𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 - regulus black

chapter twenty six

That night, when Adena and Regulus met up for patrolling, the first thing she told him was about the meal.

"I hope you saw well, I was eating. And that treacle tart wasn't bad I must say."

Regulus chuckled at her behavior, "You want me to compliment you?"

"You should! I don't usually enjoy my meals as much, I eat less. Not even touching the dessert most of the time, except when it looks really good," she said in a joking tone.

"Then, let me tell you, you did well. Happy now?"

At first she was surprised he did it but then she smiled, satisfied. "Yes, thank you."

And they continued walking in the different hallways and floors of the castle, wands in hands, while chatting quietly. At some point, Adena remembered something.

"Oh, I forgot it was Millie's birthday in a few days. I don't know what to get her."

"It's your other half-blood friend?" just asked the Slytherin in a dull voice, not showing interest.

"Yes, it's her," she answered quietly, glancing at him. "You should know her anyway, you've been attending most of the same classes as her since first year."

"I don't pay attention to others."

"Well, me too. Most of the time. But I do care a little about her, just enough to make me wanna buy her a birthday present. The next Hogsmeade weekend will be coming soon, and I have to find something. Don't you have an idea?" she asked, sounding a bit desperate.

"No, I don't really buy many presents. Even less to girls."

Adena just sighed, "But I'm so bad at present ideas, just think a little, please... The Black family is quite big right? Just think about what your relatives get."

"But my cousins ain't like that girl. What does she like?"

"Muggle things I've never heard of."

This time it was the boy's turn to sigh, "Then offer her something from our world that would be useful."

"I guess I'll have to find out by myself..." sighed the girl. "You're not of great help... anyway, when's your birthday?"

The raven-haired male tensed up but continued walking nonetheless. "January 14."

"Oh, January 14..." murmured the brunette thoughtful before stopping in her tracks. And before Regulus could walk too far ahead of her, she grabbed the sleeve of his robe, making him stop as well, but he didn't turn around, not wishing to meet her gaze. She noticed and decided to walk in front of him, still holding onto his sleeve, as if refraining him from escaping.

Regulus wouldn't look at her, so she muttered in a stern voice, "Black. Look at me."

Her gaze was surprisingly soft when he looked into it, that he could almost melt on the spot.

"Is your birthday today?"

He sighed and replied a small, "Yes."

"But why didn't you tell me!"

"Why would I tell you."

"I don't know, just so I could wish you a happy birthday."

"It's completely useless, I don't care- "

"Who wished you a happy birthday today?" she didn't even realize she was holding onto his wrist by now.

He rolled his eyes, already knowing where this was going. "Nobody did. But as I said it's-"

"I know I know. It's not something that important but it's enjoyable when someone who cares about you greet you, wishing you could be happy on that special day when you were born." The boy's eyes widened at her words.