Hello lovelies!
Happy Valentine's Day! I'm not really one to celebrate Valentine's, but it felt right to post this chapter today. It's a chapter full of love.
My tumblr: indiebluecrown. tumblr. com
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling, and only the story line and any OC's belong to me.
Wednesday, April 28th, 1999
Potter Manor
A few days ago, the Pack finally finished moving all of their belongings into Potter Manor. They had tediously sorted through everything; they packed and unpacked until Sett Cottage and Lupin Den were left sparsely furnished. They'd left enough furniture and items that if they needed to stay in either abode it would be comfortable and liveable.
I might need to escape you lot for a week, you never know, Remus said as they packed up the last of Lupin Den.
Riley's personal mission was to make the Manor as homely and inviting as she possibly could. Riley had gladly brought her collection of throw pillows and throw blankets to spread around the Manor. She added candles to every room, changing the scent based on the mood she wished to portray in each. Record players that worked around magic were added into every living room. The main one had a black cabinet that housed the pack's extensive record collection; Sirius was the main contributor.
Hermione had walked in on Riley and Sirius dancing in one of the living rooms on more than one occasion.
Sirius insisted on hanging up Luna and Riley's artwork in various rooms. There was an assortment of mugs and mismatched dinnerware in the kitchen cupboards. Kreacher grumbled about the uneven amount of plates from one set one evening to Pip, Tonks had broken a couple in the past, so they were left with three out of six.
All of Riley's art supplies: her charcoal, pastels, oil paints, palette knives, palettes, spare canvases, easels, acrylics, watercolours and large assortment of paintbrushes had been moved into a spare room down the corridor from the Marauders room. The desk was already covered in Riley's sketchbooks and supplies.
Eventually the Marauders would disperse to different sections of the Manor, so they would have more space for their growing families and more privacy. For now, they'd all moved into their previous rooms.
Mipsy allowed Riley to decorate as she pleased. She'd missed the sunshine witch, and she was happy to see her nesting. Riley had never officially lived within the Manor's walls, nor had Tonks. Yet, for both witches, it instantly felt like home.
The day after they officially moved in, an unexpected half-kneazle strolled into the house through the front door. As if he owned the place and he hadn't been missing for months. Hermione had spoiled Crookshanks rotten since.
The orange ball of fur—with an endearingly smushed face—treated the rest of the Manor's occupants with thinly-veiled disdain. Aside from Sirius and Draco. Sirius was adored by the half-kneazle, and Draco was tolerated.
The transition was much smoother than any of them could anticipate. Breakfast and dinner were the two meals they insisted they were all present for, but otherwise, they maintained the routines of their daily lives.
Hermione had anxiously anticipated seeing Tonks again for the first time, and the metamorphmagus was completely unfazed by Hermione's relationship with Remus in the past.
"Were you worried that I'd be upset?"
"A little," Hermione admitted, twirling a curl around her finger nervously.
Tonks's hair colour changed in a smooth wave from baby blue to magenta. She smiled crookedly and threw an arm around Hermione's shoulders. The two witches were ambling through the forest surrounding Lupin Den.
It was foggy, the damp air kissed their exposed skin and the soft sounds of the forest were soothing.
"I'm glad that you loved him, Hermione. Blimey, I'm glad you still love him. That man deserves all the love in the world, and it saddens me greatly that he ever thought he was unworthy of it because of his condition."
"Agreed."
"And he's incredibly fit. I'm surprised more witches weren't fawning over him."
"They were, none of them were successful. Once he found out about you, he wasn't really interested in anyone else. I think the promise of a possible future with his mate was enough for him."
"That's kind of sweet," Tonks said.
"That's just supposition on my part. We broke up because we bumped into you as a little girl in Diagon Alley. It reminded me that he wasn't mine, and it would just hurt more the longer we stayed together."
"And then Draco was there."
"At that point I'd had feelings for Draco for years…I just wasn't sure if he saw me as a sister or simply wasn't interested in me like that. It took a few months before we…figured out that we were in love with each other."
Tonks hummed in acknowledgement, and mischief sparkled in her eyes. "Next question, I could argue the most important one, is, who is a better shag? Draco or Remus?"
"Tonks!"
"I won't be upset if you say Remus. But from what Sirius has told me, you and Draco have been going at like animals in heat, so I think I know the answer." Tonks teased with a toothy grin.
Hermione momentarily sputtered on air. "We are not that bad."
"When was the last time you shagged?"
Hermione snorted. She was unsure how the conversation had veered down this path. "This morning."
Hermione smiled softly. "He was alone for almost a year. We're aren't shagging all the time, but he's definitely been more physically affectionate."
Tonks's own smile faltered. She squeezed Hermione's waist. "It wasn't as hard for me as Harry, but I was still a little sceptical about how much Draco had changed when I first found out. Now, I can't even recall what he was like before during our brief interactions."
Hermione tilted her head to the sky. "I can." The crisp wind blew against them. "But I saw him grow and change before my eyes. He never stops surprising me, and I fall in love with him more every day."
Tonks resumed her previous position as a full-time, Senior Auror. With Mad-Eye gone, and Kingsley as the Minister for Magic, their department wasn't in the best shape.
There were a flurry of fresh-faced Aurors that needed training, some of them war-seasoned, others bright-eyed and bushy-tailed. Most of the war fugitives had been rounded up, but a few were still at large. Regardless, there would always be dangerous, misguided wix, even in times of peace.
In her reluctant absence, Teddy was spoiled for attention. Hermione was determined to make up for the time she'd been away from him, and Draco was eager to befriend the lad. Teddy adored Draco. Aside from his parents, he sought out Draco first when he began to fuss. They weren't competing, but Draco still felt like he'd won.
Ron and Luna were frequent visitors on the weekends. Ron had taken Draco up on his offer, but thus far he'd spent most of his time in the Potter library, happy for a quiet place for revision.
When he was thoroughly stumped he asked Draco for assistance, and Draco was more than happy to help. Ron was trying his best and it made Hermione immensely proud of him. Ron always had the potential to be brilliant. Unfortunately, his fear of inadequacy and failure had stopped him from being as serious about his schoolwork as he previously should have been.
Ron and Luna would often join them for dinner. Potter Manor was a merry place once more, brimming with life. The Manor's walls thrummed happily, having missed being occupied for so long. Mipsy and Pip were overjoyed, and even Kreacher seemed to be happy as they kept the household running smoothly.
Hermione and Mipsy had gotten into a minor row. Hermione insisted she allow Pip to take over some of the more strenuous duties as Mipsy was getting on in years. Mipsy adamantly refused. They'd come to a compromise, Mipsy was still in charge, but she shared responsibilities equally with Kreacher and Pip.
Pip was happy to take on the extra work, and she'd started leaving Hermione's favourite candies sprinkled around in thanks. She'd been trying to get her Mother to lessen her workload for years, with little to no success.
Hermione wasn't sure if Harry was aware that his friends visited Potter Manor with such frequency, and she didn't know why she didn't reach out either. Draco, Sirius, Remus and Harry flooed every other night to have a quick chat and check in with one another.
Hermione always promised herself she would join them next time, but she had yet to follow through.
I should send him a Patronus or floo him like the others. Maybe I could write a letter, Hermione thought absently. She stole a peek outside.
It was a crisp Spring day, the sky was blue but covered in fluffy light grey clouds. New growth was sprouting throughout the grounds. Hermione and Riley had been tending to the gardens, trying their best to restore them to their former glory.
When they'd started the laborious task, the gardens were pleasant to look at, but they weren't flourishing like they did when Charlus was their primary caregiver. Mipsy had done her best.
Hermione had Teddy balanced on her hip, bouncing the boy up and down as she walked in circles around the table; they were in the room adjacent to the kitchen.
Tonks was scarfing down food, Remus was nibbling on toast and reading the Daily Prophet with a frown. Riley and Draco were ferrying more food from the kitchen into the room.
Sirius burst through the door. Everyone froze and regarded him curiously before going back to the tasks at hand. Riley and Draco placed down plates of pork sausage, hashbrowns and grilled tomato. Pip was making eggs according to everyone's preference.
"Good, you're all here."
"Good morning to you too, Padfoot. Where else would we be?" Draco drawled. He picked up a piece of bacon and carried it over to Teddy. Draco broke off a small piece and handed it to him. The boy said thank you with a cheeky grin and happily ate the food.
"As you are all here, I would like to cordially invite you to my wedding," Sirius said, clasping his hands together. It was only then that Hermione took in his attire.
"Are you wearing formal robes?" Hermione asked, riddled with shock.
"Who are you marrying?" Riley asked with an amused smile. She was eating a piece of buttered toast, smothered in blackBerry jam. Hermione shot her an approving grin.
Sirius sulked, folding his arms over his chest. "I got all dressed up, is no one going to compliment me on my appearance?"
Shiny, polished, black, dragonhide shoes. Fitted, black dress slacks that tapered in at the ankle. A peek of emerald green socks. A white, long-sleeved button down. A black waistcoat with silver embellishments across the front. Fine, soft, black, unfastened outer robes with exquisite silver and emerald stitching around the cuffs and hem; they cut off just below his knee.
Hermione hadn't seen Sirius dressed in such finery in years. He wasn't the reckless boy she once knew, and he wasn't the broken creature that had crawled out of Azkaban. He was a patchwork masterpiece of both wizards with several additions.
The weight of her gratitude that he was still alive slammed into her.
I don't know what I would have done if Sirius and Remus hadn't survived the war, Hermione sniffed, her eyes welling up with tears. She'd cared for them deeply as Hermione Granger, but not like this. If she'd lost them, it would break her unequivocally.
"See, that's the kind of reaction I am looking for!" Sirius exclaimed. He crossed over to Hermione, but faltered once he got a proper look at her. "Hermione? Love?"
"I'm so happy you're alive," Hermione blubbered. Draco silently eased Teddy from her arms and carried him over to his Father.
"Trust me, so am I," Sirius whispered. He cradled Hermione's face tenderly.
"A wedding huh?" Hermione asked.
"I figured it's long overdue. I've been planning this since you got back, but today's the first decent day since we moved into the Manor."
"It is a lovely day," Hermione conceded, her tone wistful. "What are we supposed to wear?"
"I also brought guests," Sirius said, ignoring Hermione's question.
"Guests?"
"I might have paid a visit to Hogwarts…and stopped by Awarnach house."
Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose. "It will be a miracle if any of them get any NEWTs considering how much we've interrupted their schooling."
"They're brilliant, they will be fine," Sirius said, nonplussed.
"I will repeat my earlier question, since you so dutifully ignored it. What are we supposed to wear at such short notice?"
"Oh, don't worry. I made arrangements. I laid your dress out on your bed," Sirius said. He extracted himself from her and strode over to the others. None of them had moved, thoroughly enjoying their breakfast spread.
"C'mon you lot. It's my wedding day!"
A distinct flowery scent swarmed the clearing. The temporary structure they'd built years ago was still standing, and looked almost like it had all those years ago. Ivy crawled up the pillars and covered the roof of the gazebo.
Sirius and Pip had been hard at work the day before. They'd polished the floor and cleaned up the area unbeknownst to the rest of them.
Reginald Finch had been called, and despite his services normally needing to be booked months in advance, he'd made an exception. He fortunately had a clear week. Plus, Sirius was extremely persuasive. Reginald had aged like a rich scotch: small lines were around his mouth and eyes, and a few white hairs were hidden amongst his braids, but he looked almost the same as when he'd photographed James and Lily's wedding.
Hermione found out as she embraced the man and thanked him for coming, that Narcissa had already contacted him to possibly cover an upcoming nuptial. Narcissa was subtly inquiring around in preparation for Hermione and Draco's future wedding. Narcissa's well-meaning meddling brought a small smile to Hermione's face.
Narcissa had the grace to look innocent as a babe when Hermione sent an arched brow in her direction. She'd come over and given Hermione chaste kisses on both cheeks and a warm, but brief hug. Narcissa's swollen belly got in the way of a proper embrace. (Lucius was still on House Arrest and couldn't leave Malfoy Manor.)
Hellebores. In the centre of each of the gazebo's arches the white flowers were woven into hanging bouquets with sprigs of lavender and Baby's breath. Riley was holding a matching one.
Riley's pale hair fell loosely down her back, her tresses gently blowing in the wind. One of Andromeda's pearl clips pinned her hair back on the left side. Her veil was the one Narcissa wore at her wedding.
Riley's seafoam green gown was off-the shoulder with a fitted bodice, the sleeves were sheer. The hem of the skirt ended mid-thigh in the front and sloped gradually down to her ankles in the back; the short underskirt was satin and the top layers were tulle.
Riley's feet were bare, her toenails painted to match her dress. A silver anklet with small, aquamarine gemstones was on her right ankle.
Tears glittered in Sirius's eyes as he looked at his soon-to-be bride. The pair stood across from one another, and the air was charged with magic, ready to burst. Sirius lifted Riley's veil and carefully tossed it back.
Luna, Hermione, Alice and Tonks were Riley's bridesmaids, and Harry, Draco, Remus and Frank were Sirius's groomsmen.
Ron was standing a couple feet away, Teddy on his hip. Teddy's hair was ginger to match, and his skin was covered in faint freckles. Ron was animatedly whispering to the boy and pointing at Riley and Sirius.
Andromeda and Narcissa were beside him, their arms looped together. Narcissa leant her head against her taller, older sister's shoulder, her other hand resting on top of where their arms were joined. Andromeda pressed a kiss to the top of Narcissa's head before she reached over and affectionately stroked the hair back off Teddy's forehead.
Ginny was on the other side of her brother. Sirius hadn't intended on bringing her originally, but he'd spotted her as he plucked Harry, Ron, Luna and Neville from Hogwarts and invited her. She shrugged and said she'd clear her schedule.
Neville was on Ginny's other side, holding his Mother's cane. Alice was slowly regaining muscle mass—her healers didn't wish to rush the process with potions or spells—so she couldn't stay on her feet for too long.
Hermione, Alice and Riley spent an entire evening catching up, explaining everything, and they'd cried and laughed over a couple bottles of elf wine. Alice recounted some of her conscious moments when she'd been trapped in her mind.
"I saw you, but you looked different. You were with James, but it wasn't James. There was also a ginger haired boy. I realise now they were Harry and Ron. Time didn't exist when we were in that state. I would wake up and years would have passed."
Frank, Remus, Draco and Sirius had done something similar. Frank had gained a stutter and was going through speech therapy. The healers theorised that it was an aftereffect of his jaw being locked in such an odd position for so long. They said that it should go away on its own over time, but it would take some work. Thus, Frank gladly listened and drank butterbeer with his mates, in a private booth, at a new pub in Diagon Alley.
Both of their friends were vaguely aware of the passage of time whilst they were trapped in their own minds, but it was different facing it head-on. They'd learned about all their lost loved ones at once.
Sirius would have asked Minerva to attend, but he figured she was busy running a school. He'd left her a note with Flitwick when he went for Luna. Or more accurately, he'd folded a note into a bird, blown magic into it and sent it to Flitwick's classroom.
Mipsy, Pip and Kreacher were gathered on the outskirts of the gazebo. Mipsy's index fingers were moving in a rhythmic, bewitching way. She was directing an orchestra of various white flowers—that she'd picked from the expansive gardens. They danced around the outside of the gazebo to some intangible, ancient tune.
Reginald was hard at work, capturing every candid, organic moment that he could. He prided himself on breathing moments and emotions into his moving photography. He was catching memories.
Xenophilius was leading the ceremony. He was well-versed in magical bonding ceremonies, despite not being a Ministry ordained official. He'd performed several more traditional rites in the past.
Riley handed her bouquet to Luna, stepped forward and grasped Sirius's hands.
"Hi, love."
"It's too late to change your mind," Sirius warned, squeezing her hands. Riley grinned madly.
"I've been waiting to marry you for two decades, Sirius Black. You can't get rid of me at this point, even if you tried."
"Good thing I don't want to," Sirius said.
"Cousin. As darling as all this is, would you like to start now?" Andromeda asked. Her dress was simple, sleek, midnight blue and left her shoulders bare.
Xenophilius looked between the couple. Riley responded with exuberant affirmations, and Sirius winked audaciously at Andromeda. Xenophilius cleared his throat and commenced the binding ceremony, his hands folded neatly in front of him, his neon orange robes drawing the eye to him like a moth to a flame.
It certainly wasn't how Hermione had envisioned this day in the past, but it fit. It was an intimate affair, but it was overflowing with love and beauty.
Hermione grabbed hold of Alice's hand. Alice sighed wistfully, stepped closer to her friend, and leaned some of her weight against her. Hermione re-adjusted their positions with an arm wrapped around Alice's waist, her fingers pressed into Alice's flesh through her loose dress. "You okay, love?"
"Fine, Mione," Alice reassured her. "Just a little tired is all."
"I can conjure up a chair if you need one," Hermione whispered. Sirius and Riley were solely focused on one another.
"No, it's okay. Let's just stay like this," Alice said. Hermione nodded. Turning back to the ceremony, but her gaze was ensnared by grey eyes glittering with sapphire.
The intensity Draco stared at her with, melted her insides. Heat kindled in her chest, expanding it, and sending rivers of sparks and fire through her veins. "One day," Draco mouthed. It was a promise.
Hermione reluctantly tore her eyes away from her wizard, and dutifully turned back to her friends as they exchanged their vows.
"Sirius Black. I remember the first time I saw you. You were a year older and you seemed so cool and laid back, but then our eyes met and you tripped over your own feet," Riley said, her smile blinding. Sirius's cheeks pinked a touch, but the colour was gone in an instant and an adoring smile took its place.
"James howled with laughter all the way back to the Common Room," Sirius added softly. Riley paused and let the words roll over them before they sank in.
"We've overcome numerous obstacles since then. We've fought alongside one another and for each other. Despite the hardships that we've faced until this point, loving you has always been easy, as natural as breathing. Soul bond or not, thank you for sticking with me, and for waking up every day and choosing to keep loving me," Riley sniffed. Fat tears rolled out the corners of her eyes, Sirius reached up to tenderly brush them away, his own eyes glistening with unshed tears.
"I promise to always choose you, to love you with everything I have, and to stop you from embroiling yourself in unnecessary trouble." A couple snorts and short laughs came from their gathered loved ones at the end of her statement.
"Good luck with that last one!" Draco said brightly.
Electric whips of magic were crackling around the gazebo, sparking against the dancing flowers, causing them to spin faster. Hermione hummed as Riley and Sirius's magic expanded to envelop them lovingly.
"Riley Paddington. It's the last time I'll get to call you that. There is a tainted stain attached to my last name, but with you I know we can forge a new future, do better, be better." Sirius brought their hands up to his lips and he pressed three kisses to her knuckles. Her fingers were bare, no rings aside from her engagement ring littered them today.
"Being with you makes me feel like I am walking on sunshine. You illuminate all the dark corners of my bruised and battered soul. You accept me for all my faults, and I strive to be a better person for you. I love you, Riles. I always have, even when I couldn't remember you, you were always with me, encouraging me to never give up."
Sirius dragged in a shuddering breath, and bumped his nose against her knuckles before pulling back to look her in her eyes. "I promise to always choose you, to always love you with all that I am."
Xenophilius cleared his throat, his wand raised. He pointed it at the couple's hands. Golden strands shoot out the end, snapping through the air as they wove around Riley and Sirius's hands, up their wrists, around their forearms and ending at the bend of their elbows.
Xenophilius chanted the ancient rites that would bind the pair's magical cores together. He chanted and waves of magic crashed from the pair. Time froze. The magic crackled before it imploded, the air sucking towards Sirius and Riley. The golden strings of magic around them burned scorchingly bright before fading entirely.
Sirius didn't even wait for Xenophilius' instruction, he swept Riley into his arms and kissed her soundly.
As with James and Lily, Hermione could sense the shift in her friend's magical signatures. They were separated yet a continuation of the other's. Riley's bled into Sirius's and vice versa. Their magical cores were irrevocably knitted together.
Magical sparks erupted from the wands of those gathered. The dancing flowers gently cascaded to the ground. Mipsy was leaking fat tears and dabbing at them with a dainty handkerchief.
Riley threw her head back in delight, and held onto Sirius as he spun them around and around.
Following the ceremony, several drinks were shared, and many stories were passed around. They all gathered around the makeshift bonfire the Marauders made years ago. Riley was seated in Sirius's lap. Andromeda's hands were on Narcissa's stomach as she spoke ardently to her future niece or nephew.
Xenophilius, Luna, Tonks, Remus and Teddy were strolling through the Orchards. There were a few tree sprites flitting around, and they were tracking them down. Luna wished to draw them, and Tonks wanted to show her son the small, mischievous creatures. Remus and Xeno were along for the leisurely stroll.
The others milled about the area, engaged in discussions in small groups. Hermione, Draco and Ron were a trio. Hermione tiptoed, her silver, tight, short, satin dress riding up as she did so, and ran her hand over Ron's cropped hair. It was a couple inches long, spiky and soft.
"How's that trick I showed you when brewing Draught of Living Death?" Draco inquired as he sipped on a stout glass of Firewhisky.
"Worked a treat," Ron smirked, bumping Draco with his elbow. "Thanks, mate."
"What trick?" Hermione wondered aloud.
"Adding in a clockwise stir after every seventh counter-clockwise stir," Draco said thoughtfully. "Amongst a couple others."
"Finely dicing the sloth brain," Hermione added.
"Didn't try that," Ron said.
"You should," Hermione replied. "What kind of cauldron did you tell him to brew it in?"
"He figured out a silver cauldron all on his own," Draco shrugged.
Hermione side-hugged her taller friend. Ron's scent of peaches and summer tickled her nostrils, wrapping their comforting tendrils around her. "There's hope for him as a brewer yet."
Ron snorted, and he languidly threw an arm around her shoulders.
Across the way, Harry watched the interaction with a knot in his stomach. He was glad to see Hermione and Ron's friendship was stronger than ever, but guiltily he wished she wasn't keeping him at arm's length.
I'm not even sure she's realised she's doing it, Harry thought.
Neville, his parents, and Ginny were on the log with Harry. Ginny had engaged Frank and Alice in conversation, curious about the Auror legends she'd heard about as a child.
Neville knocked his knee against Harry's. Harry faced his friend with a quirked brow. "Give her time, mate."
"I don't know what you mean, Neville," Harry said defensively, shoulders hunched as he leant forward and braced his forearms on his thighs. Neville's large hand—rough and calloused from rigorous gardening—moved to rest on the back of Harry's neck. He patted his friend once and left his warm hand there.
"She still loves you Harry. Just give her time. I don't think she's fully back with us yet. She's healing and grieving," Neville murmured.
Neville's insight came from observing his parents as they navigated the world they'd woken up to. Every day was a battle as they came to terms with the present, with what and who they'd lost.
Neville's grandfather had passed away, their son had become a man, friends had been lost, and others thought to be gone forever were regained.
Neville was woken up in the middle of the night more than once—on the weekends when he went home—to his Mother's shrill screaming.
One night, he roused, and found his Father kneeling on the ground, his head and arms propped up on Neville's bed as he slept as close as he could to his son.
Neville intimately understood that it would take time for their wounds to scab over and heal. Hermione and Draco were doing a remarkable job of appearing perfectly okay to the untrained eye.
"Truth is, part of the reason I keep going to Potter Manor is to check up on them," Ron admitted to Neville a few nights ago in the quiet, dark dormitory.
The other boys had either turned in for the night, or were holed up in the library studying. Pince would lock the OWL and NEWT students she trusted in for the night.
"How are they coping with everything?"
"I think Draco had more closure in the past, and more time to process and come to terms with everything. He's managing…but Mione—"
"The wars are haunting her?"
"Not quite. I don't think she's accepted James and Lily's passing. Not in her heart at least."
Neville's lips pressed together grimly, they parted and he sucked in a sharp breath as words formed on the tip of his tongue. He faltered, swallowed and tried again. "Before she got back, her brother was still alive, Harry. From what Lupin told me, it was less than a fortnight for her. The wounds are fresh and they won't heal overnight. Just be patient. She'll come around when she's ready."
"I know, I know, but it…it still hurts," Harry admitted, frustratedly running his hands through his hair and making it stick up in the back. Harry turned his gaze back to the witch in question and saw her launch herself at Draco. He caught her around the middle and spun her in a quick circle. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her hands framing his face. They were in their own little world.
Ron watched them with a bemused twist of his lips. Remus and the others had returned from their stroll. Ron strode over to them, eagerly reaching for Teddy.
Ron adored children, and it seemed the feeling was mutual. He was a natural with them. Harry briefly wondered if it came from being a Weasley. That the gift of child-rearing was imbued in their blood, or if it came from being one of seven children. Perhaps it was a combination of the two.
Ron raised Teddy above his head and began tossing the boy into the air. A short distance, enough for Teddy to squeal in delight, but within a safe range so Ron wouldn't drop the little boy. Remus joined Hermione and Draco whilst his wife stayed with their son.
Draco placed Hermione on her feet, and Remus slung an arm around both of their shoulders. Laughter and mirth flirted across their features. Harry wished he could be a part of that conversation, but it was out-of-reach. They were out-of-reach. An unknown force kept him rooted to the spot.
The remainder of the day slipped through their fingers. Narcissa, Andromeda, and the Hogwarts students departed as orange and red set the sky ablaze with the setting sun.
Reginald promised to owl when the photographs had been developed so someone could come pick them up. (Narcissa had invited him over for tea later that week; she was determined to secure his services for Hermione and Draco's nuptials.)
Frank, Alice, and Xenophilius left shortly after the others. The Longbottoms suggested hosting a dinner or luncheon in their home soon. The Potters and company readily agreed.
The Manor's occupants cleaned up outside and made for inside. They gathered in the kitchens.
Hermione sat on the countertop besides the double-sink, her legs swinging back and forth. She parted them enough so Draco could sandwich himself between them, backing her.
Sirius and Riley were smearing cake into the other's face in the middle of the room. The cakes had been cut and shared earlier, but there was a piece of the vanilla one remaining. The newlyweds opted to split it.
Remus had put on the kettle and was organising tea. Tonks was rocking Teddy back and forth; he was tuckered out, his eyelids drooping.
"I think that was a smashing success," Sirius said as he licked frosting off his fingers. He'd popped into Muggle London, found a cake shop and purchased a twelve inch, single-tiered, chocolate cake with vanilla buttercream frosting. He'd also bought a vanilla bean cake of the same size with lemon frosting. Draco appreciated the gesture.
"We're married," Riley grinned. The evident joy attached to the words bubbled out of her, and she repeated it, as if she couldn't say it enough. As if, if she didn't, it would somehow change the outcome. Riley grasped Sirius's face and licked a stripe of cake off his cheek. Sirius grimaced and froze, but allowed her to do it once more. She nudged his nose with hers.
Hermione massaged Draco's scalp absently. He drew circles on her exposed kneecaps and let out a contented sigh. "So where are you going for your honeymoon?"
Riley shrugged. "Sett Cottage."
"Pardon?" Hermione asked. "You aren't going to leave the United Kingdom at least? Go spend a few days in Spain or something."
"Plenty of time for that later," Sirius replied. "I have other plans for my honeymoon than sightseeing." Sirius caught his witch around her waist and pulled her close. Riley lightly ran a finger over the braid traversing his scalp before it ended in a high ponytail. Hermione gladly braided his hair for the ceremony.
"No one has braided my hair in twenty years," Sirius said softly as Hermione deftly wove his silky strands into a neat braid on one side. The other side was done already, the braid moved in an undulating pattern on that side, whilst this side was a simple straight braid.
"I can do it for you whenever you want, love," Hermione halted in her task, meeting Sirius's eyes in her bathroom mirror. They'd grabbed her desk chair, and placed it in the centre of the room. Sirius sat down and let Hermione work.
Sirius reached above his head to lightly grasp her wrist and gave it a squeeze. "Your dress looks nice on you by the way."
"You have impeccable taste, Mister Black." Hermione said, shaking her head in an affectionate manner.
"Other plans…?" Tonks repeated thoughtlessly.
Hermione cleared her throat. "He means they won't have time. They'll be too busy shagging."
Sirius beamed. Chuffed with Hermione's astute conclusion. He peered over his shoulder at Tonks. "Kitten is right. I promised Riley a litter of children, and Sirius Black always delivers on his promises."
"Does this mean Moony and I have to duel over who is going to be the Godfather?" Draco asked. He dropped his head back against Hermione's chest, eyes closed as she continued to work her fingers into his scalp. It was lulling him to sleep with how heavenly it was. "Harry is out of the running for this round since he got Teddy."
"I vote we play Exploding Snap, or wizard's chess," Remus chipped in. He was pouring the boiling hot water into mugs. "It's far less messy than a duel."
"Either way I'll win," Draco smirked sleepily. His full body weight was resting against his witch.
"Guess that settles it. Riley and I have a honeymoon to get to, and you two will duel it out," Sirius said, nodding. As if he'd brokered a monumental peace treaty. Sirius saluted them.
Without a warning or a moment's hesitation, Sirius apparated. He took his wife with him.
Remus's mouth turned down in annoyance as he held out two piping hot cups of earl grey. He'd fixed them up exactly how Riley and Sirius liked to take their black tea. "I take it back, you can be the Godfather, Dray."
Sirius and Riley weren't seen for two days. On the third, they returned to the Manor with a golden glow. They were ridiculously happy. The couple deserved every drop of goodness.
It was Breakfast time. The couple strolled into the room. Sirius sat down at the head of the table, and Riley perched herself in Hermione's lap. Hermione nuzzled Riley's upper arm.
"You two reek of sex," Draco said before he took a sip of pumpkin juice. He was reading the Daily Prophet with a disgruntled frown. "Skeeter really is an annoying twat."
Draco wasn't wrong, but Hermione's mind was preoccupied with other things. She noticed the strength of Riley's connection to the pack bond had increased tenfold. She had officially been accepted as a member.
"I'll remember you said that after you come back from your honeymoon," Riley said jocundly, her smile showing all her teeth.
"It would have been longer, but Riley insisted we come back in time for that stupid Ministry event tomorrow night." Sirius groaned, slouching in his chair.
"It's being held at the Shacklebolt's estate right?" Remus intervened, passing the plate of sausages down the line to where Hermione and Riley were. Riley was fixing herself a plate.
"That's right," Hermione nodded. "Don't forget your invitations. It'll get you past the wards, and it's also how you get into the party itself."
"Surprised Kings is opening up his ancestral home to the general public after that attempt on his life a couple months ago," Tonks said thoughtfully. She was supposed to be one of the Aurors on duty, but Jameson had insisted on trading shifts with her.
"Although, with both the Aurors and Unspeakables working on security for the event, I doubt anyone with ill intentions will manage to wreak havoc." Tonks muttered aloud. She absently scooped porridge into her mouth. It was littered with dried blueberries and brown sugar.
Aurors and were going to be stationed at all the temporarily sanctioned apparition points. (It was the only way to get onto the grounds.) A few would also be in attendance, made to look like regular partygoers.
"Have either of you spoken to Kingsley since you got back?" Remus asked. Draco shook his head, and Hermione shrugged.
"No, but I'll find him at the gala tomorrow and we can catch up," Hermione said.
"Tomorrow night promises to be exciting and exhausting," Sirius whinged as he delicately transferred food to his plate. "Harry is dreading it. He thinks they might try and give him a medal, or gold star, or trophy, or something."
"If they do, I'll bonk them in the head with it," Draco deadpanned. Hermione snorted.
"That's one way to boost your public image," Hermione said quietly.
"The public can kiss my arse," Draco glanced at her over the rim of his paper.
"You know, we could boycott the whole thing," Sirius suggested, tucking into his short stack of fluffy pancakes.
"We could, but what would be the fun in that?" Hermione asked. The following night was a golden opportunity for them, and Hermione would be remiss if she wasted it.
Hello, hello, hello!
I took down the Author's Note earlier, so I think some people got a notification about the story updating!
The amount of reviews I got after I posted that mini update were staggering and wonderful, and I teared up more than once reading through them. I spent a lunch break responding to most of them. Some people have PM's disabled so I wasn't able to thank them properly, others reviewed from guest accounts, so I couldn't respond to them either. I am extremely grateful. I've read all of them at least twice.
I am writing as much as I can. I finished off chapter 204 and 205 yesterday, and 206 is almost done! My goal is to start posting at the beginning of next month, and post every other day, or every couple days until I run out of pre-written chapters.
Reviews make my heart happy. I love hearing what you think of each chapter, whether it's just that you enjoyed it, or you liked a particular interaction.
I can't thank you all enough for the amount of love I've gotten the past week, but I'll do it again regardless. Thank you! Truly, thank you!