Disclaimer: As customary, I do not own or possess these characters; they belong to their respective creator. I only claim ownership of the plot and OC children.
This is another one-shot derived from my primary story, "Surprise," which is part of the Black series. I hope you enjoy it.
Hermione was sitting at the table, reading the latest letter from her daughter. As she read, she became increasingly confused, surprised that the letter was just for her.
Mum,
Hi! I just thought I'd write to let you know how I'm getting on. I know I haven't written to either of you lately, but I've been rather busy with homework and other stuff. Later is a Hogsmeade day, and I was wondering if you could come meet me. I would drop into the shop, but I know it will be busy, and I can't really talk to you there. So, I'm hoping we could maybe meet at the Three Broomsticks around one. Well, I better get going; I don't want to be late. Professor Blake, my defence professor, is expecting me for a chat. Write me back and let me know. Tell Dad I said hi, and I'll write home soon.
Love you,
Lyra
Hermione was now concerned. This letter wasn't like Lyra's usual correspondence; something was on her little girl's mind, and she was determined to find out what it was. She summoned some parchment and wrote her daughter a reply, telling her that she would meet her at the Three Broomsticks at one and asked Rosemerta to give them a private section. She acknowledged the homework issue but sensed there was a more serious reason for Lyra's lack of communication. However, she didn't want her daughter to know she was worried before sending it off with their owl, Onyx.
Letting out a sigh, Hermione jumped when she felt hands on her shoulders.
"Oh, don't do that! You scared me." Hermione said, jumping.
"Sorry, love. What's wrong?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, nothing. I just received a quick letter from Ly, asking if I could meet her at one. She said she's been busy with homework and hasn't had time to write us, but she promised she would write soon and send her love. It was only a quick note because she had to get to a meeting with her defence professor or something." Hermione glanced around. "I take it she got off, alright?"
"Yep! She's now at Remus' place with Hope and Jane, which means my wife, we have the house to ourselves for a few hours." he gave a sexy smirk before he started kissing her neck.
Hermione smiled. Jane Potter and Hope Lupin were the same age as their daughter, with five months between them. They were six and six and a half years old, while Charlus Potter was a year older than Emma, Hope, and Jane. Their son Daniel and Albus Potter were also a year apart, currently in their first year, alongside Jacob Lupin, who was just three months older than Daniel and Albus.
"Hold it right there, Mr. I don't have time! Sorry, but I have to be at work. I need to check up on the staff and decorate some cakes, as I've been specifically asked to make these."
Sirius pouted at his wife. "It's okay; you can be five minutes late. I can work quickly."
"No, Sirius," she chuckled, pulling his hands from around her waist. "I'll make it up to you later when Emma's in bed if you can be good until I get home. And I will be asking Emma."
Sirius grinned. "Fine, I'll behave, but you are going to be in for a treat when we go to bed."
"I'm looking forward to it. Now be a good husband, and I'll see you later."
"Okay, have fun. Love you."
"Love you too."
Sirius watched as Hermione rushed away, shaking his head. It looked like he was on his own unless he dropped in on Harry and maybe coaxed him and Remus over for a break. After all, Alana and Ginny could stay with the kids. Just like that, a devious plan began to form in his head as he contemplated how to get Remus and Harry free from their responsibilities.
Hermione stepped out of the fire and into the office of her cake shop, Magical Bites. It truly was the place to go; she even had owl orders coming in from everywhere. She had listened to Ginny and looked into opening her own shop, eventually becoming more popular and expanding her store by buying the shop next door and knocking down the wall to join both shops together. It was now a café where they offered all types of cakes.
Some cakes had icing that would change your hair colour for a few minutes, depending on the icing colour. Others made you sparkle with glitter like fairy dust. She offered a wide variety of cupcakes, and part of her business was providing a cake-baking service. She had initially hired Luna and Angelina, and as they grew, they added more staff. Now, the place was flourishing. Although she was the manager, she had designated Angelina as the deputy or stand-in manager when she was away.
Hermione didn't need to be there all the time, but she enjoyed helping out. Sometimes, customers specifically requested her special cakes, which she gladly made. Yes, Magical Bites was a very successful shop that would be left to her family and would remain in the family whether any of them worked in it or not. The kids would inherit the Black fortune, as Reg was the heir, being the firstborn, but the other children would also receive their fair share. Hermione liked the idea of her shop being there for their family and godchildren. It was her way of leaving something meaningful for them beyond just money and her role in the war.
"Morning," Hermione greeted Angelina and Luna with a smile.
"Morning! How's everything going?" Angelina asked.
"Okay so far, hows things here?" Hermione asked her other friend.
"Busy as usual," Luna replied, smiling. "Are you alright? Your head seems to be full of wrackspurts."
Hermione exchanged a bemused smile with Angelina. "Yeah, I'm fine. Ly sent me a letter asking if I'd meet her at one. I don't know; something seemed off. She said she hadn't written because of homework, but I just know something's wrong. With all the trouble with Malfoy and his son being at Hogwarts with the others, I can't help but wonder if something happened or was said. I'm probably being paranoid; there haven't been any real problems, but I just know something isn't right. You know what I mean?"
Angelina nodded. "I understand. George mentioned that Lyra seemed quieter than usual last time they were in his shop, and Reg was seen trying to ask her what was wrong until she hexed his ears to grow."
Hermione nodded. "That's what I mean. I guess I'll find out later. For now, I'm going to start decorating, alright?"
"Sure thing, boss," Angelina replied with a cheeky grin.
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You know, being married to George for so long has rubbed off on you. I can't decide whether that's a good or bad thing," she chuckled before heading into the kitchen at the back. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind of thoughts about Lyra, and allowed the calming act of cake decorating to soothe her. She had a little over three hours to decorate the cakes before she had to meet her daughter.
Three hours later, Hermione was sitting in the back of the sticks, in a private area that could be rented for meetings or parties.
"Mum."
Hermione turned around to see her almost fifteen-year-old daughter. "Hello, darling." She hugged Lyra tightly and instantly sensed something was wrong when she felt her chest get wet. "Love?"
Lyra looked up at her mother, tears streaming down her face. "I—I want to come home. I don't want to stay at Hogwarts anymore."
Hermione's concern deepened. She led her daughter to the sofa, sat down, and pulled her close, holding her hands. "Love, talk to me. What brought this on?"
"Something happened, Mum, and I don't know what to do. When Reg finds out, he'll go mad, and then James and Fred will know and they'll get into trouble or get hurt. I don't want that. Lily knows and is helping me keep it from the boys, but I won't be able to for long."
"Ly, honey, what's wrong? You're worrying me now. Why would you be concerned about your brothers, James and Fred, kicking off?"
"Well, you know Jake."
Hermione furrowed her brow. "The Ravenclaw boy you went on a couple of dates with? Yes, what about him?" she asked cautiously.
"After our date last weekend, he arranged for a meal in the Room of Requirement. It was so romantic and really nice. He asked me to be his date to the Halloween ball and told me he loved me."
Hermione was surprised. "He loves you? That's a bit crazy; you're only fourteen! But I understand. I was pretty much in love with your father, though I didn't fully understand that until I was older."
"I know, but I really liked him. But the other day I saw him talking to some Slytherin girl, and I followed him and caught him kissing her. They were talking about me. When I confronted him, he said..."
"Lyra," Hermione interrupted, concerned. "I don't like where this is going."
"He said it was my fault for not giving him enough attention. He said if I really loved him, I would have done…" Lyra waved her hands, trying to convey her feelings to her mother. "I didn't want to do anything like that with him. We kissed, but I didn't want to go further. He got really pushy, and I walked away. This all happened after that. He apologized and said he was stupid and it was a one-off, but a few days later, Scorpius Malfoy approached me and Lily."
"What did he say?" Hermione asked, frowning.
"He said he'd heard I didn't put out and knew how I wanted to wait until I got married before going further." Lyra shifted, avoiding eye contact. "Then he laughed and said he'd set me up, that Jake wasn't actually interested in me and was working for him. He said he had information on me, and if I didn't do his homework and whatever else he wanted, he would tell everyone and spread rumors that I was a whore and that I'd slept with him and other people."
Lyra was now crying uncontrollably. "I don't know what to do! He's already told Slytherin and some others; it's only a matter of time before it gets back to Reg. I'm so embarrassed; it's ruined my life! I don't want to go back! I hate him! I thought he loved me!"
Hermione pulled her daughter close, feeling a surge of protectiveness as her heart ached for her. The thought that Malfoy, just like his father, could be the source of her daughter's distress lit a fire of anger within her. She winced at the looming conversation she would have to have with Sirius—one that wouldn't end well for Draco, his son, or that Jake kid. But her worries extended to Regulus, just as they did for Lyra. It was only natural for him to be protective of his sister; he loved her dearly. Both kids had inherited the infamous Black temper, mixed with Hermione's own strength, but Reg was just like his father. There was a pulse of danger when he became really angry, and it frightened her to think of what might happen.
"Mummy, everyone's going to know. I just want to come home. Daddy is going to be so mad at me! I feel so stupid for making our family name look bad, especially after all Dad's hard work to restore it," Lyra said, her voice trembling with emotion. In that moment, she sounded so vulnerable, like a small child in need of comfort.
"Lyra Lily Black, please look at me," Hermione urged gently, trying to bridge the gap between them.
"Mum…"
"No, sweetheart. You are not stupid. You are clever and sensible. You're far too young to be worrying about sex, and you shouldn't feel pressured into anything. It's not your fault if someone can't control himself. Yes, your father will be upset—but not at you. Oh no, he'll be protective and furious with that boy! You are his princess, and no one should ever hurt his family. He will be proud that you stood your ground and said no. Waiting until you feel ready is a beautiful thing, not a bad one. It's about your comfort and timing, and you should never feel rushed. It's okay to think you're in love; but remember, that doesn't always mean it's with the right person. Trust me, I know."
"Mum, were you a virgin before you married Dad?" Lyra asked, curiosity piercing through her distress.
"Yes, I was, and I can't tell you how grateful I am that I chose to wait. I dated Ron, as you know, and I'm so glad I didn't take that next step with him. It made it all the more special with your dad. He's the only man I've ever been with or will ever be with. I thought I loved Ron, but deep down, I wasn't ready for that kind of commitment."
"Mum, what about Reg and everyone else?"
"Have you talked to Minerva?"
"No, I didn't want her to be disappointed in me."
"Sweetheart, let me assure you, I won't stand by while that boy tries to blackmail you. I'm proud of you for standing up for yourself, and he needs to understand that such behavior is unacceptable. I think his father deserves a little visit too. I always suspected he'd turn out like his father and grandfather, but I never imagined he could be even worse."
Just then, Lily came rushing up, her face pale with concern. "Auntie Mione! You need to come quick! It's Reg!" she exclaimed, eyes wide with fear and urgency. "Reg knows everything, and he's really mad! I've never seen him like this before; he's talking about calling a duel! James is with him, and so is Fred."
Hermione's heart sank as she realized the seriousness of the situation. She had to help them all navigate through this turmoil.
Hermione jumped up when she heard her son shout "Malfoy" and "Smith". "Who's the other kid?" she asked.
"It's Jake's last name," Lyra and Lily said, wide-eyed.
Hermione stepped out of the back room and saw her son tip over the table and drag a boy she assumed to be Jake. James grabbed Malfoy and dragged them outside. "Regulus, James, Fred, stop immediately," she called out, but her voice was drowned out by the cheering and chanting of the other students. She hurried outside to see Angelina standing on the doorstep, looking concerned. "Get Sirius, Harry, and George over here now," she instructed as she continued toward the commotion.
She observed with concern as Regulus forcefully pushed the boy to the ground, followed by James doing the same to Malfoy. She then noted the three boys adopting a dueling stance, prepared for any conflict, while Malfoy, the individual named Jake, and another boy mirrored their actions.
"I'm going to kill you," yelled a furious Regulus Black. "Tell them you are nothing but a liar. My sister and Lily are not whores; they come from the noble houses of Black and Potter. You are the unworthy one." He spat.
"What's the matter Black can't face the facts that your filthy tramp of a sister is nothing but a whore with a mudblood for a mother and blood traitor for a father and a Halfbreed for a godfather.
Regulus was struggling against James "You set her up you son of a bitch!" he almost escaped until Fred helped James "MY mother is more powerful than you, your father or grandfather could ever hope to be. Your just jealous because my muggleborn mother who never knew magic existed made your death eater pureblooded father who should have had an advantage coming from magic and growing up with it look dumb by being behind her in all lessons just like you are behind Lyra and Lily in classes." he said smirking coldly watching the boys face tighten and flush slightly.
"My father—" He began but was cut off again.
"that's right run crying to your daddy, like the little baby and pathetic loser you are. You're stupid and just like your daddy a coward and can't fight your own battles, guess it's true what they say like father like son ey, although I think you might be stupider than your old man." Regulus taunted.
Scorpious Malfoy was now fuming and emaressed people were crowding to watch "Don't you say a word about my father or grandfather. They are—"
"Cowards. They'll always be cowards. Your father couldn't' even follow orders and kill Albus Dumbledore without crying like a baby. My mother and Uncle Harry saved your father from burning to a crisp when his dumb ass friend set fire to a room they were in and he was seen crying like a baby in the toilets once, some great guy he is. And lets not get started on grandfather dearest, who ended up a viritual house elf in his own home by his so called master all because he was a coward and all talk no action, or rather all talk and money is more like it." Retorted Regulus as he stormed over and turned his attention to the Ravenclaw looking wide eyed on the floor "Well come on then Smith what have you go to say for yourself, wanna play the big man come on then." He mimed him to come at him.
Gathering some courage from adults approaching, he spoke up, "It's true she refused to be with me, but she has been with others. Your sister is not as innocent as you think, and her friend and cousin are the same."
"Are you calling my sister a Tart Smith?" James threatened as he approached the boy next to his cousin and best friend. Hermione tried to get through the crowd and saw Harry, Sirius, Remus, Ginny, George, and Angelina at the back. She quickly told them what happened just as Lyra and Lily rushed to the boys.
"Jamie, Reggy, stop," Lyra pleaded. "They're not worth it."
"Yeah Reggy and Jamie don't, why don't you be a good boy and listen to your whore of a sister Black, oh and Potter your sister sure does beg for it, tell me how much do you charge? how about you, Black? How much for a go? I mean If I knew I had to pay I wouldn't have tried it on with her in the first place." Smith mocked feeling brave with adults around.
Suddenly, Hermione saw Regulus jump over Malfoy to reach the other kid and punched him hard, causing him to land flat on his back, and soon spells were filling the air as Malfoy and he went up against each other.
"Reducto," yelled Regulus, followed by a tripping hex. The floor exploded slightly, as he was an exceptionally powerful wizard whose abilities intensified with his temper. Although the Reducto spell should not have caused significant damage, his strength and anger led to a minor break in the ground, causing people to scream and cover their heads to avoid debris.
"Stupi..."
"Expelliarmus," Regulus interjected swiftly while simultaneously blocking Malfoy's spell.
"Everte Statum," Scorpius Malfoy shouted, his voice raised. They continued exchanging spells, but Malfoy grew embarrassed as none of his spells connected. After blocking another powerful spell that cut his leg, he thought of retaliating, "Sectumsempra." However, Black effortlessly dodged and quickly countered with another spell.
"Bat bogey," Regulus announced, sending his aunt and godmother's famous hex before punching Malfoy forcefully enough to knock him to the ground. As Malfoy fell, Regulus managed to disarm him. Meanwhile, Jake Smith was already on the floor, bleeding and holding his nose.
"Come on Malfoy. Is that all you got? Thought you being pureblood was supposed to be an advantage? What like getting shown up by a halfblood, or are you just full of like I predicted like your father and his sidekicks were." He taunted the other boy stepping back he then stepped forward and spoke quietly so that only he, James and Fred could hear "You ever go near my sister, look at her, talk to her or spread rumors again I'll make your life hell, same for Lily you leave them alone."
James nodded adding even more menacing and threatening his face red with rage "Otherwise you might just find history repeating it's self then again" and he shared a wink with the boys he cast a sonorous on him "let's see how you like a little humiliation, after all the students know but the public don't." He gave a marauder worthy grin to Regulus and got one back in reply before he cleared his throat "Scorpius Malfoy, if you ever go near my sister, cousin or say things about them or my godmother again we will make sure you are just like your daddy by making you into a ferret that way you will be just like him right down to the color and the bouncing." He chuckled when Fred spoke up.
"Well he likes to be a copy of his father so maybe add a broken nose that your godmother gave his father that'd be a good way to let him be like his father as well, may as well do everything that his father did."
"What crying." Regulus laughed while his eyes were showing his anger still.
Seeing Draco Malfoy aim his wand at her son and godson, Hermione cast a shield, making his spell backfire. "Don't you dare harm my son or godson. Targeting children? Haven't you stooped low enough as a Death Eater?"
"Well, well if it isn't Granger or should I say Black, hmm should have guessed only a brat of yours could fight like a common muggle how terrible just like his mother. To think were related oh the shame" before she could speak however her son spoke again.
"Well at least I know magic your spawn dont' know which end of a wand to use, must get it from his father besides If I remember my mum gave you a broken nose in school bet that hurt being punched by what you called a mudblood and only blood makes us related, you aren't actually part of the Black family my dad cast your mother out remember." He finished smugly.
"How dare you speak to me like that you..."
"OI don't you dare speak to my son he is the future heir and Lord to the most Ancient and noble house of Black he is above you and you should know your place if anything you and your spawn both. Yes I heard what your son has said to my family and my daughter Malfoy and clearly the apple doesn't fall far from the tree." Sirius spoke angry as he and the others finally managed to get to the kids.
Harry approached the scene when some members of the Auror department arrived. "Take them in for questioning," one of them said.
"Why?" Harry asked, surprised.
"Your children have been reported, and there were exchanges of dangerous spells," the Auror replied.
Ginny placed a hand on her husband's arm. "Harry."
Before Hermione could speak, she saw her son and godson approaching the Aurors with Fred. "It's alright, Uncle Harry. We understand," they said.
Lily and Lyra held on to each other as they, along with their brothers and friend, were led away by the Aurors.
The Auror then addressed the group, "Mr. and Mrs. Black, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, you along with Mr. and Mrs. Potter need to come with us. You too, Mr. Malfoy."
"You won't get away with this Black your son started all this how dare he punch my son."
Hermione grabbed her husband's arm. "Come on, we'll let Minerva know later; she'll only worry." She stopped him from retorting.
At the Ministry, they were led to the Auror department. The Malfoys were in one room, and the Blacks, Weasley, and Potters were in another. The other kid, who hadn't exchanged spells, was sent back to Hogwarts as questioning began.
Hermione, her husband, Angelina, George, Harry, and Ginny listened as a tearful Lyra told the aurors about the lies, blackmail, her fears of her brother finding out, school troubles, and Malfoy's threats that his father would make the wizarding world pay.
Lily explained that Malfoy dragged her into his scheme to trouble James. She revealed that Malfoy had Jake Smith deceive Lyra and report back any information.
Hermione saw Sirius growing angrier and angrier when he heard Lyra tell them how Smith had tried to put pressure on her to have sex and then blamed her when she caught him kissing another girl by saying it was her fault that she wouldn't' put out and that if she didn't' do his homework or anything else he told her to do for Malfoy that he'd spread that she was desperate and a tart and that it would ruin her family name, he'd said he'd do the same to Lily as well.
Sirius couldn't' help himself "That little bastard, this has Draco written all over it, his spawn is just as much a bad seed as his old man and grandfather when I get my hands on him let alone that shit who used my daughter..." Sirius threatened.
"Mr. Black if you don't cool down, I'll have you in custody for the threat on another wizard.'
Harry expressed his concern, stating, "I request that you question Malfoy's child and Jake regarding the incident involving my niece and daughter. There have been threats and increased activity recently."
Sirius agreed, saying, "As Lord Sirius Orion Black, I ask that you review the memories of everyone involved, including the girls, the boys, and Fred Weasley. Then, question young Malfoy and Jake Smith. Please treat this matter seriously. My children acted within their rights, particularly my son, who was defending our family's honour. If no action is taken, it could lead some blood feuds being made."
"I believe it is important to address the situation properly. My daughter's reputation has been questioned, and my son was only helping my godson and his sister. If this issue is not managed appropriately, I will escalate it to the minister, who has close ties with our family and is the uncle to our children, as well as godfather to Hermione and Sirius' son, Daniel." Harry then took a deep breath and continued, "Until this matter is resolved, I will be taking a leave of absence from work. I need to evaluate my future employment and determine whether I want to continue working for this organization if no action is taken."
The aurors in the room nodded, understanding the significance of Harry Potter and Hermione Granger now Black's influence and their potential to involve the minister. They acknowledged the importance of addressing the concerns raised. One of the aurors said, "Of course we understand. Miss Black, please recount everything you have seen and heard regarding this situation."
Hermione held her daughter's hand, watching as Regulus, James, Fred, and Lily did the same before the Aurors stepped back. Twenty minutes later, the Aurors returned looking grim. "We need to contact the headmistress of Hogwarts for Mr. Smith's memories," one said.
"And Malfoy's," Ginny added.
"Yes, we'll be in touch," the Auror replied, looking at Mrs. Potter.
"One more thing," Sirius demanded, "when this is proven false, I expect a retraction from the Malfoys and Jake Smith. My family's name has been attacked, and my daughter has been falsely accused."
"Same for the Potters," he added. "This will be all over the Daily Prophet by tomorrow, and I won't have my godson, nephew, son, daughter, or niece feeling uncomfortable at Hogwarts. We will contact the headmistress, so you'll hear from her as well regarding Smith."
"Of course, sir."
Hermione took her daughter by the shoulders. "Let's go home."
"I don't want to go back," she whispered, with her head against her mother's side.
Hermione held her daughter while she cried. She looked at the aurors, indicating that she wanted action to be taken soon. "We will discuss this further at home. Let's go, kids."
Ginny acknowledged, holding her daughter close, with James, Fred, Regulus, and George following them as they left the office and headed for the Black home.
Hermione could see that Harry was upset, but she also noticed the concerned glances he directed towards her husband. Recognizing the lack of emotion in his expression, she understood that he was extremely angry and potentially dangerous. "Sirius."
Sirius looked down at his wife "They better sort the Malfoys and that Smith brat out otherwise I am going to have to pay this kids parents a visit otherwise maybe even Malfoy."
"Sirius, please calm down. Now is not the time. Ly was petrified and worried you'd be ashamed of her and that she'd tarnish our family name. She was also concerned for Reg, James, and Fred. While we were talking, Reg stormed in, trashed the place in anger, and then he and James dragged both the Smith kid and Malfoy into the street."
Hermione saw Harry and Ginny comforting the kids while she continued speaking with Sirius, "We need to support our children and let the ministry handle this. Our kids, Fred, James, and Lily are innocent. Reg needs to control his temper; he knocked the Smith kid out cold. He had a reason to be mad but should have handled it differently. He is your son after all."
Sirius sighed "I know love, it's just she's my baby she shouldn't have to go through this I am so mad and it's a good job I can't hurt a child because believe me if I could get my hands on both Malfoy and Smith I'd kill them."
"Yes, I know, but we need to let the ministry handle it. We have to help our daughter. Talk to Minerva and sort this out; Ly wants to leave, and we can't let that happen," Hermione urged.
Sirius sighed, "You're right, I'll behave."
"Good, let's go home and deal with this," she replied.
Hermione, Sirius, and the kids left together, with Harry and Ginny following. Remus had offered to keep the kids longer, for which Hermione was grateful. She knew it would be a tough fight, but they would face it as a family. Together, they would get through it and return to normalcy.
I hope you all appreciated this one-shot. I discovered it completed in my files and realized I had not yet shared it, so I am doing so now. All reviews, likes, and follows are greatly appreciated.