Good Evening,

So I was reading up on The Black Family tree this morning and I discovered that that only one's who seemed to have been directly incestuous were Sirius Black's parents…interesting to say the least!

In regards to Bellatrix, I found her character after death to be much different than the Bellatrix of the past. She has seen, God knows what, and whatever it is, has unhinged her even more so (if that was possible) She's gotten sloppy, and careless, she's really only a half life, as is Sirius. I believe them to be fairly matched and/or even. It only made sense that both have had the opportunity to decide one another's fate.

Alas, I'm rambling, stalling, delaying the inevitable….

And Ginny, huh? What. An. Idiot. Seriously? She has major daddy/abandonment issues which is alarming since she grew up with so many men. So tragically lost.

Ok, ok. I'm getting to it….

M x.

The lot of them stood in the deserted, winter-ridden glen… a complete silence encasing them with sorrow. A slow but steady wind moved through the valleys as thick mist fell over them; soaking their skin and cleansing their sins. The sky was a clear grey, almost too bright and invasive for the naked eye…vast and tumultuous. A partially frozen stream tricked despondently nearby. The landscape was bare, and hollow; an empty and forgotten place. Harry was sure he had visited here in a dream…or maybe…

He glanced around at the people standing amongst him. Most of them were staring at the headstone and freshly turned dirt; it was mixed in with snow, giving it a slushy mud-like appearance. Flowers were accumulating on top of Severus' grave slowly, as dozens of wizards and witches paid their respects.

Hermione's tears looked as if they had been turned to ice, frozen across her wind-burned cheeks. Draco stood next to her, his arm wrapped around her possessively and his stance protective. He too, was looking down at the grave, his expression unreadable. Slightly behind him, was Sirius, his facial expressions suggesting that he'd rather be locked in cage and tortured than stand another second of such a depressing tradition. At least they were outside, and away from Grimmauld Place…for the time being. Anything was better than there.

Pansy stood off to the side, she was standing between Nott and Zabini, her head resting on Blaise's shoulder, Theo's arm snaked around her waist. Kingsley was there as well as Hagrid and Minerva McGonagall; she kept shooting disapproving glares in Draco's direction. Harry snorted to himself, who could blame her?

And at Harry's side, stood Ron Weasley. But it wasn't really Ron. He wasn't really there. He hadn't been there for days, it seemed. Both Ginny and Bellatrix had been sentenced just last night. There was no trial to be had for Bella, it seemed Sirius had arranged other accommodations for her…he glanced suspiciously at Shacklebolt. Harry had been banned from their secret meeting after turning up at the Ministry with Bellatrix and Ginny… He paused as he contemplated his ex-fiancé. Ginny…she was locked away in Azkaban, on grounds for murder. A crime of passion, the paper's had called it. The whole thing still seemed unfathomable to him. How quickly events had gone from bad to worse…and now…

The residents of Grimmauld place had been silent, isolating themselves for the entire week following the excursion to Malfoy Manor. Severus' body had been moved to The Drawing Room, where Sirius had locked himself in and had not emerged unless he was off to the Ministry, muttering about marriages and madness. Harry had not seen Draco or Hermione at all; according to Pansy, they had retired to the third floor and had asked not to be disturbed; she had shrieked, slamming Ron's door in his face for the third day in a row.

So Harry was left on his own. His demons nearly swallowing him whole, as he paced the confines of Grimmauld Place for seven days and nights. The utter silence had been perverse. As if all of them had just disappeared, as if they were dead. He had replaced sleeping with drinking, refused to answer any floos or letters and had locked himself in the library to brood over things.

And now, here he was. With a completely different perspective. Harry realized that he could no longer stay there. Or here. Or anywhere. Around 5am this morning, he finally heard a sign of life besides his own useless breathing; two voices muttering on their way down the stairs…Hermione. And in that moment he came to an intense realization: following Snape's odd burial request, he would pack his bags and leave the country. Take a bloody holiday. Just him. And maybe Ron, if he wanted to come. He glanced at his best friend, who was standing slightly hunched over, his eyes not seeing anything. The rest of the Weasely family had been so distraught, they refused to show their faces. That broke Harry's heart.

He glanced at Hermione, she was now staring at Ron. Her eyes fell to Harry and he felt his heart break a little more, she was so sad. He averted his gaze from hers, knowing if he had to look at the two of them together, for a second longer, he would join Snape beneath the snow. He glanced at his surroundings instead, focusing on where he had seen this place before. And then it smacked him in the face, forcing a deep, harsh breath from his throat. Dumbledore's pensive. Two small children, laying beneath the shade of a lone oak, the exact one that was standing off in the distance. In the memory , all had been green, and beautiful…full of life. His mother couldn't have been older than 13. The image flashed before his eyes and pain ripped through his chest. Yes, he would have to leave. Now.

The last flower was dropped onto the harsh ground and then Sirius cleared his throat and looked around.

"Ah… How about a pick me up? Anyone?"

That was how Hermione currently found herself squeezed in the kitchen of Grimmauld place, surrounded by boisterous laughter and drinks being cheers-ed above her head. She was desperately confused with exactly what they were celebrating. The fire was roaring, music was playing and Kreacher was cooking up the most delicious meat pies and roast pork that she had ever smelled. Hermione weaved between the bodies, she was sure that not all of these people had been at Snape's service. But regardless, they were saluting him and drinking to his honorable life. Hermione ducked quickly behind Neville Longbottom before Hagrid almost dropped a tankard of ale onto her head; he roared at a joke Lee Jordan had just flawlessly executed. Hermione narrowed her eyes digging her way through the crowd when she heard a familiar shriek of laughter. She made a beeline for Pansy, who she had just spotted flirting with Dean Thomas over by the sink.

"Excuse us." She interrupted, smiling apologetically at Dean before pulling Pansy into the kitchen cupboard with her.

"Granger! Looking for a little girl on girl? All you had to do was ask!" She purred, a glass of champagne swinging from her fingers. "And in a Kreacher's hidey hole? How…kinky."

"Thank you, Pansy but I am perfectly satisfied."

"I'm sure you are." A deviant smile lashed across her face.

"Anyway, as you've obviously noticed, this little pick me up as turned into a full scale rave."

"Of course it has, isn't it wonderful?"

"Wonderful?! It's completely out of control! You need to help me get these people out of here."

"Why?" Pansy asked, looking politely puzzled. "Everyone is having a good time-"

"We are supposed to be mourning!" Hermione protested, stamping her foor with irritation. Pansy scoffed at that.

"What kind of ridiculous statement is that? Granger, if you haven't noticed we've been mourning for years. At least, I've been. Look at all I've lost. I'll probably end up dying alone with a bunch of pissy cats and much younger sex slaves…" Hermione laughed despite herself. Pansy turned suddenly serious. "Laugh all you want but it's true. I am alone. My own family doesn't even want me, if that doesn't tell you something, I don't know what will." Hermione sobered instantly at her expression.

"Pansy, you have me. I want you. Draco too. And Ron." Pansy rolled her eyes, pulling Hermione back out of the cupboard and over towards the fireplace. She grabbed two more glasses of champagne and shoved one into her hands.

"That's better. The point is, is that we can't go on living in misery and pain. Severus wouldn't have wanted that for us. It was something he lived with his whole life, how could you ever expect him to want the same for us? So…we celebrate."

"What is there to celebrate?"

"Oh I don't know, Granger. Maybe the fact that you are alive and have just locked up three murderers! That you have a gorgeous, sophisticated man to warm the place between your thighs every night…who loves you. Not to mention all of your annoying little friends. Though I would definitely take Thomas for a ride." She smirked evilly at Dean who was watching her out of the corner of his eye.

"What about Ron?" Hermione argued, finally caving and taking a sip of her champagne. Pansy hesitated, eyeing her with doubt. "What? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Ron…is gone, Granger. I thought he told you." Hermione's jaw dropped.

"What?"

"With Harry." Hermione felt her heart jolt.

"Where? When?"

"I don't know but they left right after the funeral." Hermione looked frantic for a moment, searching around, her body springing up with alert tension.

"Does Kingsley know? And Sirius?" Pansy eyed her warily.

"Granger…I know this might be a hard concept for you to grasp….but there isn't anything you can do." Hermione looked at her, startled by her words. She closed her eyes and breathed deeply.

"You're right." She said finally, shaking her head a couple of times. "We need space. I've got to let them go…for now." Pansy nodded, her brow relaxing with relief. Thank God because if Hermione went running after them, she was sure Draco would break everything in sight not to mention seriously maim her.

"Good. And don't worry about Weasely and I," She joked. "I think somehow, I'll manage to survive. And so will you." She clinked her glass against Granger's as Sirius Black, the most gracious of hosts, came gliding towards them.

"Speaking of better options…." Pansy purred lightly, stroking his chest as he embraced them both, grinning with unparalleled glee.

"Ah my ultimate dream, the two most beautiful women in the Wizarding World…at the same time." Pansy smirked and Hermione slapped his arm.

"You, Sirius Black, are one of a kind." He quirked an eyebrow at her.

"Almost." He chuckled, glancing up , his eyes filled with emotion. Draco was standing at the door, a frown marring his perfect features as he took in the chaos before locking eyes with Sirius. He strode across the kitchen towards them. He was wearing sweatpants and his glasses. Hermione couldn't help but smile at how utterly charming and sexy he looked. It appeared the little party had disturbed him from his sleeping or studying, whichever.

"What the hell is going on down here?" He demanded, as he joined them, his arm immediately going around Granger's waist and tugging her to his side. He leaned down to kiss her deeply before pulling back and glaring at Sirius and Pansy. They were both smiling.

"We're celebrating!" Hermione answered promptly.

"Wonderful. And who exactly are we celebrating with?"

"Just a few mates." Sirius shrugged. Draco gazed around at the madness.

"A few…" He looked at their beaming faces and felt all annoyance leaving him.

"Well, carry on then." He smirked, grabbing a whiskey off the table and raising his glass in salute. Pansy leaned in and whispered something in Sirius' ear, apparently it was of a naughty nature judging by his reaction of squeezing her bum and kissing her soundly.

"Please." Draco grimaced. "Can, you not do that in front of me? It's fucking weird."

"It didn't used to be weird." Hermione smiled. Draco shot her a nasty look.

"Well it is now." He snapped. Pansy laughed with glee.

"You're just going to have to get used to it." He rolled his eyes. "Just like I'm going to have to get used to walking in on you and Granger, going at it like dogs, in the shower." Hermione turned bright red and hid her face in Draco's arm.

"Ha. Ha. Parkinson. Don't pretend like you didn't love it." Sirius let out a bark of laughter as he looked around at them, it was as if he finally had found the proper family. People he cared for, who in turn, wanted to be around him. As broken, mismatched and fucked up at it was, Grimmauld place had become a home.

"So are you ever going to tell us?" Pansy prompted, turning her gaze back to Sirius. He raised an eyebrow at her and pondered her question.

"Maybe." A small smile slid across his face.

"Where is she?" Draco asked in a hushed whisper. Hermione leaned forward as well, her innate curiosity getting the better of her.

Sirius' grin was pure wickedness.

"I have her locked in a safe house under constant surveillance.… alive, but hooked up to Muggle IV." Hermione gasped in shock.

"Bellatrix is on a pretty strict diet of opium and whiskey. I've been to visit, she's actually quite relaxed. In an ironic twist, the half-breeds she brainwashed are the one's guarding her prison. The altered Veritiserum came back two days ago and the results were…astounding. One dose and their memories were returned to them." Hermione's eyes lit with glee as she clutched Draco's arm with excitement.

"And, even further on the upside, the side effects of being tied to Bellatrix, has me slightly tipsy all of the time. I'll be much more willing to share my whiskey with Hermione now. " Sirius grin was so genuine, Draco felt a satisfied smirk tugging on his lips.

"And Umbridge?"

"When she's not locked in a cell, she is volunteering with Justice and Magical Freedom for Centaurs, of course."

Hermione smiled with grim pleasure.

"How fitting."

"Naturally." Sirius turned to Draco. "Well, I'm off to bed. Enjoy, young ones. Draco, I'll meet you at 9am sharp. Quidditch waits for no man." And with that, he picked up a bottle of whiskey, slung his arm around Pansy and they tottered off towards the staircase together. His exit was met with groans and boos and he turned back to the crowd with surprise.

"My good friends, even a dead man must have his sleep! But no matter, carry on, carry on!" He lifted his bottle in salute. "To Draco and Hermione! To a passionate life and a passionate love!" He roared as the wizards and witches cheered and drank, screaming their approval. The music began again and with one swift wink in the harassed looking, couple's direction, Sirius Black made a final bow and departed.

Draco picked up two more glasses with amused irritation and then gazed down at his beautiful lioness. Her eyes were heated and sultry.

"Why don't we take this celebration somewhere a little more private?" He murmured against her parted lips.

And that was how Hermione found herself completely naked on top of Draco, who was deep inside her as she stared down at their bodies meeting…his gloriously defined hips. She was feverish and shaking as his hands gripped every inch of her, forcing her to ride him with utter abandon. The pace she'd set had quickly escalated as Draco ruthlessly rubbed her clit against him with demanding pressure. Her eyes were wide with wonder as sweat beaded down the valley between her breasts. Draco's stomach muscles clenched as he leaned up to lick the dewy drops from her hot skin. She moaned in pleasure as he ran his hands down her neck, cupping her breasts and teasing her nipples with his burning mouth. Hermione gasped and gasped again, unable to get enough of him. He was slamming her down onto him over and over again and she cried out his name with longing.

"You like that?" He hissed, digging his fingers into her sweet, sweet flesh. "You want more? Tell me what you want, Granger. Fuck, you're so sexy." He growled rolling her over onto her back, bringing his face inches from hers.

"Draco, please. Please I need you, I-"

"And what else?" He whispered, grinding his pelvis into her, she was so hot, so tight. He could barely stand the pressure.

"I- I love- I-"

"Come for me, Hermione." He was so close, if she didn't unravel soon, he was going to explode inside of her. He claimed her lips as his own as she let out a particularly divine whimper. He was hers, she was his. There was only them, together.

A cry tore from Draco's throat as he felt her clenching against him, he couldn't take anymore. He pulled back from her, grabbing her waist and plunging into her, his balls smacking against her ass. And then she was screaming, incoherently, waves of shock and release coursing through her body, lighting his blood on fire. With a roar of defeat, he let go, lost his mind, his reason, his soul…giving it all to her. Letting her heat consume him. Draco burned, stars bursting before his eyes as he let out a guttural moan, feeling the pulsing of his seed deep inside her. His. He collapsed into her arms and she was kissing him fiercely, pulling him closer to her as he wiped the damp hair away from her face.

"I love you." She whispered. The insurmountable passion and trust in her eyes made his heart burst.

"Fuck me, Granger, you are the most incredible-" She placed a finger to his lips, a soft smile playing about her face.

"Home." She whispered. Her eyes were glazed over, lost in the moment, he studied her with a frown.

"Home?"

"Yes." She sighed, closing her eyes. "Here." Hermione placed her hand over his heart. "With you." Draco's eyes hardened with emotion as he took in her beautiful, kind, brilliant features. What had he ever done to deserve her?

"I promise," He breathed, as he lifted her fingers to his lips. "I will let nothing come between us. I will stop at nothing to be with you. Hermione Granger, as I told you once before: I am yours as long as you'll have me. And you are mine…forever."

"And ever?" She breathed, pulling his lips down to hover a breath away from hers. He looked at her with all the love in his soul.

"Always."

Do we want an epilogue? Or is it too cliché? Just say the word and it's yours!