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.