Happy (?) Battle of Hogwarts! Here's a chapter for your pleasure! As always, let me know what you think!


Monday, July 10, 1995

The following morning, Hermione awoke to the shrieking of Walburga Black. She dragged herself out of bed, unwilling to miss whatever was going on downstairs. When she arrived, Remus and Andi were attempting to quiet the screaming portrait, while a muscular woman with bright pink hair looked quite embarrassed by the whole scene. Sirius came slumping down the stairs behind her and flicked his wand at the portrait, shutting her up promptly.

"Well that wasn't the wakeup call I was hoping for," he pouted at Remus with a wink who flushed.

"Don't be gross, Sirius!" Hermione groaned, rolling her eyes when Sirius winked at her.

"Well now that you're all up, we have things to discuss," Andi tutted, leading the way into the dining room.

"Kreacher," Remus said, when the house elf appeared at his elbow, he continued, "Could you please bring us our breakfasts? Sirius and I usually have a full English, but Hermione has oatmeal, bacon, and fruit. What would you two like?"

"Full English," chirped the pink haired witch.

"I'll have the same as Hermione," Andromeda said kindly to the elf.

"If that be all," Kreacher croaked.

"Thank you, Kreacher!" Hermione said as he popped away.

"I believe some introductions are in order," Andromeda said, turning toward Hermione. "Hermione, this is your cousin, Nymphadora Tonks. Dora, this is Hermione."

"Wotcher!" Tonks chirped as her hair grew out to mimic Hermione's curls exactly.

"Hello, that's amazing, Nymphadora! I can't wait to get to Human Transfiguration!" Hermione said excitedly.

"Please call me Tonks," but when she caught her mother's raised eyebrow, added, "Since you're family, I suppose you can call me Dora. I'm a Metamorphagus actually, it was one of those Black Family Traits that they thought died out. Apparently it just needed an infusion of new blood."

"Dora, then! Oh, how fascinating. Sirius, Aunt Andi would that be something I could pass on to my children?" Hermione gushed.

"Unfortunately it only shows up once a generation and it usually sticks to the same branch, so it would probably be Dora's kid as long as she doesn't marry someone too closely related," Sirius said with a shrug.

"Yes well, two Metamorphmagi would be just a bit too much for my tastes, we already had our hands full with this one," Andromeda said with an affectionately exasperated voice.

"One of the other reasons we're here is to get a handle on Dora's Magic. She's always been quite strong with a little dilution in the Blood and Magic from my husband Ted, but now that she's been reintroduced to the Black Magic it has increased exponentially."

Dora snorted a laugh, "What a nice way to say that, Mum," she turned to the other three with a glint in her eyes. "So I'm at work yesterday, finishing up my Auror training, and we were cleaning up some splatter from a practice crime scene and I cast a run-of-the-mill Scourgify, and all of the paint on the walls came off. Let's just say Kingsley was not pleased."

SIrius roared with laughter. "I'd have liked to see the look on that old grouch's face. Kings and I go way back." Remus let out a bit of a growl. "No need to be jealous, love, you got the guy in the end."

Remus rolled his eyes, "I might be sending you back if you keep that up."

Hermione chuckled at the banter between the two men. "The other reason Dora and I are here is to hold our first etiquette lesson. Then Dora has to bounce off to patrol for work and Hermione and I will start the planning for the renovations. I'm hoping to have the house in tip top shape in two weeks so we can have a formal tea with Cissa."

"I uh-" Remus started.

"Moony you have to! You promised!" Hermione pouted at him. He sighed and rested his head on his arms on the table.

"Lesson one!" Andromeda said, standing. "Sit up straight!" She waved her wand and her three pupils were forced to sit tall. She waved her wand again and a white board appeared behind her.

Pre-Eating Etiquette

- Invitations

- Always respond or RSVP (even if not asked for)

- Never bring uninvited guests (or ask to bring them)

- If your family is invited, you may ask if your children can come, as long as they've learned their manners

- Gifting

- Always bring a hostess gift

- Never expect your gift to be used at the meal

- When attending a birthday, always get something that is reasonably formal and priced based on your relationship

- Seating

- If there are no place cards, ask the host for the seating preferences

- Wait until the host sits before you do

- Exceptions - the male host pulls out the chair for a woman

- When a blessing is said, regardless of personal belief, show respect and be silent.

- If the host offers a toast, lift your glass, but do not "clink"

- Napkins

- Your host/hostess is your cue to begin

- Once they unfold their napkin, you should do the same and place it in your lap

- If you're dining out, place your napkin in your lap immediately after sitting

- Your napkin should remain in your lap until you're finished eating

- If you must get up at any point in the meal, place your napkin on either side of your plate

- When you're done eating, place your napkin on the left side of your plate

- When to Eat

- When dining out, wait until everyone is served before lifting your fork

- At a private dinner, lift your fork when the host/hostess does

- At a buffet, you may start when others at your table are seated.

"Mum!" Dora groaned. "That doesn't even include the meal!"

Andromeda chuckled. "I know, but I promise that all of those Purebloods will be watching you like a hawk, wanting to gossip about how you don't have any class. These may feel foolish, but they're critical."

Dora looked to Sirius pleadingly, who shrugged. "If we're going to make changes in the way things are run, we have to play the game. In a generation or two, hopefully this shite won't be necessary, but until then, we will make do." he shook his napkin out and readjusted it on his lap quite arrogantly. "I'm expecting all meals that are held at this table to follow the etiquette rules. We can dictate who is the host each time so we all get some practice."

Remus sighed rather loudly. "I did say at this table, didn't I?" Sirius said with a smirk. "We still have many other tables in this house, we're just going to treat this one like a formal table until it's second nature to all of us. "

When they had all finished their meal, eating as carefully as they could, Dora jumped out and rushed out the door calling out that she was going to be late for her shift.

Remus and Sirius made themselves scarce after the meal, leaving Hermione and Andromeda alone. They walked out to the front entryway and slowly wandered through the first floor of the house. As they went, Andromeda listed off what each room was or would become.

"Let's talk about the colour scheme," Andromeda said as they sat in the parlour with the Black Family tapestry. "What are you thinking? Since you live with two fathers, we wouldn't want to make it overly feminine, but because you're designing it we need to show that you had a hand."

"Uhm, what do you mean?"

"Hmmm," she pursed her lips and squinted a bit. "Alright, I've got it. When you picture your pureblood home, what colour scheme do you picture, Spring, Summer, Autumn, or Winter?"

"I suppose I picture a winter scheme, greys and creams?" Hermione said, closing her eyes.

"That's excellent, Hermione!" Andromeda cheered, clapping her hands. "I think as an homage to your Gryffindor ties a grey, cream, and pops of gold would do well on this floor. Now let's walk around and decide if we want to keep the furniture or purchase all new things. The drapes and walls will have to be re-done of course," she said, ticking off things. "What do you think of the portraits?"

"Well…" Hermione said, looking around. "I think I'd like to update to a light striped wallpaper in grey and cream, I think keeping the furniture, but updating it gives a nod to the Black family, but also welcomes us into this century. I'd like to remove any portraits that spew Blood Purity and other nonsense, but would be alright keeping the ones who have mellowed. It would be nice to get some landscapes. I insist on removing the House Elf heads! They're utterly barbaric!"

Andromeda nodded as she followed Hermione around room by room, taking notes as they went. After they had a large list, and some rough drawings of the spaces, Andromeda called up the stairs.

"Boys! I'm taking Hermione to Diagon to look at fabrics and wallpapers! We'll be back before dinner."

When they didn't respond, Andromeda took Hermione's arm and apparated them to the Apparition point in Diagon Alley. The rest of the day was spent going shop by shop and checking off everything from their list. They had Kreacher bring the furniture that they'd wanted refurbished to Brown Woods and Furnishings, where they saw Lavender lounging at the counter.

"Good Morning-" she'd said cheerfully then huffed when she noticed it was Hermione. "What do you want?"

Andromeda stood to her full pureblood height and looked down her nose at the girl. "The Most Ancient and Noble House of Black has long worked with the Brown family on their furnishings. Is this no longer a place where we are welcome?"

At her pronouncement, a woman who looked a lot like Lavender came sputtering out of the back. "Of course we cater to House Black!" she shrieked. Andromeda looked at Hermione who lifted an eyebrow to Lavender, who'd crossed her arms.

"I don't think this is the type of establishment we should be frequenting, Auntie," Hermione said, turning back to Andromeda, whose eyes were sparkling with mirth. "I've heard of a new shop that runs in the Muggle and Wizarding world. That seems much more in line with our family's goals."

"Quite right, niece," Andromeda said, holding out her arm and turning to leave.

"Well I'm sure that won't be necessary!" shrieked Mrs. Brown, "Lavender please tell your friend that we have all the latest things here.

Lavender just looked between Hermione and Andromeda and sneered, "I don't think we have what they would be looking for here, Mother." With a sharp nod, Hermione and Andromeda left the store, trying to hold back their giggles as Lavender explained to her mother that Hermione was just a Muggleborn and that she wasn't a Black by any means.

They finally made it to Davidson Furniture, which had been established in the Wizarding World for generations, but had branched out to the Muggle world in 1986 when their son had married a Muggleborn Witch, they were quite popular.

When they got inside, the young witch was happy to help them lay out their design and plan out the reupholstering of all of the furniture. By the time they'd left, Andromeda, the temporary Head of House Black, until Sirius could be cleared had dropped a pretty penny.

"So we have the rest of the week to finish the cleaning and refinishing of the floors and redoing the wallpaper. I know you're going to meet the Muggle lawyer on Thursday, but we should have everything done by Saturday for the delivery. Ted and Dora are going to come tomorrow to help Sirius, you and I and the Tonks' will work on Thursday, and Friday we should be wrapping up and putting down our new rugs and such!"

Hermione grinned at her aunt. "We have one more stop," Andromeda continued. "I know that Sirius and Remus said they would re-outfit you with Wizarding robes, but they have no idea what a young Pureblood Heiress needs. We have to go and get you some new clothes."

"Will we be going to Madam Malkins?" Hermione asked as they started to wander down Diagon Alley.

"No, I want to go to a shop run by a cousin. Ophelia married a Muggle right after her apprenticeship with Madam Malkin ended and let's just say she was not welcomed kindly to the Rosier Family Christmas that year. The new face of the Black Family needs to push the boundaries while embracing tradition. Ophelia does an excellent job of merging Muggle and Wizarding wear."

They walked into the shop and a beautiful woman with honey coloured hair greeted them, gushing about the past dinner that Andromeda and she had attended. They moved toward the back.

"Phee," Andromeda said, "meet my niece, Hermione Granger Black, the Heir to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black." Ophelia's eyebrows shot up. "Hermione will be needing a full wardrobe with robes for everything from tea to a formal dinner party. She'll also be needing things that she can wear more casually in the wizarding world."

Hermione held back her chuckle as the woman looked like she was going to pass out from the words that Andromeda was saying. Hermione cleared her throat. "Yes that is all good and well, but I am still a Muggleborn, I will never be the Proper Pureblood Princess so I would love to see some of your more Muggle inspired designs."

Ophelia almost fainted. "You, Ms. Black are my dream come true." The next hour was spent with Hermione being measured and poked and prodded. Different fabrics were held up to her face and different cuts were discussed ad nauseum. By the time they made it back to a rather empty looking Grimmauld Place, Hermione wasn't sure if she'd be able to stand again.

She brought her one garment bag of clothing, one set of tea robes, one set of formal robes, and one set of more casual robes up to her room. When the things were hung, she collapsed onto her bed. Andromeda had come up to the second floor study to chat with Sirius about their shopping expedition.

Hermione rolled onto her side and stared at the picture of her parents. "You wouldn't believe my life, Mum and Dad. It's sort of like one of those films that you used to love, Mum. It feels a bit like I'm in a dream, but honestly the way the rest of them act it's like this is normal."

She heard a chuckle from the doorway. Remus stood with his arms crossed, leaning against the doorframe. "That was one of the things that Peter and I used to talk about before…" he trailed off and after a grimace continued. "The Purebloods are so focused on optics, it feels a bit like a film. The way that James and Sirius threw money around when we were kids was always a bit uncomfortable. My dad never made much, and the little he did definitely didn't go to me, especially after my Mum got sick," he sighed.

Hermione patted the bed next to her. He walked over and laid down next to her. "Is he still around?"

Remus shook his head, "No, he passed about five years ago. We did get a chance to reunite before and he apologised for how he treated me, but it doesn't really make up for the rest of it, does it?"

Hermione just hummed and rolled over so that her head was resting on his shoulder. "I guess you'll just have to do better with me then, hm?"

"Yes," he chuckled. "Have to make sure my husband doesn't spoil you too badly, but you'll never wonder if we care about you. I never imagined a life like this, Pup."

"I've been feeling a little guilty, like I don't miss them enough," Hermione sighed.

"I think that's normal," Remus said softly. "After my Mum died, it was really tough, but as soon as I was back at school I found myself forgetting. There was so much going on. It's going to hit at random times, but know that Sirius and I will never hold that against you. We're glad you chose us, but we also know that you had a whole life with your parents that we weren't a part of."

"I just, sometimes I feel guilty because Harry never had parents and here I am with two brilliant sets! The things he's let slip about the Dursleys… he should have been taken away, but every time Mum and Dad would report to the NSPCC nothing would happen!" Hermione felt tears begin to fall. "I just don't understand why someone would want to hurt a child!"

Remus sat up and pulled her into a hug. "We're going to make sure he never has to go back there, Pup. We're going to work ourselves to the bone to get him freed." Remus held her as she cried for her parents and for Harry.


That evening the three of them had a picnic in the second floor drawing room. "I've been thinking about this room," said Remus. "I think we should make it our family room. I'd like to figure out how to get a telly set up in here and just sort of make it our room for hanging out together. What do you two think?"

"I think that's brill," said Sirius. "The first floor can be for all of those stuffy meetings and this can be our fun room!"

"The library is on the first floor and it's going to be very nice when Aunt Andi and I are done!" Hermione pouted.

Remus chuckled. "Yes, Siri! The library is fun! Just because you can't appreciate the wonder of a good book, doesn't mean the other Blacks can't!"

Hermione and Remus high fived and looked toward Sirius. "The-the other Blacks. You two are really mine, aren't you?" His eyes were tearing up.

"Of course we are!" Hermione said, throwing her arms around Sirius. "The three of us, plus the Tonks' are going to turn around our name. Did Aunt Andi tell you about the shops we went to? You should have seen Lavender's face when we left! She thought I was bluffing!" Hermione laughed.

"Are you sure you weren't supposed to be in Slytherin, Kitten?" Sirius said with a twinkle in his eye.

"Well…" she started quieting. "The hat did offer, but told me that I'd face a lot of prejudice there. I already got enough growing up being Black, I didn't think I wanted to face it again, so I asked for something else. I for sure thought it was going to place me in Ravenclaw!"

"Yet here we are, a house of Gryffindors. It wanted to put me in Hufflepuff," said Sirius with a smirk. "I was not having it. I only wanted Gryffindor."

"It talked about putting me in Ravenclaw," added Remus, smiling softly.

"Look at us, a trio of misplaced Gryffindors!" Sirius barked. The three of them fell back into peels of laughter.

When they'd calmed down, Hermione turned to the two of them. "Are you two ready to clean tomorrow? Do you think we could get Harry and potentially Ron to come and help on Friday? Most of the big stuff should be done by then and if we can convince the Weasleys to let them stay the night, we could do an etiquette lesson on Saturday?"

"That sounds like a good plan, Pup!" Remus said. "I know that Siri here has never had to work a day in his life so be prepared for a lot of whinging."

Hermione scoffed good naturedly, "At least you can use Magic!"

"Oh but Kitten, didn't we tell you? With all the Magic in Grimmauld Place no one could detect underage magic! You're free to use it here!" Sirius smirked.

Before Hermione could respond, Remus added, "Within reason! If you're trying something you haven't before, please make sure to have one of us on hand. Untested magic can be dangerous and we're not sure how the adoption will have affected your abilities."

"That makes sense," Hermione said thoughtfully. "I can't wait to see how it all manifests! Can we practise now?"

Sirius chuckled. "Black Magic is known for Transfiguration, and Remus has always been quite good at DADA. Give us a whirl!"

"Orchideous!" Hermione said, waving her wand. And it was easy. A gorgeous bouquet of Aloe, pink carnation, cornflower, and yellow pansies appeared.

"That's brill, Kitten!" clapped Sirius, "Aloe is for grief and affection, pink carnations mean I'll never forget you, cornflower means be gentle with me, and yellow pansies mean thinking of you. Very poetic."

Hermione felt herself sniffle. "I didn't even mean-" she felt the tears start to fall.

Remus and Sirius both pulled her into a hug, Sirius whispered, "The beauty of Black Transfigurations, we don't have to use as much intention as with the other branches."

When she'd cleared her tears, she pulled out her wand, "I've never tried this one before, but Harry could do it Third Year, so I'm going to try. Expecto Patronum!"

A burst of mist came out of her wand, stronger than she was expecting. "Non-corporeal, but if you'd done that on your first try, I would have pulled you out of Hogwarts and sent you to the Department of Mysteries!" chuckled Remus.

"I know I've already said this today, but I'm glad you picked us, Pup. There isn't anyone else I'd rather have as my daughter." With that, all three of them were in tears, and none of them were sure if they were happy or sad.


Thank you to BeaxT for betaing this chap for me! I so appreciate you.

And bam2305 for being you!

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