The Untold Story of RAB

Winter's Silence

Diana's life began to slow down. There were no new discoveries since Ginerva and Duncan. Ginerva had told the rest of their friends who were respective if not confused. The four of them had gone to Hogsmede one day and they all agreed afterwards they understood Ginerva. Duncan was really nice, he liked muggleborns, his best friend Jacob grew up in a muggle village and he spent many summers there. He laughed a Saoirse's prank stories and nerded out with Margaret. Duncan had mousy brown hair, cropped short, tanned skin, and large green eyes. Saoirse whispered later that day that their kids will look adorable.

Months passed and so did Christmas Break. Quidditch went exceedingly well. They won almost every game except once against Ravenclaw. Diana's lessons with Dumbledore improved, she managed to keep him from her mind for minutes on end. She spent a cozy Christmas break with her parents and returned to Hogwarts with the rest of the students in the new year.

Snow covered the ground and the halls had chilled. No one went anywhere without a thick jumper and a scarf.

Descending down into the dungeon level on a chilly Monday morning Ginerva shivered as she said, "we're magical, you'd think we'd be able to heat a basement."

Diana stuffed her hands into the pockets of her robes and she shuffled beside her. "At least Slughorn heats his classroom."

"Ugh, barely," Ginerva responded, obviously in a mood.

As they neared their potions classroom Ginerva got tackled by a green form.

"Duncan!" She exclaimed, shoving him off with a laugh. The two giggled, pressed together, this was Diana's clue to head on ahead.

Diana found their seats in potions. She watched as a familiar raven haired boy sat down across the class from her. They hadn't spared a word, not in person or even over the bridge since their first meeting with Dumbledore, and their almost kiss, months ago. Diana was getting sick of the silent treatment. She didn't expect them to chat all day long in their heads but a word here and there wouldn't hurt.

Screw this she thought. "Regulus?"

She could see his head whip up for a second, without looking at her he said, "yes?"

"Everything ok?"

"Why wouldn't it be?"

"I haven't heard from you."

"Nothing to report."

"Ok, well felt like radio silence."

"Just nothing to say."

"Nothing to say?" She scoffed. Ginerva who had sat down next to her turned, a quizzical look on her face. Diana quickly turned her scoff into a cough.

"No."

"Whatever."

"Whatever?" He sound incredulous.

Ok this was going to be a fight. "We finally have this task approved by Dumbledore. We are doing important work, secret work! You tried to-" she stopped, maybe shouldn't bring up the kiss. "This is scary and I need to feel like I'm not alone. You aren't helping that." That came out of nowhere she noted.

He paused. Silence ensued.

Finally, "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have left you alone. I was, am scared too."

For the briefest of seconds, they made eye contact from across the room. When their eyes met Diana was sure, she wasn't alone in this.

"Everything ok over spring break? Even if it isn't Dumbledore worthy, you can still tell me. I think we're friends."

She felt him laugh, "I think we're friends too." He paused, "Christmas was fine. It, well it was really weird without Sirius. My family, they kept being all awful, saying all that shit. They treat Kreacher, our house elf really poorly. He still likes mother but I feel bad for him, he's a jerk but I think he's my closest friend in the house."

"I'm sorry."

"Thank you for that."

Right then Slughorn called their attention to start the lesson. The bridge connection ended but, and Diana wasn't sure if it was real, she thought she could feel Regulus smiling on the other end.

Winter turned to Spring and their world became filled with colour.