Chapter Six

The revelation of Voldemort's aborted plan concerning the Muggleborn Registration Act and the existence of the files that Percy spoke of had mixed reactions: some exclaimed surprise and/or anger whereas others expressed confusion or neutrality.

Hermione, on the other hand, did not see the importance of the existence of such a file upon her. She gently rolled her neck one way then the other as she massaged her temples. She grimaced in pain at the painful throb in her head.

Calmly, she stated, "Everyone employed by the Ministry has a file on them. Many of whom fought in both wars against Voldemort have files, employee or not. I'm certain that there are still files from the war with Grindelwald collecting dust."

Narcissa shortly inhaled a breath as if struck in the abdomen. In an affronted tone, she said, "Dust? Any wizard or witch worth their wand would perform an anti-dust charm upon such historic documents. An appreciation and preservation of history is ingrained in our kind from birth."

As he glared at Narcissa, Draco requested of anyone affronted. "Forgive, my Mum, please? Blood purity megalomania seeps into her vernacular, at the worst of times. Unfortunately, it keeps happening today."

Charlie stated. "Any time is the worst of times."

Draco nodded as he looked away from Narcissa to the older wizard. He made eye contact with Charlie as he stated,"Precisely, but old dog, new tricks, eh?"

"I am not a dog, Draco Lucius." Narcissa hissed. Demurely, Narcissa addressed the room at large. "If what or how I said what I said, offended anyone, I do apologize. My meaning is that Pureblood society is taught to preserve our history, not necessarily our blood line...even though, that, too, is taught or rather was taught in certain families...such as mine."

Sirius interjected, "As an old dog and as someone who detests the blood purity mania ideology, I can say without a doubt, that if any of you were subjected to the Black family growing up, you would have lingering, pesky aftershocks of blood purity megalomania or a superiority complex."

Molly Weasley said firmly. "I beg to differ. I am from the Black bloodline. Andromeda is from the Black line. Neither of us have those 'pesky after shocks' as you referred them."

As Sirius leaned backward in his chair, he balanced the chair on the back two legs. His grey eyes sparkled in mischief and a hint of irritation. "Really?"

Molly said, "Yes."

Sirius clasped his hands behind his neck against his long black hair. He smirked as he watched her try to give him a look that would have her sons apologizing to her for daring to sass her.

He was not her son nor was he afraid of her.

Finally, Sirius said. "Molly, if that were the case for you, you would be either indifferent to or encouraging of Arthur's fascination with muggles. You despise his fascination, because it goes against everything that you were taught growing up."

Molly's jaw dropped.

The twins pursed their lips as they widened their eyes; they glanced at one another as they resumed eating their meal.

Both Bill and Charlie continued eating their meals as if nothing untoward or surprising had happened. They vaguely remembered the fights that their parents had when they were small, during and shortly after the first war, about them playing with the Muggle children in the next village.

Ginny glanced back and forth between Molly and Sirius then looked at Harry as if pleading for him to interject himself into the line of conversation or restrain his Godfather.

With wide eyes in shock at the accusation Sirius had made, Harry shrugged at Ginny. How was he supposed to restrain Sirius? Neither Azkaban or the Veil had restrained Sirius from being, well...Sirius.

Andromeda and Narcissa made eye contact suspecting that their first cousin was right about their distant cousin. They knew that the Prewetts were not taught as they had been, but they knew that superiority of magic was taught in every magical home, perhaps in an obtuse way, but it was indeed taught.

Hermione watched Sirius for several moments. Sirius gently placed the legs of his chair firmly on to the floor. He, then, placed his forearms on the table on either side of his plate as he stared up at Molly who still held Teddy as he slept in her arms.

Molly had made her way to stand behind Ron. Teddy sighed against her bosom as she held him tighter. The sight of a woman holding a child as long as her arm as one would hold a new born would have been amusing, but Sirius was not laughing.

There was a reason why he had cautioned Harry years ago that the world is not split into good and evil, good people and Death Eaters. Everyone, sans perhaps Voldemort, post first war, were a shade of grey.

All good people had bad aspects within them. Most death eaters once had the potential to be good. He was a biased wizard or he would have thought all had the potential.

He had learned early on from observing the dynamic in his family that sometimes all it took was one decision early in life to set in motion the potential to be either good or bad. However, as he grew older and began to make his own decisions in life, he realized that life is not as simple as people being good or bad, Order Member or Death Eater. There are only good or bad choices.

The silence was thick, deafening. All had stopped eating, not even the sound of silverware against plate could be heard. Unperturbed by the silence, Sirius sliced a piece of steak on his plate then brought the meat to his lips. He chewed with his mouth closed as he met Molly's angered stare.

"I have Black blood running through my veins, yes, but my heart is not dark." Molly said quietly, but the tone she used was lethal.

Molly's eyes began to water as she looked at her daughter from other parents.

"Hermione," Molly's tone softened as she made eye contact with Hermione "Dear, please don't listen to him. He is making me sound as if I look down upon you, because of your parentage." Her voice cracked with love and fear. "I do not, have not, and neither do I look down on any other Muggleborn."

Sirius dropped his fork unto the table near his plate.

He arched his right eyebrow in amusement as he said, "Molly, I didn't say that you thought you're better than Muggleborns. Deep, deep down, you do think that your magic makes you better than a Muggle. We all have some sort of prejudice or bias; those who claim otherwise are either liars or in denial."

Sirius made a dismissive sound and hand motion at Molly's attempt to correct him. His tone of voice lost its mirth as he added, "And, if we were to disregard what I said, it still would not be the case, because if it were, you wouldn't have written to Dumbledore back in this lot's first week of third year sharing your concerns of Remus teaching even though he had never bit a human."

Everyone turned their head to Molly. All, but Narcissa's expression communicated various states of shock.

Even, Draco, non-verbally expressed astonishment.

Narcissa's expression, however, communicated begrudging respect of the older woman.

Sirius returned to balancing his chair on the back two legs. He rested his hands, palms downward on his thighs.

Molly sputtered, "I-I." She paused. "I didn't know that he wasn't harmful to the children. How do you know of my letter? Does...does Remus know?"

"Mum!" Ron said, astonished. "How did you even know he was a werewolf? That didn't come out until the end of our third year."

Neville proudly stated, "Remus was the best teacher we had." He dipped his head as he added, "Please, do not tell Pomona or Minerva that I said that."

Molly sputtered, "I didn't know, Ron. I was worried..."

A self deprecating smile crossed Bill's lips as he asked in a light-hearted tone, "That he'd turn one of your children? That one of your children would become what he is?"

Horrified, Molly said, "Bill...that's not...funny..."

George said as he chewed a bite of a roll, "Take it easy, Mum. You act as if you saw a werewolf. It's only Bill."

Fred shrugged as he stabbed a potato with his fork. He added, "Yeah, surprising business, a pureblood being turned, but look at Bill. He's fine. He's harmless...for the most part. Likes his meat, too rare for me, during his time of month, but each their own, right?"

Many laughed. Although, the tension vastly lessened, it lingered.

Narcissa delicately rolled her eyes at the lot before she addressed Ron's question. "Lupin's condition was general knowledge during the first war...on both sides. As such, the School Governors were against his appointment as Defense Professor. However...Dumbledore advised them to think wisely on how their decision would look if their denial leaked to the press. Like that mattered to anyone of power," Narcissa made a dismissing motion with her hand. "In the end, Cornelius persuaded them. The Ministry wanted to use Remus' connection, however broken at the time, to Sirius as bait."

Andromeda said sweetly with a hint of acid, "You are awfully chatty today, Cissy. Whatever would your husband think? A Slytherin, a Pureblood lady, showing her hand is much frowned upon."

"I'm certain that my husband is thinking that he would prefer the Dementor's Kiss than go without his luxuries in life." Narcissa said in the same tone. The tone transitioned to one of boredom as she said, "Sister, I show the hands of others, not my own."

Hermione whispered to Draco, "When is your Father due out of Azkaban?"

He bent to whisper in her ear. "His minimum sentence is nearly up. He'll go before the Wizengamot for a probationary trial soon, but it is merely ceremonial, in my opinion. If all goes his way, which it won't, he'll spend Christmas at the Manor. But, I'd wager they'll choose the life sentence in his original three years to life."

With a light thud, the front legs of Sirius' chair landed upon the floor. Sirius glanced to Hermione and Draco whispering to another. His nostrils slightly flared and his eyes narrowed.

Sirius glanced away then looked to Percy who had sat in the chair at the end of the table on the opposite side of where Sirius sat.

Molly had begun doting upon Percy as she balanced Teddy on her left hip with her left arm. She flicked her wand at Percy's plate and it filled with various items of food that she had prepared.

"Percy," Sirius said, in a loud and clear tone. His tone ended several side conversations that had begun. "What of the file? Hermione is correct, most have a file, small or large, stored at the Ministry. Anything suspect in hers?

"Hermione is quite right about the Ministry's keeping intelligence on persons of interest." Percy paused to take a sip of water. "However, personnel records should be stored in the Ministry's Personnel Records Department. Or, if any where else, the records office of their respective department."

Harry said, weary. "What's in Hermione's file, Percy?"

"I haven't read it in it's entirety." Percy replied, simply. "I want plausible deniability."

Molly gently swatted soot from the Floo from Percy's right shoulder.

Percy continued, "Yes, I retrieved the file, potentially flipped through the file out of curiosity, broke many rules and regulations tonight, and shall be an active part in whatever I need part in with you lot, but I draw the line at knowing the details of this operation." He paused as if to consider his wording of what he said next. "If I may..."

Harry nodded as he said. "Go ahead, Percy."

Percy inhaled deeply before he said, "I think that it is extremely dangerous to have so many included in your plan," He motioned to those around the table with a fork in his left hand. In response to several murmurs of complaint, he added, "Regardless of how trustworthy the people included are."

Draco muttered under his breath, "That one is smart."

Hermione gently smacked Draco's knee under the table. Draco glowered at her. In response to that exchange, Sirius grimaced and grinded his teeth.

Percy sighed in regret as he continued. "I'm not made for stealth and working against the Government. I fear that I'd break if pressed hard enough. Give me and whomever else vague knowledge, but guard in depth details. I fear another war, if only political, will happen."

George said in disbelief, "Dude, you can't get any more working against the Government than breaking into the Minister's office and stealing classified information."

Percy cunningly asked, "Did I do that?"

Fred rolled his eyes as he muttered, "The Sorting Hat made a mistake with that one."

Hermione stated in an excited tone of voice, "Hogwarts, A History is clear that the Sorting Hat is, at the moment of the Sorting, never wrong. However, it is, also true, that as one grows into the witch or wizard they choose to become, characteristics that are linked to other houses, can manifest or grow stronger, wrongly suggesting that their sorting was incorrect. One could dare argue that the first house the Sorting Hat suggests in your mind before the official announcement is what your core beliefs and character traits are most agreeable."

Harry smiled at Hermione as she quoted from her favorite book. When she did so, the nostalgia took him back to a different time, a time when he has the appearance of a childhood. He stated, "The Sorting Hat does take in account where you want to go. I can understand and agree with what you said, Hermione. The Sorting Hat suggested Slytherin, for myself. I am a Gryffindor, retrieving his sword proved that, but I can see how self preservation is a major characteristic of mine."

Many chuckled.

Sirius said in a good natured tone, "I will never again say this nor will I admit to having ever said it: there is a thin line between the differences between Gryffindor and Slytherin. There was a reason why the two Founders were closer than brothers. And, there were reasons why the two quarreled and never made amends...they were too much alike. Mirror like in many aspects."

A fork falling unto a plate made a loud thud. Scandalized, Ron stated, "Take that back!"

Hermione sighed before she said in an exasperated tone, "Ronald, really?"

Ron matched her tone as his cheeks began to redden. He bellowed, "Yes, really. To say that a Gryffindor and Slytherin are the same is rubbish!"

"You dolt," Hermione exclaimed. "Neither Sirius nor I said that, we said that they are similar. Sirius, actually said, mirror like. Even in, a mirror, our own reflection is not the same as it is similar yet opposite. Being a Slytherin does not equate to someone being an enemy, best your remember that, Ronald."

Draco said aloud to himself. "I'm having flashbacks to most meal times during our fourth and fifth years at Hogwarts."

Several seats away, Ginny shrugged as she took a sip of Pumpkin juice. She said, "Eh, more like your sixth, my fifth year."

Draco casually said, "I didn't notice their bickering in sixth year. I was distracted by other endeavors."

Narcissa quietly hissed, "Draco."

Draco pretended not to hear his mother's dismay at being reminded of his task at the age of sixteen.

Sirius stayed silent as he watched the verbal Quidditch match between Hermione and Ron. Perhaps, Harry was right about Hermione being over Ron. But, was she over Draco?

"I'm not stupid, Hermione." Ron growled. "I knew what he meant! But, he's wrong! Slytherins are only loyal to who they are loyal to in that moment of loyalty. Gryffindors would die for their friends."

"I remember when a Gryffindor, when you left, Harry and I, in the Forest of Dean. You, again, abandoned us during my Christmas break in eighth year while we searched for my parents in Australia."

"I came back to the Forest!" Ron yelled as he pushed his seat back and stood. "Harry forgave me. Merlin, will you ever forgive me for that? You said you did! And, Australia was a scheduling conflict. The Auror Training Coordinator demanded my presence at a required training session."

Hermione stood in response to Ron standing. Firmly, she said, "Harry had the same demand, Ronald! He chose to stay. Draco, a Slytherin, came to our rescue even though Lucius threatened to disown him!"

Breaking his silence, Sirius said in controlled rage, "You left them?"

Narcissa and Andromeda muttered, "Oh, dear."

Draco smiled gleefully as he asked, "Did you not know that, cousin? If it weren't for me showing up in time, your God son and Lolita would be very possibly dead."

Both Hermione and Ron ignored everyone around them as they continued to argue. Although, she ignored Draco's comment, she would revisit it with him in the future. He hadn't called her Lolita since their eighth year. It was time that he explained to her what he meant by the random pet name.

"Harry is Harry freaking Potter." Ron said as his tone lowered from yelling yet was louder than a normal speaking volume. "Some wanted to make him Minister the day he defeated You-Know-Who, the first time! He was only a baby!" Ron's anger began to dissipate. In an insecure tone, Ron said, "Harry could afford to defy an order. I-I couldn't."

Resigned, Hermione sat down as she said, "You are Ron freaking Weasley. It's time that you outgrow your preoccupation of being in Harry's shadow and recognize that his and your shadows have merged, in many aspects. You stand, and have since you were eleven years old, for the most part, stood beside Harry."

In an arrogant tone, Draco said, "Potter, it may be a good idea to reign in this meeting. It has went off the rails."

Harry nodded before he said, "I agree with what Percy said about including many people could be dangerous, perhaps not dangerous for Hermione, but for the ones included."

Several made disagreeing sounds.

Harry held his right hand up as he continued to speak. "Although, we have two who have agreed to bid and marry Hermione, I'd like every Pureblood wizard here, single or married, who will be in attendance at the Fundraiser, to consider bidding for Hermione as another layer of protection. Money is not an issue.

Fred and George shared a look. Their ice blue eyes glanced at Draco, then to Hermione, then to Sirius. They shared another look. Sirius had noticed the twins perusal of himself, Hermione and Draco. He, also, noticed the mischief the two could create. He made a mental note to recruit the two in his own plan of mischief.

Percy asked, "What do you mean money is not an issue? The purpose of the Fundraiser is money."

Harry grinned as he responded. "We have benefactors that can and will provide the funds needed, if you choose not to use personal funds. I, only, ask that you not outbid another wizard of the Order. We want to win Hermione's safety not further stock the Ministry's vault more so than necessary."

Hermione began to cackle in laughter. Sirius and Draco recoiled from her on either side of her. "Harry, you make it sound as if the Order would war against itself for me."

Draco said, "In a matter of speaking, that could very well happen."

Sirius snidely said, "She's my responsibility, boy."

Hermione furrowed her brow at the exchange. She glanced at Sirius who had erected a charming mask that made her, for a moment, wonder if she had imagined his last statement. She glanced at Draco who had quickly erected his own charming mask. Not quickly enough, though. She had witnessed a small, sad smile.

Hermione made eye contact with Draco as she silently mouthed the words, "You okay?"

Draco winked at her as he silently mouthed the words, "Certainly, Lolita."

Hermione was brought out of the small moment with Draco when she heard Harry announce, "There will be another smaller meeting later tonight. If your presence is needed at that meeting, I will contact you directly, but until then, let us continue to enjoy this feast of a meal and each other's company."

Bill asked, "One last question, what did you mean by married wizard or not?"

Percy answered instead of Harry, "Earlier today, I read what I believe to be the final draft of the amendment to the law that will pass on Monday morning." Percy dabbed the corners of his mouth with a silver napkin embossed with the Black crest. "The language of the law indicates that Pureblood wizards can choose to bid for Muggleborn witches to assist in the regrowth of the wizarding community. The original law indicates that a wizard be of marrying age."

The twins rolled their eyes as they stated, "Yes, Perce, we know this.

Charlie said, "Get to the point, Percival."

Percy slightly raised his nose as he continued to speak as if he had not been interrupted "The couple must marry and is expected to procreate. The amendment revives an older law still in existence, yet not widely known or used, indicating that a Pureblood wizard can have up to three wives of varying ages."

"Three wives?" Neville said in a fearful and astonished tone. "I can barely handle the one I have."

Ron grumbled, as he open mouthed chewed, "At least, you have one."

Author's Note: Has it really been six months since I last uploaded a chapter to this story?

I am so sorry especially with the cliffhanger from last chapter. I thought I had posted this chapter ages ago. I had wondered why I hadn't received any reviews for it. I feared that people had lost interest in this Sirius/Hermione story. Imagine my embarrassment when I realized I hadn't posted this one or the next two.

Good news is that there are several chapters and prequels written ready to be uploaded. The prequels are one to three shot stories that include hints and references to where I am taking the story or back stories of the characters within this story.

Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed it.