The gates of Runcandel Mansion opened silently as the carriage passed through the ancient wards.
Keith stepped down first, the familiar presence of the estate wrapping around him like a living thing. The air here always felt different—calmer, deeper, heavier with authority. Beside him, Rias hopped down, eyes bright with excitement despite the long journey back from Hogwarts.
Before either of them could say a word—
Luna was already there.
She crossed the distance in a heartbeat and pulled Keith into a tight embrace, her frost-silver hair brushing his cheek. Her arms wrapped around him possessively, as if making sure he was truly home.
"…You're back," Luna murmured.
Keith smiled and hugged her just as tightly.
"I'm home."
Grayfia approached next, graceful as moonlight, placing a hand gently on Keith's shoulder. Her silver eyes softened—a look only he ever saw.
Scathach followed with a rare, satisfied smirk.
"You've grown sharper," she said. "Hogwarts didn't dull you."
Albedo wasted no time, clinging to Keith's arm with a radiant smile.
"My lord, you were gone far too long."
Gamma adjusted her glasses, but her relief was obvious.
"All reports remained stable in your absence. Still… welcome back, Keith."
Behind them, two figures lingered.
Bellatrix stood slightly apart, posture rigid, dark eyes flicking toward Keith before darting away again.
Nagini, elegant and composed, watched him quietly—golden eyes warm, unreadable.
Keith turned to them naturally and opened his arms.
Bellatrix froze.
Nagini's breath caught.
Then Keith hugged them both—firm, warm, unhesitating.
Bellatrix stiffened for half a second… then melted, fingers clutching the fabric of his coat before she could stop herself. Her face burned.
Nagini closed her eyes, allowing herself the comfort, her heart beating faster than she would ever admit.
Neither of them spoke.
Neither of them needed to.
Lunch at the Long Table
Later, the long dining table was alive again.
Keith sat at the head, with Rias beside him, swinging her legs happily. Luna sat close, one hand resting on his arm as if it belonged there. Grayfia, Scathach, Albedo, and Gamma filled the table naturally.
Bellatrix and Nagini sat across from Keith.
The atmosphere was warm, easy—home.
Halfway through the meal, Keith spoke calmly.
"Bellatrix," he said.
She looked up instantly.
"Phineas Black sent word," Keith continued. "He wants you to return to Grimmauld Place. To be acknowledged… properly."
Bellatrix went pale.
Her fingers tightened around her goblet.
"…The portraits," she said quietly. "And Narcissa…"
Narcissa Black.
Her sister.
Divorced from Lucius.
Still a Black.
Keith saw the fear immediately.
He stood, walked around the table, and stopped beside her chair. Without a word, he bent down and pulled her into his arms.
Bellatrix's breath shuddered.
"You're not alone," Keith said softly. "Not anymore. Whatever waits at Grimmauld Place—I'll make sure it can't hurt you."
She hesitated… then nodded against his chest.
"…Alright," she whispered.
Nagini watched the scene silently, her gaze soft.
The Year's Rewards
After lunch, Keith waved his hand, and several sealed cases and documents appeared on the table.
"These are the sign-in rewards I received during my Hogwarts year," he said.
Gamma and Albedo moved instantly, opening files and scanning figures.
• Shares in multiple global companies
• Medical patents (regeneration serums, longevity treatments)
• Technology designs
• Cosmetics formulas
• Fashion designs
• Several million dollars in liquid capital
Gamma's eyes widened.
"…These will disrupt multiple industries."
Albedo smiled slowly.
"We can begin production immediately. Runcandel Group will release the muggle products next month."
Keith nodded.
"The cosmetics for the wizarding world will be released through Runcandel Store."
Gamma turned to Nagini.
"As CEO, you'll oversee the wizarding distribution."
Nagini inclined her head smoothly.
"I'll handle it personally."
Keith smiled.
"I expected nothing less."
Nightfall — Quiet Bonds
That night, the mansion was filled with soft conversation and quiet laughter.
They talked about Hogwarts.
About plans.
About nothing at all.
Bellatrix listened more than she spoke, her eyes lingering on Keith whenever she thought no one noticed.
Nagini sat beside him on the couch, close—but not touching—yet.
When the night grew late, they retired together.
Keith lay surrounded by warmth:
Luna's steady presence at his side.
Grayfia's calm breathing nearby.
Scathach's silent watchfulness.
Albedo's possessive closeness.
Gamma's quiet reassurance.
Bellatrix lay awake longer than the rest, staring at the ceiling.
Nagini closed her eyes, heart racing.
Neither confessed.
But both knew.
And Keith—unaware of the full depth of their feelings—slept peacefully, certain of one thing:
This was home.