Regulus Arcturus Black was a silent hero. But what really happened all those year ago? What had lead a timid, pure-blood boy to sacrifice his life for the greater good? Was it for a girl or was Regulus at heart a good person? His brother had always...
‘For all of these simple things and much more a flower was born
‘It blooms to spread love and joy faith and hope to people forlorn’
‘Inside every man lives the seed of a flower’
‘If he looks within he finds beauty and power.’
I woke up to Adeola and Zaina singing Minnie Ripperton. Why they needed to do this at 8:00 in the morning on a Saturday is beyond me. ‘Come on Eira, it’s Hogsmeade weekend, time to wake up.’ Zaina yelled at me, while throwing a pillow my way. I groaned, I knew Marlene had to study so I had no interest in going to Hogsmeade, ‘I think I’m going to stay at the castle, so I can do some studying.’ ‘Nonsense, the yule ball is in a couple weeks and I know you don’t have a dress yet.’ ‘Besides you don’t have anything to study for.’ Adeola added. ‘Okay, fine, but no Madam Puddifoot's.’
Due to the rise of attacks in the last month a lot had changed, even Hogsmeade trips. During the trip from the castle we had to always walk in groups of three and younger years had their Hogsmeade visiting rights revoked. As we walked down the path Adeola and Zaina had their arms linked as they discussed what kind of dresses they were looking for. 'I think I want a blue dress, Amos always says he loves the colour blue on me.' I glance over just in time to see Zaina roll her eyes, 'I'm looking for a flowy preferably green dress.'
She turned her head to me, 'What about you Eira, already have a dress in mind?' 'No, I'm not even sure if I'm going, it's not like I have a date.' 'Nonsense, you are going, besides you don't need a date to have a good time.' 'But if you really want one you can always force a boy to go with you, that's how I got Henry Boot to ask me to be his date.' Henry Boot was also a Hufflepuff and one of Amos' best mates. He wasn't the fittest but his personality made up for what he lacked in looks. 'See the problem is Zaina, Henry's too nice for his own good to say no to you. And unfortunately Hogwarts doesn't have a lot of those, so I guess I'll just go stag.'
When we entered the dress shop Adeola and Zaina immediately ran to the corner, as they spotted potential dresses. I walked around the shop, my hands gliding through the clothes. I don't even know why I was here, if I end up going to the ball, I'll probably just wear something of Marlenes.
As I looked through some dresses the shop owner signed at me to come over. He led me to the back of the shop, 'This is where I keep the attire for extra special occasions.' I shook my head 'Oh, I was just looking around sir, I don't think I'll buy anything.' 'Just have a look around, I'm sure you'll find something.' I nodded and he left me alone in the room. I looked around and my eyes fell on a mannequin in the corner. She was wearing a long white dress with a halter top. I walked towards it and let my hands glide over the fabric, it felt like snake skin and it sparkled beautifully. I could only imagine what it would look like under the big lights at the ball. The dress is gorgeous, but maybe it's a bit much. Without even realizing it I was removing the dress from the mannequin and walked to the till.
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'Great choice, I knew you'd find something' the shopkeeper put the dress in a big box and handed it to me. I walked over to where Adeola and Zaina, 'Well girls what's taking so long? I found my dress ages ago.' 'What really, Eira?' 'Can we see?' Adeola was already reaching her hands out of the box, but I moved it away. 'No, I want to keep it a surprise.' 'Oh come on Eira, at least tell us what colour it is.' 'Okay fine it's white, now back to your dresses.' Zaina immediately started explaining how she found the perfect green dress, but it wasn't in her size. 'Zaina don't worry, I think I read somewhere the spell to fit clothes perfectly.' 'Really Eira, you're a lifesaver.' I smiled, it looks like being smart does pay off.
Back at the castle I stored my dress under my bed, making sure to secure it with a spell. I had an inkling that if I didn't Adeola and Zaina would go snooping later. I went to the library to meet Marlene. As I walked down the stairs I noticed a figure started walking next to me. I looked up and was met with Regulus' eyes.
'Did you enjoy yourself at Hogsmeade, Eira?' I was confused as to how he knew I went, seeing as I hadn't seen him. 'Yes and you?' 'Oh I didn't go, I just saw you leave.' 'Oh.' He saw me leave, that meant he was looking. 'So when are we going to finish the essay?' I asked, wanting to change the subject. 'That's why I'm here, do you have time tomorrow afternoon?' I nodded, we had arrived at the library. He smiled at me and disappeared behind a bookshelf.
'Not friends eh, doesn't look like it.' 'I turned around and see Marlene sitting and smiling at me. ‘Oh shush, we were just talking about getting together to finish the essay.’ ‘Maybe after you finish the essay you could get together, I have a couple broom closets I could recommend.’ she suggested while wiggling her eyebrows. ‘I’m not going to get together with Regulus Black.’ I said a little louder than I had expected, a couple students had turned around and started to snicker.
‘Marlene, just drop it okay.’ I whispered. ‘Fine, what did you do in Hogsmeade?’ ‘Went dress shopping with Adeola and Zaina.’ ‘Oh really, what does your dress look like? I need to make sure we match.’ ‘Match? What are you talking about?’ ‘Well I thought we could go together, or did someone else already ask you?’ ‘No but I assumed you would be going with Sirius.’ ‘God no, Sirius and I are just having some fun, if we go to the ball together next thing we’ll know we’re going out together and I like Sirius too much to have a relationship with him.’ ‘You know what you just said made literally no sense at all, right?’ ‘I’m just saying, if we were to date it would probably not end well, seeing our track record. I’d rather have him as a friend than as an ex.’
I understood where Marlene was coming from, seeing as she hasn’t ever had a steady relationship for long. Still it surprised me that she wasn’t willing to take the risk.
