June 1977, Summer before 7th year

Potter Manor

Lily was still angry with Severus, and wasn't looking forward to the summer, where she would see him, or might run into him, on a regular basis. That alone provided the impetus for Lily to put herself forward, and ask Hermione if she might stay the summer at Potter Manor. Hermione was delighted with idea and wrote to her mother at once. Lily viewed the whole situation with some trepidation. She knew how she felt about James, but he hadn't really done anything lately to indicate whether he still liked her or not. Admittedly, he had been very busy this last year. No doubt finding out that his sister was a Seer had caused some sleepless nights and worry on his part. Still…if a boy liked a girl then he told her…right? She punched her pillow and tossed and turned restlessly. Her door creaked and she sat up suddenly, her heart pounding.

"Lils? Are you sleeping?" Hermione whispered loudly. Lily sighed in relief.

"No, Hermione, I can't sleep. What are you doing up?" Lily asked curiously. Hermione closed the door behind her and tiptoed to Lily's bed.

"Lucius owled me," she whispered softly, her face illuminated by the tip of her wand. "He wants to meet. I was thinking, we need to meet somewhere neutral. How does muggle London sound?"

"You want me to go with you?" Lily asked in pleased surprise. Hermione giggled.

"I've told Lucius he has to wear blue jeans, and a t-shirt, I need back up for witnessing this historic event," Hermione whispered conspiratorially. Lily snorted.

"You just want to see his butt in a pair of jeans. How can you be that naughty when you've got Sirius?" Lily demanded.

"I'm not cheating, or anything," Hermione said sanctimoniously. "I just want to see what he'd look like in muggle clothes. I've always wondered and this is my one chance."

"Won't you have to meet him a lot? Muggle London will probably be your best choice for any future meetings," Lily pointed out. Hermione shook her head.

"No, since I've turned seventeen, we plan to use one of my dower houses to meet. This is basically it," Hermione explained.

"One of your dower houses?" Lily said faintly. Hermione snorted.

"That's what Sev said, too," she replied without thinking. Then the two of them looked at one another sadly. "He won't return any of my owls."

"You've been writing to him?" Lily asked in surprise. Hermione looked at her.

"Of course. You haven't been?" Hermione demanded.

"Hermione, you could have died! Thank Merlin, he taught us the counter curse, or you would be!" Lily snapped.

"It was an accident, Lily. I know he's punishing himself for months, and he refuses to talk to me. Severus can't be allowed to brood, he'll just get depressed. I'm hoping that Lucius will be able to help me convince him that he needs to get over this. In addition, I'm hoping that he can tell me how Regulus is doing, and whether or not he's had to take the Mark yet," Hermione whispered urgently. Lily nodded.

"Okay, then. Yes, I'll go with you," Lily whispered back. "How are we going to sneak passed your brother and your boyfriend?"

"Don't worry, I have a plan," Hermione whispered confidently.

Sneaking out of Potter Manor proved to be far easier than Lily had thought it would be. Perhaps that was because Mrs. Potter was an eager accomplice. Then again, if Lily were the mother of a pretty girl who had a drop dead gorgeous live-in boyfriend, maybe she'd try to help said daughter spend several hours away from said boyfriend. Regardless, the girls soon found themselves giggling like maniacs on the Knight Bus, headed into downtown London. It was an exceptionally warm day, so Hermione and Lily were wearing shorts and halter tops with sandals. Lily had opted for flip-flops, but Hermione wore espadrilles wedges. Lily groaned as they made their way down the street toward the café where they were meeting Lucius.

"What is it?" Hermione stopped and turned to her friend. Lily rolled her eyes.

"I forgot what happens when you're out in muggle London," Lily muttered. "Keep moving. Let's get to that café."

If Lily weren't so frustrated, Lucius' reaction to Hermione's muggle clothes might have amused her greatly. His eyes widened in shock as he took in her outfit, and as her hips gently swayed as she moved toward him, Lily saw him swallow hard. He stood immediately, as soon as they got to the table, and Lily admired the view for a moment. The blue jeans clung to his muscled thighs, and the t-shirt stretched over his broad chest. Lily's mouth felt dry. Hermione put her hands on his chest and kissed him on the cheek. Lily smiled to herself. It was a good thing Sirius wasn't here to see that. It wouldn't matter that that was how she greeted most males that she considered friends, including Severus and her own brother. No, all that would matter was that it was Lucius.

"Lily," he said coolly, nodding his head politely. He turned to Hermione and quirked a brow. "Are you in need of a chaperone, now?"

"I considered that it might be prudent," Hermione replied mildly. Lucius frowned.

"Has he offered for you then?" Lucius asked, then he caught himself. "I apologize. It is none of my business. I asked you here today to talk of other matters."

"He hasn't yet," Hermione said softly, placing her fingertips on his arm. "I think he may speak to his Uncle Alphard about it."

"I see," Lucius said gravely, his face solemn. He looked at her for a moment and then said gently. "I hope that you will be happy, whatever you choose."

"Thank you, Lucius. I, too, hope for your happiness," she replied. He nodded.

"Things are progressing as they should. I don't believe my father or hers would invite you to the wedding because the Dark Lord is quite displeased with Charlus Potter currently. I hope that you are being very careful, my lioness. He has decided to try for James." Lucius said carefully. Hermione nodded. She had expected this.

"James is a powerful wizard. If he were to acquire him…it would be a victory," Hermione acknowledged quietly.

"What?" Lily demanded in a harsh whisper. "Are you serious? Is he…going to come after James or something?"

"No, he'll try to court him," Hermione said coldly, her lips twisting in distaste as she said the word 'court'. Lucius nodded, impressed.

"Have you Seen it?" He asked curiously. Hermione frowned, and shook her head.

"No…not yet," she murmured. "How about Regulus? Has he accepted the Mark?"

"Yes, as soon as school was done. He made every effort to look as eager as possible, and the Dark Lord was somewhat mollified by Regulus' exuberance. Severus and I have done what we can from within. I was worried about what happened at Hogwarts, but it has worked dramatically in our favor. It was perhaps a very good thing that Severus lost control that day. The Dark Lord perceives him as very…enthusiastic for the cause, and that is for the best," Lucius reported quietly.

With one arm along the back of Hermione's chair, and with his head tilted toward hers, it looked as though Lucius and Hermione were young lovers to the muggles. Lily knew that in the wizarding world, subtle cues would say almost the opposite. Lucius was careful to never touch Hermione in any way. He had his head tilted toward her, but not too close. Lily was there as a chaperone, to ensure correct behavior. This outing would be considered innocent by the most stringent matron in their world. Lily wondered about what Lucius had asked Hermione. Was he suggesting that Sirius might offer for Hermione? How would that even work since he was disowned? Was that why Sirius would discuss things with Uncle Alphard? Lily wondered what would happen if a wizard wanted to offer for her. Would he need to talk to her parents, or would he get some sort of dispensation because she was muggleborn? She shook her head and turned her attention back to Lucius and Hermione.

"How is Severus?" Hermione asked sadly. "He won't respond to any of my owls."

"You haven't been writing him!" Lucius was aghast. "For Merlin's sake, Hermione, stop immediately. Severus is staying with Death Eaters right now, of course he can't return respond. Are you trying to have him killed?"

"I didn't realize," Hermione gasped, horrified. "I—I just miss him. I want him to know that I understand, that I'm not mad at him."

"I will pass it along," Lucius muttered. "He has been very upset about the whole matter. He punishes himself for it."

"I knew that he would," Hermione said with a sigh. "Tell him that the very first full moon of the new school year, he'd better meet me in our room, or I'll show up in the dungeon to find out why."

"I will pass that along as well," Lucius said dryly.

"Is there anyone you feel has potential?" Hermione asked him curiously. He nodded thoughtfully.

"I believe so, but I am leery of exposing you to them. Once we have access to the château, I will consider bringing them to you. I think if we did a fidelous charm, blindfolded them, fed them veritaserum, questioned them, and then bound them with Unbreakable Vows—it might be safe enough to risk it," Lucius explained carefully. Hermione just looked at him.

"I don't know Lucius, that sounds like a hasty, ill-thought out plan to me," she said dryly. Lily giggled, and Lucius glared at her.

"I worry for your safety," he said at last. "If anyone knew that you were doing this, never mind that you are a Seer, he would want your blood. It is a dangerous path that you have chosen, my lioness. You can at least allow us to make it difficult to try and kill you."

"You are right, Lucius. Forgive me," Hermione said contritely. Lucius shook his long, blond hair at her.

"No, there is nothing to forgive. I just need you to understand how precarious your life is becoming. It does worry me, Hermione. If anything should happen to you," he paused and frowned at the table considering his words carefully. "It would be devastating to the work you are trying to do."

"Of course," Hermione said quietly.

HP/HG/HP

"Mum, are you in here? Lily and I brought you a present. Oh, Mr. Black, how pleasant to see you again. You remember my friend Lily Evans?" Hermione recovered quickly from her surprise at seeing Alphard Black sitting in her mother's parlor with her father and Sirius.

"Is that what you wore in muggle London?" Sirius demanded, as he stared at her outfit. The vein in his temple was throbbing and he was turning red. Hermione frowned at him.

"Well of course, Sirius. I certainly can't wear robes," she said slowly, as though she didn't know why he was upset. Lily hid a smile. Hermione probably didn't know why he was upset. She didn't really consider herself to be anything fabulous. She thought she was passingly pretty. She walked into the parlor, her hips swaying with each step until she was standing near her parents. Sirius was staring at her hips, and he swallowed. She sat down gracefully, and crossed her ankles.

"But, look at you!" Sirius said, waving a hand at the expanse of bare leg that was currently exposed to his view. Charlus Potter frowned at his daughter's bare legs.

"Princess, I'm not sure that those, whatever they are, is something that a proper young lady should be wearing in downtown London," he said cautiously, his face disturbed. Hermione flushed with anger.

"It was an exceptionally warm day," she bit out between clenched teeth. "Every other woman in London was wearing almost exactly what we are wearing now. It is perfectly acceptable attire."

"Perhaps, princess, but that doesn't mean that I like the idea of strange men seeing you dressed like that," her father said with a worried frown. Hermione shot a glare at Lily, daring her to pipe up with some of the horror stories she had about Hermione's escapades in London. Lily shook her head slightly. She wasn't going to tell on Hermione. Least of all when Sirius was already upset. "I think from now on I shall have James or myself escort you into London."

"But, Daddy!" Hermione gasped, staring at her father in shock. He shook his head at her.

"This is not up for discussion, princess," he said firmly. Hermione turned her head and looked at the wall, refusing to make eye contact with anyone. He turned back to Alphard, and smiled tightly. "Now, Alphard, where were we?"

"I have attempted to speak to Orion, but he refuses to meet with me. I am uncertain, but he may be imperiused. Walburga may disavow that he is her son, but she cannot disown him completely. I am the head of our branch of the Blacks, and I refuse to disown my nephew. I don't have any children of my own, but after my death the estate will go to Cygnus. I can't change any of that, it's the way the estate's tied up. There is some money that doesn't belong to the estate, and I have two properties that aren't entailed. I can give those to Sirius so that he'll have something, anyway. We have casks of betrothal jewelry in the vaults, and none of Cygnus' girls will need it, so that's covered as well," Alphard spoke smoothly to Charlus, listing all of Sirius' assets. Hermione sat there impassively, listening silently while they discussed his future. She was so angry, she didn't trust her voice at the moment. It was better that she stay silent.

"Hermione has an extremely comfortable dowry, and four dower homes. She also has her own vault at Gringott's with an inheritance from an aunt who was always fond of her. All in all, any future children would be well cared for," Charlus said calmly. Lily's mouth dropped open and she turned to stare at Hermione who was still refusing to look at anyone in the room. She glanced at Sirius, who was watching Hermione, and looking slightly nervous.

"I see no objection to such a match," Alphard said calmly. Charlus nodded in agreement. "Princess?"

"Hermione?" Dorea Potter touched her daughter on the shoulder. She stood, and tossed her curls over her shoulder.

"It doesn't matter does it," she said coldly, sweeping all of them with her icy gaze. "My assent isn't required."

"Hermione!" Dorea and Charlus exclaimed angrily. She turned to look at them, her face tight with her displeasure.

"No one's bothered to ask me until now, which is a bit late, father," she snapped. Then she went rigid. Lily gasped in dread and jumped to her feet. Everyone stared at Lily and then turned back to Hermione and their eyes all widened in absolute horror. Hermione's eyes had turned black, and she was breathing erratically. Lily ran to parlor door.

"JAMES!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, and then she hurried back to Hermione. James came tearing into the parlor and when he saw his sister, he blanched, but hurried over to her.

"My Own?" he whispered touching her arm. Her skin was icy, and she shivered.

"It's still summer, I think," she muttered, frowning slightly. "I can see a house, but I don't recognize it. It…oh…it's a…a muggle home. Macnair and Avery are here." Her face twisted in hate. "Pettigrew, the bloody traitor, is with them. Oh…he's meant to prove himself. Oh, Sweet Merlin, no. Not the children, please!"

Hermione collapsed into James' arms shuddering and crying against him. James stroked her back and murmured in her ear. Lily crouched down by the both of them and rubbed Hermione's back. They looked at one another in fear and then looked back down at Hermione, ignoring everyone else in the room.

"James," Charlus Potter's voice was a whisper, and James looked up at his father. Naked fear was on his father's face. "Who knows?"

"Just us, Dad," James said firmly. "No one else."

"How long?" Dorea asked faintly, her eyes wide.

"It's something that sort of just started," Lily said looking down at her friend. "I know that's not how it normally works, but she doesn't remember it happening before."

"Charlus," Dorea whispered. Charlus looked at her and nodded. They turned to Alphard.

"I'm sorry to waste your time," Charlus said in a rough voice. Alphard blinked and turned to Sirius.

"Have you changed your mind, nephew?" Alphard asked gently. Sirius' eyes had never left Hermione's form. He turned to look at his uncle in confusion.

"What? No," he said with a shake of his head, turning back to her. "Never."

"I'm sorry we didn't tell you, Padfoot," James said, his cheeks flushed. Sirius shook his head.

"No, it was better, safer," Sirius said firmly. He turned to Alphard. "Uncle…because of the family, I think it might be best if you and I did Unbreakable Vows."

"Hermione will do them," Lily spoke with unconscious authority. "As soon as she recovers."

"Are you sure that you still want to do this, Sirius," Dorea asked him cautiously. "We would not think any less of you, if you changed your mind, son."

"I'm not changing my mind," Sirius bit out between clenched teeth, his eyes still on Hermione.

"What are you talking about?" James asked, glancing between Sirius and his father.

"He's requested permission to formally court Hermione, with intent to offer," Dorea said softly, glancing at her husband's white face, "and I believe we are going to accept."

"I wanted to talk to Hermione," Charlus muttered, running a hand through his wild hair, "but this changes everything. There's no one else I would trust with Hermione except Sirius."

"Excellent. I shall contact the family's lawyers tomorrow and begin the paperwork," Alphard said with a pleased smile. Sirius had heard what Charlus said, and he stood there stunned. That Mr. Potter trusted him enough to protect Hermione knowing that she was a Seer overwhelmed him for a minute. He blinked rapidly and tried to get himself under control. He cleared his throat and his Uncle Alphard clapped him on the back. "You'll have to come along, Sirius. I'll need your signature on a lot of it."

"Of course, sir," Sirius murmured, his eyes back on Hermione. She stirred in James' arms, moaning in pain.

"Shhh, My Own, don't move your head," James was murmuring softly to her.

"Oh, Jamie," she said sadly. James' face was hard.

"I heard," he said coldly. "You never liked him. I should have known."

"I'm so sorry," she whispered, tears slipping down her cheeks. James shook his head and hugged her tightly.

"Don't worry about it, not right now. We've got bigger things," James muttered in her ear. She raised her tear streaked face and saw her parents, their faces frozen in fear, and Alphard and Sirius, quietly watching.

"That's over then," Hermione guessed. "I suppose I could be the maiden aunt to all your children."

"No, princess. In fact, due to the circumstances I shall be throwing my weight into having it sped up. Hopefully we can have you wed within two years instead of four," Charlus said firmly. Hermione paled.

"You what?" She whispered, in shock. She turned to Sirius. "You don't still want to do this?"

"Yes," he said flatly. She frowned at him.

"Have you lost your mind?" She asked him tartly. He glared at her.

"I am in full control of my faculties," he growled at her. She snorted.

"Doubtful. You do realize that as soon as he finds out, I'm dead." Hermione stated as baldly as possible. She wanted to shock him—to make him realize how dangerous this was going to be. She heard her mother whimper, and immediately felt the veriest bitch.

"I don't care," Sirius said flatly. "I'm not changing my mind."

"Fine," she snapped. She turned to her father. "Do it. If he's that much of an idiot, do it."

HP/HG/HP

You know, I think that has to be the least romantic marriage proposal I have ever seen in my entire life…well…and my, er, afterlife, too.

Circe's knickers, I'm not officially engaged yet. Our families have agreed that it's acceptable for him to court me, and if he offers for my hand, we'll entertain the offer seriously. It's what the wizarding world does instead of the whole boyfriend/girlfriend thing. That relationship isn't really recognized by the older people in our world.

Are you allowed to see anyone else while Sirius courts you?

No, of course not. This is the beginning of the betrothal process.

So…he's announcing that he wants to be engaged to you?

Yes, basically. On a positive note, as soon as I start receiving betrothal jewelry, all of the pureblood and halfblood girls will back off. Then it will just be the muggleborns who don't quite get it.

Oh, well that's good. Wait a minute! You said Lucius was courting you, in fourth year. Was that the same thing?

Sort of, I think if things had been different, he would have asked his father to offer for me.

You were almost engaged to Lucius Malfoy?

No. Not really. We both knew it couldn't really go beyond the courting stage. His father had already made commitments for their family with Voldemort.

But still…you could have been Draco's mum…ew!

If I had been Draco's mother, he would have been an exemplary child, and he most likely would not have been named Draco. That whole naming children after constellations is a Black thing. It actually shows you what a loving husband Lucius Malfoy is—he allowed his wife to name their first-born son, who turned out to be their only child. Either that or he used Black naming customs to name the boy, which still shows a great deal of affection for his wife, or concern for her feelings.

Fine. Lucius Malfoy is bloody brilliant. You know, except for the whole 'Death Eater let's watch this poor muggleborn girl get tortured in my house' sort of thing.

He's not that man, and hopefully he never will be.

By the way, way to go, outing Peter like that. James wants to beat him to death, I think.

It was an accident. I'm not sure if that was a good thing, or not. I won't be able to use him as an asset now.

Why not?

If what we're doing is ever discovered, Sirius and James would never, ever forgive me. They would feel as though I betrayed them myself.

What Sirius thinks of you matters a lot, does it?

I think we've established that.

Mmmm. Can you guys do the kissing thing again? I've never seen anything like that before.

I'm actually worried about that. I'm not sure what it means. I plan on spending a great deal of my summer in the Potter family library, researching. Oooh. Maybe I can use that as an excuse to go to the dower houses. That might work…and because all the houses are warded Mum and Dad can't complain.

Oh, I love researching!

HP/HG/HP

That summer, Dorea and Charlus Potter were torn between wanting to lock Hermione away to protect her, and trying to act as though everything were normal so that no one would find out about her newly discovered talents. The tea parties became a source of contention between the two of them. Dorea argued that if she and Hermione suddenly stopped going, everyone would wonder why. Charlus gnashed his teeth, and James and Sirius joined him in arguing adamantly against it, but in the end, Dorea was triumphant. Lily had never been to one of these tea parties before, and she was slightly nervous about the whole thing. Dorea and Hermione had laughed, and asked the house elves to create a practice tea party.

"So," Hermione drawled, taking a delicate sip of her tea, and peering at Lily through a lorgnette, "Evans is an unusual last name. What was your mother's name?"

"Haversham, er, ma'am," Lily said promptly, and took a small sip of tea. Dorea looked at her over her tea cup, and narrowed her eyes.

"Haversham, that's not a wizarding name, is it," Dorea drawled coolly, her lovely hazel eyes growing icy. Lily shifted uncomfortably in her seat.

"No, it isn't," she said softly.

"I see," Hermione said dryly, nibbling daintily at a chocolate biscuit. "You're a rather plain girl, aren't you? Your wrists are bony. Pity that."

"I've never really thought about it, ma'am," Lily said with determined politeness.

"I expect not," murmured Dorea, glancing at Hermione, who nodded just slightly. Lily put down her teacup with a loud clink.

"They…they aren't really like this are they?" Lily asked faintly. Dorea snorted.

"I've seen them be much, much worse, but that's usually for family or former friends. We'll try to make sure that you sit with Hermione, or Augusta Longbottom. Oh, Hermione, Andromeda shan't be coming any more. She married a muggle, and the Blacks have disowned her. If you're lucky enough to be at a table with any of them, expect some nasty comments about Sirius. Alphard publicly began the process, and if, Merlin forbid, Walburga is there…well, you may want to leave early," Dorea said calmly. Hermione nodded. Lily blanched.

The first tea party of the little summer season was held at the Greengrass Estate. Lily shifted uncomfortably in the silk tea gown that Dorea had altered to fit her. It was in a soft, mint green because custom dictated that young ladies not wear bright colors or jewel tones—those were reserved for married witches. Hermione's tea gown was in a light mauve, and Lily thought that Hermione looked graceful and ladylike. Lily felt like a moose in a taffeta ball gown—awkward and decidedly silly looking.

"Stop fidgeting, you look beautiful," Hermione hissed at her. She snapped open a lace fan and held it in front of her face. "If they're rude, it's because they feel threatened. If they ignore you, they don't consider you important, but here…that's probably a good thing. We're breaking bread with the enemy Lils. Never forget that."

"Okay then, great pep talk, Hermione," Lily muttered. Hermione rapped her hands with her fan. "Ow! That hurt."

"It was meant to. Stop tugging at your gown," Hermione said firmly. Dorea moved to stand near them, and she frowned slightly at Lily, who immediately stopped pulling at her gown.

"Now do try to remember, dear," Dorea said kindly. "A lady glides. Try to imagine yourself floating. Do not stomp, or shuffle, or lumber along."

"Yes, ma'am," Lily said miserably. Hermione giggled behind her fan.

"She meant me, Lily," Hermione explained. Lily rolled her eyes.

"You never do any of that," Lily said flatly. "You float down the halls of Hogwarts. I've had girls ask how you do it. Well, the muggleborns anyhow. I told them it was how you were raised."

"Yes, well, I've seen a shocking number of Hermione's generation whose parents seem to have forgotten to instill basic grace and charm into their daughters," Dorea said, her face decidedly cool as she glanced toward Narcissa Black. Lily and Hermione shared a glance and small smiles.

Perhaps the gods were against them, Hermione thought faintly as she sat down where Mrs. Greengrass had assigned her. She was sitting with Augusta Longbottom and Walburga Black at the same table. Surely the sky would open up and the end of the world must be nigh. Thank Merlin, Lily and her mother were seated together at a different table, and most of the people there were not Death Eater's wives, or pureblood fanatics.

"Hermione, we missed you last summer," Augusta Longbottom said warmly, with a fond smile for the younger witch. Hermione smiled back, and nodded briefly to Alice Longbottom, Augusta's daughter-in-law.

"Yes, ma'am. Mother thought it might be worthwhile to expand my horizons a bit. I'm looking forward to visiting with you this year," Hermione said politely.

"Congratulations, Hermione," Alice said eagerly, not noticing the dark frown from her mother-in-law. Hermione flushed slightly, and refused to sneak a glance at her future mother-in-law.

"Thank you, Alice, but I think it may be a bit early for congratulations," Hermione said with quiet dignity.

"I suppose a blood traitor is the best he can hope for now that he's shamed his family. It's a testament to my fortitude that I'm able to be seen in public. I considered hiding in my house for the shame of it all, but my Regulus has done his best to redeem his House. Thank Merlin I've got one son who knows his duty," Walburga Black observed coldly. Hermione refused to look anywhere near the woman, and instead focused on Alice.

"I heard that you were accepted into the Auror training program. What was that like?" Hermione asked curiously. Alice Longbottom was one of the only female Aurors on the team, and Hermione wondered what her experience had been like.

"I think I'm glad that Frank was there, too," Alice said with a slight frown. "They're a rough and tumble bunch of men. Auror Moody doesn't put up with a lot though, so he straightened them out."

"Auror Moody is very professional," Hermione said with a nod. "He takes his job seriously. I wish we had more like him."

"That's exactly what I was saying to Frank and Alice, yesterday," Mrs. Longbottom said with an approving nod.

The rest of the tea was painfully correct, with Augusta Longbottom and Hermione doing their very best to steer the conversation away from anything even close to her possible engagement to Sirius. Walburga Black seemed to be making an attempt to behave herself, for whatever reason, but she seemed unable to help herself and would occasionally make disparaging comments about either the Potters or her erstwhile son. Hermione fought for control. It would be unthinkable for her to fly across the table and choke Walburga Black. Her mother would never forgive her, and she'd never be able to look Mrs. Greengrass in the eyes ever again. Even worse, to Hermione's mind, it would make Walburga the victim, and seem to prove her point for her, and if there was one thing Hermione wouldn't do it was help the woman who'd made it her life's work to destroy Sirius Black.

HP/HG/HP

The château was beautiful, and its library was incredible. Hermione spent several days there researching, and Lily had joined her as a nominal chaperone. The staff of house elves was happy to see to their needs, and Lily helped her read through a score of books, looking for information about her weird kiss with Sirius in the broom closet in Hogwarts. There didn't seem to be anything about magically induced orgasms. Perhaps she was addressing the situation from the wrong angle. She nibbled her lip and tried to think about what that might mean.

"Hermione?" Sirius walked into the library, his face tense and upset.

Hermione ignored all of that. She grabbed him by the front of his robes and pressed her lips to his. He started slightly, but then began to kiss her back enthusiastically. She slid her arms around his neck and wound her fingers into his silky, black hair. His lips moved against hers, his teeth nibbling, his tongue searching. She started to feel warm, her belly tightened in pleasure, and her nipples hardened as they rubbed against the silk of her clothes and making her knees feel weak. He wound one hand in her thick curls and tugged slightly, the other hand slid down her back and held her against him. Their magic hummed between them, and it seemed like a happy hum to Hermione. As far as she could tell, their magic was meshing together nicely. Hers sort of melted into his and vice versa. It wasn't a permanent state, which would indicate bonding, but it happened whenever they got…close. She wondered if it was a preliminary bond. It was hard to think though when Sirius was licking her neck and breathing in her ear like that. She sighed as he nipped her earlobe, and there was a loud throat clearing and coughing that seemed to come from distinctly different sources. She pulled back reluctantly, and sent an apologetic glance to Lily who shrugged. James looked revolted and incensed.

"Do you have to maul him in front of me?" James asked in a pained voice.

"I wasn't mauling him," Hermione said stiffly. "I was conducting an experiment."

"Really? Was that whether or not you could survive without oxygen?" James snapped in irritation. "Because if so, it seems to be a successful experiment."

"It didn't happen this time," Sirius said quietly, drawing her attention back to his smoldering gaze. She shook her head. "I wonder why."

"I…I'm not sure. I've been researching," she murmured indicating the books spread across the tables. "It may be a preliminary bond…but it may be something different. It's troubling."

"What are you two talking about?" Lily asked curiously. Hermione blushed, and Sirius' arm wrapped around her waist protectively.

"Our magic is meshing, but I'm not sure why," Hermione said quietly, not looking at her brother.

"Your magic is WHAT?" James demanded. He glared at Sirius. "Just what have you been doing to my sister?"

"Nothing, James," Hermione said sharply. "He's kissed me, that's it."

"What does that mean, exactly," Lily asked curiously. Hermione turned slightly toward Lily, and away from James' glare. Sirius did not let go of her, and Hermione touched his cheek with her fingertips. He turned his head and kissed her fingertips. She shivered slightly, and frowned at him. He grinned at her, and she rolled her eyes. Then she directed her focus to her friend.

"Magic is a part of us, you know that part already," Hermione began carefully, frowning to herself. "When wizards and witches marry they are bound to one another. That's why divorce isn't possible with a full, traditional wizarding marriage. Your magic, and your spouse's magic are linked inextricably, and to break the bond is dangerous to the bonded pair. That's also why many couples choose not to have the full ceremony. However, spontaneous bonding can take place as well. Sometimes, the magic wills a bond. In earlier times, these were seen as bonds willed by the gods. Even if the couple was not one that would normally have been acceptable—due to station or circumstance—the magic's blessings make the bond acceptable."

"Is that what you think you and Sirius have?" Lily asked cautiously. James seemed shocked.

"I doubt it, I'm just not sure what is happening, and I don't like that feeling," Hermione said firmly. James snorted.

"You have always liked being in control, My Own," James said wryly. "This must be driving you crazy. However, Mum and Dad panicked when they couldn't find you anywhere, and Notty said that you had left the Manor with Lily. I told them that you'd promised not to leave Potter land, and that meant that you, with your sneaky Slytherin ways, had to be on Potter land somewhere. Sirius and I offered to search all the dower properties. This is the last one, Sirius was starting to panic a bit himself."

"Was not," Sirius muttered at James, but his arms tightened around Hermione's waist. Hermione sighed.

"It's just this last year," Hermione told them both calmly. "If I can make it through this year, we'll be fine."

"We need to tell Remus," James said flatly. "We have to be able to explain what's going on with Peter."

Hermione tilted her head to the side, frowning, then she looked at Lily, who nodded just slightly. They would talk later. She wished she could talk to Severus about all of this, he would have some sort of brilliant insight, she knew he would. If only there were someone that she could talk to. Someone intelligent who could be discreet.

HP/HG/HP

"What a pleasure to see you again, Hermione. This is young Mr. Black, I presume?" Mrs. Longbottom said politely. Hermione gave a small nod.

"Yes, ma'am. And you remember my brother, James Potter? Jamie, I'm sure you recall Mrs. Longbottom," Hermione said carefully. James took her hand and bowed over it.

"Vividly," he murmured. Mrs. Longbottom pierced him with her gimlet gaze.

"Indeed," she replied. Hermione smiled slightly.

"And this is our houseguest for the summer, Lily Evans. Lily, this is Mrs. Longbottom."

"Miss Evans, welcome to Longbottom Manor. I hope your summer with the Potters has been pleasant." Mrs. Longbottom nodded regally to the young woman.

"Yes, ma'am. Thank you, ma'am." Lily replied nervously, and curtseyed.

"To what do I owe this unexpected visit?" Mrs. Longbottom asked curiously.

"Well, ma'am, I was wondering if the Longbottom library had anything on spontaneous bonds, or anything that seemed similar to a spontaneous bond in outward appearance, but might actually be something completely different," Hermione said in a great rush. Mrs. Longbottom blinked at her, and then smiled slightly.

"My dear, to my knowledge, there is nothing like a spontaneous bond, except a spontaneous bond," Mrs. Longbottom said firmly. "Just because the answer isn't pleasing, doesn't make it untrue, Hermione."

"But…but it just can't be," Hermione said flatly. Augusta Longbottom frowned at her.

"Come along then, and I'll show you the books we have," she said flatly. "I'm telling you now, though, it sounds like a spontaneous bond."

Hermione spent hours in the Longbottom library and most of what she found supported what Augusta was saying. She slammed the last book shut, a look of frustration on her face. Sirius was watching her solemnly, his dark grey eyes sad.

"Does it bother you that much?" He asked softly, looking away from her. "The idea of a spontaneous bond…with me?"

"No, of course not, Sirius. It's just that…well…I don't understand how this happened, and I don't like not understanding," Hermione said, frustrated. "Normally a spontaneous bond occurs under very specific circumstances, and we haven't fulfilled any of those."

"Such as?" Sirius asked curiously. Hermione blushed. He blinked. "Ah, well. No wonder James wanted to gut me."

"Let's go. There's nothing here that will help me. Maybe Hogwarts holds the answers," Hermione said with a sigh. Sirius cleared his throat. She glanced at him.

"I have a gift for you…for Hogwarts," he said softly. He held out a box, and Hermione opened it carefully. It was a delicate bracelet made of gold lions with ruby eyes. The tiny lions appeared to be chasing one another around the bracelet. He took it out of the box and clasped it around her wrist. She turned her wrist in the light.

"It's beautiful," she said slowly. Sirius grinned.

"Uncle Alphard said that it never gets used, for obvious reasons, but I thought it would be perfect for you," he murmured, touching her wrist lightly.