Purple Cloud of Doom
Regulus was sitting at Sirius' house, trying to enjoy the party, waiting to use the box in his pocket. Hermione was going to gather everyone for one of her strange muggle games, and during that, he was going to propose. That would be why he was in a ridiculous get-up. is this really what muggles thought that vampires looked like?
Finally, the time had come and Hermione was gathering everyone and explaining the rules.
"Okay, so I told everyone that they should come dressed up for a fun prize. The time has come to play the game! Kids first!"
The few kids and teens that tagged along with various adults all lined up trying to see what was in the box on the table- a ridiculous amount of candy.
"Okay, so we're going to judge the winner by the amount of cheers you get!"
She walked behind each, gently nudging them forward and then guiding them back into line when it was the next person's turn. She was acting excited over all the younger kid's costumes and it wasn't surprising when Nymphadora won the candy, but she shared so no one was too fussed over it.
"Now for the adults!"
They all started lining up and Regulus made sure to be right next to Gideon.
When Gideon stepped up, the applause was mild until Reg dropped to one knee behind him... then everyone started to scream. He had a smirk on his face, thinking he had the competition won hands down, and turned around.
"Gideon, I know it hasn't been long... But I know it doesn't need to be. I love you and I want to build a life together."
As standard proposals went, it wasn't the greatest. But Gideon knew that this was Regulus gushing. The man never lets any of his emotions out for anyone to see. Gideon pulled him up by the ridiculous cape he was wearing and kissed him until the wolf whistles got a bit too loud.
Hermione handed them the gift basket all the Marauders had pitched in for. The rest of the party was far too much drinking and dancing, but they all had fun.
Nymphadora had passed out shortly after the costume competition and that started the slow progression of guests leaving, first the parents and then a little later, all the very, very drunk recent graduates.
That night, when everyone finally went home Hermione collapsed on the bed with Sirius. She had finally let her green skin glamour fall. When they chose their costumes, Sirius and James were first puzzled then spent almost an hour laughing.
Apparently, witches dressing up as witches from Wizard of Oz was hysterical.
Therefore, the boys were appointed a flying monkey and the scarecrow... forcefully. Hermione and Lily had charmed their costumes to stay put no matter what the boys did.
The next week, they made it through the bonfire without burning the house down... thanks to Hermione, Lily and Andromeda staying sober throughout. They sent the boys out from cleanup the next day, without any potions to dull the hangover.
By the end of November, the girls were gearing up for their first Yule as neighbours. Sirius and James were both cursing their choice of muggleborns as wives since both declared that it "just wasn't the same" to decorate with magic.
"Lils I think I'm going to call it a day. I'm sucking fumes."
"Me too. I wonder if we got that cold Nymphadora had..."
"Probably. We can brew some pepper-up tomorrow."
After a week of pepper-up not doing anything, the girls admitted defeat and headed to St. Mungo's.
"Hey, Marls! I didn't know you completed training yet!"
"Lily, Hermione! I'm not done just yet. Solo hours first, hence the deep green robes- I'll have enough to earn the light green in a few weeks. What brings you in today?"
"Nymphadora passed on her cold and pepper-up didn't work."
"Okay, who's hopping up first?"
"Um, I will."
Marlene started to cast a few diagnostics over Hermione. When the number 155 flashed over the wand Marlene grabbed Hermione's wrist.
"Hmm... I think I'll need to call in Healer Johnson- I've never had a heart rate be that far off."
Both girls nodded as Marlene walked out, "So, what did you get the guys for Christmas?"
"I'm making them each a mini family tree, I've been working to get everyone added. The spell work is killing me, I'm tired for a couple days after each person... I probably should have made a master then done duplicates, even if it is less useful."
"How many are you making?"
"Ten."
"Hermione! No wonder it's killing you, you should have asked for help!"
"Well, I'd only trust you and Moony. And you're both getting one- though yours is more a family gift."
"I'll act surprised then. Who's next to add?"
"Peter."
"And what do you need to do?"
"Get a drop of blood."
"How have you done that without letting people know?"
"Well... They were all rather drunk at your house-"
"Hermione, Lily, I'd like to introduce Healer Johnson. He is my supervisor and he's going to help me sort out your heart rate."
"Okay."
She repeated the motion and got the same result. Healer Johnson immediately laughed and whispered something in her ear before walking out. Marlene first blushed then smiled.
"Well, what is it?"
"I need you to lay down."
Hermione leaned back and watched as Marlene traced Ing over her stomach and muttered a spell, obviously trying to stay quiet. Lily screamed as a deep purple cloud formed at the tip of Marlene's wand. The colour was slowly fading as Hermione passed out. The next thing she remembered was Lily leaning over her, saying "Hermione, sweetie... I need you to wake up now."
"Was that what I think it was"
"YES! You're going to be a Mum. Oh no, I shouldn't be this close to you I might get you sick!"
Marlene helped Hermione sit up on the bed and conjured a mask for Lily, "There, now that will let you hug her to your heart's content."
"Sirius... Oh, Merlin. He's not grown up enough to be a father."
"Hermione, you'll need to calm down or you'll pass out again. One enervate per day is quite enough for me."
"Lily. He's. I... fuck."
"Now you sound like him."
"Shut up."
"Well, my turn now. Gotta get healthy so this thing doesn't give away your secret."
Marlene started checking over Lily before she burst into laughter. Soon she was repeating the spell and the same purple cloud was hovering at her wand tip, fading to blue.
"Well, Lils, I don't think you'll be needing your mask after all."
"We're both..."
"Congrats Mums!"
All three girls were laughing when Healer Johnson came to see what the commotion was about.
All he could understand from the laughter was something about Halloween and never drinking again.