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

A/N: Hello readers. I wanted to take a moment to address some of my reviewers—especially Guests whom I cannot address directly. Constructive criticism helps me write more engaging, GSP proper stories and I sincerely appreciate it. However, this is my storyline and I would like to kindly remind you some key facts. Please keep reviewing—this is my currency since I am unpaid to play in JKR's world.

**No author can please all readers

**Sirius will make it up to Séraphine

**The House is on Its way to paying for insulting Hermione. I believe I alluded this with Séraphine coming to Hermione's defense which Harry witnessed. How can you possibly undo centuries of magically reinforced racism and misogyny in one chapter?

**There will be more Harry & Hermione albeit sweeter than what I have planned for Sirius & Séraphine. Assuming this is what people want? More romance than what I have alluded to thus far?

**Please note that I tried to be realistic considering that Séraphine has literally been torn in two then recreated from the inside out.

**I plan on Séraphine and Hermione to be great allies if not friends.

**Once again, I know the original canon. I cherry-picked as all FanFiction authors are wont to do. I made everyone younger and sped up the timeline ON PURPOSE. Clearly, the Triwizard Tournament is going to have a different set of villains since I killed Barty Crouch, Jr. & Co. at the trial. There is absolutely no way I can reedit this entire storyline until it ends—and I have no idea when that will be. I can promise that there will be a happy ending.

**I do NOT want any of my characters to be a 'Mary Sue,' or simply godmoded. They are going to make mistakes. They have flaws. Why? Because that's what makes them relatable. Has anyone taken into consideration all that they have done in the past few months? They are going to make slipups (i.e. Sirius to Séraphine) as it finally hits them that they have largely succeeded in their objectives and now need to make a family work.

Ch. XXXVI: Reawakening

Séraphine slowly became conscious of her surroundings. Her sluggish mind came to full-blown awareness as she realized something had wrapped around her waist, breathed in her hair and felt like a furnace behind her.

Dear Merlin. She thought disturbed. What's happening?

"Séra," Sirius muttered above her. The witch's eyes became ever-increasingly larger as she heard Sirius murmur to her baby nickname.

Gulping, the witch flashbacked to every mortifying moment from last night.

Cautiously, she tried to remove herself from Sirius' clutches.

We're wed. She thought mystified, and looked down at herself and cataloged her clothing, strangely insulted they did not consummate their relationship.

Our Heir. Séraphine thought suddenly, blushing profusely as she recalled why they completed the Marriage Contract hastily while he slept.

Sirius grumbled as his warmth source retreated from him and he opened a pair of groggy pewter eyes, which quickly focused on the witch before him.

He bolted upright.

Clearing his throat after staring at each other for a minute, he made himself remain shorter than her as he sat on their bed.

The witch was too afraid to move or speak.

What can I say? Each thought.

"Séraphine," Sirius said, his voice cracking a little. "I swear to you I did not take advantage of your sleep—if you want I'll even swear an Unbreakable Vow."

Swallowing thickly she whispered, "Th—that won't be necessary, L—," frowning the witch had difficulty speaking.

Sirius gave her a rueful smile.

"I'm glad we're equals, Séraphine," he told her earnestly. "I'd rather you not call me 'Lord Sirius,' considering I've no need for a slave."

He took pity on her flummoxed reaction.

"Séraphine," he began again, looking at her with almost as much emotion as he gave his godson, stunning her.

"I was a right bastard last night." He told her simply, thinking quickly and chose for her sake, not to swear as much. "I wasn't trying to be. You've always put Our Family first—especially for me and Harry…and I didn't want you to be in any more pain than you already are."

Sirius knew she suffered dearly from essentially the Unforgivable Curses. Taking advantaged of her silence he continued.

"I don't want you to ever be afraid of me—or treat me as some medieval 'Lord and Master,'" he told her meaningfully. "I want us to be a modern, equal partnership. When we're in public, of course, let's shame everyone with our Pureblood manners. I like your idea of taking over the Wizamgamot in my stead—and Harry's seat too, as Potter Regent." He smirked at her. "I've no doubt that politicking is more your thing—I'd much rather curse everyone who angers me, but hey, we don't live in a perfect world."

Séraphine could not help a surprised chuckle.

"There she is," Sirius said aloud not realizing he voiced his thoughts, making Séraphine stare at him with further curiosity.

Carefully, the tall wizard rose so as not to startle her. He flicked his wand from the nightstand and a small bag appeared. "I'll meet you in the Study, alright?"

Nodding numbly the witch watched him depart.

As soon as the door clicked shut her hands flew to her face.

"Dolt!" She whispered fiercely. "Foolish woman, how could you just stand there?" Her new heart and organs confused her after being dead for so long.

She Willed herself to swirl around the room.

Nothing.

Swearing in French, the witch went to former Mistress Walburga's large closet and gaped as several dresses and robes modernized before her eyes to the late 20th Century fashion.

Her eyes caught on a soft dusky rose-and-black robes and she could not help herself as she fingered the soft material.

Deciding she would try it since it was not too fancy for breakfast, the witch quickly changed and arranged her hair in a partial updo, and marveled at her older appearance.

"Minus the hair and eyes I do still look like me." She murmured pleased.

Shaking her head at her silliness, the witch made her way to Sirius in the Study.

The wizard had changed in a nearby guestroom and was rummaging in the safe below the desk, looking for a few important items.

Definitely going to need to read Grandfather's and Grandmother's diaries as soon as Séraphine leaves the home so she doesn't know.

Opening the door carefully, Séraphine frowned when she did not see him.

"S—Sirius?" It unnerved her that she needed to call Sirius by his name. The House forbade her from being too formal in much the same vein as Sirius and Harry could not use her true name in the presence of others.

"Ah, there you are." Sirius' muffled voice came about as rose from under the desk and placed several wands from his forebears on it.

"I figured you'd want…" Sirius did a double-take as his jaw dropped.

"What?" She demanded, startled by his intensity as her hand flew to her face. Surely, I don't have something on my face?

The wizard made his way to her and lightly pressed the palm of his hand to hers covering her cheek.

"You look becoming in pink, Séraphine." He said softly.

"Thank you," the witch whispered, turning pinker by the second. "It was my favorite color when I was alive."

His eyes softened. "Well, you're alive to enjoy it again." For some reason, the words felt prophetic. He turned from her and motioned for her to see the wands.

"I figured how I felt once I had my wand back," he said absently. "Only trouble is, I'm not sure which wand goes where and wielded by whom?"

"I can make labels," the witch muttered as she looked for her beloved wand. Sighing, she almost missed it as her fingers found the tip.

"Oh!" She gasped delightedly. Her expression so full of joy that Sirius paused in his affirmative.

First time I've seen her look this happy since she offed Lockhart. He thought amazed.

Pink and black sparks shot from a wand made of unicorn hair and dragon heartstring.*

"Oh how I've missed you so." She whispered, bringing her wand to her heart.

Sirius smiled at her.

Well at least I've done something right for a change.

Straightening, the witch looked at him shyly.

"Thank you, Sirius."

"My pleasure, My Lady," Sirius gave her a flourished bow. He Willed the wands away until her leisure. Pulling his arm toward her, she lightly hooked his arm with hers, wondering what to do about Their Servants and Harry.

Harry awoke earlier than usual and grinned for the first time in three days. The boy swung his legs out and remade his bed. It did not occur to him that he did not need his glasses once since he had the Horcrux removed from his scar.

The boy was still shy around Sirius' room. He says it's mine but what if he hasn't taken his things out? Surely, he won't want me nosy…he might not like that.

Grimacing, he shuddered from an oncoming Dursley memory.

They said I don't have to live with the Dursleys anymore…but I doubt Professor Dumbledore will like that because of those wards he mentioned.

Harry may be many things, but he had a longstanding memory of what people said to him. Taking a deep breath, the boy placed Merlin in the center of his pillow and tucked him in, too.

Harry scoffed at his hurt feelings. Merlin's been with me for here but I can't take a doll downstairs. Shaking his head, the boy made his way to a wardrobe and pulled his clothes from when he arrived at Sirius' House. He ignored the mirror to his left. Hurrying as fast as he could through his mostly healed body's pace.

I'll make breakfast. He decided. If there was one thing he learned from the Dursleys it was chores and earning his keep.

Although, Harry did not consider cooking a chore.

A faint smile appeared on his face when he thought of the Snake Family.

Albeit, there was something funny about that memory. Something Harry was sure he was missing. Shrugging to himself, he made his way to the Kitchen and politely greeted the House.

I must be mental. He thought, rolling his eyes. But Sirius and Séraphine do it all the time so it mustn't be bad.

"Please show me where your cooking utensils are." Harry politely asked.

Obedient to Its Heir, the proper cookware appeared from specific drawers and Harry immediately assembled ingredients for a full English breakfast with waffles.

No pancakes. Harry thought in askance but quickly quelled those thoughts.

Don't be a bloody ingrate! Harry's Uncle Vernon shouted from memory.

Shaking himself the boy made five plates. One for each member of the House.

The Raven cawed behind him, surprising the boy and he burned himself as he whirled around.

"Ouch! Well, hello there, Mr. Raven." Harry greeted in a mildly strained voice as he carefully dabbed his wrist under water. "I s'pose you'd want a taste, too?"

The Raven seemed at odds with wanting to lecture Harry about doing Servants' work and wanting to eat.

While everyone was indisposed last night, the Raven guarded His Heir invisibly. Harry made him a plate just as Sirius walked in with Séraphine.

"Harry?" Sirius asked, surprised. "I didn't know you could cook."

"It smells…wonderful." Séraphine admitted, her stomach growling.

Harry blinked at her.

"Oh, I beg your pardon, Miss…?" Harry interrupted himself from answering Sirius. "Wait, is that…you?" Harry asked, dumbfounded, feeling the witch before him was familiar yet not.

Sirius chuckled.

"Why don't you explain…Serena?" Sirius teased as he sat down and helped himself to Harry's cooking as the Raven pecked at his meal.

Séraphine smiled guiltily at Harry.

"Sirius had to make a deal to work in the Auror Department as part of your adoption and his innocence at trial…well, while he's doing that as a full-time employee then others would be nosy and raise a point about you being a minor uncared for…so I convinced the House to give me an advanced glamour and became Lady Serena Helena Black in order for us to be OK." She rushed and knelt before a gaping Harry.

"Please don't think I'm going to steal your godfather from you." Séraphine said gently, making Sirius choke on his orange juice. "I know the optics might look…bad, but it was the only way to ensure that there would be no questions. And," she said in a rush as Harry continued to stare at her. "our story is airtight with the Goblins having the necessary paperwork…and we can help Hermione and her parents with Magical Guardianship," Séraphine rambled nervously.

"You…did this for me? And Hermione?" Harry asked, his serpentine eyes getting bigger.

She blushed and fidgeted with her elbow-length brunette hair.

It did not go unnoticed by her wizards.

"But…your hair," Harry gawked. "you even changed your hair and eyes!"

Séraphine bit her lip.

"It'll probably change back in a bit, Y—Harry." She answered, stammering on her former appellation.

Harry's emerald eyes welled with tears and he hugged her tightly.

"Thank…you." The boy sniffed, clutching her.

Séraphine gasped and slowly enfolded the young wizard. Her heart pounded and her eyes leaked tears as she clutched the boy closer to her.

A wizened man made his way to his room at the Leaky Cauldron.

"Hello Tom," the old man said smoothly and meaningfully looked at the innkeeper who quickly bit back a greeting and took the proffered bag of galleons.

"Your room is this way sir." Tom said instead and the old man followed him at a leisurely pace. "It has a private parlor."

"This is perfect, Tom," the old man said. "my thanks."

Tom nodded, his eyes watchful and curious, but he dared not say more and let himself out.

Albus Dumbledore was not in the habit of taking other disguises since the Blood War* against Voldemort.

He rolled his blue eyes behind his half-moon glasses and removed his disguise with a flick of his wand before settling in the chair nearest the fireplace where scones and tea awaited him for his…guest.

I usually make myself younger but it was best to be another old man. He thought casually buttering a scone. I'll have to tip Tom some more if he doesn't give my position away.

The door opened not five minutes later to reveal a plain witch in emerald traveling robes.

"Albus?" She eyed Albus for a moment as she closed the door and rose to greet her.

"Hello…Jocelyne." Albus said quietly.

"Hello…Albus." The witch eyed his coldly as her red eyes burned through her dark brown contacts and allowed Albus to see her unspeakable evil beneath a mousy disguise.

"Why have you contacted me after all this time?" Albus asked as he gestured for her to take a seat, a scone and some tea.

Obligingly the Dark Witch complied.

The Dark Witch's practice eye surveyed her meal and nibbled at the scone politely.

"Oh, I believe we can help each other now that Sirius Black as played his hand and basically removed the boy from the Dursleys and those wards you had, don't you?" She simpered.

"Not quite, Jocelyne," Albus answered smoothly as his mind raced. How the bloody hell did she know about the wards?!

The old wizard could not help glaring at his luck. They were once contemporaries at Hogwarts. She was a Slytherin student who had cruelly tormented Muggleborns and later became Headmistress of her own orphanage.

An orphanage with a nefarious reputation.

Damn you, Petunia. He cursed the Dursley matriarch. Everything would've been fine had you not contacted this harpy when the boy was a toddler.

Oh, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore will have a discussion with Petunia Evans Dursley, and it will not be pleasant.

Returning to the present the wizard regarded the Dark Witch steadily.

"What do you have in mind?" He asked nonchalantly.

The Dark Witch's red eyes burned at him.

"The Triwizard Tournament…what precisely do you want from the boy?"

"Utter control over his finances." He said matter-of-factly, "and ruination of Sirius Black—that fool has been a thorn in my side for too long."

Although, Albus admitted. I didn't intend for him to remain in Azkaban or be falsely accused of the Potter/Muggle murders…water under the bridge, old boy.

"Then I believe I have a solution you can't refuse." Madame Jocelyne said in her trademark smooth voice, making Albus feel he made a pact with the devil.

"And what is your solution involving the Triwizard Tournament?" Albus asked. He did not bother asking how she knew. "And what are your plans for the boy?"

She is one of the Darkest Witches of our century. He thought with grudging respect. If she hadn't been taken out by Harry as a toddler then she would have put Bellatrix Lestrange to shame with what she did and knew of the Dark Arts.

And Bellatrix was no slouch.

"No. 07623 escaped me due to that buggering Petunia," Jocelyne said coolly reminding Albus not to bring up her near-demise from Harry and his aunt, "hadn't changed her mind then we would've all been richer, freed and better for it."

Albus actually pitied Petunia.

Perhaps this is her punishment instead. He thought mildly. I'll have Jocelyne attend to her since they failed in their bargain with me early on.

"I suspect you'll take Harry away?" He checked.

She inclined her head with a sip from her cup of tea.

"Then you have a deal." Albus reached over and shook her hand, purple sparks emanating from their palms as a Magical Deal* struck.

I can still make Harry Potter pay for the Greater Good. He thought as he smiled and heard her plan while sipping his tea. And I'll have Jocy take the blame.

Then once again, Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, would be in good standing with the Wizarding World.

Sirius Black be damned.

In fact, the old wizard thought of a nefarious scheme involving Madame Jocelyne, Sirius and Harry Potter.

They can all go down in flames together as one, big happy family.

References:

Séraphine's wand: I sort of mixed Bellatrix's wand of dragon heartstring and unfortunately, Ron's wand of unicorn hair. I like both species and Harry Potter Wiki stated that unicorn hair is difficult to turn to the Dark Arts which I felt signified Séraphine before her demise and indicated her faithfulness and consistency. Additionally, the dragon heartstring was interesting because it tends to learn more quickly and is powerful and capable of producing flamboyant spells. Also, it can change allegiance. She had to change to the Dark Arts. Nice mixture for my favorite witch next to Hermione. Special thanks to Sohrem for reminding me that Neville and and Draco have unicorn hair. Interesting juxtaposition considering my Séraphine.

Blood War: I know in canon it was cited as the Blood Wars with Voldemort. Obviously, I removed the Second Blood War with the Voldemort Arc and trial. Nevertheless, I liked the double entendre and included it.

Magical Deal: OK, so total AU here but I always like the concept of an Unbreakable Vow so why not have the wizard equivalent of a Goblin contract?

And so begins the second arc of this epic storyline. Voldemort was just the beginning of their troubles.

Thankfully, Harry is not alone. He has the House of Black, the Grangers, the Weasleys, and familiar faces ready and able to provide him with the love and magical prowess he needs to vanquish this Dark Witch.