Inferius | Regulus Black

The moment he saw her his heart broke.

Running a hand down his sleeve Regulus tugged it down ensuring the mark would be well hidden from her view. Ignoring the looming figure in the corner of his eye, he watched as she turned to face him. Time moved slowly.

Regulus could feel his heart beat guiltily in his chest as she smiled at him,

Annabelle didn't know yet.

They shared a small smile. The sort that anyone else looking in would never imagine was romantic. Perhaps because between the pair of them, love extended into every realm it could. A wonderful warmth of love and understanding filling him as he looked at her.

His eyes flickered downward to the ground for a moment before he looked up and realized she'd left the overcrowded courtyard.

A smile formed on Regulus out of habit.

"I'm going to the library," he told Anthony and Barty, currently arguing about the better spot for a summer villa. Anthony could not see the sense of purchasing property anywhere outside of Britain, which was the polar opposite of what Barty thought.

Rich people things. Not so much English as Cha-Ching- glish.

Regulus almost laughed, he had been spending far too long rereading Annabelle's letters. The joke had made far more sense after he had been to a muggle store and heard the sound of the cash register. Fascinating contraption.

"What? Why? Term's only just started," said Barty,

"Yeah, how is it you've gotten yourself a task already? I mean in school, not- well you know," said Anthony, "You're such a bloody overachiever,"

A pang went through Regulus' chest, He ignored it. He did not like lying.

"I happen to be headboy and Quidditch captain." Said Regulus almost proudly, straightening his posture, gesturing to his pins. He had shined them especially for this. "I have prefect rounds to figure out, you know really perfect them,"

"Could you fail just one class for me this year? You know? Our long standing friendship will last a bit longer if my mother stops comparing me to you," said Anthony, nudging him, "Just one troll." Anthony nodded once, "It's all I ask."

"You've forgotten about what my mother might do if I trolled something." Said Regulus, and Barty let out an amused sound,

"Probably floo here and demand answers," he said, "I can see it now,"

Anthony pursed his lips together in an imitation of Walburga Black and put his hands on his hips,

"Regulus Arcturus Black. Unless you neglected to mention that you are terminally ill or injured and missed all the lessons, I am distraught that a member of the proud and most ancient house of Black has disappointed their family so," he said, and Barty laughed, clapping his hands together,

"That's exactly it, that's her," said Barty, Pointing at Anthony who was chuckling along,

"So you see my point precisely." Said Regulus, "I really have to go. Because if I troll something and I'm not injured and my mother finds out? I'm not only gravely injured, I'm in a grave. In the ground. Very much dead."

Anthony nodded, still smiling, "Yeah, yeah, we get it. Go on. Overachieve."

"There is only power." Added Barty for flare,

Effectively killing Regulus' lightening mood with memories of the final month of summer vacation. Regulus forced a smile, waving as he ventured into the castle,

"She's that way," said a helpful portrait in a whisper,

"Thank you," said the ever polite Regulus, walking quickly down the hall, turning a corner, opening a portrait knowing exactly where to find her,

Annabelle was sitting on a windowsill, flipping the pages of a magazine,

"I haven't kept you waiting for too long, have I?" He asked, heart fluttering in his chest as she looked up at him.

Regulus scratched the back of his neck nervously as he looked at her, so warm and welcoming against the grey Scottish skies beyond the window. He would tell her now.

"Do you think you are more of a summer or a winter?" She asked conversationally, sitting up as he approached her, flipping to the page of her magazine, "I've always thought you were an autumn but that isn't an option in this quiz," she wrinkled her nose and sighed as though gravely annoyed, "I ought to sue the crap out of this publisher for that," said Annabelle, shutting the magazine chauvinistically and setting it aside,

I missed you. So much, Belle, you don't even realize.

"You think I'm an autumn?" He asked, standing before her, holding himself back from scooping her into his arms, spinning her around and planting countless kisses on her lips. "I've always felt more like a winter."

She didn't need to know about his mark today he decided.

He would tell her later.

He would make a plan.

"Fall colours bring out your eyes, and the leaves fly through the sky and all that," said Annabelle,

"And all that?"

"Well I can't say all that jazz. You hate jazz." Regulus ran a hand over his face to hide his smile, "but you'll have to come up with the rest yourself,"

"By Merlin, I really am the more poetic one." He said, she smelt like the ocean,

"I'm not arguing with that, your majesty, but that's an awfully unfair comparison." Said Annabelle, in that charming Scottish accent that Regulus was certain he'd never grow tired of, "I mean really Black, may as well compare my swimming to the squid's."

"I told you not to call me that." Said Regulus, wondering what her angle was, he was greeted with an intoxicatingly wicked smile,

"Last time you shut me up with a kiss," said Annabelle, standing up and reaching for his tie as though to straighten it, eyes set as she moved her hands slowly,

Regulus practically stopped breathing.

"I think I might like that," said Annabelle, as she pulled Regulus lightly so that she was leaning against a wall.

"You would?" He breathed, his hand moving to support himself on the wall near her head,

"Yes," she said, granting him full permission to close the gap between their lips, which he did with great pleasure.

"I like it when you flirt with me." He whispered between kisses.

He felt everything good and pure once more. Love, happiness, affection, lust, content, attraction, joy, humour. He did not need her discovery of his mark to ruin this perfect moment.

She put his heart back together without even knowing it was broken.

Annabelle would roll her eyes and scoff if she heard his thoughts now.

His hand was on the small of her back, knowing she preferred to be pressed against him and not the wall, and that she liked to be asked before he touched anywhere else.

"Merlin, I missed you," he whispered into her mouth, and Annabelle's hand on the side of his face held him back from kissing her once more,

"My name is Annabelle, your majesty, or Belle, you really should have that down at this point," she said,

"Annabelle," he said without missing a beat, "My love, I missed you."

Her hand moved slowly to the nape of his neck, pulling him down to kiss her again.

He paused just before their lips touched,

Remarkable self restraint. Small round of applause for their royal majesty.

"Did you miss me too?" He asked,

Annabelle's eyes, previously trained on his lips moved to his eyes, flickering up to look at him,

"Like you wouldn't believe." Said Annabelle, pressing her lips against his and standing on the tips of her toes, wrapping her arms around his neck as she deepened the kiss,

I love you.

"Is that a ring?" She asked, pulling away and taking his hand in hers as she admired the fanciful ring on his finger,

She herself was a fan of rings, making several herself but she'd never seen something as fancy as this,

"Yes," he said, liking the way that she touched and held his hand,

"Adds to your whole royalty thing," said Annabelle,

"Does it?" He said, glad she liked it,

"Yeah,"

Regulus took one of her hands in his and kissed her knuckles prompting the most vibrant of blushes to coat her cheeks,

He looked at her smugly, suppressing a smile,

"Oh shut up,"

"I didn't say a thing, Belle," said Regulus, he didn't particularly like the ring, but if she did? Who was he to take it off. There were more piercings on her ears now. He should buy her more jewelry. "I was just smiling."

"Is that my fault?" She asked,

"As a matter of fact." Said Regulus, kissing her chastely once more, "It is entirely your fault."

"How was the rest of your sum-" he cut her off with a kiss,

He did not want to lie to her. He did not want her to worry. Yes. That was why he was avoiding this. For her. Not for him. Not because he was selfish, no.

Regulus was certainly not being selfish right now.

Instead of rolling up his sleeve and begging for forgiveness, Regulus simply kissed her and whispered the words.

"I love you."

In the hopes that she had told the truth when she said she believed him. In the hopes she might return them before she knew the truth. If she could not say them now he could not expect her to say them once she knew. Maybe hearing the words just once would be enough.

"Can I see the schedule you've made for the prefects?"

"What? I would never make a schedule without consulting you first." He said, and Annabelle arched an eyebrow, and he huffed, "It's a rough draft,"

Annabelle let out a gentle laugh, possibly the sweetest one he'd ever heard before.

"I-" she begun, his heart leapt, his stomach filled with butterflies,

This was it wasn't it?

Her hands were beginning to turn cold against his skin, so he warmed them in his as he awaited two more little words.

Such Divine joy and despair.

Two more words, seven more letters,

Footsteps from down the hall sent the pair apart, and Regulus wanted to curse whoever this evil human being was.

This was clearly the opposite of divine intervention.

"They'll probably pass," said Regulus, missing the feel of Annabelle's hand in his and reaching out to hold it again,

"Maybe," said Annabelle, a few students passed but none spotted the two of them standing there, "We need to find a new hallway,"

Regulus didn't answer, still reaching out to hold her hand.

Then he noticed bruising and he froze.

"I thought you were staying with Evans." He said his voice turned tense. It did not matter to him that her knuckles were bruised, or the implication that she had done the damage, what mattered was that Annabelle was hurt. No one was allowed to hurt Annabelle.

"I did, we got a cat, can't pick a name though, feel like Holly Golightly," said Annabelle, "That poor no name slob cat of hers."

"Then, then why," he started, touching her hand, he did not know how he would be able to see her on the other side of the war if he could not even bear to see the smallest mark on her skin. Maybe there was a way he could protect her.

"Oh, Funny story, true-" He arched a brow, "you know, basic stuff, like times tables, or um, fishin' wire,"

"I'm not going to pry." He told her and Annabelle relaxed considerably, "But it's not like last year is it?"

"No. It's not." She said, and Regulus' shoulders eased, as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles, "Stop that, your majesty," she said, blushing furiously and looking away,

"Do you not like it?" Repeating the action, higher up on her arm.

"I hate it. So much. Completely."

"And that's what has caused this blush to spread over your face, so quickly, new record I believe,"

"Shut up." She said,

"Because if you hate everything that makes you blush, lovely darling Belle, what on Earth does that mean about me?" He asked, "I'm devastated." He said dramatically, hand to his heart, an expression of mock hurt covering his features.

Regulus always grew more confident when a blush coated her cheeks and he knew he was the cause. There was never a nobler pursuit.

One of her hands remained in his and the other rose to hide her face from his view.

"You are evil, Black, you know Pirates and criminals? They've got nothing on you. The. Worst." Said Annabelle, blush deepening as Regulus got closer to her, and her arms wrapped around his neck as her body was pressed to his,

"The worst? Surely there is someone worse than me." Said Regulus, hands on her waist,

"No. I just checked. And in the entire world you are the worst human in existence."

"Because I made you blush?"

"Yes."

"Do you mind if I ask for your sources?"

"The world." She said, with a small scoff, "Clearly."

I love you.

If Regulus' face were a book to be read those would be the only three words he had on display each time he looked at Annabelle,

"Is there anything I could possibly do to change your mind?" Asked Regulus, kissing one cheek and then the other slowly, feeling her breathing halt, he knew what he wanted to do, after being apart from her for such a monumental period of time,

(It has literally been three and a half weeks)

"Or shall I suggest something?" He asked, eyes flickering to hers,

"Kiss me," she breathed, but before their lips could touch Regulus asked,

"Where?"

A shiver ran the length of Annabelle's spine as she was backed into a wall,

"Belle," he said, allowing his voice to turn hoarse, "where do you want me to kiss you?"

"I need an answer," he said, "your neck?" He asked, pressing several slow kisses to her neck, "Your jaw?" He asked, lips trailing up her jaw, he undid a few buttons of her shirt, "your chest?"

"Majesty," she whispered, hands moving over his chest,

"Your lips?" He asked, kissing her rather indulgently before pulling away and asking, "Or somewhere else?"

"Anywhere you want," said Annabelle, Regulus' hands moved cast a noticemenot charm before bunching her skirt,

"Anywhere I want?" He asked, kissing her neck,

"Yes," she breathed, "you know I could-" he kissed her deeply, before she could suggest she should do anything that would constitute of him being selfish but he would be unable to refuse,

"I want to,"

Annabelle nodded, and Regulus looked her in the eye as he lowered himself to his knees before her.

"Can I?" He asked again, practically able to feel the heat radiating off of her,

"Yes." She said, he tugged her underwear down slowly, vanishing the fabric, he kissed her inner thighs, glancing up to make sure she was watching him, eyes half lidded, breathing heavy,

"Silencio," he said, casting several other wards so they would not be interrupted,

"Regulus," she said rather breathlessly, "Pl-" she gasped as soon as his tongue was against her,

"There, yes, there, fuck," said Annabelle in a mindless chant as he kissed licked and touched anywhere and everywhere of importance,

He sucked lightly and Annabelle gasped, "Holy shit," she repeated his name over and over,

She was so wet for him.

He kept going no matter how desperately he wanted to be insi-

"Regulus," she said her voice hoarse, "I- I want you inside me, now." she said, and without thinking twice he stood she hastily got rid of his belt as he unzipped his pants,

He kissed her as her legs wrapped around his waist he gripped her arse, and he slid into her, pulling away for a moment to relish the feeling,

His eyes shut,

"Fuck." He swore, and Then he begun to move, her hand was on the nape of his neck, he loved that, he loved her,

"Faster," he was more than happy to oblige her, one hand rising to hold her waist tightly beneath the fabric of her shirt,

He was close,

That place just within reach of Heaven and euphoric bliss and,

"Fuck, Annabelle," he said, and she moaned, her hand on the side of his neck as the other supported herself around his shoulders, "Belle, I l-" her lips covered his,

Searing, moaning, need,

Annabelle came he followed close behind, watching as she came undone for him,

Eyes fluttering as red coated her cheeks, and her lips turned an even deeper shade of red,

"I, I like it when you swear," panted Annabelle, as Regulus slid out of her and carefully set her down on the ground, allowing her to lean on him as he redid his pants,

"I love you." He breathed, pressing another kiss to her lips,

"What did you do with my underwear?" She asked,

"Hypothetically speaking, if I vanished them," he started, as she cast a 'freshen up' charm on them,

"You vanished them?"

"You do know the meaning of the word hypothetical don't you?" He asked, checking the time and feeling his heart beat happily,

He had time. They had time.

"Right. Carry on."

"If I, hypothetically vanished them, because they are the most irritating invention, how would you respond?"

"You see that window?"

"Yes."

"You. Out of it." She said, Regulus laughed breathlessly, kissing her forehead before pulling away,

"I'll keep that in mind, Belle," said Regulus, "Are you alright?" He asked as she continued to lean on the wall,

'I just got fucking railed' were the exact thoughts to cross Annabelle's mind as her knees still felt weak, and her mind still foggy,

"That was one hell of a hello, your majesty," said Annabelle, Regulus flushed as he was blushed even deeper, scratching the back of his neck,

Looking ever the bashful lover boy.

He looked at her for a moment, if Annabelle was going to be leaning on anything it should be him, Regulus look her hand in his, and pulled her delicately to the window seat where she'd been waiting for him,

"Where is this quiz?" He asked, picking up the magazine she had been reading,

"What?"

"I'm to find out whether I'm a winter or a summer am I not?" He said,

Regulus had every intention of staying at her side for as long as he could.

Annabelle's lips were against his cheek before she rested her head on his shoulder,

"I-" she begun, as his arm wrapped around her, "Still think you're an autumn," her eyes shut as his hand ran delicately through her hair,

She didn't think she could ever get sick of him.

"What are you doing?" She asked, noticing he had stopped on a page of a cross word,

"You wouldn't happen to have a quill would you?"

"No, but, there is this crazy muggle contraption called a pen," said Annabelle,

"I know what a pen is," Annabelle had used one in history of magic class once and professor Binns had lost his shit,

"Have you ever... used one?" Asked Annabelle, lifting her head from his shoulder, he felt her leaning away but he tightened his grip on her shoulders ever so slightly,

"I don't need to start today," he said, wanting her to keep leaning on him,

Annabelle managed to reach the pen that had rolled to the very edge of the bench and handed it to him, before tucking her feet behind her on the bench and resting her head on his shoulder,

Regulus smiled happily, accepting the pen in a rather good mood,

"Belle?"

"Hmm?"

"Promise you won't laugh at me."

"What?"

"Promise for the next ten seconds you will not laugh,"

"Even if Slughorn walks out here wearing a court jester suit?"

"Even then."

"With the bells and whistles?"

"Especially then,"

"I promise,"

"How does a pen work?"

-*-

Regulus couldn't breathe.

He felt as though he may be drowning.

That things eyes locked with his. Not a ghost, not a man, just this horrible vision of living death.

Hot tears left his eyes as he felt the dark mark burn into his arm.

Regulus tried to move, tried to shut his eyes do something, anything to stop the fear growing inside of him, a hand reached out to touch him, his arm, the branded skin marking the side of the war he'd chosen.

The side, the side without Annabelle.

The side against her seeking to hurt her.

Disgust at himself rose like bile in his throat. How could he? Regulus' struggle for breath picked up. If he could breathe this pain in his chest might be bearable.

No secrets. That's what he had agreed to, but-

How could he look Annabelle in the eyes and tell her what a coward he was?

How could Regulus sit down next to her, roll up his sleeve and throw himself on her mercy.

What if she didn't love him anymore?

She'd never said it, sure, but Regulus, Regulus felt loved.

It was the reason not hearing the words in return was not painful.

He put her through all this secrecy, what if this is what sent her away?

It wouldn't be his parents' fault, not his brother's fault, it would be all be his own fault.

What if she didn't look at him anymore?

What if he upset her so badly that she couldn't stand to look at him, speak to him, hold his hand, kiss his cheek, allow him to doze off on her in the library, or wake him in History of Magic when Binns' lectures caused him to go into what she called a 'boredom comma'?

He felt a cold hand grip his arm bruisingly, and he managed to shut his eyes,

He remembered how the dark lord had gripped his arm, the long yew wand pressing to the skin, and he remembered watching the ink swirl and sink into his flesh.

And for a moment.

A single shame filled moment.

Regulus had felt powerful.

The memory of it caused his insides to recoil in disgust, how proud his mother and father had been, how he, Barty, and Anthony were 'honoured guests' in any pure blood home.

It was serene.

He wondered what Sirius might say. But that was foolish.

Annabelle, Annabelle was his best friend and the love of his life,

He was having a hard time convincing her of the latter, but if he revealed himself now he may be able to keep her as the former.

He could not put off telling her.

Regulus opened his eyes and the figure was gone. He sat up and wiped away his tears before checking the time.

Annabelle would be awake about now.

He slipped out of bed quietly, and got dressed,

He could do this.

It was the two of them right? Against the world. She always understood him. Maybe she would simply forgive him and they'd work through it together.

She would kiss him, wipe away his tears and say it would be okay. That she knew this was an eventuality.

Annabelle would whisper 'its us, your majesty, no noseless twat is going to stand in my way of loving you.'

That sounded like something she would say.

Or.

Maybe she would assume each time he had told her he loved her he was trying to trap her into staying with him.

That was a horrifying thought. As Regulus left his dorm room quickly and walked through the Slytherin common room.

What if she assumed that he didn't love her at all.

That he had lied each time those three words comprised of eight letters left his lips.

It had taken him so long to convince her it wasn't a lie and even then, even then she was sceptical.

What if the first person to ever say 'I love you' to Annabelle Aelin and mean it did this to her.

He tugged the sleeve of his shirt down.

Regulus froze halfway to the astronomy tower.

What if he broke her heart?

How could he hurt Annabelle in such a terrible way?

A pit formed in his stomach. He felt a knot for in his chest. Would her face go blank? Would she cry? He'd seen her cry twice. He did not like it.

Could he make it better? Would she even allow him to?

Her hands would go cold and she might not allow him to warm them. She might not allow him to take her hands in his.

Regulus shook his head, looking down and loosening his tie as he changed course towards the black lake,

A good, safe place.

He very nearly begun to cry but- happiness in spite of reason sparked inside of him when he spotted her.

The sort of happiness and warmth that had accompanied Annabelle since they were young.

"Belle," he started, voice strained as he found her by a tree reading a book waiting for the sun to rise,

"Staring directly at the sun, bathing in fire ants, and stepping on hot coals." Said Annabelle as Regulus sat down next to her, setting his head on her shoulder, "Oh, and getting hit by a car,"

"If this is a to do list, I have some objections."

"Everything I'd rather do than deal with Slughorn today."

"Allow me to join you. Getting impaled I always thought would be particularly awful. Carry on with your list."

"Getting eaten by sharks." Said Annabelle, "Getting eaten by wasps, not stung to death, eaten," she added, "And finally, getting stoned to death either way." Regulus allowed a breath of amusement to leave him, his eyes shutting, knowing full well that looking at her would make this more difficult.

"What about drowning?" Said Regulus,

"The squid signed a legally binding contract to save me, so I'm not worried about that," said Annabelle, "Don't worry, I included you in the fine print, your majesty. We have a squid pro quo."

I love you. And the rest? The rest doesn't matter. I don't love you in spite of anything, I love you completely, that's all. It's you and me and us, and however long we can make it work I'm going to be with you.

The pit in his stomach had all but disappeared and a far different feeling formed in his chest,

"Thoughtful." Regulus took a breath to tell her, but instead he asked, "Don't you usually go to the astronomy tower?"

"There's a first year class packing up," she said, "Why, are you unhappy to see me?" She teased, he picked up her hand and kissed the back of it,

"I just would have brought you tea," he said, before laying on the grass with his head on her lap,

She didn't need to know about his mark today,

There was always tomorrow.

So, for the first time in his life, Regulus decided he would procrastinate a task.

"What exactly did Slughorn do to offend you?" Said Regulus,

"First off,"

Regulus begun to smile as he looked up at her, the problems of his world fell away, her hand ran through his hair and he relaxed,

"What? Is my irritation amusing to you?" She asked,

"Yes." Said Regulus, wishing to remain here forever, "especially when you structure said irritation as a paragraph."

"I spend too much time with your sorry arse." She said with a huff, "I had a conclusion in mind and everything,"

Regulus smiled and held her hand in his,

"Please do carry on," said Regulus, watching as the sun begun to illuminate the features of her beautiful perfect face,

"First off I don't trust anyone with a moustache out of principle," said Annabelle, and Regulus surprised laughter,

"Principle?"

"You know, don't kill people, don't commit tax fraud, don't trust he with moustache as only facial hair, the important moral principles." said Annabelle, before her eyes flickered down to him, and she noticed how his uniform was slightly... off, it was unlike him. Regulus loathed not being the picture of perfection. She fixed it for him. It would be easier for him to breathe if she did.

"Are you alright?" She asked,

"I just, I- I came out here because, well," I couldn't face you and tell you that I'm a death eater, and I had no idea I'd have the joy of your company, "I saw an inferi again. It's rather nice that you're here quite frankly. I enjoy your company."

"More than you sleep paralysis demon's?"

"Don't tell him I said that. He can get rather jealous."

"Yeah, well I can get rather violent." Said Annabelle with a scoff, not liking at he was being tormented like this. Wondering if he had been cursed, and who had cursed him.

Annabelle scanned their surroundings, checking behind the tree before returning her gaze to him,

She really did believe him.

"They didn't follow you here like the last time or anything right? It was just one?" She asked, as both of his hands moved to hold one of hers, She should not worry about him,

Not with what he was.

"Just one." Said Regulus, "Why do you put up with me, Belle?"

He expected a long pause, maybe an 'I love you, Regulus' but she said something better.

"You're my favourite human being to ever exist ever, and I'm not gonna deprive myself of your company." she said as though it were the most obvious thing in the world, and then she said in the most horrid imitation of him, "Just because you've got a... tortured soul." Regulus scoffed, covering his smile with his hand.

"But-"

"Honestly, your majesty, I should have your eyes checked because of how blind you seem to be to my feelings towards you."

"You're one to talk."

"Piss off."

"Never."

He would tell her tomorrow.

"Us 'and all that'" he said, mimicking her accent,

"Shut up."

"Say it."

"No."

"Please."

"Its us."

-*-

Regulus touched Annabelle's shoulder lightly where she sat in the library, and she leant forward allowing him to sit behind her, wrap his arms around her waist and fall asleep on her shoulder but not before,

Regulus nudged her before presenting his cheek to be kissed,

Annabelle huffed as though it were truly taxing,

"So demanding." She mumbled, pressing her lips to his cheek,

Regulus smiled happily, his eyes already shut as he fell asleep on her,

Annabelle paused for a moment, looking at him, Pressing another kiss to his cheek lightly when she was sure he was asleep before resuming her homework,

Annabelle may not be particularly good at the whole 'focus on one thing at a time and don't hyperfixate on one tiny detail leading to a rabbit hole of research that would make even Alice jealous' but you know, she tried.

For instance, right now she was not going to go and do a deep dive research into who discovered the healing properties of ogre saliva and just how that discovery came to be,

She was not,

Definitely not wondering whether this person had been helped by an ogre or had been in the process of being eaten,

Or if that large book on ogres visible on one of the shelves would hold all the answers she wanted. And she was most certainly not thinking about how incredible she could make a research page on ogres look in her notebook,

Or how she could add in a picture of Crouch and give it to him for Christmas.

Or how she could give that same page to Finnigan and they'd have a proper laugh.

Not thinking about any of that.

Annabelle glanced at that book again. It looked so, so dusty she would be the first person to pick it up in ages.

Annabelle's hand rose to summon it but-

Regulus' arms tightened around her ever so slightly,

"Focus." Whispered Regulus, who knew this pattern well,

"I hate you." She muttered scornfully,

"I love you too," said Regulus, as Annabelle's hand rose to run through his hair, before she picked up her pen again, "Don't I get a kiss?"

"I already-"

"I have no recollection of that." Said Regulus,

Annabelle placed a chaste kiss on his cheek and he hummed contentedly resuming his rest,

Regulus didn't like to be parted from her.

Felt like his soul had been halved and left had been left with her.

He hated the idea that there might come a time where she wanted him to stay away. Regulus would if that was something she wanted, but it didn't mean it did not hurt to think about.

He glanced up at the dark figure looming in the corner of the library, Annabelle scoffed at whatever it was that she had read and the book proceeded to catch fire,

"Fuck. Fuck. Fuck." She muttered, putting it out, and trying not to move much, thinking he was still sleeping peacefully on her,

The dark figure disappeared.

Regulus had the same thought he'd had each day since the beginning of the year as furrowed her eyebrows and tried to focus on getting her work done,

Annabelle did not need to know about his dark mark today,

Regulus did not like keeping things from Annabelle.

Selfish. That's what he knew it was, to abuse her ignorance, try to get her to admit her feelings for him. Trying to make her love a death eater.

Ironically the only person who made him feel better about any of this was the one he was hurting, or would hurt the most.

"Are you asleep?" She asked quietly, hand lifting to summon the book, and he took her hand before it could rise,

"Not that asleep," Said Regulus, "And stop setting things on fire."

"Damn you." She said,

"Out of sheer curiosity,"

"Yes, when I use wandless magic I refer to it as the force." She said,

"You are so my dream girl." He teased, and Annabelle blushed furiously,

"Stop,"

"What you told me I was your dream b-"

"I will literally die of embarrassment,"

"We're alone."

"I will literally die."

"Not figuratively?"

"Not figuratively."

"Fine. But, I have to ask, do you mean when you pictured a romantic partner when you were younger did you picture me, or that you dream of me now?" Asked Regulus,

"I can't answer that,"

"Oh? Are you literally dead?"

"Of embarrassment. And its not at all figurative," Said Annabelle,

How could anyone expect me to let you down? How could I ever let you go, Belle? Will it never be like this again?

Regulus pressed a kiss to her temple.

"Now if you would go back to sleep so I can resume my riveting studies," she said,

"Riveting?"

"Yes. Absolutely riveting, moved from the exciting world of saliva to the country of beet routes,"

"Roots you mean."

"That's what I said."

"Why does one get a world and the other a country?" Asked Regulus,

"Shhh, sleep," Said Annabelle, her hand running over his face as though to shut his eyes, and wipe that idiotically handsome smile from his face,

"It doesn't make- what just nudged my foot?" He asked, eyes opening and he spotted a guilty expression on Annabelle's face, her beautiful perfect face, "You have a problem," he said, moving her to the seat beside his, and picking up the book from the ground, "Why do you need to know?"

"I need to know how some bloke got the idea to have an ogre spit on his wound, it certainly wouldn't be the first thing to cross my mind. We're he and the ogre friends? Or was the ogre being disrespectful and spitting on the prat, and then an open wound got hit? Back to this friend thing, how close were they? Was it a childhood friendship?"

Regulus tried to appear cross with her, but it was terribly difficult considering that when Annabelle spoke sometimes she would use hand gestures and he found it really quite charming,

"Or were they enemies? Or rivals?" She added, "The possibilities are endless, and this whole not knowing thing really does not suit me." She said finally taking a breath and glancing at him,

"endless? Really?"

"Less than an end. Multiple. Ends if you will."

"What if I won't?"

"Then I won't let you hold my hand while you speak during prefects meetings." Said Annabelle,

"Or when you speak?"

"Or when I speak." Said Annabelle, and Regulus frowned, Hogwarts robes provided the perfect coverage for their intertwined fingers,

It was his favourite part.

"You already know this material, this was just review?"

"I am preparing for a test a whole goddamned week in advance and you have the auDAcity to question me?" She asked, and Regulus locked eyes with her before saying,

"Yes." Quite simply, and suppressing his smile with difficulty as she scowled at him,

"Yes this was review because someone's nerdy arse is rubbing off on me," She said with a huff,

"A simple thank you would suffice,"

"Death. And it will be painful." She said, though her hand touching his on the table immediately rendered any threat she made worthless,

"Threats. And you not being able to make them." Said Regulus, "Towards me at least,"

She wrinkled her nose, before looking at him,

"How can you pretend everything is alright?"

"What?" Said Regulus blinking, and Annabelle furrowed her eyebrows together in confusion,

"I said, and listen closely, I don't have to threaten you to get what I want," said Annabelle, and Regulus arched an eyebrow,

"Oh?" He said, expecting a snog maybe, a proper one where Annabelle would do that thing he liked with her tongue just thinking about it was- A fire started catching on her spare parchment and Regulus jumped, scrambling for his wand to put it out, "Merlin's beard," he exclaimed, and she laughed, waving a hand to put it out,

"I'm sorry," she said, kissing his cheek, "I'm sorry," she repeated, "Your reactions are just-"

"There are books here, Belle, books," Said Regulus, Annabelle just looked at him, the most intoxicatingly soft look on her face as she apologized again, pressing kisses all over his face, then kissing him chastely before leaning away,

"Sorry," Said Annabelle a final time, and he tried to remain cross with her, but it was impossible with Annabelle looking at him like that,

"What is it?" He asked, trying not to sound too breathless,

"Noth- Nothing," she said, a blush coating her cheeks, "What do you want for your birthday?" She asked,

"My birthday?" He said, he didn't like his birthday,

"Yeah, sort of, a big one. Eighteen." Said Annabelle, "Can legally drink at muggle bars, able to vote. Democracy is always fun,"

"I would like..." he started, trying to think of the most preposterous demand he could possibly make, "The locket of Salazar Slytherin." He said, and Annabelle huffed, "Or, alternatively you could ask me to take you flying," he said with a smug smile,

"Ask you?" She said, "What will you provide a script you want me to rehearse?"

"If one is necessary," Said Regulus, nodding, "But rehearsal couldn't hurt. I would also like it paired with a profession of how you can't live without me, and how you feel about m-"

"Now, about the Slytherin Locket," said Annabelle, Regulus laughed, "Are you adverse to an exact replica?"

"If you don't think you'll find it on time," Said Regulus,

"Regulus. Your Majesty. My paramour."

"I really need to take away your word of the day calendar,"

"I care for you more than I do most people. Your smile? Most beautiful thing in the world. Spending time with you? I'm not even gonna get into it. But if I got my hands on Slytherin's locket, I'm selling it for a crapload of money, or selling tickets to view it and make a crapload of money, then I'm buying so much stuff, then making people wonder whether Ive got ties to organized crime, rich people things. Stop speaking English, what would it be?"

"I'm not saying it."

"Say it."

"I'm not going to- don't pout." Said Regulus, "If I close my eyes I am immune to-" Annabelle took his hand, then touched his shoulder with the other one,

"Say it."

"Rich people English is cha-chinglish," He said with a defeated sigh, Annabelle grinned at him, pressing a kiss to his cheek before sitting back down, "Would you please just learn whatever it is you need to know about that ogre so I can-"

"I can write with my left hand," Said Annabelle, offering her right hand to be held,

"I didn't know that."

"It's my secret talent,"

"Your handwriting is so terrible that no one would be able to tell anyways?" Said Regulus, smiling at her,

"You. Are an arsehole." Said Annabelle, opening the book and scanning the table of contents, before flipping to a page,

"What does it-"

"I don't talk to arseholes."

"Well that's just untrue," Said Regulus,

"What?"

"In potions, you speak with Diggory all the time," said Regulus, looking away, his cheeks tinting pink, Annabelle paused her reading and turned to him, a wicked smile on her face,

"Are you jealous?" She whispered,

"No." He grumbled,

"You're not? So if I mentioned Diggory had asked me-"

"What? That is not okay at all, and you should ask to be moved but I won't make you do a thing just letting you know my general opinion and I love you, and as your boyfriend I think it's important to share my opinions with-"

"To pass the moonstone," Said Annabelle, and Regulus turned all red in the face, leaning on her shoulder, "You know there's really no one else, there is no need to be jealous, you've ruined me for other men."

"I know, I know," said Regulus quietly, couples had become subject of Regulus' envy,

He wanted desperately to walk down the hall with Annabelle's hand in his without consequence. He wanted to blow her kisses from his broom before Quidditch matches, fly down to kiss her once they'd ended,

He wanted to impress her friends, and take her on real dates in Hogsmeade. Regulus wanted to but he would not.

"I just-" he stopped himself before he said something he would regret, because the simple answer to 'I want to be with you publicly' was 'then why are we still hiding?', and there was a more complicated answer to that,

"Want to go find me these seven books on-"

He took the rather colourful list from her, kissed her forehead and stood up,

"Only because you let me sleep on you."

-*-

"And if you don't love me now," started Leo Finnigan in a dramatic reading in the Great Hall,

"What? will you never love me again?" Continued Annabelle, eyes wide, hands moving as she spoke,

"I can still hear you saying," Said Leo, winking at Anthony across the great hall,

"You will never break the chain," Said Annabelle, before beaming and finishing the final loop on the top she had finished making, "It's done, it's done, is this what accomplishment feels like?"

Leo looked at the top and picked it up,

"DuPont and McKenna have been fighting again, huh?" He said, and Annabelle snatched the top back from him, it was rather intricate,

She'd had time to make this.

"Shut up." Said Annabelle, "Or I won't finish your bedazzled vest for Halloween,"

"Cruel woman," Said Leo, spilling his water all over her eggs, she gasped looking at him,

"If I wasn't so full on the sense of accomplishment, and halfway through 'a less violent path to closure with those closest to you' by- you don't care,"

"I don't."

"Well you should because without those wise words, I would be thinking of all the ways to remove your wand. And not the one made out of wood." Said Annabelle,

"I can't believe you, Claire," Said Justin, sitting down in front of Leo and Annabelle as his girlfriend sat next to him,

"Do you have a magazine?" Whispered Leo, "To hide behind."

"Yes." Whispered Annabelle, her new top in her lap, picking up her magazine which was promptly snatched away, "Nooooo," She whispered,

"Annie, would you please tell Justin that it is id. i. ot. ic. to break up before it is completely necessary?" Asked Claire, "I mean you and-"

"I would rather not voice my opinion," Said Annabelle, "At this time, please check back later. Maybe some time around the apocalypse, or um the flying pig thing, I would prefer to remain Swiss."

"Finnigan. You then. Your significant other is a Slytherin," Said Claire,

"DuPont, after I'm pretty sure you did it in my bed, I'm less inclined to be on your side, I am also inclined to remain Swiss." Said Leo, "Can I interest you in a dramatic reading of Fleetwood Mac's never break the chain?"

"We can also do why did it have to be me, and Lover boy, as in good old fashioned," Said Annabelle,

"Babe, if you want to stay together why not, I don't know, leave him," Said Justin,

"This has to be the longest fight over the same topic in history," Whispered Leo,

"The cold war has nothing on these two." Muttered Annabelle,

"I can't just leave my whole- Do you realize what you're asking me to- Clearly you don't care about- I can't believe you are giving me an ultimatum." Said Claire, turning red in the face, "Annie, where did you get that top? The one you're wearing not the... homemade one,"

"Muggle store," said Annabelle,

"And the necklace?"

"Crazy story, true story, there was this fairy and she like didn't get an invite to this party and got kinda upset," said Annabelle, looking up at the ceiling and cursing her weakness in her lies about Regulus, "So she cursed this baby and then these three fairies in a throuple decided to adopt-"

"Nevermind." Said Claire,

"It's sparkly." She said, smiling a little as she fiddled with it, "That's all you really need to know,"

"Fair, it is sparkly just like my engagement ring," Said Claire, and Annabelle winced from vicarious embarrassment as she watched McKenna's face redden, "Far larger than I could get from-"

"Claire. I hate being a mistress. Those two sneak around constantly and are still happier than me," Said McKenna, pointing at Leo and Annabelle,

"Please tell me you are insinuating that we are sleeping with people who are ashamed of us and not each other," Said Leo, and Annabelle cringed,

"Why did you even say that?" asked Annabelle, "It's," she whispered, "gross."

"We're not pureblood McKenna, we're not into that whole family shagging thing," Said Leo, and Annabelle nodded adamantly,

"Are you even inviting Aelin to the wedding?" Asked McKenna, and Annabelle looked at Claire with a rather confused expression on her face,

"Of course,"

"She is a muggle born. If your parents think I, a half blood am so atrocious, what will they say when you introduce your muggleborn maid of honor,"

"I'm not the maid of honor." Said Annabelle, "That's her sister. I'm just a bridesmaid,"

"Because that changes things," said McKenna,

"I'm not shagging Annie," Said Claire,

"I mean I wouldn't be adverse to the i- but I have a- not the point." Said Annabelle, and Leo chortled, "The fuck was that sound?"

"Don't insult my joy." Said Leo,

"Sorry," mumbled Annabelle, glancing at the door to the great hall as Regulus walked in, he always looked so regal, and pretty,

"Ooh, love, oo, lover boy," mumbled Leo, snapping Annabelle out of it and causing a blush to coat her cheeks,

"Shut up."

"My wedding is a masquerade ball theme, so she can come, you can come in the name of our longstanding friendship," said Claire, narrowing her eyes at him,

Regulus then paused and looked at Annabelle, nodded to the door and started walking towards it,

Annabelle furrowed her eyebrows and wondered why he had entered the great hall only to leave,

"Fuck you. I never will again." Said McKenna,

"Babe, we both know that's not true." Said Claire,

"I need to go," Said Annabelle,

"What, why?" Asked Leo,

"You know me and conflict with friends. I get hives. Then fires start. And babies cry. Do you not care about the babies, Finnigan, hmm?" Asked Annabelle, and Leo huffed,

"Fine, abandon me for lover boy." said Finnigan,

Annabelle smiled, and patted his head, "Thanks, so much for your silence and discretion, means the world to me."

"Likewise."

Annabelle left the great hall, holding her new shirt and scanning the hall for Regulus Black, she was halfway down the hall when a gentle hand pulled her into a classroom and lips were set softly against hers,

"Hi," Said Regulus,

"Hi." She repeated,

"What's that- another one of those tops?" He asked, taking her creation from her delicately, and Annabelle nodded, "I like these tops,"

"I'll make you one," She teased,

"You know what I meant," Said Regulus, and she smiled looking to the side,

"Yeah, yeah, makes me irresistible," Said Annabelle,

"Because you weren't already," said Regulus sarcastically, giving the top back to her, and kissing her forehead, "Have you already eaten?"

"No, Finnigan ruined my eggs,"

"I'll send for the assassin on Monday," Said Regulus,

"Make it Sunday, and get a good one not someone cheap. The eggs here are exquisite, or uh,"

"Don't say it," Said Regulus,

"Eggsquisite," Said Annabelle, and Regulus slanted his lips over hers, "Are you inviting me to breakfast?"

"In the kitchens, so you can get whatever you want," he justified, he offered his hand to hold, she shot him a confused look, "I know a less common way to get there, and I really want to hold your hand."

"Wow, your Majesty, you do know how to make me blush," Said Annabelle, taking his hand as he kissed the back of hers before twining their fingers together and leaving the classroom,

"I do pride myself on that particular skill, yes," Said Regulus before touching a page she had torn from a book and given him in his pocket, it was by far his favourite that she had ever given him,

My love is sworn with searing kiss,
To live, to die,
at last my nameless bliss,
As I love, loved am I.

He did not know if she meant it or if she had given it to him because she thought he would enjoy the poetry, either way he loved it. So much. It had been reread almost hourly.

"I had a question," said Regulus,

"Yeah?"

"Promise not to laugh,"

"Cross my heart."

"What on earth are batteries?"

I love you.

Annabelle's face froze for a moment before she begun to speak,

"It's simple really, stored electric energy."

"Elaborate."

-*-

"Smiles are contagious," said Anthony, and Barty scowled at him,

"After dating Sayre for three months I think I'm vaccinated." Said Barty, and Regulus chuckled, flipping the page of his book,

"How is it that you're so happy all the time, Avery?" Asked Barty, and Anthony froze, panicked for a moment before saying,

"Drugs. I do drugs." He said, nodding,

"What drugs?" Asked Barty,

"No need for the cross examination, Auror Crouch," said Anthony,

"Don't do drugs." Said Regulus, giving his general opinion, "Hard ones anyways,"

"Just minor stuff?" Asked Anthony,

"Stay at that gateway, Avery," said Regulus, quoting something he'd heard Annabelle say,

He loved her so much.

Regulus decided to send her flowers.

"What is a four letter word that is a flower representing deep affection?" Asked Anthony,

"Rose." Answered Barty,

"You just knew that like off the top of your head," said Anthony, "Future herbologist in our midst?"

"You try dating Sayre for three long months, and not knowing every meaning behind Roses. I got her Marigolds once and she burst into tears," said Barty with a long sigh,

"Why did you even stay with her so long?" Asked Anthony, filling in the space on his crossword,

"Sayre has a specific set of skills-"

"That we don't need to hear about." Muttered the now uncomfortable Anthony, "Three letter word for joyous," he then proceeded to chuckle and fill it in,

"I'm afraid I wouldn't be a very good audience either," said Regulus, sitting up on the couch, "I'm not her biggest fan,"

"The pair of you never shagged?" Asked Barty,

"No." Said Regulus, "She reminded me of my mother,"

Barty groaned covering his face, "Why did you have to say that?"

Regulus merely allowed for a small smile before returning to his book,

"What are you reading that's so interesting?" Asked Barty,

"The textbook. I'm not all that surprised you don't recognize it though, Crouch," said Regulus, and Anthony chuckled, nudging him as Barty scowled,

"What's a five letter word for disappointment?" Asked Anthony, and Regulus, unable to resist,

"Barty." He whispered, suppressing his laughter and wondering what it might be like if Annabelle was next to him right now laughing along with him,

She would likely lift his arm up and curl up right next to him. That would be nice.

Instead he was hit upside the head by Barty, as Anthony gasped,

"It fits." He said, "It would be cool if my name fit in one of these things, your name is a star, so it's usually there, and now I know Barty is synonymous with disappointment,"

"Anthony is synonymous with asshole." Said Barty decidedly, "Do you want to go watch the Gryffindor team practice?"

"Yes. Yes I would. McKenna is an irritating little-" Anthony stopped himself, "Let's go. Are you coming, Black? Team captain?"

"It'll look suspicious if I'm there," said Regulus, "I need to return a book to the library anyways,"

"Overachievers." Said Barty, shaking his head,

"With their, their, overachieving." Said Anthony, and Barty nudged him,

"Nice one,"

"Thanks. I like to think I'm witty."

-*-

"I need luck, Belle, do you really want me to go out there, into the sky, without the luck your kiss brings?" Asked Regulus, pulling his Belle closer to him,

"You rehearsed this didn't you." Said Annabelle, smiling at him as he blushed, scratching the back of his neck and glanced away,

"Once or twice, but only because this would be the third game in a ro-" started Regulus but he was cut off with Annabelle's lips on his, "Couldnt resist?"

"You are simply too beautiful for this world, your majesty, how my mortal heart reacts? You can't blame me for that." Said Annabelle, "In other words You're really fucking hot."

Regulus laughed, his hands settling on Annabelle's waist,

"You were doing so well," said Regulus, kissing her again, "Then you just had to add it,"

"For flare. Yes." Said Annabelle, Regulus checked for his shrunken scarf around her wrist, "it's still there,"

"Just checking," said Regulus innocently before kissing Annabelle again,

It was truly one of the most wonderful experiences. To feel her lips on his.

"May I pick you up and spin you whilst we kiss?" He asked,

"What?"

"It's just a thought that I had a while ago, and I figured I should ask, so you have fair warning," said Regulus,

"Well of course you can do that, just, you used the word whilst in conversation," she said, raising a hand as though to check his temperature,

"Is that your limit?"

"Can no longer look at you the same way. Ever again." She said Sarcastically, and Regulus smiled into her next kiss, moving his arms slowly until he promptly scooped her into his arms bridal style,

"Ever again?"

"Why are you so strong?" She asked, adjusting to being held,

Regulus always held her with the utmost care.

"Well to carry you of course." Said Regulus, "I never took you for dim, Belle my love,"

"Of course." She said, "How could I be so stupid?"

"It's a mystery." Said Regulus, before kissing her again, Annabelle's hand moved to the side of his face,

She did the thing he liked with her tongue, and he spun once with her in his arms, Setting her down slowly careful not to allow their lips to separate for too long, his hands moving to hold her face,

"I love you." He whispered before a final kiss, "Wish me luck?"

"Good luck." Said Annabelle her hand on his wrist, "Are you ready for some groundbreaking advice?"

"Yes."

"Catch the snitch." Said Annabelle in dead pan, Regulus was the one to break, snickering, "What? You think a broken ground is funny?"

"I never thought I would hear good Quidditch advice from you, Belle," he said, pressing another kiss to her lips,

"I make an effort," she said, as though completely serious,

"Thank you." Said Regulus, kissing her, "I don't know what I would have done without your advice. Caught a bludger instead?"

"Imagine the tragedy." Said Annabelle, "What do you think about while you're up there?"

"Nothing." Said Regulus, a small smile on his face, "Absolutely nothing. Except for the meaning of life."

"Not about how the word Quidditch is like the names for all the balls fused together with a rogue I tossed in for shits and giggles?" Said Annabelle, and Regulus' face took on a thoughtful expression,

"You've known this for how long?"

"Well-"

"And only now you share it with your loving boyfriend?" He asked, a hand to his heart, ever the drama Queen,

Regulus wanted to evoke a very specific reaction from his girlfri-

"I'm sorry," said Annabelle kissing all over his face, "I'm sorry," she said again, placing a final kiss to his lips,

Regulus deepened the kiss, his arm looping around her waist to pull her flush against him,

"You'll be in the stands after I win?" He whispered,

"So sure of yourself." She muttered,

"I did just get an awful lot of luck," said Regulus, She let out a small laugh,

"I'll be there," said Annabelle, Regulus kissed her deeply,

"Rounds tonight? Wear the green." He murmured,

"I can't do that,"

"Why not?"

"I wasn't planning on wearing any knickers at all," she said,

"You should do whatever feels right." Said Regulus, kissing her indulgently again,

Annabelle didn't need to know about his dark mark today.

-*-

"Who did you say was giving you a hard time?" Asked Annabelle, looking at the sniffling first year,

"He, his name was Crouch," she said, "I don't know his first name but- he, he called me names, a, a mudblood,"

"Well. I'm going to take care of this." Said Annabelle decidedly, sitting on the bench next to her,

"Really?" Asked the first year, looking up at the head girl, "My brother said it was stupid to ask,"

"There is no such thing as a stupid question, Abbot. Especially when you're asking me to punish Crouch. I mean anything to get under that twat's skin." Said Annabelle with a huff, "Would you like to learn a new hex?"

"I- yeah, I would." Said the Hailey Abbot,

Annabelle hated it when younger students were picked on. Annabelle thought it was wrong and cruel, and- don't even get her started it would take too long.

She also hated seeing people cry.

So much.

Her insides burned as she thought of just how she might hurt Barty.

Not hurt.

Just scare.

Right.

Don't set him on fire.

Of course.

Reminding herself not to set him on fire was a challenge.

Annabelle bid the Hufflepuff farewell with a new hex in her arsenal and hair now braided in a crown around her head,

Who would hurt a kid like that? A sweet kid like that?

She knew, better than most, that only parents could fuck you up to the point of hurting another person like that.

Annabelle tracked down newspaper articles about Barty's father in the library, and her eyes lit up with that vindictive little glint they took on.

She created copies and copied down Barty's mother's name.

Annabelle walked into the great hall Sunday morning and scanned for him. She did not care if Regulus was there.

She had asked him to speak with Barty weeks ago. But she didn't mind so much.

She'd promised that this would be taken care of.

Annabelle walked directly towards him, he was going to listen to her, and he was going to do as she said.

Her hand touched his shoulder, and Barty looked up confused,

"What the- Aelin?" He said, as she bent down so her face hovered near his over his other shoulder,

"Hi, Crouch, I wanted to talk to you," she said, picking up a fork and pressing it abruptly into an artery located in his chest and he coughed, clearly in pain, "Smile." She instructed and he did as he was told, "Good. Obedient. That's nice. Do you have a minute?" She asked,

Barty nodded, Regulus didn't seem to know how to respond,

"What do you want?" Asked Crouch, and Annabelle's fingers drummed on his shoulders for a moment,

"First I think it's important you're made aware of what exactly this fork is jamming into." She said, "Keep smiling,"

"Are you familiar with what an artery is?" She asked, he nodded, "This here is a fairly big one and were it to burst? You would be faced with rather painful internal bleeding, which, as I've learnt is a fairly big deal, that would leave you hospitalized for- no idea how long. Haven't done the math."

"What do you want?" He choked out,

"You've been picking on first years, Crouch, and that needs to stop." She said, "Anyone below fifth year is off limits. Actually with what I know, you are about to become a model student."

"What?"

"Mummy wouldn't be pleased if she found out about your actions would she?" Said Annabelle and Barty froze, "And daddy might just cut. You. Off. If he found out."

"Aelin." Said Regulus, looking at her,

This was a low blow.

She must know that.

"You are going to stop being such a twat and you won't pick on eleven to sixteen year old kids to feel good about yourself." Said Annabelle quite simply, "Because Matilda Crouch is a lovely woman, and I would truly hate for her to find out how awful her son is,"

"She wouldn't believe you."

"But Senior would." Annabelle sighed,

"Aelin, this is too far." Said Regulus, Annabelle's eyes flickered to his dangerously,

It's enough when I say it's enough. Was practically written across her features, before a pleasant smile was plastered across her face,

Regulus' breathing hitched in his throat, Annabelle only continued,

"But mum's always been different hasn't she? Always been on your corner? And with a signed letter from many a mudblood, mummy might see who you really are. And oh, she would be so disappointed in you." Said Annabelle,

She kept the most pleasant expression on her face, as though this were all in good fun.

Truly anyone looking in might think they were discussing last week's quidditch match,

"How much hate you have in your heart. I mean daddy issues I get, we've all been there, it's this god complex you have that throws me for a loop. And picking on eleven year olds? Making kids cry? That would make you a horrible person. Surprised your company doesn't come with a barf bag."

"Aelin." Repeated Regulus,

"Are we understood, Junior? You and your friends leave younger muggleborns alone, in fact avoid conflict in general." Said Annabelle, "Make peace not war, my guy. Say it."

"Make peace not war." Said Barty,

"Say. It."

"Make peace not war, my guy."

"Now say that Barty Crouch Jr is a massive prick, which is ironic considering it's probably very small."

"A-"

"Say. it."

"I am a massive prick, which is ironic."

"Good boy." Said Annabelle, before allowing the fork to clatter to the table before straightening, adjusting her skirt and smiling and waving to a first year Hufflepuff who had her hair braided around her head like a crown,

"I have fulfilled my headgirl duties. Have a nice day, and tell your mum I say hi." Said Annabelle before walking away,

Regulus furrowed his eyebrows as he decided exactly what to do, Annabelle had threatened Barty before when he'd picked on her but this was-

"She's crazy." Said Barty, crossing his legs, rather red in the face,

"It might not be such a bad idea to lay off the younger ones." Said Regulus, knowing a mention of Barty's mother would shut him up for a while, "The ones who would cry in front of Aelin."

That, Regulus concluded must have been why Annabelle decided to go for such a low blow. She hated watching people cry.

Would do anything to stop it.

"Fine." Said Barty, scowling at his plate, "How did she even know all that?"

"Aelin is a mystery." Said Regulus, looking at his girlfriend of nearly a year, "are you alright?"

"Ask me again in fifteen minutes." Said Barty, as Anthony walked into the great hall, sitting down next to Barty with a smile on his face,

"What did I miss?"

"Aelin is a bitch."

"Is that what's got you all hot and bothered?" Asked Anthony teasing his humiliated red face,

"Not the time," said Regulus, shifting uncomfortably in his seat, he agreed of course with Annabelle,

But her methods were- while confusing, and sort of hot, and- he would come back to that later. Regulus didn't know how to react to it.

"I'm going to go speak with Aelin." Said Regulus, standing up, trying to think of anything other than the way her voice had sounded,

Or how her eyes had flickered to his dangerously when he threatened to interrupt her.

"Give her a sedative while your at it." Said Crouch,

"I'm not sure she's the one who needs-"

"Shut it."

Regulus crossed the great hall, cutting Annabelle off on her way to the Hufflepuff table, catching her arm,

"We should talk." He said, dropping her arm quickly, and taking a step back,

"About...?"

"Your inability to play dumb." Said Regulus, already walking towards the door knowing she would follow,

Annabelle did,

Mostly because she knew what it mean when Regulus' jaw tensed like that. She walked quickly, catching up to him as he walked somewhere more private,

"What is this about, Black?" She asked, Regulus stopped in the middle of the hallway,

"Get in the classroom, Aelin." He said pleasantly, turning to open the door for her,

It was empty. This classroom was always empty.

"Why would I do that?"

"Please?" He asked, trying to keep any thoughts he had private, rather than let her see just how much he wanted her to get into this classroom, "I wish I could say it will only take a minute, but, after what I just witnessed."

"Fine. But this had better be good," said Annabelle, walking into the classroom,

It didn't help that she wore one of those tops she made herself, the Jean jacket really did little from keeping Regulus from wanting to-

"It will be." Said Regulus, shutting the door and proceeding to corner her against it, "What did you think you were doing?"

"Taking care of an issue you couldn't," said Annabelle, "Fulfilling my headgirl duties."

Her tongue ran across her top lip and Regulus thought his heart couldn't beat any faster, she leant against the door he had her caged against, as though it were her decision to stand against it and his arms were there by coincidence,

"You didn't seem to mind." Said Annabelle, looking up at him,

"He's my friend."

"He's been giving some people a hard time." Said Annabelle, "You can relate to being hard, can't you, your majesty?"

Regulus very nearly groaned as her eyes flickered down, knowing full well what she would see, his eyes rolled back momentarily as blood rushed downward,

"What was it?" She asked, "Did you get jealous of how close I got?"

"Yes."

"Was that it?"

"Your voice." He said, "That top. Those pants. Your eyes."

Annabelle undid his belt slowly,

"May I?" She asked,

"Yes,"

She undid his pants, and freed him from his briefs, her hand running across his length softly, Regulus did groan this time,

"Do you like that, your majesty?" She asked, kissing his neck, her hand moving quickly, waiting for him to ask her to speed up,

"Belle," he said, forgetting completely any reason he could ever have to be cross with her,

"Do you want more?"

"Yes," said Regulus,

Her hand moved faster, Annabelle's lips moved across his neck,

"Where do you want my lips, Regulus?" She asked, her lips were on the juncture of his neck, he grunted when he felt her tongue run across his sweet spot,

"On me." He said,

"They are on you, your majesty, be more specific." Said Annabelle, teasing him, he stopped her hand, kissing her deeply as he pushed her jacket off her shoulders,

"You know where." He said, locking the door, she had done this before, Regulus was a fan,

Annabelle lowered herself to her knees slowly, unbuttoning a few buttons of his shirt, on her way down, allowing her lips to make contact with his skin,

His eyes rolled back as soon as her tongue ran over his length before she took him in her mouth,

"Fuck, Annabelle," he groaned, her hand rose to touch his- "How the fuck are you so," he cut himself off with another low moan,

She swallowed once, and Regulus snapped, pulling out of her mouth and bringing her to her feet,

"I need to fuck you," he said, prompting an influx of colour to her cheeks, "Pants. Off. Before I vanish them,"

Annabelle removed her pants quickly, before slanting her lips over his again, pushing him towards a chair, rather large chair, pushing him down lightly before straddling his hips,

"Did you get wet from-" she cut him off with a kiss, aligning him with her entrance before sliding down over him, she was so tight, so wet,

Annabelle bit her lip to keep from moaning loudly, Regulus' hand went beneath her top to touch her,

"Fuck," said Annabelle, her hips rocking against him, "Yes," she breathed, breath quick,

Regulus' lips were on her neck as she moved over him, hands undoing more buttons of his shirt,

"Tell me I'm the only one." He said, kissing her neck, trying to distract her before she pushed his shirt from his shoulders and saw-

"You're the only one," she said without a second thought, her hand on the nape of his neck-

He loved that,

He gripped her hips and she moved faster, her hand moving to the juncture of his neck and collar bone as her eyes closed, the promised bliss getting closer and closer,

Regulus felt a chill run down his spine, and he knew he wouldn't last much longer, Annabelle was closer to him now, her mouth opened as she gasped at the spot he hit inside of her,

His eyes were half lidded as he took in the sensation and the sight before him,

"Fuck, Belle, I love you." He said, as her back arched in her bliss as she came for him and he followed shortly after,

She got off of him slowly, as he rezipped his pants and pulled her into his lap, she allowed him to, readjusting her underwear,

"Why was I cross with you again?" He asked,

"At least let me put my pants on."

Regulus pressed the softest kisses to her neck,

"Just a minute more." He requested, "Sunday is a holy day isn't it?"

"Yeah," she said, he made an effort to understand her life,

"Making love to you is as close to a religious experience as I'm ever going to get," said Regulus, pressing another kiss to her neck tenderly, "Let me enjoy it."

Annabelle blushed furiously,

No matter how the sex began Regulus always behaved the same way afterwards,

Touching her gently, sweet words,

"What is it?" He asked, looking at her,

"I-" she started, as he tucked her hair behind her ear delicately, "think you're the most beautiful person I've ever met."

Guilt captured Regulus again, but Annabelle didn't need to know about his mark today,

"Careful, Aelin or I might start to think you like me or something,"

"Or something." She muttered, pressing her lips on his,

"Can I ask why you did that to Crouch?" He asked, knowing she'd give just about any answer right now,

"He's been picking on first and second year-"

"Someone cried in front of you didn't they?" Asked Regulus, Annabelle turned rather pink and looked away,

"That's beside the point." Said Annabelle, Regulus' smile turned soft, "I was going to set him on fire. But I didn't. Because he is your friend."

"So you're blackmailing him instead," said Regulus, allowing her to stand and pick up her pants,

"Your majesty," said Annabelle, beginning to put her pants on while Regulus watched, "I read in a survey once,"

"A survey?"

"Yep. A real survey, that nine out of ten people prefer to be blackmailed rather than burnt," said Annabelle, rezipping her pants, "and statistics never lie,"

"Where did you get these statistics from?" Asked Regulus, standing and smiling at her,

"A magazine."

"Called?"

"Statistics and stuff."

"Really? Statics and stuff did an article on getting burnt versus getting blackmailed?"

"If I didn't know better I'd say you thought I was lying to you,"

"Aren't you?"

"I'll get you a subscription for your birthday." Said Annabelle, bending down to pick up her jacket, "Look for it in the mail,"

"I will." Said Regulus, helping her into her jacket, not wanting to seem like the jealous boyfriend, but- he didn't like other boys looking at her, the jacket would help with that. "Do you need a script for your asking me to take you flying yet? Or do you want to practice right now?"

"So, Slytherin's Locket turns out to be totally doable." Said Annabelle, Regulus kissed her,

"Belle. Don't threaten my friends right in front of me. I find it confusing." Said Regulus,

"I thought you-"

"Why do you think it's confusing?" Asked Regulus, "How did you even know all that?"

"His dad's a public figure and his mum's a philanthropist, and I personally can spot parent issues a mile away, so really it was a matter of time,"

"I'm sorry for not taking care of it myself." Said Regulus,

"He probably wouldn't have listened to you anyways."

-*-

"I love you baby, and if, and only if it is quite alright," started Leo, who then pointed to Annabelle, who was looking rather perplexed at her magazine, "Annie, this whole dramatic reading thing, focus,"

"Claire's fiancé is a Gemini." Said Annabelle in horror,

"What?" Asked Claire, snatching the magazine from her, and gasping as she read out the dates,

"You realize those things aren't accurate." Said Leo,

"Oh really?" Said Claire with a small scoff, "Then tell me why I'm sitting in front of a flamboyant Leo and a Capricorn who can't handle feelings beyond the threshold of happy, sad, and I want to set this on fire."

"That seems a wee bit more personal than flamboyant." Muttered Annabelle, cheeks heating up,

"I see your point." Said Leo,

"I can't marry a Gemini." Said Claire, "Thats one of my incompatible signs."

"Are you named for your star sign?" Asked Annabelle,

"No, that's a coincidence I'm named for my fai- my godmother." He said,

"Your fairy godmother?" Teased Justin, coming down the stairs, and Claire tried to hide behind the magazine,

"That's what my godmother made me call her as a kid." Mumbled Leo, "Dad reinforced it."

"afraid I can't stay to tease you too long, Finnigan I've got a date,"

Annabelle and Leo shot each other fearful looks as Claire dropped the magazine, to look at her ex,

"What?"

"You know Selwyn?" Said Justin, currently holding Claire's favourite flowers and everything,

"I have to go... tie my shoe." Said Leo, "Annie needs to help me. Because... I've never done it without magic before."

"Oh, of course I'll help you. I'm a very giving person-"

"Annie needs to sit her arse right here and prevent me from murdering my ex boyfriend," said Claire,

"I hate conflict." Mumbled Annabelle,

"Ha." Said Leo, and Annabelle threw a pillow at him, he caught it,

"Such a fucking power move." She muttered, folding her arms over her chest,

"Why thank you."

"Selwyn? Which one." Asked Claire,

"The pretty one."

"Kathryn's already got-" started Annabelle,

"I meant Lacy." Said Justin,

"Lacy?" Said Claire, "The one you told me not to worry about?"

"Yes."

"Why? To hurt me?"

"No. I just really want to get laid by someone who isn't ashamed of me. Doesn't see me as a bad habit. Those two understand what I'm talking about."

"That's unbelievably rude." Said Leo,

"Seriously. Line." Said Annabelle, drawing a line in the air with sparkly magic, "You, like way over there."

"Sorry. Anyways. I've got a date to get to," said Justin,

"Be safe." Said Leo, "Or you know, unsafe, get hit by a bus."

"Would be a shame if one were conjured only to drop on your head." Said Claire, nudging Annabelle hopefully,

Annabelle however was distracted,

"If I'm a Capricorn then that means that Jesus is a Capricorn too." Said Annabelle, as Justin left the room,

"No, they just moved the holiday to December to compete with pagan rituals." Said Leo, and Annabelle sat bolt upright, "His birthday is actually mid April."

"What?"

"Yeah. It's true." He said,

"This makes so much sense."

"Shows you what a sham it all is?"

"Jesus was a total Pisces." Said Annabelle, laughing when Leo face palmed, "I'm kidding."

"Look at him." Said Claire, laughing through her pain, "A Leo named Leo but not because he is a Leo."

"That sentence should not have made sense." Said Annabelle, "But it did."

"I'm named for my dad's best mate what are you two named for? Bells, and clarity levels?" He said, rather red in the face,

"No. I think my parents just didn't make it past the first page of a hundred and one baby names." Said Annabelle,

"I miss him." Mumbled Claire, looking at the door,

"I don't." Said Leo, sitting next to Annabelle, "I think I would have rather have him just call me a slur."

"Same." She said, frowning, "Ashamed of us? It's called extenuating circumstance."

"Yeah."

"Kill me." Groaned Claire as Justin bid Lacy goodbye rather passionately in the corridor as they waited for class to begin at their desks in Charms,

"Now or later so you're surprised?" Asked Annabelle, balancing a quill on her nose, Claire swatted it away, "Hey. Not cool."

"I mean I never understood my snogging was such a gross word before." Said Claire grimacing,

"You're getting married in two months,"

"Yeah but-"

"DuPont." Addressed Justin, sitting on Claire's other side,

"How was your slag?"

"Don't call her that."

Annabelle shifted uncomfortably looking anywhere and everywhere for an out.

"Aelin." Said Regulus, standing in front of her desk,

"Black?"

"I would like to go over some heads duties before class starts. Avery is ill today you may sit by me." Said Regulus, adjusting his bag on his shoulder,

"Because I needed your permission?" Said Annabelle, collecting her things,

"Merely informing you of a vacancy."

"Does the Queen know you've stolen her thesaurus? Or does she not know it's missing yet?"

"Know your audience, Aelin. The Queen is nothing to me." Said Regulus,

"I'll see you after class," she told her friends, getting away from them and sitting next to Regulus at the back of the classroom,

Regulus' face was blank as he opened his book,

"I'll thank you later." She whispered, making that smile so much more difficult to suppress, as her hand slipped into his hidden by their robes,

Regulus really liked holding her hand.

"No need." He said, "You can write with your left hand."

"Yeah. Secret talent." Said Annabelle,

"Your handwriting is- lovely." He said when she threatened to let go of his hand, "It's unique really. Rare."

"You have a way with words, Black." Said Annabelle,

"I did steal the queen's thesaurus." Said Regulus, watching Annabelle suppress her smile,

Annabelle snuck a glance at him only to meet his eyes causing them both to look away and fight rather powerful blushes,

"You know for a pureblood prat you're rather h-" she started,

"Don't try to make me blush, it will be embarrassingly easy." Said Regulus, "You know why."

"I-"

There was no way she would say it here,

The class started. And Annabelle quieted, scribbling her notes messily, and Regulus glanced at it,

"For the love of Merlin, Belle," he whispered,

"I don't want his love, your majesty." She said quietly, and Regulus was incredibly glad they were seated at the back of the class as a vivid blush crossed his features,

R. A. B. + A. K. A.

She wrote on a piece of paper, and Regulus acted as though it were the most childish thing in the world, and proceeded to keep it,

And as she left him at the desk, walking unhappily towards her squabbling friends,

He added a heart around their initials, before glancing around, folding the parchment and tucking it in his pocket,

Annabelle didn't need to know about his dark mark today.

Annabelle should get flowers today.

Not the news that he was a death eater.

He would send her the pressed ones, she used them as bookmarks.

-*-

Annabelle cleared her throat as she unfolded the parchment in her pocket, standing in front of him on the astronomy tower,

Then she glanced at the view and put her hand out to hold Regulus'

He was more than happy to oblige her.

"Is there any particular reason-"

"I'm getting there." Said Annabelle, before taking a deep breath, "On this day, many moons ago-"

"Dear Merlin," he muttered,

"Merlin can die in a hole for all I care, now back to my script," said Annabelle, "On this day many moons ago," she reread, "Regulus Arcturus Black came into general existence. Ironic that he thinks he's a moon person even though he's named for a star. But I'm guessing that's just a phase," her eyes, bright and playful flickered to his, he groaned, "Oh, quit your waning, your majesty,"

Regulus ran a hand over his face to hide his smile,

I love you so fucking much.

"Now I am going to say a whole load of romantic shite because he likes it, and it is his Royal majesty's general existence day," said Annabelle,

"When you refer to it as romantic shite it takes away from-"

"Do you want to hear it or not?" Asked Annabelle,

"Yes please."

"When I called you my- don't look at me like that,"

"Like what?"

"The way I hate you."

"Oh? Is it growing?"

"With each passing moment."

Regulus schooled his features and gestures for her to keep going.

"Carrying on, please." He said,

"Can't we just carry on this witty banter thing-"

"No."

"You know crazy story-"

"Is it also a true story?"

"How did you know?" Asked Annabelle, swatting at his chest, and Regulus had to look away from her before his smile grew too wide,

"Can I at least keep the script you wrote for yourself?" He asked,

"Just let me get to the important bits and then you can keep it," said Annabelle, and Regulus smiled happily, "I know you don't like celebrating your birthday, but you deserve something special, because you are someone special. To me. If that wasn't clear."

"It could be made clearer." Said Regulus, moving closer to her, his arm around her waist pulling her flush against him, "You are terrible at this, you are really lucky you are so beautiful."/

"Regulus. I-" she started, and his heart rate picked up, this was it, it was his birthday, and she looked so beautiful,

"would like to ask you to take me flying." She said, cringing visibly,

"Say it again without making the face."

"I didn't make a face."

"Mhmm,"

"Take me flying."

"Please?"

"Take me flying, please," she said, "Your majesty." She added,

"Are you sure?"

"Yes."

"Absolutely sure?"

"Yes."

"Positive?"

"Jesus fucking Christ on a goddamned Cracker your majesty, take the win. Aren't you a Slytherin? Make like a snake and take the victory and take me flying." Said Annabelle, flushing and looking away,

Regulus touched her face delicately, turning her to face him,

"It would be my honour." He said, Annabelle blushed furiously,

She didn't need to know about his mark today did she? It was his birthday.

If there would be a final day when she looked at him like he was the most incredible man in the world, it would be today.

Regulus kissed her slowly, taking the parchment from her grip delicately and tucking it into his pocket,

"I do need a broom in order to-"

"Don't say it-"

"Sweep you off your feet." He said,

"If you weren't so charming-" Regulus cut her off with a kiss,

"I love you."

-*-

"And you still allowed me to take you flying?" Said Regulus, in disbelief as he looked at the near perfect replica of Slytherin's locket, Annabelle was laying on the blanket on the ground next to him, to quote 'reunite with her long lost sign'

"That was a spur of the moment thing-"

"You wrote a script."

"Spur of the several moments." Said Annabelle, as Regulus took her hand in his, "I also got the house elves to make you a cake."

"What?"

"Yeah, owled your house elf to find out your favourite and everything," said Annabelle,

"You owled Kreacher?"

"That was the bit that took some planning. Figured out the biggest mail day in the pure blood community," Said Annabelle,

"How did you do that?"

"Your majesty you know about my subscription to statistics and stuff, honestly," Regulus kissed the back of her hand,

"My mistake."

"Then I owled him, with one of the schools owls and along with one of Claire's fancy perfume samples so your mother would not be suspicious,"

"You didn't have to go through all that."

"No, elaborate schemes are good for the mind," Said Annabelle, "Besides the pay off was so worth it,"

"The cake or-"

"Kreacher replied," Said Annabelle, Regulus had been facing her the hole time, watching her smile at the sky and waiting for her to smile at him, and when she did it was absolutely wicked, "Did you tell your house elf about me?"

Regulus blushed furiously, and looked up,

"I don't need you to reply," Said Annabelle, sitting up and pulling a letter from her pocket, "I just need to know how many years 'all these years' entails."

"Can't you just call me an idiot, the sweet way, and then move on?" Asked Regulus, and Annabelle shook her head, pressing a kiss to his cheek before rereading the letter,

"No." said Annabelle,

"What if I distract you?" Asked Regulus, moving closer to her, propping himself up on his elbow as he looked at her face, her beautiful perfect face, Annabelle's eyes flickered to his,

"With what?"

"Usually if I just stare at you and let my eyes get really dark you tend to stop listening to what I'm saying," Said Regulus as Annabelle's expression turned dazed,

"yeah, I like Han and Leia together way better too," Said Annabelle, Regulus kissed her,

"Alright there, Belle?"

"No, I'm going as Columbia for halloween, Claire is being Magenta," Said Annabelle, still incredibly distracted,

"The country?"

"We're in Scotland,"

"Your skills of word association astound me." Said Regulus, his hand on her leg,

"No, only guilty criminals have associates," Said Annabelle, as Regulus' grey eyes seemingly shifted colour before her very eyes, Regulus tried to take the letter from her and she tugged it away, "Like thieves, Regulus, thieves."

"I thought you were distracted," Said Regulus as she sat up and proceeded to throw grass at his face,

"Not too distracted." Said Annabelle, "Your beautiful eyes, far too beautiful for this world might I add," Regulus blushed and scratched the back of his neck despite himself, "Intrigue me constantly but they flickered away, allowing me to come to, and realize what you were trying to do."

"You've already gotten me in bed, you really don't need to keep flirting, Belle," Said Regulus, and more grass was thrown in his face,

"You're an idiot," Said Annabelle, as Regulus sat up to kiss her, his hand on her jaw as he deepened the kiss,

"I'm an idiot?"

"That reputation of intelligence of yours took a serious hit today," Said Annabelle,

"Really."

"I'm not shitting you," Said Annabelle,

"Well. I'm not the one who let their guard down." Said Regulus, waving the letter in front of her face, and she gasped,

"Et tu brute?"

"Etiam, and this is hardly a planned assassination attempt,"

"You speak latin?" Asked Annabelle,

"I learnt it specifically to impress you," Said Regulus, "Did it work?"

"Yes." She grumbled, as Regulus grinned, kissed her forehead and looked at the letter in his hands,

"Kreacher's writing has really improved," Said Regulus, "I taught him the year before I left for Hogwarts so we could write, didn't want him to get lonely." He said, looking at the other side of the letter,

"You were the most adorable little shite to ever roam the-"

"Summer after second year. That's when the first mention of Aelin, but then after third year and your letter, and you missed me too, and that was it for me," Said Regulus, Annabelle blushed furiously, and hid her face in her hands, he removed them, before kissing her, "I really love you, Belle,"

"Summer after fourth. That's when my sister learnt and proceeded to taunt me about Regulus Black for the next two weeks." Said Annabelle, keeping her sister's advice to herself,

"I know that must have been irritating for you but it makes me so exceptionally happy," Said Regulus, kissing her knuckles,

"Stop that." A kiss to her lips, "I'm ser-" another, "I had a cake mad-" third kiss, "It's your favour-" another kiss, "I'm just going to be-" Regulus slanted his lips over hers and deepened the kiss,

"I love being with you." Said Regulus, "I'm sorry that I make us sneak around like this," he said, "You deserve a lot better than me, Belle, sometimes I get scared you'll figure it out,"

"Better that you? What is God available, or does that Mary broad still have him wrapped around her finger?" Said Annabelle, with a small scoff,

Regulus pressed a kiss to her cheek, her hand moved to run through his hair, he kissed her slowly, wanting her to feel the love he had for her,

"I want to be with you, and you want to be with me, that's all," Said Annabelle, "You, and me right?"

"Us," He said, kissing her deeply, and mumbling a noticemenot against her lips just in case, "I love you, Annabelle,"

Regulus kissed her again, she never replied but he felt loved so loved by her. Regulus' heart beat in time with hers, as he lay her back slowly,

"One thing." Said Annabelle,

"Yes?"

"Is that a locket in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?" She asked, grinning wickedly at him as he sat up and suppressed his laughter,

"You were doing so well, being romantic," Said Regulus, "This whole picnic set up, that dress," she sat, propped up on her elbows, he was looking away from her covering his mouth with his hand to keep her from seeing his smile,

"You enjoyed it." Said Annabelle,

"You could murder someone in that dress and I would still find it charming." Said Regulus,

"Noted." She said,

"Planning something?"

"No. But unrelated, I do have a shovel,"

"As long as I remain informed." Said Regulus, as Annabelle sat up, and kissed him, and she- "I like it when you do that."

"I can tell?"

"How?"

"I can feel it. Against my leg," Said Annabelle,

"Remember when this was going to be really romantic?" Asked Regulus, and Annabelle's face went soft, as she got close to him again,

"It's you, me, the locket in your pocket-"

"I love you- so much-" He said, smiling freely at her, kissing her again, her hand was nearing the buttons of his shirt, "I should thank you,"

"It's your-"

"And as such you should allow me to do what I want, Belle," Said Regulus, moving so that she was laying on the blanket again, "May I?" he asked,

"Yes," she breathed as his hand moved up her leg slowly,

"No knickers?" he said, as Annabelle's cheeks begun to fill with that sinfully red colour, and her eyes threatened to flutter shut,

"None." She whispered, and he pushed the skirt of her dress up,

"And you still let me take you flying?" His hand hovering right around where he knew she wanted to be touched,

"Of course," She said,

"I love you, Belle."

-*-

"Well, do you want me to hate you because it's getting to that point, Sampson," Said Annabelle,

"No, of course not, I'll do better," Said John Sampson, moderately amused, it was generally preferred that Annabelle did the disciplining, Regulus was a great deal colder but Annabelle could be just as scary,

"Great, then I'll continue to be a fan of you and your work," Said Annabelle, "We'll see you next week," Regulus was holding her hand beneath the table, as she bid the Hufflepuff sixth year goodbye,

"You're too easy on them," Said Regulus, "Especially-"

"He's got a girlfriend now, your majesty, you need to let this go," Said Annabelle,

"Not until the day I die, or he dies," said Regulus,

"Got a plan?"

"I already know you have a shovel," Said Regulus, as they stood up and he handed her her bag, and she smiled, rising on her toes to press a kiss to his lips,

Annabelle did not need to know about his dark mark today.

"I've got Quidditch practice,"

"With that feint thing,"

"It really means the world to me that you really pay attention to what I say," Said Regulus, kissing her again chastely a spark of happiness in his chest in spite of reason as he enjoyed every second of her affections, "I need to go,"

"Really?"

"I'm the captain."

"I thought captains were for boats and pilots are for things that fly,"

"I'll talk to the team about it, can I see you after?" He asked her,

"I'll be the one in the library studying for that idiotic Potions test," Said Annabelle, and then Regulus suppressed a laugh, "Stop."

"I just will never forget Slughorn's face when you responded to Slughorn's inquiry as to what you're doing after graduation with 'stay alive'." He said, "You rendered him speechless, I don't think I've ever seen him speechless,"

"Don't you have a team to get to, Captaining to do, feinting."

"Fainting?"

"I'll kiss you to wake you up don't worry," Said Annabelle, and Regulus smiled, kissing her again before releasing her hand, before pausing, "What is it?"

"I got that reference,"

"Would you like a button?"

"Now that you mention it."

"Go. Captain. Pilot. Do it all." said Annabelle, and Regulus left the classroom with a massive stupid smile on his face, the sort that could light up any room he entered (in Annabelle's personal opinion),

Regulus adjusted his bag on his shoulder as he begun to walk towards the exit closest to the Quidditch pitch,

He should send her flowers. She liked shiny things too, maybe another necklace or a ring, he could get her a really nice ring,

Maybe he could use one of the stones from the Black Lake,

Someone caught his arm-

"Anthony, what is it?" Asked Regulus, "I have Quidditch practice,"

"You can not tell her."

"Who?"

"Aelin. You cannot tell her that you're, a well," Said Anthony, and Regulus looked around the hall before pulling Anthony into a classroom,

"What are you talking about?"

"Please, Crouch assumes you just want to shag her, I can tell its more," Said Anthony, "Then when I was telling him-"

"Barty?"

"Finnigan. That I was a death eater, he asked after you. I'm guessing on behalf of a friend who is rather smitten with you. Passes notes during class, gets pulled from Slug Clubs early." Said Anthony, "Subtlety,"

"Not my forte, I've been told, why did you tell Finnigan?" Asked Regulus, before his face went blank in realization, "What did he say?"

"Doesn't matter, what matters is that he is gone now. For good probably." Said Anthony, "And it hurts."

"I could cancel practice," said Regulus,

"No, no, Crouch would get weird," Said Anthony, "Just it's not worth telling her. Ruining whatever it is the pair of you have. The risk isn't worth it. And Finnigan is pureblood. I can only imagine how Aelin would react."

Regulus always tried not to. Imagine what would happen if he were to tell her. She always wore a small smile on her face when he walked into the room. The horror that a world without secret kisses and small exchanges might bring was just- he couldn't.

"Did you tell him I was-"

Finnigan would tell Annabelle, if she had to find out, it should be from him face to face, so he could remind her continuously how much he loved her, with an endless chorus of I love yous.

"No. I didn't." Said Anthony, "Just, really Regulus, don't tell her until you have to."

"What did he say?" Asked Regulus,

"Doesn't matter. Reliving it without a flask in hand? Just, no. But it sucks," Said Anthony, "Not the type of free that I thought honesty would set me,"

"I'm sorry."

"You didn't do anything. Parents. Parents suck." Said Anthony, shaking his head and looking down, very clearly trying not to cry, "He just- I never thought anything would send him away. And I didn't think the ending would be so awful."

"Why did he- if he's pureblood then why-"

"It was the lie." Said Anthony, "It's not the first issue we've had, not the first big one, but he always came back. You're just sort of happy and well after graduation I don't really see all that continuing,"

"I sort of, figured,"

"Just don't tell her."

"She made me a replica of Slytherin's Locket."

"Are you serious?"

"I'm Regulus."

"You really need to work on your people skills."

"But I don't like people."

"Except her?"

"Well. I only tolerate you, Avery." Said Regulus, and Anthony guffawed. "I love her."

"Don't humanize Aelin, Black. I'm happy you're happy but it's-"

-*-

"A bag of mulch." Said Annabelle, and Leo looked up at her slowly, a smile forming across his face,

"That is the single most amazing joke I have ever heard." Said Leo, nodding, "Should we be concerned that they are snogging again?" He asked, gesturing to Claire and Justin,

"Better than the shouting." Said Annabelle, "That made me feel far too at home."

"Poor little Annie," Said Leo, "If only you had red hair, and I murdered your parents, you could have a moderately successful musical named for you,"

"Huh. If only." Said Annabelle,

"How did you come up with the mulch joke?"

"These things come to me." Said Annabelle,

"Hey, have you seen Black's left forearm recently?" Asked Leo, and Annabelle furrowed her eyebrows, Leo took another sip of firewhiskey,

"I-" She tried to think about the last time they had shagged with no clothes on at all but- and Regulus used to have this habit of rolling his sleeves up that he seemed to have lost over the summer but people grow out of things don't they?

Those black envelopes in sixth year,

But Regulus would have told her wouldn't he?

Annabelle felt her entire body go cold.

She pulled the sleeves of her jumper over her hands in an effort to warm them up as she racked her brain,

He couldn't be lying to her.

No secrets, that's what they had agreed on.

Annabelle felt like she'd been punched in the nose. Her eyes stung, and her chest felt- she didn't couldn't feel anything.

Looking down and blinking her eyes rapidly,

"Because Anthony is a deatheater, and he would definitely lie for his best bud." Said Leo, "What no comment on my use of the word bud?"

"I-" Annabelle started wrinkling her nose, she felt so cold, freezing, like her veins had turned to ice,

Was Regulus lying to her?

"Cause I am not coping well." Said Leo, "I've even begun considering dabbling in recreational drugs," then he sniffled, and went to take another swig of firewhiskey but it was all out, "Now I'm heartbroken and depressed."

"I-"

"Have I broken you?"

"I'm sure he would have told me," She concluded, nodding a little, "He would have told me." Warmth begun to fill her body again slowly, "I don't know what I would have done wrong for him to keep- well keep- keep- that from me,"

"I dunno, Aelin,"

"Well I do." Said Annabelle, looking at the ceiling,

"Now I'll have to sleep alone." Said Leo, with a sigh, "I hate sleeping alone don't you?"

"If this is a proposition you should know I don't put out unless I get dinner," She said,

"I like the joke you make about kneeling better with that punchline," He said, "Alter it and then lets take it on the road."

"Hey, do you know where Black the elder hid the cigarettes in here?"

"No, you've been doing so well. What about lung cancer?" Asked Leo,

"I'm a capricorn." Said Annabelle, and Leo raised his hand to swat at her and she flinched,

"You okay?"

"I really need to smoke." Said Annabelle, scanning the common room,

"No. Stop." Said Leo, "Smoking is bad,"

"Dragon practice." Said Annabelle, "Not a nicotine addiction."

"Right." Said Leo, glancing at her, "You should ask him?"

"He would have told me." Said Annabelle, continuing to turn cold again, how, how could he keep something like this from her, looking down,

Regulus was her best friend, she didn't like most people, but him, he was worth all the effort, and she lo- she, as well as the person she, she, well how could he do this to her?

She made him a goddamned ri- and he just- and she couldn't have been this blind.

This explained why he would have said-

No, the books said not to be presumptuous, so she wouldn't be presumptuous, nevermind the way she seemed to have chilled to her very bone, and she felt numb, so numb,

"Have you ever done recreational drugs?" Asked Leo,

"Yeah,"

"Which ones?"

-*-

"Belle," Said Regulus, as he approached her where she sat in the stands, waiting for him, Regulus smiled a little, she didn't know. She wouldn't be here if she did, he was sure of it.

She just looked up at him, with her perfect beautiful face before standing and rushing towards him, tackling him with a hug,

"Are you alright?" He asked, his heart about to drop because she was freezing to the touch,

Annabelle buried her head in his chest and he could feel her heart beating rapidly,

"Whoever the fuck wronksi feint was, was an arsehole who shouldn't have been allowed within twenty yards of a broom stick." She said, and Regulus let out a bark of laughter, hugging her back, "You're a better hugger than that, you little shite," She mumbled, and Regulus held her tighter,

"It's cute when you worry about me,"

"Then I must look like a fucking kitten in a tree whenever I'm in the stands cause that was bloody terrifying, bullocks, black, why did you have to do that?" Asked Annabelle,

"I wanted the other guy to fall off his broom," Said Regulus, his hand running over her back,

"Well, you don't have a good track record with brooms and not falling off of them." Said Annabelle, "I had to watch as my boyfriend of nearly year now, plummeted to probable death and I couldn't do shit about it,"

Regulus was silent, just smiling down at her, as he felt her grip the fabric of his jersey as thought to hold him tighter,

"I can tell you're smiling you little shite,"

"You know for someone who injures herself regularly."

"Do not."

"Last week. You show up with a bruise and the soul explanation of staircase and rollerskates don't mix. I could have told you that." Said Regulus, "Back to my point, I didn't even hit the ground, and you react like this? I might start to think you like me Belle,"

She leant away and wrinkled her nose, scowling at him and his stupid dazzling smile,

I love you.

"Nevermind, plummet to your death."

"Probable death." He corrected,

"What do I care," She said, before looking to the side and hugging him tightly again, "Warn me next time so I know you aren't about to die."

"Alright."

"Thank you." She said, before shutting her eyes and forgetting any reason she had to be cross with him, because it was the two of them. She could ask him about it later,

"You're cold." Said Regulus, "We could go to the kitchens and have tea,"

"Will you make it for me? To make up for what you've done?" She asked, looking up at him, Regulus kissed her indulgently,

"Of course."

Regulus smiled at her and- suddenly Annabelle forgot any reason she possibly had to be cross with him. She smiled back, turning and walking into the jewelry shop to pick something up, and leaving with a bag,

Regulus watched her walk into tomes and Scrolls, following a few moments after, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one was watching,

He scanned the shelves, spotting her between aisles near their spot,

"Fancy seeing you here, Aelin," Said Regulus, a spark of happiness in spite of reason lit within him since the moment he had seen her.

"You know, Black," She said, picking up a book, "Most people use Hello as a greeting, I'm sure you could find another one up to your snotty standards in this Thesaurus,"

"Oh, but I've already stolen the Queen's and she is the pinnacle of English excellence," Said Regulus, "So I really don't need this one,"

She set it back on the shelf, before Regulus moved closer, caging her against the bookshelf with his arms,

"What's did you buy?" He asked curiously, looking at the small bag,

"Nothing." Said Annabelle, blushing and looking away, shoving it in the pocket of her jacket,

"That's pretty wrappings for nothing," Said Regulus, "Wouldn't have anything to do with our impending anniversary?"

"What?" Asked Annabelle, playing dumb, "I don't even know what impending means. I didn't even know that pens could ding."

"You learn something new every day." Said Regulus, his eyes locked on hers, sending all rational thought from her mind, "Is it for me?"

"Maybe. You'll have to wait and find out," Said Annabelle,

"Come on," said Regulus softly, before taking her hand and beginning to walk towards their spot near the back of the store,

Regulus stopped abruptly about halfway there and presented his cheek to be kissed,

"Majest-"

"Please?" He asked, and Annabelle rose on her toes to press a kiss to his cheek, causing a small blush and smile to spread across his face, before he continued to the section of lovestories,

What a terribly ironic place for theirs to possibly come to an end,

"What is it today?" She asked, as they sat down and he pulled a random book from a shelf,

Annabelle allowed Regulus to hold her against him, his arm crossing her shoulders, and she relaxed into the ease of his company, he was always so affectionate,

Borrowed time.

"The last one had pirates." She said, "I honestly don't know how you can top pirates,"

"You are twelve." Said Regulus, flipping through the pages, eyes hunting for a particularly beautiful passage,

Annabelle deserved nothing but the best.

Pity all she got was him.

Regulus blinked away the intrusive thought as he settled on a page,

He translated the French words as best he could as he spoke them, her head settled in the crook of his neck comfortably, Annabelle smelt like the ocean,

"I knew I'd curse you for the longest time. I knew you'd wish I would have changed my mind. I knew you'd miss me once the moment died. I knew to love would be to lose my mind."

Annabelle was silent for a moment,

"Fuck, Black, way to put those Pirates in their place," Said Annabelle.

Will it never be like this again once you know?

He pushed the thought away,

"They are criminals," Said Regulus,

"You could have made that all up, I mean I don't read french so how would I know?" Asked Annabelle,

"I'll get you a French to English dictionary to shatter some of your illusions about me," Said Regulus, Annabelle kissed him, Regulus loved it when she did that,

Well, when she did anything. Because he loved her. He was maddeningly irrevocably in love with Annabelle Aelin. The way she spoke, the way she looked at him, the way he felt when they were together, the way she smiled, how it felt to see her happy,

"I have a joke about mulch I wanted to tell you," Said Annabelle, as the thought popped into her mind,

"We're snogging and you really think now is the time?" Asked Regulus, rather dazed, the book had fallen to the floor,

"Well when I came up with it, you were nowhere to be found," Said Annabelle, "Off with the Quidditch. And the flying. And the almost dying. And the giving your girlfriend a heart attack with the feint thing."

"I told you I'm sorry, and you know I won't die, not with the luck your kiss brings, Belle," Said Regulus, pressing another kiss to her lips,

"You say that like it means something," Said Annabelle,

Regulus was completely serious when he said she was his good luck charm. Without her he was haunted. But as soon as she was there, she protected him, and he was intent on cherishing her for as long as she allowed him to.

He couldn't imagine how she might look at him once she knew,

Perhaps it would be best if she simply stop looking.

Regulus pushed the intrusive thoughts away,

"It means everything." Said Regulus, "Can you prove that it doesn't bring me luck?" She opened her mouth to retort, but Regulus cut her off, "No. You cannot."

"I had a mulch joke to get to," Said Annabelle,

"Right." said Regulus, "I have to ask, knowing you, is it along the lines of Mulch ado about nothing," he asked,

Annabelle didn't laugh, instead her face went soft, her lips pressed to his and Regulus felt as though he could fly without his broom, her hand was soft on the side of his face, as she deepened the kiss,

She pulled away, a soft pink coating her cheeks and a smile on her face,

"No. It wasn't." Said Annabelle, before kissing him again, the world fell away,

And for a blissful moment, it was only the two of them. Together. As they were meant to be.

"It wasn't?" He whispered as she pulled away,

"It's far more sophisticated than that." Said Annabelle, "Perfect for you, your majesty,"

You are perfect for me. The best thing I never planned, I would say that out loud but I'm fairly certain you would not believe me. The connection beyond reason, the spark if happiness I feel whenever you are near.

I never thought I'd get to have something this perfect.

Just for the rest of the world to fuck it up.

"Regulus, I was planning on saying this later, like another day but-"

"Yes?" He said, over eager, her hands begun to turn cold in his as she begun to get the words out,

"You told me that I might get sick of you, and that's the problem. I'm not sick of you at all, I'm actually-" his heart beat rapidly, this was it, his moment of divine joy and despair, "pretty in-"

A large crash sounded at the front of the store, and Regulus could hear screams and the sound of spells being cast,

Annabelle was up in an instant wand drawn, but he caught her wrist,

"What's the date?"

"November eighth." She answered, and Regulus' stomach dropped,

How could he have been so thoughtless, bringing her to Hogsmeade, not distracting her as he had the others, not keeping her safe. How could Regulus have failed so terribly at keeping her safe? he looked at her, and gripped her hand,

"We have to go." Said Regulus, beginning to pull her from the bookstore, towards the back entrance,

"We have to help." She insisted,

"There's a secret pass we can take back to the castle." He said, pulling her towards it's entrance, knowing any spells she used on him would not work,

Because she loved him.

That's all.

That was Regulus' daring conclusion to the inexplicable shared incapability of he and Annabelle to physically harm the other with magical means.

"Regulus. We are the head students we can't just-"

"There isn't time for this," Said Regulus, checking in either direction for deatheaters and wanting to shield Annabelle's eyes from the dark mark in the sky as he pulled her from the store towards the entrance to the passage,

But she saw it.

Annabelle's face went blank as she stared up at it.

Looming death, the screams of other students the chanting of the deatheaters, and then she looked at Regulus,

"We have to help," Said Annabelle, trying to get away from him,

"No." He said,

"What do you mean no?!" She said, and he cringed at her volume,

"We. Have to go." Said Regulus, opening the entrance, but she wouldn't budge,

"You can leave but I need to help the-"

"They are looking for a mudblood." He said, and it was like an arrow pierced her heart, "I'm not about to give them one."

It wasn't the fear on Regulus' face, or the mark in the sky that broke her heart, it was the question that surfaced in her mind,

"How do you know?"

"Get in the passage."

"How do you know?" She asked,

"I'll pick you up and carry you. I'm not going to let anything bad happen to you so long as I can help it. Now, please Belle my love, get. in. the. passage."

Annabelle shook her head, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, her wand clutched tightly in her hand, her knuckles turning white,

"No." She said, "There are other-"

Regulus picked her up and carried her in without a second thought, his soul purpose to get the woman he loved to safety, away from the people who would hurt her, brand her, humiliate her, hurt her, kill her, too many possibilities,

Only one solution.

Keep Annabelle safe.

Protect her as she protected him.

"Put me down," She said, and as soon as the door was sealed he did. Taking her arm and pulling her back towards the castle, "How did you know?"

"We have to go." Said Regulus, "Nothing bad is going to happen to you." he said, pulling her down the dark and narrow pass, "I won't let it."

"What about-"

"Hailey Abbot? November eighth is being tutored by her elder brother in the library. Paula Monroe? is currently serving detention, scheduled for November Eighth." He said, as she caught up to walk beside him, looking at his blank face as he stared straight ahead, "Every bloody muggle born in this school has an event scheduled to take place in the fucking school for November eighth. All except one."

"Regulus."

"I meant to- but then you were so happy to go and I forgot the day and-"

"The death eaters in Hogsmeade?" She asked, as he pulled her out of the other side of the passage and begun to walk ahead of her, "How did you know they would be there?"

She trailed after him, Regulus kept his eyes set on the Black lake, a good safe place, he did not want to see her face, her beautiful perfect face as she realized what he was,

"I made sure every muggle born would be out of harm's way,"

"Regulus."

His name was not spoken softly as it had once been, her voice was strained, and he could feel the air around them cool.

"I'm sorry I couldn't keep you from Hogsmeade,"

"Regulus." She said, trying to catch up to him, but he walked quickly, by the time he reached the lake's edge she managed to grab his arm,

"We're safe." he said quietly,

"How did you know."

"It doesn't matter. We can just be together here instead, pretend, pretend nothing even, nothing even," he started, his voice breaking as tears fell down his cheeks,

"How did you know."

"We're safe now."

"For fuck's sake, Regulus, how did you know?!" She asked, and then she released his arm and covered her mouth,

Annabelle hated shouting. Regret was immediate. But she did have a leg to stand on. He, he had lied to her hadn't he? All this time and now she would be surprised if she managed a whisper,

"I didn't mean to shout." She said quietly,

Regulus turned to face her slowly, eyes downcast, cheeks stained with tears,

Annabelle's blood ran could, and too many, so many emotions raced through her she just wanted them to just shut up, and to feel numb as she had most of her fucking life, Annabelle couldn't though. She felt this and it hurt.

Annabelle's hands raised tentatively to the sides of his face as she wiped away his tears, Regulus' eyes moved to hers, her hands were so cold. So cold.

"I really do love you."

"Show me your arm."

"You have to believe me."

"Show me your arm." She said, her face was blank, eyes filling with tears and her lip trembled, "Regulus?" he looked destroyed as the borrowed time he'd been living on ended,

Regulus' breathing was laboured as he looked around for something, anything to explain this away, she would never love him now, and, and he had been so close, so fucking close to hearing her say it.

"I love you, all I wanted was just you, and me and us, for a little while longer," Said Regulus, "I'm sorry."

"Please show me your arm." Said Annabelle, Regulus moved his hands to hold both of hers, moving closer to her,

"Belle I love you. Please tell me you believe me." Said Regulus,

"Show me your arm."

"Please. Just say you believe me. You promised you believed me." he begged her,

"Show me your arm, Regulus." she repeated, and he realized she was not going to force his sleeve up, to humiliate him, to make him hurt at her hand.

Annabelle wouldn't. Annabelle would never.

But then how could he?

"I didn't have a choice." Said Regulus, "But, I, I love you, so much, Belle you have to believe me, just say you believe me."

Annabelle shut her eyes as tears begun to fall, her breath was ragged, and he pulled her into his chest as she began to cry, Regulus held her tightly but she couldn't seem to return the embrace, and his heart sank,

"Show me your arm." She said, opening her eyes and moving but an inch or two from him, her gaze locked on his clothed left forearm.

"Belle-"

"Show me."

"Annabelle,"

"Now. Please." Said Annabelle, "I'm really sorry for yelling before." She added, glancing away before looking back up at him, she struggled with this, the emotions,

The fact that it was Regulus of all people who was hurting her.

"You shouldn't be the one apologizing." said Regulus,

"I yelled, I'm sorry, show me your arm." Said Annabelle, looking at it,

Annabelle wouldn't believe it until she saw it,

"We could just, just pretend like this never happened and be like-"

"Regulus. Don't be a coward." She said softly, "You're a good person, the best person, but- please just this once,"

Regulus' breath was shaky as he touched the edge of his sleeve, the one he was so used to tugging down, and he begun to pull it, up.

Annabelle touched his arm with cold hands as she looked at it.

The dark mark on his perfect skin. Tarnishing the work of art that was Regulus Black,

"How could you?"

She asked so quietly he hardly heard it,

His shame enveloped him as he shut his eyes, unwilling to face her. How her beautiful perfect face might look, he could hear small sobs escape her as she looked at the mark on his arm,

"Please don't leave me." he whispered, "I love you. I never thought I'd find anyone who understood me, I used to imagine this perfect friend, person, love, and, and you are just so much better than anything I ever thought of. Please, if anyone can work through this, it's it's us,"

Us.

"How could you?" Annabelle repeated, eyes still trained on his dark mark as thought trying to believe it,

The question could encompass a myriad of things.

How could he become a death eater?

How could he keep it from her?

How could he expect for her to stay?

How could he take advantage of her ignorance?

How could he lie to her?

How could he hurt her?

How could he love her?

How could he break her heart?

"No, secrets. We said no secrets." Said Annabelle, her voice shaky, her and held his tightly, as she looked at the mark on his other arm, No secrets.

They'd come out to each other at the same time, he had taught her how to ride a bike, she had told him so much about her life, her parents, her sister, and now all that was in jepordy. She had been so vulnerable and the whole time- As he professed his love for her, and forced the feelings to the very surface of her wretched heart, this was it? Was this the only reason? It was desperation to make up for it all, why couldn't, why couldn't he just love her.

Without strings, without shame. If his love was true how could he keep this from her?

"How could you?"

Branding him, as, as-

Annabelle's eyes lifted to his.

The moment she saw him her heart broke.