"How did you know it was time to leave?"
"Do you feel sick to your stomach every waking moment in that house?"
Romina stepped back for a moment and let out the breath she did not even realize she had been holding. "Y-Yes." she admitted sheepishly...
The moment Romina stepped out of the fireplace in number twelve Grimmauld Place's sitting room she sucked in a quick breath. As always, she was immediately greeted by Kreacher who was holding a mug of a steaming hot mystery liquid.
"Oh, I haven't seen you since the summer. Happy late Christmas, Kreacher. Thank you." The smile that was on her lips quickly fell as she looked up to find Regulus standing in the doorway.
"Happy Christmas, Mistress Lestrange. Kreacher will go now." The elf grumbled, glancing between the two before popping out of the room swiftly. The funny thing about house elves was that they always knew everything about everyone. Romina would be surprised if he didn't know what happened between the two. He was ever the faithful servant to Regulus so it would come as no surprise if Regulus confided in the house elf.
Romina knew she shouldn't have come, especially unannounced. Maybe she should have waited until they were back at Hogwarts, but it pained her that Regulus was still angry with her. Christmas had come and gone, and it was now the 31st of December. With the new year, 1977, looming in the distance Romina knew she could not continue with this.
"What are you doing here?" Regulus questioned with a hint of disgust in his voice.
"I wanted to see you. Walburga has said you've been busy with your studies and... meetings. I've missed you, Reggie." Romina stepped forward, gently placing the cup of scalding hot mystery drink down on the table as she made her way to the doorway.
Once she got to Regulus' side, she leaned against the intricately carved wooden frame and let out a sigh. "You didn't even come over with your parents after Christmas dinner. I was stuck having to play happy couple with Avery." She shuddered in disgust.
"Does he know?"
Romina rolled her eyes. "Can we go upstairs?" she countered, glancing behind him at the grand staircase before glancing at the portraits that were watching them. No doubt ready to run to wherever Walburga or Orion were at to tell them what they've heard. His bedroom was a safe space.
Regulus nodded in agreement. He turned swiftly and made his way up the stairs with Romina at his heels. Once inside, safe from prying eyes and ears of all the deceased Black relatives, Romina took a seat at Regulus' desk. She sat in silence for a moment or two, watching him curiously as he stood by the foot of his bed. He refused to look at her but as she studied his face, she could see how much he was struggling.
