Coiled (Book 1 of 2)

Hypothetically ...

Class itself is, exactly as Remus predicted, rather boring. Though whether time seems to move at a snail's pace due to Professor Flitwick droning on and on about Unlocking Charms or because my mind keeps replaying the morning's unpleasantness with Evan Rosier, I can't say. In any event, I breathe a deep sigh of relief when class is finally dismissed.

As we gather our materials, Remus turns to me, "Mary, Marlene, and I are meeting to hang out in the courtyard, want to join?"

I consider this - the idea's certainly tempting. But I promised myself I'd catch up on the Divination chapter I missed the other day when I fell asleep in class.

Study, then try and find Regulus to return his notebook.

That's the order of the day.

"I wish, Remus. That sounds great. But I'm going to the library, I can't risk falling too far behind, especially not with the weekend we've got planned. Bottle some sunlight for me, though?"

Remus smiles at this, "Always. And if you change your mind, you know where to find us."

We part ways and I head back down to the first floor, hoping the library won't be too crowded. Luckily it isn't, and after several loops around, I manage to find an unoccupied carrel by the windows. Quite nice real estate, all things considered - a spot which offers a bit more privacy and quiet, something I hope will lend to a productive work session.

Yawning and stretching, I slide into my seat and set to work reading the Ornithomancy chapter.

"... The use of observing the flight patterns of various avian species for divining the future stretches all the way back to antiquity ..."

Merlin save me. Can't think of literally anything I'd find less interesting than this. Sighing, I rub at my eyes and try to force myself to focus. But it's slow going, and I've only just turned the first page when I'm suddenly aware of someone stepping up behind me, a quick shadow playing across the pages of my open textbook.

Twisting in my seat, I feel the way my breath catches with surprise, "Reggie."

"Hi, Y/N."

He stands there, the slightest smile on his handsome face as he carefully balances a small stack of books between his arm and his hip.

I instantly straighten up in my seat, "This is a surprise. And believe it or not ... I was looking for you earlier."

"Oh?"

Bending and setting the stack of books down on the desk, his eyes meet mine as he leans forward and murmurs softly, "Just a second? Be right back."

"I -"

"Mmm?"

"Take your time. Sounds lovely."

Gods, I'm so damn transparent.

He must have me all figured out.

Another smile as he turns away.

Merlin have mercy -

Send help!

I watch him drift away to claim an extra chair. And I smile to myself, deciding there's something completely charming about the understated confidence with which he carried himself.

A quiet, natural grace. Dignified.

Returning to me now, he sets his chair beside mine and slips down into it, our eyes finding one another's once more as he gives me a slight nod, "Right. So then, you were saying?"

Reaching down and into my bag I pull out his notebook and whisper back to him softly, "Yes. Well ... you see ... somehow this ended up with me."

I hold it out to him now, his hand extending towards mine as he accepts the notebook back, "Ah, yes."