A/N: Many thanks to Muggle Jane and Krissy for looking this over for me. Thanks for all the sweet reviews! There's some lemony goodness in this chapter so I hope you all enjoy! xx

Disclaimer: The characters and canon situations in the following story belong solely to JK Rowling, Scholastic and WB. I am not making any money from the publishing or writing of this story.

Chapter 21

Seconds later, she tumbled out of the fireplace into someone's arms. Looking up, she saw Sirius smiling at her.

"All right there, Hermione?" he asked.

Completely mortified, she nodded. Hermione stepped out of his arms. "I'm fine, Sirius. I'm usually not so clumsy when I Floo."

"It's all right," he assured her. "Even the most seasoned Floo users can trip. I fell flat on my face in front of the Minister once."

"Really?" Hermione asked. "Which Minister?"

"Millicent Bagnold, the minister before Fudge," Sirius explained. "I was running late for a meeting, and when I exited the Floo, I fell right on my face. Rather embarrassing as I had just finished Auror training."

Hermione chuckled. "I can imagine. Luckily, I haven't done anything that embarrassing just yet."

Sirius smirked. "Well, it's good to see you." His eyes roamed over her.

She blushed. "It's good to see you too, Sirius."

The two of them stood in the kitchen, staring at each other awkwardly. Hermione bounced on the balls of her feet before making a quick decision. She kissed him quickly on the lips before pulling away, her face now bright red.

Sirius cleared his throat, not wanting an awkward silence to descend between them. "Er, is there anything you'd like to do today?"

Hermione gave a small shrug, her mind still stuck on the kiss. It had only lasted a second, but it was more than enough to make her knees weak. His lips were soft but slightly chapped, just as she remembered them.

"Hermione?" he asked, concerned about the blank look on her face.

She quickly snapped out of it, blushing. "Sorry, my mind was somewhere else. But no, there's nothing specific I wanted to do today. Whatever you want is good for me."

"All right," Sirius said. "We do need to go to Gringotts so I can add your name to my vault. You need to sign some papers to make it legal."

Hermione looked at him, surprise etched on her face. "Sirius, you don't have to do that. The law doesn't require you to give me money, or even share an account with me."

Sirius smirked, looking amused. "No, Hermione, I don't have to do it at all. I want to do it."

"Why?" she asked, looking up at him.

He took a few steps, closing the distance between them. Reaching down, he tucked a loose curl behind her ear. "Because you're my wife, that's why. What's mine is yours, Hermione."

Her heart beat loudly in her chest. "Really, Sirius, you don't have to."

"I want to," he insisted. "Please, let me do this for you. I have more money than I'll ever know what to do with, so please let me share it."

"Sirius," she protested softly.

He placed a finger over her lips, silencing her. "No, Hermione, my mind is made up. If anything were to happen to me, I want you and our future children to be all right."

Hermione's thoughts swirled. Sirius was standing so close, and all she could smell was his delicious cologne. She wanted to close the distance between them and snog him senseless.

She suddenly realized what he said. Children. He said 'our future children'. The law only required one child, but Sirius said children, as in more than one. He wanted to have more than one child with her. That must have meant that he did see this marriage as something real, and not just a sham.

Too excited to care, Hermione threw her arms around his neck and kissed him passionately. Her fingers dug into his shoulders as her tongue ran across his lower lip. She hoped he would let her in… And he did.

Sirius relaxed into the kiss, wrapped his arms around her small waist. He opened his mouth, allowing her tongue entrance. She tasted sweet, like warm vanilla sugar and something that was pure Hermione.

His hands moved lower, grasping her arse. He gave it a firm squeeze, causing Hermione to moan. He felt himself harden and knew that he desired his wife more than he cared to admit.

Moving his mouth to her neck, Sirius gently kissed and sucked the skin there.

Hermione arched into him, pressing herself against him. "Sirius," she moaned, her fingers clutching at him.

"What is it?" Sirius mumbled, rubbing his nose in the sensitive spot beneath her ear. "Tell me what you want, wife."

"More!" she cried out. "Sirius, please."

Sirius didn't need any more encouragement. He scooped Hermione up and carried her over to the kitchen table. Sitting her down on the edge of the table, he stood between her legs. He ran his hands over her jumper, caressing her breasts. Making his way to her stomach, he gripped the edge of the jumper and pulled it up over her head. She was wearing a light pink tank top underneath, and she looked delectable.

"On the kitchen table?" she asked, reaching out to undo the buttons on his dress shirt.

"I've been waiting so long for you, Hermione," he answered honestly. "All week I've been looking forward to this. I couldn't get the memory of your beautiful body out of my mind." He leant forward, cupping her cheek as he kissed her. "I want you so much, wife."

Hermione's eyes widened. "You want me, Sirius? You want me because you want me, not because of some stupid law?"

"Of course I want you!" Sirius quickly said. "I felt guilty at first because I wanted you so much. But we're married now, and there's nothing wrong with a man wanting his wife."

She nodded. "I feel the same way, Sirius. But I wanted you to want me for me, and hearing that you do means so much." She had finally finished undoing his buttons of his shirt and slid the garment off. "Beautiful," she murmured.

"You're the beautiful one," Sirius countered. Reaching towards her, he made quick work of removing her tank top and bra. He cupped her breasts as he closed his eyes. "Absolutely perfect."

"Take your pants off," Hermione commanded, eager to feel her husband between her legs. Reaching down, she undid her own jeans. She kicked off her boots, and then kicked off her jeans and knickers. Looking up at him, she blushed when she realized she was sitting fully naked on the kitchen table.

"You look delicious, pet," he murmured as he removed his own pants. "What shall I do with you first?"

Hermione squirmed, rubbing her thighs together. "Please, Sirius, no teasing. I'm more than ready for you."

He approached her, one hand gripping her waist as the other slid between her legs. His finger brushed her clit lightly, causing Hermione to moan. "So wet," he murmured. "You really desire me this much?"

"I do, Sirius," she moaned, leaning back slightly as he rubbed her slit. "Please."

"As you wish," he murmured. He stroked himself for a few moments, already aching at the sight in front of him. Hermione was panting heavily, her cheeks flushed as she watched him with wide eyes.

Grasping his member, he aligned himself between her legs. He joined them in one swift thrust. A small groan escaped his lips as he did so. She was tighter than he remembered. She was pure bliss. Being inside her velvet heat was pure bliss.

"Sirius," she moaned, wrapping her arms around his neck. She held him tightly as he began to thrust into her. Hermione planted kisses along his jawline as he wound her body tighter and tighter.

Gripping her waist tightly, Sirius captured her lips in a kiss. It was filled with passion and lust, leaving his body aching for more. At her soft moans, Sirius increased his speed, thrusting into her roughly.

"Ohh," Hermione moaned, feeling herself grow closer to climax. "More, Sirius, faster."

Sirius abruptly pushed her backwards onto the table. He moved with her, so they were both now lying on the table. Grasping her hands, he pinned them above her head.

Hermione's eyes widened, and she couldn't help but think back to Ginny's words. It did seem her husband was a bit of the rough and tumble type, which she didn't mind one bit.

"You like this, don't you?" he asked, leaning down so his mouth was near her ear.

She shivered at his words, nodding. "Sirius," she moaned.

"You like that I'm fucking you on the kitchen table? You like the idea that anyone could walk in here at any moment." He continued to thrust into her, holding himself as he did so. "I had no idea you were an exhibitionist."

"Neither did I," she answered breathlessly. Her insides clenched. She was so close… So, so close.

"Maybe you want to be found?" Sirius asked. "Maybe you want everyone to see the prim and proper Hermione Granger being fucked on the table roughly?"

She had never thought she'd be into dirty talk, but Sirius's words were driving her wild. She wanted more… Oh, sweet Merlin, she wanted more of him.

"It's Black, not Granger," she panted, looking into his grey eyes.

A slow smile spread onto his face. "Yes, it is. You're mine, Mrs. Black, and I am never letting you go." His movement became frenzied as he thrust into her with an urgency that wasn't there before. Hermione moved her hips upwards, meeting his thrusts. "You're mine, Hermione. Mine." He lowered his head and nuzzled her neck. "Say it! Tell me I'm yours," he commanded harshly.

She heard him speaking, but she didn't register what he was saying. She was lost in the sensations that she was feeling.

When she didn't answer him, Sirius growled. He bit down on the sensitive spot, where her neck and shoulder met.

Hermione let out a shout, coming with a force that she had never experienced before. She wriggled her wrists free from his hands, moving them to his neck. She gripped him tightly as she rode out her orgasm, thrusting against him quickly. "Sirius," she panted. "I'm yours, I'm yours." She repeated the phrase as her body hummed with pleasure.

Sirius growled, thrusting into her one last time before coming as well. He captured her lips in a bruising kiss as he emptied himself into her. He continued thrusting until they had both finished.

He slid out of her, and Hermione whimpered at the loss. Sirius grinned, leaning down to kiss her.

Slowly, Hermione sat up. "That was… Something else."

"Are you all right? I didn't mean to be so rough with you," Sirius admitted. He pulled out his wand and cast a cleansing charm on them both.

"You were fine," Hermione assured him. "It was a bit unexpected, but I enjoyed it. Do you like rough sex?"

Sirius nodded. "I do, but if you're uncomfortable with it, I won't be that way with you."

"No, its fine," she said, smiling. "I liked it, Sirius, really. It was enjoyable."

He moved to her, kissing her lightly before helping her get dressed. As he hooked her bra, she let out a small giggle. "What?" he asked.

She turned to face him as she put on her tank top. "I was just imagining what would happen if someone walked in on that."

Sirius smirked. "No doubt I'd be lectured on abusing you and the impropriety of our actions."

"And I would have been mortified."

"Don't be. This may be the Order's Headquarters, but it's my home. I'm free to do what I like wherever I like. If no one else likes it, they can find somewhere else to hold meetings."

Hermione grabbed her wand and did a small charm to fix her hair. After their bout of sex, it now resembled a bird's nest.

"I did miss you," she answered honestly. "It's been hard being at school."

"I'm sorry, Hermione. I know it's going to be rough, but people will get over it."

"You really think so?" she asked.

He smirked. "I know so. Just wait until someone else gets married. The spotlight will soon be off you."

Standing on her tiptoes, she gave him a kiss.

There was a noise in the corner. It was Kreacher, who was looking at them both in disgust.

"Kreacher!" Sirius shouted. "What are you doing here?"

"Nasty mudblood dirtying my Mistress's line." The small elf sneered at them.

"Don't use that word in our presence!" Sirius commanded. "Hermione is your Mistress now, and you will obey her. That is an order."

"I will not take orders from a blood-traitor and mudblood."

Sirius narrowed his eyes. "You will, Kreacher. You are forced to serve me, whether you like it or not. Hermione is the matriarch of the noble and most ancient house of Black, and you will serve her."

Kreacher spat at their feet before shuffling off.

"Sorry about that," Sirius said, giving her a small smile.

Hermione shrugged. "Honestly, it's what I expected. And besides, that's nothing compared to what your mother will say when she finds out."

Sirius frowned, shaking his head. "I need to get her portrait removed, but we've tried everything."

A small smile appeared on her face. "Leave it to me, Sirius. You know I love doing research."

"If you could rid the house of my mother's portrait, I would love you forever, Hermione."

Her eyes widened at his words. Sirius, realizing what he said, also paused. They both stared at each other, faces red, and not speaking.

Eventually, Sirius cleared his throat. "Are you ready to head to Gringotts?"

Hermione nodded, eager to get out of the house.

Sirius wrapped his arm around Hermione, holding her close to him as they walked through the busy street of Diagon Alley. While it was a pain to maneuver through the street, Sirius was grateful for the crowd. People were too busy to notice the two of them walking.

"Almost there, love," he whispered in her ear.

They finally made their way to Gringotts, entering the ancient building. Walking inside, Sirius made his way to a goblin teller.

"How may I help you?" a goblin whose nameplate read Blordak asked.

"I need to add my wife to my account, as well as open a separate account."

"Names?" Blordak asked, not looking up from the paper he was writing on.

"Sirius and Hermione Black," Sirius answered.

That caused the goblin to look up. He looked at them both. "So it is. Do you have your key, Lord Black?"

"Of course." Sirius dug around in his pocket. "Here it is," he said, presenting the key to Blordak.

"Very good. Do you wish to see the vault?"

He shook his head. "No, not at the moment." He looked to Hermione, who nodded in agreement with him.

"Very well," Blordak said. "Let me produce the proper paperwork for you both to sign. I will also procure a key to the vault for Lady Black."

Blordak stepped away for a moment, leaving them both alone.

"Why is he calling us Lord and Lady?" Hermione asked Sirius quietly.

"Because you're part of an ancient family, kitten. Black is an important family name in the upper circle of the wizarding world. We have as much pull as the Malfoy family, but I don't use it or flaunt it like they do."

Blordak returned the next moment, a stack of papers in his hand. "I need you both to sign this," he motioned towards the paperwork before handing Sirius a quill. "I also must register Lady Black's wand signature to the account." He glanced at Hermione. "If I may?"

Hermione hesitated momentarily before handing Blordak her wand. The goblin waved it before running it along the paperwork. He then handed Hermione back her wand and a quill. "Sign here, please," Blordak asked, pointing to a line.

She did as he requested and signed her name. She had almost forgotten to write Black instead of Granger, but had remembered when Sirius gave her a small nudge. His touch had reminded her that she was indeed Hermione Black now, not Granger.

Blordak had explained the banks policy on joint accounts and what she needed to do if she needed to withdraw or deposit money. Hermione, however, didn't pay him much attention. She watched Sirius as he listened to Blordak. He nodded every so often, and a small smirk would appear on his face. Hermione realized she found his smirk adorable.

"That's all," Blordak finished. "Have a nice day, Lord and Lady Black."

Hermione nodded, realizing that they were finished at Gringotts. "What now?" she asked as they stepped into Diagon Alley. As usual, the streets were filled with people.

"We've got the whole day, er, apart from this evening. Remus and Tonks are joining us for dinner."

"All right," Hermione nodded. Tonks was rather fun to be around, so she didn't mind that they were coming for dinner. "A double date then?"

His cheeks turned red. "It was Tonks's idea. She was the one who suggested it."

Hermione just smirked. She loved seeing Sirius blush and it seemed that it was happening quite often today. "Do you mind if we stop at Flourish and Blotts? I want to see if they have A Beginner's Guide to Becoming an Animagus."

"You want to become an Animagus?" Sirius asked her, glancing at her in surprise. "I had no idea."

She blushed. "Well, I had hoped to ask Professor McGonagall if she would tutor me in the art of training, as a sort of project."

"You could have always asked me, you know," Sirius said, a note of hurt in his voice. "I would have been more than happy to help you."

Hermione reached out and took his hand. "Sirius, I know you would have been more than happy to help me." She squeezed his hand. "I just wanted to be safe and I know that Professor McGonagall has experience in teaching students the process. Trust me, love, it isn't anything I have against you."

Sirius smiled at her use of the word love. "Come on, let's head to the bookstore."

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Both Sirius and Hermione turned around. They froze when they saw Lucius Malfoy standing in the alley. Hermione gripped Sirius's hand tightly and moved so she was slightly behind him.

"Malfoy, what do you want?" Sirius spat, his hand gripping his wand tightly.

"I just wanted to see how the happy couple were doing," he sneered at them.

"That's none of your business," Hermione retorted angrily. She fingered her wand, ready to snap into action if need be.

Lucius smirked. "I wouldn't get too comfortable if I were either of you. You never know what could happen."

"Is that a threat?" Sirius asked, his eyes narrowed. "I don't take kindly to being threatened in public."

"Take it how you wish," Lucius said with a wave of his hand. "I would just watch my backs if I were you two." Lucius turned and walked in the opposite direction.

Sirius sneered. "Come on, Hermione, let's go." He took her to the Apparition point where he Apparated them both home.