the_debt_of_time

Hermione turned her gaze down to look over the beautiful gift. She strained her
focus for a moment as she saw an engraving on the goblin-forged bangle and raised a brow.
"Sirius, these aren't the words of your House."
"I never said it was a Black heirloom." Sirius laughed. "I wouldn't dare to give you
anything that once belonged to my psychotic family."
"Animo et astutia," Hermione repeated the Latin words aloud. "Sirius, where did you
get this?"
"By Courage and Craft."
She quirked her lips, knowing the translation of the words herself. "I asked
you where, not how."
Harry came around the corner. "Where've I heard that saying before?"
"Anywhere in Godric's Hollow," Sirius replied. "You might have read it on anything
in your vault at Gringotts. Those are the words of the House of Potter."
At his explanation, Hermione's eyes widened, and she moved to unclasp the bracelet
as though it were suddenly deemed much too valuable and delicate for her to wear. "Sirius,
I can't accept this."
"Yes, you can. It was... It belonged to Harry's family. Now it's yours."
"I'm not a Potter, Sirius, I can't accept this." She turned around, extending her wrist
to her best friend, insisting that he take it off of her. "Harry, you should―"
"Nope." Harry shook his head, cutting her off with a smile that somehow made his
green eyes sparkle. "I agree with Sirius. You're my sister, and that makes you a Potter.
Besides, I like the idea of you having something that connects you to my family. If anyone
honours the words of my House, it's you. Courage and Craft? Might as well just say
'Hermione Granger.'"
"See?" Sirius gestured to Harry. "Even Harry says it's okay."
"I still don't feel right about it, but fine." Hermione frowned, suddenly feeling very
guilty and unworthy at the same time. "You can take it back anytime you want, Harry.
When you have children of your own, you can pass it along to them."
Harry laughed. "Just take the gift, Hermione, and stop arguing with everyone.
You've fought every single person who brought you a birthday present tonight."
"Well, I told you not to get me anything in the first place, so it's not my fault," she
countered.