Unrequited (Regulus Black)

Chapter 2

I walk out of my dorm as the time hits 7 am. I usually wake up as late as I can, but classes start tomorrow and I want to get used to starting early. Also, I didn't want Professor Slughorn to have to wait on me. I try to be quiet as I close the door to our dorm so I don't wake up Lily before I make my way into the Gryffindor common room, and walk down the staircase.

"Jeez, you wake up so early," said a voice from inside the common room. I moved closer to find its source.

"James? Did you sleep on the couch?" I ask once I find him, the only other person there, rubbing his eyes.

"Yup. Sirius and Remus were having their annual argument and I got sick of being their third wheel. Peter fell asleep long before, of course."

"Damn, it's been 6 years of this now. You think they'll ever stop repressing their feelings for each other?"

"I really thought they would have by now. I just hope they realize soon that everyone with eyes can see it but them. Now sit with me, I'm bored."

"You just woke up, you can't possibly be bored already."

"You know me, Kai. Always on the move."

"I have to meet with Slughorn, remember? If you're really that bored, you can walk with me."

"Deal, but we're getting breakfast first."

"Naturally. Now let's leave before I get bored from waiting for you."

"So bossy" James mutters before tossing away his blanket revealing he's wearing only boxers, grabs his robe from a nearby chair, and puts it on. "Okay, ready."

"You can't walk around the school like that, idiot" I exclaim

"Whyever not? Is my raw beauty far too intimidating?"

With just an eye roll from me, he runs up to his dorm and comes back wearing a t-shirt and sweatpants.

"Much more acceptable" I declare. He holds his arm out for me and I laugh as I link my own arm with his before we make our way towards the Great Hall.

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"Look at that imbecile," says James through a mouth full of toast, gesturing to Severus Snape over at the Slytherin table. "Don't ever associate yourself with those Slytherins, Kaia. They're all entitled arses."

"Ah, I see, because Snape thinks he's more entitled to be with Lily than you are" I mock. James pushes me playfully in response, and we both break into a fit of laughter. I barely even notice Regulus Black walk past us, staring at me yet again. 

"Well, he looks pissed" I observe.

"He always looks pissed, haven't you noticed?" James says. "But right now, he looks pissed at you."

"Pfft. We don't even know each other."

"Are you saying you're the only 4th-year girl who doesn't dream of becoming Mrs. Regulus Black?" he teases. It's true; the girls in my class looked at Regulus like he hung the moon. I wouldn't blame them if it weren't for all the things I know from Sirius. I watched as Regulus sat down at the Slytherin table, alone. He always sat alone. People would try to sit with him every day, but he always waved them off. Too good for everyone, I guess.

"If anything, Regulus should dream of becoming Mr. Kaia Claire. I'm going to meet with Slughorn now, walk me there?"

"Your wish is my command" James replies. As we stand up and exit the hall, I can feel eyes on my back, but I will myself not to turn around to meet them.

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"Miss Claire, come in!"

"Thank you, Professor. How are you doing?" I ask Professor Slughorn, silently praying that my parents didn't somehow contact him.

"I'm well, but I have a favor to ask of you. That's why I called you here last night."

"What is it?" I reply, hesitantly.

"Well, I'm sure you've heard about the youngest Mr. Black being advanced into this course from his older brother. This year, my class will be composed of 6th year Gryffindors and Slytherins, which means you two will be in this class as well." He pauses for a moment to make sure I understand and continues when I don't object. "As I've told you many times in the past, you're one of, if not the brightest students of mine. That's why when Mr. Black requested a tutor, you were the only person that came to mind."

Immediately no, I thought. "Sir, I appreciate-"

"Before you say anything," he interrupts, "Know that the strained relationships of the Black family and your friendship with the eldest doesn't escape me. That's why in return for your help, I offer you one vial of Felix Felices per semester during your time at Hogwarts."

Felix Felices; liquid luck. A potion that made its drinker lucky for a period of time, during which everything they attempt would be successful. Practically priceless and very rare. Countless students throughout the years have tried and failed to obtain it or even make it themselves. Only an idiot would turn it down in any circumstance.

"Why is it so important to you that I help him, Professor?" I ask after a period of being speechless. This offer seemed too good.

"It's very rare that we meet a student so dedicated to their studies, that they take such risks to succeed. The only other student that I know possesses such motivation is, well, you."

"What do you mean by risks?"

"Oh yes, that reminds me. Mr. and Mrs. Black would be extremely disappointed in their son if they found he needed assistance. They come from a family of strong independence and look down on the opposite. That is why Regulus has asked that this be kept between the three of us, exclusively. I told him that the only person I could recommend to him was you, Ms. Claire, and he seemed rather certain that you would tell his brother about this interaction."

Is that why Regulus has been giving me those warning glances the past 2 days? I wonder. "Let me get this straight, you want me to lie about this?"

"Well, not necessarily. You can feel free to tell your friends that you're helping tutor a different student."

As I said, you want me to lie, I think. "Can I have some time to think about it?"

"Of course you may. But remember-"

"My lips are sealed, Professor" I cut in, then make my way out of Slughorn's classroom. On my way back to the commons, the halls are empty. Everyone is either still sleeping or in the Great Hall for breakfast.

About halfway into my walk, I suddenly feel someone from behind me grab my wrists together with one hand, cover my mouth with another and pull me into an empty, dark closet. The figure quickly closes the door, and as I sensed them turning back towards me I didn't hesitate to throw a blind punch.

"Ow, you bitch!" the figure grunts.

"Lumos," I say while holding out my wand so the pitch-black closet illuminates to reveal my captor. The dark curls on the hunched-over figure tell me who my victim is instantly.

"Regulus?"