𝑴𝒊𝒏𝒖𝒕𝒆, regulus black

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟏𝟏: 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤

＊*•̩̩͙✩•̩̩͙*˚

Rune walked down the passageways of Hogwarts Express, searching through the cabins for her friends. She blocked her mouth as it spread into a huge yawn. Against her better judgement, she had been speaking to Super Mysterious Guy through her journal until 3am that morning. 

They were arguing about science vs magic. It was the best argument she'd ever had.

She dragged her feet as she walked already fantasizing about the sleep she was going to have on the way to King's Cross station. 

"Sorry," she mumbled as she bumped into someone. It was only when a burning sensation formed in her forehead did she look up and realize she walked face first into a door. 

She was about to laugh at herself when a familiar face popped around the door and stared at her in worry. 

"Are you okay?!"  

"Like you care," she murmured, massaging her head. 

"Huh... do you know me?"

Rune clicked her tongue and waved her hand. "Ugh, I'm not in the mood. Move." 

"Did I invite you to Three Broomsticks and not show?" 

"What?" 

"Yeah, you're too hot. I wouldn't do that." 

"Honestly, Regulus. MOVE!" 

A beat of silence passed between them. 

"Ah, okay. I get it now. Why don't you look at me properly." 

Rune opened her eyes fully and stared at the boy before her. He was so familiar, yet there was something so different. 

He didn't have Regulus' eyes. 

"You're not Regulus," she said stupidly.

"Nope, I'm the other one." With that, Sirius Black grinned at her. "Hello there." 

"Hi. Move." 

Sirius laughed. "Why don't I know you?"

"Does being annoying run in the family?" 

"Oh! You seem well acquainted with my brother." 

"Yeah," she exclaimed sarcastically. "We're practically best friends." 

"What's your name? You sure I don't know you?" 

"You don't." 

"Wonder why," he said thoughtfully. "I know all the pretty girls at Hogwarts."

"That's why you don't know her," said an articulate, familiar voice.

Rune groaned audibly and tried to weave her way past Sirius, but he continued to block her path.

Sirius glanced excitedly between Regulus and Rune, a smirk curling on his lips. 

He looked at her intently. "What's your name?" 

She glared at him, but he just shrugged. "Tell me and I'll let you go." 

She had no plan on telling him but her mind changed as soon as Regulus said "Don't—"

"Rune." 

"Rune," repeated Sirius. "Your surname?" 

"You said you'd let me go after just the name." 

Before Sirius could offer her another snarky comment, Regulus forcibly moved his brother out of the way.

"Let's go, blondie."

Rune sensed that Regulus didn't want her speaking to his brother. So, she made sure to look over her shoulder and say, "Westwood. Rune Westwood. And you can take me to Three Broomsticks any time." 

Regulus snapped his attention to her, glaring in disgust. All she could do was offer him a smile as Sirius' laughs echoed behind them. 

"What?" she asked innocently. 

Regulus just shook his head as he continued down the passageway, leading Rune to where their seats were. 

As soon as she was seated comfortably, Rabastan tossed a plastic wrapped sandwich into her lap. She looked at him awaiting an explanation as he pulled up the zip of his jacket all the way to his chin.

"You missed breakfast," he said. "Eat up." 

She disguised her own yawn as she remarked, "You look exhausted." 

"I was up late..." 

From the light snore that sounded with each inhale, she realized that he had fallen asleep right then and there. 

"Thanks for the sandwich," she whispered, before excitedly unwrapping it and taking a bite. 

***

"You sure you can't come?" Evan asked sadly, just before they could cross over from the platform. 

She nodded and gave him an apologetic glance. "I know how much you wanted it. I'm sorry. They said no." 

"Start asking from now. Maybe you can come for a while in July." 

Rune knew she wouldn't be able to, but she nodded anyways and wrapped her arms around him for a goodbye hug. "Have a good Christmas, Rosier."  

"You too, Westwood." 

Rune looked to where Rabastan stood and waved him goodbye. She would have given him a hug, but she could already feel the judgmental eyes of his family around and she did not want to have any problems with the Lestrange's. 

She looked for Regulus, but he stood with his back to her. Not that it mattered. She didn't want to say goodbye to him anyways. 

She stepped out of the Platform into the station and without attracting any attention, she made a sharp left turn and walked down the abandoned tracks, dragging her trunk behind her. She walked for around 5 minutes before she spotted her Headmaster standing with his hands clasped behind his back and waiting beside a bucket. 

"I'm sorry for making you come all the way out here every time, Headmaster." 

"Oh, it's not a problem at all!" said Albus Dumbledore with a kind smile. "I did promise to deliver you myself, Miss Westwood." 

"You can break it sometimes," she mumbled just loud enough for him to hear. 

"Okay, Miss Westwood," said Dumbledore, holding out his hand to help her step into the bucket. "Stay safe and I'll see you after Christmas."

Rune shut her eyes tight. No matter how many times she felt the sharp pull of the port-key, it always made her queasy.

"3...2...1."

And then she was off. Speeding through space and time, her mind whirling with no thoughts.

At the slight change in pressure, she began to ready herself for landing and within seconds, her feet were placed securely on the ground.

Rune felt the grassy plane underneath her before she opened her eyes and saw it. She stood atop a hill in Madrid, Spain.

One glance had her eyes glassing over in admiration and awe. All around her were large, colorful buildings dancing across the skyline. Deep reds and ocean blues. It was breath-taking. 

She spun around on her heel and braced herself as she met the eyes of her Ringmaster. She had last seen him on the September morning just before the start of her fifth year. 

"My Rune," he breathed, opening his arms for her. "How I've missed you." 

Despite her initial plan to give him the cold shoulder to show her disappointment at not being allowed to spend her Christmas with Evan, she broke out into a smile and walked into his arms, embracing him. 

"I've missed you too."