This chapter is a Regulus p.o.v just so we can (hopefully) redeem him in our hearts a little bit before we move to the next chapters ;) Hope you enjoy! <3
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Regulus was sure that Rune hated the kiss.
She hadn't written to him since.
He spent hours sitting on his bed, contemplating what to say and wondering whether it was his responsibility to write first. Most of the time, he'd just left his journal open, waiting for ink to show up. For her to say absolutely anything.
It wasn't until the day of Christmas that he finally got what he wanted.
Are you here?
He cast the journal aside and grabbed his sketchbook.
He wouldn't reply immediately. It would appear as if he was waiting. He was waiting but she didn't need to know that.
His resolve lasted all of 10 seconds, before he took his journal back and replied.
I'm here.
Do you celebrate Christmas?
Yes.
Merry Christmas, Super Mysterious Guy.
Merry Christmas, Minute.
I'm sorry.
Whatever for?
Kissing you, I think.
Please don't be sorry for that.
I've been busy with Evan this holiday.
But I'm sure you know that already.
I do.
Will you be at the Black Ball tonight?
Yes.
Okay. I'm coming to find you.
Good luck ;)
I will find you.
:)
There's something familiar about your voice.
I know it but I don't know it, you know.
If you encounter me, I'll be sure to speak.
Brilliant.
Do you still like Regulus Black more than me?
Why?
Did you hear something?
Just genuinely curious.
I don't like Regulus Black AT ALL!
Okay.
What do you like?
I like you.
Something I can get you.
I like you.
I can't really give you me.
Actually, you can.
What would you like as a Christmas gift?
To own Gringotts.
Something I can get you, please.
A dragon.
Preferably a Hungarian Horntail.
I don't know how to get a dragon.
Maybe an elf then.
To add to my collection.
You have a collection of elves?!
No, but I want one.
As slaves?
No, as friends.
I'm sorry, I don't think I can buy an elf.
How about you get me Dumbledore's tassel hat, then?
Are you having fun?
:)
I don't speak smiley face.
You should learn how to.
It's fun.
What do you want?
I've given you so many options.
None of them are viable.
Just as he began to write a reply, the door to his room opened and his mother walked in.
Regulus immediately straightened up on the bed and shut the book.
"How's the preparations going?"
"It's nearly done. If only Kreacher could work himself a bit harder." She walked over to his closet and took note of the dress robes hanging ready for the night. "Who did you ask this year?"
"No one. Rab and I will keep each other company."
Walburga Black took the blue tie between her fingers and studied it as she said, "I spoke to Eric a couple days ago."
"Mr. Rosier?"
"Yes. He's bringing that girl with him again."
"She and Evan are good friends," he said as he carefully pushed his journal underneath his pillows.
"Are you?"
"Good friends with Evan? I'd say so yeah."
"Don't get smart with me," warned Walburga as she turned to face him. "I mean her."
"She's my competition at school, mother. You know what they say about keeping your enemies close."
"I sure hope so. I don't need two sons canoodling off with the wrong sort."
Regulus fisted his hands behind his back.
"Your father has been speaking to the Avery's. They've got a lovely daughter just a year below you. She'd be a fine match for you."
"I haven't really given much thought to something like that, mother. I want to focus on N.E.W.T's and study first."
"Study?" laughed Walburga. "You've got a small fortune waiting for you. The Black family name will carry on with you."
"Sirius—"
"Is no son of mine!" yelled Walburga, making him flinch.
"I'm just pointing out that if Sirius and Angelica get married, all the enchantments will hold because they're both pureblood and the fortune will go to him."
"Over my dead body. You are the son of Black. Find a respectable match and carry on this legacy."
Regulus' nails were digging into his palm as he bit down on his tongue and nodded.
Walburga smiled. "That's my boy. I don't like the blue tie. I'll send up a white one."
"Whatever you prefer, mother."
As she made her way out of his room, a red-haired boy ambled in and dragged his foot over to the bed.
Rabastan flopped down onto Regulus' bed and murmured, "Hi."
"What's up?"
"Bella and Cissa have everyone getting ready at the Manor. It was very loud."
Regulus lay down on the bed and sighed as he turned to his friend. "What's Avery's sister's name?"
"Gemma," answered Rabastan. "She's literally introduced herself to you about four times a year."
"What does she look like?"
"Are you looking for someone to help you get over Rune? I'd advise someone else because Gemma has blonde hair and blue eyes."
"I don't need anyone to help me get over Rune."
Rabastan scoffed. "Yeah sure."
"I'm asking because I'm probably going to get engaged to Gemma and Rune doesn't like me anymore.""
Rabastan lifted his face and frowned. "That's a lot to unpack. They're fixing you up with Gemma? Who does Rune like?"
"This other person," mumbled Regulus.
"Barty?"
Regulus sneered. "Why is that your first guess?"
"They went to Slughorn's Party together. Also, he asked her out to Hogsmeade. I think she said yes."
Regulus' whole body jerked. "She said yes?!"
"That's just what I heard."
"When did he ask her?"
"At the party."
Regulus flopped back down onto the bed with a scowl. She agreed to go on a date with Barty and then she kissed him.
Granted, she didn't know it was him, but it was the principle.
Rabastan's frown deepened. "Why are you sulking? I thought she liked someone else, and you were over her."
When Regulus continued to mumble and whine under his breath, Rabastan sat up straight.
"Reggie," he said warily.
"What?"
"You didn't like make a different persona of yourself and make her like you, did you? Because that would be obsession and insanity and I would recommend you go to the psych ward at St. Mungos."
Regulus avoided eye contact with Rabastan as he continued to mumble about how blasphemous it was of Rune to agree to go out with Barty.
"Reg," said Rabastan. "Please tell me that I'm crazy."
"Why are you making it sound like being obsessed with her is a bad thing?"
"Regulus Black!"
Regulus turned around and stared up at the ceiling. "I'm going through heartbreak, console me, won't you?"
"You are a lunatic!" sighed Rabastan in disbelief. "We agreed to stay away from them."
"I've stayed away from her. She likes this other guy."
"Oh, I could hit you. You are this other guy!"
"I know! And she still had the audacity to say yes to Crouch," complained Regulus. "What does she see in him anyway? I'm handsomer, smarter, richer, sexier."
"I have no words for you right now," murmured Rabastan as he shook his head.
"What would you expect me to do, Rab? Act as though she doesn't exist?"
"That was literally your idea after we got these damn marks!" Rabastan pushed his sleeve up to display the dark mark on his forearm.
Regulus reached forward and hastily pulled it down.
"I did. She doesn't know it's me. I've done a fine job hiding it."
Rabastan lay down on his back and shut his eyes. "You're a cheat. I'm breaking it."
"What are you breaking?"
"Our deal. You've not been staying away from Rune. I have no reason to stay away from Tina."
"You just showed me a reason."
"I'll come clean to her. Give her a choice to decide what she wants."
The door to the room opened and Rodolphus Lestrange popped his head inside. "You boys should start getting dressed. The girls are just about done. Guests will be arriving shortly."
As they woke up from the bed, Regulus said, "Barty's coming, right?"
"Yeah. I think he's coming with Avery. Your soon to be brother-in-law."
Regulus shuddered at the comment before saying, "If you see him anywhere near Rune, kill him."
Rabastan scowled. "Please go down to St. Mungo's. I'll come with you tomorrow, in fact. I think your testosterone levels are imbalanced."
Regulus didn't have any basis to disagree with him on it.
~
By the time Regulus was dressed and left his room to join the festivities, the entire guest list had arrived. He respectfully made his way through each family, greeting them and welcoming them like the perfect son of the Noble House of Black.
He caught nods of approval from both his parents. It could be concluded as a job well done.
He finally made his way to the Rosier's and to his displeasure, he found that Rune was not with them.
Still, he plastered on a smile and walked forward. "Hello, Mr. Rosier."
"Regulus Black." Mr. Rosier patted his back. "Good to see you. How have you been? How's school? Evan tells me you're still topping with Rune, 'ey."
"Yes, it's all good, thank you. Did Rune not come?"
"She did. She's outside with Barty," disclosed Evan, "I think she wanted to see the pool."
Regulus' smile had never dropped so fast in his life.
"Everything okay, son?" asked Mr. Rosier.
Regulus nodded. "Perfect. I think my mother is calling me. I'll see you later."
Regulus made his way straight to the back exit where the pool was and just as he reached the door, his mother appeared in front of him.
"Where are you going?"
"Barty. Wanted to greet him."
"Forget Barty. His father is an abomination." She looked outside and both she and Regulus noted the way Rune laughed at something.
Regulus' fingers curled into fists.
"You better not have any feelings for her."
"I don't," he said with gritted teeth.
When she looked at him with narrowed eyes, he averted his gaze. "It's nothing I can't deal with. Proceed with the engagement plans with Gemma Avery. I'll marry her tonight if you want me to."
"Is that so?" asked Walburga.
"I know my duties, mother. I'm Regulus Black."
"Very well." She stepped away from the door and patted his shoulder. "Have your fun."
As soon as his mother was enough steps away, Regulus pushed out of the door and headed straight for where Rune and Barty stood.
Neither of them seemed to hear him approaching which was fine for him because it meant neither one of them had anticipated him reaching out and pushing Barty into the pool.