Hypatia rapped her nails against the long wooden table in the library as they studied. There had been a time when she thought not returning to Hogwarts meant an easier course load. She now knew she was sorely mistaken.

Their work now was more enjoyable and varied, but still hard, and time consuming. At least she got to work alongside Regulus now.

Ron slammed the large book he was reading closed and shoved it away from him. His eyes snapped over to Hypatia. "Can you please stop?! When did your nails even get so long that you can do that?!"

Hypatia held out her hands and looked at the black pointed acrylics. Hermione did the same beside her.

Ron scoffed and rolled his eyes dramatically. "What?! You too, Hermione?! Those things are dangerous! You could take someone's eyes out!"

Regulus nearly choked on his sip of tea. He set down his cup and looked at Ron with a knowing look. "That's rather the point, Ron."

"Our kitten has claws," Fred teased from his position behind a stack of inventory lists. He and Heorge were supposed to be double checking the seasonal reports. Draco and Ginny looked anywhere but at each other, their faces blushing bright red.

"No!" Ron hissed as understanding finally dawned upon him.

"For the...and you scratch...that's gotta hurt...for fuck's sake...my brother's!"

Ron rushed out of the room as those remaining within dissolved into giggles.

"You look tense."

Remus smiled over his shoulder at Sirius. He was just finishing grading the latest lot of essay's.

"I've been grading for hours."

Sirius made his way across the library, to Remus' desk. He sat on the edge, facing Remus. Remus laid a hand on the back of his calf. It was these intimate, soft touches that Sirius treasured the most from Remus. He was never like this with anyone else.

"What did you do today?" Remus asked.

"I went to Gringotts."

"Why?" Remus asked in confusion.

"To look for something, and to put your name on my vaults."

"Can you do that? I mean I'm a werewolf."

"Turns out you can if you have Lord and Lady Potter-Black threaten to close their accounts if they don't let you."

"Well that's handy," Remus sighed.

It may be unfair to use Hypatia's clout, but every time Regulus and Hypatia threw their weight around in this way, it set a precedent. Now'', a werewolf had an account at Gringotts. It gave legal precedent for others to do the same. They were changing things.

"What were you looking for?"

Sirius pulled a chain from inside the pocket of his robes. It had two rings on it. Sirius handed him the chain that Remus instantly recognized from their school days.

"I bought those wedding bands during the Christmas break of our Sixth Year. James told me not to give it to you yet, that it would scare you, but I wore them on that chain around my neck every day."

"It definitely would have scared me," Remus confirmed.

"You were a bit of a flight risk," Sirius joked.

Remus sighed, "Yeah. I guess you're right."

"Would you accept them now? I know you said on Hypatia's birthday that you would marry me, but then there was Voldemort to deal with and the trials..."

"The trials are over," Remus mused as he turned the rings over in his hand. He slipped the rings off the chain, and tried one on for size. It fit perfectly. "I'll accept your ring. But no wedding. I hate people. We can bond in private, and take a vacation over the winter break. How's that sound?"

Sirius jumped off the edge of the desk and into Remus' arms. "Amazing! Really? You'll bond with me? Finally?"

"Yes, you idiot."

Sirius chose to ignore Remus' jibes in favor of kissing him senseless.

"What's wrong, love?"

Regulus looked up from the papers on his desk. He could only summon a weak smile for his wife. She crossed his study, and placed herself on his lap, kissing his cheek softly. She picked up an old copy of the Daily Prophet. The headline dated it to the day after Barty Crouch Jr had received the dementor's kiss.

"I'm sorry Regulus. I know it must be hard to read all this."

Regulus sighed and squeezed her waist, "I know he had to be punished...but to have his soul sucked out?"

"It is truly disgusting," Hypatia sympathized. "Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Not at the moment, love. I think I just need to be alone for a few hours, to read through all of this. It wasn't just him. Most of my generation is gone, and I want to know what happened to them."

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

Hypatia found herself in front of the Granger's home within the hour. Helene and Hector were happy to receive her in their manor.

Hector looked at her piercingly, "What's wrong Hypatia?"

Hypatia fought the urge to fidget with her hands. As Helene had told her many times, it was most unladylike. She composed herself as well as she was able, and raised her eyes to him.

"How do you make someone happy? I mean, I make Regulus happy...I think...but there are times when there's darkness over him. He's lost so much, and I want to make it better."

Helene gave her a sympathetic smile as she squeezed Hector's hand. "Have we ever told you about my mother passing away?"

"No. I mean you've mentioned her, but not her passing."

"I was deeply depressed after her passing. I was very close to her. There would be days that I did not leave bed. Hector would have to bring me food. He had to encourage me to do the most basic of tasks."

"It's hard to imagine you that way," Hypatia admitted.

"It happens to most people at some point," Hector added. "Something I realized during that time is that I could not make Helene happy. Sure, I could make things easier, but I could not cure her depression. I couldn't make her mother come back to life."

"So what did you do?" Hypatia asked.

"I loved her through it," he shrugged. "Both you and Regulus have been through a lot. There will be times, for both of you, when it weighs heavier on your minds. The important thing is to communicate, and give each other what you need to heal if you're able."

Hypatia sighed, "I just wish I could make the hurt go away."

Helene smiled, "You help, I am sure. But some hurts are too deep to be healed so easily. Does having Regulus heal the wound from losing your parents?"

"No," Hypatia acknowledged sadly.

"And so it goes. You and Regulus are well matched. You can understand the darkness within each other. Your love is very clear for all to see. Don't worry my dear. He'll feel better."

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

When Hypatia returned to Grimmauld Place, Regulus was still in his study. Remus and Sirius had joined him, and they were pouring over law books. Well, Remus and Regulus were. Sirius was standing in front of a board that they had pinned newspaper clippings to, looking half crazed.

"What's all this?" Hypatia asked.

"Well we're all depressed as fuck because Dumbles and Riddle killed all our friends."

"Well said," Remus quipped at Sirius as he rolled his eyes.

"So you're making a board like a conspiracy theorist?" Hypatia asked in amusement.

Regulus stood and crossed the room to her, "We are going to reform the Ministry by hook or by crook. Starting with creature rights. When the book about Dumbledore comes out, the public will cry for an official investigation, and Merlin knows what corruption that will turn up."

"And who takes power then?" Hypatia asked. "Nothing good comes from a power vacuum."

"The best of the best. Me, Remus, Shacklebolt, Bones, Tonks, Draco. Draco and I will parlay with the Slytherin's. They're going to have a hard enough time with half of their parents in Azkaban. We don't want them to feel neglected, or disenfranchised. That's when things go wrong."

"You've thought of everything," Hypatia smiled.

"Not everything. That's where you come in."

"Oh?"

"Many Pureblood women do not want to deal with men not related to them, especially not alone. With many of their husbands in Azkaban, many of the ladies of the old families would prefer to speak with you, I am sure."

"Well I suppose I better dust off the good china," Hypatia giggled.

"All the china's dusted," Regulus said in confusion. "We have house elves."

"It's a muggle saying, rich boy!" Remus teased.

"Right. Of course."

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

Hermione sat next to her mother on a settee in an upscale wedding boutique in magical Paris. Hermione was filling the time in between Hypatia trying on wedding gowns by reading the newly released book on Dumbledore.

"Mon dieu," Hermione cursed.

"What is it?" Helene asked.

"He dated Grindelwald, was the mastermind of all his plans, from the sound of it."

"I'm not surprised in the least," Narcissa sniffed from her position on a chair.

"I don't understand why I have to be here," Draco lamented.

"Because we've adopted you as our friend, and you have surprisingly good taste in fashion. Now be quiet and drink champagne like a good boy," Hermione chastised.

"Fine. Bossy swot."

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

Regulus made his way into the backyard. The twins were tinkering with fireworks. Hypatia had insisted on a "no fireworks in the house" rule, and built them an outdoor workshop that sat in the corner of the garden, just to contain their more dangerous experiments.

"How's it going?" Regulus asked as the paused their work.

"Fairly well," Fred smiled. "I think we've finally got this formula right."

Regulus beamed, "That's great. Listen boys, I've been thinking about your wedding."

"Why?" George asked, drawing out the word mischievously.

"Well, more like your wedding present to Hermione. Have you decided on one yet?"

"We have not," Fred answered. "We have a thousand ideas though."

"I'm sure you do, but if I may make a suggestion?"

"We're all ears," they chorused excitedly.

"Build her a library in your new home. It doesn't matter if it's not big. Take an extra bedroom and put shelves all along the walls. I'll even contribute to her new collection. I know we have a fre duplicates floating around up in the library that she'd never find in a shop."

"You'd do that?"

"Absolutely. We have to get you all a present anyways. Hermione and Hypatia's moods are inextricably linked due to their close friendship. A happy Hermione makes Hypatia happy. A cranky Hermione makes for a cranky Hypatia. I'd rather not have a cranky wife."

"Very wise," George noted with mirth.

"Well, glad we've got that sorted out."

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

Hypatia looked out over her wedding reception. She was fairly certain all of the magical world was here, but such was to be expected in a match of their significance. It didn't scare her so much with Regulus at her side.

"What are you thinking?" Regulus whispered in her ear.

"I'm thinking I need another drink," Hypatia whispered back with a giggle.

"I agree."

He motioned for an elf to bring them another round, and Hypatia took it with a smile. "I promise no blood magic this time."

"At least not without me," Regulus teased. "We could always explore sex magic together if you wish."

Hypatia's eyes lit up, "Oh, tell me more about that!"

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

Draco and Ron had formed a tentative friendship over the past two years. Mostly centered around their mutual friendship with Hypatia, and their shared belief that they knew entirely too much about both Hermione and Hypatia's sex life. Their friends had no filter.

Ron handed Draco his second firewhiskey of the night. Somewhere around here was Ginny. She had run off to hug Luna and Neville. Knowing those three they were probably off on some adventure to find Nargles by now. Ron choked on a mouthful of champagne. Draco patted him on the back with his fist, trying to help his future brother-in-law clear his throat.

"Alright Weasley?"

"Uh..."

"For Merlin's sake, speak clearly."

"Who is that?"

Draco followed Ron's line of sight. He laughed derisively, unable to help himself. "How can you not tell?"

"What?" Ron asked. "Who is it?!"

"That's Lord Theo Nott. Same year as us. Slytherin."

"Nott? Really. I remember him as short...and skinny."

The young man across the ballroom was tall, even taller than Ron's impressive 6'3 height, but he bore it well. He was neither so thin as to be called skinny, or too hulking. He was lithe. He had perfectly quaffed black hair, and caramel brown eyes.

"He grew up, Ron. We all have."

"Is he...was he..."

"Gay? A Death Eater? Single?" Draco provided.

Ron only managed a nervous nod. Draco continued, "Yes, no, and maybe. He escaped to Italy with the Zabini's during the war. I don't know if they're still together or not."

Not a second later Heir Blaise Zabini danced by with Heiress Greengrass in his arms, entirely too close to be platonic. Draco nudged Ron gently, "There's your answer."

"Fuck it. MIght as well try."

Ron shot back the rest of his champagne in a way that made Draco physically cringe, set down his champagne flute on a table, and made his way across the ballroom. Ginny took his place beside Draco as he walked away. She wrapped her arms around him from behind.

"What's he doing?"

"He's going to hit on Theo."

"No, really?"

"Really."

Ginny smiled, "That's amazing."

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

Regulus turned and left the Wizengamot chambers. Tonks walked behind him. The hours were long lately, as they negotiated creatures rights legislation. The older generation could prove a hindrance, but the younger folks were easily persuaded to his way of thinking.

Regulus was yanked into an alcove covered by a tapestry. Tonks smiled as she made her way to the lifts. Hyaptia had already told her about her rather nefarious plans for today and she wasn't worried.

"What in Merlin's name-"

Hypatia smiled wickedly up at Regulus in the dim light of the alcove. The anger drained out of him at the sight of her. He slid his hands over the small of her waist and down to her ass. "What are you doing here?"

"I took my NEWT's this morning."

"I thought that wasn't until next week."

"I wanted to surprise you."

"You certainly have."

Regulus turned his head, and listened for a moment to make sure there wasn't anyone lingering in the hallway. He heard only the distant sound of people heading towards the lifts.

"Daddy," Hypatia whispered as she pressed herself against him. "I think I deserve a reward for taking my NEWT's."

Regulus turned his eyes back to Hypatia. She was wearing a sinfully short black dress. She was wearing those heels, the ones from her sixteenth birthday, that she wore when she particularly wanted to be railed against the nearest surface. Not that he ever objected.

"Oh. Do you now?"

"Uh-huh," she nodded. "I was such a good girl."

"I'll be the one to decide that."

Regulus grabbed her waist and lifted her, pinning her against the wall with his body. Hyaptia wrapped her legs around him and rolled her hips until her clit brushed against his hardness. A moan fell from her lips that Regulus stifled with a hand over her mouth. '

"You have to be quiet, love. We wouldn't want anyone to hear us. Would we?"

Hyaptia whimpered quietly as she rolled her hips against Regulus' hardness once again. He raised one eyebrow at her, stern even as she drove him crazy. He lifted his hand the tiniest bit.

"I'll be quiet. I swear."

"Sure you will."

Regulus' hand drifted down her body as he kissed her neck. Hypatia was lost to sensation, her head thrown back, and one hand splayed over her face. Regulus pulled back as his hand found her soaking core uncovered.

"Did you forget something today?"

"Maybe," Hypatia whispered mischievously. "You were already at the Ministry when I got dressed. I need your help."

Regulus shook his head, "That much is clear."

Hypatia's retort was cut short by Regulus fingers circling her clit, finally giving her the friction she had been dreaming of all morning. Sure, she could have pleasured herself, but it was nothing compared to what Regulus did. It was practically pointless in comparison.

"Did you think about this all through your NEWT's? How you wanted Daddy to fuck you agaisnt the wall of the Ministry?"

"Yes. Yes please. I need you."

Regulus sank his fingers into Hypatia's warmth, enjoying the look on her face. It wasn't enough. He could tell that. She wouldn't be happy until he was sunk into the hilt.

"I'm not going to use the charm, Hypatia."

It was a statement, but he waited all the same, giving her a chance to object. He'd never force a child on her. They had waited, as Hermione asked. They were married, they had traveled, Hypatia had taken her NEWT's, and now he wanted nothing more than to fill her with his child.

"Don't. Please don't."

"Fuck."

Regulus pulled at his belt, and entered her in one swift movement. His hands dug harshly into her soft skin. She was everything, everything, everything, and she surrounded him at every point. Her love and desire flooded his mind through their bond, blurring with his own. It was all too much.

"I'm not gonna last long," Regulus warned. "Want this too bad."

Regulus fingers dug into her hips as he thrusted into her. He could tell she was close, but she wasn't quite there yet. He'd be damned if she didn't finish around his cock. He needed it like he needed air. He ran a hand up between her breasts until it rested around her throat. Hypatia's eyes rolled back in her head at the sensation of his cold rings against her heated flesh.

"You look so fucking perfect taking my cock. So pretty with my hand around your throat. Want me to cum inside of you?" Hypatia nodded as well as she was able with a hand around her throat. "Then cum baby girl. Give me an Heir."