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The Marauder’s Era was an interesting place to reincarnate into. You weren’t really thrown off in any way. You knew Harry Potter, you were adaptable and while you’d miss the hell out of your last family, you knew you needed to move on and life. They would have wanted you to. You were pretty pleased with your new family. Your father was wizard from a long line of wizards. And apparently, old Pureblood families valued magic. Purity in magic not blood and therefore your mother was a Danish half-blood witch and looked eerily like Lagertha Lothbrock. Jack Cross was a strict man who adored his daughter and heir. Very few people knew of the Cross family and their wealth, as far as most were concerned they were a well known family of potioneers and poisoners. Your mother Scilla Cross nee Vizla was a mistress of wards, runes and arithmancy and between your parents you had quite the head start in your education. And you thrived.
Your parents moved to England, London to be precise, only because an old friend asked them a favour. To take over his home. It was his dying wish and they refused to go against it. He had wanted to place occupied for at least ten years. Enough time for you to complete your schooling at Hogwarts and so they moved.
And here you were on your first day of your first year. You got onto the train, Khan, your bengal cat, curled around your neck, iridescent amber eyes observing your surroundings as you made your way into the train. To your wonderful luck, you managed to end up bumping into the Marauders themselves. “Sorry about that,” you hummed as you tried to manoeuvre your cat, your satchel bag and your trunk. “Here,” you assumed he was Sirius, fairly certain actually considering the other two were blonde and the fourth had glasses and messy black hair. He helped get your trunk as James helped Peter up. You having smacked your trunk into him. “Thanks,” you smiled at the Black Heir, who returned it gleefully, you wondered about the surprise in his eyes. “We’re looking for a compartment if you want to join us?,” James asked. “If you don’t mind me joining you,” you hummed falling into step beside Remus. The sandy-haired boy looked a little surprised when you took his arm but shrugged it off as neither James nor Sirius looked surprised. You were raised a pureblood lady and it was habit at this point, though if he was uncomfortable you would have dropped your hand immediately. Khan stood and sniffed Remus, two pairs of amber eyes clashed for a moment before your cat licked his cheek and curled up around your shoulders, watching Peter with something akin to hunger.
Remus blinked at the cat’s affection before turning his attention back to where you were being interrogated by James. “We don’t mind. Plus you’re obviously a first year. Or an exchange student?,” James raised an eyebrow. “Bit of both. I’m a first year and my family moved to London about four months ago,” you hummed. “We didn’t get your name,” Sirius muttered, eyebrows furrowed. “Kiara Cross,” you hummed. Recognition lit up in the eyes of James, Peter and Sirius. Looked like the rat was a pureblood. “No wonder you’re gorgeous,”Sirius purred, grinning as he earned an amused chuckle. “You must be epic at potions,” James commented. You shrugged, “I love them and I have a passion for creating them. Whether or not I’m epic is yet to be determined,” you hummed. “Your family is well known?,” Remus asked carefully. “We’re famous for potions and poisons,” you hummed, “most of my family are healers and curse breakers believe it or not, plus a couple of magizoologist. They’re the fun cousins,” you stated fondly. “Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, James Potter and Peter Pettingrew by the way,” Sirius added as they stopped at a compartment.
James knocked and you watched the first interaction between the Marauders, Snape and Lily. It was nothing notable honestly. James introduced everyone, mentioned you were all first years and asked if they would mind the five of you joining them. Lily said no. Snape glared but remained silent. Sirius helped stow away your trunk and when you let go of Remus to pull off your satchel, took your hand and offered you the window seat. You took it and pulled out a book as Khan decided to hop onto the windowsill. Sirius took the seat next to you and leaned back, tipping his head back as he closed his eyes. James started a conversation with Peter while Remus pulled out a book. Agatha Christie, he had good taste and you told him so. You saw Sirius’ eye open a slit as Remus blinked at your knowledge of muggle literature.
You shrugged, “My mother is a halfblood, grandfather is a muggle and we’re very close. I know the muggle world as well as I know the magical one,” you hummed. “So Severus is a halfblood, his father is a muggle,” Lily interjected and you felt Sirius tense at her interruption. And it hit you. You were the reason they were acting so different. Sirius and James were both pureblood heirs and this meant they were raised to know how to act around pureblood ladies. Once learning Lily was a muggle-born it wouldn’t have mattered because there was no one to insult until she learned their customs. But impropriety in front of you would be an affront to Lady Magic, no wizard worth his magic would insult the daughter of Mother Magic herself. You figured Snape had realised something to that affect when his eyes narrowed on Sirius, slight fear filling that skinny frame. Luckily for you, you had James and Khan. James who began to explain the hierarchy of the magical world hoping the girl would get the hint and go look it up later and Khan who decided to make Sirius’ lap his napping spot. Sirius merely lifted a hand to pet your familiar after a questioning gaze in your direction. Remus looked confused but you figured that the boys wouldn’t leave him in the dark. You learnt he was a halfblood from James’ rant, so two wizarding parents but both were muggle-born.
And then came the topic of Houses. Unlike in the stories and fan fiction, Sirius didn’t say a word when Severus mentioned Slytherin, merely gave the boy a hard, considering stare. James merely glossed over the house, mentioning that a majority of it occupants were pureblood families or those with ties to those families. “How about you Kiara?,” Lily asked and you saw the two heirs bristle at her use of your first name without permission. You merely smiled, “Its a toss-up between Ravenclaw and Slytherin I believe,” you hummed. “Not Gryffindor?,” James faux pouted. “Alas, my sensibilities wouldn’t allow it. I have too much ambition and love my books,” you hummed. Sirius didn’t seem that surprised. When the cart came through, you bought some chocolates, nibbling on a frog leg as Khan played with his ice mice.
When you were about to reach Hogwarts. Sirius offered to hold up his cloak so you could change. The line to the bathrooms were rather long. You took his offer but gave him a blanket you had folded up in your bag. He and James held it up so half the carriage was covered and you and Lily changed quickly while the boys did so on the other side.
Your first glimpse of Hogwarts was breathtaking. You took Sirius’s hand as he helped you off the boat, letting you take his arm up the stairs. You saw McGonagall’s gaze on the gesture and approval flitted over her expression before she led the lot of you to the Great Hall to be sorted. Like you expected, you were sorted into Ravenclaw and you giggled at the boys’ cheers. Snape ended up in Slytherin and Lily in Gryffindor. Nothing surprising to note.
Ravenclaw had pretty mixed classes, with all three houses. Maybe the pairings of Slytherin and Gryffindor and Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff weren’t a thing until Harry’s time. Still you raised an eyebrow as you found Remus your potion’s partner. James and Sirius paired up and Peter stuck with a Ravenclaw. “How was your first night in the dorms?,” you asked as you pulled out your notebooks. “The four of us are sharing,” Remus smiled. James and Sirius had lectured him on propriety and behaviour around witches, especially pureblood witches and he’d taken it to heart. It wasn’t anything complicated, mostly basic courtesy with the additional magical element like do not touch a lady without her permission or an emergency. And ask permission before you pet her familiar. There was a lot of other things he intended to study up on in the library and he wondered if his parents’ lives would have easier if they did so. Because the more he read, the more he realised that muggle-borns were continuously and consistently insulting someone. There should be a magical culture class like there was a muggle studies one.
Slughorn was an amusing teacher and he was rather pleased to have a Cross, Potter and Black in his class. “And all heirs,” he had simpered to your aggravation. You gave Remus a smile as he slipped you a small bar of chocolate. “Kiara is fine by the way,” you told the boys in way of greeting. James and Sirius gave you a small bow, “Then please call us by our first names as well. ”And you found yourself befriending the three Gryffindors. Peter rubbed you the wrong way, so while you were polite to him, you weren’t warm and you definitely didn’t give him permission to call you by name. Sirius had watched you after seeing your indifferent smiles, but he’d seen how Khan had reacted with the pudgy boy and in turn began to watch the boy as well. Familiars were never really wrong when it came to the safety of their masters and Khan’s behaviour meant Peter was not a friend. Sirius was a Black and you were under his protection as his friend, just like James and Remus. James was too trusting and Remus was beginning to catch on to your mistrust, for now though, he’d keep an eye on the boy and his interactions with you.
Ravenclaw house was pretty happy with scoring you. Ravenclaws were actually very down to earth, the valued intelligence and studying but also self-care and so there was well-defined support system put in place for those in exam years, first years, and anyone who just wanted to talk. Flitwick was an amazing Head of House and made time for each of the years weekly. The one thing Ravenclaw house had to get used to was the popping up of three Gryffindors first years. First-year friendships were important, and most of the time kept within house. But you had forged pretty firm bonds with three lions and they weren’t too annoyed about it. They merely watched to ensure you weren’t pressured into their troublemaking. And that they were courteous at all times. The boys would rotate in who sat next to you in what class. Who would join you at breakfast. Who’d bring you lunch when you were lost in a book in the bowels of the library and so on. And you’d help them with their pranks and ensured they were’t physically harmful or violent in any way.
And so you sped through the first four years of Hogwarts. Fifth year was when the drama began. Now Sirius was a Black and had been keeping his mouth shut and acting the perfect heir because he needed to become Lord Black. He needed to have to promise of a house when he asked to court you. He was lucky enough that his family approved of his request and he’d be able to present his courtship offer this year.
Sirius took a breath as he saw you on the train platform with your parents. The parents who were well aware of his intentions. And approved. He was thankful when the boys left you both in the compartment alone for a while and Sirius took a breath and took your hands. And he spoke and he waited and he felt his heart stop when tears filled your eyes. And the next thing he knew you were in his lap hugging him tight. He returned it before pulling out the box with the matching courtship bracelets. And the bands closed as one, indicating a courtship in progress. No one was truly surprised by the matching bands. Anyone observant would have seen the way the Black was around the Ravenclaw princess, but now it was official and congratulations were given to the glowing pair. You pretended not to notice the displeasure in Dumbledore’s eyes.
Lily was annoyed. She had read up on the whole courtship thing as other girls began getting offers. It was utterly romantic and she was insulted that no one had offered for her. But then, she had two more years for offers. But watching as Sirius walked you to your table and left you with a kiss on the hand made her squirm with jealously. She’d never liked you, you were a stuck up blood purist. She’d seen the way you acted around muggleborns. Suggesting they change instead of society changing to fit them. It was ridiculous. And yet, you were being courted by one of the most eligible bachelors in the Wizarding World.
Sirius knew he would be approached by Lord Voldemort sooner or later. Especially as he’d ensured Walburga was thrown out of the family and struck off the tree for attempting to poison his father. He’d recognised the sweet tea when he was back from first year. The same concoction that you drank to counteract your chronic period pains. The one you’d taught him and Remus to brew along with the antidote in case someone ever sipped your tea. And Orion Black had pulled his family away from the Dark Lord’s influence. Regulus was much happier, especially with you around to dote on him. So Sirius wasn’t entirely surprised when he arrived home for Yule to find Lord Voldemort in his father’s study. Father was obviously not worried, but Voldemort was. He hadn’t expected the wards and the dangerous magic swirling in the heir. Daring the man to move against any of the Blacks in the house. Bella was going to be punished Sirius imagined, for whatever information she gave about Grimmauld Place.
“Lord Voldemort wishes for us to join his cause,” Orion stated calmly. His son merely quirked an eyebrow as his sipped his glass of whiskey, the tinge of red indicated it was one of your family’s brews, infused with nightshade if he was correct. “That’s an issue you must understand. My courted doesn’t believe in your cause and her family seem to dislike you. I rather not risk my marriage,” Sirius stated bluntly. “I could give you your pick of women,” red-eyes began. “You mean the weak, inbred abominations I’m related to one way or another,” Sirius commented lightly. “I’m quite happy with my bride-to-be but I should warn you that my uncle’s branch on the tree will be struck soon. Blacks have never bowed to anyone and that they’ve done so,” Sirius paused. “Disgusting,” Orion agreed. Voldemort was forced out of the house rather painfully and he decided that the Blacks would have to be tabled for now. He wasn’t strong enough to oppose them or the Cross family.
Seventh year you expected to go as usual. The war was not picking up any speed. Not when the Blacks’ firm refusal had other dark houses pulling out. Including the Malfoy family. And now you were under a tree, book in hand and Sirius’ head on your lap as you ran your fingers through his hair. Remus was nibbling on a chocolate bar as he worked on his charms essay. Peter had been kicked from the group when he attempted to use the invisibility cloak to peep in the girls bathroom and subsequently expelled in fourth year. James was playing with the enchanted snitch you’d given him for his birthday. You felt eyes on you and looked down, Sirius’ molten silver gaze was watching you with so much adoration you felt your heart skip. He leaned up to press a quick kiss to your nose and forehead before laying back down. You smiled and turned back to your book. You sensed the curse before it hit you. A wordless shield went up deflecting it but the move had Sirius on his feet, wand in hand and a growl on his lips. James was flanking him while Remus stood by you, eyes glinting amber considering how close to the full moon it was.
“Avery, Snape,” Sirius snarled. And you decided to watch. You’d interfere if he was too close to killing them. Avery bounded off immediately. He hadn’t seen the Black Heir, and figured he could handle the two light wizards. But Sirius had embraced the dark and was considered very dangerous, especially when it came to his wife-to-be. And the Dark Lord had specifically warned against antagonising them. Shit. Severus, the idiot, stood his ground. For years he’d been hearing Lily complain about your cruelty and the way you flouted your relationship in front of her and her jealousy fuelled his and he knew she was hoping some rich pureblood, definitely not him, would offer for her hand.
Black’s magic was coiling off him, utterly feral and Snape shuddered against the onslaught. Fear begin to creep into his bones but before he could bolt off, he found himself upside down in the air. Potter sneered, taunting him as other students watched the show with laughter. But it was Black’s eyes that had him terrified. They promised pain and blood. Then Lily came bursting in and why couldn’t she shut up?! Didn’t she know she was just making it worse for him? Then there was silence and Severus watched as the crowd parted for you, Lupin at your heels. You placed a hand on Black’s shoulder and he dropped the spell. Potter making sure he didn’t land on his neck. Black didn’t even bother looking back as you took his arm, the couple gliding off with Lupin beside them. Potter gave Lily a small frown but said nothing as he turned around to join his friends. The group watching had dispersed by now. Severus sat on the ground and realised that he owed you a life debt. He swallowed, Black was going to kill him. Would have without remorse because Severus had attempted to hurt you. And with his father’s power and your own family behind him, he wouldn’t have gotten punished. Not when it was his right to protect his betrothed.
Sirius held your hand tight, he could’t wait till you’d both graduated and married. To travel and live freely together. Watching as you laughed at something Remus said, he relaxed. You all had time and perhaps the future wasn’t as bright as he wished with a war on the horizon. But right now, you were at his side, his mates were with him and he was happy. And for now, that was enough.