Despite Hermione's reassurance Sirius could not stop fidgeting as he stood at the end of the aisle. Even he had to admit, Hermione's vision for this wedding was perfection. He'd been hesitant to accept the property from Narcissa, no matter if it was just for the day, but it turned out wonderful. The vaulted ceilings had an chandelier that had glittery lights that lined the room and congregated in the middle at the chandelier creating a beautiful dangling effect. The flowers lining the aisle and framing the platform where he stood waiting for her were so bright and vibrant he was amazed they'd managed to get them in the winter. But then again, he knew better than to underestimate his witch and her ideas. Looking up at the flowers overhead he absently thought of how the resembled her.
"Such a sap," he scoffed under his breath.
Running a hand through his hair he let his gaze rake over the crowd in the white chairs peppered with their friends and family. Rose petals littered the aisle that was made of a long piece of shimmery fabric.
The aisle Hermione was going to walk down.
To him.
To their forever.
Panic flared in him. Turning he stared at Remus who smirked at him.
"You're fine," his best friend commented without Sirius needing to say anything.
"Why am I freaking out?"
Remus shrugged, "It's normal."
Sirius scoffed and turned back to the aisle, "Fat lot of help you are."
The bridal march music started and Sirius grew ridged making Remus chuckle some more, "Do you want to run? We can run."
Twirling Sirius smack his best friends stomach and turned back in time to watch Tonks start down the aisle in a dress that seemed much too plain for her bubblegum pink hair. When Ginny started down next in a nearly similar maroon dress Sirius looked over his shoulder.
"Thanks mate."
"That's what I'm here for."
The music changed to Hermione's song and despite he confidence Sirius faltered seeing her appear at across the room. She'd asked Harry to walk her down, it was the only reason he wasn't beside Remus right now.
He was utterly petrified in the best way as she slowly made her way towards him. She was beautiful in lace, he'd always thought so but this, this was made her a masterpiece. Makeup wasn't caked on her face but whoever had done it gave her a natural look with a slightly shimmery eye and a mauve pink lip. Gods she was gorgeous. So much so that that was the first thing that left his mouth when Harry passed her hand to him.
"You're stunning."
Hermione smiled while their audience laughed behind them, "Thank you love."
Harry kissed her cheek and eased her up the final step onto the platform with Sirius who took her small hands in his calloused ones. When she was finally facing him, her engagement ring pressing into his left hand, all his hesitations vanished. This was his witch and in a matter of minutes she would be for the rest of their lives.
"It's on the wrong hand love," he whispered before Kingsley could start.
"It'll go back after the ceremony."
Chuckling at their hushed conversation Kingsley begun their ceremony, all while Sirius looked down at his beautiful witch.
"Sirius," she whispered after a while.
"Kitten."
Hermione blushed at the husky timber of his voice. "This is your part."
Blinking he looked at Kingsley who smiled and repeated his question, "Do you Sirius Orion Black take Hermione Jean Granger to be your lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold, from this day forth, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish, til death do you part?"
Looking back at Hermione Sirius put one hand on her face, "I do. Forever and a day."
She blinked back tears.
"And do you Hermione Jean Granger take Sirius Orion Black to be your lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold, from this day forth, for better or worse, richer or poorer, in sickness and health, to love and cherish, til death do you part?"
Leaning into his hand she nodded, "I do."
"Mister Black," Sirius tilted his head but didn't look away from Hermione, "You need to clasp her left hand."
"Of course," he smirked.
Releasing her cheek Sirius put his arm between their bodies, Hermione immediately fitted hers onto his, her hand clasping his arm near his elbow, him doing the same to hers. Withdrawing his wand Kingsley begun the binding ceremony. Their audience started to chuckle towards the end as Sirius begun to bounce on the balls of his feet. Hermione bit her lip to keep from laughing all while he smirked down at her.
"Eager are you?" she whispered.
"So much so Kitten."
A gold vine erupted from the Ministers wand and wrapped around their conjoined hands before tightening and embedding itself in their skin. As it dissipated cold gold bands appeared on their hands. Hermione's white gold and his black. The sight made them smile more. As Kingsley lowered his wand Sirius took her engagement ring off her right hand and slid it onto her left hand, right above her new wedding band.
"That's better."
"As Minister for Magic, I now pronounce you both legally and magically bond," teasingly Kingsley looked at Hermione, "best not regret it."
Hermione giggle snorted making Sirius grin wider.
"Sirius," the Marauder looked at him, "You may kiss your bride."
"I thought you would never get there," Sirius growled.
Tucking his hand into her wayward cascade of curls Sirius grabbed her hip with the other and pulled her against him. "Mine."
Hermione worked her hands into his coat to clasp his waistcoat, "Mine."
Devilishly he grinned, "Forever and a day."
The kiss made several in their audience blush. The newly wedded couple only pulled away hearing a discrete cough from Remus when Sirius's hand started to wander to her breast. Hermione rolled her lips between her teeth before opening her eyes and seeing Sirius gazing adoringly at her.
"I love you Sirius."
"I love you more Kitten." Pecking her one more time Sirius tucked her against him and turned them to audience, "Time to party!" Hermione's laugh ringing in his ears.
"Sirius, we can't."
It was a weak and quiet complaint to try. They both knew it, just like they knew if she really didn't want to she could have stopped him from dragging him into a linen closet upstairs after sneaking away from the weakly festivities in the kitchen. This one was somehow more spectacular than normal considering Hermione and Sirius were finally back from their honeymoon. Sirius had arranged an adventurous trip in Spain. Three weeks of nothing but sex, exploring the city, and silk sheets. It had been a dream, one Hermione didn't think she'd have thought of.
"We can," he gently clicked the door closed behind them before turning to her. "And you, wife, are making it impossible to resist doing so. Did you wear this little dress on purpose?"
As he attacked her neck, his hands lifting her the skirt of her dress just enough to grasp her arse. Hermione gasped and threw a hand over her mouth to keep from making too much noise.
"Sirius, we can't. Oh-"
His hand found her clit.
"Oh, Gods, Sirius," unable to whisper she just bit her lip.
Using his other hand to bunch up the skirt of her dress Sirius pressed his face into her neck, "Quiet Kitten, unless you want Molly to find us."
"This can wait until we get home," she insisted though her head was thrown back against the linens behind her.
"Kitten you heard the muggle doctor, timed intercourse was our best chances and we're within your window. As often as possible is what she said."
"You're just loving this," she hissed as she felt his hot cock press against her, her knickers long since shoved to the side.
Sirius gave her his best boyish grin, her favorite grin, "I am." Thrusting a few times to cover himself in her essence he groaned, "And you can not tell me you don't."
She tried to look stern but gave up and grinned back, shifted her hips upwards. "I do." He slowly pressed into her. "Gods do I."
When he was fully seated inside her they both groaned. But Sirius put his hand over her mouth. Her eyes widened making him chuckle lowly, pull back and thrust back in hard. She moaned behind his hand.
"I love you," he told her neck as he increased his tempo, "but I'll not have anyone hearing those lovely sounds. Those are mine," he bit her neck just enough to send a jolt of electricity to her clit, he felt the corresponding clinch on his dick, "This has to be quick Kitten, or they'll start to miss us." Hermione nodded wildly under his hand and lifted her leg against the door behind him for better leverage. "That's it, Kitten, help me bring you to pleasure. Take your pleasure from me."
"Phmmm mmhm Smmrm."
Removing his hand he smirked, "What was that?"
Hermione gasped, biting her lip so she mumbled, "Fuck me Sirius."
It was his turn to groan.
"Hard. Deeper. Right ah- right there."
"Kitten, you say the sexiest things."
Putting a hand under her ass he moved his hips as fast as he could. Like a dog in heat rutting against a female. Her continued muffled pleas making his balls tighten. "Hermione, Kitten, I need you to come." Pulling away from her he attacked her nipple savagely through her dress making her throw her head back and slap her own hand over her mouth as she wailed. "That's it Kitten, yes..."
Hermione clung to him, her nails digging into his back as she felt him pulse and empty himself inside her.
As they came down from their high Sirius dropped his forehead to hers.
"We should get back down there."
He chuckled, "Yes lets," he folded himself back in his trousers watching Hermione right herself.
Smirking at her Sirius took out his wand and put her hair to rights.
"Thank you."
"That freshly shagged look is all mine love. I assure you, my motivations were purely selfish."
Smacking his stomach Hermione chuckled as she left the closet, Sirius grinning following smugly her.
Sirius did not want to do this.
He did not want to tell his new bride he was being tasked out on a mission less than two months after their wedding. But here he was. He'd never walked so slowly to the floo network. Eventually he stood inside the kitchen watching Hermione sashay around the kitchen as she prepared hat looked like a cake, for whatever occasion. Gods, she was gorgeous.
"Sirius, you're home!" Hermione smiled at him, a dash of flower dusting her nose. "I was craving some shortcake and fruit; thought we might have some after supper. Molly sent me the recipe. What is it?"
Grinning at her Sirius scooped her up into his arms and kissed her breathless instead of answering immediately. He rested his forehead on hers as he caught his breathe.
"I have to go away for a bit."
She stilled in his arms.
"For work, love."
He felt rather than heard saw her nod. "Okay."
He hated how her weak whisper conveyed how much her energy had drained from his proclamation.
The oven timer dinging had her separating from him long enough to take the roast she'd prepared out of the oven. Though she didn't turn around after setting the dutch oven on the trivet.
"It'll be okay, kitten," Sirius soothed as he walked over and put his hands on her hips.
"How long for?"
His hesitation was answer enough.
"What about trying?"
"We can still try," pushing his hair out of his way he placed a kiss on her neck, "every day but for the days I am gone. We might miss a cycle but it won't stop us from having hose babies."
Finally, Hermione turned around into him, her arms winding around his waist as she chuckled lightly against his chest. "Ever the optimist."
"You love it."
Leaning up she kissed his chin, "I do. When?"
Somber again he answered with his lips on her hair, "Saturday." Once more Hermione nodded against him. "Let's eat. This smells divine."
She rewarded him with a pleased smile despite her glassy eyes. Giving Sirius another kiss they set about setting the table and readying for supper. Hermione did everything not keep from thinking about the upcoming Saturday and the unknown amount of time they might be seperated as she fought the tears threatening to fall.
"Excuse me?"
"I said you're pregnant, Mrs. Black," their fertility physician looked up from her file with a smile. "Congratulations. It's unfortunate your husband couldn't be here from the good news."
"Work," Hermione whispered looking down at her hands clasped over her flat stomach.
"Well we need to go ahead and get your scheduled for a scan and run some blood work. You're about four weeks along. Normally you don't catch it this early but with your course of treatment it was to be expected..."
She couldn't remember the rest of her appointment. White noise clouded her ears even as she thanked her doctor and agreed to make an follow up appoint she knew she wasn't going to make. Inside her mind was a whirlwind of emotions. Her eyes watered as she took a deep breath when she was finally outside. If asked later Hermione wouldn't be able to say but she walked to an alley and apparated to Mungo's. She didn't speak to anyone as she made her way through the building to Penelope's office.
"Mrs. Black, what a surprise, I didn't see you on the schedule, doe-"
Hermione walked past the kind receptionist, directly into Penelope's office. It was empty so she paced. Paced and paced, wearing holes in the carpet as she waited.
"Hermione? What are you doing here?" Penelope quickly closed her office door seeing Hermione pacing in front of her desk. Emma, her assistant, had sent word for her and she'd come as soon as she could. Seeing Hermione's state though, she understood the urgency Emma conveyed in her missive. At her voice the frazzled witch whirled at her and Penelope was almost alarmed seeing the fear in her eyes, her years of healer training the only reason she didn't show it.
"I'm pregnant."
Understanding flooded her. Nodding Penelope moved behind her desk, "I didn't know you and Sirius were trying."
"We haven't told anyone. We went to a muggle specialist."
"Not a bad idea, all things considering. They use practices we don't. We're a bit antiquated in that manner. The wizarding world hasn't quite caught up to certain advances."
Hermione continued to pace. "Sirius and I felt the same. They had us doing timed intercourse. There was all this rigorous testing and the first course of action after we were deemed 'fertile candidates'," Penelope chuckled, "was ovulation monitoring and timed intercourse. We've done it for four months with nothing and then now...now when he's on a mission it takes."
"Does he know?"
"No! I won't be able to reach him until he comes home. It could be a week, it could be a few months. We don't know."
"Okay," she nodded in understanding, "Have you arranged an appointment with a muggle obstetrics physician?"
Hermione suddenly stopped pacing. She looked at Penelope, hands wringing in front of her. "I don't-" she stopped herself and took a deep, calming breath, swallowing thickly, "I trusted them to help us conceive but I trust magic to help me keep it."
Once more understanding lit Penelope's face. Smiling at her Penelope stood and walked around the desk to take Hermione's trembling hands. When Hermione took several more calming breaths, she guided her to sit down.
"We can do that. Let's get your to an exam room, shall we."
"Pregnant!" Ginny exclaimed pushing up from the table to round on Hermione. Taking her best friend into her arms she sniffled, "That's amazing Hermione!"
"Thanks," she whispered.
It earned her a curious look as Ginny pulled away from her. "What's wrong?"
"Sirius isn't here. I should be telling him and I can't. I don't even know when he'll be home." Hermione's eyes glistened.
Understanding Ginny eased Hermione into a seat and sat beside her, "That's what your village is for. Are you planning on telling everyone?"
Hermione shrugged, "I don't know what to do. Sirius could come home and then he'd be the last to know but then I could tell no one and he not come back and where would that leave me?"
Ginny snorted, "Mione, someone would figure it out sooner or later. Remus will probably know the moment you come within sniffing distance," Hermione wrinkled her nose and Ginny laughed, "And Fred and George knew I was pregnant before I even told Harry. I don't know how but they did. You need support whether or not Sirius is here or on mission."
Trying her hardest not to cry Hermione just fidgeted with her hands atop the table. "You're right."
"I know," Ginny giggled as Hermione nodded her head. "Do you want to tell them tonight at dinner?" Hermione nodded again. "It's okay Mione, he'll be back and he'll be so excited."
Ginny watched as Hermione's chin wobbled, "We were trying. Have been trying. Figures it would take when he leaves."
"Well, have you ever know Sirius to do things normally?"
Finally, Hermione laughed.
"There's a smile. Now would you help me with lunch? James should wake up soon and I like to eat before he does."
The two spent their afternoon doing what helped calm Hermione's anxieties. They baked. At first Ginny made them lunch and while she did that Hermione made herself busy making muffins. Muffins quickly turned to cupcakes and then cookies. By the time Harry floo'd home to shower even he didn't know what to say seeing the bakery in his kitchen. He just kissed his wife swiftly on the lips, his son on his forehead and Hermione on the temple before quickly backing out of the kitchen.
At Ginny's quiet insistence, Harry went through the floo with a stack of pies on one arm, a bag of cookie in one elbow, and a tin of muffins in the other arm. Behind him she sent Hermione with James on a hip and the nappy bag only for Ginny to follow with another bag of cookies and a two layered cake.
Yes, Hermione had gone overboard on the baking.
"My gracious!" Molly exclaimed seeing all the goodies. She took one look at Hermione as Ginny absently told her they'd just gotten busy that afternoon, Hermione lost all control she'd reenforced herself with throughout the afternoon. With one look from the matriarch, Hermione crumbled.
"Shit, Mione," Harry quickly grabbed James as Molly enveloped a sobbing Hermione in her arms. "Are you alright?"
Her sobs drowned out his question though Ginny touched his elbow and shook her head. When he gave her a questioning look she sighed and pointedly looked at James then Hermione. Harry's eyes widened with realization.
"No."
Ginny nodded, taking James from him before moving back to the living room to ensure none of her siblings entered the kitchen. Harry stayed behind, waiting for an opportunity to hug Hermione too. It didn't take too long as he watched Molly calm Hermione enough to take her face into her hands and listen to Hermione confess through tears that she was pregnant and scared and just wanted her Sirius home.
"I know sweet girl, I know."
"I don't want to do this without him."
"He'll be so excited when he finds out," Molly promised as she wiped Hermione's cheeks, "And in the meantime we'll take care of you and the babe."
She brought Hermione into another hug. Tear-filled golden-brown eyes met right green over Molly's shoulder and sent Hermione into more tears. Still Hermione reached a hand out and Harry quickly grabbed it, letting her squeeze as tightly as she needed, returning the pressure so she would know he was there.
It took awhile but eventually Molly surrendered a no longer crying Hermione to Harry who guided her to the table and offered her warm tea with an arm slung around her shoulders. By the time dinner was ready he'd managed to bring a smile to her face. Despite that most everyone who filed into the kitchen knew something was off though they all waited patiently for the news. Which in and of itself was a surprise given the twins disposition for instant gratification. When Hermione announced her pregnancy it was met with silence as she quietly pleaded with them to help her. After a heartbeat of silence Fred launched across the table, beans and biscuits scattering to the floor to hig her. With each family member that hugged her and reaffirmed with everything Ginny, Harry, and Molly had each told her she left her heart lighten.
Maye this wouldn't be a hard as she expected.
The Ministry had never been so full. At least that's what it felt like as Sirius tried to push past others to get home. It had been twelve and a half long weeks away from his bride and he just wanted to hold her. He'd never expected to be away so long so soon. By the time he'd made it to the floo he had knocked into a handful of people throwing apologies over his shoulder.
Grimmuald was as he remembered it with her. From the day she moved into his home it began to change. It was no longer the home he loathed and remembered from his childhood. This home was something completely different, it was warm, welcoming, and intimate. She'd decorated since he'd been gone. He absently noted the study was a different color that reminded him of the Gryffindor common room. Gods he loved her.
"Hermione!"
Stopping in the hallway to listen for her he frowned not hearing a response. She hadn't been in her office so if she wasn't at home then she was likely at the Burrow. Turning back to the floo he made his way quickly into it calling out for the Burrow.
The aroma of the Burrow swallowed him immediately. Half of their family turned to look at him, Teddy already running at him.
"Uncle Siri!"
"Little wolf," he settle the tiny boy on his hip and made his way into the kitchen impolitely ignoring Remus's call asking him how he was and Harry's playfully snarky, "About time".
"Where are we going?" Teddy asked, his arms wrapped tightly around Sirius's neck.
Sirius leaned his head on the tiny boys, "To find your Aunt Mini. I've missed her."
"She's making dinner with Grandma Molly."
As the little tyke said it Sirius saw her. Sure enough she was at the counter, mixing something while laughing with Molly and Ginny, James on her hip.
"Aunt Mini! I found him!"
"Oh yeah," she answered not yet turning, "Where was Uncle Freddie?"
Gods he voice was sweeter than he remembered.
"Not Uncle Fred," Teddy laughed from his shoulder.
Hermione giggled, "Who did you find-" She turned and froze. "Sirius?" It was a weak whine.
Molly gasped, hand coming over her mouth to smother her own excitement and Ginny gently took James from Hermione. Hermione didn't notice, even as she started walking towards him.
"Hello Kitten."
Teddy squirmed and Sirius set him unceremoniously on the table. If she wasn't so shocked he was sure Molly would have lecture him for it. But Teddy sat down, legs hanging off the edge on his own, legs swinging playfully. When the boy was clear Hermione threw herself at Sirius, who didn't hesitate to wrap his arms around her. Caught up in his euphoria of having her back in his arms it took him a moment but something was different. Pulling away from her he frowned. Hands coming up on both sides of her face her stared at her. It took Hermione a moment to realize what he was doing but when she did she smirked.
"I'll give you three guess."
Suddenly grinning like mad Sirius cocked an eyebrow at her, one hand running through her hair.
"Haircut?"
She shook her head.
Letting his hands trace her body down to her hips he was about to comment about some kind of weight loss, as if she had any to lose, but he stopped abruptly. Her hips felt different. Not by much but he knew his witch, every inch of her. Looking down between them he saw the slight bulge of her lower abdomen.
"Hermione..."
Hermione sniffled, "Sirius."
Slowly looking up to meet her gaze he shook his head while she nodded, "Are you pregnant?"
She smiled, "I'd hope so. Otherwise I've gained a few unnecessary kilo's."
He was shaking. "When?"
Hermione frowned a bit, "When what?"
"When are you due?"
"February nineteenth."
"Boy or girl?"
"I don't know," she smiled, "I was waiting for you."
Sirius chocked, his hands coming to rest on her slightly swollen belly, his forehead dropping to hers. "I want to wait," he whispered feeling his throat close up.
"We can do that," she sighed.
Fin