The halls of the Ministry of Magic were bustling with activity. Wizards and witches in official robes hurried through the corridors, carrying stacks of parchment, exchanging urgent whispers about international treaties, or preparing for court hearings. Three years had passed since the defeat of Voldemort, and while peace had returned to the wizarding world, the work to rebuild it had only just begun.
Y/N walked purposefully through the Ministry, her Hufflepuff scarf loosely hanging around her neck, despite having graduated two years ago. It was a symbol of pride she still carried with her, a reminder of who she was and the people she had grown up with.
She worked with a team in the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, helping trace down rogue Death Eaters and ensuring that no remnants of Voldemort's influence would ever take root again. The wizarding world was fragile, but thanks to people like her, it was slowly mending.
As she approached the lift, a familiar voice called out to her.
"Y/N!"
She turned to see Sirius Black striding toward her, his long black coat billowing behind him. Despite everything that had happened between them and the years they had been at odds, Sirius and Regulus had reconciled after the war, with much of that credit going to Y/N. Now, the brothers shared a deep bond that neither of them had expected but both had come to rely on.
"Sirius," Y/N greeted him with a smile. "What brings you to the Ministry today?"
"I'm here for a meeting with Kingsley," Sirius explained, referring to the current Minister of Magic. "Trying to talk some sense into the Wizengamot about the new Auror recruitment standards. They're lowering them, and it's going to be a nightmare out in the field if they do."
Y/N chuckled. "Still causing trouble, I see."
"You know me," Sirius said with a wink. "Always in the thick of it."
Y/N's eyes softened at the sight of him. In the years since the war, Sirius had been working tirelessly to help rebuild the Auror department, along with Remus and James. It was a way for him to atone for the years he had spent in Azkaban, and though he still carried some of the weight of that time, he had found peace in the work.
Speaking of James, she caught sight of him in the distance, talking with Arthur Weasley near the Ministry's fireplace. She smiled, knowing how far they had all come from those carefree school days when the biggest worry had been Quidditch matches and prank wars.
"I'll see you around, Sirius," Y/N said, excusing herself as she stepped into the lift. "Give Regulus my love, won't you?"
Sirius grinned. "Always. Take care, Y/N."
As the doors of the lift closed, Y/N allowed herself a moment to think about Regulus. Their lives had taken different paths after the war—he had chosen to dedicate himself to the research and restoration of magical artifacts, a field that allowed him to stay away from the public eye while making a significant difference. It was perfect for someone like him, who still preferred the quiet to the spotlight.
Their relationship had only grown stronger over the years, despite the pressures of their individual careers. They had built a life together, full of moments of laughter, love, and healing. And despite everything they had been through, Y/N knew without a doubt that she had found her home with Regulus.
The lift arrived at the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Y/N stepped out, heading toward her office. But as she rounded the corner, she was stopped in her tracks by the sight of Regulus himself, waiting for her outside her door.
"Regulus?" she said, surprise and joy lighting up her face. "What are you doing here?"
He smiled softly, his grey eyes warm as he approached her. "I thought I'd surprise you. It's been too long since we've had time together."
Y/N's heart fluttered as she wrapped her arms around him, taking in the familiar scent of him, the warmth that always made her feel safe. "You're right," she said, pulling back just enough to look into his eyes. "I've missed you."
Regulus cupped her face gently, brushing a thumb across her cheek. "I've missed you too. Come with me?"
Y/N raised an eyebrow. "Where?"
Regulus gave her that secretive smile that always made her heart race. "You'll see."
They arrived at a small, secluded cottage hidden away in the Scottish countryside. The air was crisp, the smell of pine trees and fresh earth filling Y/N's senses as she stepped out of the enchanted carriage Regulus had brought her in.
"How did you—?" she began, but Regulus cut her off with a soft laugh.
"I've had this place in mind for a while," he admitted, taking her hand and leading her toward the cozy cottage. "I thought we deserved a bit of time away from the world. Just the two of us."
Y/N smiled, her heart swelling with love and gratitude. Despite the war, despite the challenges they had faced, Regulus had always made her feel like she was the center of his universe. And now, standing here with him, surrounded by the beauty of nature, she felt more at peace than she had in years.
As they entered the cottage, Y/N gasped softly at the sight inside. The living room was lit with soft, golden candlelight, and the scent of freshly baked bread wafted through the air. A fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow over the room.
"You did all this?" she asked, turning to Regulus with wide eyes.
He shrugged, a shy smile playing on his lips. "I had a bit of help. But yes. I wanted it to be perfect."
Y/N shook her head, laughing softly as she pulled him into a tight embrace. "It's more than perfect, Regulus. It's everything."
They spent the rest of the evening curled up together by the fire, talking about the past, the future, and everything in between. Regulus told her about his latest research into magical artifacts, while Y/N shared stories of her work at the Ministry. It was peaceful, easy, like they were the only two people in the world.
As the night wore on and the stars appeared in the sky, Y/N found herself thinking back to the day they had first met on the Hogwarts Express. She had never imagined that the mysterious, brooding Slytherin boy would one day become the person she loved most in the world. But here they were, three years later, and she couldn't imagine her life without him.
"I love you," she whispered, resting her head against his chest as they lay together on the couch.
Regulus pressed a kiss to the top of her head, his arms wrapped securely around her. "I love you too, Y/N. Always."
And in that moment, surrounded by the quiet beauty of the night, they knew that whatever came next—whether it be new challenges, new adventures, or simply the peaceful life they had built together—they would face it side by side, just as they always had.
