Where we belong | Fred/Hermione/George

P R O L O G U E - I V

Setting: St. Ottery Catchpole, England.

Date: The Fourteenth of August, Nineteen Eighty-two.

☆~~~☆~~~☆

Regulus stared at his little daughter who was wrapped up in the arms of two lads comfortably. The new Triad were seated in front of the fire in a bundle of mismatched blankets, and they were busy cuddling with each other to notice that they were being watched.

Little Hermione was the product of his drunken mistake with a French Pureblood witch, who'd kept her identity hidden from him. He'd only been made aware of the pregnancy three months later when the witch left the magically preserved embryo at his doorstep. His parents had helped him to cast the darkest spells to sustain his baby. And he spent every waking moment by her side since then.

Hermione Regalia Black was born to Regulus Arcturus Black on the First August of Nineteen eighty.

The public weren't made aware of her mother. Wiith his unlimited resources and connections that can open any doors, he could've obviously tracked the mother to his baby down and marry her, but he had no intention of doing that. He didn't even remember her face for that matter. Lest alone be familiar with her enough to marry her. Besides, she chose her fate when she left the baby - or, embryo - to him.

The Press were having a field day once the news hit. Some even went as far as making up theories involving him wanting to have a heir through surrogacy, since he wasn't keen on allowing control to a Matriarch. He'd let them brainstorm, never once going over to correct them. Those rumours sure did help him with the business. The Black name was at the top of deals for six months straight. Regardless, he wasn't going to waste time in dealing with measly mongrels like them. He had more important matters at hand. Like raising his beautiful daughter.

It's only been two years since his little Angel was born into this world. He was of the belief that he'd lose her to her husband only when she becomes older (like sixty or hundred), but he'd lost her when she's just two years old! That too to wee lads who are just three! If her Mates had been a bit older, he would've surely opened the Gates of Hell just for them. But they're just three years old.

Maybe he can do that when they get older.

"Well, let's get this over with." His Aunt's voice pulled him out of his thoughts.

He found himself surrounded on all sides. The Prewett Triad were seated on a transfigured couch opposite to him, while Arthur and Molly were on the other side of them. The Longbottoms, Severus Snape and Tonks (except Andromeda) had long since retired to their respective homes for the night, after dinner, while the rest stayed behind.

"Yes." Regulus cleared his throat.

Lucius, Remus, Narcissa and Andromeda were seated on loveseats. James had Lily on his lap. Both Harry and Draco were now sleeping in the Living room with a baby monitor spell on them. Sirius was on a chair, nursing his glass of firewhiskey.

"As you know, they're Soulmates, like us." One of his Uncles started, then pointed at his twin brother and the love of his life both for the last part. Lily's eyes had that look of utter awe in them. Seven years of knowing magic, he was sure, it would've never failed to amaze her. "Their Souls are fragments of one whole Soul, which makes their Magical Cores, compatible with each other. Once mated completely, their Cores coalesce into one whole Magical Core from which they can draw the most purest and strongest Magic." His other Uncle continued from where his brother left off, threading his fingers with that of his wife's.