𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 - regulus black

chapter four

By the time dessert appeared, almost everyone had got interrogated about their personal life. Adena was slowly appreciating the apple pie that had been served when Slughorn started talking with Regulus.

"How are you parents doing Mr Black?"

The young boy turned his focus on him as he stopped eating. "They are doing very well, thank you for asking."

Slughorn nodded in approbation before starting to rant once again.

"As for the ones who didn't know it already, Regulus Black here, is from the infamous Black family, one of the most ancient and noble family of wizards. Most of them being part of my house, what a pride. I taught to almost all his family. They were all very talented witches and wizards, just like you."

Regulus just nodded at his words focusing again on his dessert, not seeming impressed by the compliment, as Slughorn continued talking. So, it was in his family's genes to be skilled, had thought the young browned-hair girl, sitting next to him. She didn't know why she had given interest to Slughorn's words about the young Black.

Before curfew, Professor Slughorn waved them off, apologizing for babbling too much and hoping to do that again soon.

The next day, Adena planned on finishing her homework. She was seated on an armchair in the almost empty common room, completing an essay for her upcoming Charms class, when a letter flew to her. It had been delivered by Candace's small grey owl. She was asking her if a walk in the park behind the castle would interest her as it was one of their last sunny weekends. The fifth year felt rather annoyed by the disturbance, especially since her sister knew pretty well Adena didn't like going out in the sun. However, before she could return to her work, another letter was brought to her, by the same owl that got the time to come back in these short minutes. It only said "Come on now!". She knew her annoying sister wouldn't stop pestering her until she was out.

The brunette took her time to put back her stuff in her empty room. She then went out of Ravenclaw tower, slowly making her way towards the park, already expecting to see a bunch of students under the last rays of warm sun before the autumn weather could replace them. Adena spotted her sister with a group of sixth year Gryffindors. She could name some of them like Sirius Black, James Potter, Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, the infamous troublemakers of the school. She also recognized right away Lily Evans with whom she attended Slughorn's dinner last night, this time she was with her two friends, Briella Leyton, and Rosie Abbott, that Candace had introduced her to recently. Her sister was surrounded by so many other people, she couldn't even believe she had that many friends. When the blonde girl noticed her, she waved her hand excitedly in her direction, making Adena slightly embarrassed as she was drawing attention on her. She walked up to her, before taking her to the other Gryffindors. The poor fifth-year became a bit intimidated by all of these people but tried to hide her uncomfortableness.

"Everyone, this is my younger sister, Adena, for those who don't know her already," said Candace with her usual bright smile.

Sirius came up to her, being the friendly lad he was, "Hey 'Dena, long time no see, how have you been?"

The young girl frowned as Sirus let out a bark-like laugh.

"My name is Adena, and I'm doing fine, thank you," she replied in a sharp voice, making others around her chuckle lightly. She really disliked having that much attention on her, but her sister was always trying her best to make her socialize with her own friends.

"I'm starting to get hot, how about a stroll in the hallways?" suddenly asked James Potter.

Adena wasn't too fond of him, considering him as an annoying git, even more annoying than her sister. He would often tease her, just like Sirius or Candace, but for some reasons, it would get Adena more on her nerves, something that James adored. He apparently didn't have any sibling, that was why he took a liking for the young girl, from what had told her Candace. That wasn't a good enough reason for Adena to start warming up to him or to any of her sister's friends, though. She would always appreciate their kindness of course but nothing more.

"'Dena, you're coming hmm?" said Sirius, putting an arm around her shoulders, making her slightly tense up at the proximity.

Before she could say anything, her sister was already answering, making the brunette sigh loudly, clearly exasperated by her behavior, "Of course, she's coming. I didn't drag her out of her dungeon for her to go back after five minutes. C'mon sis!"

Adena didn't have time to deal with her antics as Sirius was already leading the way towards the castle, his arm still around the smaller girl's shoulders. James, Remus, Peter, and Candace following along.

She let out a loud, exaggerated sigh before suddenly saying, "Too bad, May had to get in detention today. Why that moron couldn't get her homework done in time argh."

Maylyn Davey was Candace's best friend. They had been friends since their first day at Hogwarts. She was Candace's friend Adena knew the best since she would often visit their house for the holidays.

"Maybe 'cause she's too lazy," replied James, making the other boys laugh.

"She still asks me to help her out, but I always tell her I'm already helping out Peter and that she should ask Lily," added Remus Lupin with a light chuckle. Remus was a calm person, and Adena actually enjoyed his presence as he was the quiet type, same as Peter.

The small group was digging into the castle, going anywhere and everywhere, conversing, while Adena barely listened to any of their words. She wasn't as uncomfortable as before though, and was slowly getting used to them.

Just as they were about to turn a corner, Sirus came to a stop in front of a group of three guys. Adena recognized right away one of them as Regulus Black, Sirius' little brother obviously. She couldn't point out the name of the two other Slytherins, only remembering seeing them in class. Regulus' cold gaze fell upon each one of them, glaring more harshly at Adena, who remained there, immobile, impassive even, with Sirius' arm around her shoulders, lightly tightening his grip on her. That moment felt like an eternity before Regulus and his housemates finally turned the other way around, leaving the small group dumbfounded.

"Well that was awkward," said quietly Candace.

James and Sirus turned towards Adena, facing her completely, as she looked up at them. She suddenly felt so small.

"You know my brother, Adena?" asked Sirius first, a bit hesitant.

"Why did he glare at you like that?" added James, a bit more sternly as he observed her.

Adena was a bit confused for a moment, her eyes had slightly widened when she faced these questions before she calmed down again, muttering a small reply, "I only know him because we were paired up in Potions..."

She didn't have any reason to feel nervous after all, that was only the truth.

"Well I hope, you shouldn't associate with this kind of prick."

James hummed in agreement before adding, "Padfoot's right you know, he knows his brother better than anyone else and that was a warning."

The three others had stayed quiet the whole time, observing simply but Candace decided to intervene, sounding almost angry.

"Guys, calm down, you heard her right? They only had to work together. Do you really think Adena would be involved with that twat hmpf."

With that they started walking again, the brunette feeling more uncomfortable now. She kept pondering over their hostility regarding Regulus. As well as his own hostility towards her.