Soon enough, it was already the last day of the year. There was a party at James and Lily Potter's house that Valentina was going to attend. Sirius and Remus would be there too obviously. Their best friend Peter Pettigrew was also coming, as well as many acquaintances from Hogwarts. It would be a way to relax in those dark times and it felt much needed. It reminded them of their time at Hogwarts. Except that now they were adults. Lily didn't waste time making her grand announcement as James had had a few drinks already and was about to spill the beans. The great news was that the couple was getting married. When they will get married, it will mark their two year-anniversary.

Even though the party had started so well and that Valentina was spending such a good time, she felt the need to leave. Discreetly, while everyone was dancing or drinking, she apparated to Sirius' place. She didn't drink too much to the point of being unable to apparate at least.

Regulus who was reading a book, lying on the couch, was surprised to see her, especially so early.

"Already back?" he asked while he straightened up in a sitting position.

"Yeah, I thought you might be feeling lonely."

"I was about to sleep anyway. You didn't have to force yourself, you can go back."

"I'm not forcing myself, I really did want to see you," cleared up the girl, smiling at him.

Her gaze was a little hazy as she spoke, making him guess she drank alcohol but she seemed well aware of her words, of her behavior, of the effect she had on him.

"Are you unhappy?" she wondered curiously, slowly approaching her face.

"No, not at all. Will you remember if I tell you I'm actually very happy?"

The girl let out a chuckle at this. "Of course I will! I'm not that drunk and even if I was, I'd still remember. That's cute."

She finished her sentence by pressing a light kiss to his lips. And another one, and another one, until she couldn't stop herself, until he left her out of breathe, until she had enough but, she could never had enough of him, she was sure. She was developing an addiction to him and his lips, it was as simple as that.

They ended up laying side by side on the couch, sharing lazy kisses and offering each other soft caresses.

"I won't be here to take care of you while in Hogwarts so don't hesitate to contact me if there's a problem, if you can update me  on your state or just to say anything. I'll be glad to at least hear a little about you," she whispered in a hushed voice, though there was no need to. Maybe she felt a little embarrassed about such demand.

Her fingers were gently drawing patterns on his cheeks as her eyes were looking deep into his.

"I will, I promise I will."

"Thank you."

She hugged him close and fell asleep by his side, it felt so nice.

"You're already there?" wondered Sirius, in the late morning when he apparated in the middle of the living-room.

"And you're already there too?" she replied back, turning around from her cooking.

"Well, it's my place so. Don't you need to be at yours?"

"Hannah takes care of everything there, I don't worry."

"Wasn't she at a party last night, though?" wondered Sirius as he started munching on the food she was making despite her complaining.

"Hannah? Going to a party? She can't barely get out of her room, so out of the house, unimaginable!" laughed the girl in a mocking way.

"Well, at least you don't have to worry about her not passing her N.E.W.T.S..."

"She's not a Ravenclaw for nothing!"

"Wait, wait! Who's that Hannah you've been talking about?"

"Hannah. My sister! Hannah Kerr. I thought you knew her, aren't you two supposed to share classes?" she wondered, rising her brows interrogatively.

"Well, this name sure does sound familiar..."

"Merlin of course it does! You've shared classes with her for seven freaking years!" exclaimed Valentina turning to him.

"Oh, that makes sense. Oh, wait I get it now. She's a Ravenclaw?"

"Yes, I said it like two seconds ago, thank you for listening," said the girl sighing annoyingly.

"Isn't that a super cold girl? Who keeps breaking boys' hearts and being mean to them?" he wondered hesitantly.

He noticed how Sirius widened his eyes in surprise at the statement before focusing again on Valentina who seemed to be fuming.

"She is not mean! She's only wary because some jerk broke her heart in first year!"

"That does sound familiar too...." murmured Regulus, not being able to look in her eyes any longer.

"Are you serious right now? Do you want me to kick your arse?"

"And you thought Reg had manners."

"Shut up Sirius!" she yelled at him. "You're the one who hurt my little sister when she was too young to know what arseholes are men!"

"This was definitely not my intention..."

"Shut up! Let me finish! You don't even imagine how much she struggles to speak to men now."

"I'm sorry, I will apologize as soon as possible I swear don't be mad, please," muttered the boy.

Sirius chuckled by Valentina's side and he knew it was the end for him. "Sirius... Get out!"

She glared at his back while he left the room.

"I'm really sorry. I couldn't imagine the impact of my words back then, I was a child, and stupid as you can see..." blurt out Regulus, hoping it would ease her nerves.

"I'm not the one you should be apologizing to..."

"Yes. I didn't want to say it in front of Sirius, but I also called her a Mudblood that day. I'm really sorry for disrespecting your sister Valentina."

She wanted to be mad but when she looked at him, he seemed really sincere. He was definitely not the same person as before and there was no need to blame him. What has been done, has been done, he only had to apologize and prove his sincerity to Hannah now.

"You'll really apologize, right?"

"Yes, I promise. I actually feel very guilty, and you're right, I can't imagine how much she's been struggling."

"No, you don't, but thank you... "

Sirius came back later as his stomach was screaming for food. The calm was back and Valentina even offered to comeback tonight for dinner as it was Regulus' last day before going back to Hogwarts. Both boys agreed and she was glad and them too, Regulus because he could spend more time with her and Sirius because he could enjoy her cooking some more.

When she came back later, after some rest and some studying, Remus was back. As she was cooking, he started telling her about his holidays with his family and how fun it was and how he had missed spending time with them. Valentina missed her family dearly but she knew they could so rarely be together. She would pass by after dinner, to say goodbye to her sisters.

Regulus arrived after at around 6pm and both Sirius and Remus didn't miss the look of ravishment that took place on Valentina's face when he made his appearance in the fireplace. He could still not apparate, like the girl said it had only been 2 weeks since the incident.

Regulus' face also did light up when he saw her. Remus and Sirius shared a discreet look, full of confusion nonetheless, as the two others started chatting.

"Valentina?"

"Yes?" answered the girl, turning around from the stove.

"Can I... hm... show you something over there?" spoke Sirius, while directing himself towards the door leading to the corridor.

Though confused, she followed him without a word. He didn't even bother going to his room and confronted her directly in the corridor once the door was closed.

"What's with you and Reg?"

"What? What are you talking about?" she asked, not hiding her confusion.

"I don't know... it's just... you take good care of him and I'm grateful but... it's almost like you take care of him like he's a child."

She crossed her arms over her chest and frowned at him. "I take care of him like a patient."

"No! No you don't! And actually it's really not what I meant... Look I don't want to assume anything but I think the problem is that you in fact almost take care of him like... like you're in love with him..."

Valentina widened her eyes in shock at the statement, she also had a hard time keeping her mouth close. She had really not expected him to say such things.

"That's pure nonsense," she finally said before leaving the corridor, slamming the door shut behind her.

It was silent in the room when she came in and neither Remus or Regulus would look at her.

"Well, that was awkward! Whatever, we should eat."

Remus kept throwing glances at Regulus who wouldn't stop fixing his feet while Valentina started setting the table with her wand. Remus helped her finish before sitting down. Then Sirius came back in the room and they all sat down on one side of the small round table. They ate in silence until Remus decided to compliment Valentina on the food. Regulus and then Sirius joined him in complimenting the meal and it was silent again. But at some point, Valentina couldn't bear the silence anymore.

"Okay, yes, it's true."

The three boys looked up at her when she spoke the words but she wouldn't look at any of them.

"It's true that Regulus and I got closer all this time, but it's not that serious! It's no big deal, okay? Remus, Sirius, just keep that to yourself and this will be fine!"

Sirius huffed loudly and Remus decided to say something instead. "This is not our life, this is you two's personal life and we shouldn't interfere. Whether Sirius is happy with that, it's none of our business, just be careful."

Valentina sent him a grateful look. Remus was always so wise and mature and had the perfect words every time. He smiled gently at her friend in return.

When they finished eating, Valentina and Regulus were left alone. They didn't talk and just kissed so softly. And then they embraced each other.

"Take care of you while you're in Hogwarts."

"I will. Don't overwork yourself and don't stress too much about the mission."

They shared a smile before he left. Valentina sighed and gathered her belongings, also getting ready to leave.

"I'm sorry."

The girl looked up when hearing the voice and she noticed Sirius standing in the door frame.

"Hm."

"It's true what happens between you and my brother is none of my business. But I can't help being worried, especially about you. I don't want you to get in trouble."

"I know it's complicated but... we'll see... and by the way I am not in love with him. I just care a lot about him I guess..."

She felt herself getting embarrassed by the statement while Sirius laughed loudly in reaction.