Persephone POV

August 14, 1995

It's been a full week since the Regulus rescue mission, and I can tell everyone is getting stir crazy being confined to the property.

A knock sounds at the front door a little after nine. Sirius ushers in a large group of people. "Kids, Madame Bones has sent some Aurors to help defend you in Diagon," Sirius says. Harry, Draco and Theo all open their months to argue, but Siri cuts them off. "Do you honestly think it's a good idea to take a ressurrected Death Eater, the Boy Who Lived and Lady Slytherin to the Alley without sufficient back up? You three are that bastard's biggest targets, and no matter how well you can handle yourselves, I'm still going to protect you. I failed two of you once already, it won't happen again!"

Dennis, Reggie and I walk into The Magical Menagerie, followed by Dora Tonks and Charlie Weasley. Dennis immediately walks up to the cages, talking to the different animals, but never lingering on one very long.

Charlie and Dora stand in a back corner, giving us distance while still being close enough to help should it be needed. From the way they're leaning in to speak, I can only assume something is going on there.

I'm startled out of my thoughts when Dennis taps my arm. "Mama Sef, I think I found him." I follow him over to a little kitten. The shop owner says he is full grown, just small. "Do you like her?"

"Dennis, I think she's adorable. Do you like her?" He nods, excitedly. "Then let's go pay the adoption fee and get some food and toys."

Regulus follows us to the counter, carrying a snake. When I ask him why, he just says he'll explain at home. After we cash out, we meet up with the other guys at the Quidditch Supply Shop, where Sirius is buying replacement gear for the school athletes in our group.

"Hey, Reg, you played right?" Draco asks. When Reggie answers the affirmative, Draco asks, "What position? I'm Captain this year, and we need four more players?"

"I was a Seeker, but that's your position. I wouldn't mind playing again, though," Regulus replies.

"I tried out for Chaser, anyway. If you can beat me at try outs, the Seeker position is yours."

After all our supplies have been gathered, we're getting ready to apparate away when Regulus stops me. Dora and Charlie stay behind with us, as everyone else goes home.

"So a double date?" Charlie asks, slipping his arm around Dora. Regulus nods, leading us to a bakery just off Knockturn Alley. The building exterior looks run down, but inside the restaurant is nice. The light blue walls are inviting, and the room smells like cinnamon and vanilla. The four of us slide into a booth, deciding what to eat, before the guys go up to order.

"So how long have you two been together?" I ask my cousin.

"Off and on since our fifth year. How long have you and Reggie been dating?" She asks in return.

"Uh... I'm honestly not sure. Do we count the first time he called me a pet name? When he gave me the betrothal necklace? The first time I said I loved him?"

Regulus cuts me off, softly saying, "You haven't told me you love me." I haven't, not in a way he would understand.

"But I have," I hiss in answer. "Not my fault you don't understand." A grin spreads across his face.

"Fair enough," he agrees. "Doesn't mean I know when that was, though. I would say go with the pet name, but I have a few for you, Korre."

"Okay, so when did you first call her that? Korre, I mean?" Dora asks.

Together we answer, "The day we met: June 25, 1994."

The two look surprised by our confession, but shake it off.

As we're getting ready to leave, a Ravenclaw in my year walks in. "Hey, Sampson. I have a favor."

"Oh, hey, Gaunt. What is it I can help with?" Samantha Sampson asks, cordially.

"The new defense teacher is doing theory only this year. Would you mind telling any Claw that wants practical help to come to one of the House members?" She seems appalled at the 'teacher's approach and promises to pass the message. Between her and Luna, the Birds will flock to us quickly. The Chuckle Twins, Creevey boys and Harry can tell the Gryffs, while the rest of us handle the snakes, leaving just the Puffs. I'll talk to a few seventh years on the train.

This year is going to be hectic, but we'll make it through. Our family always perseveres.