Sirius sat in the study with a glass of fire whiskey in one hand and James asleep in the other. Across from him was Harry fiddling with his tie, grumbling about how stupid these types of events are. Ginny and Harry had arrived an hour earlier so the woman could get ready together upstairs, leaving the two men down stairs with James patiently waiting for them to finish getting ready so they could leave for the Manor. Smirking at his godsons muttering conjured a bassinet and gently laid James in it before moving over to help Harry with his tie. As he finished tightening it to his neck he heard heals on the stairs.
"They're ready."
Ginny came in first, in a elegant dark blue gown that flattered her post partum body enhancing her natural beauty. Hermione came in directly behind her and Sirius felt his heart flutter. She was in a beautiful silver gown that plunged deliciously down her chest, showing off just enough cleavage to still be modest. As she walked towards him he could see her left leg peak out from her skirt, at her neck was her necklace and her hair was falling like a waterfall of waves down her back. She looked extraordinary.
"Kitten, you look beautiful," his voice husky with passion bringing a bright smile to her lips.
"Thank you. Are you two ready to go?"
"We'll meet you there, we have to take James to the burrow." They left through the floo and it was just Sirius and Hermione once again. Sirius walked over to the floo and extended a hand to her but she momentarily paused making him tilt his head and really look at her. She was looking into the fireplace, her completion pale. "Kitten?"
Shaking herself from her thoughts she looked at him pulling on a fake smile. "Nothing, I'm fine."
She took his arm but he didn't move. "Tell me the truth love, what is it?"
"I haven't been at to the Manor s-since Bellatrix..." her voice drifted off as he took in the meaning behind her words. He grabbed her arm and stroked her scar gently.
"We don't need to go Kitten. We can stay home."
"No, that would be rude. I responded to the invitation weeks ago, I just didn't think it would be this hard."
"We can leave if it gets too hard. Hermione we don't have to do this."
Taking his hand she gave him a gentle smile, "I think I need to do this." Grabbing a handful of floo powder she stepped into the fireplace, dragging him with her and called out for Malfoy Manor. As soon as they arrived their senses were assaulted with an aroma of delicious food and heavenly music. The manor looked completely different then she remembered, it looked as though they're remodeled and for that she was thankful. "Ms. Granger, cousin, it is such a pleasure you could join us for the evening!"
"Narcissa," Sirius said crisply with a small bow of his head. Hermione patted his arm and offered their hostess a much warmer greeting, "Thank you for the invitation Mrs. Malfoy. The Manor looks impeccable!"
"Thank you dear, please call me Narcissa. I worked very hard to restore it after the Ministry released it to us."
"You did a wonderful job."
"Thank you, please go join the festivities, I need to check on something in the kitchen." With a polite smile and a nod she was gone and Sirius lead Hermione into the ballroom. Hermione couldn't help but gasp at how the ballroom looked, it was stunning. The amount of people in the room was overwhelming. She felt like she could feel everyone's eyes on her and it made her arm sting. Absently she brought it to her abdomen and cradled it, Sirius noticed and pulled her closer to him. Guiding them to their seats they met Lavender and Ron.
"Lavender you look lovely this evening," Hermione complimented.
"Thank you Hermione! You look incredible!"
Giving her a polite smile she said her thanks right as Ginny called her name.
"Hello Gin, it's great to see you again," she said sarcastically as she enveloped her best friend in a hug.
Ginny laughed and hugged her back, with a small nudge Hermione she complimented Lavender as well. Before long the trio was separated by other guests but Hermione noticed that Harry kept watching her closely. When the dancing began Sirius swept Hermione off and she was able to finally relax and smile as he held her and made her laugh. Being in his arms made her feel as though they were the only two in the room and Hermione was more than willing to let it stay that way. Except someone had other plans.
"May I cut in?" a voice cut in as the song came to an end. Turning to face the voice Hermione arched a brow to Draco Malfoy and gave him a smile.
"Sure." Sirius nodded and passed her to the young Malfoy but not before kissing her knuckles and seductive winking at her causing her to blush. When Malfoy swept her away she felt like she lost some warmth. It was awkward at first but she told herself to just dance with him as if he were Harry or one of the Weasleys.
"You look exquisite this evening Hermione."
Her brow arched again at his use of her name and she smirked, "We're back to first names Draco? Thank you. You look very handsome tonight as well." He blushed at her words and she couldn't help but feel as though if she didn't have Sirius, if she didn't love him so infinitely, she could see herself pinning after Draco. His sharp features had softened since their years in Hogwarts and he had stopped slicking his hair back with gel. He was quiet handsome. But she felt he paled in comparison to Sirius.
"I-I don't think I've ever said it but Hermione I am so sorry about what happened all those years ago. I didn't help you and I should have."
"There is nothing you could have done, you know that as much as me. If you had spoken up Bellatrix would have killed you or worse."
"What could she have done that was worse than death?"
Hermione looked at her arm and her she couldn't fight the pain in her eyes, "Bellatrix was a master of things worse than death."
"Fuck Granger, I am so sorry."
"Please stop, I am tired of apologies and people thanking me. I did and endured what I had to." Her voice drifted off as she looked at his pulse point.
He looked at her with a deep look, taking in her words and her body language. "I think we need a change of subject." She gave a small strangled chuckle. "I've heard about the werewolf reform law you're pushing for, its brilliant."
"Thank you," she gave him a genuine smile. "You've taken Malfoy Potions and Apothecary's to extraordinary lengths. Its wonderful really!"
"I wanted to try and reshape how people saw the name Malfoy. It was hard and sometimes it still is but its been worth it," he paused. "Can I be frank with you Hermione?"
She laughed, "When have you ever held back with me?"
"True. I know I asked already but are you serious about your relationship with Lord Black?"
At that Hermione blushed, "Yes, I love Sirius and he me. I think at this point we're as serious as two people can get. Why? As a matter of fact, while we're being totally honest, why do you keep acting so weird with me. Twice at the your mothers store, in Diagon Alley, and now. What gives?"
"It was just a bit shocked to see you after so long, especially in that attire," he coughed, "But I knowing you're with my cousin is what gets me. I don't know why but it does."
Hermione didn't know what to say but thankfully she was saved from responding by Sirius's hand at her back as the song came to a stop. She melted into his hand and gave Draco a sad polite smile. "Draco."
"Hermione."
Sirius led her off and she could feel him vibrating against her but he didn't say anything. He just held her to him in a secure embrace and looked past her. She waited, letting her free hand move from his arm to his neck, lightly tracing random patterns in his hairline. "Kitten, I don't like how jealous I got seeing you in his arms laughing."
"Sirius, you don't need to be jealous. Of anyone."
"He's your age-"
"Oh Sirius, stop it. In my eyes, he, and everyone else, pales in comparison to you." Taking a deep breath and he looked down at her and she could see the insecurity in his eyes. "I love you and that's exactly what I told him."
"I love you Hermione. You are my whole world."
"And you are mine, along with my boys." She smirked as he grinned down at her. "Can we go home now? I think I've had enough fun for tonight."
Grinning like a madman, he lead her off the dance floor towards their hosts, "Anything for you. Especially if it means I get to take you out of that dress." Leaning forward he nibbled on the top of her ear just enough to make her knees weak.
"Mrs. Malf-Narcissa," switching names as when she saw her look, "We have had a lovely time tonight and I thank you for the invitation."
"You're leaving? Well I thank you for coming. I know it must have been hard for you." Giving them a kind smile she turned to Sirius, "Cousin. I am happy for you. Thank you for coming this evening."
Leaning in he placed a soft caste kiss on her cheek, "Narcissa, you host a wonderful event, as always. It was great seeing you again."
"Filthy mudblood." The four of them froze, Sirius's arm tightened on her waist and she felt him growl, "You sullied the house of Black with this mudblood, Lord Black." Turning Draco, Narcissa, Sirius and Hermione all met the gaze of Theodore Nott Sr.
"You are out of line ," Draco retorted.
"My son is right Theodore, I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave our home." Narcissa stood tall as she spoke to the older gentlemen.
"You would ask me to leave but not that blood traiter and his pet?"
"Yes, I would. I can remove you if that's what you prefer."
Nott Sr. snarled and a grabbed Hermione's forearm, "This is all you are. She should have killed you." Before anyone could respond Hermione tore her arm from his grasp and stepped in front of the rough man.
"I may be a mudblood, Mr. Nott, and you may think I am a lesser being than you. But I am the only reason you and your family are not rotting in Azkaban. I am a war heroine who helped destroy Voldemort." As she spoke her hair began to sizzle with power. "You are a measly old man, stuck in your pureblood prejudices, and scared of our new world. Otherwise you would have done something to bring honor back to the Nott name rather then leave it to your son. You are a pathetic heap of a man and you can say whatever you want about me, or Sirius, or the Malfoys, or anyone else who doesn't think as you do for that matter and it will do nothing to make up for the disgrace you have become to the wizarding world. Have a goodnight Mr. Nott." Turning back to Draco and Narcissa she was met with impressed smiles, "Thank you again for inviting us this evening." Giving the Malfoy matriarch a kiss on the cheek she took Sirius's arm and moved to leave but Sirius stood glued to the spot.
He looked down at his witch and placed a passionate kiss to her lips, momentarily shocking her before turning to Nott Sr. "I have no sullied myself with her. I am lucky to have such a witch. She is the one bringing honor back to the house of Black." With that he gave a small bow to his cousins and he lead Hermione to the floo.
Hermione was in the kitchen starting breakfast when she thought of Sirius's birthday, it was in 2 days. Momentarily stopping her task she sent off two letters, one to Tonks and the other to Ginny asking the pair if they wanted to meet her for some shopping and lunch so she could find a gift for Sirius. Ginny replied almost instantly. But she didn't hear from Tonks until she heard the floo activate and an excited voice call out for her. Smiling she turned towards the doorway and waited for her godson to come into the kitchen. Instead she heard his tiny steps on the stairs and raised her brows in confusion.
"Tonks?"
"Hermione! I didn't know you were down here, I thought you were still upstairs."
Laughing she looked at her friend, "Nope I'm making breakfast, but Sirius is upstairs so Teddy can bring him down." Hermione smiled at the mental image and went back to the sausage and eggs in front of her.
"How was the ball last night? I heard that Nott Sr. caused trouble."
"He tried but it didn't go the way he wanted. Have you and Teddy eaten?"
"Yes but he's so much like his father, he'll probably eat once he brings Sirius down."
As if on queue Teddy bounded into the room with a sluggish Sirius trudging in behind him. "Aunt Mini!"
"Hello little love, you got your Uncle Siri up for me I see."
Sirius grumbled as he started on their tea, "He pulled my hair asking where you were. I had to distract him enough so I could put on my pants." He smirked at the sound of mock disgust Tonks let out.
"You could have put on a shirt too, you look like you got mauled by a tiger."
Hermione groaned and Sirius couldn't hide his smirk. "She's more of a lioness."
"Sirius!"
Tonks laughed at Hermione's appalled look and sat at the table. Hermione followed shortly after putting a small plate of food in front of Teddy and giving him a kiss on his now raven head and putting another plate in front of Sirius's spot and her own before taking her seat. Sirius joined shortly after and put tea in front of Tonks and Hermione.
"So to what do we owe the pleasure Dora?"
"Shopping!"
"Oh?" Sirius arched a elegant brow at Hermione, "whatever for?"
Hermione smirked into her tea, "Love, I'm not going to tell you."
"What were you thinking of getting him?" Ginny asked. They were walking down Diagon Alley, Ginny had James strapped to her front, Tonks beside her, while Teddy and Hermione trailed behind them, his tiny hand wrapped around three of her fingers.
"I really don't know. What do you get someone who has everything?"
"He's always been partial to leather jackets," Tonks said, humor in her tone.
"And you in lingerie," Ginny grinned, looking back at her as Tonks cackled with laughter.
"Hush Gin!"
They drifted from store to store and Hermione couldn't find anything that peaked her interest. Nothing spoke to her, nothing said 'Sirius'. Momentarily giving up she told their little group that she was going to go into Florish and Blotts, only Teddy was excited and asked to accompany her. She took his hand and lead him across the alley as his mother and Ginny made their way into another store.
Teddy dragged her upstairs and Hermione couldn't help but chuckle at his excitement. He definitely had Remus's love of books. They toured the kids shelves and before long Teddy had his own stack of books weighing down his arms. Casting a silent weightless charm she lead him down the stairs and conjured him a small chair in the corner by the cash register and went in search of her own books, never completely taking her eyes off Teddy. She'd gathered a small stack that she had levitating next to her when she touched a new book and felt a pull in her navel. What the -
She heard cries from various people around the store and Teddy calling her name but she couldn't move as the pressure increased. She grabbed her necklace and to sent a message to Sirius when Florish and Blotts twisted from her view and she was deposited into a dark room. It was cold and hard but before she could explore her surroundings further she felt a sharp pain and she fell.
Pain is the first thing Hermione could remember.
She tried to push herself up and felt the cool floor beneath her. Lifting a hand to her head she felt a thick wetness that she knew was blood before she looked at it. Her pants where gone. No. She didn't feel any different so she tried not to worry about it. Instead she tried to focus on what happened to her.
What happened? Why am I? "Teddy!" She remember the book store and the touching the portkey. Gods I hope Teddy is okay. Feeling for her wand she silently cursed. She stood up and tried to figure out where she was. It was a dungeon, that much was clear but she needed to know where so she could let Sirius know. Grabbing for he necklace she became frantic. Where is it!? Looking around she couldn't find it, there was nothing around her. She was alone in the cold dungeon. She felt a panic attack starting and had to work hard to suppress it.
"Hello Dove."
If Hermione was cold before she was freezing then. Looking up she met her captures gaze. "Dolohov."
"Are you looking for this?" He held up her necklace and he shoved it in his pocket. "I wont have you wearing anything from that mutt! He has no claim on you, you are mine." She flinched at his words and wished desperately that she had her necklace.
"Where are we? Dolohov Manor?"
"Heavens no. That is the first place they will look."
"What do you want with me?"
"Why Dove, isn't it obvious? I want you." He breathed crouching before her, he reached to caress her face and she flinched into the wall. His demeanor visibly hardened, "You can either be with me willingly or I will force you."
"You can try."
"Be with me?"
"No. They will find me and I can hold out until they do." She glared at him, "I have faced worse then you Antonin Dolohov!"
A menacing sneer spread across his face, "We'll see about that." Hermione felt her fear rise in her breast but she refused to let him see it. She closed her eyes and looked deep within, willing herself to hold out as long as she needed. They would come. Sirius would come. She just needed to fight it.
An unknown amount of time passed for Hermione. It felt like weeks but she knew that couldn't be true. Each day Dolohov came to her and asked her the same question. "Be with me?" and each day she snarled her reply and his sinister sneer would grow before he turned his wand to her. She tried not the scream knowing it would make him happy to hear them but she could only fight them so long. He was careful not to overuse the unforgivable so he began to alternate between cursing her and cutting her. He took great pleasure in cutting her stomach and chest.
Each night she fought with herself not to give in. She thought of Sirius, Teddy, James, Harry, Ginny, Tonks, Remus, Molly, and everyone. They were her driving force to fight. But every time Dolohov came to her she lost some of her drive to fight. Every time he left her she tried to think of a way to help herself. She was losing hope that they would find her and she knew she needed to help herself. So she came up with a plan. She needed to break.
The next time Dolohov came in she surprised him by whispering her response. He visibly faltered grabbing his wand. "What?"
"I said yes.." she spoke weakly and kept her gaze on the ground. He grabbed her immediately and took her to the dungeon door, binding her wrists he pushed her up the stairs. It was so bright that she had to close her eyes and squint to let her eyes adjust. It took longer then expected but she was able to make out a family crest on the wall above the fireplace before he pushed her up the stairs. Reaching the desired floor Dolohov pushed her down a hallway and roughly into a room.
"Carrow Manor?"
"Yes dove." She tried not to flinch at the desire in his voice. She knew she had to play the part, he needed to believe that she'd submit to him, that she had broke.
He pushed her towards the bed, grabbing at her tattered sweater and planting painful kisses on her lips. She bit back bile and knew she needed to do this. She needed to save herself. So she leaned into him, suppressing a cringe as she kissed him. The shock on Dolohov's face was evident but he didn't hesitate for longer than moment before he was on her, groping her harshly and pushing her down into the bed. She kept willing herself to continue and keep him distracted while she looked for her moment. His hands begin to wander and she is unable to suppress the cringe that passed through her body, thankfully Dolohov mistook it for shiver of pleasure and pushed she shirt up as a result, roughly grabbing her breasts and squeezing hard enough to make her whimper. He continued on his rough course, the sound only giving him more pleasure. Seeing her scar he stopped. Hermione froze as a grin spread across his face "My claim is still here I see." Grabbing her hips suddenly she let out a small shriek in pain as he held her in place and began biting down her scar. Memories of Sirius bled into her mind in that moment with one word flashing behind her eyes as she pictured his face. Betrayal. Pushing down her guilt she pushed thoughts of him away. He will never forgive me after this.
Refocusing on Dolohov she willed herself to pretend to enjoy him, slowly inching them closer to the headboard while also moving them towards the edge of the bed, just enough so she might be able to grab the candelabra that's was there. As he reached her knickers she made her move. Pushing him up by thrusting her hips forward into his chest she reached forward to grab the heavy candelabra. While he was in shock she brought it down on his head before he had a chance to understand what was happening.
Not wanting to stop there she smacked him once more before rolling him off her and searching for his wand. She found it in his discarded jacket pocket. Pointing it at him she cast quick but strong charms to bind him. "Petrificus Totalus. Incarcerous."
Turning to the door she cast several locking charms before taking her first breath, walking backwards until she hit a wall and slid down. Unable to control the shivers overtaking her body she lifted the wand for one last spell "Expectro patronum". Instead of her otter, a cloud of silver erected from the wand, confusing her momentarily as it formed it's new shape. With a smile she sent him off to Harry and closed her eyes letting exhaustion take her.