For Anna.

Word Count: 1013


"Did it ever occur to you," Regulus grumbles, shivering as he treks through the snow, following behind Marlene, "that we could get caught and end up in detention until summer?"

His girlfriend snorts. She turns, an amused smile on her lips, but she doesn't stop. Her pace quickens, and Regulus wonders how she doesn't fall over. "Did you know you're a lot less daring than your brother?" she teases.

Regulus knows she doesn't mean anything by it, but he can't help but wince. Of course Sirius is braver. He's a Gryffindor, after all, and Regulus is not. Still, he smiles. "Daring enough to enter into a forbidden relationship," he says.

It isn't quite so dramatic. Forbidden isn't the right word for them. Their Houses are rivals, but that's it.

Except it really isn't. Regulus knows where his path will take him. Like Bellatrix, he will receive the Dark Mark. Marlene is too good and kind for that. One day, when they are out of this castle, they will be on opposing sides. Enemies and nothing more.

He shakes his head. Thinking about that won't do any good. All it will do is spoil the moment at hand.

Once they reach the frozen lake, Marlene mutters a spell, transfiguring her trainers into ice skates. She does the same for Regulus. He considers reminding her that he doesn't actually like ice skating, but there isn't really a point. He would never deny her this or anything.

And so he lets her slide her hand into his and pull him onto the ice. Regulus' movements are shaky, not nearly as graceful as hers. He is meant to fly, not skate.

"Remember, if you break anything, you have to be the one to explain it to Pomfrey," she says in a sing-song voice, releasing his hand and skating ahead of him.

Regulus rolls his eyes, but he can't fight the smile that tugs at his lips. "You'll have to be the one to escort me to the hospital wing," he points out. He wobbles as he moves, trying to swallow down his nerves. He has never cared much for ice skating, but if Marlene is happy, then so is he. "Unless you just plan to leave me out here to freeze."

Marlene turns, skating backwards. Regulus doesn't know how she does it; if he tried, he would undoubtedly bust his ass. She makes it look so easy. "Hmmm… That's an idea," she chuckles. "I don't suppose you've left me in your will, have you?"

Regulus rolls his eyes. "You're hilarious."

His girlfriend beams at that, turning again. "I'll take that as a no. How disappointing, Reg."

Regulus doesn't know how long they're on the ice, only that his legs eventually begin to ache. Marlene guides him along, changing their skates back into trainers before setting up a little area for a snowy picnic. Regulus watches in amusement. In the back of his mind, he wonders how she could have managed such a perfect thing, and she is so bold in breaking curfew, like rules mean nothing to her. It's just another reason for him to love her. She is his polar opposite, so bold and courageous. Sometimes he wonders if she might be a better match for Sirius.

Marlene pats a spot beside her on the blanket, quietly urging him forward. Regulus sits next to her, grey eyes turning toward the clear night sky. Overhead, stars twinkle and shine, and he is suddenly so very aware of exactly how perfect this moment is. He wishes he could freeze the moment or find a way to bottle this feeling and preserve it forever.

"You're quiet," Marlene muses, gently nudging him with her elbow. "Knut for your thoughts?"

Regulus considers brushing it off and avoiding the question. That doesn't feel right, though. Still, he isn't sure how to explain the things he feels.

Marlene pulls out a bottle of pumpkin juice, taking a sip. Of course she raided the kitchen. It was such a Marlene thing to do. He wouldn't be surprised if she had found a way to befriend the house-elves in the process.

"You've got an actual feast, huh?"

She looks up at him, grinning. "Don't change the subject," she says, though she confirms his suspicion by pulling out sandwiches and fruit and cake. "What are you thinking about?"

He doesn't know where the words come from. Maybe it's something he's always felt but has never voiced. They feel so natural as they fall from his lips. "You're the best thing that's ever happened to me," he whispers, plucking a strawberry from the bowl, "and I'm not giving that up."

It's like a weight has lifted with the admission. He can feel something change, some newly found sense of freedom. Maybe there is hope for him. Maybe he doesn't have to follow the rules his parents have set for him.

He can't help but laugh at the sudden lightness that overtakes his body. He is in control of his destiny; for the first time in his life, he actually feels free.

"Don't worry," she says. She moves closer, resting her head on his shoulder. "I'm not going anywhere."

How could he have ever considered giving this up? He and Marlene are meant to be, a perfect match despite their differences.

She turns so that her lips brush against his. Regulus pulls her closer, deepening the kiss and smiling into it. It really is such a glorious, perfect moment, and he wonders how he ever got so lucky.

"I think I might actually be the happiest bloke alive," he tells her.

And he means it with every fiber of his being. All it takes is one look from Marlene, and everything feels right in the world. He can feel himself changing for the better, and it's all thanks to her.

"We should probably sneak back inside soon," she murmurs. "I'm starting to get a bit cold."

Regulus wraps an arm around her, holding her close. "Soon," he says.

He just wants to hold on for a little longer.