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Disclaimer: I don’t own Harry Potter or any of the characters, I just like to play with them
Family
NC17
Sirius fidgeted uncomfortably in his chair and ran a hand through his dark locks. The underground chamber that housed the Wizengamut was warm and had the slightly oily smell of too many people in too small a space. He had lost track of what any of the speakers had been saying over the last four hours. They were wrestling over a minute piece of law concerning a tiny percentage increase in the tax code and Sirius couldn’t care less. He had already made up his mind to go with whichever side had the most votes in order to get it over with.
His first day on the Wizengamut confirmed every belief he had ever had about it. They were a bunch of inflated elitists who made decisions for people they didn’t really care about. The main interest for these witches and wizards, he concluded, was the power, the social standing and the influence that came with their jobs. He knew almost everyone in this place except for a few of the younger ones and didn’t care for most of them. Sirius Black had died and gone to hell.
Life had gotten a little too predictable for Sirius and this was no cure for it. He wasn’t the stay at home type, although he loved his home and the family he was growing. He had nearly become an Auror last month, had agreed to take the job Dawlish offered but then rescinded when the incident with Draco took place. Sirius looked up, startled, at the banging of a gavel. The Wizengamut was going into recess until the next day. He groaned at the thought of day after day of this tedium. His eyes focused on a couple of approaching wizards and smiled when he recognized two faces from his less reputable days.
“You old scoundrel, never thought I’d see you in these halls. First marriage and now this, you are turning into quite the respectable wizard.” The taller of the two wizards greeted Sirius first.
“Merak Higgs! Who are you to call anyone a scoundrel?” Sirius stood up and shook his friend’s hand. Merak smiled and laughed as the other wizard stepped forward to offer his greeting.
“How’s the old ball and chain, Sirius?” The shorter wizard grinned cheekily at Sirius.
“My wife,” admonished Sirius, “is very well, about four and a half months along now.”
The two wizards looked at each other shocked. “Did you hear that, Seginus? Our Sirius is to be a father!”
“Well, this occasion deserves a pint!” exclaimed Merak.
“Indeed!” agreed Seginus.
“Leakey Cauldron?” offered Sirius. His friends agreed happily, clapping Sirius merrily on the back. The three of them set out to catch up with each other and reminisce about wilder times together.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Hermione sat atop Sirius’ lap, grinding her crotch against the bulge in his pants. Sirius released a low moan and grinned wickedly at her. This was just what he needed to wash the taste of the Wizengamut out of his mouth. He was saddened at the pub when his friend’s conversation had turned to the day’s proceedings and not on things of a more amusing nature. He grabbed her hips and rubbed her harder against his thickness while he pushed up. She mewed her approval and ran her nails down his hard, strong chest.
“Something smells good,” he said, referring to the dinner she had been cooking when he arrived home.
“Yes, my parents are coming for dinner, don’t you remember?” She leaned forward to whisper the words like an endearment and then nibbled at his neck.
“We’d better hurry then, don’t you think?” He ran his hands from her hips to possessively grab her arse.
“They’ll be here any minute, my love.” She smiled against his neck and then bit him tenderly.
“You little tease,” he growled. “Whatever happened to that innocent young witch who would never dream of such a thing?”
“Your fault, you know. You’ve no one to blame but yourself.” She moved to pull back so she could get off his lap but he pulled her back and flipped her over so that her back was against the couch. His body held her in place although he was careful not to put too much pressure on her belly.
“You’re asking for trouble, witch.” The lecherous gleam in his eye was almost sinister.
“You know, I really, really am.” She bucked her hips trying to gain some friction despite the belly which was in the way.
Sirius was about to say something but the doorbell rang, she challenged him with a raised eyebrow. Reluctantly he raised up off of her and stood up. He gave her a hand and helped her up. As she walked away from him to the door he smacked her arse with a loud ‘pop.’ She yelped and glared at him from over her shoulder, the look he returned was completely unapologetic. He adjusted his robes to hide his discomfort and sighed heavily.
He watched as Hermione let her parents in and greeted them warmly, inviting them to join him in the family room. Her father smiled at his son-in-law and took him up on his invitation while Hermione’s mother joined her daughter in the kitchen. The four of them hadn’t had a chance to share a meal in over a month. Once Herman was seated, Sirius looked around him to glance at his wife. He was surprised to see her staring straight at him with a devilish gleam in her eye. She licked her lips and turned to her mother who had just asked her a question.
“I understand you’ve been busy but can’t you try and squeeze in a little more time for me?” Jean was hurt because she hadn’t seen much of Hermione lately.
“Mum, I love you,” said Hermione in exasperated tones, “but the last month has been crazy.”
“You still haven’t told me with what.” Jean looked over her shoulder at Hermione while mashing the potatoes.
“Well,” said Hermione, praying for patience. “In between studying for my NEWTs, which are in a month, I served tea to a group of ladies so that I could pitch my charity and hopefully earn their vote, which, incidentally, happens to be tomorrow. I also went to a committee meeting of the Society for Distressed Witches, attended the Queen Maeve gala and met with the Chairwitch on the Hogwarts Scholarship Fund and two of her committee members. I have twenty eight confirmed votes with about eight who are still on the fence and so I don’t know if I’ll get the needed thirty three. I promise, I will make more time for you once I have taken my NEWTs.”
Her mother eyed her critically. “No wonder you look so tired. You need to slow down if you can, you’re pregnant, you need to take it easy.”
“You’re right mum, pregnant women should take it easy.” Jean Granger wasn’t totally satisfied with the rather foggy answer but she was placated for the moment. She helped her daughter by setting dinner out while Hermione took the men’s drink orders.
Hermione stood in front of Sirius who was seated on the couch while her father stood up and meandered into the dining room. Once his back was turned she leaned over Sirius like she was going to hug him. He put his arms out and pulled her into him. She looked over her shoulder to make sure her parents were occupied with each other. She rubbed her hand over his length and nibbled his ear lobe. She whispered in his ear. “As soon as they leave I am going to-.” She was interrupted by her mother who was calling them to the table.
He grabbed her arm firmly and gave her a sinful smile. “You think you’re clever, teasing me this way but they have to leave sometime, pet, and then that pretty little arse is mine.”
“Maybe I’ll invite them to spend the night.” She fluttered her eyelashes at him innocently.
“So?” he said with an amused chuckle. “I’m pretty handy with a Silencing Charm.”
Just to prove his lack of fear, he set her on her feet, stood up and grabbed her arse and squeezed hard while her father was turned toward them. Hermione took in a shocked breath of air. He strutted past her into the dining room and flirted with her mother while sending heated looks her way. Her father just smiled at the pair because he was used to the games that his daughter didn’t think he knew about.
While trying to maintain polite dinner conversation, Sirius had to endure the young hand that crept farther and farther up his thigh. Her action was hidden by the table and the fact that her parents didn’t pay close attention to where their daughter’s hand strayed. He was rather entertained by her torture which she was fond of when either her parents or Mrs. Weasley came for a visit. She could get away with naughty behavior without the immediate repercussions that would surely take place if they were alone. When their guests finally did leave he was a beast and she had discovered on their honeymoon that she rather liked that side of him. Sirius grappled with keeping focused on the conversation and not his desire to kick out their guests and fuck his wife within an inch of her life.
“I got a chance to talk to quite a few members at the Queen Maeve gala last week and also secured a donation for F.L.E.M. from the Queen Maeve Benefit Fund.” Hermione inched her hand ever closer to Sirius’ throbbing organ.
“That donation was fairly important, wasn’t it, sweet?” Sirius had to clear his throat to speak more clearly.
“Vital, actually, without it my charity had no chance at all.” Hermione drummed her fingers lightly on Sirius’ thigh.
“We’re very proud of all the hard work you’ve been doing, Pumpkin,” said Herman, fondly and then more business like to Sirius. “I understand you have been busy as well, Sirius.”
“Yes, I have,” replied Sirius, “I’m sure Hermione has informed you of the incident that took place a month ago?”
“Dreadful! Absolutely horrid what that young man did to a pregnant woman. I’m so pleased with the action you are taking to abolish the law.” Herman looked at Hermione sympathetically. “It’s lucky that you didn’t lose the babies.”
“Luck had little to do with it,” said Sirius, pointing to the charm at Hermione’s neck. “This is supposed to protect against spell damage but I believe it protected her and the twins against physical damage as well. It is very old, very rare and full of protective magic.”
“How was your first day?” asked Jean, taking a closer look at the charm.
“To be honest, ghastly, I’ve never been more hopelessly bored in all my life, not even when I was shut up in my family’s home. Azkaban hardly prepared me for four hours of old, fat windbags droning on about I can’t remember what.” Sirius remembered how close to more exciting employment he had come, only to have it snatched away and replaced with his current miserable occupation. “I do have a bit of good news, though.”
“Really? What’s that?” asked Hermione brightly.
“I made a bargain with Kingsley when I agreed to take my seat. I’ve accepted the reparations the ministry has been trying to give me. Instead of paying me they are going to make a sizeable donation to F.L.E.M.” Sirius had been looking forward to giving her this piece of news.
“Are, are you serious?” He raised an eyebrow at the obvious invitation to a cheeky retort. She pushed his shoulder playfully, his thigh forgotten. “How much?”
“Five hundred thousand galleons and a building in London you can use as F.L.E.M.’s headquarters.” He thought it hardly a fair amount for what he suffered through and was a good deal less then he personally had in Gringott’s but it would greatly help Hermione. Hermione squeaked speechlessly and then threw her arms around him. “You’re welcome, sweet,” he said affectionately.
“So, are you any closer to picking out names for the twins?” asked Jean.
“We’ve each been thinking about it but just haven’t had a chance to put our heads together,” answered Sirius, with a hitch at the end as a small hand was once again inching along his thigh.
“No time like the present,” said Jean, smartly.
“Alright,” said Hermione, “I found a pretty one for a girl the other day, Arrakis.”
“No,” said Sirius, trying to ignore the hand that was so very close to its target.
“What! Why?” asked Hermione, affronted, giving his thigh a squeeze.
“Arrakis is the dancer,” replied Sirius, suppressing a moan.
“So?” Another inch closer to his pulsing, hot cock.
“Bloody hell, woman!” His comment directed more to her teasing hand and less to the unacceptable name. “We may as well name her Sugar Quill and be done with it,” he answered sarcastically, in an attempt to recover from his outburst.
“Fine, fine, your turn, then.” Her hand crept ever forward along his thigh, earning a dark look of frustration from Sirius.
“Mimosa,” offered Sirius, struggling to keep his mind clear from her sensual torture.
Jean Granger shook her head. “That’s the name of a cocktail.”
“What about Porrima?” supplied Hermione, glancing at her parents as she moved her hand a little closer.
Sirius let out a bark like laugh. “I was rather good at Astronomy, Hermione.”
“It’s the name of a goddess,” she whined.
“Oh, yes, the goddess of childbirth. Are you trying to do me in?” he asked, with double meaning. “It’s hard enough trying to imagine being father to a girl without shutting her away from the world. And now you coming up with suggestive names for her.” Sirius shook his head.
“That’s hardly suggestive,” protested Hermione, finally reaching her goal and rubbing lightly.
Sirius ignored her protest but not her hand, fighting against the urge to buck his hips. “How about Electra?”
“Now there is the name of a dancer if I ever heard one,” said Hermione snarkily.
“What about Shaula?” tried Sirius, his breathing getting a little sharper.
“The scorpion’s tail?” Hermione wondered if he could be trusted with the naming of a girl.
“Why don’t you try out a few boys names,” suggested Herman.
“I’ve thought of a few,” said Sirius. “What about Aladfar?”
“Well, I’m not familiar with that one but it’s a little awkward sounding.” Hermione shook her head, dismissing the name, still lightly rubbing his length.
“Well, then I thought of Saiph, the sword.” Sirius thought that was a good, strong name for a boy.
“You do like names with an edge to them.” Hermione laughed and then snorted at her own joke, blushing.
Sirius chuckled at his silly wife and shook his head. “The last one I thought of was Sargas, the weapon of the god of war.” He took a sharp breath as the hand on his cock gave a little squeeze.
“Another weapon? Can we please move away from things that maim or kill?” Hermione gave him a look of aggravated incredulity. “I thought of Altair, the flying one.”
“Altair James Black.” Sirius tried the name out. “Well, I don’t hate it. Can I mull it over a bit?”
Hermione smiled and nodded. “Of course.”
“On that note,” said Jean getting up and patting her husband on the shoulder. “We should get going.” Hugs and promises to get together again soon were shared as Hermione and Sirius walked her parents to the door.
Once the door was closed Hermione returned to the dining room to clear away the dishes. She was spun roughly around by Sirius who wore a look of feral lust. “Like your little game, love?”
“Yes,” she whispered, a heated thrill coursing through her body.
He knew exactly what she wanted, what she needed, why she teased him to this point. He took a hold of both sides of her blouse and ripped it open, sending buttons everywhere. His mouth made contact with her neck, biting the soft skin aggressively while he pushed the shirt off of her shoulders. Her cry was part pleasure, part pain as he walked her backwards and then released her and turned her around. His lust addled brain reasoned just enough to give her a little shove toward the bedroom, keeping her pregnancy in mind. “Get in the bed,” he said roughly.
She scampered in that direction removing articles of clothing as she went so as not to have them ruined as well. He entered the bedroom with purpose and strode toward the bed and upon reaching her, ripped her knickers off, forcing a yelp from her mouth, leaving red marks where the fabric had once clung to her body. “Sirius!” He pushed her down and leaned over her, one knee on the bed, the other foot on the floor. His course fingers entered her roughly, already pumping hard in and out while his demanding thumb rubbed against her clit. She hiccoughed and mewed, her breath coming faster and her cries growing louder as he rushed her towards her first climax. “Oh, god…don’t stop…oh, yesssss…”
He showed her no mercy for this is what she had spent the afternoon begging for. Her body jumped and jolted as she was forced closer and closer to her orgasm and then it hit. She called to him loudly, their eyes locked together as she convulsed around his fingers. He slid them out of her heat and licked them, savoring her flavor. “Love the way you taste, kitten.”
He gave her no time to recover, needing to be joined with her, needing to feel his cock enveloped in her heat. He opened his pants enough to release his aching, weeping cock from its confines. He performed the same spell on himself from their honeymoon and then flipped her over, ramming his length into her, forcing a loud, rough moan from her lips. “You like it rough, don’t you?”
He took a firm grip on her hips, pulling her arse up, bruising the flesh and then roughly plunging into her, over and over. He reached around to find and then twist her clit in his fingers. “Come, witch!” he commanded. His lip curled in a sadistic smile as he felt her come for the second time. He rode her orgasm, his head thrown back, almost unable to bear the pleasure but forcing himself to anyway.
He flipped her again, this time tossing both her legs over his shoulder and entered again, rough, almost vicious, mad with desire and the inability to come. He lay claim to her body with dominance and power, a look of primacy and raw lust that would have frightened some but thrilled her. “My witch, mine to fuck!” he grunted out.
“Yes, Sirius! Yours!” A steady stream of encouragements incited him to take her as he pleased. His fingers dug into her arse, his pelvis working like a piston, sliding his long, hard shaft in and out with high velocity. Hermione’s fingers clung to the sheets as her body was pushed once again toward it’s completion. Sweat dripped from every pore, eyes on each other, breaths becoming labored and calls to each other getting louder. “So close…don’t stop…” Her body was strung tight as he forced her closer and closer to the edge, urging her to leap. The first soft waves and she wasn’t sure if it was happening and then deeper and harder as he lovingly brutalized her body. A guttural half scream was ripped from her lungs as she hit her peak and then whispering his name as it washed out on the other side. He muttered the counterspell and came hard as he always did when she pushed him this way, her name leaving his lips in a loud roar. They took in great gasping breaths as their bodies calmed back down.
Still connected by his softening member, he leaned over her and kissed her gently. “I love you so much.
“I love you, too.” She let out a last shuddering sigh.
“Are you alright?” He always worried that he pushed her too hard.
“I’m wonderful, I really needed that.” She smiled at him from under heavily, lidded eyes.
“Good.” He gave her a last, lingering kiss and then rolled to the side. His warm flesh slid out of her body followed by a flood of comingled sexual excretions. He rolled them away from the wet spot and curled his body around hers, tenderly kissing her face and neck and shoulders. They lay together, softly caressing and kissing each other, embraced in the warm aftermath of their lovemaking. It was a good ten minutes before either of them spoke.
“Harry is coming tomorrow. Ron is staying at Hogwarts this time so he can see a little more of Hannah before the summer hols.” Hermione’s head rested on Sirius’ arm, her fingers lazily tracing the tattoos on his chest.
“Good, that’s good. We can talk to him about moving in with us.” His fingers played absently with a breast.
“Tomorrow I’ve got the big meeting with the Daughter’s and the day after that we have our first committee meeting here if all goes according to plan.” Hermione was starting to feel the pressure of all she was trying to achieve.
“Mmm hmm,” murmured Sirius, who was starting to fall asleep. Hermione smiled and snuggled deep into his arms, letting sleep her take her too.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Hermione and Sirius were sitting together on one of their couches across from Harry who was feeling a little nervous. They had asked him to join them in the family room so they could talk to him about something important. Sirius had one arm stretched across the back of the couch, the other hand on Hermione’s thigh, drawing strength from her. He had never fully addressed the burning of number twelve, Grimmauld Place with Harry, never apologized for taking the home that he had given to his godson. When Sirius returned from the Veil, Harry gave back Sirius’ fortune down to the last knut. Sirius had every intention of returning to this home after the war and insisted Harry keep the home he had never wanted.
Hermione was rather excited about asking Harry to move in with them. She sorely missed his company and the prospect of reconnecting was appealing to her. She knew that Sirius was nervous about this conversation, feelings of guilt came easily to Sirius, and this present situation was no different. The silence in the room began to stretch uncomfortably while Sirius gathered his thoughts. Harry wore a worried expression believing that nothing this hard to say could be good news.
“So, Harry,” began Hermione, “have you been studying for your NEWTs? They are only a month away.”
“I feel pretty good about it. I’ve already got my application for the academy all filled out.” Harry was relieved she had broken the growing tension in the room.
“You’re still set on being an Auror?” asked Hermione, she leaned into Sirius a little, hoping to impart some comfort to him.
“Yeah, I don’t think I ever considered anything else,” replied Harry, glancing at Sirius who was still silent, staring at the hand on Hermione’s thigh.
“After graduation,” said Sirius quietly, without looking up, “Hermione and I would like you to move in with us. You can stay here as long as you like.”
Harry felt the last of the tension drain off, understanding immediately what was bothering Sirius. His godfather was a proud man and the coming apology was going to be difficult for him. “That would be really great! I wouldn’t need a place for very long if I get accepted to the academy.”
His forty years and abuse in Azkaban were rarely evident anymore. He normally felt and looked younger than he had in years, energetic and passionate the way he had once been. The young man who had been lost to the world had been given a second chance. Occasionally though, Sirius reverted to the haunted man he had been, the dark shadows taking precedence in his mind once again. Sirius raised his head to face Harry, a miserable look of guilt and shame colored his face, the hollows under his eyes stood out, pronounced and sad.
“I’m sorry, Harry,” he croaked out, the words dripping with remorse, shame and criticism.
Harry shook his head. “I remember that day, Sirius. You weren’t yourself, you thought Hermione was going to die and your mum’s portrait pushed you, making out like it was amusing for her.”
Tears fell from Hermione’s eyes as she remembered what Remus had showed her in the pensieve. She had been in the hospital, close to death, when Sirius had torched his family’s ancestral home. The power of his grief moved her then and it moved her now. She didn’t fully understand then what she did now, that their union had a healing effect on him. Losing her meant a return to pain and loss and loneliness. She placed her hand over his and rested her head on his shoulder, wetting it with her tears.
“It doesn’t excuse…” Harry interrupted Sirius, his voice slightly raised, his tone confident and self assured.
“No, it doesn’t excuse anything Sirius but you’ve got to quit feeling guilt for this.” Harry chuckled warmly and with great affection for his godfather. “Besides, when I think about all the renovation that place would have required, you may have actually done me a favor.” Sirius could feel Hermione shaking lightly with mirth.
Sirius gave Harry a sarcastic smile but whatever comment he was considering, it never made it out of his mouth. His godson’s words removed some of his broodiness, his countenance lightened and a more genuine smile returned to his face. He noticed for the first time that his shoulder was wet and turned his head to look at Hermione. She had yet to wipe the tears from her cheeks and her eyes were puffy and red. She looked at him, looking at her, and smiled.
“What’s this?” he asked gently, tilting her head so he could wipe away the tears.
She flicked her eyes to Harry, unsure if she wanted to have such a private moment in front of him. “I-I was remembering that day, the day when I learned what I’d forgotten, when we used the pensieve.”
“Mmm, hmm. What about that day did you just remember?” With both of his hands gently cupping her face and his soulful grey eyes gazing intently on her, everything else fell away.
“You wanted to die,” she whispered, distress edging into her voice. “You thought I would be dead when you returned to the hospital and so you wanted to join me and…” She left the whisper behind but still spoke in a soft, anguished voice. “…and, and w-when I think about that, about you w-wanting to die…” the tears began to fall again, “…over me, w-watching you t-tear yourself apart b-because of me…” Overcome, she couldn’t finish her sentence. She fell into quiet sobs and was pulled into warm and comforting arms. Sirius and Harry exchanged a look, asking Harry for a moment of patience which was gladly granted. Sirius held her tightly to him and said nothing, enduring the course of her emotion because he was the cause of it. Her body stilled and lay quietly in his arms for several minutes before she spoke. “What if something were to happen to me now? What of you?”
“I was very, very angry and not in my right mind, baby. I was furious with myself for not checking out that ring more carefully, I was furious with my mother’s portrait for speaking about you that way.” He tipped her head to look at him. “I’m sorry I tried to leave you. I will never again lose hope while there is still hope to be had.”
Hermione nodded and as she did she caught sight of Harry and remembered they had an audience. He was smiling at the pair, not looking as uncomfortable as she thought he might be. Harry had apparently done some growing up in the last few months that she had missed out on. She returned his smile and straightened herself up.
“So, when do you want me to move in?” asked Harry, releasing some of the tension in the room.
“You can start leaving your stuff here now if you want,” said Sirius. “Once your year is over we’ll go to your aunt and uncles and get the rest of your stuff.”
“You’re going to go with me to the Dursley’s?” Harry’s voice was awed with just a tinge of malice.
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” interjected Hermione, hoping for reason.
“No, not good…brilliant! That’s a bloody brilliant idea,” said Harry, gleeful and mischievous.
Sirius patted Hermione on the knee, curbing whatever she might think of to say next. “C’mon, Harry. Let’s go have a look at your room.” He stood up and smiled wistfully at Hermione, communicating to her that he was going to give Harry his father’s robes. She returned his smile and then waggled her eyebrows at him, reminding him of that other conversation he needed to have with Harry.
Sirius tromped up the stairs, followed closely behind by Harry. They paused at the nursery, entering the room so Harry could have a look around. The walls were painted in pastel yellow and the room was filled with all the furnishings a young family might need. There was one crib, magically enlarged to accommodate two babies. A mobile swung around with unicorns that swished their tails and shook their manes and dragons which flapped their wings and blew flames that looked so real you could almost feel the heat. There was a changing table that never ran out of diapers and a diaper pail that Vanished its contents when the lid was closed. A large pram stood in one corner and two basinets lay next to it. A small bookshelf, which was already half full, sat over a small dresser.
“We’ve still got a lot to buy, that’s what Hermione tells me anyway,” said Sirius, looking around the room which had seemed so large only a few weeks ago.
“How much stuff do baby’s need?” asked Harry with a wry grin.
Sirius shrugged his shoulders. “Loads, apparently.”
The two men left the room and continued on down the hall to the room at the end. They entered the room and looked around. Sirius sat at the end of the bed and cast a glance at the closet, steadying himself for all he needed to discuss with Harry.
“You can do whatever you like with the room, its completely yours, I want you to feel at home here,” said Sirius, looking around the room.
“Thanks, Sirius.” Harry paused, smiling at is godfather and decided to help the older wizard out. “So, what did you bring me up here to talk about?”
“Erm, right,” said Sirius, realizing just how obvious he had been. “When your dad and I graduated Hogwarts he and your mum were already engaged. Their wedding was planned for the following spring and during the in between time he lived here with me.”
“He did, he lived here? Wow! You never said anything before. Why is that? Why tell me now?” Harry sat down on the bed beside Sirius, terribly excited to learn this piece of information.
Sirius sighed and looked at the closet again. “Well, I have been meaning to tell you. It was hard for me to get the words out. I’m sorry about that Harry.”
Harry shook his head. “I understand, Sirius.”
“Look in the closet,” said Sirius quietly. Harry got up and crossed the room, he took a look back at Sirius who smiled and nodded. “Go on, then.”
Harry opened the closet door and looked at the Quidditch robes which were hanging at the front. “These aren’t mine,” said Harry with a puzzled look.
“I know,” said Sirius. “They were your dads.”
Harry reached out and touched the robes, he fingered the material reverently. He stood in the doorway to the closet for several long minutes, a myriad of emotions overwhelming. Sirius waited patiently knowing this was a significant moment for Harry. The young wizard turned around to face the man who had willingly taken his father’s place. “Thank you.”
“They were always yours, Harry. It’s just hard for me to let go of James, even now.” He smiled sadly, wistful, marveling at just how much like James his son really was.
Needing to break some of the tension, Sirius thought about the conversation Hermione had suggested. He looked at his godson, taking into account that he was a young man and not a child. He was a little surprised Harry hadn’t gotten any farther with Ginny when she was apparently willing. He smiled to himself because Harry really was an awful lot like his father. “Do you know to set a Silencing Charm?”
“Uh, yeah. Why?” Harry was taken by surprise at the question.
“Do you know how to cast one on a room?” Sirius thought it was obvious why someone would need to cast a Silencing Charm on a room but apparently Harry didn’t.
“Why would I need to do that?” Now Harry was really confused.
“Well, for when Ginny comes over, Harry. This is your home and you’re not a child. You and Ginny are young adults.” Sirius watched Harry’s face as the young wizard began to catch on.
“Before you left,” Sirius understood that Harry was talking about the Veil, “I wanted to ask you about girls.”
“And now?” asked Sirius.
“I figured some of it out on my own. Hermione helped some too.” Sirius smiled at the blush that was rising on Harry’s cheeks. “I’m in love with Ginny, when she graduates I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
“That’s great, Harry! Marriage is wonderful, better than I imagined it would be.” Sirius remembered another Potter who was just as sure about who he wanted in his future.
“I just, well, I don’t really want to wait that long to, uh, well, you know.” Harry glanced at Sirius.
“Well, for starters, if that’s something you want in your life you should be able to name it.” Sirius wasn’t as uncomfortable as he thought he would be.
Harry nodded and was thoughtful for a moment. “We get to a certain point and then I pull back because I don’t want to push her.”
“Let her tell you when she wants to stop,” said Sirius. “She knows exactly where her limits are. Just let instinct take over, do what you want and make sure she’s having a good time too.”
“How do I make sure she’s having a good time?” Sirius’ frank, honest manner with no sign of embarrassment encouraged Harry’s to ask questions.
“She’ll let you know what she likes.” Sirius grinned. “There is a place on her, it feels sort of like a button, you pay attention to that and she’ll have a good time.”
“My mates said a girls first time is difficult, is that really true?” Harry just let the questions flow.
“It is,” said Sirius, a fleeting thought of Hermione’s first night went through his mind. “Just be gentle with her that first night. After that, do what feels natural, never hold back on her because that’s not what she needs from you.” Harry nodded not sure what to say to that. Sensing that the conversation was at an end and that he had given Harry some things to think about he got up. “Anytime you need to talk, I’m here, ok?” Harry nodded again. Sirius got up and crossed the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Hermione glanced at the grandfather clock as she paced in front of the fireplace, back and forth, back and forth. Sirius stood up and forced her to sit on the couch with him. “You’re making me dizzy.” Harry snorted earning a glare from Hermione.
“The vote is tonight, Sirius and I don’t know if I’ve got enough members on my side!” she said desperately.
“You underestimate your persuasiveness, Hermione,” said Harry with an affectionate smile. He couldn’t help enjoying the feeling of being a part of a family that was pulling together for one its members.
The grandfather clock began its slow donging, announcing the top of the hour. “It’s time to go, sweet. It’ll all be alright, you’ll see.”
She gave them a last panicked look before tossing some powder into fireplace and stepping into to be swept away in a whirl of green flames.
Family
NC17
Sirius fidgeted uncomfortably in his chair and ran a hand through his dark locks. The underground chamber that housed the Wizengamut was warm and had the slightly oily smell of too many people in too small a space. He had lost track of what any of the speakers had been saying over the last four hours. They were wrestling over a minute piece of law concerning a tiny percentage increase in the tax code and Sirius couldn’t care less. He had already made up his mind to go with whichever side had the most votes in order to get it over with.
His first day on the Wizengamut confirmed every belief he had ever had about it. They were a bunch of inflated elitists who made decisions for people they didn’t really care about. The main interest for these witches and wizards, he concluded, was the power, the social standing and the influence that came with their jobs. He knew almost everyone in this place except for a few of the younger ones and didn’t care for most of them. Sirius Black had died and gone to hell.
Life had gotten a little too predictable for Sirius and this was no cure for it. He wasn’t the stay at home type, although he loved his home and the family he was growing. He had nearly become an Auror last month, had agreed to take the job Dawlish offered but then rescinded when the incident with Draco took place. Sirius looked up, startled, at the banging of a gavel. The Wizengamut was going into recess until the next day. He groaned at the thought of day after day of this tedium. His eyes focused on a couple of approaching wizards and smiled when he recognized two faces from his less reputable days.
“You old scoundrel, never thought I’d see you in these halls. First marriage and now this, you are turning into quite the respectable wizard.” The taller of the two wizards greeted Sirius first.
“Merak Higgs! Who are you to call anyone a scoundrel?” Sirius stood up and shook his friend’s hand. Merak smiled and laughed as the other wizard stepped forward to offer his greeting.
“How’s the old ball and chain, Sirius?” The shorter wizard grinned cheekily at Sirius.
“My wife,” admonished Sirius, “is very well, about four and a half months along now.”
The two wizards looked at each other shocked. “Did you hear that, Seginus? Our Sirius is to be a father!”
“Well, this occasion deserves a pint!” exclaimed Merak.
“Indeed!” agreed Seginus.
“Leakey Cauldron?” offered Sirius. His friends agreed happily, clapping Sirius merrily on the back. The three of them set out to catch up with each other and reminisce about wilder times together.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Hermione sat atop Sirius’ lap, grinding her crotch against the bulge in his pants. Sirius released a low moan and grinned wickedly at her. This was just what he needed to wash the taste of the Wizengamut out of his mouth. He was saddened at the pub when his friend’s conversation had turned to the day’s proceedings and not on things of a more amusing nature. He grabbed her hips and rubbed her harder against his thickness while he pushed up. She mewed her approval and ran her nails down his hard, strong chest.
“Something smells good,” he said, referring to the dinner she had been cooking when he arrived home.
“Yes, my parents are coming for dinner, don’t you remember?” She leaned forward to whisper the words like an endearment and then nibbled at his neck.
“We’d better hurry then, don’t you think?” He ran his hands from her hips to possessively grab her arse.
“They’ll be here any minute, my love.” She smiled against his neck and then bit him tenderly.
“You little tease,” he growled. “Whatever happened to that innocent young witch who would never dream of such a thing?”
“Your fault, you know. You’ve no one to blame but yourself.” She moved to pull back so she could get off his lap but he pulled her back and flipped her over so that her back was against the couch. His body held her in place although he was careful not to put too much pressure on her belly.
“You’re asking for trouble, witch.” The lecherous gleam in his eye was almost sinister.
“You know, I really, really am.” She bucked her hips trying to gain some friction despite the belly which was in the way.
Sirius was about to say something but the doorbell rang, she challenged him with a raised eyebrow. Reluctantly he raised up off of her and stood up. He gave her a hand and helped her up. As she walked away from him to the door he smacked her arse with a loud ‘pop.’ She yelped and glared at him from over her shoulder, the look he returned was completely unapologetic. He adjusted his robes to hide his discomfort and sighed heavily.
He watched as Hermione let her parents in and greeted them warmly, inviting them to join him in the family room. Her father smiled at his son-in-law and took him up on his invitation while Hermione’s mother joined her daughter in the kitchen. The four of them hadn’t had a chance to share a meal in over a month. Once Herman was seated, Sirius looked around him to glance at his wife. He was surprised to see her staring straight at him with a devilish gleam in her eye. She licked her lips and turned to her mother who had just asked her a question.
“I understand you’ve been busy but can’t you try and squeeze in a little more time for me?” Jean was hurt because she hadn’t seen much of Hermione lately.
“Mum, I love you,” said Hermione in exasperated tones, “but the last month has been crazy.”
“You still haven’t told me with what.” Jean looked over her shoulder at Hermione while mashing the potatoes.
“Well,” said Hermione, praying for patience. “In between studying for my NEWTs, which are in a month, I served tea to a group of ladies so that I could pitch my charity and hopefully earn their vote, which, incidentally, happens to be tomorrow. I also went to a committee meeting of the Society for Distressed Witches, attended the Queen Maeve gala and met with the Chairwitch on the Hogwarts Scholarship Fund and two of her committee members. I have twenty eight confirmed votes with about eight who are still on the fence and so I don’t know if I’ll get the needed thirty three. I promise, I will make more time for you once I have taken my NEWTs.”
Her mother eyed her critically. “No wonder you look so tired. You need to slow down if you can, you’re pregnant, you need to take it easy.”
“You’re right mum, pregnant women should take it easy.” Jean Granger wasn’t totally satisfied with the rather foggy answer but she was placated for the moment. She helped her daughter by setting dinner out while Hermione took the men’s drink orders.
Hermione stood in front of Sirius who was seated on the couch while her father stood up and meandered into the dining room. Once his back was turned she leaned over Sirius like she was going to hug him. He put his arms out and pulled her into him. She looked over her shoulder to make sure her parents were occupied with each other. She rubbed her hand over his length and nibbled his ear lobe. She whispered in his ear. “As soon as they leave I am going to-.” She was interrupted by her mother who was calling them to the table.
He grabbed her arm firmly and gave her a sinful smile. “You think you’re clever, teasing me this way but they have to leave sometime, pet, and then that pretty little arse is mine.”
“Maybe I’ll invite them to spend the night.” She fluttered her eyelashes at him innocently.
“So?” he said with an amused chuckle. “I’m pretty handy with a Silencing Charm.”
Just to prove his lack of fear, he set her on her feet, stood up and grabbed her arse and squeezed hard while her father was turned toward them. Hermione took in a shocked breath of air. He strutted past her into the dining room and flirted with her mother while sending heated looks her way. Her father just smiled at the pair because he was used to the games that his daughter didn’t think he knew about.
While trying to maintain polite dinner conversation, Sirius had to endure the young hand that crept farther and farther up his thigh. Her action was hidden by the table and the fact that her parents didn’t pay close attention to where their daughter’s hand strayed. He was rather entertained by her torture which she was fond of when either her parents or Mrs. Weasley came for a visit. She could get away with naughty behavior without the immediate repercussions that would surely take place if they were alone. When their guests finally did leave he was a beast and she had discovered on their honeymoon that she rather liked that side of him. Sirius grappled with keeping focused on the conversation and not his desire to kick out their guests and fuck his wife within an inch of her life.
“I got a chance to talk to quite a few members at the Queen Maeve gala last week and also secured a donation for F.L.E.M. from the Queen Maeve Benefit Fund.” Hermione inched her hand ever closer to Sirius’ throbbing organ.
“That donation was fairly important, wasn’t it, sweet?” Sirius had to clear his throat to speak more clearly.
“Vital, actually, without it my charity had no chance at all.” Hermione drummed her fingers lightly on Sirius’ thigh.
“We’re very proud of all the hard work you’ve been doing, Pumpkin,” said Herman, fondly and then more business like to Sirius. “I understand you have been busy as well, Sirius.”
“Yes, I have,” replied Sirius, “I’m sure Hermione has informed you of the incident that took place a month ago?”
“Dreadful! Absolutely horrid what that young man did to a pregnant woman. I’m so pleased with the action you are taking to abolish the law.” Herman looked at Hermione sympathetically. “It’s lucky that you didn’t lose the babies.”
“Luck had little to do with it,” said Sirius, pointing to the charm at Hermione’s neck. “This is supposed to protect against spell damage but I believe it protected her and the twins against physical damage as well. It is very old, very rare and full of protective magic.”
“How was your first day?” asked Jean, taking a closer look at the charm.
“To be honest, ghastly, I’ve never been more hopelessly bored in all my life, not even when I was shut up in my family’s home. Azkaban hardly prepared me for four hours of old, fat windbags droning on about I can’t remember what.” Sirius remembered how close to more exciting employment he had come, only to have it snatched away and replaced with his current miserable occupation. “I do have a bit of good news, though.”
“Really? What’s that?” asked Hermione brightly.
“I made a bargain with Kingsley when I agreed to take my seat. I’ve accepted the reparations the ministry has been trying to give me. Instead of paying me they are going to make a sizeable donation to F.L.E.M.” Sirius had been looking forward to giving her this piece of news.
“Are, are you serious?” He raised an eyebrow at the obvious invitation to a cheeky retort. She pushed his shoulder playfully, his thigh forgotten. “How much?”
“Five hundred thousand galleons and a building in London you can use as F.L.E.M.’s headquarters.” He thought it hardly a fair amount for what he suffered through and was a good deal less then he personally had in Gringott’s but it would greatly help Hermione. Hermione squeaked speechlessly and then threw her arms around him. “You’re welcome, sweet,” he said affectionately.
“So, are you any closer to picking out names for the twins?” asked Jean.
“We’ve each been thinking about it but just haven’t had a chance to put our heads together,” answered Sirius, with a hitch at the end as a small hand was once again inching along his thigh.
“No time like the present,” said Jean, smartly.
“Alright,” said Hermione, “I found a pretty one for a girl the other day, Arrakis.”
“No,” said Sirius, trying to ignore the hand that was so very close to its target.
“What! Why?” asked Hermione, affronted, giving his thigh a squeeze.
“Arrakis is the dancer,” replied Sirius, suppressing a moan.
“So?” Another inch closer to his pulsing, hot cock.
“Bloody hell, woman!” His comment directed more to her teasing hand and less to the unacceptable name. “We may as well name her Sugar Quill and be done with it,” he answered sarcastically, in an attempt to recover from his outburst.
“Fine, fine, your turn, then.” Her hand crept ever forward along his thigh, earning a dark look of frustration from Sirius.
“Mimosa,” offered Sirius, struggling to keep his mind clear from her sensual torture.
Jean Granger shook her head. “That’s the name of a cocktail.”
“What about Porrima?” supplied Hermione, glancing at her parents as she moved her hand a little closer.
Sirius let out a bark like laugh. “I was rather good at Astronomy, Hermione.”
“It’s the name of a goddess,” she whined.
“Oh, yes, the goddess of childbirth. Are you trying to do me in?” he asked, with double meaning. “It’s hard enough trying to imagine being father to a girl without shutting her away from the world. And now you coming up with suggestive names for her.” Sirius shook his head.
“That’s hardly suggestive,” protested Hermione, finally reaching her goal and rubbing lightly.
Sirius ignored her protest but not her hand, fighting against the urge to buck his hips. “How about Electra?”
“Now there is the name of a dancer if I ever heard one,” said Hermione snarkily.
“What about Shaula?” tried Sirius, his breathing getting a little sharper.
“The scorpion’s tail?” Hermione wondered if he could be trusted with the naming of a girl.
“Why don’t you try out a few boys names,” suggested Herman.
“I’ve thought of a few,” said Sirius. “What about Aladfar?”
“Well, I’m not familiar with that one but it’s a little awkward sounding.” Hermione shook her head, dismissing the name, still lightly rubbing his length.
“Well, then I thought of Saiph, the sword.” Sirius thought that was a good, strong name for a boy.
“You do like names with an edge to them.” Hermione laughed and then snorted at her own joke, blushing.
Sirius chuckled at his silly wife and shook his head. “The last one I thought of was Sargas, the weapon of the god of war.” He took a sharp breath as the hand on his cock gave a little squeeze.
“Another weapon? Can we please move away from things that maim or kill?” Hermione gave him a look of aggravated incredulity. “I thought of Altair, the flying one.”
“Altair James Black.” Sirius tried the name out. “Well, I don’t hate it. Can I mull it over a bit?”
Hermione smiled and nodded. “Of course.”
“On that note,” said Jean getting up and patting her husband on the shoulder. “We should get going.” Hugs and promises to get together again soon were shared as Hermione and Sirius walked her parents to the door.
Once the door was closed Hermione returned to the dining room to clear away the dishes. She was spun roughly around by Sirius who wore a look of feral lust. “Like your little game, love?”
“Yes,” she whispered, a heated thrill coursing through her body.
He knew exactly what she wanted, what she needed, why she teased him to this point. He took a hold of both sides of her blouse and ripped it open, sending buttons everywhere. His mouth made contact with her neck, biting the soft skin aggressively while he pushed the shirt off of her shoulders. Her cry was part pleasure, part pain as he walked her backwards and then released her and turned her around. His lust addled brain reasoned just enough to give her a little shove toward the bedroom, keeping her pregnancy in mind. “Get in the bed,” he said roughly.
She scampered in that direction removing articles of clothing as she went so as not to have them ruined as well. He entered the bedroom with purpose and strode toward the bed and upon reaching her, ripped her knickers off, forcing a yelp from her mouth, leaving red marks where the fabric had once clung to her body. “Sirius!” He pushed her down and leaned over her, one knee on the bed, the other foot on the floor. His course fingers entered her roughly, already pumping hard in and out while his demanding thumb rubbed against her clit. She hiccoughed and mewed, her breath coming faster and her cries growing louder as he rushed her towards her first climax. “Oh, god…don’t stop…oh, yesssss…”
He showed her no mercy for this is what she had spent the afternoon begging for. Her body jumped and jolted as she was forced closer and closer to her orgasm and then it hit. She called to him loudly, their eyes locked together as she convulsed around his fingers. He slid them out of her heat and licked them, savoring her flavor. “Love the way you taste, kitten.”
He gave her no time to recover, needing to be joined with her, needing to feel his cock enveloped in her heat. He opened his pants enough to release his aching, weeping cock from its confines. He performed the same spell on himself from their honeymoon and then flipped her over, ramming his length into her, forcing a loud, rough moan from her lips. “You like it rough, don’t you?”
He took a firm grip on her hips, pulling her arse up, bruising the flesh and then roughly plunging into her, over and over. He reached around to find and then twist her clit in his fingers. “Come, witch!” he commanded. His lip curled in a sadistic smile as he felt her come for the second time. He rode her orgasm, his head thrown back, almost unable to bear the pleasure but forcing himself to anyway.
He flipped her again, this time tossing both her legs over his shoulder and entered again, rough, almost vicious, mad with desire and the inability to come. He lay claim to her body with dominance and power, a look of primacy and raw lust that would have frightened some but thrilled her. “My witch, mine to fuck!” he grunted out.
“Yes, Sirius! Yours!” A steady stream of encouragements incited him to take her as he pleased. His fingers dug into her arse, his pelvis working like a piston, sliding his long, hard shaft in and out with high velocity. Hermione’s fingers clung to the sheets as her body was pushed once again toward it’s completion. Sweat dripped from every pore, eyes on each other, breaths becoming labored and calls to each other getting louder. “So close…don’t stop…” Her body was strung tight as he forced her closer and closer to the edge, urging her to leap. The first soft waves and she wasn’t sure if it was happening and then deeper and harder as he lovingly brutalized her body. A guttural half scream was ripped from her lungs as she hit her peak and then whispering his name as it washed out on the other side. He muttered the counterspell and came hard as he always did when she pushed him this way, her name leaving his lips in a loud roar. They took in great gasping breaths as their bodies calmed back down.
Still connected by his softening member, he leaned over her and kissed her gently. “I love you so much.
“I love you, too.” She let out a last shuddering sigh.
“Are you alright?” He always worried that he pushed her too hard.
“I’m wonderful, I really needed that.” She smiled at him from under heavily, lidded eyes.
“Good.” He gave her a last, lingering kiss and then rolled to the side. His warm flesh slid out of her body followed by a flood of comingled sexual excretions. He rolled them away from the wet spot and curled his body around hers, tenderly kissing her face and neck and shoulders. They lay together, softly caressing and kissing each other, embraced in the warm aftermath of their lovemaking. It was a good ten minutes before either of them spoke.
“Harry is coming tomorrow. Ron is staying at Hogwarts this time so he can see a little more of Hannah before the summer hols.” Hermione’s head rested on Sirius’ arm, her fingers lazily tracing the tattoos on his chest.
“Good, that’s good. We can talk to him about moving in with us.” His fingers played absently with a breast.
“Tomorrow I’ve got the big meeting with the Daughter’s and the day after that we have our first committee meeting here if all goes according to plan.” Hermione was starting to feel the pressure of all she was trying to achieve.
“Mmm hmm,” murmured Sirius, who was starting to fall asleep. Hermione smiled and snuggled deep into his arms, letting sleep her take her too.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Hermione and Sirius were sitting together on one of their couches across from Harry who was feeling a little nervous. They had asked him to join them in the family room so they could talk to him about something important. Sirius had one arm stretched across the back of the couch, the other hand on Hermione’s thigh, drawing strength from her. He had never fully addressed the burning of number twelve, Grimmauld Place with Harry, never apologized for taking the home that he had given to his godson. When Sirius returned from the Veil, Harry gave back Sirius’ fortune down to the last knut. Sirius had every intention of returning to this home after the war and insisted Harry keep the home he had never wanted.
Hermione was rather excited about asking Harry to move in with them. She sorely missed his company and the prospect of reconnecting was appealing to her. She knew that Sirius was nervous about this conversation, feelings of guilt came easily to Sirius, and this present situation was no different. The silence in the room began to stretch uncomfortably while Sirius gathered his thoughts. Harry wore a worried expression believing that nothing this hard to say could be good news.
“So, Harry,” began Hermione, “have you been studying for your NEWTs? They are only a month away.”
“I feel pretty good about it. I’ve already got my application for the academy all filled out.” Harry was relieved she had broken the growing tension in the room.
“You’re still set on being an Auror?” asked Hermione, she leaned into Sirius a little, hoping to impart some comfort to him.
“Yeah, I don’t think I ever considered anything else,” replied Harry, glancing at Sirius who was still silent, staring at the hand on Hermione’s thigh.
“After graduation,” said Sirius quietly, without looking up, “Hermione and I would like you to move in with us. You can stay here as long as you like.”
Harry felt the last of the tension drain off, understanding immediately what was bothering Sirius. His godfather was a proud man and the coming apology was going to be difficult for him. “That would be really great! I wouldn’t need a place for very long if I get accepted to the academy.”
His forty years and abuse in Azkaban were rarely evident anymore. He normally felt and looked younger than he had in years, energetic and passionate the way he had once been. The young man who had been lost to the world had been given a second chance. Occasionally though, Sirius reverted to the haunted man he had been, the dark shadows taking precedence in his mind once again. Sirius raised his head to face Harry, a miserable look of guilt and shame colored his face, the hollows under his eyes stood out, pronounced and sad.
“I’m sorry, Harry,” he croaked out, the words dripping with remorse, shame and criticism.
Harry shook his head. “I remember that day, Sirius. You weren’t yourself, you thought Hermione was going to die and your mum’s portrait pushed you, making out like it was amusing for her.”
Tears fell from Hermione’s eyes as she remembered what Remus had showed her in the pensieve. She had been in the hospital, close to death, when Sirius had torched his family’s ancestral home. The power of his grief moved her then and it moved her now. She didn’t fully understand then what she did now, that their union had a healing effect on him. Losing her meant a return to pain and loss and loneliness. She placed her hand over his and rested her head on his shoulder, wetting it with her tears.
“It doesn’t excuse…” Harry interrupted Sirius, his voice slightly raised, his tone confident and self assured.
“No, it doesn’t excuse anything Sirius but you’ve got to quit feeling guilt for this.” Harry chuckled warmly and with great affection for his godfather. “Besides, when I think about all the renovation that place would have required, you may have actually done me a favor.” Sirius could feel Hermione shaking lightly with mirth.
Sirius gave Harry a sarcastic smile but whatever comment he was considering, it never made it out of his mouth. His godson’s words removed some of his broodiness, his countenance lightened and a more genuine smile returned to his face. He noticed for the first time that his shoulder was wet and turned his head to look at Hermione. She had yet to wipe the tears from her cheeks and her eyes were puffy and red. She looked at him, looking at her, and smiled.
“What’s this?” he asked gently, tilting her head so he could wipe away the tears.
She flicked her eyes to Harry, unsure if she wanted to have such a private moment in front of him. “I-I was remembering that day, the day when I learned what I’d forgotten, when we used the pensieve.”
“Mmm, hmm. What about that day did you just remember?” With both of his hands gently cupping her face and his soulful grey eyes gazing intently on her, everything else fell away.
“You wanted to die,” she whispered, distress edging into her voice. “You thought I would be dead when you returned to the hospital and so you wanted to join me and…” She left the whisper behind but still spoke in a soft, anguished voice. “…and, and w-when I think about that, about you w-wanting to die…” the tears began to fall again, “…over me, w-watching you t-tear yourself apart b-because of me…” Overcome, she couldn’t finish her sentence. She fell into quiet sobs and was pulled into warm and comforting arms. Sirius and Harry exchanged a look, asking Harry for a moment of patience which was gladly granted. Sirius held her tightly to him and said nothing, enduring the course of her emotion because he was the cause of it. Her body stilled and lay quietly in his arms for several minutes before she spoke. “What if something were to happen to me now? What of you?”
“I was very, very angry and not in my right mind, baby. I was furious with myself for not checking out that ring more carefully, I was furious with my mother’s portrait for speaking about you that way.” He tipped her head to look at him. “I’m sorry I tried to leave you. I will never again lose hope while there is still hope to be had.”
Hermione nodded and as she did she caught sight of Harry and remembered they had an audience. He was smiling at the pair, not looking as uncomfortable as she thought he might be. Harry had apparently done some growing up in the last few months that she had missed out on. She returned his smile and straightened herself up.
“So, when do you want me to move in?” asked Harry, releasing some of the tension in the room.
“You can start leaving your stuff here now if you want,” said Sirius. “Once your year is over we’ll go to your aunt and uncles and get the rest of your stuff.”
“You’re going to go with me to the Dursley’s?” Harry’s voice was awed with just a tinge of malice.
“I’m not so sure that’s a good idea,” interjected Hermione, hoping for reason.
“No, not good…brilliant! That’s a bloody brilliant idea,” said Harry, gleeful and mischievous.
Sirius patted Hermione on the knee, curbing whatever she might think of to say next. “C’mon, Harry. Let’s go have a look at your room.” He stood up and smiled wistfully at Hermione, communicating to her that he was going to give Harry his father’s robes. She returned his smile and then waggled her eyebrows at him, reminding him of that other conversation he needed to have with Harry.
Sirius tromped up the stairs, followed closely behind by Harry. They paused at the nursery, entering the room so Harry could have a look around. The walls were painted in pastel yellow and the room was filled with all the furnishings a young family might need. There was one crib, magically enlarged to accommodate two babies. A mobile swung around with unicorns that swished their tails and shook their manes and dragons which flapped their wings and blew flames that looked so real you could almost feel the heat. There was a changing table that never ran out of diapers and a diaper pail that Vanished its contents when the lid was closed. A large pram stood in one corner and two basinets lay next to it. A small bookshelf, which was already half full, sat over a small dresser.
“We’ve still got a lot to buy, that’s what Hermione tells me anyway,” said Sirius, looking around the room which had seemed so large only a few weeks ago.
“How much stuff do baby’s need?” asked Harry with a wry grin.
Sirius shrugged his shoulders. “Loads, apparently.”
The two men left the room and continued on down the hall to the room at the end. They entered the room and looked around. Sirius sat at the end of the bed and cast a glance at the closet, steadying himself for all he needed to discuss with Harry.
“You can do whatever you like with the room, its completely yours, I want you to feel at home here,” said Sirius, looking around the room.
“Thanks, Sirius.” Harry paused, smiling at is godfather and decided to help the older wizard out. “So, what did you bring me up here to talk about?”
“Erm, right,” said Sirius, realizing just how obvious he had been. “When your dad and I graduated Hogwarts he and your mum were already engaged. Their wedding was planned for the following spring and during the in between time he lived here with me.”
“He did, he lived here? Wow! You never said anything before. Why is that? Why tell me now?” Harry sat down on the bed beside Sirius, terribly excited to learn this piece of information.
Sirius sighed and looked at the closet again. “Well, I have been meaning to tell you. It was hard for me to get the words out. I’m sorry about that Harry.”
Harry shook his head. “I understand, Sirius.”
“Look in the closet,” said Sirius quietly. Harry got up and crossed the room, he took a look back at Sirius who smiled and nodded. “Go on, then.”
Harry opened the closet door and looked at the Quidditch robes which were hanging at the front. “These aren’t mine,” said Harry with a puzzled look.
“I know,” said Sirius. “They were your dads.”
Harry reached out and touched the robes, he fingered the material reverently. He stood in the doorway to the closet for several long minutes, a myriad of emotions overwhelming. Sirius waited patiently knowing this was a significant moment for Harry. The young wizard turned around to face the man who had willingly taken his father’s place. “Thank you.”
“They were always yours, Harry. It’s just hard for me to let go of James, even now.” He smiled sadly, wistful, marveling at just how much like James his son really was.
Needing to break some of the tension, Sirius thought about the conversation Hermione had suggested. He looked at his godson, taking into account that he was a young man and not a child. He was a little surprised Harry hadn’t gotten any farther with Ginny when she was apparently willing. He smiled to himself because Harry really was an awful lot like his father. “Do you know to set a Silencing Charm?”
“Uh, yeah. Why?” Harry was taken by surprise at the question.
“Do you know how to cast one on a room?” Sirius thought it was obvious why someone would need to cast a Silencing Charm on a room but apparently Harry didn’t.
“Why would I need to do that?” Now Harry was really confused.
“Well, for when Ginny comes over, Harry. This is your home and you’re not a child. You and Ginny are young adults.” Sirius watched Harry’s face as the young wizard began to catch on.
“Before you left,” Sirius understood that Harry was talking about the Veil, “I wanted to ask you about girls.”
“And now?” asked Sirius.
“I figured some of it out on my own. Hermione helped some too.” Sirius smiled at the blush that was rising on Harry’s cheeks. “I’m in love with Ginny, when she graduates I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
“That’s great, Harry! Marriage is wonderful, better than I imagined it would be.” Sirius remembered another Potter who was just as sure about who he wanted in his future.
“I just, well, I don’t really want to wait that long to, uh, well, you know.” Harry glanced at Sirius.
“Well, for starters, if that’s something you want in your life you should be able to name it.” Sirius wasn’t as uncomfortable as he thought he would be.
Harry nodded and was thoughtful for a moment. “We get to a certain point and then I pull back because I don’t want to push her.”
“Let her tell you when she wants to stop,” said Sirius. “She knows exactly where her limits are. Just let instinct take over, do what you want and make sure she’s having a good time too.”
“How do I make sure she’s having a good time?” Sirius’ frank, honest manner with no sign of embarrassment encouraged Harry’s to ask questions.
“She’ll let you know what she likes.” Sirius grinned. “There is a place on her, it feels sort of like a button, you pay attention to that and she’ll have a good time.”
“My mates said a girls first time is difficult, is that really true?” Harry just let the questions flow.
“It is,” said Sirius, a fleeting thought of Hermione’s first night went through his mind. “Just be gentle with her that first night. After that, do what feels natural, never hold back on her because that’s not what she needs from you.” Harry nodded not sure what to say to that. Sensing that the conversation was at an end and that he had given Harry some things to think about he got up. “Anytime you need to talk, I’m here, ok?” Harry nodded again. Sirius got up and crossed the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0o0
Hermione glanced at the grandfather clock as she paced in front of the fireplace, back and forth, back and forth. Sirius stood up and forced her to sit on the couch with him. “You’re making me dizzy.” Harry snorted earning a glare from Hermione.
“The vote is tonight, Sirius and I don’t know if I’ve got enough members on my side!” she said desperately.
“You underestimate your persuasiveness, Hermione,” said Harry with an affectionate smile. He couldn’t help enjoying the feeling of being a part of a family that was pulling together for one its members.
The grandfather clock began its slow donging, announcing the top of the hour. “It’s time to go, sweet. It’ll all be alright, you’ll see.”
She gave them a last panicked look before tossing some powder into fireplace and stepping into to be swept away in a whirl of green flames.