𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆, regulus black

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑: 𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐚𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬

Rune frowned as she mouthed, 'I will kill you!' 

He mouthed back, 'Good luck' before throwing her one final smirk and turning back to the front. 

"Trouble in Paradise?" asked Tina, with a grin.

"That idiot! He drew me while I was sleeping," hissed Rune. 

"Oh?" said Tina, her tone showing excitement. "I didn't know you and Regulus spent sleeping time together." 

Rune turned to her and stared incredulously. "We do not! We were just hanging out in my room, and I happened to fall asleep—" 

Tina held up her hand and grinned. "Oh, you don't have to explain yourself, lovely. I think I've got it."

"You've got it wrong!" insisted Rune. 

"Okay," said Tina, smiling. "I know how I may look, but I know what's happening." 

"Really?" said Rune, tilting her head slightly. 

Tina nodded. "Really." 

"Please pay attention at the back there," said Professor Wenlock, and both girls turned back to the front. 

It felt as though the lesson went on for ages. Rune regretted missing breakfast. There was still half a day to pass before lunch. She figured she could make a quick run to the kitchens before they had Potions in the next lesson. 

Just as Arithmancy ended and they stood up to leave, Regulus appeared before them. 

"I need to talk to you," he said, speaking directly to Rune. 

Rune turned to Tina who said, "I've got to run down to the library." They both knew it was an excuse and as the Ravenclaw backed away, she threw a wink at Rune before turning fully and leaving the classroom. 

Rune looked at Regulus and folded her arms over her chest. "Okay, let's settle this now. When you see me, the first thing I want you to do is greet me. However you'd like to is fine, but a simple 'hi' will suffice."

Regulus narrowed his eyes at her. "My cousin is getting married. I need a plus one." 

"I didn't quite hear the greeting," she told him. 

His nostrils flared as he said, "Good morning, Rune Westwood. How do you do on this fine morning? My cousin is getting married. I need a plus one." 

A playful grin spread over Rune's lips in an instant. "Good morning to you too, Regulus Black. Despite how my morning started, I'd say I'm having a good day. Great for your cousin, and—" 

She placed a hand over her chest, "I take it you want your plus one to be me." 

Regulus stared down at her with a frown. He had no idea why he thought it would be easy to get her to agree. He swallowed hard, thinking of what to say before he unhappily settled with saying, "Rabastan will be there. It will make things more difficult for you if I take someone else."

"I see," commented Rune, taking a generous step closer to him and looking up at him through her eyelashes. "Are you worried about my well-being?" 

He inhaled sharply. "Do you want to come or not?" 

"Not." 

"Fine." He was already half-turned, when she grabbed his arm and turned him back to her. 

"I don't want to come but if you ask me nicely, I might change my mind." 

"What?" 

She sighed, "Ask me nicely." 

"I just said I wanted to take you for your own good," he explained. 

She tightened her hold of his arm. "It doesn't matter what the reason for asking me is, you're asking me. So, ask me nicely to come with you." 

He shook his head even as he said. "Come with me." 

Rune dropped his arm and scowled at him. "No." 

When she started to walk away, it was his turn to take her hand and hold her back. "Okay, okay. I'll ask nicely." 

She looked at him in anticipation. 

He met her eyes and asked softly. "Rune, will you be my plus one to my cousin's wedding?" 

"Hmm," she replied thoughtfully. 

"Is that a yes or a no? I don't speak in hums."

"Yes," she said finally. "I'll come with you."

"Cool." He loosened his hold of her arm, but he didn't let go of it as yet. If she wanted to, she could break free of his hold in an instant. "Did you like my drawing?" 

She rolled her eyes. "So much so that I'd like to punch you in the face in thanks."

He snickered. "It took me around three hours to complete. You were out cold in one. It was quite difficult capturing a position. You sleep like a deranged hyena." 

"Ugh! Shut it!" she groaned. 

"When you don't want it anymore, give it to me. It'll make a good decoration in my house." 

"I hate you!" she muttered weakly. 

Just as he was about to let go of her hand, she said, "I didn't even ask who's getting married." 

"My cousin Narcissa," he said fondly, before adding on, "To Lucius Malfoy." 

"A Black and Malfoy wedding," commented Rune. "Will I be... welcome there?" 

Regulus paused as if the thought had just struck him then. 

Since Rune had no living parents, it was impossible to discern what wizarding family she was from. She managed to pull the half-blood act thus far because no one had asked for her made up witch mother's surname as yet.

His hold on her arm tightened once again.

"You're coming with me," he replied. "You'll be fine."