Inferius | Regulus Black

"Cross your heart?"

"And kiss my elbow," Said Olivia, sitting next to Annabelle on the dirty floor of the roller rink. "You tilt your head down so the blood doesn't go to your brain,"

Olivia forced Annabelle's head forward and held the bloodied rag to her nose. "At least we won."

The summer before Annabelle's fourth year of Hogwarts she and Olivia won the roller derby Championship in Bristol.

The rink was run down, old, with a disco ball hanging in the centre, sandbags in a circle to create the track on an overly smooth wooden floor.

"Yeah, we won," Said Annabelle, grinning and trying to look at her, smile bloody and endearingly sincere.

"Head down, Annie." Said Olivia insistently, and Annabelle swatted her had away as she spotted squashed competition.

"Oi, Thompson," Called Annabelle,

She grinned, lifting the trophy, the older girl flipped her off sporting her own bloodied nose on her way out. The sour stench of second place following her in a darkened cloud of disgruntled teammates.

The shiny orange of their team uniforms dampened overshadowed by the bright red of the lions victory.

"A congratulations... maybe?" Called Annabelle, wicked grin on her face, one mirrored by her sister.

"Fuck you, Aelin."

"Not my type, but I like that attitude!" Shouted Annabelle, and Olivia snickered and blew a kiss the the vanquished roller derby champions. "What happened to her nose?"

"Oh you know I'll always avenge you, Annie." Said Olivia, kissing her temple and forcing her baby sister's head down again as her nose bled. "With the passion of a thousand and one suns. I will always avenge you."

Olivia was the most divinely beautiful person to ever cross the Earth since their mother had been robbed of her youth.

Warm, deep skin, and bright green eyes. Olivia, by the age of sixteen, had been proposed to eight times. She was trying to hit an even ten before seventeen.

"Do you know when Mum's pickin' us up?" Annabelle had come here by bus. Lila in her lap as she painted two hands flipping the bird on rollerskates for her big sister.

"She's not. I, the Olivia Dol Aelin, can drive now." Said Olivia, shoving her painfully photogenic driver's license in front of Annabelle's face.

"Who in their right mind gave your sorry arse a license?" Asked Annabelle, reaching to touch it. Olivia shoved her hands away.

"Don't get your nasty ass noseblood on this, it's a government document, Annie." Said Olivia, putting it back in the wallet she kept in her bra. "tossed off the examiner to get this."

"Really?"

"It was like two seconds." Said Olivia, "Besides he was proper fit. Like Paul from Breakfast at Tiffany's and that french bloke, Alain something."

Annabelle nodded.

"I know the one. I'd toss him off for free." Said Annabelle, checking to see if her nose was still bleeding. "He is fit as all hell. But he's French. And the French are fickle fucks."

"I hate it when you come back from dad's." Said Olivia, screening Annabelle for other injuries. "Wish I got to you right after you came back from posh school."

"Oh yeah, I'm a regular Audrey Hepburn 'til Artie gets ahold of me."

"You know what I mean." Said Olivia, standing and pulling Annabelle to her feet, steadying on their overly decorated rollerskates. Olivia squished Annie's cheeks together, "You're alright. Don't bleed on me, yeah?"

Annabelle loved her big sister more than anything in the world. And Olivia loved her the same.

"Yeah."

Olivia squished Annabelle's cheeks together. "Such chubby cheeks."

"I do not have chubby cheeks-"

"You did when you were a baby." Said Olivia, sighing wistfully. "I remember when Tony and Maria were babies."

"We do not have other siblings, Olivia." Said Annabelle crossly as Olivia rolled her towards the lockers. Olivia had spent the better half of their lives trying to convince Annabelle they had other siblings.

"That's what mum tells you." Said Olivia. "What dad tells you, leads you blindly into believing, but-"

"You cannot keep up with this, lass." Said Annabelle. "We don't have other siblings."

"Sure we don't, sweets, sure we don't. Because Tony didn't just get into uni, and Maria did not just write me about getting married, not to mention Holly and Fred? Holly just turned thirteen, she's properly knackered off that you missed her birthday."

"This is not going to work now. I'm older. Wiser. Less gullible. And I asked Christine."

"That old twat?"

"She's not a twat."

"You know the only reason dad managed to keep one of us was because he was shagging the ancient social worker yeah?" Said Olivia with a long sigh and Annabelle looked at her in shock.

"You're shitting me."

"No."

"Quit pulling the pisser, dol, it's unbecoming as mum would say." Said Annabelle, mimicking their mother's faux Londoner accent.

"She has Reverend Bernard coming for dinner to meet with you."

"Oh for the love of God."

"Exactly." Said Olivia, smiling and opening their shared locker. "Glad to see you understand."

"Do I have to?" Groaned Annabelle. "I hate Reverend Bernard- can't you talk about what happened to father Clemence?"

Annabelle had killed a priest at age ten. She was uncertain as to how dead he was. But she had this nagging feeling she did not care. He had hurt her. He had hurt Olivia. He had deserved to die.

"Wasn't the catholic church bad enough? Now I gotta deal with fucking protestants trying to fix me. I burned a church down didn't I? Tell them about that." Said Annabelle.

"Annie-"

"Protestants don't like Abba, Olivia, how can you have a heaven without Abba, lass? It can't be done." Said Annabelle.

"Yes. But now you can control your... witchcraft? I dunnae, whatever you go to posh school for, and you wouldn't risk not going back. Especially since you would never see," Olivia paused, a sly smile rising on her face,

"Regulus again." She said his name in a sing song voice and Annabelle's cheeks spotted with an angry red.

"Shut it." Said Annabelle. Olivia threw her her clothes before getting her own.

"What sort of a name is that anyways? What are you gonna name your kids? Virgo and Pisces?" Olivia laughed at her own joke. "His parents must be crazy hippies."

"Nae, they're rich. Posh boy isn't just a fun pet name for him, Liv, sod's got more quid on him than Sean Connery."

"Well I'll be. Finally. Annie Aelin doin' something to make mum proud." Said Olivia as she zipped her skirt up and put hers and Annabelle's rollerskates into the bag. "We should go to London."

"Right now?"

"Yeah. It's close enough, you've got that map memorized. Besides... Robbie lives there." Said Olivia, looking in the massive mirror on one of the wall of the lockeroom and fixing her hair.

Not one strand out of place. Olivia was perfect. On her perfect pedestal, guilt accompanied Annabelle's every ounce of jealousy and urge to knock her off of it. Olivia loved Annabelle. More than anyone else ever could.

"You know he tried to mug me once?" Said Annabelle.

"Yeah. He told me about that. He's real sorry, Annie." Said Olivia.

"He was really bad at it, Livia, you need to talk to him about that." Said Annabelle, zipping her pants up and putting on her jacket it read BOWIE across the back, before practically skipping off to collect her cat from the front where she had been left.

Lila leapt down from the shelves of rental skates, dropping a mouse on the sleeping checkout boy's lap startling him as she leapt over gracefully to her human.

"Lila, I won."

The cat jumped into her arms.

"We won." Said Olivia, carrying their things and scratching between the cat's ears as they headed to the car. Olivia had stolen it from their stepdad Ernest. It was red and vintage. With leather seats and a cross dangling from the rearview mirror. Their mother's reappropriated rosary.

"Along with the rest of our team- Annie, explain to me again the sport your posh boy plays?"

"It's on a broom." Said Annabelle, getting into the passenger seat as Olivia plopped down to drive putting the key in the ignition and signing the cross before starting the car. The radio blared instantly, and she jerked out of the parking lot and onto the street. "God-"

"Don't say the good lord's name in vain, Annie, we need all the help we can get."

"What?"

"Well I can't exactly toss him off to have a blessed drive can I?" Said Olivia.

"Not while Mary's in the picture." Said Annabelle,

Olivia laughed, a trophy in her lap, Robbie Fenwick on her mind, her baby sister next to her, and a smile on her face.

"Matty Sorin's never tried to mug me. Can't you shag him instead?" Asked Annabelle as Olivia chattered about Robbie and his winning smile.

"Annie. Matty Sorin's a boy. I need a man." Said Olivia. "With fit shoulders, and, and- well I don't want to scandalize you." Olivia reached across and squished Annabelle's cheeks together.

"Livia- the wheel, hands on it. Please." Said Annabelle, holding her cat so as to shield her were they to crash.

"You're boring."

"Pull off here, I want to try driving."

"Just take the wheel, I'll do the feet."

"Are you mad-"

"I will be if you don't take the wheel and we crash." Said Olivia.

"You wheel be."

"I'm going to smother you in your sleep."

-*-

"James and I are getting married." Said Lily shaking her, waking Annabelle up and laying in the bed next to her a massive smile on her face, Annabelle groggily turned over.

"When's the baby's duedate?" She mumbled only to be smacked with a pillow, "Ow."

"Not funny." Said Lily, Annabelle's eyes were still half shut. "He just asked, and I said yes, and it was the most romantic thing."

"I'm sure." Said Annabelle, she had been in the middle of a dream in which she had tea with the abominable snowman. She had to see how it ended.

Lily let out a sound of sheer joy and excitement. A giggle met with an exclamation.

"What are you doing here? Potter was willing to part with you?"

"He had a mission." Said Lily, admiring the ring on her finger. "We are going to get married at his Manor."

"Potter has a bloody manor and you live in this dump with me?" Said Annabelle.

Lily paused. She had lost Marlene. Dorcas. Annabelle was still here. Annabelle was sound and safe, and alive. Lily didn't want her to live alone.

"It's hardly a dump. It just... has character." Said Lily, reaching to wake their cat before Annabelle stopped her.

"He's grumpy today." David Meowie purred, "Aren't ya, ya wee bastard?" She mumbled. The cat woke up and crawled between Annabelle and Lily. "He's been hissin' at the radio again." Annabelle's hair was pink. "Hates the beach boys. I don't really know why but I respect it."

"Your hair is pink." Said Lily, playing with the curls.

"Spur of the moment." Said Annabelle. "Does it look nice?"

"Yeah." Said Lily before looking at her ring and exclaiming in happiness again. "Do you think you'll ever want to get married, Annie?"

"It's wildly inappropriate for you to propose to me like this, Evans." Said Annabelle, Lily snickered and shook her head.

"I meant to Regulus."

"Maybe." Said Annabelle, shrugging.

Regulus was good at pretty words that made her heart flutter. Not actions.

Never actions.

"Or anyone really. Love is so beautiful." Said Lily. Annabelle nodded, still hugging her pillow.

"Sleep is beautiful too." She mumbled, on the precipice of falling back into her dream.

"That's a mighty nice ring you've got there, Annie."

"You've got your own." Said Annabelle, her 'wedding ring' to Regulus meant the world to her. Annabelle loved Regulus completely.

Just because he would never truly love her, didn't mean he could rob her of her opportunity to love him.

No matter how many times Regulus proclaimed his devotion, his actions, that mark on his arm, and his cowardice ruptured Annabelle's belief in him.

"Anything you forgot to tell me?"

"My dad's in prison."

"I knew that."

"I burnt a church down when I was a wee lass. Nearly killed a priest."

"I knew that too."

"I... I probably killed that priest."

"I figured."

"The greatest tragedy of my life is that I can never enjoy hot chocolate with whipped cream."

"Where did the ring come from?"

"The magical ring tree." Said Annabelle. "Of legend."

"Which legend?"

"The one with the fairies, the other shite and the magical ring tree." Said Annabelle.

"Annie. Did Regulus propose to you?"

"Now that I've got your offer I dannae if I'll even consider him." Said Annabelle, Lily rolled her eyes.

"You still think he doesn't mean it?" Said Lily, Annabelle nodded. "Your hair suits you."

"I'll charm it back for your weddin'." Said Annabelle, her eyes were still shut. "So it will look good in the photos."

"Thank you." Said Lily.

"We can go dress shoppin' now you've got your hands on Potter's quid." Said Annabelle, Lily laughed.

"I'm about to be so rich, Annie." Said Lily with a laugh. "And I love him."

"What's that like? Loving Potter."

"It's like, like I don't even want to go to sleep. Because then I might miss a moment with him." Said Lily.

"Sounds fun."

"It is." Said Lily, rolling onto her back and staring at the ceiling. "It is the most fun."

Loving Regulus hurt. Badly. Sometimes Annabelle wondered if the sad she got from being some shameful thing with him, might be worse than the sad she would feel without him. He was half of her soul, but he was so ashamed she was half of his that it hurt her.

Lily held Annabelle's hand.

"I'm getting married." She whispered excitedly.

"You can't sleep with me if you're getting married, lass. I'll not cuckold Potter." Said Annabelle, Lily snickered again before sitting up and pulling Annabelle with her.

"We should celebrate." Said Lily. "Get dressed. We're gonna go drink."

"He's driven you to drink already, Evans?" Said Annabelle, getting up and kissing between her cats ears before changing into proper clothing. "Don't think Potter's the bloke for you then, lass."

"He's my bloke. Mine. He's going to be my husband." Said Lily beaming blindly at the ceiling. Annabelle tied her hair up and then-

There was a rattling at the door.

"What was that?"

Annabelle grabbed her wand and tossed Lily hers. Annabelle picked their cat up,

"It's gonna be alright, Mister Meowie." said Annabelle, tucking David Meowie into the closet with the mini bed she had built for him.

Annabelle was a very firm believer in community based activities. She had spent the day quilting with some ladies at a rec centre downtown. Which explains the volume of quilts she had gifted her cat.

She shut the closet and looked at Lily.

Annabelle was afraid. She could hear her heart. Annabelle touched her necklace for a moment.

"See anything?" Asked Annabelle, Lily shook her head, pushing the door open slowly and peering into the living room. Their front door rattled again. "We should-"

"If it's a muggle and we use magic we'll have our wands taken." Whispered Lily.

The ministry took any opportunity to snatch a muggleborn's wand lately. Tighter regulations. Bullshit.

Annabelle nodded, and carefully walked into the living room, keeping herself pressed against the wall before reaching their door, looking through the eyehole.

Death eaters.

A chill ran up her spine.

Who knew they lived here? Annabelle looked to Lily and drew her wand.

Annabelle held up three fingers.

Lily shut her eyes in pure fear. She had told Severus where she lived. Had invited him over for tea a few months ago. Her heart pounded guiltily in her chest as she looked at Annabelle.

Sorry she mouthed. Annabelle was confused.

They knocked on the door this time. Pounded. Magic rattling against the wards.

Lily pressed a finger to her lips as she made her way to the door, pressing herself on the other adjacent wall.

This was how Marlene had died. How Dorcas had supposedly died.

Death eaters swept through like the grim reaper killing witches and warlocks in their sleep.

Anyone they came across. Marlene's entire family down to her seven year old brother. Lily had found them. Lily hoped if this was the end, she would die first. Annabelle would live.

The ticking of their Charlie's angels clock was the only sound. Annabelle watched as the second hand ticked towards Farrah Fawcett's head.

Tick.

Her heart pounded.

Boom.

Annabelle had killed in combat. But so had Marlene. So had Dorcas. And they had been better than her. Older. Stronger.

Annabelle's breath was shaky. She looked at Lily only to be met with guilty green eyes.

Breath.

"We'll live. I promise." Said Annabelle, nodding as the wards snapped she felt them pinching her skin.

"You promise?"

"Cross my heart and kiss my elbow."

"What?"

The door was blown off its hinges.

-*-

"Express please." Said Annabelle, wearing sunglasses as she stood in the post office. This was far too big for Lily's Owl. Three parcels. Fairly large. Boxes wrapped up with names scrawled on them.

"Bloodstatus?"

"What?"

"It's mandated by the ministry." He said with a grimace, turning the policy around. "I swear eventually they'll make us wear identification." He shook his head.

"Will you know if I lie?" Asked Annabelle, leaning on the counter, he smirked. He was arrestingly handsome when he did. Reminded her of Matty Sorin.

Annabelle missed Regulus.

"Pure blood?"

"The purest." Said Annabelle, smiling. "Ran that shite through a filter this mornin'."

"Ten sickles." Said the postman.

"Good day?" asked Annabelle, as he stamped each parcel. They were heavy. Felt like the weight of a person.

"Slow." He said. Must be from Essex. "The alley's been shutting down, ma'am. Not much business."

"Death eaters comin' round?" Asked Annabelle, counting out the sickles to pay him as effeciently as she could. She was no good at maths.

"Constantly." Said the man behind the counter. "Even they need to send post." He swept the sickles into his hand. "Thank you for your business."

"No problem. Just make sure those packages get delivered, yeah? Purest of blood made it possible." She said, smile turning wicked for a mere moment. "Bye,"

"Bye." He called after her as Annabelle left the post office.

Annabelle walked through Diagon alley as hastily as she could, keeping her head down and her eyes to herself.

She tried to preoccupy herself by trying to count the cobblestones. She glanced at the wanted posters.

Annabelle paused for a mere moment. Looking at the wanted posters. The rewards were so extremely alluring.

Moody was trying to wrangle Annabelle into Auror training, but she did not particularly wish to go. He had suspended her 'allowance' as he called it until she came to her senses.

Dead or alive, 10, 000 galleons for Gulliver Flint.

Galleons? Annabelle's eyes widened as she tried to do the math in her head, that would be- that would be a shitload of pounds.

"Aelin." Said Mai, standing next to her having just exited knockturn alley, arms full of potions ingredients. "I didn't expect to see you- you dyed your hair. It's adorable."

"Ten thousand galleons is like a shitload of money, yeah?"

"You know maths hurts your head. Don't do it." Said Mai, looking at the pink braid down Annabelle's back. It suited her, everything sort of fit on Annabelle.

She wore an afghan coat over her shirt, cut to show off a new tattoo on her sternum. Red ink. A thistle. Near the little half heart on her collarbone. Mai had never seen a red ink tattoo. She had seen plenty of black ones.

"But yes. It is. Why?"

"No reason."

"uh huh."

"Have you ever met Gulliver Flint?"

"No, not really." Said Mai. "Chang and I are moving in together, I was just going to send you an invitation to the housewarming."

"I'll be there." Said Annabelle. "Do I need to bring something?"

"Finnigan maybe if he's not in an irritating mood." Said Mai. "And have him make those crab puffs. Bring the spliff." Annabelle nodded, uneven dimples appearing in her cheeks.

"Aye?"

"Don't chastise me, Aelin, just bring it." Said Mai.

"Do you reckon with ten thousand galleons I could buy a really nice boat?"

"I know nothing of the boat market." Said Mai.

"Imagine a cauldron, yeah? But big and with a motor and-"

"I know what a boat is Annie." Said Mai with a sigh. "Are you still living with Evans?"

"Nah, she moved in with Potter, I'm finding a new flat. Want a better location."

"Where are you living now?"

"Can't say. There's a secret keeper and I'm not it."

"So you're safe?" Asked Mai. Annabelle nodded. "That's good."

Safe? Annabelle had always been safe. She just hoped those death eater wives kept their young from the mail for a few days. Otherwise they'd see daddy's face over his cut up body.

"It is good,"

-*-

"Bond, James Bond." Said Nymphadora, strutting into her playroom dressed in the little suit Annabelle had bought her.

Annabelle gasped. Nymphadora was nearly five years old and a little delight.

Annabelle held a distaste for most children. They were loud, unpredictable, and perpetually sticky, but Nymphadora was special.

"Gremlin you look-"

"I am double o seven. Not your gremlin anymore, Annie. If that is. In fact... your real name." Said Nymphadora, right next to Annabelle.

She was seated at a comically small tea table 'tied to a chair' for interrogation.

"I'll never talk, Mister Bond." Said Annabelle, looking up indignantly.

Nymphadora laughed, cackling with glee before sitting on the little chair next to her.

"No, Annie, It's me Nymphadora." She said, putting a little hand to her heart. "Nymphadora Tonks."

"So you're Tonks. Nymphadora Tonks." Said Annabelle. Nymphadora nodded adamantly, offering her prisoner 'tea'.

"Yes." Said Nymphadora.

Her hair mimicked Annabelle's pink curls. She walked over to David Meowie and put a little party hat on the cat.

The esteemed Mister Meowie waited for the girl to look away before removing the hat from his head and closing his eyes to sleep.

He was awfully large for a house cat. A siberian one. Must be.

"I think you should live here forever with Mister Meowie." Said Nymphadora, looking at Annabelle with massive puppy dog eyes.

"Gremlin."

"Please?" Asked Nymphadora, Annabelle reached forward and squished her chubby cheeks together.

"I adore you, Gremlin. But I can't live here forever." Said Annabelle.

"Why not?" Asked Nymphadora through squished cheeks."You need to take care of things. I am things. Without me you will have so many cats."

Annabelle's goal was to live like the rich lady in the Aristocats movie. It had been Lila's favourite film.

"Maybe I want loads of cats," Said Annabelle, standing and picking Nymphadora up like a football.

The child cackled gleefully, Annabelle spun and Nymphadora erupted in laughter before she was set down. She was a hopelessly spoiled child.

"Then you have to take me with you." Said Nymphadora, sitting on Annabelle's lap as soon as Annie had seated herself cross legged on the fluffy rug.

"What about mummy and daddy?" Asked Annabelle.

"They can come too. And we'll be like a family."

"I don't think they would fit into my flat."

"We could shrink them. I am international superspy James Bond, I could access a shrink ray, Annie." Said Nymphadora, touching Annabelle's rings one at a time. "This one's fancy."

"It's from someone fancy."

"Your boooooyfriend?" Asked Nymphadora, a wicked little grin on her face.

"Aye, lass,"

"OooooOOOOooo." Said Nymphadora. "I want to meet him."

Ted would kill Annabelle for making the introduction. Regulus was a death eater. And Nymphadora was the result of a pairing he loathed.

"Is he imaginary?" Whispered Nymphadora.

"No."

"Is he in the room with us right now, Annie?" Asked Nymphadora, standing and holding Annabelle's face, forcing her to look into her devlish eyes.

"You're a little shite you know that, kid?"

"You said no no word."

"You're imagining things."

"At least I'm not imagining a boyfriend." Said Nymphadora, and then a hopelessly sad look crossed her face. "Is he why you're leaving me?"

"I'm not leaving you."

"You are. And it's not fair." Said Nymphadora. "Just because I'm not big enough to be in the order doesn't mean, you, daddy, and mummy are allowed to always leave me."

"Annie!" Called Andromeda. "Dora! Supper! Moody's here."

Annabelle picked Nymphadora up. Nymphadora set her pink curly head on Annabelle's shoulder as she walked to the dining room.

Nymphadora knew what it meant when Moody came to dinner. Annie would be given a postcard with a name and Ask, 'kill or capture?'

And then she would leave.

"Annie." Said Ted. "Come back in one piece. Bits and bobs and all that. For Dora."

Annabelle nodded. "Of course. Ted if I wanted to disembowel the death eater-"

"More satisfying the muggle way. I'll fetch you a good knife." Said Ted, nodding.

Moody had a hand on Annabelle's shoulder. Nymphadora peaked through a crack in the door. Annabelle looked at Moody and smiled.

"I'm gonna gut him like a fish." Said Annabelle, Moody's hold on her shoulder was firm with pride.

His and Dumbledore's most special creation was a fiercesome thing.

"I prefer when you use fire." Said Moody. "More theatrical."

"This one killed kids. He deserves somethin' slow. Brutal." Said Annabelle. Gulliver Flint had destroyed a children's hospital in central London.

"You would make a good Auror."

"No."

"We'll have this discussion later, sweetheart."

She nodded. Then spotted Nymphadora. She did not blow her cover.

'love you' mouthed Annabelle, miming the action of crossing her heart. Nymphadora tried to kiss her elbow.

-*-

Your Majesty,

I miss you. Too much. Write back something hopelessly posh so I can have an excuse to not miss your sorry arse.

All my love,

A. K. A.

-*-

My love,

It has been too long. I will not dignify such a short letter with a response. Indulge me. Write me a love letter. A long one. Detailing how romantic you are, and how you adore me.

All my love,

His royal majesty

-*-

Your Majesty,

I have written you a wee poem. Yeah. Aye. Romantic, that's what I am. I'm addin' a piece of parchment in the middle to build anticipation.

Are you ready?

I want to see you, touch you, fuck you,
Entangled in the delicate strings of romance we be,
Entangled in your silk bedsheets I hope to be,
Morning spent with my head on your shoulder,
I hope to be yours as we grow older,
I want to see you, touch you, love you.

Also, you've got a nice arse.

Regulus blushed furiously, ensuring his door was good and locked before returning to the letter.

I sent you a book, and You. Will. Hate. It. Not because it isn't bloody brilliant, or the story is not fucking phenomenal as a morning shag, but because, drumroll please...

You need to tear out the pages to solve the mystery. I know. I wish I could see the look on your face as you attempt to come up with a wee solution for this clearly massive problem.

Tearing out the pages? Oh the humanity. THE TRAGEDY.

But, I, Annie Aelin, know me, love me, figured out the mystery. Cracked the code. And now I feel very, very, smart. Educated. Dare I say posh. Pristine. Lovely. Wonderful

No wonder you were such a prick in school, to have this sort of intelligence but with your hair? Unparalleled experience I'm sure.

I'm gonna be in Paris for a wee bit, your majesty. You've always seemed like Paris but a person to me.

When I think of poetry, intellectual sods with sticks up their arses and philosopher's names on their tongues, watching birds, or a city of lights I think of you.

You have really Nietzche interests.

Regulus rolled his eyes as he read her letter, his cheeks heating as she had known they would.

I miss you. I need you. I love you.

All my love,

A. K. A.

-*-

My love,

Where in Paris?

All my love,

R. A. B.

-*-

Hell if I know.

Everything, street signs and all, is in fucking, would be speaking German if it weren't for us, French. I'm just here to kill someone have a baguette. Maybe some smoked salmon.

Write me a proper letter you twat.

- A. K. A.

-*-

Darling,

was someone rude to you?

- His royal majesty

-*-

Maybe. What would you know.

You English tosser.

- Your love.

-*-

You transform into a Scottish nationalist whenever you're cross. An oxymoron.

- R. A. B.

-*-

Your majesty,

Fuck you.

You've clearly never watched a football club lose.

write me a proper letter.

- A. K. A.

-*-

No.

- R. A. B.

-*-

Is this about the book?

- A. K. A.

-*-

My Love,

How on Earth could you do that to me? I thought you loved me. I thought you wanted to touch, hold, love, and fuck me. Romance etc.

You are meant to be my wife. I really enjoy writing that.

And instead you, have sent me a book most certainly penned by satan himself. I must tear the pages-

I have a photographic memory, and you sent me a beautifully bound book, my love, my wife, half of my soul.

I will not be tearing those pages.

I refuse. I will solve this muggle mystery. Without tearing a single page.

I am not fine. Because of you. My spouse. My love. My partner. My wife.

I would inquire after who you are killing but I would not want to trouble you with having to write a French name.

Your apathy and distaste for the French language makes very little sense considering how much you like it when I speak it.

You're very vocal about your adoration for my french tongue, Belle.

It would be dishonest of me to credit my shortened letters souly to Satan's Novel from hell. I simply know that the length of your letters will mimic mine.

And the shorter the letters the more often I spot your owl and horrid handwriting in the post.

It is entirely selfish.

All my love,

R. A. B.

-*-

Regulus,

Sounds to me like someone, namely you, Regulus Black, my husband, can't solve the mystery. Hmmmmm?

I think you need some practice with problem solving.

I want a new cat. I'm not sure if you know this but the death eater I killed. Brutally mind you, I mean really gutted him like a fish. You would say overkill. With proper technique and everything. He did experimentation on animals so I took his cat. I know. Tacky. She's mine now. I've named her Reginald. After my one true love. My constant devotion. Pure love is so rare, no? You understand. Deeper than the sea. My love. For Reginald.

Dora doesn't like that I am not completely focused on her and David anymore, but honestly my first cat was becoming spoiled.

Did I build David Meowie his own home and do I spoil him? Yes. But still. It's rude.

How are you?

All my love,

A. K. A.

-*-

Regulus,

I have a joke.

Alright. So.

This bloke works up in a bell tower and he's a wee bit of a daft fellow. Uses his whole head to knock into the bell and make it ring. No one's ever met him. He's a bit of a shut in. One day he falls. Plummets to his death. Everyone about the town is wondering who is he? who is he? Until the priest finally says,

"I dunnae, but his face rings a bell."

Next week he gets replaced with his twin brother. Indentical the pair of them. Bit daft as well he falls. Everyone gathers round all who is he? Who is he? The priest says,

"I dunnae, but he's a dead ringer for his brother."

All my love,

A. K. A.

-*-

Belle.

I love you.

So much.

All my love,

R. A. B.

-*-

Your Majesty,

I love you.

Too much.

It's us.

All my love,

A. K. A.

-*-

Postcards from Annabelle begun filling Regulus' desk drawers in addition to her letters. Always with a simple wish you were here.

Regulus wished he was there too.

He wrote her rather frequently. Requesting she return. Return to London. Return to him, subtly of course.

Regulus leant back in his Father's seat. Regulus had begun fulfilling his duties as the master of the noble and most ancient house of Black.

He was good at it.

The banquets, the paperwork, the seat in the minister's cabinet, the boards and councils, the small talk. All Regulus had been raised for he excelled at.

Regulus had terrible difficulty understanding of he enjoyed something, or if he was simply good at it.

He was eighteen years old and already felt his age wearing on him.

Regulus worried for his friends. For his Belle. Regulus touched the ring on his finger.

Regulus begun to write a letter,

Belle,

I am tired. I am eighteen years old and already my life is consumed by my future. I do not know who I am beyond my name, and my status. And I fear I may never know.
I don't want to die in Grimmauld place. Its name is rather befitting. But I feel myself falling into a routine and days are slipping away from me.
I miss Hogwarts. I miss you. I miss who I was when I was nothing but potential. And now I must find a way to fulfill that potential, and I do not know how or where to start.
I do not know who else to speak to about this. Kreacher is kind but generally offers soup instead of advice.
You say I have more to offer the world than Quidditch strategies, but now I am offering even less. I am a figurehead. And I fear that is all I shall ever be.

Regulus crumpled the letter, shutting his eyes tightly. Annabelle needn't hear about his fear.

However he could not talk about this with anyone else. He uncrumpled the letter, straightening it on his father's desk before flattening it again.

I miss you.

He had already written that, he scribbled it out.

I love you.

He scribbled it out. He would need to build to that. He begun a new letter, keeping the old one out for reference-

It saddens me greatly that you are afraid. If you come to Grimmauld place and I can protect you. And kiss your cun-

Regulus scribbled that out as well, almost laughing at his own candour.

His mother was here, it was hardly a safe place. Regulus found himself finding every opportunity to leave the house.

The ministry's advisory committee for Gringgotts needed a new member? Of course. Regulus cared oh so much for banking. Anthony needed help with his work? Regulus is too happy to help.

You should come to London so we can have a drink talk and shag.

Annabelle seemed content without ambition beyond what she was and what she needed. And he envied it. Envied her.

She returned to him every so often sporting a new tattoo, with a new story accompanying it. She did not seek an occupation.

'I didn't get all this freedom for nothin', your majesty.' she would say when he suggested apprenticeships. She wanted to attend some muggle school in the fall. A 'college'.

Regulus frankly thought it a waste of time. (Ironic considering the boy was tailor made for Oxford).

Regulus always thought Annabelle would make a remarkable healer. He did not know how or why the conclusion had reached him.

But he had thought of it for himself. Imagining them studying together once more. Regulus was selfish. He just wanted her here with him.

-*-

I want to see you, touch you, fuck you,
Entangled in the delicate strings of romance we be,
Entangled in your silk bedsheets I hope to be,
Morning spent with my head on your shoulder,
I hope to be yours as we grow older,
I want to see you, touch you, love you.

Also, you've got a nice arse. Just thought you should know.

-*-

Regulus was flushed. Cheeks burning brightly as he read and reread the insipid poem. Indulging himself in her words over and over until he had it memorized.

Entangled in the delicate strings of romance- she must have read the book he had sent her. He had so many questions.

Regulus was in the drawing room of the Black Manor in the countryside. Each of his cousins had wed, he was overseeing the deed as it fell to his name.

Regulus adored the countryside. It was a nostalgic love, a longing for blissful days before the madness, melancholy, and mudbloods stole each of his cousins.

Black Manor was grand. There was a devotion to silvers, and pale greens and blues in the decor. There was never an empty vase, and there was a wonderfully tuned piano in three rooms of the house.

The backyard used to be transformed into a sea of canopies, each with a banquet of food and pureblood families hiding from the sun as their children played.

Of course there was the dungeon. Regulus preferred not to think of the dungeon.

"Dearest!" Called Walburga from the parlour.

Regulus rose to meet her demand of his presence immediately, walking through the halls and into the parlour.

"Yes mother?" He said, hands clasped behind his back as he looked at her. He felt at ease once Kreacher popped into the room to serve her tea.

"Come, sit." Said Walburga.

"Is there anything your need, mother?"

"Can a mother not simply wish to have tea with her son?" Said Walburga with a scoff, snapping her fingers. Kreacher gave him tea.

"Yes. Of course, mother." Said Regulus, pushing thoughts of Annabelle to the back of his mind.

Annabelle would adore Black Manor. It was alike to the mansions in the muggle movies Belle liked. With the dutch woman with the transatlantic accent and love interests ten to twenty years older.

"How are you?"

"Positively dreadful," Sighed Walburga, "The new Mrs Malfoy is a drain on society."

"Mother, I thought you liked Cissy." Said Regulus.

"I did. But of course once she started speaking I tired of her." Said Walburga. Regulus nodded in acknowledgement. "You should think yourself lucky you never had to marry her."

"I thank the stars everyday." Said Regulus.

"You will have to be more selective when choosing your own wife, dearest." Said Walburga, sipping her tea.

Regulus realized her true intentions. And he was horrified.

"I do not want to get married." He said. "For a while."

"You have duties, Regulus."

"Mother,"

"You need to produce an heir, Regulus."

"I'm eighteen."

"I was seventeen when I married your father." Said Walburga.

Yes, and you never loved him, and you made sure I knew it. I have someone whom I love, only I cannot marry her, I cannot have her entirely in all the ways I wish. Because of you, and your insipid rules. Unfortunately, I am the head of the house and you cannot keep me from her, or force me into the arms of someone else.

"Mother. I do not wish to marry." He lied.

He wanted to marry Annabelle. He wanted to marry her, travel the world with her, have several luxurious flats all over Europe instead of one mansion. After they hit twenty seven he could think about an heir. Named Leo. Possibly a spare. Named Aurora.

"And you think I did?" She asked harshly. She was scowling at him. Regulus felt himself shrink.

Depleting in age as he did in dignity until he felt all but four years old.

"You are the head of this household. Act like it. What you wish for does not matter, what you want does not matter."

"I will choose who I marry." He said, he wished it had been louder. More forceful, but it rose as a mere mumbling of a little boy doomed to live an obedient life.

"I will have a list of young ladies prepared by the end of the week. I suggest you pick the least objectionable option." Said Walburga, setting her tea aside and standing, "I am going to have tea with Mrs Avery."

"No." Regulus sputtered at long last.

"Can I not go have tea with Mrs Avery, Dearest?" Asked Walburga, wearing a most scornful look as she looked down at her only remaining son.

"I-" He started, trying to meet her eyes, and tell his mother he had no intentions of marrying a soul she put forth on her list.

"You?" She questioned, her wand was drawn, Regulus struggled to keep eye contact while ensuring it would not be raised to him.

"Nothing, mother." He said for the umpteenth time in his life.

"Kreacher." Called Walburga. Kreacher popped back into the room.

"Yes mistress?"

"See if the young master needs his diaper changed. He appears to be having a regression of some sort." Said Walburga, she turned and walked towards the entrance to the parlour.

"I do not wish to marry." Regulus managed, embarrassment burnt brightly on his cheeks. "I will not marry."

"You are my son. You will do as told."

I am the head of this fucking house!

"No. Not this time." Said Regulus, standing and tucking his hands behind his back so she could not see how they were shaking.

"Crucio." She uttered lazily.

Regulus buckled over in pain as it tore through him. He loathed her entirely.

Kreacher was waiting for him to scream. Show a true sign of pain and not some strange interpretive dance. The curse lifted slowly and the pain lingered, Regulus sat on the couch, gasping for breath.

"We are having dinner with the Sayres this evening. Do try to look your best." Said Walburga.

"Will Mai be there?" He asked, between breaths.

"No. She's been disowned."

"Why?"

"With her choice of partnership, she could never produce a child." Said Walburga. "The invitation is rather desperate, after such a scandal. Deplorable. What horrid parents. What horrid children. However there is more than one Miss Sayre. And they are good breeding."

Your elder son also could not produce a child with his choice of partnership. Regulus wished to retort.

However he had nothing against Lupin and did not wish for his mother to kill the chocolate loving werewolf.

"Good bye, Regulus." She said. Regulus only nodded in acknowledgement before his mother left.

He never did get used to the cruciatus.

"Master Regulus should tell Old mistress about Miss Annabelle." Kreacher croaked, standing a pace from the couch.

"I cannot do that, Kreacher." Said Regulus.

"Because the miss is a mudblood?"

"Yes. She would be killed." Said Regulus. In front of me he would add. However he felt unable to speak. Annabelle could be killed because of him.

"Kreacher would like very much to remind Master Regulus that he is no longer the young master." Said Kreacher, cleaning the tea tray at snail speed. "Master Regulus can marry Miss Annabelle, and introduce her to Kreacher."

Regulus nearly laughed through the pain of a lingering cruciatus.

"Is this a long winded way of saying you wish to meet her?" Asked Regulus, Kreacher's back was to him.

"Kreacher did not say anything for what he wishes."

"I proposed to her." Said Regulus. "She accepted."

Regulus watched as the house elf's ears quirked upward for a mere second at the good news.

His young master deserved nothing but the best. He set biscuits on the table.

-*-

Belle,

Lovely, darling Belle who loves me so entirely. My face has been the colour of a lobster due to your last letter.

I do not know which is more romantic, the poetry or the fact you read the book I recommended. I wonder did you think of me while reading it?

I have dreadful news.

My mother wishes to find me a pureblood mistress.

I would rather die.

Send Arsenic,

All my love,

R.A.B.

-*-

"Miss...?"

Regulus had been through a million meetings with Gringgotts officials. He was looking over confusing paperwork in his father's office.

"Mrs Blake." She said, and Regulus looked up.

Annabelle.

She was smiling. Regulus could breathe again.

"You pronounced Black wrong."

"Have I?"

"Yes." He looked at her ring. "Annabelle. You have."

He got up and rounded the desk, she was dressed in rather formal witch's robes, if he did not see her necklace he would assume he was seeing a clone.

Regulus swept her into his arms, holding her tightly and spinning her around once before letting go.

"You're here. You're here," Said Regulus, touching her arms, her shoulders and then the side of her face delicately.

Regulus kissed her. Deeply, slowly, and romantically. His arm looped around her waist pulling her flush against him, and she felt alive.

"I missed you too." Regulus kissed her again. "Your-" Another kiss. "Majest-" another. And then he hugged her. The embrace tender and tight.

"Merlin, Belle, you smell like the ocean." Said Regulus, he kissed her cheek. "Aelin, I've missed you."

"Reckon I've missed you too, Black."

It had literally been twenty days.

Codependency who? Thought Annabelle as she rejected the thought of ever leaving him again.

Regulus presented his cheek to be kissed.

"We just-" Regulus arched a brow and she kissed his cheek. He smiled his most dazzling smile.

The sorrow of parting never did match the joy of a reunion.

Regulus looked at her for a moment. His eyes flickered all over her face. His Belle. His love. He tried to memorize every detail of her. Of the girl with faint constellations on her cheeks, and curls in her hair.

"You look amazing." Said Annabelle, touching his cheek. He looked tired. Worn. But beautiful as ever.

Regulus blushed in spite of himself. He had heard the words a million times over but never tired of them.

"Reckon you want to tell me why you've got a job at Gringotts?"

"Well, you see, I live at Grimmauld place as it is the one place the dark lord cannot reach me. And my mother is there. So. Well. Leaving is a glorious relief. It's rather dangerous for you to be here, my love."

Annabelle scoffed.

"London was calling."

Regulus had difficulty seeing love as a weakness when he loved one as strong and steadfast as Annabelle. Love was as forceful as the waves that crashed against sturdy rocks.

"Is this a reference to a muggle song?"

"Aye. Look at you." Said Annabelle. "So cultured." She kissed his cheek again. "I brought you arsenic."

She was jealous. Regulus' smile turned cocky as he realized it.

"Really Belle? Jealousy brings you back to me?" He asked.

"Stitch up."

"Oh, lovely, darling, Belle," He said and she rolled her eyes, Regulus kissed her again. "I've missed you," His lips grazed her cheek as he moved to kiss her jaw, and then her neck.

"That door lock?" She asked, hearing it click shut as she said it. Regulus pulled away, taking her hair down from its updo and watching it fall over her shoulders.

Regulus smiled slowly as he touched familiar curls and then the glamour dropped.

"Your hair is pink."

"Impulse."

He kissed her again, against the door. Her body flush against his. Her heart was pounding, she had missed him so much. The passion, and desire, and the stuff of really good Valentine's day Hallmark Cards.

"Take your clothes off."

"I thought you would like the proper posh robes, your majesty." She said, teasing him, removing the layers one at a time.

"Now. Please."

"You love me?" She said, a coy wicked smile on her face as she toyed with him.

"You know I do."

"Then you'll wait." Said Annabelle, unbuttoning her robe one button at a time. Regulus watched. He watched and longed as the robe fell to the floor.

"I can help you with-" Regulus saw a large scar once her shirt was off. His heart stopped. It was fresh. New.

Someone had hurt his love. And he had not known.

The pale whitish pink remnants of a slicing hex spiralled across her torso.

"Who did this to you?"

"They're dead."

"Who? When? Why didn't you tell me?" He asked.

"Figured you'd be at the funeral, Your majesty-"

"Did this happen in Paris?"

"No."

"Then how? When? Belle," Said Regulus, examining her and bringing her to sit on his desk. "You were hurt and I didn't know. I wasn't there with you, and you needed me."

He was upset. His jaw tensed and his brow furrowed. Regulus ran a hand through his hair, looking away momentarily, trying to place which death eaters must have been sent.

"Your majesty-"

"When was this?" He asked, as he traced the scarring. It stretched from her pelvis to her collarbone, obscuring the tattood half heart.

Where was I when this happened to you? Was I with the dark lord? Was I doing his bidding, feeding into his power, while he hurt my Annabelle? My love?

"It was weeks ago, my flat was- well it was-"

Someone had been sent to kill her.

"Belle I think we should run away together." Said Regulus. Immediately, it was a conclusion he was reaching with increasing frequency he could not lose her.

"I won't abandon the order. Not like MacDonald did." Said Annabelle, looking away with a scowl. "I'm living with your cousin right now. It's grand really. Safe."

"You're with the Tonkses?"

Regulus sounded betrayed.

"Aye."

She should align herself with the pair who set a precedent Regulus now could not.

"Aye." He mimicked. "You are so beautiful." He informed her as shame ate at his insides. "After you were attacked you didn't think to Owl me?"

"Had post to send." She said defencively. "important post. Too big for an owl. Had to go to the post office." Said Annabelle. "Three large packages." Regulus raised his eyebrows.

"How many death eaters attacked you?"

"Three." She said, nodding.

At least she knew how to defend herself. He should be inquiring as to who these people were. Who she had slaughtered and mailed back to their families.

Instead, he was in front of her, his hand tenderly on her cheek.

"It is far too dangerous. I don't care how big your package is-" Annabelle snickered, her eyes flickering down for a mere moment causing his blood to go- Regulus rolled his eyes and his jaw tensed,

"You've got a pretty nice package yourself your majesty."

"Belle,"

"Very nice. Lovely. Extraordinary really." Said Annabelle.

"I'm serious."

"I thought you were Reg-" She started, Regulus cut her off with a kiss, it was to shut her up until Annabelle did that thing with her tongue and Regulus just devoured her lips.

"Merlin, Annabelle, you can't do that," He said.

"Do what?"

"You are creating a rather uncomfortable situation." Said Regulus.

"With your extraordinary package?" She smiled wickedly at him.

"Belle."

"Is it growing?"

"I want to speak with you but forming coherent thoughts is impossible when you do that." Annabelle's hand was in his hair now.

"What do you want to talk about pretty boy?" She asked, and Regulus took a deep breath, shut his eyes and counted to ten. She kissed him again.

He pulled away, and covered her with his cloak. He would shag her later. In a bed. He enjoyed waking up to her.

"You are living with the Tonkses?" He asked.

"Yeah, their kid is cute, and Andromeda makes wicked pancakes." Said Annabelle. "Ted is such a role model you know? Snagging a Black the way he did."

"I loathe him."

"Yes. Well. I aspire to be him." Said Annabelle, putting on Regulus' cloak and admiring the many pins and titles he had acquired upon graduation. They were very shiny.

"Because you love me, want to marry me and have lots, and lots of my babies, I know this." Said Regulus, Annabelle scoffed, she was blushing.

"I do not." Said Annabelle and then Regulus brought her knuckles to his lips kissed them and then showed her the ring.

Annabelle suppressed a smile, her nose crinkled as she looked away.

"When will I see you next?"

"I don't know."

"Why not?"

"You're always bein' summoned away. I don't like it." Said Annabelle, looking at his left forearm. "I brought paints." She mumbled, Annabelle had every intention of painting forgetmenots over that wretched mark.

"Paints?"

She nodded.

"To cover the mark," Said Annabelle, looking away, Regulus kissed her delicately. Like she was his angel descended from heaven and he was trying to convince her to remain on this Earth for him.

"There is nothing I can do."

"There's never anythin' you can do." Said Annabelle, her accent was getting thicker. She was upset. "Sorry, I only mean, it's not fair." Regulus kissed her forehead and then her lips.

"I think we should get married the muggle way."

"The muggle way?"

"In a church or something. That is what muggles do is it not?"

Annabelle looked away guiltily.

"I'm not legally allowed in a religious ceremony within a catholic church." Said Annabelle slowly, Regulus opened his eyes. "There was an incident when I was a wee li'l lass," He started to smile. "Involving the blood of christ bein' used in a fire sort of way, started by me, the said wee li'l lass. Resulting in a sort of big fire in a whole church was destroyed."

"Wee little lass?" He said. Annabelle scrunched her nose and looked away, he sat next to her on the desk.

"I was ten. And Sister Bernadette was a royal twat. She took me cross right from me neck. Just tore it off." Said Annabelle, miming the action, looking at him as though he ought to understand the trauma of this sort of rejection. "Sent me to confession. And, and," She shook her head, scrunching her nose. "It was after mum left. And took Olivia. And he said it was my fault because I was wicked. And I got mad. And, and there was a fire. Started by me. Allegedly. That allegedly probably offed him."

"Allegedly."

"Dumbledore says legally I have to say that."

"Ah." Said Regulus.

Annabelle was not looking at him. Getting his Belle to open up was a delicate art which required a gentle often comedic hand.

"You know, I love arson." He said

Annabelle snickered. "Truly." He said, She continued until the snicker grew into a giggle. He kissed her cheek repeatedly, between his words. She was opening to him. "I mean other crimes, war crimes, assassination- So overdone. Understatement is overrated. I prefer maximalist crimes."

"Minimalism is boring." Said Annabelle. Regulus put his arm behind her so she could lean into him. She did. Annabelle smelt like the ocean. She set her head on his shoulder. Regulus put his arm around her and kissed her temple.

When Regulus was with Annabelle he was home.

"Truly. Petty theft is so last season." Said Regulus. "I mean fire really announces itself."

"Yeah?"

"Oh. Yes. Very wonderfully too. Kindling. Etcetera. Flames. Not at... not at all flame." Said Regulus, Annabelle lifted her head from his shoulder slowly and looked at him. At the utter shame and humiliation covering his face. "I would like to formally apologi-"

Annabelle laughed. The sound bursting forth like she could not help herself. Annabelle never did have a pretty laugh, but it was Regulus' favourite sound in the whole entire world. Rivalled symphonies. Her smile grew too wide and her nose scrunched.

"Not at all flame?" Said Annabelle. He shut his eyes.

"Now I feel ashamed. Aflamed if you will." Said Regulus, and her laughter grew. She kissed him, soft kisses peppered all over his face before they reached his lips.

"I reckon I'm gonna marry you." She told him resolutely. "You little shite." Regulus opened his eyes and pulled away from her, looking mock offended.

"I think my proposal was far more romantic." Said Regulus.

Annabelle got up and riffled through the pockets of her robe on the floor. She pulled out a silver pendant. A thistle and a forgetmenot twined together.

She got down on one knee and extended it to him. Annabelle cleared her throat.

"You are my best friend. And the love of my-" She was imitating him. In his tone, and inflection.

"You cannot steal my proposal." Said Regulus. "I thought I made it clear. I prefer arson to petty theft."

Annabelle huffed and got up, holding his hand palm up and placing the pin in it.

"I love you." Said Annabelle. "And I am going to be with you. It's you. It's me. It's us. One at a time will last forever." She said it slowly and deliberately. Her scottish accent twisting simple words into so much more.

Regulus blushed. Roses blooming beneath his porcelain skin.

Regulus' crush on Annabelle had only grown in the time he had been with her. It felt silly to say. But it was true. Sometimes he caught himself still as the boy who sat behind her in History of Magic waiting for her to turn around and smile at him.

Regulus kissed her cheek, and then her jaw, and then her neck. His kisses were soft.

"Give me your arm." She said,

"The saying is give me your hand. Preferably in marriage." Said Regulus, his face still close to hers, their lips barely touching. He kissed her.

"I'm already in love with another." She said, turning away dramatically.

He loved her so much.

"No-"

"His name is Reginald. Antonio Blake. He owns a successful publishing firm." Said Annabelle, Regulus scoffed.

"I will buy you twenty."

"oh." She said with a sigh. "Reginald's got twenty one."

"Does he?" Said Regulus, placing countless kisses on her lips, the final one more long and drawn out. "Belle, I love you. So much. You really have to know."

Regulus would create a plan. They would run away together. And then it would really only be the two of them.

us.

No one should be allowed to take her from him.

The door rattled and Annabelle flinched into him, holding his wrist tightly. Her skin paled, Regulus moved his hand to hold hers without question. He did not move to open the door.

"Lord Black." Said a man on the other side of the door.

Annabelle looked at Regulus, covering her smile.

"Lord Black?" She whispered. "Oh, lord Black."

"Stitch up."

"Oh," She sighed, "Lord Black." She said in a tone that made Regulus so exceptionally glad this title belonged to him. Regulus kissed her.

"I must speak with you." Said the man on the other side of the door.

"Must you speak with him, lord Black?" Taunted Annabelle, a wicked smile on her face.

The eighteen year old Lord Black had skewed priorities at the moment. Annabelle's lips were on his neck.

"I am in the middle of a something, Mister Sayre." Regulus wanted to be in the middle of someone. Annabelle's hand was on his chest. Regulus nearly groaned as her hand moved low on his torso and the muscles of his lower stomach contracted.

"It is the matter of my daughter's betrothal. To you."

Annabelle's affections stopped.

"There is no betrothal to me." Said Regulus. "You are mistaken."

"It only requires your signature. Your mother arranged it."

The man was insistent. Annabelle was cold. Her hands cold against Regulus' skin.

"No. I have no plans of marrying her." Said Regulus.

"If we could discuss this matter face to face-"

"Don't go-" Said Regulus as Annabelle stood up and traded his robe for hers, she hid her tattoos, tattoos he wanted to kiss.

"I should really." She put the glamour on her hair again.

"You're leaving through the door?"

A gaping silence poisoned the space between them.

Annabelle froze and then looked at him. Her face was blank. Regulus often felt he could read Annabelle's mind. And he was happy he could. But for the life of him Regulus had no idea what she was thinking.

"Belle,"

"Would hate to disturb you, lord Black."

"Belle,"

"I won't bother you here again."

"Belle. I love you. So much."

Annabelle had always admired how something could be simultaneously true and false. How people were good and bad. Regulus could love her in a selfless, beautiful way while serving himself ruthlessly.

"I love you, Regulus. Too much."

Another knock at the door.

Loving Regulus hurt.

She left through the fireplace.

-*-

"Frankly I'm relieved, mate." Said Annabelle, sitting under a bridge next to Remus Lupin. He looked at her confused.

"That I am a werewolf?" He asked, perplexed and drunk off his Welsh arse. Annabelle took another swig of firewhiskey and nodded, cherishing the final few drags of her cigarette. "Awoooo. My feelings, Aelin,"

"I mean, sorry bout the years of trauma you know? See a therapist. I've got a good one." Said Annabelle. "But, Lupin," She held his jacket to make him look at her. "I thought it was a weird sex thing."

Annabelle looked so alarmed, a small crinkle forming between her eyebrows, eyes searching his. She was checking if he really was a werewolf and not simply covering for his odder tastes.

Remus blinked and then started laughing. It was raining. They were waiting for Sirius. And they were on a bench under a bridge in London.

"Your furry little problem- I thought you lot had kink." Said Annabelle. "I was so afraid to ask for so many years."

"Who told you that it was a kink?" Asked Remus.

"Aye. That was, that was Regulus." Said Annabelle, "He mentioned it once and it stuck. I mean you lot got so excited to deal with your wee furry problem. I just- you know. Figured,"

"We had orgies without shaving or something?"

"Well... now you're making it sound stupid." Said Annabelle. The patter of rain and his laughter filled the night. He ran a hand through his sandy brown hair.

"Yeah. You know what? I would be relieved it wasn't that too." Said Remus. Annabelle nodded resolutely, she was smoking, her cigarette was finished, she vanished it. She was wearing her favourite afghan coat and her brand new boots. She always dressed well.

She pulled out her lighter, pausing before lighting another cigarette.

"Fancy seein' a magic trick?" asked Annabelle.

"Yes, witch, I the warlock, wish to see a magic trick." Said Remus.

"Alright." Said Annabelle, grinning wickedly. "Me sister taught me this." She took a massive swig of fire whiskey and raised the lit lighter close to her lips.

She breathed out and a massive flame stretched in front of her. Remus' eyes were wide he stumbled back, nearly falling off their bench.

It was like Annie was breathing fire.

"That's wicked." Said Remus. "Lemme give it a crack." He took the bottle from her and stood up, she tossed him the lighter.

"What are you-"

Remus breathed fire and Sirius yelped, turning into a dog and back again.

"Haha!" Said Remus. "Bloody brilliant!"

Annabelle checked the time on his watch. Hers did not go with her outfit. Naturally she was not wearing it.

"Nearly time?" Asked Remus as Sirius collected himself.

"Aye." Said Annabelle, looking at the postcard. The very real reason she was in London and not the English countryside. Annabelle was not half as sloshed as the Welsh werewolf- welshwolf if you will.

"You cannot do this. Breathe fire? What?" Said Sirius, shoving Remus' shoulder. "Give me a shot."

"You've got a mission." Said Remus, holding the bottle. "And I want to go again-"

"I need me lucky lighter, mate." Said Annabelle, putting her hand out for it. He gave it to her.

WWSND was written on the side in her sister's handwriting. Olivia had the loveliest handwriting.

It was all for her anyways. Annabelle put the lighter in her pocket. Regulus would probably want to meet her sister. If she really was going to marry him. They should meet.

Annabelle bit the inside of her cheek as she thought of it.

"He's at the pub down in Richmond." Said Sirius, "Just spoke with my... connection." He grinned cockily.

"We get it. You have connections." Said Annabelle. "Cause you were raised with a silver shovel up your arse."

"Jealousy is beneath you, Annie." Said Sirius, as she tied her hair back tighter. "We're capturing him. I know it's not your forte."

Annabelle rolled her eyes.

"What's it up to now, Annie? The tally? Or have you lost count?"

"No need to moralize, Black." Said Annabelle, scowling at him. She hated people who moralized. She hated platitudes. 'killing is wrong'.

Thou shalt not kill. Sure. Fine. But Thou also shalt not become a wizard nazi.

Annabelle had been raised by a military man in post WW2 Britain. An intolerance ran deep and strong.

"I wasn't trying to, Annie. I was talking about your collection of quilts." He said defensively as Annabelle tied his hair back.

"I need your bike." She told him.

"What? Why?"

"Well I need a car,"

"Why?"

"My dad's gettin' out of prison and I need to get him home."

-*-

"Annie," Whispered Nymphadora, shaking Annabelle as she slept. Nymphadora tossed her stuffed wolf up onto the bed before climbing up and shaking Annabelle again. "Annie." She whispered again.

"You can't be in here, Gremlin." Said Annabelle, waking groggily, a hand rising to touch Nymphadora's pink curls.

"I couldn't sleep, Annie." Said Nymphadora, laying down beside Annabelle. Annabelle bundled her in a comforter and set her beside her cat before getting rid of all the knives she kept in her bed, safely stowing them in a cupboard on the other side of the room, beyond Nymphadora's reach.

"Come here." Said Annabelle, and Nymphadora did, snuggling into Annabelle's side, hugging her stuffed wolf and then starfishing.

"What do you think the meaning of life is?"

"Sleep."

"I think it is polar bears." Said Nymphadora. "Or seals. I mean seals are just mermaid puppies."

"Uh huh." Said Annabelle, eyes still shut. Nymphadora moved to lie on top of her.

"Annie."

"What?"

"You haven't been opening your letters." Said Nymphadora, playing with Annabelle's necklace.

"I'm lettin' the tension build, lass." Said Annabelle.

"You should write him back." Said Nymphadora.

"You opened my post, gremlin?"

"Mummy recognized the writing." Said Nymphadora. Annabelle froze momentarily and then patted the mattress beside her. "I can't read. Needed her help."

"You need sleep, Gremlin." She said, "Mister Meowie will cuddle with you."

The cat hissed and begrudgingly did as told.

"Be grateful ya wee bastard." Said Annabelle, scratching between the cat's ears. The cat would do anything she asked happily. But Nymphadora's hands were occasionally covered in paint. The cat was traumatized.

Nymphadora lay in her bed, hugging her cat.

"Annie."

"Yes?"

"Mummy says you love a bad person."

-*-

Annabelle sat at the kitchen table as Andromeda prepared tea. Annabelle counted the rings of the oak table, the cross section of a tree, guessing how old it had been. Andromeda set a coaster on the table. And then a cup of tea.

"Thank you."

"Regulus is a death eater now."

"I know." Said Annabelle.

"You know?" Said Andromeda. She scoffed and shook her head, there was a scar behind her ear from when Bellatrix had tried to kill her. Andromeda started to laugh. "Then I have nothing to worry about?"

"Of course not."

"Annie. You are doing well. Living here."

Annabelle wondered if it were a way of the pureblood upbringing. Compliments were like performance assessments. Andromeda could not say 'I like having you here. We're friends. And Dora loves you' instead Annabelle felt she was seated across from an employer.

"I like being here."

"You can't stay if you're still with him." Said Andromeda, tucking her hair behind her ear.

"He doesn't know where this is-"

"But he knows you live with me." Said Andromeda. "He knows I touch your post, that Ted touches your post-"

"He wouldn't curse you." Said Annabelle.

"He wouldn't?" Said Andromeda. "Annabelle. You are a mudblood. And he is a death eater. He chose to be a death eater-"

"No."

"Yes. He did. He chose to oppose you. I left. He chose to stay." Said Andromeda, sipping her tea, sitting before Annabelle.

"Hey, Andy, where's the-" Started Ted, walking cluelessly into the kitchen and pausing when he saw the look on Andromeda's face. "Andy we said we would talk to her together."

"I didn't like what you had to say, Ted. A death eater is dangerous."

"He's Regulus. You loved Regulus. He was your favourite." Said Ted. "I mean, if anything you should be glad he's clearly not prejudice."

"He only sees her as an exception to the rule." Said Andromeda, rolling her eyes. "He has no intention of changing."

"Like I was an exception?" Asked Ted, standing behind his wife and rubbing her shoulders. She looked up and her eyes softened. "Hmm?"

"You were everything. And that's why I left." Said Andromeda. Andromeda looked at Annabelle. "Annie. In life there is one fundamental truth. If he wanted to, he would have."

"I got you a present." Said Ted, clapping his hands together as he remembered it, going to the fridge and pulling out oat milk. "So you can have hot chocolate." He said, shaking it. "Found a recipe at the library, huh? Gonna need a new great tragedy eh Annie?"

"Thank you." Said Annabelle, eyes still on Andromeda, drifting to her perfectly prepared tea.

-*-

Annabelle smoked when she was upset.

"Smoking will kill you." Said Evan Rosier, waiting with her outside of Moody's office.

"Bite me."

"It smells dreadful."

"Stop breathing." Said Annabelle. If he wanted to. He would have. She shook her head and took another drag. The words had been replaying incessantly in her head.

"You aren't an Auror. And yet you're here. I have been trying to get a meeting with him for weeks. And you bring him lunch and suddenly his schedule frees up."

"Moody asked to see me." Said Annabelle. Evan adjusted his uniform and then conjured a glass of water. He poured it on her. "You English twat-"

"I only figured since you're sharing your cigarette with me, I ought to share my water with you." Said Evan innocently, Annabelle hexed him and he hissed, moving away from her. "And after I did something nice."

"Do like to travel Rosier?" Asked Annabelle, drying herself, he nodded. "Do like to wank?"

"I'm not in the habit of discussing it Miss Aelin, but I suppose so-"

"Then fuck off." Said Annabelle, gesturing for him to get away from her. He was a Slytherin Auror. She did not trust him.

The door to Moody's office opened. "Annie, come it- Rosier what are you doing here?"

"Being a nuissence."

"Yes. Well. Don't." Said Moody, as Annabelle flipped Evan off and he returned the action before walking away. Moody sat Annabelle down in his office, sitting across from her. "How was- is something wrong?"

"No."

"Did something happen during the mission?" Asked Moody. "Annie, you have to tell me when you're hurt." He chastised her, Annabelle looked down.

"I'm fine." she said. "I killed him, like you asked. And he was so horrible. He stunk up the room soon as I killed him. I hate it when the bodies... expel their contents."

Moody stood and rounded the desk, and pulled her chair out a bit before squatting to be eye level in front of her. He wore an eyepatch. Annabelle was upset.

She did not want to cry.

She had been avoiding Lily and James in their newly engaged bliss. Lupin and Sirius were far too happy. And crying would only prove Andromeda right.

If he wanted to he would have.

But Regulus had not wanted to leave. So he didn't. He did not wish to be with her, so he would not be.

"Annie," Said Moody, "I'll submit you for another memory evaluation, hmm?"

"No. I hate those, they make my brain feel too big for me skull." She said. He was treating her like a child. But Annabelle did not care he saw her as a child. Because he was taking care of her. And Annabelle wanted to be taken care of.

It was a silly admission for one so fiercely independent.

But she liked being taken care of. She liked magical men who swooped into her life and solved all her problems for her.

Dumbledore had saved her from a reform school in Northern England. He had saved her from the muggle world, kept her safe in Hogwarts, put her skills to use.

Annabelle was just tired.

Alastor was holding another postcard. He gave it to her. She read the name.

Ivana E. Pucey

Now that was a hilarious name. Annabelle snickered. "Are you shitting me?"

"She's got the eye I want." Said Alastor, she grinned. "If you were an auror you would have access to the ministry mind melder." Said Alastor.

"I like the alliteration." She told him.

"It pays well,"

"I plan on marrying rich."

"Not exactly honorable work." Said Alastor. "Potter agreed. As did Evans. To become Aurors."

"I do not want to be an Auror." Said Annabelle.

"You would rather be an assassin?"

"Assassin has such negative connotations to it." Said Annabelle, with a scoff. "I prefer... freelance life specialist."

Moody snickered.

"Besides you don't pay me-"

"I would if you were an Auror, sweetheart." Said Moody with a chuckle as he stood up, going through his desk to retrieve a contract.

If she signed it she would not be able to leave. She would not be able to run away.

Annabelle shook her head again.

"I have written you a personal letter of recommendation." He said.

"I don't want to be an Auror."

"You would rather dally about and waste your potential?" Asked Moody. Annabelle nearly laughed. Sometimes Regulus sounded like that.

"Aye." Said Annabelle with a nod. "When the war ends I want it to end. I don't want to keep fighting."

"Annie. You will always have to fight for your place in this world. At least this way you're getting paid." Said Alastor, sliding the contract towards her. She refused to sign.

"No." Said Annabelle.

Alastor sat back in his seat and then he sighed. "There is a friend of mine I want you to meet with. Maybe you can do more... freelance life specialization?" He said, pretending she had won the argument. He gave her the postcard with the address. "What is it that's been bothering you?"

"A red tide travellin' through me cunt, sir."

Moody grew uncomfortable.

"That's nice, sweetheart."

"Nae. It's really not."

-*-

Annabelle,

Your silence frightens me.

I need you to send me just a hint you're alive and simply cross with me and not dead. We are at war, my love, you cannot do this to me.

The Sayres have been dismissed. And I am not betrothed. Nor will I be unless it is to you. I love you. I love you. I love you.

I miss you. I miss when we were at school, and I always knew you were safe. Even when you loathed me, I knew you were alive and well in Gryffindor tower.

All my love,

R. A. B.

-*-

Belle,

I solved Satan's mystery book. Cain's Jawbone has never met a more fearsome match than you and I. Than us.

All my love,

R. A. B.

-*-

My love,

I have sent you a necklace from the family vault. You do enjoy layering jewelry, it will go nicely with the constellation I hope still hangs around your neck.

It is not an attempt to buy your forgiveness. I am not entirely sure what I have done. Or did not do. I will begin moving gold from the vault into a new account we may share.

A fund for when we run away from this together.

I want to be with you.

I do not want you killed before my eyes for loving me.

All my love,

R. A. B.

-*-

Annabelle,

I just saw the most idiotic thing. Anthony trying to learn the unicycle. It was shocking, and there was a frog and he crushed him. It was, as you would put it, ribbiting.

All my love,

R. A. B.

-*-

Regulus was flummoxed.

He stood in front of a rather nice townhouse in Bristol. The ring on his finger burning him as Annabelle demanded aid, he had given her an enchanted necklace knowing she would never ask for help, Annabelle was in distress.

He had not felt it burn this intensely when she was when she put herself in mortal danger every other day. There were children riding bicycles on the street, and a nice looking man with newspapers stopping by each house.

The pavement was covered in the chalk drawings of young muggles, and there were two women strolling past one of whom was pushing a bassinet.

It was a nice muggle neighbourhood, and Annabelle was in distress.

Regulus settled on knocking. It was a brass knocker. Heavy.

Annabelle opened the door.

They looked at each other in shock.

"You cannot be here." Were the first words out of her mouth.

"Then by all means lets leave." Said Regulus, he had never seen her like this

Her hair was brown again. And straight. It was held back by a hairband, and she was not wearing any of her many earrings. She wore a respectable jumper. Cable knit and pale blue over a pleated skirt.

She was not wearing any of her rings. Except for his. At least there was some solace in that.

"I can't she'll kill me. Just- I'll write you back your majesty Andy's just been up me arse about bein' with you is all," She said, relief coarsed through him at her crass language.

"Who? Who would kill you?" Said Regulus. "Why are you here? You loathe Bristol. You told me it was London's armpit. And why on Earth are there frog figurines everywhere?" they were scattered over the front lawn.

Regulus was holding her hand. He had been unable to help himself. He had missed her so much, too much.

"My sister loves frogs." Mumbled Annabelle.

"Your sis-"

"Who's at the door, sweetheart?" Called a woman's voice.

"No one, ma'am." Called Annabelle, his ring burned again. "You need to leave. Mum will be so cross with me if she sees you."

Regulus froze. This was her mother's house.

"Annie, supper is nearly on the- who is this?" Asked a woman now standing next to Annabelle.

"Ma, this is Regulus." Said Annabelle, "Regulus this is my mother, Alice." She stepped aside to allow Alice to get a better look at him.

Annabelle's mother was young. She could not be passed her late thirties. He would venture a guess at thirty six or seven. She was incredibly beautiful. There were no two ways around it. There was a cross around her neck. Her skin was nearly flawless save for the lines around her mouth.

Reminded Regulus of his own mother. Saved from the burden of crow's feet by seldom smiling.

Alice had green eyes. And high cheekbones. She assessed Regulus carefully, her eye's lingering on how his hand was still in Annabelle's,

Annabelle quickly pulled her hand away.

"Are you selling something?" Asked Alice. Annabelle rolled her eyes and looked away embarrassment rising like bile to her cheeks.

"No, Madam. I'm Annabelle's," He glanced at the ring on her finger, and then at Annabelle who shook her head briskly. "Boyfriend," she nodded, "From Hogwarts."

"You're a...?"

"Wizard. Yes, Madam." Said Regulus.

"Regulus." She repeated. "I've never heard of you."

Annabelle winced inwardly and a pang of guilt struck Regulus in the gut.

"I won't have you staying for dinner. I made enough for four so that is all there will be." Said Alice.

"Of course, Madam. I would hate to intrude." Said Regulus. "I merely came to see if Annabelle had received my gift."

"Your gift?"

"Yes, Madam. I sent her a necklace."

He cast himself with wealth. Alice looked at the necklace around her daughter's neck. Regulus hoped it would be enough for her to allow him to stay. To be with Annabelle.

They could leave together.

The most horrible thing about meeting her mother was that Regulus recognized her rings. He recognized the pattern's burned into his memory from the bruises on Annabelle's face.

Footsteps thundered down the stairs beyond Regulus' line of vision.

"Sweet baby Jesus in the manger, it's him?" Said Olivia, rushing to the door to get a look at Regulus.

Olivia looked like a smooth version of Annabelle. She was dressed in a similar faux posh get up, wearing the same sweater just in a different colour implying they had been gifts.

"Catch me, I'm gonna faint, Ma," Said Olivia, a massive smile on her face. She looked far more like Alice than Annabelle did. Same green eyes. "Posh boy in the flesh."

Regulus felt bewildered.

"It's a pleasure to meet-"

"Ma, he has to stay for dinner." Said Olivia, grabbing Regulus' arm and pulling him into the foyer.

"I do not know if we hae enough."

"I. Will. Ra. Tion."

"Doll it might not be enough."

"Regulus isn't that hungry anyways." Said Olivia. "Are you lad?"

Regulus shook his head, removing his arm from Olivia's hold carefully and looking to Annabelle.

Annabelle looked pale.

"Rations are wonderful." Said Annabelle with a small nod. She wants you here. Regulus' posture improved at the mere thought.

"That is the spirit." Said Olivia. "And in this house we do so love the holy one." Said Olivia, Annabelle signed the cross as Olivia did prayer hands.

Alice sighed.

"Fine. Fine."

"Alice! Where is my tie?" Called a man from upstairs.

"I'll find it for you, honey." She called. "You musn't tire yourself." Alice mounted the steps quickly.

The burning of his ring lessened when Alice left the room. Regulus put an arm around Annabelle's waist, his thumb running in soft circles on his side. He kissed the her temple as he looked around the foyer.

Olivia appeared, by all definitions, to be losing her shit.

"I have so many questions." She said. "Oh. Wait. Sorry. I'm Olivia. Annie's big sister. You may also know me as her hero and biggest inspiration."

"Olivia," Said Annabelle, "Stop."

"Hush." Said Olivia. Annabelle was bright pink. He had never seen her so efficiently humiliated. It was adorable.

Olivia circled the pair like a shark.

"You are taller than expected."

"Thank you?"

"Shh."

"Let's see the eyes. I've heard a lot about your eyes." Olivia looked at him, eyes narrowed on his.

Olivia gave Annabelle an approving nod. Regulus was relieved, he was fairly certain Olivia's was the only approval he needed from Annabelle's family.

Regulus found respite in the fact Annabelle's family were all muggles. He needn't truly be afraid, or pay much thought to their impressions of him. Just Olivia's.

Regulus' eyes traced the walls for any evidence that Annabelle was a member or had been a member of this household at one point in her life.

All he found was a scorch mark hidden behind a potted plant.

Regulus was surprised at how fussed Olivia was over Annabelle as they sat down to dinner.

It was not in the most obvious ways. Just little things. Serving her before serving herself. Realizing Annabelle was missing a fork, and giving her her own before asking their stepdad to get one from the kitchen.

"Are there any photographs of Annabelle when she was young?" Regulus asked.

"Dad probably has most of them," Said Olivia, Alice stiffened at the foot of the table. "Asked me to send some when he went to prison. He's gettin' out soon."

"Aye." Said Annabelle.

A stony silence followed. Regulus felt he had broached a taboo topic.

"You have a lovely home," Lied Regulus, looking between Ernest and Alice. Ernest was a toad of a man.

Annabelle had told Regulus the reason she had no half siblings was because her mother refused to make Ernest's ugly babies.

"Thank you." Said Alice shortly. "Where do you live?"

"London. For now. My father recently passed I had to get all of his affairs in order."

Annabelle held Regulus' hand beneath the table.

"Tragic." Said Alice flatly.

"Incredibly." Said Annabelle, chancing a fleeting glare at her mother.

"What did your father do?" asked Ernest.

"Primarily he managed the estate." Said Regulus. "In addition to some duties with the wizarding bank and with the ministry."

"You are well off." Said Alice.

"Yes."

"hmm."

'Good or bad?' mouthed Regulus to Annabelle, she shrugged. 'how am I doing?' he asked.

Annabelle looked up before mouthing, 'well, you look beautiful.'

Regulus blushed and looked away from her.

"Olivia, how is Robert?" Asked Ernest, serving himself some mashed.

"We broke up." Said Olivia.

"That's a shame."

"Yeah. It was also a year ago." Said Olivia. "I'm dating a footballer now, you might know him Annie, Matty introduced us."

"Who?"

"George Best."

"Georgie became a footballer?" Said Annabelle, making a face. "Footballers are like professional Quidditch players only better, with great cars." She explained to Regulus quietly. He nodded.

"Yeah. And you know what they say about footballers?" Said Olivia, "They give great... hugs."

"Are you going to marry Annabelle, Regulus?" Asked Alice out of nowhere. Her stare was harsh.

"I have every intention to, Madam." Regulus replied on instinct.

Regulus thought in a few years they would have a proper ceremony. Regulus would invite every single person he had ever wanted to show Annabelle off to.

It was immature. But it was nice to dream.

"You are too young." Said Alice.

"In a few years, Ma." Said Annabelle.

"If you get her pregnant I will have Arthur shoot you."