Completely
"Then I would die an honest man."
The words replayed in Annabelle's head about a million times, she raised the cigarette to her lips and took another drag.
She'd never dreamt that Regulus would have her for so long.
Annabelle had long accepted that he would leave her eventually. That she was just a phase. But the thought of him dying?
That was not permitted. Not allowed. No. He wouldn't die an honest man, he wouldn't die at all. Not even a little bit.
She hid her face beneath the collar of her shirt for a moment as tears leaked from her eyes.
He wouldn't die.
No. No. No. no.
Annabelle wiped away her tears and inhaled the smoke again. That felt nice.
Regulus couldn't die.
Not in some stupid attempt to prove his love for her. It hurt, it really hurt that he would sooner die for her than ever tell anyone he loved her. He was so ashamed.
"You're smoking." Said Regulus, he'd finally found her. Sitting against a wall outside of the castle. She nodded. He sat next to her.
"You don't have to stay."
"You're upset. I'm not going to leave you." Said Regulus.
"You hate the smoke."
"But I love you." He said, she glanced at him.
"I'm cross with you right now. And I don't like the words, But that was very smooth, your majesty." Said Annabelle. Regulus removed his scarf and wrapped it carefully around her neck, delicately pulling her hair out from under it. "I've already got one of your scarves your majesty."
"Now you have two." Said Regulus, his arm linking through hers, "It's simple mathematics really."
Annabelle extinguished the cigarette, vanishing the garbage before resting her head on his shoulder, he kissed the top of her head.
"Are you happy being with me?" He asked, "Even like this?"
"Yes." Said Annabelle honestly, the good far outweighed the circumstance. "I really am. I just, it hurts sometimes. That you're ashamed of me."
"I love you."
"But you don't want to. It's just something inconvenient that happened to you one day-"
"No. That's not true. It was never inconvenient."
"So you never wished I wasn't-"
"My feelings against your parents have astonishingly little to do with their lack of magic, and more so to do with them being generally horrid." Said Regulus. "Love sort of evolved quite naturally between us. From my perspective. I can't imagine my life without you. And I don't want to. That would be considered a nightmarish landscape. I don't want to be without you. Do you want to be without me?"
"No." Said Annabelle.
"Is it all worth it?"
"Yes." Said Annabelle.
Regulus nodded.
"You love me?"
"Too much."
"I face a similar affliction." He replied, Annabelle laughed at him.
"A similar affliction?"
"Yes. Similar. Not identical, because, and I recognized the cliched nature of what I'm about to say, but I love you more."
"Shut up." Said Annabelle, blushing furiously.
"Sometimes when I can't sleep I imagine our life together in the future. When the war is over I mean." Said Regulus. "We have two cats and a library organized in such a way that any sane person would go mad."
"Did I organize the library?"
"Yes." Said Regulus. "You organized half of it by fictitious timeline and the other by title feel."
"You just get me." Said Annabelle. "We've got two cats?"
"They were both strays, and I had to talk you down from three." Said Regulus.
"Why did you talk me down from three?"
"I don't think I could compete with three cats for your affection." Said Regulus. "It would be bad for my ego, my love." He added knowing it would- Annabelle smiled.
"You realize that if the dark lord wins the war I end up in jail or dead. If the order wins you end up in prison."
"Belle. I am the only heir to the Black family fortune." Said Regulus. "I could buy Azkaban if I put my mind to it."
"You could buy Azkaban?"
"And Hogwarts. And still have the galleons to buy you a proper ring." Said Regulus. "Point being, the fallout of war seldom touches the wealthy. You should never be preoccupied worrying about what will happen to me if and when the," He took a breath, "Sod without a nose, loses." A smile tugged at Annabelle's lips.
"I think this is our stupidest argument."
"Which?"
"The one that's coming up about who gets to die first."
"That's easy. I do. I do recall a Scottish witch saying 'I reckon I'd do anything for you your majesty'." He said, mimicking her accent.
"That was awful."
"It was spot on." Said Regulus. "In fact I astounded myself at my own skill. Perhaps a life of easy wealth has stolen me away from a prosperous career on the stage."
Annabelle was smiling, snow fell around them landing in his hair and eyelashes. Her eyes flickered all over his face.
I love you.
"You're an idiot your majesty."
"I love you too." Said Regulus, lifting her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. "Or rather, I have an unfathomably deep regard for you, that ventures beyond adoration and causes the ocean to appear shallow by comparison."
Annabelle pressed a kiss to his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder again.
"Have we covered whatever it was you were cross with me about?" Asked Regulus,
"What?"
"If there's an underlying conflict we really should resolve it."
Annabelle looked thoughtful.
"You need to apologize to Finnigan." She said, Regulus frowned but nodded.
"Fine."
"You're going to annotate a book for me."
"What? I- it's so difficult- Fine."
"If your occlumency fails you,"
"Not a large chance of that but go on."
"And the noseless sod finds out about this?" Said Annabelle, deciding she would rather be kept secret than be dead. "You act like a politician whose been accused of having an affair."
"Lie you mean?"
She nodded, lifting her head from his shoulder to look at him.
"Save yourself." Said Annabelle, "And if you die without at least trying to live I will go to the afterlife, drag your arse back to the land of the living and sort you out myself. Force you to sit through jazz brunches-"
"I hate jazz. And brunch."
"And I won't let you go near a date book ever again, surprise you every day with plans. and when you think I'm done torturing you? I'll take you to the Quidditch shop. Won't let you buy anything. While I mispronounce the name of everything as I explain why football is a superior game."
"You're evil." Said Regulus.
"Do we have a deal?" She raised a hand to shake.
"Fine. I will swear up down up until my last breath that I don't even know what an Aelin is."
"Maybe some sort of sauce?"
Regulus was smiling. His dazzling smile which made Annabelle consider purchasing sunglasses on a daily basis. He shook her hand, kissing her knuckles, watching her blush prettily as he did. She never could help it.
"You have the biggest crush on me." Said Regulus, a grin on his face. "It's embarrassing really, Aelin."
-*-
"Finnigan." Addressed Regulus standing several feet from the boy as he addressed him in the hall.
"Black." Said Leo, scowling at him.
"I'm meant to apologize to you." Drawled Regulus, resisting the urge to roll his eyes. "I am sincerely sorry for offending you the other day. I acted irrationally and I regret any inconvenience I caused for you."
"Aelin's making you do this." Said Leo.
"No, Finnigan. When I woke up this morning I had the inexplicable urge to find the lowliest of life forms in the castle and hold a conversation." Said Regulus sarcastically. "Fortunately we have something to talk about."
"The bloke staring back at you in the mirror not enough of a conversationalist for you, Black?" Retorted Leo. Regulus wanted to hex him. He would too. But this was Annabelle's friend.
"That was a joke, Finnigan. Of course Aelin asked me to." Said Regulus, his hands in his pockets. "This is my formal apology for what my girlfriend called sending you into the jaws of death. It was thoughtless and cruel and I am sorry."
"Your girlfriend." Mimicked Leo.
"Yes of a year."
"How anyone could tolerate you longer than a month is beyond me, Black. I completely understand why your brother left you." Regulus took in a breath, he didn't care what Leo thought of him. "And it's only a matter of time until Aelin does as well."
"Can you tell her I apologized to you?" Called Regulus as Leo walked away. "You prick." He added under his breath.
Returning to the Slytherin common room he paused- and walked to the owlry instead.
He wanted to send Annabelle flowers.
-*-
Regulus was a damn good Quidditch Captain. He had only lost one game all season. But Ashton Flint's refusal to pass the quaffle was so incredibly aggravating that Regulus had the Beaters target him all practice.
"Black-"
"Captain." Corrected Regulus, standing on the pitch as practice ended.
"Captain,"
"What seems to be the problem, Flint?"
"I was wondering why, on Earth, you decided to target your top scorer, trying to put me in the infirmary are you?" Said Ashton, Regulus was tall. Taller than him anyways, standing at his full height staring down at Ashton.
"I was merely preparing you for the reality of gameplay. Since you never pass." He said. "You will be targeted."
"Fine. I'll pass the damn quaffle." grumbled the chaser before looking up to the stands, "What's McKenna doing here?"
"Proving that we are all underhanded and coniving but Gryffindors are just bad at it." Drawled Regulus, Flint laughed as he walked away. Regulus returned to the locker room erasing the plays he'd created.
He had plans today.
Plans that involved helping Avery with his crossword, then getting his girlfriend to admit that the divine Irony would be a better name for the divine comedy since it wasn't actually funny.
Regulus took a shower and smiled to himself at the thought of the conversation he was about to have. He'd finished the book she'd given him three times over and could hardly wait to discuss it with her.
Regulus had gone so far as to write down all the plot points he wished to talk about. Annabelle would probably end up chastising him for not colour coding it. He didn't mind.
Regulus walked into the great hall.
"You shouldn't have them if you can't keep track of them, Crouch." Said Anthony, handing Barty one of his quills, "Your mother spends so much money on those quills."
"They're just feathers with metal tips, Avery. Besides, you're enabling me." Said Barty, beginning his letter. "Do you think it's still appropriate to begin a letter with dear?"
"You broke up with her." Said Anthony, "Use formerly dear."
"That seems mean." Said Barty.
"Who are you writing to?" Asked Regulus, sitting down next to Avery across from Crouch.
"Sayre." Said Barty, "I want to ask if I've waited the appropriate amount of time before dating other people publicly."
"I thought you said it was all fake." Said Anthony, shifting in his seat.
"I know that, but I don't know if she feels something I don't." Said Barty. "I still care about her."
"What a gentleman." Said Regulus, "Maybe this afternoon you'll duel someone for her honour."
"I left my sword at home I'm afraid." Said Barty, very aware of the fact that Anthony's eyes were on him. "What is it, mate?"
"Your eyes are red." Said Anthony.
"Trick of the light."
"Have you eaten today?"
"Why are you so worried? Has my father polyjuiced as you to chastise me up close?" Asked Barty harshly, Anthony visibly deflated.
Regulus set the crossword on the table,
"Six letter word for a diminutive egg sized tort?"
"Fuck you, Crouch." Said Anthony, scowling at him.
"I don't think that'll fit-"
"All I said was that I had this tiny small teency part of me that thought you were okay to look at and that I like your stupid face. And now you treat me like shit all the time. And I hate it." Said Anthony. He looked over to Finnigan who was looking at the ceiling as he left the great hall,
"Avery," Started Barty, Anthony's face was emotionless.
"I'm not some puppy you can kick cause it follows you around." He snapped, before taking a breath. He stood up, turned to Regulus and said, "The word is Quiche." Anthony walked away.
"Quiche." Repeated Regulus to fit the silence. "It's a good word."
"Sounds french."
"It is." Said Regulus.
"Hmm."
Regulus shifted in his seat. A pit of discomfort settling in his gut.
"Black?" Came the small shy voice of a first year.
"Yes?"
"The headmaster," The boy cleared his throat, "The headmaster wants to see you in his office."
"Thank Merlin." Breathed Regulus, relief coursing through him as he took the note from the young Ravenclaw. "Thank you, is this urgent?"
"I didn't read it." Said the boy, avoiding eye contact. "Sorry." He added. He was a halfblood and had wanted to find the head girl to give it to Regulus- The Regulus Black- but Dumbledore had given specific instructions.
"That's fine." Said Regulus, the note merely stating in Dumbledore's slanted handwriting that Regulus was to go to the headmaster's office immediately. "Are you alright?" He asked the pale boy.
"He's a halfblood." Said Crouch. "Aren't you Fawley? Your mum is a mudblood?"
"I-" he started.
"Thank you for delivering the message, Fawley. Ten points to Ravenclaw." Said Regulus, and Fawley nodded before scurrying away like a mouse. "I need to go." Said Regulus standing up, "...have a good day." He added, Barty nodded and resumed his letter.
Regulus walked to the headmaster's office, reading the password from the note, and rising with the Gryphon at the entrance. Regulus aspired to this level of decadence, admiring the detailing on the wings.
He knocked on the door.
A lion knocker as well. Dumbledore may be manipulative but he was incredible at interior design.
"Come in, Mister Black." Said Dumbledore, Regulus opened the door and froze.
"Mother? What are you doing here?" He asked, standing at the door way as though rooted in place. His sides pricked with anxiety, and he corrected his posture, forcing his face to be blank. "Did I miss one of your letters? I am terribly sorry."
Walburga was not looking at him. Staring at the portrait of Alphard Black hung behind the headmaster with the unmistakable expression of smelling dung.
"Mister Black, please come in and sit down." Said Dumbledore, the unoccupied chair in front of the the desk drawing itself out magically. Regulus took a moment to breathe. He walked over to the seat calmly and sat next to his mother. "Lemon drop?"
"No thank you." Said Regulus.
"Mister Black, you are likely wondering why you're here."
"I am."
"Your father passed away yesterday."
Time stopped. All Regulus could hear was the sound of his heart, and the suddenly obnoxious sound of his breathing.
"What?"
"Your father died last night." Said Walburga her tone short, and her eyes not leaving the portrait of the disowned Black family headmaster.
Regulus held the arm rests of his seat as a horrid sight hovered just before him. Not a ghost, but not a man. Deep grey eyes and sallow greying skin. A terrifying image of living death. A skeletel hand begun to rise slowly, Regulus held his breath waiting for it to touch his skin.
"You will be excused from classes for the week to aid your mother with funeral arrangements-"
"I need to see Annabelle." Said Regulus before he could stop himself, the creature vanishing as he caught his breath.
"Annabelle?" Said Walburga, her son finally garnering her attention.
"Sorry," Regulus cleared his throat readjusting his posture, "Professor, I need to speak with the headgirl about accepting some of my duties while I am away." Said Regulus, before adding, "Sir."
"The head girl..." Said Walburga, looking at him, a harsh line appearing between her thin eyebrows, she returned her gaze to the headmaster, "The mudblood?"
"There is no need for such language in this office." Said Dumbledore.
"What such filthy girls do to claim these titles is beyond me." Said Walburga,
"Aelin is my co-head student. It would be irresponsible of me to leave without telling her." He said. "Not to mention I also must deputize a Quidditch captain in my absence. I cannot allow myself to grieve until these tasks are completed. When are we leaving?"
"In an hour or so." Said Walburga, "I wish to have a word with your headmaster."
"May I go collect some of my things and fulfill my responsibilities?" He asked, unsure whether he was asking his mother or his headmaster.
"Return within the hour." Said Walburga.
Regulus nodded.
"Yes mother. Thank you for your time professor." Said Regulus.
"I'm sorry for your loss."
"Thank you for your condolences, sir." Said Regulus before finally getting out of that office. He descended the Gryphon steps with one mission. Find Annabelle.
He felt like he couldn't breathe.
He wished, hoped, prayed to any god he could that Annabelle would find him.
Regulus rounded a corner freezing in the corridor looking out over the forbidden forest when he spotted a looming figure of death hovering just before him, dark water eliminating any light from his sight.
You aren't drowning. It's all in your head.
Regulus couldn't find it within himself to move instead staring blankly at the moving shadow, looming as it came towards him. Perhaps it would swallow him whole and end his torment.
He could hear running. The footfalls were growing louder as the person drew nearer. They fell in time with the beating of his heart until,
"Your majesty," She panted as she stood next to him catching her breath. He blinked as the figure vanished. It would never touch her, he realized. Refusing to subject Annabelle to the horror that it did him. "Dumbledore sent this patronus, and by god it was vague. Bloke should create his own language, call it riddlish,"
Regulus took in a shaky breath.
"My father died." Regulus managed in a monotone. His hand twitched the way it always did when he wanted her hand in his.
She laced their fingers together.
"He is gone." Said Regulus. "He spent years on protective wards for our home. So no one could hurt us. And now my father is dead."
Regulus begun to walk, pulling Annabelle along with him. Everything would be alright so long as she was there. Regulus stopped when they reached the lake. He sat down, and she sat next to him. Hidden from the view of the school by a tree.
Annabelle was looking at him, unsure of what to say, she cast a warming charm over them.
"And now," continued Regulus as Annabelle stopped his hand from going to drag his nails along his left forearm. Tears were streaming down his beautiful perfect face, "I tried my whole life to please my parents. I thought if he were proud of me, maybe he would be less frightening," Regulus sniffled, eyes locked on the horizon line of the black lake, "My whole life all I wanted was to be what they wanted me to be."
He pushed his sleeve up, to look at the dark mark that marred his beautiful skin, faded forgetmenots hardly covering it, voice breaking as he said,
"And now it's too late to be anything else."
Annabelle pulled him into her arms as he shattered. Regulus held her against him as he sobbed, she smelt like the ocean, made breathing easier.
"Regulus." Whispered Annabelle, "you're a lot more than that."
He shook his head,
"I feel," He started, unable to complete the sentence. "I'm the head of the Black family, and I can hardly even breathe."
"Come off it." She said, her hand on the side of his face as she looked at him,"You can breathe. You're a natural, been doing it since the day you were born." Regulus released a shaky laugh holding her wrist delicately as she wiped away his tears.
He kissed the palm of her hand.
"I'm not gonna pretend I know what it's like to lose a parent." She said. "Even a scary one is a big part of your life, yeah? So I'm just gonna hold you for a bit, and tell you everything is gonna be alright. Regulus. There is not one thing I've ever seen you set your mind to that you haven't accomplished."
"It's different-"
"You wanted perfect scores. You earned them. You wanted to be Quidditch captain? You got it. Head boy? You earned that position, and the shiny pin. You've been handed a title. But what you do with it? That's all you. What do you want?"
"I want, I want you." He said.
"You've got me. Mission accomplished. What's next?"
"I want to work in the Wizengamot, or, well there are diplomatic positions in the ministry that I wouldn't mind occupying."
"The robes do look comfortable."
"You really think I could-"
"I think the world of you, your majesty. Always have. Always will. Except for that time that you said that the divine comedy should be called the divine irony-"
"It's not funny, it is ironic."
"Remove the title, you remove the irony."
"Subtitle. Subtitles exist, Belle." Said Regulus, "Secondary titles-" he sniffled, tears were still streaming down his face as he brought Annabelle closer to him again. "They, they're important."
"Your leaving for your dad's funeral?" She asked as his words were broken up by more gentle sobs, He nodded.
"I wish you could be there." He said, he felt her grip the fabric of his shirt as he held her to him.
"So do I."
"I don't like being away from you, it's like my soul has been split and half is left with you."
"I'll write letters."
"And you will give me your jumper. The green one that is far too big on you." said Regulus.
"Yeah, alright."
"Should I write to Sirius?" He asked, worry in his tone.
"I'll deal with that."
Regulus nodded.
"Can I tell you that I love you?" He asked.
Annabelle knew he needed to hear it.
"I love you too."
-*- Letters -*-
Your majesty,
First and foremost, I've sorted everything out with the prefects, and the schedule is on the back of the last page of the letter. Slytherin won their last Quidditch match (Flint actually passed) despite not catching the snitch. So you can breathe.
*
Annabelle knew him so fucking well. Regulus took a breath of relief. He would never tell Annabelle this, but he adored her messy handwriting. Like her brain moved too quickly for her pen to keep up.
*
I read Romeo and Juliet, and I hath decided with my superior intellect, that they are not a forbidden love story or whatever this Shakespeare fucker was trying to pedal. My primary insult is that she is thirteen. THIRTEEN. One. Three. Thirteen. And he's seventeen. Which yes, only a four year age difference, but it's weird. Romeo isn't a loverboy he's a borderline sex offender.
Also they have very compatible lifestyles. Both ultra posh rich kids with a couple quid to burn. They were only one decent conversation away from being happy together. Shakespeare. More like Shakes-here's a shitty ass love story that isn't even about love. It's basically soft porn for pretentious and creepy ass adults to enjoy.
I miss you like crazy, Regulus. I didn't realize how much time I spent with you. It's like I have way too much time now. I hope you're doing alright. Remembering to eat, yeah. In fact the next paragraph of this letter will be about getting his royal majesty to eat.
Pretend I'm clearing my throat.
Eating is so fun. It is such a blast. Not eating can kiss my ass.
That was some Haiku poetry. Yes, technically it's not five seven five or anything, but it rhymes and it comes from a place of love.
This format also works for sleeping, your majesty, it's multi-purpose.
Sleeping is so fun. It is such a blast. Not sleeping can kiss my ass.
You know what's also really great? Combo packs. Sleeping and eating all in one day? Oh what a day. I've attached a page out of the datebook you gave me, and written a to do list of eating and sleeping, so you have to do it. Those are the rules of the day planner.
I have also owled Kreacher. Because I care about you. To make French onion soup because I know it's your favourite and I still need to make it up to you for ruining soup day.
Regulus touched the parchment delicately, she had switched hands halfway through writing this letter. She had had fun with wax seals. Not only was there one keeping the letter shut, but also several of varying colours and emblems in the margins.
I owled Sirius about it, and he said he'd send you a letter. So. Fair warning.
Crouch may owl you saying I broke his nose, but it was ruled an accident caused my a rogue bludger. Just so you get my side of it first.
I hope your mum isn't being too harsh on you. If she is owl me back and I'll send her a dungbomb in the mail anonymously. Please remember to actually grieve. Not just worry about everyone else. I'm returning your handkerchief to you because I need it less than you right now.
All my love,
A.K.A.
-*-
My love,
Romeo and Juliet died to be together. It is a tragic love story.
I am eating, I promise. I do not wish to lie to you about sleep.
Father would not approve of his funeral. Because my mother is everywhere constantly. I haven't the slightest clue how she does it, but you could begin walking away from her and then suddenly she appears in front of you like a pop up book from hell.
My mother enchanted the piano so that it plays on its own. As much as I detest that I am worried for her. I know she and my father were never in love, and that she is a horrible person, but she is alone. I've never seen my mother alone.
She married before she completed Hogwarts. She and father hardly touched at all until it came time to conceive an heir. I'm not entirely sure how it is that I even exist. I can't remember a pleasant conversation they shared. I do not know if they were faithful, or if they accepted a loveless existence.
All I know of their relationship is that my mother was the only person who could beat him at chess. I never saw them play but it is the only anecdote I have ever heard her tell about him.
Mother is having a portrait of herself made. I don't know why. Perhaps to distract herself. This morning I found her preparing tea for herself. It was bone chilling.
I've received the key to the Black family vault. I'll take you there eventually so that you can pick out your own jewelry. Now that I am the head of my family I cannot be disowned. Shunned is a word too polite, but I cannot be disowned. It is only a matter of waiting until the war is over, my love.
I miss you more than words can describe, Annabelle. I would attempt poetry but I do not believe that I could live up to the standard you have set.
Please do not send my mother a dungbomb in the mail. I cannot stress this enough.
All my love,
R.A.B.
-*-
Majesty,
They didn't die because they loved each other. They died because the sods didn't understand basic communication. And I don't care how good the shagging is it wasn't worth it. If I ever decide to fake my death you're the first person I'm telling. It is not tragic. It is frustrating. And made me throw the book at the wall.
We're learning about patronuses in Defence. I tried to take clean notes for you I really did. I hope you can read them and it all makes sense. I also found a spell that could disenchant that piano.
Glad to hear you're eating.
Proud is a word too subtle.
I really am happy that you're parents got in on at least one more time to make you. I would certainly be worse off if you had never existed.
*
Regulus stifled his laughter. He was reading by candle light in the early morning. He opened his ring to look at his lover's eye before returning to the letter.
*
I'm sorry to hear that your mother is being bone chilling and all that. Even more sorry I can't send her a dung bomb. They were married for a while and had two babies, there must be a wee bit of mutual care. She must miss him a bit. You must miss him a bit. It doesn't change how awful he was towards you. Grieving is more for you than it is for him. You deserve closure.
I hope there's a portrait of you being made as well. You are, after all, the most beautiful person to ever walk the face of the earth.
Your mother's tea cannot possibly be as terrible as yours. So I really don't see why it's so terrifying.
Regulus scoffed, rolling his eyes, wishing Annabelle was here right now. And if he didn't wish it before he most certainly did after read the following line.
I'm writing this as the sun comes up your majesty. And it's beautiful. But I wish I could be looking at you instead.
All (all is underlined twice) my love,
A.K.A.
P.S.
Please tell me how they make magical portraits, if you please, because now I can't stop thinking about it.
Are you seeing the demon thing again? Is that why you're not sleeping?
-*-
My lovely darling Belle who apparently does not like the tea I prepare for her,
Passive aggression is beneath me, as blatant lies are beneath you. I won't even validate that statement with a proper response.
Romeo and Juliet were muggles and hadn't owls at their disposal. They acted emotionally and irrationally, because that is what one does when one is in love.
For instance, stating in front of the jealous god apollo that I am more beautiful than his sun and you would rather look upon me than him. Are you trying to get me a starring role in a greek tragedy?
*
Annabelle smiled, he was so dramatic.
*
The inferi has only returned twice. I don't want you to worry. However I don't want anymore secrets between us.
The first inferius hovered just outside the window at Hogwarts. It vanished when you appeared though. I think it knows it couldn't take you in a fight. However it paralyzes me. And I despise it.
The second took my place in the mirror. I had returned from my father's burial, and it was there. Staring back at me. I don't want you to worry about me.
*
Fat chance. Annabelle wondered if there was a way to get to him.
*
The fireplaces are sealed my love, unfurrow your brow, I'll be back before you know it. You also ought to know that these are my first sightings in a while. It's nothing to be alarmed about.
I assure you that I am grieving. I've attached a pressed black rose to this letter to prove it. I am eating. I have slept a bit I promise. It just all feels rather surreal.
A magical portrait is painted by an artist proficient in charms. Each paint, and each brush is enchanted before it touches the canvas. The painting is alive, but until the subject dies or decides they want another conscience of themselves, it is a personalityless form on the canvas.
I hope that explanation is sufficient.
I'm anxious to return to school. I don't mean to sound narcissistic, but I will receive a lot of attention. I do not like receiving a lot of attention. My mother has been pestering me about taking a Mistress.
It is exhausting.
For once I am truly glad to be a man. Surprising, I know. I've never felt security in that until this moment. She cannot force me to get married as I've never signed a betrothal contract. And I can wait however long I choose to marry. And I will get to choose.
I've already found you, my love. The thought that I should spend my life with another is sickening.
I hope you think of me as I will think of you when casting a patronus.
All (Underlined three times) my love,
R.A.B.
-*-
Hogwarts' most eligible bachelor,
*
Regulus rolled his eyes, suppressing a stupid smile. He'd had the worst day but this- He was reading Annabelle's letter in bed. Her sweater had been turned into an inconspicuous pillow case and proved to be quite comforting.
*
I don't think it's narcissistic. I think it's honest. How will a lad or lass, anyone with an ass really be able to stay away? God knows I couldn't. You walk into a room, and suddenly my knickers have vanished into thin air.
You basically invented the word swooning, causing it, no one truly knows what it means until you flash them a smile. Imagine I'm winking at you right now.
I hope out of all your suitors I remain your favourite. How I will keep your favour is beyond me. Can't believe that the sovereign of my, MY, heart, is the most eligible bachelor in Hogwarts.
I feel so special.
If I were to try and pick any god to make jealous id either pick Hera or Aphrodite cause they give the worst punishments. Maybe Zeus shagged you and Hera's pissed (you are after all the most eligible bachelor in Hogwarts). Or maybe I'd just casually mention that I admire you more than I've ever admired Aphrodite, and you'll deal with her wrath and all that shite.
We haven't started casting patronus' yet. I don't know which memory I would choose. It's meant to make you feel the most emotion, yeah? So obviously I've got to pick one with you in it.
I've written you another poem. Because of my undying devotion to his royal majesty,
Roses are red,
Violets are blue,
You should cry this out,
It's good for you.
Yes. I realize I am being a hypocrite. My emotions are bottled up like a finely aged scotch. But I've always admired you. How close you are with how you feel.
*
There was a small blot of ink on the parchment. Annabelle had paused before writing this next part. It's why I fell (fell was scratched out) am in love with you.
He could practically see her furious blush. How she would be covering her face despite being alone. At least there was a good reason for the shortened length of this letter. Regulus reread that line a million times.
*
It's why I fell in love with you.
It's why I fell in love with you.
It's why I fell in love with you.
It's why I am in love with you.
I am in love with you.
I love you.
*
He was rereading it. Constantly. His gaze refusing to leave the pretty sequence of words.
Annabelle Aelin was in love with him. He loved her completely and she loved him the same. For better or worse, probably worse. For richer or poorer, probably richer. She loved him. As tears fell from his eyes and a smile formed on his face. She loved him.
*
It's us, your majesty.
All (Underlined four times) my love,
A.K.A.
P.S.
Thank you for the explanation of magical portrait making. I enjoyed it.
P.P.S.
I DO get jealous. Please don't purposefully make me jealous, I'll make Hera look like a sweetheart. And turn you into a fucking cow.
Miss you.
*
Regulus liked this letter. He liked it when Annabelle got all flustered because of how much he meant to her. He liked it when she admitted how much she loved him. He liked it when she hid her face in his chest and mumbled, you're an idiot, your majesty.
Regulus ensured his door was locked before hugging the letter to his chest.
-*-
Annabelle was waiting for Chang to arrive for rounds. She was rarely this late, and Annabelle was debating sending out a search party. She was staring blankly at a wall. No thoughts really. There was just this crack in the stone that looked like a lightning bolt.
She recognized those footsteps that were coming down the hall. But that was impossible he was-
"Have you been waiting long, my love?"
Annabelle snapped back to reality, turning to look at him, a massive smile spreading across her face.
"Regulus." She breathed, running towards him and practically tackling him in a hug. Her arms wrapped around his neck, her legs around his waist, and the best hug the boy had ever received. "You're back." She said, as he returned the embrace.
"So observant." He muttered, pressing a kiss to her cheek as he set her down, refusing to allow her to leave his arms. "I missed you."
"I missed you too." She said.
"I loved your letters." He said, she was smiling up at him. She wasn't all that much shorter than him only a few inches. Made her easier to kiss. "Can't believe how much you like me. Enamoured is a word I'd use to describe it," He drawled, grinning and looking away.
"You're an idiot, your majesty."
There it is.
"Yes. But you like that." Said Regulus, kissing her at long last. Regulus snogged like she was his oasis in the dessert, or an angel who had come down from the skies he was trying to convince to remain on Earth.
"Come, Belle, we have time." He said, leaning away from her and taking her hand, pulling her down the hall until he found a utterly abandoned corridor. He charmed it clean and sat down with her by a window. He intended to speak with her until morning.
"How are you?"
"As well as can be expected."
"What did you do while you were away?" Asked Annabelle, her legs across his lap as she looked at him. Her gaze never felt scrutinizing, but caring. Regulus was the only one to ever see her eyes this soft. He knew what she was asking him.
"I grieved my father." He said. "It still hurts that he's gone. But... it's more a sense of loss than it is of pain."
"How close were you?" Her hand was in his hair. Regulus knew she didn't know how to handle this, but she knew how to handle him. Regulus hadn't had a chance to talk to anyone about his father's passing. Not properly anyway. He was safe with Annabelle, she understood him.
It was the greatest intimacy the pair shared.
"No. Not at all." Said Regulus. "Each Christmas I received the same set of quills. After Sirius left he begun having tea with mother and I, but he never spoke. It was mostly mother cross examining me on my life at Hogwarts. The friends I had made. The marks I got. Whether Quidditch was really something I needed to do. But father was there reading the prophet. It was his idea I become a, well,"
Annabelle nodded.
"So I could never, never stray." Said Regulus. "He sealed fireplaces. Made sure the dark lord took notice of me. I think they were acquainted at school. Just, the way they spoke. What bothers me is that no one will tell me how he died."
"Frustrating."
"Incredibly frustrating." Said Regulus. "He's my father. I should know how he passed."
"Would it be written down somewhere?" Asked Annabelle.
"It wasn't in his obituary." Said Regulus.
"Do magical people have death certificates?"
"No." Said Regulus, "Do, do muggles?"
"Yes."
"You need to be certified to die? That makes no sense. Muggles die so easily." Said Regulus, Annabelle swatted his shoulder.
"No, you prat, it's for public record so you don't have to keep paying taxes or some shite like that." Said Annabelle.
"The muggle world is needlessly confusing." Said Regulus. "I feel like death is something rather personal. Not to mention that underground system."
He scowled, struggling to maintain a frown when he glanced at Annabelle's smile.
"I rather like the London underground."
"Belle. If people were made to travel in tunnels underground, we would have been made to look more like voles."
"So dramatic."
"It's a terrifying ordeal, where your life is in the hands of twenty year old metal tracks, some of which are electric, whatever that means, where people occasionally die from falling onto the tracks, and, and, and-" His words fell away when he noted how Annabelle was looking at him.
He liked it when she was this close. He could see each small freckle that vanished into her deep skin at a distance, he could see the small scar on her cheek, he could watch her blush bloom beneath her skin slowly until it became impossible to ignore.
"Did you lose your train of thought your majesty?" Asked Annabelle, a slow wicked smile on her face.
"That was awful." He said, forcing himself to look away. He proceeded to take her hand. But he held it just a bit too tightly.
"You alright?" she asked him.
"Yes. I'm alright."
"How much have you eaten in the last week?"
"A very compelling poem made it impossible not to." Said Regulus, "As well as a rather insistent Kreacher who did not want to disappoint you."
"What a good elf. How much do you pay him?"
"House elves don't get paid."
"What?"
"How do you not know this?"
"That's incredibly problematic."
"They enjoy serving their mast-"
"It sounds like propaganda or some shite."
"We can discuss payment for him after you and I have married. But so long as my mother is his mistress, there is no chance of changing anything. I once suggested that the curtains were impractical, and she- well she was having a bad day anyways. I had heard her torture Sirius for years."
The look of utter horror on Annabelle's face. He'd never seen anything like it.
"Your parents are-" He started.
"Yeah. But it was never anything illegal."
"That's a lie."
"Well there's assault and there is literal torture."
"It was one time."
"Was it?"
"Yes."
"And your father?"
"Only four times."
Annabelle would never utter this out loud. But she was incredibly glad Orion Black was dead.
"Only." She repeated. "Call the calendar people we've got our next fucking saints day."
"In other circumstances I would laugh, because that was incredibly quick witted. However this is my father who died mysteriously."
"Right. Sorry." She muttered.
"Besides I haven't the slightest idea what would be on those greeting cards." Said Regulus. "Probably the constellation. Nevermind. The joke was idiotic. Because I would definitely buy that greeting card." He said all this with a straight face. "If it's got a nice font-"
"Like times new roman?"
"Exactly. And in italics? It will soon be out of stock." Said Regulus. "I love a good font."
"How would you feel about a calligraphy set for Christmas?"
"Will you marry me?"
Annabelle laughed, eyes lighting up. "I'll take that as a yes." She said, not realizing the way he looked at her hand. The absence of a ring on her ring finger felt unnatural. He kissed the back of her hand.
"I missed you so much, my love."
"Are you ever going to give my sweater back-"
"No. It's mine now."
They spoke until the sun came up.
And when it did, Annabelle was in fact only looking at him.
-*-
Slughorn's Christmas party always drew a crowd. The Malfoys stood near the table with the Champagne tower, the Aurors mingled with the guests, the seeker for the Hollyhead harpies was making the rounds with a few teammates. The room was filled with music, chatter, witches, warlocks all in colourful robes, even a vampire that would prove to disappoint Annabelle with his inferior fashion taste,
And all Regulus could look at was her.
Regulus debated blindfolding each and every person in the room so that only he would have the privilege of beholding Annabelle at the moment.
"Black." She addressed, glass of champagne already in hand.
"Aelin." He returned, glancing over his shoulder to ensure no one would hear him when he said, "You look absolutely stunning."
"You're rather dashing yourself, Black. Now where on Earth did you get those cufflinks?"
"Someone special made them for me." Said Regulus, watching a blush warm her cheeks. He allowed the back of his hand to linger against hers. "Even made me this ring. Perhaps someday you might have a similar ring made for you."
"Oh?"
"Just with a bit more meaning to it." Said Regulus, risking it and holding her hand, his thumb running over her knuckles. "If you'll excuse me, I need to say hello to my cousin and her husband."
"That's a cool cane he's got there,"
"Don't even think about it."
"Be shame if, if someone were to, snag it for their loving girlfriend?" She said, a small smile on her face. Regulus suppressed a smile and rolled his eyes.
"Aelin. Theft is wrong."
"You've stolen my heart what's a cane tossed into the mix?" She said, grinning at him, Regulus ensured no one was listening.
"Manipulation is beneath you, my love. I'll see you later." Promised Regulus, and he walked away.
Leo was at Annabelle's side quickly.
"So. How do you want to steal that cane?" Said Leo.
"What if he needs it?"
"Right. Can't steal it if he needs it. God I hate morals." Said Leo, pouring fire whiskey into their glasses. "Why does Moody look at you like that sometimes?"
"Like what?"
Leo shrugged. "I don't know. It's just weird. I hate Crouch." He scowled as he watched Barty approach Avery. "I hate him so much. Like you know the universe how it's always expanding, and growing and whatever? That's how much I hate it."
"I'll set him on fire later," Said Annabelle, "It's very therapeutic, really lets you get back to your witch roots, you should try it."
"Maybe later." Said Leo, sighing as they sat down for dinner. "Oi, look, blondie's at our table."
"She sort of shimmers." Said Annabelle, looking at Narcissa.
Regulus was seated next to Anthony anxious as he watched Lucius take note of the mudblood at the table. Sitting one empty spot away from her. Watching as the rest of the seats at their table were filled and guests begun to make idle conversation.
He was almost relieved before.
"So." Begun Lucius, looking at Annabelle, "You are the... controversial head girl."
"Yeah, I've got loads of mixed reviews." Said Annabelle. "Hope the prophet likes me."
Annabelle was so charming, thought Regulus as he drank from his glass.
"How did a girl of your heritage put herself in such a position?" Said Lucius, Regulus watched as Annabelle drummed her nails on the table, resisting the urge to set him on fire.
That's probably why she wore the gloves. Not just to look sensational. He figured.
"I earned it."
"Earned it?" He scoffed.
"Unfamiliar with the turn of phrase, Mister Malfoy?" Asked Annabelle, a sickly sweet smile on her face, she lifted her glass to her lips knowing this would be easier drunk.
The man let out a strange laugh. Most others at the table were engaged in their own conversations but not Regulus. He was worried. Scared for Annabelle.
"You're quick witted, Miss Aelin." Said Lucius. "I assure you. I understand the turn of phrase."
Annabelle cocked an eyebrow, why so insecure? she wanted to ask but she held back.
"It's such a shame about the bridge collapsing in London." Said Lucius, "So strange when muggle structures fail so spectacularly. How many died?"
Annabelle's nails dug into the palms of her hands. How could he speak so apathetically about such a tragedy? A tragedy death eaters caused.
"One hundred and eighty three."
"What a tragedy."
"Funny thing, hilarious really, how the sky sort of looked like a skull sucking on a big fat... snake." Said Annabelle. "Just, going at it. Can't imagine anyone who could wear that symbol with pride." She sighed dramatically, and looked at Lucius' forearm.
"How crass, Miss Aelin." Said Lucius, "Please, this is a dinner party. Don't let the inferiority of your upbringing infect the evening."
The inferiority of her upbringing? The inferiority of- She took a deep breath. She stretched her hand,
"Where did you get that cane Mister Malfoy?" She asked, tilting her head to the side, he was not looking her in the eye at all, he was examining her dress, her gloves, her shoes trying to find something else to insult.
"Diagon alley. Though I doubt you could afford it." His eyes lingered on the bodice of her dress. It was a nice fucking dress. Annabelle spent half her life reading magazines.
Annabelle looked better than he did in boring old dress robes. The red of the fabric complemented her deeper skin perfectly, and finally breaking away from wanting to look more like her paler elder sister, she felt comfortable in a dress for the first time in her life.
"Hmm. Do you actually need it? Or is it just for decoration?" Asked Annabelle.
"I like my presence to be announced when I enter a room, I don't need it."
"Sure would be a shame if someone took it, and beat your leg with it until you did." Said Annabelle, a pleasant smile on her face as though she were discussing the weather.
"Aelin. Mister Malfoy is a guest." Said Regulus, desperate to keep her away from another death eater. "You can't talk to him like that."
"I hardly need you of all people to defend me, Regulus." Said Lucius. Annabelle's eyes hardened. No one insulted Regulus. No one. "She is just a mudblood after all. I needn't prove anything to the likes of her."
The table had quieted at the use of the slur. Annabelle was trying not to hit him. She was. But watching a bruise bloom under his alabaster skin would be so satisfying.
"What are your parents anyways? Asked Lucius, determined to humiliate her further.
"My father served in the navy. And then begun working in imports to be closer to home. My mum didn't work." Said Annabelle.
"I thought your father was in prison." Said Anthony.
Regulus was tempted to hex him. His eyes set on Annabelle as she feigned apathy under the stares of pureblood elite, and her peers as a blond man tried to humiliate her to make himself feel big.
"He made some mistakes. But at least he never joined a death cult dedicated to inbreeding and killing people for being born." Said Annabelle, fight or flight. Fight or flight. Annie's too scared of height for flight.
She knew she was at a table filled with death eaters.
"A convict. It makes sense." Said Lucius. He wasn't meeting her eyes. Never once. He didn't have the respect for that. "Are we not sure whether or not your mother was a working girl?"
Annabelle had maimed three men. What was a fourth added to the list? She envisioned him quivering and begging for mercy.
She bet he was a squealer.
Annabelle faltered in her posture. Lucius' smile turned viper like. "She must have taught you something, if her mut of a daughter managed to climb her way to the head girl position."
"I don't know why you're so concerned with my parents, Malfoy. Just because you live your sodding life on the spoils of someone else's accomplishments doesn't mean others do the same." Said Annabelle, fuming. He stood up.
Annabelle didn't flinch this time. His wife finally noticed.
"Oh, sit down, Lucius. She's just a mudblood. You know how they are." Said Narcissa. "It's good to meet you." She said speaking slowly as though Annabelle was a child.
Mai Sayre sat down at the table beside Annabelle separating she and Lucius. Double checking her card. The pretty pureblood who had wriggled her way out of a betrothal quickly became the topic of discussion.
Annabelle excused herself.
She walked over to wear Moody sat with Dumbledore before she left the office.
"What is it, Miss Aelin?" Asked Dumbledore.
"I was wondering if you liked the socks I gave you."
"Oh they were perfect."
"Remember the Mulciber issue?" She asked, and he nodded, a twinkle in his eye. "I'll take care of it over the holiday. But I get to do it my way and rough up blondie too."
"It's a shame you won't make it to tea." Said Dumbledore.
"For the greater good, yeah?" She said, and Moody smiled,
"For the greater good."
Annabelle nodded and left the room. Her heart was racing and she felt so cold. A burst of magic left her in frustration, burning several lanterns that floated above her on the ceiling. They fell to the floor behind her.
She would never be more to these people would she? No matter how hard she worked, no matter what title she achieved. She would always be the dirt on the bottom of their shoe.
Leo had been quiet. Regulus had been all but silent. No one at that table had said anything as some blond man had humiliated her. Insulted her parents. Stared at her tits for longer than comfortable. There wasn't even that much to fucking look at. He just wanted to assert power over her. That he could disrespect her in such a way.
Her breathing was heavy and quick and she entered a room in a tower. She didn't know how else to describe it. It was open air and stony. I don't know, castle shit. There were no desks, no black board, just a really odd wooden door with a really detailed lion knocker.
A massive burst of fire left her as she released her frustration. Anyone observing from outside would assume a bomb had exploded. Annabelle was allowed to talk poorly about her parents. No one else.
And no one was allowed to assume anything about her based on them. She was, she was more than just,
Annabelle Aelin had figured out she had a learning challenge and requested the necessary accommodations to improve her grades.
Annabelle Aelin had never lost a duel.
Annabelle Aelin had received her Hogwarts letter from Dumbledore personally three months early after being expelled from catholic school. (There was a thing with a church catching on fire)
Annabelle Aelin had knit a whole sweater in under a week.
Annabelle Aelin had set a deatheater on fire and watched him beg for mercy.
She was ruthless, vindictive, and a great fucking partner in her relationship.
Yeah.
Annabelle Aelin was a hell of a lot more than the sum of her bloody parts.
Annabelle sat down on the step down from the door. She did not understand what this room had been used for. A breeze blew in through a space in the wall meant to be a window. It was cold, and Annabelle's hands were shaking with rage.
A flame danced between her fingers.
A blazer was draped over her shoulders. Regulus sat next to her.
"Lucius is a dick." Said Regulus.
"You don't say." She replied.
"You shouldn't have-"
"Defended myself?"
"Escalated things."
"He's the one who escalated. He's like one of those escalators in shopping centres that go on for bloody kilometres." Said Annabelle, the flame she was playing with growing.
"I don't know what that means. I just don't want my cousin to end up widowed, or to lose you because you don't know when to stop."
"Right. Your cousin." Said Annabelle. "She's pretty. I prefer Andromeda of course. Cause it's nice to have at least one member of the Black family who, who would, would," Leave for love. But you don't love me do you? "She's got really nice eyes. And a kind face."
"She was the best of us." Said Regulus, his hand on Annabelle's back. He was unsure of what to do. "Do you really think the dark mark looks like a skull sucking off a snake?" He asked.
"Don't you?" Said Annabelle, as Regulus pushed the sleeve of his shirt up to look at the coiling serpent,
"Well now I can't unsee that." Said Regulus, mild disgust on his face, as he recovered the mark. "If it makes you feel any better, Lucius has a tiny prick. I've never seen it personally however Cissy is a horrible gossip, and told me about the surprise on her wedding night."
Annabelle laughed. The flame vanishing from her hands.
"I know my parents are horrible parents." She said, "But that doesn't mean- It doesn't mean they were bad people it just means they shouldn't have had kids- I mean-"
"I've already revoked all of Anthony's privileges in the prefect's bathroom and the other amenities he is offered as an honor roll student."
Annabelle nodded. "How did he know that about my dad, Regulus?"
"Finnigan probably."
"You didn't-"
"Of course not." Said Regulus, and Annabelle nodded. "You don't believe me."
"It was probably Claire." Said Annabelle. "She's been... I don't know. I'm not going to her wedding you know. She uninvited me after I'd planned the bloody thing. It's my own fault apparently. Doesn't want any confrontation. Makes sense."
"I didn't know."
"It's fine. It's her wedding. And the colours are all pastel." She said, making a face.
"Are you staying here for Christmas then?"
"No. The Tonks' invited me for Christmas Dinner. I don't want to miss it. I'll figure out where to sleep. Their kid even wrote out the invitation. I don't want to disappoint her." Said Annabelle.
"Is there a chance of us seeing each other?" Asked Regulus.
"I dunno, head of the noble and most ancient house of Black, is there?" She asked, nudging him. "Don't you have more control over your life now?"
"Yes." Realized Regulus, a smile spreading across his face. "I do. Oh this is brilliant, Belle. And I have unrestricted access to the- we could go anywhere. What's the nicest muggle hotel you can think of?"
"Why?"
"We're staying there. We can pretend it's Christmas Eve, and watch those muggle Christmas films you told me about, what do- do you have any traditions?" He asked,
"You know if you could just give me some dates, I'll see id I can make it work. I despise loose plans." She said, mimicking him. Regulus smiled, his arm around her shoulders.
"I'll take a swing at your planner, Belle don't you worry." Said Regulus. "I don't want to return to the party."
"Why?"
"The Malfoys, as a unit, have been continuously incorrectly correcting my grammar." Said Regulus. And she suppressed a smile, "What is it?"
"Hey, hey your majesty, what does an english Owl say?"
"What?"
"Whom, whom," Said Annabelle, her smile wide and her nose scrunching as she said it, holding in her own laughter.
Regulus hid his smile with his hand.
"That was dreadful." Said Regulus. I love you. he wanted to say to her. Murmur it sweetly, hear it in return. He put his hands over hers. They were so cold. He held them in both of his, uttering a heating charm. She must still be upset. "I'm sorry, Belle."
"He's your cousin. Or something. I get it-"
"But you shouldn't have to get it." Said Regulus. "It will be different when we leave Hogwarts." He promised her. Annabelle nodded absently. "Once the war is over, we can be together and my present to you will be that Blond bastard's hair. All of it. I'll shave it off."
Annabelle let out a sound of amusement,
"Really?"
"He has it coming." Said Regulus. "However he is in the inner circle of death eaters, and I am frightened for my life, as well as yours, if I do anything now."
He'll be too proud to admit he got beat up by a seventeen year old mudblood. And he wouldn't even recognize me.
"Very good self preservational instinct." Said Annabelle, she could hear music coming from down the hall, turning her head to see Regulus had magically fixed all the damage her volatile magic had caused.
Regulus stood up in front of her, and offered her a hand,
"May I have this dance, Miss Aelin?" He asked, smiling at her.
"I don't know how you rich shites dance." Said Annabelle,
"I'll teach you." Said Regulus, recognizing the song and deciding against mentioning it was from Merlin's orchestra. "It's quite simple." She returned his jacket aside and accepted his hand. "Put your hand on my shoulder-"
"I know that bit your majesty," Said Annabelle, and Regulus shrugged, his hand on her waist, that massive dazzling smile on his face.
"I was unsure." Said Regulus. "Thoughtfulness is one of the traits I pride myself on, Belle." She scoffed, "Have you ever waltzed before?"
"No."
"That's not true, you waltzed into my heart and refused to leave."
"Merlin's sagging balls, why are you like this?"
"It makes you blush." Said Regulus, kissing her cheek, causing the colour to deepen on her cheeks. The song changed, a slower arrangement. "This isn't a waltz," commented Regulus, he pulled her closer to him, so they could dance cheek to cheek. "Houdini and the Glowfish composed this if you can believe it. One of their earlier works. It was a steep decline from here."
"Tell me how you really feel," Said Annabelle, her eyes were shut, this was just like in Sabrina, she used to watch it with her sister. Trying to convince her that if Audrey Hepburn could still be considered a lady with such short hair, certainly Annabelle could be afforded the same privilege.
"I like this song, but one hit wonder is what a muggle magazine would refer to them as," Said Regulus. "French composers are better even in the wizarding world."
"Do you ever feel a tad snobbish, your majesty?"
"If you mean I have excellent taste," He started, spinning her, she laughed as he pulled her back in, "And the means to indulge it."
"How rich are you?"
Regulus told her an exact figure in galleons. She was not one hundred percent on the math thing, but one galleon was approximately ten quid. And she couldn't even imagine the number.
It seemed shallow of her to say, but she understood Regulus' reluctance to leave his family. If she had to pick between him and that sum of money- well she didn't know what she'd do.
"Do you need a moment, my love?" He asked.
"It's not that I'm poor, solid middle class me whole life, but holy fuckin' hell. You know, if my mum knew I'd bagged you she might actually be proud of me." Said Annabelle, Regulus laughed. "How is it more people aren't throwing themselves at you regularly?"
"I actively reject advances. Even public ones." Said Regulus. "Because, well, I don't know if you know this but, I have a really jealous girlfriend."
"I see."
"I think her problem is how much she likes me." Said Regulus. "Loves me, quite frankly."
"You're an idiot, your majesty." Said Annabelle, Regulus started to hum along to the melody. He did that in the library sometimes. Hummed tunes to songs she didn't recognize. She would never tell him but sometimes she pretended that he made up the songs just for her.
It was snowing, Regulus muttered a charm to keep it away from them, and keep Annabelle in his arms.
"I'll give Avery such a hard time." He muttered, still quite angry with his friend. "You know his mother doesn't know he's trolling divination. It would be a shame if she were to find out."
"He wouldn't see it coming," Muttered Annabelle, and Regulus chuckled.
"No, I suppose he would have had to pay better attention in class."
"Is he your best friend, do you reckon?"
"No. You are."
Annabelle was blushing furiously.
"It's not like I'm not yours." He said with a scoff. "And don't tell me I've lost the top spot to Finnigan."
"Of course not." Muttered Annabelle.
"It comes with the territory doesn't it? I trust you more than anyone else. I love you in every way which sounds confusing but it's the easiest, truest, and purest thing I've ever done." Said Regulus.
Annabelle was blushing furiously, turning her head and hiding her crimson cheeks against his shoulder.
"Just hum some more." She said, and he did. Regulus would never deny her anything if he could help it.
"I have a gift for you." Whispered Regulus,
"Oh?"
"Yes." He said. He'd been receiving small gifts from Annabelle all week. A tree ring binder with cascading tabs had been his favourite. His love knew him so fucking well.
Followed closely by a charmed snake pin with ruby eyes that was a twin that would glow if he needed her. The only reason it did not receive top billing was because he had had to charm it so it worked both ways himself.
"I made you something,"
"You did?" She said,
"Don't act so surprised."
"I'm not acting." Said Annabelle, he scowled at her, kissing her chastely before saying,
"Do you want it or not?" He asked.
"Of course." She said, as he summoned it magically, wrapped and everything into his hand. "That was very impressive."
"Thank you, Belle, I've been practicing for a week." He said, as she opened it carefully, she always saved the wrappings, he didn't know why just that the habit was difficult for her to break.
It was a book. Leather bound, a thistle, a forgetmenot and a white rose embossed on the cover,
"It's beautiful," She said, opening it.
"It's every page out of every book you've ever given me. I have duplicates. And every note we've ever shared." He said, as she flipped through the pages. "I figured there should be at least one book about romance, that you don't want to burn and throw at the wall,"
"It's perfect." Breathed Annabelle.
"The perfect fire kindling and projectile or-" Annabelle cut him off with a kiss.
"It's perfect." She repeated, "Thank you, Regulus."
"Happy Christmas, my love," He said, and then he kissed her again.
Regulus knew she was about to say it. She grew cold to the touch, her eyes shifted away from him, her ressolve strengthened.
"I love you." She said, Regulus kissed her, softly, lovingly, before setting his forehead against hers.
"I love you too." He said, "I know that this isn't the perfect circumstance-"
"One day at a time-"
"Do not say and all that jazz. I hate jazz."
"I wasn't gonna-" Said Annabelle, he just arched an eyebrow. "Piss off."
"No. Why would I do that? Oh best friend and love of my life?"
Her nose wrinkled when her smile grew too wide, "One day at a time is fine by me so long as those days are with you, your majesty,"
"Say the rest of it."
"So demanding." She said as though the task were truly taxing.
"Please?"
"It's us." She said, Regulus kissed her slowly, she pulled away.
"Before I forget how close are you with Bartholomew Mulciber?"
"He's a horrible person, he kills muggle families for the dark lord. Not to mention he's about six years older, and at pureblood events he would conjure monsters to chase younger children around pretending to be inferi that they should have never told their brother about because he just is an awful person."
"Pureblood events?"
"Yes, Christmas Balls, Easter luncheons,"
"If you don't do religion why-"
"I haven't the slightest clue, my love, not the slightest clue."
-*-
Lucius read the paper in bed.
Bartholomew Mulciber had been killed, no that was a word too polite.
Bartholomew Mulciber had been crucified upside down.
His body stained in blood and piss when his wife had found him mounted in their backyard.
The words False God carved into him. His dark mark on full display- but the paper did not mention that part.
It was late. Narcissa would be cross with him. Lucius checked the clock again and begun rehearsing his best lie. He closed his tab and waved goodbye to the young Ms Rosmerta. Perhaps things had run late at the office.
Snow fell in thick sheets as he made his was down the cobblestone streets towards the apparition point.
Yes, a meeting had gone on for hours, and all he needed was her love and attention to feel better, he stopped to buy her flowers, to soften the blow. Maybe there had been a line at the florist.
Maybe they hadn't had Narcissa's favourite flowers, and he had been forced to settle for peonies.
The snap of apparition brought him back to- he was not where he was meant to be.
Lucius furrowed his eyebrows and looked around where was he?
He was in an alleyway, his cane hit the stones as though checking to see if they were really there. Perhaps this was the danger of apparating drunk the instructors had warned them about. He was about to step out into the street when a bus raced past. It was bright red and had two stories- how had he wound up in muggle London?
The bus passed. A figure was leaning on the lamppost on the other side of the street. They hadn't been there before. Smoke left their mouth in large clouds, swirling in the cold night air.
He couldn't make out their features, but he could feel their eyes on him. The ember tip of their cigarette slowly dimmed and the cigarette was dropped to the ground. They were staring at him.
Watching him so closely. Slowly the figure begun to come towards him, he begun to walk backwards to where he'd apparated from, when a second snap of apparition distracted him, he looked up to see a woman.
Red hair. Wand drawn. Face covered. Just bright green eyes he did not recognize staring down at him.
"Miss, if you could-" His cane was kicked out from under him. He whipped his head around to see a second masked person, their long curly hair pulled back, and their unrecognizable eyes staring at him, their skin was deep, but he couldn't tell who this was.
Fight or flight.
He was a Malfoy.
Flight.
He ran, his legs were struck by his own cane, his assailant tossed it to the red headed witch as they drew their own wand and levitated him, Lucius' body hit the brick wall viciously, and then it began. Strike after strike. Occasionally they would take turns. He yelped and quivered.
He was meant to go on a mission for the dark lord tomorrow. To kill Potter's mudblood, how would he explain this- he tried reaching for his wand, his assailants offered him no such mercy. The one with dark hair took it from him.
His blood smattered the t shirt one of them wore Blondie it read.
He would wonder why this was happening then- Lucius managed to tug up his sleeve, to summon the- seering pain.
Fire in his veins he cried out for mercy as he watched the dark mark be replaced by a nearly blackened burn, the magic diminished as tears fell from his eyes.
"Please," He whispered, the red headed witch silenced him, as her partner picked up the flowers meant for Narcissa.
And then came an altered voice, magically altered.
"How could any woman be proud to have you as a husband." They said. Lucius wished he knew who this was, who his attackers were, but he didn't. "Summon the dark lord and this is how he'll find you."
The witch drew scissors, and handed them to her friend.
"Stay still." She said, still holding his wand, threatening to snap it every so often. Snow begun to fall over london, the cobblestones covered in the white flakes, Lucius' blood and matts of his hair. The red headed witch then took all he had with him, the galleons, the potion he'd procured for the dark lord, the plans he'd had with him for the dark lord, his gringgotts key,
"Does your wife know you're cheating on her?" Asked the witch's friend. If it was a man he was thinner, if it was a woman she was taller.
"Please." He whimpered again.
"Do the Blacks know how you treat their precious daughter?"
"Stop." Said Lucius only to be met with cruel laughter.
His wand was snapped. He cried out as he watched it happen. It was illegal to snap a wizard's wand but- But if he were to bring it to the ministry during the war they would see each and every unforgivable he had ever performed, and each new death eater he had sworn in.
"Be glad this is the only wand we're snapping." Sneered the witch, her partner nudged her and muttered,
"Good one."
"Thanks." She replied,
"Why are you doing this?" He croaked.
"I don't like bullies." Said the witch.
"I just don't trust blond men."
The witch laughed,
"No, no, Lucy dear, it's more personal. Now. You are vermin with a big bank account and that makes you feel like a big boy. Now. Be good or you'll end up like Bartholomew Mulciber."
The broken bits of his wand clattered to the ground, and he crumpled onto the cobblestones gasping for breath, struggling to stand on broken legs, it wasn't until the pair had apparated away that he realized,
They'd taken his fucking cane.
-*-
Regulus was on his way to see the headmaster. His winter holliday had been rather enjoyable. Annabelle had taken him to the movies, and skating, and then they'd spent two nights at a muggle hotel. Not that he condoned killing just Mulciber had been a horrid bully. He had returned two days early from Christmas break and was shocked to discover that Annabelle had as well.
There was laughing coming from the office. The door was part of the way open.
There were potions and plans set before the headmaster with the dark lord's seal. Lily was there. And where Lily went-
"Do you reckon I could keep this?" Asked Annabelle, he couldn't see her,
"No, Miss Aelin," Said Dumbledore fondly.
"But it suits me,"
"It does," Said Lily.
"I dunno, announces me presence when I walk into a room." Said Annabelle. Lily laughed,
"He didn't recognize us, sir. You were right." Said Lily, and the old man chuckled.
"He may not always be right," Said the grating voice of Alastor Moody, "But he's never wrong." Regulus could smell nicotine through the door, and saw the packet in the man's hand.
"Do you think anyone knows about Saint Bart?" Asked Annabelle. He could hear the eye roll in her tone, he moved to be able to see her.
His heart sped up. For multiple reasons.
Annabelle sat, her shirt was bloodstained, her smile wicked, the vindictive glint in her eye, and her curly hair tied back. Blood was smattered on her boots, docs he'd seen them called in a magazine. She leant back comfortably in the chair, her legs spread, Lucius' cane propped up between them as her hands rested on the snake's head handle.
She turned her head, spotting him in the door,
She didn't flinch, didn't falter as though ashamed of what he might have learnt about her, she just smiled that truly wicked smile, leaning forward in her seat, and capturing his full attention.
"It's rude to eavesdrop, Black." Said the gravelly voice of Alastor Moody, his hand on Annabelle's shoulder, firmly too, Annabelle's smile faltered at his grip, his wand raised,
"I-" Started Regulus, the door was slammed in his face.
He awaited her at the base of the entrance into the headmaster's office.
"Your majesty," Addressed Annabelle, pulling him away quickly,
"I don't like to be kept waiting, My love," Said Regulus, caging her against a wall, "He didn't let you keep the cane?"
"I'm very irritated by it." She said with a frown. "Apparently it ties me to a crime." She said in a mocking tone.
"You could have told me."
"I wasn't all there on the details of it yet, and I was worried you would-"
"All I asked is that he be left alive." Said Regulus. "Just because I cannot take revenge on him for being a prick doesn't mean I can prevent you from doing so. Also in my mind this is all in my honour. Don't say anything to the contrary he insulted me all but once, I'm quite narcissistic, and the idea is making me feel special."
Annabelle loved Regulus more than anyone else in the world.
She just did not believe he loved her back.
It was horribly irritating.
But each time she came around to the idea that she might just be enough for him, he became a death eater, or said something to cover his affection publicly. So really it was best to take it one day at a time.
Besides, she wanted to be with him. The rest did not particularly matter.
Annabelle was on top of Regulus in his dorm, putting eyeshadow on him.
"How much more of this, Aelin?" Asked Regulus, as though being under her were truly taxing.
"Just a wee bit longer, majesty." She muttered, "You can put your hand on my arse if that'll make this more enjoyable for you." Said Annabelle.
"As though anything," He put his hand on her ass, "So juvenile could make this a more enjoyable experience." His heart was beating happily, fluttering as he watched her bite her lip in concentration. "Your eyes are very beautiful."
Annabelle had dark brown eyes.
"So deep." He muttered. "Do I get to do your makeup after? If there is an after that is." He asked, comfortable in her company. Regulus felt at ease when he was with Annabelle. "Unless I die here- Actually this might not be a horrid way to go." Annabelle chuckled and kissed his cheek before continuing. Regulus lifted his hand from her arse and held her face, kissing her properly. "You have horrid aim, Belle. I'm glad you never took up Quidditch, because I would spend just so much time mocking you."
"What do you reckon I'd be?" She asked.
"Chaser." He said. "I've theorized it in depth."
"I think we both know I'm a keeper." She replied, sitting up, still sitting on him, hunting for the eyeliner on his bed sheets. Regulus covered his smile with his hand. She leant over him again, he moved and she put her hand on his face, "Stay still. I'm completing the look. You look hot."
"Oh?"
"If you were a stranger in a pub, I'd shag you."
"I am honoured." Said Regulus, her face was so close to his. "I love your freckles."
"What?" She said, and he watched roses bloom beneath her deep skin.
"They're like constellations." Annabelle sat up, and hid her face under the neck of her shirt.
"Next time you say something so nauseating provide a barf bag you little fucking shit."
Her face was on fire. Nothing could tame it as she looked at him again.
"When you blush it's like roses bloom under your skin."
"Jesus, take me, I can't do this anymore."
"And your laugh is the stuff of symphonies."
"Is that a dagger before me, come slice mine throat-"
He sat up, hands on her waist, lips on her neck.
"So dramatic." He murmured.
"A life of war hath taken me from a life on the stage."
"Is there a reason for your use of the word hath?" Questioned Regulus, pulling away.
"There's just no way in hell that that bald sod, with quill and ink wrote all those bloody plays." Said Annabelle,
"Ah, the Shakespeare conspiracy." Said Regulus muttering a healing charm as his hand was on a scrape on her neck.
"It's just they're all so different and-"
"I prefer the one with the American President." Said Regulus.
"There must've been someone else and-"
"If you were a politician you could run an exceptionally effective smear campaign."
"Your majesty, making me blush."
Never was there a more beautiful sight.