Eternal Light | Regulus Black

Fifth year at Hogwarts

The flame flickered on top of the candle. Stearin had already started to dribble on the sides of it, staining the dark mahogany table.

I could vaguely feel Regulus's fingers tracing the side of my face gently, and Abraxas's heavy hands, leaning onto my legs.

My eyes threathened to close themselves, so I focused on the small flame even more intensly.

The weight on top of my chest had vanished after a while, laying on the common room's sofa. Head on Regulus's lap, and feet on Abraxas's. Our friends scattered onto the sofa opposite the table. It was past curfew, so it was dark, only the candle slightly illuminating their blank faces.

"I don't wanna be another one," small mumbles left my mouth as my mind hazed.

"What?"

"Paying for the things I never done," I whispered. I wasn't sure if my eyes were open anymore.

"Do you think she's asleep?" A quiet voice wondered.

All that was left, was the soft movement on my face.

•••••

The next day we heard Professor Moody had left the school. There was a small-scale attack on the Ministry by You Know Who's followers. The school was on the edge of a razor blade and the nervousness shined on everyone's faces.

'It's happening', everyone must of thought. 'This is the start and it'll only get worse from here.'

Even as I passed Frank Longbottom and Alice Abbott in the hallway, they spoke in unusually hushed voices, close to one another, but not snogging. Odd, indeed.

I felt hauntingly bare — Some of the students eyes followed me, looking right into me, like they could see the tarnished soul. They knew what I was, and they would not forgive it. Not after the Dark Lord would rise, perhaps me by his side.

Regulus, Abraxas and Marvel were at quidditch practise. And Ruby went to take a make up test for Hogwarts a History. Only one left was Theo, and that's where I was headed, up to the Astronomy tower where he most likely would be.

But my plans changed.

Peter's hopeful eyes catched mine, and his face lit into a smile.

"Zara!" James greeted noisily, and came to grab me by my arm. "We haven't seen you in forever," James nodded on enthusiastically. Peter grinned at his friend.

But something had shifted in them, I could tell. Remus had his arms crossed, and a rosy blush was covering his cheeks. And Sirius, who was sitting on the window bench, was red down to his neck and ears. It seemed that he hadn't even noticed my arrival.

"This might be the best day of my life!" James continued jeering, uncaring of his two friends uncomfortable looks. "We were brewing amortentia in class today — You know? The love potion?"

"Yes, yes I know..." I nodded along, looking past James to glance at Peter. He shrugged his shoulders, indicating there was no other choice than to listen through as James babbled on.

"And of course, I could smell my sweet Lily, the love of my life..." James trailed off, his eyes dreaming.

I gave a look to Peter who snickered.