Reputations

6th November 1984

“Auntie Cissa! And Draco!”

“Mya!” Draco called, before he froze, “Ducks!”

“Ducks?” Narcissa repeated, “What in the name of Merlin. Kingsley Shacklebolt, are you running a zoo?”

With a groan, Kingsley scooped up an admittedly adorable Jimmy, depositing her into Narcissa’s arms. “Ive banned grandparents.”

Raising her eyebrows, clearly waiting for an explanation, Narcissa stared him down. “Your father is responsible for this?”

“No! Which makes it worse! Dorian and Aster are responsible for our new additions.”

“Mother of merlin,” she muttered, “I’d avada Abraxas and Cora if they dared.”

“I was tempted,” he muttered, “As it is…” he pointed at the birds in turn, “meet Quack, Pebbles, Duckie and Jimmy.”

Narcissa snorted involuntarily, “A swan named quack and a duck named Jimmy, good gods I cannot wait until your daughter is naming her children.”

“There will be no children. None!” Kingsley replied slightly frantically. “She can name animals. That's it.”

“Of course,” Narcissa soothed insincerely. “Now, don't you have somewhere to be?”

“What?” he glanced at the clock, “Oh! Yes. I…thanks for this! Although I should warn you, the ducks came with a new pond, so have fun with that. It's warded but well…I've met the children coming today.”

Narcissa let out a loud laugh, stroking Jimmy's fluffy head. “Merlin of course there is. Can the birds go in it?”

“Yes. Just make sure they're not in it for too long. How they found ducklings in sodding October I’ll never know.”

“Splendid, Off with you then.” She turned as Kingsley scooped Hermione up, throwing her in the air, glancing down at her son. “Oh you are too precious.” she cooed, as he sat cuddling a cygnet with a look of utter awe on his tiny face.

“Daddy will see you after work, Princess, be good for Auntie Cissa and have fun with your friends.”

“Bye Daddy,” she mumbled, her arms wrapping around his neck. 

“Love you,” he murmured into her curls.

“Do you have to work tomorrow?”

He all but flinched at her sad little voice. “Yes baby, but not the day after.”

“Ok.” she sighed, letting him go.

Narcissa sent him a sympathetic look over the children's heads. “Go, we’ll be fine.”

With one last guilty glance at his daughter, he turned, disappearing into the floo. 

“Mother of Merlin,” Cassia muttered, eyeing the birds with amusement. “How is Kingsley not demented?”

“He mentioned banning grandparents.”

Antonia laughed. “I've warned them. THey bring anything living into my house and I'm going to send double the amount home with them. Thankfully Daphne and Astoria are happy enough to come here for their animal fix.”

“They are rather sweet though,” Angela murmured, a sleeping Quack on her lap.

“THey are a bit,” Naricssa agreed, Jimmy curled in hers.

“Both of you are going to have birds before the end of the week.” Dorothea predicted with a grin. 

“The peacocks would eat them,” Narcissa lamented, “Or I would.”

“Oh look at that!” Antonia cooed, redirecting them, all of them turned to look at where she was pointing. On the newly installed play equipment, a giggling Gregory Goyle was pushing the miniature Luna Lovegood.

“Aww,” they cooed instantly. 

“And look, Draco and Pansy have been permitted into Hermione, Draco and Lavender's inner circle.”

“Oh they are not that bad!” Narcissa dismissed. “They play with others all the time.”

“They prefer each other though,” Dorothea sighed. “Theo demanded I help him write letters to them the other day because it had been too long. He'd only seen them the day before.”

“Kings mentioned that,” Antonia grinned, “Apparently the letter was hilarious.”

“Oh it was,” she replied, “Hermione's answer was equally entertaining.”

“That's adorable.”

“I hope they keep it when they reach Hogwarts,” Cassia admitted, “I think unless something changes drastically, Posy would be devastated.”

“Our little Mya is as stubborn as they come,” Antonia dismissed, smiling as she watched her daughter and niece giggling as they pranced around an over excited Fluffy-feathers. “They’ll be fine.”

25th Dec 1984

Kingsley steeled his spine as he ran an eye over his daughter. Dressed in tiny green velvet robes with a heavy, fur-lined cloak, she was appropriately festive and utterly adorable. Her hair had been tamed, half braided back thanks to Dolly and the Black hair potion, keeping it out of her face lest she threaten to cut it off. Again. 

He tried to keep the mood upbeat, despite wishing this wasn't part of their traditions. It felt important that it was included, or it had, but now looking at his daughter just accepting that this was what they did on Christmas, he was second guessing himself.

“Ready, baby?” he checked, pulling his scattered thoughts back into some semblance of order.

“I'm not a baby!” she pouted.

“You're my baby,” he countered, sweeping her up into his arms, making her shriek. “Always, even when you're older than I am.”

“You're silly, Daddy,” she sighed, even as she cuddled into him, allowing him to squeeze her tightly. “Can we take Jimmy to meet Mama?”

“Whatever you want, Princess,” he murmured, wondering if this would ever not hurt. 

“I think she’d like to meet him.”

“I'm sure she would,” he choked out, her utter seriousness making the situation seem ten times worse.

Putting her down he watched as she called for the now fully duck-like Jimmy, the white duck coming running at her voice. “Ready, Daddy!” Hermione announced, Jimmy now secured in her arms, her feathery head resting on Hermione's shoulder.

“Come on then little duck whisperer.” he smiled,  settling her back in his arms, one hand on Jimmy in case she startled as he spun them out of existence.

The wizarding graveyard was covered in a thin blanket of snow, several families milling around on the same awful errand as they were. He returned sad smiles with people he recognised from previous visits, not knowing their names. They didn't need to really. No one came here because they wanted to, and no one really wanted to be reminded of this place outwith their visits. 

He watched as Hermione walked with confidence towards the headstone bearing her mother's name, the sight hurting him in a way he hadn't expected as it hit him; they'd been here enough for her to know the way, for her not to question that this was part of every Christmas. She hadn't questioned that her friends all had living mothers, that hers was hidden, visible only thanks to memories and pictures and a slab of stone. He wasn’t sure why today seemed worse than previous visits, perhaps it was the knowledge that, at five, Hermione had now lived longer without her mother than she had had with her. Perhaps it was the way the years seemed to be disappearing, his baby seeming to grow up more every time he blinked. 

“Mama I brought Jimmy to meet you, her sister Duckie lives with us too. Grandma and Grandpa took me to get them. I think Daddy was a bit cross.“ Hermione's childish voice drew his attention back to the scene in front of him just as her head tilted, “Maybe he was cross about the pond. We got Quack and Pebbles at the same time, Daddy says they’re swans but they're still grey and fluffy. They're soo cute Mama, and they like cuddles and Fluffy-feathers loves them. They follow him around the garden in a line.”

Kingsley's heart simultaneously broke and warmed hearing her talk to Cordelia like she could hear. “I start school with Auntie Bella soon. Altair says it's fun. Draco’s joining us a bit later but soon, Auntie Cissa says. Daddy says Madam Simmons will start soon too and that I’ll have some lessons with Posy and Theo and Daffy. And Daddy says he's going to take me running and practice duelling moves with me. It sounds like I'm going to be very busy. But we’ll still come and see you. Auntie Queenie’s coming for Christmas and so are Uncle Bast and Uncle Severus. I get to make potions with him again soon. He said that maybe I can start chopping some ingredients on my own soon even if I can't see over the bench without a stool.” she glanced back at Kingsley, an unsure look passing over her face, “Miss you Mama.” she murmured, shattering his heart. “I like your letters, Daddy read one on my last birthday, did I tell you? But I wish you were here.”

“What flowers do you want Princess?” he rasped, utterly unable to tolerate this anymore.

“Oh,” Hermione blinked at him for a few seconds, apparently surprised by his interruption.   “Pink ones.” 

He conjured pink roses, handing them to her, watching as she placed them down gently. “I think we’re going now, Mama.” she murmured, “Merry Christmas.”

With a harsh swallow, anything he'd intended to say disappeared as he picked up his daughter, holding her close. He didn't know why he did this, he didn't need to come here to speak to Deils. He did it daily, trusting that wherever she was she was listening, watching over Hermione. Without another word he twisted, taking them back home, refusing to give in to the grief that felt overwhelming at that moment.

James crept out as Kingsley disappeared, not quite sure he'd have been able to listen to his son the way Kingsley had just listened to his daughter. His grief felt acute today, despite how selfish he felt for even thinking it. Their daughter had no mother, her only memories would involve this bleak little graveyard and a mother who could never respond to her chattering. It wasn't fair. Silently, he conjured a wreath to go with Hermione's roses. “I'm so sorry,” he muttered. “I…I'm just so sorry.”

Unable to stand it any longer, he disappeared, plastering a smile onto his face as he reentered his cottage, finding Harry flying around the house on his new broom, his wife's smile not reaching her eyes as she greeted him.

“Uncle Severus!” Hermione called the moment they appeared back in their living room, barreling into him the second Kingsley put her down.

“Tough morning?” Rabastan murmured as Severus swept her up, mindful of the duck in her arms.

“I don't think it’ll ever get easier,” Kingsley murmured, “I…Merlin it's not fair.”

“No it is not.” Bast murmured.

“She said she missed her, that she wished she was here. She's never done that before.”

Rabastan looked pained, his eyes darting to his goddaughter who was now curled up on his partner's knee, Jimmy on hers, her tiny hands gesturing rapidly as she explained something to him.

“I don't know what to say to that,” he admitted.

Kingsley sighed, “It's Christmas. I think next year we need to go on a different day. I cant…she seems to be ok, but Merlin this can't be all our holidays. She's too little to understand completely now, but she won't always be.”

“No,” Bast murmured, “She won't.”

“Anyway,” Kingsley sighed heavily. “Today isn't the day. Lets…let's do presents.”

“You haven't done presents?”

“We did a couple and her stocking.”

“Her stocking?”

“Dorcas Meadowes used to talk about getting one.” Kingsley frowned, “I know Hermiones mentioned it, I've done one since she was born!”

“What?”

“Muggles have Santa, he fills a stocking over the fireplace, but Dorcas mentioned hers being on her door when she was younger. It distracts children enough in the morning and gives their parents more sleep. I thought it was genius. Several of the mothers have adopted the practice.”

“Fills it with what?” Bast demanded, looking bewildered.

“Small toys and sweeties mainly.” Kingsley shrugged. 

“Merlin, that is genius.”

“Hello the house!” Queenie called just as they were about to move. 

“Auntie Queenie!”

“Ooft Princess,” Queenie wheezed when her niece flew into her. “Merry Christmas.

“Merry Christmas Auntie Queenie!”

“Merlin, how much sugar have you had,” Queenie laughed.

“Lots!” Hermione beamed. “And Uncle Severus just gave me gingerbread.”

Kingsley's head swung to glare at Severus, he shrugged unrepentantly, “It's Christmas.”

“Salazar save us.” Kingsley muttered before pitching his voice louder, “Do you want to come and do presents Princess?”

“Yes!” Hermione squealed, startling the little gaggle of birds milling around; a festive Fluffy-feathers dressed up in a fairy light necklace with sparkling wings glared reproachfully at their flapping. 

“Come here then.”

“What times mum and dad coming?” Queenie murmured into his ear. 

“Lunchtime. Dorian, Thalia, Antonia, Jared and the girls will be around then too.”

“Merlin, it's going to be chaos.”

Kingsley just smiled, knowing that chaos was needed today as he summoned a pile of presents over to Hermione, his grin widening at her excited exclamations as she tore off the paper. 

“Have you had a good Christmas Princess?” Bast checked, Hermione snuggled into his side. 

“Yes, Uncle Bast,” she mumbled, her eyes already closing. 

“What was your favourite present?”

“My knife.”

Bast froze, his eyes meeting Antonia’s. “Who got her a knife?”

“Auntie Bella,” Hermione mumbled, burrowing closer. 

Across the room, both her horrified grandmothers turned to look at Kingsley, who shrugged, “It's hardly unexpected. Apparently, she's going to teach her to throw it properly.”

“Kingsley Atticus Shacklebolt, tell me that you are preventing that!” his mother demanded.

“Ah,” Kingsley squirmed under her glare for a second before admitting, “No. It's hardly a bad skill to have,”

“Can I have a knife Mummy?” Daphne yawned.

“Not a chance.” Antonia replied sharply.

“Oh, I’ll just have to borrow Mya’s then.” 

“Merlin preserve us,” Queenie laughed, “Bella’s going to have an army of knife wielding little helions.”

“I imagine she’d like that,” Severus mused.

“Probably,” Bast muttered, one hand stroking over Hermione's curls, “Let's never suggest it.”

Scooping up his sleeping daughter, andcuddling her close, Kingsley just laughed, allowing Hermione and the whispered argument about Bella’s army to soothe his soul.

7th January 1985

“Now, you’ll get all the boring things with Madam Simmons,” Bella lectured, “And your Grandmothers have etiquette, deportment and all the ridiculous tea rules covered. Your Uncle Severus is working on your potions skills isn't he?” Hermione nodded her attention firmly on the witch in front of her. “Well then, I'm going to add to your Daddy's fitness regime, we're going to practice with knives and aiming and we’ll consider adding in weapons as we go. We’ll also be looking at intimidation techniques, getting what you want and building alliances. Once we’ve that covered we’ll look at wandless magic. But you're five so we should probably wait until you've grown a bit. I'm sure six will be fine.”

At the back of the room, Rodolphus snorted. “Ambitious, darling.”

“As all good witches should be,” Bella shot back.

“Of course,” he agreed blandly, wondering how concerned he should really be. He glanced at his son, who was diligently working his way through one of the exercises his tutor had left for him. Altair was doing fine. It would all be fine. 

“How did you get on today little witch?” Severus smiled down at Hermione who was visibly vibrating withexcitement.

“I managed to hit the dummy in the stomach.”

Severus froze, “With what?”

“My knife,” she informed him as if he was an idiot. “And then Auntie Bella made me run with Altair. She has a…climbing wall. It's quite hard Uncle Severus, Altair had to help me up.”

“She had you throwing a knife at a dummy?”

“Yes,” Hermione nodded, “I've to try and hit where she wants me to and then once I can do that all the time, we're going to work on aiming above my head.”

“Mother of Morganna,” he muttered, “I'm going to have a word with your Daddy about those lessons, that's insane”

“Auntie Bella says sanity’s overrated.”

He gave a choked laugh deciding that he wasn't touching that erumpment with someone else's wand, he valued his life.

18th February 1985

Hermione peered up at Sirius. “Don't you have any children for me to play with yet?”

Narcissa barely bit back her laugh at the same time Sirius choked, “Eh no, little witch. I don't.”

“Oh.” she tilted her head, “That's sad.”

“Sometimes,” Sirius hedged. 

“Do you not want children?” Hermione continued. Sirius shot his mother a pleading look. Walburga studiously ignored him, her lips twitching slightly as she fought the urge to laugh.

“Um..I haven’t…probably not.” 

“Why not?” Hermione demanded, her gaze focused on his face. 

“Because…because I ah…damn it, someone help me!”

“Nonsense, we were all waiting on the answer,” his mother replied, “Do continue.”

“Mother!” he whined. “It's not…child appropriate.”

Walburga frowned, “In what way?”

“Well, I can hardly say it in front of little ears, can I?” Sirius demanded. 

Rolling her eyes, Walburga went to cast a silencing charm when Hermione piped up, “Is this like when Daddy was telling Uncle Bast about kissing that man and then noticed I was there and made me take Fluffy-feathers for a treat?” 

There was a resounding silence before Sirius groaned, “It's wrong to ask what he was saying isnt ti?”

“Yes!” Walburga hissed before realisation dawned on her face. “Sirius Orion Black, were you that man?”

Hermione whirled back around to look at him,  “You do have pretty hair.” she nodded, “I understand why Daddy liked playing with it. Did he put it up like he does with mine?”

Sirius stood with his mouth gaping as his mother and Narcissa howled. 

“Why didn't you tell us?” Walburg asked softly once Hermione had left, taking Draco with her to play with the birds and Fluffy-feathers under Evan and Rosie's watchful eyes. 

Sirius sighed, “I really like him,” he admitted, “But he..he has a kid, clearly, and that complicates things.” Walburga stared back at him until he began to fidget, “it's going to cost me James,” he blurted, “and Harry.”

“Ah.” his mother nodded, “I see. Do you wish my opinion?”

“I'm sure you're going to give it anyway,” he muttered.

“Is a friend who would cut you out for a relationship that makes you happy worth keeping over the relationship that makes you happy? You have done your best to adhere to his wife's ridiculous rules. Don't you deserve that same consideration?”

“That's what Remus and Reggie said.” he muttered, deflating slightly.

“Your brother knows?” Walburga asked in surprise.

“Yes,” Sirius sighed, raking his fingers through his hair. “He’s been seeing Amelie for long enough, I thought he might have some advice!”

Walburga nodded silently, turning that over in her head, “I see. Only you can decide whether it's worth it. As you quite rightly pointed out, Kingsley does have a child and that child has already lost a parent. You cannot go into this half heartedly, Sirius. And if there is any chance you will resent Kingsley or Hermione should James and Lily decide to restrict your access to Harry then you need to walk away now.”

Sirius gulped, knowing his mother was right, “I don't think I want to,” he admitted. “I dont…I have no idea what to do with a kid, I currently get to be fun Uncle Sirius and I imagine I’ll mess it up in every way possible but…I don't think I want to walk away.”

Walburga shook her head, “It's a place to start, but Sirius. Be sure. They need you to be.”

He nodded, not replying as he attempted to sort out his own head.

25th February 1985

Sirius’ eyes roamed Kingsley’s face. All around the house, there was proof of the child who lived there. James’ child. And Merlin if it didn't terrify him.

“You look…tense.” Kingsley offered, clearly attempting to work out what was going on inside his head.

Sirius gave a bark of mirthless laughter. “I had a chat with your daughter last week, did you know that?”

“I did.” Kingely admitted cautiously. 

“It resulted in a lecture from my mother.” Clearly confused, Kingsley just frowned but his body tensed, waiting for the blow. “She pointed out you have more than just you to consider,” Sirius sighed, “And while I knew that…abstractly. It hit me in a way I hadn't been prepared for.”

“I see,” Kingsley murmured.

“Do you?” Sirius asked desperately. “It’s…I have to make a choice. One I don't think I want to make if I'm honest but…but I have to.”

What choice?” Kingsley asked, sounding genuinely bewildered. “I haven't asked you to make any choice!”

“No,” Sirius agreed sadly, “And you won't but…James…he's been my best friend since school. He was there when things with Reggie were difficult, when I wasn't sure where I fit in my family and then…then he met Lily. And he obsessed over her.” he gave a bark of laughter, “For fucking years. I'm relatively certain I could describe the exact shade of her eyes. Of course, she turned out to not be the specimen of perfection he’d envisaged, and how the fuck could she be? Shes only fucking human. No one could live up to the person he’d created in his head!”

“Sirius, if this is you telling me that James wouldnt understand, then I’ll stop you there.” Kingsley interrupted, “You know where the floo is.”

“No!” Sirius shouted, startling them both. “No! Its…fuck. He loved Deils like a real person, you know? She wasn't a fantasy version of herself in his head. Possibly because he actually fucking knew her. And Lily…Lily resents the situation she's stuck in. If I choose you I’m going to lose Harry because she's so desperately unhappy and all she really has the ability to control is him. You know how divorce would be viewed. And that…that hurts. My mother…my mother pointed out that I couldn't do this half-arsed.”

“Your mother said half-arsed?” Kingsley checked disbelievingly.

Sirius snorted, “Well no. She was much more eloquent. However, she said I had to really think because resenting you or Hermione when the inevitable happens wasn't fair.”

“I see.” Kingsley murmured, “So, the floo?”

“No! Damn it!” Sirius cursed, “Stop trying to make me leave! She also pointed out that a real friend wouldn't make me choose. And he likely will because he won't stand up to Lily. But I…I deserve to be happy too. So…its not going to be fucking easy, I imagine its going to be fucking horrendous, truth be told. But you’ve met all my family, my bloody cousin is teaching your kid questionable skills for merlin's sake! My Mother adores her…so you know what baggage I bring. Well most of it. I also have a moody werewolf who is prone to bouts of self pity but is utterly non-negotiable. We’ll need a stash of chocolate kept in the house just for him.”

Kingsley gave a disbelieving bark of laughter. “A moody werewolf? That's the best you can do? I have a daughter that is utterly ruined by a band of men who should know fucking better. My family is insane. I sent Hermione out with my father and he returned with a hippogriff. My in-laws took her for ducks and swans. I also come with Severus Snape. He is also non negotiable. If nothing else, Hermione thinks he's Merlin himself and she’d never forgive you if he disappeared. This is…” Kingsley trailed off with a sigh. “Your mother is right, I need you to be sure because that little girl James’ wife likes to hate deserves everything I can possibly give her. She is my priority, she will never not be my priority. And I need you to be sure you can accept that.”

“Yes. I hate that I’m going to be fucking made to choose but yes.”

“If he doesn't make you choose, I do not want James Potter here,” Kingsley warned, “I don't want him anywhere near Hermione. Not without prior notice and iron clad ground rules”

“That’s fair,” Sirius murmured.

“Ok.” Kingsley blew out a breath. “Ok. How…how are you expecting to do this?”

Sirius shrugged, “I thought I might just…be around? She's little enough not to need too many details surely?”

Kingsley snorted, “Sirius, you have met my child, haven't you?”

“Yes.” he grimaced.

“Well then. Don't ask fucking stupid questions.”

“Well how do you see this going?” Sirius demanded

“I imagine I’ll need to speak to her. And she’ll want to speak to you. After that, sure, be around. But expect the mothers inquisition. They’re rather protective.”

“Oh gods.” Sirius muttered, “I’ve survived dinner with Snape, I’m sure I can survive them.”

“They're here a lot.” Kingsley wanted, “Bast and Severus. It's not going to change.”

“I know,” Sirius sighed, “I’ll play nice.”

28th February 1985

“Daffy!” Antonia grimaced at the volume of her niece's voice. Her daughter's resulting screech of “Mya!” was absolutely no better. At her side, Astoria pouted. 

“Oh baby, we’ll have Luna to play soon.”

“I play with girls!” she demanded.

“Well…Pansy and Lavender will be here soon.” Antonia hedged, knowing without a shadow of a doubt that though they would try, the girls would be desperate for peace from Astoria within under an hour. “So maybe you could play with the girls for a little bit and then Mummy can see if Grandma’s at home today?”

Astoria’s eyes narrowed, “Grandma cake?”

“I'm sure Grandma will have cake.”

With a regal nod of her head, Astoria gave in and Antonia sighed in relief, leaving to floo her mother-in-law before her headstrong youngest could change her mind.

Two hours later, one child down Antonia watched the unholy coalition of Hermione and Pansy Parkinson. Both of them were absurdly stubborn and their leaning to get along had been something of an experience, but learn they had, realising that Daphne wasn't willing to give either of them up. Theo had been the intermediary with that one in the end, which had been nothing short of adorable. Now though, they gave her genuine chills of fear, between them, they could likely take over the world with sheer stubbornness alone. Add in lessons with Bellatrix and well…merlin help their world. She sent a vain prayer to the gods that their friends would learn to say no to them occasionally.

As it was, they were currently merrily setting the rules of their game, something to do with Madam Simmons and lots of giggling, while Daphne and Lavender nodded their heads and went along with them. When that morphed into what was clearly a pretend duel, she got a rather alarming glimpse into the future and was hit with the realisation that Laurel was going to avada her. She didn't hold with teaching children duelling moves at five and while Antonia could sympathise, Kingsley was an auror and it was hardly surprising he was teaching his daughter young. She was going to have to step in if they started pretending to throw knives though. 

15th March 1985

“You're here,” Severus sneered as he stepped out of the floo. 

“Yes,” he agreed mildly, looking at the girl beside him taking it all in. Her small hand reached out to grip Severus’ startling the man. 

“Severus.” Rabastan chided, watching Hermione warily. 

Severus sighed, “We weren't expecting you.” he offered in a less antagonistic manner. 

“Kings mentioned he had to work late,” Sirius shrugged, “I thought I’d come and offer to let you go home.”

“No thank you,” Severus responded primly. 

“Severus!” Rabastan growled.

“What?” he demanded, “I do not want to go home. Bella has Hermione so often I feel like we never see her.”

“That's a slight over exaggeration.” Rabastan pointed out before turning to Sirius. “Why don't you stay for dinner? You'd like that wouldn't you Princess?”

Hermione shot an unsure look at Sirius before looking up at Severus for guidance.

Noticing, Severus exhaled slowly, “I’m sure Sirius would love some of Auntie Queenie's chocolate cake, Princess. And maybe we could have Lolly make her special dinner.”

Hermione brightened, “Fish and chips with the funny peas, Uncle Severus?” 

“If you ask her nicely,” he smiled. 

“My favourite,” Sirius commented lightly. 

“Have you had Lolly's?” Hermione checked, her grip on Severus still tight.

“I have. Remember that Auntie Bella is my cousin.”

“Oh,” Hermione whispered, “Like Daffy and Story?

“Like Daffy and Story,” he confirmed.

“We will see them soon, Uncle Severus?

“I’m sure you will, Princess.” he agreed.

Hermione nodded, “Will we ask Lolly now?”

Rabastan snorted, “We can.”

“Or we could have Auntie Queenies cake first.” Hermione hedged, her eyes wide. 

Sirius bit back a grin seeing the indecision on the other men's faces. Kingsley had not been lying when he had said they spoiled her. “Well Daddy probably wouldn't like it, Princess.” Rabastan replied hesitantly.

“But Daddys not here, Uncle Bast.” Hermione replied sweetly, before turning to Sirius, “And he’s not going to tell him are you?”

Severus coughed to hide his laugh as he caught the threat in her tone. “Mother of Merlin,” Sirius muttered, “I wouldn't dare. You’re scarier than my cousin.”

“Which one?” Hermione frowned, “Auntie Bella says Auntie Cissa is the scary one. Aunt Andy doesn't agree.”

Sirius snorted, “You’re scarier than all of them.”

Hermione brightened at that, “Am I almost as scary as Aunt Wally? Everyone says she's terrifying.”

“If everything I've heard is true, I think you’ll be scarier than Aunt Wally by the time you're her age.”

She beamed back at him unrepentantly, “Good.” she muttered. 

“Well then Princess now we’re all sufficiently terrified, how about we go ask Lolly for her fish and chips?”

Hermione sighed heavily, “Fine, Uncle Bast. We’ll just make the cake slices extra big.”

“Mother of Merlin,” Sirius whispered as she led him away, “How does Kingsely survive that?”

Severus shrugged, “He owns a hippogryff, two swans and two ducks, he's hardly putting his foot down.”

“But he must sometimes….”

“Yes,” Severus agreed with some amusement,” he does. Not often and he's very much learned tiring her out or giving her a book is the best way to handle her.” He pinned Sirius with a look, “I don't like you. I will learn to tolerate you for Kingsley's sake but we are watching. Closely. The mothers want to meet you by the way. He needs someone to back him up, to help with his quite frankly misplaced guilt that he works and I imagine, someone who can say no to that little witch because Merlin knows, most of us don't.”

“Why?” Sirius blurted.

“Why what?”

“Why don't you say no. Surely..I mean…there's levels of spoiled.”

“And she surprisingly isn't. Not entirely. She rarely tantrums, she does, most of the time accept no when she hears it. But we don't, because we remember what it was like after Deils died. We…I…can still hear that little girl who cried for her mama and don't understand why she wasn't coming. I have seen what devastation looks like on her face, and I remember with horrible clarity how horrific it was the first night she didn't ask for her mother following her death, she looked….resigned. Or as resigned as any two year old can look. So I don't often say no. I might add criteria, I might be distracted but there is no part of me that ever wants to be the cause of putting that look on her face again because it almost gutted me the first time. Bast is the same. I imagine, despite him not vocalising it, that so is Kingsley. You do not have that emotional connection, perhaps you can help.”

“Merlin fuck.” Sirius breathed. “That’s…that’s…I don't have any words for that.”

“Well.” Severus nodded sharply, “I suggest you work it out.”

“What if she hates me?”

Severus snorted, “She doesn't hate you and she's known you in some capacity for most of her, admittedly short life. She's five. I'm told they're fickle creatures, even if there's some…resistance, I'm sure you’ll be fine.”

“Uncle Severus!” Hermione called, barrelling back into the room, “Lolly said yes!”

“Good, come and let's set the table then. Auntie Cissa wants you to practice.”

Hermione sighed, “It's so boring Uncle Severus. Although she had the pretty cups last time.”

“The green ones?”

“Yes!”

“Lucky you! She still doesn't let Nymphadora touch those ones.”

“That's because Dora can trip over air, Uncle Severus!” Hermione exclaimed exasperatedly, clearly mimicking someone before she paused. “How do you trip over air?”

Behind them Sirius let out a breath, his internal pep talk running in a loop inside his head. He needed tonight to go well, so it was time to behave like an adult. He needed tonight to go well…she was only five for Merlin's sake. He needed tonight to go well….

21st May 1985

“I hear you're dating Kingsley Shacklebolt.” Lily’s tone fell short of conversational, landing on something closer to accusatory. 

Sirius nodded slowly, “I am.”

“Seriously?” she checked.

“You never mentioned it.” James accused before he could answer. 

Across the room Remus grimaced in sympathy, both of them waiting for the blow that was surely coming. “It was new. And obviously we were being somewhat careful. Hermione is still little.”

Lily scoffed, “And cant be expected to adapt?”

“She lost her mother,” Sirius bit back sharply, “I think it's understandable that Kingsley is wary of having her around someone else, especially a new relationship that might not last.”

Unseen, Lily managed to look chastised, “You've decided it's serious?” James checked.

“Yes, honestly. I've been spending time with her, and Merlin help me with Snape. I’ve got the mothers inquisition in a couple of days so that's fun. And,” he took a breath, “I officially meet his family next month.”

“Officially?” James breathed, looking stunned. 

“Yes. Officially, with a view to formalising an agreement.”

“That's ... .that’s…” Sirius almost felt guilty at the look of betrayal on James’ face. “Were you just going to tell me at the wedding?”

“Don’t be ridiculous! I just needed to be sure. I was going to mention it once I was sure I survived the mothers.”

“Why are they so interested?”

“Because they’re protective. Obviously Toni is Kings’ sister-in-law and Pandora is Hermione's godmother, but the others have been there since she was tiny. They were there when Deils was preparing to die and they were there when she did. I don't think either Kings or Hermione would have coped as well as they did without them. And it's adorable really, I’ve seen the owls she dictates to two of her friends.”

Remus snorted, “Did Theo reply to her?”

“Yes, four chocolate frogs in return for one of Dolly’s duck cupcakes. Little witch is ruthless. I think Bella’s been teaching her.”

“You knew?” James interrupted.

Remus shrugged, “I got him drunk and he panicked. I haven't been involved although I gather I get to meet the witch who has managed to scare Pads at some point next week.”

“So because I missed the last pub night I don't get to know?”

“Again, don't be ridiculous. I didn't know Moons was going to get me drunk and start asking leading questions.” Sirius dismissed, “And it was hardly a suitable conversation in front of Prongslett while I wasn't sure what we were doing.”

“But you could have….” he trailed off all of a sudden realising that actually he hadn't seen his friends without Harry or his wife in months. That real life had gotten in the way and the long hours he was putting in attempting to diversify the company were taking its toll elsewhere. “Fine. I don't like it but fine.”

“Do you intend to introduce us to them?” Lily's tone was light but everything about her screamed discomfort. 

“Do you want to meet them?” Sirius checked carefully, his eyes on her face. 

“I don't hold with the ridiculous ideals they use to raise their children. From what Molly says that child is on an absurd schedule. Tea etiquette, walking, dance, latin, french, planning an event. Honestly! What child needs to know how to plan an event!”

Sirius kept his face neutral with some difficulty, “She is not being taught to plan an event at five. It will be part of her education, as it was part of ours, part of Mollys but not yet. And she needs to know for things like fundraising. Whatever career she ends up pursuing, and Merlin help us all it wouldn't surprise me if that's Minister for sodding Magic eventually, she will be expected to help the causes the family supports. Most people will never plan a solo event, but there isn't an adult within our set who is not part of a committee.”

“James isn't.”

“James is.” Sirius retorted. “He currently escapes duty because you do not care for it so he sends galleons or Aunt Effie in his place.”

Lily looked surprised for several beats before she countered, “Molly and Arthur aren’t.”

Sirius shrugged, “I wouldn't know. They both used to be, Merlin knows Aunt Cedrella would never have held with her sons shirking their duty.”

“Duty,” she scoffed.

“Duty,” he countered, “How else do you think we raise money? The Ministry cannot fund everything.”

“And yet it wasn't mentioned once at Hogwarts.”

“Because Dumbledore controls Hogwarts and its curriculum with an iron tight fist. He doesn't want it. The Minister has been rallying against it for decades. His last proposal to bring muggleborns in early, educate them as we do our children, give them contacts and a grounding in our world and help prevent some of the utter confusion they must feel at their accidental magic passed in the Wizengamot. Dumbledore wouldn't release the book of names and as Hogwarts is not under Ministry jurisdiction they cant demand he does. They're trying to find another way to get an accurate list of muggleborns. Croaker thinks they're close.”

“That doesn't make sense!”

“You're right it doesn't.” he agreed, deliberately misunderstanding her. “But Dumbledore is a law unto himself and doesn't trust the minister. I don't know what he thinks he's going to do to the muggleborns. His own father was a muggle for Merlin's sake.”

Lily shook her head, her voice less sure than it had previously been, “It's also nonsense. No child needs tea etiquette at five.”

“They do when it's a skill most of their peers will have,” Sirius shrugged. “Missing the fundamentals puts them at a disadvantage and I know you don't want to hear it but it does. I'M not saying there aren't good points to a muggle education, but surely it should be added in rather than it having to be one or another. If there are things you think our education is lacking, couldnt that be changed?”

“No one wants to listen to me,” she snorted, “I keep getting told how wrong I am, how I cannot possibly know what's best for my son, how I should give myself over to this world entirely, forget my own childhood.

“No one is saying that! Just last year, Miranda Bones advocated for the inclusion of art in varying forms to the curriculum. She's muggleborn and thought the kids needed more balance. When I was younger music wasn't included. It is now. English has been added and for those nearing Hogwarts, essay composition. All thanks to people pointing out it was missing.”

“And yet if I say anything, I’m being irrational and doing Harry harm.”

Sirius glanced at Remus, Remus very obviously looked away. He was on his own with this then. “Possibly because you continually tell us how little you think of our education.”

“I do not!”

“No? So all those times the kids have met up, you just haven't gone because you're busy? You haven't just told me you think our curriculum is ridiculous?”

Lily's eyes hardened, “Careful.” she warned, “You're beginning to sound like them.”

“Like who?” he howled, startling Harry who had been quietly playing with a mix of quidditch players and animal figures.

“Them. All those pureblood bigots who look down on my blood status.”

Sirius sat back looking genuinely confused. “When the hell have I ever given  you any indication that I think you're less because of your blood status?” he demanded. 

“Lils.” James cut in, suddenly seeming to understand they were heading in a direction that would be catastrophic if it continued. 

“No! You know what they say!”

“Sirius hasn't said anything!”

“He's saying it now! I'm wrong, giving Harry a childhood like mine is wrong.”

“I'm saying that combining both worlds might be better for him!” Sirius protested. “How much easier would your Hogwarts years have been if you'd had some friends to help with the homesickness from day one, and had an understanding of the unspoken rules!”

“I did just fine.”

Sirius sighed heavily, “I'm not saying you didn't, I'm saying it would have been easier if you'd had more of a grounding.”

Lily rolled her eyes, “Yes because a grounding would make the whispers about my blood status go away,”

Biting back a groan, Sirius eyed her. “I'm not saying there is no prejudice. And I am not saying that there is any excuse for it. But not all of us think like that, or did you forget you married one of those purebloods you seem to hate so much.”

“Not by choice,” she hissed. And the room froze. 

“No not by choice,” James agreed in a tight voice, “But necessity and we are where we are. I perhaps have been…lax in explaining certain things, but Sirius isn't wrong.”

“I'm not discussing this further.” Lily dismissed, “Im taking Harry to my sisters tonight before i say something i can't take back. Congratulations on your relationship Sirius, you’ll forgive me if I refuse to have that man and his spoiled little princess around my son. I'm trying to prevent him learning his mother is considered lesser, you see and nothing I have heard so far leads me to believe that she won't be exactly the same as the rest of them.”

Sirius shook his head letting out a sigh, “I have no idea how a witch who is claiming prejudice can be so hateful towards a little girl she’s never met.”

Lily froze and he immediately saw her dilemma. She couldn't admit that she didn't hate Hermione because she thought she was being taught to hate muggleborns, that she hated her because she was James’ by another witch. Because James didn't know she knew. And She didn't know James knew. And it was now all a giant, ridiculous mess. “I don't hate a little girl,” she replied stiffly.

“Just don't want her around your son because she must be a prejudiced little brat because she's pureblood?” he goaded. 

“Mollys met her,” she shot back, “Said she was a spoiled little madam.”

“Oh?”

“Demanded five new books in Flourish and Blott's despite her poor grandmother explaining she had an entire libraries worth at home.”

“Which grandmother?” Sirius checked idly.

“What?

“Which one? Not that it matters, both Thalia and Aster are rather strong willed witches and don't hold with rudeness in children. Merlin, I remember Aster Greengrass when she took the etiquette lessons. She put Minnie to shame with her glare.”

“I have no idea. As you said it doesn't matter, she all but threw a tantrum when she was told no.”

Sirius eyed her, “Those were Molly's words?”

“Yes.”

“And when was it?”

“It's happened several times.”

“Molly spends a lot of time in Flourish and Blotts, does she?” he mused before he shrugged, “I have no idea. Books are the one thing that little witch might throw a fit over. And her pets.” he snorted suddenly, turning to Remus, “Did I tell you she made Jimmy a paper crown and convinced Dolly to stick it to her head? Bloody bird waddled around the place like a queen, I swear it actually sulked when Kings took it off.”

“And you dont think her tantruming is an issue?” Lily cut in.

“She's five.” he reminded her, “I’m told all children tantrum. Merlin knows we’ve all seen Prongslet throw a fit when his brooms removed. And don't get me started on the things i've heard about the youngest Weasley boy’s temper.”

“Ronald is…”

“A kid,” he finished pointedly. “And as such I'm not passing judgement on him.” The silent unlike you, hung heavily in the air. 

With a loud scoff, she turned on her heel. “Come on Harry lets go and see Auntie Tunie.”

“Merlin fuck,” James muttered as they left. 

“You need to fix that,” Sirius cautioned. 

“How?”

“Maybe grow a pair? Stop letting her dictate everything.”

She hates me Pads. And I…well…you've seen her attitude.”

“And some of that's on you.” he shot back. “You've never corrected her, you just let her do and say exactly as she pleases. Why?”

“Because we’re stuck! I have to live with her and mostly….she's alright. We’re almost friendly.”

“As long as you say exactly what she wants to hear? For fucks sake. What's the worst she can do if you stand up to her?”

“Take Harry.”

“You know damn fine well she cant!” Remus interjected. “She can leave you. She can move out with Harry, but she can't take him completely. The Minister made sure of it after the case with Nehemiah Avery and Collette Flint. No parent can cut the other out unless there's proven abuse.”

James sighed, “I want this to work. I don't want Harry living somewhere else. If we split, she’ll have Dumbledore rescind his permission for her to be a day Professor and move into Hogwarts.”

“It's never going to work unless you stop being such a spineless prick.” Sirius informed him bluntly, “Aunt Effie is devastated. And that's completely on you.”

“I know,” James groaned. “I’ll…I'll do something about Mum. it's not fair.”

“No. It's not.”

“Sirius?” he checked eventually, once the silence had stretched just long enough to be uncomfortable, “Who the fuck is Jimmy and why is she wearing a crown?” he startled at the way both Remus and Sirius laughed, deciding that they'd pushed enough for one evening.