𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 - regulus black

chapter thirty eight

Adena had such a fun time that day. It really felt like she was hanging out with her friends, it was so enjoyable. But she was once again in her bed, feeling bored. During their shopping afternoon, the brunette had bought a book from an author called Agatha Christie which was very famous from what Noah and Millie said. She finished the book after some days and did nothing after. Candace had come back by the end of July. She had a party with her friends that night and Adena had decided to enjoy a stroll in the fresh summer air of the night. It was so peaceful and relaxing. The stars were so bright, and she stayed out, admiring the beautiful sky for hours.

The days had passed, and it was already almost the end of holidays. It was August 26 which was also Adena's birthday. No matter what day it was, she remained in bed for the whole morning. She couldn't care less about her birthday. She really disliked the unwanted attention she always got. Even though she planned on lying in her bed for the whole day, something brought her out of her comfort. In the middle of the day, a black owl had entered the room by the open window. Adena felt confused. Maybe it was one of her Ravenclaw friends but she couldn't be sure. Feeling curious, she sat on her bed and took the little package tied at the owl's leg. She delicately unwrapped it from its Kraft paper and red ribbon, revealing a blue box. Adena didn't wait to open it. Her hazel orbs widened in surprise and became so bright when discovering the present. A golden hairclip with small stars decorating it was placed into the box. Her hands trembled slightly when they reached out to take a hold of the beautiful object. But then suddenly, she wondered where it came from. The brunette placed back to accessory into its package before grabbing the piece of parchment attached to it. The letter was short but Adena was pleased by the end of it.

'Dear Adena,

I hope you have received well the present and that it pleases you.                                                             Wish you happiness on that day and any other.,

With all my affection,

Regulus Arcturus Black'

The young girl couldn't believe what she had just read. She kept on re-reading the few sentences, admiring the elegant handwriting in green ink, analyzing each and every word, and how her name was written so beautifully. She still couldn't believe it after the seventh time. Regulus Black had sent her a present. Regulus Black had remembered her birthday. After thinking that, Adena quickly looked for ink and parchment as well as a quill. She had to write something back. It suddenly hit her. It seemed like he really wanted to meet her. She could always ask him, even though she wasn't confident about that, his letter had just made her so happy not to dare.

'Dear Regulus,

I received well the present and the letter, thank you, it is very pleasant.                                                     

I was as well wondering if you would like to meet tomorrow afternoon since I am coming to Diagon Alley. Your refusal would be understandable, do not feel pressured. 

Thank you again,

Kind regards,

Adena Etta Winsten'

She sealed the letter and quickly ran out of her room, climbing down the stairs, looking for the family owl to send back her response. When she was done, she sat on her bed, taking a deep breath to calm herself down. She wasn't used to that kind of emotions anymore. The girl couldn't help but smile.

During the rest of the day, Adena received all sort of presents, like Muggle books from Noah and Millie, or an alarm clock that would say 'Good morning beautiful lady, it's time to wake up' in Jacob's voice, and from him obviously. She also got something from her paternal grandparents; they didn't see each other often but they would never forget hers or Candace's birthday. She had always thought they were very nice. She used to visit them a lot before joining Hogwarts as she was still a child and her parents started getting busier. They would sometimes attend fancy parties, but she couldn't remember much, she was only seven or eight. At that time, Candace would stay with their grandmother Philomena claiming she was funnier.

Juliet and Marshall came home surprisingly early that evening, arriving even before their grandmother Philomena. Adena could guess they had made some effort for her birthday, and she felt happy about that.

They ate together the delicious meal Pimchin had prepared and the small elf got many praises for that. When finishing, Adena decided to take a stroll outside. In the end, she got quite a lot of presents after opening the ones from her parents, grandmother, and sister. She thought about that day that wasn't so bad as she was watching the sky slowly take a dark blue shade, admiring how beautiful it was. Suddenly, the same black owl she saw in the morning started flying her way. The brunette easily grabbed the letter it let down in her hand. It had to be Regulus, for sure, and she felt nervous as she opened it. The nervousness was soon dissipating, replaced by exaltation and joy instead. The girl could read the same green ink as before, and the elegant words were saying.

'It would be a great pleasure to join you tomorrow. Let 's meet at the Leaky Cauldron at 2pm then.

See you tomorrow,

R.A.B.'

He had agreed. He had agreed to meet her. Maybe he said that to be nice and polite. She couldn't be sure. She would get the chance to ask him. For now, Adena had to ask her sister about tomorrow's plans. The eldest wanted to take her sister with her to hang out with her Gryffindor friends as they all needed to do their school shopping. And Candace would Apparate them in Diagon Alley of course since she recently got her license. But the brunette had her own plans now.

She knocked twice on the door before hearing a 'Come in!'. She entered the room, discovering her sister reading Witch weekly.

"Hey, I was wondering, what time are we leaving tomorrow?" asked the brunette.

"Hm 2. Why?" answered the blonde, without looking up from the article she was reading.

"Can't we leave early?" her voice sounded a little hopeful and Candace finally looked up at her, eyeing her suspiciously.

"Do you have to meet your friends? Oh no! Is it a date?" asked excitedly the girl, her eyes wide.

Adena gave her a strange look, before groaning a reply, "Uh? As if! Jade just asked me to hang out idiot!"

"Oh, well. We'll leave early," said Candace, suddenly disinterested.

"Thanks then." And Adena left the room. She didn't like lying, but it was necessary this time. She went to bed then, but found sleep with difficulty, feeling way too joyful for the upcoming day. She didn't know why but she felt rather eager and excited to see Regulus Black again.