Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling. However, I do own OC, non-canon, and fictional magic.

A/N: It's good to be back! Thank you for your support in this story! I truly appreciate every review. I plan on picking up some action in roughly two chapters. This chapter is some housekeeping but necessary for the story to flow later. Keep reviewing!

Ch. XXXI: Siriusly Scheming

Hermione groaned. Lowering her head against her crossed arms at the Hogwarts Library. She just finished copying her Transfiguration and Potions notes for Hedwig after she gave Harry her heartfelt letter.

Oh why in Merlin's name did I send that letter? She internally wailed. Did I have to send it so…non-friend-like? You're so stupid, Hermione!

Her Black Quill warmed against her side. Startled from her self-chastisement, Hermione carefully looked around her cubbyhole, before taking out the beautiful peacock quill.

Why is it reacting warmly? She wondered.

A soft pop! caused the young witch to turn and smile at Dobby.

He passed her Harry's letter along with a scrap of parchment written in his scrawl.

She eyed the House-Elf's anxious expression and quickly looked at the parchment.

Come with me to the Come-and-Go-Room, Mistress.

Hermione wasted no time and packed her schoolbag, before the House-Elf took her hand and led her behind the stacks, and Apparated.

Hermione found herself in the cozy library setting where Dobby brought tea and crumpets for them.

"What's all this about, Dobby?" She asked curiously, feeling a nagging fear in the back of her mind.

"Master Harry Potter sir has snake eyes!" He exclaimed.

"What?!" She squeaked. "Just like before? Oh my goodness, Dobby!"

The House-Elf nodded vigorously as he led her to the settee.

She opened Harry's letter and found herself frowning and chewing her lip.

Dear Hermione,

Thank you for everything you've done for me. I don't know what I or Sirius would do without a witch like you. I'm really upset that Ron's ignoring me. Can you tell me if I've done something wrong?

"You've done nothing wrong," Hermione muttered, aggravated. "he's just a git."

As for the books, I don't mind you reading some of the basics…out of respect for the House-Witch I can't let you read all of them. She's…suffered a lot Hermione. From Muggles and Muggleborns. I know you don't want to hear that…and it's not my story to tell, otherwise I would. It's just that…I don't know what to do. She told the House (it's a rather frightening place, to be honest. I'd never want to be on the bad side of either Her Ladyship or the House of Black) that they'd better welcome you and that Our House owes you protection and restitution. I told her you were researching Purebloods and she said she would assist in the basics and said she would speak with Sirius about you having Magical Guardianship or some such. I don't understand what she meant but the House balked and subsided.

Hermione swallowed hard. Magical Guardianship? Then that means…She shook her head firmly and continued reading.

Anyway, Her Ladyship said she'd contact you at some point today so keep your Black Quill handy.

Yours too,

Harry.

Hermione grinned and blushed.

Now what does that mean? Does he like me back? She scowled. Don't be an idiot. Harry's just sweet, that's all.

Sighing, she almost forgot about her favorite House-Elf.

"Oh!" She blushed, and Dobby smiled benignly at her. He handed her two books.

"Happy reading, Mistress My-My." He said smoothly as he took Hermione's homework notes. "I'll be checking on you and Master Red later today."

With a pop! Hermione was alone.

Wish I had Crookshanks. She thought wistfully. He could keep me company and warm, too.

Much to her surprise, the Black Quill heated and suddenly she is comfortable inside the drafty library. She turned the covers and started.

The First Records of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black by Séraphine Marie-Hélène Beaufort, Handmaiden to Lady Ursula Black.*

Magical Adoptees and Their Rights by Wizarding Child Services.*

Séraphine waited outside Harry's door. She hoped he would be asleep; but the young wizard is stubborn wanting to be awake when Sirius returned.

He should be returning soon. She thought. She Willed parchments from the Study to her hand.

Now that we've taken care of the blood traitor, Lord Sirius' freedom and guardianship, we have to find out about this Snake family and see if we can use them for the Young Master's sake. She decided. The House-Witch sat at a small table and chairs to the side of Harry's bedroom across from the Informal Black Library.

She did not dare leave her Young Master's side.

Like most of the Black Family, Séraphine is well-versed in geography. She opened a Great Britain map and searched until she found Little Whinging, Surrey.

«Malthus?» She called.

«My Lady?» The Black Basilisk answered promptly.

«Where are you?» Séraphine asked while perusing the map along with legal documents.«I have a few tasks for you for Our Heir's sake.»

The Black Basilisk slithered into view.

«Young Massster needs hisss ressst.» Malthus hissed. «I wasss patrolling, My Lady.»

She nodded approvingly. The House-Witch garnered another chair for the Basilisk to 'sit,' by coiling himself on the seat.

«I'm deeply concerned about what's happening at Hogwarts.» She admitted, passing him the parchment leaves. «And I wanted to get your viewpoint.»

«Indeed?» The Basilisk hissed interestedly.

«I'm going to need you to be an extra pair of eyes for all of us regarding the Dursleys, the Snake family, and guarding Lord Sirius whenever he goes out to be an Auror.» She paused. «I suspect it will happen on Monday. And, I need to broker some things with His Lordship before I put my plan into action.»

The Basilisk hissed his approval. «Because I don't exist and the Aurors, if they try anything, will be accountable to Pureblood justice.»

«Precisely.» Séraphine answered. «I'm going to need you to guard Our Heir for the time being. I'll keep the House on Lockdown once Lord Sirius and Kreacher return. Then, Kreacher will spy on the Dursleys.»

As a rule, there needed to be at least two Servants available for the House. The Raven's return would balance Séraphine's calling on the young witch and Lacie along with Kreacher's spying.

The Basilisk nodded. «As you command, My Lady.» He uncoiled and slithered into His Heir's room prompting an instant Parseltongue conversation.

Séraphine could not help smiling. Oh what a gift you are to Our House, Young Master. She looked down at the archaic Pureblood law and immediately penned a summary of what she is going to say to Lord Sirius.

Grimacing, the House-Witch sighed. No choice then. I'll have to tell Lord Sirius of this scheme.

Standing, she tucked the necessary documents inside a large fold of her dress. She replaced her chair by hand and made her way to the Kitchen for Her Heir's meal.

Gathering the chicken broth and hearty bread with some tea, she made her way to Harry's bedroom, and smiled.

Malthus had wrapped himself around the boy, who was talking animatedly with him.

He stopped, and grinned back at her, and his face-splitting grin made her smile wider as she felt Lord Sirius behind her.

"Impeccable timing, Lord Sirius," she commented, sidestepping so the wizard appeared fully in the doorway. "I shall have dinner brought up for you and the Young Master?"

"Absolutely, I'm famished." He answered, striding over to his boy he arched a brow. "Well, who needs a German Shepherd when you have a Basilisk?" he chuckled nervously.

Harry laughed. "Malthusss won't harm you, Sssiriusss." He said lisping as Malthus hissed approvingly.

The boy reached for Sirius who immediately hugged him gently. "Let me change, kiddo, and then I'm all yours, OK?"

Harry beamed and lightly stroked Malthus' scales.

Séraphine exchanged a look with Kreacher who gave her an imperceptible nod. She followed suit behind Sirius.

"Séraphine?" Sirius spoke to her in French, surprising the House-Witch into another smile, before turning serious. He indicated she precede him toward the Master Suite upstairs.

"Yes, Lord Sirius?" She answered in kind.

"I must tell you," he said. "I think we got lucky with all the court proceedings. I think Dumbass is up to something and we better remain on our guard."

"I thought the same thing, Lord Sirius," the House-Witch said promptly. "In fact, I have a few plans I liked to run by you? If you have a few minutes?"

"Please do." He said opening his door and leading her inside. She set the tray down on the coffee table.

"I felt we needed to speak in French so Harry wouldn't understand," he said switching to English and shutting the door. "I know how sound echoes along the corridors. I used to lie in wait for my family to pull pranks on them or Kreacher."

She nodded. "Sensible. Mistress Lacie didn't want him to become too excited."

"Please tell me what you have in mind?" he asked curiously as he rolled his shoulders back. He grabbed a clean set of plain robes before turning to her. He was just about to change behind a silk screen, knowing she probably would not mind.

She blushed silver, surprising the wizard.

"I found a few loopholes in the legalese…and basically you do need to take a Lady Black." She grimaced. "as a Servant, I can watch over him by proxy," She rushed. "but I know Dumbledore will make a case against you despite Pureblood laws. And, I know you can fight it. You do have staff just like he does with hundreds of children at his school. I'm just worried how stressful it will be for the Young Master―but we need to find you a Lady Black."

"How about you?" He blurted.

"P―pardon?" She gulped, staring at him. She placed her hand on the chair to steady herself.

"I mean," he thought quickly. "nothing romantic, Séraphine." Bollocks. "…just for you to put on a disguise like you did with Lockhart. And, it might be easier magically?" Sirius indicated the House. "I know Harry already calls you 'Lady Séraphine,' and it gets you into trouble…you could go by a different name if you wish." He babbled. Deciding he absolutely would not change in front of her. I have absolutely no game. I mean she's dead and physically a teenager for Merlin's sake.

Now, he is blushing.

Sirius Orion Black never blushes. But here he is. Blushing. Like a damn teenager.

"After all, we both know the media is going to make a call for me to be an eligible bachelor and every witch is going to try to get to Harry to get to me or something." He continued. "And, that's awkward for me on all fronts…but I need to know Harry is safe and comfortable―and he is with you, Séraphine." His pewter eyes earnestly looking at her stunned dark ones. "I swear we can just make this a business arrangement and that way nothing untoward will come of it. I swear." He repeated.

She blushed brighter silver.

"Well, er, then of course Lord Sirius, when you put it that way. It is the perfect setup. I'll just change how I look so there won't be any confusion." She stammered.

"Sirius, Séraphine." He corrected gently. "Or whichever name you want."

She nodded.

"Well, in that case…I'd best tell you the rest of my scheme."

"Oh yes?" he asked, trying to nonchalantly sit down across from her.

"I have made the effort to give Mistress Hermione a few Black Records courtesy of the Young Master…and decided it was time for some restitution via Magical Guardianship." She said breathlessly. "I think we ought to make the overture to her parents whilst Kreacher recons at the Dursleys and Malthus gets the Snake family to assist us. I'm deeply concerned about Dumbledore and this Dark Witch. I suspect while you celebrate with the Young Master then I will visit her along with Mistress Lacie. If that is permissible?"

"Indeed," he muttered. "yes, I approve. If you'll get the necessary documents from the Goblins, then we can make our case with Lawyer Flameclaw?" He queried.

She nodded. "Right then, I will bring food to the Young Master's bedroom and then be on my way, Lord Sirius."

Standing, she took the tray and Sirius' door opened and closed lightly behind her.

"Merlin's balls," he muttered, putting his face in his hands. "I never expected to give a marriage proposal that badly."

He did feel guilty. It's not right on all fronts. Her life was cut short and even if she is older than me it's just damned unfair and awkward. But this is all for Harry. And we're on the same page. Harry first. Damn the consequences.

Sirius groaned.

"Bollocks."

References:

Books: I suspected there would have been diaries and historical records kept within Pureblood families. Further, I know there is such a thing as Magical Guardianship and figured Hermione would have benefited from it. Just how to convince her parents? My goodness, Harry has a lot in store for him.

Romance: I intend on making things sweetly romantic between Harry and Hermione. As for Sirius and Séraphine? That is entirely up to y'all. So please vote nay or yay. Essentially, this is a marriage of convenience. I always thought it was unfair for Lady Helena Ravenclaw to remain behind at Hogwarts and see the Bloody Baron, her killer and admirer. So, this is sort of poetic juxtaposition for Sirius and Séraphine. Since she is technically a Ghost and utterly loyal to her soul for the HoB. And, I thought Sirius would have settled down eventually despite being a 'ladies' man.'

Enemies and Ron: They are definitely scheming up some nasty stuff but do not worry. My stories end happily.