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

Much obliged on the reviews. Keep them up -JHS.

I wanted to prolong the sweetness and explain a more intimate heart-to-heart chapter between both age groups before I get all nitty-gritty.
What can I say? I'm all about the happy ending fairytales. LMK what you think.

Ch. XLV: Promises Part I

Sirius nodded and politely offered respite for the Snake Warrior who seemed exhausted. Malthus slithered by and assisted Sparkles into a guest room where she would undoubtedly morph into her humanoid appearance after eating carnivorous fare.

"Kreacher," Sirius said, noting the fierce reaction from the House-Elf. "Please check on Harry when he is alone and explain the situation to him. I want him to be on his guard. Please send our dinner to our bedroom. We will take it in the Sitting Room."

"Yes, Master Sirius." Kreacher bowed. "My Lady," as he Apparated to his den for the time-being.

Sirius looked at Séraphine from the corner of his eye and held his arm out to her. Together, Lord and Lady Black ascended the staircase in silence. It was becoming late. He did not know why he commanded such a point not to eat like they usually did. Sirius did not like eating his room since it reminded him of being trapped in the same room for 12 years. He enjoyed using on the rooms in his House. Something, his pre-Azkaban self found to be wasteful and too rich. Now, it represented sanity. He could change into whatever the mood dictated.

Séraphine cued in on her husband's mood, and allowed him to lead them to their Master Suite.

As soon as the door shut, Sirius' demeanor changed. He looked…frightened.

This would not do at all.

Taking command of the situation she signaled the House to place the Master Suite on Lockdown and soundproofed, the only exception being in relation to family emergencies and dinner. It would be at least another hour before Kreacher would bring dinner. She asked the House to have him spell it to their table so as not to further disturb Lord Black.

The former House-Witch knew many things from Sirius' predecessors. They all tended to have a meltdown. Never in public. Never in front of other family members. However, everyone in the family knew.

Now, it would seem it was Sirius' turn.

Actually, she thought impressed. He's waited a long time to do it.

The witch had made several discreet inquiries for a Mind Healer specializing in trauma for both her Lord and Heir.

Sirius did not know what to do. His jaw clenched. He broke into a clammy sweat when he felt a soft hand on his upper arm.

The young woman looked at him with soft, knowing eyes. She turned him slowly toward her and pulled him into a hug.

"You're safe, Sirius." She whispered to him as she caressed his hair. "Let it out. Your secrets are safe."

Sirius shuddered. It was all the permission he needed.

His knees buckled and the man sank to the floor as his arms wrapped around Séraphine's waist and wept and laughed hysterically.

The witch gently caressed his head, neck, and shoulders. She did not rush him or speak until his sobs lessened. Very tenderly she hummed the same French lullaby she did for the Centaur Foal. Slowly, she led him toward the bed. He clutched her. Fear evident in his eyes as he followed.

"Shh," she told him. "I'm not going to hurt your or pressure you." Séraphine guided him to the bed and lightly touched his sleeves to morph into a set of black pajamas and a matching set for herself. Without breaking her hold on him she pulled him to the bed and laid him down before crawling close enough for him to make the first move. Opening her arms to him, she waited.

Hesitantly, the wizard tensely lowered himself and moved toward her beckoning arms.

The witch smiled sweetly at him, accepting him for all his flaws. She lightly thumbed away his tears.

As soon as they touched, pink-and-black sparks swirled from her heart to his, causing them to gasp.

She blushed scarlet as his eyes widened.

Quickly, the witch pulled him close and held him firmly in place against her thunderous heart. If only to not see the shock, vulnerability and disbelief in those mercury eyes. As if, that would spare her of the newfound truth.

They did not speak.

Each wildly thinking: There is no bloody way!

Only soulmates ever had such a reaction. It was rare and certainly unheard of in this day and age.

Sirius remembered the last conversation he had with James unrelated to the chaos in their lives at that time.

"It's…intimate, mate." James told him in a low voice. "One of you has this…reaction to the other's magical core. It was me to her, to-to Lily. My magic manifested and leapt from my heart to hers. I cannot explain it. Only that, Merlin, it was a shock to my entire system. She had tears in her eyes and said to me, "I didn't know you actually…really, truly…" Lils finally realized I did love her. And, uh, I did everything I could to be a gentleman…y'know?" James brightly blushed. "Because, ah, well, whoever shows it is the one that really can't control themselves…ugh."

Séraphine's heart was practically beating out of her chest when her magic reached Sirius' core. She could actually sense Padfoot reaching for her. It made her blush at the onslaught of emotions: dominantly lust and love.

No way in hell. She told herself sternly. She had a lifetime of forced celibacy to bank on and she did not want to ruin the beginnings of her relationship with Sirius when he so obviously could not handle intimacy based on everything that happened in his life. Nor could she walk away from him right now at his peak vulnerability.

You wanted, said a little voice in her head, a true relationship with a husband and all the trappings since you were an innocent, young girl. Now, you you've got it but you have to wait for him. Take it glacially slow.

Séraphine grimaced as she took a deep breath.

"Goodnight Sirius." She cursed herself as her voice wavered.

Quickly she turned, without looking at him, onto her side as the wizard wrapped his arm around her waist.

They both ignored the meal sent in from the Kitchen onto their sitting room table.

"Goodnight Séraphine." He answered back gruffly.