. Hermione had frozen mid-lambastation. She shrank back herself, making herself daintier, less threatening. Remus instantly relaxed. Remus had changed.
That night, however, Hermione kept her prior promise. She didn't hex or jinx Remus. Instead, she dyed his hair bubblegum pink whilst he slept. His startled screams when he looked at himself in the mirror the following morning, were sweet music to her ears and they echoed deliciously throughout the Manor. The potion Hermione'd concocted was potent, so it would most likely last for a month.
James loved Remus's new look, and had taken many pictures since the incident. One of them he'd framed and put on the desk in his room. James's desk was normally ordered and tidy, but since Lily had moved in and taken it over, there were often bits of parchment where she'd scribbled down half-baked ideas and notes from her animagus training. Every few days, she would tidy it; the left side held her belongings, the right James's, and the middle was neutral ground. The desk was vast enough that even with all their books, notebooks, quills and other stationery, there was more than sufficient room to work.
Overall, the occupants of Potter Manor were afraid Remus was going to run away again if they didn't keep a keen eye on him at all times. Thus, Remus was never left at the Manor alone. One of them would periodically check on him throughout the day, confirming his presence.
Draco's mind re-entered the Parlour, and he focused on Orchid's words as she gave them the rundown of how the sessions would work today. She paused for feedback, and mentioned they could stick with their usual artists, or switch it up. They wouldn't mind. After conferring amongst themselves for a minute, the Marauders decided. The group was split into pairs.
Whilst Draco's conscious stream of thought had been elsewhere, Orchid purred and fawned over Remus's new hair colour. She was delighted and had announced boisterously, 'we match!" She'd twirled on the spot, her blue tulle skirt floating about her.
Orchid slipped her hand in James's. "I know you're sticking with me, sugar." James let out a bark of a laugh and happily informed her that she was correct. He hastily grabbed hold of Remus's hand. The bubblegum pink haired witch dragged the two much larger wizards off to her studio. It was a peculiar, but amusing sight.
Hermione looped an arm through Lily's, and the pair wandered over to Georgie's room. The fluffy bluebirds hopped about their branch, chirping joyously when Hermione stopped in front of the mahogany door. Lily was peering at them curiously.
"Hello, sweetlings. Is he sleeping?"
The middle bird sang sweetly, flapping its wings twice. Yes, it seemed to say.
"Can we go in?"
Another note, higher in pitch and longer than the previous came from all of the birds in unison. The door clicked open, and the two girls disappeared into the darkness. The door softly shut behind them. The birds settled down on their branch, chests puffed out, and they closed their dark, beady eyes.
"Would you prefer to daydream all day? Or do you boys want to get some tattoos?" Killian's voice appeared before he did.
Killian never aged. He looked more haggard, and worn down than the last time Draco had seen him, but there were hardly any wrinkles on his face. His easy smile, and cavalier attitude were invariably present.
"Killian!" Sirius exclaimed, skipping over to the wizard. Killian was leaning against the corner of the corridor that led down to the back rooms, arms folded over his chest. Sirius stopped just shy of the man, hands on his hips, a sparkling glow about his figure. He'd been looking forward to this more than anyone.
With far too much enthusiasm Sirius said, "please pierce my skin, my good Sir."
Several hours later, and Sirius's tattoo was almost complete. Sirius had brought a rough sketch and outline. He'd briefly explained what he wanted from the magical tattoo, and it hadn't taken Killian too long to finetune it and finalise the image.
A bed of delicate but vibrant yellow daffodils that would sway in the 'wind'. Lying amongst the daffodils was a slender, but mighty black dragon. Its powerful wings were folded flat against its back. It had some Chinese influences, so its body was more serpent-like, however it only had two front legs, but no rear ones. Its horns were jagged, sharp. There was a psychedelic green sheen to the dragon's scales. The end of its tail swept across its bed of flowers to the right hand-side where it wrapped around the trunk of a great yew tree.
"Charlus—Dad was like a yew tree you know? Strong, powerful, steady and always there for us," Sirius had told Draco as he explained the meaning behind the tattoo. The serpent was obviously a metaphor for Dorea, and the daffodils were for both of them. Draco had swallowed his emotion, trying not to let it show as Killian put the stencil in the centre of Sirius's back. The tree ended at the top of his shoulder blade. Some may say the placement was questionable, but Draco was sure that Sirius would figure out a way to fill out the rest of the space.
Hermione's chosen tattoo of the day had a similar theme to Sirius's. The pair had discussed their ideas before the session, and by linking their concept, they were getting a pair tattoo. Hermione's tattoo wasn't as elaborate or flashy.
The tattoo was situated on her upper left arm. It was a single daffodil. The linework was simple, clean and it was mainly a black and white tattoo aside from the light yellow hues on the flower's petals. The stem ended in a small patch of grass, the blades distinct. The tattoo was enchanted to change according to the seasons, following nature's path. The flower itself wouldn't wither, but during the colder months the flower petals would close, and during winter it would snow.
Hermione's main purpose was to support Lily as her friend got her first tattoo, but she couldn't resist getting one of her own. As the finishing touches were being placed on Sirius's tattoo, Lily was in the middle of receiving hers.
A doe. Lily had successfully visualised her animagus form a few days ago, and Sirius'd run around the house overjoyed at how perfect her form was. A doe. James had blushed, but flirtatiously said that maybe they were meant to be after all. In her pink embarrassment Lily threw a weak stinging hex at his arse. It landed on its target.
For a first timer, Lily maybe shouldn't have placed the tattoo on her ribcage, but she had. It was on the right side of her body. Georgie was kind, and took small breaks to allow her to breathe. It helped that he had a delicate touch, which eased the pain a touch. She held Hermione's hand the entire time, and didn't complain once even though her face was contorted with discomfort and pain.
The tattoo was about the size of Lily's hand as she pressed it to her side. Unlike Draco and James's prior tattoos, the witch opted to get the entirety of the animal on her ribs. The doe had grass underfoot for her to graze, and the background is a pastel pink colour, but Georgie said that he was adding in charms so it would shift to various pastel shades in accordance to her mood.
The doe itself was a reddish brown colour with a speckling of crimson spots instead of white ones, but the tufts of fur by her hooves were stark white. Its eyes were vibrant green, matching Lily's own. A delicate necklace of white carnations, white gerberas and white magnolias were woven around the doe's neck. A couple of white daffodils had sprouted from the ground around the doe (it was James's birth month flower, and she decided to return the favour for the lilies on his back).
Lily had also wanted to get a tattoo for her parents, but she couldn't make up her mind, so she settled on just one for the day.
Discovering her animagus form was both exhilarating and unnerving. She started at sudden noises, her hearing had sharpened ever so slightly, and everyone else's scents were becoming more defined.
"It's like the two of you were practically made for each other," Draco drawled, smirking as he ruffled James's hair. Sirius ran back into the room, and cheekily exclaimed, "does that mean you and Moony are meant to be? Eh, wolf boy?" It was one joke Sirius never tired of.
Sirius stuck out his tongue before booking it with high knees. Draco grinned toothily. "Mangy mutt!" He bolted after his friend, leaving Lily and James alone.
"It is almost like we were made for each other," Lily echoed lowly, unsure how to react to her form. She was delighted, but also terrified about the connotations that came with it. James seemed to sense her unease, and he reached out to stroke her cheek gently.
"Maybe," James hummed. Lily had been staring at her feet, but her head shot up and she steadily met his serenely happy gaze. "We do suit each other, but, more than anything we chose to love each other Lily. Maybe it's fate, maybe it's not. Doesn't really matter does it?"
"So what? My animagus form is my way of expressing my love for you?"
"Maybe."
Tattoo-wise, James was strangely uninspired. He'd scraped together a couple ideas, but none of them were good enough. He wanted to honour his parents' memory. There were so many memories, so many details that stuck out, but nothing seemed quite right. Until, he decided to not stress so much about it.
James pondered on whether to get an entire scene like Draco had, but eventually decided against it. It'd taken some time, and he felt a bit silly about the design he chose. Doubt filled him as Orchid placed the stencil on his skin, waiting for his final decision. Remus held his hand, and reminded him that it was his tattoo and his idea. He was sure Charlus and Dorea would love it.
Charlus's gardening boots. The worn, brown leather boots with desert sand coloured laces. The bottom of the boots were covered in mud, and dirt filled the insides, and a handful of yellow and white daffodils were sprouting from the dirt. Daffodils, the common theme for the pack's session. (Remus knew about Hermione and Sirius's plan, and had suggested the flower.)
James's tattoo was full colour; a bold statement on the inside of his right forearm. Grass was beneath the boots, and surrounding them were a few dandelions. It was intricately charmed so 'wind' would come and blow the seeds (the white puff balls) away.
After some deliberation, and bouncing ideas off of Remus, James chose to get more ink. An emerald dragon akin to a Hungarian Horntail in appearance. The style was less detailed realism, and more like a rough sketch; the colour a watercolour wash that trailed after the dragon as it moved around his ribcage.
It was nowhere near as big as Hermione's or Sirius's; his wasn't even as big as his hand. It was based off of a female Horntail, and as with many dragon species the females were larger, but also not as stocky as their male counterparts.
Remus's tattoo was much simpler. 'I solemnly swear that I am up to no good'. Remus popped out of the room, ran to find Draco and insisted his best mate write the phrase down on a spare piece of parchment he'd torn out of Orchid's sketchbook (with her express permission). He asked Sirius to draw the title's banner (it matched the worn, furled at the ends parchment used for names for the Marauders Map). Killian paused in his tattooing to allow the quick but detailed sketch to take place.
When Remus returned to Orchid's muted pink sanctuary, he sheepishly handed her the bit of parchment, and the witch giggled in delight.
Remus found Orchid and James doodling absently on the remainder of the parchment Remus had left behind. With a smirk, Remus pointed to James's doodle of a broom chasing a snitch and asked Orchid if she could put that on his skin as well.
James protested. The sketch was mindless, rushed, and Remus didn't even play Quidditch. Remus merely shook his head and said, "no. I don't Prongs, but I like it. So I'm getting it."
The first tattoo was placed on the left side of his chest, and was enchanted to move in a somewhat circular manner with footprints much like the map's trailing after it. James's sketch was placed under his right collarbone; the broom eternally chasing the zigzagging snitch.
The whirring of the tattoo machine buzzed in Draco's ears. Killian's room was simple and minimalistic; it possessed a similar aesthetic to the front of the Parlour. The walls were a dark grey, the floor black, yet there was somehow an open, airy feeling to the room. It may have been the lack of furniture. A single couch was against the far wall, with azure upholstery and white throw cushions.
Killian was putting the last touches on Sirius's ink, weaving the enchantments into it, helping it take its first breaths. Prim pride settled over Killian as he observed his handiwork. The man'd tied his dark hair back into a loose bun on top of his head, and it bounced as he shifted and took in the tattoo from different angles.
Killian laid down all his tools, and plucked his wand from behind his ear. He waved it a few times, incantations falling from his lips as he sealed the charms and healed Sirius's flesh.
Once he was finished, Killian handed Sirius a mirror, and Sirius buried his face in the leather upholstery beneath him, hiding the tears brimming in his eyes. "I love it."
Killian turned to Draco, crooked smile in place, swivelling on his stool with his arms folded over his chest. "Alright, Potter. What are we doing today?
Draco had a peculiar request for his tattoo. He'd sketched out Prongs, and a slightly larger stag whose antlers were bright white, with white tufts of fur on his chest, and a brown doe with crimson and white speckling her coat. "Can you add them to my back piece?"
Killian grasped the sketches in hand, rubbing his stubble with the back of his other hand. A small sigh. "It's possible, but it's generally a lot harder to do. I'd have to freeze all the charmwork, and tattoo them somewhere else and then use magic to transfer them into the forest scape…" Killian trailed off, muttering technical things under his breath.
"Sorry," Draco said, feeling a bit sheepish about his choice. He could have gotten fresh ink elsewhere, but somehow it felt right adding the two stags and doe into his existing tattoo.
"Don't be." Killian met his gaze. "Any other alterations? It would be extremely difficult to add or take away anything on another pass. The longer you have a magical tattoo, the less malleable it is. It takes on a life of its own in most cases."
"Some water lilies floating down the stream? Whatever colour you choose. If it's not too much to ask of course."
Killian smirked at that, he must not have been expecting Draco to tack on another element. "You really like to challenge me. Don't you, Potter?"
"Of course. It wouldn't be fun otherwise."
As Killian was toiling away, using all of his focus to painstakingly tackle Draco's challenge to the best of his ability, the rest of the pack's sessions ended. One-by-one they all piled into their room, subdued as they excitedly showed off all their new ink.
There were some tears, watery smiles, and then they all piled on top of each other on the sole couch. It groaned under the weight, but held fast. Hermione was in Lily's lap, and James, Remus and Sirius were messily entangled. (They marvelled at how daffodils had made their way into almost all of their tattoos.)
Orchid peeked in, and daintily informed Killian that she had a dinner date with that witch she'd met a week ago at Florean's. She'd already closed up the front, and Georgie's subsequent appointment had floo'd and cancelled. The Marauders wished her luck, and joyously told her she'd knock the witch's socks off with her charm. Orchid winked audaciously.
Georgie wandered in some time after, bare-chested, yawning and inquiring as to whether he could be of any assistance. Draco cheekily asked if he could give him another tattoo. George guffawed, a deep sound that came from the gut.
"Cheeky bastard."
Although vast in stature, Georgie didn't get in Killian's way, sitting beside his friend and readying a second set of tools. Gentler, like a summer breeze the man asked Draco what he wanted.
A series of mini moons in a vertical line behind his left ear. The different moon phases as it turns its never ending cycle. Charmed to match the current phase and the moonlight itself; the others become a darker silhouette.
There was an unknown emotion welling up in Georgie's eyes as he finished. He gave the group a once over, his gaze lingering a touch longer on Remus than the rest. Silently he communed with the wizard in a way no one else understood. His feelings were conveyed as Remus shot him a sad smile and gave him a curt nod.
Georgie tidied his workstation, whispered briefly in Killian's ear (the man nodded and made a few noises in reply), and then opened his arms for a hug from Hermione. The witch untangled herself from the pile and gladly obliged, beaming as she embraced the large man. Georgie left in the same quiet manner he'd entered.
Remus had brought his camera with him, and he'd begun snapping shots of all of their ink. There was shifting of clothes as they did so, but they tried to keep it down, so as to not distract Killian. The wizard was almost done.
The most difficult part was weaving the fresh ink into the older tattoo. Killian had to heal the new tattoos, give them their base charm work, and then guide them over to their new home. Once that stage was complete, he had to intricately weave the other charms into the scene again. His wand hand trembled slightly.
Killian's hairline was damp when he finished. A lot of concentration and magical prowess had been required of him. Magical tattoos were a special branch of magic that weren't hard to learn, but it did take the right touch to truly bring the ink to life. It was why Killian was so particular with who he let into the shop to apprentice under him.
"All done, Potter. Don't ask for any more alterations, I won't do 'em," Killian heaved out. The wizard inspected his work clinically, pleased as the deer explored their new home. The white doe was down by the stream, watching them carefully. The water lilies bobbed along the water's surface as the stream carried them away.
Draco's back was sore, his skin felt taut. He said as much in between thanking Killian. The tattoo artist assured him it would last for a few days but wasn't permanent.
Remus got Draco to stand in front of the wall, back turned so he could get a picture of his tattoos. Hermione, James and Killian left the room to settle the Marauders tab. Sirius wanted to chip in, but the Potters wouldn't have it, this was his birthday gift.
Shortly thereafter, the brood had said all their goodbyes, thanked their artists, and ended up gathered in front of the shop. They huddled together for warmth as the thick fog swirled before them.
"I'm famished. We ought to grab some food before we head home," Sirius suggested. Hermione wrapped her arms around his midsection from behind, ducking under his arm and peeking at the others.
"I agree. There's that pub we went to once not far from here. Their fish is flaky and nice," Hermione hummed, dreamily salivating at the thought. Face awash with pleasure.
"I could do with downing a few pints," Sirius smirked.
"That settles it then," Lily grinned. She laced her fingers through James's, snuggling closely to her boyfriend.
The hexad set off into the fog, bellies empty and grumbling, chattering excitedly about their outing and the piping hot food that would soon fill them. Lily bet Sirius eleven sickles she could drink him under the table, and Sirius gladly took the wager. James heartily disapproved, but got roped into a drinking game of his own with Draco and Hermione.
Killian crossed his arms over his chest, nose inches away from the glass as he watched them disappear into the fog.
"They'll be okay, mate," Georgie said from beside him, rubbing a hand over his spiky, cropped hair and yawning.
"That lot is immersed in the thick of this messed up war. it will be a miracle if all of them make it unscathed."
Georgie clapped Killian on the back. "You've gotten attached, haven't you?"
"And you haven't?" Killian shot back.
"I have. I also know that they are strong, and if they do go, they'll go with one heck of a fight."
"They're still children."
"That they may be, but they have the hearts and souls of warriors."
Killian gave his companion a pained smile. "Sometimes I forget what you had to go through when you were far younger than they were." He reached over to grasp his friend's forearm.
"All in the past now. Besides, it's because of that that I can tell they are survivors."
The two men stared into the fog long after the Marauders shadows had faded, silent, lost in thought, praying to whoever would listen that they would indeed all survive, and that they wouldn't be damaged irrevocably in the process. "Please, survive," Killian whispered against the glass, his hot breath fogging it up. "Please."
Sunday, November 12th, 1978
Potter Manor
Hermione and Draco's Two Year Anniversary
It was a sight Draco wanted to ingrain in his memory forever. Hermione was standing by an open window in his bedroom, hands lazily raised over her head, fingers dancing in the sun's pale rays peeking into the room. She was seemingly unfazed by the biting, bitter cold blowing in from the harsh outside. She'd parted his curtains, and the sheer fabric danced about her.
November had gifted them with a rare, bright day despite the cold that soaked down to their core and stiffened their limbs. The cruel winds had picked up, and the temperature was teetering below freezing.
James'd had the bright idea to have a scrimmage last week. They couldn't have a proper game without more people, so Draco, James, Sirius and Hermione had a competition to see who could score the most through their makeshift goal. Remus was Keeper, and Lily kept score. Icy rain had fallen from the sky in the middle of the game, and they'd had to flee back inside.
"I hope the snow comes soon. At least there'll be a reason why it's so ruddy cold," Hermione said aloud, but he could tell she was voicing her thoughts aloud as opposed to addressing him.
Hermione's raven curls tumbled down her back, obscuring her dragon tattoo from his view. Another gust of wind burst into the room, and her hair wildly blew about behind her. The dragon on her back shifted, raising its head and a short stream of fire and smoke came from its nostrils. Draco smiled at that.
Draco rubbed the fluffy white towel in his hands across his damp locks. He'd just taken a shower. The wizard emerged from his bathroom, and he meandered over to his witch. Carelessly he dropped the towel on the ground when he did.
"You know. If you put on more clothes, or closed the window, it wouldn't be so cold," Draco whispered against the shell of Hermione's ear. He embraced her from behind, hands skimming across the sapphire blue, translucent robes partially covering her modesty; they were long sleeved, and she'd secured them with the silk sash. The fabric was somewhat rough under the pads of his fingers.
"You're one to talk. You're naked."
"Astute observation."
Despite being blessed with a rare day of sun, there were no grandiose plans underway. The Marauders were letting it lazily slide by. James and Lily had been holed up in their room since the prior night; Hermione had had to throw up silencing and locking charms for them as they'd both clearly forgotten. Hermione heard more than she ever wanted to before she'd retired to her own room.
Sirius made a few witty comments about it at Breakfast this morning. Remus scoffed, changed the subject, and decided the two of them would run household errands. Perhaps find a spot of lunch in Muggle London. "I think a walk would be good for you, Padfoot." Remus's canines flashed as he grinned, his tone teasing and jubilant.
Sirius had jumped onto Remus's back. "You'll turn me on with that kind of talk, Moony. I do love a good walk." Remus sighed heavily, rubbing at his brow as Sirius affectionately ruffled Remus's pink hair.
The pair left before midday, stating that they would be home late. Everyone aside from Lily knew it was Draco and Hermione's anniversary today, and Draco had briefly wondered if that was why they'd practically been left to their own devices.
The bouquet of calla lilies Draco had given Hermione first thing that morning was already in a vase on his bedside table. They swayed in the crisp breeze, the pale blue ribbon that had been wrapped around their stems was strewn around the crystal vase.
Draco's right hand slid down, parting her robes and slipping in between her legs. A soft gasp fell from Hermione's lips as he tantalizingly teased her entrance.
"Hi," Hermione breathed, her head falling back against his shoulder. Her hands dropped behind her to slide up his nape into his damp hair. "You should dry your hair properly or you'll catch a cold."
Draco muttered under his breath for a moment, and his open window slammed shut. Hermione flinched back into him.
"A little warning would be nice," Hermione grumbled.
"What would be the fun in that?" Draco asked. His hot breath washed across the side of her face, and she shivered in his arms. Draco's other hand was kneading her breast, playing with the taut nipple through her robes.
"Draco," Hermione said, her breathing uneven, ragged and her tone laden with lust. He'd continued his attentions, and slipped his middle finger inside her cunt. Only for a brief moment. He removed his hand altogether, and placed small kisses against her neck.
Hermione twisted around in his arms, her hazel eyes blazing with flecks of copper and bronze. Her hands were on his neck again, and she tugged him down to her. She kissed him. It was feather light, her lips parted and their quickening breaths mixed together.
Hermione arched into him, her thinly covered breasts brushing against his exposed flesh. The soft moans and pleasant sounds coming from her spurred him forth, and he fought against the wild instinct to shove her to the floor and take her.
Draco broke their kiss, and he lowered himself to his knees, his hand wove in between her parted legs and wrapped around the back of her thigh. Hermione unfastened her robes, and they fell to the side. Draco openly admired her naked form. She never failed to take his breath away.
Draco smirked. He forced her legs apart further, his head in between them. Draco breathed hotly on her core. She shivered, her hands finding purchase in his locks, gripping the strands painfully tight. A low hum purred at the back of his throat. Draco's cock throbbed, hard and twitching against his abdomen, but he dared not touch it, not yet.
Hermione threw a leg over his shoulder, pressing closer to him. Draco's tongue leisurely swirled around her clit, simultaneously he slid his index and middle fingers inside her.
Hermione's robes fell off of her shoulders, gathering in the crooks of her bent elbows. Draco drank in the vision of her coming undone due to his attentions. Draco picked up the pace, taking her swollen bud in his mouth and sucking on it as his fingers pumped in and out of her. Hermione's heel dug into his back, and a litany of swear words fell from her lips. She was close.
Draco's tongue slowly swiped along the seam of her cunt, his fingers stilled, and he removed his mouth altogether. Hermione groaned in heavy frustration. Draco unwound himself from his witch, rising to his feet once more. She opened her mouth to say something, but he swallowed her words as his mouth descended on hers. The taste of her lingered on his tongue, mixed with peppermint. Hermione didn't care.
They parted long enough for Draco to whisper, "that's payback for this morning." Draco had woken up to find Hermione fondling his balls whilst she licked and sucked on his cock. A wicked gleam in her eyes. It wasn't long before he was spilling in her mouth and she swallowed. She'd placed a chaste kiss to the tip of his softening cock before clambering up his body and wrapping herself around him.
Hermione grunted in acknowledgement, letting her robes fall to the floor, they pooled around her. Draco's hands were on her hips and he smoothly picked her up, she wrapped her legs around his waist. Draco carried her over to his bed.
Draco dropped the witch a bit rougher than intended onto the mattress. Curls fanning out around her, the ink on her skin alive and breathing, hazel eyes glittering with molten copper shards, flesh tinged pink around the swell of her chest. She was a vision.
Draco gripped his cock, hissing at the contact. Hermione bit her lip, turning over and crawling away from him, her arse swaying as she did. Draco climbed onto the bed after her.
Hermione lowered herself onto the bed, hands on either side of her head, back curved as she stuck her arse in the air, legs parted, her glistening cunt on display. Draco held back a whimper. She'd thrown her curls over one shoulder, and her dragon tattoo was alive, breathing across her skin.
Draco teased the tip of his cock in between her folds.
"Draco, I swear to Morgana—"
Hermione didn't get a chance to finish before Draco slammed into her. Hermione's inner walls clenched around his length and his canines sunk into his bottom lip as he tried to retain some semblance of control. He sank into her warmth, not daring to move yet.
Hermione had other plans. She pushed back until he was fully sheathed within her, her hands fisting in the sheets as she pulled back and made to move again. Draco beat her to it, gripping her hips he thrust in and out of her, fingers digging into her supple flesh.
One of Hermione's hands reached backwards, her fingers brushing against the space where their thighs were practically touching, the other was kneading her breast, toying with her pebbled nipple and soft sounds left her as Draco slammed into her again and again. Delicious pressure was building in his bollocks.
Hermione's fingers raked against his thigh, sending shivers up his spine. The scent of vanilla was heavy in the air. He wanted to be closer to her, he needed to be. He pulled out of her and a low whine whistled through her throat.
Draco sat back on his haunches, and Hermione flipped over, hands propping herself up as she stared at him. "Come here," Draco whispered. Hermione obliged, climbing into his lap, an arm around his back. The muscles in his legs were taut, stiff, but he ignored the sensations wracking through his limbs.
Hermione reached down, guiding his hard cock back inside of her, her head falling backwards as he filled her. Her breasts brushed against his chest as she moved, rolling her pelvis forward as she bounced on his cock. Draco tilted her head back down, capturing her lips in a searing kiss. He snapped his hips upwards to meet her movements, establishing a fast, erratic rhythm.
Draco gripped Hermione's arse, aiding her movements as she rode him, moaning into her mouth as she milked his cock, chasing her release. He tried to hold off his own, but her walls tightened, squeezing him and he came with a strangled groan. White spots danced in front of his vision, and he rode a high of ecstasy so bewitching he forgot to breathe for a moment. His chest was tight.
"Fuck," Draco heaved out. Hermione kept moving, faster now, and Draco's hand moved to her clit, rubbing against it and moments later her eyes rolled back, her face flushed as she grunted and came on his partially erect cock.
"Fuck," Hermione echoed, clutching at him, her sweaty forehead falling onto his shoulder. She tangled her hands in his damp hair, toying with the strands absently. "When was the last time we fucked like that?"
"Too long," Draco responded, hands skimming over her skin, feathering his fingertips over as much of her as he could.
Hermione pulled back to look him in the eye, adoration shining in her eyes. "Want to go again?"
"You're insatiable, witch," Draco laughed airily, kissing her chastely.
"That a no?"
"Give me a few minutes, then we'll talk," Draco murmured against her lips. Hermione bumped his nose with hers. A trickle of sweat travelled from his chin, down the hollows of his throat and settled in the valley of his collarbones.
"I've got all day."
Draco grinned, his canines on display. He tilted his head to the side, "have I told you I love you lately?"
"Last Tuesday maybe?"
Draco buried his face in her neck, a throaty laugh rumbling through him and vibrating into her chest cavity. "You're something to behold."
"I love you too, Draco."
Draco Potter truly loved the witch in his arms, ever grateful for the time he'd been afforded with her. The pair fell sideways on the bed, still entangled. "I love you, Hermione Potter."
A loud bang from outside their door caused the pair to stiffen, and Hermione's hold on his hair became almost painful. The sound of their racing heart rates beat against their eardrums.
"Lily and James must have left their room," Hermione said, voice barely audible. Draco nodded. He hated keeping their relationship a secret from Lily, and it was becoming tiresome. He wasn't sure how much longer they could keep it from the redhead. The conflict riddled throughout Hermione's body told him she felt the same.
No subsequent noises sounded from outside their safe haven. The pair didn't speak, both lost in their thoughts. Lily deserved to know the truth, and they knew from their experience with Remus and Sirius that the vow would allow them to tell her. The main concern was how she would react.
The room suddenly felt too hot, too confining.
"How about we clean up, and go grab some food," Hermione suggested.
"As long as you wash my hair," Draco said, drawing patterns on her lower back. "If I'd known this would happen, I wouldn't have showered earlier."
"Poor planning on your part," Hermione replied. She untangled herself from him, his soft cock slipping out of her. She stood up, and she pulled a face as Draco's cum slickly glided out of her and down the inside of her thigh. They both reeked of sex.
"I am going to shower first, and you can stay here and wait your turn. If we shower together, we won't eat anytime soon."
"I'm not in a hurry," Draco said leisurely, hands now laced behind his head. He'd rolled onto his back, and he saw Hermione's eyes rove over his nude body.
Hermione's eyes were ablaze with copper, but she raised a finger at him and said, "stay."
"I feel like your faithful canine companion," Draco said, rolling his eyes and sitting up.
"Aren't you?" A dastardly grin took over her features, her hands diving into her wild curls. Draco's eyes widened, a mischievous glee taking over him as he jumped up, his leg twitching. He didn't pay it any mind. Hermione let out a sharp gasp, realising what was going to happen.
Draco leapt at his witch, and nimbly she hopped out of the way. A chase ensued. Around the room they went, ducking, dodging, bobbing and weaving. The wolf and fox engaged in a quick game of tag, whilst the wolf was determined, the fox was crafty and nimble, always avoiding capture at the last second.
Somehow Hermione ended up jumping onto the bed to run away from her lover, bouncing across the mattress as she ran over it. Draco followed after her. Eventually, with a stroke of luck, Draco caught Hermione round the middle and spun her in a circle. A peal of laughter left the witch as she playfully pounded her fists against his arm.
Some time later, the pair showered—separately—got dressed (Hermione in one of Remus's jumpers she'd nicked a few days ago and pale blue satin shorts, and Draco in his old Quidditch jersey and some black sweatpants) and made their way downstairs. The sound of boisterous voices beckoned them towards the kitchen.
Lily and James were baking. Or that's what it looked like. Hermione and Draco hovered in the doorway, shooting each other amused glances as they took in the scene before them. Mipsy was mysteriously absent.
Lily was wearing a cherry red apron over one of James's band tees and some black knickers, flour was on her cheek and she was patiently instructing James on the next step. James was whisking some eggs together in a bowl, wearing nothing but black boxers and pink, fluffy socks that came halfway up his shins.
"Afternoon," Draco said. The pair turned around, Lily's scantily clad arse swaying as she did and Draco's gaze respectfully avoided lingering on the motion. James let out an excited noise, whilst Lily's cheeks flushed at her appearance.
"Oh. We thought you might have gone out with Moony and Padfoot," Lily said, a bag of flour in hand.
"Hermione and I thought we'd have a quiet day dedicated to some quiet reflection and casual brewing." The lie rolled off of his tongue like butter, and he resolutely didn't look in Hermione's direction. She was surely shooting him a disbelieving glare.
"Brewing? Oh I would have loved to join!" Draco batted away any untoward thoughts before they formed, picturing chocolate chip cookies and focusing on James's socks. He was not going to picture anything inappropriate pertaining to Lily. He refused.
"I think you were a bit preoccupied," Hermione teased, strolling into the room. She promptly pressed her friend on how she could help. Lily pointed over to where the bag of brown sugar and sticks of butter (in a small bowl) were. The couple's faces burnt beet red.
Pure thoughts, Draco scolded himself mentally, instead gazing openly at Hermione and how the jumper had slipped down, exposing her bare shoulder; her pack mark on display. She used a pink scrunchie to tie her hair up, and bumped elbows with Lily.
Draco followed, but ended up on James's side. Flour was on his brother's face as well, and he was intently focused on his whisking.
Sirius and Remus returned home half an hour later, seeking out their pack members, arms laden with groceries and purchases. They'd been looking forward to a bit of show and tell.
"I wasn't expecting to be greeted by Evans' arse when I came home," Sirius said, abandoning his bags by the door, and confidently crossing the room. They were almost finished, having just completed the dough. He sandwiched himself in between Lily and James, throwing an arm over their shoulders.
"We're baking sugar cookies. I know you're quite fond of them, and I thought we could all decorate them together," Lily said brightly, turning to her friend. Sirius blinked blankly, taken aback by Lily's thoughtfulness. He gripped her shoulder infinitesimally tighter, drawing her into his side.
Remus placed his bags beside Sirius's, and hands in pockets ambled over to Hermione's side. He wrapped his arms around her from behind, dropping his head on top of hers. "Miss us?"
"Dreadfully. A large chasm was left in your absence," Hermione replied dramatically, hand on her chest—smearing flour all over the indigo fabric.
"Is that my jumper?"
"Maybe," Hermione smirked, deftly rolling out the set of dough in front of her. If it had been any hotter they would have left the dough in the ice-box for a while to chill before rolling it out.
"Shame I can't nick your clothes," Remus hummed. He dropped a soft kiss to the crown of Hermione's head. Lily watched the interaction carefully, a small smile in place. Their family, their pack might seem strange to others, but it's just how they were.
"Are you boys going to help, or are you just going to get in the way?" Lily demanded, a star shaped cookie cutter in hand. Bright green eyes flitting between Remus and Sirius.
"I want to decorate, Evans! I'll work on the different icing colours if you haven't started," Sirius offered. Lily beamed.
Lily pointed a finger at Remus, gesturing in Sirius's direction, "go help him. Please and thank you." Some of her crimson hair had escaped her loose bun, and was hanging directly over the pastry she was working on.
The kitchen was a mess, but Sirius managed to find space on the marble island to work; Remus and Sirius lowly discussed colours and ideas for decorations as the others worked on cutting up dough and placing the cookies on parchment covered baking sheets.
Soon, the smell of freshly baked cookies wafted through the corridors of the Manor; their home. The kitchen was cozy, and filled with happy chatter as they worked. Outside the winds howled, and the temperature dipped dangerously, but they weren't privy to any of that. The Marauders were brimming with mirth, and safe in a world of their own making.
Saturday, November 18th, 1978
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry
Hermione and Draco had kept fairly busy since their anniversary. After some research, and a few conversations with some muggles of various professions, they bought a plot of land.
They were a little vague when discussing the details with James, but after a lengthy conversation, they'd gotten his permission for the funds required. By a miracle of epic proportions, the land was much cheaper than they'd been expecting. Although in all fairness, it was several kilometres away from any other settlements (there was a small fishing village six kilometres South of there).
"It's your money too. Plus, you know as well as I do that we have more than enough."
"We still wanted your consent before we made such a big purchase."
The beginning phase of their plan was being put into motion. They'd swung by Hogwarts earlier; they'd apparated into Hogsmeade, made the trek up to the Castle, and waited outside the gates until Minerva arrived.
Draco'd sent a Patronus ahead, to inform the witch of their visit. The corporeal fox bounded through the air, its silvery blue form contrasting greatly with the greys of the day.
The dark clouds overhead were menacing; they threatened to burst at any moment.
Minerva appeared, emerald robes swaying as she moved. She halted a couple feet away from the gate, curiously peering at them behind the bars.
Hermione politely pleaded that they borrow Riley for a few hours. The witch was perplexed by the strange request, but after a few carefully chosen words, their need of the witch was made abundantly clear. This had something to do with the future, something they couldn't discuss due to their Vow.
Minerva mentioned that she would inform Pomona of the extenuating circumstances, and then she left; off to fetch their dear friend.
Hermione and Draco waited outside of the gate, huddling together for warmth. Draco was toying with one of Hermione's curls and she whispered the rest of their plan for the day to him. They'd gone over it countless times already, but it couldn't hurt to speak of it once more. After fifteen minutes, a familiar face emerged from the Castle and strolled down the Path towards them.
Hermione pulled her coat tighter around her, and burrowed the bottom of her face into her thick, woollen black scarf as the witch halted on the other side of the gate once more. Minerva waved her wand, dismantling some of the charms, and the massive, wrought iron gate swung inwards; she backed away as it did. The detailed ironwork protested softly as it moved.
Riley was pleasantly bewildered by their sudden appearance, and she'd tucked her cropped white hair behind her ears as she peered around behind them, most likely looking for Sirius. Riley stepped over the wards' threshold, stopping a few inches before them. A prim smile on her face.
"Have her back by nightfall," Minerva said. A curt nod, followed by her waving her wand and murmuring spells. The gate groaned louder this time as it closed. Minerva raised her hand in a brief wave, and with a swish of her emerald skirts about her, she retreated back into the warmth of the Castle. Her long, raven braid swung across her back as she did.
"Is Sirius okay?" Riley asked once they were alone. Worry permeated her carefree features, and she stepped into Hermione, clutching at her coat. Draco took a step back, exhaling heavily, his hot breath swirled out in front of him.
"Sirius is fine. We have something else we need to do. We'll explain a bit more once we get there. James should be waiting for us."
They had sent James ahead of them. Their brother was confounded by their cryptic behaviour, but he thankfully hadn't asked any questions.
After learning that the Potter siblings would be busy for the majority of the day, Lily had joyously announced that she was taking Sirius and Remus for a date in Muggle London. Both readily agreed. There were a few cafes and cake shops Lily wanted to visit, and Remus suggested they go decor shopping as well. Sirius had brightened at that, his creative side itching to be put to use.
"We can't really explain, but we need your help with something," Hermione said. Riley's head turned towards Draco in a silent questioning manner. He shrugged.
"This all seems rather strange, but I trust you both…so, I'll help however I can," Riley said after a few tense moments. Hermione visibly relaxed, and pulled Riley in for a hug.
"We're going to apparate now, okay?" Hermione informed the younger girl. Riley nodded, her face buried in Hermione's curls. Draco placed a hand on the small of Hermione's back, closed his eyes, and whisked them off to their distant destination.
Apparating far distances required intense focus, and was magically draining regardless of who it was. Draco stumbled to the side when they landed rougher than intended. Hermione held fast to Riley, keeping her steady. Her stomach churned with the effects of long-distance apparition. Draco's complexion paled, and he was breathing heavily.
"Always a bitch," Draco muttered to himself. Hermione pried herself from Riley, and turned around. The sunlight parted the pale grey clouds, the sounds of the nearby ocean crashed against her eardrums.
They were on the same bluff Riley'd brought them to a couple years ago. Not much had changed. The tall grass swayed around Hermione's knees. The cold sea air nipped at any exposed skin. Hermione stared out at the vast sea before them, its dark water roaring with every wave.
"You're here!" James's voice came from their left, and Hermione followed it with her body, facing the source. James was a ways away, trekking up the dusty path that was carved into the bluff's side. "Sorry, I went for a little stroll on the beach whilst I waited." The wind carried his voice to them.
"It took a little longer than expected, but we're here."
"Why are we here?" Riley asked. Recognising her environs instantly, and befuddlement rippled through her.
"We bought the land," Draco answered simply, marching forward on the incline in the direction of the bluff's edge. He halted several feet away from it, hands thrust into his black fur coat—the fur along the collar was fake and white.
"Bought the land," Riley repeated, baffled. She gestured to the area around them in disbelief, her hands appearing from the folds of her midnight blue, flared cape coat. There was a single copper button that shone when it caught the light by her collarbone, fastening it closed; with a puritan collar.
Riley fiddled with the neck of her white, turtleneck jumper. "Why would you buy the land?"
"I can't say," Hermione replied sadly.
Riley's brow furrowed at that answer. "Can you tell me why we're here?"
"Not exactly. I can tell you that I need your blood in order to put up blood wards around the property. The muggle repelling wards will be much easier, and Draco and I should be able to do that ourselves." Hermione spoke more to herself than to her friend, Riley's eyes widened. James reached the apex of the path, hands tucked into his corduroy jacket Hermione had given him.
"Did you just say blood wards?" James handed Draco the photograph of the bluff that his brother had requested he take. Draco wordlessly pocketed it.
The first thing Hermione did that morning was rouse Remus and Sirius from their slumber, and have an ominous conversation where she revealed she needed some of their blood. She turned puce in the face when they pressed for information, and she craftily avoided answering them.
Hastily, her boys realised that this had something to do with her Unbreakable Vow, and albeit reluctantly, they made a tiny incision on the tip of their finger, and dropped some of their blood in the phials she had prepared. She gave them orange juice and chocolate afterwards.
"Will we ever find out about this bloody Unbreakable Vow?" Sirius asked gruffly, rubbing the sleep out of his eyes as his blood dripped into the phial. "What you can't tell us?"
"One day," Hermione said solemnly. Sirius's hadn't talked much after that, he'd laid back in his bed with an arm over his eyes.
The phials currently burned hotly against her side in her coat pocket.
Surprise speckled across James's features. "Why do we need to put up blood wards?"
"James."
"What could you possibly need blood wards for?"
"We can't say—"
"Hermione—"
Draco partially turned towards them. "It's for—" Draco's words cut off abruptly, and he clutched his chest, and one of his knees buckled. Hermione stepped towards him, but he raised a hand. A ghastly purple hue washed over Draco's features, and Riley's eyes widened exponentially.
"Draco!" James exclaimed. Worry took over the wizard as he rushed to his brother's side, holding him up when he reached him.
"M'fine," Draco rasped, his breathing haggard. He clutched at James's jumper. James brushed some of the hair off of Draco's forehead.
"Truthfully, it's—" Hermione tried, but she ended up in a similar state to Draco. She was clawing at her throat, her eyes bloodshot and wide. Riley's head swivelled in shock as she glanced from one sibling to the next.
"That's enough!" James called, his concern physically aging him. "Blood wards. Sure. Whatever you want. Can both of you just stop before you end up hurting yourselves. Please." James's voice was hoarse and desperate as he pleaded with his siblings. Hermione and Draco numbly nodded.
"We can't tell you. Just know the wards are important."
The wind was cruel, unrelenting as Hermione and Draco prepared the area. One benefit of being a part of an ancient Pureblood family was the heirlooms and artifacts held in the Manor. Hermione had found a ceremonial silver dagger with rubies lining the hilt. The blade was razor sharp. She used it to cut open her palm, and she slowly walked in a circle—it was about six feet wide in diameter—dripping her blood as she went. She instructed Riley, James and Draco to do the same.
Hermione removed the phials from her pocket, unstoppered them and carefully dripping some of the blood within along the circle's path.
Hermione had brought some bandages, and she bound all of their wounds, not healing any of them. She knelt on the ground in front of the blood circle, beginning to chant. Draco went off, using his magic to mark the extents of the wards.
They also had plans to add in thick Muggle-repelling charms around the wards extents as an extra precaution, and a Notice-Me-Not charm would be interwoven into the wards fabric. They would extend just out past the water's edge.
James and Riley gathered on the circle's circumference, unsure what to do, so they simply watched the Potter girl as she worked. The tall grass surrounded her. Indigo light shone brightly from her wand and fingers. The clouds above them rumbled. Hermione's eyes were closed, a vein pulsed by her temple and her forehead creased with intense concentration.
James and Riley quickly picked up the words she was chanting, and they softly echoed her, joining hands. Hermione was lost to them, in her own bubble.
Hermione's eyes flew open sharply, she stood up—her movements jerky—and her chanting ceased. "Okay. We just have to wait for Draco to come back, and then we can proceed with the final stage."
Magic was crackling in the air, heat emanated off of the circle.
Draco returned, and the quartet spaced out equidistantly around the circle. They all slashed their other palms, and crimson leaked freely onto the earth. Hermione tells them the incantation, repeating it slowly and purposefully before they begin. She held the phials upside down and remainder of the blood dripped onto the earth
The chanting commenced, and it grew bolder by the minute. Their bodies glowed as dark, deep red magic raced from their hands, thick as sludge yet effervescent. It exploded around them, sprinting out in every direction imaginable, digging its claws deep into the earth before shooting skyward, until it connected at an apex at least fifty feet in the air (it extended just as far underground).
The magic's colour shifted from red to white, a blinding white and Hermione closed her eyes as they continued in their chants. The light emitting from them tried to pry its way through Hermione's eyelids. In a flash, the light disappeared into a vacuum and Hermione cautiously opened her eyes.
Their chanting ceased. One could taste the magical residue, it was thick and slick on the tongue, it cracked and burst around them. The magic was sentient, a large needle shot through each of them, sewing them together; binding them and their descendants to the land.
James sighed laboriously. He ruffled his hair, glancing down at the wounds on his hands that had magically sealed themselves. "Well, that was interesting."
"I need a drink," Draco exhaled.
"I need to get back to Hogwarts," Riley stated. She rubbed her thumb across her palms where silvery pink scars now lay. Hermione strolled over to the witch, an apologetic expression twisted in place. Hermione wanted to say a myriad of things to the Hufflepuff, but knew the vow wouldn't allow any of it.
Riley wordlessly tugged Hermione into a hug. "Even if this was cryptic as fuck, I know you must have a good reason, kitten." Riley had picked up Sirius's incessant habit of calling people pet names.
Hermione buried her face in Riley's pale hair, drinking in her warm smell. Traces of cinnamon and nutmeg were present. "Thank you, Riles."
The first stage of their plan was complete, but Hermione and Draco had their work cut out for them. Numerous tasks and challenges lay ahead of them, and their allotted time was slowly but surely running out.
I watched a bunch of Marauders edits on youtube the past week or so. And found a song 'Dear Wormwood' by The Oh Hellos, and thus I listened to that (the entire album tbh) and Pale White House by them as well a lot whilst writing this chapter. Every Kingdom by Ben Howard also played a major role. As did a litany of songs by Lorde.
Thank you for reading as always! Hopefully you enjoyed the chapter :)