𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 - regulus black

chapter three

The next Monday, it was with surprise that the Slytherins and the Ravenclaws learned they would be paired up once again as it seemed everyone had worked rather well last time. Professor Slughorn really liked seeing his students succeeding. And that was how Adena found herself once again sitting at Regulus Black's right side, as quiet as ever. Just like last time, Slughorn travelled quickly through the tables, in the direction of Adena and Regulus' table, even before they could exchange a word.

"I expect as much good work as last time. Oh, and I'll be holding my first dinner next Saturday, I hope you two will be able to make it!" With that, he left both teenagers at their work.

"Will you attend to the dinner?" the calm voice of Adena asked, breaking the silence first.

"Of course, I'm one of his best students, I want to continue making a good impression," stated the raven-haired boy, as if it were obvious. Without even looking up, he asked with a hint of curiosity and hesitation at the same time, "Will you?"

As the girl was once again tying her brown locks in a low ponytail, she turned to face him, noticing he actually had his eyes on her, since she took her time, as if waiting for her answer.

"I will."

"Hm." With that he turned around, facing the cauldron once again as he started pouring the ingredients.

Adena didn't dwell too much on his sudden curiosity and started working as well.

In the end, Professor Slughorn was just as happy as the last time. His best students never disappoint, had he thought with pride.

After finishing, the brunette was joined by her housemates as they were heading to their next class, Transfiguration. Eugenia Hawlins, one of her roommates, had caught up with her with a small smile. She was a shy and petite girl with short red hair, just above her shoulders. She always had a warm reassuring gaze when she was talking to someone, making others feel at ease around her. But Adena knew she could be very extrovert when she was with her friends, and so be completely different from what she appeared to be.

"Are you attending Slughorn's dinner?" she asked, a small smile tugged on lips.

Adena slowly nodded, offering the same smile in return, "Yes, he has invited me."

Eugenia's brown orbs were glimmering with joy as she asked right after, "We could go together, what do you think?"

Once again, the young girl nodded, keeping her smile in place, "That would be nice, yeah."

For the following days, she would look for a proper outfit to wear on that Saturday evening. She was feeling nervous regarding this meeting as it was the first time for her and the others fifth years. At some point, she felt obliged to ask her older sister for a dress as she had nothing appropriate to wear for that kind of event. Candace gave her a dress that had been too small for her for a while. She was much taller than Adena, about a head, and that was something she liked to mock her sister with even though the younger couldn't care much about her height, nor her weight or anything regarding her appearance. She was how she was supposed to be.

Saturday came by way too fast for the young girl's liking. She felt so nervous as she regarded her outfit in the bathroom mirror. Her sister's dress fit her perfectly, she thought, which surprised her. Maybe Candace had put some spells on it so it would suit her better; she was good with that kind of tricks. For a while she just stared at her reflection, watching how the navy-blue dress danced on her hips as she spinned slowly. It was quite fluid but tighter around her chest and the sleeves were long. A small bow was framing her waist, the last detail to make it look more sophisticated. Her long brown hair was still cascading down her back and was just brushed. She had left her glasses in the room since she only needed them to study. The light knocks on the door and Eugenia's soft voice made her jump slightly. They had to leave if they didn't want to be late. Adena's eyes glanced down at the sink where was resting the pink lipstick her sister had lent her. She quickly put some on her lips, making them rosier before turning around and leaving the room. Eugenia was waiting for her, already all dressed up. She had a pale pink dress that was just as simple as her own. She was also wearing a cute little hairpin in her red hair, with a flower on it. The redhead girl smiled at her roommate before making her way towards the bedroom door, Adena following close behind.