Blood magic and other drinking games

Posted originally on the Archive of Our Own at http://archiveofourown.org/works/49628146.

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Archive Warning: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Categories: F/M, M/M
Fandom: Harry Potter - J. K. Rowling
Relationships: Draco Malfoy/Ginny Weasley, Theodore Nott/Ron Weasley, Regulus
Black/FemHarry Potter, Fleur Delacour/Nymphadora Tonks/Bill
Weasley, Sirius Black/Remus Lupin
Characters: Dolores Umbridge, Severus Snape, Narcissa Black Malfoy, Rubeus
Hagrid, Alastor "Mad-Eye" Moody, Albus Dumbledore, Weasley Family
(Harry Potter), Ministry of Magic Employees (Harry Potter)
Language: English
Stats: Published: 2023-08-26 Words: 65,181 Chapters: 23/23
 Blood magic and other drinking games
by cyndersonic745

Summary

Regulus felt a pull on the tethers of his soul. He was being pulled from the relentless
nothingness of this space in between life and death. There was only one way to bring
someone back from this place. Who would invoke a soul bond with him?

This is not my story. If the original writer wants me to take it down then I shell do so.
 Chapter 1

Lady Hypatia Potter was well and truly drunk.

Sirius was upstairs in his room recuperating from the battle at the Ministry of Magic. The
clock had just chimed three am, but she still couldn’t sleep. This was the worst night of her
life, short of the night she lost her parents. She had been possessed by Voldemort. Her friends
had been injured in battle. She had almost lost Sirius.

It was just too much.

Everytime she attempted to close her eyes the lights of brightly colored spells played behind
her eyelids, reminding her of her friends still laying in St. Mungo’s.

She clenched the bottle of Ogden’s Finest Firewhiskey in her hand as she climbed the stairs
to the library. The bottle of firewhiskey was as old as Sirius himself. Hypatia had gulped it
down without thinking, and now she was beyond drunk. She heard the voice of Hermione in
her head.

“Ladies do not get drunk.”

Hermione was the one who taught her Pureblood etiquette. Because in the end it didn’t really
matter that she wasn’t a Pureblood. She was Lady Potter, and she had to learn how polite
society worked. Hermione was as always, happy to help Hypatia perfect every facet.

Hypatia had taken to it immediately, preferring the niceties that were offered to her in such a
society. That is, when the Dark Lord wasn’t trying to kill her and her loved ones. Hypatia
chuckled at the thought as she tripped up the last step, and used her hand to steady herself
against the wall.

“Bloody Death Eaters.”

Ladies also didn’t curse, but Hypatia reasoned that in her own home she could do as she
wished. And this would be her home one day, since Sirius had named her his Heiress. He
certainly didn’t mind.

She tumbled into the library, and went to the section that had once belonged to Regulus. She
had always had a fascination for the lost boy and his collection. His taste was varied, but
Dark. He read extensively on magical creatures, and spell creation. There were scrolls upon
scrolls of his own research and spells that were stored in the case that she safeguarded from
The Order. She had spent many late nights reading them over.

The room started to tilt as she waved her wand to unlock the cabinet. The room spun more
violently and she lurched forward. Her hand landed on the bottom shelf, breaking her fall.
There was a small book there that she had never noticed before. She picked it up and tried to
focus, but the text on the page floated.
She had definitely had too much.

Darkness.

She stood in front of the tapestry. A ritual dagger laid at her feet. Her left hand was cut down
the middle. Her blood dripped onto the wood floor. The small book was in her right hand,
smeared with her blood. She pushed her hand against the tapestry and gasped as she felt
magic rush through her.

Darkness.

***

Regulus felt a pull on the tethers of his soul. He was being pulled from the relentless
nothingness of this space in between life and death. There was only one way to bring
someone back from this place.

Who would invoke a soul bond with him?

He felt his body settle onto something solid. He opened his eyes slowly, amazed to be able to
see. He eased himself up on the heels of his hands. He looked around cautiously as he
adjusted to his new state of being. He recognized this place.

He was in the library at Grimmauld Place. He was wearing the same robes he had been
wearing when he was pulled under the lake by masses of Inferi. His wand was securely in his
breast pocket. He rolled up his sleeve, and was amazed to find the Dark Mark gone. Soul
bonds could sever other bonds, especially ones that affected the soul.

He turned his gaze around the room, looking for whoever had called him back. There was a
girl in front of the tapestry, laying face down. He rolled her over and was shocked to see her
forehead covered in blood. He raised his wand and healed it, vanishing the blood while he
was at it. A faint white scar in the shape of a lightning bolt was left on her face.

He looked her over for other injuries and found many minor scrapes and bruises. Her left
hand was cut down the middle, and he healed that as well. She must have used the ritual
dagger on the ground to invoke the bond.

On the back of her right hand, there were permanent scars that read “I must not tell lies”. He
immediately recognized the work of a Blood Quill. Rage roared through him. He’d kill
whoever had tortured her.

One of his notebooks laid just out of reach of her right hand. He recognized it easily. It
contained detailed notes about how to invoke a soul bond using blood magic. He had never
meant for anyone to find that. It was just research, just knowledge for the sake of it.
There was a bottle of Ogden’s that he firmly remembered being a part of his parents
collection underneath her, almost completely gone. He looked for something to identify her.
He looked up at the tapestry, and sure enough, her name was already there next to his.

Lady Hypatia Lily Potter.

“Merlin, how much time has passed?” He whispered.

There was no Hypatia Potter when he went into that cave, and given that her middle name
was Lily, this was probably the daughter of Lily and James. He looked closely at her face,
committing her to memory. She had delicate, fine features, long black eyelashes, and petal
pink lips.

She wore robes of dark green, ones that Regulus immediately recognized as traditional battle
robes. They were cut closer to the body, and only came to the knee to allow for better
movement. She wore dark tights underneath with green dragonhide boots. She had her wand
in an arm holster, as if she expected to be attacked at any moment.

What had this beauty been through, and why had she called him back?

The door to the library slammed open, and Regulus found himself at the business end of
Sirius’ wand. Though this Sirius was substantially older, and more weather worn than when
he had last seen him. Sirius’ composure slipped, and his wand shaked at the sight in front of
him.

“Is this a dream? This can’t be. You’re dead!”

“And yet here I am Siri.”

Sirius flinched at the sound of his childhood nickname. Only Hypatia ever called him that
anymore. He turned his gaze around the room, looking for his goddaughter. He rushed to her
as soon as he saw her, pulling her into his arms.

“What did you do to her?!” Sirius demanded as he carried her to a sofa.

“Fawn, wake up! Fawn?”

“I didn’t do anything to her. She’s drunk, Sirius. There was an empty bottle of Ogden’s
beneath her.”

Sirius glared at his brother, “Hypatia doesn’t drink.”

“She did today! Here, let me show you.”

Regulus raised his wand to run a diagnostic charm over her, but Sirius raised his own wand in
response. Regulus put his hands up in a sign of surrender.

“I was just going to run a diagnostic charm. I’m not going to hurt her!”
Sirius narrowed his eyes but waved Regulus over. He ran the spell and read out the results
from the parchment that produced itself from his wand.

“She’s incredibly drunk, Siri. We should probably use a Sober Up charm on her, so she
doesn’t get alcohol poisoning.”

“She’s never even drunk alcohol before that I know of,” Sirius whispered as Regulus did the
spell. Hypatia murmured a bit in her sleep, but otherwise seemed unbothered by the jostling.

“Did something happen? She’s incredibly small. It’s likely she just didn’t know how it would
affect her. It happened more than once in the Slytherin Common Room, I can assure you.”

“There was a battle at the Ministry. It was pretty bad. Her friends were hurt. Regulus, how are
you here?! We all thought you were dead. What the fuck is going on?!”

“I wasn’t dead exactly , but I wasn’t alive. She called me back by invoking a soul bond.”

Sirius went pale, “She didn’t.”

“Check the tapestry.”

There it was next to Regulus’ name.

“Hypatia,” Regulus read out loud. “A more traditional name than I would have expected of
Lily and James. I assume this is their daughter?”

Sirius nodded, “It’s the name Euphemia wanted. She told James before she passed, and they
decided to honor her request. Merlin, this is so fucked up. This is going to be an absolute
mess. She’s not even sixteen yet. Her birthday is next month.”

Regulus blinked, “Well that’s… that’s good to know. Thank Merlin I’m only seventeen.”

“James is rolling in his grave,” Sirius whispered.

“What happened to them?” Regulus asked.

“Settle in, brother. You’ve got a lot to catch up on.”

***

Regulus took the cup of tea that Kreacher had brought him, but not before weeping and
giving him the hug of his lifetime.

Hypatia was sleeping on the sofa with her head in Sirius’ lap. Regulus was happy to see he
already considered her a part of the family. Sirius had filled him in on as much as he could
about the time he had missed. Regulus was sad, but not surprised to hear how many had died.
“The title transfers back to you now that you’re back, and Hypatia as well. She would have
inherited everything from me anyways.”

Regulus smirked, “I’m sure that thrilled Narcissa.”

“I really wouldn’t know,” Sirius scowled. He paused as he stroked aside a piece of Hypatia’s
hair. “I just realized her scar is almost completely gone. Did you do that Reg?”

“I didn’t do anything. Her face was covered in blood when I woke up. It’s most likely the
effect of the soul bond, but we can ask her when she wakes up if she did anything else.”

“This morning's Daily Prophet master,” Kreacher offered.

Regulus took it as Sirius glared at the little elf. He had never been so kind to Sirius.

“Merlin,” gasped Regulus. He tossed the paper over to his brother, who caught it swiftly and
looked at the photo on the front. There was a quickly disappearing Voldemort. The Minister
of Magic stood in shock in the background, with Dumbledore and Hypatia in the foreground.

“The whole world will know the truth now,” Sirius noted.

“They don’t know the half of it,” Regulus volleyed. “He’s torn himself apart. He did not look
like that when I disappeared into that lake.”

Sirius tried not to flinch. The story of the horcrux and the Inferi had bothered him more than
he let on. “What did he look like before?”

“He was a handsome man,” Regulus shrugged. “Black hair, blue eyes, high cheekbones. I
always thought he took pride in his good looks. I suppose immortality meant more to him.”

Sirius sighed, “What are we going to do Reg? Can we actually trust anyone?”

“You can trust me. I nearly died trying to do the right thing. I am going to end him, and I am
going to protect my wife. I don’t care if I have to kill Dumbledore, and anyone else that gets
in my way. I suggest you summon Remus and have a serious discussion about where your
loyalties lie.”
 Chapter 2

Hypatia had the strangest dreams. She dreamt she was back in the halls of the Ministry,
fighting Death Eater’s with Regulus Black at her side. They fought seamlessly, back to back,
as if they could anticipate each other's next move. When he struck down Bellatrix he grabbed
her and kissed her until she could hardly remember where she was.

Hypatia began to stir in her sleep, and Regulus stroked her back gently. He had moved her to
her bedroom while Remus and Sirius had their talk. He had to inform Remus about what had
happened to Regulus, and the path he wanted to take forward.

Hypatia woke up slowly. She felt terribly ill, but the slow rubbing on her back made her feel
a bit less queasy. She knew now what people meant by the phrase ‘Know your limit’. She
certainly hadn’t known hers. She felt the smooth sheets of her bed against her face.

“You’re alright, love.”

Hypatia scrambled backwards towards the edge of her bed. It turned out that was a very bad
idea. She immediately felt ill, and lurched over the side of her bed to throw up. Kreacher
cleaned it with a snap of his fingers, and to Hypatia’s surprise he didn’t so much as mumble a
complaint.

“Kreacher, please fetch your Mistress a pain potion.”

Hypatia turned around slowly. She steadied herself with one hand against her headboard. She
knew who he was as soon as she saw him. She had seen the pictures. She had just battled at
his side in her dreams. Her stomach flipped as she remembered the way he had kissed her in
her dream.

Regulus Arcturus Black was sitting on the edge of her bed. He looked like he hadn’t aged a
day since he had disappeared at the age of seventeen. He had on black robes, and a small
smile. He was far more handsome than the pictures she had seen.

Kreacher reappeared with a pain potion, and held it out to Hypatia. She took it and shot it
back. She held onto the bottle, ringing it in her hands nervously. Kreacher stared at her
impatiently until she handed it over. Then he left her alone in the room with Regulus.

“This is improper,” she blurted out without thinking. “I mean- I’m sorry. It is improper, but
that’s not the point. What are you doing here? What happened? Are my friends safe? Also,
this really is improper. Sirius will have a fit, even if he doesn’t usually care about etiquette.”

Regulus tried to keep track of all her questions. “Sirius and I have already had a chat. He
found us shortly after you brought me back. He is speaking with Remus, though I’m sure
he’d come, if you felt the need to call him. I’m sorry to say I have no news of your friends,
though Sirius told me about the battle.”
Hypatia narrowed her eyes at him. She wished those gray eyes were just a little less
enchanting. They were just a few shades darker than Sirius’s own. They made it hard to think
straight.

“I brought you back? I can’t remember. I had…” she looked at him nervously. He motioned
for her to continue. “I drank quite a lot of Ogden’s. There was a Battle at the Ministry of
Magic, and I thought it would help me sleep. I assure you it’s the only time this has ever
happened.”

“The Ogden’s I know about. There was a nearly empty bottle next to you. Quite a feat for a
woman so small, especially if you’re not used to drinking. You used the blood magic ritual in
one of my notebooks to bring me back.”

“Where were you? Sirius could have used your help.”

Regulus was panged with regret. If he had just been a little more careful, if he had allowed
Kreacher to tell Sirius, perhaps this could have been avoided. Still, it did no good to dwell on
what might have been.

“I tried to defeat the Dark Lord. I was unavoidably detained in a state between life and death
by the Black family magic. It’s practically sentient, like several of the ancient family
magicks.” He looked away from her, lost in thought, before he turned his eyes back to her.
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here. But I’m here now. I won’t allow anyone to hurt you, or Sirius.”

Regulus’ gaze was too much. Hypatia looked down at her left hand. There was a new scar
down the center of her hand. She vaguely remembered using the ritual dagger from her
cabinet to cut herself and press her hand onto the tapestry.

“Why did you bring me back?” Regulus asked gently.

Hypatia’s eyes snapped up to him. They were the most piercing shade of emerald green
Regulus had ever seen. She considered his question as she filtered through her fuzzy
memories of the night before.

“I can’t say exactly , as I can only remember some of it. But I’ve always felt connected to
you somehow. When The Order tried to clear out the library I kept them from touching your
collection. I’ve read through most of your books and notebooks multiple times. I felt so
hopeless after the battle. Maybe I thought you could help me.”

Regulus scooted closer to her, and took her hand gently. Her hand tingled everywhere their
skin made contact. Snitches took flight in her stomach.

“I am going to end this war. Your enemies are my enemies, and I will subdue every one of
them.”

Regulus watched as realization came into Hypatia’s face. She was a smart witch, as Sirius
had said.

“I invoked a soul bond to bring you back. Didn’t I?”

“You did.”

Hypatia felt a thrill rush through her as strong and as powerful as when she caught the Snitch
for the first time. He looked at her as if asking for permission, and she nodded her head. He
came even closer to her, until they were sitting across from each other with their knees
touching.

“Can you feel it?” Regulus asked.

Hypatia closed her eyes, and willed herself to calm down. Soul bonds were ancient magic-
one of the earliest forms of marriage. It wasn’t commonly practiced anymore, because it was
irreversible. It tied your soul and magic with your partners, so that it was truly shared.

She blew out a breath to steady herself, and tried to clear her mind. Ah, there it was. The echo
of something new, of someone else's emotions and magic. It was Dark and refined, but it
called to her in a way that was nearly irresistible. It was Regulus.

He watched as her eyes fluttered open, “I can feel it. But there’s something else.”

“What?” Regulus asked. He was fascinated by Hypatia.

“I don’t feel alone anymore.”

Regulus smiled as he stroked the back of her hand with his thumb. With every pass he could
feel the words that had been carved into her skin. He couldn’t wait to exact vengeance on her
enemies.

“I feel it too,” he assured her.

“I read once that soul bonds are supposed to feel intense when new. Why does ours feel so
faint?”

Regulus bit back a laugh, “Because we haven’t consummated the bond.”

Hypatia pulled her hand back from him, and he couldn’t help but laugh. The sound sent a
small thrill through Hypatia even as she panicked.

“It’s not that I don’t want to- I mean you’re very-” Her hands waved wildly as she motioned
at Regulus, and his face grew even more smug. “ I’ve never even been kissed. I’ve never
even been on a courtship date! I just met you!”

“We can take things as slow as you want, Hypatia. I have no expectations. I was simply
answering your question.”

Hypatia relaxed and offered Regulus her hand again. He took it and placed a light kiss over
the scar left by Umbridge.

“Don’t think I haven’t noticed that scar. Things are going to change now that I’m back. Tell
me who hurt you.”
Something in his tone soothed her. He was in control now, and Hypatia found that she liked
it.

“Dolores Umbridge.”

Regulus burned the name into his mind. She’d be dead soon enough. He kept his exterior
calm so he wouldn’t scare Hypatia. She’d been through enough, but the monsters sheer
audacity shocked him.

“Someone dared to do this to the Heiress of the House of Black?”

Hypatia sighed, “She hates me, but it’s my fault. I let her bait me. I didn’t ask for help.”

Regulus cut her off. He cradled her face in his hands, and made her look into his eyes.

“You are not to blame for what she did. A Blood Quill is classified as torture under the law.
At least it was when I disappeared. They’re not easy to come by. She knew what she was
doing.”

“I didn’t know that,” Hypatia whispered. “No one told me.”

“I need you to know I’m not a Light wizard, Hypatia. I’m not noble like you and your
parents. I won’t have mercy on your enemies. They’ve clearly had none on you.”

Tears filled Hypatia’s eyes. She believed him and it comforted her, because she knew that the
man in front of her would burn the entirety of the wizarding world to the ground for her if he
had to. She could feel it through the bond at the edge of her consciousness. She was his, and
he was hers.

“What else is going to change?” Hypatia asked.

Regulus leaned forward and swept away a tear that had fallen onto her cheek. “A great many
things, my love. But we’ll talk about that later. I imagine people will be descending upon us
soon.”

“Why?” Hypatia asked, dazed by the feeling of him so close to her.

Regulus smiled, “You won a very public battle last night. Not only that, but soul bonds are
automatically recorded at the Ministry of Magic. Someone is going to notice in the next few
hours, even with all the commotion about the battle. Dumbledore at the very least will be
here by noon.”

Hypatia froze under his touch, her posture going stiff.

“Why does that scare you?” Regulus asked intensely.

“Will he try to take me away from you and Siri?”

“He can’t. It’s illegal.”

“That doesn’t matter to him,” she cried desperately.

“I won’t let him love. You’re mine now. He won’t challenge a Pureblood Lord in their own
home. Remember, the family magic has a will of its own, and you’re Lady Black now. It
won’t let you be taken from here by force.”

“Do you promise?” Hypatia asked.

Regulus leaned in and pressed a featherlight kiss to her lips. Her swirling panic stopped at the
contact. His lips were better than whiskey, better than anything she had ever tasted.

“I promise I will never let anyone take you away from me,” he swore against her lips.
Hypatia’s lips curled into a smile as Regulus pulled back to look at her. The trust she gave so
freely thrilled him to no end. “I have a few things to see to. Why don’t you get ready for the
day while I do them?”

Hypatia nodded as she watched Regulus leave her room. When the door closed behind him
she sighed happily and collapsed back in bed.

***

Regulus pinched the bridge of his nose, and blew out a steady breath. “Severus, I have to tell
you, you’ve done an absolutely abominable job.”

Severus merely raised an eyebrow at him, but Regulus knew just what it meant. ‘You don’t
know what it was like. You weren’t there.’

“I mean, really. If everything you’ve told me is true, it’s a miracle Lily has not found a way to
come back from the dead herself, and kill you. Her only child, and you’ve allowed her to be
traumatized every single school year. Not only that but you’ve made her life significantly
harder by bullying her.”

Severus had arrived quickly after Regulus’ reappearance, at Kreacher’s summons, and had
just finished telling Regulus a quick run down of Hypatia’s time at Hogwarts. As Regulus
expected, there was quite a lot that Hypatia had failed to tell Sirius. He would have taken her
and fled the country long ago if he knew half of this.

“And the Basilisk still lies in the Chamber?” Regulus asked offhandedly.

“Yes, but why-”

“It’s none of your concern.” Regulus leaned in towards him. “What is it about my wife that
upsets you so much? Is it that she’s a Gryffindor?” Severus practically rolled his eyes. “No,
of course not. Nothing so plebian for you. I should have known. You see James when you
look at her, don’t you?”
Severus leveled him with a look absolutely dripping in derision. “She is just like him. From
the messy hair, down to her attitude.”

“She is not James. She barely even looks like him. She’s my wife. I suggest you remember
that when you find yourself in her presence. I won’t allow her to be disrespected in her own
home.”

Severus didn’t respond. He merely looked evenly at his old friend. Of course Potter would
find a way to bring Regulus back. She had a penchant for breaking the rules with her best
friend Miss Granger.

“How is your brother taking this?” Severus asked.

“He is adjusting as well as he can.”

“What exactly happened to you?” Severus asked.

Regulus smiled, though it was filled with bitterness. “I think you know what I was hunting.
Though perhaps you’ve never even dared to say the word aloud.”

Severus stilled, “So it’s true.”

“Yes. I want Hypatia involved as little as possible.”

“Dumbledore is going to fight you on that. He destroyed one, though it took the use of his
right hand along with it.”

“Which one?” Regulus asked.

“The Gaunt ring.”

“At least there’s one less to collect. Have any been made in my absence?”

“Nagini.”

“The maledictus?!”

“She finally lost her ability to transform back into a human. She is with him constantly.”

“Well that complicates matters,” Regulus sighed.

Severus was surprised by how well Regulus was taking all the news. He must be running on
pure adrenaline at this point. He leaned forward.

“You know The Order has been using your home as Headquarters. Will you allow it to
continue?”

“I’ll do whatever’s necessary to end this war, and protect my wife. Everyone and everything
else comes second.”

“You just met her, and yet she has all your loyalty.”
Regulus’ eyes narrowed, “Of course you wouldn’t understand. Hypatia called to me at her
lowest, across space and time. The ritual wouldn’t have worked if she didn’t love me. I can
feel her at the edge of my consciousness. She’s a part of me now, and I won’t let anyone or
anything harm her. Now Severus, how long do we have until The Order up?”

Severus looked at the ornate golden clock on Regulus’ desk. The entire room had been
untouched since his disappearance. Books lined the walls. Rare magical artifacts sat in
pristine glass cases. He doubted The Order even knew of the existence of this room.

“I would say a couple hours at the most. Dumbledore has been going between the Ministry
and St. Mungo’s all night. As soon as someone notifies him that a soul bond had been
registered for Hypatia, he’ll come. Even with the battle, this is going to be front page news.
The Dark Lord will soon know, if he doesn’t already.”

“I’m not concerned about him.” He rolled up the sleeve of his shirt, revealing his flawless
arm to Severus. “My Mark is gone.”

Severus looked at the expanse of pale skin. Suddenly a thought occurred to him.

“What about Hypatia’s scar?”

“Which one, Severus? I’m afraid my wife has many.”

Severus blinked rapidly. He couldn’t begin to imagine what all that meant.

“The one on her forehead.”

“Yes, that one is concerning. When I woke up her face was covered in blood from it, but it
seemed to have healed over. It’s barely noticeable now. Why?”

Severus thought’s spinned rapidly. He should have known as soon as Regulus told him they
were soul bonded. It was obvious. The soul bond had removed both Regulus’ Dark Mark, and
the horcrux inside of Hypatia.

“Albus thought it might be… and then this last year he became certain.”

Regulus' temper flared. He stood to his feet and slammed his hands on the desk. “Are you
telling me you let Hypatia grow up with a piece of the Dark Lord's soul inside of her?!”

“I had no idea until recently. Albus didn’t tell me!”

Regulus glared at him, and Severus was reminded of his formidable strength. He had no
desire to make enemies of the young Lord Black. In many ways he was like a young Tom
Riddle- handsome, powerful, and ruthless, with the added advantages of breeding, wealth,
and sanity.

Regulus considered his options. In many ways Severus deserved to die. On the other hand, he
might still prove useful. Regulus re-took his seat. “Where do your loyalties lie, Severus?”

“With Lily, always with Lily.”

The answer was automatic.

“Then prove it. If I need your help, provide it. Hypatia is Lily’s only child, and I guarantee
you she would not like how you’ve treated her. You have a chance to redeem yourself.”

Severus nodded tightly. Regulus had always had a commanding presence. The Slytherin’s
had flocked to him even when he was young. He was a natural leader. He was silent among
those he didn’t know well, collecting information as he charmed them all with easy smiles
and flawless manners. There was a knock at the door.

“Enter,” Regulus called.

Sirius entered the study, with Remus at his back. His eyes went back and forth between
Severus and Regulus, his jaw tense. “What’s going on here?”

“Severus was just filling me in on Hypatia’s time at Hogwarts. It’s a miracle she’s still alive.”

Remus put one hand on Sirius’s shoulder to steady him. Severus stood up and moved fluidly
towards the door. He paused at the sound of Regulus' voice.

“Where is Dolores Umbridge, Severus?”

Regulus' voice had the dangerous tone of a predator. Everyone thought that Regulus was
more stable than Sirius, more sane, but he was merely more cunning. He had never hesitated
to take vengeance on those who wronged him or those he loved.

Severus turned around slowly, “Why do you want to know?”

Regulus narrowed his eyes. “Are you going to tell me you didn’t know what she was doing?
Save your breath and tell me where she is, or I’ll rethink my lenience.”

Sirius looked between them, wildly confused. Severus cut his losses. He didn’t owe the toad
anything.

“She’s in St. Mungo’s. Potter and Granger left her in the Forbidden Forest with a pack of
angry centaurs. She’s not doing well.”

A small smile found its way onto Regulus’ face. It wasn’t enough, but it was a start, and it
pleased him that his wife could be vicious when needed.

“Thank you. You may go.”

Severus fled, his cloak billowing behind him as he stalked out of the home. Regulus waved
his wand to seal the door behind him, and silenced his study.

“What the bloody hell was that about?!” Sirius demanded.

“He needed to be reminded where his loyalties lie. We’ll need his assistance before this is
over. The Dark Lord has told him many things that may prove useful. As for Dolores
Umbridge, she used a Blood Quill on Hypatia.”
Sirius finally wiggled out from his lovers restraining hands and slammed his hands on his
brother's desk. “ What do you mean she used a Blood Quill on my goddaughter?! How are
you so calm?!”

Regulus stood to his feet. His chair screeched against the floor as it was pushed back.

“I’m not, Sirius! Just because I don’t scream like you do, doesn’t mean I don’t feel. You have
no idea what this soul bond feels like. She’s a part of me, and they tortured her. They’re all
going to pay, but if I storm into St. Mungo’s hexing people, I’ll be in Azkaban before I can do
anything about it! They don’t care about what happened. Dumbledore would do anything to
keep his compliant little soldier on his side. He was willing to let both of us die. He’s
certainly willing to let her die!”

Sirius looked struck, “He wouldn’t.”

But it was weak, unconvincing even to his own ears.

“Brother, most of your childhood friends are dead. Those that sided with the Dark Lord are
still alive. Dumbledore doesn’t care what happens to his soldiers! My wife will not become
one of them, nor will I. We’ve both come too close already!”

Remus stepped forward. He was an ideal intermediary. His temperament was somewhere
between Sirius and Regulus.

“So what do we do? Whose side are we on now?”

“I’m on her side. I don’t trust the Light anymore than I would the Dark. I’m going to destroy
all of the Horcruxes, and live a long, happy life. Screw the prophecy. Sybill’s always been a
drunk. That prophecy could be the result of one too many bottles of wine. So, will you help
me?”

“Of course,” Remus replied immediately.

He turned and looked at Sirius. He could tell he was struggling to reconcile this grown up
version of Regulus with the little boy he had once protected from Walburga. The truth was
that they had grown apart from each other while at Hogwarts. By the time Regulus
disappeared, Sirius barely knew him. He had grown up into a strong young man in his
brother's absence.

“Of course we’ll help you. Anything for Hypatia.”

Regulus smiled, “Great. I’m going to check on Hypatia before we’re overrun by The Order.”
 Chapter 3

Regulus stopped in the library before he carried on to Hypatia’s room. There was no sign of
the ritual left now. The tapestry itself has absorbed Hypatia’s blood during the ritual.

He walked down the tapestry, seeing the death dates of his family. When he went into that
cave there had been quite a few Black’s, and now they were down to the dregs.

Bellatrix- insane and the Dark Lord’s right hand.

Andromeda- blasted off the tapestry for having the audacity to fall in love. At least she was
sane, and apparently had a daughter named Nymphadora.

Narcissa- married to a coward who had allowed the Dark Lord into their home yet again.

Sirius- still alive despite it all.

Hypatia- golden, beautiful, brave Hypatia.

He had a feeling she was going to be their saving grace. She was certainly the best thing he
had seen come out of their family wreckage.

It was his duty to make sure the family thrived. He had his work cut out from him.

He paused in front of Narcissa’s name, and stared at the name of her son. Draco. According
to Severus he was in an impossible situation, unless Regulus did something quick.

“Kreacher.”

The elf appeared, eager to serve. Regulus nodded to the pictures of Narcissa and Draco.

“Two of our family members are in danger. Severus assures me they are not loyal to the Dark
Lord. Do you think there is any way you can get them out of Malfoy Manor?”

Kreacher's eyes grew wide as he thought.

“I not knowing Malfoy Manor well, but I knowing an elf who is. Dobby.”

“Dobby?”

A young elf popped into the library of Grimmauld Place.

“You’re not the great Lady Hypatia Potter! Wait a minute!” His eyes narrowed as he focused
on the young man in front of him. He remembered him from long ago during the war. He
could sense the soul bond between this stranger and Hypatia. “Did Hypatia take you for a
husband?”
Regulus laughed, “Yes I suppose she did. I’m Lord Regulus Potter-Black now. Merlin, that
feels odd to say.”

Dobby smiled up at him, “What can Dobby do for you and the great lady?”

“Master needs Cissa and Draco rescued from Malfoy Manor,” Kreacher piped up.

“Really?!” Dobby asked with wide eyes.

“Cissa and Draco only stay because they have no way out. The Dark Lord is going to mark
the boy if he doesn’t get out soon.”

Dobby’s eyes went wide, “Not Draco! His father is not much liking him. He called him weak
for not beating me.”

Regulus scowled, “Do you think you can save them? You might have to wait for the perfect
moment, though I wouldn’t wait longer than twenty four hours. I don’t know what the Dark
Lord will do when he hears that I’ve returned and bound myself to Hypatia.”

Dobby’s face hardened.

“I do’s it. I save Miss Cissa and Mister Draco. I not let the Dark Lord mark my boy.”

Regulus' face softened, “Thank you.”

***

Hypatia placed the last gold pin in her long black hair. She had taken special care with her
appearance today. She wanted to look perfect. Liberal amounts of Sleek Eazy’s had been
applied to her unwieldy black hair. It was braided and pinned back at the top in the popular
style of Pureblood ladies.

Knock. Knock.

“Enter,” Hypatia called as she picked up her Lady Potter ring and slid it onto her finger.

Regulus closed the door behind him, and made his way over to where she sat in front of her
vanity. He eyed the ring. He desperately wanted her to already be wearing a Lady Black ring,
but none of the existing ones would do.

Hypatia was special. She deserved a special ring.

“You look like you feel much better,” Regulus noted.

Hypatia looked at her own reflection, and traced a hand over her face. “I do. My scar is gone.
Did the soul bond have something to do with this?”
“I believe it did.”

She smiled up at his reflection. The feeling of him just behind her was electrifying. She felt a
wave of daring overtake her. She twirled on her stool and stood up so she was directly in
front of him. She wrapped her arms around him, and hugged him tightly. Regulus smiled and
dropped a kiss on her hair. She fit perfectly against him, her face resting against his
collarbone.

Hypatia tilted her face up after a moment, and placed a gentle kiss on his jawline. Regulus
sucked in a breath sharply. Just the touch of her lips sent his heart racing in his chest. His
hands moved to grip her arms firmly.

“You’re playing with fire, little witch.”

“Am I not allowed to kiss my Lord husband?” Hypatia asked mischievously.

Regulus groaned, “Merlin you’re going to be the death of me.”

Hypatia sank back against him, and tightened her hold. Regulus wrapped his arms around her
again.

“Never,” she pleaded. “Swear you’ll never leave me.”

“I swear I’ll never leave you.”

He leaned back to give her a little space, though her hand almost immediately reached for his.
She was incredibly petite. Her hand was nearly half the size of his, and he was not a large
man. His muscles were well defined from Quidditch, though he could fairly be called lanky.

He looked down at her white dress. It was a beautiful cut, accentuating her small waist. The
full skirts stopped just above her ankles, showing off a pair of very tall black high heels that
had a bow on the clasp.

“How do you wear those things?” Regulus teased.

“Very carefully,” Hypatia giggled. “I need the extra height! Even some of the second years
are taller than me!”

Regulus conceded the point, “Well you look beautiful. I should warn you, I sent your friend
Dobby on an errand for me.”

“You what?” Hypatia asked in confusion as she stepped back from him. “Why was he even
here?”

“It came to my attention that the Dark Lord planned to mark Draco. He and Cissa have been
looking for a way out, and as the head of the House of Black, it’s my duty to help them if I
can.”

Hypatia's face grew stony, “How do you even know any of that? What if it’s a trap?”
“Severus came to inform me of some things I’ve missed. This is the job of a Pureblood Lord,
Hypatia. I am an excellent Legilimens, though I am loath to use it against my own family.
Still, I will, to be sure of their allegiance. I won’t put you in danger.”

“He’s a prat,” Hypatia accused. “He made my first few years of Hogwarts hell.”

“There’s a big difference between a prat and a Death Eater, Hypatia. Not that it’s an excuse,
but his home life couldn’t have been good. Dobby informs me that Lord Malfoy called Draco
weak for refusing to beat elves.”

“Oh.”

Hypatia had never really considered what it must be like to be Lord Lucius Malfoy’s child.
She always assumed Draco was spoiled rotten. She never imagined that his father would turn
that anger back on his only son.

“I guess you did the right thing then.”

Regulus nodded as he drew closer to her again, “I won’t ever do anything that puts you in
danger. Not if I can help it. You come first.”

Hypatia smiled, and stepped back into Regulus’ arms. He held her against him, cherishing the
moment of silence in what was sure to be a whirlwind of a day.

“I’ve been advised that we should expect Dumbledore by noon. You should eat something
before he comes, especially since you did a ritual last night.”

“What about you? You’ve been semi-dead for over a decade.”

“Okay maybe I should eat too.”

A moment of silence passed before Regulus released her. Hypatia picked up her wand and
stuck it in her arm holster. She wasn’t sure she’d ever feel comfortable without it again.

Hypatia turned to look at Regulus. "I was a fool to ever trust Dumbledore, wasn't I?"

"You weren't a fool. You were a child like the rest of us. But we're adults now. This is our
life, not his."

"I still have more than a year until I turn seventeen. He has a lot of power over me."

Regulus smiled wickedly, “Not anymore. I'm seventeen, and we're soul bonded. As archaic as
it is, that gives me power over what happens to you. Not him."

Hypatia stared at him with wide eyes, "Truly?"

He nodded his head cautiously, not sure how she would react. To his surprise she smiled and
ran back into his arms. He hugged her gently. He could feel how relaxed she was now, how
the tension had melted out of her shoulders.
"This is not the reaction I was expecting," he admitted.

"Am I supposed to be outraged?"

"It had crossed my mind that you might be. Yes."

Hypatia stepped back and smoothed the shoulders of Regulus' robes as she thought. Perhaps
she should clarify a few things.

"Will you abuse me and treat me like a house elf?"

"What? No, of course not. Also, I would never abuse a house elf. I feel like that’s very
important to make clear."

"Will you view me as nothing more than a means to an Heir?"

Regulus grasped her small waist firmly for emphasis, "Never."

"Will you try to make me happy?”

"As often as possible. I want to give you everything you could ever dream of. But we’re in
the middle of a war right now. Sometimes I may have to make hard decisions for our family. I
need you to trust me. Can you do that?”

“Of course.”

She knew that Pureblood men were used to having their orders followed. She usually
resented it, but there was something about Regulus that made it easy to follow his lead.
Maybe it was the soul bond. Maybe it was her long standing fascination with the lost boy.

Regulus smiled, “Good girl, because there’s something we need to talk about.”

Hypatia’s mind had gone fuzzy at the sound of Regulus calling her a good girl, but she
marshaled what little discipline she possessed to focus on what was going on.

“What is it?”

“I don’t think you should return to Hogwarts.”

“What?!” Hypatia shouted.

It was a knee jerk reaction. She didn’t even like school. Regulus flicked a silencing charm at
the door, undaunted by her volume.

“Why wouldn’t I return to Hogwarts?!” Hypatia continued.

“Hogwarts is not safe for you. The children of the Death Eater’s will be dragged into the
conflict now. The Dark Lord could send them after you.”

“You think they would do it right under Dumbledore’s nose?”

“I was sixteen when they marked me, Hypatia. They want to mark Draco, and he won’t be
the only one. Where there’s one Death Eater, there’s always more.”

“What about my education? I won’t even be able to get a job without my NEWTS.”

Regulus looked at her piercingly, “Do you want to work a job? As of today I think you might
be the wealthiest witch in all of Britain. Our wealth combined is unmatched. There’s no need
for you to work if you don’t want to.”

Hypatia thought about what she actually wanted, but she had no clue. Her stomach dropped
as she realized the reason. Regulus wasn’t going to like it.

“I never thought I would survive this long,” she admitted. “I kept my attention on surviving
the next summer, or the next school year. It never occured to me that I might have someone to
take care of me someday, that I might not have to fight my entire life.”

Regulus kneeled in front of her and took her hands into his. His chest felt tight at what she
had confided in him. There was a time when he had been so resigned to his own fate. He had
gone to that cave without a care for whether he lived or died. But not this time, not with his
soul tied to the beautiful witch in front of him.

“We are going to outlive the Dark Lord. We’re going to win this war. I will support you no
matter what you choose to do, as long as it is what you truly want.”

“How do I even begin to figure out what I want?”

“Stay here this year. Remus can teach you. You can try all kinds of new things until you find
something you’re truly passionate about.”

He left out that it would most likely be painful for them to be separated for long. He wanted
her to make the decision on her own. Hypatia nodded, as resolve built in her. She wanted the
future he promised, one where they got to decide what their lives would be.

“I’ll stay here.”

“Excellent.”

Hypatia’s stomach growled and she flushed a bright pink.

“Let’s get some food.”

 Chapter 4

Hypatia followed Regulus down the stairs. When they reached the foyer she grabbed his hand
and pulled him close. Regulus looked down at her and all intelligent thought fled her brain.

"What is it?" Regulus asked.

"For the life of me I can't remember."

Regulus smiled, and tugged on her hand. A shriek rent the air. Oh yes, his mothers portrait.
Hypatia hurried over and wrenched the curtains shut.

"Was that my mother?" Regulus whispered with wide eyes.

"Yes. No one can figure out how to get it off the walls."

Regulus glared at the portrait. He wouldn't be held hostage in his own home by his banshee
of a mother. He strode towards it and plucked it off the wall.

With a flick of his wand he hovered it in the air. He Incendio'd it with a silent spell and
watched as it went up in flames.

Hypatia gaped at him, "How did you do that? Sirius has tried a hundred times."

"My guess is that the house only recognized him as a temporary keeper, and not Lord Black.
That's why he was unable to make permanent changes."

"Well fuck that," Sirius muttered from behind them.

Regulus grinned cockily, and Sirius flipped him off. Hypatia smiled at the byplay. At least
they were talking and not dueling. Sirius turned to go down to the kitchen, and Regulus
stopped him.

"Where are you going?"

"The kitchen. I'm hungry."

Regulus stared down his brother, and something passed between them that Hypatia didn't
understand. Finally Regulus broke the silence after a tense moment.

"We have a perfectly good Dining Room on this floor."

"I hate that Dining Room."

"Sirius, we are not children anymore. This is our home. We can go anywhere, do anything,
and there is no one to stop us."

Sirius paused as he considered the idea. Remus smiled at Hypatia.

"Holy shite you're right."

"I know."

"I can dance on the table if I want."

"You really can, but preferably not when we have company."

"I can swim naked in the pool."

"There's a pool?" Hypatia asked.

"Of course there's a pool," Sirius and Regulus chorused incredulously.

"Okay rich boys," Remus replied. "I would like to eat sometime this century, so if you could
please pick a room."

Sirius looked at Regulus with a mischievous twinkle in his eye, "The Dining Room."

Regulus waved his wand and a pocket door opened that Hypatia had never noticed before. It
led to a massive formal dining room. There were several floor to ceiling windows that would
have let in light, had they not been covered with heavy black drapes. Sirius waved his wand
and they opened. Dust flew off in every direction.

"Walburga never wanted to open these drapes," Sirius muttered angrily as he walked to the
next one and opened them.

"Why not?" Hypatia asked.

"She had headaches," Regulus said at the same time that Sirius answered, "She was a cunt."

Regulus tilted his head to Sirius' point, "That's true, she was."

Hypatia shook her head. The Black brothers together were hilarious. After Sirius had opened
all the drapes he used one of the gilded chairs to climb up onto the long black marble table.
He stood on its top and looked at either end rather dramatically.

"Kreacher," Hypatia called, seeing that nothing would get served if she didn't order it. The elf
appeared and scowled at Sirius where he stood on the table.

"Could you bring us some lunch? The boys are….reminiscing."

"In here?"

"Yes. We will be using the Dining Room from now on."

Kreacher left to fetch the food, and Hypatia gravitated towards Regulus' side. He was sitting
in a black velvet high back chair at the head of the table. Remus was still walking around
sending cleansing charms in every direction.

"How does it feel to be in your fathers chair?" Hypatia asked.

"Like I want to throw all these out and buy new furniture," Regulus admitted bitterly. "I don't
want to be like him. I don't want to sit in his chair."

Hypatia tilted her head as she looked at it. She couldn't buy new furniture before the Order
arrived, but maybe she could do a little something for him and Sirius. She removed her wand
from its holster and turned the upholstery on his chair emerald green, and the three near it.

"How's that?"

Regulus turned around to look at the chair. The color matched Hypatia's eyes.

"It's perfect."

"Aw Hypatia, do I have to sit here? It's Slytherin green," Sirius whined.

"Fine, I'll change yours to red. Kreacher is coming with the food, so sit down."

"Merlin, when you'd get so bossy?"

He sat in the chair she had changed to red for him with a smile, and ate when Kreacher sat
food in front of him.

Hypatia smiled as she watched him tell Remus all the outlandish things he was going to do in
the house. Kreacher came in after a while and took away their plates.

"The Order will be here any minute," Remus noted.

"Let me ask you one more thing," Regulus started. "Is there anyone the Dark Lord may try to
harm to get to you? Anyone vulnerable? He knows you're noble, and it would be the obvious
play now that he knows it will work."

"Hermione," Hypatia provided immediately. It had worried her before that the Order refused
to protect her or her parents, but she couldn't make them. They never listened to her. "She's
like a sister to me. I'm truthfully amazed she hasn't been attacked before now."

"And where is your friend now?"

"St. Mungo's," Remus provided. "Dolohov hit her with a nasty hex."

Regulus' brow furrowed, "What color was the spell?"

"Purple."

"I know that spell. He crafted it right after I joined the Death Eater's. I can send instructions
to St. Mungo's on how to heal her. It will at least give her a fighting chance. Would you like
your friend and her parents to come stay with us until the war is over?"

"Really? You'd be willing to do that? They're Muggles, Regulus."

Regulus frowned slightly, and then nodded. "I'm sure."

He conjured a parchment and quill and wrote out instructions for the Healers at St. Mungo's.
Once he was done he called Kreacher once again.

"I need you to go to St. Mungo's and deliver this message to the healer of Miss Granger. Then
go to her parents and invite them to stay with us. You are to bring them back here when she is
discharged. You alert me at the first sign of danger. Do you understand?"

Kreacher took the letters with a grimace and a muttering of, "Dirty blood."

"Kreacher," Regulus said softly.

"Yes Master?"

"This is very important to me, and to your Mistress. Lady Black views Miss Granger as a
sister. That means she is under the protection of the Ancient & Noble House of Black."

Kreacher's eyes grew wide as he looked between Hypatia and Regulus.

"Yes Master and Mistress, I do it. I will bring the Mud- I mean Muggleborn here. I won't let
anyone touch her. I promise."

"Very good. Now go."

The elf popped away, and Regulus looked at Hypatia. Admiration was clear in her eyes,
though he'd never savored the look so much before.

"He called her a Muggleborn," Hypatia whispered.

"He is teachable."

Sirius scoffed as Hypatia felt something ripple through her magic. Regulus sighed and stood
up from his seat, holding his hand out to Hypatia, who did the same.

"What was that?" Hypatia asked.

"Someone had crossed the wards. The family magic has recognized you as Lady Black, so
you will feel when someone enters the house."

He held out his arm to her and she took it gratefully.

"That is eerie," she whispered.

"I know."

***
The Dining Room was soon overflowing with Order members. They stuffed themselves
around the long table.

Regulus and Hypatia greeted them as they entered. Most greeted Regulus stiffly, if politely.
No one was quite sure what to say. Except for Tonks of course.

Tonks stumbled through a curtsy, and glanced between Sirius and Regulus pointedly several
times before she burst into a huge smile and pulled him into a hug. Sirius dissolved into
giggles. Hypataia nodded at Regulus encouragingly, and he managed to make himself pat her
on the back.

"I'm glad you're back, cousin," she added before she took her seat by Mad Eye Moody.

Dumbledore entered last. When he came to greet Hypatia, Regulus took a step slightly in
front of her, and the Headmaster stopped in his tracks. Regulus merely raised his brows at the
Headmaster and motioned to a seat at the far end of the table.

The Headmaster took the hint and took the seat opposite Regulus, who retook his seat at the
head of the table. Hypatia, Sirius, and Remus took the seats around him.

"Welcome to our home," Regulus intoned. "I am sure you have some things to say,
Headmaster Dumbledore?"

Those gathered around the table looked acuttley uncomfortable. Mad Eye Moody was glaring
at him.

"How do we know we can trust him?" The old Auror grumbled. "He was a Death Eater, I
seem to recall. Besides, it could be an imposter."

Regulus smirked, "You'd know all about that, wouldn't you?"

Mad Eye grumbled, and Sirius did his best to hide his laugh behind his hand. He loved this
side of his brother. He never knew he was so funny.

"Anyone have any Veritaserum?" Regulus asked offhandedly.

"You don't have to do that," Hypatia whispered. "I trust you."

"Don't worry, love. It's alright."

Tonks produced a small vial from her pocket, and brought it to her cousin. Regulus took it
with a look of pure amusement on her face.

"Do you make a habit of keeping controlled substances on you?"

Tonks shrugged, "If they're useful."

Regulus smiled and took a dose small enough to force him to speak truthfully for a few
moments. He handed the vial back to Tonks and she retook her seat. Hypatia watched as
vacancy filled his eyes. She absolutely hated it.
"What is your name?" Mad Eye demanded.

"Lord Regulus Arcturus Potter-Black."

Hypatia smiled. She hadn't heard their joint name yet. It sounded nice. Mad Eye grumbled in
his seat. He seemed terribly put out that it wasn't someone polyjuiced.

"Do you remain loyal to the Dark Lord?" Dumbledore asked.

"No."

"Were you ever loyal to the Dark Lord?" Mad Eye demanded.

"Yes."

"Why?" Hypatia added in haste.

These questions weren't fair. He wasn't allowed to give context.

"I obeyed or I died."

"Do you love Hypatia?" Fred yelled.

"Frederick Gideon Weasley!" Hypatia admonished. This was getting wildly out of hand.

"Yes."

Hypatia's attention was drawn back to Regulus. She watched as the light came back into his
eyes as the Veritaserum wore off. He gave her a small smile and leaned in close to her so that
only she could hear him speak.

"It's easy to love you, Hypatia. I can't imagine anyone could feel your soul and not give into
the temptation."

Hypatia smiled, "I love you too."

Regulus straightened back up, a haughty smirk on his face. He already knew Hypatia loved
him, but to hear her say it in her soft whisper, her breath against his face, was something else
entirely.

"Now that we've established that I love my wife, perhaps we can get to business."

Dumbledore spoke, "The battle last night was hard fought, but luckily we had no casualties.
Those in St. Mungo's are on the mend. I think we must revisit the topic at hand, Lord Potter-
Black."

Regulus sighed. Hypatia watched as his jaw tensed, his eyes narrowed. She didn't think she'd
want to be on the wrong side of his anger. He wasn't going to lay all their personal business at
the Order's feet. If they had questions, they could ask them.
"Perhaps you could tell us where you were all these years?" Dumbledore asked after a
moment of tense silence.

"Suffice it to say I was unavoidably detained."

Dumbledore waited for him to elaborate, but Reguls merely stared at him. Eventually he
turned his attention to Hypatia.

"Hypatia, why did you bond yourself to Regulus? There is a war going on, you had to know
this would draw attention to you, make you even more of a target. I'm aware of no prior
relationship between the two of you."

Hypatia looked down at her hands. She blushed a bright red. She was incredibly embarrassed
to admit that she had been drinking so heavily. It was incredibly improper, and the twins were
sure to tease her about her intolerance. Regulus saved her from thinking of an answer.

"It's Lady Potter-Black, Headmaster. No one disrespects my wife. Not at her own table."

Hypatia felt warmth build as she looked at Regulus. His face was intense. Sirius was beaming
in his chair, only kept silent by the calming presence of Remus. Molly Weasley broke the
silence.

"She is too young to bond! She should be removed from Grimmauld Place!"

Hypatia's posture tensed. Regulus stood to his feet as the walls of the Dining Room shook.
After a moment they stopped, and all eyes turned to Regulus. He had his wand in hand.

"What was that?" Molly asked fearfully.

"That is the magic of the Ancient & Noble House of Black. I imagine the home viewed your
words as a threat to the Lady of the house. Hypatia won't be taken from me by force or
coercion. She is the one that invoked the soul bond. We are inextricably linked now. Surely
you understand how soul bonds work, or has the Hogwarts curriculum failed you too?"

Molly spluttered, but her ire was soon turned on the twins as they poorly concealed their own
laughter. Voices of Order members overlapped each other as debate broke out. The ruckus
continued until Dumbledore held up his hands for silence.

Regulus was still standing, and his face looked fierce. "Not that this isn't entertaining, but I'm
wondering why you're all content to talk about my wife's fate like she's not here?"

Albus paused, his hands steepled in front of him.

"She is but a child."

A wicked smirk took up place on Regulus' face, "Oh, I can assure you she's not."

Molly's face turned an ugly shade of puce. Remus rubbed the crease in between his eyes as he
waited for the fallout. Hypatia on the other hand, was thoroughly enjoying this side of
Regulus. He was more commanding in front of others, more authoritative. It set butterflies off
in her stomach.

"Furthermore, she is a legal adult now that we are married."

"She is fifteen!" Molly bellowed.

"She's sixteen in a month. How old were you when you ran off with Arthur?"

"That's not the point!"

"Kind of is," George threw in. "I say let the crazy kids be in love. It's not like it can be
undone anyways. We might as well support them."

"But, but-"

"We care about her safety," Dumbledore provided. "We have more experience than she does."

Regulus scoffed, "You don't. With teaching? Certainly. With the Dark Lord? No. Hypatia and
I both have you beat there. She won't be going anywhere without me. You've proven you
can't protect her."

"Perhaps we should speak alone."

Dumbledore spoke directly to Hypatia, ignoring Regulus. The intensity of his gaze made her
uncomfortable. Regulus turned his hand to her, a silent invitation. She took it and stood
beside him.

"I'm not going anywhere. I agree with my husband."

"You are a child," Dumbledore said softly.

"Just another child you failed Albus," Regulus replied. "But don't worry, I'll take good care of
her."

Their eyes met, and Regulus wondered if he didn't see a bit of regret there in the
Headmaster's eyes. It was gone before he could process it, replaced by a steely resolve.

"I can not condone this behavior."

"Then leave," Regulus ordered. "I won't allow you to disrespect my wife. She's the Lady of
two powerful houses, yet you wish to plot her future as if she's eleven."

Dumbledore turned his eyes back to Hypatia. She showed no signs of conflict or weakness.
He stood to his feet and walked out calmly, followed by a large group of people. Sirius made
sure they all left, and the door closed and sealed behind them.

When Regulus returned he was surprised to see Tonks and the Weasley twins still at the table.
Tonks stood and smiled awkwardly at them, "We're family."
"What about you two?" Regulus asked testily.

Hypatia put a hand on his arm, and he looked down at her. There was a pleading look in her
eyes that soothed him. He looked back at the twins, who were watching the interaction with a
small smile.

"We've always watched out for Hypatia," George started.

"Besides, Mione will never talk to us again if we leave," Fred finished.

Hypatia laughed happily, and Regulus looked at her for explanation.

"The twins have been pining for Hermione for years. They actually convinced her to go on a
courtship date with them to Hogsmeade last year, before Umbridge canceled the visits."

"May she burn in hell," the twins chorused.

Regulus looked at them with mirth. "Well you've made the right decision then. Miss Granger
and her parents will be staying with us for the foreseeable future."

"Excellent," Fred beamed.

"So what's the plan now that we've pissed off The Order?" Tonks asked.

Regulus looked at Sirius. He wasn't quite sure who to trust yet. The horcrux hunt was
something they could only trust with the most loyal of souls. Sirius seemed to understand his
predicament.

"Why don't we go to the library, and we can get to know each other a little better before we
get into that?"

Hypatia grabbed Regulus' hand and let the others go first. When Fred looked back at her, she
smiled. "I want to speak to Regulus in private for a moment. We'll be up in just a moment.

Hypatia slid the door shut behind Fred. Once it was closed she flicked her wand to lock and
silence it. She turned and looked at Regulus, a spark in her eyes that he hadn’t seen before. It
was terribly charming.

“I’m sorry if I upset you-”

Regulus’ half-hearted apology was cut off by Hypatia pressing her lips against his. She had
crossed the space between them in a quarter of a second.

Everything disappeared.

For a few glorious moments there was no war, no Dark Lord. There was only his perfect wife
moving her lips against his. He grabbed her legs and wrapped them around him as he kissed
her back hungrily. He turned and walked until he hit the wood paneling. He angled one long
leg in between her thighs to keep her aloft.
His hands laced through her hair and tugged gently on her braids to change the angle of her
face. Hypatia made a keening sound involuntarily as her hips shifted. She only had a half
second to feel embarrassed, because then Regulus was biting her bottom lip, and oh that was
divine.

Regulus pulled back after a moment, breathing hard. His head tipped to rest on her shoulder.
She barely resisted the urge to shift her hips and feel sparks roar through her body again.
She’d never felt like this about anyone.

“You continue to surprise me,” he whispered. “I thought you were going to get upset.”

Hypatia pulled his head back up to look at her, forcing him to look in her eyes. She’d never
seen such pure raw possession in her life.

“I loved it. No one stands up for me like that. Well Hermione does, but I don’t want to snog
her.”

Regulus smirked as his eyes returned to her lips, “Noted.”

He leaned in again and pressed another kiss to her lips. She melted against him. Regulus
remembered that they still had guests in their house and pulled away from Hypatia with a
groan. Hypatia blinked up at him in a daze. Merlin if this wasn’t some kind of test.

She looked absolutely amazing with her eyes slightly dazed and her chest heaving as she
tried to catch her breath. He ran a thumb over her bottom lip.

“As enticing as you are, we still have guests. We should join them.”

Hypatia knew he was right, and she couldn’t help but pout.

“Come now, love. I promise we’ll have plenty of time alone later.”

“Fine, let’s go.”

Regulus chuckled as he followed her to the door.

 Chapter 5

Regulus settled into a large leather armchair in the library, and Hypatia sat at his side. He
looked out at their little group. His eyes gravitated towards Tonks. It was hard to believe that
this was Andromeda’s daughter. Her hair flashed a bright turquoise as he looked at her.

“So you inherited the Metamorphmagus gene?”

Tonks smiled, “Yeah. Mum says I’m the first one in three generations.”

“You are. It’s astounding. Do you find it useful in your work as an Auror?”

“It can be,” she acknowledged. “I hate to go against Moody, but he’s just so stubborn. He
might come around eventually.”

Regulus addressed the room, “I understand the suspicion to an extent, but I have to do what’s
right for our family. Speaking of which, first things first. Is there anyone in your lives that are
vulnerable? Boyfriends or girlfriends?”

Fred and George looked at each other, seeming to communicate without speaking. Finally
George spoke for them both. “Hermione is the only witch we’ve ever had an interest in. Our
family home had wards placed by The Order.”

“Where do you work?” Regulus asked.

“We own our own joke shop in Diagon Alley,” Fred boasted. “We live above it.”

“If you want to continue to live there, I suggest you reinforce your wards. You are, of course,
always welcome here as well. There are plenty of rooms.”

The brothers traded a look, “Well once Hermione takes up residence we might as well join
her.”

Regulus laughed, “Yes that’s what I thought. You’ll be much safer here anyways. Tonks?”

“I live at home still. I’m barely ever there except to sleep.”

“Andromeda laid the wards I assume?”

“She did.”

“If Andromeda laid them then you’re safe. She was always excellent with protection. Still,
there will always be a room here for you. You’re family. Anyone the Death Eater’s might try
to go after?”

Tonks looked at Hypatia. She couldn’t resist a secretive smile as Tonks blushed. Her hair
turned a lovely shade of orange. “Well you see, actually, I’m dating two people.”
Sirius gasped and scooted to the edge of his seat in excitement. “This is the best gossip I’ve
had in ages. Do tell little Tonksie. Do tell.”

Regulus rolled his eyes at his brother and waited patiently for Tonks to continue.

“This is a little awkward. I’m actually seeing Bill Weasley-”

Fred and George’s jaws dropped open.

“-and Fleur Delacour. We’re a triad.”

Sirius whooped like he had won a Quidditch game as Remus stared at Tonks as if he was
seeing her for the first time. George and Fred were looking at Hypatia with betrayal in their
eyes.

“You knew about this?!”

“I was sworn to secrecy! I caught them all in a closet at the Burrow last summer.”

“Hypatia!”

“Sorry Tonks, but there’s no point in hiding it anymore.”

“You wouldn’t say that if your future mother in law was Molly Weasley. She’s insane. She’d
completely freak out if she knew. No offense boys.”

“None taken,” they assured her.

Regulus sighed, “Back to the point. Are they safe?”

Tonks nodded her head, “They both laid wards on their apartments, and then my mother
doubled them. They’re safe.”

Regulus nodded, “That’s great. I don’t want to get too deeply into our plans today. Miss
Granger will be joining us soon, as will my cousin and her son. I don’t like to repeat myself.
We’ll meet again once everyone has had time to rest.”

“Your cousin's son?” Geroge asked.

“Not the ferret,” Fred whined.

Regulus turned to Hypatia, “Ferret?”

“I’ll explain later, I promise. Look guys, he either comes here, or gets forced to be a Death
Eater.”

“How do you force someone to be a Death Eater?” George asked incredulously.

“Quite easily,” Regulus said softly. “They’ll kill Cissa and then him if he refuses.”
Everyone stared at Regulus intensely, especially Sirius and Remus. Sirius leaned forward in
his chair, “Is that what they threatened you with?”

“You know I never loved Walburga,” Regulus replied tensley.

“Then who else-”

Remus put a hand on his shoulder. He gave him a significant look, and Sirius reeled back.

“Me? They threatened to kill me?”

Regulus’ jaw ticked. He looked at Hypatia, his eyes filled with tears that he absolutely would
not allow to fall. Pureblood Lord’s did not cry, especially not in front of strangers. He turned
his gaze back to Sirius.

“Not just you. Remus too. Mother knew about your relationship and was only too happy to
pass on the information. I used to wonder if she didn’t actually want them to kill you both.”

Sirius stood to his feet then sat back down, as if he didn’t know what to do. He settled by
calling Walburga a cunt yet again. Remus held out his hand, and Sirius took it.

“The point is I know what Draco’s up against. We can save him, and we will. I expect him
and Ciss to be here by tomorrow morning.”

“I’ll play nice,” Fred assured him. “But if he says one word against Hermione, I will hit
him.”

“That’s fair,” Regulus agreed with a sigh. “If it’s okay with everyone, let's meet back here in
a few days. I’d like some time alone with Hypatia before the Malfoy’s arrive.”

George looked like he was going to say something, but Hypatia cut him off. “Yes I will let
you know as soon as Hermione gets here. Pay attention to your DA Coin. For Merlin’s sake.”

Regulus smiled at how well she knew her friends. She fished around in her pocket and
finding nothing, turned to Fred. “Give me a galleon please."

He scowled at her as he fished around in his pocket. “Merlin, you're so demanding.”

“Shut it Weasley. I’m making Tonks a coin. You know I’m good for it.”

“Yeah, yeah. That’s what they all say.”

Hypatia tilted the coin so that Regulus could see it. “Hermione thought of this last year. She
used the protean charm to change the message on the outside of the galleons. It allowed us to
communicate without Umbridge’s interference.”

“That’s smart.”

Tonks stood and took the coin from Hypatia, and placed it in her pocket.
“I better get back to work, or people will start asking questions.”

“Yeah we should go too. Give the newlyweds some peace.”

“We should go too,” Remus added.

“Go where?!” Sirius demanded. “I live here.”

“Just… around.”

Hypatia could tell Remus was doing his best to get her some alone time with Regulus, but
Sirius was a stubborn man. He stared at him pointedly, and finally he got it.

“Right, well. Maybe I should talk to Hypatia alone for a minute, and then we’ll go…
around.”

“Siri, that's really not necessary.”

“Someone has to have the talk with you, Hypatia!”

Remus rolled his eyes as Hypatia glared at Sirius. “You have got to be kidding me. Madame
Pomphrey gave us the talk in Third Year. I’ve known the contraceptive charm since I was
thirteen.”

“Right… well then… I’ll just be going.”

Sirius fled the room, with an apologetic looking Remus trailing after him. The door shut
behind them. Hypatia was struck by how quiet it was in their absence, and how awkward.
Her bravery from earlier had fled, replaced by shyness.

Regulus crossed the room and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her tightly. He
spun on his heel and a second later they were in his bedroom. He let her go and looked
around, removing his outer robes as he did so.

“Everything is the same,” he marveled.

“I wouldn’t let them in here,” she admitted as she watched him undo the button on his shirt
cuffs with fascination. Regulus caught her gaze and winked at her, sending warmth flooding
through her body.

“Look, we don't have to do anything that you don’t want to. We can just talk if you wish, get
to know each other better.”

Hypatia actually did want to do a great many things with Regulus, but she wasn’t quite sure
how to vocalize that. She sat on the edge of Regulus’ bed as he unbuttoned the top buttons of
his shirt and rummaged through the Hogwarts trunk at the end of his bed.

“Was there anyone else? Before, I mean.”

Regulus paused and looked up at her, a Slytherin quidditch sweater in his hand. He
swallowed thickly. He didn’t know how this would be received, but he felt like he owed her
the truth.

“There was Evan Rosier for a brief time, or there could have been. We kissed once after the
Yule Ball in our fourth year of Hogwarts. We were caught by another student, whom I had to
obliviate. My parents would have killed me.”

“So you’re bisexual?” Hypatia asked.

Regulus shrugged out of his shirt. He paused at the appreciative look on Hypatia’s face.

“I don’t know exactly what you’d call it. I appreciate beauty in all forms, particularly in
yours.”

Regulus looked down at the sweater in his hand, and thought better of it. He found he quite
liked the way Hypatia’s eyes lingered on him. He decided to take a nod from his Gryffindor
wife, and be brave.

“Do you mind if I go shirtless for a while?”

“Not at all,” Hypatia answered spacily.

Regulus laughed as he tossed the sweater to her.

“You’re welcome to borrow my clothes if you want to get more comfortable.”

Hypatia stared down at the sweater in her hands as Regulus grabbed a pair of his old pajama
pants and went into his adjoined bathroom. When the door closed behind him, she swallowed
down any hesitations, and stripped out of her dress, laying it on the back of Regulus’ desk
chair. She abandoned her heels by his desk as well.

The sleeves of the sweater were far too long and hung past her hands. She pulled it up and
inhaled the scent of his cologne, somehow still fresh after all these years. She laid down in
bed, determined not to make this awkward.

There was something so seductive about Regulus’ quiet anger. Everytime he called her his
wife, her mind went fuzzy. When he stood up to Dumbledore she had barely repressed the
urge to kiss him until they were alone.

She was surprised to find that it affected her so much, but she supposed it made sense. For so
long everyone had looked to her to save them. She was the Chosen One, the Girl Who Lived.
She didn’t realize what a huge weight it was until Regulus took it off her shoulders.

She felt more free than she ever had. She wanted to give into him. She wanted to feel him
press her against walls, and beds, and all manner of things.

When Regulus emerged from the bathroom Hypatia was wearing his sweater. His mouth ran
dry at the sight of her bare legs. She smiled at him mischievously.
“You look a lot more comfortable.”

“I am.”

Regulus found his way to his bed, and pulled Hypatia into his arms. She went easily, laying
her head on his shoulder. She wasn’t quite sure what to do with her hands, but Regulus
grabbed one and twined his fingers with hers.

“Was there anyone else for you?” Regulus asked finally, hating himself for needing to know
the answer. It should be enough that Hypatia loved him now, that she had never even been
kissed by anyone else, but it wasn’t. He needed to know everything. He needed to have it all.

“Potter’s only fall in love once. There was never anyone else.”

Regulus felt exhilaration flood him. He held her a little closer, and Hypatia draped a leg over
his.

“No school girl crushes?” He prodded.

“There wasn’t much time for romance in between death threats.”

He rubbed his hand over her back, “That’s all over now, I swear.”

Hypatia shivered as his fingers rubbed dizzying circles on her back. Regulus was having a
very hard time reconciling this shy creature with the woman who had jumped him in the
Dining Room. He tilted her head up so he could see her eyes. They twinkled as she bit her
lip.

“What is it you want Hypatia? I don’t want to make you uncomfortable, but I’d be lying if I
said I didn’t want you.”

Hypatia cast her eyes down, allowing them to close. She didn’t think she could look at him
while she said this.

“I want you but… I like it when you’re in control.”

“Like when I pinned you against the wall of the Dining Room?”

Hypatia squirmed at the mere memory, “Yes.”

Regulus smirked. It was his natural inclination to try to control every situation, and Hypatia’s
submission was oh so sweet. Not least of all because he knew she was a powerful witch. She
bent beautifully to his will, trusting him implicitly despite the newness of their bond.

“I can do that, but I need to be clear about something.”

Hypatia had her eyes closed still. That wouldn’t do. He needed to make sure she was
listening.

“Open your eyes.”

Hypatia complied at once, looking up into Regulus’ stormy gaze. His lips twitched up into a
smirk that Hypatia desperately wanted to kiss.

“Good girl.” He didn’t miss the way her muscles tensed at the phrase, how her breath caught.
“You absolutely have to tell me if you want me to stop. I won’t be angry. I promise. We can
always stop, no matter what we might be doing. Do you understand?”

Hypatia blushed and nodded smally.

“I need to hear you say it, Hypatia.”

“I understand Regulus.”

“Perfect.”

He moved, and she followed his lead until she was laying on her back, and he hovered over
her. He kissed her hard, and allowed some of his weight onto her. Merlin, it felt good to be
pressed into the bed by him, to feel the hard planes of his back against her hands.

Regulus turned his attention to the long pale expanse of Hypatia’s neck. When he nipped her
neck with his teeth, she moaned, and arched against him. He made his way over to her ear,
letting his hand coast down the side of her body, leaving fire in its wake.

“I’m not going to fuck you today, Hypatia. You’re not ready yet.”

“I’m not?” She gasped.

His hands had found the bottom of his too large sweater. His fingers ghosted over her thighs,
soft and yielding, and perfect. Merlin, did he want every bit of her. He wanted to bury
himself in her and not surface for days, but he wouldn’t betray her trust. He needed to take
his time.

“No, you’re not. Soon maybe… if you’re good for me. Can you do that Hypatia? Can you be
my good girl?”

The effect was undeniable. She tried to squeeze her thighs together, but Regulus' hand was
there, ghosting back and forth in a tortuous teasing dance. He squeezed her thigh, and her
eyes rolled back in her head. He kissed her neck, turning her brain to mush.

“Answer the question love.”

“I’ll be a good girl, Regulus. I promise.”

Regulus smiled against her throat, “Of course you will.”

There was a loud knock at the door. Hypatia whined loudly, and Regulus chuckled at her.

“Yes?” He called.
“There’s two Malfoy’s and a strange house elf in our library,” Remus called through the
wood.

Regulus rolled off Hypatia and onto his back. He cursed Dobby’s timing. “We’ll be there in a
minute. Just keep Sirius from hexing them.”

“Got it.”

Hypatia turned her head and looked at Regulus. Her chest was still heaving, her heart
pounding. He looked over and was entranced by the look in her eyes. He pulled her to him
for one last kiss, trying to pour a promise into it for what was to come. After a moment he
released her with regret clear in his eyes.

“We really should go greet them.”

“If you say so.”

 Chapter 6

Hypatia and Regulus got redressed as quickly as they could, and if their eyes strayed each
other more often than not, neither one was complaining. Regulus finished first and crossed
the room to Hypatia, motioning for her to spin.

She turned and Regulus fixed her braids, some of which had come dislodged as they rolled
around on the bed. He spun her back around, and kissed her. He pulled back just enough to
whisper against her lips, “Remember, this is your home now. You’re Lady Potter-Black, the
most powerful witch in all of Britain.”

She smiled, her stomach swooping at his words. A thought occurred to her, and with a swish
of her wand and a whispered spell she turned her dress black. The Malfoy’s wouldn’t respect
her white dress, as silly of a distinction as it was. Regulus looked over his wife
appreciatively.

“You look ravishing in black. This is going to drive me crazy until I can get you alone again.”

Hypatia’s confidence faltered. Was that a good thing? Maybe it was too distracting. She
raised her wand, “I can change the color you want me to.”

Regulus stilled her wand hand with a gentle touch, “Don’t you dare.”

Hypatia smiled at the look of want in his eyes, at the feeling of his strong hands gripping her
waist.

“Alright then.”

“Good girl. Now let’s go.”

Hypatia let out a deep breath as she took his arm. Regulus led her out of his room, and down
the ancient staircase towards the library.

When they entered Remus was standing in the middle of the room looking harried. Sirius was
sitting in his favorite armchair, drinking firewhiskey and glaring at Draco and Cissa as he
twirled his wand in one hand. Dobby ignored them all and rushed up to Hypatia with a bright
smile.

“Look I brings you the Malfoys! Your fella is telling me the dangers, but I not let them mark
my boy. No I won’t. I got them out without so much as a soul seeing, I did.”

“That’s very good Dobby, thank you.”

“Is there anything else you be needing?”

“Dobby I don’t know if you know, but I’ve broken with the Order. I won’t be at Hogwarts
anymore.”
The small house elf gasped.

“If you’d like, you and Winky can come here, and work for us. We’ll pay you and
everything.”

Dobby threw himself at Hypatia with a loud wail, “Really? Truly? The great lady is the
greatest, most decent of witches. Always so kind. You not be regretting. I get Winky at once.”

When Hypatia looked up she was surprised to see the fierce affection in Regulus’ eyes. It was
so intense that she could feel it pouring through their bond. Remus cleared his throat, and
Hypatia remembered why they had come to the library in the first place. Regulus smiled
easily at Cissa.

“Welcome back to Grimmauld Place cousin. I wish it was under better circumstances.”

Draco looked like he was ready to faint. He looked even more pale than usual. Hypatia
couldn’t imagine what having someone like Voldemort in your home did to a person.

Cissa curtsied to Hypatia, and Regulus. “Thank you for your help. I… I find myself unsure
what to say. It’s been so long. We thought you were gone.”

Regulus gave her a tight smile, “I nearly was, but for the help of my wife.”

“Wife?” Cissa asked in shock, her eyes traveling between Regulus and Hypatia. Finally
Draco seemed to come back to life, his eyes narrowing at Hypatia.

“You married Potter?!”

Regulus’ eyes got that dangerous glint in them, and Draco hastened to correct himself.

“I mean… you married… LadyPotter….Black? Black-Potter?”

“Potter-Black has a nice ring to it, and yes, I married her. Or rather, she invoked a soul bond
with me. I thought you would have seen it on the tapestry. It will be all over the papers by the
morning.”

“The tapestry has been covered since your disappearance,” Cissa admitted. “It was too hard
to see it, and be reminded of all that our family had lost. You were….are… so young.”

Regulus had always been closest to Cissa. She was the youngest of her sisters, the softest.
She wanted nothing more than to make her parents proud, to make them love her. She had
lived her whole life in the pursuit of their approval. He doubted it had ever been enough.

Hypatia used her wand to bring forth two chairs. “Please sit. Remus, could you get them
drinks?”

Remus nodded, happy to be of assistance in this incredibly awkward situation. He went to the
bar cart in the corner and began a concoction.

“What does this mean now that you’re back?” Cissa asked.
"It means you’re safe. The title has transferred back to me, and Hypatia. You will be safe
within the wards of Grimmauld Place. We have broken from The Order, and have a small
group that will be working to end the Dark Lord.”

Draco looked at him skeptically. It was taking him a while to get his brain around the concept
that he was safe, that perhaps he could trust this man. Remus handed him a drink and he
sniffed it once before taking a sip.

“That burns.”

“Firewhiskey tends to do that,” Regulus teased. “I hate to do this, but I have to because of
your track record. I won’t risk Hypatia’s safety for anything.”

“What?!” Draco asked tensley.

“He wants to use Legilimency on us,” Cissa told him.

Draco shook his head. “Absolutely not. It’s just-”

“I know the Dark Lord takes delight in rifling around in his followers' minds, but I do not. I’ll
be quick.”

“Perhaps there’s another option,” Remus offered. He held up a vial. “Tonks gave me a vial
before she left.”

Hypatia gasped, “What is she? Some kind of potion dealer? For Merlin’s sake. This stuff is
supposed to be controlled.”

Sirius finally broke his silence with a dramatic scoff, “She’s an Auror, Fawn. Don’t act like
you didn’t know the system was corrupt. They nearly kicked you out of Hogwarts for
defending yourself from a dementor.”

“Point taken.”

“What did you call her?” Draco asked.

“Fawn, like a baby deer. Cause her dad was a deer. Get it?”

“Your dad was a deer?” Draco asked incredulously.

“Focus, children!” Regulus admonished, and silence fell over the room. “If you will agree to
questioning under Veritaserum I see no need for Legilimency. I know it can be painful when
overused.”

Draco winced, and nodded. Hypatia wondered what exactly he had been subject to since the
Dark Lord returned, and shuddered at the mere thought. Draco held out his glass and Remus
administered the proper dosage.

“Your name?” Regulus asked.

“Heir Draco Lucius Malfoy.”

“Are you a Death Eater?”

“No.”

“Do you wish to serve the Dark Lord?”

“No.”

“Why not?”

“He’s a monster.”

“Do you pose a threat to my wife?”

“No.”

“Why did you tease her so much?” Sirius threw out, unable to help himself.

“Everyone loves her, and she doesn’t even try. I was jealous.”

“Well that’s embarrassing,” Sirius chortled.

“Shut it brother.”

Sirius laughed and sipped his drink as Regulus questioned Cissa. The questions and answers
were much the same, but Regulus included one of her that he did not ask Draco. Hypatia
listened carefully.

“I will protect you as well as I can, but there may come a day when you face your husband
once again. So I ask you, where do your loyalties lie? To the Malfoy family, or to the Ancient
& Noble House of Black?”

A tear slipped down her cheek, and Hypatia went to her side, offering her a handkerchief. She
couldn't imagine being in this position.

“My loyalty is to the Ancient & Noble House of Black.”

Hypatia could imagine all the reasons that went unsaid- because you saved my only son,
because you actually care, because Lucius lost what little respect I had for him long ago.
Merlin only knows what terror she endured.

Remus refilled their glasses, sans Veritaserum. Regulus took his seat, relaxing as cognition
came back into his cousin's eyes. She wiped her tears with the handkerchief Hypatia had
offered. Regulus looked at Draco piercingly. It was like looking at himself when he was
younger, if he was pale and blonde.

“You really are safe here,” he told Draco. “No one is going to hurt you. Except apparently the
Weasley twins if you say a word against Miss Granger. Fair warning.”
Draco blinked rapidly, looking around as if expecting the twins to burst forth from the
bookshelves. “Are they staying here?”

“Miss Granger, her parents, and the Weasley twins will be joining us as soon as she’s released
from St. Mungo’s.”

“A mudblood? Regulus, really?” Cissa questioned.

Regulus stiffened as he looked at Hypatia. She stood to her feet and backed away towards her
husband. Sirius jumped to the edge of his seat like it was Christmas. He was enjoying this far
too much.

“Blood status does not matter in this home, Lady Malfoy. Hermoine is my sister in all but
blood. Her parents are the kindest people I’ve ever met, and I won’t let you disrespect them.
They are under the protection of the Ancient & Noble House of Black.”

Cissa looked at Hypatia appraisingly. She had to give her credit, she handled herself with all
the gavitas of a Pureblood lady. Her eyes traveled to Regulus. He tilted his head to his wife
with a particularly smug smirk. The message was clear. Regulus would back her on this. Her
safety of herself and her son depended on her ability to play nice.

“I apologize, Lady Potter-Black,” Cissa conceded, though it went against everything she had
ever been taught. Draco gaped at his mother.

Hypatia sighed, “I know it’s hard to unlearn something that you’ve been told your entire life,
but I hope that you’ll try. The Granger’s really are the best of people. There are terrible
Muggles, just like there are terrible wizards, but there are some that are good.”

Cissa made herself give a stiff nod of acknowledgement. Regulus took Hypaita’s hand and
intertwined their fingers behind the full skirts of her dress. He had to touch her. He was hard
pressed not to take her against the wall of the library.

Another time.

“You weren’t able to bring anything,” Hypatia noticed. “Perhaps you should come with us to
Diagon Alley in the morning.”

“You’re going in public after the battle?” Draco asked in astonishment.

“We have family affairs to take care of,” Regulus told him. “We’ll go as soon as the shops
open. It’s likely the last time Hypatia will be able to go out so openly until I end this war. If
you don’t feel safe coming with us, compile a list, and we’ll get anything you need.”

Draco looked at Hypatia, waiting for her to argue. She had never once held her tongue that he
knew of. Not even when Umbridge threatened to torture her. She notoriously disliked
Pureblood men’s posturing, but she stood happily next to Regulus, smiling at him.

“What did you do to her?”

A small smile took up residence on Regulus’ face, “Nothing she didn’t ask for, I assure you.
You’ll find that strong witches do not bow to the will of weak minded wizards.”

Hypatia blushed and turned her face into Regulus’ shoulder. Draco watched the interaction
with absolute bewilderment.

“I’ll never understand witches,” he whispered as he shook his head.

Hypatia giggled, “I could have told you that in Third Year. You’re hopeless.”

Draco shrugged. He liked this softer version of Hypatia, no that she didn’t have a right to be
angry before. He knew he had been an absolute prat when they were growing up. He didn’t
quite understand where it all led until the Dark Lord was standing in his family's ballroom,
aiming a Crucio at him for his fathers failures.

Hypatia seemed to understand that to an extent. She looked at Regulus, “Perhaps we should
let them rest for a bit before dinner. That is if Dobby ever returns. Kreacher’s still at St.
Mungo’s.”

Dobby popped back in with a very rare sober Winky. “We back great lady.”

Hypatia smiled at him, “Wonderful. Do you think you could help me whip up something for
everyone for dinner?”

“You can’t be doing that mistress! Is an elf's job!”

Hypatia narrowed her eyes at him, “How are you supposed to manage cooking for all these
people?”

Dobby looked at her with fond pity, “I’m a house elf miss. I have magic.”

“I be helping him Lady Potter-Black,” Winky yelped. “It be no problem.”

Hypatia kneeled down to look closer at Winky. Her eyes were clear and her speech wasn’t
slurred for the first time in months.

“Are you okay to work Winky?”

“If the great Lady will bond me to the Ancient & Noble House of Black, I will get better.
Winky is feeling so sad and lonely without familial magic.”

Hypatia looked over her shoulder at Regulus. He came to her side and placed a hand on her
shoulder. “She needs a mistress, Hypatia. She’s suffering. You can bond her to us if you
wish.”

“How do I do that?”

“Take her hands, and I’ll bond you. It’s a simple spell.”

Hypatia turned to look at Dobby, but he shook his head.

“Dobby likes being a free elf, but I still be serving you, if that’s okay.”

“That’s perfectly fine Dobby. It’s your choice.”

Dobby beamed up at her like she hung the sun. She turned her attention back to Winky, and
held out her hands. Winky took them, and Regulus worked the magic over them.

Sirius gulped down his drink, and left the library. His fun was properly ruined, and there
promised to be no dinner for at least another hour. Remus followed him with a smile and a
wave to Cissa.

Hypatia felt a slight shift in her magic, an awareness of Winky being added. When the magic
settled she looked down at the elf, who looked the happiest she had ever seen her.

“Better Winky?”

The small house elf smiled tearily, “Much better Mistress.”

“I’m glad. Now can you do something for me?”

“Of course!”

“I want you and Dobby to go to St. Mungo’s and bring me back a report on my friends that
are there. Then if it’s not too much trouble, do you think you could make dinner?”

“Leave it to us Mistress,” Dobby cheered.

He took Winky’s hands and with a snap they were gone. Draco and Cissa had watched the
whole interaction with wide eyes. They weren’t cruel like Lucius was, but they also weren’t
overly kind to house elves. They’d certainly never seen a Pureblood Lady lower herself to the
level of her servant.

“Would you like to see your rooms?” Hypatia asked. “They were being used by The Order, so
we might have to move furniture around a bit. You’re very welcome to make them your
own.”

Regulus let her lead the way. She knew these rooms better than he did, after his long
disappearance. There was no telling what The Order had done to his home. He was glad to
see how comfortable she was here, how easily she ran the house.

Draco and Cissa disappeared into their rooms, clearly grateful to have a space to rest quietly.
 Chapter 7

Hypatia turned to find Regulus looking at her heatedly. She sidestepped him, making her way
down the hall towards the stairs. Regulus let her go with a smirk. She paused at the top of the
stairs and winked at him.

So she wanted to play cat and mouse did she?

He couldn’t help but laugh. He followed her as she descended the stairs. She moved quickly,
though she threw him a glance over her shoulder every few seconds. Regulus moved slowly
with his hands in his pockets, as if he had all the time in the world. He was enjoying this little
game.

That black dress though- oh that black dress- he needed it off. As fetching the full skirt was,
he wanted to see the way her ass moved when she stepped. He needed to see the swing of her
hips, and feel her skin against his.

Hypatia disappeared into the Dining Room, and slid the door shut behind her. So that’s what
she was playing at. She wanted to pick up where they had left off. He slid the door open, and
leaned against the jamb. She was sitting there on the table, in front of his chair. She was
biting her lip, and batting her eyelashes, and it was all too much to resist.

Regulus crossed the room and pulled her to him by the fabric of her full skirts. Hypatia let
out a breathy sigh that Regulus muffled with a kiss. He waved his wand to close the door
behind him and lock it. That done, he tossed his wand on the table and took Hypatia back into
his arms.

The pressure of his fingertips on her hips was heavenly. He pulled her even closer, pushing
his erection against her.

“Do you feel that Hypatia?”

He thrust again against Hypatia, and this time he hit just the right spot. Her head lulled back
as she let out the most desperately wanton moan Regulus had ever heard. He palmed her
breasts through her dress, but it wasn’t enough. With a bit of wandless magic he removed her
dress.

Hypatia gasped as the cold air hit her skin. Regulus took her in, his gaze quickly heating her.
His eyes were trained on her breasts as if he was hypnotized.

“Fuck, you’re a vision.”

Hypatia smiled. She was wearing a lace mint green lingerie set. Regulus wondered, how did
she manage to look so innocent, and so utterly sinful at the same time? Hypatia gasped his
name when he sucked her nipple into his mouth, soaking the lace of her thin bra.

Hypatia pulled at his clothes, getting frustrated at the line of buttons on his waistcoat.
“Regulus please, I need to feel you,” she whined.

Regulus removed it for her with a wandless spell and she sighed appreciatively as she ran her
hands down the muscled expanse of his abs and around to his chiseled back.

“I’ll teach you that spell later.”

Hypatia barely comprehended what he was saying because he was pressing his hips into her
again, and biting her breast, and Merlin was it doing things to her insides. Her hands roamed
over him as well as she was able while being onslaught by new sensations.

“You’ve been a very good girl Hypatia,” Regulus whispered in her ear. “Such a good Lady of
the house. I think you deserve a little reward.”

Hypatia struggled to form words and was only able to choke out a very eloquent, “What?”

Regulus bit back a laugh. His wife, his , was positively lost to pleasure. Her breasts were
littered with the beginning of little love bites that would no doubt darken over the next few
hours. Just the thought made him impossibly harder.

“I’m going to finish what we started earlier.”

He picked her up and wrapped her legs around him. In mere seconds he had her pinned
against the ornate wood paneling of the Dining Room. This time he used a modified sticking
charm to keep her aloft so he could utilize his hands more fully.

She was right there, and she was so wet, so perfect, but she wasn’t ready yet. He could feel it
through their bond. That was fine, he’d make her cum on every surface in this house until she
was begging him to fuck her. He satisfied himself with the delicious friction this provided
instead. He pushed his hardness against her clit while he licked, bit, and nibbled her breasts.
Her moans were music to his ears.

“More,” Hypatia begged in his ear.

He stilled his movements, “Good girls say please, Hypatia.”

“Please Reg, I need more .”

There was something about her shortening his name, about the breathy way she spoke, that
went straight to his cock. Just when she thought he was going to make her wait, he slipped
his fingers into her lace underwear, stroking her clit with more intent. Her eyes rolled back in
her head as she lost all sense of anything but the pleasure consuming her body.

“Fuck Reg, fuck.”

He bit down on her nipple and she shattered. Her muscles went stiff around him as he
continued to thrust. He released her arms and they came to rest limply around his shoulders.
He came just seconds after her. They stood there, trying to catch their breaths.
Hypatia’s thoughts were racing. She’d never felt anything like that. None of her, albeit
cursory explorations, of her own body had ever set off such intense feelings. When she
opened her eyes again Regulus was watching her. She blushed and looked down, but he
guided her face back up with a gentle hand. His eyes were hypnotizing.

“I love you Hypatia.”

“I love you Regulus.”

He smiled at her in a way she was sure would be seared into her mind forever. There was a
vulnerability in his features that didn’t exist around anyone else. She decided then and there
that look was sacred. It was her look.

He brushed his fingertips over the swell of her breasts and smirked, “Sorry about the
bruises.”

“No you’re not,” Hypatia laughed.

Regulus beamed as he joined her laughter, “You’re right. I’m not.”

He released her from the sticking charm, though he kept her in his arms. He walked back to
his seat, and sat down with her in his lap. She settled with her head against his chest. Regulus
grabbed his wand, and cleaned them both with a quick spell.

“Is it hurting you for me to sit on top of you?” Hypatia asked self consciously.

“I assure you it is not. You are tiny, and I could never complain about having you on top of
me. Ever.”

Hypatia smiled as she snuggled into the crook of Regulus’ neck, placing small kisses there.
Regulus ran one hand up and down Hypatia’s back, as the other held onto one of her thighs. It
felt incredibly intimate, the way the were pressed against each other. She tilted her head up
for a kiss, and he complied.

“I didn’t really know it could feel like that,” Hypatia whispered, her face blushing bright
pink.

Regulus tucked a stray black curl behind her ear, “You never touched yourself?”

“I tried,” she admitted sheepishly. “But it certainly didn’t feel like that.”

Regulus smiled smugly as he palmed her perfect ass in his hands. Hypatia made a little
excited noise, and Regulus couldn’t help but kiss her. She melted against him again. It was
several minutes before their kisses slowed. Regulus leaned away from her, enjoying the sight
she made as she straddled him.

“If you thought that was good, Hypatia, you’ve seen nothing yet.”

“You mean… sex?”

“Sex… yes… but there are so many other things we can do.”

Hypatia blinked at him. She knew there were other things. She had heard other girls whisper
about them, even if it was improper. Still, the idea of doing them with Regulus, of the
immense pleasure it could bring her, had her body turning warm all over again

A ding sounded through the room, and Hypatia looked around for the source. "What was
that?"

"The house elves' way of getting your attention. They wouldn't want to find us like this."

Hypatia looked around the room, “What did you do with my dress?”

“Should be on the table over there.”

Hypatia looked and found it where he said. She finally stood up on her heels, and found her
legs felt a bit shaky. Regulus put his fist to his mouth, attempting to stifle a laugh as he
thoroughly enjoyed the view of Hypatia walking away from him.

“You really do have a perfect ass. Has anyone ever told you that?”

Hypatia reached for his waistcoat and shirt and threw them to him with a smile.

“No, but thank you.”

“Good, I’d have to kill them.”

In a manner of minutes they were presentable again. Regulus muttered a spell that made the
room smell decidedly pleasant, and not like they’d just been doing unspeakable acts against
the hardwood.

“Shall we?”

Hypatia smiled, “Sure.”

***

Winky gave Hypatia the report as Dobby conducted pots and pans behind her with ease.

“Your friends are much better, Mistress. Miss Granger is giving the Healers a hard time.
She’s wanting to come here, but they said she needs to stay an extra day for observation. She
told them she needed to make sure the great lady is okay, and to stuff it. But I told her our
mistress is safe, and strong, and now she rests.”

Hypatia shook her head. Of course Hermione had tried to leave St. Mungos’ early. That was
just like her. “What about the others?”
“Heiress Lovegood went with Heir Longbottom to Longbottom Manor. Better wards.”

“The Weasley’s?” She asked despite herself. Ron and Ginny had been her friends a long time,
even if she was closer to Hermione. They had followed her into the Ministry of their own
volition.

“They is gone Mistress, back to the Burrow. Miss Granger is saying to tell you they sided
with The Order.”

Hypatia sank into the kitchen chair behind her. Regulus put a comforting hand on her
shoulder. He didn’t understand all the dynamics yet, except that Molly Weasley was an
absolute bitch.

“I suppose that’s to be expected,” she admitted. “They’re still underage, and Molly is their
mother. But still, we fought together.”

“I’m sorry Mistress. Is there anything else I can do for you? I should help Dobby with
dinner.”

“No, no, that’s fine. Thank you very much.”

Winky smiled brightly at her and scurried off, waving her hands to make vegetables start
chopping themselves. Hypatia marveled at their skill.

“House elves truly are special,” she whispered.

“That’s true.”

Regulus sat beside he, pulled her chair close to his, and intertwined their fingers.

“We can invite your other friends over before Hogwarts starts if you want. They must be very
special to you.”

“They are,” she acknowledged. “Neville is the son of Alice and Frank Longbottom. He’s my
godbrother. Luna is the daughter of-”

“Xenophilius and Pandora.”

“Yes, how did you know?”

“Pandora was one of my closest friends. Sirius told me she passed, and the name of her
daughter.”

Regulus kissed the back of her hand, as if reassuring himself that she was still there.

“I’m so sorry Regulus.”

“It’s okay.” But the look in his eyes said that it was very much not okay. “I was prepared to
die. I mourned my friends in my own way, but I meant for them to live. I won’t be at peace
until the Dark Lord is dead.”
“Please be careful Regulus.”

He smiled at her, “I will.”

***

Dinner was served shortly, and Hypatia found herself hard pressed not to blush every time
Regulus caught her eyes. Sirius glaed at his brother as he sipped his wine.

“You two are nauseating,” he whined.

“Don’t make me tell stories about you and Remus in Hogwarts,” Regulus warned. “I seem to
remember finding you in the Astronomy Towere with Moony’s-”

“That’s quite enough thank you,” Remus cut off.

Hypatia giggled as Draco watched the byplay with wide eyes. Cissa merely sipped her wine.
At least there were no Dark Lord’s murdering people in front of her. It reminded her of her
teenage years.

“That’s a good story actually,” Sirius said airily.

“Oh Merlin, please no. You’re like my dad. I can not, will not hear about your sex life.”

Sirius beamed, before his face turned stern again.

“Can we be serious for a moment? I mean I’m Sirius all the time, but you get my meaning.”

“Out with it,” Regulus ordered.

“Do you really think it’s safe for Hypatia to go with you to Diagon Alley tomorrow? Or for
you to go at all? Don’t you think there will be a target on your back?”

Regulus turned to Cissa, “What do you think cousin? What will the Death Eater’s do next?”

Cissa set down her wine glass with a much put upon sigh. “The Dark Lord is furious that he
has been outed before he was ready. He was still torturing people when Dobby saved us.
Most of those Death Eater’s will need time to recover before they could take part in another
attack. How long do you plan on being in the Alley?”

“Two… three hours tops.”

“That should be fine. The Dark Lord wants Dumbledore dead. I don’t think he’ll come for
Lady Potter-Black again until he accomplishes that.”

“Well that should buy us some time.”

The rest of dinner passed fairly quietly, or as quietly as it could with the company at hand.
Draco still seemed to be adjusting to his new reality. Hypatia was happy to see him smile
when Sirius told a stupid joke. After dinner Sirius pulled Remus away with whispers about
swimming nude. Draco and Cissa excused themselves. They clearly still needed time to rest.
Hypatia stifled a yawn behind her hand as she watched them leave the Dining Room.

“Are you tired, love?”

“Of course not,” she denied hurriedly.

Regulus tilted his head at her in scrutiny. “I thought I made it clear you don’t have to be
strong around me. You can tell me the truth.”

Hypatia felt her posture sag in relief, “Well perhaps I am a bit tired.”

Regulus gave her a gentle smile that made her stomach do somersaults. He reached out his
finger and traced it over the back of her hand. He turned her hand over and intertwined their
fingers.

“You fought an incredibly difficult battle against the Dark Lord, nearly lost Sirius, got
blackout drunk for the first time, and soul bonded yourself to me all within twenty four hours.
It’s understandable to need rest.”

“But I want to-”

Regulus stopped her with an intense look. It sent a shiver down her spine. He stood to his feet
and pulled her gently to hers. He put one arm around her back, and tilted her face up firmly
with the other.

“Are you going to be good for me Hypatia?”

“Yes.”

Regulus smiled down at her. He loved the way she melted against him, how she felt in his
arms.

“That’s my girl. Let’s go to bed.”

 Chapter 8

Hypatia did sleep, in Regulus’ bed. Long after she had settled against his chest Regulus
stayed awake, thinking. He had so much to do.

Their list of enemies seemed to grow every moment, but so did their allies. No doubt Tonks
would bring her partners along with her next time, and he was sure he could count on
Lovegood and Longbottom as well. Granger was apparently a legendary mind in her own
right.

Not that he wanted them near this at all if he could avoid it. He felt the same about Hypatia,
though he knew she would have to at least be aware of the horcrux hunt. It was not a talk he
was looking forward to having. It was never a burden he thought to share in his past, but he
had been wrong. He could admit that now.

He closed his eyes, allowing sleep to finally take him. His sleep was blessedly dreamless.
When he woke the next morning Hypatia was already awake. She was standing in front of his
desk wearing his Slytherin quidditch jersey with his name emblazoned on the back.

“Now that’s a sight for sore eyes.”

Hypatia smiled at him over her shoulder. She waved her wand and a tea tray floated towards
him.

“Did you do this, love?”

Hypatia nodded as she sat on the bed beside him and curled her legs underneath her. She
watched him fix his tea, memorizing how he liked it. He brought it to his lips, not missing
how she stared at him as he drank.

“You don’t have to serve me, you know. We have house elves.”

Hypatia took a sip of her own tea as she thought. “I know. I have no intention to take over
most of their duties, but I want to take care of you too, even if it’s small things like this.”

Regulus smiled as he allowed his back to rest against the headboard, “Alright then, if that’s
what you want.”

Hypatia nodded her head. Her black hair bounced around her head in wild loose curls. Her
eyes looked mirthful as she sipped on her tea and enjoyed the peace and quiet. It was so
pleasantly different to the Dursleys, or even Hogwarts, where there were always people
making a ruckus.

“You’re beautiful.”

Hypatia froze, “What, me? Right now? Like this?”

Regulus took their cups, set them on his bedside table, and pulled Hypatia into his arms. He
brushed her wild hair away from her face, and caressed her cheek.

“You are especially beautiful just like this.”

He pulled her into a kiss that made her yearn for more. She tried to move against him, but his
hands stilled her hips. “We have to go to Diagon Alley, love.”

“But do we really?” She whined, pressing into his hold. Regulus’ self control was hanging by
a thread. It would be so easy to give in to her, to lay here in bed, pin her down, and-

“Yes, we do. The longer we wait, the more likely we’ll be ambushed on our trip. I want to be
out of the alley before any Death Eater’s are even awake.” `

Hypatia sighed, and sashayed to the door. He cursed himself for doing the right thing.

“Where are you going?”

Hyaptia paused by the door with a teasing grin, “All my clothes are still in my room.”

Regulus looked her over. She looked positively gorgeous in his jersey, her long black hair
somehow curling in all different directions. There was only family in the house for the
moment, but he couldn’t stand the thought of anyone else seeing her like this.

“We’ve got to figure out a joint room before the Weasley’s join us.”

“We’ll talk about it later.”

She slipped out the door, giggling as she closed it behind her. She saw the heated look in
Regulus’ eyes. She knew he was probably punching his pillows in frustration, but it wasn’t
her fault. She had tried to convince him otherwise.

***

Hypatia fiddled with the sash of her dressing gown as she looked at her clothes. She wasn’t
quite sure what to pick. She was the Lady of two great houses now. She needed to look
dignified, but at the same time she didn’t want to draw too much attention to herself, not that
she was usually able to avoid it anyways.

She picked up two of her go-to dresses from her walk in closet and walked into the main part
of her room. She jumped at the sight of Regulus on her bed.

“You could have warned a witch! Merlin! You got ready quickly.”

“Shower, shave, and clothes. Doesn’t take that long for a man to get ready with magic.”
Hypatia hummed her acknowledgement and went to stand in front of the mirror. She held
each dress in front of her, tilting her head.

“What does Lady Potter-Black wear in public?”

“Whatever she wants,” Regulus replied. “Other Pureblood ladies will follow your lead.
You’re the one with the power.”

Hypatia looked at him for a moment. She hadn’t really considered that. She stormed back
into her closet, and stared down a dress she had bought on a whim, but never had the
confidence to wear. She removed it from its hanger and came to stand in front of Regulus,
holding it in front of her.

Regulus knelt on the bed as he saw the look in her eyes, “Now that is very fetching. It
matches your eyes.”

“I’ve never been brave enough to wear it,” she admitted.

“Why?”

“It’s all fancy… and I’m just plain. You don’t even want to know how much this costs. I
mean the lace was made by elves, and there’s the crystals, but I just had to have it. I saw it in
Diagon Alley before school, and wrote to order it from Hogwarts a month later.”

“You are anything but plain, Hypatia. Wear it. Please. You deserve it.”

“Are you sure?”

Regulus stood in front of her, his eyes nearly sparkling; he was so excited. “You can have
anything you want now. Anything. It doesn’t matter how fanciful or expensive it is. We have
obscene amounts of money. I just want you to be happy. If the dress makes you happy, then
wear it.”

Hypatia felt her knees nearly give out at the intensity of his gaze. He moved the dress out of
her hands, and pulled on the sash of her dressing gown. His hand skimmed under the fabric at
the top, pushing it off her shoulders until she was left in her dark gray lingerie.

“I like these lace sets you wear,” Regulus whispered against her collarbone.

“I’m glad,” Hypatia forced out.

It was terribly hard to think well enough to form sentences when his lips were that close to
her. She felt the loss of him as he disappeared into her closet. He came back with a pair of
heels that matched her dress perfectly. He knelt before her, and looked up at her expectantly.
The sight made her heart beat thunderously in her chest.

“Foot.”

“Huh?”
Regulus laughed and pressed a brief kiss to the inside of her knee that sent tingles up her leg.

“I’m going to help you get dressed.”

Hypatia lifted her foot and Regulus settled her foot into the stiletto. His hands traced up and
down her calves, briefly squeezing her thighs before he picked up the other heel and helped
her into it. She was held captivated by him as he helped her step into her dress, and zipped it
up the back. He spun her around to face him.

“You look magnificent, Hypatia. I look forward to taking this off you, later.”

Hypatia shuddered as Regulus stepped away from her. She tried to marshall her thoughts.
Wand. Purse. She paused at the sight of her wand holster. She had taken it off to get in the
shower. It wouldn’t fit on her arm with the long sleeves of this dress.

“Leave the holster,” Regulus instructed, sensing her internal conflict.

“Really?”

“Yes, love. I have one on. I assure you I am capable of defending you long enough for you to
get your wand out of your pocket.”

Hypatia blushed, “I know that, I just, it’s always been just me. I had to protect everyone.”

“You’re not alone anymore.”

“Right. Of course.

***

Hypatia held Regulus’ arm as they walked through the Leaky Cauldron. There was only one
patron, an elderly witch in a corner sipping on a mug of tea. She made no sign that she
noticed them, and they passed through without issue.

“Where are we going first?” Hypatia asked.

“Gringotts. We have some business to take care of.”

She didn’t ask him what. Though they only passed a handful of people, she wouldn’t want
anyone to hear their private affairs. Florean Fortescue nodded at her as she passed his shop.
She waved back and smiled kindly as they hurried on their way.

They entered Gringotts within a few minutes. A goblin approached them as soon as they did,
motioning them to a side room. Hypatia was surprised, but Regulus seemed to expect it. They
were ushered through dark halls of black marble until they entered an office.
“Please sit.”

No introductions were made, and Regulus didn’t seem to expect one. Hypatia and Regulus
took seats across from an ancient looking goblin, who glared at Regulus.

“Lord Black I gather.”

“As you say.”

“Prove it.”

Regulus smiled. The goblins were gruff, but that was good. At least they knew their money
was being well protected. “Gladly. Here’s my wand, and if you give me a knife, I’ll be happy
to do a blood test.”

Hypatia gasped, “Regulus, you don’t have to do that. He doesn’t have to do that!”

The goblin just smiled sickly at Regulus and offered a ritual knife. Regulus took it and cut his
hand. The goblin caught the welling blood on a piece of parchment. Regulus healed his hand
while the parchment declared his legitimacy.

“Not just Lord Black, then. Lord Potter-Black.”

“It’s still new,” Regulus told him. “We bonded yesterday.”

The goblin nodded, dollar signs in his eyes. Two great lines joining was always profitable for
them. There were nearly always properties bought or sold, trust accounts created, wills made,
all of which they charged for.

“What can I do for you today Lord Potter-Black?”

“Many things. First, I want to make sure my wife has full access to the Black vaults.”

The goblin looked at him piercingly, “Full access?”

“I don’t like to repeat myself Master goblin.”

“Of course Lord Potter-Black.”

“Is that unusual?” Hypatia asked.

The goblin looked at her appraisingly, Regulus waited for the answer he already knew. The
goblin shuffled papers on his desk, looking for the proper form.

“I’ve overseen many Pureblood vaults in my two hundred years of life. Only once before has
a Pureblood wizard asked for his wife to have full access to his vaults. Traditionally the wife
would have a separate trust and household vaults, plus vaults for each child.”

“Who was the other?” Hypatia asked.

The goblin paused as he held out the form to Regulus, “It was your father, Lady Potter-Black.
Lord James Potter was a great man.”

Hypatia smiled as Regulus signed the form. She didn’t need the money, it wasn’t about the
money, but the trust was everything. The fact that he wanted to take care of her even if the
worst happened was reassuring.

“Is there a form like that for my vaults?” Hypatia asked.

“If you’re certain,” the goblin replied.

“I am.”

Hypatia signed where she was instructed, and the goblin took the form back with wide eyes.
These two were something different from the usual wizard and witches. Their bond was
obviously much stronger.Regulus and Hypatia filled out withdrawal forms for gold. A junior
goblin was sent to fetch the coins since Regulus had one more thing to discuss.

“You are aware of how the Black Family Trust works, yes?”

The goblin looked at him shiftily, “I am.”

“I would like to invoke my right as Lord Black to make a withdrawal from Lady Bellatrix
Lestrange née Black's vault.”

“For what?” The goblin asked testily.

Lady Lestrange was famously mad, and though her cousin had every legal right to do what he
wanted as her head of family, it was sure to enrage her.

“A cup.”

Hypatia looked between Regulus and the goblin with wide eyes. She didn’t know what this
was about but she could tell it was important, no matter how nonchalant Regulus behaved.
After a long moment the goblin broke the silence.

“You know what it is?”

“I do. I wish to destroy it. Do you?”

“Curse Breaker Weasley alerted us to its magical signature some time ago. Such objects are
not allowed in our hallowed halls.”

“Are you telling me you destroyed it?”

“Yes,” the goblin sniffed haughtily. “Though it did put up a fight. It has been replaced with an
exact replica. So you can see why it might be better to leave it in its place. Lady Lestrange
has quite a temper.”

Regulus sat back in his chair and laughed.

“Well this is marvelous.”

“I’m glad to be of service,” the goblin drawled.

“Go ahead, take a fee out of my vault as if you let me in. This is well worth the money.”

“Well if you insist.”

Hypatia was growing tired of not understanding what was going on. How do you destroy a
cup? Why would you want to? They were definitely having a chat when they got home. The
small goblin came in with the gold, and they were on their way.

***

“Are you going to tell me what that was about?!” Hypatia whispered as they exited Gringotts.

“I will tonight.”

“I don’t like being left out.”

Regulus paused at the foot of the Gringotts steps and looked at her fiercely. Suddenly she felt
silly.

“Do you trust me?”

“Of course.”

“Then trust me when I tell you later. ”

 Chapter 9

Regulus found watching Hypatia shop interesting. She soon took over the list with single
minded determination. She mumbled to herself as she added this and that to her basket, and
crossed things off the list.

They soon left the potion supply store and made their way to an upper scale clothing boutique
named The Smoking Cauldron.

Again, Hypatia moved with purpose. She got extra clothes for Draco and Cissa, much more
than they had asked for. She was happy to spoil others, but it seemed she did not extend the
same courtesy to herself.

He noticed how her eyes lingered on things he was certain would look marvelous on her, but
left them behind.

Another time he might have stopped her, and told her to try them on, but they didn’t have the
time for that today. Instead he sneakily floated them towards the salesperson, who collected
them with the understanding to charge them to the Black vaults and have them delivered to
Grimmauld Place by owl.

When they left the boutique, more people were starting to fill the alley. Hypatia hooked her
large shopping bag over her shoulder, and thanked Merlin she had asked for the rest to be
delivered.

It was impossible to miss how people’s eyes gravitated towards them. Regulus had briefly
glanced at the Daily Prophet while Hypatia was in the shower. The news of their bonding and
his reappearance was front page news. Hypatia held his arm a little tighter as they walked.
She never liked how other men looked at her, especially when she dressed up.

Regulus felt her trepidation down the bond, and squeezed her hand reassuringly. Just then she
nearly jumped behind him. His wand was in front of him before he could even think, his
instincts honed from his days among the Death Eaters. A blonde boy was at the end of his
wand, his hands up in the air.

“I didn’t mean any harm.”

“Who are you?”

“Heir McLaggen, I’m in Gryffindor with Hypatia.”

Hypatia stepped out from behind him, her posture tense, and her lips pulled into what
Regulus supposed could pass for a smile if you were socially inept. He looked between her
and the boy. She was clearly uncomfortable, and didn’t want to talk to him.

“Lady Potter-Black and I are in a hurry.”

“And you are?”

Hypatia sucked in a breath as Regulus answered. “Her husband, Lord Regulus Potter-Black.”

A look of surprise took over McLaggen’s face, and Hypatia desperately wanted to punch it
off. Surely it wouldn't be unladylike just once.

“So the papers are true then? I just assumed it was gossip.”

“I assure you it’s not. So I’d thank you to stay away from my wife. She doesn’t seem
interested in talking to you.”

McLaggen shifted to try to get a better look at Hypatia, bringing him a step closer. It was the
wrong move. Hypatia removed her wand from her pocket. Harassing her was one thing, but
she wouldn't let McLaggen be rude to Regulus.

"Get out of our way Heir McLaggen or you'll find yourself unable to produce Heirs."

His face paled as he took a step back, "You wouldn't."

"I would."

McLaggen scowled. Regulus took Hypatia's hand and brushed past the boy, making sure to
add a little more force to the shove of his shoulder than was truly necessary.

***

Hypatia set down her bag on the floor of her bedroom and let out a deep breath. She hadn’t
even stopped when she stepped out of the Floo. She had a feeling this was going to turn into
an argument, and she absolutely did not want to have it where the others could hear her.

She could feel Regulus behind her from the second he stepped through the Floo. His eyes on
her were like fire, but she kept going. When she heard Regulus close her bedroom door
behind her, she spun and sat on the edge of her bed. With a flick of her wand she raised a
silencing spell.

“What was that?!” Regulus demanded.

She feigned innocence, “What was what?”

“That boy. Why were you so scared of him?”

“It’s nothing.”

“That was not nothing, Hypatia. You jumped a foot in the air, and threatened a Pureblood
Heir."
Hypatia rolled her eyes, “McLaggen asked me on a lot of courtship dates. He wouldn’t take
no for an answer. He was everywhere I went, and he’s such a rake. I didn’t want to deal with
him.”

“He stalked you?”

“No, it wasn’t like that."

“That’s exactly what it sounds like!”

Hypatia let out a frustrated groan. “Look, no one would stalk me, Regulus! It’s fine!”

“It’s really not! A woman says no, you walk away, that’s the end. As much of a bastard as my
father was, he at least taught me that. A man who doesn’t listen when you say no is a threat!”

Hypatia stared at him as his words started to sink in. Was McLaggen dangerous, and not just
annoying?

“Perhaps you have a point.”

“I thought so. I need you to tell me about these things. I need to know who your enemies are
so I can protect you. Think about that today!”

“Yes daddy,” she mumbled petulantly.

Regulus froze, “What did you call me?”

His body had gone tense. Hypatia panicked. She swallowed thickly and averted her eyes.

“It just slipped out.You were scolding me and-”

Regulus tilted her face up, fire in his eyes. “What did you call me? ”

“Daddy?” She asked smally.

Regulus' chest heaved as he took a deep breath. Merlin, there was something about that. He
kissed her hard, biting her lip as he pulled away. He kissed his way down her neck to a spot
that made her keen against him.

“Fuck, Hypatia. You’re perfect. Daddy's good girl. Isn’t that right?”

“Yes Regulus.”

He nipped her neck harder with his teeth. “Not Regulus. Not right now.”

“Yes… daddy?”

Regulus moaned as her whispered words sent jolts through him. He unzipped her dress, and
watched as it slid off her. He reached out and ghosted his hands up and down her small waist.

“Sit on the edge of the bed.”

Hypatia stumbled back until she found the bed, and did as instructed. Regulus took a few
seconds to appreciate how beautiful she was, how perfect she looked in her tiny scraps of
lace. His gaze was too much to endure without his hands on her.

She squeezed her thighs together. “Please… daddy.”

He strode toward her, removing his shirt and waistcoat with a spell as he did so. Even on the
edge of the bed, she was still so small. He grazed the back of his fingers over her jaw.

“You want Daddy to take care of you?”

“Yes please.”

Regulus nodded. She was pulling him in. If they didn’t already have a soul bond he would be
sure she had stolen his right then. The lilt of her voice, the way she said please, would be his
undoing. She could ask for the world and he’d supply it with a smile.

“I’m going to do something new, Hypatia. Do you remember what you promised me? You
tell me if you want me to stop. I get the slightest hint you’re not enjoying this, and I’ll stop.”

“I understand.” Regulus smiled at her, she really was such a good girl. So eager to please, and
be pleased. “Lay down princess.”

Hypatia blushed but did as he asked. Regulus hooked his fingers around her underwear and
pulled it down as he knelt in front of her. He littered her legs with kisses, and nips of his
teeth. She squirmed, and gasped, but did her best to stay put. She wanted to be good for him.

He bit at the inside of her thighs. Her eyes rolled back in her head as she was overcome by
want. If he would just- oh.

“Fuck, fuck, fuck.”

She couldn’t think. She could only feel Regulus’ tongue circling her clit, his fingers sliding
through her wetness, and into her core. He stretched her in a way that was new and better
than anything she had ever tried. His fingers were long and pressed a spot she could never
reach on her own.

He looked up at her as he worked her body. Her legs dangled over his shoulders. Her heels
dug into his back. They were going to leave scars, they might even draw blood, but it only
turned him on more. He was used to a bit of pain.

Hypatia’s words had turned into nonsensical streams of curse words and pleas of “don’t stop”
and “right there”. As if he would stop.

Never.

He was beginning to get that Hypatia was fragile, but how depended on the person. For him
she was fragile like a teacup. She’d shatter in his hands, against his tongue, around his
fingers, because he could put her back together beautifully. But to a threat, oh no, she was
fragile like a bomb.
The dichotomy was intoxicating.

Regulus felt her hands tangle in his hair, gently changing the angle of his face until she shook
even more. Her legs tensed around his shoulders, and her core clamped down around his
fingers as she rode out her orgasm.

“Regulus,” she whispered and he stood to his feet, wiping his mouth with a lascivious grin.

“Yes love?” She held out her arms silently, and he climbed onto the bed, pulling her towards
him. “Are you okay?”

Hypatia peeked one eye open, “I am more than okay. I’m… I’m great. Thank you for taking
care of me Daddy.”

She rolled over into his arms, resting her head on his chest. Regulus ran his hands up and
down her bare back. “So you don’t mind calling me that?”

“No. I mean you do take care of me, in every way a person could take care of another. You’re
in charge of the family. One day you’ll be the father of my children. I don’t think it’s weird.”

Regulus took a sharp breath in at the mention of him giving her children, and Hypatia leaned
up on her elbow to look at him. She got a particularly mischievous look in her eye.

“Does that turn you on?” She teased. Regulus closed his eyes and put an arm over his face.
He motioned to his rock hard erection with his other hand.

“Oh, it does! All you Purebloods have a breeding thing, I swear to Merlin! It’s the line of
succession, I think”

“Hypatia,” he warned sternly.

“Right. Sorry. I want to-” she rubbed down the length of his penis over his pants. “But I don’t
know how.”

He opened his eyes, and looked at her. She was doing that thing where she looked demure
because she wanted him to tell her what to do. She sat there with her wide green eyes
blinking at him, waiting. She looked more than a little eager.

“Come here angel.”

He pulled her back to the edge of the bed with him, “Get on your knees.”

She knelt in front of him, and Merlin, if this didn’t just give the perfect view of her tits.
Regulus blew out a breath and vanished his pants and boxers. Hypatia’s eyes went wide as
she took in the sight of him.

“Have you ever seen a penis before?”

“Well in health books, but not in real life.”

Regulus felt smug as he caressed her cheek. She was so utterly his. Hypaita reached out her
hand and stroked it shyly, starting at the head and stroking down.

“Harder,” Regulus instructed.

She gripped harder, and Regulus groaned. Fuck, any pressure was better than what he’d been
dealing with.

“Lick,” Regulus ordered.

Hypatia did as he said, starting at the base and licking up to the head. When she ran her
tongue under a vein on the bottom Regulus shivered.

“In your mouth baby girl. You can do it.”

Hypatia took him in as far as she could. Regulus moved her hands to grip the base that didn’t
fit.

“Pump,” he told her, and she did.

She moved, sucking as well as she was able to around his girth. She experimented with
moving her tongue, hollowing out her cheeks, slowing down, and speeding up. She
memorized Regulus' reactions, and adjusted based on them.

“Fucking perfect- good girl- so good- just like that- don’t stop.”

Sucking dick, Hypatia decided, was a little jostling, but she loved the power she had over him
in these moments. She cherished the slip of his tightly held control when he put his hands in
her hair and thrusted gently into her mouth, pushing his cock into the back of her throat. She
was dripping wet again just from pleasing him, and she wondered if she could cum just from
this.

“Fuck, princess. I’m gonna cum. I’m gonna cum in your mouth.”

She found herself excited at the thought. She wanted to make him cum, to know she had
taken care of him in the same way he had for her. He pushed into her mouth at a faster pace
until he stilled, spilling down the back of her throat. Hypatia did her best to swallow every
bit.

Regulus pulled himself from her mouth, and pulled her to her feet, and onto the bed with him.
She laid her head on his chest as they both caught their breath.

“Are you okay Hypatia? Your mouth just felt so good, I lost it a bit at the end.”

“It was fine,” Hypatia assured him.

“Are you sure? You can tell me if you didn’t like it.”

“I think I liked it a little too much,” Hypatia laughed.

“What do you mean?” Regulus asked. “Oh, you mean?”

He trailed a hand down to her entrance, “Did you cum from blowing me? You’re soaking
wet.”

“No, but almost.”

Regulus rolled over until he was on top of her, his hands already trailing down her body, “Let
me take care of that for you.”

Hypatia’s eyes rolled back as she was lost to pleasure once again.
 Chapter 10

Hypatia got dressed for the second time that day. She smiled as Regulus pulled up the zipper
on her dress. They had spent all morning in bed, but they had to emerge at some point.
Hermione had sent word via D.A coin that they would be arriving within the hour.

"These people are really important to you, aren't they?" Regulus asked.

Hypatia sighed as she nodded, "They're like the parents I never had. They came and got me
as soon as Dumbledore would let them every summer. Hermione would take my nice things
home in her trunk so the Dursley's wouldn't do anything to them. They saved me."

Regulus swallowed the question he wanted to ask- why did she need to be saved? Why would
they touch her belongings? Sirius told him her Muggle guardians were unpleasant, but he
sensed real fear from her. She spoke about them as if they were monsters. He'd ask later,
when they had more time.

"I'll do my best to make them comfortable. I know they must be giving up a lot to come
here."

Hypatia spun to look at Regulus, a soft smile on her face.

"Yes, but there's nothing more precious to them than Hermione. They'd never risk her safety."

"Now that's something I can understand," Regulus replied.

He placed a soft kiss on her lips. A ding ran through the room, and Hypatia looked around in
a panic. That had to be either the twins or Hermione.

"Okay, one last thing," Hypatia whispered. "Don't be scared. Just uh… don't."

Regulus tilted his head at her in curiosity, "Why would I be scared of Muggles, Hypatia?"

Hypatia's eyes tilted around shiftily as she headed towards the door,avoiding his question.

"Hypatia?"

"Uh… let's just go. You'll see what I mean."

Hypatia threw etiquette to the wind and hurried ahead of Regulus. There they were, her
family. Hermione stood tall in a beautiful full black skirt and white blouse with lace on the
cuffs. She had piled her tight curls on top of her head, and there were large pearls placed
within. Of course she'd never let a small thing like a battle at the Ministry of Magic make her
discomposed.

"Are you okay, Hermione? Dumbledore made me leave. I didn't want to!"

"I'm alright Hypatia. The instructions you sent worked wonders. I'm just a little sore."
Hypatia loosened her hold on her friend with an apologetic smile. She looked past Hermione
at her parents. Hermione's mother held out her arms and Hypatia ran into them.

"Ça va, ma chérie?" She asked in a soft whisper. *Are you well, my dear?*

"Ça va très bien!" Hypatia assured her. *I'm very well!*

Hermione's father looked at her seriously, as if he could see right through her. Hypatia tried to
convey how sincerely happy she was. He could be a bit stern at first, but he was a very loving
man.

Regulus watched the entire interaction with blatant surprise from the foot of the stairs.
Hermione's father was one of the tallest men he had ever seen. He had to be at least 6'7, with
broad shoulders to match. His wife on the other hand was just as small as Hypatia.
Hermione's own height was somewhere in between. She had her father's dark brown skin,
and elegant features.

He'd never seen Muggles like this, and his suspicions were growing every second. They were
dressed too nicely for ordinary Muggles. Her father wore a three piece suit and her mother
wore a dress that could have easily been bought in Diagon Alley.

He felt Sirius and Remus arrive behind him, and even Remus did a double take at the tall
form of Hermione's father. Sirius gripped Regulus' shoulder and shook him gently. Regulus
swatted at his hand, and finally Hypatia turned around with a sheepish smile.

She held out her hand, and Regulus joined her at her side. "Regulus, this is my friend Miss
Granger."

Hermione curtsied, though she didn't deign to smile. She hadn't made up her mind about
Regulus yet, and wouldn't bother showing him affection until she had. Regulus couldn't
blame her, it was a lot of change all at once.

"And this is Lord Hector Granger, and Lady Helene Granger."

The Granger's greeted him properly with a curtsy and a bow, which also set off red flags in
Regulus' brain. Unless they were Muggle aristocracy, they shouldn't know how this went, and
only then because their etiquette was similar.

"This is Lord Regulus Potter-Black, my husband."

Helene turned her dark brown eyes on Hypatia, "I expect an explanation now. "

It was calm. Too calm. Hermione turned her head, and placed her hand over her mouth in an
attempt not to laugh. She'd heard that tone more than once, always when she was in trouble.

"Why don't we go into the sitting room," Regulus offered.

Hypatia shot Hermione a pleading look as she led her parents into the sitting room. She
turned to Regulus and gave him an apologetic shrug. Sirius actually laughed and patted his
brother on the shoulder.
"Time to face the firing squad," he whispered in Regulus' ear. Remus dragged him into the
sitting room by his hand. Regulus blew out a deep breath and braced himself. He felt the
wards shift, and suddenly the Weasley twins were racing in the front door, pushing past him.

"Helene! Hector!"

"Boys!" Helene greeted jovially. "How have you been? You've been working too much! You
hardly ever come to see us anymore."

Regulus came to sit by Hypatia as Hector and Helene embraced the Weasley twins. He was
shocked to see how cheerful they looked, since they seemed ready to kill him just moments
before.

Fred and George squeezed themselves onto the loveseat with Hermione, crushing them
between her. Hermione rolled her eyes, though she spared a fond smile for them. Helene
beamed over at them.

"Such a beautiful triad," she complimented in her slightly accented English.

Hector had resumed staring at Regulus while Helene focused her eyes on Hypatia. "The
explanation, Hypatia?"

"I've always been in love with Regulus. I knew it was kind of crazy, but I just couldn't help it.
There were these journals he left behind, and pictures of him that Sirius had. No one else ever
compared, and you know what they say about Potter's."

"Potter's are plotters," George joked.

Hermione dug her elbow into his side and he yelped.

"Potter's only fall in love once," she snarled at him.

"It's not ladylike to elbow your suitors, or to call them names," Helene chastised gently.

"I apologize," Hermione mumbled unconvincingly, though her parents let it slide.

"I was alone after the battle," Hypatia continued. "Sirius had gone to sleep. He thought I had
too, but I couldn't. I kept having flashbacks. I thought it would help if I drank some
firewhiskey. At first I didn't feel anything, so I drank more. I drank most of the bottle before
it hit me all at once."

"Oh ma cherie, firewhiskey is not for you. Champagne and wine only, in small amounts."

Hypatia blushed, "I know that now. I found one of Regulus' journals with the ritual,and I
invoked a soul bond using blood magic."

The silence in the room was deafening. Regulus had saved her from having to tell the full
story earlier, but there it was. She owed the Granger's the truth. Regulus grabbed her hand,
and gave it a squeeze.
Helene's eyes traveled between Regulus and Hypatia. "Soul bonded at just fifteen. So young.
Still, perhaps it is for the best. I never did like Dumbledore. Do you have anything to add,
young man?"

"I have to admit you have me at an advantage. Hypatia told me you were Muggles, but that's
clearly not the case. You know what soul bonds are, and you're dressed like Purebloods.
What's going on here?"

"You didn't tell him?" Fred asked.

Hermione's parents turned their eyes to Hypatia and she gave a little shrug.

"I was never given permission to share that information. I would never dishonor the House of
Potter by betraying your trust."

"You should have known Hypaia would keep our secret," Hector chastised Fred.

"What am I missing?" Regulus asked.

Lord Granger turned to him, "My grand-father was Lord Hector Dagworth-Granger, perhaps
you've heard of him."

"Of course I have," Regulus confirmed. "Any potions student worth their mettle has. I didn't
know he had any children. It's thought the line died out."

"Helene and I are Squibs, as were our parents. My existence was kept secret. Easy enough to
do since my father didn't often participate in Pureblod society. I went to boarding school in
France, where I met Helene."

"My father is a Lapin," she added. Regulus nodded, that was a very old French Pureblood
line.

"We have lived in the Muggle world for our safety, but our Hermione is magical. We asked
her to keep her lineage a secret until she is of age. There are those who may want to marry
her just for her position."

"Not us," the twins chorused.

"We want to marry her cause she's hot," George laughed.

Fred reached over Hermione and hit his brother in the stomach.

"What he means to say is we want to marry her because she's intelligent, kind, and brave. Her
beauty only enhances her already glowing character."

Sirius could barely contain his giggles. It didn't seem to matter what the Weasley twins did,
the Grangers were enamored with them. Hector merely shook his head while Helene smiled
indulgently at them.

"Yes well, they are good boys, even if they are mischievous. We like them."
Hermione rolled her eyes. She wished she could get away with half as much as her parents let
the boys get away with. They had started visiting her during the summers after her third year,
and her mother doted on them. Still, she knew she was spoiled by most standards, and
couldn't complain.

"Helene and Hector saved our early joke products. Our mother wanted to trash them, but
Hermione had the foresight to tell us to store most of them at her house. Our mom only got a
few of them that way."

Helene sighed, "Yes, well she really is a harpy. Back to the point. Have you learned your
lesson about drinking my dear?"

Hypatia nodded, "Ladies do not get drunk."

"At the very least they don't drink an entire bottle of firewhiskey and turn blood magic into a
drinking game," Hector added.

Hermione stifled a laugh behind her hand, and her father shot her a cheeky wink. They were
forever cutting up together when Helene was trying to be serious. It drove Helene crazy.
Regulus felt Hector's gaze on him, and raised his eyes.

"Why do you deserve our Hypatia?" Hector asked.

The tone shifted in the room, as everyone watched them.

"I don't deserve her. I'm lucky she saw something in me worth falling in love with, worth
twining her soul with. I will do everything in my power to end this war, and prove her faith
justified."

"Were you involved in the last war?"

Regulus let out a tense breath, "I was Marked by the Dark Lord, and forced into his service.
Thankfully the soul bond removed the Mark. It's important to me that you know I didn't want
to serve him. They threatened to kill Sirius, and I couldn't lose him. I nearly died trying to
defeat him."

Hector and Helene looked at him so intensely that Regulus would think they were Legilimens
if he didn't know any better. Perhaps this was a good parent thing, interrogating suitors. He
wouldn't know. Hector sighed.

"You seem like you're well intentioned but just know, we won't forgive any slight against our
Hypatia. There are many who would wish to harm her. We've done what little we could to
help her, though Dumbledore made sure it was never much. Still, we love her. I may be just a
Squib, but I won't allow you to betray her."

Sirius gulped, with Hector's impressive size that was a valid threat.

"I understand," Regulus assured him.

"And you'll have a formal wedding after the war is over," Helene added hastily as a final
condition of their approval.

"Really mum?" Hermione whined on Hypatia's behalf. She knew Hypatia hated being the
center of attention.

"Really. Lord and Lady Potter would want their only daughter to have a proper wedding. I'm
convinced of it."

Hyptia felt a lump rise in her throat. Just another experience she wouldn't have with Lily, but
she had Helene. She found that she wanted the chance to do mother-daughter things.

"She's right," Regulus added. "We should have a formal wedding."

"Really?" Hypatia asked.

"Really."

"Well then I think we have come to an accord," Helene smiled.

Kreacher came into the room pushing a cart with a selection of cookies and teas. He served
them without complaint, and left quickly. Hermione watched Regulus and Hypatia interact
with him with wide eyes.

"Now what happened, because the last time I saw Kreacher he was cantankerous at best."

Regulus sighed, "Kreacher was left alone in this home for over a decade after watching me
nearly die in the most gruesome of circumstances. That is enough to turn anyone
cantankerous. He is not a cruel creature, he merely needs to be treated with kindness."

Hermione blinked at him, surprised by the attitude of a Pureblood lord.

"And werewolves?"

"Seem to really like my brother?" Regulus answered with a bemused smile. "I assure you I
am fond of all magical creatures. Far more than I like most wizards and witches. Perhaps
once the war is over I can turn my attention to creature rights legislation in the Wizengamot.
It didn't seem possible before, but now…"

Hermione gave him one last piercing glance before she relaxed back into the loveseat. "I
suppose you can keep him, Hypatia."

Hypatia giggled, "Well I'm glad you approve. Malfoy seems to think Regulus has done
something to me because I didn't want to fight with him over every little thing."

Hermione scrunched up her nose in annoyance. "Ah yes, where is the little ferret?"

"Hermione, that's terribly rude, but where is he?" Hector asked, looking around.
"He and Cissa have been working on redecorating the Master suite for Hypatia and Regulus
all morning," Remus told them.

"That's uncommonly kind of Malfoy," Hermione replied.

"It was Cissa's idea," Sirius told them. "She can't bear to be idle. She always did have an eye
for decor, much better than Walburga. Draco's just along for the ride."

"Anything is better than being forced into the Dark Lord's service," Draco said from the
doorway.

"Merlin, Draco. That's so melodramatic," Cissa sighed as she passed by him to take one of
the two empty chairs. Draco looked at the Granger's for a moment, clearly surprised by how
well put together they seemed.

"A pleasure to meet you Mister and Misses Granger. Hermione, I should apologize. I… I was
a prat. I didn't understand how bad the Dark Lord was until…"

"Until?" Hermione asked testily.

Hypatia leveled a reproachful glare at her friend. Draco was trying, even if his apology was
properly fumbled. Regulus took over for his cousin, who seemed to be lost for words.

"The Dark Lord has been known to torture the family members of Death Eater's who fail
him."

"But you're….we're… just teengaers." Hermione said brokenly.

"He doesn't care," Draco finally responded. "He's insane."

He finally took the spot beside Cissa as those in the room considered what Draco had said.

Finally Hermione broke the tense silence."I forgive you, Draco. You were an absolute terror
though. I expect you to act better if you want me to tolerate you."

Draco laughed, "Fair enough."

"And son," Hector added. "It's Lord Granger, not Mister."

"What?!" Draco asked.

Sirius chortled as he jumped to his feet, "Settle in Drakey-poo, have I got a surprise for you."
 Chapter 11

Hypatia barely resisted the urge to rest her head on Regulus' shoulder as Sirius told Draco
about Hermoine's family in the most dramatic fashion possible. The truth was Regulus was
right last night. She was exhausted. Still, some of her weight shifted against him without her
realizing.

"Are you tired?" Regulus asked in a whisper.

"I am," Hypatia admitted.

Regulus intertwined their fingers, "As soon as Sirius is done we can go to our new room and
rest for a while."

Finally Sirius finished his tale, and Helene looked at Hypatia with concern. "Are you sure
you are well, ma cherie?"

"The last forty eight hours has been taxing," Hypatia admitted.

"You need to take care of yourself," Hector admonished. "You're not invincible."

"I agree," Hermione piled on.

"Sweet Merlin," Hypatia sighed. "Am I being bullied into self care? Is that a thing?"

"Yes," Regulus confirmed. "I propose that we all take a few hours to rest, and reconvene in
the Dining Room for dinner at six. In the meantime, the elves will be happy to assist you if
you require refreshment."

"Which rooms are ours?" Hermione asked.

"Whichever you want. There are still a ton open from The Order. You can have my old room
if you want. It has that big walk-in closet."

Hermione's eyes lit up in excitement, "Oh, I'm so excited! Come on Mom and Dad, I'll show
you around. Boys, grab the bags, won't you?"

Hypatia watched them go with a fond smile.

Regulus turned to Cissa, "So, you were working on the Master Suite?"

Cissa nodded, "I wasn't able to do a lot with what we had here, but I was able to remove their
belongings, and brighten up the place a bit. Winky and Dobby placed your bed up there. They
should be done moving Hypatia's things by now. They were waiting for you to leave the
room."

Hypatia's cheeks pinked as she remembered what had kept them in her room all morning.
Regulus couldn't help the smile that pulled at his lips.
"Right well, I think we'll go rest for a bit."

Regulus fled up the stairs with Hypatia holding tightly onto his hand. He loved his family.
He'd do absolutely anything for his family, but right now he needed a little break. They
passed Hypatia's old room, and then the room that had always belonged to Regulus, and
carried on to the very top floor.

"I've never been up here," Hypatia told him.

"Neither have I," Regulus admitted.

The door at the top opened of its own accord. The room was huge. The walls were made of
pale stone that rose tall, giving way to magnificently carved arches. It reminded Hypatia of
cathedrals from the Middle Ages. Regulus' large bed, made of dark carved wood, sat under
three tall windows. The light filtered through them beautifully.

Hypatia spun around. There were two wooden doors in the wall, one leading to a large
bathroom that reminded her of the prefect's bathroom at Hogwarts, and a large walk-in closet.
When she came out, Regulus was sitting on the edge of the bed waiting for her.

"What do you think?" Regulus asked.

"It's nice, if a bit bare. We have lots of room. What do you think?"

"I think I'm glad you won't be walking around the house in just my shirts anymore. You
looked entirely too good like that to be seen by the Weasley twins."

"I meant about the room," Hypatia teased.

Regulus shrugged, "I like it. I can't imagine my parents here thougb. It's so light and airy, and
they were always so heavy and Dark."

Hypatia came to stand in front of him and ran her hands through his hair. Regulus closed his
eyes and let himself relax against her.

"Are you going to tell me what that business was with the cup?" Hypatia asked.

Regulus groaned, "You're supposed to be relaxing, and that is not relaxing."

"I need to know. Don't I?"

Regulus pulled back, "You do, but I warn you, it's terrible."

Hypatia sat down on her Hogwarts trunk, which Dobby had been kind enough to fetch for
her. Regulus told her about the horcruxes, and she fought the urge to be sick all the while.
When he explained how he almost died trying to destroy one, she did throw up.

"I'm sorry. I just… it's terrible Reg. I can't lose you. I don't think I can live without you now."

Regulus vanished the mess and pulled her onto the bed with him.
"No one will take me from you. I promise."

She pushed him back so she could look in his eyes. She knew it as soon as he explained what
a horcrux was, but she needed to hear him say it.

"I'm a horcrux, aren't I?"

"No."

"Regulus."

"You were. The soul bond removed his soul fragment."

Hypatia broke down into sobs, "Why would he do this to me? Why?!"

Regulus held her, and rubbed her back. "I don't think he meant to. Something must have
interfered with his magic."

Hypatia's tears began to calm a bit. She focused on breathing deeply. Finally after several
minutes she was able to speak again. "Dumbledore said it was my mother's love."

Regulus sighed heavily.

"You don't think that was it?" Hypatia asked.

"I think the Dark Lord killed many people whose mothers loved them. If love could save
someone from an Unforgivable, there'd be a lot more witches and wizards alive right now."

"Well then what was it?" Hypatia asked.

"If I had to guess, I'd say one of two things. The first option is that your magic spontaneously
reacted in a way that would save you. Sirius told me you were able to produce a Patronus as a
third year. Most adults have trouble with that. It may simply be that you are the most
powerful witch of our age, and your magic acted to protect you, even though you were
young."

Hypatia didn't know what to think about that. She didn't particularly want to be the most
powerful witch of their age. "What's the second option?"

"The second option is that your parents delved into Dark magic to save you. Perhaps they put
blood wards on you when the war started, or another arcane spell. There's lots of ancient
magic for protection, if one is gifted enough to use them."

"Dark magic? You really think they would do that?"

"Potter's are famously protective. I imagine there was nothing James wouldn't do to ensure
your safety."

"Nothing except break from Dumbledore," Hypatia said bitterly. She laid back on the bed,
and Regulus followed her. She closed her eyes and ran her hands through her hair. She
peeked one eye open to see Regulus looking at her. "You really don't see them when you look
at me?"

"Who?"

"My parents of course."

Regulus shook his head as he laced his fingers through hers. "You have your fathers unruly
hair, I suppose, but that's as far as the resemblance goes."

"People say I look like my dad, but I have my mothers eyes."

"Is that where they come from?" Regulus asked. Hypatia nodded.

"I admit I don't think I ever looked in your mothers eyes. I knew who she was, but I don't
think I ever spoke with her. There wasn't really a reason for me to."

"That's a relief," Hypatia admitted. "I know people mean it as a compliment, but I want
people to see me for me, not as an echo of who they were."

Regulus pulled her so she laid on top of him, her head resting on his chest.

"You are spectacular in your own right, Hypatia. Don't let those who live in the past dictate
your future."

Hypatia sighed happily as Regulus scratched her scalp, "That's so soothing."

"Try to sleep, love. I'll wake you up with enough time to get ready for dinner."

***

"No! No! No!"

Hypatia's screams filled the room, echoing off the arched ceiling. She sounded like she was
being tortured. Regulus rushed out of their bathroom. He pulled Hypatia into his arms,
shocked to see she was still sleeping.

"Hypatia, wake up. I'm here. You're safe! You're safe!"

Hypatia thrashed harder for a moment, until her eyes fluttered open and recognition filled her
eyes. She sobbed even harder. Something about being held opened the floodgates. It was easy
to hold back her emotions when she had to stand alone, but not so much when half of her soul
was staring back at her from a pair of gray eyes.

Regulus rocked her gently as she cuddled against him. Slowly her sobs stopped. She vaguely
realized that Regulus was wet, and had a towel wrapped around his waist. He must have been
in the shower when she started her nightmare.

"I'm sorry, Regulus. I didn't mean to bother you."

"Hypatia, stop apologizing."

He dropped a kiss onto her hair and held her a little closer. "Are you okay?"

"I had a nightmare."

"What about love?"

Hypatia shook her head, but Regulus tilted her face up to him.

"Tell me."

"The night Voldemort returned. They killed Cedric Diggory in front of me. They… they tied
me to a headstone and stole my blood."

Regulus stiffened, "I'm going to kill them, Hypatia. I promise you."

Hypatia ran her hands over Regulus' still wet abs, and he tried hard to focus.

"Doesn't murder tear the soul?"

Regulus blew out a deep breath. Hypatia's wandering hands made it a bit hard to think. He
grabbed her wrist to still her hand before it dipped beneath the line of his towel.

"Magic is not as black and white as Dumbledore teaches in his school. There are a million
shades of gray. Murder can tear the soul, but it doesn't have to. A lot rides on your
intentions."

"Have you killed a person before?" Hypatia asked in a whisper, her hand escaping his grasp
and snaking underneath his towel, stroking his length. Regulus sucked in a breath.

"I have, as have you."

She froze for a second before her lips pulled up into a smirk. Ah, so he realized that, did he?
Most people glossed over the fact that she had taken Voldemort's life at the age of one,
Quirells at the age of eleven, and whatever life resided in Tom Riddle at twelve. She had
nearly killed Bellatrix Lestrange at the Ministry of Magic.

Hypatia got onto her knees and repositioned herself in front of Regulus. She pulled at his
towel until it unraveled, revealing him to her. This conversation shouldn't be such an
aphrodisiac, but it was, because she trusted her husband.

He was clever, cunning, and vicious. He wouldn't kill someone without good reason. Not if
he could avoid it.

"Who?"
"Death Eaters."

Hypatia licked up the length of him, her touch far too gentle. He had killed Death Eater's.
Men just like the ones who stalked her nightmares.

"Names?"

"Don't play games with me Hypatia."

Hypatia batted her eyelashes innocently and kissed the head of his penis, making his eyes roll
back in his head. She hovered above it like her blowing him was conditional on this, and he
supposed it was.

"McNair, Lestrange Sr, and White."

Hypatia took him into her mouth, sucking in her cheeks just like he liked. She paused when
she came up, and pulled off his cock completely. Regulus groaned at the loss of her.

"Tell me why."

Regulus tried to marshall his thoughts as Hypatia began moving again. Fuck, it was hard to
think. She paused completely and looked up at him, and he forced himself to speak.

"They were monsters. They liked to hurt people, to hurt women. I couldn't allow it."

Hypatia gave up her game, and moved with purpose. Regulus gripped her hair in his hands,
unable to resist the urge to thrust up into her mouth. He could see her ass and tits from this
angle, perfectly round and bouncing with her movements.

"Fuck Hypatia, such a good girl taking my cock. Fucking perfect."

Hypatia felt a rush of warmth to her core at his words. She found it incredibly hot that he had
killed Death Eater's. Whether or not that made her a bad person, she didn't particularly care
anymore. Because everything was Regulus, and endless glorious shades of gray. She'd paint
the world in the color that graced his eyes if she could.

Hypatia moaned around his cock, and the vibrations sent him over the edge. He spilled down
her throat. After swallowing she hopped off the bed and smiled at him demurely as she tip
toed backwards.

"Where do you think you're going baby girl?"

"I want to bathe before dinner."

"I'm joining you," Regulus said as he got to his feet.

"But you just got out."

Regulus crossed the room, scooped her up into his arms, and headed to their bathroom.
"Oh shush, and do what Daddy tells you." Hypatia squeezed her thighs together. Regulus
looked down at her with raised brows. "Be a good girl, and I might just make you cum."

"Yes daddy."

Regulus bit his lip with the effort to control himself. He sat her on the edge of their massive
pool-like bath, facing him. He stepped between her legs, and cradled her face in his hands.

"One day soon I'm going to fuck you. You'll be a gorgeous, shaking mess for daddy. Then
we'll always be together. We'll be fully bonded. Do you think you're ready for that?"

Hypatia nodded her head frantically. Just his words set off an inferno in her. She was sure he
delighted in torturing her, in drawing out these moments. She squirmed, but his fingers dug
harshly into her hips, stilling her movements.

"Oh no, not right now, Hypatia. We only have an hour before dinner, and I intend to take my
time with you when we finally consumate our bond."

He unhooked her bra, and cradled her breasts in his hands. Hypatia arched into his touch.
Regulus smiled at the bruises littering her curves from their time in the Dining Room. He
ghosted his fingertips over them posessively. Perhaps he had been too harsh.

"Did I hurt you?" Regulus asked, concern lighting his features.

"No! I liked it," Hypatia rushed to reassure him.

Regulus smirked, all concern fleeing his features at her words. "Of course you did. Do you
want to take a bath now?"

Hypatia nodded.

"Well then we have to take these off, don't we?"

He peeled down her underwear and threw it to the side. He picked her up, wrapping her legs
around him, and entered the bath. The experience of the bath was enhanced by the taps of
scented bubbles. Regulus held her tight, kissing her senseless. Hypatia wiggled her hips,
trying to slide down, and reach his hardness.

Regulus pulled back, "I said not now baby girl. Can you listen? I have big plans for our first
time. I'd hate for them to be spoiled all because you can't be patient."

Hypatia bit her lip. She did want him, more than she'd ever wanted anything, but she could
wait. If Regulus said he had big things planned, she knew he would deliver, and she wanted
so badly to please him.

"Of course I can daddy. I'll be good."

Regulus smirked, "Come here. I want to help you wash."

He pulled her to the deeper end, where the bubbles came up to his chest. He picked her up
and set her on the wide ledge. He grabbed a new loofa the elves had left for them. He
scooped up bubbles and rubbed the loofa over her. It sent pleasant tingles over her body as he
rinsed them off with water.

"This feels so good," Hypatia told him with a smile.

It was so simple, but intimate. She felt so spoiled by his attention, by the time he spent
running the loofa up and down her legs and over every part of her skin. Regulus smiled up at
her. She really was magnificent.

"I know something that will feel even better."

Hypatia blushed, "You mean?"

"Come here."

She was already on the edge of the ledge, in the perfect position for Regulus to bury his face
in between her thighs. Hypatia's hands were in his hair instantly. She was already so worked
up from his teasing that his tongue had her climbing towards her peak almost immediately.

"More daddy, please."

Regulus smiled against her clit before returning to her task. He added his fingers, curling to a
spot inside of her that made her muscles start to tense. He could feel her excitement through
their bond, radiating back towards him.

If it wasn't for his plans, he'd say forget dinner, and take her here and now, but no. It would be
worth the wait. He'd concocted the plan as she slept.

Hypatia shattered around his fingers, his name on her lips. She leaned back on her elbows,
completely limbless.

"Come here love, I'll hold you."

Hypatia sank down into the water and curled herself around Regulus. She rested her head on
his shoulder as her hands played with his hair.

"Aren't we supposed to get dressed at some point?"

Regulus sighed, "I suppose so, though I like you like this."

Hypatia laughed, "The feeling is mutual."

 Chapter 12

Regulus pressed a kiss to the back of Hypatia's hand as they walked down the stairs. Hypatia
smiled at him. The sound of steps behind them drew away their attention. The twins and
Hermione were coming down the stairs. The boys raced ahead of Hermione and hooked arms
with Regulus on either side.

"Can we bend your ear Lord Black? We've got some ideas for gadgets that might help with
your skull and dagger affairs."

"I suppose so," Regulus said hesitantly, throwing Hypatia a look of exasperation over his
shoulder. Hypatia just smiled and waved as they dragged him down the stairs and towards the
Dining Room. Hermione paused at her side and bumped shoulders with her.

"How are you?" Hermione asked softly.

"I'm the best I've ever been," Hypatia told her honestly.

"I'm glad," Hermione smiled. "You seem positively love drunk."

"I am," Hypatia giggled.

"I'm glad. It's nice to finally see you happy. The twins tell me we're not returning to
Hogwarts."

"It's too dangerous, Hermione."

"I know, I just hate it. I hope you don't think this means I will let you slack off. Remus will be
teaching us, and we need to keep busy."

"I know Hermione," Hypatia agreed easily. "Regulus wants me to try new things, to try to
find something I'm passionate about. Admittedly I never put much thought towards what I'd
do after Hogwarts."

"What about Quidditch?" Hermione asked as they reached the bottom of the stairs. "If he
does end the war you could pursue a professional career."

"Perhaps," Hypatia hedged.

"I thought you liked Quidditch?"

"I do, but I don't know if I want to do it professionally. That's something else entirely. People
get seriously injured, some even disappear."

Hermione looked pleased that Hypatia had that insight. "Well we have plenty of time ahead
of us, don't worry. We'll find something."
They entered the Dining Room to find Regulus sitting in his chair, listening to Fred and
George, who were gesturing wildly with their hands. Hermione's parents were talking to
Cissa in rapid French. Draco was sitting in his chair, listening to Sirius tell him stories about
his Hogwarts days.

"How are you ladies?" Remus asked as they entered.

"Quite well, though I'd like to discuss our curriculum for the coming year. I have no intention
of falling behind in my studies just because Voldemort has made a fuss yet again."

Remus laughed, "Of course not, Hermione. I wouldn't dream of it."

The twins came over to Hermione and laid their arms around her shoulders. "Time for dinner,
Mione. Come sit between us please ."

Hermione gave them a shrewd look, "What will you give me if I do?"

Remus blushed and ran off, but Hypatia watched with amusement. She was used to their little
negotiations. Fred looked at George, and George nodded. Fred pulled a small book out of the
depth of his robes and held it in front of her tauntingly, backing away towards their seats. She
followed him with excited eyes.

"Is that the new book about Merlin? It's not supposed to be released for another week!"

"Yep. I bribed the salesperson at Flourish & Blotts. You can have it if you sit between us at
meal times for two weeks."

Hermione paused, her eyes darting between the book and the twins. "One week."

"Twelve days," George offered from behind her.

"Seven," Hermione volleyed.

They were nearing their seats now. Helene rolled her eyes at their theatrics.

"Ten," Fred answered with a grin as he held out the book in front of him. "Final offer."

Hermione smiled at him mischievously, "Fine."

She snatched the book out of his hands and sank into the chair between them.

"You allow this?" Cissa asked, amusement clear in her tone.

"Oui," Helene answered. "It amuses them, and they are mere courtship gifts."

"They're fools," Hermione giggled. "I would have done it for free."

The elves descended upon them, making sure all their goblets were well supplied, and their
plates full. Hypatia picked at her plate. Her thoughts were full of what was to come for the
next year. Those she loved would be in danger once again, though she had faith in Regulus'
ability to keep her safe. Regulus looked at her sternly after a few moments.

"Eat," he whispered quietly enough that only she could hear.

Hypatia bit back the 'Yes Daddy' that lingered on the tip of her tongue and began to eat some
of the potatoes that Dobby had made especially for her. She turned her eyes out at the table,
relieved to see that Draco had regained some of his color and spirit. Remus was addressing
him.

"Will you be joining Hypatia and Hermione in their studies?" Remus asked.

"I hadn't thought about-"

"Yes," Cissa and Regulus chorused. Cissa looked at her cousin, and smiled as she realized
they were in agreement. She motioned for him to continue.

"Draco will resume studies with Hypatia and Hermione in the Fall. You'll need your
education when you take the Malfoy seat in the Wizengamot. With war on the horizon that
could be sooner rather than later."

Draco nodded.

"You can hate your father all you want. Merlin knows we hated Orion, but you'd be a fool not
to use your family power to better this world."

Draco considered his words as conversation began to swirl around him once again. When
Hypatia finally finished her food Regulus smiled at her in a way that made her breath catch.

Hermoine tried not to smirk at her friend's expense. She'd always struggled with taking care
of herself, especially when she was stressed, which tended to be all the time since she was the
Girl Who Lived.

"Do you like your book?" Fred teased in her ear.

Hermione tried not to squirm. He knew what books did to her.

"It's very nice, thank you."

She knew it was improper to read at the table, but it was Regulus' home, and he didn't seem
to mind. Hypatia certainly wouldn't mind. She was used to Hermione's antics.

"Very nice she says," George whispered to his twin.

"You look very nice," Fred complimented Hermione.

"They wouldn't let us in St. Mungo's to see you because we don't have a formal betrothal
agreement. As far as the law is concerned we're practically strangers. Can you imagine how
worried we were Hermione? All because we haven't had a chance to go on some courtship
dates and present you with a contract."
Hermione shivered at George's words. He always was the more serious twin. Perhaps she had
led them on far enough of a merry chase.

"You have the chance now," Hermione replied. "We're going to be living together."

"That's right," Fred replied. "But would you accept it?"

"I'll accept your contract when the war is over."

"Hermione," Fred whined.

"You're going to leave this house everyday to open the shop. You betroath yourself to
Hypatia's best friend and there will be a target painted on your back."

George turned to Regulus, "Please tell me you have a plan to end this war. Apparently
Hermione agreeing to marry us rides on it."

Conversation around the table halted as eyes turned to Regulus. He sat back in his seat as he
reluctantly removed his eyes from Hypatia, who was blushing a rather fetching pink as she
remembered just what they had gotten up to in the room the day before.

"I do. There's a few things that have to be done before I can face the Dark Lord."

"Are you going to tell us what?" Draco asked testily.

"Maybe," Regulus replied, his eyes turning to Cissa and the Grangers. "I see no reason you
can't be informed of what's going on, but I don't want you directly involved. You're all still
young."

"You're only a year older than us," Draco scowled.

"Yes, but I'm the head of this family, aren't I?"

Draco blinked, and shut his mouth. He couldn't argue with that. Hypatia smiled, butterflies
taking flight in her stomach.

"It's my duty to make sure our families thrive. That doesn't happen if you put the next
generation on the front line. As Lord Potter-Black it's my duty to see through what I started,
but that doesn't mean you have to be involved. I'm not Dumbledore, or the Dark Lord. I don't
relish stealing your youth."

"Well said," Hector added.

"Tomorrow we'll discuss everything in more detail. Tonight, relax and have fun."

After some time passed they relocated to the library. Eventually the Grangers went to bed, as
did Cissa, and Sirius and Remus. The young folks stayed up late into the night, swapping
stories of their Hogwarts exploits. Hypatia fell asleep with her head on Regulus' shoulder as
Hermione told them all about their misadventures with Rita Skeeter.
"You two are scary," Regulus said fondly.

"I don't know how you're not in Azkaban," Draco whispered.

"Yes, well no one hurts my sister and gets away with it. You will take care of her, won't you?"

Regulus smiled softly, "Of course. She's already the most important thing in my life. I'd do
anything for her."

"I know," Hermione observed. "She has that effect on people. Perhaps you should take her up
to bed, she looks positively knackered."

Regulus turned and smiled at his wife. She was a tired little thing. Perhaps finally being safe
made her feel like she could rest. He was glad. He scooped her up into his arms and wished
everyone a good night. He paused just as he was about to leave the library.

"Hermione, can you send a message on those coins of yours? I want Tonks here first thing in
the morning."

"No problem."

Regulus smiled as he left the library. It felt nice to have people his age in the house. He was
sure their home had seen more laughter in the last day than it had in the last hundred years.
The family magic was practically purring in his chest.

Finally Regulus laid Hypatia on their bed and removed her shoes for her. She opened her
eyes for a second, and smiled at him.

"You fell asleep on my shoulder and I brought you to bed love."

Hypatia sighed happily and snuggled into her covers. "A kiss?" She pleaded.

Regulus smiled as he knelt down and kissed her lips. Hypatia hummed happily when he
released her.

"Are you coming to bed?" She asked with her eyes already closed.

"In just a moment, love. I have a few letters to write."

"Alrighty. I love you Reg."

"I love you too Hypatia."

He strode to a corner where the elves had placed the small correspondence desk. He lit a
small candle with his wand, and opened a compartment. It had been stocked with fresh ink,
parchment, and quills.

Those elves really were on top of things.

He pulled out a piece of parchment and inked his quill. Once upon a time Amelia Bones had
been a great woman. She'd never set much store by Dumbledore, and he was pleased to hear
from Remus that she had survived the war. With any luck she could help him prove Sirius'
innocence. Just one more thing Dumbledore had neglected.

"Dobby."

The small elf popped into the room. His eyes grew wide and panicked at the sight of a
sleeping Hypatia. "I's not knowing the great lady is asleep, Master. I sorry!"

"It's okay Dobby," Regulus told him kindly. "I'm realizing she's a very deep sleeper anyways.
I have a question for you."

"Really?"

It wasn't often wizards deigned to ask questions of their house elves. Most Pureblood Lords
fancied themselves too good to need the advice of such a "lesser creature". Regulus couldn't
help but smile. He could see why Hypatia was fond of the funny elf.

"Really. There's a woman named Dolores Umbridge. Do you know her?"

"I know of the wench though I not having the displeasure of meeting her myself."

Regulus laughed, "Right. Well good. She's in St. Mungo's right now. I want to know where
she goes from there. Do you think there's a way you can put a locator charm on her or
something similar? I know elf magic is different, but not exactly how."

Dobby blinked at him, "You's asking me? Why?"

"If I go into that hospital people will ask questions. My reappearance is front page news.
House elves can go in and out unnoticed. Do you know what she did to Hypatia?"

Dobby's eyes darted to where she laid in the bed, and he shook his head.

"She made your Mistress use a Blood Quill. Enough to leave deep, permanent scars on her
hand. They will never go away, even if the redness fades."

Regulus didn't think he'd ever seen an elf more thunderous. "I do's it master. You will make
her pay, won't you? Cause if not Dobby could drop something on her head, I mean…"

"I'll make her pay. Don't worry."

"Very good master. I be doing it now."

The elf disappeared without a sound. Regulus walked towards the stairs. He placed a
monitoring charm on the room so he'd know if Hypatia had a nightmare, and went in search
of Hedwig. The owl had shown up after dinner, looking particularly annoyed that Hypatia
had left her at Hogwarts.
He found her on a branch in the back garden. He held out his arm to her and she flew down,
perching on his sleeve.

"Hello pretty girl, how are you doing?" Hedwig nuzzled into his hand, cooing in contentment.

"Sweet just like your witch, aren't you?" Hedwig fluffed her feathers in confirmation.

"Right. Well I have something for you to take to Amelia Bones. It's very important you are
not seen. Can you be sneaky?"

Hedwig puffed up her chest as if she was offended. Regulus smiled as he tied the letter to her
foot. He'd never seen such an expressive owl.

"Alright then Hedwig. Go ahead, and when you come back I'll have some owl treats for you."

Hedwig hooted as she flew off into the night sky.

 Chapter 13

When Hypatia woke she was wrapped up firmly in Regulus’ arms. She tried to move but he
pulled her closer in his sleep.

Hypatia barely resisted the urge to laugh at Regulus. He was so cute like this-all his hard
edges softened by sleep. She took a deep breath and angled slightly so she could slide
sideways off the bed. Regulus grumbled in his sleep but let her go.

Hypatia tiptoed her way towards the closet, and slipped through the door. She was surprised
at what she found inside. On top of a large chest of drawers against the wall there were
several wrapped packages with her name on them from The Smoking Cauldron.

Hypatia pulled the green ribbon off a package. The wrappings slid open with ease, revealing
a dress she had seen just yesterday. It was a beautiful gray color, just a single shade off
Regulus' gray eyes.

"Oh my God. He didn't."

Arms snaked around her waist from behind. "I did, and Daddy will do.”

Hypatia spun and pulled him into a kiss. He pulled back after a moment, happy to see the
radiant smile on his face.

"Thank you Daddy."

Regulus smiled smugly, "Someone has to spoil you since you clearly have no intention to do
it yourself."

"But I really don't need all this."

Regulus looked at her skeptically.

"Well I suppose it couldn't hurt," she conceded.

"That's right Princess."

Regulus' smile was radiant as he looked down at her. "Will you open the others?"

Hypatia nodded, "I feel like it's Christmas."

Regulus watched her open the packages with a mirthful smile. There was something so
satisfying about making her happy. He knew he was lost to her. Never had he been able to
make someone happy so easily.\ Hypatia certainly made him happy.

Hypatia reached for the first package she had opened and picked up the fine gray dress. It
was made of flowing chiffon that had pearls sewn on it.
"Are you going to help me get ready again today?" Hypatia teased.

"I would love to, as soon as I get dressed. Why don't you start without me?"

Hypatia busied herself with doing her hair, and picking out the rest of her outfit. She put on a
nude underwear set and turned to see Regulus staring at her. He had donned a pair of gray
dress robes that set off his eyes perfectly.

"Just enjoying the view," Regulus replied.

"I thought you were going to help?"

Regulus picked up the pair of heels she had set aside and came to kneel in front of her. This
time she was prepared and stepped into the heels when he offered them. He placed gentle
kisses on her legs before he stood up and helped her into her dress.

"You are stunning," Regulus whispered in her ear as he clasped the back of the dress into
place.

Hypatia leaned back into him, enjoying the feel of his arms around her, of his lips on her
neck.

"Your birthday's next month. Is there anything in particular you want? Any dreams I could
help make true? We could have a party with your friends."

"I just want you."

"Well, that you already have. I belong to you completely."

Hypatia smiled, “That you do.”

***

The silence in the Dining Room was haunting as Regulus spoke to those assembled. Hypatia
watched Tonks, who looked like she was going to be sick any moment. Bill conjured a bag as
Fleur aimed a cooling charm at her neck.

She didn’t blame her one bit.

Horcruxes were terrible, but what was perhaps worse was the intentional tearing of one's
soul. There were ways to take life, and not tear your soul. Regulus had done it himself, and so
had Hypatia. But no, Voldemort chose to tear himself apart.

Tonks retched into the bag, and Helene sent her a look of sympathy. She wanted to be sick
herself. She couldn’t help but wonder if they hadn’t been lucky to be born Squibs. Regulus
paused to give his cousin a chance to regain her composure. Bill vanished the bag, and she
gave a shaky smile as Kreacher brought her a glass of water.

“So how many are left?” Bill asked.

“Three remain. Ravenclaw’s diadem, the locket, and Nagini.”

“Ravenclaw’s diadem is lost,” Hermione added.

“It is not,” Regulus corrected. “It merely remains hidden.”

“You know where it is?!” Hermione asked incredulously.

“I do,” Regulus replied evenly. His eyes took on a pained expression, “Pandora found it…
before. She knew something had been done to it, and she brought me to see it. It wasn’t until
nearly a year later that I discovered how to kill a soul fragment. It should still be in its hiding
place.”

“So how exactly do you kill a horcrux?” George asked.

“You need something incredibly powerful, such as Basilisk venom. I knew of the legend
when I was in Hogwarts, but not how to get into the Chamber.”

Hermione’s eyes snapped to Hypatia. “You’re taking her back there?! You said it was
dangerous to go to Hogwarts!”

Hypatia rolled her eyes, “Do you know someone else who can speak Parseltongue,
Hermione? Besides, we’ll go during the summer so there’s no chance of running into baby
Death Eater’s.”

“Well fine,” Hermione dithered. “But I still don’t like it.”

“How will you get past the Hogwarts wards?” Remus asked.

“We might be able to help with that,” Bill added. “Dumbledore has asked Fleur and I to
double check the Hogwarts wards for weak spots. We haven't exactly informed them of our
defection. You and Hypatia could sneak in with us when Hagrid lets us in.”

“When will you be going?” Regulus asked.

“Tomorrow.”

“What do you think, Hypatia?”

“I think it’s perfect,” she replied.

“Then that’s the plan. We’ll go with Bill and Fleur. I don’t want anyone underage touching a
horcrux. They have terrible magic in them, as you can imagine. Lord and Lady Granger, you
too. I don’t know what it might do to someone without magic.”
They nodded their heads. Regulus was glad they didn’t fight him. He didn’t have the energy
for that right now.

“How do we get the others?” Remus asked tensely.

“The locket is already in my possession. The diadem I believe is in Hogwarts. I can kill it
after we retrieve the fangs.”

“And the snake?” Fred asked.

“That is more tricky. We must be patient, and cunning. Severus tells me the snake stays close
to the Dark Lord. It would be best for me to lure the Dark Lord out of hiding if I can.
Truthfully, the sight of me just functioning in society might be enough to force his hand. He’s
always needed absolute control. He’ll be wondering why he can’t control me through the
Dark Mark anymore.”

Hermione’s eyes flickered between Regulus and Hypatia, before she finally seemed to decide
on something.

“Do you really think you can beat Voldemort in a duel?” She asked. “I know you love
Hypatia, but love doesn’t win wars, contrary to Dumbledore’s beliefs. She is the only living
person known to defeat the Dark Lord.”

Regulus tilted his head at her, “What do you know about soul bonds?”

“What everyone knows,” Hermione sniffed haughtily. “It twines your souls. You can feel
each other's emotions, to a certain extent.”

Regulus nearly laughed. The education at Hogwarts was so cursory it was borderline
negligent. Of those assembled it was likely only Sirius and Cissa knew the full extent of a
soul bond, as they had been educated by their family. He braced his hands on the table.

“Soul bonds do not just twine the soul, Hermione. They twine magic.”

“What does that mean exactly?”

“I will be able to use Hypatia’s magic, and she will be able to use mine.”

“She will be able to? Why can’t she now?”

Cissa rubbed the crease between her eyes as Sirius cackled in his seat. Hermione turned to
glare at him, and he laughed even harder.

“They haven’t consummated the bond,” Sirius choked out through tears.

“Why is that so funny?” Hermione asked Remus.

Remus shrugged, “Brother’s are vicious.”

Hermione shot Sirius her most disapproving look before turning back to Regulus. He seemed
undaunted by the fact the whole room knew he hadn’t bedded Hypatia yet.

“Hermione, I understand your concern. I’m not discounting it. I want you to consider
something new, however. None of us have to fight the Dark Lord. It might be satisfying, it
might provide some closure, but it’s not necessary. Once the horcruxes are destroyed, he’s a
normal man. He could be poisoned, or catch on fire, or any manner of things.”

“I hadn’t considered that,” Hermione conceded.

“Gryffindor’s aren’t exactly known for their subtlety,” Draco snarked.

“Do you see how that’s not helpful Draco?” Hypatia snapped.

Draco rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, but Hypatia couldn’t help but laugh at him. It was
nice to see him muster the energy to sass her. Cissa watched their bickering fondly. She
wondered vaguely if this wasn’t what it would have been like to have a daughter.

“Focus please,” Regulus pleaded.

Hypatia had the decency to pretend to be sorry for a beat. When Regulus refocused his
attention on the table a smirk took up residence on her face that Draco had to ignore.

“We will destroy the horcruxes we have access to. What we need you to do is pay attention.
Keep your mouths shut, keep your eyes and ears open. People speak far more freely than they
should, especially when they’re doing things like shopping.”

He looked pointedly at the twins, and they nodded their heads.

“Any hint of anything related to the Dark Lord, I want to know about. I need to know if he’s
coming after me or Hypatia, because that may be our only chance to end this.”

***

Hermione riffled through her trunk, looking for her bag. The twins ogled her ass from their
position on the bed. Hypatia sent a stinging hex their way that had them yelping and rubbing
their ouchies.

“What was thar for?!” Fred wailed.

“You know what for,” Hypatia glared. “No ogling my sister in front of me. It’s grosse.”

“You and Regulus make eyes at each other constantly,” George pointed out. “Plus you and

Hermione aren't actually related!”

Hermione aimed her wand behind her without even looking up and whispered another
stinging hex. George dove underneath the bed covers, mumbling complaints about difficult
women. Hermione gave up digging in her trunk and stood back up, giggling at Fred and
George’s woes.

“Oh, screw it. Accio beaded bag!”

A small bag flew out of her trunk and into her hand. She motioned for Hypatia to sit on the
edge of the bed with her.

“Look at this, I’ve placed Undetectable Extension Charms, and Featherlight Charms on it.
You can put everything in here.”

Hypatia blinked at her friend in surprise, “Hermione, this is serious magic. I’m impressed.”

“It’s also illegal,” Fred added mischievously.

Hermione gave him a sharp look and he threw his hands up in defeat. Hermione smiled
sweetly at him, and he beamed. Hypatia laughed. The twins were so love drunk Hermione
could have lit them on fire and they would have thanked her for the privilege.

“So it’s not the most legal,” Hermione admitted. “But when has that ever stopped any of us?”

“Never,” Hypatia giggled.

“You will be careful, won’t you? No wandering away from Regulus.”

“Stay with my husband. Got it.”

“She never worries about us that way,” George grumbled to Fred.

“That’s because we’re more capable,” Fred told him.

“More replaceable is more like it,” Hypatia shot back.

Fred fell back onto the bed dramatically, “Oy! I’m wounded. Replaceable, she says! Where’s
your husband anyways? Use some of your sharp wit on him, and leave us be.”

“Oh, off plotting with Sirius and Remus.”

“Plotting what?” George asked with renewed interest.

“Revenge I imagine. He came back to find much of his generation gone, not to mention
everyone who wants me dead. People will have to pay for that.”

“Since when are you so cutthroat?” Fred asked with amusement.

“I don’t know. Maybe it was always there. Maybe it’s the Black family magic that’s taken
root in me. Whatever it is, I know one thing. No one one messes with the Ancient & Noble
House of Black.”
***

Remus twirled his wand in hand, “Don’t you think people are going to notice if we go around
killing people?”

“Not particularly,” Regulus shrugged. “People never notice things that are right under their
nose. Are you genuinely telling me you don’t want to kill Umbridge? Moony, I expected
better of you. After all you and James went through, don’t you consider his only child Pack?”

Sirius raised his eyebrows at Regulus. He knew exactly what he was doing. He addressed the
wolf, not Remus. Remus’ eyes flashed aureate gold. Moony was forcing himself to the
surface. A growl filled the room.

“Of course I do,” Moony yelled. “I’ll rip her throat out.”

“There we are,” Regulus smirked.

“Nice of you to join us,” Sirius drawled.

“Shut it.”

Sirius gave a salute, and Moony rolled his eyes.

“Welcome back from the dead, little Black.”

“Wasn’t exactly dead, but thanks Moony.”

“Are you going to kill Umbridge, or do I have to do it myself?”

Regulus smirked, this was the side of Remus he enjoyed the most. It was him in a way, but he
repressed it so hard in an effort to be a “good person”. Absurd. He should have let both sides
merge a long time ago. Perhaps with a little Dark influence he would.

“I’m going to kill Umbridge, though you're welcome to help me if you wish. Just don’t do
anything Remus will complain about for the next twenty years.”

“What am I? Chopped liver?” Sirius demanded.

Moony looked down at him with a lascivious smile, “You’re mine.”

“What you are is a wanted man, and until I clear your name you’ll stay put. I already have
things in motion.”

“What things?! You got here like two days ago. What the fuck?!”

Moony laughed, though it came out more like a bark. Regulus rolled his eyes at his brother.
“Did Dumbledore really make you think you had no friends left?”

Sirius paused. He had no answers for that. Regulus shook his head.

“We’re not as alone as you seem to think. There are people who will help us, and we’ll
remember them after the war when we restore this house to its former power.”

Sirius looked at him warily.

“I’m not our father, Sirius. I don’t want to control you, or Hypatia. But I will restore our line,
and the Potter’s. I owe it to Hypatia, and to our future children. We could have the ability to
push through werewolf rights if we play our cards right. I’ll take the Black seat, Hypatia the
Potter seat. Draco will side with us when he takes the Malfoy seat, and Bill could easily
claim the Weasley title from under his fathers nose.”

Remus’ eyes began to return to their normal hazel, the gold fading quick. “You really think
you can push through werewolf legislation?”

“Absolutely. If Dumbledore hadn’t been sitting around plotting for the last sixteen years he
could have pushed it through himself.”

Remus looked at Sirius, his gaze thoughtful. “Fine, I’m in.”

***

Hypatia allowed the silky fabric of the invisibility cloak to fall through her fingers like water,
and onto her bed.

“Are you alright, love?”

Hypatia turned to see Regulus leaning with his back against the door of their room. She
hadn’t even heard him come into the room. Hypatia shrugged and sat on the edge of the bed.
Regulus crossed the floor until he stood in front of her. He tilted her face up and stroked her
face with the back of his hand. Hypatia closed her eyes and leaned into his touch.

Hypatia looked up at him, her eyes fraught. “I used to think of Hogwarts as my home, but it’s
not anymore. It’s place in my heart has been filled by you, by this house. What if going back
just ruins all those memories?”

Regulus sat down next to Hypatia. His eyes had a spark in them, as if they were molten
silver. He brushed his hair away from her ear, and leaned in until his lips brushed her ears.

“We can make new memories there, better ones.”

Hypatia’ heart took flight.

 Chapter 14

Regulus strapped Hypatia’s wand holster onto her arm, pulling the straps tight. She insisted,
and he knew better than to try to contradict her on this. The Chamber of Secrets was her past,
and she was the expert. Regulus slipped the strap through its buckle, and moved so Hypatia
could see her reflection in the mirror.

She had chosen to wear a short black dress that cut close to the body. A dagger was strapped
to her thigh, and her dragonhide boots were on her feet. Her long unruly hair has been
subdued back into complicated braids. With her wand strapped to her arm she looked like
some kind of warrior princess. His own black battle robes paled in comparison to her
radiance.

Regulus admired her over her shoulder, “You look stunning like this.”

Hypatia spun to face him, her eyes bright with worry. “I need you to understand the soul
fragment I killed in my second year seemed as real as any person. That diadem is going to
put up a fight.”

“I know, love. We’re going to make it out of there in one piece, I promise you.”

Hypatia let out a deep breath and nodded her head, she knew she could trust Regulus. If she
had to face fragments of the Dark Lord’s soul, she wanted him at her side. Hypatia took his
hand and allowed him to lead her downstairs.

“We should bring the locket, and get the diadem first. We can destroy them in the Chamber to
control the magic if it lashes out.”

“One step ahead of you,” Regulus said as he pulled it from his pocket.

Hypatia scowled at the sight of it, but held out her bag. Regulus gave her a questioning look.

“I don’t want you holding it any more than necessary either. Just drop it in.”

Regulus was surprised at how firm her voice was. Gone was his little princess in the face of a
threat, here was the Girl Who Lived. He dropped it in without protest. Hermione had a point.
Hypatia was just as much an expert on the Dark Lord as he was, if not more.

“Thank you, love.”

She hooked the bag around her wrist, then placed a sticking charm on it to keep it attached to
her. “The last thing we need is for this bag to go missing.”

When they reached the end of the stairs, Fleur and Bill were there, with all the occupants of
the house. Even the elves were there with their wide, watery eyes. Hypatia gave them all an
admonishing look.

“What’s all this?”

“We wanted to see you off,” Hermione said as she rushed towards her and pulled her into a
hug.

“We’re only going to be gone for a few hours Hermione, we’re not going on some great
journey.”

“I remember your stories from second year,” Hermione whispered. “I know it's going to fight
back.”

Hypatia hugged her tighter, “Yes, well you can tend my wounds when I come home. We’ll be
fine.”

She released her friend and turned to address the group, “We’ll be fine.”

Sirius was pouting something awful. “We shouldn’t let them go alone,” he grumbled.

Regulus went to him, “We’re coming back. You know that right? This isn’t like last time. You
know where we’ll be. We’ll call the house elves if we get into a tight spot. I won’t let
anything happen to either of us. I promise.”

Sirius looked at him intensely. There was so much that went unsaid between them, but he
really did love his little brother.

“Good.”

Bill cut in, “So we’ll get you through the wards. Do you have a way to get out in case we
can’t meet up again?”

Hypatia smirked as she looked at Sirius and Remus, “Yeah, there’s a one-eyed witch statue
by the Defense classroom. You know it?” Bill nodded. “There’s a passage to Hogsmeade
through it. Make sure not to seal the wards over it, and we’ll do it after we leave.”

“Alright.”

***

The sight of Hagrid pained Hypatia. She wished she could give him a hug, but it was
impossible. He had such a good heart, but he was easily led. Regulus held her hand tightly as
they walked behind Fleur, Bill, and Hagrid.

“Have you noticed anything off about Dumbledore lately?” Hagrid asked Bill.

“Uh, no. Not particularly,” Bill replied. “His one hand did look pretty mangled, but he
brushed it off. Why?”
“Just seems like something’s off. It’s not like him to ask for outside help with the wards, or
anything, if he can help it. He’s relaid these wards every summer that I can remember.”

“You think he’s ill?” Bill asked.

Hagrid shrugged his massive shoulders, “I dunno, do I? Just seems off is all.”

Regulus’ eyes went wide. Maybe that ring was killing more than just Dumbledore’s hand.
Perhaps the curse was slowly spreading.

They crested the final hill to the castle and continued on when Fleur and Bill began to run
tests on the wards. Regulus held Hypatia’s hand as they walked through the castle.

“Here? Really?”

“You know about the Room of Hidden Things?” Regulus asked in shock.

“Well yes, but we called it the Room of Requirement. It’s where we held our D.A. Meetings.”

“You’re full of surprises,” Regulus teased before he pulled off the invisibility cloak.

Hypatia stowed it in her bag as he paced in front of the wall, seeking the Room of Hidden
Things. A door appeared and they entered as quickly as they could.

Everywhere Hypatia looked was covered. Stacks of books taller than her rose on either side.
Furniture, brooms, and fireworks littered the stacks. She dared to venture that there were
more than one Weasley product in here. Regulus guided her through the piles by her hand.

“It should be up here. It was on top of a broken vanishing cabinet.”

Hypatia paused, her eyes captivated by a shining diadem on top of a mannequin's head. She
could feel the Dark magic from here, but it wasn’t beautiful like the Black’s. It was twisted,
and venomous.

“There it is Regulus!”

Regulus turned his eyes upward, “Perfect! Open your bag, love. Let’s not touch it if we can
avoid it.”

Hypaia removed the bag from her wrist and opened it as wide as it would go. Regulus
levitated the diadem carefully. Tension filled the air as it floated towards Hyaptia. Her eyes
blew wide.

“Can you hear it Regulus?!”

He didn’t remove his eyes from the diadem. He was sure it was fighting back. Merlin only
knew what would happen if he allowed himself to be distracted.

“No, Princess. I can't hear it. What’s it saying?”

Hypatia’s bottom lip wobbled, and her hands shook. Tears tracked down her face. The
diadem was getting closer now.

“Talk to me love! What is it saying?!”

Hypatia screwed her eyes shut and tried to shut out the serpentine words of the diadem. She
focused on Regulus. He had asked her a question.

“I’m a disappointment. I can’t keep everyone safe. It’s my fault my parents are dead.
Everyone would be better off without me.”

The diadem fell into the purse. Regulus took it from her hands and closed it tightly before he
slipped it around his wrist and placed a sticking charm on it. He turned his attention back to
Hypatia, who was still standing with her eyes shut tight. Regulus drew her into his arms.

“It’s not true, Hypatia. It was never your duty to keep the entire wizarding world safe, and yet
you’ve done an amazing job. You’ve saved so many. Trust me when I say you were your
parents saving grace. They were stupidly brave. They would have been on the front lines
fighting if it wasn’t for you.”

Hypatia let herself be comforted. Part of her really did believe she was responsible for her
parents death, and that’s why it hurt so much. She constantly worried about the danger she
put her loved ones in. Yet, perhaps Regulus had a point.

“Do you truly believe that?”

“I do,” Regulus confirmed. “Sirius did some absolutely insane things when we were in
Hogwarts and they never turned their backs on him. They’d never blame their own daughter
for the acts of the Dark Lord.”

Hypatia sighed against him. She allowed herself a few seconds of peace before she pulled
herself back together.

“Now to the Chamber.”

***

“A girls' lavatory? Really?”

Hypatia rolled her eyes, “Salazar had an odd sense of humor. Stand back.”

Regulus watched appreciatively as his wife crossed the floor to the sink. Her short black
dress swayed as she walked. He was glad he had waited. This was going to be worth it. She
bent over and hissed something at the faucet.

“Merlin, that's hot. Why is that so hot?”

Hypatia chuckled at him as she backed up from the rapidly moving sinks to stand by her
husband.

“Imagine how it would feel if I did that around your cock.”

“What’s gotten into you?” Regulus asked with a laugh.

Hypatia shrugged, “Hogwarts brings out the stupidly brave in me. You coming?”

“Merlin I hope so.”

Hypatia shook her head as she took Regulus’ hand and led him to the edge of the hole. She
looked down into the darkness, surprised to find that she didn’t feel any of the terror she did
during her second year. It wasn’t nearly as scary with Regulus at her side.

“We have to jump,” she told him.

“Of course, fucking Riddle.”

Regulus picked Hypatia up and jumped. Her screams and giggles echoed off the stone walls
as they fell. Hypatia aimed her wand downwards and mumbled a cushioning charm, hoping
to avoid any major injuries. They landed with a thud a moment later.

“What in the world did we land on?” Regulus moaned.

Hypatia lit her wand with a Lumos, “Bones. The basilisk had to be fed somehow.”

Regulus stood to his feet, “I understand the choice of footwear now.”

“Give me your hand. I know the way.”

Regulus did as instructed and let her lead the way through the dark corridors. It was
interesting to see her like this, so sure of herself, so brave. It made her eager submission all
the more endearing.

She was only like that for him.

They came to the large door with snakes guarding it. Hypatia hissed at it to open.

Regulus was astounded by the Chamber. It was massive, and in the center of it all was a dead
Basilisk. Hypatia approached slowly, as if afraid the skeleton would rise up and strike her.
She paused at its head.

“It wasn’t its fault, not really. Basilisks are bound to the word of their master. It couldn’t help
that Tom Riddle was Slytherin’s Heir.”

Regulus put a hand on her shoulder. She was a good person. Infinitely better than him. He
wouldn’t have spared a second thought for the creature hell bent on killing students, but she
did.
“It’s time to take the fangs, Hypatia. The creature can still do some good.”

Hypatia and Regulus busied themselves taking the fangs, and finally Regulus pulled the bag
from his wrist. At Hypatia’s approving nod, he opened it and removed the locket and diadem,
setting them on the floor in the center of the room.

“Together?” Hypatia asked as she held out a fang.

“Together.”

He took the fang in his hand, blew out a deep breath, and raised his arm. He froze as Hypatia
stabbed through the locket. There she was in front of him, his glorious wife, but her features
were sharp and cold. Gone were the soft blushes and seductive smiles.

“Do you really think I could love you? A Death Eater? When I could have anyone in the
world? I never meant to bond us!”

Hypatia crawled her way through the black magic clouding the room. She couldn’t hear what
the apparition of her was saying, but she knew it was lies. Her skin was getting bloodied from
the rough stone, her dress torn into pieces, but she couldn’t stop. She reached Regulus, and
pulled at his legs. He looked down, his eyes full of tears.

“It’s a lie, Regulus. I’m real . I love you. Kill it, please. For us. For our children.”

Regulus felt like he was being abruptly awoken from a nightmare. His wife’s pretty face was
scratched. Her dress was torn at one shoulder, and blood ran down her arms and legs. He
stepped around her and drove the fang into the diadem. With a whoosh of magic it perished.

Regulus turned and scooped up Hypatia into his arms. He conjured a bed and laid her down
on it. He began healing her wounds as she watched him.

“What did it say to you?” She asked.

Regulus paused for a mere second, his jaw flexing, before he returned to whispering healing
charms. He repaired her dress while he was at it. When he was done he laid beside her and
pulled her into his arms.

“It did its best to convince me you didn’t love me. I’m sorry I let you get hurt. That never
should have happened.”

Hypatia pressed closer to Regulus, “But I do love you Daddy.”

Regulus felt some of his confidence return at her words, at the way her body molded against
him. He tilted her face up so he could see her wide green eyes. He couldn’t help but let his
gaze flicker to her full lips, before it returned to her eyes.

“Do you mean that little girl?”

Hypatia’s breath caught in her throat. “Of course I do.”

Regulus smirked in a way that made her insides flip. He trailed his fingers down the slopes of
her curves. There was nothing like the little noises of contentment Hypatia made when he
touched her, or the little gasps she gave when something new pleased her. Regulus rolled her
over so he hovered over her.

“Do you want me to fuck you baby girl? Right here in the Chamber of Secrets? It would
drive the Dark Lord crazy to know you desecrated his ancestor’s most tightly held secret.”

His words alone had set off an inferno in her. She needed this. Needed him. She pulled her
against him, or attempted to. His muscles held firm, his control impeccable, and oh that smirk
did things to her.

“Good girls say please, Hypatia.”

“Please fuck me, Regulus. I want to consummate the bond.”

Regulus leaned closer to her, “Well when you beg so prettily.”

He kissed her hard as his weight came to rest more firmly between her thighs. She wrapped
her legs around him. She moaned loudly when his hardness rubbed up against her clit. Her
tiny dress wasn’t doing much in the way of separating them.

“Take it off please,” Hypatia begged.

“What?” Regulus asked as he pulled his lips away from her neck.

“Clothes. All of it. I need to feel you.”

Regulus gripped his wand on the bed and whispered the charm. Their clothes disappeared
and piled themselves on the edge of the bed as he kissed Hypatia with more abandon.

“Fuck your skins soft,” he murmured as he trailed his lips down her stomach. Hypatia buried
her hands in Regulus’ hair as his hands gripped her hips and pulled her to his face.

“Daddy,” she gasped as his fingers entered her, pumping out a steady rhythm.

His tongue circled her clit, eliciting curses and nonsensical praises from her perfect mouth.
He ate her like a man starved until she clenched around him, and her limbs went rigid.

He pulled away to look at she came back down from her high. She was glorious like this. Her
chest heaved, and her skin glistened. She whined at the loss of him, Her head tilted up and
her large emerald eyes pierced him through. She bit her lip as she looked at him.

“What is it, baby girl?”

She tugged on his arms. She needed to kiss him. She needed him inside of her. She needed
him in control, to feel safe again. Regulus seemed to know just what she needed. He was
back on top of her in a second, his arms caging her in. He leaned down just enough so their
lips were touching, but not their hips, not where she wanted him most.
“Are you going to be a good little girl for me and take Daddy’s cock?”

“Yes Daddy, please. I’ll do anything.”

Regulus smirked as he placed a gentle kiss on her lips. He lowered a bit more of his weight
onto her, until his hardness was between her thighs, still wet with her cum. She wrapped her
legs around him, and angled her hips up. He sucked in a sharp breath.

“Be patient, baby girl. I haven’t even said a contraception charm. You don’t want a baby right
now, do you?”

Hypatia arched up against him, and it took everything he hand not to give into her and fuck
her without any precautions. He placed one hand on her throat, and her eyes snapped to his,
though not reproachfully.

He stroked her pulse line, “As much as I want that too, I won’t get you pregnant while there’s
a war going on. It’s too dangerous. Do you understand Hypatia? Can you be patient? You
know Daddy will give you everything you want if you’re a good girl.”

Hypatia nodded, “I’ll be patient Daddy.”

“Of course you will.”

Regulus grabbed his wand in one hand and whispered the contraception charm. Hypatia’s
abdomen glowed a faint white as it settled.

“Are you ready?” Regulus asked her as his thumb traveled down to circle her clit.

“Yes, please.”

Regulus was tired of waiting. He eased himself into her welcoming body. He was far too
slow. Hypatia wrapped her legs even tighter around him and pulled him in until he was full
seated inside of her. She felt so full with him inside of her, so different.

Bonding Magic was thick in the air around them, sparkling like fireflies.

Regulus began moving slowly. Every time he pulled out Hypatia groaned at the loss of him.
When he pushed in she moaned out appreciatively. His movements felt like heaven and hell
wrapped into one. Everytime he thrust in he hit her overstimulated clit, making her desperate
for him.

He was going too slow, being too gentle.

“Harder Daddy, please. Faster.”

Regulus smiled for a mere second at his girl's pleas. He picked up the pace of his hips,
slamming into her. He sat up on his knees, and angled her hips up. He played with her clit,
and watched her face as her eyes rolled back and her pussy began to flutter around him. Her
legs floated up of their own accord, her ankles finding place on his shoulders.
Hypatia moaned in earnest now. Her words turned into a string of ‘Daddy’s’ and ‘Yes’. This
angle was different and better. She could feel him pressing against something inside of her
that made her want to explode with pleasure.

The magic was picking up around them now, but Hypatia didn’t even notice. All she could
focus on was the feeling of Regulus pressing deliciously inside of her, his magic beginning to
merge with hers. Hypatia’s muscles began to grow taut, her hands curled into the sheets of
the bed.

“Are you coming to cum baby girl?”

Hypatia nodded her head, and Regulus was filled by an overwhelming need to make it
happen. He needed her to cum around him, needed it like he needed his last breath. He kept
the pace that was pushing her over the edge, and put one hand on her lower abdomen,
pressing down hard. Hypatia screamed as she came around him, pulling him with her.

The bonding magic crashed over them as Regulus collapsed beside Hypatia, pulling her into
his arms. There in the aftershock of their pleasure, they could feel everything they meant to
each other. The pain of lonely childhoods, of pain, and loss, and torture, but even more than
that was the renewed hope that each one represented.

And the love, oh the love, was like nothing else they had ever felt. Hypaita thought maybe
she understood now why people said love could conquer all. She’d do anything to keep this
feeling, as intense, and unconditional as it was. She’d destroy anyone who dared to threaten
her other half.

Right and wrong, black and white, were irrelevant. There was their side, and everyone else.

There was silence for several long moments, until Hypatia began to be aware of curiosity and
concern on the edge of her mind that were not her own. She turned and Regulus was looking
at her carefully.

“Are you okay, love? Was I too rough?”

Hypatia smiled tiredly, “No, Reg. That was perfect.”

Regulus smiled as he brushed some of her hair behind her shoulder. He pressed a kiss to her
shoulder. “The more we have sex, the better it will be.”

“Better how?” Hypatia asked curiously. “That was the most intense orgasm I’ve ever had.”

“Me too,” Regulus assured her with a smile. “But I’ll be able to last longer for one. Which
means you could orgasm more than once. There’s different positions, and you can get magic
involved. There’s all kinds of things.”

Hypatia’s eyes grew wide and starry eyed as she thought about all the things she and Regulus
could get up to. Regulus smiled and nipped at her chin playfully. Hypatia turned to him, and
then her gaze flickered past his shoulder to the statue of Salazar Slytherin.
“Merlin, we really had sex for the first time in the Chamber of Secrets. You definitely
delivered. Voldemort would absolutely hate this.”

“That he would, and we’re not done yet.”

Hypatia turned to look at him again, snitches taking flight in her stomach once again.

“Really?”

Regulus let his thumb trail along her bottom lip. “Yes really. You did have a rather enticing
idea about speaking Parseltongue around my cock.”
 Chapter 15

Regulus watched Hypatia pull her dress on with a wistful smile. She was tired now, and
moving slower. He walked over to her and helped her into her boots, zipping them up her
slim legs. She smiled as he stood to his feet and took her hand.

"So how do we get out of here?"

Hypatia froze, blinking owlishly. "I don't know."

"What do you mean you don't know?"

Hypatia began to panic. Her breath came in short spurts as she sat back on the edge of the
bed. She fanned herself with one hand as she tried to calm down.

Regulus came to her side and pulled her long braids up off her neck. "Deep breaths sweet
girl. We're okay. Now how did you get out last time?"

"Fawkes came and saved us. Dumbledore sent him."

Regulus sighed, "Right. Well that's not really an option. We'll just call Kreacher."

Hypatia's eyes snapped to him. "Kreacher?"

"Yes. Our elf. Small, cranky, wrinkly? Kreacher!"

Hypatia jumped up into Regulus' arms, wrapping herself around him as the small elf popped
into thin air. He immediately placed his ancient hands over his eyes. Hypatia hoped back
down with a bright blush.

"It's safe to look now, Kreacher."

The elf peeked through his gnarled fingers. Seeing that they were standing side by side, he
looked between them.

"Have you everything that you came for?"

"Yes Kreacher, thank you."

Hypatia held the bag tightly in her hand with the fangs.

"It would appear we need assistance returning home," Regulus told him.

Kreacher nodded his head and held out his ancient hands. With a sickening twisting
sensation, and a snap, they were gone.
***

"So they're really gone?" Hermione asked.

"I saw it with my own eyes," Hypatia confirmed.

She and Regulus had thoroughly bathed and changed clothes before they convened the house
and told them they were successful in their task. Hermione had insisted on rehashing it
several times.

"Have a little faith in us Hermione," Regulus sighed as he slouched in his chair.

"There's just one thing I don't understand," Draco added.

"What's that?" Regulus asked.

"If you were able to destroy them just like that, why were you gone so long?"

Hypatia froze. Her face blushed a bright red. She turned and buried her face in Regulus'
shoulder.

Hermione burst into giggles. "You didn't! In the Chamber? Oh Merlin, that's legendary. I'm
putting that in the margins of Hogwarts: A History. The twins are never going to let you live
this down!"

Hypatia thanked all the gods that the parents had left the room after the first telling. She
didn't think she could face the Granger's or Sirius right now. Draco was looking at Regulus
with clear shock in his eyes.

"I can't tell if you're a deviant or a genius," Draco whispered.

"Certainly both," Regulus chuckled as he smoothed a hand over Hypatia's arm. "But now you
can all focus on having fun. Summer is still ahead of us, and you're safe here."

"What about you?" Draco asked.

"I still have work to do. Sirius' acquittal is first on my agenda, not to mention subduing our
enemies. That, however, is more fun than work. Plus I have a ring to purchase for Hypatia."

Hypatia's head popped up at that, only a faint blush remaining on her cheeks. She looked at
Regulus with excited eyes.

"A ring?"

Regulus chuckled, "Yes, well you are my wife. There's other Lady Black rings in the vault,
but they're not worthy of you."

"I don't need something big," Hypatia hurried to assure him.

"It's not about the size," Regulus told her.

Draco and Hermione descended into raucous laughter, and Hypatia and Regulus couldn't help
but join them. After several minutes they were finally able to speak properly again.

"What's it about then, cousin?" Draco asked. I

t's about the meaning," Regulus told them. "This family hasn't been happy for a long time.
We are. You deserve a ring that represents that- a new beginning for our family."

"Now that's actually quite sweet," Hermione observed.

"Black's aren't cute," Regulus glowered.

Draco barely stifled his laugh behind his hand.

***

Hypatia and Regulus walked into the Dining Room. Sirius was laying in the middle of it,
twirling his wand, while Remus read a book in his chair.

"What's on your mind Siri?" Hypatia asked.

Sirius propped himself up on his elbows, "I really hate the colors in this room. In all of the
rooms to be honest. They're shite. Did they think that they had to prove they had Dark magic
by using only dark colors? It's like, get a color wheel for fuck's sake."

Hypatia and Regulus laughed as Remus rolled his eyes. He'd heard this rant many times.
Hypatia plucked at the drapes and gave Regulus a grimace.

"I kind of hate them too."

Regulus sat in his chair. "Well why don't you and Siri redecorate? You can't exactly go
shopping until the Dark Lord is killed, but you could request catalogs from all the best stores.
I'm sure they'd be happy to have anything you want delivered. Money is obviously no object.
Cissa can help you with the names of stores, I'm sure. We'll just have to make sure we scan
anything coming in for spells or hexes."

"Really!?" Hypatia asked in excitement.

"Really. I don't see why not. It will give you something fun to do this summer, and it will
make you both happy."

Sirius jumped up on the table, and Remus groaned. "Sirius, no boots on the table, please. It is
unsanitary, and it will scuff."
Sirius jumped off the table, and wrapped his brother in a hug. Hypatia smiled at them both. It
warmed her heart to see Sirius so happy.

"We'll do a good job brother dearest, I swear."

Regulus smirked, "Oh, I know you will. Because I'm putting Hypatia in charge of final
decisions."

"What?!" Sirius wailed dramatically.

"It is her house," Remus pointed out.

"Don't worry Siri, we'll find something we all like, and you can decorate your and Remus
private room however you like."

Sirius stopped his flailing and stood up straight, "Well when you put it like that, that's alright
then."

***

"Will you go alone tomorrow?" Hypatia asked.

Regulus ran a hand up and down Hypatia's back as they laid in bed. They were both
exhausted from the day's events.

"No. Tonks will go with me."

"Won't it be clear she's broken from the Order then?"

"Truthfully it's only a matter of time until people know, anyway. She is of Black blood, so it
won't be that shocking to anyone. I'm going to have to go into the public sphere. I have a
Wizengamot seat."

"I know," Hypatia sighed. "I just love you. I don't want anything to happen to you."

Regulus pressed a kiss to her forehead, "It won't. I promise."

***

Hypatia watched Regulus get dressed from the comfort of their bed.

"Are you sure you have to go?"

Regulus paused, his shirt halfway buttoned up. "You're worried something will happen to
me?"

"Of course I am."

"I'm going to be okay, love. It's just a quick trip to the jewelers. Tonks will be with me, and
she's an Auror. You know I'm going to have to go out eventually. The Dark Lord won't be
lured out if we fade into the background."

Hypatia's eyes looked tormented. He could feel her fear and trepidation down their bond. He
kissed her, muting her worry. He pulled back just enough to move his lips to her ear. His hand
traced over her pulse, and he felt it quicken under his touch.

"I am coming back to you. I will always come back to you, Hypatia. Do you understand
that?"

"But-"

"I don't care if I am on the verge of death. I will find a way back to you. I will never leave
you wondering what happened to me. Do you understand baby girl?"

"I understand Daddy."

"Good girl."

He kissed her gently, reassuringly. He stood back to his feet and started to re-button his shirt.
"I suggest you get up and get dressed, I made arrangements for a surprise while I'm gone."

Hypatia shot up in bed with a smile, "What did you do?"

"You'll just have to wait and see."

***

Regulus had only been gone for five minutes when she felt the wards shift again. The twins
had already left for work, and she wasn't anticipating anyone else. She placed a final hair pin
into her hair and ran down the stairs as her feet would take her.

She drew her wand as she went. The only people allowed through the wards would have had
to be added by her or Regulus. Was this his surprise? She turned the corner into the sitting
room, and ran face first into platinum blonde curls.

"Luna?"

The girl in question spun around and Hypatia squealed with glee. "Oh, it is you! Is Neville
here?"
"Right here," Neville greeted from behind her.

Hypatia rushed towards him and hugged him tightly.

"Oh, I'm so glad you're okay! This is the best surprise ever!"

Hermione chuckled from her position by the fireplace. Draco was sitting in a chair looking
acutely uncomfortable. She supposed she couldn't blame him. He'd been a terrible bully to
Neville. He had to be fearful to face him.

Neville looked down at her fondly. "We leave you alone for a couple days and you get
married, and move Malfoy into your house? What's that about?"

Malfoy got rather red around the ears, but Hypatia just smiled. He was due a little teasing.

"Take a seat. I'll tell you all about it."

***

Regulus walked down Diagon Alley. Tonks walked beside him. She had chosen to wear her
hair like her mother today. With her tightly coiled dark brown curls, the family resemblance
was more clear than ever.

They were hyper aware of everything around him, of every pair of eyes that followed
Regulus' movements. Ever since they passed Flourish & Blotts someone had been following
them.

Tonks tapped her nose, grabbed Regulus' arm, and turned into an alleyway. Their pursuer
followed them. Regulus got hold of the boy, and slammed his back into the brick wall of the
alleyway. He held him by the neck as his wand dug into his jugular.

"Who are you?"

"Fuck, that's Ron Weasley." Tonks panicked.

"Keep guard," Regulus spat.

Tonks turned her back, but not before she whispered, "You can't kill a minor, Reggie. I draw
the line at minor's. I'm a bloody Auror for Merlin's sake."

Regulus rolled his eyes at his cousin. "I'm not gonna kill him."

"Fine."

Tonks kept her back to Regulus and Ron, casting a quick Notice Me Not charm over the
alley. The last thing she needed right now was someone noticing this little tiff.
"We need to talk about Hypatia," Ron choked out.

Tonks let out a low whistle, "Wrong move there Weasley."

Regulus ignored her commentary. "So what? Have you come to tell me you're in love with
Hypatia, and that I don't deserve her? She's mine Weasley. There's no going back from a soul
bond."

"It's not like that," Ron protested.

"Isn't it?" Regulus asked, his wand digging harder into Ron's neck.

"No."

Tonks looked over her shoulder quickly, "I said no killing minors Reggie!"

Regulus let out an annoyed sigh but let go of Ron's neck. The boy's posture slumped. Regulus
relaxed a bit as he realized he wasn't a threat. Ron rolled his shoulders in an attempt to ease
the ache of being slammed against the brick building.

"Merlin, you've got a short fuse. Has anyone ever told you that?"

"Half the magical world wants my wife dead, and the other half wants me dead. You'd be on
edge too."

"Yeah," Ron sighed. "That's a good point. How is Hypatia by the way?"

"She's great," Regulus shrugged. "Better than she's ever been, in her own words."

Ron was looking at him piercingly, seeming like he was trying to decide on something. Tonks
watched them with wide eyes. Finally Ron nodded and began to speak.

"Has she told you about her Muggle guardians?"

"Barely."

Ron's eyes flicked to Tonks, but he pressed on. "The summer after our first year there was a
long stretch when Hypatia didn't answer anyone's letters. Not mine, or Hermoine's, or
anyones. No one knew what was happening, but I had a terrible feeling. Eventually the twins
and I went to get her."

Regulus' jaw flexed. He tried to keep hold of his temper. Of course. He knew something was
off in the way she spoke about her guardians, but they hadn't talked about it yet.

"Continue," he ordered.

Ron blew out a deep breath, "There were bars on her window. They had locked all of her
belongings up, so she couldn't get to them. They had burned some of them too. There were
bruises, so many of them, all over her arms and legs. I tried to ask her about it but she refused
to tell me anything."
Regulus could swear his blood was boiling in his veins. He looked at Tonks. He could tell she
was angry too. She might be half Tonks, but she was half a Black as well. Hypatia was family
now. This was unforgivable.

"Did you tell anyone?" Tonks asked.

"I told my parents, and they told Dumbledore. He said she had to go back there every
summer because of the blood relation. After that summer Hermione's parents picked her up
as soon as Dumbeldore allowed it. They've always been closer to each other."

"This should have been reported," Tonks whispered. "Dumbledore should have taken this to
the Auror department."

"Like he took the abuse of Sirius and I to the Auror department? Or Draco? You imagine he
didn't know? He knows everything that goes on in that school."

"Are you saying we can't trust Dumbledore?" Ron asked.

"Not if you want to live, Weasley."

"Fuck. I don't know what I'm supposed to do. Hypatia is like another sister to me. I only left
St. Mungo's with my family because I can't leave Ginny alone in that house. My mother is…
well… she's intense."

Regulus looked at him measuredly, "What you're doing is noble, but if you and your sister
ever need a way out, you're welcome at Grimmauld Place. I'll tell Dobby to answer your
calls, just in case."

"What do you think could happen?" Ron asked in surprise.

"I don't know, but there's a war on. There's very little Dumbledore and the Death Eater's
wouldn't do to win"
 Chapter 16

Tonks looked at Regulus, " What are you going to do about this? "

"What do you think I'm going to do about this?"

Tonks twirled her wand in hand as she rested her back against the cool brick wall. She
couldn't be involved. Not directly. She was still an Auror. She had taken an oath. The best she
could do was look the other way.

"I've got to get back to work soon," she offered.

Regular sighed in resignation, "Yes, what a shame that is. No matter. You go back to work.
I'll find something to do. "

Tonks shrugged and turned like she was going to leave the alleyway. Regulus stopped her
before she could leave. "You know if you ever didn't want to be an Auror, the family could
give you a stipend. You could be a Security of sorts."

" I don't think my mother would like that very much. I worked pretty hard to get where I am
within the department"

"Yes, well Andromeda would know all about going against her parents wishes. She had no
right to judge, but it's just an option. Give it some thought."

Tonks looked at him measuredly. She wanted to make sure this war ended with as little
collateral damage as possible. She saw how it tore up her parents' generation to lose so many
of their friends. Could she really be more useful outside of her current position?

Then, there was her own family to consider. Though they weren't yet married, she and her
partners had been discussing trying for a baby. One of them would have to take off for at least
a year. Bill was more than willing, but the more Tonks thought about it, the more she wanted
to be at home, at least for that first year or two.

" Do you think that you could give me a little time to think about it?"

" Of course I can."

Tonks nodded, "All right then. I'll have an answer for you by the end of the week. I'm going
back to the Ministry. Don't leave any traces of anything you get up to."

Tonks held out her hand, a small paper held in between her fingertips. Regulus took it and
opened it carefully. It read 'Number 4 Privet Drive-Little Whinging-Surrey'. Regulus looked
up and nodded. Tonks left the alleyway with a wink.

Regulus quieted himself for a moment and focused on his bond with Hypatia. He could feel
her happiness of being together with her friends once again, and something akin to
amusement that he would definitely want to know about later.
He'd never been more glad that his anger ran cool. Otherwise she certainly would have been
aware of what was going on. As it was he'd be lucky if he made it out of his next encounter
without alerting her to his rage. He saw no way around it.

They had hurt Hypatia and they had to pay for what they had done. They all would in time.

***

The house was nothing- small, plain, forgettable. How could this insignificant house, in this
Muggle neighborhood, contain someone as magnificent as his wife? She was regal. This
place was anything but.

He heard the loud shouts of what must be Hypatia's teenage cousin. He was a bossy, rude
boy. Not that his mother or father bothered to correct him. Did they know where Hypatia
was? Did they care that she was gone? Or were they glad to be rid of her.?

None of this was acceptable.

Part of him wondered what would happen if he burned the house with them still in it. On
second thought, that would probably leave a trace. Best not to create a mess for Tonks.

His fist was heavy as he knocked against the wood of the front door. A thin woman with a
neck that was far too long answered the door. Her nose scrunched up, as if she was better
than him. Ironic considering he could buy this entire neighborhood without a second thought.

"Are you the former guardians of Lady Hypatia Potter-Black? "

The woman's beady green eyes bulged. But they weren't beautiful like Hypatia's eyes. They
were a green Regulus imagined you might find at the bottom of an overused cauldron that
hadn't been cleaned properly.

"I have no idea who you're talking about, " she spat. She moved to close the door in his face
but Regulus stopped it by placing his dragon-hide boot in the path of the door.

" Oh, but I think you do. You would do well to develop a better poker face. "

Regulus forced his way through the door. The woman scrambled back as he flipped his wand
to lock and ward the door. She ran into the kitchen and tried to slam the door behind her, but
Regulus was there too. He blasted it open with a quick spell.

" Vernon! Vernon, help me! There's one of these freaks in the house! "

A large man akin to a walrus came running around the corner. Regulus' raised one eyebrow,
and flicked his wand lazily to capture them both.Ropes sprung forth from the end of his wand
and wrapped around them, binding them to the kitchen chairs. Their son came in the room
next, and a quick flick of his wand subdued him as well.
Their eyes were filled with terror. He strode closer to them, casually, as if he had all the time
in the world. He paused as he rested his back against the far side of their counter. He plucked
a large bowl from their counter and tilted it back and forth in his hands as he watched them.

"Now let's try this again. Are you or are you not the family that was trusted with Hypatia's
safety?"

"I knew that freak would be our downfall!" Vernon spat.

Regulus let the Crucio fall from his lips, and oh, it tasted so sweet. He flicked a silencing
charm around the room. He did not want to be interrupted. When the man's screams faded to
quiet sobs, Regulus addressed them again.

"I've bound myself to Hypatia. We share a soul, and magic."

Regulus could practically see the woman trying to contain the urge to spew vitriol. At least
she was learning, not that it would help her now. He twirled his wand and enjoyed how the
boy jolted in his seat. Sirius was going to be sad he missed this.

"As you can imagine I don't look kindly on people who hurt the other half of my soul. So
what we're going to do is this - I am going to look at your memories of how you treated my
wife. And I am going to inflict on you the pain that she felt for all those years, over the
course of a single hour. And then I'm going to wipe your memories. You don't get to
remember my sweet Hypatia. You don't get to remember what I did to you. But the damage
and the pain will remain. One day soon you'll die, and no one will have any idea why, or any
way to prove what happened. "

Their eyes bulged, "That man will stop you! The one from the school! Dumbledore, they call
him."

Regulus laughed, and it was full of bitterness and hate. "Don't you know? Dumbledore only
helps people that can give him something. He doesn't care about you, silly Muggles."

Their faces were terror filled. Regulus was well aware that it pleased him much more than it
should. " Now let's just see how bad you have been. "

***

Regulus emerged from the makeshift pensive. He glowered at the muggles still bound to the
chairs.

"Did you know that most Purebloods struggle to conceive? They try for years and years
before they are successful. Yet your sister and her husband were able to conceive at the age of
19. By all rights Hypatia is a miracle, yet you treat her like a curse."

"Why are you telling us about your freakish world?! "

"Because I need you to understand why I'm doing this. I'm not usually a cruel man. I'm not a
wizard that takes pleasure from hurting people. But my family is sacred. I would do anything
to keep them safe, even from threats such as you."

"We're not a threat to that freak of yours!"

Regulus tilted his head, "Do you really think that? I saw what you did. The threat you pose
now is inconsequential at best, I give you that, but our fears are not always rational.
Especially when rooted in childhood. Perhaps this will give her some peace, I know it will
give me some."

Regulus used the curses he had learned the hard way, at the end of his mother's wand. Their
screams became tiresome, and he silenced them all together. He wondered if this was worse.
To not be allowed to express your anguish. He certainly hoped so.

Those memories had to be nothing short of sickening. Hitting her had practically become a
family sport. Anytime Hypatia had shown the smallest bit of accidental magic she had been
punished severely. But it wasn't just beatings. It was starving and tauntings.

He knew the pain of physical abuse, but his parents never tore him down the way the
Dursley's did Hypatia. His parents had drilled into him from an early age that Purebloods,
and especially their family, were better than everyone else. Confidence was not something he
lacked.

Hypatia on the other hand, had to contend with these horrid people telling her she was ugly
everyday. As if she could ever be anything less than exquisite. She had to keep an iron tight
grip on herself when she was at home, to make sure she didn't get beaten for any imagined
bad behavior. It shed some light on why she wanted him to take control from her, why she
wanted to sit back and let herself be led.

Finally, she was safe. She could relax.

Well, they had fainted. That wasn't very fun. He supposed he could wake them up, and start
all over again, but it seemed like they were already at their breaking point. Beginners. He had
endured much more than this at the end of his mother's wand and not once fainted.

He made quick work of untying them and floating them to their beds. He wiped their
memories and removed any trace that he'd ever been here at all. In the next few weeks their
states would deteriorate and deteriorate until they died.

On that day he would drink champagne.

***

By the time Regulus arrived back at Grimmauld Place it was nearing lunch.
He had invited Hypatia's friends over while he was gone to give her some time to catch up
with them alone. No doubt they would have lots of questions about what happened after the
battle. It was silent in the house when Regulus entered, though he heard sounds from the
direction of the kitchen.

He walked down the stairs, checking his hands one last time to make sure there was no blood,
or sign of a fight. They were flawless. His attention was drawn up by the sound of bare feet
on tile, and then Hypatia was jumping into his arms. She threw her arms around his neck and
kissed him all over the face.

Regulus smiled, "Miss me, did you?"

"I did! This was the best surprise ever!"

"Where is everyone? I was hoping to get to know your friends better."

Hypatia pulled back to beam at him, "They're out in the garden. I just came in to use the
restroom. We've been hazing Draco. We're making him pull weeds by hand, but Neville's too
nice. He's joined him."

Regulus shook his head, "You Gryffindor's just can't help but be noble, can you?"

Hypatia laughed, "Well maybe a little. Where's Tonks?"

Regulus sat her back down on her feet. She looked so happy and calm today. She had donned
a simple white sundress, and it contrasted beautifully with her rapidly tanning skin. He slid
her strap to the side, amused to see how much she'd darkened in just a morning.

"She had to go back to work, love."

"So you were alone?" Hypatia asked with an arched brow.

"No, not really."

Hypatia gave him a sharp look, and he smiled. Her concern was heartwarming. He could feel
her love and concern pouring down the bond, so unlike anything he'd ever felt.

"Would you like your ring?"

"Oh, yes please!"

Regulus pulled the ring box from his pocket, and held it out in front of her. Her eyes lit up as
her fingers twitched. Regulus smirked, "Go ahead Princess, take it. It's yours."

Hypatia reached out slowly, like she wasn't sure he would let her take it. Finally she took it
from his hands, and opened the box. There were two rings within, learly meant to go together.
One held several large stones that were beautiful, and uncut. The smaller band beneath held
several of the uncut gems as well.

"What are these?" Hypatia asked in wonderment.

Regulus held out his hand for the box, and she handed it back. He took the rings and slid
them on her finger, and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.

"They're called raw diamonds, my love. Something about it just made me think of you."

"It's gorgeous," Hypatia admired.

Regulus pulled her close to him, "You are gorgeous, and I'm very glad you like your rings."

He pulled her into a kiss. He was so glad to be back home, to be able to touch Hypatia, and
know that she was safe. Hypatia pulled back after a moment, and looked up at him with a
knowing smirk. "Don't think I missed your flares of anger, just because you bought me some
jewelry.I expect a full explanation once my friends have gone home."

Regulus balked, "That's it? No fight?"

"I've never seen you get angry that it wasn't justified. I trust whatever you did, you left no
evidence. Did you want to fight about it?"

Regulus shook his head, "No. You just continue to surprise me. You're so good."

"Yes, well right now I'd rather go enjoy hazing Draco. Will you join me?"

"Of course."
 Chapter 17

Regulus was relieved to find that Hypatia's friends seemed much like her. He always thought
Gryffindor's were noble, or at least thought themselves so, but what he now thought
connected them the most was their fierce loyalty. Loyalty to one another, loyalty to whatever
they deemed worthy, and fiercely protective should someone dare to threaten it.

They all orbited around Hypatia, as people had James. It was clear they all loved her in their
own ways. His eyes turned to Luna after a while. She paused in her dancing, and turned her
eyes to meet him.

"Narlywhickets," she said by way of explanation.

Neville tensed, and stood up, as if he expected Regulus to make fun of Luna. Hypatia put a
hand on her Godbrother's arm. He need not worry. Regulus smiled and held out a conciliatory
hand towards Neville.

"I know all about Narlywhickets, actually. Pandora told me all about them."

"You believed her?" Luna asked with wide eyes.

"Pandora was my dearest friend, Luna. I believe everything she ever told me."

Luna jumped up and down like a little girl. Her blonde curls bounced with mirth. She ran
towards Neville and grabbed his hands.

"He understands," she whispered.

Neville beamed down at her, "He does."

Luna skipped over to Regulus and pulled him down towards the grass to start a long
discussion about the various shapes of Nargles. Draco looked around Neville's shoulder at
their grouping on the grass.

"What's a Nargle? And what's a Narlywhicket?"

"Come Draco! We'll teach you all about them!"

Hypatia and Neville pushed him towards the grass, where they all were given a very thorough
education from Luna. The rest of the day passed quickly. They had lunch on the lawn.
Eventually Luna and Neville returned to Longbottom Manor, with a promise to return soon.

"She's a little different," Draco noted after they left.

"She is," Hypatia admitted, "but say a word against her, and I'll hex your bullocks off!"

"Merlin!" Draco swore. "I didn't mean anything bad by it, I've just never met someone like
her before. Most Purebloods are so bloody uptight."
"Sorry," Hypatia shrugged, though Regulus was smiling brilliantly. He loved it when she was
feisty. "It's a knee-jerk reaction. She was bullied horribly by the other Ravenclaws until
Hermione and I put an end to it."

Draco gasped, "Wait, no. Edgecombe!? Chang?!"

"You didn't really think we permanently scarred them for telling on our meetings did you?"
Hermione asked.

"I would have," Regulus scowled.

"They're bullys," Hermione sniffed as she inspected her nails. "They deserved what they got,
and I have not one ounce of remorse for their fate. The only thing I regret is the lack of a nail
salon in this house. My cuticles are suffering."

"I can do your nails tomorrow," Hypatia offered. "I have some potions that will work
wonders on your cuticles."

"You two are insane," Draco accused. "You talk about permanently disfiguring girls one
second, and cuticles the next."

"You know what's truly deranged?" Regulus asked. Draco waited, clearly unsure of the
answer. "Insulting two powerful, dangerous women that you literally can not get away from."

Draco looked caged, and took off for the staircase. Hypatia, Hermione, and Regulus
descended into laughter that followed him all the up to his room.

***

Hypatia stood in front of the mirror, looking at her reflection. She was amazed at how tan she
had gotten today. She found she enjoyed spending time outside, when not being forced to pull
weeds by her Muggle guardians. It was nice to lay in the sun, and laugh with her friends.

She caught sight of Regulus behind her as he entered the room. He closed the door behind
him, and raised a silencing charm before placing his wand on the bed. Hypatia removed her
earrings and laid them on her vanity.

"What happened while you were out today?"

Regulus sighed as came to stand behind her. "I ran into Ron Weasley. He had some
interesting things to tell me about your guardians."

Hypatia froze, her entire body going tense. Her gaze went unfocused. He could feel her side
of the bond nearly shut down. Perhaps it was easier than feeling something about them, than
thinking about what had happened in that house.
"Regulus…"

She didn't know what to say. She didn't like to talk about it. It happened. It was awful. It was
over. She wanted it to be over.

"I went there."

Her eyes flashed back to consciousness, meeting his in the reflection of the mirror. He was
standing directly behind her now, the fraction of space in between them like a livewire.

"What happened?"

Regulus raised one hand to grip her waist, with the other he brushed aside her curls and
placed a kiss on her neck. He grazed his lips up her neck, making her shiver, and up to her
ear. "I made them pay for what they did to you. They'll be dead within a month."

Hypatia's head fell back against his shoulder. Regulus felt relief flood through their bond as it
slowly reopened. She was coming back to life under his fingertips.

"We don't have to talk about it, if you don't want to. I watched their memories. I know
everything."

Hypatia nearly sobbed. This was a gift that she couldn't ever repay. To not have to relive that
torture to explain it to her husband, was priceless. Her relief was soon drawn out by another
feeling, because Regulus was doing something particularly distracting with his hands.

His fingertips ghosted over the line of her underwear, teasing her with his barely there
touches. Hypatia arched her back, pushing her ass into his touch. She couldn't get enough.

Regulus chuckled, "Does it turn you on that I tortured them?"

Hypatia nodded her head, as her eyes sparkled in the candlelight.

"I meant what I said. Your enemies are my enemies."

Hypatia rubbed her thighs together, or tried. Regulus stopped her with a firm hand on her
inner thigh. She whined, and he smirked at her reflection.

"Merlin, you're beautiful when you're desperate."

He flicked his hand, and her clothes vanished, leaving her bare to him. He gripped her hips in
his hands, and leaned forward to trace his tongue over the new tan lines on her shoulders. She
pushed back against him, but he took a step back again.

"Bend over. Hands on the vanity." Hypatia obeyed. Regulus palmed her ass. Merlin, it was
perfect. "Fuck, look at you Hypatia. Such a good girl"

He squeezed her hips in his hands as he pressed his erection against her. She shivered, but
didn't dare make a move. She waited for his next order. Regulus smiled as he ran his hands up
and down her back. He pulled her hair gently as he bent around to pinch her nipple. Their
gazes locked once again in the mirror.

He moved until he found her clit, and circled it gently. "Is that what you need, princess?"

Hypatia rocked against his hand, moving until she got him in the perfect spot. It was almost
perfect, and she was much too far gone to care about how wanton she sounded as moans fell
from her lips. She could feel Regulus' own arousal through their bond, making her bold.

"Daddy I need you."

"I'm right here," Regulus teased.

"I need you to fuck me, Daddy. Please."

Her green eyes were so big and pleading as she thrust her hips back against him, and really,
who was he to deny her? He put a hand against her lower back to angle her down more,
vanished his pants, and thrusted into the hilt.

"Fuck. Fuck." Hypatia gasped. She grabbed her wand and said the contraception spell.
Regulus couldn't believe he had forgotten. He white light settled over her abdomen as he
slowly thrusted in.

"Maybe I should start the potion," Hypatia gasped out.

Regulus hated the sound of that. It went against every urge he had in his body to continue his
bloodline. The family magic practically revolted in his chest. It was his bloody idea to wait,
and he was right, as much as he disliked it.

"No. We'll remember."

Regulus lost himself in Hypatia as they moved together. Her tits looked perfect from this
angle, bouncing in time with their movements. But her pretty green eyes kept closing, and
that would never do.

"Open your eyes."

Hypatia's eyes snapped open at the deep tone of authority in Regulus' voice. She found it hard
to keep her eyes open when she was being overtaken by so much pleasure, but the look in
Regulus' gray eyes was too much to look away from. That was a look to build a life on.

Regulus trailed his hand around her body, rubbing at her clit. A wicked idea took root in
Hypatia's mind as pleasure started to mount in her core. She focused for a moment, and when
she spoke it was in Parseltongue.

"I love you Daddy."

Regulus' hips sped up at her words, "Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Fucking killing me."
Regulus' desire pouring through their bond sent Hypatia over the edge, and Hypatia dragged
Regulus with her as her walls clenched around him. Regulus collapsed over the top of her as
they caught their breaths, his chest pressed to her back.

After a moment he raised his head to smile at her in the mirror. "You are perfect." He sucked
at a spot on her neck that made her squeal and turn to face him. He picked her up and laid her
down in bed beside him, where he quickly cleaned them both.

He littered her face with gentle kisses. He looked like he was close to tears as he stroked her
face. "I promise you, I promise, I am going to give you the family you want. Just as soon as I
kill Voldemort. I just can't bring a baby into this."

Hypatia smiled as her hands played with his hair, "I know you will, love."

She did. She could feel it through their bond- his own desire for a family, the desperation to
give her the things she desired. It was so strong.

"Something's occurred to me," Hypatia mused.

"What's that?" Regulus asked as he trailed his fingers up and down Hypatia's back.

"I don't think the twins know about what happened in the Chamber yet. They would have
been teasing us relentlessly."

"I've hardly even seen them," Regulus noted.

"They work crazy hours when they're trying to finalize a new product. When we were in
Hogwarts they'd stay up for days, and then crash for a week. They're my best investment
ever."

"You invested in their store?"

"Well, technically we did, since you're Lord Potter-Black. I'm a very silent partner. I gave
them the thousand galleons that I won from the Triwizard Tournament to start the shop. It
didn't feel right to keep it after Cedric died. Besides, look at what they've created from it!"

Regulus smiled, "That was very wise of you, love. Still, I don't think they'd tease you too
much."

"Oh no? Just wait. You have not seen the full chaos that is the Weasley twins yet."

***

Hypatia's words were providential. The Weasley twins crashed into their beds that night, and
did not surface until noon the next day.
When they woke they found the residents of the house in the sitting room. Sirius, Hypatia,
and Cissa were pouring over color wheels and fabric samples as Hermione, Regulus, Remus,
and Draco talking about magical creatures.

The twins collapsed onto a free love seat, and Helene fussed over them, as they rubbed their
eyes sleepily. She pushed strong cups of tea in their hands.

"You work so hard, boys. You must take time for yourselves! Hermione, look at how
exhausted they are!"

Hermione spared them a look and shrugged nonchalantly. "They've always been like this
mum! You should have seen them at school. There's no stopping them."

Helene returned to her seat with a much put upon sigh. Hector put his arm around her. "You
really should rest more. You won't be young forever."

George peeked over at Hermione, who was ignoring them again.

"We'd take more time off if Hermione would agree to go on courtship dates with us!"

"Now that would be worth taking off for," Fred agreed.

"I can't go out in public," Hermione reminded. "It's not safe."

Fred jumped out of his seat, his exhaustion apparently forgotten in the pursuit of Hermione's
attention. Draco tried and failed not to laugh at the way he kneeled in front of Hermione like
a knight.

"C'mon Mione, we've got this giant house, and that garden out back! Give us a chance, we'll
make something spectacular for you! It will be just like a regular courtship date!"

"Are they always like this?" Draco whispered to Hypatia.

"They're usually worse," Hypatia snickered.

"You're one to talk," Hermione volleyed. "At least they don't get distracted in the Chamber of
Secrets of all places."

Regulus froze, waiting to see how Hypatia would react. Anyone else and he would have
defended her, he would have struck the person down in fact, but the relationship between
sisters was different. Hermione clearly hadn't meant to let it slip in front of her parents, or
Sirius and Remus.

"What's this about the Chamber?" Remus asked. "I thought the destruction of the horcruxes
went smoothly? You said there were no problems."

"It went a little too smoothly, if you ask me," Draco jeered.

"What the fuck is going on?!" Sirius demanded. "This is serious magic! Regulus, so help me
Merlin, if you put Hypatia in danger I will string you up from the rafters!"
Regulus burst out into laughter. He'd never put Hypatia in danger if he could help it, and the
mental image of Sirius chasing him around the house in an attempt to catch him was just too
much. Hypatia collapsed into giggles beside him. She hid her face in her hands as laughter
racked her body.

"Someone tell us what's going on," Fred pleaded.

Hermione whispered in his ear, and he jumped up on one of the coffee tables, all sense of
propriety forgotten. "Our fearless leader lost her virginity in the Chamber of Secrets and
we're just now learning about it?! Oy, that's legendary!"

"I'm gonna puke," Sirius wailed.

Remus blushed around his ears, clearly embarrassed. The Granger's and Cissa dutifully
pretended like they hadn't heard what Fred had just yelled. Instead Helene swatted at his leg
with one dainty hand.

"Get down, Fred. It's incredibly rude to jump on your host's table!"

Fred jumped back to the floor, and was quickly joined by George. They knelt and bowed
dramatically to Hyptia. Even Hermoine and Draco couldn't help but laugh at their antics.
Sirius fled the room, with an apologetic looking Remus behind him.

After a moment they retook their seats, and everyone settled down again. Hector looked at
them measuredly. "So this means you share magic now?"

"Yes," Regulus confirmed.

Hector nodded, "Good. I admit I'm relieved. I'd hate for anything to happen to either of you."
 Chapter 18

The next few days passed quickly. Hypatia dedicated herself to solidifying a decor scheme
for the house, with the help of Cissa and Sirius, whom Remus tried to keep in line as much as
he could.

Regulus was still trying to fill himself in on what he had missed in his long absence. There
was so much to catch up on. On the third day after his trip to Diagon Alley he got a letter
from Miss Amelia Bones.

"I've got good news brother."

All eyes turned to him except for Sirius. Even Hermione and Draco put down their cursory
list of studies for the next year.

"What's that?" Sirius asked rather distractedly, picking at a fabric sample for curtains.

"I've got a provisionary acquittal here."

Sirius dropped the fabric sample in his hands, and stared at his brother with wide eyes.

"You don't," Sirius denied.

"Oh, I do. Miss Bones is prepared to offer you an acquittal because you didn't have a trial. All
you have to do is come to the Ministry, and submit to a retrieval of your memories and
questioning under Veritaserum."

Hypatia bounced excitedly on her tiptoes as she looked at Sirius. Sirius, on the other hand,
looked like he might be in shock.

"How did you do this?" He rasped out.

"I'm Lord Black. I can do anything. That, and Miss Bones particularly dislikes Albus
Dumbledore. We have an appointment later today."

Hypatia paused, her body tense. Regulus could feel it through their bond before he even
looked at her. He knew where her mind was going. He kept his eyes on Sirius, pleased to see
the hope on his face.

"You have two hours. Remus, please make sure he looks presentable."

"Got it," Remus confirmed.

Regulus held out his hand to Hypatia, and she took it. He led her out of the sitting room, and
up to the library, where he closed the door behind them. A quick silencing and locking charm
assured them privacy.
Hypatia's breath fled her lungs as Regulus pinned her against a bookshelf. He tugged on her
hair harshly, baring her throat to him. He kissed, and bit, until there were bright pink bruises
forming on her skin. When she tried to move her hips against him, he stilled her with rough
hands.

"I can feel your panic, but I'll always come home to you, Hypatia."

Hypatia lowered her eyes, "You can't promise that Reg! There's too many variables."

Regulus hated the way she was feeling, the desperation so clear through their bond. He forced
her to look back at him, his hand guiding her jaw. "I don't care if I have to bargain with Death
himself, I will always find a way back to you."

His hands ghosted south, gripping harshly at her hips. Hypatia sucked in a breath as
butterflies took flight in her stomach. One hand reached under her dress to rub taunting
circles on her hip, as his other hand came to rest on the front of her throat, just barely
applying pressure.

"You doubt my word? You think I'd leave you lonely?"

Hypatia didn't answer. She couldn't think straight. She was lost to the want rushing through
her veins. Regulus tightened his hold just a bit, and her heart took off even faster.

"Answer me Hypatia."

"No, Daddy. Never."

Regulus smirked as he gave her throat one last squeeze, and removed his hand to ghost down
her body. "That's right baby girl. No other man will ever get a chance to have you. You're
mine. Every fucking inch of you belongs to me. Say it Hypatia."

"I belong to you."

She felt wetness flood her at the words, at the thought of being so thoroughly claimed in
every way possible.

"That's right, and I take care of what's mine. I take care of everyone in this house, don't I?"

"Yes Daddy." Hypatia confirmed, her hands tugging at the line of his belt. Regulus looked at
her fiercely, his eyes molten silver. "Please, Daddy. Fuck me before you leave. Remind me
who I belong to?"

He didn't answer her, he merely whispered the conception charm as he looked into her
brilliant green eyes. She was goading him, he knew that, but it was too tempting to resist. Her
excitement was flooding his mind. Regulus trailed a hand down, and Hypatia shivered as his
thumb stroked over her already soaking wet clit.

"You're not wearing underwear?" Regulus asked.

Hypatia smiled with all the force of a demon. Regulus groaned. She was wearing a tiny pale
blue sundress dress. Her tan skin was everywhere, and the knowledge that he could have
taken her easily at any point this morning, was driving him insane.

"Hands up, Princess."

She complied easily. In mere seconds Regulus had his tie around her wrists. With a
whispered charm she changed the colors so it was Slytherin green. Regulus kissed her hard,
impressed by her wandless magic. She had been practicing.

He unbuckled his belt, and Hypatia moaned appreciatively at the sound of leather against
metal. It was music to her ears. When the head of his penis nudged her clit, her head lulled
back and hit the bookcase behind her. She moved her hips in an attempt to get what she
wanted.

"Patience, love. You're playing by my rules today. You doubted me, and now you have to pay
the price."

Hypatia played along, suspended in a state of excited anticipation. He ran his cock along her
folds, and everytime he came near her core, he'd press in the slightest bit before he pulled
away. She nearly sobbed with want as Regulus smirked at her.

"You Gryffindor's are so ruled by your emotions," he teased as he pressed against her
entrance again. Hypatia's breath caught. Just when she thought he might give in, he pulled
away again, and sucked a breast into his mouth. She was sure if he actually pushed all the
way in, she might cum on the spot.

"Daddy please," she pleaded.

"Oh no," Regulus sighed against her breast. "This hurts me too. You know Daddy wants to
give you everything you want, but you just don't listen. I told you I'd always come back to
you the last time I left the house. Didn't I?"

"You did," Hypatia admitted weepily, desperate for release.

"Do you believe me?" He asked as he looked into her eyes. "The truth."

Hypatia tried to focus. It was hard with all the endorphins rushing through her veins.

"I believe you."

"Good girl."

Finally, finally, finally he sank into her warmth, and all Hypatia could do was moan. She
instantly clenched around him. The anticipation had been too much. Regulus let her ride out
her first orgasm as he held her. When her eyes refocused on him he began to move slowly.

She breathed out his name like a prayer as he moved slowly, enjoying the tortured look when
he drew out, and paused to see her face, before thrusting back in. He released her hands after
only a few minutes. He needed to feel her hands on him, to feel her nails dig into his
shoulders, and mark his back.

Nothing in the world beat the way she curled around him and whispered "Daddy" when he
thrusted in. Like she never wanted him to leave. The slow push-pull was heavenly, and
Regulus was near his breaking point.

"Tell me what you need Hypatia. I'm so close, but I need you to cum again. Anything, and it's
yours."

The words that Hypatia had been biting back for days finally fell from her lips.

"Hurt me."

Regulus raised a brow at her in question, and she nodded. She had been hurt her whole life.
In Quidditch games, by Voldemort, by her guardians.

Somewhere along the way it became an integral part of who she was. She didn't know why
she needed it, or how she knew, but she did. Regulus didn't pause his movements as he
thought.

"How much?"

"Just a little."

Regulus grabbed his wand from the shelf behind Hypatia, "A cut?"

Hypatia nodded her head at the thought of her tan skin marred by blood, of Regulus cutting
her skin. There was something Dark and possessive about it.

It echoed the way she had summoned him, her, in this very library. He pointed his wand at
her ribcage, and waited for her to respond as he continued the thrust of his hips.

"Please."

Regulus cut her ribcage shallowly, just enough to bleed. He watched as the brilliant crimson
welled up and ran down her ribcage, onto the fabric of her bunched up sundress. The slight
sting sent Hypatia over the edge. She clenched around him, her second orgasm sweeping her
away as Regulus continued to move inside of her. She bit down on his shoulder as she came,
pulling him with her.

Regulus stumbled back into a chair eventually, bringing Hypatia with him to sit on his lap.
She rested her head on his shoulder as he rubbed her sides. He looked down at his left hand,
still gripping his wand, her blood coating both. He healed the cut, but left her blood on their
bodies. She had asked for it.

Hypatia lifted her head, a faint blush on her cheeks. "Was that too weird?"

"No," Regulus assured her. "That was hot. Very hot."

"It felt so good," she whispered shyly.

"A little pain can make the pleasure more intense. You leave marks all over my back and
shoulders with your nails. That's not exactly pain free."

"I hadn't thought of that," Hypatia admitted.

"Neither of us are saints," Regulus chuckled. "We're both used to pain. I don't think there's
anything wrong with it as long as we're careful, and communicate. We should have a safe
word."

"What's a safe word?" Hypatia asked.

"A word we say if things get to be too much. If we want to stop. That way things don't get out
of hand. Especially since you like me to be in control."

Hypatia hummed and put her head back on Regulus' shoulder.

"Chamber," she suggested.

Regulus smiled and pressed a kiss to her hair, "That's perfect. Do you want to join me for a
bath before Sirius and I go to the Ministry?"

Hypatia laced her arms around his neck, "Of course I do."

***

Regulus pressed a kiss to Hypatia's shoulder as he zipped her into a black dress.

"How are you feeling?"

"Thoroughly satisfied," she chuckled. "Why?"

"You were worried before. I could feel it through the bond."

Hypatia sighed as she turned to face him. She stroked his black hair gently, and brushed her
fingertips over his shoulders.

"I think I might always be worried when we're apart. At least a little. Especially while
Voldemort still lives. I've never had someone who loved me as much as you do."

"I know the feeling," Regulus acknowledged.

"Reg, if anyone dared to touch you, I don't know what I might do. Well… maybe I do. That's
why it's so scary."

"You are Lady Potter-Black, and should anyone ever best me, you know what to do."
Hypatia smiled brilliantly. She knew she was understood. If anyone hurt her husband, she'd
rain down hell on them until they begged for the mercy of a quick death. Which she would
not deign to grant to them. Knowing Hermione, she'd be right at her side, leading the fight.

"We better get going, love."

They headed for the door, and Regulus led her down the steps. "What will you do while we're
gone?"

"I promised Hermione and Draco I'd add my two cents to their ideas for next year's
curriculum. They're determined to reach an accord by the end of the week so they can have
time to order books and supplies."

"They do know they don't have to start when Hogwarts starts right? You can do whatever you
want."

Hermione joined them as she left her room with the twins trailing behind her. "No we can't! I
won't get behind, Regulus!"

"I apologize," Regulus corrected himself. "I was clearly mistaken."

***

Tonks met them as they exited the grate at the Ministry, with Kingsley by her side, to make
sure they made it safely to Miss Bone's office.

"Isn't this a conflict of interest?" Regulus asked Tonks.

"I turned in my resignation this morning, so no. Protecting the family is now my full time
job."

Regulus smiled brilliantly, as did Sirius.

"I'm glad. I'll owl Gringotts to make sure you get paid more than whatever pittance the
Ministry was surely paying you."

Tonks winked at Regulus. "I appreciate that. Children are expensive after all."

"Are you pregnant?!" Sirius practically screeched.

Regulus glared at him and he quelled with an apologetic grimace as they entered a lift.
Kingsley shut the door and pressed the button for the Department of Magical Law
Enforcement, where Miss Bones was Director.

"I'm not pregnant, Siri, but I'd like to be someday soon."

"So your relationship's out of the bag?" Regulus asked.

"Kings is more observant than the average Auror," Tonks told him. "The general public
doesn't know. Though with Sirius' screeching, there are sure to be rumors of something by the
end of the day."

"And you?" Regulus asked. "Are you still an Auror, or shall I owl Gringotts about paying you
too?"

Kingsley smirked, "I remember you. You were always cocky. I'm still an Auror, for the time
being. Just trying to help an old friend get justice."

Sirius patted his back, "I appreciate that buddy."

Kingsley sighed, "Too much of our generation is gone. I don't blame any of you for wanting
to protect Lady Potter-Black. She's a special person. Let me know if there's anything I can do
to help you."

Regulus pocketed that offer in the back of his mind as they left the lift. He saw people's eyes
widen as they looked at him and Sirius. He couldn't blame them. The Black brothers were
practically infamous.

He had to give credit to Remus, his brother looked every bit the Pureblood today. Remus had
stuffed him into dress robes that made him look particularly dignified, and not at all like an
Azkaban escapee.

"Lord Potter-Black, welcome!"

Miss Bones was a serious looking woman with honey blonde hair, and focused brown eyes.
She took Regulus' hand in hers and shook it.

"Please, come into my office."

Tonks and Kinglsey waited outside the office, forbidding interference. She waved them into
chairs that Sirius took jauntily. Amelia shifted papers on her desk as she looked for the proper
form.

"I have to admit I'm surprised you were able to get this done so easily."

Her eyes snapped up to Regulus. "Easy? Is that how I made it seem? Well I suppose it was
easy, compared to other things. Mostly it was me being sneaky. There's actually quite a bit of
laws about a right to trial, but in the panic of the war, things went horribly wrong. If
Dumbledore realized what I was doing, he'd be beating down my door. Thank Merlin the old
coot hasn't caught a word."

"So you push through this acquittal… and then what? Will you face repercussions?"

Amelia shrugged, "Legally there's nothing they can do to me, but you know how they are. If
they want to fire me, they'll find another reason. It doesn't matter. Susan and I are set up. My
sister, her mother, left us quite a bit of money. I've never touched it, but if I had to, to keep
her safe, I would."

"You could always come work for us," Regulus offered.

"What, are you putting together a company?" Sirius scoffed.

"The family used to employ lots of wizards and witches under Uncle Alphard, if you
remember correctly."

Sirius shrugged, "I never did pay much attention to the family business."

"And that's why the family magic chose me as Lord Black."

Amelia watched their banter with amusement. Regulus chose to ignore the way Sirius rolled
his eyes and crossed his arms like a child. They could fight all day.

"Back to the point, I believe we have memories to watch, and questions to answer."

Amelia shook her head to refocus her thoughts, "Right. Right. Of course."

***

Sirius signed on the dotted line several hours later. They glowed bright gold, signifying that
they had been automatically accepted by the Ministry's internal system. Amelia stood to her
feet, and sent the paper copy of the forms off with a flick of her wand.

"Well you're a free man, Mister Black. What will you do with your freedom?"

Sirius' eyes practically twinkled for a moment.

"I'll protect my Goddaughter, and once this war is over, I'll take a nice long trip with Remus.
Maybe we'll get married somewhere fun and exotic, with very little clothes. Merlin, all those
werewolf muscles…"

Regulus clasped his hand on his brother's shoulder, gripping a little harder than strictly
necessary to jolt him out of his daydream. Sirius jolted as an apologetic grin overtook his
face.

"Sorry about that Miss Bones."

"No worries, Mister Black. I'm sure it's a relief. Now go on, and be on your best behavior. I'd
hate to see you back here anytime soon."
 Chapter 19

“So, what’s next?” Tonks asked as they walked down the halls of the Ministry.

“I will take the Wizengamot seat for our family next week. In the meantime, any time Sirius
or I leave the house, you come with us.”

“Sounds good,” Tonks cheered, her hair turning a bright pink.

Their group stopped abruptly as someone stepped into their path. Regulus glared at the
blonde boy in ugly burgundy robes. He’d remember Heir McLaggen anywhere.

“Can I help you?”

Tonks and Sirius were shocked by the vitriol in Regulus’ voice, but they knew there must be
a reason. Tonks looked around the corridor, thanking Merlin that it was abandoned but for
them. Heir Smith stepped closer than Tonks would consider wise, but Regulus stood his
ground.

“What did you do to Hypatia? She’d never love a Death Eater like you. You must be
potioning her. Either that or she’s a whore. Who marries themselves out to the first Dark
wizard they meet?”

Tonks grabbed hold of Sirius’ arm as he reached for his wand. Regulus didn’t take his gaze
from Heir McLaggen as he paled his wand, and addressed his cousin. Regulus pinned Heir
McLaggen against the wall, as his wand dug into his throat. Sirius snatched the boy's wand
out of his hand with vicious glee. This was the most fun he had in ages.

“Tonks, what’s the penalty if I maim him?”

“3-5 in Azkaban.”

“Tonks,” Regulus warned.

Tonks rolled her eyes, “Kidding. He insulted a Pureblood Lady’s honor in front of her
Pureblood husband and witnesses. You’d get a slap on the wrist, and a fine of three hundred
galleons, as long as there is no permanent disfigurement.”

“Great.” He dug his wand further into the boy's throat, enjoying the look of panic in his eyes.
“You made a grave mistake today. No one insults my wife’s honor. Hypatia chose me.”

“She wouldn’t,” he gasped.

“What, you think she wants you? Some idiot that wouldn’t even know how to please her? My
wife begged me to fuck her in our library mere hours ago . She begs me for a child. You have
no idea what you’re playing with. If you ever try to talk to my wife again, I’ll kill you.”
Regulus let a weak torture curse surge through his wand and into the boys body. It was weak,
but even it had the boy whimpering. Regulus let him go after a mere moment. He scurried
backwards and Sirius threw his wand at him.

“I don’t know what you did, boy, but come near my Goddaughter and you’ll see the force of
the Black family madness. Now run away!”

The boy ran off, his eyes wide, and his pants wet. Tonks smiled as they continued on their
way. Sirius looked at her oddly.

“Thought you’d object to the use of force more, Tonksie. Being a Hufflepuff and all that.”

Tonks hair flashed a brilliant gold, “Well it sounds like that boy is threatening Hypatia. There
was a weird sense of ownership in the way he spoke about her, but I’ve never heard Hypatia
speak about him. If it was someone she liked, she would have mentioned him at some point.
So I think Regulus is just trying to protect her. Which is actually quite sweet. I approve.”

Regulus smiled brilliantly at his cousin.

***

Hypatia listened with barely concealed boredom as Hermione and Draco droned on about
class options. Cissa looked at her with pity. Not everyone excelled in the same areas, and it
was clear Hypatia didn’t care for Runes and Arithmancy like Draco and Hermione did.

“What is it you would like to study, Hypatia?”

Hypatia jolted out of her boredom. “Uh, I don’t know. I never really liked the classes part of
Hogwarts all that much.”

Cissa laughed, “Yes, I can see that. They’re options are rather restricted. What are some of
your interests?”

“Well I always liked Care of Magical Creatures, that’s part of what drew me to Regulus. He
wrote about them in his journals.”

“Ok, well we can integrate that into our studies,” Remus acknowledged. “Regulus has
mentioned wanting to push through werewolf rights after the war, so if you’re all educated on
it already, that would help the cause a lot. Anything else?”

Hypatia looked down at her hands, unsure of how to say what she wanted. Hermonie nudged
her with her foot, and she looked up to see Hermone smiling encouragingly. Even Draco was
waiting patiently to see what Hypatia would say.

“Ok, hear me out. I really like clothes, and I’d like to try my hand at design. But not just
design. There are all kinds of protection spells that can be placed on fabrics, or woven into
them, if done at the right stage in production.”

Cissa nodded. She knew it was true. It was an ancient form of protection, not often practiced
anymore because of its connection to the ancient families that practiced Dark magic.

“I want to explore how far I can take that. Regulus has done all sorts of research into spell
creation. If mother’s could send their children to school in protective cloaks- if
Mugggleborns could be sent home with protective clothing or jewelry- I think it would be
worth it.”

Remus smiled, “Of course. Regulus may have to work more closely with you on that, but we
can allot time for that, and order books.”

“Don’t bother looking,” Cissa told him. “The most useful books on a topic that Dark will be
right here in the Black library. As for the fabric, and the like, I can help Hypatia order that
from a boutique I know.”

“Perfect.”

Regulus smiled from the doorway. Working protective enchantments into clothing seemed
like the perfect thing for Hypatia. She had a keen eye for style, and always wanted to save
everyone. The added benefit of them getting to work together was only a bonus for him.

He felt a tug on his robes, and looked down to see Dobby looking at him with wide eyes. The
house elf motioned for him to follow him, and Regulus did so. After a few steps he knelt
down to hear what the elf had to say.

“The toad woman has left the hospital.”

Regulus' eyes glinted in anticipation, “Where did she go?”

“A small cottage in the countryside. I can take you there if you’re ready.”

“Can you take two others as well?”

“Of course.”

“Right then. Time to get Sirius and Remus.”

***

Sirius looked around the sitting room, utterly destroyed. Blood covered nearly everything.
His brother wore a satisfied smirk. The Umbridge bitch was dead, and her precious pink
cottage splattered red.

“This really was my favorite sweater,” Remus lamented, taking it off and tossing it.
“I’ll buy you another,” Sirius promised.

“After that I’ll buy you a whole damn closet,” Regulus chuckled.

Moony had lost it at the sight of the pink toad, taking control of the wizard's body he
inhabited. Thankfully Remus had been on the same page for the witches fate, or he’d be
having a moral crisis instead of lamenting the loss of his favorite sweater.

“What do we do now?” Remus asked. “I’m not well versed on covering up this sort of thing.”

The Black brothers locked eyes, “Burn it.”

“Burn it?”

“Yes. Transfigure what’s left of her body into something innocuous, and burn the whole
house down using Muggle means, so our magic can’t be tracked.”

Remus gave a fake salute and went in search of matches.

***

Regulus slid into bed around midnight. Hypatia turned to him and pressed a kiss to his bare
shoulder.

“Where were you?” She whispered sleepily, her lips brushing along his collarbone. Regulus
did his best to conceal the shiver at the feeling.

“Umbridge,” Regulus said simply.

“She’s dead?” Hypatia asked.

Regulus dropped a kiss on her head. “Yes, love. She’s dead.”

Regulus felt Hypatia’s lips curve into a smile against his neck.

“Thank you.”

He raised her hand, the one with the horrid scars, and kissed it softly. “We will always protect
you, love. Now sleep.”

***
The next day Regulus was inundated with letters. The news of Sirius’ acquittal had made the
front page of The Daily Prophet, and everyone had something to say. Thankfully the news of
a house fire in a small village did not seem to grace the Prophet. Even Dumbledore had
written to request a meeting, one that Regulus was not inclined to grant.

“What is it he wants?” Regulus asked Tonks.

“Access to Hypatia, I imagine. He thinks he’ll be able to manipulate you into letting her
come back to school.”

Regulus scoffed, “Over my dead body. Maybe for her final year, if it's safe, and they’ll allow
me to join her. But we have a lot of things to do before that.”

“Really?” Tonks asked in surprise.

Regulus shrugged, “If she wants. I’m her husband, not her captor. I could spare a year if she
wanted to return. It could be fun.”

“I think I should tell you, Hypatia isn’t as delicate as you think she is.”

“What do you mean?”

“The way she dueled at the Ministry, I’ve seldom seen anything like it. She’s magically
powerful, but it’s not just that. She can move around a battlefield quickly because she’s small.
People underestimate her, and she uses it to her advantage. She could have easily killed Bella
if Voldemort hadn’t shown up”

“I know she’s powerful, but she doesn’t want to have to be at home. That is her decision. It’s
not something I forced on her. She’s had to bear the weight of the magical world for far too
long. If me being in control in these little ways helps her, I’m happy to do it.”

Tonks nodded. “Still, I think you need to consider letting her fight against Voldemort, if it
comes to it.”

Regulus' jaw flexed. The thought had been on his mind for a few days. He knew his wife was
powerful, and while he could use her magic, that wasn’t the only factor in who won a duel.
So much of it was luck, and timing. Still, he hoped it wouldn’t come to that.

“I’ll think about it.”

“I know it’s against our instincts as Black’s, to let our partners run into danger, but we can’t
control them. Look at Bill and Fleur. They’re both Curse Breakers. I can hardly tell them to
stay home all day.”

Regulus sighed, “Yes, perhaps you have a point.”

A sharp door knocked at the door, and Regulus called for whoever it was to enter. Hermione
opened the door, and was followed in by the mischievous looking twins. Regulus shoved the
letters into a drawer, and greeted Hermione.
“What can I do for you three?”

Hermione drew herself up to her full height, squaring her shoulders. The twins looked more
than a little amused. “Hypatia’s birthday is in two days. I know there’s a lot going on, but she
deserves a nice day, and I won’t let this distract from it. We have prepared several suitable
options for celebrations, and presents, and you need to choose.”

Regulus couldn’t help but smirk at her cheek. He motioned to a set of doors in the wall that
opened up at his command, showing piles and piles of wrapped presents.

“Hermione, you wound me. To think that I wouldn’t spoil my own wife on her birthday.
Though I admit the most grand of presents must wait until after the war is over. Trust me, I
have this under control.”

***

Regulus kissed Hypatia’s neck, smiling when she whined and pushed her hips against him.
He smirked against her skin as he held her still.

“Tell me what you want,” Regulus pleaded.

He knew there was something she was keeping from him. He could feel it through their bond,
and sense it in her actions. There was something she wanted for her birthday that she refused
to tell him. He kissed her neck, nibbling so her eyes would roll back, and she’d lose that last
bit of control.

“It’s impossible,” she gasped out.

Regulus ghosted his lips over her collar bone, and pressed a gentle barely there kiss to her
lips.

“Nothing is impossible. Not for you and I.”

He picked her up, and sucked a nipple into his mouth. She scratched his scalp in retaliation,
and Regulus pulled away from her with a groan.

“Tell me.”

His voice was low and commanding, and it fuelled Hypatia’s want. She was half beside
herself. “Fine, I want to fucking go on a date. I’ve never even been on one, but it’s
impossible.”

Regulus stilled. Such a simple desire, so pure, and unadulterated. Hypatia should have been
Courted, she should have been taken to dinners, and plays, and balls, but that hadn’t been
how fate brought them together. Regulus let his hips roll forward, and watched Hypatia as her
head rolled back, and her eyes fluttered.
They’d have to draw out Voldemort eventually. The sight of Hypatia and he, dripped in
finery, and living their lives freely, might be enough to make him act. He had no doubt he and
Hypaita could end the Dark Lord together. Could they really end this war before Fall?

“Look at me,” Regulus ordered. Hypatia’s green eyes pierced him. “If we do this- if- you
have to listen to me while we’re out. If something happens, and a duel begins, you aim to kill.
Do you understand?”

“I understand, Daddy.”

Regulus let go, and let himself drown in Hypatia.

 Chapter 20

Regulus tried to work out how to make his wife's dreams come true. To spare her the
headache of planning, and not to ruin the surprise, he had sent her to spend the day with
Neville and Luna within the safety of the garden.

"I really don't think this is a good idea," Remus hedged.

"Respectfully, you are a werewolf, not an assassin. Shut up," Tonks snapped.

Remus' eyes glowed aureate for a second before Sirius pulled him away from the turquoise
haired witch. Fred and George barely hid their laughter behind Hermione's back. She rolled
her eyes at their antics.

"Might I suggest the Golden Cauldron," Narcissa suggested calmly.

All eyes turned to her as the petty chatter died a quick death. It was seldom that Narcissa
added her thoughts to a conversation, though she was always helpful when she did.

"Hate that place," Sirius whispered.

"Yes we know mister rebel without a cause," Hermione snarled.

"I have a cause," Sirius complained. "Be-cause I hate Pureblood bullshit."

"Anyways," Regulus cut off. "The Golden Cauldron is actually a good idea."

"What's the Golden Cauldron?" George asked Hermione.

"A very fancy, very secretive Pureblood restaurant," Hector provided. "My father was a
member. Most of the old families have memberships, though apparently not yours."

Fred and George looked around dumbfounded. They might be Purebloods, but the wealth of
the Black's and even the Granger's, was something quite foreign to them. Though they were
headed in the right direction.

"What makes it a good idea exactly, besides it being fancy and secretive?" Fred asked.

"It has non-combatant charms placed on the building," Narcissa provided. "It means no
offensive magic can be used on the property. Therefore making it safe for Regulus and
Hypatia. A Death Eater simply wouldn't know what to do if they cornered them."

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I mean all they'd have to do is grab a steak knife, but Purebloods
lose it when they can't use their magic."

"This is why we love you," George said proudly.

Both twins leaned down and placed a kiss on each one of Hermione's cheeks. She blushed a
furious red and made a mad dash to hide behind her mother, who barely bothered to chide the
boys for their public display of affection.

"If we could refocus on our plans," Regulus chided.

"Sorry," the twins mumbled as they retook their seats.

"The Black's are of course long standing members at the Golden Cauldron. It should be no
problem to get reservations, even at this short notice."

"Certainly not when it's for Lord and Lady Potter-Black," Sirius laughed.

"For you too, brother. I want you, Remus, and Tonks with us in the restaurant."

"Do I have to?" Sirius whined.

"Let's ignore the fact that you're a grown man acting like a toddler. Your goddaughters safety
might rely on having backup there. But to sweeten the pot, I'll buy you one of those bass
guitars you always wanted, if you come. But you have to be on your best behavior. If I hear
you complain once the deal is off!"

Sirius' eyes practically sparkled with unfulfilled dreams of rock stardom. Remus could feel
the coming headache now. He was going to need a pair of earplugs. Sirius mimicked locking
his lips and throwing the key to Regulus, who was indulgent enough to pretend to catch it.

"Right, now we have a plan. I will take Hypatia to the Golden Cauldron tomorrow night, at
Seven P.M. Tonks, Sirius, Remus, I expect you ready, and in formal attire."

"Regulus, if I might interrupt."

"Yes, Hermione?"

"I can't help but think you should have a way to protect yourself, or to attack someone. It just
seems foolish to go in unarmed."

"You may have a point, but the anti-combatant charms also recognize potions that may be
harmful."

Hermione got a wicked look in her eye, "But would it recognize Muggle poisons, or
weapons?"

Narcissa blinked rapidly in surprise "I really hadn't thought of that. I imagine not."

"Well then I'd like to prepare Hypatia's bag. There's no reason to miss an opportunity."

Regulus nodded, "That's a brilliant idea, but I have to admit, I didn't know you were so pro-
violence."
Hermione shrugged, "I'm not. I'm pro Hypatia living a very long life, so we can both have
kids at the same time, and be best friends forever. Until we all die in our sleep, at the exact
same time. I will lose it on the entire wizarding world if I have to live without my sister."

"She said kids," George whispered as he hit Fred on the chest.

"Multiple," Fred whispered in glee.

"Twin girls are first of course, and you and Hypatia will have twin boys."

"Have you planned out your entire lives?" Draco asked in bewilderment.

"Yes, now be quiet." She bossed.

Draco looked properly afraid of Hermione, which amused Regulus to no end. He had a few
final preparations to make, but those had to be done by himself. He trusted Hermione, but
nothing was too much for his Hypatia. He'd do whatever it took to make her safe.

Soon people began to leave Regulus' study. Draco lingered behind, resting a shoulder against
the doorway to Regulus' study. Regulus paused his letter to Severus when it became clear his
cousin wanted to speak.

"You have something to say?"

"I'd bet my inheritance that the Dark Lord will interfere in your little date."

Regulus set down his quill, and turned his full attention to the young man in the doorway.

"I'm sure you're correct."

"Does Hypatia realize that?"

Regulus leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms across his chest, "Of course she does.
She's not stupid."

Draco strode into the room. Regulus was almost amused.

"Then why do this? Why risk your safety? Surely in another few months-"

"What? What will happen?" Regulus demanded. "Nothing. We have the advantage now. The
Dark Lord is weak. Every day we wait gives them time to take another life. Why do you care
anyways? I was under the impression you and Hypatia were rivals."

Draco sat down in a chair heavily, "She grows on you. I just don't get it."

"You've never been in love, have you?"

Draco's jaw ticked, uncomfortable with the personal question, but he had left himself open to
it.

"No."
"I didn't think so," Regulus sighed. "Women like Hypatia can't be tamed. Not really.
Whatever submission she shows me is a precious gift. She has a thirst for life that can't be
quenched within these walls. She'd stay here for as long as I told her to, but she won't thrive
that way. She needs freedom."

"But she's so… happy with you."

Regulus smiled smugly, "She is, but eventually it wouldn't be enough. She needs to know she
can leave if she wants."

"And that's really okay with you? "

"Yes. I know my wife will always come home to me."

***

Really, this dress was a triumph. Straps made of pearls slunk low across Hypatia's back,
connecting to the finest black silk that money could buy. It felt like a caress against her skin.

Hermione tilted her head as she looked at her sister, "Are there actual diamonds in your
heels?"

Hypatia tilted a stiletto, looking at it carefully, before she shrugged in resignation. "Truly, I
don't want to know. Regulus bought them."

"So yes," Hermione giggled.

"Probably," Hypatia smiled as she slipped a pearl earring in her ear. "Best birthday present
ever."

"Your birthday isn't even until tomorrow," Draco drawled derisively from the bed.

"If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."

"That's catchy. Is that from a book or something?" Draco asked.

"It's from Bambi," Hermione told him distractedly.

"What's a Bambi?" Draco asked from his spot in Hermione's desk chair.

"A deer," Hypatia provided.

"What is it with your family and deers?!" Draco shrieked.

"Oy, it's a children's film. Calm down Malfoy," George chastised as he entered the room. He
took a seat next to Fred on Hermione's bed and watched as Hermione helped Hypatia get
ready.
"Say it again," Fred said sternly from his spot on the bed.

"I am Lady Potter-Black. Nothing can stand against me."

"Doesn't sound convincing if you ask me." Draco grumbled.

George threw a pillow at him. "It's an affirmation you prat. It's meant to build her confidence.
Right Mione?"

"Right dear," Hermoine answered absentmindedly.

She was double checking the extension charms she had put on Hypatia's tiny clutch for the
night. She had stowed Hypatia's invisibility cloak within, and quite a few Muggle poisons, as
well as some products from the joke shop in case she needed to create a diversion.

She took Hypatia's arm in her hand, where her wand was strapped, and cast a disillusionment
charm so it looked like she wasn't armed. She tapped her wand to Hypatia's thigh, hiding the
dagger that was strapped there as well.

"I wish I could go," Hermione whined. "I just know something is going to happen."

"I'll be alright, Mione."

Hermione blew out a deep breath, "Right. Of course. Potter luck. Just listen to your instincts,
and your husband. Between the two of you, I know you can handle anything."

Hypatia pulled her into a hug.

***

Regulus was speaking to Tonks when he heard Hypatia's heels strike the stairs. His
composure failed him and his jaw dropped open at the sight of her. He knew she would look
good in the dress he had bought, but seeing it in person was quite a different thing.

It was different than what she usually wore, more revealing and form fitting. The black silk
laid on her tan skin like water. He admired the sway of her hips, the smirk that graced her
lips. He shook his head, but the infatuation didn't dissipate.

She was glorious.

Tonks made herself scarce while Hypatia approached Regulus. His hands found her hips,
pulling her into his body. Hypatia sighed happily as she bit down on her lip. He wanted to
take her right here. She could tell exactly what he was thinking, if the twinkle in her eyes was
any indication.

"Are you going to be a good girl tonight?" He asked in a whisper.

"Of course I will," she replied as she batted her eyes innocently.

Regulus' eyes flickered down to her purse. He knew Hermione had lined it with enough
Muggle poisons to kill an army. He wondered for a moment if he should be worried that she
had access to Muggle poisons, but let it pass. Like Tonks, she was full of surprises.

"Make yourselves proper!" Sirius yelled as he walked down the stairs with a hand over his
eyes, led by Remus. Hypatia took a step back from Regulus, who glared up at his brother.

"Sirius, it's safe." He called up the stairs.

"Thank Merlin. I've heard enough about you two to make me puke. I don't need to see it too."

Remus pulled him aside as they reached the bottom of the staircase. "Look, I don't know
what Pureblood restaurants get up to, but it just occurred to me that they probably don't want
a Halfblood werewolf in their restaurant."

Regulus laughed as Remus glared at him.

"I took care of it."

"What does that mean?" Remus asked. "I don't want to ruin your date."

Regulus shrugged casually as he adjusted his dress robes. "You won't. I took care of it."

"You did something crazy didn't you?" Remus asked as he followed him back towards
Hypatia and Sirius. Tonks rejoined them, her hair a pretty lilac tonight. Regulus took
Hypatia's hand and raised it to his lips, pressing a gentle kiss to the back of her knuckles.

"It's only crazy if you're not wealthy, but we are, and I do mean we . Or you will be, once you
marry Sirius. Then everyone simply calls it eccentric. Isn't it marvelous?"

"I haven't even agreed to marry Sirius," Remus said impatiently.

"But you will. You're madly in love, and have been since you met."

"Well I suppose," Remus grumbled.

"Did my brother just propose to you for me?" Sirius asked dumbly.

"I think so," Hypatia giggled.

"Somebody had to," Remus added.

"I didn't know you wanted me to! Merlin, I'll buy you a ring right now. We can be bonded by
the end of the hour. I know a great little jeweler-"

Tonks cleared her throat. Sirius looked around, suddenly remembering they had a very
important dinner to get to.

"Right, well, maybe we should wait until after Hypatia's birthday."

***

The eccentric thing Regulus had done became clear within mere moments of them exiting the
Floo at the Golden Cauldron. A man Hypatia could only imagine was the manager came into
the Floo room, bowing enough to annoy even the most formal of Purebloods.

"Pardon me while I make sure everything is perfect for your date."

The man scurried back out of the room. Hypatia turned to Regulus, her eyes lit with
amusement.

"Did you buy this restaurant?"

"Perhaps," Regulus replied with a smirk.

"Don't you think a purchase this big is something you ought to run by your wife?" Hypatia
asked, though in truth she was amused.

Regulus approached her, walking until her back hit the wall, and his arms caged her in. He
leaned down until his lips hovered over hers. She could feel the edges of his smirk against her
lips.

"Maybe," he conceded. "But even so, we are still the wealthiest couple in all of Britain. We
can sell it after the war, if you want, or keep it in the family."

One hand slid down her side, making Hypatia shudder with his touch.

"Daddy," Hypatia breathed out.

Regulus blew out a deep breath. He needed to be able to think straight, and that was very
hard, with Hypatia looking so beautiful that all he wanted to was bury himself inside of her.
Still, he was not Lord Potter-Black for nothing. He would persevere.

"Not now, baby girl. Tonks and my brother will be joining us any minute."

Hypatia sighed, but allowed Regulus to pull away from her.

"So, why buy the restaurant?"

Regulus' eyes lit with glee, "The non combatant charms don't work against the owners, which
means you and I can use magic to defend ourselves now."

Hypatia rushed towards him, kissing him for all she was worth. Regulus was everything. He'd
given her the world, and somehow found a way to make it safe. His hand ghosted over the
dagger strapped to her thigh, an appreciative moan escaping from his throat.
"Guys," Tonks interrupted.

Hypatia groaned as she pulled away from her husband yet again. Tonks was laughing at them.

"Hey, do whatever you want, but Sirius and Remus will be here in a minute, and Sirius will
be very dramatic if he sees this."

"You're right," Regulus agreed.

"We need to send them on a very long honeymoon," Hypatia whispered as the couple in
question stepped through the Floo.

The nervous looking manager came back, "Your tables are ready, Lord Potter-Black."

Hypatia took Regulus' arm when he offered it. The fine fabric of his dress robes were soft
under her fingertips. She straightened her posture, well aware that they represented both their
houses whenever they stepped into public.

As they left the Floo room they passed a family of large witches and wizards with severe
grimaces on their faces. Regulus nodded his head to them, though he did not stop to make
introductions.

"The Flint's," Regulus whispered after they passed them. "No doubt on their way to tattle to
the Dark Lord about our whereabouts."

Hypatia's hand tightened on Regulus' arm. She might be slightly anxious, but she trusted
Regulus. She trusted her instincts. Let them come. They were ready. Hypatia took the seat
Regulus held out for her.

It was a small table under a grand chandelier. Tonks, Remus, and Sirius took a table near the
entrance to the Floo room so they would see anyone that came in looking suspicious.

"This is beautiful," Hypatia whispered.

The restaurant was composed of a large dining room, with marble floors. Long, floor to
ceiling windows lined one wall, looking out into a starlit sky. The room was bathed in warm
candlelight.

"I'm glad you think so," Regulus replied.

Hypatia looked around confused, "Do we need to order?"

"Not tonight, love. I told them your favorites before we came, and the cook was kind enough
to make them for you."

"You do think of everything," Hypatia smiled.

Someone came forward with wine and glasses and placed them on their table with a curtsy.
Regulus took the bottle and poured it for himself and Hypatia.
"You think me drinking is wise under the circumstances?" Hypatia asked.

"A bit, yes. As long as you don't get blackout drunk. Maybe you should actually. It turned out
well last time, even if you did have quite the hangover."

"That's true," Hypatia agreed as she took a sip of the wine. "Still, I think I'd like to keep my
wits about me."

"Suit yourself," Regulus smirked. "I quite like it when you lose control."

Hypatia swirled her wine around her glass as she looked around the room. There were several
other diners. They seemed to be doing their best to pretend like they weren't watching her and
Regulus, which she supposed is the best she could ask for, given their unique status.

Her eyes shifted to the hallway, and she froze, her posture going stiff. "Regulus."

"I know, baby girl. I can feel it."

Hypatia's hand went to her purse, opening it as she felt Regulus summon several things from
within silently. She removed her dagger from her thigh holster and held it under the table.

Tom Riddle was walking through the restaurant, looking not a day over seventeen. Judging
by the general lack of panic, only she and Regulus recognized him. Not even Sirius, Rems, or
Tonks had seen him so young. Quite a powerful glamor.charm must have been cast to remove
his snakely visage.

Tom pulled out one of the empty chairs and sat down as if he was a long expected guest. At
the table across the restaurant, Sirius, Remus and Tonks were whispering furiously about who
the stranger could be.

"What are you doing here Tom?" Regulus asked tensley. "Surely you know there are no
combatant charms placed on this building. We couldn't kill each other even if we tried."

"I want you to leave me alone," Tom snarled. "I am weak enough."

Hypatia scoffed, "Why should we?"

"Albus will come for you once I'm gone."

"I can handle a frail old man," Hypatia volleyed. "Or haven't you heard? I'm the Girl Who
Lived."

Fuck but Regulus really enjoyed seeing Hypatia like this. It was true. She could handle
Dumbledore. Maybe not before he came along, not because she didn't have the power, she
had always had that in spades. She simply needed confidence.

"He is more conniving than you think, you silly little girl."

This was Regulus' opportunity, and he was going to take it. Tom was distracted by Hypatia.
He remembered how entitled Tom was, how he always tried to take everything that didn't
belong to him. He uncorked one of the vials Hermione had provided, and dumped it into his
wine glass.

Hypatia tilted her head, her finger playing along the edge of the dagger under the table.

"I'm not a little girl anymore, Tom. I'm Lady Potter-Black, the most powerful witch in all of
Britain. I weave Dark magic for fun. I summoned Regulus with ancient blood magic. I'll
destroy anyone who threatens my family. Dumbledore included."

Tom stole Regulus' wine glass and took a sip, ignoring Hypatia for the moment. He missed
Regulus' smirk.

"Look, Dumbledore will end us both if you don't calm down, little girl. I can not fix the past.
Perhaps we can come to some kind of truce. Regulus, come back to work for me and-"

He froze, his eyes wide, as he raised his hand to his throat. He fell off the side of his chair as
Hypatia smiled the most seductive smile Regulus had ever seen grace her lips. Chaos erupted
around them, but Regulus wasted no time. He pulled his wand and cast his Patronus, which to
his surprise, took the form of a giant stag.

"The Dark Lord is dead. Kill the snake and round up the Death Eaters."

The stag left the restaurant at a gallop as Hypatia took the Dark Lord's wand, and snapped it
in half. The glamor faded quickly from the cooling corpse, leaving the corpse of Voldemort
on the floor. Sirius, Remus, and Tonks had to fight their way through the other patrons.

Outside the restaurant the pop of Auror's apparition could be heard. They pushed back the
other patrons. "What's going on here?" Mad Eye Moody demanded.

"See for yourself," Regulus waved towards the body.

"That's Vodemort." Moody observed in shock.

"It is," Regulus confirmed.

"He's dead?"

"Certainly seems that way. Though I'm awaiting one other thing to be completely sure."

A doe Patrous came gambling through the wall. To Hypatia's surprise it spoke in the voice of
Severus Snape. "Nagini is dead. Bellatrix is dead. Send help to Malfoy Manor."

"Now the Dark Lord is dead," Regulus amended. "I recommend you send some Auror's over
to Malfoy Manor to help round up the remaining Death Eater's. It's just Sev trying to round
them up right now. He's fine with a wand, but not equal to all of them."

Moody turned and looked at the growing crowd of Auror's behind him.

"Kings, go to Malfoy Manor! Leave the rookies with me to interview the witnesses."
Pops were heard throughout the room as the Senior Auror's disappeared, leaving Moody with
a smaller group of younger Aurors. Hypatia slipped her hand into Regulus' as she watched
the Junior Aurors begin to organize the witnesses.

"Are we going to be in trouble?" Hypatia asked him in a whisper.

"What do you think, Moody? Will we be in trouble for ending the Dark Lord?"

Moody barked out a laugh, "Not with the Ministry. Hell, they might even give you an award.
Order of Merlin I imagine."
 Chapter 21

Hypatia turned to Regulus with a pout, "I don't want an Order of Merlin. I want to be able to
go on a courtship date. Tom ruined everything."

"Are you suggesting we should have let him live?" Regulus asked with a smirk.

"No, of course not, but I'm still hungry."

"I'll have the chef place a Stasis Charm on your food so you can have it when we get home.
How does that sound?"

"Fine. I suppose," Hypatia conceded.

Regulus didn't miss the look of incredulity that Mad Eye gave Hypatia.

"You do realize the significance of what happened here?" Moody asked. "You just killed the
Dark Lord. You ended the war before it even started, and you're worried about dinner?"

Hypatia rolled her eyes and tangled her fingers with Regulus'. Regulus was so smug it
practically leaked out of the corners of his smile. His witch's confidence was a sight to
behold.

"I understand," Hypatia assured Moody. "But I've already killed him twice. It was getting old.
Frankly, I'd rather be celebrating the first birthday I can remember with a happy family."

Mad Eye Moody looked at her, with a newfound respect in his eyes.

"We're still going to need you to come to the Ministry."

"For what?!" Hypatia demanded. "Can't you take my memories now? I am turning sixteen in
just a few hours! I mean really!"

Regulus smirked and squeezed her hand gently. He angled himself slightly in front of her, so
that Moody would focus his attentions on him instead.

"Surely this can wait. I give you my word we'll be there the day after her birthday. Bright and
early, so we can run through whatever red tape the Minister is insistent we go through. But I
warn you now, where Hypatia goes, I go. Tonks as well."

Mad Eye looked at his protegee, who stood behind Hypatia and Regulus now. As sad as he
had been to see her go, he could tell she was happier. She had clearly made the right choice,
as Voldemort was now dead, at these young folks' hands.

"The Minister won't like it," Mad Eye grumbled vaguely. "But I suppose if you were to slip
out, I could look the other way. As long as you keep your word."

"A Black always keeps his word," Regulus promised.

"Well then I think I'll just head assist the coroner in incinerating Voldemort's body. We don't
want to take any risks."

He made a grand show of turning his back and hobbling away towards where a coroner was
kneeling over the body of the Dark Lord. Hypatia, Regulus, and their family high tailed it for
the Floo.

***

Hermione clutched Hypatia to her body, tears running down her cheeks. "You did it. Oh, I'm
so proud of you. The war is over. Oh, Merlin!"

"Regulus was the one who poisoned him," Draco reminded her.

"Be quiet," Hermione insisted. "My sister has defeated Voldemort."

Regulus rolled his eyes as he took a sip of wine.

"Now I know you want to have babies, but can you please wait? It's going to take at least a
year to plan our weddings, and then another year until we get pregnant so that we have time
to travel."

Hypatia looked at Regulus, and he waved his hand indulgently. He wanted children badly,
just as badly as Hypatia did, but if she wanted a little more time, he would give it. She had
barely had a chance to rest, and she had never travelled. Neither had he, for that matter.

"It could be fun," he conceded. "We could court. Have a formal wedding like we promised
the Granger's. Travel. Start our work on creatures rights, and enchanted clothing. Two years
is nothing in the grand scheme of things."

Hypatia was thinking. Her impulsive Gryffindor side wanted her to jump right in, but she
could see the sense in waiting, and it would be so much more enjoyable if Hermione and she
had children the same age.

"Fine. Two years. But you and the twins have to start courting right away, or I will rescind
this offer. Understand?"

"I understand. Of course I understand." Hermione agreed.

"Georgie, this is our big chance," Fred whispered.

"Better not screw it up," George replied.

Hermione turned her eyes on them, and they tried diligently to not turn into piles of lovesick
goo.
"Do you have a courtship offer ready?"

"Do we have one ready?" Fred joked.

"As if we haven't had one ready since her fourth year."

"Right. Then go talk to my parents. They're in the library. Shoo!"

George pulled Fred off the couch by his collar. The sound of their heavy footsteps could be
heard all the way up the stairs. Draco shook his head rather dramatically, and Hermione
turned her gaze on him.

"Have something to add to the conversation Malfoy?"

"You have them completely wrapped around your finger. It's hilarious."

Hypatia sucked in a breath. Regulus sat beside her and offered her a wine glass. She took
small sips as she waited for what was sure to be an amusing come back from Hermione.

"You know what Malfoy? I'm tired of your vague nonchalance. You have a front row seat to
all of our romantic lives, but you don't return the favor. We all know Parkinson doesn't
interest you anymore. So who is it then? Greengrass? Nott? Bulstrode?"

"Shut up," Draco sneered. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"I know more than you give me credit for," Hermione replied, a hint of steel in her voice.

"What am I missing?" Regulus asked.

There was a silent war going on between Hermione and Draco, the slightest tilt of his head
imploring her not to speak. Hermione had nearly decided to keep his secret, when he opened
his mouth and ruined it all.

"See the stupid girl doesn't know everything after all."

"Draco Malfoy has had a crush on Ginny Weasley for years!" Hermione shouted out as she
stood to her feet. As soon as she said it her hand flew to her mouth. Her brown eyes went
wide, as if she couldn't believe she had said it. What little color Draco possessed drained
from his face. Regulus' eyes traveled between Hermione and Draco. He addressed Hermione
first.

"How do you know?"

She looked ashamed now, her hands fiddling nervously in her lap. Hypatia set down her
glass, and moved to sit beside her best friend. She could tell Hermione felt terrible for
blurting out Draco's personal business.

"Draco came to see Ginny in the hospital wing after Hypatia rescued her from the Chamber
of Secrets. I was petrified, but I could still hear. I heard him crying. I heard him begging for
her to be okay. Ginny and Hypatia were knocked out cold by potions. They had no idea."
Draco looked like he was seconds from puking. Regulus moved to sit beside him, in a silent
show of support.

"Why all the secrecy?" Hypatia asked.

Draco glared at her, "It's the Weasleys, Hyaptia. You banished them from your home. You
know what that harpy of a mother of theirs is like."

"No. Technically I gave Molly and Arthur a choice, and they sided with Dumbledore. I have
nothing against her children. Ron and Ginny are even keyed into the wards."

"They are?" Draco asked with wide eyes as if he expected them to walk through the Floo any
minute.

"Yes," Regulus confirmed. "Ron came to me in Diagon Alley. He was concerned about
Hypatia. He only went back to their family home to protect his little sister. It's my
understanding that she wanted to return."

"Can't imagine why," Draco snarled.

"Because Molly hides her mistreatment in the guise of love. My guardians didn't pretend to
love me, so it was easier to call it abuse."

"You were abused? You think Ginny's being abused? Why doesn't anyone tell me anything?!"
Draco complained.

"Well you've been a prat until the last few months, for starters, and yes I was abused. And
yes, I think Ginny's probably being emotionally abused, and manipulated."

"Please explain," Draco whined.

"Well Molly has a habit of lashing out verbally, and generally treating their children like their
screw ups. As for the manipulation, Dumbledore has that down to an art, and the Weasley's
are his number one fans."

"Can't we just make them come here?" Draco asked nervously.

"Not really. They have to come voluntarily. Not only would she run back at the first chance,
if we took her against her will, it's incredibly illegal. There's precedent for Pureblood children
being raised by other families, such as in Sirius' case, but they have to be the one to choose it.
It can't be forced upon them."

Draco sighed, "Shite."

"Don't worry," Regulus comforted. "I give it a week max before they show up. Dumbledore
won't be pleased about what we did tonight. Merlin knows what he'll do. Ron is the
protective sort. He won't risk his sister."

"How can you be sure?" Draco asked.

"Because he reminded me of myself."

"I don't know how you kept this a secret all those years," Hypatia marvelled.

"I didn't. Half of the Slytherin's in our year know."

Something dawned on Hypatia, "Is that why you and Pansy fought at the Yule Ball?"

Draco sighed as he shook his head. "That dress was truly atrocious, but she looked stunning
in it. She was so happy. I wanted to deck Longbottom. Pansy caught on pretty quickly that
night."

"You really shouldn't have led her on if you like Ginny," Hermione chastised.

Hypatia bumped her shoulder. "As if you've never made a mistake. You went to the Yule Ball
with Krum for Merlin's sake."

"Oh, shut it. I'd hate to insult you so close to your birthday."

"Speaking of," Regulus interrupted. "Perhaps we should retire for the night. We celebrate
tomorrow, and then we have to be at the Ministry bright and early the next morning."

"What for?" Hermione asked.

Regulus shrugged, "Politics."

***

Regulus woke early on the morning of Hypatia's birthday. She slept soundly next to him, her
hand laid on his bare chest. He ran a hand over her back as he thought. In a few short weeks
they had drastically changed their futures.

The Dark Lord was dead, and they were free.

But none of it was possible without Hypatia. He knew his love for her bordered on obsession,
as did hers for him. It seemed inevitable with their souls and magic intertwined. How could
he not be obsessed with her? Her love was so pure, her convictions so strong, her want so
seductive.

It flowed through their bond to him. It consumed him, heart and soul.

He slipped from her grasp, and left the bed. He was too excited to sleep. He had never wanted
for anything as a child, but Hypatia had. She had been denied the most basic of niceties, and
when she discovered she had money, she had continued to deny herself of most luxuries.

Spoiling her was healing something inside of them both.

He used levitation charms to move her presents up into their bedroom. He grabbed his wand
off the bedside table and twisted it in the pattern Hermione had taught him to make golden
letters hover in the air at the end of their bed.

'Happy Birthday Hypatia.'

The irony that she was jsut turning sixteen, and they were already bonded, did not escape
him. It was an unusual situation, for an unusual witch, and yet he couldn't make himself
regret it. He only regretted the circumstances that led her to feeling so alone that she had
delved into Blood Magic. She had bonded herself to him in an act of desperation, and love.

He would try his best to make sure she never regretted it, that he proved himself worthy of
her all consuming love. Once everything was ready he returned to bed. She curled into his
side like he had never been gone, and he sighed happily as sleep claimed him once again.

Regulus woke to the feeling of the bed bouncing underneath him. He opened his eyes. Upon
finding Hypatia's spot empty he turned his eyes to the end of the bed. Hypatia was bouncing
excitedly on the edge of the bed.

"You can open them you know," Regulus chuckled.

Hypatia's head whipped around so quickly that her own curls smacked her in the face. She
blew them out of her face. "I was waiting for you to wake up! This is amazing!"

Regulus pushed himself up and placed a kiss to Hypatia's shoulder.

"You deserve much more than this, but it's a beginning."

Hypatia smiled sweetly at him, but he could feel her excitement.

"Go ahead! Open them!"

***

Hypatia sat surrounded by open boxes and crumpled tissue paper. Ribbons littered the floor.
There were beautiful robes everywhere she looked, of the highest quality. Regulus had
commissioned her several custom gowns, not to mention the matching shoes for every outfit.
She sighed happily as she rested her back against Regulus' legs.

"Are you happy, love?" Regulus asked.

"Of course I am. This is the most perfect birthday ever."

"We haven't even left our bedroom yet," Regulus laughed.

"There's more?"
"Well of course there's more. These are only your presents from me. The rest are being
checked by Tonks for curses and hexes."

"Even Hermione's?" Hypatia laughed.

"Of course not, she'd hex her for suggesting such a thing."

Hypatia couldn't help the laugh that escaped her at that. She tilted her head back to smile at
him, and was warmed by the heat in his eyes.

"What's next?" She asked.

One side of Regulus' lips tugged up in a barely there smile. "What do you think Princess?"

Hypatia's heart sped up as she donned a smirk of her own and stood to her feet. She placed
one foot behind the other very carefully, attempting not to trip on the mess of wrappings
littering the floor. Regulus tilted his head and appreciated the sight she made in her little silk
night dress.

"Bath?"

Regulus bit his lip as he watched her slide the straps of her dress off her shoulder. It floated to
the ground. Hypatia stood there with a taunting look in her eyes. Regulus finally stood to his
feet with a cocky smile. Hypatia turned and fled into the bath, her eyes watching Regulus all
the while.

It took him all of fifteen seconds for him to join her, his pyjama pants joining her dress on the
floor. He whispered the contraception charm before he left his wand on the side of the tub.

He pulled Hypatia towards him in the bubble filled water. Her legs wrapped around him, he
angled his hips, and he was in heaven once again. He muttered a cushioning charm and
pressed her against the wall of the pool-like bath as they moved together. His hand travelled
down to move against her clit as he pressed into her.

Hypatia moaned desperately. There was something different about their love making today. It
was more gentle, and peaceful. She could feel it between them- the relief that they were free
from Voldemort.

"Fucking perfect wife," Regulus muttered against her ear. "You were made for me."

Hypatia was nearly lost to sensation, to the new gentle thrust of Regulus' hips. It was a
revelation, but she needed more.

"Harder, Daddy. Please ."

Regulus smiled as he increased the force of his hips, giving his love what she needed. He let
his nails dig into her ribcage as he helped her move, giving her the sting she relished. She
came with his name on her lips, and he followed her, his head resting on her shoulder.
After a few moments their muscles relaxed, and their breaths evened out. Regulus summoned
a bottle of hair potion and worked it through Hypatia's curls. Hypatia sighed happily as the
smell of lavender washed over her.

***

Hypatia clasped her new emerald necklace around her neck, as she smiled fondly at it. "Of
course you would get Slytherin colours."

"Bite your tongue," Regulus teased. "I got it because it matches your eyes."

Hypatia looked at him, full of suspicion. Regulus turned his back to her as he pulled on his
waistcoat. He didn't want to have to admit that he was slowly trying to convince her that
Slytherin was better than Gryffindor.

"Don't think I haven't noticed you're trying to indoctrinate me about Slytherin, so our children
will feel encouraged to be sorted into Slytherin."

"Caught onto that have you?" Regulus asked as he pulled on his jacket.

"You're fairly obvious," Hypatia replied fondly. "I don't hate Slytherin, I suppose. As long as
they're happy, it's fine with me."

Regulus beamed happily, "Well of course they'll want to be Slytherin's. I'm one, you almost
were."

"I never should have told you the Sorting Hat will let you choose."

Regulus picked up a pair of Hypatia's new shoes. He knelt in front of her and helped her into
the emerald green heels. This had become one of his favourite parts of the day. It was so
intimate, so private, to kneel before her, and help her get dressed. Hypatia ran her hands
gently through Regulus' hair.

***

The rest of Hypatia's day was a whirlwind of fun.

Luna and Neville came over, and the twins took the day off from the shop. There was a levity
in the air. The rest of the Death Eater's had been captured overnight. There would be trials
soon, but they were safe, at the very least.
Fred and George had ironed out a courtship agreement with the Granger's. Helene and Cissa
were pouring over a large stack of wedding magazines, both magical and Muggle, as they
plotted Hermione and Hypatia's nuptials. They had formed a fast friendship over the past few
weeks.

"So what now?" Hector asked Regulus.

"I suggest you stay here, for the time being. Dumbledore is still out there, and he won't be
pleased that Hypatia and I ended Voldemort without his involvement."

"Why not?" Hector asked.

"Because he wants to control everything. He's been plotting Hypatia's life and death for over
a decade. It being wrenched from him isn't going to sit well. Trust me. My mother practically
turned into a demon when she lost control of Sirius."

Hector nodded evenly. "You seem like you have a good head on your shoulders, despite her."

Regulus looked at Hypatia across the room. Luna was giving her a rather impassioned speech
about the rare plant her and Neville had gifted her for her birthday.

"She's my saving grace. Every good thing I've ever done has been for someone I love."

Hector nodded, "That's as good of a reason as any. Hypatia has always been like a daughter to
us, which makes you family too. If you ever feel like you need the advice of a father…"

Regulus raised his brows at Hector, surprised by the offer. He could see why Hypatia loved
them so much. Hector was a solid presence, the epitome of a good father, which he one day
hoped to be.

"Thank you. I may take you up on that. Especially when we have children."

"I'm glad. You'll always be welcome in our home. Well, when we can return to it, of course."

***

Hypatia took a bite of her food and sighed in delight. The chef at the Golden Cauldron had
really outdone himself for her birthday dinner. Regulus tried and failed to not be obvious that
he was developing a grudge against the fork that kept entering her mouth.

"Is this turning you on?" Hypatia asked with a mischievous smirk.

"You keep moaning, and your lips are fucking entrancing, Hypatia. I can't help it that you're
hot."
Hypatia giggled, glad that they had decided to dine alone after a long day with their friends
and family. She loved them all dearly, but she treasured the time she got to spend alone with
Regulus.

"This is the best birthday I've ever had," Hypatia told him happily. "But I'm a little nervous
about tomorrow."

"Try not to be. I won't leave you alone with anyone. They probably just want you to pose for
pictures, so they can act like the Ministry had some part in this."

Hypatia rolled her eyes, "I detest politics."

"I know. Let me handle them."

"Do you think Dumbledore will be there?"

"Undoubtedly."

"What do we do about him?"

"Nothing," Regulus shrugged. "Severus assures me he will be dead within a year. He's weak.
There is no sense or honour in duelling a dying man. However, if you wish to publicly
discredit him, I would be more than willing to aid you. A little digging from the proper
parties could dig up a world of secrets, I'm sure."

Hypatia thought as she pushed her food around her plate. She fixated on a bit of rosemary
that had seasoned her potatoes. Regulus halted her hand after a moment, his touch sending a
surge of calm though her. She raised her eyes to him.

"Am I ready to find out the truth about him? What if it's more than I can handle?"

"I will always be here beside you. You deserve to know the truth about the man who tried to
use you as a human sacrifice, and the world needs to know who is to blame for the loss of an
entire generation." Hypatia nodded, and speared another piece of food onto her fork. "Talk to
your cloak and dagger sources. It's time to take him down."
 Chapter 22

Hypatia's fingers pressed tightly against Regulus' arm as she looked around the atrium of the
Ministry of Magic. The memories of Voldemort possessing her were still startlingly fresh as
she was confronted with the place where it had occurred.

"Voldemort is dead," Regulus whispered in her ear.

Her anxiety was obvious through their bond, not that he'd need it to read her body language.
She blew out a deep breath, and shook her head once, though her grip remained tight on his
arm.

"Besides, the only man allowed inside of you now is me," Regulus whispered in her ear.

Hypatia's eyes blew wide as a giggle burst from her lips. Just the sound of it lifted Regulus'
spirits. She swatted at his arm, and he smiled in return. He knew he could draw her out of her
spiralling thoughts. Tonks exited the Floo behind them.

"Alright, let's go. Stay together!"

Hypatia nodded. She and Regulus followed Tonks through the lobby. Everyone was staring at
them, though some had the good grace to at least try to hide it. She was just glad no one tried
to approach them.

People still seemed slightly wary of Regulus, and she was glad for it. She had enough people
fawning over her for a lifetime. The golden gates of the lift closed in front of them, leaving
the three of them alone.

"I've never seen people so simultaneously in awe, and scared," Tonks laughed.

"Bloody hypocrites. Two months ago it was the official position of the Ministry that I was a
liar," Hypatia snorted derisively.

"They don't know what to make of our family," Tonks suggested.

"Good," Regulus finished as the golden gates of the lift slid open.

For too long the happenings of Hypatia's life had belonged to the public. The less they knew
about their family, the better. They all deserved privacy after what they had been through.
He'd never allow his children's privacy to be invaded thusly.

The hall to the Minister of Magic's office was brightly lit, and private. They passed only two
other office's on their way. Hypatia squeezed Regulus' hand at the name on one, 'Percy
Weasley, Junior Assistant to the Minister of Magic.' Regulus made a hum of
acknowledgement but said nothing. Merlin only knew who was listening.

They turned a corner, and suddenly they were in a large reception area. A small witch in a
pretty yellow suit hurried to her feet and curtsied nervously, first to Tonks, and then to
Hypatia and Regulus.

"Lord and Lady Potter-Black, it's an honour to meet you. I'm Miss Penelope Clearwater." She
tapped her wand on an ornament on her desk, and Hypatia shot her a questioning look. "It
calls the Minister's Junior Assistant. He should be here any second."

Percy Weasley came striding out of a room behind the young ladies desk. Hypatia tried not to
react, but he looked awful, like he hadn't slept in days. His tight curls had turned into a mess
of frizz, and his eyes had dark circles underneath them.

"Lord and Lady Potter-Black, thank you for coming."

"Percy," Hypatia sighed, breaking protocol. This was Percy, one of her best friends' brothers.
He looked like hell, and her heart went out to him. Percy could be a prat, but he truly had a
heart of gold. Percy looked at her then, and his posture relaxed.

"Hypatia," he greeted tiredly.

"When was the last time you slept?"

"For more than an hour at a time? I don't know. Things have been insane around here. As
you're about to find out. I was surprised, but happy to hear about your bonding. Though not
quite at the decibel mother's Howler told me about it in."

"What did she expect you to do about it?" Regulus asked.

"I truly have no idea. We haven't talked since. I think she wanted the Ministry to interfere in
your bonding. As I told her, there is no interfering in soul bonds. To try is a death sentence."

"I appreciate your level headedness, I know she can be overwhelming."

"Oh you have no idea. Are you ready to go in?"

"Who's in there?" Tonks asked, twirling her wand in hand.

"Moody, Shacklebolt, Headmaster Dumbledore, and Minister Scrimgeour."

Tonks pursed her lips, "Not a bad lot, actually. 'Cept for Dumbles of course."

Percy looked like he was absolutely about to choke at the shortening of the Headmaster's
name, but suppressed it. Hypatia turned to thank Miss Clearwater for a kind welcome, and
missed the way Percy slipped a piece of paper into Regulus' hand, and the way Regulus
slipped it in his pocket to be read when they returned home. Percy gave him a look full of
meaning Regulus did not yet understand, before jolting out of it.

"It was lovely to meet you, Lady Potter-Black." Miss Clearwater told Hypatia.

"Okay, now I'm ready."

Hypatia firmly believed it was important to establish good relationships with the secretarial
staff of the Ministry. Secretaries saw and heard everything.

Percy led them into a large office. Glass made up an entire wall, looking over the atrium.
Dumbledore stood looking out, while Scrigemour sat at his desk, talking to Mad Eye, and
Shacklebolt.

When their group entered, all conversation came to an abrupt halt. Scrigemour stood to his
feet and hurried to welcome them. He bowed, and Hypatia curtsied, though Regulus only
bothered with a shallow bow.

"Lord and Lady Potter-Black, thank you for coming."

"May I ask why a school administrator, for a school no one here attends, is present?" Regulus
asked tensley.

Scrimgeour looked between the two men. Dumbledore had an impassive look in his face, but
Hypatia didn't buy a moment of it.

"He has the most experience with Voldemort of anyone," Scrigemour said in a panicked tone.

"I would argue that mantle belongs to my wife, since she has now killed him three times, and
Dumbledore not once, but we can agree to disagree."

Percy produced extra chairs from his wand. Regulus led Hypatia to one, and took the seat
beside her. Tonks stood behind Hypatia with her wand in hand, ready to defend her if the
need arose. She knew Regulus would always want her to protect Hypatia first. The others
settled into their chairs as well.

"The Death Eater's have all been captured. They are being kept in Azkaban for the time
being."

"When will the trials begin?" Hypatia asked.

Dumbledore took it upon himself, "Dear girl, it is known what they did. Trials are not-"

"Trials are necessary," Regulus cut off. "Not only is it the law, but it is the right thing to do.
My brother sat in Azkaban for twelve years, completely innocent. We can't allow that to
happen again."

"You think some of these men may be innocent?" Scrigemour asked.

"I think it's possible. The Dark Lord has been known to strongarm people into his service. He
wasn't above blackmail, or the use of the Imperius. Those that were placed under the
Imperius Curse should be placed in St. Mungo's for a time and provided with Mind Healers."

Scrigemour's eyes were piercing as he looked between Hypatia and Regulus. "This will be
unpopular with the public. They want this ended, and the reminders of it locked away."
"Healing will be difficult," Regulus acknowledged. "But if you don't do this correctly, you
will create a new problem. The families of those locked away unjustly will come for revenge.
Wouldn't you, if it were your family?"

Scrigemour didn't answer, but he could see his words getting through to the man.

"We need to talk about how you killed Voldemort," Scrigemour started again.

"Why?" Hypatia asked.

"He's come back before," the Minister answered. "We need to make sure he won't again."

Hypatia cut her eyes to Dumbeldore, who seemed happy to stay quiet. Which, wasn't that just
perfect? Keeping his mouth shut as always.

"I don't feel comfortable sharing that information," she said evenly.

"Lady Potter-Black, we really do need to know."

Hypatia narrowed her eyes at him, "No you don't. You're a politician. All you need to know is
that it's done. I'll pose for pictures, and play the good little saviour, but I won't explain this to
you. If you don't know, you don't need to know."

Tonks snorted. Mad Eye rolled his eyes at her, and she stuck out her tongue at him.
Scrigemour turned his eyes to Dumbledore. "You know of what she speaks?"

"I may," Dumbledore acknowledged. "But I agree with Hypatia. You don't need to know."

Hypatia felt rage build in her. How dare he say her name? How dare he act like they were
friends? He had used her, her entire life.

Her fingers dug into the arm of her leather chair, leaving indents. Scrigemour looked between
them, apparently oblivious to the rage building in Hypatia. Regulus could feel it mounting
every second, but he let her continue. She deserved to be heard.

"Some have raised concern about your bonding, and your decision to drop out of Hogwarts."
The Minister said evenly.

"And yet no one raises concern for Miss Granger and Heir Malfoy for also dropping out, or
the Weasley Twins for flying out of Hogwarts on broomsticks. Tell me Minister, do you think
it's a coincidence, or is it possible that these people just want to control me?"

Dumbeldore spoke up then, and Regulus felt Hypatia's rage swell to new levels. "I
understand that you're angry Hypatia-"

"I am not angry."

The walls of the Minister's office shook. The glass wall behind the Minister's desk shattered
into a million pieces, held in place only by Percy's quick magic.
Regulus thought that he had never seen anything more beautiful than Hypatia out of control.
She stood, her beautiful golden magic lashing out from her in little tendrils.

"I am in pain . I am in mourning for countless people that you failed! You sat and waited for a
baby to end the threat like a coward. You raised me to die! And now that I've managed to find
a way to live you're still trying to control me! You deserve to burn in hell, Albus
Dumbledore. I will never set foot on the Hogwarts grounds while you still live!"

The man in question stood to his feet. He made no motion to reach for his wand. He merely
nodded his head once and left the office. Hypatia became aware that she was practically
hyperventilating. Some of the rage cleared from her mind as the door closed behind him. Her
eyes found Regulus, who was beaming at her proudly.

"You look beautiful."

"This is not the time," Tonks admonished as she fixed the glass wall behind the Minister's
desk.

Hypatia sat back in her seat, and began to rub her temples. A headache was forming rapidly.
She tried her best to ignore it, as she looked up at the Minister, who looked more than a little
fearful of her.

"Right. You're legally of age, since you've entered into a Soul Bond. You can do what you
wish. Just please don't destroy the Ministry again."

"I liked it," Regulus offered offhandedly. "I'd pay for renovations just to be able to see that
again."

The Minister shot him a look of annoyance. Hypatia could see the exhaustion on the
Minister's face now.

"I don't understand everything that just happened, but it's clear you've been through a great
deal. Dumbledore's influence here is waning, as you can tell. Both you and Lord Potter-Black
will receive Order of Merlin's First Class for your service to the wizarding world. We will
welcome any involvement you wish to have in the coming days and months."

"I just want to finish my education," Hypatia sighed, "and to spend time with my husband,
and friends. I just want to be safe."

"A noble goal for anyone," the Minister assured her. "We will not intervene, despite what
Dumbledore seems to think. We would like a chance to take some pictures for the Prophet, is
that acceptable to you?"

Hypatia didn't mind the Minister so much now. Perhaps she had scared some sense into him.
She liked him much better than Crouch anyways.

"That will be fine."

***

As they exited the Floo at Grimmauld Place several hours later, Regulus pulled the scrap of
paper from his pocket, and read it hurriedly.

"What's that?" Hypatia asked.

"Percy slipped it to me when you were talking to Miss Clearwater. Here."

Hypatia gasped and called Dobby.

"Yes Mistress?"

"Please prepare two rooms. It looks like Ginny and Ron will be joining us shortly."

"Yes Mistress. Right away!"

***

Ginny and Ron stepped through the Floo at quarter past six in the evening.

"Ron!"

Hypatia and Hermione rushed towards him and pulled him into a group hug. Ginny looked
around awkwardly for a moment, unsure of what to do, but then the twins were there, puling
her into their arms, and ruffling their hair.

Ron was finally released from Hypatia and Hermione, and smiled sheepishly at Regulus as he
shook his hand.

"Thanks for this, mate."

"Of course. You're always welcome here."

Hypatia led them to the dining room. The note Percy had given them had told them simply to
expect his younger siblings at six. Hypatia had arranged for dinner to be ready when they
arrived, well aware of how hungry Ron always was.

"I didn't know there was a dining room in this house," Ron noted in surprise as they entered
the newly redecorated dining room.

Regulus took his seat at the head of the table and was pleased to see Ron take the seat on the
other side of Hypatia. "Yes, Sirius hates it. Or hated it. He and Hypatia have been redoing all
the rooms. This one was rather depressing before."
Ron looked around at the cream coloured walls and the golden crown moulding. There were
white sheers hanging from the extravagant windows. "It looks great, Hypatia. You did a good
job."

"Thank you Ron."

Kreacher and Dobby came in, filling the crystal goblets that were always waiting on the table.
Ron took a sip of his water, and blew out a deep breath. "Look, I'm sorry Hypatia, but I had
to protect Ginny."

Conversation at the table stopped short at Ron's words. Ginny's cheeks blushed a bright red
as she looked down at her lap.

"What happened?" Sirius asked.

On one hand, Hypatia wanted to kick Sirius for his lack of tact, on the other, she was just as
curious as he was. They had stayed away all summer. Ron got rather pink around the ears as
he looked pointedly at a point just pat Hypatia's shoulder.

"I… uh… I came out to my mum as bisexual a few days ago. She didn't take it well. I
worried how much worse she would be after the news of Hypatia defeating You Know Who
came out. She kinda takes stuff out on us."

Hypatia squeezed Ron's hand gently. She knew he was bisexual. Of course she knew. She
was a good friend, and she had eyeballs for Merlin's sake. But until this moment, she didn't
even know if Ron had ever accepted it.

"I knew it!" George cheered. "You owe me 5 galleons, Fred!"

Hermione hit them both over the back of their heads.

"Sorry," they chorused.

"I couldn't stay with them after that," Ginny added. "The things she said were terrible. I'm
really sorry I didn't see it earlier, Hypatia. It's like she says these awful things, and it hurts,
but then she's so nice after. It's hard to reconcile."

"It's okay, Gin. I understand."

"Why does your family even care about your sexuality? It's not like you're the Heir, you don't
have to produce children."

Ron's head snapped around so fast Hypatia was surprised he didn't hurt himself. He looked
back at her with wide eyes.

"Is that Malfoy? What the bloody hell is he doing here?"

Hypatia giggled happily and patted Ron's hand consolingly. They had a lot to catch up on.
***

They stayed up late into the night catching up.

"I can't believe you actually performed a soul bond ritual while drunk."

"Yes, like you're so perfect." Hypatia scoffed.

Ginny excused herself to go to bed, and Ron watched the way Malfoy's eyes seemed to
follow her. As soon as the sitting room door closed behind her, Ron turned his attention on
Draco.

"I get that you're all reformed or whatever, but don't think I won't beat your ass if you break
my little sister's heart."

"What?" Fred jeered as the colour drained out of Draco's face. "Has ickle Drakey-poo got a
crush on our Ginny? Good luck with that mate. She's a tough one."

"You're not gonna warn me off?" Draco asked Fred.

George laughed boisterously, "Absolutely not. Ron's already given you proper warning, and
anything else, Ginny can handle herself. That's if she ever deigns to give you a chance, which
I wouldn't count on. She's not impressed by money. The only thing you have going for you is
that you're not hideous, and you live in the same house."

"Might not even live in the same house much longer," Draco grumbled. "Technically we
could return to the Manor once it's been searched by the Aurors."

"But?" Ron asked in curiosity.

Draco shrugged, "It's got a lot of bad memories. The Dark Lord used it for headquarters. He
tortured me there. Mother wants to have the entire place renovated before we return."

"Merlin, I don't blame her."

Ron was quickly starting to understand that while Malfoy was a prat, he was very much a
product of his environment. He couldn't imagine living in the same house as the Dark Lord. It
seemed very difficult to imagine Draco's mother there too. She was a soft spoken, kind
woman. At least Draco seemed to have relaxed, making him somewhat tolerable.

"You have to stay anyway," Hermione bossed. "We've already set a curriculum for the school
year, and ordered books."

"Can we join you?" Ron asked Hypatia. "I don't want to go back there after what you told me.
Not without all of you. It just won't be the same."

Hypatia looked at Regulus. She didn't know the technicalities of the law. Regulus sat down
his glass and leaned forward until his forearms rested on his legs.
"We need the permission of one of your parents, or the Heir of your family. Bill will sign off
on it, I'm sure. Though he might want to check the curriculum, and make sure Moony is
making sure you'll pass your NEWT's."

***

Hypatia woke the next morning to the sound of screeching. She and Regulus grabbed their
wands and ran down the stairs as fast as they could. They pushed through the people in the
hallway to get towards the source of the noise.

Ron was staring down a Howler that was spewing vitriol in Molly Weasley's shrill tone. Ron
was in shock. For the first time in memory, Ron was crying. A single tear ran down his cheek
as his mother belittled him for not being as good as his brothers, for not being man enough,
for running away, the poison went on and on.

"Incendio!"

The Howler burned. Ron stood transfixed by the ash as it fell to the ground. Regulus watched
him with concern.

"It's not true," Hypatia assured him.

Ron shook his head and wiped his face with the back of his hand. "Of course not, the fucking
psycho. Still, not a nice way to wake up."

"No, it wasn't. Come on. We might as well have breakfast now that we're up."

Hermione ran back to her room to get dressed, as did the twins and Ginny after giving Ron a
hug. Hypatia paused as Ron started to descend the stairs. She looked back at Regulus, "Get
Bill Weasley here now . I want this settled. And please have the elves screen their mail from
now on. Molly doesn't get to harass them in our home."

Regulus smiled, "Of course dear. I'll be down in a minute."

***

Hypatia asked Dobby to bring mimosas once she had made it to the dining room.

"What's a mimosa?" Ron asked.

"Champagne in orange juice. It sounds odd, but they're very good. It will take the edge off."
Ron laughed, "What's happened to you?"

Hypatia smiled, "I've been spoiled absolutely rotten by Regulus."

Dobby appeared with a pitcher and two glasses, and began to pour as the others joined them.

"Oh, that is good!" Ron noted.

"Told you."

The others began to flit in. After a few moments they were joined by Fluer, Bill, and Tonks.
Bill rushed towards Ron and dropped a kiss on his red hair. "I am so proud of you. I'm so
glad you trusted Percy to get news to Regulus. Wait, are you drinking?"

Ron nodded, "Hypatia said it's called a mimosa."

Bill sighed, "Ugh, fine, as long as you don't drink too much. I already signed the forms in
Regulus' office, and we sent them off to the Ministry."

"We don't have to go back to Hogwarts?" Ginny asked excitedly.

"No, but I still expect you to work hard. We will be meeting monthly so I can make sure
you're keeping up with your studies. I still expect you to pass your NEWT's at the Ministry."

"Fair enough," Ron agreed as he took another sip from his glass.

***

Ron approached Regulus' study, and knocked.

"Enter."

Ron entered and closed the door behind him. Remus and Sirius were sitting in chairs in front
of Regulus' large desk. Sirius produced another with his wand, and Ron took it, trying not to
feel intimated by the older men.

"What can I do for you?" Regulus asked with a smile.

"I want to talk about Dumbledore. He's not going to leave Hypatia alone. The only reason we
were able to leave The Burrow is because my parents went to meet with him about what he
should do next. They think she's making a mistake by bonding with you, and leaving
Hogwarts."

Regulus wasn't that surprised, but he also wasn't pleased by what he heard. "You've been here
for a couple days. What's your opinion?"
Ron shrugged, "Everyone says I'm shite at feelings, but even I can tell Hypatia is happier.
You take care of her. She's safe. That's more than they can say. We nearly died every school
year."

"I'm glad you've come to me with this. As it so happens, Dumbledore is already dying. I have
investigators looking into his past. I have to tell you, if your parents are as deeply involved as
you think, things may surface about them as well."

"They made their decisions. They have to live with them. They all deserve to be punished for
not protecting Hypatia from those muggles."

"What do you mean?" Moony asked, snapping to the front of Remus' consciousness.

"Hypatia's Muggle guardians beat the hell out of her. I told my parents, and they told
Dumbledore back in second year. He said she had to stay there. I wanted to help, but I didn't
know what to do. I was just a kid."

Moony stood to his full height, and Ron suddenly realized this wasn't exaclty the shy
professor he had gotten to know in his third year. He turned his golden glare on Regulus.
Sirius grabbed him by the arm, but he shrugged out of it.

"You knew about this?!"

"He told me and I took care of them."

"How?" Sirius asked tensely.

"A slow acting curse, after an hour long torture session. They should be dead by the end of
the week. Keep that to yourself there, Ron."

"You got it," Ron promised.

"And Dumbledore?!" Sirius and Remus demanded together.

"I thought I would save him for the two of you, should Moony ever choose to surface. You've
lost the most of any of us. It's your right."

Moony pierced him through with his glare, shook his head once, and dragged Sirius out of
the room with him. They had a job to do.

***

Regulus came into the library. Hypatia was draping a length of fabric over a dress form,
pinning it carefully. He wrapped his arms around her, placing a kiss onto her neck. Hypatia
let her head roll back against Regulus' chest.
"I have good news," Regulus whispered against her ear.

"What's that?" Hypatia asked, trying to keep her breath even, though even his slight touch
sent her heart racing.

Regulus raised a bottle of champagne until it hovered in front of her eyes. She still didn't
know very much about alcohol, but she knew enough to know this was one of their most
expensive bottles.

"Dumbledore and the Dursley's are dead."

Hypatia gasped and spun to face him. She cradled his face in her hands as she kissed him
desperately. She pulled away to catch her breath as a thought struck her. "Did you kill
Dumbledore?"

"I didn't."

"Surely it can't be a coincidence that they died at the same time."

"I may have mentioned to Moony that Dumbledore knew they abused you, and allowed you
to stay there. The Dursley's dying now is just an astounding coincidence. Moony and Sirius
needed revenge. They've both lost so much.

Hypatia ran her hands down Regulus' chest, "I need something too."

"You do? What's that?"

Hypatia smirked up at him as she closed the door with her wand, and locked and silenced the
room.

"You."
 Epilogue

Hypatia rapped her nails against the long wooden table in the library as they studied. There
had been a time when she thought not returning to Hogwarts meant an easier course load. She
now knew she was sorely mistaken.

Their work now was more enjoyable and varied, but still hard, and time consuming. At least
she got to work alongside Regulus now.

Ron slammed the large book he was reading closed and shoved it away from him. His eyes
snapped over to Hypatia. “Can you please stop?! When did your nails even get so long that
you can do that?!”

Hypatia held out her hands and looked at the black pointed acrylics. Hermione did the same
beside her.

Ron scoffed and rolled his eyes dramatically. “What?! You too, Hermione?! Those things are
dangerous! You could take someone's eyes out!”

Regulus nearly choked on his sip of tea. He set down his cup and looked at Ron with a
knowing look. “That’s rather the point, Ron.”

“Our kitten has claws,” Fred teased from his position behind a stack of inventory lists. He
and Heorge were supposed to be double checking the seasonal reports. Draco and Ginny
looked anywhere but at each other, their faces blushing bright red.

“No!” Ron hissed as understanding finally dawned upon him.

“For the… and you scratch… that’s gotta hurt… for fuck’s sake… my brother’s!”

Ron rushed out of the room as those remaining within dissolved into giggles.

***

“You look tense.”

Remus smiled over his shoulder at Sirius. He was just finishing grading the latest lot of
essay’s.

“I’ve been grading for hours.”

Sirius made his way across the library, to Remus’ desk. He sat on the edge, facing Remus.
Remus laid a hand on the back of his calf. It was these intimate, soft touches that Sirius
treasured the most from Remus. He was never like this with anyone else.
“What did you do today?” Remus asked.

“I went to Gringotts.”

“Why?” Remus asked in confusion.

“To look for something, and to put your name on my vaults.”

“Can you do that? I mean I’m a werewolf.”

“Turns out you can if you have Lord and Lady Potter-Black threaten to close their accounts if
they don’t let you.”

“Well that’s handy,” Remus sighed.

It may be unfair to use Hypatia’s clout, but every time Regulus and Hypatia threw their
weight around in this way, it set a precedent. Now``, a werewolf had an account at Gringotts.
It gave legal precedent for others to do the same. They were changing things.

“What were you looking for?”

Sirius pulled a chain from inside the pocket of his robes. It had two rings on it. Sirius handed
him the chain that Remus instantly recognized from their school days.

“I bought those wedding bands during the Christmas break of our Sixth Year. James told me
not to give it to you yet, that it would scare you, but I wore them on that chain around my
neck every day.”

“It definitely would have scared me,” Remus confirmed.

“You were a bit of a flight risk,” Sirius joked.

Remus sighed, “Yeah. I guess you’re right.”

“Would you accept them now? I know you said on Hypatia’s birthday that you would marry
me, but then there was Voldemort to deal with and the trials…”

“The trials are over,” Remus mused as he turned the rings over in his hand. He slipped the
rings off the chain, and tried one on for size. It fit perfectly. “I’ll accept your ring. But no
wedding. I hate people. We can bond in private, and take a vacation over the winter break.
How’s that sound?”

Sirius jumped off the edge of the desk and into Remus’ arms. “Amazing! Really? You’ll bond
with me? Finally?”

“Yes, you idiot.”

Sirius chose to ignore Remus’ jibes in favor of kissing him senseless.

***

“What’s wrong, love?”

Regulus looked up from the papers on his desk. He could only summon a weak smile for his
wife. She crossed his study, and placed herself on his lap, kissing his cheek softly. She picked
up an old copy of the Daily Prophet. The headline dated it to the day after Barty Crouch Jr
had received the dementor’s kiss.

“I’m sorry Regulus. I know it must be hard to read all this.”

Regulus sighed and squeezed her waist, “I know he had to be punished… but to have his soul
sucked out?”

“It is truly disgusting,” Hypatia sympathized. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Not at the moment, love. I think I just need to be alone for a few hours, to read through all
of this. It wasn’t just him. Most of my generation is gone, and I want to know what happened
to them.”

***

Hypatia found herself in front of the Granger’s home within the hour. Helene and Hector
were happy to receive her in their manor.

Hector looked at her piercingly, “What’s wrong Hypatia?”

Hypatia fought the urge to fidget with her hands. As Helene had told her many times, it was
most unladylike. She composed herself as well as she was able, and raised her eyes to him.

“How do you make someone happy? I mean, I make Regulus happy… I think… but there are
times when there's darkness over him. He’s lost so much, and I want to make it better.”

Helene gave her a sympathetic smile as she squeezed Hector’s hand. “Have we ever told you
about my mother passing away?”

“No. I mean you’ve mentioned her, but not her passing.”

“I was deeply depressed after her passing. I was very close to her. There would be days that I
did not leave bed. Hector would have to bring me food. He had to encourage me to do the
most basic of tasks.”

“It’s hard to imagine you that way,” Hypatia admitted.

“It happens to most people at some point,” Hector added. “Something I realized during that
time is that I could not make Helene happy. Sure, I could make things easier, but I could not
cure her depression. I couldn’t make her mother come back to life.”

“So what did you do?” Hypatia asked.

“I loved her through it,” he shrugged. “Both you and Regulus have been through a lot. There
will be times, for both of you, when it weighs heavier on your minds. The important thing is
to communicate, and give each other what you need to heal if you’re able.”

Hypatia sighed, “I just wish I could make the hurt go away.”

Helene smiled, “You help, I am sure. But some hurts are too deep to be healed so easily. Does
having Regulus heal the wound from losing your parents?”

“No,” Hypatia acknowledged sadly.

“And so it goes. You and Regulus are well matched. You can understand the darkness within
each other. Your love is very clear for all to see. Don’t worry my dear. He’ll feel better.”

***

When Hypatia returned to Grimmauld Place, Regulus was still in his study. Remus and Sirius
had joined him, and they were pouring over law books. Well, Remus and Regulus were.
Sirius was standing in front of a board that they had pinned newspaper clippings to, looking
half crazed.

“What’s all this?” Hypatia asked.

“Well we’re all depressed as fuck because Dumbles and Riddle killed all our friends.”

“Well said,” Remus quipped at Sirius as he rolled his eyes.

“So you're making a board like a conspiracy theorist?” Hypatia asked in amusement.

Regulus stood and crossed the room to her, “We are going to reform the Ministry by hook or
by crook. Starting with creature rights. When the book about Dumbledore comes out, the
public will cry for an official investigation, and Merlin knows what corruption that will turn
up.”

“And who takes power then?” Hypatia asked. “Nothing good comes from a power vacuum.”

“The best of the best. Me, Remus, Shacklebolt, Bones, Tonks, Draco. Draco and I will parlay
with the Slytherin’s. They’re going to have a hard enough time with half of their parents in
Azkaban. We don’t want them to feel neglected, or disenfranchised. That’s when things go
wrong.”
“You’ve thought of everything,” Hypatia smiled.

“Not everything. That’s where you come in.”

“Oh?”

“Many Pureblood women do not want to deal with men not related to them, especially not
alone. With many of their husbands in Azkaban, many of the ladies of the old families would
prefer to speak with you, I am sure.”

“Well I suppose I better dust off the good china,” Hypatia giggled.

“All the china’s dusted,” Regulus said in confusion. “We have house elves.”

“It’s a muggle saying, rich boy!” Remus teased.

“Right. Of course.”

***

Hermione sat next to her mother on a settee in an upscale wedding boutique in magical Paris.
Hermione was filling the time in between Hypatia trying on wedding gowns by reading the
newly released book on Dumbledore.

“Mon dieu,” Hermione cursed.

“What is it?” Helene asked.

“He dated Grindelwald, was the mastermind of all his plans, from the sound of it.”

“I’m not surprised in the least,” Narcissa sniffed from her position on a chair.

“I don’t understand why I have to be here,” Draco lamented.

“Because we’ve adopted you as our friend, and you have surprisingly good taste in fashion.
Now be quiet and drink champagne like a good boy,” Hermione chastised.

“Fine. Bossy swot.”

***

Regulus made his way into the backyard. The twins were tinkering with fireworks. Hypatia
had insisted on a “no fireworks in the house” rule, and built them an outdoor workshop that
sat in the corner of the garden, just to contain their more dangerous experiments.

“How’s it going?” Regulus asked as the paused their work.

“Fairly well,” Fred smiled. “I think we’ve finally got this formula right.”

Regulus beamed, “That’s great. Listen boys, I’ve been thinking about your wedding.”

“Why?” George asked, drawing out the word mischievously.

“Well, more like your wedding present to Hermione. Have you decided on one yet?”

“We have not,” Fred answered. “We have a thousand ideas though.”

“I’m sure you do, but if I may make a suggestion?”

“We’re all ears,” they chorused excitedly.

“Build her a library in your new home. It doesn’t matter if it’s not big. Take an extra bedroom
and put shelves all along the walls. I’ll even contribute to her new collection. I know we have
a fre duplicates floating around up in the library that she’d never find in a shop.”

“You’d do that?”

“Absolutely. We have to get you all a present anyways. Hermione and Hypatia’s moods are
inextricably linked due to their close friendship. A happy Hermione makes Hypatia happy. A
cranky Hermione makes for a cranky Hypatia. I’d rather not have a cranky wife.”

“Very wise,” George noted with mirth.

“Well, glad we’ve got that sorted out.”

***

Hypatia looked out over her wedding reception. She was fairly certain all of the magical
world was here, but such was to be expected in a match of their significance. It didn’t scare
her so much with Regulus at her side.

“What are you thinking?” Regulus whispered in her ear.

“I’m thinking I need another drink,” Hypatia whispered back with a giggle.

“I agree.”

He motioned for an elf to bring them another round, and Hypatia took it with a smile. “I
promise no blood magic this time.”
“At least not without me,” Regulus teased. “We could always explore sex magic together if
you wish.”

Hypatia’s eyes lit up, “Oh, tell me more about that!”

***

Draco and Ron had formed a tentative friendship over the past two years. Mostly centered
around their mutual friendship with Hypatia, and their shared belief that they knew entirely
too much about both Hermione and Hypatia’s sex life. Their friends had no filter.

Ron handed Draco his second firewhiskey of the night. Somewhere around here was Ginny.
She had run off to hug Luna and Neville. Knowing those three they were probably off on
some adventure to find Nargles by now. Ron choked on a mouthful of champagne. Draco
patted him on the back with his fist, trying to help his future brother-in-law clear his throat.

“Alright Weasley?”

“Uh…”

“For Merlin’s sake, speak clearly.”

“Who is that?”

Draco followed Ron’s line of sight. He laughed derisively, unable to help himself. “How can
you not tell?”

“What?” Ron asked. “Who is it?!”

“That’s Lord Theo Nott. Same year as us. Slytherin.”

“Nott? Really. I remember him as short… and skinny.”

The young man across the ballroom was tall, even taller than Ron’s impressive 6’3 height,
but he bore it well. He was neither so thin as to be called skinny, or too hulking. He was lithe.
He had perfectly quaffed black hair, and caramel brown eyes.

“He grew up, Ron. We all have.”

“Is he… was he…”

“Gay? A Death Eater? Single?” Draco provided.

Ron only managed a nervous nod. Draco continued, “Yes, no, and maybe. He escaped to Italy
with the Zabini’s during the war. I don’t know if they're still together or not.”
Not a second later Heir Blaise Zabini danced by with Heiress Greengrass in his arms, entirely
too close to be platonic. Draco nudged Ron gently, “There’s your answer.”

“Fuck it. MIght as well try.”

Ron shot back the rest of his champagne in a way that made Draco physically cringe, set
down his champagne flute on a table, and made his way across the ballroom. Ginny took his
place beside Draco as he walked away. She wrapped her arms around him from behind.

“What’s he doing?”

“He’s going to hit on Theo.”

“No, really?”

“Really.”

Ginny smiled, “That’s amazing.”

***

Regulus turned and left the Wizengamot chambers. Tonks walked behind him. The hours
were long lately, as they negotiated creatures rights legislation. The older generation could
prove a hindrance, but the younger folks were easily persuaded to his way of thinking.

Regulus was yanked into an alcove covered by a tapestry. Tonks smiled as she made her way
to the lifts. Hyaptia had already told her about her rather nefarious plans for today and she
wasn’t worried.

“What in Merlin’s name-”

Hypatia smiled wickedly up at Regulus in the dim light of the alcove. The anger drained out
of him at the sight of her. He slid his hands over the small of her waist and down to her ass.
“What are you doing here?”

“I took my NEWT’s this morning.”

“I thought that wasn’t until next week.”

“I wanted to surprise you.”

“You certainly have.”

Regulus turned his head, and listened for a moment to make sure there wasn’t anyone
lingering in the hallway. He heard only the distant sound of people heading towards the lifts.
“Daddy,” Hypatia whispered as she pressed herself against him. “I think I deserve a reward
for taking my NEWT’s.”

Regulus turned his eyes back to Hypatia. She was wearing a sinfully short black dress. She
was wearing those heels, the ones from her sixteenth birthday, that she wore when she
particularly wanted to be railed against the nearest surface. Not that he ever objected.

“Oh. Do you now?”

“Uh-huh,” she nodded. “I was such a good girl.”

“I’ll be the one to decide that.”

Regulus grabbed her waist and lifted her, pinning her against the wall with his body. Hyaptia
wrapped her legs around him and rolled her hips until her clit brushed against his hardness. A
moan fell from her lips that Regulus stifled with a hand over her mouth. `

“You have to be quiet, love. We wouldn’t want anyone to hear us. Would we?”

Hyaptia whimpered quietly as she rolled her hips against Regulus’ hardness once again. He
raised one eyebrow at her, stern even as she drove him crazy. He lifted his hand the tiniest bit.

“I’ll be quiet. I swear.”

“Sure you will.”

Regulus’ hand drifted down her body as he kissed her neck. Hypatia was lost to sensation,
her head thrown back, and one hand splayed over her face. Regulus pulled back as his hand
found her soaking core uncovered.

“Did you forget something today?”

“Maybe,” Hypatia whispered mischievously. “You were already at the Ministry when I got
dressed. I need your help.”

Regulus shook his head, “That much is clear.”

Hypatia’s retort was cut short by Regulus fingers circling her clit, finally giving her the
friction she had been dreaming of all morning. Sure, she could have pleasured herself, but it
was nothing compared to what Regulus did. It was practically pointless in comparison.

“Did you think about this all through your NEWT’s? How you wanted Daddy to fuck you
agaisnt the wall of the Ministry?”

“Yes. Yes please. I need you.”

Regulus sank his fingers into Hypatia’s warmth, enjoying the look on her face. It wasn’t
enough. He could tell that. She wouldn’t be happy until he was sunk into the hilt.

“I’m not going to use the charm, Hypatia.”

It was a statement, but he waited all the same, giving her a chance to object. He’d never force
a child on her. They had waited, as Hermione asked. They were married, they had traveled,
Hypatia had taken her NEWT’s, and now he wanted nothing more than to fill her with his
child.

“Don’t. Please don’t.”

“Fuck.”

Regulus pulled at his belt, and entered her in one swift movement. His hands dug harshly into
her soft skin. She was everything, everything, everything, and she surrounded him at every
point. Her love and desire flooded his mind through their bond, blurring with his own. It was
all too much.

“I’m not gonna last long,” Regulus warned. “Want this too bad.”

Regulus fingers dug into her hips as he thrusted into her. He could tell she was close, but she
wasn’t quite there yet. He’d be damned if she didn’t finish around his cock. He needed it like
he needed air. He ran a hand up between her breasts until it rested around her throat.
Hypatia’s eyes rolled back in her head at the sensation of his cold rings against her heated
flesh.

“You look so fucking perfect taking my cock. So pretty with my hand around your throat.
Want me to cum inside of you?” Hypatia nodded as well as she was able with a hand around
her throat. “Then cum baby girl. Give me an Heir.”

Regulus squeezed gently on Hypatia’s throat and she fell apart in his arms. Her pussy
clamped down around his cock as she bit into his shoulder to stifle her scream. Regulus
emptied into her, overwhelmed by the sensations she inspired in him.

They stood there like that for several minutes, their foreheads pressed against each other as
they caught their breath. Regulus felt complete in this moment, with Hypatia in his arms.
Hypatia ran her hands through Regulus’ dark curls, and placed a kiss on his forehead as he
sat her back on her feet and used a spell to tidy them.

He placed a gentle kiss on her forehead, “Thank you, Hypatia.”

“For what?” Hypatia asked gently.

“Everything.”
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