A/N

Hypatia's fingers pressed tightly against Regulus' arm as she looked around the atrium of the Ministry of Magic. The memories of Voldemort possessing her were still startlingly fresh as she was confronted with the place where it had occurred.

"Voldemort is dead," Regulus whispered in her ear.

Her anxiety was obvious through their bond, not that he'd need it to read her body language. She blew out a deep breath, and shook her head once, though her grip remained tight on his arm.

"Besides, the only man allowed inside of you now is me," Regulus whispered in her ear.

Hypatia's eyes blew wide as a giggle burst from her lips. Just the sound of it lifted Regulus' spirits. She swatted at his arm, and he smiled in return. He knew he could draw her out of her spiralling thoughts. Tonks exited the Floo behind them.

"Alright, let's go. Stay together!"

Hypatia nodded. She and Regulus followed Tonks through the lobby. Everyone was staring at them, though some had the good grace to at least try to hide it. She was just glad no one tried to approach them.

People still seemed slightly wary of Regulus, and she was glad for it. She had enough people fawning over her for a lifetime. The golden gates of the lift closed in front of them, leaving the three of them alone.

"I've never seen people so simultaneously in awe, and scared," Tonks laughed.

"Bloody hypocrites. Two months ago it was the official position of the Ministry that I was a liar," Hypatia snorted derisively.

"They don't know what to make of our family," Tonks suggested.

"Good," Regulus finished as the golden gates of the lift slid open.

For too long the happenings of Hypatia's life had belonged to the public. The less they knew about their family, the better. They all deserved privacy after what they had been through. He'd never allow his children's privacy to be invaded thusly.

The hall to the Minister of Magic's office was brightly lit, and private. They passed only two other office's on their way. Hypatia squeezed Regulus' hand at the name on one, 'Percy Weasley, Junior Assistant to the Minister of Magic.' Regulus made a hum of acknowledgement but said nothing. Merlin only knew who was listening.

They turned a corner, and suddenly they were in a large reception area. A small witch in a pretty yellow suit hurried to her feet and curtsied nervously, first to Tonks, and then to Hypatia and Regulus.

"Lord and Lady Potter-Black, it's an honour to meet you. I'm Miss Penelope Clearwater." She tapped her wand on an ornament on her desk, and Hypatia shot her a questioning look. "It calls the Minister's Junior Assistant. He should be here any second."

Percy Weasley came striding out of a room behind the young ladies desk. Hypatia tried not to react, but he looked awful, like he hadn't slept in days. His tight curls had turned into a mess of frizz, and his eyes had dark circles underneath them.

"Lord and Lady Potter-Black, thank you for coming."

"Percy," Hypatia sighed, breaking protocol. This was Percy, one of her best friends' brothers. He looked like hell, and her heart went out to him. Percy could be a prat, but he truly had a heart of gold. Percy looked at her then, and his posture relaxed.

"Hypatia," he greeted tiredly.

"When was the last time you slept?"

"For more than an hour at a time? I don't know. Things have been insane around here. As you're about to find out. I was surprised, but happy to hear about your bonding. Though not quite at the decibel mother's Howler told me about it in."

"What did she expect you to do about it?" Regulus asked.

"I truly have no idea. We haven't talked since. I think she wanted the Ministry to interfere in your bonding. As I told her, there is no interfering in soul bonds. To try is a death sentence."

"I appreciate your level headedness, I know she can be overwhelming."

"Oh you have no idea. Are you ready to go in?"

"Who's in there?" Tonks asked, twirling her wand in hand.

"Moody, Shacklebolt, Headmaster Dumbledore, and Minister Scrimgeour."

Tonks pursed her lips, "Not a bad lot, actually. 'Cept for Dumbles of course."

Percy looked like he was absolutely about to choke at the shortening of the Headmaster's name, but suppressed it. Hypatia turned to thank Miss Clearwater for a kind welcome, and missed the way Percy slipped a piece of paper into Regulus' hand, and the way Regulus slipped it in his pocket to be read when they returned home. Percy gave him a look full of meaning Regulus did not yet understand, before jolting out of it.

"It was lovely to meet you, Lady Potter-Black." Miss Clearwater told Hypatia.

"Okay, now I'm ready."

Hypatia firmly believed it was important to establish good relationships with the secretarial staff of the Ministry. Secretaries saw and heard everything.

Percy led them into a large office. Glass made up an entire wall, looking over the atrium. Dumbledore stood looking out, while Scrigemour sat at his desk, talking to Mad Eye, and Shacklebolt.

When their group entered, all conversation came to an abrupt halt. Scrigemour stood to his feet and hurried to welcome them. He bowed, and Hypatia curtsied, though Regulus only bothered with a shallow bow.

"Lord and Lady Potter-Black, thank you for coming."

"May I ask why a school administrator, for a school no one here attends, is present?" Regulus asked tensley.

Scrimgeour looked between the two men. Dumbledore had an impassive look in his face, but Hypatia didn't buy a moment of it.

"He has the most experience with Voldemort of anyone," Scrigemour said in a panicked tone.

"I would argue that mantle belongs to my wife, since she has now killed him three times, and Dumbledore not once, but we can agree to disagree."

Percy produced extra chairs from his wand. Regulus led Hypatia to one, and took the seat beside her. Tonks stood behind Hypatia with her wand in hand, ready to defend her if the need arose. She knew Regulus would always want her to protect Hypatia first. The others settled into their chairs as well.

"The Death Eater's have all been captured. They are being kept in Azkaban for the time being."

"When will the trials begin?" Hypatia asked.

Dumbledore took it upon himself, "Dear girl, it is known what they did. Trials are not-"

"Trials are necessary," Regulus cut off. "Not only is it the law, but it is the right thing to do. My brother sat in Azkaban for twelve years, completely innocent. We can't allow that to happen again."

"You think some of these men may be innocent?" Scrigemour asked.

"I think it's possible. The Dark Lord has been known to strongarm people into his service. He wasn't above blackmail, or the use of the Imperius. Those that were placed under the Imperius Curse should be placed in St. Mungo's for a time and provided with Mind Healers."

Scrigemour's eyes were piercing as he looked between Hypatia and Regulus. "This will be unpopular with the public. They want this ended, and the reminders of it locked away."

"Healing will be difficult," Regulus acknowledged. "But if you don't do this correctly, you will create a new problem. The families of those locked away unjustly will come for revenge. Wouldn't you, if it were your family?"

Scrigemour didn't answer, but he could see his words getting through to the man.

"We need to talk about how you killed Voldemort," Scrigemour started again.

"Why?" Hypatia asked.

"He's come back before," the Minister answered. "We need to make sure he won't again."

Hypatia cut her eyes to Dumbeldore, who seemed happy to stay quiet. Which, wasn't that just perfect? Keeping his mouth shut as always.

"I don't feel comfortable sharing that information," she said evenly.

"Lady Potter-Black, we really do need to know."

Hypatia narrowed her eyes at him, "No you don't. You're a politician. All you need to know is that it's done. I'll pose for pictures, and play the good little saviour, but I won't explain this to you. If you don't know, you don't need to know."

Tonks snorted. Mad Eye rolled his eyes at her, and she stuck out her tongue at him. Scrigemour turned his eyes to Dumbledore. "You know of what she speaks?"

"I may," Dumbledore acknowledged. "But I agree with Hypatia. You don't need to know."

Hypatia felt rage build in her. How dare he say her name? How dare he act like they were friends? He had used her, her entire life.

Her fingers dug into the arm of her leather chair, leaving indents. Scrigemour looked between them, apparently oblivious to the rage building in Hypatia. Regulus could feel it mounting every second, but he let her continue. She deserved to be heard.

"Some have raised concern about your bonding, and your decision to drop out of Hogwarts." The Minister said evenly.

"And yet no one raises concern for Miss Granger and Heir Malfoy for also dropping out, or the Weasley Twins for flying out of Hogwarts on broomsticks. Tell me Minister, do you think it's a coincidence, or is it possible that these people just want to control me?"

Dumbeldore spoke up then, and Regulus felt Hypatia's rage swell to new levels. "I understand that you're angry Hypatia-"

"I am not angry."

The walls of the Minister's office shook. The glass wall behind the Minister's desk shattered into a million pieces, held in place only by Percy's quick magic.

Regulus thought that he had never seen anything more beautiful than Hypatia out of control. She stood, her beautiful golden magic lashing out from her in little tendrils.

"I am in pain. I am in mourning for countless people that you failed! You sat and waited for a baby to end the threat like a coward. You raised me to die! And now that I've managed to find a way to live you're still trying to control me! You deserve to burn in hell, Albus Dumbledore. I will never set foot on the Hogwarts grounds while you still live!"

The man in question stood to his feet. He made no motion to reach for his wand. He merely nodded his head once and left the office. Hypatia became aware that she was practically hyperventilating. Some of the rage cleared from her mind as the door closed behind him. Her eyes found Regulus, who was beaming at her proudly.

"You look beautiful."

"This is not the time," Tonks admonished as she fixed the glass wall behind the Minister's desk.

Hypatia sat back in her seat, and began to rub her temples. A headache was forming rapidly. She tried her best to ignore it, as she looked up at the Minister, who looked more than a little fearful of her.

"Right. You're legally of age, since you've entered into a Soul Bond. You can do what you wish. Just please don't destroy the Ministry again."

"I liked it," Regulus offered offhandedly. "I'd pay for renovations just to be able to see that again."

The Minister shot him a look of annoyance. Hypatia could see the exhaustion on the Minister's face now.

"I don't understand everything that just happened, but it's clear you've been through a great deal. Dumbledore's influence here is waning, as you can tell. Both you and Lord Potter-Black will receive Order of Merlin's First Class for your service to the wizarding world. We will welcome any involvement you wish to have in the coming days and months."

"I just want to finish my education," Hypatia sighed, "and to spend time with my husband, and friends. I just want to be safe."

"A noble goal for anyone," the Minister assured her. "We will not intervene, despite what Dumbledore seems to think. We would like a chance to take some pictures for the Prophet, is that acceptable to you?"

Hypatia didn't mind the Minister so much now. Perhaps she had scared some sense into him. She liked him much better than Crouch anyways.

"That will be fine."

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

As they exited the Floo at Grimmauld Place several hours later, Regulus pulled the scrap of paper from his pocket, and read it hurriedly.

"What's that?" Hypatia asked.

"Percy slipped it to me when you were talking to Miss Clearwater. Here."

Hypatia gasped and called Dobby.

"Yes Mistress?"

"Please prepare two rooms. It looks like Ginny and Ron will be joining us shortly."

"Yes Mistress. Right away!"

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Ginny and Ron stepped through the Floo at quarter past six in the evening.

"Ron!"

Hypatia and Hermione rushed towards him and pulled him into a group hug. Ginny looked around awkwardly for a moment, unsure of what to do, but then the twins were there, puling her into their arms, and ruffling their hair.

Ron was finally released from Hypatia and Hermione, and smiled sheepishly at Regulus as he shook his hand.

"Thanks for this, mate."

"Of course. You're always welcome here."

Hypatia led them to the dining room. The note Percy had given them had told them simply to expect his younger siblings at six. Hypatia had arranged for dinner to be ready when they arrived, well aware of how hungry Ron always was.

"I didn't know there was a dining room in this house," Ron noted in surprise as they entered the newly redecorated dining room.

Regulus took his seat at the head of the table and was pleased to see Ron take the seat on the other side of Hypatia. "Yes, Sirius hates it. Or hated it. He and Hypatia have been redoing all the rooms. This one was rather depressing before."

Ron looked around at the cream coloured walls and the golden crown moulding. There were white sheers hanging from the extravagant windows. "It looks great, Hypatia. You did a good job."

"Thank you Ron."

Kreacher and Dobby came in, filling the crystal goblets that were always waiting on the table. Ron took a sip of his water, and blew out a deep breath. "Look, I'm sorry Hypatia, but I had to protect Ginny."

Conversation at the table stopped short at Ron's words. Ginny's cheeks blushed a bright red as she looked down at her lap.

"What happened?" Sirius asked.

On one hand, Hypatia wanted to kick Sirius for his lack of tact, on the other, she was just as curious as he was. They had stayed away all summer. Ron got rather pink around the ears as he looked pointedly at a point just pat Hypatia's shoulder.

"I...uh...I came out to my mum as bisexual a few days ago. She didn't take it well. I worried how much worse she would be after the news of Hypatia defeating You Know Who came out. She kinda takes stuff out on us."

Hypatia squeezed Ron's hand gently. She knew he was bisexual. Of course she knew. She was a good friend, and she had eyeballs for Merlin's sake. But until this moment, she didn't even know if Ron had ever accepted it.

"I knew it!" George cheered. "You owe me 5 galleons, Fred!"

Hermione hit them both over the back of their heads.

"Sorry," they chorused.

"I couldn't stay with them after that," Ginny added. "The things she said were terrible. I'm really sorry I didn't see it earlier, Hypatia. It's like she says these awful things, and it hurts, but then she's so nice after. It's hard to reconcile."

"It's okay, Gin. I understand."

"Why does your family even care about your sexuality? It's not like you're the Heir, you don't have to produce children."

Ron's head snapped around so fast Hypatia was surprised he didn't hurt himself. He looked back at her with wide eyes.

"Is that Malfoy? What the bloody hell is he doing here?"

Hypatia giggled happily and patted Ron's hand consolingly. They had a lot to catch up on.

<><><><><><><><><><><><>

They stayed up late into the night catching up.

"I can't believe you actually performed a soul bond ritual while drunk."

"Yes, like you're so perfect." Hypatia scoffed.

Ginny excused herself to go to bed, and Ron watched the way Malfoy's eyes seemed to follow her. As soon as the sitting room door closed behind her, Ron turned his attention on Draco.

"I get that you're all reformed or whatever, but don't think I won't beat your ass if you break my little sister's heart."

"What?" Fred jeered as the colour drained out of Draco's face. "Has ickle Drakey-poo got a crush on our Ginny? Good luck with that mate. She's a tough one."

"You're not gonna warn me off?" Draco asked Fred.

George laughed boisterously, "Absolutely not. Ron's already given you proper warning, and anything else, Ginny can handle herself. That's if she ever deigns to give you a chance, which I wouldn't count on. She's not impressed by money. The only thing you have going for you is that you're not hideous, and you live in the same house."

"Might not even live in the same house much longer," Draco grumbled. "Technically we could return to the Manor once it's been searched by the Aurors."

"But?" Ron asked in curiosity.

Draco shrugged, "It's got a lot of bad memories. The Dark Lord used it for headquarters. He tortured me there. Mother wants to have the entire place renovated before we return."

"Merlin, I don't blame her."

Ron was quickly starting to understand that while Malfoy was a prat, he was very much a product of his environment. He couldn't imagine living in the same house as the Dark Lord. It seemed very difficult to imagine Draco's mother there too. She was a soft spoken, kind woman. At least Draco seemed to have relaxed, making him somewhat tolerable.

"You have to stay anyway," Hermione bossed. "We've already set a curriculum for the school year, and ordered books."

"Can we join you?" Ron asked Hypatia. "I don't want to go back there after what you told me. Not without all of you. It just won't be the same."

Hypatia looked at Regulus. She didn't know the technicalities of the law. Regulus sat down his glass and leaned forward until his forearms rested on his legs.

"We need the permission of one of your parents, or the Heir of your family. Bill will sign off on it, I'm sure. Though he might want to check the curriculum, and make sure Moony is making sure you'll pass your NEWT's."

<><><><><><><><><><><>

Hypatia woke the next morning to the sound of screeching. She and Regulus grabbed their wands and ran down the stairs as fast as they could. They pushed through the people in the hallway to get towards the source of the noise.

Ron was staring down a Howler that was spewing vitriol in Molly Weasley's shrill tone. Ron was in shock. For the first time in memory, Ron was crying. A single tear ran down his cheek as his mother belittled him for not being as good as his brothers, for not being man enough, for running away, the poison went on and on.

"Incendio!"

The Howler burned. Ron stood transfixed by the ash as it fell to the ground. Regulus watched him with concern.

"It's not true," Hypatia assured him.

Ron shook his head and wiped his face with the back of his hand. "Of course not, the fucking psycho. Still, not a nice way to wake up."