“I am going to miss you Hermione,”. Harry Potter announced.
“Off you go potter or you will miss the Port Key and the Minister will not be happy with you.”. She gave him a little shove and he finally opened the front door.
He turned on the step and opened his mouth once again to speak.
“Harry!” She shouted with frustration, rolled her eyes and folded her arms.
“I just want to say, have fun renovating my home, remember I trust you and I have opened an account for you at Gringotts.”
He winked at her and then vanished leaving her speechless.
Hermione Granger had been given carte blanche to redecorate and modernise her best friend’s home at 12 Grimmauld Place, while he was off galavanting around the world with the Minister of Magic.
She had added extension charms to his backpack. She knew how forgetful he was and if he had only one bag to look after he should do just fine - she hoped.
Kreacher had a pot of tea ready for his Miss Hermione as she entered the cosy kitchen.
“As Master Harry has finally departed the building, I knew you would appreciate a pot of Earl Grey tea.”
“Oh bless you Kreacher,” she said as she sat down at the newly scrubbed table set up with a tea set with the steaming pot ready to pour. “I thought he was never going to get away at all.”
“I believe the Master is worried, he wants to make a good impression in the Magical World.”
Hermione smiled and reached for the teapot. she got a glare from Kreacher as he swiftly lifted up the tea pot and Magically began to pour.
“Sit with me pleaseKreacher, I know you enjoy a good cup of tea as much as I?”
Kreacher sat after giving a bow, he lifted up and smiled that looked more like a grimace but she had learned this was him smiling.
“We need to make plans Kreacher,I have lists ready but would love it if you could be my helper in this project to redecorate this ancient house.”
Kreacher remained silent, he had not disliked this idea of his master’s. It would be good to see the old place refurbished once more. He had at times hated this house, with his new Master Harry Potter, he was happy.
Kreacher gave her a formal low bow as he agreed to help her.
+++
The house had to be cleared out before even a paint brush could be used. Harry had provided her with a list of furniture he wanted to keep.
Kreacher was very helpful and knew many businesses that Hermione had never heard of before in the magical world. He was amazing. She knew he was intelligent and now became aware of how much an asset he was to her.
An old dusty and disused room on the ground level had been cleared out and cleaned in order to store the furniture Harry wished to keep. all the rest could go.
A very elderly Wizard, who was from an ancient company that sold and restored old furniture was recommended by Kreacher.
Hermione listened as together she along with Kreacher followed Mister Chippendale around the house. He had his own Quick Quill taking notes as he spoke. He had been very impressed even by what Hermione had assumed moth eaten furniture and he even liked the ancient curtains and rugs. He was overcome with tears as he looked upon the ancient portraits.
He left with a low bow and informed Hermione he would send her an Owl for a future meeting to discuss terms.
Imagine her shock when he returned in the week and offered an exorbitant amount of money that she never anticipated let alone expected. She was shocked to add to the decorating account at Gringotts the sum of 750,000 Galleons
All of the Black family junk was all removed by Mister Chippendale’s men and they even tidied up as they left not leaving a speck of dust or mark where the furniture had been.
All conducted in a very businesslike manner with bows and thank you’s. They treated both Hermione and Kreacher like Royalty.
Kreacher remained aloof as the Black family’s relics including portraits were all removed from the Ancient house of Black. The Dark Art books and anything related to the Black family had already been checked for curses and Bill Weasley had secured them in a safe place at Gringotts.
“I am Free Miss Granger.” Kreacher announced with a heavy sigh. “I am no longer under any Magic from the Ancient House of Black.”
The last of the Black Family’s personal belongings had just left the building and crossed over the threshold. The heavy door slammed shut magically as if clearing out the rubbish.
Hermione was about to open her mouth to speak, when a loud crash coming from inside the house cut her off.
With her wand out and Kreacher at her side she pushed open the door to the sitting room. Through a haze of black soot a crouched figure swayed back and forth having just arrived via the Floo.
“Master Regulus?” Shrieked Kreacher clearly recognising the blackened form.
Where had he been if this was Regulus Arcturus Black?
+++
Regulus Arcturus Black Returns.
Later when Regulus was sleeping soundly aided by some Dreamless sleep, Kreacher was able to answer one or two of Hermione’s questions.
They both sat vigil over Regulus and talked in a low murmur. They had left on a low light and had set some soup under a stasis charm in case he woke feeling hungry.
“All I can say Miss Hermione is he is not dead. He was kept alive and immobilised by a dark spell or curse.”
Hermione thought it no coincidence that Regulus had appeared not long after Kreacher announced he was free from the House of Black’s Magic. Had Regulus Black been held under a charm or spell cast by another of the blood line from the House ofBlack?
As she looked down upon the sleeping young man, it was only then she understood that he had not aged. He was like a young version of Sirius, although his hair did not appear so curly and she thought that his nose was thinner.
Once Regulus felt better and had regained his strength and Kreacher finally let him out of bed only then Hermione was able to get to know the Wizard and learn his story.
Kreacher had undoubtedly filled Regulus in on what had been going on since they had last met. His eyes were filled with grief and had barely acknowledged her presence as he entered the kitchen.
She could not fail to notice the affectionate look that passed between the ancient House Elf and the Wizard. Regulus was able to sit in front of a fire bundled up in Harry’s clothing.
Kreacher had heard his story so instead of listening he continued to tidy up the dinner dishes. His Master Regulus was still pale but he had grown much stronger over the last three days
“I barely survived as I managed to get across the cursed lake. I had been poisoned and then sank to my knees on exiting the cave. I had a small portkey in the form of a button to get me home. I landed on the steps outside the house.”
“Who came to aid you?” Hermione asked in a gentle tone, giving him time to reply.
“Aid… I would not call it that… It was my cousin…’. He took in a shuddering breath and then with a flair of anger gave their name. ”Bellatrix.”
Hermione gasped and automatically reached for her left arm, where her cursed scar was located. Regulus spotted her action and without a word understood.
He slowly lifted up the sleeve of his left arm to reveal a very faded Dark Mark but above it a clear word carved out in his skin.
MUDBLOOD LOVER
“This was courtesy of my cousin, she did this to me and it changed my attitude towards her and the Dark Lord. My friend Severus Snape had tried to get me to make a deal with Dumbledore. I knew he was a spy for both sides. I thought I could stop the Dark Lord on my own.”
He rubbed at his face with his hands, as he thought back to the last time he had encountered his cousin. He should have taken Severus Snape’s advice. His cousin somehow had discovered his plan to retaliate against her lover.
It was new year and I had left the celebrations early and thought no one would notice me go. Unfortunately Bella found me exhausted and half dead. She must have cast some type of curse on me and thought it amusing to place me in the Floo system.”
“I am glad you survived and I am sorry that you had to remain for all of those years stuck in stasis.” Hermione said knowing he was grieving over the loss of his family and trying to adjust to this timeline.
It had been agreed that no one in the Magical community be made aware of his arrival or survival. Regulus wanted to meet Harry Potter first before making a final decision.
+++
One night Hermione got up to make herself a hot drink and found Regulus sitting alone peering down into a full tumbler of Fire Whisky. He clearly was not enjoying himself.
She noticed his forlorn look and abandoned any idea of a hot drink.
“Regulus,” she asked, “come with me.”. She held out her hand and he took it.
She led him into the old dining room now packed with boxes. She walked up to a stack and indicated a box with the letters R. A. B.
“Harry helped me to pack up all of your personal belongings that were in your old bedroom. Everything was cleared from having any curses or magic by Bill Weasley.”
“Everything is in here?”
She nodded and handed him her wand.
“I will leave you to it,” she said with a smile and added, “I will make us some tea and buttered toast, I know you like that combination.”
She had just completed making the toast and was buttering it when REgulus returned into the room.
She thought he would take longer to look over his personal belongings and turned to face him and was astonished to see him look so happy.
“Thank you Hermione.” He held out her wand to her. “I was surprised your wand reacted so wel to me, I managed to cast the correct charms. I destroyed the box as that is not my life any longer. This is where I want to benow.”
She reached out to take back her wand and their fingers touched that caused a flash of magic that made them both jump.
“Looks like your wand agrees with me.”
Hermione blushed and returned her wand to her pocket and turned back to attend to the toast as Regulus chuckled behind her.
Neither mentioned the incident the next day. Kreacher on the other hand seemed to be smiling at them every time he crossed their paths
The plans for the refurbishment of the house were shown to Regulus and he added some ideas of his own
“The roof once had a terrace on its top but my old grandfather destroyed it in a peak when I was a toddler. It was beautiful and I remember the view over the rooftops.”
Together they improved the plans and Hermione decided he needed a day out. Kreacher of course disapproved.
Hermione took Regulus to a small shopping centre in a historical Scottish City she loved visiting.
They had a great day out walking through a park that had a view of Stirling Castle. Regulus liked watching the people walk past him without even giving him a passing glance.
She had persuaded him to set up a Muggle bank account and had done this for him. She did this by using the money she had got from the sale of the Ancient House of Black’s contents. She knew this was the right thing to do.
Regulus and Hermione entered the Thistles Shopping Centre to look at men’s clothing. He bought some casual clothing as he loved the feel of the fabrics and felt no itchy feeling from it unlike the magical clothing that had always been made for the Black family.
They arrived back in London having had a great day out. Kreacher on seeing Regulus looking so happy had to agree that Miss Granger had been correct.
+++
Time passed…
The house was slowly being transformed floor by floor. Each room had been redecorated as well as restructured. Every bedroom had its own unique ensuite. The basement had not just a laundry room but also had a brewing area for potions.
The front of the house on the ground floor had been brought back into its original Georgian state. Hermione had been impressed when Reggie had shown her some Georgian blueprints and other examples from that time period. She just knew Harry would love this style.
They had become good friends sharing past exploits as well as growing in confidence with the changes in the house they now called Potter Place..
Reggie had finally managed to get Kreacher to call him Reggie and not Regulus.
Muggle and Magical catalogues had been ploughed through by them all including Kreacher. He got to choose what he wanted for his new living quarters in the new kitchen
Hermione had persuaded Reggie to find a bedroom and to decorate it in a style he wanted. It took some persuading but chose a room on the same floor as Hermione and decorated it in a warm colour of yellow. It was a sunny room even though it was on the dark side of the house that did not get much sunshine.
Reggie had taken on the task to complete the attic and rooftop garden areas and would not allow either Kreacher or Hermione to see it until it was completely finished. He wanted to do this for Harry Potter.
Hermione had only informed Harry that the house was nearly completely renovated. She had not related the money she had gained from the sale of furnishings or of the arrival of Regulus Black. She had only said that he would get a huge surprise on his return.
Reggie had loved the new large kitchen with its seating area. It even had a huge window looking out onto the extended garden. He had to shake himself every time he entered the kitchen and it made him smile with delight every time.
Kreacher had got his pantry filled by his new apprentice and by the shouting the lad had dropped something. Reggie had chuckled and remembered his own reprimands from Kreacher. He would be fair to the youngster who had been orphaned in the last Wizarding war. He had been a baby when his father Dobby and his mother Winky had been killed, he had been brought up by the House Elves at Hogwarts.
He was brought out of his reflections by a cry that came from the library. He rushed through expecting to save Hermione from some dreadful attacker instead he stood in the open doorway and laughed.
Hermione was meant to have been filling bookcases in the new library room. She had got so distracted that she now sat on a wool rug with books surrounding her.
She had a large book open on her lap and reached up into the box on the table for another book without taking her eyes away from the text. The box was not correctly balanced and at her touch the box tipped over sending its contents toppling out. She shrieked.
She glared back up at her rescuer as he lifted books back up onto the table. then extended his hand down to help her upright.
“Brat for laughing at me.” She pouted and rubbed at her head, then her arm.
“Are you injured?”. he asked while chuckling.
“No not really,” she said, “just my dignity.”
He helped her up and with a smirk asked her.
“Want me to kiss it better?”
She drew in a sharp breath ready to say no, but smirked back at him and with her free hand dared him too by pointing at the top of her head. She held her breath knowing that whatever he did next would influence the next part of her life.
Reggie understood the challenge and knew that it was so much more. They had been dancing around each other now for over a month. He had been unsure of her at first then he had read about her exploits in the back issues of the Quibbler. He always knew that the Daily Prophet was mainly based on gossip rather than the truth.
A challenge had been issued and he had never backed down from one. He knew his past choices had not been good but this time he knew that this next option was being laid out for him with no repercussions. He knew Hermione and he would remain friends.
He tightened his hand around hers and then slowly but surely bent his head down to press a kiss onto the top of her head. He then moved to kiss her on her partially opened mouth.
The books were forgotten as they shared soft kisses as well as mutual sighs of delight.
Kreacher chuckled and rubbed his hands together as he stood in the shadows and then went to open the front door.
A very happy Harry Potter bounded through into the library.
“Hermione, I’m home!”
The couple broke apart from their snogging session to stare at him. He had not been expected by them but clearly Kreacher had known .
+++
an Announcement
“It is with great pleasure that I announce the engagement of my cousin Reginald to my best friend Hermione.”
The elite were invited to the rooftop garden at Potter Place to celebrate with champagne and eat the delicate food created by the house elf named Robby.
Whispers were made about the cousin no doubt being of the Black family bloodline and all were delighted at the clear love match.
The couple in the last year had become a sensation in the magical world after Harry Potter had his new home featured in the Quibbler.
The Granger Black Potter business had been born and the rich and noteworthy were bombarding them with Owls to be next to be considered for selection to have their homes redecorated.
Hermione and Reggie sat in a love seat whispering to each other. They had enjoyed the engagement party but wanted to leave. They were interrupted by Harry who poked his head in between them to whisper.
“you both go, head for that secret place of yours Hermione I will distract them.”
Harry did that by announcing that he was leaving the Aurar department to take up a new post as the UK Magical Diplomat for other World Countries.
+++
Hermione and Reggie kissed in their new custom made bed and relaxed. They were safe, in a secret place that only Harry knew about.
This was their safe place and the best place was in this new bed that needed to be christened.
The kisses soon turned to caresses and the caresses to much more.
“Have I told you lately that I love you?”
“No,” Hermione said with a kiss, “not in the last three minutes.”.
“I love you Hermione.” He popped a kiss onto the top of her head.
She smiled fondly, recalling their first kiss.
“I love you too Reggie and thanks for rescuing me from the books.”
He stopped her from uttering another word by kissing her. All he wanted to hear from her was sounds of pleasure as they made love.