Regulus Black

Slytherin was celebrating its victory. The noise, the laughter, the clinking of cups—it all merged into one stream, but it felt far away. As if you were watching from the sidelines. Because you could already feel his gaze. Regulus Black stood slightly to the side. Calm, reserved—as always. But his gaze revealed more than the rules allowed. You had met like this many times before. Glances during lectures. Chance encounters in the library. Too long pauses between words. And always—a step back. Because there was no other way. Because you were a Malfoy. Lucius Malfoy's younger sister. And he knew it. Later, when the noise died down, he approached.

"Shall we walk? " quietly, almost indifferently. As if it meant nothing. You agreed. Of course. The castle was different at night. Quieter. Deeper. The torches burned softer, the shadows lengthened, and your footsteps echoed off the stone walls. You walked side by side, not touching. Sometimes too close. Sometimes deliberately further. But the distance between you felt stronger than the closeness itself.

"You played well today ," he remarked calmly, without looking. You smiled slightly. He did too. And again—silence. The same one in which everything has already been said. You stopped by the high window. Moonlight fell on the stone sill, illuminating you softly, almost unrealistically. You sat down first. He was next to you. Too close for it to be an accident. Regulus turned his head. He was watching. Without hiding. For the first time in a long time.

“You know…” he began quietly, but didn’t finish. Because words weren’t enough. He leaned closer. Slowly. As if giving you time to stop him. You didn’t. His breathing was ragged. The distance almost disappeared. And the footsteps. Sharp. Clear. Recognizable. You both froze. Lucius Malfoy. Regulus pulled back for a split second, his gaze hardening. A quick calculation. A decision. He stood up, extending his hand to you.

— Will you trust me? Quietly. But confidently. The steps were getting closer. There was almost no choice. And yet he looked only at you. Waiting.

Regulus Black stood slightly to the side. Calm, reserved—as always. But his gaze revealed more than the rules allowed. You'd met like this many times before.