In the aftermath following the revel, Marlene reconnects with an old lover.

(See the end of the chapter for notes.)

The next few weeks of school flew by. Hermione had indeed heard from her Father a few days after the revel, his letter had indicated his pride in how well she had comported herself, but he also inquired as to the state of her health and Magic. It was a bit odd, but she had written back and told him she was doing fine and didn’t seem to be experiencing any negative magical effects.

Her mum had written often, asking about her and Draco—making sure they were nurturing their bond. It was far easier to talk to her mum about this stuff, and she was always very forthcoming about any questions. When Hermione had written to her mum about her desire to engage in anal sex with Draco, Marlene had sent a discreet package with some basic information on how to adequately prepare your body and she had been both mortified and grateful that she could discuss these things openly with her mum.

Marlene’s health had taken a turn for the worse after the revel. As Tom had suspected, she’d utilized a great deal of her magic and had drained her core severely. Her Magic wasn’t regenerating like it once had and Marlene could feel herself slipping away inch by inch as the days passed.

Tom had sent for the best healers, but there was simply nothing they could do.

Even sex wasn’t fully satiating the ache anymore and Marlene figured that at this rate, she most likely wouldn’t make it much past summer.

Easter was coming up soon, and Marlene had discussed at length with Tom that she didn’t want Hermione to be informed about her condition until she was home over break. He had reluctantly agreed, and then retreated into himself like he was prone to do.

The Muggle girl, Meghan Connor had been cleared by the Healers that Marlene had sent to Hogwarts in the ensuing day after the revel. She had been impressed with Hermione’s ability to control her powers. Healing the soul had a symbiotic effect on the body as well, and Meghan Connor would hopefully, magic willing, be able to conceive children someday. She had been returned to her boarding school, no worse for wear with memories implanted of a spontaneous family vacation in the South of France.

Several Muggles had their memories modified, so if questions were asked, it would seem as if the Connor family had enjoyed a quiet holiday abroad.

The day after Meghan returned to her boarding school, a fire had raged through the Connor home—killing all the family members who had congregated there for a family reunion of sorts. The police had gone to Meghan’s school to inform her of the devastation and loss of her family. Marlene had sent Rabastan to monitor the girl and make sure the story held—and it had. The memory modification was successful and Meghan had been understandably devastated by the loss of her entire family. Their remains had been positively identified—as Corban, Lucius and Rodolphus had placed the dead family members into the home before it was burned to the ground.

There was no evidence of foul play.

Meghan had inherited her family’s estate and since she’d had no relatives to speak of, Lucius had found a Muggle solicitor in London who’d helped the girl. Two weeks shy of seventeen, she was able to become emancipated, and therefore, she didn’t have to become a ward of the state.

She was free to live a new life in whatever way she wished, and that made Marlene happy.

Tom had been unusually caustic in the weeks following the revel and if Marlene had to hazard a guess as to the why, it was that he saw in Meghan what might’ve happened to Hermione if the circumstances had been different.

What if she’d been given to a family who’d been like the Connor’s?

What if the boy Aidan had succeeded in harming her irrevocably?

Tom’s foul mood hadn’t abated much and he was often gone, dealing with issues within the Ministry.

If he couldn’t control what had happened to Hermione or Marlene—he was damn determined to control everything else.

Rodolphus stopped by frequently, and even though their intimate relationship was no longer, the wizard was a trusted friend. Marlene confided to him that she had shared with Hermione about the promise she’d secured from the Lestrange brothers and told Rodolphus that it was highly likely that her brilliant daughter would be in contact with him sooner rather than later. Rodolphus had promised her that he would help Hermione no matter what, and again told Marlene that he was sorry he couldn’t do more for her. When he’d declared his long held feelings, she had been shocked—but touched. She’d kissed the wizard and told him to try and find a good witch to share his life with, as he was still young and needed to sire an heir to continue the Lestrange line.

Rodolphus promised that he would take her words under advisement and left, giving Marlene one final kiss, reiterating his promise to help Hermione in any way he could.

Marlene had decided to do some research on the Hallows herself, contacting Sirius, and the two had lunch together in Diagon Alley one afternoon in early April. The wizard hadn’t changed much, he still very much abhorred Pureblood traditions, but oddly, was trying to teach his godson about his parents and the Potter Family history.

Being Lord Black, didn’t make Sirius warm and fuzzy—a fact he was quick to point out during their lunch.

“You know I hate all this Pureblood shite, Marley.”

Marlene chuckled softly at her old lover. “Yes, Sirius, a fact you’ve shared with me on many occasions.”

Grey eyes caught and held hers, before he spoke lowly. “You know, I’ve been wanting to talk to you for a while now. How in Godric’s name did you end up with Riddle, of all people? I still have a hard time believing it was Dumbledore who killed James and Lily.”

Marlene shook her head fondly at Sirius, knowing this was going to come up at some point.

“Really? That man left you to rot in Azkaban for twelve years, Sirius—without a proper trial. He killed my family and you still defend him?”

Wincing at being admonished, Sirius ran a hand through his hair.

“Sorry, Marley. But what about the first War? You have to admit his Death Eaters killed a lot of good witches and wizards. Mary McDonald, the Prewett brothers, Edgar Bones just to name a few. And what about Frank and Alice Longbottom?”

“There were many on their side who were killed needlessly, too. And we both know what a mad witch Bellatrix was, as well as Dolohov, who are both dead by the way. Your deranged cousin tried to kill my daughter. I won’t mourn her in the least and Dolohov tried to harm Hermione too. Do you think so little of my wizard for protecting his own daughter?”

Sirius looked suitably chastened. “No. Fuck it, Marley! This whole thing is all upside down. Even Remus thinks that Dumbledore got what he’d deserved. The only people who seem to think otherwise are Molly Weasley and Alistair Moody. Even Kingsley seems to have accepted the status quo.”

“Well, Molly was always a bit of a hot head, and Alistair? After what Barty Crouch Jr. did to him? Can you really expect him to be impartial about anything?”

“Moody has always been a bit strange. What about you, though? How did you end up with Riddle, Marley?”

Marlene sighed and waved her wand, setting up a silencing charm. “Sirius, I know much of what I’m about to tell you will be hard for you to hear. But I promise you, it’s the truth.”

Sirius nodded and reached for her hand again, gently squeezing it in reassurance. So, she shared her history with Sirius. How she’d discovered her inheritance and that Tom Riddle was her mate. What had happened with Dumbledore and her family—how she had given up Hermione because she’d been afraid if Dumbledore ever found out that Hermione was Tom’s daughter, he’d kill her too.

Sirius had listened and asked many probing questions, which didn’t surprise her at all.

Sirius Black had never been one to shy away from something when he’d wanted answers.

When the conversation segued to the Potters, Marlene saw her opening and took it.

“Do you remember that silly cloak you used to borrow from James when we were kids?”

Sirius chuckled, unaware of Marlene’s motivations. “Yeah, it was a family heirloom. Passed down to every eldest son in the Potter Family for generations. Apparently, James had left the cloak in Dumbledore’s possession, and it was given to Harry Christmas his first year. I was surprised that Dumbledore would part with something so valuable, but perhaps he felt guilty?”

Marlene chuckled softly. “I doubt that, but it’s good that Harry has it. Do you actually allow him to take that thing to school, Sirius? I remember how you, James and Remus would get into so much trouble with that thing. You especially...sneaking out at night to Ravenclaw or Hufflepuff dorms...always on the prowl.”

Sirius barked out in laughter at that. “Those were good times.” Waggling his eyebrows and leering at Marlene, Sirius smiled wickedly. “I remember us enjoying some good times in Gryffindor tower, love.”

Her smile widened as she shook her head in rebuke. “We were young, impetuous and hormonal. It’s good we aren’t any of those things anymore, Sirius.”

“Who says I’m not? I’m still young, impetuous and hormonal.”

“Merlin help us then! A testosterone-fueled Sirius Black! Whatever will the world do with one of those?”

“I’d like to think of it as a do-over, love. Making up for lost time.”

“You’re incorrigible. I really hope you’re teaching Harry to be a bit more thoughtful when it comes to wooing witches. I’m not sure you’re the best example of restraint. At least tell me he’s not using that cloak of his to sneak into the girl’s dormitories at school?”

Sirius grinned mischievously. “Just Ravenclaw Tower. He’s dating the Head Girl, Cho Chang. Has been most of the year I think. She’s the seeker for their Quidditch Team too. Nice bird, Harry seems smitten.”

Smiling genuinely, Marlene couldn’t help but laugh at Sirius description of women. “You still call women, birds? Seriously?”

“I’m always Sirius, love.”

“Well, that I’ve never doubted.”

Sirius face suddenly took on a more contemplative look. “You know, when I’d heard about Hermione...”

“You thought she might’ve been yours?” Marlene finished quietly.

Sirius nodded. “But when I saw her, I knew she wasn’t. There’s no Black Family traits to recommend her.” Taking a sip of his firewhiskey, Sirius sat back and gave Marlene a look she could only describe as wistful. “I had hoped, you know...” rubbing the back of his head, Sirius looked a bit lost. “I know I told you years ago that I never wanted kids of my own but then James and Lily made me godfather to Harry. I just never thought I’d be the one raising him. Don’t get me wrong, I’m bloody glad to have him in my life, but for just a moment, I had hoped...”

She grasped Sirius hand and gave him a heartwarming smile. “I’m sorry, Sirius. I should’ve been a better friend, and I never meant to use you. I did care for you, but it’s always been Tom. He’s my mate, and I’m just grateful that I’ve been able to reconnect with both he and Hermione.”

“You’ve missed out on years, Marley, but you’ll get that back. Now you have all the time in the world to spend with Hermione.”

A tear slid down Marlene’s cheek and she wiped it away while shaking her head despondently.

“No, I don’t. My magical core is nearly depleted. Being away from my mate for so long...well...” shrugging in despair, Marlene watched Sirius face drop in shock and then darken in understanding.

“How long?”

“A few months, maybe? I really don’t know. Not long.”

Sirius stood up and reached for Marlene’s hand, cancelling the silencing charms, the two made their way down Diagon Alley in silence until they reached the apparition point. When they got there, Sirius turned and tilted Marlene’s head up so their eyes met.

“Come home with me, Marley.”

Marlene hiccoughed on a sob. “You know I won’t do that, Sirius. I’m flattered, truly—but my heart belongs to Tom.”

Sirius nodded and gave Marlene a gentle kiss on the forehead.

“He doesn’t deserve you! You know that, right?”

Marlene took a step back and smiled shakily. “It was good to see you today, Sirius. Take care of yourself.”

Nodding slowly, Sirius gave Marlene one last look of longing before he apparated away—leaving her to wonder what her life might’ve looked like had it not been for her inheritance. Shaking her head clear of those useless thoughts, Marlene returned home.

She had a letter to write to her daughter.

Domina and Harleigh_Riddle1926 hope your both doing well. I’ve missed your insightful reviews lately so I hope all is well and your both still with me!