i really loved him

chapter 19

Regulus POV

December – Ever since the Minister of Magic resigned, levels of tension regarding the war had escalated. The great hall became hushed every time the post came as everyone wondered what accounts the Daily Prophet would bring. Nothing for the most part, as it turned out, but people still held their breath in anticipation of each latest issue.

Regulus felt the difference, too. He noticed that other students had started to treat him with an odd sort of cautionary respect. It had always been that way to an extent, with his being part of the notorious Noble House of Black, but it became apparent now more than ever.

It was mostly other Slytherins and those with families affiliated with the Dark Lord. They moved out of Regulus' way in the corridors, watched him expectantly for a reaction each time the newspaper arrived. People with whom he'd never even spoken stood up from the sofa to make space for him in the common room. It was unnerving, especially when he couldn't figure out whether they acted in esteem or fear.

Mulciber's group had also begun to trust him since that day. They talked more and more openly about their families' connections to the death eaters and contributions to the war. More and more about their own intentions to become death eaters after Hogwarts.

Regulus never contributed to these discussions; he just sat quietly and listened, thinking.

* * *

Monday, 15th December – After clearing up the residual Shrinking Solution from the bottom of his cauldron, Regulus slipped the textbook back into his bag and made to join the other students in heading to break.

"Ah, Mr. Black!" Slughorn boomed across the classroom. "Stay behind for a moment, won't you? I won't keep you long."

Suppressing a sigh, Regulus turned back around and walked to the front of the class, stopping at the Slughorn's desk.

"Do take a seat, if you like," he said, gesturing to a cushy green armchair in front of his desk.

"I'll stand," Regulus replied lightly.

"Right you are," Slughorn said heartily, then watched him for a few seconds, arms folded and a wide smile on his face. "Well, well. I say, Mr. Black, I was mightily impressed by your performance on the match on Saturday. Mightily impressed!"

"Thank—"

"—I must've been to hundreds of quidditch games in my time, ah yes. Never been a player myself, I might add, but quite a fan of the spectating side of things. Picked up a good load of knowledge from it, too, if I do say so myself. And to catch the snitch in seventeen minutes..." Slughorn let out a deep, belly laugh. "Quite exceptional! Excellent win for us Slytherins too, eh?"

Regulus nodded slowly, hoping he was nearing the point.

"Now, I'm sure you want to get to your break," Slughorn continued. "I wanted to tell you about a little gathering I'll be holding just before Christmas. Nothing extravagant, I must warn you, just a spot of dinner, perhaps a bit of music, you understand, I'm sure. And I'd be delighted if you would come along. Keep an eye out – I'll be sending some invitations this week."

"I will," he said. "Thank you, Professor."

"Good lad," Slughorn beamed. "I look forward to speaking some more about this talent of yours, eh?"

He nodded again, heart sinking at the thought of spending an evening being interrogated about quidditch by his overly buoyant head of house. Everyone knew about the Slug Club; Slughorn wasn't exactly subtle about hand picking his most promising or well-connected students and coddling them. And now Regulus had been selected.