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.