Thorfinn was nervous he needed their performance to go off without a hitch they had convince whoever The Dark Lord sent that he was training his toy. He rubbed his hand over his face wanting this to be over but they were due any moment he hated sitting here waiting with Hermione bowed at his feet head down silent, she had dressed rather whorish for the inspection. He tried to keep her calm by running his hand thru her curls it would add to the illusion of her being his toy/pet yet it also seemed to keep her calm. He sipped at his glass of fire whiskey keeping his cool waiting. The Floo flared a tall dark man stepped from the fireplace followed by another flare a blond young man and a huge black shaggy dog. Thorfinn looked at Severus Snape and Draco Malfoy, He tapped Hermione's shoulder a code they had worked out fro when she needed to pretend it was a way for them to communicate. She stood eyes coming up to find her schoolmate and her Potion's Master she tilted her head to the left another code Thorfinn flicked his wand and locked down the Floo.
"In third year what prompted me to punch you Draco in the nose." She kept her voice even eyes blank asking the question she had set up between them depending on the answer they were either safe or not.
"Because I was being a right Prick about the Bloody bird of your's Granger." Draco sneered pausing then adding, " What did I do later that day to make you forgive me?"
"You brought me a bar of Honeyduks finest , a new quill, and you also told me about your Mother." She tipped her head upright then addressed the man in black.
"In fourth year what did I come to you for the morning after the Gobblet of fire spat out Harry's name?"
"You asked for everything on the by laws on binding contracts and how you can get out of them." Snape sneered " After finding out it could not be broken what did you then approach me on?"
"How to guide Harry Safely through the trials you provided every reference to them and delayed healing potions of your own creation." Hermione smiled at the two turning to Thorfinn.
"It's ok Thorfinn they are on our side it's really them they can be trusted." She told the man who stood next to her giving her a nod.
"It's ok Professor He's like you under deep cover." She smiled at the dour man who tipped his head down to the familiar looking dog .
"It's safe mutt resume your other form." The dog stretched and bubbled into a man dark hair cheeky grin shame faced Sirius Black stood before her holding out his arms to her.
"Hey Kitten long time miss me love?" Sirius smiled and was rewarded with a arm full of witch she sobbed into his robes then started to hit him on the chest.
"You Bastard! How could you! I assume Dumbles made you! I cried for you ! My best friend was destroyed thinking you dead! How the hell can you waltz up here with your damn smile and ask me if I missed you ! You cocky Bastard of course I missed you! How is Remus and Tonks oh god is the baby ok?!" She squeezed the wizard tight he almost loved her as much as he did Harry, a fun playful older brother/ uncle to her and Remus was her intellectual equal her Uncle of Knowledge and hearty debate always willing to talk shop. He smiled at her and finally looked her over.
"What the bleeding Fuck are you wearing?! Who dressed you like this do I need to kill him?" Sirius pointed at Thorfinn she squeaked realizing what she had on another revealing nightgown. She rushed over and stood In front of Thorfinn pointing her finger at Sirius.
"Don't you dare Sirius Thorfinn saved my life has provided me with safety and peace. I chose this thinking I would have to play a role the role of Thorfinn's toy. He has never laid a unkind hand on me, he is a gentleman." Hermione Lectured, Thorfinn settled his outer robes over her hiding her from the other men's eyes. " I was lucky extremely lucky that his Lordyness gave me to him despite the collar it protects me from any who would hurt me. Like your lovely cousin Bella. " She flicked the subjugation collar around her neck.
"Oh Merlin there is nothing we can do to brake the magic that damn thing creates. You are tied to him forever Kitten." Sirius paled shaking his head.
"I know Padfoot I know what it means you gave me free roam of Grimauld Library you always said you would leave me every single one if something should happen to you I never got them I never thought anything of it, thought you never changed your will to include it. I am lucky to be tied to Thorfinn I really am it could be worse , It could have been Dolohov or the Lestrange's. I am safe and whole and myself , he bought me clothes when I showed up in rags he gave me freedom of his home, I eat well to well sometimes. I read and brew am not touched sexually everyday, I am not beaten not starved I am safe at home . I know it sucks that it was forced on both of us but it could have been worse. Harry is collared to the Dark Lord so there is that , The sooner you accept that Thorfinn is just as trapped as I am the better the rest of the day will go. Please sit everyone, Professor what has happened to the cup and diadem?" Hermione turned to the other man Wrapping herself in Thorfinn's robe .
"Reabsorbed into the dark lord once he understood that Harry is one as well, he felt himself safe having destroyed Dumbledore and Hogwarts. No one can get close to Harry at least for right now I think we need a plan and patience a way to gather our people far from Harry's location as a distraction . Unfortunately there is no way to remove the Horcrux from the boy we need time to find away to remove it and kill you- know- who. Our forces don't equal much at the moment most ran like your friend Mr Weasley he ran from the trap that got You and Harry he fled Hogwarts. Is there anything in what you researched that can be of help?" Snape sneered looking at the witch .
" Ron has not wanted to be in this war for a very long time not since he left me and Harry during our time on the run. Nothing that would not require time we need a quick way we have to handle this gently and fast. Removing something that dark from a living soul is extremely hard. Dumbles damn him was right Avada is the quickest way to cut the soul out of him. I have also come across a small notation about tied souls 'dominate broke submissive live' Since It was his Darkness that prompted the exchange accidentally if he were to die his bonded would live. I think It means that If we can kill the soul shard and not Harry that Harry might just live after snake face's death." Hermione waited watching the men in the room she had told Thorfinn everything over the last week just in the off chance that they would take her from him.
"That actually makes sense Albus told me that for the Dark Lord to die Harry had to die by The Dark Lord's own hand had to face the death and allow himself to be killed. What now?" Snape rubbed his hand over his face.
"We need a way to talk to Harry and each other like the two way mirrors you gave him. My DA Master coin was taken with my clothes I assume his was taken to. We have no safe place to meet either Grimauld has been compromised. Can I still work Runes with this thing?" Hermione asked looking to Thorfinn.
"Should be able to they are passive magic I might have to charge them for you. Why do you have something in mind?" He asked watching the wheels in her head turn.
"Perhaps but I want to do a test run before I get your hopes up. Right now what we need is you Draco have you managed it yet." She asked the blond who groaned.
"I hate you Granger." The blond scowled and closed his eyes the boy bubbled and shifted and a white ferret stood in Draco's seat he changed back as quickly Hermione clapped smiling.
"Good we will need you to try and smuggle a message to Harry when we have something small enough. I think for now we just need to spread word to hide out stay safe until we find something more concrete. We have to do this smart now I assume you need something to give his lordy pants " She smiled at Severus Snape who nodded once. He stood pointing his wand at her temple.
"Legellimens." She had meditated a image of her capture in the Hands of Thorfinn and fed that to the dark man. "Well thought out impressive while under your constraints this should please him have you shared it with Rowle?" He nodded at her .
"Yes Sir He knows the details he has meditated with me on it so that it will be seamless should want his as well. " Hermione smiled at Thorfinn.
"Well at least we know you are safe had he not been undercover we would have left the Mutt behind to help you escape." Snape sneered again standing Draco and Sirius followed standing by the floo.
"Blow it out yer hole Snivviy, Kitten you want me to stay I will do anything to keep my Kitten safe?" Sirius deadpanned looking at her with sad eye's .
"No Siri I need you to find Remus and keep him, Tonks, and the baby safe they need you more then I do, I'm safe I promise. And the sooner I get to working on communication the sooner I can see my God-son. " She smiled sadly Thorfinn stood pulling two pendants out of his pocket handing them to Sirius.
"These are portkey's for emergency one for you and one for the Lupin's It will take you to a property that no one know's about I suggest the Lupin's come immediately Bella want's your cousin dead and soon . You are dead to everyone it's safer for you to move around freely with your other form gather information if you know what I mean, Find allies lay low ." Thorfinn turned flicked his wand setting the floo alight he turned and walked out of the room to give Hermione a moment alone Hermione stood and hugged Sirius.
"Huh He's a strange one. Are you positive your ok Kitten? "Sirius asked as he held her close.
"Yes I'll swear a Murader's oath if you'd like. Go do as Thorfinn said give it to them tell them we have anything they are being targeted and that this will take them to a secret hide out far away from Bella. It's the safest place they will be with me at home. " She said cryptically she pulled away from Sirius leaned up on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. The men turned away from her with a wave and disappeared Sirius once again shifting and traveling with Draco. Hermione watched them fondly then walked away from the floor to join Thorfinn in the entryway.
"Ready to go home Hermione?" He asked when she joined him he held out an arm for her to take.
"Yes Thank you I am so ready to change and talk with Astrid we need to start harvesting Aconite. " She smiled taking his arm they did not linger but popped away .
Safely back in the Keep as Hermione liked to call it a fortress of secret, Hermione fled to her and Thorfinn's room to change before she spoke with Astrid Hermione was scared for Sirius and the Lupin's knowing that they were out there and in danger from Bellatrix. She hoped Sirius would convince them to get out and use the portkey she was exhausted Sirius being alive had shocked her to the core a good shock but draining.
She sat down at her dressing table pulling her journal and pen out of it's drawer, she was happy she decided to use one of the leather bound books in this way it provided a outlet that she needed. She scribbled away jotting down her thoughts and feelings setting to paper everything the rage and hurt, the pain at thinking he was dead. He and Remus had welcomed her as a part of their pack treated her like Harry's sister loved and cared for her as one of them. She cherished her Marauder family and held it equal to if not above her muggle parents, she could talk to the boys about magic and feel apart of a magic family. She loved her muggle family but they could never be a part of her world not now she was married to one of the oldest family's in the wizarding world. Fuming she slammed her book closed rubbing her hands in her lose hair she wasted no more time dressing in a daze jeans and tee socks all normal, sitting back down and brushing her hair she zoned out lost in her thought's once more.
"Are you ok smár lēnu?" Thorfinn's voice made her turn to him and smile slightly he had taken to calling her that more often she liked having a nickname from him made her feel as if he cared she hadn't even heard him walking in to the room.
"It just hurts Sirius was alive this whole time it broke us when we thought he was dead Harry and Remus were devastated I tired to keep myself together for them but I couldn't I missed him as much as they did. It was as if our little family had been broken, I always felt like they could count on me in a crisis but when the biggest crisis hit I fell apart. I failed my Family I can never make up for it and now I have lost Harry my Brother the one who gave me that family who made me a part of something I never had before." Hermione folded her hands playing with her fingers looking everywhere but him.
"You had every right to mourn for your family Hermione did they ever begrudge you your pain ? Now you are just being silly I know it was hard on you just as it was hard on them You cannot blame them for seeming to be uncaring they were going through their own grief. They never turned you away did they kick you out of their family?" Thorfinn asked ironically she had begun to see the man under his mask he teased, but was practical and non judgmental, he saw beauty in the world but didn't have the words to express it, he could also be quite snarky like he was being at the moment.
"I'm being stupid arnt I?" She laughed watching a small satisfied grin tugged his lip up in the corner ever so lightly.
"No your reasoning and feelings are so valid." He stressed sarcastically which caused her to giggle . "Come on down now you have been stuffed up in here for nearly an hour there is a surprise waiting for you in the library." He added holding his hand out to her she smiled brightly at him whipped her tears away and took his hand and allowed him to lead her away.
Thorfinn walked her through the halls quickly not wasting a moment, She couldn't help but be excite based on his speed he hardly let her take a breath as he pulled her around. Finally slamming the library doors open the chatter in the room was the first thing Hermione noticed she peaked around Thorfinn's broad shoulders and spotted bubblegum pink she sprang forward and fully looked. There in the library stood a long haired woman with bubblegum pink hair in her arms was a small wrapped bundle of blankets, and a tall man strait bodied sandy hair scared face kind amber eyes.
"Its them love Black came with them I questioned him he said he had been in contact with them for months even re verified it was them before bringing them here . You can verify for yourself if you like." Thorfinn spoke softly into her ear amber eyes turned towards her and she knew she didn't need to ask no one could ever fake Remus's eyes, they flashed as Mooney spoke in his head. Remus's nose twitched breathing in her scent searching her eyes with him.
"Cub." One word one little insignificant word and her home was complete as complete as it could be without Harry. "My cub, Sirius' s Kitten, Harry's Sister, Our sweet smart girl. You are safe." His smooth voice washed over her but she had to ask just in case she would take no chances with this house.
"When I was in 5th year and we had just spent our second Christmas as a family at Grimauld we were sitting in the study what conversation did we have." Hermione managed to ask voice firm if a little wavering. A large smile plastered the scared face he looked on her proudly.
"You told me about your childhood and how you raised yourself after a cretin age and no longer felt your parents loved you they were to busy with their practice to think about you . You distanced yourself after arriving at Hogwarts you barely wrote to them they barely replied, From there it got worse until us Marauders adopted you into the fold. You said that you were so grateful to finally be in a family that you just wished we could make it legal. It's so good to see you Mia come here." He spoke softly holding his arms wide she didn't keep herself from colliding into them crying harder then before. Remus folded her in close speaking softly breathing in the smell of her hair.
"Come you have to meet your godson he can't wait to meet you." He whispered in her ear letting her turn to Tonks who shed soft tears and holding out the small bundle. Hermione hesitated Tonks smiled at her struggle.
"What did you say to me the moment you found out I was dating Remus?"She asked
"I lectured you for a hour on how damaged he was and every single thing I knew about Lycanthropy and reproduction." Hermione smiled back finally taking the baby.
She finally blinked down at the small form of her beloved Godson she whispered sweet things to him she was so lucky Fleur had taught her how to hold an infant she had taken Hermione with her to a magical Lamaze class. The Beautiful French woman had insisted stating that every woman should have experience with babies and would not stand for Hermione to be so helpless when it came to children.
"What news are the Weasley's alright?" Hermione sat with her bundle not taking her eyes from his sweet chubby angelic face his bright eyes blinking up at her.
"Afraid we don't have much, Arthur and Molly are well they were able to escape with everyone from what we know. Kingsley is safe and in hiding. Agustas Neville's Grandmother is safe. Xenophilius Lovegood is dead. Not much we know you were taken along with Harry, Neville, Luna, and a few others." Remus answered her .
"Neville was given to Bellatrix, Luna is with Greengrass, and Harry is with you-know-who himself. As for anyone else not sure it was dark where they kept us and probably sound proof or spelled so we could not get to one another. Glad people made it out ok."Hermione kept her eye's on the baby.
"Sirius filled us in a bit before bringing us here Did He really collar Harry with a band as well. Bella wants my wife?" Remus asked Hermione felt the sofa shift under her Thorfinn's solid mass .
"I have not see the boy first hand but the Dark Lord has been quite vocal about his new toy, He is being kept locked up weak and afraid. There have only been some smaller gatherings but from the way the Dark Lord is happy its all to true. Bellatrix wants revenge on her sister for marrying her Husband bad blood spewed." Thorfinn answered.
"The Death Eater that brought me to the Dark Lord bragged to me that our savior was now the Dark Lord's Play thing and that I would become the same to a Death Eater. He said he had the privilege of dragging Harry to His lord and witnessing him being collard and tied to the Dark Lord forever. That's all I know but I can guess what he means to do with Harry. And I can say I wish it was as simple as mistreating him. Oh no the Dark Lord is going to love Harry play with his emotions perhaps even prompt Harry to give his consent to sexual assault." Hermione shivered pressing as firmly to Thorfinn's side as she could with a child in her arms. Remus looked ill his Amber gaze hardening and thinking over everything.
"So our goal is to find a way to communicate with the others and Harry. For now I think we need help from the other wizarding community's Bill has taken Fleur and Victorie to France and are appealing to the french Government for aid they will also be meeting Victor Krum in Bulgaria and from there to MCUSA The Scamander's will help them with the meeting there. From There they will travel to the outlying nationalities begging for help if we do not get them on now its only a matter of time that they to fall to His regime." Remus said sadly in all finality, Looking far older then his years.
"For now you three are safest here this house is the safest place in the world right now. The whole floor you are staying on is what my Mother calls the family suit, it has its own kitchen, living area, and so on it is open to you as is the rest of the house. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything I believe Mother is having a feast prepared come lets go eat. I have also arranged a place for you to transform during the full moon you will not be able to hurt anyone." Thorfinn said standing up beckoning the rest to follow him.
"He is as strange as Sirius said he was is he normally like this?" Remus asked Hermione who stood carrying the small bundle that held his son.
"Thorfinn is a unusual man he has not had the best hand dealt to him but I swear he is honorable and kind and that is every thing that is important about him. Please understand he is a very reserved person so do not take it personally and he might end up surprising you with his attentiveness I know its strange trust me I know how strange it is I was forced to Marry the Man but he's not a bad man." Hermione said quietly handing the baby to his mother and following Thorfinn to the dining room.
Astrid fussed over the new arrivals piling their plates with heaps of food, taking the baby from Tonks making her sit and eat without him. She held the baby through out dinner coddling and talking to the tiny boy who cooed and smiled at the woman . His mother was eyeing the older witch with awe and admiration at one point even saying he always fussing at every one unless they had food for him. Once dinner had finished Hermione stole Teddy from Astrid she kissed and cuddled the baby shuffling into a sitting room set aside with toys for the baby to play with while the adults talked. Hermione took the love seat drawing her legs under her she talked nonsense to the baby, He distracted her from the thoughts of death and war. Thorfinn waited patiently for her by the fireplace letting her have her time with the baby who's parents had followed the young girl who had taken their boy hostage. They sat themselves down and chatted with the girl who held their boy it was quite apparent they both cared about the wavy haired girl. The baby quickly turned fussy and was carted away from the girl who pouted after the family Thorfinn watching Hermione she seemed to be sad and unsure.
"What is wrong smár lēnu I thought having them here would make you happy?" He asked watching her stand and pace a bit.
"I am truly so happy they are safe because of you I will never be able to pay you back for keeping them safe you have done so much for me . I just don't know what to do to thank you." She wrung her hands he smiled at her stood walking to her capturing her hands he leaned down and pressed his lips lightly to hers in a soft sweet chaste kiss on her lips he kept it brief and sweet.
"That is all the thanks I need love." He said dropping her hands and walking out of the room leaving Hermione alone blushing with her heart pounding she never had anyone kiss her with such sweetness and care. She couldn't help but start to have feelings for the large man that was her Husband she knew that her feelings were not what she had felt for anyone else and that confused her she had nothing to reference.
But she also knew she did not want to hold back with Thorfinn he deserved a partner to engage in enjoyable activity's she needed to be braver then she was acting He deserved much more then the chaste kiss he stole. She tore after him following him to their shared Bedroom he was sitting on the bed removing his boots, She boldly walked over to him as his boot came off and landed on the floor next to its match. She boldly put her hands on his shoulders forcing him to look up at her, she bent down and smoothed her lips over his putting everything she had into the kiss. Managing to catch him by surprise his lips parted she took full advantage and deepened the kiss running her tongue over his lips he caught her hips in his hands pulling her closer. She gasped into his mouth at the movement she was pulled down onto his knee to really get a taste of her Hermione was panting clinging to his solid form he pulled away trying to stop the assault.
"You tempt my resolve Hermione." He growled nibbling at her lip drawing whimpers from her parted lips.
"I want to temp you Thorfinn that's why I kissed you I wanted to have a taste of my Husband as he seems so unwilling to take one first." She said voice breathy.
"No not unwilling beautiful one It is all I can do from not sampling everything." He growled nibbling at her throat She wiggled in his lap in excitement feeling a hard object brush her thigh.
"What if I'm offering the sample Thorfinn?" She asked gathering her nerve.
"Soon love soon I will take you on that offer but we have not spent enough time with each other to give or marriage a real shot, go change for bed before I lose control and take what you offer." He let her go shifting away from her in effort to not touch her again. She was a little crushed by his refusal hurt over his running from her she turned and ran for the cover of the bathroom, He watched her go nostrils flaring as if he could smell her arousal. The door was slammed behind her leaving him throbbing for her body to press firmly on him again.