Inferius | Regulus Black

"You are going to have to earn your place in this world, Annie." Dumbledore had said.

"I'd do anythin' sir." Annabelle had replied, eyes locked on him, freshly healed hands clutching her Hogwarts letter like she was afraid it would vanish were she to let go.

"Good."

-*-

Annabelle's necklace was burning. She woke up in a fright, clutching at her neck and gasping. Annabelle scrambled to the edge of her bed to put out the fires that had caught on her freshly finished potions essay.

"Annie?" Said Claire groggily "Another abominable snowman dream?"

"...no."

"You didn't really kill him. Go to sleep." Said Claire, rolling over and covering her face with her pillow.

Annabelle held her necklace, brows furrowed. She got out of bed as quietly as she could, she had fallen asleep in her uniform. Tie holding her hair back like a hair band, and shirt missing several buttons.

Annabelle set off to find his royal majesty and give him a piece of her mind. On her birthday no less.

If for no other reason than to yell at him for waking her from her first non snowman dream in months. She was willing to march into Slytherin, retrieve him, and then maybe shag him.

She would decide in the moment.

Annabelle left Gryffindor. She moved down the stairs quickly,

The portrait hole swung shut behind her.

"Aelin."

"Black?" She said, her eyes snapping to where he stood. Regulus was leaning on the wall waiting for her. He was holding a letter. In a Black envelope.

"I need to speak with you." Said Regulus. He was still. Possibly too still. He resembled a marble statue. There was no colour in his skin, only circles around his eyes. The Onyx envelope was held tightly in his grasp as he looked at her.

Annabelle nodded.

They walked in deafening silence down the steps and onto the seventh floor. Regulus tried several classroom doors, growing progressively more anxious as each failed to open.

A horrid feeling formed in Annabelle's chest, like her heart had turned into a black hole. This was not a super fun birthday surprise was it?

They turned left.

Annabelle had never seen that door before but it opened for Regulus.

He opened it. It looked like the Gryffindor common room shagged the library and forgotten a condom.

"Regulus?" She whispered.

"I don't know." He said, momentarily distracted from his panic.

"Do you want to go to the lake?"

"No. I do not wish to tarnish it." Said Regulus, clutching the letter.

Annabelle sat on a sofa in front of the fire as Regulus paced before her.

"Regulus?"

"Is, it's- here." He said, handing her the parchment he had been holding like a lifeline, Annabelle pulled the letter from the envelope.

Annabelle felt like she had fallen from a tree as the air was knocked from her. She crossed her legs as she sat on the sofa.

"You've killed people." He said. She nodded. "You know what it's like-"

"That's different."

"Because they deserve it?"

"Yes." Said Annabelle.

Regulus was silent. Annabelle was right.

Annabelle had not been 'pure of heart' since she had finished reading lord of the rings and realized how sparing one life could lead to dooming a thousand more. Fuck you Aragorn, not killing that slimy ass Grima just so he could scurry off to Sauroman and tell him every-

She digressed.

"I don't want to kill anyone." Said Regulus, shaking his head. He rolled up the sleeves of his shirt, an anxious habit of his. Annabelle halted his pacing and pulled him towards her by the wrist as he furrowed his eyebrows looking up in thought. "We should run away together."

Annabelle healed the red lines he'd raked over his dark mark with his nails easily. She'd had practice. He had been ruining her painted flowers with increasing frequency. When this was over she had every intention of strapping Regulus into a tattoo seat and having someone cover the mark so he would never do this to himself again.

"Belle?"

"Hmm?"

"I think we should run away together." He repeated.

Regulus did not know what he expected. Annabelle was not a coward. But Annabelle loved him. He was not so blind as to not see it. And not so selfless as to not take advantage of it.

"What about the extraordinary amount of quid you've got for being born?" Asked Annabelle, not looking up as she healed him. Regulus was stunned silent. "If the roles were reversed, I don't know what I would've done. Can't get on much of a high horse can I?" Said Annabelle, her hands were cold against his skin, Regulus sat down next to her on the sofa. "Would've been more of a wee pony."

"I wanted to leave. When Sirius did. Mother caught me. But she did not know what I was doing. So I was never punished. Or thrown out. I had never packed my own suitcase before."

"What did you pack?" Asked Annabelle. Regulus hung his head a little in shame.

"A baguette, a pair of cufflinks, and- stop laughing." Said Regulus. "This is not the moment. I am facing consequences to actions I was forced into, and it's too late, and- and, I love you, and I'm scared you won't allow me to continue if I kill some innocent man, and- it is not even that funny."

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," Said Annabelle, she kissed his cheek, she pressed chaste kisses all over his face uttering apologies. It was his favourite habit of hers. "A baguette." She repeated quietly, trying not to laugh.

"My love, the man I'm meant to kill-"

"What no cream cheese?"

"Annabelle,"

"No smoked salmon?" Regulus' eyes moved away, "Oh there was smoked salmon involved. Oh I love you so much. I can just imagine it wee Regulus with his suitcase,"

"I was fifteen. And taller than you. At that point."

"baguette and salmon for the road. Sitting at a bus station waiting for me to save you of course." Regulus draped his cloak over her shoulders. She was still holding the letter.

Saving him. Annabelle reread the letter.

"Run away with me."

Annabelle's eyes were flickering over the floor in front of her as though she could see her thoughts and was merely picking the best one.

"Do you have any clue who Rufus Scrimjaw is?" Asked Annabelle, reading the name off the letter.

"Only that the dark lord wants him dead."

"Was he ever a death eater because then-"

"No."

"What?"

"You are not killing him for me."

Annabelle looked at him in faux shock at his accusation. Her mouth a little agape as though deeply offended.

"What? Nae. I would- I would never knock someone off for you, your majesty, honestly so full of yourself." Said Annabelle, scoffing. Twice. For emphasis.

"So when Anthony's uncle was murdered and his father framed that was-"

"A coincidence."

"Oh?"

"Yeah those happen all the time." Said Annabelle standing up and walking towards the fire, leaning on the banister.

"All the time?"

"Yeah, check the clock cause coincidences are happennin' round it." Said Annabelle.

If anyone ever tried to take Annabelle from Regulus- well he did not know what he would do.

"So it was not because I mentioned-"

"The torture and the death eater initiation? No. Of course not. Those lads were always at odds. You know never an even number always one. Three. Five. Seven." Said Annabelle, "I am an innocent dove in the throws of the war." She drew a halo around her head, looking ever the picture of innocence.

Regulus walked over to her, he held her waist. He wanted to memorize every detail of Annabelle.

"My innocent dove?"

"Yeah." Said Annabelle, "I would never hurt a fly. Unless it's a horse fly in which case, you need to hurt those wee fuckers before they get you first."

"No amount of rambling will distract me. I'll not allow you to kill for-"

"You're lucky you're pretty because there is nothing going on up there. I wouldn't end a life for you." Said Annabelle. Regulus had not realized the enchantment he had placed on that necklace would burn her. He raised his wand to heal it. He finished and then his eyes met hers.

"I don't want to kill anyone."

"You don't have to." Said Annabelle, her hand on his cheek.

"I do not think he was a death eater." Said Regulus. "I'm fairly certain the Scrimjaws are bloodtraitors."

"There is a way out of it." Said Annabelle quietly.

"I just- This is my fault. If I had packed a better suitcase, then maybe,"

"Don't do that to yourself."

"Maybe, things would be different and-"

"Don't do that to me." Said Annabelle.

"Belle,"

"No. No- we get through this one day at a fucking time because we're us." She said harshly. Regulus was such an overthinker. "That includes the not backtracking part."

"Us." Said Regulus with a nod. "Annabelle, I think we should run away together." He salad holding both her hands in his.

"When?"

"Soon as we can. Right now would be optimal."

Annabelle laughed, stepping away from him and sitting down in front of the fire. Regulus magically pulled her a little bit farther away from it before sitting next to her.

"You're an idiot, your majesty." She muttered.

"I'm actually quite intelligent." Said Regulus. "And I would like to spend my life with you." He moved his head to almost nuzzle the side of her neck as an act of affection before moving away again.

"Really?"

Regulus nodded. Annabelle was his great love. He was adamant on making sure she knew that.

"I have this dream where we're older-"

"How does my arse look?"

"Phenomenal."

"Excellent. Carry on."

"We're older and I'm teaching our son piano,"

"We have a son?"

"And a daughter, but she prefers the violin."

"Oh you know what we should name our kid?" Asked Annabelle.

"I don't care how pretty you are, I am not naming my child Stevie." Said Regulus, kissing her cheek. "Or after a single member of that Swedish alphabet band."

At this Annabelle burst with laughter. "Do you mean Abba?"

"The two couples with the catchy song about Italians cheating on their partners, yes." Said Regulus, "Mamma mia. I personally would never cheat on you, Belle my love."

"Of course not. Potter's in a committed relationship and you aren't Italian." Said Annabelle.

"Precisely." Said Regulus, fixing Annabelle's hair, removing the tie , giving it to Annabelle to hold and beginning to braid her thick curls.

"I have a recurring dream where I kill the abominable snowman." Said Annabelle. She was so lovely.

"That's an endangered species, Annabelle."

"I know that's what makes it all so horrible. Because there are all these muggles out looking for it, and you know me and fire? I torch that sod and turn 'im to ash. No proof. Only this weight on my shoulders as I read about all those people going to the arctic to find somethin' I killed." Said Annabelle, a hand to her heart.

"This clearly weighs on you quite a bit." Said Regulus. "If this were a divination class, I would have a field day analysing this dream."

"Go for it."

"Well. And this is pulling directly from the dream, You are wildly in love with someone, initials R A B, and intend to run away with them, marry them, and grow old together."

"And I have to do this?"

"Those are the rules of divination. And I don't make the rules. Now. Belle. My initials are R A B, and I can't think of anyone else who-"

"Reginald of course." Exclaimed Annabelle, glancing at Regulus' scowl with a wicked smile. "Hey, your majesty it's bullocks that things have to end this way but- those are the rules of divination. And you don't make the rules." She said with a long sigh,

"Tie please." Said Regulus, Annabelle handed him the tie and he attached it as a ribbon to keep the braid together. He then proceeded to kiss Annabelle. "I love you more than anything. Do you like daisies?" He said in complete seriousness, holding her face.

"I mean they're cheerful."

Regulus took a breath of relief.

"That's good."

"Why?"

"You won't tell me you're favourite flower." He said, sitting next to her again. "So for your birthday I bought all of them."

"All of them?"

"You will see." Said Regulus. He kissed her again. "You know I have this dream. And I'm wildly in love with this Gryffindor," He started, Annabelle arched an eyebrow, "Who does not play Quidditch, and then something horrible happens."

"What?"

"She kills the abominable snowman." Said Regulus as though horrified. He had a hand to his heart like he'd been shot and collapsed next to her, laying on the carpet by the fire.

"Shut it."

"I will not. That is a tragedy of the highest order."

"It hasn't happened yet-i."

"That was abominable." Said Regulus, as Annabelle stifled her laughter. "Just like the snowman you shall kill." She laughed, laying next to him. Regulus was staring at the ceiling. Annabelle was looking at him.

"Would you still love me if I killed him?" He asked, holding the letter. Her smile died.

"There's a way round everything." Said Annabelle. "Me dad hasn't paid taxes in over twenty years."

"Is he not in prison?"

"That is beside the point. There is a way around everything."

"Death?"

"Ask your dark lord about it I'm sure he can give you some ideas." Said Annabelle. "What's he doing ordering you to kill someone. You know in muggle military there's a whole chain of command. The lowest rung hasn't gotten orders from the top since Napoleon lost at Waterloo."

"I don't get orders directly from him yet-"

"What?"

"Well I am not in the inner circle. They are generally tasked with finding someone to-"

"Does Voldemort know you're the one meant to kill this Scrimjaw bloke?"

"I don't know."

Annabelle's eyes were wide.

"Regulus," She said. "Who sent that letter?"

"Gulliver Flint." She had an idea. Her eyes flickered all over the ceiling. Going between two spots in particular.

"The way I see you you've got two options." Said Annabelle. "One, you kill Gully. Two, you make it look like he attempted to kill Scrimjaw but failed. And Scrimjaw is spooked and moves out of the country."

"How should I accomplish number two?"

Annabelle's brow was furrowed in thought.

"How comfortable are you with the imperius curse?"

"How comfortable are you with the fact that I excel at it?"

"Given the circumstance, extremely." Said Annabelle. "Anything else you want to tell me?"

"You know that necklace I gave you a year ago? It's enchanted." Said Regulus.

"Oh. Wild. Never would've guessed."

"Yes. I am not only Master of the noble and most ancient house of Black but also of surprises." Said Regulus.

"You're taking care of it tomorrow?"

"I don't see another time-"

"I won't pretend I'm not pissed about you not being here."

"I understand."

"You'll make it up to me."

"Tenfold." Said Regulus as a promise. He sealed it with a kiss. He held Annabelle's hand. He would not be here for her birthday. It was juvenile and stupid and it had been her only request.

"I'm sorry, my love." He reprised. Annabelle only nodded, and looked away. Regulus felt a sudden pang of fear that eventually her forgiveness would run dry. "Do you ever wish I were someone el-"

"No."

"I mean that I were someone braver and-"

"No."

"That you didn't have t-"

"No."

"Why?"

"I'm a Catholic, your majesty. I've got a thing for hopeless causes." She said, Regulus laughed, she did not bother to ask whether he wished she were a pureblood. He would only lie to her.

"Is this why you keep trying to convince me that the united states president-"

"He totally killed Marilyn Monroe. Or had her killed."

"Conspiracy is beneath you, Belle."

"It is not a conspiracy. It is a conclusion I have drawn from facts." Said Annabelle.

"Annabelle I have something very important to ask you." He said, sitting up.

"What?" She asked, sitting up. He looked at her and shook his head, standing and sitting on the sofa.

"Sit with me, this is important." He said. Annabelle did. He took both her hands in his.

"What is it?"

"Be honest," Said Regulus, "Did you or did you not assassinate United States president John F-" Annabelle was laughing, "Annabelle, Did you assassinate United States president John F Kennedy?"

"That was in sixty three. In North America."

"You're avoiding the question."

"I was two."

"Again. Avoiding the question."

"And in Scotland."

"You're a good swimmer." Said Regulus, shrugging. "And you have mentioned your admiration for triatheletes in the past. Perhaps hinting at a history of-"

"I couldn't ride a bike until-"

"That's your story." Said Regulus. "Besides you're a rather good assassin now."

"I don't like that word."

"Why? Is there a stigma around murder?"

"Assassins get paid." Said Annabelle, at this Regulus laughed, he kissed her temple. And then her cheek and then her lips.

"Dumbledore isn't paying you? You should do what the proletariat does and strike. Ask for benefits."

"I plan on marrying rich, your majesty, I don't need them." Said Annabelle. The smile she got in return was utterly dazzling. "Regin-" Regulus kissed her. "Reginal-" Another kiss, he was slowly reclining on the couch, keeping her on top of him,

"You belong with me." Said Regulus, settling next to her, his arms around her as they lay on the sofa. Sometimes holding her felt like clutching sand from the hourglass, always slipping from his grasp. "You also have difficulty grasping the gravity of the situation."

"Evans says it's a trauma response, but she says that about most things." Said Annabelle. "Even my knitting when there is conflict, or how comforting I find it to be under a bed."

"Did you ever name the cat?"

"David Meowie." Regulus chuckled and kissed her forehead.

"I understood that reference." He said. Regulus' eyes were shut. He felt at ease when Annabelle was in his arms. "I'll find you in our next life when we are both cats."

"No."

"What?"

"It's meow or never majesty." She said, and he took a long sigh, covering his smile with his hand.

"For the love of Merlin."

"I always figured we would be birds."

"You hate heights."

"Flamingos then."

Annabelle resisted sleep but it took her nonetheless. She woke up slowly on her birthday, feeling the sofa for Regulus. He was not there.

Annabelle was confused until she remembered.

There was a blanket over her, and a note.

Happy Birthday, my love.
It is all for you.

All my love,

RAB

Annabelle slowly got up and wondered how Regulus had managed to get a change of clothing into this room for her. She didn't question it as she got changed.

Annabelle took three steps out of the odd room and-

"Fuckin' hell, your majesty." She said under her breath as a horrendous blush covered her features.

The torches were all extinguished, flowers filling them in fire's stead. Every window sill was covered it flowers, everything just-

Lilacs, forgetmenots, peonies,

She walked down the hall,

Thistles, gardenias, lilies,

She looked at his note again.

It is all for you.

-*-

"Is it a romantic story?" Annabelle asked as Regulus handed her a book through the bookshelf in Tomes and Scrolls. Annabelle narrowed her eyes at him and Regulus flushed pink, glancing away.

Regulus scoffed, and scratched the back of his neck. "What? Me? Suggest, suggest one of those? Never. Ever. Unheard of." Said Regulus. "Surely you must be confusing me with someone else. Which is incredibly hurtful, so you ought to be willing to do anything to earn my forgiveness. So if you would just read the book so we may discuss it?" She looked at him and narrowed her eyes. "Belle, my love." He added, smiling dazzlingly at her. Annabelle began to blush. Really blush.

"You're a little fucking shit you know that?" She asked, and his grin turned victorious.

They made their way towards the ends of the bookshelves, meeting at the end of their respective aisles.

Regulus wasted little to no time pressing his lips to hers, leaning against the dark wood of the bookshelf, his hands on Annabelle's waist pulling her flush against him. Regulus liked the way Annabelle kissed him. It ranged from romantic, to I am leaving for war tomorrow and wish to leave an imprint of my love on your soul.

Her eyes remained shut several moments after his lips left hers. He kissed her once more chastely as they reopened. "The book is annotated for you."

Annabelle's eyes widened,

"You, you annotated a book?" She asked, Regulus begun to redden. Clearly having trouble coming to terms with the low level vandalism he had partaken in. "I'm so proud of you, your majesty."

"Really?" He said weakly as she kissed his cheek and opened the book positively giddy.

"Oh yeah, always wanted to date a rebel." She nudged him.

"Oh, stop it."

"A delinquent. A vandal."

"That's my least favourite historical group. They were brutish and-"

"I'll bet they defaced books just like you, my love." Said Annabelle. Annabelle's accent thickened when she was excited about anything. She pronounced love as luv.

"Stop." He said, She removed her Gryffindor scarf. "What are you doing?"

"Initiating you." She said, putting the Gryffindor scarf around his neck and pulling him closer to kiss her."You would've been such a good Gryffindor."

"I don't look as good in red."

"You look gand in everything. I always thought you were the most beautiful person I'd ever seen."

Regulus very nearly swooned.

"It's embarrassing when you try to get into my pants in public like this," Said Regulus. Annabelle's smile grew, her nose scrunching when it got too wide. She looked away for a moment.

"You're so crass."

"I am?"

"Yes your majesty, honestly." She said as though scandalized. "I don't need to try."

"What are you doing later?"

"We have that meeting with Dumbledore." Said Annabelle, and Regulus rolled his eyes, his jaw tensing because Annabelle was pressed right up against him, and he wanted to- "He does not think we are taking the flower incident seriously enough."

"For merlin's sake," Said Regulus, his hands on Annabelle's arse. "This is merely another excuse to chastise you in front of me so I think he does not play favourites."

"He doesn't."

"Last week he gave a third year Gryffindor thirty points for tying his own shoes."

"A third year?"

"Yes. It was horribly upsetting." Said Regulus. "Besides, I hate it when we have meetings with him. Because he asks you to stay behind. And occasionally you end up leaving the school, with Aurors-" He rambled, Annabelle was so close to him, and she smelt like the ocean. "You are not planning on becoming an auror are you?"

"No. Fuck the police."

"Muggle aurors?"

"No boundaries. The lot of em. One time when I was a kid, I saw one of them coming out of me parents bedroom when my dad was not-" Annabelle paused suddenly. "in hindsight, I think my mum might have been fucking the police." Annabelle blinked in realization. "That does explain a lot."

"Sometimes when you speak, it's like reading a novel written by an unlikely protagonist who learnt how to fly, discovered alien life, and is trying to relay that experience as efficiently as possible." Said Regulus. Annabelle smiled at this, He snogged her again.

The bell at the front of the shop rang.

"Regulus!" Called Barty from the front of the shop.

Regulus did not seem to care less. He kissed her neck,

"Your friends are-"

"I don't care. Do you?"

Regulus was tired of having his time with her shortened.

"No."

"Regulus?" It was louder this time. And it was Anthony.

"Did you cast a-"

"Merlin's mercy, I've been scarred for life." Said Anthony, pressing a hand to his heart, Annabelle was off Regulus in a flash. "I crave death." Said Anthony.

"Anthony," Started Regulus, and Anthony put up a finger to tell Regulus to be quiet as he feigned vomiting.

"I'm gonna be sick."

"I'm gonna obliviate him-"

"Belle. He knows." Said Regulus, Annabelle looked at him in shock.

"Well it's one thing to know, it's another to, to see this." Said Anthony, bent over a bit, his hands on his knees as he stared at the ground in front of him. "Why are you wearing her scarf?"

Regulus removed it and put it in the shopping bag of books he had been carrying.

Anthony was glad they were a secret because the pair would honestly be the most nauseating couple to ever live if given the opportunity.

"And you're keeping it?" Said Anthony, standing and rubbing his eyes, blinking repeatedly, "Aelin, come on, obliviate me. Show me some mercy."

"Alright. I'm also gonna make afraid of tables, it's a jinx I've been workin' on-"

"No. You won't." Said Regulus.

"Is Regulus back there, Anthony?" Called Barty.

"No. He's not!" Said Anthony. "Check Honeydukes!"

"Alright!"

Anthony looked at Annabelle. And then Regulus.

"Love potion?"

"No."

"Really? I mean, Black, she's a... you know mudblood. And-"

"Avery." Said Regulus, the same coldness he had shown Finnigan seeping into his tone. "You know I love her. Now. Why were you trying to find me?"

"Oh. Well. You know how my uncle was murdered?"

"He was a horrible man." Said Regulus.

"Well I've got no cousins, and no bastards have come out of the woodwork. So I am now the heir. Crouch wanted us to celebrate." Said Anthony, a big smile on his face. He almost forgot Annabelle was there.

"Sure." Said Regulus. His arm around Annabelle's waist preventing her from walking away. "You may go. I'll catch up."

"I want to throw up."

"Then do look away."

"Love potion?" Asked Anthony again, looking at Annabelle with narrowed eyes.

"You and your uncle have the exact same eyes." Said Annabelle, wrinkling her nose a bit. Anthony's smug look faltered. "Huh. Congratulations on your fortune."

Anthony looked at Regulus and then at her.

"Shame you'll never get yours."

-*-

"It was such a beautiful wedding." Sighed Claire, Annabelle nodded idly, preoccupied with her newest jinx. She was shit with numbers. Annabelle furrowed her eyebrows and then looked to Regulus, he rolled his eyes and gestured for her to pass them to him.

"Shame you couldn't be there, Annie." Said Claire with a long drawn out sigh.

"I'll just go to your next one." Said Annabelle, throwing Regulus her notes as discretely as she could as a small bird flitting towards him.

Regulus caught it quickly and unfolded it.

"Annie." Hissed Claire, horrified. "A proper witch only weds once."

"Oh. Sorry I missed out on all those pastels, how will I survive?" She asked, looking to the ceiling. They were in study hall. Claire had not opened a textbook and was trying to get a rise out of Annabelle.

"I don't know. I was so sorry I couldn't invite you. Because of the whole blood thing." Said Claire, Annabelle did not react, simply continuing on in her notes.

Ancient runes had become a rather prominent fixation for her, her sleeves were rolled up and she picked up the parchment where they were drawn and wrapped it around her forearm to mimic how a tattoo might look.

"What do you think?" Annabelle asked.

"The parchment is too fair for your skin tone you need a darker colour for an accurate depiction." Said Claire, filing her nails.

"Maybe yeah." She said, setting the parchment down."Do you reckon they'd still work if I added a constellation between them?"

"What?"

"I'm tryin' to work on my impulsivity." Said Annabelle, she had so many ear piercings she had given herself in the heat of the moment. They looked marvelous of course, just a tad uneven on either side. "Dumbledore says it is the only fault to my ruthlessness." She said with quotations and an eyeroll.

Claire blinked, utterly bewildered. "Oh. How charming. My husband says I have no faults."

The paper bird returned to Annabelle, and she caught it discretely. She unfolded it, Regulus had made a few corrections to her math.

The wall that stood between Annabelle and Arithmancy was vast but not unbeatable. Not when she had Regulus. He was good at everything. Annabelle ran her thumb over his signature at the base of her notes,

Egotistical. she mouthed.

With good reason was his retort.

Annabelle rolled her eyes and looked at her notes, she looked at the text books and noted down the runes she could accompany with it to make it stronger.

"For our honeymoon," Continued Claire, "We went to southern France."

"I went to London." Said Annabelle.

"Annie. We're in Britain, everyone's been to London."

"I know. I still enjoy it." Said Annabelle. Regulus had spoken about them getting a flat together once Lily married Potter and Annabelle was alone. She would kid that Sirius would just move in and Regulus just shut that down. It was adorable to watch him fumble through an explanation as to why. "Evans took me to meet her sister. Right proper bitch she is. Makes mine look like a saint."

"How is Olivia?" Asked Claire, in faux interest as she painted her nails a fresh shade of Lilac.

"She's alright. Dumbledore has her out of the country." Said Annabelle, "She's trying to be an actress."

"That's nice."

"She's pretty enough for it." Said Annabelle, "I miss her." She paused her scribbles for a moment before resuming.

"I always wished I had a sister." Said Claire. "I wish I could give my future children that, but my husband only wants one. I guess if I have a girl first I'll have two."

Annabelle grimaced.

"I'm lucky. My cousin had to drop out of school when she got married." Said Claire, admiring her engagement ring.

"Chang," Called Annabelle as the Ravenclaw walked by, Grace stopped and she smiled.

"Aelin, you coming tonight?"

"One word three letters, and a thumbs up." Said Annabelle, and Grace grinned.

"I'll see you there." She said, handing her work to flitwick and leaving.

"What was that about?" Asked Claire rather put off to have been distracted from her tale.

"Ravenclaw has this game night, and I'm good at charades." Said Annabelle.

"How... juvenile."

"Sayre was my partner last time and it was fun." Said Annabelle. "She's got plans tonight though."

"She's probably lying to you to get out of it." Said Claire. Mai looked up from where she sat within earshot, standing to leave.

"Her gran died." Said Annabelle quietly. "I met my gran only once still cried like a baby when I found out she was gone."

Claire seemed agitated. Shifting in her seat every other moment. Annabelle wondered if she was high for a moment. She looked to Justin next to Leo. They were going to game night.

"We're still on for Hogsmeade right?" Said Claire quietly. Realization crashing on her that she should never have begged the hat to put her in Gryffindor. "The four of us."

"Course, lass." Said Annabelle, moving to complete her transfiguration essay, finding under the stack of parchment she had before her. For her birthday McGonagall had gifted her a quill that would correct her writing. Lily had sent her a T shirt with a picture of a cat, titled David Meowie.

Annabelle missed Lila.

Her perfect cat. Annabelle glared spitefully at Barty Crouch Junior.

-*-

"What is happening?" Said Barty in hysterics, he appeared to be deathly afraid of all tables. His eyes shut as he hid under one. He clutched his knees, rocking. "I am so afraid." He said, shaking a bit.

"Mister Crouch what is the meaning of this?" Asked professor Slughorn, as the entire potions classroom looked on in shock. Barty Crouch Junior was practically crying as he peeked out and realized the table was still there.

"Merlin help us all!" He said, going full armadillo and curling into a ball beneath the desk.

"Mister Crouch?" Said Slughorn, waddling his way towards the boy

"They're everywhere sir! And they are out to get me." Said Barty, Regulus looked at Annabelle. Her face was blank save for a vindictive glint in her eye. Annabelle's wand was tucked away, but she had been practicing wandless magic recently.

Her hand turned suddenly and Barty shrieked again.

"What's out to get you dear boy?" Asked Slughorn.

"The, the, the TABLES!" Cried Barty, the class erupted in laughter. Regulus discretely made his way over to Annabelle. He pushed through the Ravenclaws and managed not to roll his eyes at the Hufflepuff commentary.

Annabelle's hands were on her desk as she leant forward taking in the product of her work.

"Fix this." he said quietly, gripping her arm.

"I can't, your majesty. I mean it's the tables. They're out to get him." Said Annabelle. Diggory laughed from beside her. Regulus wanted to smack him. It was hilarious. Only this was his friend. Collapsed on the ground deathly afraid of tables.

"Is there a counterjinx?" Asked Regulus.

"Not there yet. Needed a wee guinea pig." Said Annabelle, and Regulus' jaw tensed. Her smile was wicked and her eyes were bright.

"Fix it or I tell Slughorn." Annabelle's smile faltered. "Now."

"Fine." Said Annabelle, pulling her arm away from him. "Just let him suffer for a bit."

"Aelin-"

"Be glad I didn't hang him." She whispered harshly.

"Just counter it by the end of the week." He muttered careful no one else heard him. "You'll be in the library after class?" She nodded. "I look forward to it."

"Mister Black," Called Slughorn over the commotion of students' laughter, "Would you please accompany Mister Crouch to the hospital wing for an assessment?"

"Of course, sir." Said Regulus with a nod, moving elegantly through the crowd towards his friend. Regulus removed his own tie. "Put this over your eyes, Crouch."

Barty nodded, blindfolding himself and accepting Regulus as his guide. Regulus took him from the classroom and removed the blindfold. Barty was pale. Regret filled Regulus swiftly striking him in the chest.

He should have never mentioned that fucking cat. He should have hidden Annabelle, done anything else really.

Inferi begun popping up in every shadow he passed. Regulus ignored them. Trekking ahead.

"I don't understand." Said Barty. "It was just all the tables."

"I'm sure." Said Regulus.

"If I find out who has done this I am killing them." Said Barty. "We're the chosen. We shouldn't be treated like this."

"Crouch. You can't kill someone over a simple jinx."

"I am a death eater." He said quietly. "I can do whatever I want. I'm tired of blood traitors cutting my privileges at the knees."

"Crouch,"

"Mudbloods shouldn't even be here, they shouldn't exist. They're descended from squibs. Allowing them into the wizarding world will only bring in more squib brats."

"That's not true." Said Regulus.

"It is. There is only one way to preserve magic. Preserve power." Said Barty. "There is only power, Black."

"Crouch, no one's asking you to hop into bed with a mudblood." Said Regulus, rolling his eyes. They were almost there.

"Eventually they will. So everyone will be a halfblood or less. They're trying to get rid of purebloods." Said Barty. "Potter has already fallen prey."

"He was always a bloodtraitor."

"But now he's gonna marry a mudblood. Now the Potter line will be halfblood. Another member of the sacred twenty eight- gone." Said Barty. "You know Sayre is available again."

"Crouch, she reminded me of my mother. I'm a-freud I'm not into that."

"I wouldn't subject her to you anyways." Said Barty. "Who do you think did this to me?"

"I don't know."

"I do. I think someone still misses her fucking cat." Said Barty harshly. "Aelin needs to be put in her place."

"What do you mean?" Asked Regulus, suddenly facing a growing feeling of alarm.

"Alecto and I think it's time she learn her place is under a wizard. Several if that what it takes." Said Barty. Regulus looked at him in shock. "Maybe bring her to the dark lord's attention as well-"

"Obliviate."

-*-

"Leave Crouch in that state for another two weeks." Said Regulus, touching Annabelle's shoulder in the library.

"Oh?" She said, leaning forward a bit in her seat as he sat behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist, his head settling on her shoulder. "Change of heart?" He nodded. There was one thing on earth worth worshipping, worth protecting, and he would sooner die than allow her to be harmed.

"We also need to rework prefects rounds as the sixth year Slytherin prefects are at St Mungos." Said Regulus, shutting his eyes.

"The Carrows?"

"Terrible accident." He muttered, presenting his cheek to be kissed. Annabelle kissed his cheek,

"What happened?"

"What could I possibly know? I am an innocent dove in the throws of a war." He said simply. Annabelle's eyes widened as she looked at him.

"Your majesty-"

"Shhh, Belle, I'm trying to sleep." Said Regulus, Annabelle smelt like the ocean. He was safe when he was with her. And no one was allowed to take her from him. Not in any sense. No one was allowed to even try.

"You're ridiculously entitled you know that?" Asked Annabelle.

"You can tell me all about it as soon as I'm awake, my love." Said Regulus, she could feel his heartbeat against her back. It was calm. Steady. She started to move, and he placed a hand on her thigh to get her to stop. His heartrate picked up.

"No. Tell me now."

"And I'm the entitled one?" Asked Regulus, opening his eyes to look at her. He kissed her. "Sit on the desk."

"What? Why?" Asked Annabelle.

"So many questions." Said Regulus, all her work magically sorting into neat piles on the other end of the desk as he spoke. His breath was on her neck. "I can put you there magically. You want an explanation don't you?"

Annabelle slowly got up and turned to sit on the table in front of him. Regulus vanished her underwear-

"Did you just vanish my knickers?" Asked Annabelle, Regulus was in danger of losing any control he had in this situation as she very slowly opened her legs. He muttered a noticemenot, and a silencing charm.

"I'm in the room aren't I?" Said Regulus. "I heard they have a tendency to vanish whenever I walk in."

Annabelle flushed pink, Regulus stood between her legs and touched her tie, loosening it slowly.

"I dream of spending my life with you so often." He said quietly.

"Being tied down doesn't scare you?"

"You know it doesn't." Said Regulus with a smirk, removing her tie and tossing it aside. He would tie her up but he loved being touched by her far too much.

"I have immense difficulty coping when others seek to take you from me." Said Regulus, as though it offered any sort of explanation. He pulled her jumper off. He cast another charm so they would not be disturbed. He set his eyes on the buttons of her shirt. "May I?"

"Yes." She breathed, as he begun unbuttoning her shirt. He liked seeing her in the necklace he had given her and only the necklace he had given her. Regulus removed her shirt, she was only in her bra and skirt.

He liked the bras she wore. Even more when they were on the floor.

"Take it off." He told her. Annabelle did. Moving slowly to unclip it, "Annabelle," He said when he deemed it was taking too long. "It is rude to tease." Annabelle removed the red bra and set it aside. Regulus' eyes flickered all over her, taking in the sight before him. Annabelle was utter perfection in his eyes.

"So fucking perfect." He breathed, "Can I touch you?" He asked, Annabelle nodded. "Words, my love."

"Touch me." Said Annabelle, he did, slow feather light touches, Annabelle let out a small sound of frustration,

"It's not fun to be teased is it?" Said Regulus, with a smirk.

"I can do it myself, your royal majesty." She said crossly, if Regulus had not been hard before it was painfully obvious now, "And you wouldn't want that would you?" She said, looking at him through his pants before looking up at him defiantly. Suddenly every coherent thought left Regulus' mind and a need to make her cry out in pleasure for him took over.

"Shut up." He said, kissing her, her lips, her neck, her breasts, her lips were on his again as he touched her, Annabelle pushed off his robes. And pulled him to kiss her by his tie. Regulus resisted just fucking her right away.

His hand slowly rose to his tie and he pulled it off, setting it aside before kissing her again. This time slowly. He kissed down her neck, down her chest, slowly getting on his knees as he reached her stomach, Annabelle bit her lip to keep from moaning.

"There are charms, my love." He informed her. Hands on her thighs, slowly moving them apart. She was so wet for him. "May I?"

"Yes." She breathed, he kissed her inner thigh, and then the other. Annabelle could feel his breath against her and she moaned as he finally kissed her. Regulus knew what Annabelle liked. Annabelle gasped as soon as his tongue found her clit, her back arching.

Regulus loved her, he loved this, he needed this, he needed her.

He continued, setting a rhythm with his tongue and fingers, Annabelle was repeating his name in a mindless chant, she was close, he could feel it.

"You love me?" He said, and she groaned in irritation, looking at him, his fingers were still inside her, keeping her on that prejudice.

"Not the-"

"Say it."

"Regulus, please." His thumb swiped over her clit and she moaned.

"Now. I'm rather entitled Belle, in case you haven't noticed. I want to hear it." Said Regulus. On his knees before her, determined to worship the body that contained such a beautiful soul.

"Black I swear to God if-"

Regulus' pace sped a little and a moan took the place of whatever it was she was about to say.

"I love you! Can I cum now?" She cried out. Regulus smirked she could feel his breath on her again and she was so desperate to reach completion.

"I love you... who?"

"For the love of-"

"For your love Annabelle. You could be talking about anyone." He said, pressing a kiss to her inner thigh, he knew what she needed in order to cum.

"For fuck's sake."

"You could be talking about... knitting. Or tea. Or charades, or,"

"I love you. I love you Regulus Fucking Black." Said Annabelle her hand moving to finish herself but Regulus caught her wrist.

"That's not my middle name." Said Regulus, keeping her on that edge.

"I love you Regulus Arcturus Black." She said and at long last Regulus made her- She moaned, biting her lip as colour flushed her face, "I love you, I love you, I love you," Were the words replacing his name in her mindless chant.

Regulus understood the concept of heaven, and that this was as close as he would ever get to it.

"Inside me, now," Said Annabelle,

"As you wish," Regulus wasted no time, unzipping his trousers and fuck she always felt so good around him. Annabelle's eyes were on him, and he always felt so beautiful whenever she looked at him.

"Fuck," She swore as he moved inside her, Regulus lost himself in the pleasure. Annabelle's lips were on his neck and he did not know when his shirt had been unbuttoned but now her hands were on him.

"Annabelle," He moaned, and she kissed him, her legs were around his waist, and fuck he was so close, but he wanted her to climax again. "Touch yourself." He said.

"You really want me to, pretty boy?"

He almost came but stopped himself,

"Now."

Annabelle touched herself, and he watched her come again, his pace picked up as he watched her face flush. His hand was on the nape of her neck, ensuring her eyes were on him as he pleasured her. His hips stuttered as he came.

"Fuck." He swore.

They were panting, foreheads pressed together. He kissed her one final time before pulling out of her.

"I needed that." She said, reclining on the desk in front of him.

"Fuck that. You needed me." He said, watching her. He was the only person granted the privilege of seeing her so vulnerable, and he revelled in it. Annabelle laughed, she sat up.

"I needed you." She said. Annabelle reached for her bra but a magical force tugged it away. She glared at him.

"It should be a crime to cover such works of art, my love." He said he said, sitting down on the seat in front of her and admiring her. Annabelle was a work of art. And Regulus appreciated art.

"You really see me as your dream?" She asked.

"I see you as you are." Said Regulus simply. "To quote my favourite person, the dream part it is a conclusion I came to based on fact."

"Let me tell you your majesty, if the pair of us weren't already shagging-"

"That would have done it?"

"Yeah." She said, as he stood to kiss her again. He handed her her clothing.

"I'm going to make you tea." Said Regulus as she got dressed. She put her bra back on and rebuttoned her shirt quickly, he redid her tie for her, murmuring a freshen up charm for the pair of them. "I have something I wish to discuss with you."

"Gulliver get an appeal?" She asked, he shook his head. "Had to ask. Lads named Gulliver are always travelling." She said, and he chuckled, kissing her lips again.

"Nothing like that. Madam Hooch merely informed me that Quidditch scouts would be coming to watch a few games." Said Regulus, fixing her tie.

"That's exciting."

"And I know it's idiotic to even think of it, especially since there is a war, and all but-"

"I think you're a grand seeker." Said Annabelle.

"You know nothing about Quidditch."

"No. But numbers don't lie-"

"You hate numbers." Said Regulus. "I should not even have my name put forward, it would be insane. Quidditch is the game of the Nouveau Riche, not for, not for well me. Especially with father gone, I can only imagine the conversations. The gossip. That the proud Black family had turned to such menial ways of making money."

"I'm gonna put your name forward." Said Annabelle.

"You can't this is not the sort of thing one gets nominated for-"

"I'll polyjuice meself as you, make questionable stock market choices, and then put your name forward."

"Polyjuice takes a month to brew."

"Two words, Black. Time. Turner." Said Annabelle. "Dumbledore's got one. And he keeps one unorganized office. Easy to snag,"

"You. You are going to sit there, brewing a potion for a month."

"I'll get Evans to do it." Said Annabelle.

"Belle, it's stupid, and I would not be able to do it anyway." Said Regulus.

"You catch more snitches than goddamned godfather, Regulus."

"The muggle film about the Italian crime family lead by the fellow who hates it when people ask him favours?" Said Regulus, Annabelle had gone to some lengths to expose him to muggle culture.

"It was the day of his daughter's wedding." Said Annabelle, in a horrible imitation.

"His entire profession relies on him doing people favours." Said Regulus. "I assume you are referring to snitches both in the secret sharing sense and the magical ball sense?" She nodded. "Your impression was horrid."

"It was not." She protested.

"That was awful." Said Regulus, as he carried her things for her as they left the library. The notice me not still in effect. If it was not, he recast it every five seconds. He did not want anyone to stop him from holding Annabelle's hand right now.

"Usually I'm smoking when I mimic him. It helps."

Regulus paused and looked at the Quidditch pitch out of the window.

"I think you should go for it." Said Annabelle. Her scottish accent was as charming as it always was. "But, Regulus, between you and me?" He nodded, looking at her, "You've got more to offer than just Quidditch strategies or, I don't know general death eatering."

Regulus furrowed his eyebrows in thought.

"You're really rich. And I know it's like a collar round your neck most days, but right now, it's sort of a gift. You can do whatever you want. Pay gossip columns to shut the fuck up. Become a Quidditch player while you figure everything else out, and if you're really happy there then great. If not, you can change career paths whenever you want. And I will own every single one of your posters."

"Every single one?"

"All of them." Said Annabelle with a nod. "Even the glamour shots. Then with a face like that? They're all glamour shots."

"What happens if I'm hit by a bludger and become horribly disfigured?" He asked.

"That would only help with other people staring at you. I get rather jealous." Said Annabelle.

"You do?" He asked, grinning at her.

"Absolutely." Said Annabelle, Regulus smiled that dazzling smile and then continued on their merry way to the kitchens. "So are you gonna try for it?"

"Maybe."

-*-

Annabelle counted her Knuts. She had but two. Which was more than Barty Crouch Jr could say but it was not enough for a firewhiskey and a smoke. Annabelle laughed at her own joke, knuts like nuts.

"What do we do?" Asked Leo quietly. Annabelle had no regrets in her purchase of the instructional book on how to incorporate runes into spells. But now?

"Charm. Offensive." Said Annabelle. "Black the older managed it once. He won't quit boastin'. Must be easy if he could do it."

"You go first." Said Leo, nudging her. Annabelle took a deep breath and walked through the crowded pub.

"Roz, how are you?" She asked, smiling her prettiest at the barmaid, as she poured someone else's drink, "Lovely as always. Truly, my breath is gone. Taken it away you have. Such a bonnie lass, you sure you're not a siren? You could lure me to my ocean-y death if you wanted to, Madam Roz."

The barmaid sighed. Amused.

"Paintin' just come to life aren't you?" Said Annabelle. "Been a muse for any artists lately cause-"

"I don't give out free drinks, Annie." Said Madam Rosmerta. Annabelle frowned and sighed.

"It's just. It's my birthday today and I was really hoping that you would give me a gift. I didn't want to make you feel bad but you mean so much to me. It just hurts I don't mean as much to you." Said Annabelle, hand to her heart as she recited the words from the book Regulus had given her.

The love story was proving quite useful when she needed a quick lie that tugged on the heartstrings.

"That's emotional manipulation, Annie." Said Madam Rosmerta, standing in front of her and pouring her a nice glass of water. "To fuel the tears."

"Sorry, I was so lost in your eyes," She said.

"More manipulation."

"I am my mother's daughter much to her disdain." Said Annabelle, shrugging as though the words meant nothing.

Madam Rosmerta paused and gave her pitying look, and Annabelle immediately regretted her slip of the tongue.

"Hyperbole." She said quickly. "Yeah. It's me favourite literary device."

Madam Rosmerta gave her two butterbeers. Looking at her T shirt visible through her opened jacket.

All Alliterations Are Amazing.
- Annie Aelin

Annabelle zipped up her coat, chuckling.

"I'm just gonna go." Said Annabelle, cheeks heating in embarrassment as she returned to Leo with two butterbeers.

"What happened?"

"Well. Sometimes. My mum will owl me and I'll feel like shite for a bit and it'll slip out in conversation. Ask about it and I castrate you."

"Stands to reason." Said Leo, taking the butterbeer and then the pair of them froze. Claire and Justin were having a row in a booth.

"Do you reckon they've seen us?" Asked Annabelle.

"Leo!" Called Justin.

"He could be talking about anyone born late July to early August." Said Leo.

"Aelin!" Called Justin.

"Do we just chug these and run?" Asked Leo.

"I can't have this much dairy." She muttered.

"It's beer."

"Butter is in the name and I'm not risking it." Said Annabelle.
"I was planning on letting you have it."

"That's sweet. We should save him. Dolohov's been driving him crazy." Said Leo, taking a swig of liquid courage. And then another. Holding both butterbeers in his hands. Annabelle found a cigarette in her pocket and felt joy.

She lit it with with her lighter, there were little stars drawn on it and the acronym WWSND written on the side.

Leo noticed and set a mug of butterbeer on a table and plucked it from her fingers and vanishing it.

"You're like a book. But pure shit. You think oh, wow what could this book have done to earn a cover of pure shite. Then you open it." She mimed opening a book, "Oh, more shit."

"That was quite the long winded insult Aelin. Looks like someone's got good lung capacity. You're welcome." He said, booping her nose.

"Do you want to lose that finger?" She asked. Leo's smile faltered.

"I don't like it when your mum writes you." Said Leo with a sour expression before they walked to their friend and Claire.

"Annie would you tell Dolohov over there that you won't be on her side anymore?" Called Justin, glaring at Claire, she scoffed.

"Please, as though years of friendship can be wiped out by one wedding. Annie's over it-"

Annabelle furrowed her eyebrows as she looked at Claire. At the golden band around her finger, at the hypocrisy of demanding her acceptance while not offering the same thing.

Annabelle was not over it. She was not over it one bit. Didn't like the feeling.

Maybe she could run away from it.

"I've just remembered I've got to go iron my... goat, he's iron deficient and keeps collapsing, Finnigan, join me yeah?" Said Annabelle.

"You really shouldn't iron a goat," Said Leo, putting his jacket on, "I need to go with her, you know, for the goat's sake."

"What's the goat's name?" Asked Claire, narrowing her eyes.

"Reginald."

"Reginald the goat?"

"The naming process was arduous,"

"Great word."

"But it's a funny story, a true one even, goes back to the love of my life and the hot stepmum in Cinderella, and her cat who just wanted to get rid of the vermin problems that house so clearly had. They had a whole little civilization in the walls. Un. San. It. Air. Ee."

"That's not how that's spelt." Said Justin.

"Shut up McKenna."

"You sided with the cat?" Asked Leo, "So did I, mice freak me out."

"Good lad." Said Annabelle with an affirming nod. "We really best be off."

"Annie." Said Claire,

"Maybe I should go too. Talk some sense into the people who think that the cat is in the right." Said Justin, standing up to go.

"You're mad." Said Leo, "You weren't so hot I'd fly you to the loony bin myself."

"The mice were her friends. Cinderella's I mean."

"And they were as smart as people, how does this sit right with you?" Asked Annabelle, as the three of them left the three broomsticks leaving a stunned Claire in their wake.

"Annie!" She called, Annabelle just hurried back, left a couple quid on the table,

"This should cover it yeah? Never did understand the conversion rates, I'm shite at maths. Got uh dyscalcula, that's what Evans says, can't do it mental and all."

"Annie, why are you-"

"Nice ring, Dolohov, see you tomorrow, lass."

"Won't you be in the common-"

"I've got plans with Chang, she's teachin' me scabby queen."

And then she left.

-*-

"Crouch I know we've had our differences but your mum is proper fit, mate." Said Annabelle, and Barty begun to redden profusely. Leo popped up on his other side. Slughorn's office was filled with students, food, and music. Most notably Barty Crouch Snr and his wife.

"Is she into younger lads, or do I really need to try." Said Leo, currently fixing his tie as they watched the older witch across the room. "I figure I just go right up and give her a smile,"

"Groundbreaking." Said Annabelle.

"And then suddenly I'm your new daddy Crouch." Said Leo wearing a massive smile as he looked at the tomato complexion of Barty Crouch Junior.

"Fuck off, Finnigan-"

"Hey." Said Annabelle, "That's no way to talk to your father, laddie."

Barty picked up another drink from a passing waiter.

"Merlin." Muttered Barty darkly. "I swear, Aelin if I could I would avada you myself."

"Keep up talk like that and you'll find yourself grounded, young man." Said Leo, telling him off, and Annabelle laughed. She and Leo liked taking mild edibles before going to Slug Clubs. Made them comedians in her opinion. Of course to the sober viewer, a tad irritating.

Barty let out an exclamation of annoyance, "There's no need to feel down."

"I said," Started Annabelle.

"Young man pick yourself off the ground."

"I said,"

"Young man cause you're new in a town,"

"Just let me kill myself." Groaned Barty, forcing a smile and a thumbs up to his father who was forcing him to mingle with the bloodtraitors and mudbloods.

"There's no need. To. Be unhappy." Said Annabelle. Barty looked like he wanted death. A notion Annabelle found hilarious. Especially since she was high.

"I will strangle you, Aelin."

"Young man," Started Leo again, removing his drink from Barty's hand and downing it for him before returning the empty glass. "there's a place you can go."

"Away from here?" Asked Barty. "Wonderful."

"I said, young man when you're short on your dough,"

"My what?"

"You can stay there and I'm sure you'll find many ways to have a goodtime." Said Annabelle, her hand on Barty's shoulder. He stiffened.

"Get your filthy muddy paws off of me." He spat, pulling away from her harshly. His father's eyes narrowed on him. Barty feigned a smile. Annabelle was utterly unaffected. Fully committed to hers and Leo's spoken word performance of YMCA.

"It's fun to stay at the YM-"

"Barty, care to introduce me to your friends?" Asked Barty's mother swanning over to them like a vision. Annabelle and Leo immediately turned into model citizens. It was impressive really. As she neared the chatter resumed.

"Miss Crouch you look fantastic." Said Annabelle, shaking Matilda Crouch's hand. She was a fabulous older witch with a delightful fashion sense. Green sequined dress, dark blue ruby around her neck, white satin gloves.

"Thank you, but it's Mrs."

"Not for long if I have anything to say about it." Said Leo, winking, and Barty hit him on his back harshly and he coughed.

"He had a wasp on his back." Said Barty in explanation. glaring at Leo who say little wrong with what he had just said. Leo looked at the plates. Willing food to appear on them.

"My name's Annabelle. Annie Aelin, it's a delight to meet you, Mrs Crouch. Delight is a delightful word." Said Annabelle, her hands in her suit pockets. It was her favourite set, so many pockets, she was about to steal so much food. "Your son is one of a kind. Like a plague."

"Oh, How Charming." Said Matilda, finding her delightful the same way tourists found watching a baby tiger failing to open a can of food at the zoo delightful. "Aelin... my son has mentioned you. You're much prettier than described."

"You didn't say I was pretty, Crouch?" She said with a gasp. "Friendship over." She said, Matilda laughed.

"Your parents are muggles aren't they?"

"Yeah. I mean catholics you know so mum thought I was the antichrist. We laugh about it now though." Lied Annabelle, Mrs Crouch seemed rather delighted with her. Annabelle had forgotten a dress shirt it was only a suit vest, and a blazer on top. With several layered necklaces.

"Muggles are adorable." Said Matilda.

"Downright darlin'." Said Annabelle, wrinkling her nose a little in disgust at the politician's wife's statement. Annabelle hated people like her. Muggles were a political prop to her.

"Shame about all the casualties." Said Matilda, "Barty has been just swamped with Owls from the memory department at the ministry. So many death stories to come up with."

"Yeah. That's the tragedy." Said Annabelle. "You're rivallin' the greeks with that one, Lassie." Barty was watching her like a hawk. Waiting for her to tell his mum about his mark. Waiting for her to strike where he couldn't strike back.

"Of course when that muggle war was going on it was much easier." Said Mrs Crouch with a sigh. Annabelle and Leo both blinked. In shock mostly. They shared a look.

"What do you mean there, Mrs Conch- Crouch I mean?" Asked Leo.

"You know the one. With that German Muggle. Very intense political views. And people took issue with that I suppose." Said Mrs Crouch. Annabelle's eyes narrowed on her in utter disgust.

That war had ruined her parents before they had had a chance to become better people.

Her hands became very cold and her mind clouded with thoughts of her parents. Her father explaining why he had joined the military after his father had fought. Her mother telling her why she grew up in a convent, hidden as a baby during the war so as not to be killed by literal nazis. Annabelle had never understood why the wizarding world had stood by during a genocide. Now she knew they didn't care.

"I think it was the second global one." Matilda shook her head. "Anyhow, when that was was going on it was such a relief. Every disappearance could be explained. If only it were happening again."

Annabelle was stunned silent. Horror on her face at the mere suggestion. Annabelle couldn't seem to move. Or speak.

Barty smirked.

"It is a shame, mother." Said Barty, a snide smile on his face. Annabelle was silent. Too stunned to speak.

"Crouch. You must be happy." Said Leo, looking at Barty junior. "I no longer want to sleep with your mum."

They walked away. "Oh shrimp." Annabelle said, tugging him in the direction of the food. The pair were still stoned, and now Annabelle was upset. she loved Shrimp. Thought it was exquisite. Leo spotted Anthony, forgetting his inhibitions he smiled at him.

"Oh dear. Have I said something?" Asked Matilda, hand to her heart. Barty shook his head. "I've had a bit to drink I mean that's merely to cope with Slughorn. Did I say something I shouldn't have?"

"Of course not, mum. Aelin is just temperamental."

"I haven't ruined your chances, have I dearest?" Asked Matilda, looking at her now mortified son.

"Mother." Barty said in sheer disgust. "She's a muggleborn."

"A for now not a forever, I know. Where is Mai?" Asked Matilda.

"We broke up, mum."

"I know. But that cannot possibly be permanent." Said Matilda, fussing over Barty's tie. If there was one thing she knew it was how to make her son look presentable. "Your father is having a rough time of it at the ministry, he was really looking forward to coming tonight."

"Don't lie."

"No, he was."

"And that's why he has spent oh so much time speaking to me?" Asked Barty. Matilda looked down and away. "Would you like to have dinner at the three broomsticks tomorrow before you go?"

"Of course, Barty." She said,

"Mrs Crouch," Said Anthony, spotting her across the crowd and walking towards her ecstatic she was here.

"Anthony, how wonderful to see you." Anthony was all out of sorts, still putting himself together. Barty narrowed his eyes as he watched Finnigan reemerge from curtains a smug smile on his face. "How are you?"

"Grand. I just had a brownie."

"I didn't know those were on offer," Said Matilda, smiling kindly at Anthony. "Where is Regulus?"

Regulus was standing inconspicuously close to Annabelle. He glanced over his shoulder before walking towards her where she stood admiring the photos on the shelf.

"What are you looking for?" He asked, and she jumped a little.

"Jesus Christ, your majesty, you're like a pop up book from...." her eyes flickered all over him before she decided, "Heaven." Said Annabelle before smiling brightly at him, turning and resuming her hunt for a photograph.

Sweet. Annabelle was being very sweet.

"Who are you looking for?" He asked.

"Oh look there's us," Said Annabelle, picking up a photograph, Regulus was a little shocked. It must have been from the Christmas party. She and Regulus were looking at the camera as it flashed, she had turned to look at him forgetting that the magical cameras caught movement and had smiled at him.

"Theft is wrong, Aelin." Said Regulus.

"I wasn't stealing anything," She insisted, as he removed the photograph from her hands, and opened the back of it.

"It's never acceptable." He said, setting the empty picture frame down near the back and tucking the photograph into the pocket of his suit jacket. "Under any circumstances."

"Aye. I see now." She said with a nod before turning back to the photographs. "I love how they move- Oh look me and Evans." And then she gasped, spotting the photograph she wanted.

"Who is that?" Asked Regulus.

"Tom Riddle back in forty five." She said. "Handsome lad isn't he? Rivals you even."

"Yes. Well. He's old now." Said Regulus, casting a notice me not over them. He hated having his time with her shortened. Having her taken from him. The fear was only growing as the weeks wore on and they neared graduation. He felt like he was running out of time.

"Only thirty years or so have come and gone." Said Annabelle. "I wonder who the blonde is." She said in reference to the pretty blonde being pushed into the photo. "Intrigue." She said, nudging him.

"You're high." He observed with a slow smile.

"What? No." Said Annabelle with a scoff. Four scoffs. And then she found a photograph of Regulus with the Quidditch team. "You don't look good in this photo, love."

"That's a bit rude."

"I'm standing here next to an adonis, alright?" Said Annabelle, gesturing to him, "And this camera has the audacity not to capture all your beauty." She said. "Slug can keep that one."

"Come on. I can't let you stay at this dinner like this." Said Regulus, his hand on her waist. "Let me take care of you."

"Can we go to the lake?"

"Yes, my love. We can go to the lake."

"Splendid." Said Annabelle happily. "Did you appreciate my use of the word splendid?"

"Indubitably."

-*-

Regulus lay, his head in Annabelle's lap by the lake. She was currently humming and playing with his hair. Annabelle had a lovely voice. Nothing extraordinary, it just glimmered. Like light on water.

The sense of doom hit him again. That he was living on borrowed time which would soon come to a crashing end. Annabelle assumed he would leave her at graduation, he knew that. And it broke his wretched heart. He did not wish to leave her.

"Belle?"

"What?"

"Tell me a secret." He decided aloud. "Something only I'll know. Preferably humiliating."

"Like what?"

"I don't know. Anything." Said Regulus.

"I shot JFK." She said, and Regulus burst with laughter. He reached up to touch a curl of her dark hair. "God's okay with it but America is pissed."

"I knew it. I knew it." He said. "Another secret."

"Sean Connery is not my favourite Bond. I know he's Scottish and I should love him but I just don't." Said Annabelle. Regulus nodded. He looked at his necklace she wore around her neck. "You go."

"I hate toast."

"What? Why?"

"Bread shouldn't need to be cooked twice." Said Regulus with a scowl. Annabelle laughed. Regulus, moving to lay on the grass instead. "It's true." He said, Annabelle lay next to him. "It has no need to be crunchy. It is bread."

"What about French toast?" Asked Annabelle.

"Every rule has an exception, my love." Said Regulus, his eyes flickered all over her face when he said it.

"I see." She said, staring at the stars. She appeared to be counting them. Regulus nearly laughed when she blinked and scowled having to start again.

"Another." He said.

"I can't have dairy, and it is the greatest tragedy of my life." Said Annabelle.

"Not the war?" Asked Regulus.

"Ha! That can be solved with killing that sod without a nose. I will never be able to enjoy hot chocolate with whipped cream without consequences." Said Annabelle, she shook her head. "It's my sister's favourite drink. Mum would make it for her. And I'd watch."

"What is your mother like?" Asked Regulus.

"Unique."

"Like mine?"

"Uh huh. She's always been under the impression I was the antichrist." Said Annabelle. "Can't blame her. I once burnt down a church."

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. Big scandal. Nearly killed a priest. But you know it's important to traumatize religion back. She and Ernest were gearing up to have me sent to a reform school before Dumbledore showed up." Said Annabelle, her inhibitions low.

Regulus stayed silent in hopes she would continue. Dumbledore had this grip on Annabelle. She did anything he asked, anything Moody asked by proxy.

"He was in this purple suit. And he healed my hand." She raised her left hand, admiring her scar free palm. "He gave me my letter and I was so happy. And then I met you. On a boat. And you were so pretty. And so quiet. I kept trying to get your attention. And then you almost fell into the black lake. I decided we were going to be best friends."

"You decided?"

"Mmhmm."

"Never stood a chance did I?"

"Nope." She said popping the P.

"Who made this bracelet?" Asked Regulus, looking at the beaded friendship bracelet on her wrist.

"Your wee cousin, Nymphadora, little gremlin is a sweetheart. She sent it for my birthday." Said Annabelle. "Do you want to know what imagine our wedding song as?"

"YEs." Said Regulus excitement nearly causing his voice to crack. "I mean yes."

"It's called moon river. it is from this movie I was obsessed with as a kid." Said Annabelle. "I used to think it was the height of romance. You know? You meet, you're charmed, he helps you find your cat that ran away-"

"Moon river," Regulus memorized. "Hum it now."

"I feel under pressure." Said Annabelle. "Oh, or eye of the tiger. Eye of the tiger would be sick ass wedding song. Eye, eye of the, eye of the tiiiiiger." Said Annabelle happily. She was so sweet right now. "Risin up back-"

"I love you."

"We would choreograph a whole dance routine, your majesty." Said Annabelle excitedly before a laugh escaped her at the mere thought.

"What did you take?"

"I did not spend my day baking brownies just to be j'accused like this." Said Annabelle, and Regulus laughed at her.

"Alright. Alright. Tell me more."

"I just finished a book on the architecture of Hogwarts-" Annabelle proceeded to speak for thirty minutes straight and Regulus listened. He was rather fond of when she rambled. If he were to name Annabelle's intelligence he would call it 'the absent minded professor'.

-*-

"You enjoyed the book. Just say it. Acceptance is the very first step." Said Regulus, smiling as he looked at Annabelle, she blushed and looked away, he turned her to face him and kissed her. They were behind the Quidditch stands.

"It was fine."

"Fine?"

"It was alright."

"So if I told you there was a sequel...?" Said Regulus.

"Well I'd have to make sure that one's bad too." Said Annabelle. "Obviously." Regulus kissed her again.

"I'll not gift it to you until you can admit that you loved the story." Said Regulus. She was between him and the back of the Quidditch stand. He could already hear the chants of the crowd. Annabelle started to pull away from him. Not yet. He pulled her back in. Another kiss.

"Are you nervous?"

"About Quidditch?" She nodded. "Please. That snitch I can catch in a heartbeat. It is not catching the snitch and ending the game too early that's the real challenge."

"Oh. I see." Said Annabelle, she kissed him and Regulus lost track of the world around him. He felt her hands on his shoulders, neck, in his hair, her lips on his, she smelt like the ocean and then. "Good luck your majesty," She said, slipping away from him. "Catch the snitch!" She called.

Regulus caught up to her again, taking her hand and bringing her back into his arms to kiss her again. His arm wrapping around her waist to prevent her from slipping away again.

"You would deprive me of your kiss?" Asked Regulus.

"I'm all sorts of evil." Said Annabelle, kissing him again. "You need to go."

"Fine." He said, kissing her chastely one last time. "I only stayed back here to make a grand entrance anyways." He summoned his broom to his hand and she laughed. He ensured his Slytherin scarf was around her wrist.

"Good luck." She called as he flew away, he blew her a kiss, and she mimed catching it like the snitch, he laughed before entering the stadium from the side. Annabelle heard the crowd roar for that. She rolled her eyes, a big stupid smile on her face, he was such a drama queen.

"Aelin?" Said Alastor Moody, Annabelle flinched, pressing a hand to her heart.

"Oh. Hey Moody." She said.

"What are you doing here?" He asked.

"I got lost."

"Lost?"

"Crazy story, true story, someone gave me directions in coordonants. And you know me and numbers, sir." Said Annabelle, fumbling through an explanation. "How long, how long have you been here just out of curiosity."

"Long enough."

Annabelle's smile faltered. "For...?"

"let's go find Dumbledore in the Quidditch stands, Aelin."

They walked in utter silence up the steps. Dumbledore was waiting. Alone. The teacher's box was relatively empty. Annabelle sat between them, resisting the urge to look up at Regulus in the sky. She was scared shitless.

"Annie." Addressed Dumbledore. "How are you?"

"I'm great professor, you?"

"Wonderful. Mister Black is such a promising seeker isn't he?" Said Dumbledore watching Regulus in the sky with a critical eye. "A rather demanding head boy though. He's always pulling you away, Annie."

"I have messy handwriting." Said Annabelle. "Needs interpreting."

Annabelle felt rather small. Annabelle had always been so happy with her height. She was taller than Crouch, same height as Moody, only a few inches below Dumbledore. But right now, she felt small. And she hated it.

"He was with her before I arrived." Said Moody speaking as though Annabelle wasn't even there. "I think she's in over her head. Needs to be pulled away. For a while."

"I have a Charms test tomo-"

Dumbledore nodded.

"This is for the greater good, Annie will understand." Said Dumbledore.

"I'm not even with him." Said Annabelle. "He's a prat, and and, why would I be with someone who hides me like a politician's mistress in vacation photos."

"I'll take her to take care of the Meadows massacre." Said Moody. He put his hand on Annabelle's shoulder. "Sort out her mind."

"What are you talking about? I'm not with him I would never-" Said Annabelle. Moody's grip tightened on her shoulder and he yanked her to her feet, Annabelle flinched. She got rather cold, "Alright I'm coming." She muttered, following Alastor down the stairs. "I didn't do anything."

"So it is a coincidence that you were there? Directly after he was?"

"Those happen all the time." Said Annabelle.

She was shoved from beneath the stands onto the path back to the castle.

"Lighten up."

"No one has ever accused me of having a sense of humour, Aelin." Said Alastor. "You don't seem to understand the gravity of your circumstance."

"I understand it perfectly." Said Annabelle, following after him on the path to the castle.

"I was so proud of you, Annie." Said Moody, his back to her. "No weakness. No prisoners. All for the greater good. But now?" He shook his head. "I don't know where your loyalties lie."

"With the order. With-"

Alastor slapped her. Annabelle froze. She did not even move to hold her cheek.

"Come on." Said Moody, turning away from her harshly. "I'll buy you something on the way home. You like magazines don't you?"

"...yeah." Said Annabelle, catching up to him, wiping the tears from her eyes quickly. "I, I like the muggle ones."

"Hmm."

"Where are we going?"

"Questions?"

"I did not appreciate the lack of warning before Siberia. I was freezing me arse of, Moody, it's a wonder there's anything left." Said Annabelle, he chuckled.

"I'm giving you a shot at Meadows' killer." Said Alastor, it started to rain. Hard. Annabelle glanced over her shoulder to the Quidditch pitch to check on-

Regulus was looking at her.

At that reddening handprint on her cheek. Annabelle mimed catching the snitch and blew him a kiss like nothing had happened. It thundered. Regulus heard chants, the other seeker was hopeless.

Regulus considered giving up the game until she vanished in a snap. Moody's hand on her shoulder. The inferi appeared in her place. Taunting him.

Regulus held his breath for ten seconds before exhaling. It was not real.

No one should be allowed to take Annabelle from him.

Except Annabelle herself of course. That was setting healthy boundaries. But this?

Moody hitting her, his broom moved faster, towards the ground, the other seeker following suit, Moody hurting her, faster, Annabelle not being able to see it, closer to the ground now, the poor Gryffindor beside him going faster, Annabelle needing him, he pulled away from the ground suddenly, the Gryffindor crashed and was knocked out,

Slytherin cheered.

Regulus had not been able to help Annabelle.

He took another lap of the pitch, looking for the snitch. Difficult in the thickening rain.

He dodged a bludger.

Regulus caught the snitch.

-*-

Regulus hated it when Dumbledore sent Annabelle out on assignment. He loathed it with a feeling so visceral that he had to adopt breathing techniques to contain his magic.

"What did that plate ever do to you?" Asked Anthony as Regulus cut his french toast. It was breakfast.

"Merlin, Black what's wrong with you?" Asked Barty, and Regulus looked up at the thundering ceiling of the great hall then to the clear skies outside, then to the storm clouds that centered around him.

He was not very good about controlling his magic.

"I'm fine." He said rather coldly.

"Father keeps writing me from Azkaban." Said Anthony. "I swear we speak more now than we ever have."

"Your father's in prison? You have something in common with the Heinous Headgirl." Said Barty with a sneer, and the ceiling thundered again. "Mate, are you alright?"

"I'm fine." He repeated. Annabelle had been gone for three days. No Owls. He was capable of the separation when he knew she was safe. But too many deaths were swept under the rug. Leo walked into the great hall, dragging his feet.

Anthony perked up. Regulus rolled his eyes, and rain broke through the enchanted ceiling dousing Leo in water. Leo scowled and looked to Justin who was laughing. Anthony scowled.

"I hate McKenna." Said Anthony. "And Finnigan." He decided.

Regulus got up, he couldn't be here anymore, not in the same room as Dumble- Dumbledore was not here. Regulus furrowed his eyebrows. He left the great hall,

Regulus had this sinking feeling in his gut.

He came at the crossroads between the path to Slytherin and the hospital wing, and then he heard Moody.

Whispers between he and Dumbledore, Moody's voice was easily distinguishable because it sounded like gargling gravel in Regulus' most humble opinion. He tucked himself behind a pillar.

They were talking about something. Regulus could not hear exactly what it was. Regulus hid as they walked passed, casting a noticemenot over himself. Moody passed. He was limping. A curse seemed to have struck his leg.

Regulus knew that curse. He had done the math for it. The arithmancy. Annabelle had attacked Moody for something. His heart felt like it was going to beat from his chest.

Dumbledore paused for a moment. Looking for something.

He was holding a ring.

Regulus waited for him to pass.

"Mister Black? What are you doing here?" Asked Dumbledore.

"Admiring the architecture, sir." Said Regulus, "The ceilings are vaulted."

"Lurking. People may get the wrong idea."

"Not if they know about the vaulted ceilings." Said Regulus.

"The Head Girl won't be at the next prefect meeting. She fell." He said, checking for a reaction. Regulus' face was blank.

"Aelin never was the most responsible." Said Regulus. "I'm not surprised."

"You did not want her to be head girl." Said Dumbledore. "And yet now you work well together."

"Tolerance and patience are my greatest virtues." Said Regulus, lying smoothly. "If you'll excuse me sir, the collumns in the east wing have corrinthean Capitals I would not mind seeing."

"How is it you know this if you've never seen them?" Asked Dumbledore. Regulus was better at lying to him than Annabelle.

"I read all about it. In Hogwarts: a History." Said Regulus with a charming smile, stepping away thanking Merlin that Annabelle had fixated on the castle's architecture for three weeks and spent an evening talking his ear off about it.

"Of course." Said Dumbledore. "Mister Black." He addressed walking away.

Regulus nodded and waited for him to be a ways away before going to the hospital wing. He pushed open the doors. There was only one bed curtained off.

He walked towards it.

"Belle?" He whispered. He poked his head in- Not Annabelle. Regulus shut the curtains and left the hospital wing, shaking his head.

Regulus was going to drive himself mad. She could take care of herself. He told himself, repeating it over and over. He could see the looming figure of the inferi in the corner of his eye.

Regulus tried to ignore it, pushing open the doors to leave the infirmary.

"Mister Black." Said Dumbledore, a small knowing smile on his face. "Whatever are you doing here?"

The inferi loomed just over Dumbledore's shoulder, and Regulus' smooth lies could not seem to surface in his mind.

"I-"

"He's here to say hello to me. Honestly, Albus, must you see the worst in people?" Asked Madam Pomfrey, popping up beside him. The head master's knowing twinkle faded. Regulus blinked in surprise.

He supposed he had spent an awful lot of time in here.

"Yes. I thought it was her birthday. I was mistaken of course. My apologies, Madam Pomfrey." Said Regulus eternally grateful to her.

"Not to worry dear. Miss Aelin made the same mistake when she arrived." Said Poppy. "Put her on bed rest, but she insisted on her dormitories- stubborn one isn't she, Albus?"

"Yes. Very." Said Dumbledore.

"I was wondering if I might have a word with you head master." Said Poppy. "Right now about Horace poaching my best potions for his class demonstrations."

"Soon, Poppy-"

"No. Right now. Mister Black you may go." Said Madam Pomfrey.

"Happy not birthday, Madam Pomfrey." Said Regulus, moving past the professor.

Annabelle was in the castle.

Annabelle was safe. Relief flooded him. He looked at the inferi in the shadow of the hall, familiar grey eyes bore into his. Regulus held his breath, closed his eyes and counted to ten.

The inferi was not real. He exhaled and returned to breakfast in higher spirits. He would send Annabelle flowers today.

Moody was seated at the staff table. Regulus' eyes narrowed.

"What is it, Regulus?" Asked Anthony.

"Moody's in the order?" Said Regulus.

"Yes. He's the one who blinded Mulciber." Said Barty. Regulus' eyes were locked on Alastor Moody. On the curse crawling up his leg. Annabelle would be cross if he killed him. He would not do that without her permission. "Why?"

"I've always been a firm believer in eye for an eye." Said Regulus simply, recalling the bruise Moody had left on his Belle's face.

-*-

"The deathly Hallows." Said Annabelle in a comically grave tone of voice as she looked at the symbol on the pendant Dumbledore had gifted her. "The tale of the three brother's has nothing on the lord of the rings. You should read them, professor." She was seated on the second floor of his office, her legs dangling over the edge of the balcony as she put the deathly hallows necklace around her neck.

"I haven't got the time I'm afraid." Said Dumbledore, admiring her latest essays. Annabelle really turned herself around in fourth year.

It was one hundred percent to impress a boy but he did not need to know that. Maybe not one hundred percent, but Annabelle would be lying if she said Regulus' dedication to learning did not have something to do with her sudden desire in fourth year to want to be a prefect with him by fifth year.

"I feel like you'd really like Gandalf." Said Annabelle, nodding. "You know cause you're a white haired wizard, and he's a white haired wizard so really you two would get on great."

"Annie what happened on your last mission?" He asked calmly.

"I can't remember the end bit." She muttered shamefully. "I'm sorry."

"You'll do better next time." Said Dumbledore. "Come. Sit with me." Annabelle stood up, setting down the book and picking up a lighter on her way down. She sat in front of him. "Moody has been attacked- don't play with that." He said as she opened it and it took all the light from the room.

Annabelle gasped and repeated the action. Once or twice. Fine it was fun she she was having a good time with it.

"Miss Aelin." He said. Annabelle stopped, setting it on the desk.

"Sorry, sir. I've just, My head feels all messy. Like someone broke into me house and damaged my property. And it just doesn't feel right. Who attacked Moody?"

"No one knows. The death eaters were masked."

"Is he dead?"

"He lost his eye."

"Aye? I'll bet he's mad about that."

"You cannot wear that at all times, Annie." He said, looking at her new necklace. "Simply treasure it. As you would the true deathly hallows."

"They really exist?"

"Yes. Of course."

"Wizards have no imagination." Muttered Annabelle. "Potter's got an invisibility cloak."

"What?"

"Yeah. Hell of a jinx on that thing." Said Annabelle, oblivious to the professor's eyes on her as she admired her shiny new necklace. "Been in his family for generations."

-*-

Annabelle was upset. Regulus did not know why. He prepared tea for her. And resisted asking the question that was eating him up.

It was entirely possible that it was because it was April. Regulus had a habit of forgetting April existed. He simply found it an overwhelmingly rain filled month.

"How many sugars?" He asked,

"Seven."

"I have put significant amounts of time into figuring out the whole tea thing." Said Regulus, mixing in two sugars, "With all the manual labour involved. For you, Belle my love." He handed her the tea. "Seven sugars will ruin the integrity of the leaf. Integrit-tea if you will."

"I will throw this on your face." Said Annabelle, suppressing a smile. Regulus had a bandage on his hand. "What happened to your hand?"

"Quidditch." He lied.

"The snitch took out a knife," She started, pulling his hand towards her by his wrist. "And cut your," She pushed the sleeve of his shirt up and her eyes widened in shock. The bandage covered his forearm. Red patches of where he had bled through evident. "Regulus?"

"You know the phrase, catching snitches and getting stitches?"

"Snitches get stitches."

"Yes. Yes, catch the snitch wind up with a stitch, it's a wizarding expression. It means that in pursuit of the greatest goals there may be consequences." Said Regulus.

"We need to go to Madam Pomfrey." Said Annabelle.

"No. I can't." Said Regulus and Annabelle frowned at him, oh he was only making this worse. Annabelle's hands were so cold now, and she was concerned for him. "If you cover the mark, you will also be covering the rest of it-"

"What happened?" Asked Annabelle.

"I told you. Quidditch. My equipment-"

"Why are you lying to me?" Asked Annabelle, scowling at him as she grabbed his hand and dragged him from the kitchens.

"Belle-" He started, muttering a noticemenot over them. Annabelle did not let up. When Regulus tried dragging his feet-

"I will transfigure your shoes into rollerskates and drag your arse through the school, noticemenotts be damned. Including stairs." Said Annabelle, s she found an empty classroom. "Stay here." She instructed.

"Belle we should talk about this-" Started Regulus, but the door shut in his face. She had not locked it. Regulus could simply leave.

Regulus stepped away from the door and sat leaning on a desk, he looked around the classroom. And then down at his arm.

Alastor Moody was a vicious duellist. Rivalled Annabelle even.

How would he explain the injury to Annabelle? That was if she was ever coming back. Regulus felt like he had been waiting forever.

It had been five minutes.

Perhaps he could say that he had tried to find a unicorn again. Annabelle would never buy that. Regulus was exceptionally gifted with magical creatures. In his own humble opinion. And he had actually managed to pet a unicorn once.

Or maybe he could claim that Barty had attacked him suddenly when he had learnt of his relationship with Annabelle, and that he was obliviated now but there was still fallout. No. Annabelle could do without that guilt.

The door opened and Annabelle walked in with several textbooks and a generous amount of bandages and potions stolen from the hospital wing. She levitated the textbooks onto the table with a thud.

"You don't want to tell me. Fine." She muttered. His cloak was taken off of him magically and the bandages on his arm begun to undo itself.

Annabelle was cross with him. The air was cold. Annabelle tooked at his bloody arm, the marks fell in spirals the same way a slicing hex did. And one could not strike themselves with a slicing hex.

Relief. Annabelle exhaled. "Thank God."

Regulus furrowed his eyebrows at that reaction.

"Belle?"

Several textbooks hovered around her. She did not spend much time learning healing spells.

"It's gonna scar." She said, as she searched for something that would close the wounds.

"I don't mind."

Annabelle found something to stop the bleeding. And then slowly begun closing the spiral like cuts unobscuring the dark mark on his left forearm.

"Duelling practice gone wrong." He explained. "Who knew Finnegan had it in him. My back was turned."

Annabelle was not believing him. Not for one minute. "Uh huh." She said. "Leo can't do slicing hexes. Besides he refuses to be your partner."

"I do not like it when you go against my friends."

"Your friends killed my cat and made you join the world's worst boyband." Said Annabelle. "I have good reason to hate them."

"I can buy you another cat."

"It's not the same." Said Annabelle.

"You have a new one-"

"It's not the same. You apologized. You're forgiven. But them? No." Said Annabelle, shaking her head as she healed him. She ran the healing salve she had stolen from Madam pomfrey over his arm. "One of them did this to you?"

"Alls fair in a duel." Said Regulus. Annabelle begun bandaging his arm by hand. She was good at this.

"Hmm." Said Annabelle. "Who was it really?"

"I-" He started, and then one more look into her eyes and- "I was playing Quidditch, looking for the snitch, and I was up high in the sky, and then I spotted you leaving, and I knew you wouldn't do that on your own, so I looked and there you were with Moody, and then you were arguing, and then he hit you. I mean really hit you. I could see the bruise from a mile away-"

"It was healed."

"And then I just hovered there, debating picking you up on my broom and flying away with you before you had a chance to protest, and then I realized that was crazy and you would never go for that in a million years, and you might be one hundred percent on board to run away with me but you would leave me if I essentially abducted you into it and we needed to hash everything out first. And then it was like nothing had happened and you blew me a kiss,"

Annabelle furrowed her eyebrows.

"He's like my commanding officer, whatever you want to call it he-"

"I have a rather negative reaction to people hitting you. My apologies." Said Regulus. "And you were gone. For three days. And then when you came back you were in your dormitories so I couldn't get to you even though I really wanted to. And I thought just knowing you were safe would be enough, but then,"

"Then?"

"Then I saw your curse on his leg. The trenchfoot curse I think you called it." Said Regulus. "And I realized you'd attacked him. Which means something worse must have-"

"I attacked him?"

"Well. Yes. Unless the spell you invented was read by someone else- and I love many things about you but you have horrid handwriting Belle so that is fairly impossible." Said Regulus. "Anyhow, I saw that and I knew you were safe, and I knew that Crouch and Avery would come along. And I put on the death eater mask, and the robes, and you know how you have always spoken about that love hate relationship you have with pirates?"

Annabelle nodded.

"Well, I took Moody's eye out, because he hit you in the face and I'm fairly certain he gave you a black eye. And an eye for an eye." Said Regulus.

"I can't remember how it ended." She muttered. "I, I remember it was cold and I had drapes around her neck and then- nothing. I didn't kill her. And I don't know why. It was like a reverse jekyll and hyde. Like I blacked out and became a model citizen."

She sat down next to him on the desk. He picked his cloak up and placed it around her shoulders.

"I'm fairly certain I filled out tax returns." Said Annabelle. "And then I come to, and I'm here, and I was locked in a room, and then I was let out and sent to my dorm-"

"Sent?"

Annabelle nodded. "And then I reread part of two towers and then I had a meeting with Dumbledore and he told me Moody had been attacked. And then I finished the lightsaber spell and then-"

"You finished it?"

"Well. My bit. You need to check the arithmancy." Said Annabelle, Regulus nodded. "Also the force thing is simple, it's wandless so that bits complicated yeah? But you just need to hold your hand out and say Maerum Aeris, hand moves up a bit, air's out of em and wow suddenly you're lord vader."

Regulus had his arm around her.

And then she seemed to realize. "You took out his eye?"

"Yes."

"And he did this?" She asked, removing Regulus' arm from around her and holding it tenderly.

"Yes."

Annabelle looked very confused as to who she ought to be cross with. Annabelle covered her face with her hands and lay back on the table beside Regulus.

"Fuckin' hell your majesty." Said Annabelle.

"I am sorry if this puts you in a difficult position." Said Regulus.

"That's- he's-" Annabelle tried.

"He should not have hit you."

"Well no, but-"

"No." Said Regulus simply. "He should not have. He got what he deserved. And I do not regret it. Tea?"

Annabelle laughed. Regulus had said the beginning part of that sentence with the sombreness of the grim reaper, and then suddenly, just Tea?

Annabelle sat up and looked at him. "Are you hurt anywhere else?"

"No."

"Can I check?" She asked, standing up. Regulus nodded.

"By all means." He said, Annabelle removed his shirt one button at a time. "I love you." He informed her as though it were the first time he had ever said it. "And I loathe it when you are taken from me."

"Taken from you?" Said Annabelle, removing his shirt, Regulus was very beautiful. Her hands were on him, tracing the contours of his body checking to see where he might be hurt.

"Time is a new enemy." Said Regulus, trying to distract himself. "Sometimes it feels like I'm clutching at the sand in the hourglass trying to make time slow down."

"You should become a writer." Said Annabelle. "You use loads of imagery when you speak." He put her hand on his heart, and she rolled her eyes suppressing a smile. She pulled her hand away- he held her wrist.

"Do not pull your hand away from my heart, it beats for you." He said, standing and pulling her into his arms. Regulus kissed her slowly. Annabelle kissed him back, arms around his neck. Regulus locked the door magically. His lips hovered over hers. "I want to run away with you."

"I don't think you can."

Regulus frowned, his forehead against hers. It was true. The dark lord's reach was- not to mention his mother. If the dark lord didn't kill him, Walburga Black would have him sit through a ten hour lecture, and force him into the arms of some seventeen year old debutante. Which might honestly be worse.

"We could try."

"You'd be killed."

"No. I'm Regulus Black."

"Exactly."

"There's a way around everything."

"Tell me if you think of it. I can't seem to come up with anything." Said Annabelle, he kissed her again. Her eyes were shut. His hands held her face.

"I love you. We will make it work." Said Regulus. "It's us." Annabelle nodded, holding his wrist."I want more time with you. What would you have done after Hogwarts if things had been different?"

"Travelled." Said Annabelle. "I have this list of places stars next to where I want you to come with me-"

"Thinking of a future with me. How embarrassing for you." Said Regulus, kissing Annabelle again.

"There are stars next to all of them."

"And the embarrassment continues." Said Regulus, "What is your ring size?"

"Why?"

"I'm taking a census," Said Regulus, taking her hand in his and touching each ring she wore, none of them his. He removed the one on her left ring finger and tucked it in the pocket of his trousers. "For that magazine you mentioned-"

"Statistics and stuff?"

"Yes," He said, smiling. "I'm going to make editor,"

"Here I was thinking you were gonna be a seeker."

"I don't think I'm gonna take any offers-"

"Offers? Plural?" She said excited for him.

"Belle-"

"Potter only got one, you know?"

"It's because my father knew one of the recruit-"

"He doesn't need to know that." Said Annabelle, pulling away from him. "Can I write him? Right now?"

Regulus caught her wrist and brought her back into his arms. He kissed her. Annabelle melted into him.

"No." Said Regulus, "You should get to see his face."

-*-

Springtime felt bittersweet. Regulus begun looking forward to his most mundane classes as time would pass slower. He revelled in the hours spent in History of Magic, and adored Ancient Runes.

Hours passed in years whenever Professor Binns spoke.

They sat near the windows. Behind Lockhart.

"Sometimes," Said Annabelle, balancing her quill on the tip of her nose, leaning back in her seat. "I wonder if I know how to read or if I've just memorized all the letters."

"That is the literal definition of reading." Said Regulus quietly.

"Shall I compare thee to a summer's day?" She asked, Regulus pushed her chair so all for legs were on the ground. "No. A summer's day is not a prat." She said as the quill fell. Regulus hid his smile with his hand.

"You need to focus on the lecture, Aelin." Said Regulus, Annabelle rolled her eyes.

"He's not even teaching the right things. Merlin was a credit hog who probably obliviated the lad, lass, or anyone with an ass who actually accomplished this shite." She said, rolling her eyes, and carving their initials into the desk.

"That's vandalism, Belle." Chastised Regulus. "Let me do it."

Annabelle gave him the pocket knife.

"Did you make this?" He asked.

"Yeah. It can unlock any door." She said, he nodded in approval. She tended to adapt.

"Exceptional." Said Regulus.

"Professor." Said Claire, raising her hand. "Black is vandalizing school property."

Annabelle tucked the knife away quickly, putting it into a hollowed out book. Regulus blinked. And looked at her. The class was silent.

"Miss Dup- Mrs Dolohov. Such accusations are beneath you." Said Professor Binns, before droning on with his lecture.

"Claire's been trying to get a rise out of me." Said Annabelle. "Lass thinks the best way of doing that is you." She nodded once and then said. "She's right. I should-"

"Leave it." Said Regulus calmly. "No reasonable teacher would ever believe I could do anything wrong." He said this carving their initials into the table magically. Evidence that they had been here.

The tree by the lake would be the twin of this desk.

Regulus watched the clock and wanted to curse it as the bell rang. There was not enough time. He was running out of time. He felt like he was drowning in expectation.

"I'll see you in Care of Magical creatures, yeah?" Said Annabelle, heading to lunch. Regulus nodded, looking out the window.

Annabelle had never understood who in their right mind would ever drop Care of Magical creatures. She would never turn down the ability to meet a dragon.

"Sometimes I imagine death." Said Mai Sayre to Grace Chang as Annabelle caught up to them. "I think that's why I am so good at charades- oh Aelin. How are you?"

"Merlin is just-" Mai rolled her eyes. "See you get it."

"I've been thinking of dying my hair." Said Grace. "My parents will not allow me, but you know what purple looks phenomenal on me and I'm an adult, so, I am creating an audio visual presentation with my dad's slide projector, and going for it."

"Good luck." Said Annabelle. "May luck be with you."

"I can't believe Hogwarts is almost over." Sighed Mai. "I have a potions apprenticeships lined up for after I graduate. What about you Aelin?"

"I am gonna travel. I've never really been able to do whatever I want whenever I want." Said Annabelle. "I've only ever really seen wizarding Britain."

"And after that?" Pressed Grace. Annabelle shrugged.

"I don't even know if I'm staying in wizarding britain, lass." Said Annabelle.

"I wish my parents would let me do that." Muttered Grace. "You're lucky, Aelin. I'm off to the ministry soon as I graduate. So exciting. Rest of my life."

"Maybe you'll be killed and you won't need to worry about it." Said Mai, Grace laughed smiling at her.

"That's really comforting, Sayre thank you." Said Grace.

"I'm gonna remember that gem." Said Annabelle. "So sweet."

"It's what I do."

-*-

"What are you doing here?" Whispered Annabelle, opening the window to her dorm. It was the eve before Graduation, and Regulus was currently hovering outside her window on a broom. She was still dressed, having fallen asleep in her clothes, he extended an arm to her. "Are you crazy?"

"About you." Said Regulus, he seemed far too pleased with how smooth that was. Annabelle felt embarrassed for him.

"Oh Jesus Christ, your majesty."

"Come on." Said Regulus, Annabelle glanced at her sleeping dormmates. before grabbing her wand and tying back her hair.

"If I fall-"

"You won't." Said Regulus, taking Annabelle's hand and holding the broom steady as she got on. He looped an arm around her waist holding her to him. "Are you ready?" He asked, shutting the window to her dorm.

"No." She replied, holding the broom tightly, eyes shut,

"Open your eyes." He insisted, flying them gently away from her dorm. "I won't drop you."

Annabelle opened her eyes.

"Holy fucking shit the ground is so far away and- why are you going faster?" Asked Annabelle, Regulus kissed her cheek. He took her around the whole school flying slowly through the air. Annabelle fell silent as she looked at the castle.

Regulus slowed over the Black Lake.

"Now. Annabelle. You cannot catch the giant squid. I have looked into it. It is illegal."

"The ultimate-"

"I know." Said Regulus, sending a light down to the bottom of the black lake and illuminating it. Annabelle gasped as she saw below the surface for the first time. A view Regulus had been taking for granted each day in the Slytherin common room. "This is the best I can do." He said.

"Wow- look at it. Little shite's gloating." She said, with narrowed eyes. Regulus wavered the broom and Annabelle let out a sound of fear, clutching at his arm around her waist. "Why would you do that?"

"Not fun is it?" Asked Regulus, smiling his most dazzling smile at her. "To almost fall in to a magical body of water? Hmm?"

"You are such a prat."

"Yeah but you're smiling now aren't you?" He asked, and Annabelle reddened considerably.

"Has all this been a lure so eventually you could just drop me in the water?" asked Annabelle. "To get your revenge for a first year bloody boatride?"

"Maybe it will be like the carribean." He said with a shrug. Annabelle scowled at him.

"I hate you."

"You do?"

"Of course." Said Annabelle.

"So you didn't give me this ring?" He asked showing her the ring, opening it to reveal the small painted portrait of her eye. "You didn't spend the last seven years of your life falling in love with me?"

"No. Sorry you must have me mistaken with someone else. My boyfriend's name is Reginald." Said Annabelle.

"Stop."

"I named my goat after him and everything it's pretty serious." Said Annabelle. "First sod I ever shagged too."

Regulus was silent for a moment.

"I will never regret falling in love with you."

"You're an idiot, your majesty."

"Say the exact thing I said or else I will be dropping you into the lake."

"I will never regret falling in love with you. Said the witch being held hostage over a dangerous body of water." Said Annabelle, Regulus chuckled and kissed her chastely again. He was keeping himself from crying. They settled into a comfortable silence as he took her over the expanse of the black lake.

Annabelle touched the water.

"I was disappointed when you were sorted into Gryffindor." He said. "It made sense though. There was always something gold about you. I would ask if you were sad I was in Slytherin but you made that rather clear."

Annabelle rolled her eyes with a smile. She had been among the first to be sorted. Initials A. A. and all.

She had looked at him, clapped and then looked at the space beside her and frowned. Regulus remembered it rather vividly.

"Piss off."

"No. I never will."

-*-

Regulus was waiting behind the stage at graduation with his speech in his hand. He had a photographic memory but he could not stop himself from anxiously rereading it over and over and- what was that sound?

There was a dog sitting in front of him, wagging its tail.

"Hello." Said Regulus, reaching out to pet the dog. "Who do you belong to?"

"Moony." Said Sirius transfiguring into a human and nearly giving Regulus a heart attack. Regulus fell out of his seat and dropped his cards.

He held a hand to his heart as he got back up onto the chair "So this is what it's like to die."

"So over dramatic." Said Sirius with a long drawn out sigh, Regulus reassembled his speech. "Why do you have all those? You'll be perfect."

"Practice is important." He muttered.

"I was sorry to hear about father."

"No you were not." Said Regulus, as Sirius sat next to him. "What are you doing here? I didn't send you an invitation."

"And as much as that hurts," Started Sirius, showing Regulus the invitation. "Annie sent me one. Her parents weren't coming so Evans and I are here. See I can be wonderful when you let me in. I'm so proud of you."

Regulus said nothing.

"No. Really." Said Sirius.

"Are you staying here because you are afraid of mother?"

"Reg. Even the cracken is scared of mother." Said Sirius, shaking his head. "I saw it once. You were too young to remember but we were on the water and this massive monster came out and I was gearing up to protect my baby brother, but then it saw mother. And crawled back into the ocean."

"Really?"

"No. I pulled that out of my ass." Said Sirius frankly.

"You are scared of her?"

"Yes." Said Sirius. Regulus chuckled. "You think that's funny?" Regulus nodded. "You should write to me."

"I should?"

"Yes." Said Sirius. "I mean Annie is great on updates but she respects your boundaries or something swotty-"

"I am a death eater." Regulus admitted suddenly. Sirius blinked in shock.

"What?"

"I- It happened last summer nothing I could do to stop it."

"Does she know?"

"Yes."

"You are a neanderthal." Said Sirius, shaking his head. Pride draining from his face. "Show me the mark." He did not wait for Regulus to be ready, tugging his arm, and shoving his sleeve down looking at his scarred hand and forearm. "Merlin, Reg. What have you done?"

"I did not have a choice. It was this or be killed."

"Running away-"

"Sealed fireplaces, suspended apparition license, family vault to keep from falling with the Lestranges."

"That is, that's actually a pretty good point." Muttered Sirius.

"I have reinstated you into the succession." Said Regulus, Sirius furrowed his eyebrows. "I never told you because, well, I wanted to see your face."

It was worth it. Sirius looked utterly flabbergasted. Like he had been struck with three perfectly timed stunning spells from three very proficient witches and wizards.

"You reinstated me? I'm a member of the Black family again?"

"Not technically, but according to Gringgotts and Grimmauld place, you are the heir of the estate and fortune. Though I'm not sure you'll ever want Grimmauld place. Mother has stuck a portrait of herself to the wall."

"Oh no."

"It's horrid. I think after father died without one-" Said Regulus. Sirius was staring at his dark mark still. He was on the brink of tears, and Regulus felt rather horrible.

"My baby brother." He muttered.

"Do not call me that."

"My little brother." Said Sirius. "My idiot brother." He shook his head. "How could you even, I mean-" He exhaled and Regulus heard the headmaster reach the part of his speech where the valedictorian would be called up.

"I need to go." Said Regulus, standing. Sirius stood up. And then a smug smile reached Regulus' face. He was an inch taller than his brother. "Little brother." He chided, smiling and swaying on his feet for emphasis.

"I will kill you with my bare hands."

"Paws you mean?"

Sirius hugged him. Regulus hugged him back. They rarely hugged. Regulus believed the last exchange they had was at Sirius' graduation.

"That inferi ever come back?" Asked Sirius. Regulus shook his head, lying as he stared one in the eyes over his brother's shoulder.

"I am not afraid of them anymore."

-*-

Regulus was nervous. He was sitting on the bank of the black lake next to Annabelle as the sunset in front of them. His heart was beating quickly. She seemed nervous as well. There were flowers all over the place. Floating in the water. Waterlilies without the lilypads had flowered for the first time in Annabelle's memory. The tree near where they sat was in full bloom.

"I really love the black lake." Said Regulus, breaking the silence.

"Me too." Said Annabelle. Scared this was where he told her he was betrothed to a Carrow or worse and he was about to shatter her heart into a million pieces. It was a reasonable worry.

"Do you like the flowers?" He asked.

"I don't remember them doing this for the last graduation-"

"This is all for you." Said Regulus. Annabelle blushed.

"Fucking hell, your majesty," She muttered, Regulus held her hand and kissed the back of it. After a moment of silence Annabelle said, "I can't believe Hogwarts is over."

"Neither can I." Said Regulus, shocked as he watched a tear roll down Annabelle's cheek, he wiped it away with his thumb before kissing her. "You invited Sirius?"

"I had an extra ticket. And he wears really shiny suits." Said Annabelle. Regulus nodded.

"Would never be allowed near a Quidditch match." Said Regulus. "I didn't take either offer."

"I know. Do you regret it?"

"No." Said Regulus. "Maybe in another life- though I don't know how they would employ a flamingo as a seeker."

Annabelle laughed, "To great fanfare I imagine." She said, kissing his cheek. Regulus stopped her from turning away, his hand on her cheek and he kissed her. "Flamingo go go, the chants write themselves, your majesty."

"I love you." He breathed, the words floating from the depth of his soul to the tip of his tongue with the ease of a summer breeze. "Your parents didn't come today?"

"Mum still thinks I'm graduating from Satan's prep school. She was raised in a convent you know? Her parents hid her there so she wouldn't be killed for being their baby during the second world war. She's really, really, really, really, religious." Said Annabelle. She pulled at the grass."Besides Lily brought David Meowie."

"I saw that." Said Regulus, Annabelle always held cats with the tenderness most showed infants. It was cute especially when she put the cat in a little cap and gown. However, Regulus would have felt sad if his mother had not come, and she was a horrifying woman. "Are you sad?"

"Only that school is over." Said Annabelle. "I had a great time, fabulous even. For the most part. Other than when you habitually would forget that the month of April existed-"

"It is a tricky month. A nothing month really." Said Regulus. "You cannot fault me for this."

"Or when I found out you did not like toast. That really tested our relationship that did." Said Annabelle.

"That was your line in the sand?" He asked, she nodded. "I've loved you for so long, Annabelle," He started gathering the courage, "Here's the-"

"Since when?"

"What?"

"How long? You must have written it in your date book." Said Annabelle, nudging him wearing a wicked grin when he blushed and scratched the back of his neck.

"I don't know what you're talking about, Belle." Said Regulus.

"You don't?"

"I have never in my life treated my datebook like a diary when something significant happens-"

"So it wasn't when I wrote you that letter?" Asked Annabelle.

"What letter? I don't remember any letter where you asked to learn French from someone whose first language is Austrian, newsflash Belle, they speak German there." Said Regulus with a small scoff. One glance at her eyes and-

"It happened gradually. Until my heart was so full of love for you that it was at your command. It started fluttering when you walked into a room, beating quickly whenever you were behind me in history of magic, even faster if you were next to me. It has always been more than a simple romantic love, it is everything."

Annabelle was speechless.

"Belle?" He said quietly.

Regulus picked her up and carried her into the blacklake, her eyes locked on his she didn't realized he had dropped her until she heard the splash.

"Black you prat-" she started, standing up and then he kissed her.

"You were shocked. I needed a surprise to snap you out of it." He said with a shrug. "Annabelle Aelin-" He started again and then he was hit with a tidal wave of water.

"Vengeance." Said Annabelle with a nod and a grin, Regulus panicked for a moment, lifting soggy cue cards from the pocket of his trousers. "I can dry those for you if-"

"No." He said quickly. "That was simply a diversion." He said as the water hit her again. He offered her a hand as she slowly sat up in the water.

"You little shite."

He laughing before he felt the current drag him off his feet and he splashed down into the water beside her. They're clothing was ruined but neither seemed to care.

He splashed her with water and she laughed. "I will fucking end you Black." Said Annabelle, sending a wave of water at him.

"I'd like to see you try." He said, grinning as she moved closer to him. He pushed her hair from her face. Her beautiful perfect face. Annabelle spotted his cue cards they were drifting away, she got up and waded deeper into the water to pick them all up.

"Annabelle-"

"It was one hell of a speech, your majesty, can't I keep it?" She asked, drying them all magically, Regulus' neat cursive easily legible even with the smudges. 'You are my best friend and the love of my life-'

"Your Majesty this isn't the speech you-" Annabelle turned around.

Regulus was on one knee. Holding a ring.

"Annabelle, here's the thing,"

"The thing? Yeah. Tell me all about it." She rambled, her eyes were wide, her heart beat felt like a drum, Annabelle had never wanted anything to be real so badly in her entire life.

"You are my best friend. And the love of my life. I never knew, and I don't know how much time we have left. But however much it is, I want to spend it with you. Promised to you in every way I can be. Because I love you, Annabelle. So much. I love you completely. In every possible way. And I know I cannot technically marry you but I also don't really care."

Annabelle let out a sound of amusement.

"We can wear the rings and we will know. And that is enough for me if this is enough for you." Said Regulus, his heart was beating quickly.

"I reckon that's enough for me, yeah." Said Annabelle, nodding, Regulus had never felt such divine joy, standing and kissing her. He slid the ring onto her finger. "I love you." She whispered. Between kisses.

"I love you too." He replied, holding her, he set his forehead against hers, he heard Annabelle laugh out of sheer joy. It was pure. And absolutely beautiful. Her smile was so wide that her nose scrunched for a moment.

He kissed her cheek and then drew her into an embrace. "I do not know what you were expecting."

"I thought, I thought you were going to leave me." She whispered, Regulus held her tighter. Annabelle was his favourite person.

"I would never. Not until the tides drag me under." He promised.

"So over dramatic." Annabelle said, her smile still there. Annabelle loved Regulus completely, and he loved her the same. That's all.

"If I wanted to be overdramatic I would delve into every metaphor and simile I have ever used to describe my love for you. Unfortunately we do not have that much time do we?"