Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter. I do own the plot of World Changed and it's predecessor, When Sirius Jumped Dimensions and Traveled through Time. Borrow ideas and characters with care and permission.

Chapter 26: A Black Affair

Petunia lead Nia through the winding halls of Hogwarts until they reached the Non-Magical Living Professor's office, which had a small three room suite through a door 'cleverly' hidden behind a tapestry. "Some Professors live in these suites," Petunia told the Hawaiian before giving her a saucy smirk. "I, however, am blessed enough to be able to share quarters with my husband, Professor Snape. That leaves this suite empty."

"You're letting me use your personal suite?" Nia asked, shocked. Petunia laughed.

"Oh sweetheart, don't you worry about putting me out, or disturbing me. I just didn't want to have you shoved in some dusty guest room. I actually use this suite when a lot of work piles up and I can't finish at a reasonable hour. Severus completely understands. Anyway, since I use it, even if it's infrequent, the house elves keep it fresh. Besides, I wanted to thank you."

"Thank me?" Nia asked, still shocked. Petunia nodded.

"Remus is a sweetheart, like a Lindt Lindor Truffle really. Crisp and smooth on the outside, soft and creamy on the inside, and sweet to the core with just a hint of bitterness," she said with a fond look before sadness swept over her features. "But, despite his obvious heart of gold, he's still haunted by the lingering prejudice against werewolves. Even with all of us; the Marauders, Lily, Regulus, Marlene, Severus, myself, the Longbottoms, the Bones, Moody, the kids... Remus still can't quite seem to let go, accept his scars, and move on. Part of him is still that scared little schoolboy who was given a chance that could easily be taken away from him. You, however, can show him that it's not just his close family and friends, or even his old professors, who don't care about his status as a werewolf." Petunia stopped and stared into Nia's wide eyes. "I may not have a drop of magic in me, but I can tell that you'll be good for him."

"Petunia... as much as I enjoyed tonight... I'm not looking for a relationship," Nia said, attempting to distance herself from the idea. Petunia rolled her eyes.

"Please darling, I saw the way you two were stealing glances at each other. Now, it has been a long time since I've had a girls night with anyone other than my sister or Alice. Sit," she declared, pointing to a rather comfortable looking armchair. Nia relented and wondered what constituted a Girls Night in Petunia's mind. "What's the American magical world like?" Nia smiled, grateful that the other woman had left the dreaded topic of love lives.

"Quite different than Britain, I can tell you that," she said before launching into a description of the American school of magic, Illvermorny, which she attended as a member of Pukwudgie House.

"So American witches and wizards are provided wands at school, which they then have to leave behind for the summer?" Petunia remarked with mild surprise. Nia nodded.

"It certainly helps cut down on underage magic and makes a more level playing field, so to speak, between wizard raised and No-Maj raised," she agreed.

"No-Maj... I quite like that actually. Far better than muggle in my opinion," Petunia said. "Mind you, my family referrers to No-Majs as mundanes or non-magicals if they have to differentiate."

"Yes, No-Maj is less obviously insulting than muggle and less of a mouthful than mundane or non-magical," Nia declared. "You know, the founder of my House was a No-Maj. He even made wands for his adopted sons."

"You don't say? Perhaps, if any of us have No-Maj children or adopt a No-Maj, I might suggest they talk to Olivander about crafting wands. And who's to say a No-Maj like myself couldn't help with magical plants or creatures? Besides, we have more time to spend on learning things that don't require magic than witches and wizards. Now I think about it, disowning someone for being a No-Maj is just ridiculous. There's plenty of 'magical' jobs even a No-Maj can do."

"I have a No-Maj cousin who manages the accounts for my great-uncle's business," Nia added. "He's quite well respected and most know not to cross him, especially when it comes to money. Jeff served in the US Army while he worked through college to earn his accounting degree, then remained in the service for an additional three years." Petunia whistled.

"An Army trained accountant. I can see why no-one would want to cross him," she remarked.

"Indeed. So what about you? Got any cool family?"

"Well, my sister is married to James Potter, I'm married to Severus who happens to be the last member of the Prince family on his mother's side, and I had a cousin who worked in Buckingham Palace," Petunia said, tapping her chin. "Of course, he was just a doorman, but it was still the Palace so I think that counts." Nia shook her head.

"Wow. Just... wow. Your non-magical family is kinda boring while your magical family contains one of the most famous Aurors on the force," she said. Petunia smirked at her.

"Oh, you don't know that half of it when it comes to my magical family," she said. "Let's see, Lily married James Potter, James claimed his best friends; Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, and Sirius Black; as Bond Brothers, Severus is actually one of Sirius' old school friends now I think on it. Then there's the rest of the Black family which is part of mine through James, the Longbottoms, Amelia Bones and her family, Minerva, the Prewitts, the Weasleys, and we're about to get a new member in a few months. Her name's Bianca and she's marrying Regulus Black. And that's not counting all the friends who only drop by occasionally like Kingsley Shacklebolt or Alastor Moody." Nia was gaping now, her eyes wide and hair cycling through a range of colors like a malfunctioning mood ring.

"Wha... I... don't even..." she babbled before shaking her head in an attempt to get her thoughts in order. "I knew there was supposedly a massive power bloc in Britain but that... wow." Petunia laughed and reclined in her armchair.

"Yes, well. You can blame the Black Brothers for that. Sirius draws them in and makes them laugh, Regulus convinces them to see his point of view. You heard of the fashion trend that swept magical Britain a few years ago, yes?" Nia nodded and Petunia shook her head with a chuckle. "Regulus started that by removing the left sleeve of his Wizengmot robe to prove he wasn't a Death Eater and to out the Death Eaters in the government where they couldn't run. Or, that was the idea at least. Somehow, Malfoy escaped it."

"But he didn't stay free for long, did he? The Death Eater Hunter caught up to him, just like so many others," Nia said. Petunia nodded solemnly.

"He did indeed," she said. "And it was due to the actions of the Hunter that Regulus was able to adopt Draco. Sirius even took custody of Narcissa, though she's still under house arrest."

"So... How did you meet Severus?" Nia asked. Petunia shook her head and began to tell the tale of an abused boy and a prideful girl who came from vastly different worlds but managed to find common ground.

/*/

The next morning, Petunia and Nia came down to breakfast together, laughing like old friends. Remus was anxious about what Petunia might have told the metamorph while Severus just hoped the American hadn't given his wife any Ideas. "Good morning boys~!" the pair sang, sitting between the poor wizards.

"Please don't do that," Remus moaned, sinking a little lower in his seat. Nia, who wound up sitting on his left, chuckled at his discomfort.

"Do what, Professor Lupin?" she asked with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"Speak in stereo while calling me and Severus 'boys,'" Remus answered.

"Is the famously creepy Professor Lupin unsettled?" Nia asked.

"Aw, he's really just a gooey chocolate eclair," Petunia said from Nia's left.

"With a chocolate mocha on the side," Severus added, already over his shock at the pair of women. Petunia beamed at her husband, pleased that he was apparently accepting Nia's presence. Remus moaned, sinking even lower in his chair.

"Please don't encourage them," he whined. Nia laughed lightly.

"Oh come now, Professor Lupin," she cajoled, "there's no need to be afraid of me!" He gave her a dour look.

"You've apparently become fast friends with Petunia Snape nee Evans. Forgive me if I have reservations," he drawled. Nia pouted and Remus' determination to be upset nearly crumbled. 'Dang, she's cute when she pouts,' his treacherous mind whispered.

"And there's the bitter side of chocolate," Severus taunted, smiling at his friend from further up the table. Remus glowered at him, pulling himself back into his seat.

"You know, I rather liked it when you were on my side, Severus," he remarked. The Potions Master shrugged slightly, smile still tugging at his lips.

"I am on your side," Severus told him. "I just happen to love my wife more." Remus fought back a pout, resulting in a half glower, before turning pointedly back to his blood sausage. Watching him rip viciously into the meat, Nia could almost see why students would be scared of the Defense Master.

"So... when is your first class, Professor Lupin?" she asked. Remus paused and let out a quiet hum.

"Nine o'clock," he answered. A moment later he groaned and fairly attacked his food. Half a minute later, Nia also realized the time and likewise fell upon her food.

/*/

Unnoticed by the adults, the Cubs were grinning. "Bout time Mooney found someone," Harry muttered.

"Yeah... but do you think he'll let her in?" Ron asked. Harry shrugged.

"Not a clue, Ronald. Not a clue."

"What have I told you about using my full name?"

"Oh. Right. Sorry, Ronald Billus Weasley. I'll try to be more considerate next time." Hermione rolled her eyes at the boys and their antics.

"Don't tease the man," she told them. Even Neville gave her a bland look, and he was still at the Hufflepuff table.

"Hermione... this is Harry we're talking about," he said. She blushed faintly and turned back to her food. Septimus noticed both interactions and smirked.

"This shall be an interesting day," he muttered to himself.

(There were a number of people who wished he wasn't correct.)

(("Are you sure there isn't some Seer blood in your family?"

"Mostly, yes. No-one is sure if mum has any ties to older families. Does your big brother know if the Goblins have a way to test for inheritances, Ron?"

"I will definitely check. It's uncanny, Harry!"))

/*/

Back in Godric's Hollow, Lily was grinning at her Planning Board. She had a venue, florist, officiator, and photographer hired. The venue came with catering as it was a Black holding, Draco would be perfectly willing to be the ring bearer, Daisy had declared that she was the flower girl, Sirius was Best Man, and of course the other three Marauders were excited to be Groomsmen. All that was left was dresses and bridesmaids! And a Maid or Matron of Honor of course. "Time to steal Bianca away~!" she said with a grin. Daisy giggled and grabbed her bag, packing a few toys, before heading for the fireplace. Lily chuckled and swept the girl up in her arms before Flooing to Regulus' cottage where Bianca was staying.

"Oh, Lily, I wasn't expecting you to drop by," the Italian remarked in surprise.

"Time for your fitting~!" Lily said without preamble. Bianca moaned but allowed herself to be dragged out.

"Please let this be painless," she prayed. Lily laughed while Daisy giggled and Bianca couldn't stay irritated as she fell prey to their infectious good mood. "Well, let's get this out of the way!" she said, pulling down her Floo powder. Lily grinned and went through with Daisy, nodding to Tom the Barkeep as she vanished the soot from her and her daughter. Bianca came through a moment later and the trio of witches exited the establishment.

"Only a few more weeks~! Are you getting nervous, Bianca?" Lily asked once they had gotten settled in the back of the taxi. The former Mafia woman smiled and shook her head.

"It's odd. I was so excited when Regulus asked me to marry him and the a bit frantic about planning the wedding, but now that almost everything is set and ready, I'm almost... serena," she said. Lily smiled at her, green eyes full of understanding.

"I felt much the same way about my wedding," she confided. "Of course, me and James got married during the upheaval. There was always a faint undercurrent of fear during that time."

"No need to remind me," Bianca remarked, somewhat resentful. Lily sighed and laid a hand on the younger woman's shoulder.

"You know Regulus believed he was doing the right thing, keeping you as far from the trouble as he could. It really was an awful time to be in Britain." Bianca sighed and fell forward slightly.

"I know that, I do, it's just hard to accept just how dangerous it was. You know I'm not some frail little lady who can't handle a bit of a tussle and Regulus recognizes that now but... I can't help but think that if I had stayed, I could have helped! That I wouldn't have been in the way and that I would have made it through," she said, causing Lily to hum and Daisy to lean against her. Bianca smiled down at the young Potter and pet her hair.

"We are all different people from who we were back then," Lily said, looking out the window at the passing London scenery. "Who can really say if you would have lived or died during the conflict? Who could know whether or not you would have done well with our organization? Now is the time to think of what kind of wife you will be and, possibly, what kind of mother you will be. Let the pain of the past stay there and look to the joy of the future, yeah?" Bianca sighed and gave the older witch a wan smile.

"Yeah... that sounds like a plan." Lily chuckled and Daisy giggled, causing the two women to smile just a little brighter. They entered the seamstress' shop and spent the rest of the afternoon debating dresses. It was decided that Lily would be Bianca's Matron of Honor and from there, the choices were a bit clearer as there are only some many 'wedding' colors that don't clash with red hair.

/*/

Classes were over and Nia was mentally exhausted. "How you manage that day after day... does the wolf give you increased stamina or something?" she asked Remus laughed quietly.

"No, not particularly," he answered with a soft little smile. "I just enjoy my job, exhausting as it is. Severus would say it's because I'm still just a child at heart." Nia hummed as she helped the Professor set the classroom to rights.

"I'm sure such a disposition helps," she said. Remus hummed as well, turning to face her.

"Thank you for your help, Nia, but I can take it from here. Do you have enough information for your book?" he asked. She sighed and set down the globe she'd been moving, gazing down at it almost sadly.

"Yes, I think I do, Professor Lupin," she said. Remus tilted his head in curiosity, then strode over and placed his hand over hers.

"If you ever want to talk... You're welcome," he told her. She smiled up at him, her hair turning a vibrant gold.

"You sure about that?" she asked teasingly. Remus chuckled, withdrawing his hand.

"You and Petunia make a terrifying pair... but yes. I'm sure," he told her. Grinning, the Hawaiian witch bounced forward and kissed his cheek.

"Then I'll keep in touch... Remus," she told him before leaving. Remus sighed, then shot a stern look at the portrait on the wall.

"Not. A. Word," he hissed at it. The smirking Potter Defense Master raised his hands and crossed his heart. Remus held the glare for a moment longer before nodding and retreating to his office.

"Too bad for you, the current Lady Potter knows Sign," the old Potter remarked before he slid out of his frame.

/?/

A/N: Okay, so this chapter was going to have Regulus and Bianca's wedding but since I left it for so long and just kept writing more and realizing that I suck at writing the formation of new friendships as well as romance... The Black Wedding is being pushed back to next chapter. Forgive me for the time skip?

And yes, I still have plans for this story its just... not one that has my full attention. Honestly, I have so many In Progress stories, even if they aren't posted, that it's kind of ridiculous. Add that to College and you get a mess. So, sorry and please accept this short chapter while I try to figure out how to write a wedding chapter without it getting bogged down by a full ceremony but also not make it just a few short lines.