"What the hell is a Death Eater like you doing in my house, Malfoy?" James demanded of Lucius, pressing him against the wall with his wand at the other wizard's throat.

The blood wards of the Potter Estate had stirred moments before, pulsating energy waking James from his slumber. With cautious steps, James had descended the stairs, his wand gripped firmly in his hand.

Lucius, with a sneer of his own, snapped back, "Remove your hands, Potter. I didn't choose to Apparate into your lion-infested den. It was Regulus who requested it."

Before James could retaliate further, Regulus's body convulsed, and as he rolled onto his side, heaved violently. With a violent retch, he expelled the remnants of the potion, staining the rich carpet. Kreacher rushed forward with a cup of water, and Regulus's trembling fingers reached out to accept it, drinking greedily.

In a voice barely above a whisper, Regulus began to issue instructions to Kreacher, his words laced with urgency. "Kreacher," he implored, "you must return home to Grimmauld Place immediately. Guard my bedroom with your life. If Mother or Father ask about my whereabouts, you must lie to them, protect our secrets." Eyes filled with unwavering loyalty, Kreacher bowed low to his master and disappeared with a faint pop.

"James, remember that favor you owe me? Well, I'm cashing it now," Regulus murmured, before collapsing on the carpet.

James's grip on Lucius's throat loosened slightly as he took in the sight of Regulus's condition. "What the hell happened to him? He reeks of dark magic," he demanded, his voice now laced with worry.

Lucius, still recovering from the tension, straightened his robes and replied, "I don't know the details, Potter. Regulus contacted me tonight, asking for help. He said something about a dangerous mission, and I agreed to assist. We didn't expect to end up here, of all places."

James hesitated for a moment, "Alright," he finally conceded. "We have a guest room upstairs. Narcissa, help Regulus get there, and make sure he's comfortable. Lucius, I'll keep an eye on you while we sort this out. I'm going to call Sirius and tell him his brother is here."

Regulus, still feeling weak and disoriented, began to stir at the sound of his brother's voice outside the room demanding answers about his condition and why Lucius was involved. Groaning softly and wincing a little from the pain, he slowly sat up in the bed, trying to get his bearings. It didn't take long for him to realize that he was indeed in the Potter Manor.

"Fuck," he muttered under his breath, not caring about his language.

"Reggie, bad word."Squinting his eyes, Regulus turned his gaze toward the source of the voice and saw his niece, clad in her pajamas, holding a stuffed bunny rabbit close to her chest. He couldn't help but crack a faint smile at the unexpected sight.

Regulus raised an eyebrow, both amused and confused by the presence of his niece. "What are you doing here, Hermione?" he asked, trying to hide his discomfort.

Hermione took a few cautious steps toward the bed and explained, "I thought you were Uncle Padfoot. He stays here sometimes." She then climbed over to the bed with a little help from Regulus, her big hazel eyes filled with concern. "You hurt, Uncle Reggie?"

Regulus couldn't help but smile at her innocence and kindness. "Just a little, sweetheart," he replied gently, ruffling her hair. "You don't need to worry."

Hermione then held out her bunny to him and said, "Here, Uncle Reggie, you can borrow Artie. He makes me feel better when I'm sick."

Regulus accepted the plush bunny, looking at it with a bemused expression. "Artie, huh? That's a nice name."

Hermione nodded enthusiastically. "Just like you," she said. "Uncle Padfoot told me your name is Artie."

Regulus chuckled softly, correcting her, "It's Arcturus, not Artie."

Hermione frowned for a moment, processing the correction, but then she brightened up and said, "It's the same!"

Regulus couldn't help but laugh at her sweet innocence. "Alright, we'll call it even then. But only if you let me call you Cassie, short for Cassiopeia," he said with a mischievous grin.

Hermione's eyes lit up with excitement, and she eagerly extended her pinky finger. "Deal," she said, sealing the pact with a pinky promise.

Just as they made their agreement, the door to the room burst open, and Sirius barged in, followed closely by Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Hermione, suddenly shy in the presence of the newcomers, hid behind Regulus's back. Regulus gently picked her up, reassuring her, "Don't worry, Cassie. These are Uncle Reggie's friends."

He pointed toward Narcissa and said, "Hermione, this lady right here is your Aunt Narcissa."

Narcissa, who looked like she was going to burst into tears, offered Hermione a warm smile. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Hermione," she said softly.

Then, Regulus turned his attention to Lucius and pointed at him, saying, "And that tall, grumpy man is your Uncle Lucius." He couldn't help but chuckle at the thought of Lucius being grumpy, earning a mock glare from the blond wizard.

Lucius, despite his stern exterior, gave Hermione a small smile. "Hello, Hermione." he greeted her.

Hermione regarded the Malfoys with curiosity. "This is Artie," she said, holding out her bunny, making everybody in the room laugh.

The atmosphere in the room shifted as James and Lily entered, their expressions serious.

"Regulus, the Order is here and they want to talk to you about last night," James explained.

Lily leaned in and whispered to James, "Someone needs to look after Hermione during the meeting."

James nodded in agreement, "I can always call my parents, they have to come to the meeting anyways, but you know that they'll skip it to take care of Hermione."

Narcissa, who had been observing the situation, spoke up. "James, Lily, Lucius and I can look after Hermione if you'd like. It's no trouble at all, and I would genuinely love to get to know her better."

James and Lily exchanged a silent but meaningful glance, weighing their options. Finally, Lily spoke up and said, "Thank you, Narcissa. We appreciate it. Hermione, you're going to stay with your uncle and aunt for a little while, alright? You have to be on your best behavior."

Sirius chimed in with a mischievous grin, "And I promise, little one, that if you're good, I'll buy you an ice cream."

Lily couldn't help but roll her eyes at Sirius's antics and gave him a light smack on the back of the head. "You're such a child, Sirius."

Hermione giggled at Sirius scolding and nodded enthusiastically. "Okay, Uncle Padfoot. I promise to be good!"

With that settled, James and Lily approached Hermione, each giving her a loving hug. James said, "We have to do something important with your uncle Regulus, principessa, but you're in good hands with Uncle Lucius and Aunt Narcissa."

Lily added, "Just remember to listen to them and be polite, alright?"

Hermione nodded and hugged them both tightly. "I will, Mum, Dad. Don't worry."

In the East Wing of Potter Manor, the members of the Order of the Phoenix gathered, their faces etched with a mix of anticipation and skepticism. Dumbledore sat at the head of the table, his piercing blue eyes fixed on Regulus, who was recounting the events of the previous night at the cave.

Regulus, with a somber expression, began to speak, "Last night, Lucius and I went to the cave. Voldemort, he... he placed a locket there." He paused for a moment to gather his thoughts. "So far, he has five Horcruxes that I know of - the ring, the diary, the cup, the diadem, and the locket."

Murmurs of surprise and concern rippled through the room as the gravity of his words settled in. The knowledge that Voldemort had created Horcruxes, splitting his soul to achieve immortality, was chilling.

Regulus continued, "Lucius and I created a replica of the locket and left it in the cave. The real one is with me now. Lucius has the diary hidden away in the Malfoy vault."

Moody, his magical eye spinning, was the first to voice his doubts. "Why should we believe a Death Eater?" he growled. "This could be a trap."

Sirius, his voice steely and protective, cut in, "Watch your words, Moody. That's my brother you're talking about. Regulus risked his life to bring us this information. He could've died in that bloody cave last night."

Moody didn't back down, his grizzled face etched with suspicion. "You expect us to trust a Malfoy and a Black just like that?"

Dumbledore, the voice of reason and authority in the room, interjected, "Alastor, while caution is warranted, Regulus is telling the truth."

Moody turned his scrutinous gaze to Dumbledore, his skepticism undiminished. "You believe all this pile of shite that's come out of his mouth, Dumbledore?"

Dumbledore's expression remained calm, but his eyes glinted with deep, contemplative knowledge. "I have my methods to verify the truth of his words, Alastor."

As the discussion shifted towards James and Lily's impending departure into hiding, Charlus spoke up, concern etched on his face. "We need to discuss when and how they're going into hiding, Albus. Our granddaughter's safety is of the utmost importance."

Dumbledore, his gaze steady and wise, acknowledged Charlus's words. "I believe we have a plan in place. James and Lily, as you know, were gifted Godric's Hollow as a wedding present and I plan to use that place as their hiding spot."

"The plan is simple. After New Year's, the Potters will go into hiding, disappearing from the world. James, Lily, you must not venture outside unless absolutely necessary, and if you do, use the Invisibility Cloak."

Dumbledore's gaze shifted to Sirius, who was leaning against the wall. "Any visit must be cut short; the Potters don't have a pet, so I expect not to see a rather large dog roaming around, inadvertently revealing James' and Lily's whereabouts."

James and Lily nodded in agreement with the plan. However, it was Sirius who voiced his protest, "But Albus, that's barely a month away! I want to be there for my little niece's first Christmas."

Dumbledore, his expression unwavering, replied, "Sirius, you must think of Hermione. New Year's will give us just the time we need to make everything secure. We'll use the Fidelius Charm to hide them," He then turned to James and Lily, asking, "Have you decided on your Secret Keeper?"

James and Lily exchanged glances again, their choice unspoken but understood. Dumbledore, however, insisted, "I still suggest my first proposition: use Severus as your Secret Keeper. He is the safest option, and I trust him."

Regulus, who had been silently observing Severus Snape, snapped his head toward Dumbledore at the mention of the Secret Keeper. Adrenaline coursed through him, and without missing a beat, he thundered, his eyes blazing with fierce protectiveness, "I am not entrusting my goddaughter's safety to Severus. Snape won't touch a hair on Hermione's head, or Salazar help me, I'll end him."

Frank Longbottom shook his head in disbelief, his voice filled with shock as he asked, "Did I hear that correctly? James and Lily Potter have made Regulus Black, a Slytherin and a known Death Eater, the godfather of their daughter over Sirius, James's best friend?"

Regulus, now realizing the weight of his outburst, began to blush but was interrupted by James, who said firmly, "Yes, Regulus is my daughter's godfather. Hermione loves him, and Regulus has been nothing but gentle with her. If anyone has a problem with Regulus being Hermione's godfather, speak now."

Moody, never the one to stay quiet, voiced his skepticism, "Regulus Black being Hermione's godfather is as true as Voldemort embracing Muggles with open arms. We all know that Hermione's real godfather is Sirius."

Sirius, seeing the chaos unfold, couldn't resist adding fuel to the fire. He dramatically placed a hand over his heart and turned to James, asking in mock disbelief, "Prongsie, mate, were you drunk when you named Regulus over me?"

Lily's patience finally wore thin, and she snapped, her voice carrying a note of frustration, "Enough! Shut up, all of you!"

She turned to Dumbledore, her tone more composed but firm, "Albus, James and I agree with the plan, but we need to be informed about every step and any slight changes, no keeping information to yourself."

Addressing Sirius, Lily gently added, "You don't have to worry about missing Hermione's first Christmas, Sirius. There will be plenty more to come."

James chimed in, trying to ease the tension, "Pads, you can still get Hermione a Yule present. I'll make sure she gets it."

As Dumbledore resumed the meeting, he nodded at the Potters and the Black brothers, saying, "Very well. We will meet again the morning of January first in Godric's Hollow to proceed with the plan. Until then, be careful and prepare yourselves."

As everyone Disapparated away, James and Regulus stood silently, hazel eyes boring into gray ones until Regulus nodded solemnly, making James draw a small smile. Regulus had accepted the responsibility of becoming their Secret Keeper.

In the tranquil gardens of Potter Manor, Lucius and Narcissa sat on a bench,with Hermione nestled comfortably on Lucius's lap. Hermione, it seemed, was proving to be quite the chatterbox.

Hermione, her tongue sticking out in concentration, was carefully coloring the Dark Mark on her uncle's arm. Narcissa gazed down at her with eyes filled with wonder, utterly captivated by the child's innocence. She couldn't help but smile as Hermione chatted away.

"I like to read books," Hermione began, her voice melodic. "Daddy reads me bedtime stories, and he makes funny voices for all the characters."

Lucius couldn't help but chuckle softly; of course, James Potter would make silly voices. "That sounds wonderful, Hermione," he replied, his aristocratic facade softening. "If you ever get tired of the books here, I have a lot of books that I could give you."

In the distance, the sound of barking echoed through the garden, growing louder as it approached. Sirius, in his Animagus form, was trotting his way towards his favorite niece. His tail wagged eagerly as he closed the gap between them.

Hermione's eyes widened with excitement as she spotted her uncle approaching. "Uncle Padfoot!" she exclaimed, wriggling in Lucius's lap to get a better view.

Sirius reached them, his doggy grin unmistakable, and he nuzzled Hermione affectionately. She giggled as she reached out to pat his furry head.

James, Lily, and Regulus followed closely behind, their footsteps echoing on the garden path. Regulus was profusely apologizing to both James and Lily, his voice filled with regret.

"I'm truly sorry, James, Lily," Regulus began, his expression contrite. "I just wasn't thinking back then. When I heard Severus Snape could be your secret keeper, I snaped. I love Hermione, and I believe in winning this war, but I don't trust Severus or Dumbledore to keep Hermione safe."

Lily, with a warm smile, interrupted Regulus's apologies, saying, "Regulus, there's no need to apologize. We couldn't ask for a better godfather for Hermione. She adores you, and she loves hearing about Uncle Padfoot's stories from when you were young."

James chimed in with a chuckle, "And don't you forget, even her bunny is named after you. Sirius was a little put out that we didn't go with 'Thumper.' But seriously, what I said inside was true. We've talked a lot with Sirius about this, and we want you as Hermione's godfather."

Regulus, with a playful glint in his eyes, teased, "Well, in that case, be prepared for the possibility that Hermione might end up being a Slytherin."

James shrieked in horror, "La mia Hermione, la mia bella principessa è una piccola leonessa, sarà una Gryffindor" and rushed over to where Sirius and Hermione were playing, leaving Regulus and Lily behind.

(My Hermione, my beautiful little princess is a little lioness, she'll be a Gryffindor)

Lily and Regulus lingered behind, and Regulus gestured toward the scene in front of them. "Lily, look at that," he said softly.

Lily followed his gaze, her eyes falling on the image of James throwing Hermione into the air, Sirius barking happily beside them, and the Malfoys sitting on a bench, watching with smiles as Hermione played with her father and uncle.

Regulus then turned to Lily and spoke earnestly, "That, Lily, is what I'm fighting for. For my family to be safe, to have moments like these without fear."

In a hushed voice, Regulus softly added, "Did you know that Narcissa lost a baby around the time Hermione was born?"

Lily gasped, shaking her head sadly. "No, I didn't." Suddenly, she blurted out, "Reggie, do you think Narcissa would make a good godmother?"

Regulus considered the question for a moment before replying, "Narcissa is fiercely protective of her loved ones. If you trust her, I think she would make an excellent godmother for Hermione. Are you considering her for the position?"

Lily replied, "It's a reasonable thought. We need godparents who won't be a dead giveaway to the Death Eaters or Voldemort. Narcissa is married to Lucius, one of the most prominent Death Eaters, so nobody would suspect her. Dorcas and Marlene are obvious choices because they were my dorm mates, and that's risky."

She continued, voice trembling, "James and I are terrified, Regulus, even though we don't show it. We need people outside Dumbledore's influence on the sidelines, people who are loyal to Hermione. If anything were to happen to us, we want to ensure Hermione's safety."

Regulus nodded, understanding her concerns. He assured her, "Narcissa and Lucius will be ecstatic if you decide to name Narcissa as godmother. You're right; nobody would suspect her. And remember, Hermione has Black blood running through her veins. Our House motto is 'Toujours Pur.' It doesn't always mean blood, Lily. The Blacks protect their own, and I promise you, Hermione has the protection of House Black."

Lily couldn't help but be moved by Regulus's words. She suddenly hugged him tightly, and Regulus embraced her, reassuring her that everything would be okay. In a lighter tone, he added, "Well, look at that, Hermione might end up being a Slytherin after all"

Lily laughed and replied, "Don't let James hear you say that; he's convinced she'll end up in Gryffindor. But I also know his love for Hermione will overlook whichever house she ends up in."

Regulus couldn't resist teasing Lily with a bet on Hermione's sorting, "I'll bet you 50 galleons that Hermione ends up in Slytherin."

Lily playfully retorted, "Oh, you're on! I bet 50 galleons that Hermione ends up in Gryffindor." She paused, then added, "But just for fun, I'll also bet 15 galleons that if she ends up in Slytherin, James and Sirius will send her a Howler in tears because she's in the 'snake pit.'"