origami. . . REGULUS BLACK

three.

CHAPTER THREE
The Safe House
January 19th, 1979

          Regulus had been here for almost a week now, he had been allowed to send owls to his mother saying he would be missing at home for a little more time as he was in Scotland. Walburga had sent back a letter, stating she was shocked that he did not say a word but nonetheless wished him to spend a good time, which surprised Mallory. This was a proof that Walburga Black—maybe—wasn't so cruel with her sons and that she loved them, in her own wicked way. Parts of her wondered if he had felt any different by her words, but if he did, she hadn't noticed anything. Regulus was slowly but surely getting along with Gideon more than Fabian, but at least he had someone to talk to; though he did spend a lot of time in the bedroom. Most of their conversations were about Quidditch, even Mallory found herself participating in some of them.

Mallory and the twins had felt rather peaceful these last few days, there hadn't been any Order meetings or missions, it was a relief. Mallory had seen Lily and Alice a few times, she even had the time to catch up with Edgar Bones and his wife, Samira. She had learned that the couple had joined the Order too, apparently Albus Dumbledore had begged them for hours to join as he stated that Edgar was one of the most talented wizard he knew. Sadly, she hadn't seen the others, all of them busy with their lives. All she knew was that Remus had been sent away for a mission and still hadn't returned.

As usual, it was Sunday morning and these mornings were made to be spend in utter silence. Fabian was out, Gideon and Mallory in the living room as they read the Daily Prophet while Regulus was still in his bedroom. Oh, one thing they had learned was that Regulus Black was a late sleeper. Quite like Sirius actually.

"Reckon we should wake him up?" Gideon asked as he looked at the clock, right above Mallory's head. "It is getting late and breakfast is getting cold."

Mallory snorted, "You worry too much about Black, Gid," she answered, folding the paper. "I am sure he is fine, if he's hungry he'll come out," she added as Pen jumped on her lap, asking for pets. "Pen is always begging for pets as soon as I put this bloody newspaper down."

"Because it loves you," Gideon replied. "Have you read what Skeeter wrote in this?"

She let out a sigh, "Rita gets on my nerves, if I stumble upon her, I'll hex her," she muttered. "All her articles are rubbish and full of lies," she said. "Using her stupid pen to write about Voldemort and Death Eaters as though it was silly joke."

"Pen, go wake up Regulus," ordered softly Gideon as the kneazle instantly jumped off her lap and hurried itself to the door. "I love kneazles, they are so intelligent," he said dreamily.

Mallory rolled her eyes with a chuckle, "How is Molly? I haven't heard from her in a while," she queried.

Molly and Mallory shared a close relationship, probably because she had been friends with the twins ever since she stepped foot into Hogwarts. Nevertheless, Molly seemed to really love Mallory.

Gideon smiled, "The twins are coming soon. She's probably too knackered to even send an owl. Besides, there are still Bill, Charlie and Percy to take care of...and with Arthur working at the ministry, I reckon she has a hard time managing it all," he explained with a small smile. "But, I'm sure she will be happy to receive an owl from you."

"You know, you should help your sister more," Mallory started, pouring. "I mean, I feel bad for Molly. We should take them for a night or two, allow Molly and Arthur to have a nice peaceful night," she proposed. "Though, I'm taking care of Charlie."

"It is not because Charlie is your godson that you have to only take care of him!" Argued Gideon.

Mallory smirked, "Is it jealousy that I hear, love?" She teased as he clenched his jaw, letting out a sigh. "I know my godson is your favourite too," she added.