Chapter Text
"Mum? Ma!"
Regina is out of bed and standing in the hallway before she's even fully realized what happened. She has her wand in her hand and Emma by her side - also holding her wand - both at the ready. "Henry?"
"It's Harry," he says, looking too awake for what time it surely must be. "He's dreaming."
Regina moves quickly around him and into Harry's room, sitting beside him on the bed. She brushes hair away from his forehead, careful to avoid his scar (like usual - it's given him grief for years now). "Harry? Harry, dear, wake up." She rubs her hand over his sleep shirt gently.
He doesn't wake.
"Harry?" She shakes him gently again. Still nothing. She looks nervously at Emma, who stands in the doorway with Henry and Hope tucked under her arms. Regina looks back down at Harry and regrettably touches his scar.
He wakes with a gasp, sitting upright in his bed.
"Harry?"
He says nothing, reaching over to his nightstand for his glasses and jumps out of bed. "Ow," he groans, pressing his hand against his scar. He moves over to look at himself in the mirror. "You're Harry Potter," he whispers to himself.
Regina and Emma share another nervous look. "Harry?"
He squeezes his eyes shut tightly and places both of his palms on each of his temples. "I knew them. Well, one I didn't..." They watch as he draws his eyebrows down toward his nose. "It was a dark room," he whispers, talking to no one but himself. "There was a snake on a rug. Peter...Wormtail! He was there!"
Regina looks up at Emma - no one but the aurors knew Peter had escaped. This wouldn't be shared until tomorrow's Prophet. Regina feels sick and Emma looks as though she's seen a ghost.
It was someone at the ministry that released Peter. Regina had checked the spellwork on his cell herself shortly after they returned from Hogwarts. He could not have escaped himself.
Harry continues whispering, "The other voice - cold, but high-pitched?" He shivers, "That was Voldemort."
Hope gasps, covering her mouth and Emma quickly pulls her into her side - shushing her softly.
Harry bends in half, "I swear I saw him." He winces.
Regina stands from the bed and steps toward him, but she doesn't close the distance entirely. She's not sure if he's still dreaming. "Harry?"
He turns away from her, "I saw him. I know I did! But I can't-"
"Harry, Love, breathe," Regina tells him softly, taking another small step toward him.
He moves his hands to cover his eyes, "I know I saw him," he whispers. "He spun in her chair and-" He pauses. "And then...UGH!" He shakes his head, "There was another man. He fell. No, a man died," he corrects. "They were talking. At first," he explains. "They were talking about killing someone." Harry pauses, "No." He drops his hands and looks at Regina with resignation, "They were talking about killing me."
Regina says nothing, only opening her arms to him. And thankfully, Harry walks into them, wrapping himself around her like - well, like he did when he was small. She pulls him closer and her heart breaks when she realizes she can barely rest her cheek on the top of his head - he's had another growth spurt.
But right now, he's her scared little boy - not a fourteen-year-old wizard. "It's alright, dear. You're here. With us," she promises, rubbing her hand up and down his back, just like she used to when he was younger.
Harry turns his head so his temple rests on her shoulder, whispering (so softly, Regina can hardly hear him), "Peter escaped?"
She sighs, "Yes. We found out after you'd gone to bed." It's not a lie, Emma was called away during dinner but she didn't return from the ministry to tell Regina until after the children had fallen asleep.
He takes a deep breath before asking, "Do you think he's close?"
Regina is quick to shake her head. Yes, the last time Harry's scar hurt like this, it was because Tom Riddle was nearby. But that's doubtful when they're home. "Not here, my heart. We've set magic trackers for miles and miles in any direction. If that monster was even remotely nearby, I would know."
Harry nods slightly and sniffles. "Okay," he says softly.
She hugs him tighter and kisses his temple, "You're safe here, Love. You're here with us."
He nods again and smiles up at her.
"Uhhh, Kid?"
They both look over at Emma, holding Henry and Hope under her arms, and see Hedwig slithering slowly toward them.
He giggles as all three watch the snake nervously. "She's just cold," he promises. He steps forward and lifts her up until she curls around his shoulders. "She thinks Hope's dressing gown looks soft and warm."
Hope blinks, "It..is?" She looks from Regina back to Harry nervously, "Does...does she want it?"
Harry smiles, "Would you share it with her?"
Regina watches Hope contemplate the offer and sees when Hope decides to be brave. Gryffindor. She watches Hope nod and step closer to Harry. Harry lifts his arm and Hedwig glides slowly across his arm to Hope's shoulder. She moves down and curls herself into Hope's pocket.
"Oh," she looks up, surprised. Regina smiles at the interaction.
Emma looks away from the now-hidden snake and over at Harry, "You alright, Kiddo?"
He sighs, "Yeah, Ma. I think so."
Henry runs a hand through his hair, his fingers sticking in the tangles from his bedhead. "Sooooo, breakfast?" He pats his stomach and adds, "I'm thinking waffles."
Emma snorts, "It's four in the morning." But she's amused.
He shrugs, "Is there a better time?"
Harry nods his agreement, "Waffles sound good."
Hope looks between them and Regina sees the gleam in her eye.
Well, that's settled. "Then, let's make waffles," she tells him, smiling softly and she looks at her family standing before her - all crammed into the doorway.
"Sweet! I want berries," Harry proclaims.
"No way. Chocolate," Henry counters.
They turn to Hope expectantly. "Oh, uh...I like honey, I suppose."
The boys look at her confused. "I do too," Regina adds into the silence. "It's the way my aunt always took her waffles," she explains. She motions for them all to move out of Harry's bedroom doorway and toward the kitchen.
She makes them waffles - at four in the morning - after they're all awake due to Harry's nightmare. Regina makes everyone waffles and Emma carries toppings to the kids. Regina flicks her wrist and a knife begins chopping strawberries.
"Woah," Hope whispers.
Regina shoots her a wink and turns back to the waffles.
Emma sets a piece of chocolate in front of each kid. "Eat up."
"Ma," Harry groans. "It was just a nightmare, not a dementor."
She gasps, lifting a hand to her chest and fakes a stagger into the tabletop, "You're questioning the magic of chocolate? At four in the morning?" She sighs, shaking her head sadly, "Where did we go wrong, Gi?"
Henry giggles, "You're way too dramatic at four in the morning, Ma."
She grins and ruffles his bedhead.
"Ma!" He ducks away from her hand and tries to brush it back down with his hands.
Regina floats over plates with waffles and everyone settles in to eat. She sits beside Emma and squeezes her knee beneath the table.
"Right," Emma says with a sigh. "Since we're all awake and probably not going to sleep again, I guess now's as good a time as any." She takes a deep breath, "I was called to the ministry earlier because Peter escaped."
All three children look up, shocked.
Regina's heart breaks - they're all so young. And now this is hanging over their heads. Again. "You're all safe," she hurries to promise.
"But someone at the ministry did help him escape."
"Who?"
"We're not sure," Emma says. "But we're checking. And we'll find Peter and whoever helped him."
"I can't believe he got away again," Henry whispers.
Neither can Regina. Back at Hogwarts, Peter was never terribly bright, nor terribly clever, or even very powerful. Yet somehow, he hid in plain sight for over a decade and has escaped auror custody twice?
It's very strange.
Something settles at the base of Regina's spine. An odd feeling that she's missing something. She's interrupted when Harry asks, "Does this mean we can't go to the World Cup?"
"Oh, no way, Kid," Emma promises. "This idiot is not going to mess with us watching Ireland win the cup."
"We'll be in the minister's box and-"
"We'll be surrounded by aurors," Emma interrupts Regina.
"Will Auntie Z be there?"
"Of course," Regina promises.
"Oh, good," Henry agrees.
Emma scoffs, "Surrounded by aurors, yet only your crazy aunt matters."
Henry grins, "Between you and mom, and then Auntie Z and Aunt Cissa? No one has ever been safer."
Regina smiles at him and Emma sighs, "Yeah, alright," she reluctantly agrees.
"Have you all finished packing?" Regina asks before taking a bite of her waffles.
All three children look sheepish.
Her lips quirk in a small smile, "Well, you have time today, but don't forget we leave tomorrow. I expect you to be ready by tonight."
They all nod and continue to eat in silence for a moment. Until Henry sets down his fork and looks over at Hope.
"Time for a pop quiz."
Regina raises an eyebrow but watches as Hope sits up straighter, setting her own fork down delicately and looking back at Henry expectantly.
"Auntie Z?"
"Zelena Black. The eldest sister of Regina, Sirius, and Regulus Black. She likes to cause trouble and start fires. She travels the continent studying creatures and has written several books on magizoology."
"Good," Henry nods. "Uncle Moony?"
"Remus Lupin. Our old Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. He's very kind. Always has chocolate with him. You call him Moony but we don't tell anyone the real reason. We always make something up because wizards don't like werewolves. He and Sirius also like to cause trouble, but it's usually not as dangerous as Zelena."
He nods again, "And who is Uncle Siri?"
"Younger brother of Zelena and Regina. Recently exonerated on all charges related to the deaths of his friends, Harry's parents."
Both boys nod. Emma and Regina share a confused look.
"Aunt Cissa?"
"Narcissa Malfoy née Black, the youngest Black cousin. A potioneer. "Don't ask about her roses, I'm not sure why though."
Regina chuckles at that.
This continues - Lucius, Draco, Andromeda, Tonks, Hagrid, Minerva, Ruby, and Granny are all reviewed and Hope gives basic information on all of them.
Tonks - their cousin. She can change her features to look like anyone.
Aunt Minnie - Professor McGonagall. "She's not family by blood but we trust her implicitly."
Regina smiles softly at that.
Hagrid - the Care of Magical Creatures professor. The Hogwarts groundskeeper. Kindly. Always has animals. "We can trust him with anything. Don't eat his cooking though."
The boys nod along. "Very good," Henry praises. "Now for the crash course. When you don't know someone, how do you introduce yourself?"
"Hi, I'm Fred."
Emma laughs. Henry agrees and continues, "Who do we never make a deal with?"
"Zelena."
"Good."
Harry jumps in, "Never make a bet with?"
"Professor McGonagall."
"Never assume you have the upper hand against..."
Hope pauses, "Uhhh, is that a trick question?"
Regina grins along with Henry, "Sort of," he offers. "We would have accepted any of the Black witches, but definitely Aunt Cissa. She always has the upper hand."
"She has an entire web of spies and they see everything," Harry adds. Regina looks at him, surprised, and he drops his head shyly, "Well, it's the only thing that makes sense. How else would she know everything all of the time?"
Regina smirks, "Very good. All of you. Terribly clever. But be sure to keep these debriefings to yourselves."
"We wouldn't want to give anything away," Hope tells her.
"Exactly," Regina says with a proud smile.
"Oh, Regina, what have you done?" Emma groans.
The kids giggle and Regina sends her a wink.
"And last, but not least," Henry adds, "We don't trust anything said by...?"
"Dumbledore."
"Henry!" Regina gasps.
"Actually, that's the best one," Emma agrees with Henry.
"I'm not sure why," Hope confesses quietly.
"We're Blacks," Henry explains. "We approach anyone in a position of power with a healthy dose of skepticism."
"And you're one of us," Harry adds quickly. "We always have a united front. Once he realizes you're with us, he'll try to sway you. But if you know what to watch for, you'll know when he's lying or not."
"Because of the legilimency?"
Harry nods and looks over at his mum, "What?" He shrugs, "I gave her my occlumency book; it can't hurt anything."
Regina shakes her head, but her eyes are soft. She sends them back to bed with their bellies full and their eyes tired (and hopefully their minds calm). But she is wide awake.
"Regiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiinaaaaaaaaaaaaaa," Emma whines, "Come back to bed."
"I'm going to check the wards, darling."
Emma groans, "He's not here, Gi."
"I'd feel better all the same," Regina promises. She looks at Emma and smiles, taking her hand and squeezing, Stay with the children. I won't be long."
"I'll come with you," Emma counters.
Regina shakes her head, "Stay here. The moment news of Peter breaks, everyone will be here and I don't want them waking the children."
Emma sighs and Regina kisses her before snapping her fingers to change into a pair of trousers and a soft jumper. She steps into the surprising cool morning air and breathes deeply, walking until she stops outside the shed to retrieve a broom. She easily lifts into the sky and begins her surveillance.
Regina checks each ward as she flies along the property line, checking for any weaknesses (and finding none). She also reinforces the spells on each totem throughout the property.
She returns to the house after two hours - although checking the wards did not take that entire time. She did spend the last bit racing her broom at full speed.
She places the broom back in the shed and walks back inside, windswept and in need of coffee.
Emma smiles at her, handing her a mug.
"Thank you," Regina says, returning the smile. She leans against the counter facing Emma, "Anyone arrive?"
Emma shakes her head, "No Prophet yet. But I'll have to leave soon to get Hermione and the Creevey boys."
Regina nods and reminds, "Minerva will bring Neville after she shares the secret and Molly wrote yesterday to say they'd be here for dinner, but they'll be taking a portkey over at Stoatshead Hill."
Emma nods, finishing her own coffee before excusing herself to get dressed while they wait for The Prophet to arrive. And all hell to break loose.
Sirius, Remus, and Minerva are the first to arrive. They debrief about Peter before the children wake.
Regina receives a letter from Narcissa shortly thereafter, checking in and telling her what time their own portkey arrives tomorrow.
The children eventually wake and make their way downstairs, requesting Second Breakfast and excitedly recount their 4 am waffles.
There are lots of giggles - mostly around the excitement for the World Cup. They've been prepping Hope for weeks. Explaining all the things about quidditch they can think of so she understands the games and doesn't feel left out. Although she's not as excited as the boys, she still tries to keep up and Regina can see how happy she is to be included.
Zelena arrives, as does Kingsley. Sirius wolfwhistles and Zelena bows.
Emma arrives next with Hermione, Colin, Dennis, and-
"AUNTIE RU?!"
Henry and Harry rush at Ruby, who catches them easily, "Oh, I've missed you!" She squeezes them tightly, only releasing them when Regina clears throat. She quickly engulfs Regina in her own hug. "Missed you too, Regina," she teases as she lets her go. She looks over at Hope, "And you must be Hope."
She nods and Ruby pulls her into a much gentler hug.
"Nice to meet you, Kid," she whispers before letting her go and smiling down at her, "We're gonna get along like a house on fire, you and me. I can just feel it." She squeezes Hope's shoulders with a giant grin.
"Granny didn't come?" Harry asks.
Ruby looks over at him, "You know how Granny feels about colonizers, Kid. She'd get herself banned from the UK entirely if she came here during the World Cup."
Both boys giggle and Regina rolls her eyes, sending everyone outside.
She goes out hours later - when Minerva returns with Neville - to find trouble. "What in the name of Morgana?" It's said very slowly. Each word, enunciated.
Henry steps forward, quickly saying, "It was Uncle Siri's idea!"
Sirius gasps at the betrayal, "You sneak! Quit giving us away!" He scoffs, "Just like your mother, you are."
Harry giggles, "Well, we're not taking the blame and having to face her wrath when that vein in her forehead is waving at us."
Regina's jaw drops in outrage. Sirius bends out, laughing hysterically. She draws her eyebrows together, "Inside. All of you. You need time to clean up before dinner."
"But it's lunchtime," Henry counters.
"And there's too many of you. You'll need to shower in shifts, it will take all afternoon." She looks at the girls, "You can use my bathroom, girls."
Hermione and Hope share a look and race off with a giggle. The boys start their own race to decide who gets to shower in what order.
"Where's Zelena?" Regina asks, looking over at Sirius.
"Snuck off with Kings," he says with a curled lip.
She rolls her eyes and heads inside by Minerva while Sirius and Remus disapparate from the yard.
The children have all showered and eaten when Emma and Ruby return, covered head-to-toe in much. They stand in the doorway by Regina's garden as she gapes, finally regaining her composure to say, "You look like a swamp dweller."
Emma grins, correcting her, "An adorable swamp dweller."
But the smell hits her like a punch. Regina flicks her wand and the hose outside turns on.
"Regina!" Emma whines.
"You are not trekking all that muck into my home, Miss Swan. Wash off, then apparate to the bathroom."
Both Emma and Ruby groan, but Regina doesn't budge.
"Go," she urges, doing her best not to breathe in the stench.
It's nearly an hour later - the boys (young and old) are racing on brooms and Hermione and Hope are whispering in the sitting room discussing one of the boys' occlumency books - when Zelena and Kingsley reappear, looking bedraggled. Regina rolls her eyes, waving her wand to hide any visible marks.
"Oi! I worked hard on that," Zelena pouts.
Regina does not deign that with a response.
Emma and Ruby also reappear and Emma walks up to Regina while Ruby is pulled into a conversation with Zelena and Kingsley. "How worried should we be with them in the same house?" Emma teases as she stands beside Regina and steals a vegetable Regina just chopped.
Regina shakes her head, "One more person under Zelena's thrall is hardly cause for concern," Regina promises, handing Emma an entire plate with food.
"Have I told you lately just how much I love you?" Emma asks, kissing Regina's cheek.
Regina quirks her lips and continues her thought, "Zelena has all sorts of people under her thumb, darling. I'm sure she'll at least try to corrupt your wolf pup."
"Hey!" Ruby shouts, easily overhearing their conversation.
"She wouldn't be Zelena if she didn't try," Regina says.
"I'm a spiritual leader," Zelena tells them all.
"You run a cult," Regina counters.
"Semantics," Zelena shrugs, waving her hand as if waving away the concern. "We're having a retreat for new recruits in Italy after the World Cup. You're welcome to join and see what we're about, Wolf Pup," she coos.
Ruby looks to see Regina shaking her head and Emma with her eyes wide. "As fun as that sounds, I'm heading back to America after the World Cup."
"Hmmm, pity." But Zelena moves away from them and toward the girls in the sitting room.
"Emma, be a dear and finish setting up outside please," Regina asks.
"You got it." With a squeeze to Regina's hip, Emma and Ruby head outside while Regina finishes preparing dinner.
By seven o'clock, the Weasley's are through the floo and there are nearly 25 people gathered around the tables Emma and Ruby set up earlier today. Regina had placed Zelena between Minerva and Kingsley - far away from the eldest Weasley boys. The last thing her sister needs is a curse breaker, access to dragons, or to scare another ministry lackey.
While she was sending the food outside, Regina had seen Percy talking to Emma and had to rescue her. "Emma? Could you be a dear and join me for a moment?"
Emma rushes inside, "Oh, thank Merlin." She sighs and shivers, "I know he's a good kid and I'm glad he's excited about his job," Emma says quietly as she stops beside Regina. "But if I have to listen to him talk about cauldron bottoms all night, I'm going to ask your sister to Avada me."
"Emma!" Regina gasps, scandalized.
Emma laughs.
Regina harrumphs with a frown, telling her, "Standardizing cauldron thickness could decrease the number of potion incidents exponentially - making it safer for everyone. Students. Potioneers. And everyone around them."
Emma blinks at her, surprised. "I don't know how you do that, Regina." She groans and reaches up to clutch at her shirt over her heart, "Am I...excited about standardizing cauldron thickness now?"
Regina winks at her and hands her more things to carry outside.
"Oi! Blondie! Bring us more wine!"
"Be quiet, Lena! Your sister is seducing me with her deep passion for safety protocols!"
Regina rolls her eyes but doesn't stop the laugh that escapes, even as Zelena and Ruby start cheering.
The children join in and Regina can't help but shake her head fondly, walking out with Emma (where more cheering occurs). She notices Molly looking slightly uncomfortable at the outburst, but ignores the look.
She places the last dish on the table and lifts her wand so all the dishes float.
"Dig in!" Sirius cries, reaching for the potatoes.
Regina sighs and shakes her head, urging the others to fill their plates. The dishes float around the table, making sure everyone has plenty to eat.
"Neat bit of magic there, Regina," Arthur comments from across the table.
"Thank you, Arthur. And thank you, Molly, for bringing desserts. They look wonderful."
She smiles at that and everyone separates to their side conversations. She asks Percy about his work and even offers some advice on what to include for guides on the legislation.
Regina squeezes Emma's knee beneath the table when she whispers, "Nerd," under her breath.
Against Regina's better judgement, she does not intervene when Zelena begins conversing with the dragon-taming Weasley.
Regina is walking behind her into the house when Zelena jumps from her seat in excitement. Regina takes her by the wrist and pulls her away - she knows her sister too well, she was about to start a fire. "Excuse us," she says politely, pushing Zelena behind her and toward the house. "And I apologize for my sister, she has no self-awareness."
"It's called a personality!" Zelena calls as she waltzes into the house.
"An overabundance of it," Regina teases toward the table with a wink, causing Minerva to smirk and Hope to giggle.
Charlie waves it off as if it were no trouble. Well, at least being around dragons has made him fairly immune to fire.
She follows Zelena inside and sees Emma and Arthur speaking quietly, Percy standing nearby and hanging on every word.
"They're talking about that Jorkins girl that went missing," Zelena tells her casually as she stands, drinking another glass of wine. She shrugs at Regina's look, "What? I like to eavesdrop." Then she adds with a thoughtful hum, "I'm sure most of the ministry doesn't care. But your auror does."
"She thinks something happened to Bertha. But you remember how Bertha was in school - a bit of a dolt."
Zelena looks contemplative.
Regina already wasn't convinced this was 'Bertha being Bertha and getting lost' but the look on Zelena's face has Regina's stomach sinking.
"I've asked the flames," Zelena murmurs, too quiet for anyone else to hear. "It doesn't look good."
Regina's heart drops, "And you haven't heard anything else?"
Zelena shakes her head. "I have followers," she deadpans. "Cissy is the one with spies."
But Regina does not feel lighter with her teasing.
"It will be alright, Gina," Zelena tells her.
Regina chews at her bottom lip - a dreadful habit - Bertha's missing, Harry's dreaming of a monster who should be dead and the man who killed his parents, and they're planning to take a bunch of children to the World Cup tomorrow.
"They'll be the safest children in Britain," Zelena promises, easily reading her sister's look. "Aurors? Us?" She gives a serious look, "Then add in a few werewolves, and - I do believe - the eldest Weasleys could hold their own. We outnumber the children, we will keep them safe." Zelena studies her and sighs, "You can assign everyone a child if it makes you feel better."
Regina forces a smirk and Zelena raises an eyebrow.
Zelena scoffs, "This whole thing," she motions around vaguely, "I find it very suspect. The morality of it all. To top it off, you've convinced me to care about all of these children. And oh by the way - they frequently find themselves in mortal peril. And not for fun." She sniffs, "I find it terribly obnoxious, if you must know." She looks out the window, "Oh! I see Molly talking to the curse-breaker. I must go compliment his earring while she can hear."
"Zelena."
"She's so old-fashioned! Even Mother allowed Sirius to have and wear earrings." She scoffs, gliding back outside.
Regina follows and Molly serves everyone homemade ice cream.
And to Regina's great surprise, no hexes are thrown. Her siblings are on their best behavior.
Bless.
After everyone has eaten until they're too full to move, Molly gathers her brood and bids them all goodnight.
Calls of "Bye" and "See you tomorrow" fly between the children and adults as the Weasleys head toward the floo. Regina and the others clean up and more goodbyes are said as their floo sends the Weasleys home.
There's relative silence until Minerva and then Sirius and Remus bid their goodnights.
"We'll see you tomorrow," Remus says, kissing Regina's cheek.
"At a reasonable time," Sirius promises with a wink. Regina rolls her eyes, accepting his kiss to her cheek.
They say their goodbyes to the children and then Zelena and Kingsley say their own goodnights before leaving through the floo.
They're finally alone (with six children). "Time for bed," Regina tells them. "We'll be up early for our portkey."
Henry groans, flopping onto the couch, "Can't Auntie Z make us a portkey at a normal time?"
"No." Both Emma and Regina respond at the same time.
More groaning.
"So you need to sleep, or you'll be miserable tomorrow."
Henry and the Creevey brothers sleep in the sitting room - Regina transfiguring the furniture into beds for them. Hermione sleeps in Henry's room and Harry and Hope sleep in their own beds.
With one final round of good nights to them and Ruby, Regina and Emma lock down the house and go to sleep.
Emma's wand alarm wakes them and Regina groans, rolling away from the noise.
She feels as though she barely fell asleep and now she has to wake the children. She and Emma dress silently silently and Emma moves toward the kitchen to make coffee.
Regina moves to wake Harry first, "Harry, Love, time to wake up."
He groans and stretches, sitting up and rubbing at his eyes. She hands him his glasses and brushes hair from his eyes.
Hermione is next, and she is also easy to rise.
Harry and Hermione both stumble to their bathrooms and Regina moves into Hope's room. She sits beside Hope, rubbing her shoulder as she softly says, "Hope, dear? It's time to wake up."
She groans, trying to roll away, "Shhhh, sleeping."
Regina laughs, pulling the blanket away when Hope tries to pull it over her head. "I don't think so. Come on, dear. Up you go."
Another groan, "Mammy! The sun is sleeping!"
Regina freezes and she feels Hope tense under her hands.
Well, at least Hope's awake. Regina pushes her feelings behind her occlumency shields and forces a smile back on her face, "It may be early, but we have a full day. Up, up, up."
Hope is entirely awake now. She crawls out of bed and into the bathroom without another word.
Regina moves downstairs and right into the kitchen - Henry, Colin, and Dennis can wait.
"Regina?"
She walks right into Emma's arms and buries her nose in Emma's sweater.
Emma hugs her back, standing in the kitchen holding Regina. After a few moments she asks, "Are we okay?"
Regina sniffles and mumbles into her shoulder, "She called me mum."
Emma hugs her closer, no other words are needed.
Regina takes this moment to completely overcome with affection for this girl who almost called her mum. She takes a deep breath and when she knows they have to keep moving, she pushes it all back down.
There's no need to get worked up.
"It was obviously an accident, she was half-asleep," she reasons as she pulls back from Emma.
Emma places her hands on Regina's upper arms and squeezes softly. "You make her feel safe," she reminds.
Perhaps her muggle mother used to wake her early and Hope still hasn't adjusted to being under our roof.
"Hey," Emma says quietly, shaking Regina lightly by her arms. "You don't have to come up with excuses. It can just be."
Regina nods, "We have a lot to do."
Emma smiles, watching Regina another moment before nodding back and letting go of Regina's arms. "Coffee's almost done," she tells her.
Regina takes a deep breath, pulling back from her occlumency - there's no need to hide behind it now. She moves into the sitting room to wake the three remaining boys, smiling at Harry as he hops down the steps and moves into the kitchen. She kneels beside Henry. "Henry, Love, time to wake up." She reaches over and rubs at Colin's shoulder, "Colin, dear, time to go."
They both groan and she moves over to wake Dennis. All three wake and stumble upstairs as Hope and Hermione make their way down.
Regina sees Hope hiding behind Hermione and moves into the kitchen where Emma is waving her wand, packing their last minute things, all while talking to Harry about the World Cup. She helps Emma pack the last things while the girls sit at the table.
When everyone is in the kitchen, they grab their packed bags and head outside.
"Where do we have to go for our portkey?" Harry asks.
Emma looks at Regina with a conspiratorial grin, "Oh? Did you forget how cool your Ma is? My good friend, Brian, at the travel office got us our own portkey. Couldn't change the time," she tells them with a shrug, "But we get to leave from our own house and we'll have the whole day at the World Cup."
Regina goes into her usual reminders, "Don't forget to ground yourselves, dears. This portkey will take us from here to the World Cup. It will feel like a hook behind your navel and it can be very jarring. One way to avoid any nausea is to push your feet into the ground like you're a tree with roots. Push them down into the ground to keep yourself sturdy."
"It works," Harry promises.
"And if you get sick, Mum will make you rest instead of adventuring, so dig deep," Henry adds.
Regina chuckles, shaking her head.
"Alright, everyone touch the portkey. It's nearly time," Emma tells them, looking at her watch.
Everyone gathers around and reaches out to touch the portkey. Regina checks to make sure everyone is hanging on as she feels the hook behind her navel.
They land and Regina reaches out to catch Hope and Hermione while Emma steadies the Creevey boys. Harry and Henry stand tall.
"Auror Swan!"
Emma turns and greets the wizards who check them in. They're given the location of their camp site - near both the Weasleys and Malfoys - and all follow Emma to their spot.
They find Ruby already there, "Mornin' Sleepy Heads!" She hugs the boys, then the four other children.
Emma takes off the pack carrying their tents while she teases, "Still can't adjust to the time change, Rubes?"
She groans, "Not at all. I haven't slept in two days!"
Regina waits for Emma to lay out the tents before snapping her fingers to set up their tent.
"Regina!" She turns to see Arthur stepping out of his tent, "We're meant to blend in. No magic!"
She looks from her denims and sweater to his golfing sweater and too-big pants. Well, at least he's not wearing a kilt? "I'm blending just fine, Arthur," she promises. Of the two of them, only Regina can integrate with muggles on any day - she's done it for years now.
But she lets his concern wash over her. She turns her attention to the children and asks them to help Arthur start the fire the muggle way while she starts breakfast.
The older Weasley boys arrive, as do Sirius and Remus when Arthur excitedly greets Ludo Bagman.
"So much for blending in," Sirius scoffs under his breath.
Ruby looks around them, confused. She leans forward to whisper to Emma and Regina overhears her ask, "Are all British wizards this weird?"
Emma snickers. Harry looks to the other children and explains, "In America, wizards are integrated in most every city. Aunt Ruby takes the muggle train every day."
"No-maj," Ruby corrects him with a wink.
Hope looks shocked, "Wait. You know muggles?"
"O'Course! Work with 'em. Even lived with 'em! Blondie here," she shoves Emma playfully, "was raised like a no-maj. We've spent loads of time without wands with the no-maj."
Hope still gapes at her, even Hermione looks shocked.
Ruby smiles, "They're pretty innovative without magic, right? I love electricity. Lights, television," she groans, "a refrigerator?!" The children all giggle.
"That scared Regina the most when she came to America," Emma tells them.
Regina scoffs, "I was not scared. I was intrigued."
Ruby laughs as Regina lifts her nose snobbishly, "Didn't you curse it?"
Emma laughs along, "That was the dryer," she corrects. Then adds, "But the first time Zelena came to our house in Surrey, she made four lightbulbs explode and then killed our toaster."
"Twice," Regina adds with a wink.
Bill sits down beside Henry and asks them, "How did you get muggle appliances to work around so much magic? Dad's been trying for ages."
Regina smirks, lifting her coffee mugs to her lips and remaining silent. "Sorry Bill, she's never said. Not to anybody," Emma tells him with an easy laugh.
"She told Granny," Ruby reasons.
Harry looks between them all and smirks, "Or did Granny tell Mum?"
Regina sends him a wink as everyone else gasps.
"Harry," Emma says, sliding closer to him. "Did your mom tell you how she did it?"
He never looks away from Regina and offers a small shrug, "Can't say I remember."
Emma gasps, looking between Regina and Harry, outraged. The children are giggling and Bill looks around, confused.
Ruby cackles, throwing her head back, then mocks, "I'm Emma Swan. I'm going to fall in love with the beautiful, crazy-powerful witch from England and raise beautiful, crazy-powerful babies with her." Her eyes uncross and she pouts, "I can't believe the kids act just like her." Then throws in an exaggerated eye roll for good measure.
Regina smirks as Emma continues to pout, reaching out to pay her knee. She hears Arthur begin pestering Ludo about Bertha Jorkins and Ludo (obviously not eager for this conversation) looks around for a way out, "Auror Swan!"
Emma stands and shakes his hand before introducing him to everyone. "The redheads belong to Arthur here." They share a laugh. "This is Ruby Lucas. We went to Ilvermorny together and worked together at MACUSA. These are my kids, and their friends, and this is Professor Regina Mills."
Ludo does a double take with Harry, but Emma keeps him moving. "Mills, you say? Yes, I've seen the name on the reports from Hogwarts."
Emma smiles, "We met at MACUSA and both found our way to England. Helluva partner to have in the field," she tells him proudly. "The kids at Hogwarts are lucky to have her," Emma promises.
Sap. Regina smiles, "Hello, Ludo."
He reaches out to shake her hand and Regina sees when he sees her and makes the connection, "Regina?!"
"Hello," she repeats, shaking his hand.
"I heard whispers at the ministry that you were back, but I didn't know you were teaching. Or that you were married." He looks at her empty hand, "Er, widowed?"
Regina raises an eyebrow, remaining silent.
"Right," he clears his throat and looks around at the children. "You're professor was an impressive quidditch player in the school - best Chaser I'd ever seen."
Regina smiles as Sirius squawks, "Oi!"
Everyone laughs and Ludo notices Sirius for the first time, "Oh. Hello, Sirius. Fancy a flutter on the match?"
Regina shakes her head at the children in warning as Ludo tries to get all the adults in on the bet. She sees Fred and George join in and sighs.
"Ludo's a rat," she hears Remus whisper to a giggling Harry.
"Mum?"
She looks down to see Henry has moved beside her.
"Might I go find Uncle Lu? He told me to find him once we're settled."
Regina looks at Emma, who offers an unconvincing shrug, and looks back at Henry. "Fine, but not long," she reminds him. "You have friends here."
He nods, "Right," and takes off toward the ostentatious tent with the peacocks.
Barty Crouch apparates directly in front of them and Ruby loudly scoffs. "The only country to screech about the Statute of Secrecy and this is how y'all act."
Hope giggles, "At least he looks like a muggle."
"A posh one," Hermione adds.
"He's a pureblood," Harry whispers. At the Weasleys' surprised looks, he shrugs, "Mum thinks knowledge is power."
"Of course it is," Hermione agrees primly.
Regina smiles.
Barty Crouch speaks with Arthur and Ludo sticks his foot in his mouth, nearly giving away the plans for the school year, and Barty takes him away. Barty motions Percy away and turns to leave, catching sight of Regina for the first time.
"Miss Black," he breathes, surprised.
"Lord Crouch," she greets with a small curtsy.
He reaches forward to take her hand and bends to kiss the back of it formally. Then stands back up, "I had heard rumors, but I had no idea I'd find you here." He pauses, "I didn't see you on the list of portkeys."
She smiles benevolently, "Auror Swan organized our portkey." She motions to the brood of children mingling with the Weasleys, Sirus, and Remus.
He nods, "Of course. Well, enjoy." He offers another slight bow and leaves with Ludo.
Ruby interrupts the lingering silence, "Just how much of a criminal delinquent were you, Mills?"
Sirius guffaws and Regina rolls her eyes.
"The worst," an aristocratic voice drawls behind her.
She turns to see Lucius standing with Henry beside him. "Hardly," Regina deadpans. "I wasn't even the most dangerous Black of my generation."
He doesn't disagree, instead looking over and almost sneering at Arthur Weasley. He looks back at Regina and then at Henry and sighs.
"Uncle Lucius brought presents!"
And what a joy it is to see a shaken Lucius Malfoy. Regina smirks but it softens when she sees the pure joy on Henry's face.
Lucius also softens and waves his cane with a sigh. Omnioculars float to everyone - enough to fill an entire cart.
Arthur looks uncomfortable, but attempts graciousness, "Uh- thank-"
Lucius is quick to interrupt, "They're from Henry."
Henry smiles up at him brightly, "Uncle Lucius said I could get whatever I wanted!"
"And you chose an entire cart of omnioculars?" Percy asks.
The twins elbow him. Both look to Henry before speaking, "Thanks."
"Good on ya."
Rounds of 'thank you' make their way across the campsite.
Henry hugs Lucius tightly around his waist and smiles up at him. "Thanks, Uncle Lu," before he bops away to show his friends how to use their new gifts.
Lucius' hands slowly fall back to his side and he stands beside Regina. She nudges him playfully, "That was a very kind thing to do."
"I feel sick," he deadpans, readjusting his grip on his cane.
Regina buries the urge to smirk and turns to watch the children.
"I happened upon a book in the library recently," Lucius starts, calming trying to entice Regina into conversation. "A journal from a Malfoy ancestor - dated from before the family left France. I cannot make any sense of it, but the portraits seem to think it's something you would enjoy."
"Oh?" She turns to give him her full attention - he's obviously up to something.
He nods, "Apparently this ancestor enjoyed the occult magicks - black magic, blood magic, necromancy, and alchemic elixirs."
Regina gasps, reaching out to stop his sentence by placing her palm on his forearm, "You found a journal belonging to Belvina Malfoy?"
He huffs, but he doesn't look terribly upset, "Of course you know of her."
"She revolutionized the field of sympathetic magic and her research into soul binds is the foundation for all present-day binding ceremonies." She pauses to take a breath and looks back at him, confused, "But her life's work was destroyed when her son fled to England."
"Not all of her works," Lucius promises, procuring a journal from his robes. "Armand was able to save at least one of them." He hands it to Regina, who takes it into her hands with reverence.
"Morgana," she breathes, opening the cover carefully to see the inscription, written by Belvina herself all those years ago.
"So, you'd like to read it?" Lucius asks. And it's only because Regina's known him her entire life, she hears the nerve underneath his usual tone of indifference.
"You knew I would," she accuses, but there's no bite to it.
He preens like one of his ridiculous peacocks. "It's yours," he promises.
She looks up, shocked, "Lucius, I-"
"I insist," he interrupts her before she can decline. He spins away with a backward call, "See you in our box."
She watches him walk away and then marvels at the journal in her hands for another moment before she tucks it away in her muggle purse. Of course it's not truly a muggle purse, it has several protections and an extension charm of dubious legality - so there's no safer place for this until she can get it home.
She moves back to Emma who asks, "Another rare and expensive apology gift?"
Regina shakes her head, looping her arm through Emma's and whispers, "An old Malfoy wife journal about her research into the occult."
Emma stares for a moment, blinking slowly, then sighs, "One thing about him is he is excellent at gift-giving." Regina smiles and Emma returns it, "How many gifts are you up to now?"
"Six this summer alone," Regina tells her, thinking about the potion ingredients and plants (all incredibly rare and difficult to procure) Lucius has sent to her recently.
"When will he have earned enough forgiveness from the diary fiasco?" Emma asks.
Regina only laughs, moving away from Emma and toward the children.
"What does that mean?" Emma calls behind her. "Regina?"