Chapter 23:

When Regulus finally woke up, it was a bit violently, he'd seen Sirius in the seat beside him and fallen out of his bed. A terrified look on his face, as he kept trying to stand only to fall, his legs not steady enough to support his weight yet. He didn't even try speaking at first, she wasn't sure if he even remembered what happened to him, waking up seeing his estranged brother would have given anyone a fright.

It was the day before Hermione was to marry James, so the house was a bit hectic with last minute preparations, not that Hermione was allowed to see any of it. Since she hadn't wanted to be involved in the planning, she wasn't allowed to ruin the effect, was what Dorea said when she blocked Hermione from going into the ballroom. Charlus had laughed saying with how glossy eyed Dorea had been at their wedding, he doubted Hermione would be able to focus on anything other then James.

It was only because of her monitoring charms, that Hermione had even been aware that Regulus was waking up. Rushing upstairs, arriving right when Regulus fell out of bed, Sirius hadn't left his side to often, other then when he was dealing with his duties as James's best man. Regulus had drifted in and out occasionally, but the boy hadn't been aware of anything until now, his eyes glassy and unseeing the last couple of times he'd woken.

"Kreacher," she called, knowing the elf would want to see his Master was awake, and also knowing seeing Kreacher would calm Regulus. With the way Regulus's magic was thick in the air it would be a bad idea for her to even check on him before he calmed down. The boy didn't need to get worked up right now, he had a lot of healing ahead of him because of the dark magic he'd been exposed to.

The elf popped into the room, wailing when he saw Regulus on the floor, throwing himself on his Master. It was odd seeing the cantankerous old elf cry. Regulus seemed to calm when he realized that his elf wouldn't be so accepting of being here if Regulus was in danger, patting the elf's head gently, as if he was used to this type of behaviour from Kreacher.

"Reg," Sirius choked out, looking relieved, as he looked at his brother. "How are you feeling?"

Hermione scoffed, "don't start asking him questions just yet Sirius. He only just woke up. Now Kreacher can you help Regulus back into bed and then get him something to drink and some broth from the kitchen?"

"Yes Ms. Healer," it was still odd being called that by Kreacher, but at least it was better than being called Mudblood by him. With a snap of Kreacher's fingers Regulus was back in bed being levitated as gently as Kreacher could manage with his magic. "I's be right back Master Regulus. No talking 'till you drink." He ordered before popping away to head to the kitchen.

Hermione wasn't even sure if Regulus would be able to talk right away. The damage to his throat from the potion had been extensive. Augusta and her had healed it as best as they could, but some damage couldn't be reverted, even by magic.

"You are at Potter Manor, I'm Healer Hermione Evans, James Potter's fiancée. I know you have a lot of questions, and we will answer them as best as we can. For now, please trust Kreacher and allow me to do some more tests. Some are most accurate when you're awake."

Regulus nodded. Looking at her with a calculating gaze, his eyes avoiding his brother. Hermione wondered if Sirius and Regulus's relationship would ever be healed.

With his consent Hermione started casting spells to check his vitals. There was still that tinge of taint left behind by dark magic, but it was no longer clinging to him like vines trying to strangle Regulus's magic. His magic was still sluggish, but on the way to healing. Regulus would be on limited usage for the moment, needing to start slowly to not damage his core. It was lucky that his panic making his magic rouse to protect him hadn't done any damage.

Otherwise, he seemed as healthy as could be expected after the potion he'd drank. They would only know if his vocal cords had been damaged beyond repair when he tried to speak. Hermione wasn't going to bring that worry up to him. With magicals sometimes knowing the worst outcome made it happen, as their fear manifested in their magic, doing untold damage that could only be reversed a quarter of the time. Its why healers had to be careful of what they told their patients, without sugar coating things at the same time. Unfortunately, there was just more that could go wrong when magic was in the mix.

Kreacher popped back in with a bowl of broth and a mug of tea. Both warmed enough it wouldn't affect the taste, but not enough to hurt Regulus's throat more than it already must be. The tea had a straw to help Regulus drink it. The spoon for the soup was charmed to make sure none spilled, a charm usually used when feeding toddlers, but helped quite a bit when it came to helping feed patients who'd come out of coma's or were too weak to feed themselves.

"Master Regulus must let Kreacher feed him. You's must be getting better!" The elf scolded when Regulus shakily lifted a hand to try and take the spoon from the bowl the elf was holding.

A tray was placed beside the bed for Kreacher to place the broth and tea on. Regulus sighed but waved towards the tea, looking content to finally parch his thirst when the elf held the cup and straw in place for Regulus to drink from. When he let go of the straw Kreacher swiftly switched the cup with the bowl. Holding the spoon to Regulus's mouth and feeding him about a quarter of the bowl before Regulus shook his head to stop.

"Th..a..n…k yo….u," Regulus croaked out, looking pained as he tried to speak.

"You've been out of it for a while Regulus. It will take you a while to be able to speak properly again. The potion you drank did extensive damage, we healed it, but the trauma is still there. Do not force yourself to speak. Forcing too much could permanently damage your voice. You must limit the amount you speak for now."

Regulus nodded that he understood. Hermione knew he still had a lot of questions. Including why his elf was fine taking orders from her. Sirius could have been explained, but it was clear that the elf was ignoring the other born Black in the room.

"Sirius would you mind going to get Harry. I think it's time to explain to Regulus why Kreacher went against his orders."

Plus, Sirius and the others hadn't been told about the Horcruxes. They may know that she and Harry were from the future, but they were still keeping that information close to the chest. So she needed to make sure she reassured Regulus that it had been destroyed before the boy remembered why exactly he'd ended up in such bad shape.

"Hermione…"

"No," she cut him off before he could demand she not be left alone with his brother or to send Kreacher instead of him. "I am a healer, but that doesn't mean I can't handle myself, my grandfather made sure I could protect myself. Besides Regulus is too injured magically to be able to hurt me, please go and get Harry before I kick you out and not allow you back in."

Sirius pouted but left. Hermione was just glad that even wanting to make sure she wasn't left alone with his brother had him disregarding Dorea's rule about no apparating in the house unless if it was an emergency. It gave her enough time to talk to Regulus before his brother returned.

"We don't have much time before he's back. The soul container was destroyed, I'm saying it that way in case there is a taboo on the word. My blood bonded brother Harry and I have known about them for a while. This is not the first one we've dealt with. Kreacher was with Harry when it was destroyed."

"Ms. Healer tells the truth Master Regulus! It be's destroyed."

Relief came over Regulus's face knowing he hadn't failed in his mission. Before tears poured down his face, as it properly hit him that he was alive. That he hadn't died in his mission. That he'd be around when Voldemort was killed once and for all.

"You are going to have to stay with us. We can't risk him finding out that someone knows about them. You need to be in hiding. We hope it won't be much longer before we destroy the ones that remain and can fight him head on." Regulus glanced at her stomach in shock at her words. "I'm hoping it won't take so long that I've given birth, I know I can't be on the front lines as long as I'm carrying the twins."

The door opened and Harry entered with Sirius close on his heels. Harry looked a bit exasperated, although she wasn't sure if Sirius had been annoying Harry about his worry for his brother or hitting on Harry again. Honestly, Hermione was rooting for the two of them, but she knew there were a lot of hangups Harry had over getting romantically involved with the man who had in another time been his godfather.

"Regulus it's nice to meet you. It's hard for me to explain right now, too many people know the how, which is dangerous as long as the Dark Wanker exists, but I am Lord Black. My name is Harry Evans. Kreacher was ordered to bring you to me if you were ever in mortal peril. Because of how hard it would be to explain I haven't come forward as the true Lord Black, it gives me an edge in this war we are fighting."

Hermione could see the absolute shock in Regulus's eyes from Harry's words. Probably having thought he'd be the heir himself since Sirius had been disowned. Hopefully it wouldn't cause any tension between Harry and Regulus. Harry had enough to worry about already.

"We will keep you safe Regulus," Hermione promised.

He nodded his head, but looked like he needed some time. Hermione knew he'd been through a lot, so she decided it was best to leave Regulus to his thoughts. Kreacher would be fine monitoring Regulus and the old elf would get her immediately if he thought something was wrong.

"Let's go Sirius, what your brother needs most right now is rest. Kreacher, I trust you'll be alright sitting with Regulus?"

"Of course, I's watch young master. I get's Ms. Healer if he get's sick."

Sirius looked like he wanted to protest, but Harry just grabbed his arm and dragged him out of the room. Silencing Sirius with a small wave of his wand when the other man tried to argue. Hermione knew that it had been hard for Sirius to leave his brother's bedside the last few days.

Hopefully Regulus wouldn't turn bitter. He got a new chance at life that few in his position would have been lucky enough to receive. Sometimes however guilt destroyed those who got that gift, seeing it more as a curse.

It was odd that she was nervous. Hermione knew it was normal for a bride to be nervous on her wedding day, but she had thought since she wasn't the typical bride that it wouldn't affect her. She knew marrying James was the right thing, but at the same time she worried that things between them wouldn't stay harmonious, that he'd come to resent the position she'd put him in. Hermione feared, despite everything she knew about James's other self's love for Harry, that he'd come to resent their children as well. It was a ridiculous fear, but sometimes fears weren't logical.

After their wedding was over, she was going to have to have a long talk with James. If she didn't discuss her feelings with him or give him a chance to share his own, there was a higher chance resentment would form between them. Hermione had promised James she would give their relationship a chance, which meant communicating properly like adults.

"Pip makes Missy Min the prettiest bride!" The elf squealed, already dress in a pretty yellow dress covered in flowers. The elf looked lovely; she'd make an adorable flower girl today.

The dress Pip was holding in her hands had Hermione gasping as it was perfect. It was a beautiful shade of ivory, with lacy sleeves that would hide Hermione's scar, well still enhancing the dress's beauty. The dress itself was simple, but the jewellery was amazing. Pearls, diamonds, and rubies made up a stunning necklace, that was two strings of jewels, made with goblin silver, it gleamed in a way Hermione had never seen non-magical jewellery shine. Hermione knew it was a Potter family heirloom, that her wearing it at her wedding was a sign that the Potters accepted her, that she wasn't just allowed to marry James because she was with child.

That's how the aristocratic Purebloods would see it, that she was allowed to marry James by the grace of his family. More because that's what they would do, refuse to give permission for their children to marry someone who wasn't pure. Hermione knew there were a lot of skeletons in Pureblood closets, a lot of illegitimate children, born from affairs or because their fathers refused to marry their mother because she wasn't pure enough to join their families.

Not that the Potters were anything like that. They had given their blessing because they wanted their son to be happy. It didn't matter to them that Hermione was a muggleborn or squibborn if she was being accurate.

Sometimes it was hard to remember that she was really Alastor's granddaughter. Even if she had a good relationship with him for the most part, she was still angry with him about the ambush by him and the Potters. However, despite that Hermione was happy that she'd have family here for her wedding. It wouldn't be the same as her father walking her down the aisle, plus Harry was the one with that honor anyway, but having Alastor attending her wedding meant the world to her.

Although she couldn't help but miss Ron. Hermione had never thought that she'd be getting married without him by her side, he'd been the other part of the Golden Trio, he should be here and it killed her that he wasn't.

Hermione had believed after the war that she'd have a really small wedding. That her and her chosen groom would elope, with her two best friends as witnesses, and whoever meant the most to her groom for his side, since her parents had no memory of her to actually attend. She hadn't wanted a grand affair like the wizarding world would have demanded of her: the Gryffindor Princess, brightest witch of her age, Harry Potter's muggleborn, one third of the Golden Trio. The various titles she was given had always irked her, well other then being called the brightest witch of her age because that one she'd fought so hard to actually earn!

Now the only one who really understood her, who knew just what she had been through, would be here for her wedding to his father. He had to understand just how odd that was.

Teddy was here too, but it wasn't the same since the little boy wasn't old enough to understand everything Hermione and Harry had been through. She just wanted to make a better world for him and her children, for the children that would be born in the future, many of which had once been her peers. It would be so odd watching them all grow, but at the same time it would be amazing if they won and they could grow up without the shadow of Voldemort hanging over their heads.

"I'm sure you'll make me look lovely Pip, thank you, you're looking great in your flower girl dress." She said going back to focusing on her wedding, that's what mattered for now. Pip and Dorea had put too much effort into this wedding for Hermione to allow herself to feel melancholy or regret.

"Missy Min is to kind. Pip is happy Missy Min will soon be's young Mistress. Pip likes Missy Min!"

"I like you too Pip."

It had taken five hours, even with magic for Hermione to get ready. She'd been shoved into a bath with herbs and potions that were designed to bless her marriage, all of which were safe for a pregnant witch. Then been scrubbed from head to toe until her skin felt raw. Afterwards her hair had to dry the natural way to prevent it from frizzing up, a ton of hair potions put in to make it malleable for putting it up later. Her nails had been clipped and cleaned properly, she'd refused nail polish she'd never liked wearing it; her eyebrows plucked which she had always hated even when magically done.

Then they started on her hair. There was a strand of hair braided that went around to the back of her head, that connected to a section of her hair that had been made into five braided roses, the rest of her hair hanging loosely below in gentle waves. It was a style she would have never chosen for herself but suited her in a way she had never expected. It was hard to believe that this was her regular fuzzy hair.

Then she was helped into her dress. It seemed to readjust itself as it slid over her head, from Pip's concentrated look she was the one making sure the dress fit Hermione just right, her small bump from the twins cradled lovingly. Hermione was glad that they weren't hiding she was pregnant, it would be nice to show her children that they were a part of her wedding, even if they weren't born yet. She didn't want them to think she was ashamed of them and that's why she hid the baby bump at her wedding.

Finally, her makeup was done. In soft silvers, to enhance her eyes, and a soft pink for her lips. Hermione couldn't really describe what had been done to her, considering she had never worn makeup other then the Yule Ball which she had just let Ginny deal with. All she knew was it wasn't overly done, and she still looked like herself, she'd been worried about that because she'd seen some wedding makeup done where you couldn't even tell the bride was someone you knew.

"You look beautiful 'Mione," Harry said startling her because she hadn't heard him come in.

"Is it time already?"

"Yep, time for you to become my stepmother," he teased.

She slowly turned around to face him, tears coming to the corner of her eyes as she saw him and Teddy in matching black tuxedos. Teddy already had the little cushion with the rings on it. Pip would make sure he didn't drop them as the two of them walked down the aisle together.

The little house elf took Teddy's hand as Harry extended his arm for Hermione to rest her hand on. The four of them going downstairs to the ballroom. It would be the first time Hermione would see the wedding decorations.

When they arrived in front of the doors Pip turned towards them. "Me and Master Teddy go first. Wait until music change then Missy Min and Master Harry go."

"Thank you Pip."

The doors only opened slightly, just enough for Pip and Teddy to go through without anyone being able to see the bride just yet. Hermione clutched tightly to Harry's arm, soon she would be James's wife, and her future would forever be altered. Surprisingly despite being nervous she wasn't scared, actually she was excited to see where this new chapter in life would take her.

When the music shifted the doors opened fully to let them through. The ballroom was packed, but Hermione only had eyes for James in the front of the room. He was wearing a white tux and his eyes seemed like they would fall out of his head. Hermione couldn't even look around the ballroom to see who all had come to their wedding, all she could see was James.

It felt like both an eternity and no time at all as she walked down the aisle towards him. Harry shifting her hand from his arm into James's hand before stepping down to go to his seat. James's father was playing the role of officiant.

"Today we are gathered here to join this witch and this wizard in matrimony. As Head of House Potter, I approve of this marriage and no objections shall be heard."

Hermione hadn't realized that was a part of wizarding marriages. It was different then she expected, but she guessed with a Squibborn joining an ancient and noble Pureblood house, that wedding ceremonies would differ. At least she didn't have to worry that someone would object.

Charlus went on to say a bunch of legal wedding jargon that really went over her head. All she could do was look at James, who almost seemed like he was barely breathing. His eyes brimming with emotion as he looked back at her.

"James Charlus Potter, Heir of House Potter, do you take this witch to be your wife. To protect her, to love her, to fight until your last breath to protect her and any children you may have?"

"I do."

"Do you Hermione Jean Evans Moody," she hadn't realized for these proceedings they'd be calling her Moody, although she guessed she really was a Moody. "Take this wizard to be your husband. To fight beside him, to love him, to nurture, care, and protect until your last breath any children you may have?"

"I do."

"Then I pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss your bride."

James grinned at her before she found herself swept into a dip as he kissed her to cat calls from Sirius and Remus, his mother groaned in the audience. Hermione only smiled into the kiss as she threw her arms around James's neck. It felt weird kissing him again after so long. She'd been avoiding it, but she knew that things between her and James would need to change. They should have when she agreed to marry him, Hermione didn't want to be married in name only.

Despite the dramatic nature of their kiss, James pulled away too soon, gently pulling her upright as he did. If they'd been alone, perhaps she might have continued their kiss, but she knew that she should take things with James slow. Their relationship needed a better foundation, she wanted to be friends and a proper married couple, that wasn't going to happen overnight.

The sweet smile on James's face had her knee's buckling more then their kiss had. If the look on his face was any indication James was already half in love with her.

"I have the greet honor of introducing the audience to Mr. and Mrs. Potter, juniors of course," Charlus joked with a wink, "welcome to the family Hermione."

It was official she was now Hermione Potter. It was odd, but it was more her name then going by Evans had been. Now it felt like she had a proper place in the past, instead of just trying to build a life, she had succeeded in building one and Hermione would do anything in her power to make sure that her life didn't end in a tragedy.